Dr. Nathaniel Williams is a former foster child (from a family of 12 children who all went to different foster homes) and father of 8, one who is autistic. He is also the author of seven books (including his latest, “Attaining Your Personal Best”), host of his own weekly talk show in Philadelphia, an in-demand inspirational speaker. Dr. Nat, as he is often called, lived a story like no other, and his commitment to helping others find their way successfully has made his remarkable story all the more meaningful.
Interview With Motivational Speaker, Dr. Nathaniel J. Williams
Orphaned at a young age and a product of the New York City foster home system, Dr. Williams rose from his humble beginnings to earn three masters degrees and a doctorate. Utilizing his experience with the public welfare system, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a passion for helping others, since 1993 he has been the President and CEO of HumanWorks Affiliates, Inc., a cluster of eight corporations focused on human services. HumanWorks employs over 200 people and has an operating budget of over $10 million.
Nowadays, Dr. Williams is focused on his successful TV show, airing on WFMZ-TV in Philadelphia, which he has plans to take to national syndication. From coping with raising a child with autism, to planning for a stronger financial future, to learning how to team-build at work and among friends, each program revolves around his focus of “helping ordinary people do extraordinary things by encouragement, enlightenment, and empowerment.” You can also find him on YouTube.
How has being a father changed your life?
Being a father taught me responsibility, accountability, and an
appreciation for the awesome task. I love my children unconditionally,
but having children is also an awesome investment of time, energy
and money, and there’s a lot of uncertainty how exactly to make this
investment and what the ultimate payoff will be. Sharing in children’s
unselfconscious joy is wonderful. I feel like there is much more love in
my life.
Mentally, I think my health has improved. In my case,
understanding the special needs of my children has helped me
understand aspects of my own mental development that I was
previously unaware of. My children have taught me a lot about myself.
Philosophically, I think a lot of my idealism has gone out the
window. I am much more pragmatic, and I think I am actually a little
more open-minded. Now my philosophy is closer to: Whatever works.
What is your favorite part about being a parent?
I enjoy watching the growth and development of my children as
they learn and discover new things each and every day. From their
smiles to their kisses and hugs!
What is the most challenging part of being a parent?
Watching my children become more independent and always
wondering if I am spending enough time with them. I never knew the
extent to which I could love or care for any one person or fear so much
for their well being until I became a parent. And for the record, it is one
of the few choices in my life that I have never regretted and wouldn’t
change it for all the riches in all the worlds. Each one of my kids, let
alone all eight (8), are worth more than that to me!
How do you think being a celebrity parent is different from being a
regular everyday parent?
My experience of parenting is no different from other parents.
However my children have a different experience than other kids. A
story I can share is that my son, was looking at a newspaper at school
one day and came across an advertisement for training. He said “that’s
my dad” and pointed to my picture in the ad. His teacher replied, “That
is not your father.” The teacher had a discussion with the principal who
had to correct the teacher. The difference for my children is that I am
seen in a different light than other fathers.
I think just being a parent period is the best thing that God could
have given. It’s therapy for me because it always puts life in Check!
I thank Dr. Nat Williams for taking the time to answer my questions!
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