#WomensHistoryMonth at Cox Enterprises: Get to Know Shereta Williams

In celebration of Women's History Month, female leaders from across Cox Enterprises are sharing insights from their experience throughout the month of March. Shereta Williams is president of Videa.

What women inspire you and why?

I am inspired by women who pave new trails and overcome adversity through service to others. There are many women who have inspired me, starting with my mom and including women as varied as Anne Frank, Mother Theresa and Oprah Winfrey. I am fortunate to come from a long line of very strong women who taught me to know myself and define my own vision for my life.

What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?

Stereotypes are sometimes a factor, but generally I think women are making great strides in terms of equal opportunity and representation. I think there is still work to be done in terms of equal pay and recognition. 

What will be the biggest challenge and opportunity for the generation of women behind you?

I think the biggest challenge will be one that’s faced every generation: finding work that you are passionate about, which allows you to make a positive contribution to your family and community.  In terms of opportunity, I think it’s boundless, but there will certainly be many opportunities centered around STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) ventures, given the massive growth in software-related jobs and services.

What are the best and worst decisions you've ever made?

The best decision I’ve ever made is marrying my wife if the unit of measurement is joy. If it’s mileage, it would probably be my decision to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It’s hard to say what the worst decision is, but I’ve certainly had regrets along the way in terms of hiring decisions and waiting too long to make a change that was needed.

What is your perspective on work/life balance?

As someone who has worked 120-hour work weeks and pulled more than my share of all-nighters, I have learned that peak performance is less about grinding and more about working smart.  I am lucky in that I’m naturally very organized and good at prioritization so I can process an enormous amount of information during concentrated periods. I give myself these periods of concentration, and I set limits on them so I get plenty of rest and exercise to maintain the energy levels needed to do it all again the next day. I am also a big believer in connecting with nature and unplugging for true down time. I think I’m just old enough that I can remember life without staring at a phone non-stop so maybe that helps, too.

About Cox Enterprises: 

Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.