Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson is a highly sought-after influencer, and business leader who is also Founder and CEO of Soul Reborn, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. Since it’s inception, Soul Reborn has supported more than 10,000 disenfranchised, under-served, and previously incarcerated women by providing grants and monetary support as well as lectures, classes, summits, and conferences on leadership, entrepreneurship, money management, etiquette, interview and career coaching, storytelling, and philanthropy. Dr. Cheryl was kind enough to sit down and discuss her background and the recent Women of Influence Awards Luncheon.

Cheryl Magazine, a leading publication based in Dallas, collaborated with Soul Reborn to host the second annual Women of Influence Awards Luncheon on March 15, 2024, at Gleneagles Country Club in Plano, Texas. Celebrating the theme “Trailblazers & Game Changers,” the event honored ten influential women of color who had made significant contributions in various sectors including business, entertainment, and lifestyle. The honorees included notable figures such as Emmy Award-winning actress and producer, Niecy Nash-Betts, CEO of the Dallas Mavs, Cynt Marshall, and Emmy Award-winning News Anchor, Tashara Parker, among others. Each honoree has used her influence to promote women’s empowerment and leadership, fostering environments where women could thrive. Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson, Editor-In-Chief of Cheryl Magazine and Founder of Soul Reborn, highlighted the luncheon as a platform to recognize women who bridged the opportunity gap with their leadership. The event also supported educational pursuits, with proceeds funding a scholarship for a minority college student in Journalism or Film studies in Dallas. Soul Reborn’s impactful initiatives continued, having distributed significant aid and supported thousands during the coronavirus pandemic. The sold-out event, backed by companies like AARP, Mary Kay, Intuit, and Texas Capital Bank, underscored a growing commitment to celebrating and advancing women’s contributions across all fields.

Grayson Mask: Let’s start with your background, Dr. Williamson. Was there a pivotal moment in your life that made you realize you wanted to focus on motivating others and helping women entrepreneurs?

Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson: Absolutely, Grayson. It all began when my husband was diagnosed with cancer, around the same time my mother-in-law passed away from the disease, and I was diagnosed with supraventricular tachycardia, a heart condition. Everything seemed to be piling up, and I found myself slipping into a mindset of self-pity and negativity. I made a conscious decision to start speaking positively, focusing on what I wanted to see rather than what I didn’t. I shared these affirmations on social media, and soon thousands of people were reaching out to me, touched by the power of my words and how it was changing their lives. One day, a voice in the shower told me it was time to turn these affirmations into a book. That book, Affirmed: 365 Thoughts and Actions to Start Your Day, has sold over 31,000 copies to date.

Grayson Mask: That’s an impressive impact from your words. How did you expand this influence into seminars and other initiatives?

Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson: I realized I had a platform and started hosting seminars specifically for women. I believe controlling your mindset is key to changing your life. Through these seminars, many women began transforming their businesses and personal lives. They shared their success with others, creating a ripple effect. I’ve always been philanthropic, a trait instilled in me by my parents through their example of service. During a low point, when I felt my soul had died, I experienced a renewal, which led me to start my nonprofit, Soul Reborn. The focus of all my work is to help others win, soar, and find their purpose and passion.

Grayson Mask: What drives you to continue this work without seeking validation from others?

Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson: I learned early on that validation should be sought for parking, not for people. When you believe in something deeply, you don’t wait for others’ approval; you act on it. This conviction has guided my actions consistently. I aim to put positivity, kindness, and love into the world every day, not just occasionally. That’s the essence of why I do what I do, with grace and persistence, without needing external validation.

Grayson Mask: You’ve mentioned your book on affirmations and Cheryl Magazine. Do you have a preference between writing books and editing a magazine, or do you see unique benefits in both?

Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson: There are indeed benefits to both, Grayson. With Cheryl Magazine, I wanted to spotlight inspirational women who aren’t necessarily celebrities because there are more of us than there are celebrities. It’s a safe space offering great information on health, travel, the arts, and stories of phenomenal women that many people may not know about. The magazine, available both digitally and in print, was specifically created to inspire the everyday woman. I chose print because, at 57, I know that many women, especially those 45 and up, appreciate the tactile experience of paper—they don’t always want to rely on digital formats.

With books, they’ve taken on a life of their own. I’ve helped people write their own books to tell their stories through affirmations. This not only allows them to share their experiences but also turns their writing into multiple streams of income. I teach them how to become speakers, create mastermind classes, summits, products, and podcasts. This helps women, particularly those my age, find their second act in life. They’re finding their way again, often after years of focusing on raising children or supporting spouses, and through affirmations, they’re realizing that they too can live a life of purpose. Both the magazine and the books hold significant places in the industry, drawing different audiences and fostering positive impacts.

Grayson Mask: Among the women you work with and consult, especially those venturing into podcasts, media, and starting their own businesses, what common hurdles or challenges do they often face?

Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson: The challenges are quite common and significant, Grayson. Many women I speak with, particularly those aged 45 and above, encounter several obstacles. First, finding suitable partners can be daunting; they often lose hope and doubt their capabilities. There’s also a big gap in resources—not just financial, but also educational and technological. Many women over 50 went to college before the widespread use of computers, so acquiring digital skills can be a formidable barrier. These women are frequently afraid of failure, especially after a lifetime of prioritizing others’ needs over their own. This fear can prevent them from taking necessary risks and can severely limit their growth. I often see three main issues: a deep-seated fear of failure, talking themselves out of their dreams, and a lack of resources, be it financial or supportive partnerships. However, resources are available, such as those offered by the Small Business Administration’s SCORE office, which is a network of retired executives ready to assist. These resources are funded by our tax dollars, yet many people are unaware they exist. My role is to bridge that gap, to connect these women with the resources they need to succeed. Just knowing that someone is in their corner can give them the confidence boost necessary to push forward.

Grayson Mask: On the topic of support and mentorship, are there any mentors you’ve worked with over time that you’d like to acknowledge or give a shout-out to?

Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson: Absolutely, Grayson. Cynt Marshall, the CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, has been an incredible mentor to me for over five years. She has opened tremendous doors, inviting me to critical networks and opportunities. For instance, she invited me to the Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit, which ultimately led to me becoming an HBO Max award-winning filmmaker. It was there I connected with Felicia Rashad, who agreed to participate in my film.

Kimberly Bizor-Tolbert, the interim city manager for the city of Dallas, has also been instrumental. We’ve collaborated on various projects that support women, and she has introduced me to significant city functions that have opened more doors for me.
Lastly, my father, a third-generation entrepreneur, and my lifelong mentor, taught me from an early age that anything is possible if I believe in it. He has instilled in me a mindset free of perceived limitations, encouraging me always to take action towards my goals. My mentors have not only supported me but have also created opportunities for me to succeed. For example, when I launched my magazine, my father purchased the back page ad for as long as I run the magazine, ensuring I had financial support from the start. Their belief in me has been a crucial factor in my success. They’ve taught me that having even just one person who believes in you can be immensely empowering.

Grayson Mask: Running a large luncheon like the Women of Influence Awards seems like a huge undertaking. What was the biggest logistical challenge you faced in organizing such a significant event?

Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson: The major challenge, Grayson, was managing the logistics involved with hosting celebrities. This includes arranging hotels, transportation, and security, while also maintaining an inclusive atmosphere where no one feels above anyone else. It’s about balancing the need to keep everyone safe and feeling welcomed without creating a hierarchy among attendees. Managing these elements was complex, but we succeeded because of the team I have. They operate with the same commitment to excellence as I do. Excellence here doesn’t mean perfection—it means being prepared for the unexpected. For instance, our emcee had to leave early at the last event, and we had to adapt quickly.
Leadership plays a crucial role as well. In my past experience owning fitness clubs, I never placed myself above any task, whether it was cleaning vomit or toilets. I bring the same attitude to running conferences. I know I’m the boss, but I don’t act superior.

I hire competent people, let them work in their strengths, and I work in mine. This approach has not only made our events successful but also attracted more corporate sponsors, such as Intuit, Mary Kay, and the Dallas Mavericks. Our event has grown significantly; last year, we had to turn people away because we sold out the venue, Glenn Eagles Country Club. Now, we’re planning to move to the Omni to accommodate a larger crowd, potentially up to 500 people, as demand has increased dramatically.

Grayson Mask: At your event, were there any speakers or stories that particularly resonated with you?

Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson: Yes, Grayson, a few speakers really stood out due to how much I related to their stories. Kim Roxie, the CEO of Lamik Beauty, which was recently picked up by Ulta and sells out on HSN, shared her journey of relentless perseverance. Despite being discouraged in high school and frequently criticized for talking too much—a trait I share—she never gave up. Her unwavering spirit is something I see in myself, and it’s a major reason her cosmetic line has been so successful. People often ask her what she tells these women that makes them flock to her, much like they ask me.

Cynt’s speech also deeply moved me; she speaks about the “HASU moment” which stands for “hook a sister up.” This concept is about helping others when you have the means or opportunity. In a particularly memorable gesture, she presented my nonprofit with a $15,000 check during her speech and added another $15,000 from her personal company. This kind of support embodies the very essence of the HASU moment—actively uplifting others.
These stories not only inspire but also mirror the philosophy I try to live by: empowering others, recognizing their gifts, and helping make life a little easier. Especially after the challenges of the pandemic, I emphasize the importance of showing love and support every day, asking how I can serve others, and affirming their presence in this world.

Grayson Mask: With proceeds from the event supporting your nonprofit, Soul Reborn, what are your future goals for this year or the next?

Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson: I’m really excited about the future, Grayson. One of our key objectives is to acquire a building for Soul Reborn. The vision is to create a space where women can receive mentoring and training on-site. We’re planning to offer classes on book writing and marketing, and even provide clothing for job interviews. Essentially, I want a dedicated place where women can come to grow professionally and personally.

Additionally, we aim to award $25,000 in scholarships by the end of the year to college students majoring in journalism and entrepreneurship. I’ve been an entrepreneur all my life and believe deeply in the power of storytelling. These scholarships will help aspiring writers and entrepreneurs to tell their stories and potentially produce their own films. Soul Reborn was established to support women who are disadvantaged, disenfranchised, or formerly incarcerated. We’ve been working to help these women turn their life experiences into empowering stories, which they can then translate into books, speaking engagements, and even merchandise like t-shirts or coffee mugs. This initiative isn’t just about immediate support—it’s about creating sustainable opportunities. My overarching goal is to leave a legacy that outlives me, one that continues to empower and uplift long after I’m gone. This building for Soul Reborn will be a cornerstone of that legacy, providing a permanent space for transformation and growth.

Grayson Mask: As we wrap up, could you speak a bit about how volunteers can get involved with Soul Reborn or your other initiatives? Are there specific areas where you need more help?

Dr. Cheryl Polote-Williamson: Absolutely, Grayson. We are always looking for volunteers, especially those skilled in marketing, business development, and public speaking to assist the women we work with. During the holidays, for example, we adopt families, requiring a lot of hands to coordinate gifts and ensure these families feel valued and supported. Thanksgiving is another busy time when we distribute turkeys and need additional volunteers for logistics.
Once we secure our building for Soul Reborn, we’ll need people to help with resume writing, dressing for success, and building websites. Many people we assist don’t have the resources to afford these services, so volunteers with these skills are invaluable.

Our initiatives aren’t just about providing the basics; they’re about dignity and access. For instance, we organize book drives, provide luggage to those who’ve never owned any, and supply basic but essential items like purses filled with feminine hygiene products. Recently, I’ve partnered with Intuit to deliver these supplies to local schools, helping to alleviate the embarrassment for teenage girls who can’t afford these products. Volunteers play a crucial role not just in the logistics, but in broadening the impact of our outreach. They help us secure donations from businesses like grocery stores and assist in assembling care packages. Every little bit helps, and each volunteer brings us closer to making a substantial difference in people’s lives. For those interested in volunteering, all the necessary information is available on our website, which is kept up-to-date with our latest projects and needs. Lastly, I want to highlight how volunteers have helped us celebrate and support remarkable young individuals like Alina, a 15-year-old who graduated college and is now pursuing a master’s degree and considering medical school. We proudly brought her on stage at last year’s luncheon to honor her achievements, exemplifying the type of future we’re striving to seed through Soul Reborn.