The Art of Turning The Career Page

Feature Interview With Jessica D. Williams of Hidden Gem Career Coaching

2020 has been a year of profound uncertainty for many job seekers and career changers. Heeding a personal inner call to help address racial inequity in the workplace, HR Executive Jessica D. Williams launched Hidden Gem Career Coaching, a firm that provides resume writing, career coaching, and mentoring services on a sliding payment scale to diverse candidates nationwide. 

She believes that America is now at a pivotal point when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace - and the world is watching. Says Jessica:

“I aim to be of service to diverse and female candidates throughout their employment journey as a form of corporate social justice!

Great Books, Great Minds recently had the opportunity to chat with Jessica about her book interests and how they inform her work as a career consultant. Here’s what she had to say: 

A little bit about you and your launch Hidden Gem Career Coaching?

Hidden Gem was founded on November 1, 2020, following a call to action I had around racial inequity in the workplace. As an HR Executive with an educational background in psychology and sociology, my aim is to assist underrepresented job seekers at all stages of their career development. I have a passion for applying my experience in diversity and inclusion, leadership development, and project management to support Professionals of Color who are seeking upward career mobility or new employment opportunities. 

In what ways has reading informed your coaching practice? 

In short, it has helped me gain the needed knowledge to help clients become solution-focused in their career decisions. I passionately believe that knowledge is power, whether that’s through a lived experience or read in a book. 

Are there any particular books that you frequently recommend to job seekers and career changers?

The books I’ve recommended the most to clients are the following:

The Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person by Shonda Rhimes: This one is particularly relevant for clients that are looking to make a major career transition, whether that’s upward mobility or completely changing industries.

The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table by Minda Harts: Minda speaks candidly to Black women on how to navigate the corporate environment with tons of helpful tips and action items.

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown: Career coaching is built on a candidate's ability to be vulnerable and speak clearly and openly about their life and career desires. This book explores how courage, compassion, and connection are all major parts of the interview and onboarding process and are therefore important in career coaching.

Please describe the significance that reading has had on your life personally?

I’ve always been and will continue to be a “seeker” - with a relentless desire to know more. While I had difficulty learning to read as a child, once I finally got the hang of it I couldn’t stop. I have a deep curiosity and desire to serve others with all the knowledge reading has given me. Growing up in a small conservative town, books were the key to a door to learning about people and places with completely different concepts of reality. 

What 2-3 books continue to have a big impact on your life personally and professionally?

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou: I’ve read every book and poem she’s ever written - her writing truly speaks to my heart. Freedom has always felt like an ever-elusive concept and this book makes it clear to me that I’m not the only one that has felt this dichotomy.  

Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom: I first read this book in college for a Psychology of Death & Dying class project and I re-read it every single year to ground myself on what’s important in life.

A Place to Stand by Jimmy Santiago Baca: Reading this book made me believe in second chances and the power of endurance and grace. It’s the story of an extraordinary transformation which is also why I like working with “second chance” candidates to partner them with employers.

What is your reading preference: traditional hardcover/paperback, e-book, or audiobooks? 

I am 100% a traditionalist when it comes to books. My mom once bought me a Kindle for Christmas and I told her to take it back because I wouldn’t use it. It’s the entire experience of opening a new book and the smell and feel of it that can’t be replaced or replicated.

What is your favorite place to enjoy a good book?

I normally read in my recliner with hot tea on my coffee table. Picture a Lifetime movie and that’s me….. lol.

Do you have a favorite bookstore in the Dallas/Ft Worth area?

The best bookstore in Fort Worth, TX is by far The Dock Bookstore, which is the largest African American owned bookstore in Texas.

What 2-3 books are next on your reading list?

Books that I am looking forward to reading in 2021 are the following:

F*ck the Bucket List for the Soul: Discover the Wonder of You by Ayelet Baro: I recently saw the author on a Hacking HR panel and really enjoyed hearing her speak so I’m looking forward to immersing myself in a book that’s written in the language “of the heart.”

All Boys Aren’t Blue: A Memoir-Manifesto by George M. Johnson: I’ve heard such great things about this book and the positive impact it is having in the LGBTQIA+ community and I’m excited to learn more. ​

Betting On You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career by Laurie Ruettimann: I listen to the author’s podcast (#PunkRockHR) on a regular basis and as an ex-HR Executive she has great insight on the ways that HR can be fixed and made better in the future. I also have a sticker from her on my computer that I read every day: “Your work is not your worth.”

Jessica D. Williams can be reached at HGCC dot com.