#136: Thomas R. Williams is a professional speaker and the author of “Permission to DREAM,” “The Relentless Pursuit of Greatness” and “DIG”.

As a professional speaker he is a member of The Jon Gordon Speaking team and communicates with great passion and purpose on “The Energy Bus” and “The Power of Positive Leadership” He impacts his audiences by helping them create a successful vision that leads them to greatness.

When Thomas isn’t speaking with corporations and organizations, he works closely with both college and professional athletes on the inevitable transition to life beyond the scoreboard. It is here where he drives home his mantra, “Athletes are great people first, who just so happen to be great athletes. Greatness may have started with sports, but it doesn’t end when you retire… GREATNESS is a lifestyle.”

In 2008 Thomas graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in Sociology. Nicknamed The Hitman, Thomas was a captain on USC’s football team, where he and his Trojan teammates had a record of 59-6. They won 2 National Championships and 3 Rose Bowls under now Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll.

Selected 155th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft Thomas played 5 years in the NFL, where he was not just focused on winning and competing, but rather mastering TEAMWORK, MENTAL TOUGHNESS and LEADERSHIP. During his time as a player he was able to learn from some of the best coaches such as Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick, and Ron Rivera.

In 2012 after a career ending neck injury, Thomas transitioned from a game changer to a life changer, helping teams tackle obstacles and finding their winning solutions.

On the show Thomas shares his story of growing up, becoming an elite athlete, college at USC, playing in the NFL, what he learned from great coaches, leadership, accountability, buy in, obedience, running towards the roar, and much more.

For more on Thomas check out thomasrwilliams.com

Enjoy the show!