Unlocking the Wealth Mindset: Lessons from America's Largest Black-Owned Bank

Teri Williams, the president and owner of the largest Black-owned bank in America, shares her inspiring journey and the invaluable insights that have propelled her to the top of the financial industry. In this captivating article, we delve into the five key principles that have shaped Williams' remarkable success, offering a roadmap for anyone seeking to cultivate a wealth-driven mindset.

Empowering the Black Community, One Account at a Time

Embracing the Unexpected

Teri Williams, a self-proclaimed type-A personality, has learned to embrace the power of serendipity. Her journey to becoming the president and owner of the largest Black-owned bank in America was not a meticulously planned path, but rather a series of unexpected opportunities that she seized with unwavering determination. "My only goal was to provide economic empowerment to African Americans. I did not know how I was going to accomplish such a life-sized goal," Williams shares. When her husband initially proposed buying a bank, she was skeptical, but that "long shot" ultimately led the power couple to purchase and merge three smaller banks, forming the national powerhouse known as OneUnited. Williams' openness to possibility has been a driving force in her success, as she remains receptive to new ideas and the guidance of those around her.

Lessons from the Matriarch

While Teri Williams may have the credentials of a Harvard Business School graduate, she credits much of her business acumen to her great-grandmother, Annie Coachman, affectionately known as "Ma-Honey." Ma-Honey, a savvy entrepreneur in her own right, owned a diverse portfolio that included a juke joint, a candy store, and a BBQ pit in the 1950s. As a young girl, Williams closely observed Ma-Honey's interactions with people from all walks of life, marveling at her grace, confidence, and ability to connect with the community. "We are never to forget where we come from. Always remember that you are someone's child, someone's grandchild, and someone's great grandchild, and those relationships can serve as the foundation to your success," Williams advises.

Overcoming Humble Beginnings

Teri Williams' story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Hailing from the small town of Indiantown, Florida, where the median income is just ,000, Williams has defied the odds to become the president and owner of a financial institution with 0 million in assets under management. She credits her success to a disciplined prayer life, which has provided her with the guidance and strength to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship. Williams' journey serves as a powerful reminder that one's origins do not dictate their destiny, and that with unwavering faith and a commitment to personal growth, remarkable achievements can be attained.

Cultivating Curiosity

Teri Williams' insatiable curiosity has been a driving force in her success. As a child, she was captivated by her family's Sunday drives, during which she would gaze out the window and wonder about the lives of those living in the more affluent neighborhoods. "Who lived in these homes, how did they get here, what did they do to live like this, why do these people have so much, and why don't we live like this, and what drives them?" These questions planted the seeds of Williams' desire to understand the dynamics of wealth and success. This curiosity has continued to fuel her, propelling her to seek out knowledge and insights that have helped her navigate the financial landscape and empower the Black community.

Embracing a Limitless Mindset

Teri Williams' goal to provide economic empowerment to African Americans is not a static one; it is a constantly evolving and expanding vision. When the #BankBlack challenge, issued by Atlanta-based rapper Killer Mike, prompted Black America to move million into Black-owned banks in less than a month, OneUnited experienced a surge in new accounts, going from opening fewer than 50 daily to over 1,000. This remarkable response underscores the power of a limitless mindset. "You cannot know everything starting out. But, if you keep going and listen for the guidance, you will find it wherever you are," Williams says. By embracing a growth-oriented mindset, she has been able to adapt and seize opportunities as they arise, continuously expanding the reach and impact of her mission.