Learn from those who come before and listen to those who come after.
Lewis Williams shared his journey through seven key mentors who shaped his advertising career, emphasizing that mentorship starts at home and doesn’t always require meeting the mentor in person. He demonstrated how each mentor taught him essential lessons - from his parents’ foundational values to industry leaders who showed him the power of emotional storytelling, cultural authenticity, and conceptual thinking over mere execution. His core message was that successful mentorship is a two-way street where you learn from those who came before while listening to those who come after, all while staying humble about your achievements.
About the speaker
Lewis’ mantra is "There is no better story than life itself."
Experienced creative Lewis Williams has had successful careers at iconic agencies Leo Burnett, Burrell Communications Group and most recently Weber Shandwick where he held the position of EVP Head of Brand Impact. Presently Lewis is Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Williams Creative Group Chicago. Having over 3 decades of Total Market and Multicultural consumer marketing experience, he’s partnered with CMO’s of some of the world’s best-known brands to create award-winning creative and drive strategic and emotional connections to their customers.
Lewis has been recognized as one of Adweek’s Creative 100, The Ad Club of New York’s Icons, Rock Stars and Innovators, winner of creative accolades from The One Show, Communications Arts, London International Awards, Kelly Awards, New York Festivals, Clio Awards, Effie Awards and serves on the Creative Review Committee for The Ad Council. He previous served as a PR Cannes Juror and was a juror member of Cannes Lions 70. Glass: The Lion for Change. He also was selected as an inaugural fellow for the Visiting Industry Professionals Fellowship at DePaul University College of Communication and is a Board Director with The Chicago Advertising Federation.
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