Explorations in Black Leadership

Co-Directed by Phyllis Leffler & Julian Bond

Enjoying a Challenge

BOND: Now, some biographical literature about you suggests that you enjoy making waves. Is that true?

WILLIAMS: I do. One of the things that I hope to do after my time as mayor is to run another troubled business or organization or something and get it back on its feet. I really find that thrilling. The sense of urgency is really energizing. One of the problems I have now is things are kind of running, and you've created a staff that does things and you wonder like, "What am I supposed to do?" Well, you're supposed to run it. Well, what does run mean?

You know, I kind of like actually being there when the plane's headed toward the ground upside down with all the engines off and trying to get it rolling again. That to me is exciting.

BOND: You enjoy the challenge?

WILLIAMS: I enjoy the challenge, yeah.