A Conversation with Venus Williams: Striving for Wellness and Success

VIDEO HIGHLIGHT

CG Atlantic’s “Strive Forward: A Conversation with Venus Williams” event, held on May 24 at the Baha Mar Resort, was a powerful and inspiring gathering. The event aimed to promote both physical and mental wellbeing and featured an engaging discussion with tennis legend Venus Williams, moderated by veteran broadcaster Jerome Sawyer.

Williams, a tennis icon who has since built a successful career as a businesswoman across various industries, spoke openly about the challenges and triumphs that have shaped her journey. She emphasized the importance of wellness, noting, “Health and wellness is the most important thing.” Now focused on family, mentoring young athletes, and advocating for women’s reproductive health, Williams is committed to creating balance in her personal and professional life.

She shared personal reflections, including her joy in spending time with family and the new role she cherishes—being an aunt. She also spoke about the value of mentorship and her efforts to support the next generation of players, particularly in navigating the pressures of professional sports. Her work in women's health, especially around reproductive wellness, remains a central focus in her advocacy.

Throughout the conversation, Williams highlighted the need for a well-rounded approach to health, centered on movement, nutrition, and balance. “The biggest motivating factor is living a life with no regrets,” she shared, underscoring how her career has been driven by a commitment to performing her best—on and off the court. “When I look back, I can smile at my life because I gave it all.”

Williams also opened up about being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, which forced her to reassess how she cared for her body. She turned to a plant-based diet—describing herself humorously as a “cheating vegan”—and found comfort in unlikely outlets. “I managed it with karaoke,” she said, recalling how singing helped bring her joy during a difficult, unpredictable period. It also became a way to connect with others and find light in the midst of uncertainty.

Wellness, she noted, was redefined during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more focus placed on mental health. She emphasized that setbacks often provide the most powerful lessons. “It’s really the losses that you learn from,” she said. “This is how I turned those mistakes into successes.” For Williams, honesty—with oneself and with others—is critical to growth.

Her advice to those finding their path was clear: “Always bet on yourself.” She stressed the importance of hard work, visualization, discipline, and focus—key values that carried her through decades of elite competition.

While tennis may appear to be a solo sport, Williams credited much of her success to the strength of her support team. “You walk on the tennis court by yourself, but you are not alone. A great team is crucial,” she explained, adding, “The culture that you create is crucial.”

Williams described her time as a professional athlete as one of total dedication. “As an athlete, I hate to say this, but we’re selfish,” she said. “It was complete dedication—an obsession.” Yet, that same intensity is now channeled into her business ventures and wellness advocacy, driven by the values she learned through sport and the foundation her family and spiritual life provided.

The event also featured wellness trivia giveaways and welcomed students from various schools, offering young attendees the opportunity to hear firsthand from one of the most accomplished and inspiring athletes of our time. Venus Williams’ message of perseverance, balance, and self-belief resonated throughout the room—and will surely continue to inspire many beyond it.