From Thug to Scholar: An Odyssey to Unmask My True Potential

by Dr. James Arthur Williams, Amy Shelby (Editor)

Overview

This is an odyssey about failure, rejection, redemption, and triumph where I had to rise above religion and embrace God's true gift, a relationship. My path might be different than yours, but our barriers are all the same. I chased successes that where based off of manmade ideals, so I sought money, fame, acceptance, love, and respect from others; instead of probing inward and seeing my hidden self. This is a book about our odyssey to unmask to our true potentials, so we can express godly love and die to categorical (i.e., race, income-level, sexual preferences, age, and etc.) beliefs. My categorical death aroused me to unmask from a confused thug to an enlightened scholar. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781735106366
Publisher:	UnmaskYTP
Publication date:	06/05/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	166
File size:	2 MB
Age Range:	13 Years

About the Author

Brief Bio: Currently, Dr. Williams serves as an associate professor (tenured) at the University of Tennessee and is the owner of UNMASKYTP, LLC, training domestic and international leaders to dwell in joy while seeking curiosity in every pursued endeavor. He teaches mindfulness, various leadership tactics, and one-on-one coaching to build brighter leaders for the future. He has worked with leaders in Spain, South Korea, Bulgaria, China, and at many Fortune 100 companies. Dr. Williams is also a professional actor, in multiple TV shows, such as Murder Chose Me and a SAG movie role, Marbles and Bullets, as Uncle Tom. He wrote four books, Check Your Life: Be Limitless and From Thug to Scholar are his most noticeable books. He has also published over 17 scholarly articles and delivered over 30 invited presentations to academic and industry leaders. Dr. Williams has a passion for collaborating with unique individuals, and he is committed to seeing the positive attributes like and conflicting personalities; he believes all play a pivotal role in creating productive teams. Dr. Williams thinks leaders must generate strategies to demonstrate the value of all teammates. Dr. Williams earned six degrees (two doctorates), Ph.D. from Iowa State University. He honorably served the United States Air Force, winning Airman of the Year. He played professional arena football for the Raleigh Rebels (2005-2006). Dr. Williams has industry experience in the dental, banking, sales, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, hotels, and education. He is also a Certified Hospitality Educator and trainer. Dr. Williams was also recognized as a Top 15 Emerging Scholar of 2019 by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education. Dr. Williams also was a featured speaker for TEDx UTK in 2019. Best international mentor for Chinese Hospitality Education Initiative for the 2019 national championship in Shanghai, China.

Editorial Reviews

An amazing account of one man's journey and what it means to be focused, passionate, and persistent in life. Dr. Williams provides a shocking childhood story that transitions from what seems impossible to possible. Dr. Williams never gave up despite the difficulties and challenges he encountered in his life.

What I enjoyed most was hearing the authors account of the positive influence of teachers and professors who had helped him in his journey of learning and being a better person. Dr. Williams account not only gives hope to the younger generations but also a real-life account of what it means to be human and yet still keep the faith. I was touched by his wife, Toya's love for him and their strong bond. Love is indeed a powerful force in creating a positive change in our lives.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. I am sure it will influence and touch many lives just like it did for me.

From the Publisher