In this engaging conversation, Tom LeNoble interviews Tunji Williams, the Founder and CEO of Had to Be Here and Village Inc. Tunji shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur, the challenges he faced, and the personal growth he experienced while building his companies. He discusses the importance of presence in social interactions, the values instilled by his family, and how his relationship with risk has evolved. Tunji also reflects on the impact he wishes to have on others, the boundaries he has set for sustainability, and his vision for the future. The conversation delves into themes of vulnerability, trust, and legacy, culminating in advice to his younger self.
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Opening Pathways with Tom LeNoble is a podcast for founders, managers, and forward-thinking business leaders who want real insights into leadership, growth, and navigating today’s evolving workplace. Each episode features candid conversations with innovators and executives across industries—sharing lessons on team management, strategy, resilience, and scaling businesses with purpose. Whether you're building a startup, leading a mission-driven organization, or stepping into leadership for the first time, this show helps you stay grounded and inspired. Based in San Francisco, this series highlights voices from the Bay Area and beyond, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to lead effectively in today’s business landscape.
What is Opening Pathways?
Tom LeNoble is a confidential advisor to founders, executives, nonprofit leaders, business owners, and professionals navigating meaningful leadership moments. He is an international speaker, coach, and philanthropist. His career spans Fortune 500 giants including MCI (VZ), Walmart.com (WMT), Palm (HP), and Facebook (META), as well as multiple high-growth startups. As CEO of the Academy for Coaching Excellence and a Leadership Coach with the Miller Center at Santa Clara University, he mentors leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide.
He is the bestselling author of the award-winning memoir My Life in Business Suits, Hospital Gowns, and High Heels. He is also the creator and host of the Opening Pathways podcast, where he shares stories and insights on leadership, resilience, and reinvention. Having survived multiple life-threatening diagnoses, he lives by his conviction: “I’m Still Here!”