14-Year-Old Mom → Starbucks SVP → Future CEO: Tiffany Willis on Owning Your Narrative
APR 22, 202641 MIN
14-Year-Old Mom → Starbucks SVP → Future CEO: Tiffany Willis on Owning Your Narrative
APR 22, 202641 MIN
Description
This episode features Tiffany Willis, former SVP of Investor Relations at Starbucks, whose journey redefines what success actually looks like. From becoming a mother at 14 and facing homelessness to rising through PwC, EY, and leading investor relations at a $130B company, Tiffany’s story is a masterclass in resilience, ownership, and purpose-driven leadership.
We unpack what it really means to own your narrative, how your struggles can become your greatest competitive advantage, and why success is not about a perfect path but about persistence, adaptability, and belief. Tiffany also shares the mindset shifts that helped her navigate corporate leadership, make difficult family decisions, and step into her next chapter with intention.
This is a conversation about identity, leadership, and building a life on your terms, regardless of where you start.
Themes from this episode:
Owning your narrative and embracing your full story
Turning adversity into a competitive advantage
From teenage motherhood and homelessness to corporate leadership
The power of work ethic, curiosity, and raising your hand
Navigating corporate America without a perfect background
Translating business strategy into the “language of numbers”
Building a career through adaptability, not a straight path
Imposter syndrome in high-level leadership rooms
Choosing purpose over position in critical life decisions
Leadership, storytelling, and influencing at scale
Helping others see what’s possible through your journey
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