Tiffany Willis shares her journey from teenage motherhood and homelessness to leading investor relations at Starbucks. This episode explores resilience, owning your narrative, navigating corporate leadership, and choosing purpose over position while building a life and career on your terms.

Same Game Different Turf

Mohamed Massaquoi

14-Year-Old Mom → Starbucks SVP → Future CEO: Tiffany Willis on Owning Your Narrative

APR 22, 202641 MIN
Same Game Different Turf

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  Watch and listen: YouTube | Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, transitions, and performance