About me
Ellen Williams is Director of Advisory & ESG Services at Orion Global Solutions. Her over 25 years of experience as a technologist and business consultant enables her to help clients achieve alignment of their business processes and technology platforms including sales, marketing, and ESG. Ellen’s work also facilitates her clients’ growth and their impact on the planet.
What do you do and why do you do it?
I help companies align their processes with their technologies and address their Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) responsibilities.
I have been in technology for over 25 years and have witnessed, through its evolution, how technology can dictate processes. As tools become outdated, they can hamper a company’s growth. This is why I do what I do. People work hard, and they shouldn’t have to battle the tools that are supposed to make their jobs easier.
I have worked with hundreds of businesses, helping them implement tools that support their processes, and growth. I want people to know that technology can be much simpler than expected. Recently, I’ve expanded to corporate responsilbilty reporting (ESG) and artificial intelligence platforms. This work allows me to make a much larger impact than I can as an individual, so my grandkids can grow up on a healthy planet.
What changed for you after age 50?
Not long after I turned 50, I left my corporate job. Entrepreneurship was not new to me, so making that leap was familiar and comfortable.
About 3 years later, I decided to return to the workforce. I applied for over 300 jobs, with plenty of interviews and second interviews and no offers. All my years of experience wasn’t enough to land me a job, until I went directly to my network—people who knew and trusted me. I had a job within a few months and am one of the senior people, both in title and age, at Orion. This enables me to have a voice as well as mentor the younger employees, which I love.
What would you tell the 20 or 30-year-old YOU?
Do your best to see yourself the way other people see you. Your hard work is seen and appreciated by many people and has earned you respect. Own it, and celebrate your accomplishments!
What do you think you’ll tell yourself in retrospect at the end of your life?
Bravo on standing up for yourself when you did. Congratulations on being a kind person and a good mother. You were better than you gave yourself credit for and you didn’t have to work as many hours as you did.
What impact do you think increased visibility can have on your business?
At my core, I am a teacher. Increased visibility will allow me to share my knowledge with more people and advise more companies on how to align their processes with their technology so they can achieve the optimum growth potential. It’s all about giving.
Who or what inspires you and why?
I am inspired by everyone who is working to reduce carbon emissions, from the World Health Organization to companies developing decarbonization projects and products, to kids who are protesting. Keeping the planet healthy is a global responsibility, and with all the negative news headlines, learning about people who are stepping up and putting people before profits gives me hope.
Something else I’d like to share
I have been a consultant, classroom trainer, continuing education instructor, public speaker, and professional writer. My goal is to share my knowledge with anyone looking to learn – from events looking for speakers to companies looking for an advisor to anyone looking for a one-on-one conversation. Collaboration is the key to success! We all have things to share and learn!
