Inspiring Conversations with Darrin Williams of Ambassy International

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrin Williams. 

Hi Darrin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Native of Detroit, Mi. Living experience on both West & East Detroit. A product of Detroit Public School, a graduate of Detroit Osborn (c/0 2004). 

As a student-athlete, I gained entrepreneurial spirit from my father Darrin L. Williams Sr. With many unsuccessful business ventures; he succeeded in constructing a profitable student-transportation company. It inspired me to think of ways of generating income. From the importance of image to forecasting methods to create a better future for myself, I began exploring entrepreneurship after it was presented me naturally. I first began by selling personal lunches to students and teachers in high school. It gave me confidence that I could sell a product based on the needs and wants of customers. At that point, I wanted to become a businessman. 

Eventually, I ventured into high school Basketball playing for Detroit Osborn High. A late bloomer, the sport taught me many life lessons which individually affected me positively. It helped build my character, integrity, hard work, team cooperation, and a never quit attitude despite of what immediate obstacles my team or myself faced. Looking back, life could be deemed difficult based on our environment, but while inside that environment, it seemed as if our way of life was a normality compared to what the rest of the world may have experienced. 

The last game of my senior year, I experienced a life-changing injury. Tearing every major ligament in my left knee, I quickly understood that Basketball was a business. I had 30 scholarships, and within a month, I had zero. Only the lord allowed me to receive an interest from one school, Loyola University of Chicago. One of the top Jesuit universities in the world. They gave me a full athletic scholarship, based on my athletic ability, as well as my classroom performance. My time there molded me into having a worldview and prepared me for business on an international level. Today, I used my experience there to complete a professional Basketball career that spanned to 27 countries. 

Upon retirement, I erected the Sicilian-based sports marketing agency Ambassy International. We currently assist players in their careers, providing opportunities athletically and financially overseas. We’ve developed great relationships with the NBA, FIBA, and National Basketball Retired Player Association. Now, after COVID-19, we produced worldwide events to help athletes in Europe, Central/South America, and soon Africa. All credit is given to the most high, my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who gave me the strength to embark on a path constructed for me. 

As an African-American Author, Businessman, Family man, world traveler, and foundation work to the youth, I can say my greatest successes isn’t based on what I have achieved or acquired, but the greatest successes are based on how we as individuals can help others ascend also. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This road has not been smooth at all! I believe that we have this grand Idea of success, and we expect it to be easy! Of course, only do you realize that once you begin pursuing your dreams and desires, there are dues that must be paid or experienced for your well-being. In basketball for example, I experienced many setbacks. Not having proper representation, being stranded in different countries. Not performing to the sometimes-unreal expectations of your employers. Not having suitable living conditions. Feeling unwanted or useless if you did not win. But all of these gave me a thick skin for the real world that our citizens may experience every day. My time in sport helped me translate my hardships in the business arena. And, it became ok to mentally handling chaos or unruly customers. Or tackling issues singularly, when naturally it may take a few people to complete successfully. It’s a roller coaster, but at some point, the twists and turns become smooth. All in all, these experiences aren’t for me but for my future customers in the form of consulting or mentees. 

As you know, we’re big fans of Ambassy International. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Ambassy International, is a Sicilian-based sports marketing organization that provides international opportunities for the next generation of global athletes. We give players, student-athletes, an above-average advantage into pursing their careers abroad, and transitioning/leveraging their experience into profitable businesses. Players have experienced starting their careers abroad professionally, receiving new agent representation, and even international scholarships overseas. We’ve been an organization that operated successfully during covid-19 when the majority of federations were inoperable. What sets us apart is our ability to help players make a successful transition into life and business using their previous athletic experiences. 

We promote financial literacy and personal finance for Future players, aspiring pros; our Best-Selling Book Basketball Secrets: 10 Secrets to Become a Professional Basketball Player is available to help with your successful entry/transition to sports! 

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memories were time spent with my grandparents in West Detroit. I can remember riding my bike, ice-cream trucks, the lively neighborhood. That environment fed me because I had guidance and love from the village! Our neighborhood was secluded, but everyone took care of each other. Surprisingly, our neighborhood was so tight-knit that you could sleep at night with your doors unlocked. The water fights, baseball at the parks, bike rides. Watching the discovery channel, spending time at Selfridge Air National Guard Base, these all gave me a childhood that promoted me to be well-rounded as an adult! We can easily say those were the best time of our lives, but honestly, to spend time with my late grandmother again, Rochelle Kennedy, would be worth a trip to the past. 

Pricing:

• Basketball Secrets: Book 49.99

Contact Info:

• Website: www.OnlyOneBoomer.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/onlyoneboomer
• Facebook: facebook.com/onlyoneboomer
• Twitter: twitter.com/onlyoneboomer
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DarrinBoomerWilliams
• Other: https://www.ambassyinternational.com/product-page/BasketballSecrets

Image Credits
Giuseppe Pipitone
Jalen Rose Leadership Academy
Sboy Promotions
Dedan “Day Dawn” Blackmon