For many entrepreneurs, conversations about wealth begin with income.

For Teri Williams, President of OneUnited Bank—the nation’s largest Black-owned bank—they begin with identity.

When Williams joined me for an episode of The Crysalis, I expected to discuss banking, homeownership and financial literacy. We certainly covered those topics, but what unfolded became a deeper conversation about identity, leadership and the stories we tell ourselves about success.

As someone rebuilding my own financial future after divorce while growing a business, I found myself asking questions many professionals quietly wrestle with: Am I too late to buy my first home? Am I doing enough? What does real wealth actually look like?

Williams’ answers challenged conventional thinking—and offered a roadmap that extends well beyond personal finance. The conversation centered on how we can transmute shape into a legacy.

Watch the Full Interview

Watch my complete conversation with Teri Williams on The Crysalis, where we explore identity beyond shame, authentic leadership, Black wealth, financial literacy, homeownership and the power of embracing your story.

Your Story Is the Foundation of Your Leadership

The title of Williams’ podcast, Who’s Your Ma Honey?, honors her great-grandmother, whose entrepreneurial spirit shaped generations of her family.

When someone once asked Williams about her background, she instinctively recited an impressive résumé: Brown University. Harvard Business School. Banking executive.

But she was nudged to consider that those accomplishments weren’t the true answer.

Her real foundation led her back in time to revelations about her great-grandmother—a woman from Indiantown, Florida, who owned a penny candy store, a barbecue pit, a juke joint and rental properties long before entrepreneurship became a celebrated career path.

Like many high-achieving professionals, Williams admitted she once felt embarrassed by her small-town roots. Over time, she realized the very experiences she had tried to distance herself from were actually the source of her greatest strength.

“What you’re ashamed of is often your superpower,” she shared.

It’s a lesson that resonates with entrepreneurs, creatives and executives alike: authentic leadership doesn’t begin with titles—it begins with embracing your story.

Financial Wisdom Isn’t Measured by Income

Williams believes one of society’s biggest misconceptions is equating wealth with wisdom.

The two are not the same.

Wisdom comes from lived experience, resilience and perspective—not simply financial success.

That philosophy shapes how she leads OneUnited Bank.

Rather than overwhelming customers with complicated financial terminology, the bank focuses on making financial education accessible. Its “Wise One” educational platform translates complex banking concepts into language people can understand and apply.

Williams believes financial shame prevents too many people from asking questions.

Removing that shame, she says, is one of the most important steps toward building wealth.

The Black Wealth Gap Is Rooted in History—Not Ability

Williams also challenged one of the most persistent myths surrounding personal finance.

Black Americans are not inherently worse at managing money.

Instead, she points to decades of systemic barriers—including redlining, discriminatory lending practices and persistent wage disparities—that have limited opportunities for wealth accumulation across generations.

Understanding that history matters.

Because when people recognize the structural challenges that created today’s wealth gap, they can stop internalizing narratives of personal failure and begin making strategic financial decisions with confidence.

Williams also encouraged greater investment in Black-owned financial institutions, arguing that strengthening trusted community institutions creates opportunities for broader economic growth while delivering competitive banking products and technology.

Is 40 Too Late to Buy Your First Home?

For many readers, this may be the most reassuring takeaway from our conversation.

When I shared my own concern about pursuing homeownership in my early 40s, Williams immediately reframed the conversation.

The average age of a first-time homebuyer in the United States is now around 40.

In other words…

Many aspiring homeowners aren’t behind.

They’re simply entering the market later than previous generations.

Williams encourages first-time buyers to stop chasing the dream home as their first purchase.

Instead, she recommends purchasing a starter home—a smaller property or one needing modest improvements—to begin building equity.

“Equity,” she emphasized, “is what builds long-term wealth.”

She also recommends taking advantage of HUD-approved homebuyer education courses, first-time buyer assistance programs and down payment resources available throughout the country.

For individuals working to improve their credit, OneUnited Bank also offers educational tools and rent-reporting resources that can help eligible renters strengthen their credit history.

Building Wealth Is About Learning the Rules

One of Williams’ most memorable analogies compared personal finance to a game.

Every successful game has rules.

Winning doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by learning how the system works.

The same applies to wealth building.

Whether someone is improving their credit, opening their first investment account or preparing to purchase a home, financial literacy creates options.

And options create freedom.

Why This Conversation Matters

Throughout my career, I’ve interviewed artists, CEOs, entrepreneurs and changemakers. What stayed with me after this conversation wasn’t simply practical financial advice.

It was the reminder that our identity often determines the limits we place on ourselves long before money ever does.

The stories we inherit shape how we lead.

The stories we rewrite shape our future.

Teri Williams reminded me that building wealth isn’t only about increasing your bank account.

It’s about releasing shame, reclaiming your history, trusting your wisdom, learning the rules of the financial system and giving yourself permission to begin—regardless of your age or where your journey starts.

Because generational wealth doesn’t begin with perfection.

It begins with one informed decision after another.

About Teri Williams

Teri Williams is President and Chief Operating Officer of OneUnited Bank, the nation’s largest Black-owned bank. A graduate of Brown University and Harvard Business School, she is a nationally recognized advocate for financial literacy, economic empowerment and closing the racial wealth gap. Williams is also co-host of the podcast Who’s Your Ma Honey?, which explores family legacy, entrepreneurship and authentic leadership through personal storytelling.