Meet Derryl Williams | Negotiator and Entertainment Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Derryl Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Derryl, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I hate the word compromise. I remember when I was getting married 16 years ago and everybody wanted to talk to me about how compromise would help make my relationship last longer. I had a real problem with that word. I have always felt that being forced to compromise was forcing yourself not to be happy. I had a conversation with my wife and told her that I refused to compromise and let her know that I didn’t want her to compromise either. Instead, we decided that our keyword would be acceptance. I would accept her for who she is and she would accept me for who I am and we would accept unconditionally. We agreed that if we couldn’t accept each other, then maybe we didn’t need to be together because it would mean we could not be ourselves and be happy together. Sixteen years later, I have to say that honestly I have made some compromises, but they were not forced compromises. I am also sure that she has made some decisions on her own to compromise as well, but just like mine, they were not forced compromises.

In my business, I deal with a lot of creative people who don’t fit in well with traditional 9 to 5 jobs. That is why I use the same concept of not asking them to compromise and instead, accepting them for who they are.

I personally think companies lose some valuable and talented people trying to make them conform to their idea of a perfect employee. I have personally watched large corporations create a corporate culture and only hire people that they feel fit that culture. My success has come from creating more of a family environment. I believe that as long as you are performing, there are a lot of things that I can overlook. Everybody working for me is taught to accept each other for who they are. This acceptance helps us to celebrate each others strong suits instead of focusing on things that we may not like. Now with that being said, some things can’t be overlooked. Employees cant create unsafe or unpleasant work environments or I would be forced to terminate them. However, just because they are socially awkward doesn’t mean that they are not a benefit to the company.

Obviously, this means that I am working with a band of misfits, but we are misfits who know how to get the job done. On the flip side, I am definitely not the easiest boss to work with. My methods sometimes take a little getting used to so I figure, if they can accept me for my style of management then I can accept them for who they are as well.

Just like in my marriage, eventually, compromise may occur, but it’s never something that feels as if they are being restrained or placed in a box. Compromise becomes something that just happens because everyone is happier when acceptance is part of your foundation instead of just compromise.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
WHEG LLC is an entertainment consulting company that specializes in marketing inside the entertainment industry. We are a one-stop shop for anything entertainment. We manage both athletes and entertainers and as certified contract negotiators, we assist our clients to make money from the court/field and endorsements as well. We have managed and consulted some of the biggest nightclubs in the DFW Metroplex. Our marketing applications have been featured in books and we have created multiple syndicated radio programs. We are now moving into television where we have in-house writers, producers, and marketers to assist in ensuring that our projects feel like they are being produced by major studios. Our level of professionalism over the last two decades has made us one of the foundational pieces of entertainment in one of the largest entertainment markets in the country.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Wow lets see one of my favorite places to eat is Breakfast Brothers which has the most delicious food in the city. They do more than just breakfast but I love the breakfast. For lunch I would go to Uno Mas which is some of the greatest places to get tacos in Dallas. For dinner I would go to Texas De Brazil which is my favorite dinner spot in the city.

If I was looking for a good spot for drinks I would go to Gipsy Lime in Irving. If there is a good comedian in town at either Addison or Arlington Improv I would go there because I love a night of laughs. If we wanted to go somewhere for a fun interactive night out I would go to Game Show Battle Room in Farmers Branch.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have always stated that I have often been one loving mom and dad from being homeless. My mom and dad Regina and Terence Burrell have been there for me both financially and emotionally. Additionally, My wife, LaSanya Williams has supported my entrepreneurial endeavors win, lose or draw. I owe her everything for just putting up with highs and lows.

I also owe Dario Ferdows and CJ Provencio for teaching me and being willing to put up with me as I learned from them both.

Lastly but definitely not least my mentor and “personal banker” (inside joke) Richard. I wont give his last name because I’m sure he doesn’t want everyone to know he loans me money everytime I get in a bind.

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