Meet William Orgertrice | Data Engineer & Business Strategy Coach

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

Hi William, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I’m busier than ever, and it’s a good thing. I’m constantly focused on achieving my daily goals. In The Magic of Thinking Big, David Schwartz says, “If you want something done, give it to a busy person”. Though I work remotely, I regularly attend technology and professional development conferences to network and find new clients. It’s a great way to stay connected and get some fresh air. I genuinely enjoy meeting new people, so networking feels less like work and more like fun. Outside of work, I prioritize spending quality time with my family, which keeps me balanced and fulfilled.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started BeforeTheBillions after experiencing a layoff from my first job as a software engineer. That moment pushed me to share the practical advice I wish I had when I was starting, guiding others on how they can thrive in tech. I launched the BeforeTheBillions YouTube channel in January 2020 with a straightforward mission: help people navigate the tech industry, learn from their mistakes, and give them real, actionable strategies to succeed in a competitive job market. I want my stories to be a source of growth and inspiration for those looking to elevate their careers.

The journey hasn’t been smooth sailing. One of my mentors once said, “Life never gets easier—you have to get better at doing the hard things.” I’ve had to face doubts about my abilities, but pushing through those moments helped me grow stronger. Since starting, I’ve had the honor of speaking at places like the Urban League of Greater Atlanta’s TechThrive BootCamp, Career Karma, the Google Initiative’s Black Genius Academy, and the Atlanta Tech Meetup. BeforeTheBillions was featured at the Google Cloud Rise Summit in Atlanta, GA, in May 2024.

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built and the lives I’ve impacted. Recently, I gave a keynote titled “Nobody Buys Humble: Unlocking Business Strategies From A Data Engineer,” where I shared deeper insights into my experiences and offered strategies that anyone can apply to find success in tech and business.

My parents have played a huge role in where I am business-wise. My dad, who has been a police officer for over 27 years and worked in IT, was the one who guided me to pursue a career in tech. He wanted me to have a fulfilling career and be able to support my family. My mom always fueled my entrepreneurial spirit. She’s been in sales for over 10 years and 5 years as a Realtor. She taught me the value of hard work and persistence.

Some lessons I’ve learned: Resilience is everything. Setbacks, like layoffs, don’t define you; how you respond does. Always learn and build with a purpose, be intentional with your time, and always talk big about your achievements—it opens doors to even bigger opportunities.

BeforeTheBillions isn’t just about me—it’s a movement to inspire and empower others. I’m dedicated to breaking down barriers in tech, providing the tools, insights, and community support to help people “Build their Billions” from the ground up. This brand is about transforming challenges into opportunities and turning potential into reality.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spot to hang out is the Atlanta Beltline. It is a great place to meet new people and enjoy some of the food along the way. It’s safe and is where a lot of big-name companies are located. There is a lot of variety in food options along the Atlanta Beltline and at Ponce City Market.

Ponce City Market has some of the best events especially if you go to the rooftop and can enjoy the bars, games, rides, music, and food. It is always a great time and I’d recommend anyone new to Atlanta to go there. There are always fun and interesting people to meet in that area of Atlanta.

You can always go to Piedmont Park and see the beautiful scenery. If you’re into fitness, I suggest joining Hills4ATL’s run club. I’ve been going for over four months, and it’s been a great experience. The community is welcoming, and the workouts are both challenging and rewarding.

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?
Technologists of Color, a workforce development nonprofit in Atlanta, has been instrumental in helping me grow in my career. In 2020, they hosted a meetup at the Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs, and that single event launched me into the Atlanta tech scene. Since then, I’ve regularly attended networking events and conferences, benefiting from the invaluable advice and support they’ve provided me.

Website: https://beforethebillions.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beforethebillions/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamorgertrice/

Twitter: https://x.com/bthebillions

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeforeTheBillions

Image Credits
Joel Arbaje, Brilliant Black Minds, Karat, Khayla McClinton