Meet Dr. Bryan Willis Reese | An unconventional revolutionary

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Bryan Willis Reese and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Bryan, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
Because I am a fan of Esther Hicks, Iyanla Vanzant, and Oprah Winfrey, it is quite natural that my favorite affirmations deal with manifestation and having abundance.

My favorite quote is: ‘the entire universe (through God, the Creater, Elohim) is conspiring to give you what you want.’

Over the years, I have developed a sense of knowing what I want versus having clarity on what I have asked for.
I have come to grips with the fact that my former, youthful self requested more patience and humility as a response to an urgent request for a higher being to help me escape some blatant irritation that I had at work or in school.

I’ve come to realize that there were times that I resulted to praying about a task, situation, or decision with no real intention to actually do something about that task, situation, or decision. I’ve learned that one can not merely just contemplate (pray) OR do, but we must all contemplate (pray) AND do.

Knowing that I do not have to worry about what I want, leaves me much room to be productive in life for the things that I am charged with ‘doing.’

I have a navigator, protector, and visionary charged with leading me, with foresight that I do not yet have, to great gains on guided paths.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I currently serve as both a high school assistant principal and an adjunct professor of social sciences (in sociology and political science) at West Georgia College. I taught social studies to school-aged children, but I have actively led in assessment, student support services, discipline, and instruction. I am quite an unconventional school leader; I am a Sagittarius and I embody all that typically comes with that label. I approach both work and play with a ‘loving archer’ and with wisdom considered prior to action taken.

I tend to do all of my busy work in the early morning leaving ample time to plan ahead, build quality relationships, and laugh as much as possible!

I typically remember people’s names easily and I am not afraid of conversation; I do not ever meet a stranger.

I try to fully engage the demands of being a community, instructional, and operational leader for 1400 students and 60 teachers in a diverse community near Henry County, Georgia while at the same time serving 200 college students as their first college course instructor. The heat is always on!

I believe that the endeavor to couple time management with proactively planning ahead is what I thrive on and so while I am comfortable with being blindsided, I am most challenged when things become too redundant and menial tasks become a priority over productivity and the exploration of possibilities.

I believe that I have made it this far by being open to pruning, refining, and molding. I naturally walk to the front of the room and I have self-confidence that I wish could be contagious, but even the most talented leaders have to be ready for growth. I have learned that I am most able to receive constructive feedback when it is solicited rather than volunteered so I have taught myself to ask for immediate feedback along the journey and to take copious notes just in case I am only hearing, but not listening and applying.

I wish for the world to know that people with vision do not always want to challenge the status quo. There are times that we wish we could not see the flaw in a process or see a project amplified more greatly than it is presented, but our lack of desire to see things for what they really are has nothing to do with what we envision or perceive is successful for ourselves or our company.

If you are or have a leader that is a visionary, your support is solicited both when you can see the pathway made clear as well as when there is uncertainty.
Like many of you, I want my brand and my story to be about thoroughness, creativeness, and progression. I’ve learned that you can certainly ensure that you represent these ideals alone, but there is something extremely powerful about having a team of supporters to aid you when things get tough.

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?
As much as an extrovert as I am, I have an introvert hiding inside of me. As an itinerary, we’d wake up and go to breakfast. We’d shop while stores are opening to avoid huge crowds and distractions, find lunch, hike a trail, have a drink, and probably end the night by 9 by watching episodes of the Golden Girls, Family Matters, or the Parkers!

I am not the biggest fan of crowded spaces and if I go to a concert, I am definitely willing to spend more money to avoid being nestled between the larger groups.

Yet, a typical great time for me is hiking Sweetwater Park in Douglas County, Georgia, or shopping at the North Georgia Shoppes in Dawson.

Food is of life essence to me so I have a list of favorite restaurants. I love dinner steaks at Malone’s in West Midtown Atlanta or Hal’s Steakhouse, Brunch at the Lawrence or Canoe in Vinings, and Breakfast at Barney’s near Downtown Atlanta.
I appreciate simplicity; a weekend beverage of Cabo Wabo and Sprite with a lemon wedge is the perfect refresher and I can always enjoy a simple cider or ale.

All of my friends know that I enjoy reflexology massages and a few facials and pedicures here and there. Anything that is chill, quiet, and relaxing fits the bill for me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I believe that every person should be gifted with ‘community,’ or people who believe as you believe and challenge you to be the very best version of yourself possible.

For years, I have had the pleasure of having guidance and support from both spiritual and organizational leaders that have influenced my decision-making and progression forward: Mr. Quentin Willis-Reese, Dr. Angela Cecilia Woods, Maria Jackson, and Chiniqeia Kenner. These leaders are all precious gifts that I greatly prize and without them, I couldn’t have as much work/life balance as I now have.

I am consistently corrected, praised, and reprimanded when needed! These powerhouse individuals are forces to be reckoned with and will not accept anything less than your best foot forward.

I credit them for my success and although their names are not yet global brands, just wait! Their business ventures and contributions to our society will stand out soon enough!

I am also grateful for my mother, Mary, and friends: Bryant, Jodon, Kelsey, and Antwan. I feel as though I have a very long list of supporters, but one cannot have too many good oars and anchors.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/bryanchrisreese/

Instagram: lionpride_reese

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

Twitter: bryanchrisreese

Youtube: bryanchrisreese

Note: I have a new podcast on Anchor, Spotify, and Apple Podcast.  I can be found by searching ‘Bryan Willis Reese.’

Image Credits
ShotsbyTev Inc.