What does it take to go from the mailroom to the C-suite? And how does someone stay grounded in empathy while holding one of the highest positions in a global firm?
In this episode of Leadership with Heart, William McKinley Washington II, Global CFO at Baker McKenzie, shares a journey that challenges assumptions about leadership, success, and what it means to rise.
His story begins far from corner offices and executive meetings. William is open about being a high school and college dropout, a young father navigating food stamps and homelessness, and someone who never expected to one day lead a global finance team across 46 countries.
This conversation is not about titles. It is about growth, ownership, and leadership that begins with a human connection. William speaks candidly about the moment he was told he was not ready for the role he wanted and how he turned that into a turning point. Rather than push back, he leaned in, brought in a coach, embraced the harsh feedback, and reshaped his leadership. The result was not just a promotion. It was a transformation.
What stands out most is his commitment to authenticity. When he stepped into the CFO role, his priority was not strategy or performance metrics. It was a connection. At one of his earliest team meetings, a colleague shared a powerful personal story that brought the room to tears. That openness has become the foundation of how he leads.
This episode will offer insight and inspiration if you are in the early stages of your career or facing a leadership crossroads. William’s path is a reminder that doors may open unexpectedly, but what matters most is the courage to walk through them and bring others with you.
How do you lead when no one is watching? And what would it take for you to show up more fully, not just as a professional, but as a person? Let me know what resonates with you.
William M. Washington, III is the Global Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Baker McKenzie. As CFO, he is responsible for the firm’s financial operations, which totals more than over $3 billion in revenue across 76 offices in 45 countries. In his role, he is responsible for over 1,400 people and serves on the Executive Committee, Financial Committee and many other strategic committees related to the Firm’s operations. William has also served as the CFO – Americas for Hogan Lovells where he worked closely with firm leadership to formulate a vision for the future of the firm and provide an understanding of the firm’s financial picture to help drive profitability.
Before joining Hogan Lovells, William worked at two other AmLaw 100 law firms and has served in leadership positions in other diverse industries including Consulting (Accenture) and Financial Services (Fannie Mae). He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Mississippi State University, an MBA from the University of Maryland University College and a Master’s in Law Firm Management from George Washington University. In addition to being a Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence he has a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. William is married to Tracy Washington, retired – International Finance Corporation (World Bank) and Adjunct Professor – Georgetown University. They have four wonderful children and reside in Bethesda, MD.
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About Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP
Heather R Younger, J.D., CSP is a highly sought-after speaker, 2x-TEDx speaker, diversity, equity and inclusion strategist, and contributor to leading news outlets. She is also the Founder and CEO of Employee Fanatix, a leading employee engagement and consulting firm. After over 25,000 employee engagement surveys and years of working with organizations to transform employee engagement, here’s what Heather has seen over and over: When you know how to listen, employees will tell you exactly what they need to bring their full selves to work. Book Heather to speak at your event or organization.
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