On Thursday, October 6, Ron Williams, a U.S. Paralympic medalist, spoke to University of Connecticut students in a presentation titled “Achievement without Limitations – Leadership and Inspiration.”  This event, sponsored by the Hartford Financial Services and the UConn School of Business Career Center (SBCC) was part of a speaker series called 30-20-10.   This speaker series features events that follow the same format: a 30-minute presentation on a contemporary business topic, a 20-minute sponsoring employer infosession, and a 10-minute Q&A session, which is followed up by networking opportunities with the employer representatives.

The animated and engaging presentation of Ron Williams charmed the students as he told stories about dealing with his disability.  Before losing his left leg, below the knee, at the age of 15, Williams was on the U.S. Jr. National Soccer team and had a dream of playing in the World Cup for the U.S.  This all changed when he went to the doctor’s to take a look at a sore left shin.  Williams was diagnosed with osteogenic sarcoma, a malignant tumor of the bone.  He beat the cancer, but with the cost of losing part of his leg.  After his recovery, Williams went on to set two world records in water skiing: the World Disabled Slalom and the World Disabled Jumping records.  He also went on to join the U.S. Paralympic Cycling team, and medaled twice: a bronze in the Men’s Individual Road Race and a silver in the Men’s Team Sprint.

Williams spoke to the audience about his experience with losing part of his leg.  A story that he told was one about how every time he went to a new hotel or place he would always struggle with finding a way in and out of the shower.  He would always check to see if there were any railings, or perhaps use the toilet, or the curtains, to help himself get in and out.   He always found a way.

It was with the help of Williams’ close-knit family and friends, he notes, that he could “Make a plan, and plan to make it.” This is his motto. He captivatingly spoke about how making a plan and sticking to it is important.  He told the audience, to never let anything get in their way.  Williams’ talk can be summed up into the three large points that he stressed: One, “Embrace change by seeing the long term possibilities;” two, “Make a plan, and plan to make it;” and three, “Never underestimate the power of teamwork.”

After Ron Williams spoke, Mark Gelinas, the Director of College Relations for The Hartford, came out and spoke to the audience about how The Hartford empowers their employees and they believe that there is “infinite potential to grow and improve.”  The Hartford also “continually develops employees by providing them with tools to maximize their potential.”  Hearing Gelinas speak about The Hartford and how they operate really encourages the audience to want to apply for a job with them.

The presentations by Ron Williams and The Hartford were not only informative, but it was also extremely insightful and entertaining. Open to all UConn students, the 30-20-10 series is the perfect opportunity to learn and network.

Photo: Ron Williams (center) with representatives of the Hartford and UConn School of Business