David C. Williams is a talented technologist, leader, and senior executive at AT&T whose journey from one of the poorest corners of Dallas, TX, to a leading figure in technology has been remarkable. Williams currently serves as the Assistant Vice President of Hyper-Automation at AT&T, where he has transformed the automation field. Heading the largest Robotics Process Automation program globally, Williams’ efforts have automated over 100 million contacts, resulting in over $1 billion in operating income with an impressive 4,000% ROI. His technical know-how and unique approaches have also delivered significant financial benefits.
Williams’ leadership and contributions have been widely recognized. For example, he was recently honored with the Distinguished Engineer of the Year Award at the Golden Torch Awards by the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). And he has won back-to-back STEVIE Awards, underscoring his excellence and recognition within the industry.
Pulse 2.0 interviewed Williams to learn more.
David C. Williams’ Background
Pulse 2.0 (Amit): Could you tell me more about your background?
AT&T (David): Absolutely. I grew up in economically challenged environments, where blue-collar jobs were often seen as the peak of success. However, my journey took a transformative turn when I realized that my past struggles could be leveraged as a unique competitive advantage. This realization led me to a career in technology and diversity, where I could blend my cultural richness with technological innovation. Today, as the Assistant Vice President of Hyper-Automation at AT&T, I lead one of the largest robotics program in the country. I’ve also had the honor of winning numerous accolades, including recently beging the recipient of the Distinguished Engineer of the Year 2023-2024 Golden Torch Awards by the National Society of Black Engineers. My story is a testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and diversity.
Pulse 2.0 (Amit): What are your primary responsibilities at AT&T?
AT&T (David): At AT&T, I serve as Assistant Vice President of Hyper-Automation. My primary responsibilities include leading the largest Robotics Process Automation (RPA) program globally, automating hundreds of millions of contacts and driving over a billion in operating income with over 4,000% ROI. I specialize in emerging technologies, driving significant business growth, and championing diversity across all verticals. In previous roles leading data center operations, social media & tech director, competitive intelligence, & chief of staff I’ve focused on creating exponential business value with clever technological applications.
Favorite Memory
Pulse 2.0 (Amit): What has been your favorite memory in your career so far?
AT&T (David): One of my favorite memories in my career was co-founding the Robot Dream Courts initiative in collaboration with MIT’s MITES program. This project combines basketball and STEM, featuring a four-level structure with miniature courts where students control robots to play basketball. It was incredibly rewarding to see students engage in learning through fun and competitive activities, fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and coding skills. The joy and excitement on their faces as they discovered the wonders of STEM were truly unforgettable.
Challenges Faced
Pulse 2.0 (Amit): Have there been any industry challenges in your line of work recently?
AT&T (David): The tech sector still faces significant challenges with underrepresentation of women and a lack of diversity. To overcome these challenges, I’ve been intentional about fostering inclusivity within my organization. Our greatest strength lies in our diverse team, which is half women and represents a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. Many of our team members may not have traditional tech backgrounds, but we prioritize culture over strategy, believing that diversity drives innovation. Our success is a testament to this approach, as evidenced by our multiple award-winning automation projects. Embracing the philosophy that “one & one is E11VN,” we harness the collective strength of our diverse team to achieve extraordinary results.
Biggest Milestones
Pulse 2.0 (Amit): What would you believe have been some of your biggest milestones?
AT&T (David): Some of my biggest milestones include receiving the Distinguished Engineer of the Year 2023-2024 Golden Torch Award by the National Society of Black Engineers. Leading the largest Robotics Process Automation (RPA) program globally at AT&T, which has saved billions and generated hundreds of millions in business success, stands out as a significant achievement. Writing the best-selling book “Business Model,” which delves into the concept of “combining our past experiences with our professional passion is our business model for success,” is another milestone that holds personal significance, as it encapsulates my journey from when my father committed suicide to winning the Legacy Award at BEYA.
Customer Success Stories
Pulse 2.0 (Amit): Can you share any specific customer success stories that you wanted to highlight?
AT&T (David): During the pandemic, the federal government mandated everyone shelter in place and Telecom had rules about protecting customer data. I was able to create a solution that enabled 40,000 people to work from home, securely. That’s about a million people a day getting connected to endure during COVID. I won the Legacy Award from Black Engineer of the Year conference from this effort.
Future Goals
Pulse 2.0 (Amit): What are some of your future goals?
AT&T (David): Emphatically Reinventing Customer Service! By collaborating with incredible partners, we’ve rediscovered the Art of the Possible. Enabling great business economics with competitive talent and flexible, intuitive work platforms is no simple task, but it’s one that will revolutionize the service industry. Together, we are paving the way for a better, more inclusive future, transforming customer service for everyone over the next few years.
Additional Thoughts
Pulse 2.0 (Amit): Any other topics you would like to discuss?
AT&T (David): I believe there is a common objective and it’s also the most important objective of every business professional. That is, the importance of legacy over entourage, a philosophy that has guided much of my professional journey. Building a legacy means focusing on creating lasting impact, sharing knowledge, and providing mentorship and opportunities to others. It’s about ensuring that our contributions extend beyond personal achievements and leave a meaningful imprint on future generations. Embracing this concept has been crucial in my career, and I believe it’s a vital principle for all seeking to make a significant and enduring difference in our respective fields or broader society.
