Indomitable Strength: The Legacy of Willie Austin

When I say that “true power needs not prove itself or abuse another,” I am speaking about lessons learned in the company and at the gym of Willie Austin , athlete, philanthropist and inspirational leader.

 

Willie was co-owner and lead trainer at the Gateway Club when we met in 1995 . The company I worked with, Worldwise Investments, rented an office space in the building.

 

The first time I met Willie he was swamped by people all seeking an answer from him on a multitude of things: the time he was next available for a Youth in Fitness Foundation meeting, what size weights to rack up, or just looking for a bit of guidance, encouragement or unconditional love. He was a consistent and generous soul.

 

When I was introduced to Willie he stopped, gave me his undivided attention, and sat me down in his office. He then respectfully asked if he could shut the door to talk. Once closed he began to tell me about myself in ways only a gifted wise man, sage or spiritual healer could access. He was all that and more. In that 10 minutes he spoke of my work in the world and confirmed for me that I was doing what was for the greatest good of all concerned. My doubt evaporated. It was a huge gift.

 

The lessons and gifts kept coming . My favorite occurred during my training sessions with Willie and working out in the gym. As I did my cardio and weight circuit,I realized that there was something quite different about the power lifters at the Gateway. Unlike past gyms experiences where my lack of muscle mass translated into “she’s not one of us”, everyone welcomed and treated me with respect, despite my inability to press heavy numbers. I think we’ve all witnessed while working out some people become intense and aggressive, as they release stress and get those hormones flowing. This sometimes spills over into how they treat those working out around them. My ah-ha moment came when I was finishing a circuit and had to remove two 50 lb weights from the machine. At past gyms I was on my own to figure out how to use that machine since handling 50 lb weight was beyond my strength. At Willie’s gym you replaced your weights and wiped down the machine instead of grunting at the nice lady and feeling superior.

 

While struggling with the weights three of Willie’s power lifters came to my rescue and apologized for their comrade who may have already been in the locker room.The three gents each had necks the size of my waist yet were the gentlest, kindest,and most respectful of those who did not possess their type of hard-earned strength. They were taught by Willie through example to respect all types of strength including physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. This inclusion and lack of ego-driven machismo at the gym inspired me to continue training and work out with the lifters. While hanging with Willie, I began to fully understand that when you know you are powerful, you never need to prove or boast about it. If you know it, then embody it. That says everything. The rest are just posers.

Sadly, we lost Willie in 2013, but his amazing impact is still reverberating in the lives of those he touched, today. His dear wife Vanisha and daughter Willow continue his inspirational work via meditation circles to ensure his spiritual legacy (journeyingtome.com) and an eponymous foundation continues his dedication fitness accessibility. Willie was a wise man and former UW football champ who chose to help urban kids instead of raking in the glory. His greatest legacy was making sure each person who stood before him was treated as if they were the most important person in the world, no matter the age, size,color, background or level of education and experience. He was a great friend and wonderful mentor.

 

Thank you, Willie.

Your example allows us all to move forward with confidence and indomitable strength.

 


More on experiences and lessons I learned from my heroes in future blogs