Amber Grimes sits down with Abbott Elementary star William Stanford Davis, who traces his journey from a childhood vision of seeing himself on TV [00:00] and the myth of overnight success [00:56] to finding inspiration in Black entertainers like Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. [02:14]. He recalls DJing [04:59], playing in bands [07:07], Upward Bound [08:26], radio success [10:06], and facing racism and setbacks in Texas [11:18] before moving to Los Angeles [13:47]. Comedy classes led to his first commercial [14:34], followed by acting training and early roles [17:05] as he learned to define success through the craft itself [21:05], guided by faith, gratitude, and his grandmother’s mantra: “we don’t quit” [24:43].

Davis reflects on seeing his childhood vision become reality [28:11], the sacrifices behind it [29:35], his grandmother’s influence [31:22], and the mentors who helped shape him [32:12]. He breaks down auditioning during COVID [34:32], the Abbott Elementary broom dance that helped him stand out [36:37], becoming a series regular [39:36], and experiencing global recognition [41:05] alongside Quinta Brunson and the cast [42:47]. Davis closes with lessons on practicing your craft daily [47:18], recognizing young talent [49:12], encouraging dreamers to experience life and never quit [50:42], and remaining grateful for the journey [53:53]. 

Ask or Share with Amber:withambergrimes@gmail.com

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@ambergrimes

Follow William Stanford Davis

@thewilliamstanforddavis

Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack

Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET 

Follow Amber's Book Club 

Get Amber's Book Club Merch 

Read Amber's Favorite Books

Amber Grimes sits down with Abbott Elementary star William Stanford Davis, who traces his journey from a childhood vision of seeing himself on TV [00:00] and the myth of overnight success [00:56] to finding inspiration in Black entertainers like Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis Jr. [02:14]. He recalls DJing [04:59], playing in bands [07:07], Upward Bound [08:26], radio success [10:06], and facing racism and setbacks in Texas [11:18] before moving to Los Angeles [13:47]. Comedy classes led to his first commercial [14:34], followed by acting training and early roles [17:05] as he learned to define success through the craft itself [21:05], guided by faith, gratitude, and his grandmother&rsquo;s mantra: &ldquo;we don&rsquo;t quit&rdquo; [24:43].
Davis reflects on seeing his childhood vision become reality [28:11], the sacrifices behind it [29:35], his grandmother&rsquo;s influence [31:22], and the mentors who helped shape him [32:12]. He breaks down auditioning during COVID [34:32], the Abbott Elementary broom dance that helped him stand out [36:37], becoming a series regular [39:36], and experiencing global recognition [41:05] alongside Quinta Brunson and the cast [42:47]. Davis closes with lessons on practicing your craft daily [47:18], recognizing young talent [49:12], encouraging dreamers to experience life and never quit [50:42], and remaining grateful for the journey [53:53].&nbsp;
Ask or Share with Amber: <a href="mailto:withambergrimes@gmail.com" data-ogsc="">withambergrimes@gmail.com</a>
Follow Amber Grimes on Instagram:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambergrimes">@ambergrimes</a>
Follow William Stanford Davis
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thewilliamstanforddavis">@thewilliamstanforddavis</a>
<a href="https://substack.com/@withambergrimes">Get Amber's Newsletter on Substack</a>
<a href="https://youtube.com/@iykbetter?si=WMEDSWNJOsxlRkD0">Watch This Episode on Youtube Thursday at 6pm ET&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/ambersbookclub/">Follow Amber's Book Club </a>
<a href="https://ambersbookclub.com/collections/hats">Get Amber's Book Club Merch&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://a.co/d/01GreLFP">Read Amber's Favorite Books</a>

You can’t rewrite the past — but you can learn from it. Amber Grimes did exactly that, going from college dropout to Executive Vice President in the entertainment industry with no map, just mistakes and lessons that turned into power moves.

 

If You Knew Better is where Amber shares that wisdom — alongside artists, creatives, and culture-shifters who open up about the missteps they made, the mindsets that changed everything, and the game they wish they knew sooner.

 

Together, they unpack the highs, the lows, and the pivots in life, career, and relationships — so you either don’t have to go through it, or can move smarter when you do.

 

Every episode delivers real talk, hard-won insight, and practical gems to help you grow into the version of yourself that knows better… and does better.

You can&rsquo;t rewrite the past &mdash; but you can learn from it. Amber Grimes did exactly that, going from college dropout to Executive Vice President in the entertainment industry with no map, just mistakes and lessons that turned into power moves.
&nbsp;
If You Knew Better is where Amber shares that wisdom &mdash; alongside artists, creatives, and culture-shifters who open up about the missteps they made, the mindsets that changed everything, and the game they wish they knew sooner.
&nbsp;
Together, they unpack the highs, the lows, and the pivots in life, career, and relationships &mdash; so you either don&rsquo;t have to go through it, or can move smarter when you do.
&nbsp;
Every episode delivers real talk, hard-won insight, and practical gems to help you grow into the version of yourself that knows better&hellip; and does better.

If You Knew Better with Amber Grimes

Abbott Elementary’s William Stanford Davis Knows You Only Fail If You Quit. 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/aef64a12-3829-4177-bf25-b4d400c30aec/transcript