Surrendering The Old Life To Receive The New One with Dr. William Syms | S06 E03
Dr. William Syms’ story is rooted in community, movement, and responsibility. Raised in Altadena by parents who modeled service and openness, his early life was shaped by unconventional education and deep cultural exposure. From homeschooling and early community college to Clark Atlanta University and eventually USC, his path was never about speed, but preparation.
In this episode, Dr. Syms reflects on the mentors, systems, and hard truths that shaped his leadership. He shares how his years in politics, organizing, and education taught him that excellence must be the floor, not the goal. We talk about agency, accountability, and the responsibility of truly seeing people, especially young Black men, and refusing to underestimate their capacity. His work in higher education is grounded in one belief: that access, dignity, and clear expectations can change lives.
The conversation turns deeply personal as he recounts losing his family home in the Eaton and Palisades Fire. What began as a normal workday ended with devastation, displacement, and the realization that there was no version of life to return to, only a new one to build. Dr. Syms shares how loss reshaped his understanding of faith, legacy, and leadership, and why rebuilding Altadena is not just about homes, but about restoring community.
Connect with Dr. William Syms
LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/drsyms/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsyms/
Connect with Curtis:
Website: https://www.uncoveredlegacy.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uncovered_legacy_podcast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curtis.burke.1088
More About Uncovered Legacy Podcast:
The Uncovered Legacy Podcast is where storytelling is not just left at the kitchen table. Many of us walk through life leaving a silent legacy, but we’re here to change that by keeping those stories alive. Each tale will allow us to learn, discover, listen, and remember.
Join your host, Curtis Burke, for a trip around the world, through the smallest towns, biggest cities, oldest communities, and overlooked cultures. Because no matter where you're from, your part of history deserves to be heard.
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