"Stop asking people for permission to be successful." Powerful, right? In a society where the pressures of feeling accomplished or being seen revolve around the approval of others—from the likes we get on social media to whether our best friend approves our Friday night fit—it’s a lesson we all need to hear.
At the second annual HBCU Honors, an event that celebrates HBCU innovators who shatter stereotypes and pave the way for future generations, W4TC had the pleasure of speaking with "Mr. Billion in the Box Office," Emmy-nominated Executive Producer, and now Author, Will Packer. Packer, known for producing some of our favorite films like Girls Trip, Think Like a Man, and the all-time classic Stomp the Yard, shared valuable insights about pursuing personal success.
"I believe you have to step outside your comfort zone," Packer said. "If you are not doing something that is pushing you beyond what you know you can do, you're not really realizing the higher levels of success." He noted that while he has achieved success in many areas of his life, he wanted to show his family—especially his children—that the grind never ends. "I wanted my family to see me do something very hard because that's how we get stronger," Packer shared. To that end, he recently trained for and ran a marathon in honor of his 50th birthday, demonstrating his own advice in action—not just as a positive influence for his family, but for his community.
If you know anything about Will Packer, you know that he advocates for relationships and finding love. But he’s also a strong proponent of self-love, a theme reflected in some of his reality shows like Ready to Love and Queens Court. His new show, Eat, Slay, Love, airing on Peacock, continues this advocacy. Starring singer Nivea, model and actress Eva Pigford, reality TV star and singer Tammy Rivera, and comedian London Hughes, the series follows a beautifully blended friend group on a journey to step out of their comfort zones, explore new friendships, and embark on a spiritual journey—all while slaying looks, discovering new foods (like Morning Glory Greens), and developing a deeper love for themselves and those around them.
The series, though only three episodes long, takes viewers on an unforgettable journey. While on the HBCU Honors blue carpet, Packer spoke on his inspiration for the show. "It was really wrapped around Nivea because she was at a moment in her life where she wanted to take a trip with some of the people closest to her," Packer said. He continued, "I think there’s a lot of sistas out there that want to have that moment—that need to have that moment." Packer emphasized how stepping outside your comfort zone allows you to be free in the moment, saying, "Sometimes you need to escape the stress, the life, the states, the world that you know, and do it with folks that you know and love."
With the show receiving so much positive feedback, W4TC couldn’t resist asking Packer if another season is in the works. With a smirk, the Girls Trip producer teased, "I think we will do multiple seasons." He even asked for our suggestions for the cast of a possible second season. Thinking quickly, we pitched an Atlanta-themed cast featuring Kandi Burruss, Kenya Moore, and Yandy Smith. Who would you like to see on a future season of Eat, Slay, Love?
In addition to his reality shows, Packer is expanding his résumé by adding “Author” to the mix with his new book, Who Better Than You? set for release in February 2025. The book offers a journey through Packer’s three decades in Hollywood, encouraging readers to embrace their potential. "I’m forcing the question: Who better than you to achieve your dreams?" Packer explained. "We always feel like someone has to validate our dreams, but once you start to think not only that I could be successful, but I deserve to be successful, it changes everything."
Packed with relatable stories and practical advice, Who Better Than You? is filled with gems to help readers develop the right steps toward achieving success—not only for themselves but for their families. The book is available for presale now.
Will Packer will be honored at the HBCU Honors Awards Show for his transformative impact on the entertainment industry, where he has reshaped the narrative for Black talent and stories. Tune in to celebrate Black excellence on Sunday, December 1 at 8 p.m. ET on BET. Join the conversation on social media:
Facebook: HBCU Honors
Instagram: @hbcu_honors
X (formerly Twitter): @HBCU_Honors.
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