"Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less." - John C. Maxwell

Coach Joi Williams was the guest speaker at the OD and Training Recognition Ceremony/Leadership breakfast on Friday morning. She addressed roughly 150 university employees who have demonstrated a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Williams, who is in her sixth year at the helm of the women's basketball team, talked about the five biggest lessons she has learned about being a leader. 

1. Do what you say you're going to do. Be responsible. She learned this from her parents around the time she was in high school working part-time at McDonald's. 

2. Don't be afraid to try new things and get out of your comfort zone. She learned this from L.A. Sparks head coach Carol Ross, whom Williams served as an assistant coach for during Ross' tenure at the University of Florida. 

3. You're the leader, be the example. She learned this as a point guard from her high school basketball coach at Bishop Kenny in Jacksonville.

4. Never settle for less when you are capable of being the best. She learned this from University of Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley.

5. Sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions. She has learned this personally as a head coach to do what is in the best interest of the team and the program. 

Practice is already underway for the Knights, who are less than a month away from their first game of the year. UCF has a home exhibition game Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. versus Lynn before its season opener against Georgia State a week later at 7 p.m. at UCF Arena.