I CREATE CULTURE. I COMMAND SHIFTS. I EDUCATE. I DISRUPT.
From speaking, to brand campaign strategy, to NIL partnerships, World Wide Willard has his finger on the pulse of the culture.
WHAT BRANDS HAVE TRUSTED WORLDWIDE?
From campaign creation to NIL partnerships, the following brands have trusted World Wide Willard to execute their visions:
ABOUT WILLARD
Design 31 CEO and Chief Creative Officer Design 31, Willard R. Brown III is an award-winning entrepreneur, author, coach, podcaster, and thought leader based in Downtown Memphis.
A former educator with over a decade of teaching experience, he co-founded a pioneering college preparatory program for under-recruited basketball players while mentoring students through education, leadership, and community initiatives.
Known for blending culture, branding, and strategy, Brown has worked with major institutions, businesses, and athletes while becoming a respected voice in NIL, entrepreneurship, and sports marketing.Today, he focuses on developing innovative NIL programs, mentoring student-athletes, and helping brands and universities build impactful connections through creativity and culture.
Mentor/Life Coach
Shaped by a wide range of life experiences, Willard has become a powerful mentor, coach, and leader whose journey spans athletics, entrepreneurship, education, and personal adversity.
A former NCAA Division II basketball player and young parent who overcame challenges including hardship, rejection, and setbacks, he uses his story to inspire and guide others.
With 12 years of experience as a basketball coach and athletic director, along with mentoring student-athletes and young entrepreneurs, Willard has created impactful programs, camps, and opportunities that have helped countless young people grow, earn scholarships, and find direction.
NIL Thought Leader
An educator, NIL strategist, and co-founder of Faith Prep Post Graduate Academy, Willard helped every student-athlete earn basketball scholarships for six consecutive years.
Ahead of the NIL era, he created “The University of You,” a pioneering curriculum focused on college readiness, branding, and athlete empowerment that has influenced brands, universities, and athletic programs nationwide.
He has consulted with schools including Grambling State University, Oklahoma Christian University, and Ellesworth Community College, helping develop NIL strategies, athlete partnerships, and educational programming designed to empower student-athletes beyond sports.
Speaker/Podcaster
A passionate media personality and podcast producer, Willard R. Brown III co-produced the groundbreaking SWAC Smack podcast and has been featured on numerous business, sports, and culture platforms.
He has co-hosted radio and podcast programs focused on entrepreneurship, mentorship, fatherhood, and leadership while leading virtual business education series for emerging entrepreneurs.
His impact as a speaker and storyteller has earned him opportunities to present at events like the Memphis Grizzlies Mentor Summit, The Black Sports Business Symposium, New Orleans Entrprenuership Week (NOEW) and interview influential creatives and cultural leaders across sports, fashion, and business.
Brand Influencer
As CEO and Chief Creative Officer of Design 31, Willard R. Brown III has led award-winning branding and marketing campaigns for schools, universities, athletes, nonprofits, and national brands.
A Leadership Memphis alum and founding board member of the Memphis Chapter of the American Marketing Association, he is known for combining strategy, storytelling, and culture to create impactful campaigns and experiences.
Under his leadership, Design 31 earned multiple creative awards, while Brown was also recognized with the prestigious Communitas Award for his commitment to innovation, leadership, and community impact.
Visit Design 31: www.bedopedaily.co
Award Winning Author
A creative storyteller and published author, Willard R. Brown III released the award-winning children’s book Sonny Did in 2022, inspired by the journey of international basketball champion Sonny Weems.
The book encourages young people to overcome obstacles, believe in themselves, and pursue greatness, earning recognition with a Vega Digital Award for editorial and illustration.
Blending creativity, culture, and inspiration, Brown continues to use storytelling and literature to empower the next generation.
BOOK NOW
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Speaking Engagements/Consulting/Mentoring
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