Her Story
About Sheryl
Sheryl Williams Jones, J.D., is the Founder and Chief Strategist of Sterling Advisory LLC, where she advises organizations and leadership teams on employment law, compliance, labor and employee relations, workplace investigations, and performance management. With more than 30 years of professional experience, she helps organizations address complex workplace matters with discretion, clarity, and authority. Through her proprietary Commitment & Compliance approach, she works to help organizations establish effective compliance frameworks, conduct fair and defensible investigations, and make informed employment and disciplinary decisions.
Prior to founding Sterling Advisory, Williams Jones developed an extensive career within the federal government, including nearly 30 years as an Assistant General Counsel at multiple agencies. Her leadership experience included overseeing a regional civil rights division and leading a Labor and Employee Relations Division responsible for agency-wide labor and employee relations matters. She has also served in labor and employee relations consulting and leadership roles, handling sensitive workplace issues, grievances, arbitrations, collective bargaining agreements, and employee-management disputes. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University and her Juris Doctor from Georgetown Law.
Throughout her career, Williams Jones has remained committed to continuous learning, professional development, and helping organizations create well-managed and compliant workplaces. She attributes her success to hard work, determination, attention to detail, curiosity, and a commitment to making a difference. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes education, empowerment, honesty, positivity, resilience, and embracing challenges. She encourages young women entering the profession to use their voices, stand confidently behind their work, know their worth, and never allow intimidation to prevent them from recognizing and pursuing their potential.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sheryl
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, determination, being goal-driven, and maintaining strong attention to detail. I make it a priority to ask questions, continue learning, and make a meaningful difference each day. My commitment to growth and continuous education has been an important part of my professional success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is, “The more you know, the more you grow.” I believe in continuously educating, equipping, and empowering myself and others. The more knowledge and understanding we develop, the better prepared we are to navigate challenges and create meaningful results.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women to use their voices because their opinions matter. Stand tall and be proud of your work. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated by others, and know your worth. Believe in your abilities, remain confident in your contributions, and never be afraid to speak up.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Organizations continue to face complex challenges involving compliance, labor and employee relations, workplace investigations, and performance management. I see an important opportunity to help organizations navigate these issues with discretion, clarity, and authority while establishing fair, compliant, and defensible workplace practices.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are being open and honest with others, bringing positivity to my team, continuing my education, embracing challenges, and never giving up. I strive to approach my work and relationships with integrity, resilience, professionalism, and a commitment to continuous growth.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.