Five Questions For — CDS Global's Jennifer (JR) Williams

We're speaking to colleagues about their businesses, roles and the best professional advice they've received. Meet Jennifer (JR) Williams, content marketing and communications lead at CDS Global. JR joins Hearst from ACP, where she similarly served in a communications role. Prior to that, she served for over 22 years in the Army.

Tell us about your role.

I'm the Content Marketing and Communications Lead at CDS Global, which helps organizations build authentic customer relationships through intelligent solutions. My role focuses on storytelling, internal and external communications and supporting brand strategy.

My favorite part of the job is connecting with my colleagues and helping tell stories that link their work to our broader mission. Every conversation reveals how much care and innovation drive our teams, and I love translating that into communications that unify and inspire.

Outside my day-to-day role, I also serve as the volunteer coordinator for Hearst Military Might. It's a meaningful way to stay connected to the military community and give back, especially after my time at ACP supporting career transitions for service members and military spouses.

What is your proudest career moment?

I'm especially proud of helping lead the rollout of CDS Global's new Mission, Vision and Values, which have become the foundation for how we tell our story and connect our people. Coordinating the launch, including our companywide town hall, was a meaningful opportunity to align teams across the organization and celebrate the culture that drives our work every day.

It's been inspiring to see how those guiding principles resonate with colleagues and show up in how we communicate, innovate and serve our clients. I also tapped into my 22 years of military experience, where a shared Mission, Vision and Values were equally essential to building strong, unified teams.

What is the best piece of advice you have for colleagues?

The best advice I've received is to stay humble and curious, not just about your work, but about the people and perspectives around you. Every role and organization has something to teach you if you listen. I'd also share the importance of saying yes to growth opportunities, even when they feel outside your comfort zone - maybe especially when they do. Some of the most rewarding chapters in my career started that way.

How are you advancing growth and innovation for your brands and division?

As one of CDS Global's AI Champions, I'm helping shape how we use emerging technologies responsibly and creatively across the organization, from exploring how AI can enhance operational insights to driving smarter, more human-centered storytelling.

Through strategic storytelling, I focus on amplifying our mission and showcasing the innovation happening across teams. By connecting people, data and ideas, communications becomes a powerful driver of growth and engagement within our division and across Hearst.

What is something most people don't know about your business?

Many people don't realize that CDS Global has more than 50 years of experience supporting some of the world's leading brands and nonprofits. Our technology and people make it easy for clients to deliver exceptional experiences. We're not just managing data; we're helping build lasting relationships that touch lives around the world.