Will Packer is a successful film producer, entrepreneur, and, most recently, a limited partner in the Atlanta Falcons ownership group. He is best known for his work in Hollywood, where he has produced a string of blockbuster hits, including Girls Trip, Ride Along, and Straight Outta Compton.
Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Packer’s journey to success was anything but traditional. Despite not having connections in Hollywood, the Florida A&M University alumni’s drive and ambition led him to create his own path in the film industry. His breakthrough came with the success of Stomp the Yard, which paved the way for more successful projects like Think Like A Man and Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.
Throughout his career, Packer has grossed over $1 billion at the box office, and his work has become synonymous with celebrating diverse and authentic stories. His projects resonate with our community with relatable jokes, storylines, and characters we all recognize.
Packer’s new book, Who Better Than You? The Art of Healthy Arrogance and Dreaming Big, is more than just a career memoir—it’s a toolkit for anyone looking to navigate their personal and professional journey.
In an exclusive conversation with The Quintessential Gentleman, Packer drops gems from his book that will resonate with filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and anyone pursuing their dreams.
Embracing the Grind: Work Ethic Over Public Recognition
In a world where social media thrives on instant gratification and constant updates, Packer has a different approach. He believes that real success is built in the quiet moments when no one is watching. In his book, Packer stresses the importance of staying in the “lab”—focused, driven, and not distracted by the noise around you.
“I talk about how you’ve got to put your head down and grind,” Packer explained during our interview. “Stay in the lab and don’t worry about all the distractions. We live in a world where everyone feels the need to tell everyone what they’re doing every step of the way.”
This mindset isn’t just for filmmakers or creatives—it’s a philosophy anyone working toward a goal can adopt. Packer’s mantra is: “It’s the work you put in when nobody is looking that makes everybody pay attention later.”
Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, building a business, or pursuing personal growth, staying focused on the process will ultimately lead to the success you desire.
Healthy Arrogance: Confidence Without Ego
One of the more profound lessons in Who Better Than You is the concept of “healthy arrogance.” In a business like Hollywood, where egos can run rampant, Packer has learned to navigate the fine line between self-belief and hubris. He believes that confidence is key to achieving great things, but it should never come at the expense of others.
“Healthy arrogance is the feeling that not only am I supposed to be in the room full of important, fancy, powerful people, but this room is better because I’m in it,” Packer shared. “It’s that supreme confidence in yourself and your own abilities, not putting anybody else down.”
Packer’s insight is a reminder to hold onto your belief in yourself, even in the face of setbacks.
“Too often, we give power to the dream killers. Don’t do that. Keep that for yourself. Protect your own destiny and your dream; your success is not dependent on anybody else telling you that it’s validated,” Packer shares.
Turning Rejection Into Opportunity
One of the most relatable themes in Packer’s story is the inevitable rejection that comes with pursuing big dreams. Whether it’s being turned down by investors, studios, or even stars like Beyoncé (who initially turned him down for the film Obsessed), Packer has faced his fair share of “no’s.” But rather than giving up, he’s learned to remix the plan and keep pushing forward.
“Every no is not a bad no. Every no, every disappointment, every rejection, every failure is not something that you should look at and say this was awful,” he shared. “This is the most awful thing in the world. It might feel like it in the moment. But remember, it’s not over till you say it’s over. Are there things that you can learn from that “no” or from that rejection to make your project, your endeavor, your plan, your strategy even better?”
This is an invaluable lesson for anyone pursuing an ambitious goal. Rejection is a part of the process, but how you respond to it can make all the difference. Packer’s journey teaches us that sometimes, a “no” can be the catalyst for an even better outcome.
Legacy Over Money: Building a Lasting Impact
As Packer’s career has evolved, so too has his definition of success. No longer focused on just hitting financial milestones or box office records, Packer now sees his success in terms of the legacy he leaves behind.
“success initially was just, can I get a meal? Can I feed myself? Then Stomp the Yard was my first number-one movie and success changed. Then it was like, oh, I want to have another number-one movie, right? And I got to a point in my career where now I’ve had 10 number-one movies,” he shared. “Now success is about my legacy. It’s about what impact that I can have, like with this book on other people’s success.”
This shift in perspective is a reminder that true success is about more than personal achievement. It’s about creating opportunities for others and having a positive, lasting effect on the world around you.
Packer also emphasizes the importance of defining success on your own terms.”So the most important thing is not even how I define success it is that I define it for myself. That’s the most important thing is that I’m defining it, not anybody else.”
Will Packer’s Who Better Than You is more than just a story of Hollywood success—it’s a blueprint for anyone looking to build their own path to greatness. Whether you’re facing rejection, striving for personal growth, or simply looking for motivation to keep moving forward, Packer’s insights will inspire you to take action, believe in yourself, and leave a legacy.
Who Better Than You hits bookstores on February 18th. Pre-order your copy now at WillPacker.com or Amazon.
Check out the full interview.
Credit: Cécile Boko
