We recently had the chance to connect with Greear Webb and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Greear, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
One thing outside of work that has brought me joy lately is rediscovering my love for tennis. I’ve played tennis for as long as I can remember, including for my high school varsity team, but due to the demands of the first two years of law school, I hadn’t been able to play much. Now, I play tennis (or pickleball) weekly and am always looking for opportunities to play more. Rediscovering my love for tennis these past few months has been a great way to exercise while making new friends.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Greear Webb, and I’m a People Person.
Born and raised in Raleigh, I currently live in Atlanta where I am a Woodruff Fellow at Emory University School of Law. In 2023, I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with degrees in Political Science and African, African American, and Diaspora Studies. While in college, I was honored to be named an Emerging Black Leader by the Office of the Vice President of the United States. I am the oldest of three children, and give great credit to my parents and family as a whole for where I am today.
During my first summer of law school, I interned at the Federal Defender Program in Atlanta, and this past summer I worked at Atlanta-based law firm Parks, Chesin & Walbert. I am currently an extern at the Office of the DeKalb County Public Defender. Additionally, I serve as Senior Advisor to SIDEKICKS Academy, Inc.—a fast-growing non-profit serving public-school students in Durham.
If I’m not in school, in court, or at church, you can find me on the nearest tennis court working on my drop shot. I love to learn, cherish collaboration, and am committed to advancing justice.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was younger, I believed that youth had little power and little impact on the ways of the world. However, growing up in Raleigh and becoming active in various social justice efforts, I quickly learned that when young people unite, there is little that can stop them. Youth are not only good at protesting and/or creating social media trends, but have innovative ideas about public policy, working more efficiently, and caring for communities. 1 Corinthians 13:11 says, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child; I understood as a child; I thought as a child. But when I became older, I put away childish things.” Now that I’m a young adult, I’m committed to championing the ideas of the youth around me—because I know those ideas can change the world.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I would say: “I’m proud of you for pursuing your passions.” I would say that because I often find that people neglect their passions in pursuit of what they think is their purpose, failing to realize that passions propel us toward purpose. I’m grateful that from a young age, my parents, and even my grandparents, encouraged me to participate in a variety of activities that made me feel happy, healthy, and safe.
Whether it’s in church, the classroom, or on a sports court, I’ve always enjoyed listening to others, crafting arguments, and telling stories in a way that challenges people’s thinking. Now, in less than a year, I’m set to graduate from law school and enter a profession that, at its core, is about advocating for others and advancing justice. I am grateful for my childhood experiences and would encourage readers to be as kind as possible to the current versions of themselves, as well as to the people around them.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
While many “smart” people are coming around to the idea that rest is important and, all-the-more, necessary, too many people remain committed to hustle culture, not realizing they are getting hustled in the process. I have to admit, when I first heard the idea of “working from a place of rest” from Pastor Lisa Yebuah, I stopped in my tracks. I hadn’t considered such an idea before, as I grew up during the rise of social media and the seeming need to always appear to be doing something. However, as I continue to learn and grow as a young adult, I am acutely aware of the fact that failing to rest our minds, bodies, and spirits only leads to a failure to authentically show up for both ourselves and others. As some of society’s most critical members continue to be overworked and underpaid, remember that rest is radical, and may just be more valuable than what you produce.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people will remember me as someone who loved serving and seeking justice for others. I often say that people motivate me—listening to their stories, fighting for them, and learning about both their triumphs and tribulations. Engaging with and encouraging those around me reminds me that communities are strongest when all are empowered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sidekicksacademy.org
- Instagram: @greearwebb
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greearwebb/
