Inc. magazine has Venus Williams covered

Venus Williams, a semifinalist (so far) at the 2017 Australian Open, remains a woman of many interests. Her forays into fashion and interior design are well documented, and yet Inc. magazine's new cover feature on her treads into some new territory at times.

Early mistakes in her business decisions, from coming alongside a lackluster manufacturing partner to overhauling her first-ever collection before it appeared publicly, come to light in the mag's profile.

"I love to see things grow," she said in the feature. "I love ideas. I love putting things together. I would also like to be seen as a flexible leader, someone who can adapt and change and grow and help the people around her succeed, too."

That's certainly what we've seen in Williams as big sister to the arguable GOAT in tennis, Serena. Through it all, in her professional and personal challenges, Williams has learned the importance of asking questions—of herself and others. Tales of how her core team at EleVen by Venus, including talented chief operating officer Ilana Rosen, come into focus for the reader as well.

The world No. 17's story is about tennis, about business, about a personality and public figure. It's also a cautionary piece for those who think they might venture into entrepreneurship.

Williams' leadership mentality becomes apparent as one delves into the read.

"I like to make people happy," she tells Inc. "But I can never let that get in the way of telling the truth and having tough conversations when you have to. I like to make it a positive. I've never been a screamer. I'm like the reggae girl: 'Hey, mon. Got to do a little better, mon.'"

Stories of entrepreneurship from skier Bode Miller and entertainers Pharrell Williams and Sofia Vergara also populate the new issue of Inc. But as with the Australian Open in Melbourne right now, though, it's Williams who takes center stage.

Follow Jon on Twitter @jonscott9.