Venus Williams on Winning in Sports and Life

Venus Williams has certainly made her mark in tennis, with three Olympic gold medals and 21 Grand Slam titles.

She's also created an interior design company and a line of athletic clothing.

Now, in her new book, "Come to Win," 50 successful people explain how they shaped their lives by playing sports.

For Williams, playing sports, specifically tennis, helped her transform into a successful businesswoman.

"The lessons you learn in sports, the setting goals, staying positive, fighting through, ups and downs throughout the game, facing failure, learning how to succeed -- all those lessons that I've learned on the court, I have applied them to my life outside of the court in business, my company, called V Starr interiors, an interior design company, and EleVen, which I wear on court," she told Early Show co-anchor Julie Chen.

In the book, former President Bill Clinton talks about how playing rugby and golf helped him become President of the United States.

Amazed by his journey, Williams was extremely flattered that Mr. Clinton mentioned her in his story in her book and recalls writing "wow" in her notes while compiling material for the book.

Mr. Clinton, who was influenced by his parents, said his main goal and message was "never quit."

"He goes through his rugby experience, how he played through a concussion and found a way through and it really got him through his experiences at the White House 37," Williams explained.

As a designer herself, Williams wanted to include iconic fashion designer Vera Wang.

It turns out that Wang actually started out as a figure skater at almost at the Olympic level. Through the sport, she gained her competitive edge and learned strict discipline and drive, by waking up at 3:00 a.m. to train.

Later in life, Wang transferred that drive into designing, and "credits her experience in sports to being where she is today," Williams pointed out.

When Williams sets out to design a piece, she says her approach is, " 'Just starting at the beginning; what do I want to accomplish? What are my goals in what do I want this dress to say?' All my dresses are pretty unique out on the court."

Some even call Williams designs "provocative." Does she see that as accurate?

"My dresses are designed to win, so going through it, I think about, what do I want to represent? So, definitely, Vera Wang has been an inspiration for me," she said.

Williams' book also includes a touching story about former Defense Secretary William Cohen, who played basketball in Maine and had a close relationship with his supportive father.

Magic Johnson, who inspired Williams since she was a little girl, is also featured in the book. Not only is he talented in sports, but he became a successful businessman, as well.

Williams will be taking her life lessons to the court soon -- the U.S. Open is coming up September and will air on CBS.

There, she will play against her sister and best friend, Serena, who is currently on the cover of "Sports Illustrated."

"She's my opponent and my doubles partner, so, literally, we could play a grand slam final in singles and then two hours later play a grand slam final with each other in doubles. So, we definitely go from being rivals to being doubles partners and teaming up," she said. "And it's all about what we do. Growing up, we dreamed to do what we're doing now. Just to be able to do it time and time again is amazing."

Click here to read an excerpt from "Come to Win."