World class motivational speaker Keith L. Brown has accomplished many great things in his career. Serving as a reasoning voice providing personal growth and empowerment for many of his clients. Brown’s hard work didn’t go unnoticed. His resilience, hard work, and persistence allowed him opportunities to empower and motivate thousands of college students annually and landed him numerous television , radio and celebrity events appearances. Brown’s work left a lasting impression on many and was named the top speaker and consultant in education by insight publishing and international speakers network. Sheen Magazine is so delighted to share Mr. Brown latest ventures, and journey in an exclusive interview below.
Congratulations on all your success and being named the top speaker and consultant in education by insight publishing and international speakers network. What sparked your interest in motivational speaking?
I have always been a motivational speaker. In fact, I was labeled “Special Ed” because I talked too much. In 8th grade in Jamaica, Queens, NY- I won a District Wide Speak-Out Contest. In High School, I recited speeches by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and in College, I was the SGA President for two terms at Savannah State University, an HBCU. So speaking has always been in my DNA( Divine Natural Assignment). In College, I would see speakers on television like Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, and others; however, when I saw and heard the story of Les Brown, who would later serve as my coach, mentor, and ultimately, colleague, I connected with the idea that I, too, could do this professionally. This Bold, Brilliant, Black man, who was mislabeled in school, like me, was a powerful spark on my journey towards becoming a professional motivational speaker. Watching Les Brown served as a catalyst for me to pursue my purpose of becoming a full-time speaker, which I’ve been for the past 22 years, and have become “Mr. I’m Possible” and “Uncle Keith” to all who hear my life-changing messages.
What keeps you motivated on a daily basis? Do you believe in affirmations like positive self talk ?
I have always been a motivational speaker. In fact, I was labeled “Special Ed” because I talked too much. In 8th grade in Jamaica, Queens, NY- I won a District Wide Speak-Out Contest. In High School, I recited speeches by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and in College, I was the SGA President for two terms at Savannah State University, an HBCU. So speaking has always been in my DNA( Divine Natural Assignment). In College, I would see speakers on television like Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar, and others; however, when I saw and heard the story of Les Brown, who would later serve as my coach, mentor, and ultimately, colleague, I connected with the idea that I, too, could do this professionally. This Bold, Brilliant, Black man, who was mislabeled in school, like me, was a powerful spark on my journey towards becoming a professional motivational speaker. Watching Les Brown served as a catalyst for me to pursue my purpose of becoming a full-time speaker, which I’ve been for the past 22 years, and have become “Mr. I’m Possible” and “Uncle Keith” to all who hear my life-changing messages. I’m motivated daily by my connection to and with people. I literally have the opportunity to affect or infect lives positively, and the latter is not an option. I was called to give people hope and take them from impossible to it’s possible to the life-changing “I’m Possible,” which is the pinnacle of self-awareness and implementation of your goals and dreams. I’m motivated by my God-given ability to Motivate, Elevate, Educate and Empower. I have eight affirmations that guide my life, and I taught them to millions in person, on television, radio, social media, and in print:
I Love Myself!
I Believe in Myself!
I’m Proud of Myself!
I’m a Genius!
I Can!
I Will!
I Must!
I Got this!
These eight affirmations enhance lives nationally and globally and are universally uplifting and enlightening.
What are at least three qualities you feel important to have when pursuing a career in the industry of motivational speaking?
You must have three qualities when pursuing a speaking industry career: enthusiasm, effective communication, and resilience. When you are an enthusiastic speaker who speaks with passion, people will not only listen but are more likely to connect with you and your message. Enthusiasm minimizes the widespread traditional belief that most speakers are boring. You must also be enthusiastic about networking with established, successful speakers who can coach and mentor you. Another quality is resilience. You must be resilient, as this industry is very competitive. You don’t just walk on the stage and speak. It takes years of preparation, coaching, and investing in yourself to be ready to be a world-class speaker. You’ll often have to speak for free before people actually invest in your speaking business. People think it’s easy doing what I do; however, they don’t know all the “no’s” I had to endure to get to a life where “Yes,” is now the expectation and norm. This industry requires you to work in multiple careers, as there is no set salary, and quite often, prospective clients are reluctant to pay top dollar for emerging speakers. So I advise my coaching clients to have multiple income streams when pursuing speaking full-time or at least one with benefits. Finally, professional speaking is not for you if you are easily defeated when things don’t go your way consistently. But if you’re determined and have a spirit of perseverance, you will soar in this industry IF you can produce positive results consistently.
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your acting career so far?
I’m most proud of the awards I’ve earned in terms of how they coincide with my purpose and work as a professional speaker. I was awarded the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Obama in 2016 due to my servant leadership over 30 years in the fields of Education, Government, Family Advocacy, and Volunteerism. Being named the Top Speaker In Education by Insight Publishing and International Speakers Network is a testimony to my impact on the lives of children, youth, families, educators, and youth advocates. I earned the Educational and Social Justice Award based on my advocacy In Education and Social Justice Issues. I was named a “Social Impact Hero,” by “Thrive Global,” for my “Fathers not Farther,” program that coaches and empowers dads of color primarily nationally and globally to Reflect, Protect, Respect, Connect( with) and not Neglect their children. So my awards were not monuments to sit on shelves in my home or hang on the walls in my office and home; they are reminders of the movements I’ve started and others I’ve served in, as I’ve lived my creed of “Have the Nerve to Serve,” with passion and purpose.
What can you see yourself in the next five years?
In the next five years, I see myself on television and in films inspiring the masses through my gifts of speaking and acting. I also see the exponential growth of my coaching program at the “I’m Possible Institute,” where I train individuals on expanding their impact, influence, and income via speaking, writing, and coaching. I also see myself continuing to empower fathers on an even grander scale and possibly even running for office in some capacity, as I’ve worked in politics for the past 20 years in multiple capacities as well.
What fans can look forward to ?
Fans can expect even more hyped versions of “Mr. I’m Possible” and “Uncle Keith.” I will stay relevant and LIT, always connecting with the people. Be on the lookout for an expansion of my gifts and more books coming soon.
Before we leave, where can our readers get in touch with you?
I’d love for your readers to connect with me via keithlbrown_ on Instagram and TikTok, keithlbrown1911 on Twitter and YouTube( please subscribe to my channel keithlbrown1911), and Facebook at keithlbrown/mriampossible. For Appearances and PR: adrienne@theipyagency.com. For speaking engagements: www.allamericanspeakers.com.
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