I don’t know about you, but after the year we all have had, I could use a little encouragement and motivation. Well, guess what, I got you covered! Keith Brown, or “Mr. I’m Possible (ok, if that nickname doesn’t motivate you I’m not sure what else will!), is a world-class speaker. He empowers hundreds of thousands (yes, you read that correctly) of people each year. If that’s not enough, he’s also a Presidential Lifetime Achievement award winner. He created the “I’m Possible” institute where he coaches and trains speakers, authors, entrepreneurs, and the like.
He’s got 18 years in the game, so you can be sure he’s legit. Oh, but wait, there’s more! Mr. Brown is also the author of Talk i$ Expensive, ‘CHITLINS’ (Creative Helpful, Intuitive, Thoughts, Lifting Individuals, Naturally Seeking), co-author of ‘Conversations on Success’ with Jack Canfield (Co-Founder, Chicken Soup for the Soul), John Christensen (Fish Tales), and fourteen of the most phenomenal individuals on the planet. He is also a co-author of the ever-evolving ‘303 Solutions Series,’ which includes three books on Effective Communication and Getting Results, Boosting Creativity, and Solving Challenges and Goal Setting, not Goal Sitting!!! His newest literary masterpiece, ‘not impossible- ‘I’M POSSIBLE’- A leadership guide for youth and young adults, is presently winning rave reviews nationally.
Mr. Brown gave us an exclusive into how he got started. How he connects to his audience his acronym “CHITLINS”, and what he’s got planned for the future.
What made you want to become a motivational speaker?
I didn’t choose this path. It chose me. Early on in life, during my years in “Special-Ed,” I was always talkative. People would say, “Keith you talk too much.” Now I get paid to talk. I’ve always engaged the masses on all levels of my existence, whether on the debate team in High School or Speech Club in High School, as the SGA President in College, as an Educator early on in my career, or when I answered the call in 2000 and “stepped out on Faith,” to pursue my ultimate purpose, which had been pursuing me for years- Professional Speaking. So I can honestly say being a Professional/Motivational Speaker is not just something I wanted. It has always been in my DNA, which is my Divine Natural Assignment.
What are some ways in which you connect to your audience? How do you get them engaged?
I’m a huge fan of music. I use music in my opening to get my audiences up, engaged, and pumped. I have realized over two decades in this industry, people assume the speaker is going to be boring; therefore, I change their mindset immediately by bringing unmatched energy to the stage- and music is the catalyst to capture their attention. So whether I’m speaking to thousands of children and youth in a gym, auditorium or young adults on a College campus, they’re up and pumped, or in a Corporate or Government setting, they’re up and hyped or a conference filled with Educators or other professionals- they’re up moving and engaged.
I also use a lot of “Call and Response,” to engage my audiences. Most recently, I’ve taken those same innovative methods to the virtual platform as well. So now I have the masses up in front of their computers engaged, dancing, and fired up, even on mute!!!
‘CHITLINS’ is a popular dish in the African American community? What made you turn it into an acronym for success?
CHITLINS (Creative Helpful Intuitive Thoughts Lifting Individuals Naturally Seeking) was my very first published book. I knew the title would resonate heavily in the African American Community. Like CHITLINS, my book had plenty of ingredients for people to grow from. The book was a guide on self-discovery and family; how family plays a critical role in our success or lack thereof. It also focuses on Faith, Purpose, and much more, just like CHITLINS- so much to digest. And while the scent isn’t pleasant- people love the taste. The book covers some themes that challenge certain traditions in the African American Community. Once read, my readers will appreciate the overall taste of the content.
What adversity have you faced as a motivational speaker? How did you overcome it?
I’ve always had to face the reality of being perceived as less credible than my counterparts of other races in the industry. Which is a part of the “hidden curriculum,” which refers to unwritten, unofficial, and unspoken biases African Americans face daily. The sad part is I’ve experienced this within the African American Community as well. There’s always been a sense in some instances, I didn’t deserve my professional fee or a certain level of respect or people wanted a “hook up,” instead of seeing the same value in me as they saw in my counterparts of other races.
I’m not just talking about having a smaller budget. I’m talking about perception. I sincerely believe as African Americans, we have to begin to increase the value we see in each other on a personal and professional level. This is one of the reasons I refer to myself as a “Professional Speaker,” rather than just a Motivational Speaker. I face discrimination with clients of other ethnic backgrounds as well, even when it’s not as evident. I hear, “You’re such a good speaker,” with a hint of surprise attached. I’m like, “What did you expect?”
It all comes down to me knowing my worth and value, and I’ll tell anyone who is operating in excellence- know your worth and value and act accordingly. While the hidden curriculum is an obstacle, it has never stopped me from excelling or maximizing my gift of inspiring and empowering Nationally and Globally. If it’s one thing I have consistently done- I’ve always gone hard for my clients and given more than what the contract stated and I’ll continue to do so.
What are some exciting things you have planned for the future?
I’m extremely excited about expanding my coaching and training program for emerging and veteran speakers and entrepreneurs, as well as expanding my purpose to include more work in multi-media. My work in the political realm is also increasing in my role as a Director of External Affairs in the Georgia Senate and I definitely see myself expanding my, “Fathers not farther” program to enhance the positive relationships men have with their children, especially young fathers of color who deserve more mentorship. Finally, I’m looking forward to expanding my Inspiration on Virtual platforms. I’m amped up and ready to expand my impact and influence universally, especially with children, youth and families. I’m committed to taking the masses from “impossible to I’m Possible,” in every area of their lives.
Candace Green is a Birmingham, Alabama transplant by way of Washington DC. She enjoys reading, writing, cooking and eating amazing food, and Marvel movies. She is an author and blogger. You can follow her on IG: c_dog93
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