Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeffrey Whittingham.
Hi Jeffrey, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a former Temple University football standout with a burning passion to help others succeed. Being born and raised in Atlantic City, New Jersey, socio-economic hardships and environmental woes made it difficult to remain optimistic about a brighter future. I did not allow those difficulties to deter me from accomplishing my goals. In 2014, I became the first person from my immediate family to graduate from college. Since then, I have been relentlessly pursuing my goals, while at the same time, setting a positive example for the young men and women in my community. The combination of my past experiences, present skills, leadership qualities and intellect, make me uniquely qualified to help mold the youth of our community to grow to their full potential.
Growing up, it was difficult for me to see past my immediate circumstances. Fortunately, football provided me with the optimism I needed to see beyond my present circumstances and elevate to the next level. My motivation to excel in football stemmed from my desire to prove to others in my community that it is possible to excel, despite growing up in an economically depressed area with little to no positive role models. Today, my mission is to motivate the youth of my community to excel, despite any adversity and/or obstacle in their way. I want to be the light and optimism for someone who may not have the means to find it on their own.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Of course not, if life was a smooth road we’ll all be successful. It’s been very hard but nothing worth having in life comes easy. My passion and ability to be easily motivated allows me to continue pushing. I had a tragic accident in 2019, I almost lost my life. Two weeks later I’m doing my 5th Christmas drive themed “25 days of random acts of kindness.” I speak greatness on myself daily because I know the world will see it sooner than later. I even have an album called my failures don’t define me. It’s emails from jobs who said I wasn’t qualified enough. If you learn to be driven, you’re destined to be chauffeured.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently a Dean of culture at a school here in Philadelphia. I love my work because I get to change lives on a daily basis. I am a mentor, a role model and I can relate to the kids. I let them see my story to give them motivation. I want them to succeed and live happily. We’re living in a hard time right now, especially in Philly. Black boys are dying at an alarming rate. This is my calling. I have the ability to not just leave my mark on kids but adults as well.
I do motivational speaking and host big community events.
I am also a big and tall model. That’s what sets me apart from others. I go out and try new things taking the risk. I look fear in the eyes and say not today. I am a man of value.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Being able to speak life into the things that I wanna do and do it. Being with my family they are my everything. Uplifting others. Training in Jiu-Jitsu, all of the above make me happy because I enjoy the simple things in life. I am extremely grateful. I adore Amber, Jayce and Blaze. Being a soon-to-be husband and a great dad is an amazing feeling.
Pricing:
- Motivational Speaking – 200 HR
- Modeling Rate – 100 HR
- GLS Mentoring is a Monthly plan
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.growthlovesuccess.com/
- Instagram: _Jeffstruth also growth.love.success
Image Credits
Durrell Hospedale Luke Bernardi Ryan Powell
