Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Franklin.
Hi Austin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My name is Austin J. Franklin, and I am the CEO and co-founder of Good-Natured Life as well as the author of two nonfiction books- Wake, Rise, and Smile and The DifferenceMaker Leader. My entrepreneurial story began six and a half years ago at my alma mater, Hampden-Sydney College. During my junior year, I was enrolled in an entrepreneurial course where students were tasked with creating a business venture idea. The idea that I curated in the course was a company called “Good-Natured Life.” The word “good-natured” collectively means being kind, friendly, and patient.
What led me to this name is a reflection of a quality that I have innately possessed since childhood. I grew up in a good-natured home and by behaving in this manner, I reaped many benefits in my life. Understanding these benefits, I decided to frame the business around this concept and advance this message through retail products and inspirational messages to students, organizations, and corporations. After the completion of the course, I decided to transpose my venture idea to reality. In February of 2015, Good-Natured Life became an official business that I have been leading since its inception.
In May of 2016, I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a minor in Rhetoric from Hampden Sydney College. Later that year, I earned the prestigious HBX CORe, pre-MBA designation from Harvard Business School. In 2019, I received my Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College. These educational experiences well-developed my business acumen and insights. Also, I credit my professors, mentors, family, and faith for grooming me to be in the position I hold today. Additionally, my mother, Deidra Franklin, and my late father, Dr. Anthony Franklin, both gave me tremendous support and guidance along my journey. My parents helped develop my conceptual fortitude, internal belief system and demonstrated the power of perseverance through their example of strong parental leadership and successful entrepreneurism.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been an easy path. There have been many challenges that I have had to endure: challenges from dealing with a learning disability since childhood, the disappointment of a ten-year-old vision coming true and quickly slipping from my fingers, the loss of three close family members within the same year, and also leading Good-Natured Life during the pandemic.
When dealing with challenges, I often encourage youth, young professionals, and business leaders to find the advantage in the disadvantage. Personally, by adopting this mindset, coupled with my faith in God, it has allowed me to rise above many obstacles. For example, before Covid-19, Good-Natured Life was operating at a statewide level. However, because the Good-Natured Life Team found the advantage in the disadvantageous situation of the pandemic, we began marketing our services virtually throughout the country. In the past year and a half, Good-Natured Life has transitioned from a statewide to a national brand, where we now have clients representing 14 different states along the East Coast, Midwest, and West Coast. I am now convinced that challenges can serve as a springboard to one’s destiny- if handled with the correct perspective and dexterity.
We’ve been impressed with Good-Natured Life, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Good-Natured Life is an educational company that focuses on adult and youth development through inspirational workshops and keynotes. We specialize in leadership, rhetoric, and etiquette programs that are offered to schools, corporations, and nonprofit organizations. Additionally, we host an annual summer program called the “Good-Natured DifferenceMaker Program”. This is a distinguished summer program designed for ambitious high school and college students. Our unique selling proposition is the fact that our workshop facilitators are certified professionals with a combined work experience of over 75 years.
I am most proud of the positive impact that we consistently make among youth and adults. From our empirical data, many of the participants who have been exposed to our inspirational tours, workshops, keynotes, or programs have had transformative results. I am thankful for the Good-Natured Life Team and for the effectiveness of our services.
I would like the readers to know that Good-Natured Life is comprised of a team of professionals who strive to make a positive difference in each and every life. It does not matter if we are working with ten participants or 10,000 participants. Our effort, our energy, and our care remain the same.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@goodnaturedlife.com
- Website: https://www.goodnaturedlife.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodnaturedlife/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodnaturedlifeKFP
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Photo #1: Agnes Lopez Photography Photos #2 and #3: Leyan Cargi Visual Services
