Today we’d like to introduce you to Jevon Wooden.
Hi Jevon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a business and mindset coach and veteran of the US Army and the tech industry. I specialize in empowering motivated people to build the life of their dreams, professionally and personally. After navigating my fair share of adversity and emerging from it stronger, wiser, and committed to uplifting others, I felt called to this line of work.
I grew up in poverty in Rochester, NY. My childhood and youth were marked by struggle, pushing me off the beaten path, and forcing me to find a new way forward for myself.
Along the way, I took a few wrong turns. I was arrested at 17 years old and faced seven years in prison. This experience was a profound wake-up call that shifted everything for me: my perspective, values, and life goals. During this time, I turned to my faith for guidance, and God answered my prayers. I learned the power of taking inspired action, investing whole-heartedly in relationships, embracing my authentic self, and genuinely connecting with others from a place of understanding and transparency.
By the grace of God, I was released from jail after serving a month. When I was released, I was ready to give back and live a life of purpose. I earned a master’s degree in cybersecurity from Fordham University and an MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. I also joined the US Army Reserve and served proudly for 12 years. It was here that I not only developed my expertise in all aspects of IT and cybersecurity — from providing help desk support to designing information security architecture — but did so under the highest possible stakes.
Some of my career highlights include leading soldiers on two deployments to Kuwait, supporting strategic and tactical missions as an information technology manager, and setting up the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade’s critical communications to support battlefield operations, with zero downtime, on a 24/7 operation. I was honored and humbled to be awarded a Bronze Star for heroic acts during my deployment to Afghanistan.
These experiences taught me the importance of mindset when facing what seem like impossible odds. They also showed me that you could do more with less, but not without a solid strategy and a commitment to maintaining good mental health. I’m passionate about sharing my unique mix of mindset and business coaching to help business leaders and entrepreneurs do more and be more without losing themselves in the process.
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 a smooth road.
Adversity has met me seemingly every few steps along my journey. As a youth, I was born and raised in an impoverished neighborhood where nothing but despair and hatred lived. My family was the definition of dysfunctional, but somehow we always made a way. I grew up in a polygamous household where my mother was wife #2 (so technically, she isn’t married), and the house should have been condemned as damaged as it was.
When I was 17, I was arrested for an assault and robbery charge; I faced seven years in prison. Thankfully by the grace of God, I was given a second chance.
After high school, I tried to go to college, but that only lasted a semester and a half because I couldn’t afford school, nor could I focus. I ended up back in Rochester, working dead-end jobs at the local hospital and grocery stores. When I got fired from my job at the grocery store for allegedly misplacing a check, I decided enough was enough because I didn’t want to go back into the streets doing what I used to do. I decided to join the military.
Fast forward, the military brought a new set of challenges—more of the mental type. I’d seen a lot through my time in the service, and my PTSD and depression get triggered to this day.
There are many more struggles, but I look more at the positives these days.
We’ve been impressed with Live Not Loathe, 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?
Live Not Loathe is your invitation to discover more personally and professionally. I help business leaders and entrepreneurs create better marketing campaigns, increase sales, generate more revenue, and keep clients coming back for more.
Imagine achieving your definition of business success and beyond. And it doesn’t come from grinding harder, doing more, or being the hero who is everything for everyone.
My elite customized coaching system blends a high-impact mindset and business coaching and brass-tacks business analysis that takes the struggle out of your hustle and helps you create a life you don’t need a vacation from. You can fly higher and achieve more with less effort–if you know where to put your energy to get maximum ROI.
I’ll work with you to crush your specific goals, overcome obstacles in your way, and create a blueprint for sustained success.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If you’d like to receive coaching, sign up for my programs, or book me for a speaking engagement, you can book a call on my website or email me at the address listed below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@livenotloathe.com
- Website: livenotloathe.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/livenotloathe
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/livenotloathe
- Twitter: twitter.com/livenotloathe
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/livenotloathe
