Today we’d like to introduce you to Stanley Pearson II.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Wow. After graduating with my Bachelor’s in Spanish, I worked briefly in corporate America before decided I’d pursue my Master’s in Business Administration. During my school search, I found an institution that was hiring in their Student Activities department. I thought, why not, I loved being involved in college and maybe I can work and go to school at the same time. After receiving the job over; I packed up my car & drove 2000 miles cross country with my Dad to Laredo, TX to work at Texas A & M International University as their Associate Director for Student Activities. I founded new student orientation programs, advised and developed greek life along with the campus activities board. It was then, I officially recognized where I’d realize my gift. I was tasked with presenting on behalf of the institution at times when I wasn’t taking students to leadership conferences and shortly after, I was asked to speak at different conferences as a leader myself in the field. While walking out of one of my sessions, someone stopped me as asked. “So, what do you want to do?” I said, well, I’d love to speak for a living, doing what I just did. I had no idea it was possible or that I could really get paid for it. A month later, my phone rang and it was the person who stopped me as I left that room asking if I’d be interested in speaking to a leadership academy. It was the official moment I believed speaking and consulting would be my destiny filled. I was still hesitant to take the plunge, but I’ll give you a quick spoiler alert. I finished my MBA, left Texas after getting a job with a consulting firm based in Atlanta, still longing to be a full-time motivator and consultant on my own. You know what the good book says, Ask and you shall receive. BUT it doesn’t always come as you want it. I was unexpectedly laid off with no severance package and so my OFFICIAL journey to now had begun.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! When I was in Texas, I lived in a city that was 97% Hispanic. I was one of literally a few black men wondering if I’d made the right decision. I cried at my kitchen table to few times over a solo meal. I started my own Latin dance studio which was amazing and helped smooth transitions, but even that ended up having to deal with locals taking students and trying to demolish the awesome reputation that “Rhythm Dance Studio” created. Haha, our motto was; “We don’t make mistakes, we make moves.”
Being laid off was very difficult as well. I’d done everything I was supposed to do. I’d never been in trouble with the law, I went to school, I graduated, I learned a different language and still, someone had the “nerve” to tell me I wasn’t good enough. It was one of the worst times in my life. Even though I didn’t like my job, it was something. I was the cool guy with the job that traveled. I was lying to my friends, trying to keep myself above water all while in a toxic relationship and keeping things bottled up inside. It was in that moment, I knew how real depression could be and the hold it can have on you no matter what you have, what you do or how much money is in your bank account.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Breathe Diversity Consulting story. Tell us more about it.
When I first started speaking I believed that there were two things you cannot live without. Those 2 things are Diversity & Breathing. It takes air to make life happen and diversity always exists and is constantly evolving and developing. So, I married the two together as Breathe Diversity Consulting Group. Much like I previously explained, my company has continued to evolve as well.
I’ve spoken & consulted in 47 States in the U.S. in addition to Mexico, Puerto Rico, Spain, Canada, The U.S Virgin Islands & The British Virgin Islands. Breathe Diversity teaches individuals, companies and organizations how to be the best versions of themselves from the inside out. We just go deeper while conducting leadership and diversity training. After 14 years in the business, we have really focused on confidence, emotional intelligence & mindset shifting. We often let how we feel about ourselves or how we assume others feel about us dictate how we move about the world. I educate people on how to develop themselves mentally & emotionally to achieve at the level they want to pursue.
To achieve at the highest levels or to reach your next level, you have to know yourself before you are able to get to know others. In our research & experience we have found that in our rush to get to the next level and reach our goals, we forget about the internal work it takes to stay there. My dad always told me “son, it’s tough on the bottom, figure out how to get to the top and stay there.” That is what I teach. It’s taught with authenticity and in a way that allows you to be who you are. I’ve done a lot of work with Youth & Elite Athletes; “The Art of Being a Super You”, my latest book, is a quick read that discusses staying in control, respecting yourself, & developing a strong mindset to combat insecurity and overcome bullying. Breathe Diversity develops minds, hearts & people by first helping them understand “You’re Good, You’re Great, You’re Worth It.”.
I’ve been voted speaker of the year and entertainer of the year, but I’m proud of so many moments. I’m most proud that people from ages 8-88 take time to send me messages via email, social media and even phone calls to tell me about the changes I’ve helped them make. Heck, I’m proud every time someone asks me to sign one of my books for them. Awards are amazing but knowing that what you’re doing makes a true difference is even better.
I’m different than so many other firms and speakers because engage, I entertain and I educate. I’ve worked very hard to incorporate those three components like no one else in the United States if not the world. I’m very comfortable in my ability to connect with audiences regardless of the demographic. I engage, I entertain and I educate. People are supposed to leave better than they came in and I do my best to confirm that happens each time I touch a stage or step in front of a room.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Hahaha! Ahhhh, luck. I use to be one of those people who said luck is for the ill-prepared. Then, I grew into the person who feels like is where opportunity and preparedness meet. Someone also mentioned to me that “the better you are, the smaller the world will become.” I stopped believing in bad luck a long time ago, so I stay prepared to win and to say yes if there is ANY chance of a win. It doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen, it just means I’m ready for that too, I just don’t plan on any bad happening.
I will say I could consider rejection good and bad, I suppose but again, as I grow I’m convinced that rejection is for my protection. People who say no to an opportunity to work with me are missing out. I don’t say that because I’m cocky or arrogant. I’ve just worked too hard to be anything less than my best or present a faulty version of who I really am from the inside out.
Pricing:
- $497 Life-Time Access to a Simply Speak University Course (How to build your profitable speaking business without breaking the bank)
- $497 Life-Time Access to my Confidence Life and Success Skills Academy
- $4500 Plus Half Day Middle-School – College Speaking Fee
- $7500 Plus Half Day Corporate Consulting Fee
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stanpearson.com
- Phone: 888.417.7826
- Email: stanpearsonii@gmail.com
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
