Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith Brown.
Keith, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I became a Professional Speaker, Consultant and Legislative Speechwriter in 2000- after teaching English, Speech and Drama on the High School Level and serving as an Adjunct Instructor at a Technical College from 1994-1999. 2020 Enterprises was founded in 2003- and is a Consulting which targets all markets, primarily the Education Market via School Districts, Colleges and Universities, Family Advocacy Agencies, Government Agencies, Corporate Entities, Faith Based Institutions, the Entertainment Industry, and Private Sector. The “I’M POSSIBLE” Institute, Founded in 2015, is the Training arm of 2020 Enterprises and focuses on Coaching/Training Emerging and Professional Speakers, Authors, Entrepreneurs and more, via the four I’s- Intensity, Impact, Influence, and Income. As a Former Educator on the High School and Technical College levels- I am committed to Educating on a Global Level, assisting the masses in discovering and walking boldly in their purpose. As a man of Faith- this journey was a “Leap of Faith,” one which has allowed me to Inspire Hundreds of Thousands Annually Nationally and Globally. My background as a Former Special-Ed and “At-Risk” student is one of the main reasons I endeavor to Inspire and Empower At Risk Youth, and the Underserved in Society. I am a proud mentor with several organizations geared towards youth empowerment, which includes, but is not limited to, “The National Lighthouse Foundation,” “The South Fulton Arrow Youth Council,” and, “The Omega Mentoring Organization.” Known as, “Mr. I’M POSSIBLE,” I sincerely believe in taking individuals from the self and societal defeating state of impossible to an epiphany of, “I’M POSSIBLE.” My Wife, Dr. Wakea N. Brown, an Elementary School Principal and Child and Children and Youth Advocate, are the proud parents of one sensational son, Keon, a Cum Laude Graduate of Savannah State University and Aspiring Attorney.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My life has definitely not been a smooth road. I’ve always had to turn, “Stumbling Blocks into Stepping Stones.” Being Labeled, “Special Ed,” and “At-Risk” were not easy labels to overcome; however, I did overcome those labels by having loving parents and family members who supported and nurtured my Energetic Nature. I was placed in Special Ed classes, as I was overly hyper and talkative; ironically, these are the same traits that have gotten me booked nationally and globally as a Professional Speaker and Thought Leader. I’ve also had to overcome the “Hidden Curriculum,” in a society that often sees articulate men of color as an anomaly and less qualified than others, which is why I advocate diligently for Equity in society. In addition, my mother is battling Alzheimer’s disease- and learning my, “New Mom” is an emotional inner struggle in itself. I know my family and I are Blessed she is still alive- but I must be authentic and acknowledge it is still painful. Life is filled with trials and tribulations, which is why I live to Inspire and Uplift others daily. I live by the motto, “It is not our Mission to See Through Each Other- It is our Mission to See Each Other Through.
2020 Enterprises/The I’M POSSIBLE Institute – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
2020 Enterprises is a Consulting Firm that uses, “Best Practices,” to bring positive results to its clients, most of whom are in the Education, Government, Corporate, Faith Based and Family Advocacy Arenas. One of our main programs is the “P.E.P. Rally,” which is the ultimate relevant enhancement program for Pupils, Educators, and Parents- and has been used in hundreds of School Districts, Family Advocacy Agencies, and Government Agencies since its inception in 2003. Our, “not impossible-I’M POSSIBLE,” Curriculum is also being used and taught Nationally and Globally. Typically, I Inspire, Educate, and Empower Audiences through Speaking, Consulting, Training, and Coaching- while providing tangible tools that are implemented for long-term success and significance. I am known for creating High Energy, Highly Engaging Events- that boost morale and productivity. While most simply get to the “heads” of the people- at 2020 Enterprises, we get to the “Hearts” of the people, which more readily causes the head and heart to function at a higher level. I am most proud of the number of Youth and Families whose lives we have impacted and transformed through the years, which is why our clients procure our services over and over again. Moreover, I am extremely proud of the number of Youth and Family Advocates we’ve been able to provide innovative strategies to- so they may in turn bring tangible solutions to those they serve. One of the highlights has been serving as a “Client Referral Consultant” for A&E’s hit series, “Beyond Scared Straight,” which afforded me the opportunity to directly positively impact the lives of troubled youth. While many view traditional standards of “Success” as the end goal, my main goal is to be Significant- which simply means, I endeavor to be a Servant and Transformational Leader, whose primary purpose is to, “Have the Nerve to Serve,” and, “Feed the Need to Lead.” That’s what sets me apart from others. Do I desire to build generational wealth? Absolutely. However, obtaining wealth and not helping and bettering the lives of others is not my calling.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I personally define Success as Operating at the Highest Level in my Purpose and using my Impact and Influence to positively transform the lives of others. When I have done so, I move from being Successful to being Significant. I am constantly and consistently measuring my worth and value, not by the materialism I have acquired through the years- but by the families whose lives I have changed for the better, literally the thousands of notes, letters, texts, emails and feedback I’ve received stating I have made a lifelong impact on individuals. One such message stands out the most: In 2011, I gave a wristband to an adolescent at a conference. Four years later, she sent me an invitation to her High School graduation, with a picture of the wristband, which read, “not impossible-I’M POSSIBLE.” The picture was accompanied by a note which read, “This wristband stopped me from cutting myself- and because of you I learned, “I’m Possible.” On another instance, a young man came up to me after a speech I delivered at a College, and he said the following: Mr. Brown you may not remember me, but you spoke at my Elementary School when I was in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades- you told us to say, “I love myself.” “I believe in Myself.” “I’m Proud of Myself,” “I’m a Genius.” I said that every day while I was in Middle and High School sir- and those affirmations helped me stay focused and get into College. I’M POSSIBLE Mr. Brown. Needless to say, I wept as I gave him a hug. When I spoke to citizens in Ferguson, MO after the death of Mike Brown, Educators, and Youth in Las Vegas, NV, and Orlando, FL after horrific shootings, and more- the markers of Success occurred when I was able to bring healing to cities whose very souls were empty and desperately needed someone to pour hope into them…Success is not what I drive- rather it’s what DRIVES ME to be a vessel that transforms and transcends!!! The more people I can get to live the, “not impossible-I’M POSSIBLE,”mantra, the more empowerment, empathy, excellence and elevation I can bring to the planet!! Most people state what they do is different from who they are. For me- it is just the opposite, for what I do really defines who I am, meaning my life’s purpose is woven into the very fabric of my being.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.keithlbrown.com
- Email: info@keithlbrown.com and keithspeaks@keithlbrown.com
- Instagram: Keithlbrown_
- Facebook: KeithLBrownrown/MrIamPossible
- Twitter: Keithlbrown1911
- Other: YouTube: KeithLBrown1911
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