As a Certified Master Business Coach in Phoenix for over 15 years, I typically advise entrepreneurs on strategically growing their companies. Another fire that drives me is extending a helping hand to groups traditionally left out of the professional loop, giving them the tools to succeed. A passion-driven imperative propelled me to cross the threshold of local prisons, joining hands with inmates resolute on upgrading their lives despite stifling circumstances.
What began with simply exchanging a few letters with prisoners who read my book snowballed into an ongoing workshop program on topics from time management to goal setting. I now facilitate intensive 6-hour sessions every other month for groups of around 35 maximum security inmates hungry for support around constructive personal development and career readiness.
When I first began exchanging letters with inmates seeking personal growth resources behind bars, I only envisioned occasional encouragement through correspondence. The responses I got back were more than just polite nodding – they were proof people craved clear direction. It became apparent an underserved community of incarcerated individuals striving to better themselves lacked access to development frameworks those on the outside often take for granted. Though limited in options, they demonstrated admirable initiative in searching for direction. I felt compelled to translate my coaching abilities honed in the business realm into serving this unique audience eager to prepare for productive lives after release.
Proving Society’s Assumptions Wrong
Some may question whether coaching ambitious mindsets withstand reality checks for violent offenders or gang members. Yet the initial hunger for change often comes from peer role models serving life sentences who’ve chosen education and service over despair. As one such leader told me, “You have two choices when you’re in here. One, you can always remain the knucklehead that got you in here in the first place. Or you can choose to become passionate about changing and improving yourself.”
Despite no hope of release, this model prisoner woke early every morning to study, write, exercise, and lift up fellow inmates working to better themselves against all odds. His self-discipline mirrors the top CEOs I coach on the outside. During my workshops, the thoughtful questions and engagement reinforce inmates’ drive to prepare for productive lives post-release.
From Despair to Vision
During a recent goal-setting workshop, I witnessed men who had been stuck in neutral for decades suddenly shift to high gear around mapping ambitious 5-year plans. Eager attendees soaked up frameworks on accountability, vision casting, and overcoming obstacles as they designed detailed post-prison career pursuits. One near-release leveraged our session to sketch out a small business concept he’ll launch on the outside.
Bars can’t confine the human spirit; I’ve seen it in the faces of those I’ve met who’ve transcended their former selves to find a new path. Though society may write off the incarcerated as eternally lost causes, I’ve seen firsthand the power of mentorship plus personal agency to positively change trajectories. If someone serving life without parole can choose daily inspiration over pity, we all have room for growth. Transforming lives is my driving force – I’m fueled by the opportunity to coach individuals as they face pivotal moments and discover the inner strength they need to thrive.
