We recently connected with Micah Harris and have shared our conversation below.

Micah, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?

Internships are funny things. They’re often painted as a stepping stone, but in my experience, they’re more like a proving ground—a place where you not only test your skills but also discover what you’re really made of. Looking back on my time as an intern at DreamWorks, I can tell you it wasn’t just about learning the ropes of a major studio; it was about redefining my own narrative.

You see, my path wasn’t the typical one. I wasn’t the kid who always knew he’d work in entertainment. I was the athlete—the hurdler who’d sprinted through life, sometimes over obstacles, and sometimes right into them. Before DreamWorks, I had already faced my fair share of challenges, many of which I detailed in Voyage LA, where I shared my journey as a justice-impacted individual who turned adversity into ambition. Stepping into DreamWorks, I brought with me a mindset forged from running the race of life—not as a sprint, but as a marathon of personal growth.My leadership style is Lead by example.

Micah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Micah Armand Thomas-Harris, a former All-American athlete and hurdler from the University of Oregon, but my story goes beyond sports. I’m someone who’s transformed obstacles—both on and off the track—into opportunities. After spending 18 years incarcerated, I used that time to completely reinvent myself. I became a college graduate, a Buddhist, a Toastmaster, and a facilitator for various self-help groups. Prison wasn’t the end for me; it was a lab where I built the resilience and discipline that shaped who I am today.

How I got into my industry—working in entertainment and now at DreamWorks—feels like destiny but wasn’t the obvious path. I always had a creative side, but I didn’t realize how much I loved storytelling until I started sharing my own. Whether it’s through fitness, motivational speaking, or animation, I’ve always been about crafting narratives that inspire people to see possibilities beyond their limitations.

What sets me apart? I’ve lived multiple lives. I know what it feels like to lose everything and fight to get it back. That perspective allows me to connect with people—whether they’re clients, followers, or colleagues—on a real, human level. I don’t just talk about transformation; I live it. Whether I’m mentoring someone, creating content, or building community, I bring that authenticity into everything I do.

Through my work at DreamWorks, I contribute to creating stories that resonate universally, but I’m also active in other lanes. As a 1st Phorm ambassador, I help people achieve fitness and wellness goals through tailored nutrition and Herbalife plans. I love being a part of someone’s transformation—whether it’s gaining muscle, improving their health, or simply believing in themselves.

Additionally..
What I’m most proud of isn’t just one accomplishment—it’s the journey. It’s about going from someone who had everything stacked against him to becoming someone who inspires others to redefine their own possibilities. Whether it’s being featured in Voyage LA, saving someone from suicide, or making an impact at DreamWorks, the thread connecting it all is that I show up for others.

What I want people to know is this: My work and my brand are about transformation. Whether you’re tackling personal goals, chasing a dream, or overcoming adversity, I’m here to show you it’s possible. I believe in creating spaces—whether through storytelling, fitness, or coaching—where people can grow into the best version of themselves.

At the end of the day, I’m about showing that success isn’t about perfection; it’s about resilience. It’s about owning your story, learning from your setbacks, and building something beautiful out of the chaos. That’s what I want my work to reflect, and that’s what I hope people take away when they connect with me.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Growing up with an abusive, alcoholic father shaped my early understanding of the world in ways I couldn’t fully grasp at the time. My home wasn’t a sanctuary—it was a battlefield. My father’s actions taught me to suppress emotions, to harden myself, and to believe that empathy was a weakness. Survival meant shutting out others’ feelings and, frankly, my own. That was the only way I knew how to navigate the chaos.

For a long time, I carried that lack of empathy into every corner of my life. I had built walls so high that I couldn’t see past my own pain. But life has a way of forcing you to confront the things you try hardest to avoid. When I was incarcerated, I was finally stripped of all the distractions and excuses. I couldn’t hide from myself anymore. It was in those moments of raw vulnerability that I began to understand the power of empathy—not as a weakness, but as a strength.

What changed me was realizing that my pain wasn’t unique. I started listening to other people’s stories—people who had also grown up with abuse, addiction, and trauma. For the first time, I saw that my experience wasn’t just mine; it was part of a larger human story. And if I could understand and connect with their pain, maybe I could learn to understand my own.

That shift—from numbness to empathy—became the cornerstone of my transformation. I went from someone who couldn’t care about anyone else to someone who actively chooses to lead with compassion in everything I do. And it’s that ability to empathize that has become my superpower, both personally and professionally.

In the marketplace, empathy translates to connection. Whether I’m mentoring someone, building a brand, or collaborating on a project, I approach every interaction with the understanding that people carry unseen burdens. My journey from a lack of empathy to an abundance of it allows me to see people for who they are, not just what they present. It’s why I can inspire others to overcome their own obstacles—because I’ve been there, and I’ve made it through.

The most important lesson I’ve learned is that even with the deepest scars of advanced childhood trauma, you’re not too far gone to grow. Empathy isn’t something you’re born with; it’s something you can cultivate. And once you do, it becomes the foundation for everything—your relationships, your work, and your ability to make an impact.

My story is proof that no matter how broken your foundation is, you can rebuild it into something stronger. That’s the heart of my transformation, and it’s what I hope to share with everyone I meet: You don’t have to let your past define you. You can rewrite your narrative and lead with empathy, even when life has taught you the opposite.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Growing up in a household dominated by an abusive, alcoholic father left me with a skewed understanding of the world and myself. As a child, you absorb the lessons of your environment, and unfortunately, my environment taught me things I eventually had to unlearn in order to become the person I am today. These lessons weren’t easy to untangle, but each one was essential to my transformation—from someone hardened by trauma to someone who leads with empathy and purpose.

Like for example
True strength isn’t about suppressing emotions; it’s about confronting them. Vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s the doorway to connection and healing. I had to learn that allowing myself to feel doesn’t make me less capable; it makes me human. When I embraced this, I found the courage to not only face my own pain but to be there for others facing theirs.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Mrmicaharmand
• Facebook: Same
• Linkedin: Mr. Micah Harris

Image Credits

Images provided by Steve Williams