We recently connected with Ira Roach III and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Ira thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?
My dad, Ira D. Roach Jr., is my hero. He’s the heart behind my book, Daddy Knows Best, where each chapter captures the wisdom he’s passed down to me. Lessons like: Always keep your word. Be a leader, not a follower. And never let your natural height determine the height of your goals.
I’ve watched him not only raise me and my two siblings with strength and love but also step into the role of a patriarch for our family. He took on the responsibility of raising his own brothers and sisters because his father struggled with alcoholism. Through it all, he never wavered—his presence, his leadership, and his unwavering commitment to family have shaped who I am today.
One of my favorite memories with my dad takes me back to when I was eight years old, playing baseball. Now, baseball runs deep in the Roach family—it’s practically in our DNA—so my dad strongly encouraged me to play (and by strongly, I mean there wasn’t much of a choice—lol).
It was my last game in the minor league. The bases were loaded, the game was on the line, and I stepped up to bat. The count was 2-2—I had already fouled twice. I swung, and the ball went toward left field. Immediately, I thought, Great, I just lost the game for my team. Disappointed, I turned to walk back toward the dugout.
And then, I heard my dad’s voice, strong and clear, cutting through the noise of the crowd. “Run!”
In that instant, instinct took over. I dropped the bat and took off. My dad had always taught me to know who I am—and if there was one thing I knew for sure, it was this: The Roach family can run!
I sprinted to first base. The coach waved me on—second base, then third. The ball had hit the fence, and the left fielder was still scrambling to retrieve it. Then came the final command: “Go!”
I bolted toward home plate, slid in, and just like that—all three runners made it in. We won the game!
That moment wasn’t just about baseball. It was a life lesson in motion. My dad has always been the voice pushing me forward, reminding me that no matter what, I should never stop running toward my goals. And for that, I am forever grateful.
Ira, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m Dr. Ira Roach III, a speaker, trainer, and coach passionate about leadership, civility, and personal development. My journey into this industry wasn’t just a career move—it was a calling. I’ve always believed that our words, actions, and leadership have the power to transform lives, and I’ve dedicated my life to helping individuals and organizations harness that power.
I’m honored to be a Les Brown Certified Speaker, Trainer, and Coach, a member of I Change Nations, a Civility Ambassador, and a six-time best-selling author. I founded Focus Forward Civility because I saw a need in our communities and workplaces for something deeper than leadership alone—the ability to lead with respect, integrity, and inclusivity.
I specialize in leadership training, personal development coaching, and civility education. My work is about helping people lead with confidence, build meaningful connections, and create lasting impact.
Civility & Leadership Development: Many workplaces and communities struggle with communication breakdowns and generational divides. I provide keynote speeches, training programs, and coaching that help individuals and teams foster respectful dialogue, collaboration, and a forward-focused mindset.
Recovery & Reentry Support: Individuals coming out of challenging circumstances—whether from addiction recovery, incarceration, or career setbacks—often face a lack of opportunity and support. I help equip them with communication skills, leadership training, and personal growth strategies to regain confidence and successfully reintegrate into society.
Public Speaking & Confidence Building: As a Les Brown Certified Speaker, I train individuals on how to own their voice, craft powerful messages, and inspire audiences. Whether they’re aspiring speakers, business leaders, or community advocates, I help them step into their power and make an impact.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
“Turning Setbacks into Purpose-Driven Success”
In 2020, like many entrepreneurs and business leaders, I faced an unexpected challenge. The world changed overnight, and I lost clients due to the economic downturn. It was a tough moment, but I’ve always believed that when circumstances shift, true leaders don’t stop—they pivot.
Rather than dwelling on what was lost, I leaned into my transferable skills in leadership, coaching, and workforce development. I partnered with a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting reentry citizens—individuals who were working to rebuild their lives after incarceration. I saw firsthand how many of them were eager for a second chance but lacked the resources, training, and support to secure sustainable employment.
I knew I could make a difference. I built a workforce development program designed to help reentry citizens obtain, maintain, and excel in gainful employment. This wasn’t just about job placement—it was about confidence-building, communication skills, leadership training, and long-term success strategies. The program became a transformative experience, not just for those I served, but for me as well.
This pivot reinforced a powerful lesson: Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, serve, and create lasting impact. What could have been a setback became one of the most fulfilling chapters of my career. It deepened my commitment to Focus Forward Civility and strengthened my mission to help others lead with confidence, respect, and purpose—no matter where they start in life.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
My tagline has always been “From the Small Town to the Big Stage,” and for a long time, I thought success was just about working hard and staying true to my roots. But one of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that I didn’t have to become a product of my environment—I had the power to shape my own path.
Growing up in a small town, there were limitations—on mindset, on opportunities, on what people believed was possible. I realized that if I wanted to grow, I had to intentionally place myself in environments that supported my vision. That meant seeking out mentors, surrounding myself with people who had already walked the path I aspired to, and stepping outside my comfort zone.
This wasn’t always easy. It required letting go of limiting beliefs and embracing a mindset of abundance, not restriction. But once I made that shift, doors started opening—leading me to the big stages, leadership roles, and global impact I have today.
The lesson? Your environment influences your future, but it doesn’t define it. Be intentional about where you plant yourself and who you allow to shape your journey. Growth happens when you step beyond where you started and walk boldly into where you’re meant to be.
Image Credits
photos: Keyana Purnell