We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Anthony Ianni. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Anthony below.
Hi Anthony, thanks for joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
I usually don’t like talking about leaving a legacy because when I’m long gone, the only thing I leave behind are my 3 beautiful children. That will also be my legacy, but the impact I want to leave is that I did everything I could to advocate for the Autism community and that I did everything and more to make an impact on somebody’s life, even if it was just only on one person. Because that’s all it takes in life is to inspire one person in life.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
I was diagnosed with PDD-NOS when I was 4 years old, and when I was 5 years old, a group of doctors and professionals told my family because I have Autism I would barley graduate from high school, never graduate from college, never be an athlete and would likely end up in a group institution with other autistic individuals like myself. I wasn’t told this story until my freshman year in high school so that became my motivation to go out and prove those professionals and any other doubters I had in my life wrong. I had to work hard at everything from basketball, my social life and school cause i wasn’t the smartest kid in my high school. And I had a lot of support from friends, coaches, teachers, teammates and family. I graduated from Okemos High School in 2007, where I then went on to D2 Grand Valley State on a full ride scholarship for basketball. Things didn’t work out for me there, so I decided to leave GV and live out my ultimate lifelong dream of playing for Coach Tom Izzo & the Michigan State Spartans. Where I was a walk on for 2 years, was awarded a scholarship from Coach Izzo my Senior year, was a part of 2 Big Ten championship teams, a Big Ten Tournament Title, the 2010 Final Four and played with an incredible group of guys who I call my brothers. Not only did I receive my degree in Sociology from MSU, but I also made history in becoming the NCAA’s first Division One College Basketball player in history. Today I’m now a National Motivational speaker, Author of the book Centered: Autism, Basketball and One Athlete’s Dreams, and an Autism & Anti-Bullying Advocate.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
How the Relentless Tour came together was because of Brian Calley, our former Lt. Governor here in Michigan. In March of 2012, my story went publicly for the first time, and it received a great response. At our team banquet a week later, Brian spoke at our banquet, and he heard about my story. At the time he was getting a legislation passed for insurance companies in Michigan to provide insurance coverages for families who are affected with autism. Before our season ended, his office called and asked if I was interested in giving a keynote speech at an Autism Gala in Detroit later that spring. Of course, I said yes, but at the time I didn’t even consider advocacy work as I wanted to be in athletic administration like my father was in for over 35 years. After I gave my speech, I got a great ovation and reaction to it, and on my drive back to campus that evening, I told my girlfriend at the time that I finally knew that I wanted to do. When I asked her if she could think of anyone, other than Dr. Temple Grandin, who was a role model, voice, hero or inspiration that the Autism Community can look up too and when she couldn’t name or think of anyone, that’s when I said, “I’m going to be that person. I’m going to be that hero, role model that the autism community can look up too and be the voice for the voiceless as well. So, because of Brian Calley giving me that chance and opportunity, I am where I am today as a speaker, author and advocate because of Brian Calley. I’m forever grateful to him and his family.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I think what has helped me the most has been networking with different schools, universities and businesses that I’ve had the privilege of working and interacting with. I continue those relationships to this day and I’m also getting feedback on how I can do my job better and also getting different ideas on what else I can do in my presentations. I also think what’s helped me along my 10 years journey as a speaker is advocating for myself. Advocating for yourself is so important if you want to be successful in your field of work. If I feel like I need to add more flavor or excitement to my work, I’m going to my colleagues for advice or to ask for different resources that can help me continue to be successful and beyond in my field in work. For the younger generation reading this, please take the time and advocate for yourself. If you want to have success in whatever you do in life, whether that’s in school, sports, work or in life, you HAVE to advocate for yourself. Don’t be afraid to approach a teacher, coach or colleague at work and ask for advice, pointers and resources. If you want to have success in your line of work, you have to advocate for yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anthonyianni.com
- Instagram: @aigamechanger44
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-ianni-8a418965/
- Twitter: @ai44lyd