We recently connected with Brad Butler II and have shared our conversation below.

Brad, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you share a story that illustrates an important or relevant lesson you learned in school

I’ll be honest with you. I hate school, you might think I’m joking because I have a Master’s degree. But, I promise you I’m not joking at all. From coming in early to being told what to do to only having a few educators that cared if I was successful or not. I really did hate all of it, but I love options. I knew that a good education would open doors I could only dream of and my mother and father didn’t raise me to quit on things just because things aren’t going my way. What most people don’t know about me is that I spent 10 years in special Ed classes. I was called every name you could think of: dumb, stupid, and remedial. My saving grace was a loving and supportive family and two teachers that saw how badly I wanted to be successful. I’ll never forget Lora Inglisa and Felicia Alexander, they told me “Don’t be perfect, be present” those words gave me hope and made me believe that I deserved an education no matter my situation or what other people thought of my abilities. I realized that my dreams are not limited by another person’s reality.

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 am blessed to be a sought-after motivational speaker, student success and retention specialist, and author, but before all of that, I’m a husband a father, and a man of faith. I travel the country speaking at schools and universities. I have spent over 10 years working in the educational field to help students connect their dreams with their education and educators learn how to connect with the hearts and minds of their students. I started speaking in the educational system because I knew there wasn’t anyone out that had a story like mine. I knew that there were students that are struggling in school and would most likely give up on their education unless they were able to hear about how I was able to go from being in special Ed classes to earning a master’s degree. I’ve authored books, facilitated workshops, and created curriculums for schools. I’ve studied under my mentors Dr. Eric Thomas, Jeremy Anderson, and Inky Johnson, some of the best speakers in the industry. People bring me in to speak because they know that I bring a lot of energy and passion into the building. By the time I’m done with the stage people are ready to run through a brick wall and they have key takeaways with action steps.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The thing that helped me build my good reputation was and still is having integrity, character, and core values. I’ve always worked to make sure I’m a man of my word. Money is never the end all be all for me. I’m constantly thinking about my legacy and how I will be remembered. it doesn’t matter how great a speaker I am or how much money I’ve made if people can’t stand being around me. I do my best to do things in life the right way and be the best man I can be. The success part will take care of its self.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to learn that talent isn’t enough. There are some people out here who really aren’t that talented but have a crazy work ethic and are always willing to learn. Those are the people who are consistently finding ways to be successful. I had to learn that relying on my skills would only take me but so far. I learned quickly that to be successful you need willpower over skill power.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.bradbutler2.com
• Instagram: bradbutlerthe2nd
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• Youtube: Brad Butler II