We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Carlton Young. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Carlton below.
Carlton, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?
There was a time in my life when I was my own biggest obstacle. It wasn’t because I lacked ambition or potential—it was because I was afraid to take the ultimate risk: betting on myself. Let me take you back to that moment.
The Backstory
At the time, I was working a stable job, surrounded by routine and security. On the surface, everything seemed fine. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t living up to my full potential. I felt a calling—something greater was stirring within me. I had a vision to inspire others, to share my story, and to lead men toward becoming the best versions of themselves. Yet, I let fear paralyze me.
I told myself all the usual excuses:
– “What if I fail?”
– “Who am I to think I can do this?”
– “It’s safer to stick to what I know.”
The truth was, I doubted that I had what it took to step into the purpose God had placed in my heart.
The Moment of Decision
One day, I was reflecting on my life’s journey—surviving three near-death experiences and realizing I had been spared for a reason. I knew that my story wasn’t just for me; it was meant to be shared. But even with that clarity, I hesitated. Taking a risk on myself felt daunting.
I watched others chase their dreams, launch their ventures, and step into their callings, but I stayed on the sidelines. I wasn’t risking failure—I was risking the regret of never trying.
The Turning Point
The moment came when I couldn’t shake the words of Proverbs 11:14: “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” I started seeking wise counsel, sharing my vision with trusted mentors and friends. One of them said something that changed everything:
“Carlton, if you don’t take this leap, you’re not just letting yourself down—you’re letting down everyone who could benefit from your story and leadership.”
That hit me hard. I realized my fear wasn’t just holding me back; it was robbing others of the impact I was meant to make. I decided to take the first small step: launching my podcast, “Genesis,” as a platform to share my story and encourage others to overcome their own struggles.
The Outcome
Stepping into this new chapter wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. The podcast grew into a thriving community, and I found myself speaking on stages, mentoring men, and leading initiatives that aligned with my purpose. Each step built my confidence and reminded me that the greatest risk is often the one we avoid out of fear.
Looking back, the real risk wasn’t stepping into my purpose—it was staying in a life where I wasn’t fully alive. Taking the leap didn’t just transform my career; it transformed me. It showed me the power of trusting God’s plan and betting on the gifts He placed in me.
So, if you’re reading this and standing at the edge of your own decision, remember this: The safest place to be is in the center of God’s will. Take the risk. Bet on yourself. Your purpose—and the lives you’re meant to impact—are worth it.
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.
My name is Carlton, and I am a speaker, coach, and mentor with a passion for helping men become the individuals God designed them to be. My journey into this space wasn’t a straight line—it was a series of transformative experiences, life-altering events, and divine revelations that led me to understand my true assignment in life.
The foundation of my speaking and coaching journey lies in my own life experiences. I’ve survived three near-death experiences: falling out of a moving car at a busy intersection as a child, almost sliding off a cliff in Montana at 13, and being shot at point-blank range at 24. Each of these moments could have ended my story, but instead, they became pivotal chapters that shaped who I am today. They reminded me that I was placed here for a reason and that my story wasn’t just for me—it was meant to inspire and guide others.
As I reflected on my life, I realized that my assignment wasn’t just about surviving but thriving—and helping others do the same. I saw a gap in the lives of many men who were struggling to find direction, purpose, and accountability. I decided to step into that space, not just as a speaker or coach but as a mentor who walks alongside men on their journey.
Through my speaking and coaching platforms, I provide tools, insights, and guidance to help men rebuild their lives, align with their purpose, and lead with integrity. Here’s what sets my work apart:
– Speaking: I share my story and practical insights with faith-based communities, corporations, and leadership teams. My talks focus on overcoming adversity, finding purpose, and leading with a Kingdom mindset.
– Coaching: I’ve developed programs like Mindset U, a 12-week mentorship for men ages 14-65 that focuses on spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, and leadership development. My coaching is rooted in accountability and practical steps that lead to transformation.
– Mentoring: I mentor men in their spiritual, professional, and personal lives, guiding them to become leaders in their families, workplaces, and communities. My goal is to help them identify and dismantle self-limiting beliefs so they can step into their God-given potential.
I work with men who feel stuck—those who are navigating trauma, battling self-doubt, or searching for their purpose. My programs and mentorship address key areas of growth, such as:
1. Spiritual Alignment: Helping men rediscover their faith and align their lives with Kingdom principles.
2. Accountability and Leadership: Equipping men to lead in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
3. Emotional and Mental Resilience: Guiding men to confront their past, embrace vulnerability, and grow stronger.
4. Clarity of Purpose: Helping men identify their “why” and take actionable steps toward living it out.
What makes my work unique is the blend of personal experience, faith-based principles, and practical application. I’m not just offering theories—I’m sharing lessons I’ve lived. My message is rooted in authenticity, transparency, and a deep commitment to helping others transform their lives.
I’m most proud of the community I’ve built through platforms like my podcast, Genesis, and initiatives like Mindset U. Seeing men step into their purpose, rebuild their lives, and grow in their faith is the greatest reward. Watching someone go from feeling defeated to becoming a leader and change-maker in their own right reaffirms that I’m walking in my assignment.
To anyone reading this, I want you to know that my mission is about more than just words—it’s about action and transformation. Whether it’s through a keynote speech, a coaching session, or a mentoring program, my goal is to equip men to become leaders who reflect the values of faith, accountability, and integrity.
I believe that every man has the potential to impact the world profoundly. My role is to help them uncover that potential and provide the tools and support they need to live it out. If you’re ready to step into your calling, I’m here to walk that journey with you. Together, we can build a generation of men who lead with purpose and leave a legacy of greatness.
Everything I do—every word I speak, every life I impact, and every step I take—is through God’s power, for His glory, and because of His grace, not my own.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I used to believe my purpose was rooted in the fitness industry. I started out as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, deeply passionate about helping people transform their bodies and embrace healthier lifestyles. I genuinely thought this was my assignment—to change lives through physical fitness. I loved the work, the energy of the gym, and the joy of seeing people achieve milestones they once thought impossible.
But as I continued to grow, both personally and spiritually, I began to feel a stirring in my heart—a gentle but undeniable nudge that there was something more. I started to notice that while physical health was important, many of the people I worked with were struggling on a much deeper level. They carried emotional wounds, mental exhaustion, and spiritual emptiness. They weren’t just looking for physical transformation; they were seeking wholeness.
God has a way of interrupting our plans when He’s leading us toward His purpose. The more I leaned into Him, the more I realized that fitness alone wasn’t the full scope of what He had called me to do. I was being called to address more than just the physical—to help others heal from the inside out.
That realization led to a significant pivot in my life. I began focusing on spiritual health first and foremost, helping others reconnect with God, align their lives with His purpose, and heal from trauma. I saw that when people found spiritual clarity, the mental, emotional, and even physical aspects of their lives began to align as well.
What’s remarkable about this pivot is that God didn’t waste any part of my journey. Even though my calling expanded, I can still incorporate physical health into the broader scope of my work. Now, I approach fitness as one piece of a large puzzle—helping people be “fit to fulfill their assignment” at a high level of execution.
Whether it’s through mentoring, coaching, or speaking, my focus is now on helping people achieve:
– Spiritual Health: Aligning their lives with God’s plan and seeking His guidance in all they do.
– Mental and Emotional Wellness: Healing from trauma, breaking free from self-limiting beliefs, and walking in freedom.
– Physical Health: Honoring the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19) and equipping it for the work God has called them to do.
This pivot taught me that God’s plans are always bigger and better than our own. What I thought was my entire assignment—helping people through fitness—was just the foundation. He used that season to prepare me for something greater, where I could impact not just the body but the soul and spirit as well.
If I had resisted the pivot, I would have missed out on the fullness of my calling. But by trusting God and stepping into this space, I’ve been able to see lives transformed in ways I never imagined. Every day, I’m reminded that His plans are perfect, and when we allow Him to lead, He creates something far more beautiful than we could ever envision.
My message is simple: God may call you to pivot, but it’s never to take something away—it’s to give you a purpose that’s more aligned with His perfect will.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
For much of my life, I carried invisible wounds from childhood trauma—self-inflicted scars that left a “hole” in my soul. I tried to fill it with success, distractions, and avoidance, but the emptiness always lingered. The turning point came when I realized I couldn’t keep living this way. Through God’s grace, therapy, and self-examination, I began to confront my pain head-on. Surrendering my brokenness to God was the first step, leaning on verses like Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Therapy gave me the tools to process my emotions, connect the dots between my past and present, and forgive both myself and others. Self-examination required accountability and the courage to face the habits that kept me stuck. Over time, the “hole” was replaced with wholeness—a peace rooted in God’s purpose for my life. My resilience is fueled by overcoming my past and rewriting the future that God has predestined for me. Today, I use my journey to inspire others, showing them that through faith and resilience, healing and freedom are possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carlton-young.com
- Instagram: @iam8020nation
- Facebook: Carlton Young
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlton-young-mba-298543a?
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iam8020nation
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-genesis-the-renaissance-of-manhood/id1775650823
Image Credits
Christina Runnels @Genesis One