Motivational speaker determined to help our young black men
There’s no question that Jeremy Anderson was born to be a motivational speaker. When he speaks to students all over the country his transparency and personal motivations to push himself and others is felt around the room. Jeremy’s able to capture the attention and trust of students by sharing how he’s been in their shoes because he carries the same scars. However, he was able to overcome life’s struggles and he promises them that they can too. Jeremy’s determination to change lives and set an example for young black men is what separates him from the pack. Jeremy is a husband and father that prides himself on being the best example he can for his family and community.
Read more about Jeremy Anderson in Episode 23 of People You Should Know.
1. How did you first get into motivational speaking?
I’ve always wanted to be a speaker. I spoke mainly at my local church and one day after church service, one of the church members asked me if I could speak at her school. I said yes right away! After I did the presentation at the school, a little girl (I will never forget her face, she had red hair and freckles) came up to me and started crying hysterically and put her head into my chest. My shirt was covered with tears. After I calmed her down, she explained to me that I saved her life because she had her suicide planned out that day, but after she heard my speech, she realized she had worth and wanted to live. God made it clear to me what my calling was that day!
2. You struggled with drug and alcohol abuse when you were younger but changed your life around. How do you use your own experiences to reach our youth?
I saw how my actions were hurting my family and I knew I had to make some serious decisions in my life. I had to stop smoking cigarettes and weed, selling weed, drinking alcohol, hanging out at the clubs, and hanging out with some of my homeboys. I got some slack from some of them because they thought that I was trying to be “better than them” but I told them I need to be better for myself. Unfortunately, some of those same homeboys are locked up in prison right now. I knew that there was better for me out here.
3. Why did you decide to focus your motivational speaking on teachers and students?
Students are our future and the teachers are the ones who are supposed to help them be successful. Teachers today are the real heroes, yet many times they’re overworked and underpaid. This at times may cause teachers to unintentionally fall short. In order for the school’s culture to change, the heart of the teachers has to change. I know that when teachers really understand that, they will be able to connect with their student’s hearts better. I know that my troubled past such as repeated failure in school, ADHD diagnosis, drug and alcohol abuse, and low self-worth resonates with students today and they can see through me what can happen when you stop fighting your teachers and stop seeing them as enemies but allies instead.
4. What are the biggest challenges you face when speaking to youth?
I don’t have a lot, but one of my biggest challenges speaking to the youth is when some don’t pay attention to what is being said. I know they need this message because I was that kid who didn’t want to listen to what others were trying to say to me. NOTHING is impossible if you’re willing to put in the work.
5. What do you love about speaking to our youth?
Letting them know their true worth and value, letting them know ways they can overcome adversity, and being able to encourage and uplift them. It’s also amazing to see the impact that you make in their lives and the messages that you get after you speak to hear the changes they will make in their lives.
6. How do you improve your public speaking skills?
I read a lot which helps me hone my skills. It’s also important to stay up to date with current events and I also surround myself with a lot of educators to understand some of the good times and frustrations that they may be going through.
7. So Jeremy, are there any new projects or ventures that you are working on?
During this quarantine, it has given me so much time to work on projects that were put on the back burner because of my travels. However, I have started my Next Level Speakers Academy.
8. What made you create this speaker’s academy?
I get asked all the time, how do I stay so booked, how do I craft my speeches and keep my audiences engaged, or can I mentor someone? This speaker’s academy meets all of those needs. Everyone has a story and my 10 years of experience shows them how to make an impact and monetize their story.
9. What would you say to people who have a love for kids, but feel like they don’t have a story to tell?
Everyone has a story to tell and I’m a strong believer in that. Everyone has had an encounter or experience that someone can learn from.
10. How are you using your platform to help youth during this COVID-19 pandemic?
My team and I want to make sure that we are adding as much value as possible during this time. We have made a lot of resources available for free to both educators and students. I have also done some virtual presentations. Thank God for technology! We also are launching our Next Level Teachers Podcast so make sure to check us out on all platforms.
