Today we’d like to introduce you to Darryl Woods, Jr.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story begins with my father who was incarcerated at the age of 18 while I was only one year old. He found himself in a drug deal gone wrong at the age of 17 and was wrongfully convicted of aiding and abetting a murder. He was sentenced to life without parole. While in prison, my father changed his life around and created a vision to be an asset to the community and that I would not follow in his footsteps. In addition to having a tremendous impact within the city of Detroit, This vision led him to have a tremendous presence in my life despite the circumstances. From the time I was in kindergarten, my father would write all of my teacher’s letters and correspond with my mother to ensure I was getting a proper education and attention. My teachers would come up to me and tell me how great he was, and I had no idea at the time how they knew who he was.
When it was time for me to go to college, I had no idea that since I was a freshman in high school, my dad researched scholarships and connected with organizations. As a senior, he helped me fill out essays and interview for scholarships, I graduated with over $40k in scholarship money with an average gpa and ACT score. Once I go to college, a program that my dad helped launch began to get nationwide attention. Long story short, a professor from Michigan State University, where I attended visited my dad. My dad was able to get me a job working for the professor where I did most of my college career. This professor also served as a mentor to me. Much more to the story. My dad was granted a commutation and is now a free man. I am now a speaker and facilitator having traveled across the world for corporations, universities and more but I would not be here without the sacrifice of my dad.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Overcoming inner conflict, mindset barriers, and embracing the dream and vision.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We offer keynote, workshop, and seminars specializing in Vision, Influence, and Productivity. Our past clients include Fortune 500 companies, Colleges and Universities, and Non Profits across the world. All of our work is built on experiential, fun and engaging content that inspire, inform, and empower.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Preorder upcoming book with my father.
Connection to organizations needing speaking or training solutions.
Pricing:
- Most programs start at $3500
- Book: $19.99
Contact Info:
- Email: Darryl@startsmartlife.com
- Website: StartSmartLife.com
- Instagram: DarrylWoodsJr
- Other: Book URL forthcoming
