Helping individuals become resilient, get unstuck, and overcome adversity through vision, voice, and value.
Empowering high school students, student athletes, and college students to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and develop a strong mindset. Through leadership, mental health awareness, and entrepreneurship, Ron help young people create a life of purpose, confidence, and ownership.
Meet Dr. Ron Lewis Jr. His story is one of triumph against all odds. Bullied and struggling with low self-esteem, He repeated the 9th grade twice with a 1.3 GPA. Instead of giving up, he turned his struggles into fuel for success, earning an MBA and a Doctorate in Business Administration while achieving honors like the Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society and the Dean’s List.
The turning point in his life came when he joined the U.S. Army. Military service instilled discipline and confidence, earning him awards such as the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and 3 Army Achievement Medals. Despite living with ADHD, PTSD, and TBI, he has built a career as a realtor, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker, empowering others to turn their challenges into triumphs.
Ron help students torn between chaos at home and pressure in the world, yet still showing up, holding it together build emotional strength, make powerful decisions, and rise with purpose—because they were built for more. He’s lived that tension. From failing 9th grade twice with a 1.3 GPA to earning a doctorate, he’s proof that your circumstances do not cancel your calling. Through emotional intelligence, career readiness, leadership development, and entrepreneurial mindset, Ron helps students name the pressure, process the pain, and build a life that breaks every pattern they were born into. They were not just built to survive—they were built for more.
“Failing is not losing. Failure is part of success. You only lose when you quit.” –
(Dr. Ron Lewis Jr).
This keynote speaks directly to students silently struggling with emotional tension—juggling chaos at home and pressure in school or society. Many are expected to perform academically while managing unstable, conflict, or abandonment environments. This session helps students build emotional intelligence, manage internal conflict, and realize that they are not broken but built for more. With real talk, relatable storytelling, and practical strategies, this message equips them to take control of their emotions, own their power, and rise with purpose.
Students learn to recognize, name, and manage their emotions even in high-stress environments.
Circumstances may shape their story, but they do not define their identity or future.
The weight they’re under can either crush them or shape them into something stronger, and they get to choose.
This keynote is built for students who are often overlooked but deeply impacted—those managing trauma, dysfunction, or emotional isolation. It offers a trauma-informed, emotionally intelligent approach that goes beyond surface-level motivation and meets students where they are, giving them language and tools to grow. It’s especially impactful for schools looking to support students in SEL, character development, and leadership through real-world, emotionally relevant conversations.
Middle school, high school, and first-year college students, particularly those in under-resourced communities, alternative education programs, or environments with high emotional or behavioral challenges.
In this keynote, students meet someone who failed 9th grade twice, walked through academic shame, and still earned a doctorate. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about ownership. The message is simple: your past doesn’t disqualify you, and your next decision has the power to rewrite your future. This talk helps students connect the dots between self-leadership, responsibility, and the long-term results of daily choices. It’s raw, relatable, and built to shift students out of survival mode and into action.
Life transformation doesn’t start with perfection; it starts with one intentional, committed choice.
Students are taught how to stop blaming and start building—even when the past isn’t their fault.
Real change comes from repeating the right actions long enough to create momentum and credibility.
This keynote is perfect for schools, youth organizations, or college access programs that need a message rooted in both vulnerability and strategy. It doesn't glamorize the struggle—it demystifies the comeback. It’s ideal for students who have been counted out academically, behaviorally, or emotionally, and need to be reminded that their story isn’t over.
High school students, GED/alternative program students, community college students, and first-gen college students. Also valuable for mentorship programs, male leadership initiatives, or any group of students working to shift their narrative and outcomes.
Focus: Emotional intelligence, self-regulation, and navigating inner chaos. Students learn how to feel deeply without falling apart, even when life at home is unstable.
Focus: Decision-making and personal leadership. Because one good decision at the right moment can rewrite your whole story.
Focus: Resilience, self-worth, and rising above generational patterns. Students are reminded they don’t have to become what hurt them
Focus: Youth entrepreneurship, ownership, and creating opportunity. A call to create, build, and lead even when you start with nothing.
Focus: College and career readiness with emotional awareness. Not just “what’s next?” but who do you want to become next?
Coaching, consulting, and real estate solutions to help you grow, lead, and succeed.
I speak to the student who’s expected to smile at school and survive at home. The one torn between two worlds—chaos at home and pressure in the world—yet still showing up, holding it together. I’ve lived that tension. From failing 9th grade twice with a 1.3 GPA to earning a doctorate, I’m proof that your circumstances don’t cancel your calling. Through emotional intelligence, career readiness, and entrepreneurial mindset, I help students name the pressure, process the pain, and build a life that breaks every pattern they were born into. They weren’t just built to survive—they were built for more.
Improvement in mindset and self-confidence after one-on-one coaching sessions.
Of clients report increased income within 90 days of personalized business consulting.
Student audiences feel more motivated to succeed after attending a speaking event.
Beyond the Grades: Rising From Failure to Inspire a Generation
(By Ron Lewis Jr.)
Beyond the Grades is a powerful journey of resilience, from a 1.3 GPA and repeated 9th grade to earning a doctorate and inspiring thousands. In this book, Ron shares how early failures shaped his purpose, and how students and adults alike can turn setbacks into stepping stones.
This book is for anyone who’s ever been counted out and is ready to rise.
Discover stories that highlight Dr. Ron Lewis Jr.’s journey, from academic setbacks to earning a Ph.D. and inspiring thousands. Explore featured articles and media appearances that showcase his mission to empower, educate, and lead with purpose.
Jacksonville, Florida, Ron struggled throughout high school like many African American students. Fortunately, he was never placed in Special Ed, but he had to repeat the ninth grade nonetheless.
April 18, 2025
A 37-year-old man named Ron Lewis, Jr. who dropped out of school due to poor grades, achieves success by obtaining three degrees despite feeling like a failure.
April 18, 2025
After a challenging academic path, Ron Lewis Jr. is on track to graduate with a Doctorate in Business Administration from the International University of Leadership.
April 18, 2025
Featured by the University of Phoenix, Ron shares how he turned failure into motivation, earning his degrees and inspiring others through his journey.
April 18, 2025
A powerful story featured by the University of Phoenix student spotlight, how Ron overcame academic failure and found purpose through education and entrepreneurship.
April 18, 2025
“Ron is a beacon of hope for for all teens but especially the at risk teen population that may have struggles and are looking for some sort of light in life. He’s came out and provided a stellar presentation to our students with the Black Male College Explorers Program and we’re forever grateful for it.”
“Ron Lewis Jr., you are a true American Hero. You were just what the young people needed… I can’t thank you enough. It will be a pleasure to work with you in the future.”
Through powerful storytelling and real-life experience, Dr. Ron Lewis Jr. connects deeply with audiences of all ages. From overcoming adversity to building generational success, he delivers life-changing messages that motivate, educate, and ignite purpose.
© 2024 All rights reserved | Designed with ❤ by Blue-IT Technologies
