Reggie D. Ford
Motivational Speaker Inspiring change Through the Power oF Perseverance
As Featured in
Perseverance
As long as I’m here,
I’ll persevere
inspired clients
About
Pain to Passion.
Passion To Purpose.
Reggie’s mission is to help people build mental resilience and lead fulfilling lives through life’s challenges. He aims to provide hope and inspire change by sharing my story of perseverance and educating people so they can understand, cope with, and thrive after trauma and adversity.
Defying odds and thriving in even the most unfavorable situations is what Reggie does best. His experiences have brought him to a place of insight, knowledge, and wisdom beyond his years. Despite facing multi-generational trauma and systemic racism, Reggie’s resilience and ability to rise above serves as an inspiration to others facing similar circumstances and a beacon of hope for our collective futures.
Raised in poverty by a single teenage mother, Reggie has been fortunate to receive a education from some of the most elite institutions. This diverse background has helped him understand the common threads that run through humanity. He is an old soul, a lifelong learner, a humble teacher, and a natural go-getter, bringing a unique and valued perspective to those around him. He empowers everyone he encounters as he continues to grow into his best self. His story of turning the pain and struggle of his past into peace and abundance captivates audiences and makes him the epitome of perseverance.
Reggie is an award-winning entrepreneur, bestselling author, mental health advocate, and social activist. He is also a proud husband of Katie and dad to their beloved dog Rosie. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, practicing and teaching yoga, and spending time with loved ones.
Motivational Speaker
“Reggie’s story and personal vulnerability profoundly inspires. He is authentic and focused on sparking positive shifts in understanding. Resilience, perseverance and optimism shine through his every word!” – Jackie W., Head of School
Bestselling Author
“In this poignant, enthralling telling of his early life story, he recounts the traumas and barriers, both personal and systemic, he overcame. In doing so, the memoir doubles as a self-help book that emphasizes ‘healing,’ as the author urges readers ‘to break the curses that have plagued you and your family for centuries.'” – Kirkus Reviews
Award-Winning Entrepreneur
Reggie has always possessed an entrepreneurial spirit. With a keen eye for problem-solving and a passion to make the world a better place, he has used his gifts to inspire change in the finance, education, and mental health & wellness spaces.
Hi, I’m Reggie
My journey to where I am today was not accidental. Through hard work and determination, I achieved great success in the traditional sense. However, during this time, I also experienced some of the worst mental health struggles of my life. Despite the appearance of a successful life, I was plagued by anxiety, depression, and grief. I had become skilled at disguising my pain with strength and confidence.
During the darkest period of my life, I had a panic attack that left me unable to think clearly. At that moment, I had an out-of-body experience where I saw myself lying on the floor in a defeated state. This led me to ask the question that changed my life:
“How in the world did I end up here?”
Asking this question led me to the answers I needed to live a more fulfilling life. I realized that I had suppressed negative feelings as a result of experiencing developmental trauma. Understanding this was liberating. The more I learned about the importance of mental health and wellness, the more compelled I felt to educate and spread awareness.
I believe that wellness is for everyone, not just those who have experienced trauma. A world with supportive communities is healthier than one that stigmatizes mental health. If serving as an advocate helps save one life, I would feel my efforts were worth it.
Signature Topics
Popular Speaking Programs
Reggie is a powerful speaker who aims to provide hope and inspire positive change within each individual he encounters. Through his speeches, he creates a safe space for audiences to understand, cope with, and thrive after adversity. His ability to connect with audiences on a deep, personal level, his vast life experiences, and his authenticity make his speeches relatable, valuable and engaging. Hiring Reggie for your next event is an opportunity to empower your audience to tap into their own greatness, leaving them feeling energized, inspired and motivated to achieve their goals.
Overcoming adversity and building resilience
The Process of Perseverance: Turning Pain Into Peace
Tags: inspiration; motivation; resilience; mindset shift; mental toughness; SEL; social-emotional learning; leadership; embracing change.
Building deeper connections and sense of belonging
Empathy and Understanding: Building Stronger Relationships by Embracing Differences
Tags: anti-bullying; SEL; social-emotional learning; diversity, equity, inclusion; community; teamwork; leadership.
Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing
Redefining Success: Prioritizing Wellbeing For a Fulfilling Life
Tags: mental health and wellness, healthcare; inclusion; success; mindset shift; leadership; self-care; self love; SEL; social-emotional learning; prevent burnout.
The process of perseverance
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Pain
Pain is the first step in the process. And while pain can be viewed as physical or emotional distress, it can also look like annoyance, frustration, unmet goals, distractions impeding progress.
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Passion
Passion is a burning desire to fight against what has caused you pain and for what you want to see changed. Without a desire to change, you will remain stuck in the pain.
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Purpose
What is your why? Particularly, how do you convert your passion into a positive force. While passion alone may cause negative outcomes and behaviors, purpose gives the passion meaning.
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Power
Stand in your power once you know you have done everything in your control to affect positive change in your world. Power is the indisputable evidence that you have achieve the levels necessary to leave pain in the past.
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Peace
The ultimate goal is peace. Whether it be school, business, relationships, or life, we desire peace from the pain that we once felt. No more frustration, goals and metrics get accomplished, success is achieved.
%
Pain
Pain is the first step in the process. And while pain can be viewed as physical or emotional distress, it can also look like annoyance, frustration, unmet goals, distractions impeding progress.
%
Passion
Passion is a burning desire to fight against what has caused you pain and for what you want to see changed. Without a desire to change, you will remain stuck in the pain.
%
Purpose
What is your why? Particularly, how do you convert your passion into a positive force. While passion alone may cause negative outcomes and behaviors, purpose gives the passion meaning.
%
Power
Stand in your power once you know you have done everything in your control to affect positive change in your world. Power is the indisputable evidence that you have achieve the levels necessary to leave pain in the past.
%
Peace
The ultimate goal is peace. Whether it be school, business, relationships, or life, we desire peace from the pain that we once felt. No more frustration, goals and metrics get accomplished, success is achieved.
Value
Why you should hire Reggie?
Unparalleled story of perseverance and vulnerability
Captivates audiences and takes them on a memorable journey
Diverse background, relevant to the issues of today, tailored to all audiences
Provides clear action steps backed by evidence-based research
what They’re Saying
Client Testimonials
“Reggie is a dynamic speaker with an incredible story to tell, and he provided clear action steps on how to build authentic connections and a sense of belonging in any community.”
“Reggie’s story and personal vulnerability profoundly inspires. He is authentic and focused on sparking positive shifts in understanding. Resilience, perseverance and optimism shine through his every word!”
Reggie’s story is amazing. Students of all backgrounds would greatly benefit from hearing it. His advice and guidance would be life-changing to those who fully digest it. Your talk was the highlight of the conference for me.
For Meeting Professionals
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If you’re looking for a top motivational speaker for your next event, look no further. Please complete the following form to start a conversation with Reggie D. Ford.