2023 Update
I am in the process of creating a new website and redesigning my business. Feel free to return to my site as I undergo this transformation.
The Purpose of this Website
The purpose of this website is to share relevant personal growth and development information and valuable tips to help you innovate your life. I want every visitor to identify and benefit from the subject matter and elevate to a higher level of self excellence – thus, a fuller and richer life.
Who is this Guy?
Hi, I’m Thomas. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Thanks for stopping by! I acknowledge that your online time can be spent in millions of other places. Welcome.
Quick Stats
Born and raised in South Florida a few blocks from the city limits of Opa-Locka, FL.
I’m one of three children from my mom. And one of five from my dad. I’m the eldest of both sets of kids.
I seek to live daily in gratitude and appreciation. I’ve had many teachers during my journey. Glynne (I’ll introduce you to him shortly). Past executives I’ve worked for, family members and friends.
Teachers are not just the folks that hold that title because it’s their job. Like the teacher that changed my life, Mrs. Faulhaber (she introduced me to journaling) at North Dade Junior High School. Teachers are also those that are vulnerable enough to open themselves up to learning.
Nitty Gritty
Like many of you reading this, my childhood was filled with varying degrees of trauma.
During my formative years, we lived slightly above what the U.S. called the “poverty line”. My mom was awesome! Our house was the child-mecca in the neighborhood.
Around age ten I met my biological father.
At age twenty-three my only son was born. Glynne (pronounced Glenn) Stacey Harrell. He changed my life. I could not put my finger on the drive to live better than what I had known but then, Glynne accelerated that drive. I knew I had to be a better father to him than what I experienced.
My, life, though tough at times, has been no better or worse than yours (we’ve all been through some things). When you and I work together I’ll gladly share my backstory.
Sometimes, life events can kill you. But we’re survivors!
Shared Experiences
Like you, my life has been filled with great and glorious events, like the birth of my son Glynne (I’m proud of you son. Remember, we all have our own journey). While on the other end of the spectrum, experiencing dark and dreadful things.
We Keep Growing
And yet!
Through every sun-drenched hill top and shadow-filled valley experience, there’s been a constant voice inside repeating, “be your most excellent self”. It hasn’t always been easy. I’m still on the journey of self-excellence. I imagine, that you are too.
I invite you to join me. I’m open to partnering with you on your journey.
I believe, despite our life experiences (good or bad) at the core of who we are, we desire to be our most excellent selves. Which happens my friends, through self growth and development.
I’m not your sage on the stage but your guide on the side. Here to help you overcome your past and claim the NOW and FUTURE you want, through: product and services referrals and professional network introductions.
Professional experiences
You can get the full story on my LinkedIn profile.
Learn Public Speaking & Leadership Skills
I was a Toastmaster for many years.
Toastmasters is a fantastic and economical way to enhance your public speaking and leadership skills.
To learn more about the global organization, click here.
To learn more about the two local clubs I’ve been associated with click the appropriate links:
Past Engagements
(Public Speaking Workshop)
Having been a mentor for the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) South Florida Chapter of Leaders of Tomorrow (LOT), coordinator, Frank Fletcher engaged me for a workshop. LOT exposes students in ninth through twelve grades to various self-improvement training in preparation for college or work and life beyond. The skill of public speaking can mean the difference between living the life that you want versus living the life someone else dictates to you. In this workshop, held on November 18, 2012 on the Davie, FL campus of Nova Southeastern University (NSU), I shared with students The Root of Effective Public Speaking.
Most often, when we consider effective public speaking we focus on the mechanics or techniques a speaker uses. In this hour-long workshop, I challenged attendees to first look at the root, PASSION and CONFIDENCE. When these two are present, anyone can speak effectively in public. The mechanics are teachable. However, PASSION is internal and naturally leads to speaking CONFIDENTLY.
(PBL District V Ettiquette Dinner At FIU South)
Keynote speech given at the PBL District V Etiquette Dinner on the campus of FIU South, October 29, 2012. Phi Beta Lambda (PBL) is the collegiate version of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Speech title was Relationships: The Root to Effective Leadership. If you would like to have me speak to your group contact me through the contact form on this website. Let’s connect and discuss how I may serve you.
(Not-for Profit Excel Workshop)
The President of the FIU South campus ALPFA Honor Society organization engaged me to deliver a 4-hour advanced Excel workshop for students. On Saturday October 27, 2012 more than thirty students attended the workshop. It also served as a fundraising event for ALPFA. This not-for-profit student organization is doing fabulous things. Yegor, congrats on your upcoming professional achievements and graduation. As ALPFA President you’ve set a high standard for student organizations. Best wishes to you! If you need one-on-one tutoring in Microsoft Desktop applications contact me let’s discuss how I can serve you.
(Awakening the Leader Within Conference)
I had the pleasure, on November 17, 2012 to be a speaker and facilitator at the annual AARP – Destino Awakening the Leader Within Conference, held at the Miami Dade College North. AARP does many things to engage our community. This conference focuses on building leadership skills so individuals can do their part in positively affecting their communities. Fellow Toastmaster, Maria Sanchez, invited me to participate in the conference. I spoke about the correlation between effective leadership and mastering the skill of public speaking. And, how Toastmasters International helps people achieve both.
Toastmasters (Division A – District 47) Table Topics and International
Speech Contest, March 16, 2013
Theme: Champions Flying High (with St Patrick!)
Toastmasters (Division A – District 47) TLI, July 13, 2013
Presentation: Evaluate to Elevate
