Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein

Kute Blackson is a transformative speaker, author, and personal development coach born in Ghana to a Ghanaian father and a Japanese mother. His unique multicultural background shaped his early life, leading to feelings of disconnection as he moved from Ghana to London and later to the United States. Influenced by his father, a prominent church leader who built over 300 churches in Ghana, Kute began speaking at church services by age eight and was ordained as a minister at fourteen. However, he felt a profound internal conflict between adhering to his father's expectations and following his true calling. ⁣ At eighteen, Kute chose a path of personal development instead of pursuing a traditional university education, inspired by figures like Tony Robbins and Jim Rohn. He took a bold step by moving to California after winning a green card through a lottery, embracing a journey marked by uncertainty and self-discovery. His coaching career began organically as he helped individuals navigate their emotional struggles, focusing on deep transformation rather than traditional methodologies. ⁣ Kute's innovative approach, which he termed "uncoaching," emphasizes the importance of addressing unresolved emotional pain and fostering authentic self-expression. His reputation grew as he guided clients from around the world toward significant life changes. He is the bestselling author of "You Are the One" and "The Magic of Surrender," where he explores themes of authenticity, purpose, and personal growth. Through large seminars and intimate coaching sessions, Kute Blackson inspires others to reconnect with their true selves and navigate their personal journeys toward fulfillment. He currently travels internationally to share his message, offering transformative experiences that help individuals heal past traumas and discover their authentic paths.

Alex Quin, a Miami native, transformed his early passion for marketing into a thriving entrepreneurial career. He began his journey in high school, engaging in digital marketing by selling various items, from tickets to cars. After graduating, he honed his leadership and business skills as a Pizza Hut manager, which paved the way for his future endeavors. ⁣ At just 19, Alex became the marketing director for a Miami business, where he gained invaluable insights into the marketing world while working alongside a successful advertising executive. Recognizing the potential of digital marketing, he launched his own agency, focusing on social media management and content creation. His first client, an e-commerce merchandise company, helped him expand his offerings and build a client base. ⁣ By the age of 22, Alex had successfully scaled his agency to five offices across South Florida, working with diverse industries including automotive and hospitality. He emphasizes ethical marketing practices, customer service, and the importance of understanding both the product and the business owner. Through his extensive experience, Alex has become a sought-after speaker and consultant in the digital marketing space. He shares practical strategies for marketers, including the significance of documenting case studies and using customer pain points to drive marketing narratives. As he continues to innovate, Alex is also preparing for the release of his third book on digital marketing and remains active in media, contributing to platforms like Forbes and Entrepreneur.

Tessa White is a career strategist, author, and influencer who founded "The Job Doctor" to help individuals navigate their professional paths. Raised as the eldest of eight in a Mormon family in Utah, Tessa faced cultural norms that discouraged women from pursuing careers. After divorcing and raising three children, she transitioned from being a secretary to a leadership role in human resources for Fortune 50 companies. ⁣ In 2020, she took her expertise to social media, offering career advice on TikTok, where she quickly gained over 400,000 followers. Her authenticity and practical guidance, especially during the uncertain job market of 2020, resonated with many. ⁣ Tessa’s book, The Unspoken Truths for Career Success, published by Harper Collins, further solidified her as a trusted voice in career coaching. Today, she continues to build her brand while helping others succeed in their careers.

Micah Siegel is a 13-year-old wildlife conservation enthusiast with a remarkable passion for animals and environmental issues. His journey began with a childhood curiosity about species like giraffes and lions, which evolved into a commitment to conservation after learning about the detrimental impact of rhino horn poaching. ⁣ Inspired by innovative conservation strategies, including the use of naturally shed antlers, Micah founded Rogue Scholar Academy to pursue his interests outside of traditional schooling. As a budding podcaster and author of The State of Animals Report 2024, he aims to educate others about endangered species and effective conservation practices. ⁣ Micah emphasizes the importance of reducing demand for poached animals and advocates for proactive self-education among his peers. With a grounded perspective and a dedication to making a difference, Micah continues to inspire others with his knowledge and determination to promote wildlife conservation.

Chris Smith, originally from Lakeland, Florida, is an accomplished entrepreneur and thought leader known for his innovative approach to business and technology. Raised in modest circumstances, Chris's early experiences in trailer parks and his parents' police work fueled his drive to succeed. He earned a sociology degree from Florida State University before moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. ⁣ Despite initial acting roles in shows like "Scrubs" and "Buffy," Chris shifted focus to entrepreneurial ventures, including a Korean karaoke business and sales roles with controversial figures like Lou Pearlman. Transitioning from these challenges, Chris found success in mortgage sales at Quicken Loans and later in real estate technology. ⁣ As the founder of Curator, a rapidly growing marketing firm for realtors, he has authored best-selling books such as The Conversion Code and Exactly What to Say for Real Estate Agents. Chris is now at the forefront of AI-driven solutions with his concept A-I-R-E (Artificial Intelligence Real Estate), aiming to revolutionize coaching and consulting. 

John Miles is a seasoned professional with a rich background in military and intelligence services. Raised with a curiosity for science and a family legacy of military service, John pursued his interests at the Naval Academy but had to pivot from his SEAL aspirations due to injuries. ⁣ He then contributed to the NSA, where he played a pivotal role in supporting Navy SEAL teams and working on drug operations. His career highlights include significant public speaking experiences, a major role in creating a collaborative multi-agency command, and influencing national security policies. ⁣ Outside of his professional achievements, John advocates for effective time management, peak performance, and continuous self-reinvention. He also shares personal insights on dealing with family loss and his new ventures, including the "Passion Struck" movement and a successful podcast.

Anna Rahe is a dynamic ADHD entrepreneur and leading expert in fascia and body health. Hailing from Boulder, Colorado, Anna grew up in a highly educated family with a background that spans from academia to real estate. Her early entrepreneurial ventures and health struggles, particularly those affecting her dancing career, led her to explore the intricate world of fascia—a vital connective tissue system often overlooked by traditional Western medicine. ⁣ Driven by her own health challenges and a passion for holistic wellness, Anna developed a unique system that integrates fascia into body health, aiming to offer comprehensive solutions where conventional methods fall short. ⁣ Her approach emphasizes the importance of dynamic movement, proper hydration, and the profound connection between emotional and physical stress and fascia health. Through her innovative work, Anna seeks to expand our understanding of health beyond traditional frameworks and help others achieve a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Ken Coleman is a dynamic broadcaster and coach who specializes in reducing stress and fostering effective leadership in the business environment. Raised in southeastern Virginia with a background in ministry and business, Ken's early career in politics—working on U.S. ⁣ Senate campaigns and for the governor of Virginia—shaped his values and aspirations. Disillusioned with the political system, he transitioned into business and eventually found his true calling in communication. Ken now focuses on helping individuals excel in their work lives through coaching, consulting, and motivational speaking. ⁣ Inspired by leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., he emphasizes personal growth and excellence in any endeavor.

Mark and John Cronin, a father-son team, launched John's Crazy Socks in 2016 to combine John's love of colorful socks with their entrepreneurial drive. John, who has Down syndrome, struggled to find a job after school, so they created one together. Starting small on Shopify, their sock business quickly grew into a global success, now offering over 4,000 designs and shipping to 89 countries. ⁣ John's Crazy Socks is more than a business; it's a social enterprise dedicated to changing perceptions about people with differing abilities. The company creates jobs for people with disabilities and adds personal touches like handwritten notes and candy to their orders. ⁣ Despite challenges, the Cronins have thrived by innovating, advocating for disability rights, and staying true to their mission of spreading happiness. Their long-term goal is to expand their impact by creating more jobs and continuing to inspire through their work.

Jamar Jones is the founder of Forever Media, a leading media and branding agency specializing in personal branding for executives and entrepreneurs. Based in Richmond, Virginia, Jamar grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and attended four different high schools across three states during his formative years. ⁣ With a background influenced by his father’s career in marketing and his own 11-year stint as a hip-hop artist, Jamar transitioned from music to marketing after an injury cut his music career short. ⁣ Driven by a desire for control and resilience, Jamar founded Forever Media nearly a decade ago, initially focusing on video production and evolving into a powerhouse in personal branding. He is also a national keynote speaker and author of Change Your Circle, Change Your Life. Jamar's journey underscores the importance of hard work, persistence, and strategic experimentation in building a successful brand.