In this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Oliver James. Oliver is one of social media’s rising stars and an influencer on TikTok, where he was able to learn how to read through his fans’ support and encouragement.

Some Questions We Ask:

• What is your story? (00:52)
• When did you realize you needed to tell the TikTok community and your fans about your situation? (02:06)
• Did people around you know you were struggling? (04:51)
• Tell us about a teacher who changed your life as a student. (30:10)
• Do you associate behavior with reading? (36:33)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Oliver James’ humble beginnings. (01:04)
  The buildup of life and emotions that prompted him to share his situation. (02:39)
  How Oliver struggled, what the people around him knew of those struggles, and how he was able to cope. (06:08)
  How teachers helped him change his student life. (30:31)
  The associations between reading and behavior. (36:47)

Quotes:

“There's this destination I'm trying to get to as a speaker. But this reading journey has to happen first. I need to become a better reader so then I can become that better speaker.”

“I would say  for teachers out there, [if] a kid is struggling, just let him be himself and then entertain his world.”

“One of my main goals is to try to make people understand the value of choice. Not just the simple value of choice, I'm talking about digging deep into the choice and being like, “I could choose to be happy, even when I'm sad,” and you be like, “Oh, if you want to give it a try, it's gonna be hard.” But if you break that barrier to pull yourself out of sadness into the smiling joy of laughter, you will be the most joyful person on earth, because you have learned how to overcome things that are way beyond people's comprehension.”


Connect with Oliver:
Oliver James' TikTok
Oliver James' Instagram
[email protected]

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook