This next interview on The Richard Robbins Show is unlike any other before it. My guest was sentenced to over 100 years in prison, served 2 of those years in solitary confinement and now runs a non-profit organization doing crisis management and leadership development around the world.
Andre Norman was a convicted felon. He was the 3rd highest ranked gang member in Massachusetts and, as Andre puts it, “I tried to kill people. If you didn’t go with what I suggested, I’d stab you.” His childhood wasn’t easy and his temper matched it. “I was angry. I was angry about my upbringing, I was angry about my family, I was angry about the things I quit. I blamed everybody but me.”
6 years into his sentence, while alone serving time in solitary confinement, Andre tells me he had an epiphany. “I had a moment of clarity. God spoke to me.” From that conversation, he changed his life and began doing the impossible to become not only a free man, but a successful one.
Andre’s journey has taken him around the world inspiring others to live a life fueled by hope. He tells me this, “I was in the basement of a prison doing 107 years. Running around with knives taped to my hands; psychopath. When I was able to heal my pain, I went from that basement to Harvard Law School.”
I implore you to listen closely as this is one of the most extraordinary men I’ve ever had that pleasure of speaking with. Please enjoy this fascinating and inspiring interview with Andre Norman.
If you enjoy this interview and feel inspired to reach out to Norman, he invites you to email him directly, here.
Listen to the Full Episode:
What You’ll Learn In Today’s Episode
- Why it’s impossible to live without having a dream.
- Why you shouldn’t compare your pain and journey to someone else’s.
- The importance of understanding and respecting someone’s fear.
- Important life advice and why empathy is important.
- Learning Andre’s “Second Voice” technique.
- Why simple acts of kindness, mixed with consistency is incredibly powerful.
- Creating friendships that can change lives.
- The importance of self-love and discovering counselling.
- How changing the message can change your life.
Ideas Worth Sharing
Work on your pain. You've been talented since you were born. You're talented beyond measure. Work on your pain and your talent will take over. @andrenorman @RichardLRobbins Share on X
Stop looking for the perfect scenario. Find what’s there, take what’s there, and make it work. @andrenorman @RichardLRobbins Share on X
If you give me a problem, I'll give you a solution. @andrenorman @RichardLRobbins Share on X
Growing up poor is horrible, but people have done it and made it. Growing up without a dad I don’t wish on anybody, but people have done it and made it. Growing up without a dream is impossible. @andrenorman @RichardLRobbins Share on X
Resources in Today’s Episode
- Andre Norman
- Ambassador of Hope by Andre Norman
- Academy of Hope
- Honduras
- Liberia Child Soldiers
- Michael Brown Jr.
- Ferguson
- South Carolina Department of Corrections
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Terminator
- Hulk Hogan
- Saul
- Scared Straight!
- Joe Polish
- Genius Network
- Scottsdale, Arizona
- Harvard University
- Rocky
- Keith Cunningham
- As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
- Cameron Herold
- Scribe Media
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