SPOTLIGHT SATURDAY: Michael Spence
Today’s Spotlight is on Michael Spence, founder of Michael Inspire and T.R.I.B.E.
Michael Spence is an innovative communicator with a true gift to not only connect, but also impact his audience. Spence hails from Orange, NJ. He is a Montclair State University graduate with a degree in Communications. His motivation to empower lives stems from his surroundings and passion to help others unlock their gifts. Spence uniquely ties his life story with the audiences needs into a message that moves the listener to act on their dreams and maximize their potential. Michael has worked with the NBA, NJEA, Super Essex Conference, as well as many other schools and programs to empower youth in education and leadership. Along with being a speaker and reaching a multitude of educational institutions, businesses, churches, and organizations in his career, Michael is also a proud father, former captain of the men’s basketball team at Montclair State, church youth leader, as well as an inspirational mentor.
Learn more about Michael in this week's Spotlight Saturday.
ABOUT MICHAEL INSPIRE AND T.R.I.B.E.
“Michael Inspire is my motivational speaking and coaching brand. T.R.I.B.E. is a non-profit I am establishing to empower youth and young adults to live in their purpose and pursue their dreams. We conduct workshops on bullying, education, and self-development.”
WHAT MICHAEL INSPIRE IS KNOWN FOR
“I think it is the connection; I aim to connect with the people I am dealing with. I learned early in my journey that when I make it about the people, it is hard to fail. So I continue to find a way to serve and meet the needs of the people I am present with at that time.”
HOW MICHAEL INSPIRE GOT STARTED
“I met a guy by the name of Bill Parisi and he introduced to my current mentor Dr. Gilbert. I always had a little passion for speaking, but I figured that was due to the fact that I talked a lot. When I met Dr. Gilbert, he asked about my story and told me that I need to share this story with the world. He is a professional speaker as well so he began to take me to events he was speaking at and letting me say a few words. As time progressed and I became better at my craft, I began to form my own business. I noticed that in my journey of life God began to reveal this moment to me in pieces, I guess He knew if He would have given it to me in its entirety I would mess it up lol. I’m glad He did it that way; I have to remind myself that now when I become impatient with the journey. I am blessed that my business is people and that my business has to do with my calling.”
ADVICE FOR SOMEONE PURSUING THEIR DREAMS
“I think the best advice I would give someone is just go for it. Even if you are not on the level as the greats in your field, that does not mean you sit on the sidelines. Les Brown once said, “you have to be great to get started, but you have to get started to be great.” Take heart in the small steps and small wins because those will lead to big victories. Set daily goals and go after them. Most importantly, have faith, I think my lack of faith slowed down my journey. When you are doing something that very few people, if any have ever done around you, sometimes you will doubt and second guess it. Believe that you were given that vision for a reason.”
GREATEST INFLUENCE
“I would have to say my son, my sister and mother. Some people do not mind if they struggle, but when a child struggles, it makes the journey different for you. He played a major part in my change in life and I just want to be the best example for them. I once read, “no success in the office can erase the pain of failing at home.” For me my office is the world and I cannot give them something I am lacking. So I work hard to get it together for them.”
FAVORITE QUOTE
“Excuses are the tools of the weak and incompetent, which builds monuments of nothingness. Those who specialize in them seldom succeed at anything else.” Malcolm X.
FAVORITE MEMORY
“I would say catching the bus with my boys to go to and from school. Sometimes we did not have the bus fare, so the things we did just to get on the bus were clever yet funny.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGE HE’S EVER HAD TO OVERCOME
“Myself.”
“I was the reason why I was broke. I was the reason why I was not doing well in class or in life. I was the reason why I was not doing well in basketball. Once I began the process of saying that I am not going to let myself and my negative thinking get in the way, all the other mountains in my life became small.”
ADVICE TO YOUNGER SELF
“Be true to yourself, I cannot tell you to be yourself because you are still trying to find yourself, but whatever you do be true to yourself. Don’t complain and trust the process, it will all make sense in the long run.”
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FUTURE
“Who knows lol. I will continue to reach as many people as I can. My goal this year is not focusing on attaining things, but becoming the person I desire to be. I will extend my reach, but I know in order to go higher, I have to dig deeper. So I have some work to do lol.”
To learn more about Michael Spence, be sure to visit his website www.michaelinspire.com, like him on Facebook, and follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
Until next time, keep moving, keep praying, keep fighting, and keep believing until you see your dream fulfilled.
Your girl,
Wodline