#128 From Son of a Drug-Addicted Prostitute to Doctorate Degree: The Fascinating Life Story of Dr. Ben Williams

A Story of Heartbreak, Tragedy, and Finding Your Purpose.

Today I bring you, Dr. Ben Williams. The principal at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in Washington DC, Ben’s life has been anything but easy. At age 4, he and his younger brother, sons of a prostitute addicted to drugs, became wards of the state and entered the Nevada foster care system. At age 12 they were adopted and there was hope that their troubles were over. The reality was far from it. After just a couple of years, because of their father’s failing health, they found themselves living with their aunt. Ben’s brother Andre, struggling with behavior problems, found himself at a residential facility for troubled youth. In the ensuing years, Ben found his way successfully through high school and into one of the top public universities in the country, the University of Virginia. But just before Ben’s third year in college, Andre was killed by a drunk driver while crossing a road. Despite so many obstacles in his path, Ben received three degrees from the University of Virginia including his doctorate in education and administration.

Ben’s challenging road has positioned him well to take the lead of the all-boys college preparatory school that he now heads. What I want to explore and what I want you the listener to learn is how Ben faced adversity only to come out on top.

If you don’t have time to listen to the entire episode or if you hear something that you like but don’t have time to write it down, be sure to grab your free copy of the Action Plan from this episode-- as well as get access to action plans from EVERY episode-- at JimHarshawJr.com/Action/.

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About Your Host Jim Harshaw

My name is Jim Harshaw. And I know where you’re at. You’re working hard and qualified for what you do but you aren’t getting what you want. You have plans on getting to the C-suite or launching a business but ultimate success seems as far away today as ever. You’re at the right place because you can get there from here.

And I can help.

Who I Am

I’m a speaker, coach, and former Division I All-American wrestler that helps motivated former athletes to reach their full potential by getting clarity on what they really want and taking aggressive action to lead their ideal life not just despite their prior failures but because of them.

I’m a husband and father of four. And I’m a serial entrepreneur. I’ve launched multiple successful businesses as well as the obligatory failed one. I’ve been the executive director of a non-profit and have raised millions of dollars. I’ve worked in sales. I’ve even been a Division I head coach. While I was born in a blue-collar home I have spent my life surrounded by Olympians, CEO’s and millionaires.

Jim Rohn said, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”

I’ve been lucky.

I’ve learned the habits of successful people and guess what. You’re just like them. I know because I know your type. You’re programmed for hard work, which is a prerequisite for success, but you’ve never been shown how to use what you know to create the life you want with the tools you have.

I will show you how.

Why You Are Here

You've worked hard to achieve greatness. You’ve set goals and maybe even set records. You’ve definitely failed and you’ve at some point found yourself questioning if you were on the right track.

You need to understand this: You are far more prepared to succeed than those who’ve not tried, competed, struggled and overcome like you have. That’s the value of your education as someone who aims high. You are prepared to be as successful as your wildest dreams will allow.

Here I will teach you, with the help of brilliant minds that have been shaped by failure, struggle, and adversity, to be who you want to be. I sense that you want this because you have read this far.

To take the next step today, click here.

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