Helping Youth and Educators Build Resilience & Mental Health
Past Clients
Schools Served
Students & Staff Impacted
CHOOSE YOUR AUDIENCE
In these trying times, my students needed to be inspired and for many reasons we as a community needed to make a culture shift. It was difficult to believe that one speaker could help us do all these things, until today! Kwesi’s story was motivational, inspiring and he knew how to grab students attention. Students have even requested that he returns! Kwesi was very easy to work with. I asked him to “tweak” his presentation to meet some of the needs of our students and he was very flexible and delivered! Thank you Kwesi.
PROGRAMS
Presentations
YOUTH/STUDENT KEYNOTES
BECOMING UNBREAKABLE
Unleashing Your Inner SUPERHERO
Versions: ELEMENTARY for Grades K/1-5 (see below for Middle/High School & Post-Secondary)
Elementary school can be a tough time for young future leaders. As they grow, the world is opening up and they are exploring their emotions, relationships and developing their personality. Many are unsure where they stand in the world, amongst their peers and already uncertain about growing up and their future. At this age, emotional intelligence, strengthening mental health and building resilience/confidence are key skills to develop. In this fun and INTERACTIVE presentation, your students will pick up the steps necessary to thrive both now, and as they move through the elementary years, and into middle and high school.
YOUR YOUNG LEADERS WILL LEARN
* Confidence lessons from media and popular culture
* The importance of embracing imperfection
* Keys to wellness and remaining emotionally calm
* How to gain a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them
* Keys to building greater confidence & self-esteem
BECOMING UNBREAKABLE
The Keys to Mastering Confidence & Building Resilience
Versions: MIDDLE (6-8) / HIGH SCHOOL (9-12), COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY, CTSO Conferences [BPA, DECA, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, HOSA, SKILLS, TSA]
*Note – Each Version is customized for the specific audience
Uncertainty is unavoidable for our students. Many are unsure about where they stand academically, socially and personally. They are often simultaneously apprehensive of both their present and their future. As a result, anxiety and depression are two of the most common issues that arise among today’s young people.
Studies show that the ability to manage stress and deal positively with adversity is key to building resilience and confidence. Students don’t know that there are opportunities in daily life to prove that they have the resilience and confidence they need to overcome and rise above anything. Kwesi inspires them to realize that there are tools they can use today to create confidence, build resilience and become unbreakable.
Kwesi uses storytelling and experiences from his nationally known policing background to inspire students to believe that they can wake up everyday with high self-esteem, develop the ability to bounce back from disappointment and failure, and gain an understanding of how to find their personal purpose, aka their “why”.
Your students will leave with an undeniable ability to create confidence and resilience in their lives that will leave them empowered.
YOUTH WILL LEARN
* Keys to building greater confidence & self-esteem
* What to do to build unstoppable resilience
* How to make meaningful connections and develop positive relationships
* What stops most people from believing in themselves and how to overcome the self-limiting beliefs
* How to find and live in your life purpose
YOUTH/STUDENT WORKSHOPS
THE PATH TO HARMONY [RELATIONSHIPS, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION]
4 Steps to Building Unity & Resilience in a Divided World
Versions: Grades 6-12, College, University
Diversity is defined as “the condition of having or being composed of differing elements.” While it is important to acknowledge our differences and what that has meant to different cultures. It is even more vital to appreciate our common humanity.
In this presentation, youth will learn through Kwesi’s stories and cultural historical references that it’s not only important to embrace diversity and inclusion, but how to live an empowered, resilient and motivated life regardless of how they appear in their own eyes or the eyes of others.
YOUTH WILL LEARN
* Why being aware of biases and stereotypes is key to inclusivity
* How to build resilience while empowering themselves and others
* How to approach DEI from a space of acceptance & admiration rather than from a space of accusation & division
* The power of questions and curiosity in the quest for equity
THE HARD CHOICES [SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING, STRESS MANAGEMENT, SELF-AWARENESS]
4 Life Changing Decisions Every Leader MUST Make
Versions: Grades 6-12
Studies have proven that social-emotional skills – being able to understand your own emotions and relate to others effectively – has been shown to develop leadership potential, performance and overall mental health.
After this workshop, students will leave with tools to manage their emotions, develop relationship skills, feel more confidence and build resilience in their lives.
YOUTH WILL LEARN
* An Understanding of how to Handle Stress Effectively
* A Greater Understanding of Who they are and Sense of Self
* How to Develop Positive Emotions, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills
* How to Have and Maintain Positive Relationships
TEACHERS/EDUCATORS
TURNING STRESS INTO STRENGTH – WORKSHOP
How to Avoid Burnout while Building Resilience in Yourself & Others
Target Audience: Teaching Staff, Educators
Many teachers and educators battle feelings of apathy and burnout. There is no doubt that you care deeply about your profession, but being overworked and subject to constant change can leave you drained. As a leader, you want to serve the next generation with strength, but you may wonder if your students – or anyone – even cares or if your work even matters.
IT DOES. However, it is important not to forget yourself in the process of giving. During times of uncertainty and challenge, you need to pay even more attention to your mental, emotional and physical health.
In this presentation, you’ll pick up the keys to unlocking the energy and enthusiasm you need not only to make it through your days, but to feel a sense of accomplishment and purpose as you do the important work of supporting our youth. We’ll also discuss how to create greater connection and engagement with your students and those you serve while motivating them to be their best.
This session is about giving YOU the keys to overcoming stress, maintaining balance in your life, and cultivating resilience. Join Kwesi for this engaging and interactive session that will leave you with a sense of purpose and hope.
LEARNING OUTCOMES INCLUDE:
* Self-Care practices to help you thrive both professionally and personally
* How to leave a lasting impression on your students and those you teach and mentor
* What to do to avoid burnout and ensure you maintain the energy & enthusiasm to serve
* The #1 Way to revive and keep your passion & purpose alive during hard times
* How to Build more Self-Worth & Confidence
PARENTS
RAISING RESILIENCE
Keyst to Unlocking Unbreakable Resilience in Yourself & Your Children
Target Audience: Parents / School Community Night
Parenting is the world’s toughest job… period. Balancing the adult obligations with navigating the fast-paced life of the young ones in your lives is tough to say the least.
Whether it’s from society, friends and family, or everything you see online or in books, there seems to be more questions in a world that is supposedly offering all the answers.
So how do you raise resilient young adults, while taking care of your own mental and emotional health at the same time? One step at a time. One overcome mistake at a time. One “guess with grace” at a time.
In this presentation, parents will pick up research-backed tools to help build confidence and resilience in their children and/or teens, while along the way learning how to manage their own stress and well-being. Overall, together we will grow and learn from each other the answers to raising resilience.
LEARNING OUTCOMES INCLUDE:
* Tools to connect with the young people in your lives
* How to make your children feel heard and seen
* Strategies to build confidence in yourself and others
* Techniques to managing your own stress and mental health
Testimonials
aka Rave Reviews
I’ve had many speakers come in to speak to my students in my over 16 years of teaching. Kwesi was by far the most eloquent, engaging speaker we’ve ever had. I highly recommend Kwesi if you’re looking to create a more resilient, confident and empowered set of youth.
I’ve had the opportunity to hear Kwesi speak on a couple of occasions. He never ceases to amaze me with his story. Always inspiring and motivating others to be their best selves.
Continue to strive Kwesi you are making a difference.
Kwesi engaged his audience with his heartfelt humour, poignancy, and vulnerability. He delivered a great message in the desired timeframe. His message resonated both with the high school students and their parents in the same audience. I highly recommend having Kwesi at your school!
Biography
Kwesi’s Story
