Mercilessly bullied as a child, Justin responded by transforming himself into a champion MMA fighter. Yet despite his success, he quietly questioned the significance of his own athletic accomplishments. Each time his hand was raised in victory he thought, “Is this it? Is this as good as it gets?” As he fought his way to the top and battled never-ending injuries that accompany the profession, he slid into pain-killer addiction, battled depression and attempted suicide. He was a champion on the outside, but broken within.
It wasn’t until a chance collection of circumstances led Justin to one of the most remote places on earth, to live in the rainforest among the Pygmy people, some of the most impoverished and marginalized people on the planet, that he found his true purpose – helping others.
From that experience, ‘The Big Pygmy’ returned to the ring with purpose, founding the non-profit Fight For The Forgotten (FFTF) along the way. Since 2013, FFTF has provided more than 52,000 indigenous people with access to clean drinking water, replanted thousands of trees, acquired more than 3,000 acres of land in the name of the tribe and helped 1,800 people out of slavery and into freedom. Current projects include housing, education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods through community empowerment.
Topics: Social Consciousness, Inspiration, Humanitarianism, Mental Health, Addiction, Athlete
Most Presented Titles:
- Purpose – Performance – Impact
- Finding Purpose Through Service
- Mental Health
- Creating A Fighter’s Mindset & A Fighter’s Heart
- Charity, Sustainability, and Opportunity
- Servant Leadership, Character Development and Difference Making
Watch Justin in Action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta95Pi7eA2g&t=43s
Join us at the 2024 Midwest Speakers Bureau Showcase!
Experience 14 dynamic speakers delivering captivating presentations, each limited to just 12 minutes. Feel the energy as they interact with a diverse crowd of meeting planners. Encounter a variety of speaking styles condensed into just a few short hours. Afterwards, engage in personalized discussions with the speakers about your specific event needs.
Details:
2024 Speakers Showcase
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Airport Holiday Inn, Des Moines IA
8:30-12:30 (speakers showcase with lunch following)
Cost: $50 per person