Michael Arterberry - Master Encourager, Motivational Speaker & Author

Michael Arterberry

With his captivating and empowering style, Michael will leave people with the aspiration and
inspiration to be better.

As a teenager, Michael was fortunate to receive guidance from positive adult role models who helped him overcome adversities and set high expectations for his future. Grateful for the role these mentors played in his own development, Michael decided to dedicate his professional life to helping people navigate the difficulties of life and launch their future into motion.

Michael received the 2010 USA Network’s Characters Unite Award for exceptional commitment to combating prejudice and discrimination while increasing tolerance and acceptance within the community. He is also the recipient of the 2014 100 Men of Color Award for leadership in education, government, mentorship, entrepreneurial success and community service. And most recently, he was awarded the EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD from Y-COP, the Youth Community Outreach Program in Mt. Vernon.

I’m so excited for you to connect with Michael, check out his work and new book, and follow along as he continues to motivate, inspire, and change the lives of teenagers and adults around the world.

I'd love it if you'd introduce yourself, what you do, and what you're working on.

My name is Michael Arterberry and I am a Master Encourager. I have been motivating, inspiring and encouraging people my entire life beginning when I was just a little kid. Since the pandemic began, I have been on a "Around the World Podcast" Tour and have been a guest on nearly 100 podcasts around the world bringing my message of motivation and hope to others. I am promoting my book "Be Encouraged: 250 Days of Motivation and Encouragement" and have created a 10-Day Challenge to enhance the lives of others.

How did you get started?

My journey began when at a very young age, I was bigger than everyone else. Even as a kindergartener, I was bigger, taller, and faster than the older kids and I could not stand a bully. I took it upon myself to protect those who could not defend themselves. I became known in school as the protector, the motivator and someone others looked up to. After my dreams of playing professional football were dashed and I realized that I had to get serious about school and life, my compassionate heart led me to study social work in college. So, my journey began at first working in the foster care system, a soup kitchen, and later as an independent living specialist helping teens to navigate the challenges of everyday life.

What inspired the work that you're doing?

While working for yet another agency, I was approached by a woman to learn about a program called Alternatives to Violence. I understood that I could attend either "inside" or "outside". Not knowing what this meant, I chose inside. Little did I know that I would enter a world that I had not experienced previously inside a maximum security prison facility working with inmates and helping them to make better choices, to evaluate the decisions that landed them there, and preparing them for the future. This experience changed the trajectory of my life forever. I realized that if the exercises and discussions of the program could benefit hardened, lifelong prisoners, what could it do with young, impressionable teens? My theory was to impress upon young people how their decisions could impact their lives, maybe I could prevent some of them from making those decisions which could put them in prison or worse.

I stepped out on a limb and created a non-profit organization in 2008 called Youth Voices Center, Inc. We have been facilitating workshops with teens and have since inception impacted the lives of more than 10K young people since that time.

This sparked a deeper desire to not only help young people but adults as well who many of which have never received motivation, inspiration or guidance and who still struggle as adults. If you look around, there are broken adults all around who need the same support as young people.

What is your biggest passion? Do you feel like you're living your passion and purpose?

I believe without a shadow of a doubt that I am walking in my purpose. If it wasn't for the fact that we all have to eat, I would do what I do for free! I am passionate about seeing others improve, stay on course, figure out what they are passionate about, overcome obstacles and succeed.

What is your joy blueprint? What lights you up, brings you joy, and makes you feel the most alive?

I am the most alive when I can help someone. I thrive off of knowing that I have inspired someone to be better, to live their best life.

How do you live intentionally? Are there tools/resources/practices that you rely on to help you stay mindful and grounded?

I am a very spiritual person and put my faith in God to help me stay grounded. I also workout several hours per day which is my time to reflect, regroup and reconnect.

What would your younger self think about what you're doing now?

Having had big dreams of playing professional football, my younger self would not have seen what I am doing now. I know that it was not in His plan to have me play professionally and I know for a fact I would not have the life that I live now had that door been opened for me.

Do you have a go-to mantra or affirmation? 

When I leave a room, I want my essence to linger and for others to remember that I was there.

What is your biggest dream?

I want to speak on a big stage in front of thousands of people filling them with inspiration and encouragement to become the best possible version of themselves.

To learn more about Michael visit his website www.michaelarterberry.com and www.youthvoicescenter.org and on Facebook @michael.arterberry Instagram @ctthunder and Get a FREE copy of his book "Be Encouraged: 250 Days of Motivation and Encouragement" here

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