165. Quit Story: Life After Prison - Taking Ownership of His Life & Career with JP Watkins

JP and I crossed paths on the internet around late 2018. He was one of my first “beta coaching clients” back then, and I always enjoyed my conversations with JP.

 

We lost touch over the years and reconnected in early 2024.

 

During our catch up, I got to hear JP’s story in more detail. And honestly, I was at loss for words.

 

JP’s story is filled with character and resilience, and I am beyond grateful to have him as our guest on episode 165 of The Thought Leader Club Podcast to share exactly that. 

 

In this conversation, you’ll hear about:

 

• What led JP to do the current work he does today, and his thoughts on the importance of confidence vs English skill when it comes to helping ESL folks 

• The real sh*t that JP navigated from his younger days that shaped who he’s become 

• I’ve always remembered JP as someone who was well spoken and would drop nuggets of wisdom - So, we also touched on why JP thinks he’s good with words 

• And other profound stories of resilience and taking ownership over your life’s direction  

 

Enjoy :) 

 

P.S. And if you loved the episode, you can 1️) Leave a 5-star rating and an awesome review, and 2️) Share the episode on your social media

 

About JP:

 

Hello I'm JP. I grew up on the wrong side of the tracks. I grew up with a single mom who raised 7 children. Childhood was challenging and I was kicked out of public schools because of my poor reputation and eventually graduated to selling drugs. By the time I was 25 years old, I had 4 children by two different women. Eventually, I got convicted of selling drugs and served a short stint in the penal system. 

 

After I got out I was determined not to return. I volunteered as a way of "showing" rather than telling me I had changed my life around. Overtime, I earned my GED, BA, and Masters Degree. Yet, my peppered past limited my opportunities to teach at the college level even though I graduated magna cum laude with 3.8 GPA. By the grace of God I was able to do maintain good grades while often working 2 jobs, sometimes 2 full time jobs. 

 

I was born and raised in the USA, but I currently live in the Philippines. Currently, I help diffident emerging leaders communicate with confidence and eloquence to their international colleagues. I hold a master's degree in History from The University of Akron as well as a TOEIC and multiple TEFL certifications. 

 

I am a leadership coach, ESL teacher, self-published author of a series, public speaker, and educator with several years of experience in hiring, interpersonal skill training, confidence coaching, and supervising staff as well as teaching various topics: US History, Business Etiquette & Leadership (tactful performance conversations and conflict management scenarios), interview preparation (via mock interviews),  cultural nuances about the historical social issues in USA, professional development, and personal governance.

 

Connect with JP:

 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/watkinsglobal

E-mail: [email protected]

WeChat ID: WatkinsGlobo

Twitter X: WATKINS.GLOBAL