Built for the Stage 🏆 How Faith Made Me an Award-Winning Speaker

Welcome back to No Sight, No Excuses—and this one’s personal. In Episode 11, host Kijuan Amey returns fresh from New York City, where he just proved that faith, preparation, and persistence always beat doubt. Out of fifteen competitors at the Jesse Cruz Speaker’s Competition in Rushville, NY, Kijuan walked away with first place—and a trophy. This episode breaks down how a blind man became an award-winning motivational speaker by mastering one simple principle: winners are not built on the stage; they’re built in the dark.From airports to anxiety, Kijuan shares every behind-the-scenes moment of what it took to compete—and win. Traveling solo through Chicago and small-town New York, he watched God make a way at every turn: meeting a fellow contestant on his connecting flight, finding a roommate to cut hotel costs, and even sharing a rental car. Each “coincidence” was a reminder that when you move in faith, provision follows.Kijuan unpacks how faith and preparation collide to create opportunity. He details the discipline that no one sees—late nights rehearsing, mornings spent studying delivery techniques, and mental conditioning learned through E.T. the Hip Hop Preacher’s Speaker Certification Program. When his first speech went overtime because he couldn’t see the stage timer, he didn’t complain—he adjusted. Setting a phone timer for day two, he hit his mark perfectly and walked off stage with two seconds left and the win.Throughout the episode, Kijuan ties everything back to the mindset that fuels the No Sight, No Excuses movement. He could have used blindness, fear, or finances as reasons not to go—but instead, he executed the plan and elevated to champion status. His story proves that faith without work is dead, but faith with focus is unstoppable.Kijuan challenges listeners to identify the “stages” they’ve been avoiding—whether it’s a promotion, a passion project, or a calling—and ask themselves: are you waiting to feel ready, or are you preparing while no one’s watching? Because readiness isn’t built overnight; it’s built in obedience. And when that moment comes—when the lights hit, the mic’s hot, and everyone’s watching—you’ll know you were built for the stage.Because just because you can’t see it… doesn’t mean you can’t achieve it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/no-sight-no-excuses-podcast--6722189/support.📣 Book Kijuan Amey to Speak Award-winning motivational speaker and Air Force veteran Kijuan Amey brings his message of faith, inclusion, and resilience to stages everywhere. From corporate events to schools, churches, and community organizations, Kijuan inspires audiences to see beyond limitations and lead with purpose.📧 Bookings: [email protected]🌐 Website: www.ameymotivation.comBecause just because you can’t see it… doesn’t mean you can’t achieve it.