Damon West: From A Loving Home To Lifetime In Prison | E51

Damon West is an ex-meth addict and the ex-head of an organized crime ring who was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes.  Today, he is a college professor at the University of Houston, an exceptional motivational speaker, and a best-selling author.  His story is one of the most incredible and fascinating stories I have ever heard – do not miss this episode!(01:56) Introduction to Damon WestGrew up in Port Arthur, Texas with supporting parentsA black athlete on the front page of a magazine (hate mail he had to read)Taking a stand and doing the right thing may mean standing aloneBeing molested by a babysitter at 9 years old introduced him to adult behaviors (started smoking, drinking, and doing drugs at 10 years old)High-school football in TexasFrom star athlete to a career-ending injury – identity shatteredGoing back to drugs being a functional addictFinished college and got a job in the US Congress and UBS(16:20) Drug addiction and descending into criminalAddicts give up their goals to meet their behaviorsSuccessful people give up their behaviors to meet their goalsEverything can be an addiction12-step recovery programFalling in love with crystal methKnown as "The Uptown Burglar"(24:52) Life sentence in prisonArrested for his crimes (6 days of a public trial and sentenced to 65 years in prison)Great advice from his motherMr. Jackson – a ray of sunshine in prisonPrison is all about race and gangsThe strongest men in prison walk aloneThe coffee bean story (the most important story of his life)His first day in prison (you don't have to win, just fight)About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution.Coaching and Staying Connected:1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X