Robert Timmons Speaker

Participating in Les Brown's Speak for a Living program was a life-changing experience. Under the guidance of my coach, John Bates—an expert in crafting TEDx-style talks—I was challenged to dig deep, to craft a 10-12 minute speech that would grab the audience and deliver genuine value. What poured out of me during this process was nothing short of astonishing and deeply emotional.

My speech centered around a figure who played a pivotal role in my life: my Big Brother from the Big Brothers Association of Ontario, Canada. This man was incredibly influential, both at the beginning of my life and toward the end of his. Crafting this speech was a cathartic experience—I found myself writing and tearing up, often unable to stop the flood of emotions. It was as if the memories had been waiting for a chance to be shared with the world.

Reflecting on the bond we shared, I was struck by a profound sadness. At 12 years old, as I entered my teenage years, I began to push him away. I started to run with a community that was broken, lacking structure and guidance. This regret weighed heavily on me as I wrote, but it also fueled the passion behind my speech.

When I finally delivered this speech, the emotions were palpable. It earned me 2nd place in Les Brown's challenge, but in my heart, it was a victory like no other. This speech was more than just words; it was a tribute to a man who had shaped me in ways I had never fully acknowledged.

Encouraged by this achievement, I expanded my talk into a 45-minute presentation, which I delivered in Tampa, Florida, in a community area called Ybor. The response was overwhelmingly positive. One attendee, Jennifer Keegan, a Building Enclosure Educator, Architect, and Consultant, shared her thoughts: 

"When someone from outside the industry comes in, captivates the room, and inspires us all to not resist going with the flow of the universe, chances are Robert Timmons just took the stage. When a speaker invokes emotion, you can be sure they have made an impact. Thanks for being vulnerable with us and inspiring us to reconsider the detours as untapped opportunities and blessings waiting to be discovered!"

But the story doesn’t end there. Barry, my Big Brother, played another pivotal part in my journey near the end of his life. Unexpectedly, he shared some of his dying wishes with me through his son, words that hit me deep and set me on fire to empower others. His final words were a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have on another’s life, and they continue to inspire me every day. Watch the video here: Speak for a Living challenge

This talk was more than just a speech—it was a journey through the mentorships that have shaped my life. From my Big Brother to the mentors who guided me through my rollercoaster of a learning curve, each one played a crucial role in developing me into the leader I am today.

Winning 2nd place in the Speak for a Living challenge was an incredible honor, but the true victory was the discovery of my own voice and the stories within me. Through the guidance of mentors like John Bates and the support of the Les Brown team, I found a way to share my heartfelt memories with the world, turning personal pain into a powerful message of growth and transformation.

As I continue to speak and share my journey, I am reminded that every detour, every challenge, and every emotion has a purpose. They are the building blocks of our stories, waiting to be shared, to inspire, and to make an impact.