From Rock Bottom to
Resilience
From Ivy League graduate, to homeless addict, to 3x ex-felon, and ultimately a respected keynote speaker and mentor, Ken Miller has lived every side of the human experience.
Now, he shares his journey to inspire others to rise above their past, embrace their true identity, and build lives of purpose. Ken believes it’s never too late to rise, rebuild, and thrive.
Value for your audience
Why I am the Guest Your Audience Needs
I bring real, raw, and transformative conversations that inspire action. My journey—from rock bottom to success—has given me deep insights into resilience, leadership, mindset shifts, and personal growth. I don’t just share stories; I give listeners practical tools to overcome adversity and thrive.
Topics Your Audience Will Love:
Resilience & Overcoming Adversity – Turning struggles into strength and success
Mindset Shifts for Success – The mental reprogramming required to thrive
Leadership Through Setbacks – Leading with resilience in business and life
Healing Money Trauma – Breaking financial struggle cycles for lasting wealth
Storytelling for Impact – How sharing your journey inspires change
Faith & Resilience – The role of spirituality in overcoming obstacles
From Homelessness to Success – Lessons from my personal transformation
Featured Conversations
Resilience, Leadership & Impact in Action
Transforming Identity Through Truth
My journey—from foster care and addiction to redemption—taught me that confronting the truth is the key to reclaiming identity. A life-changing moment in 2016, when I used Ancestry DNA to find my birth mother, helped me heal and rewrite my story. Now, I share my experience to inspire others to face their past, embrace self-forgiveness, and create lasting transformation.
The Black Experience
On The Black Experience, I shared my journey of overcoming adversity and using my success to give back. As a Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) and AFP Master Trainer, I lead Denali FSP, helping nonprofits and professionals create lasting impact. My path—from struggle to leadership—has shaped my mission: to mentor, educate, and empower others to rise.
Author
Becoming Ken
One Black Man's Journey from Ivy League to Prison and Back Again
I’m thrilled to share that my book is complete and available wherever you buy your books!
This milestone marks an exciting new chapter in my journey as an author and speaker—one that I can’t wait to share with audiences. And this is just the beginning—I have five more books currently in the works, each designed to inspire, empower, and spark meaningful conversations.
If you’re looking for a guest who brings fresh insights, real-life transformation, and powerful storytelling to your audience, let’s connect!
Areas of expertise
Resilience in Action:
How Small Choices Lead to Big Change
I believe that resilience isn’t built in a single moment—it’s shaped by the small, everyday choices we make. My journey from Ivy League success to rock bottom, and ultimately to redemption, taught me firsthand how intentional decisions can create massive transformation.
Now, I share those lessons to help others reclaim their power, navigate adversity, and build a life of purpose.
What Your Listeners Will Gain:
How to build resilience through intentional decision-making
Practical steps for turning setbacks into growth opportunities
Inspiring stories that showcase the power of small, consistent actions
From Pain to Purpose:
Turning Life’s Hardest Lessons into Your Greatest Strength
I know what it’s like to hit rock bottom—and I also know the power of transformation. My journey has taken me from deep struggles to a mission of helping others turn their pain into purpose.
As a guest on your podcast, I share the raw, real lessons I’ve learned along the way—how challenges can be harnessed for growth, why giving back leads to true fulfillment, and how anyone can use their story to inspire and create lasting impact.
What Your Listeners Will Gain:
How to identify and harness life’s challenges for personal growth
The value of giving back and mentoring as paths to fulfillment
How to cultivate purpose and create a lasting legacy
Authenticity Unleashed:
Embracing Your True Self for Lasting Success
I know firsthand the power of embracing your true self. My journey—from battling addiction to redefining my self-worth—taught me that real success comes when we let go of limiting beliefs and step fully into who we are meant to be.
As a guest on your podcast, I’ll share how authenticity fuels confidence, resilience, and lasting fulfillment. I’ll guide your audience through the process of self-discovery, helping them break free from doubt and align with their true identity in both life and business.
What Your Listeners Will Gain:
Tools for self-reflection and discovering personal strengths
The importance of authenticity in personal and professional success
How to build resilience and self-esteem by embracing who you truly are
Testimonials
What others say about me
Resilience, Growth & Empowerment
"Ken Miller's presentation 'Resilience in the Face of the Known and Unknown' was extraordinary, masterfully weaving personal experiences with professional expertise.
His magnetic storytelling and rare ability to find growth in adversity captivated the audience, while delivering, practical, actionable advice. Ken inspires and empowers attendees with purpose and practical tools for success."
- Marci Bradley
CEO Marci Bradley Consulting
Inspiring, Practical, and Impactful
"Ken’s engaging presentation style and actionable advice left a lasting impression on all attendees. Ken provided practical insights and invaluable guidance. It was nothing short of enlightening!”
- Kassie Cosgrove
Executive Director The Root Agency
Authenticity, Strength & Purpose
"As our 2023 CULTIVATE Conference Keynote Speaker, Ken delivered an unforgettable presentation where he shared a candid and deeply personal account of his journey.
His vulnerability not only captivated the audience but also served as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from embracing our stories and inspired us to lead with greater purpose and authenticity. We are grateful for the wisdom and mentorship he brought to our conference and for his continued work in the community."
- Pearl Hoeglund
Director of Fundraising Academy
National University
questions to ask
Tap Into My Expertise
What does resilience really mean? Most people think it’s just about bouncing back, but what’s the deeper truth behind overcoming life’s biggest challenges?
Can you share a powerful story of transformation? What’s an unforgettable example of someone turning their hardest struggles into their greatest strength?
How do you turn adversity into an advantage? What are the key mindset shifts and strategies that help people not just survive but thrive through life’s toughest moments?
What can leaders do to build resilient teams? How can business owners and executives create a culture that supports resilience, confidence, and self-leadership?
Your journey includes overcoming homelessness and legal struggles—how did those experiences shape your understanding of resilience?
What’s the #1 takeaway you want audiences to remember after hearing you speak?
How has being an Ivy League graduate and business leader influenced your view on resilience?
Many business leaders avoid talking about failure—why is that a mistake?
How do you make sure your message resonates with every audience? How do you move people from just feeling inspired to actually taking action?
What lasting change do you want to create through your work? How do you help individuals and businesses create a true transformation that lasts beyond just motivation?
About me
Meet Ken Miller
I'm Ken Miller, CFRE, and I help individuals and organizations harness the power of resilience. My message goes beyond survival—it's about reclaiming identity and integrity in adversity. Resilience is an act of self-assertion and radical love, a testament to transforming suffering into strength.
Through speaking engagements, seminars, and small group work, I guide leaders and teams in navigating setbacks to unlock their true potential. My clients experience relief, clarity, and inspiration, gaining practical insights to empower themselves and their organizations.
My passion stems from my own journey—20 years of homelessness, the support I received, and my transformation into a successful business owner and Ivy League graduate. As a Black man who has overcome immense challenges, I share an authentic, powerful message of hope, success, and resilience. Let’s explore resilience together and inspire growth through courage and compassion.
follow me to learn valuable guidance on how to
Rise, Rebuild & Thrive
Copyright 2025 | Ken Miller