EVERYONE CAN BE
A SUCCESS
Ken Simon
Growing Up
 One of seven
 Mother graduated high school as valedictorian in 1948
 Father a Pentecostal preacher
 Roger Williams projects in Mobile, Al
 Two-parent families
 Psychological imprisonment
 Stigma of living in projects
A Time for Change
 1964 Civil Rights Act passed
 1970s brings change-of-government litigation
 Sam Jones becomes Mayor
 Lawyers become involved in community and fight for change
 Profound impact on entire family
A Time for Change
 Family moved out of the projects
 Mother graduated with honors from Bishop State
and the University of the South – the first black USA
graduate
 Recognized as Mobile County’s Outstanding
Reading Teacher
 Inspired to become a lawyer ……but how?
Escape Is A Process
Accepted at University of South Alabama
Joined debate team
Involvement in student government
Inspired and motivated to serve others
“Was I good
enough?”
Letter to my
English 101
Professor
October, 1991
 First composition assignment
 Disappointment in writing skills of class
 Braced for grade….
 Received an A And powerful message
“Educate thyself
brother, and you
will go far.”
Impact of Words
 Confidence boosted
 Self-worth affirmed
 Inspired to do well at South
 Attended law school
 Practiced law in Mobile, Washing D.C. and now
Birmingham
“You never know,
brother, what
your words can
do for others.”
Guiding Principles of
Successful People
Set Goals
Plan a Strategy
Develop a Value System
Self-Confidence and Self-Esteem
Initiative = Leadership
Guiding Principals of
Successful People
Use Good Judgment
Develop a Sense of Mission and
Purpose
Discover a Source of Inspiration
We Must Serve Others
What do you care about?
Think Big
 Talent – recognize and accept your God-given
talents
 Time – learn the importance of time
 Hope – anticipate good things
 Honesty – speaking the truth each time makes life
amazingly simple
 Insight – listen and learn from others
Think Big
 Be nice to people…..ALL people
 Knowledge – the key to independent living, your
dreams, hopes and aspirations
 Books – good reading habits like champion
weightlifter
 In-Depth Learning – don’t cram for exam, learn for life
 God
10 Things That Can Hinder
Success
Wrong Thinking
Negativity
Self-Doubt
Laziness
Selfishness
10 Things That Can Hinder
Success
Complaining
Ignorance
Stubbornness/Inflexibility
Lack of Self-Awareness
Lack of Faith