In many self-directed lessons I write for Prison Professors, I try to teach people how to think as if they’re the CEO of their life. It’s quite simple. A person simply has to take the following steps:
- Define success as the best possible outcome,
- Create a plan that will advance prospects for success.
- Prioritize the steps you’re going to take.
- Build tools, tactics, and resources that show commitment to the plan.
- Measure progress, with accountability metrics.
- Execute the plan.
- Adjust as necessary.
I also pledge that I’ll never ask anyone to do anything that I didn’t do while serving 26 years in prison. I’m still using that process of planning and building today. My focus has changed, but the strategy remains the same.
As the founder of Prison Professors Charitable Corporation, I want to build structured, self-directed tools to show people how to prepare for the best possible outcome—regardless of where they are in the journey.
Since we need to increase our outreach, I have to come up with new plans. Far too many people never hear about our free resources until after they’ve been sentenced or they’ve reported to prison. We want people to learn how to build self-advocacy campaigns much earlier, even before they’ve been convicted. We don’t want them to miss the critical early window when self-advocacy can make the biggest difference.
For that reason, I’ve prepared an application to partner with Blueprint at UC Berkeley, a program that connects computer science students with nonprofits like ours to build technology that serves the public good.
Our goal? To develop a digital referral and engagement system that connects federal defense attorneys to our work—and empowers them to help their clients get started on the right path before they go to prison.
We’d like to connect with more people when they’re in the very beginning of their contact with the justice system.
For that reason, we’re striving to open relationships with more federal defense attorneys. They’re frequently the first people to interact with individuals facing criminal charges. With the right tools, these attorneys can become powerful partners in redirecting lives. We want to equip them with a simple, automated system to assist people who are going into the system. Those people should think about pathways to build assets they can use to self-advocate. For that reason, we built PrisonProfessorsTalent.com, where individuals can begin documenting their journey, setting goals, and taking action toward a better future.
Action Steps You Can Take Today
- Build your profile on PrisonProfessorsTalent.com — even if you’re just beginning your journey.
- Document your transformation through biographies, journals, book reports, and a release plan.
- Share our platform with someone who may not know we exist—especially defense attorneys, mentors, or advocates.
- Support our mission by spreading awareness or offering your time, skills, or feedback.
- Believe in your potential. Change starts with a single decision to prepare.
We built this system based on my personal experience. Everything is free. Every lesson is modeled on what worked for me—and what can work for you.
📓 REFLECTION JOURNAL PROMPT
If your defense attorney had offered you a resource like Prison Professors at the beginning of your case, how might it have changed your approach to preparing for the journey ahead?
🔍 SAMPLE RESPONSE
When I was first arrested, I didn’t know where to turn. Had someone pointed me to a platform like this—something that encouraged me to document my life, create a plan, and start learning how to advocate for myself—I would’ve made smarter choices earlier. I learned the hard way. That’s why I’m passionate about helping others learn proactively. With the right tools, anyone can start building a better future from day one.
🧱 PROJECT: BUILDING YOUR PROFILE
- Biography
- Journal
- Book Reports
- Release Plan
- Testimonials
💬 QUOTE TO REMEMBER
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
🧠 SELF-DIRECTED QUESTIONS
- Who in your life could help support your preparation if they had the right tools?
- What actions can you take today to begin documenting your self-advocacy journey?
- How would a platform like PrisonProfessorsTalent.com have helped you at the start of your case?
- What’s one value you want to demonstrate in your transformation story?
- How can you use your time today to invest in your future success?
