Before my justice journey began, I had never heard of Michael Santos. And why would I? I was busy reading medical journals, scientific books, and grant applications. I didn’t have time to read biographies and books about prison. I was doing important stuff!
After my arrest, I spent a short time at Wyatt Detention Facility before being released on house arrest. For the first six months, I was still trying to process how everything I had built had come crashing down. But by the end of that time, I started to see beauty, grace, and opportunity even in adversity.
With the help of my amazing probation officer, Erin Hennemann, I was given a generous curfew. I spent the next 18 months making the most of every moment – being fully present with my family and friends to help them solve their challenges, focusing on building a new career that was centered on providing value to our clients, and volunteering my time to pack and redistribute food for shelters.
Besides, I was certain I would win at trial. I mean, how could I lose?
Then reality hit. Hard. Losing at trial was crushing. But after the initial shock, my faith in God helped me to get back to what I’ve always done best – found creative ways to serve and help others.
I was (and still am) grateful that Judge Kelley allowed me to come home until sentencing. After a few days of shock, I focused on what I could do to help someone worse off than me. Under house arrest again, options were limited. But I found a program that sent handwritten letters to lonely elderly individuals across the country. I can’t tell you how much joy I found in writing those letters, knowing they might brighten someone’s day. I certainly understood what it felt to be isolated and lonely, even when there are people all around you.
But my biggest fear was how would I contribute when I am serving my time? Is it even possible? How will I use my time to do things that will serve me to be able to better serve those in need?
That’s when I stumbled across Michael Santos – completely by accident. A friend mentioned his book, Earning Freedom, which I very reluctantly bought. I figured, “What could this book really tell me?”
Turns out, everything.
Reading Earning Freedom changed my entire perspective. I was full of hope again. I saw how prison time could be productive – if you had the right mindset, mentorship, and materials. I decided to reach out to Michael, fully expecting to hear nothing back.
To my surprise, we were talking that very evening.
Michael was unlike anyone I had ever spoken to – compassionate, competent, and committed to helping others. He connected me with people who became critical in getting me through sentencing and preparing for what’s next.
Months later, I got a call from my friend Justin Paperny.
“Hey, Michael is developing a new Masterclass for Prison Professors Charitable Corporation, and he’d really like to interview you.”
Without thinking, I said: “Yes, of course, I’d be honored!”
Then I hung up the phone and thought, “What have I done!?”
For over two decades, my identity had been completely tied to my, very visible, professional accomplishments – being a doctor, a researcher, a leader, a mentor. And now? I wasn’t any of those things anymore. What could I possibly contribute to a Masterclass?
As the interview approached, I thought of every excuse to back out – reschedule, fake being sick, pretend I got the date wrong.
But somehow, I found the courage to show up.
And I’m so glad I did.
Through that conversation with Michael, I remembered the core principles that had always guided me:
- Lifelong learning
- Resilience in the face of challenges
- Taking lessons from both success and failure
- Finding opportunities, even in darkness
I realized that these same principles helped my wife and I to build a successful business over the past few years. I also realized that success was not achieving some arbitrary status that you artificially impose upon yourself so that others can marvel at your achievements. I now understand that success to me is achieving financial independence so that I can spend my time pursuing what I am most passionate about – helping those in need to improve their lives. I hope my journey can inspire others to achieve greater success than they ever imagined.
