Mentors at the Moments That Matter Most

London Porter

London’s stutter, lisp and habit of talking too fast did not help his acceptance as a street kid in Yonkers, NY. But his speech therapist did not give up on him. “Your voice is a gift.” She became the first of many mentors who helped him see his own potential.

London Porter says, “When I say I’m at church, you know I’m at the gym.” This former Microsoft consultant teaches entrepreneurs how to earn a better income, create a better career and, in doing so, live a better life. London’s a three-time author, former professional athlete, and year-2023-and-beyond career researcher.

How Did You Start Using Your Talents?

“My father died when I was nine. I was mad at God, at my mom, at myself. I cursed out everybody I could because I had lost so much. When I got to high school, I still had that anger and rage. That’s when I discovered athletics, weightlifting, Bruce Lee, and a bit of self-discipline through martial arts.” He also met a track coach who knew how to deal with angry young men. In one season, London had won two medals in regional competition and continued on to compete in college.

The Most Impactful Turning Point?

Growing up on the streets of Yonkers, NY, London Porter stuttered, lisped and talked too fast. The street bravado he’d developed to help him survive as an urban kid mostly resulted in his being misunderstood and laughed at. But he also had a grandmother who believed in him and a mother who did not like his prospects in Yonkers. She put in for a transfer to Dallas, TX, when he was in fourth grade. There, a speech therapist changed his life by refusing to give up. “Your voice is a gift, young man. Sound created the universe. We’ve got to get these r’s and these s’s under control, so people stop laughing at you. And we’ve got to change your attitude.”

The Most Powerful Lessons Learned?

“It takes a mentor to help you through things in the moment. And then that mentor has to understand you and have the timing to deliver just the right message. It’s often said, ‘So much depends on the people that surround you. Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future.’”

Steps to Success from London Porter

1. Do not neglect your inner growth, your spirit and your heart-brain connection. Traditional education will not do this for you.

2. Find a mentor you can trust and learn to value what he or she can teach you. The greater your trust, the greater the benefit.

3. Recognize that conflict can be healthy at times if you are curious about what it is developing in you and the situation or relationship where it is present.