What's YOUR reason for speaking? For Work? School? Business? Knowing your why for anything is important. And in order for you to get to know me, you need to know MY why...
My name is Kwesi Millington.
Speaking is what I do now, but it's not where I started. I'm a Speaker and Certified Speech Coach, but my background is in Policing. It wasn't my lifelong dream to be a Police Officer, but have you ever ended up somewhere as a result of just "going with the flow" instead of purposefully planning your life?
The Start of the Saga
In 2004, I left my hometown of Toronto, Canada and headed off to Regina, Saskatchewan, eventually to end up in Richmond, a city just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia. I made it! I was a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Officer.
Speaking was still not on my radar...I had no clue then where I'd be today...but life has strange ways.
They tell you as a police officer that it is highly likely that you will see death while on the job, and that it may even happen on your watch. But you still think, "maybe I'll be lucky enough to avoid that happening..." I wasn't.
On October 14, 2007, I attended a 911 call with my fellow officers and we got into a physical altercation with a man that had to be arrested. Unfortunately and tragically, he died shortly after being arrested.
The saga continued...
March 2009: Although the whole incident was video recorded, I was called to testify in court (broadcasted Nationally) at a Public Inquiry as to what I did on that fateful night.
Speaking was still not on my radar...I had no clue then where I'd be today...but life has strange ways.
They tell you as a police officer that it is highly likely that you will see death while on the job, and that it may even happen on your watch. But you still think, "maybe I'll be lucky enough to avoid that happening..." I wasn't.
On October 14, 2007, I attended a 911 call with my fellow officers and we got into a physical altercation with a man that had to be arrested. Unfortunately and tragically, he died shortly after being arrested.
The saga continued...
March 2009: Although the whole incident was video recorded, I was called to testify in court (broadcasted Nationally) at a Public Inquiry as to what I did on that fateful night.
The Stop Sign
The date - May 2011: Though I have never lied in my career as a Police Officer and was cleared of any wrongdoing by 3 different independent investigations, a Special Prosecutor was hired and I was charged with Perjury (lying under oath) for what I said in 2009.
THE HIDDEN BEAST - PTSD & DEPRESSION
There's an old saying that says “the greatest trick the devil ever played is convincing the world that he doesn't exist.” I was lost. Facing a criminal charge and the possibility of losing my career, I finally started opening up more to my psychologist (whom I'd been seeing since 2009). I'm a tough nut to crack, but through therapy, I was able to get some answers....leading to diagnoses of PTSD and Depression. I'm not a big fan of labels, but exposing what I was struggling with and giving it a name finally started to allow me to figure out who I was.
Still figuring that out by the way!
Why do I tell you all of that? Because life is about speed bumps and stop signs. Often we confuse one with the other. Most people let speed bumps BECOME their stop signs. And between 2011 and 2013, I suffered through bouts of Depression and PTSD that left me wanting to stop permanently, many times.
There's an old saying that says “the greatest trick the devil ever played is convincing the world that he doesn't exist.” I was lost. Facing a criminal charge and the possibility of losing my career, I finally started opening up more to my psychologist (whom I'd been seeing since 2009). I'm a tough nut to crack, but through therapy, I was able to get some answers....leading to diagnoses of PTSD and Depression. I'm not a big fan of labels, but exposing what I was struggling with and giving it a name finally started to allow me to figure out who I was.
Still figuring that out by the way!
Why do I tell you all of that? Because life is about speed bumps and stop signs. Often we confuse one with the other. Most people let speed bumps BECOME their stop signs. And between 2011 and 2013, I suffered through bouts of Depression and PTSD that left me wanting to stop permanently, many times.
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Trials & ToastmastersIn 2013, I had my mental health to deal with, but a more pressing matter as well – the start of my criminal charge for Perjury (fancy word for lying). Fortunately, I have a mother who – even when I don't want to hear it – gives me advice that I don't even know that I need (so parents DO understand!) She always used to tell me: "Stand guard at the Gate of Thought". Change what goes in, and you change what comes out. Thanks to mom I heard words I needed to hear.
So I started to read.... .... and listen to Speakers. My absolute favourite became a speaker by the name of Les Brown. One day while listening to him, I heard more advice that I needed..."Do what you fear and the death of fear is certain." And what better to look into than something that everyone fears...Public Speaking! |
I'd heard of a little organization called Toastmasters before (tongue in cheek on “little”), so I investigated, then joined a local club. They say that when a Cheetah stalks its prey, from 0 to a full run (60 km/h) in 3 seconds! Well, the minute I joined a Toastmasters group in 2013, I decided and attacked the art of speaking like that big cat attacks its prey.
Well, not exactly. I took over 4 months to agree to get up and speak for 5 minutes, but once I did, I fell in love with the art of public speaking. And step by step I did what I needed to do...studied books, bought courses, worked with mentors, hired professional coaches, and in 2015, I became a Certified World Class Speaking Coach.
And a few contest speech wins and successful clients later, there I was with a new group of titles - Officer, Speaker, Coach.
Well, not exactly. I took over 4 months to agree to get up and speak for 5 minutes, but once I did, I fell in love with the art of public speaking. And step by step I did what I needed to do...studied books, bought courses, worked with mentors, hired professional coaches, and in 2015, I became a Certified World Class Speaking Coach.
And a few contest speech wins and successful clients later, there I was with a new group of titles - Officer, Speaker, Coach.
OH YEAH, THAT AGAIN...
And then....February 20, 2015: I was convicted of that damn criminal charge (Perjury).
Following that, in June of 2015, I was sentenced to 30 months in jail.
And then I waited...
And on October 31, 2017, after exhausting all of my appeals, I turned myself in to the Canadian correctional system, and began my prison term.
SO WHERE AM I NOW???
Following that, in June of 2015, I was sentenced to 30 months in jail.
And then I waited...
And on October 31, 2017, after exhausting all of my appeals, I turned myself in to the Canadian correctional system, and began my prison term.
SO WHERE AM I NOW???
On August 30, 2018, I was granted full parole by the Canadian correctional system. Certain freedoms have been lost, but being outside of prison walls is freedom enough. And the lessons I've learned from the past decade of this experience have pushed me through the pain...
Now... YES I still have bouts of Depression. Yes, I still have PTSD. But I now know how to handle it.
What can I do about it??? 3 things...
I SPEAK.
Life is full of lessons. Lessons taught through triumphs and those taught through troubles. It is our job through life to take what happens, mine through the misery to find the messages. I now speak to audiences about overcoming adversity, and working through and amidst the struggles to live a life full of passion, purpose, and play.
I SHARE.
The moment I shared my story with others, I realized that it's in our Imperfections, that we make the Deepest Connections. Sharing our darkness really does give others the bravery to find their own light.
I SERVE.
I've lived and experienced, and continue to work to overcome. Whatever I do from here on in life will be about giving to others and helping them grow and overcome their struggles. I've done it as a Police Officer. I've done it as a Personal Trainer. Now I do it as a Public Speaker and Certified Coach.
Life is not perfect, but it is much more fulfilling and rewarding when you live with a sense of daring and adventure, and a willingness to step out, be uncomfortable, and take risks. That is where you learn to grow, live, and love your life.
I invite you to use my experience, learning and education to help YOU develop power and presence in Speaking and in Life. And should you wish to Share Your Stories on stage, let me show you the “How to Wow” your audience when you speak.
I look forward to helping you on your journey to becoming a World Class Powerful Speaker...
Now... YES I still have bouts of Depression. Yes, I still have PTSD. But I now know how to handle it.
What can I do about it??? 3 things...
I SPEAK.
Life is full of lessons. Lessons taught through triumphs and those taught through troubles. It is our job through life to take what happens, mine through the misery to find the messages. I now speak to audiences about overcoming adversity, and working through and amidst the struggles to live a life full of passion, purpose, and play.
I SHARE.
The moment I shared my story with others, I realized that it's in our Imperfections, that we make the Deepest Connections. Sharing our darkness really does give others the bravery to find their own light.
I SERVE.
I've lived and experienced, and continue to work to overcome. Whatever I do from here on in life will be about giving to others and helping them grow and overcome their struggles. I've done it as a Police Officer. I've done it as a Personal Trainer. Now I do it as a Public Speaker and Certified Coach.
Life is not perfect, but it is much more fulfilling and rewarding when you live with a sense of daring and adventure, and a willingness to step out, be uncomfortable, and take risks. That is where you learn to grow, live, and love your life.
I invite you to use my experience, learning and education to help YOU develop power and presence in Speaking and in Life. And should you wish to Share Your Stories on stage, let me show you the “How to Wow” your audience when you speak.
I look forward to helping you on your journey to becoming a World Class Powerful Speaker...