Influencing Better Outcomes
Changing perceptions within the Bureau of Prisons takes deliberate effort. But by building a solid body of work, you can demonstrate your value and show why you deserve to be seen differently. This approach helped me countless times during my incarceration.
For example, when I sought a transfer from a high-security penitentiary to a medium-security facility, the odds were stacked against me. I had to rely on the work I had already accomplished—writing, publishing, and cultivating support from people in society. This body of work became my foundation. It encouraged advocates such as Norval Morris, a University of Chicago professor, and John DiIulio, a Princeton professor, to step forward on my behalf. Additionally, I had published an article in a peer-reviewed journal, further strengthening my case. While none of these efforts guaranteed success, they gave decision-makers a reason to consider me differently. That’s what ultimately opened the door.
I encourage others to adopt the same strategy. That’s why I want to spotlight the incredible work Dr. Patrick Hadell is doing from within federal prison.
Dr. Hadell is currently serving a 36-month sentence, having surrendered earlier this year. His scheduled release isn’t until 2027, but he’s not wasting a single moment. From day one, he began volunteering with our nonprofit, Prison Professors, and, more importantly, started building a tangible record. Not just theoretical ideas or private efforts—he’s creating public, documented evidence of his growth.
His journey started with participating in a MasterClass. From there, he collaborated on a structured lesson plan and built a profile on Prison Professors Talent. That profile now features a comprehensive biography, a growing personal journal, multiple book reports, a detailed release plan, and testimonials from others—including myself—who have reviewed his work.
With his concrete documentation, Dr. Hadell is establishing a clear pattern of effort, responsibility, and forward-thinking. His record demonstrates his commitment to change, providing judges, probation officers, and case managers with a compelling reason to view him not just as an inmate, but as a person actively shaping a better future.
By creating a similar body of work, others can achieve the same. Dr. Hadell’s story is proof that with effort, accountability, and perseverance, it’s possible to redefine how you are seen—even within the most rigid of systems.
Take his book reports as an example. He’s written three so far:
- Earning Freedom
- The Black Swan
- The Art of the Comeback
Each report follows a structure. He explains why he read the book, what he learned, and how the content will shape his actions after release. This isn’t busywork. It’s a way of demonstrating critical thinking, introspection, and accountability. And the reports are dated, published, and public—so they’re verifiable.
Most people inside federal prison don’t do this kind of work. Even fewer do it consistently. Almost no one publishes it.
That’s what makes Dr. Hadell different.
When I reviewed his biography, I realized it was based directly on the lesson plan he created for our nonprofit. He didn’t wait for someone to tell his story. He provided the raw material, and we helped shape it into a clear, professional document—one that now becomes part of his advocacy package.
He’s also writing journal entries. Regularly. That may not sound difficult, but inside a federal prison, it requires both consistency and creativity. People who’ve served time know how hard it is to get access to Corrlinks or coordinate with someone outside to type, format, and publish what you’ve written. None of that stopped him. He kept writing. And that writing is now part of a public-facing portfolio that shows personal discipline and educational effort.
He also added a release plan to his profile. That plan shows how he’s thinking about reentry—not as an abstract hope, but as a series of actionable steps. He’s not promising perfection. He’s documenting preparation.
And now he’s receiving testimonials. I wrote one myself. Others can too. That layer of peer and mentor validation gives weight to his record. It becomes a third-party confirmation of effort.
Too often, people misunderstand what Prison Professors Talent is for. It’s not a motivational site. It’s not coaching. It’s structure. It’s a place to document progress—in a way that people in positions of power can review. People like case managers. People like probation officers. People who make referrals, write memos, or influence halfway house placements.
Dr. Hadell understands the value of documentation. That’s why he’s taking it seriously.
We’re also experimenting with ways to quantify these contributions—through a point system on Prison Professors Talent. As people like Dr. Hadell continue to write and engage, their profiles will reflect growing participation and leadership. In time, that could include contributions from others in their network. That’s down the line. What matters now is the consistency.
No one is going to hand you a better outcome in the federal system. But if you create a record—one that others can review, verify, and respect—you increase your chances of earning trust. Not just when you’re in front of a judge or a case manager. Even years later, when you’re pursuing early termination of supervised release or applying for a career license.
Dr. Hadell is building that kind of record. He’s earning credibility—not asking for it.
If you’re inside or preparing for a sentence, start building your own record. Don't wait. No one should work harder on your future than you.
Self-Directed Questions:
- What assets can you create today that would cause someone else—judge, probation officer, case manager—to see you differently?
- In what ways are you memorializing your journey?
- Why will others view you as a candidate for relief?
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