Presenting at Folsom Prison

On Thursday, April 10, 2025, I had the extraordinary privilege of spending a day at Folsom State Prison. The visit reminded me of my purpose, not just as the founder of Prison Professors, but as someone committed to showing others that transformation is always possible, no matter the circumstances. 

For decades, I’ve been building resources to help justice-impacted individuals find a path to personal and professional success. These resources, born from my own 26-year incarceration, revolve around a simple principle I call “living as the CEO of your life.” The Folsom visit allowed me to share these lessons face-to-face, connecting with people eager to change their trajectories. 

Here’s a glimpse into the day, the lessons we explored, and a framework you can apply right now to rebuild and realign with your goals. 

Stepping Inside Folsom 

Driving from Southern California to Folsom, I felt both excitement and responsibility. Johnny Cash, the legendary singer-songwriter, brought his iconic presence to Folsom State Prison in 1968, delivering a performance that would become one of the most significant moments in music history. Known for his deep, resonant voice and raw storytelling, Cash connected deeply with the prisoners, offering them both entertainment and a sense of acknowledgment that resonated beyond the prison walls. His live recording, At Folsom Prison, captured the energy, emotion, and humanity of the event, shedding light on life behind bars while revitalizing his own career. This performance remains a symbol of his compassion and his ability to bridge divides through the universal power of music.

Folsom is one of the most iconic prisons in the country, but I wasn’t there to reflect on its history. I was there to look toward the future, for the men in those walls and for everyone I’ve committed to serving through my work. 

The staff at Folsom had invited me to give three presentations that day. The first was in a large auditorium, filled with an audience of men who were ready to listen, learn, and invest in themselves. The energy in that room felt amazing, reminding me of how I felt anytime I got an opportunity to meet someone who visited me in prison. These individuals  understood that change begins while serving time—not after release. 

The next two presentations, held in smaller classrooms, allowed for deeper interaction. We discussed real-life applications of the strategies I teach in my courses. The men asked questions, shared their challenges, and reflected on steps they could take immediately to prepare for a better future. 

Each conversation reinforced why education and strategic thinking are game-changers—not just for those incarcerated but for anyone facing adversity. I'm really grateful to the many teachers and leaders at the California Department of Corrections who allow me to share the Prison Professors courses with the people inside.

Lessons From the CEO Mindset 

One of the core messages I shared at Folsom was the importance of adopting a CEO mindset. This approach helped me rise above the challenges of incarceration, and it can help anyone shape a better future.  Below I offer six steps to living as the CEO of your life, which I outlined during my presentations: 

Define the Best Possible Outcome 

Success starts with a clear vision. For someone in prison, that might mean being prepared for the day they reenter society. For others, it could mean building financial independence or starting a business. Ask yourself, “What does the ideal version of my life look like?” Visualize it, write it down, and make it your North Star. 

• Self-Reflection Prompt: What does success mean to you, and how will you measure it? 

Create a Plan to Get There 

A vision without a plan is just a dream. I asked the men at Folsom to think about concrete steps that could bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to go. For instance, that could mean earning a diploma, learning a skill, or developing relationships with mentors. 

• Takeaway: Break your big goals into smaller, actionable tasks. 

Prioritize Next Steps 

Not all actions carry the same weight. I encouraged the audience to identify their top priorities, focusing on what would have the biggest impact now. Sometimes, the “next right thing” is as simple as choosing to learn something new today. 

• Suggestion: Use your time wisely. Time is the one resource we cannot renew. 

Build Tools and Resources 

I’ve spent years creating courses, videos, and workbooks to serve as resources for those navigating personal transformation. At Folsom, it hit me how vital it is to equip people with tools they can access immediately. Without tools, even the best plans can fall flat. 

Advice: Identify the resources around you, including mentors, books, or even your journaling. 

Measure Progress With Accountability Tools 

Transformation isn’t a straight line. During my talks, I showed the men how I used accountability tools to track my progress while in prison. These tools helped me see whether I was moving closer to my goals or drifting off course. 

Ask Yourself: Are you keeping track of your progress? If not, start today. 

Execute the Plan Daily 

Consistency means daily work. Every day provides an opportunity to take a step forward. I told the men at Folsom that while it’s easy to feel stuck, the smallest actions can lead to momentum over time. 

Mantra to Remember: Small steps, taken daily, lead to big change.

Gratitude for Teachers and Learners 

One of the highlights of my visit was acknowledging the incredible effort of the teachers at Folsom State Prison. These educators invest their time and energy to create opportunities for the men inside. They reminded me of the mentors and leaders who shaped my own life during my incarceration. 

It’s easy to get disheartened by budget cuts to education in prisons. Courses, books, and other learning materials are often the first to go. That’s why I remain committed to providing free resources through Prison Professors, at least to the extent that I'm able. I want to see more people leaving prison as law-abiding, contributing citizens. I will continue working to generate resources so that Prison Professors can provide them free of charge, especially during these times of budget cuts. It's one way I can work to be the change that I want to see in the world. 

For the men I met at Folsom, I hope you continue to build on what we discussed. Your choices today lay the foundation for the life ahead.

A Challenge for You 

Whether you’re reading this as someone navigating the criminal justice system, or someone looking for guidance to overcome adversity, I want to leave you with a challenge. 

Ask yourself:

• What’s one actionable step I can take today to move closer to my goals? 
• What tools do I already have at my disposal, and where can I find the ones I’m missing? 
• How will I hold myself accountable for making progress? 

Write your answers down. Reflect on them. Then, take that first step.  Consider building a profile on PrisonProfessorsTalent.com. It's a way to show that you're working to reconcile with society, just as I strive to do each day. The men at Folsom reminded me that regardless of where a person begins, we can always work to write the next chapter in a more positive light.

Remember: Your decisions define your destiny. They come with opportunity costs, so choose wisely, act boldly, and never stop striving for success.

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