MasterClass with Kirby

Abstract 

This lesson highlights how intentional decisions can guide individuals toward a life filled with purpose, relevance, and fulfillment. Dr. Kirby shares his inspiring journey, detailing the experiences that shaped his career in healthcare and entrepreneurship. Students will gain valuable insights into identifying their strengths, adapting to challenges, and knowing when to pivot. Additionally, they will see a real-world example of how influential leaders make decisions that align with foundational principles taught in our introductory courses, such as the Straight-A Guide.

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Detailed Narrative 

Dr. Kirby’s story is a compelling example of how perseverance, self-awareness, and intentional decisions can lead to extraordinary results. From his beginnings in a small town in Alberta, Canada, to building a multi-faceted career as a chiropractor, wellness advocate, and commercial property owner, Dr. Kirby embodies the principles of resilience and accountability.

Humble Beginnings  

Dr. Kirby's upbringing in Fort Saskatchewan mirrored a classic small-town childhood—skating on local rinks, biking through the neighborhood, and spending cherished moments at his grandparents' lake cabin. Like many young teens, he didn’t take school seriously in his early years.

“Up until ninth grade, I was just a C student,” he admits, attributing his lack of effort to an unmotivated peer group. Yet, beneath his average grades, he carried a quiet ambition: a dream of one day working in healthcare.

Growing up, Kirby witnessed the incredible impact that healthcare professionals had on his family and community. He saw how they brought comfort, hope, and healing to those in need. This ignited a spark within him, a deep desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

A pivotal moment came when his parents enrolled him in a Catholic boarding school in Saskatchewan. The school's structured, competitive environment introduced him to high-achieving role models who excelled academically, athletically, and spiritually. For the first time, inspiration struck while observing a hockey teammate—a young man who balanced top performance on the ice with academic success and commitment to service. This teammate became Kirby’s role model, igniting a desire to aim higher.

Motivated by this new perspective, Kirby made a conscious decision to strive for excellence. “It opened my eyes to what’s possible,” he reflects. With renewed focus and determination, he quickly distinguished himself as a standout student. School leaders recognized his hard work, and soon earned a place on the honor roll—a testament to the power of determination and the right influences.

During my time in prison, I often reflected on the choices I had made and the people who had shaped my path. Growing up, my role models were not individuals who inspired discipline or ambition. Instead, their influence limited my potential, steering me away from striving for something greater.

It wasn’t until I heard stories like Kirby’s that a crucial idea took root—the realization that choosing the right role models could completely transform my life. Sitting in solitary confinement, I learned that if I wanted a different future, I needed to change my mindset. By learning from people like Kirby, I began to glimpse what was possible if I applied myself in ways I never had before.

This shift in perspective was empowering. Even though I couldn’t physically connect with leaders like Kirby, reading about individuals who lived with purpose inspired me. I realized I could adopt the principles of those who embodied qualities I deeply admired—resilience, integrity, and the determination to overcome challenges. These reflections laid the foundation for my transformation, driving me to reevaluate who I wanted to become and inspiring a new vision for my future.

With our MasterClass series, we aim to uncover patterns of personal leadership, much like the lessons drawn from Kirby’s story.

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A Passion for Healthcare 

From an early age, Dr. Kirby knew he wanted to pursue a career connected to wellness. Initially, he thought that he'd studied medicine and become a physician. A Division I university offered him a hockey scholarship, and he pushed himself by keeping up with the demands of the team while simultaneously majoring in pre-med studies. The demands of such a schedule required discipline and commitment. By persevering, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science.

While contemplating next steps in his career, his eyes opened to a new possibility. The pivotal moment came during a long drive with his wife, who suffered back pain from an injury. When a chiropractor treated her successfully, it inspired Dr. Kirby to explore the field himself. “It just clicked,” he explained. This revelation led to his enrollment in chiropractic school, where he demonstrated exceptional discipline to complete an intensive program in just 3.5 years.

Chiropractic care is a vital component of healthcare, addressing the alignment and function of the musculoskeletal system to promote overall well-being. Chiropractors are trained professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders related to the spine, joints, and nervous system. Through manual adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises, they aim to restore proper alignment and enhance the body’s ability to heal itself naturally. The foundation of chiropractic care lies in the belief that a healthy spine is critical to overall physical health, as the spine houses the central nervous system, which controls and coordinates all the body’s activities.

Beyond alleviating back and neck pain, chiropractors play a broader role in improving quality of life. They often help patients manage chronic conditions, recover from injuries, and improve mobility. By emphasizing preventative care and holistic wellness, chiropractors empower individuals to take an active role in their health. This approach not only reduces pain but also addresses the root causes of discomfort, fostering long-term health benefits. Chiropractors are valued members of the healthcare community, offering a non-invasive, drug-free alternative for those seeking effective, personalized care.

To succeed as a chiropractor, a person needs to commit to earning the necessary academic credentials, and also pass a series of examinations that lead to being certified by a board.  Additionally, many states require chiropractors to complete continuing education courses to maintain their license and stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and treatments.

As we heard from Kriby, working as a chiropractor takes dedication, passion, and empathy to truly make a positive impact on patients' lives. Chiropractors must listen attentively, communicate effectively, and have strong problem-solving skills to provide personalized treatment plans for each patient's unique needs.

Furthermore, chiropractors are also responsible for educating others about the benefits of chiropractic care. This involves advocating for the profession, dispelling common misconceptions, and promoting preventative measures.

In his story, we get an example that shows how personal commitment can lead us into a life of meaning, relevance, and contribution.

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Entrepreneurship and Risk-Taking 

With a chiropractic degree in hand, Dr. Kirby faced a pivotal decision: join an established practice or take the leap and start his own. Until then, his life had followed a structured path, guided by school administrators and coaches who provided a clear roadmap. But as an entrepreneur, Kirby would have to forge his own way, relying entirely on his choices to determine whether he would sink or swim.

Together with his wife, Kirby devised a plan. As a team, they decided to build a family practice from the ground up. To kick things off, they shared their vision with family members, who wholeheartedly supported the idea. Kirby’s track record of success in various stages of his life gave them every reason to trust in his ability to thrive in business.

Launching the venture came with significant risks. When he started, Kirby neither had customers nor revenue streams. Yet, he pressed forward, committing to signing a lease for commercial space, equipping it with the necessary tools, and even bringing his sister-in-law on board as the practice’s receptionist. Despite the uncertainties, Kirby and his wife were ready to take the leap together.

“We started with a 1,200-square-foot office and just a handful of clients,” he recalls. His entrepreneurial spirit guided him as he knocked on doors, attended community events, and cold-called prospective patients to grow his business. 

Dr. Kirby leveraged authenticity and networking to form partnerships with other professionals, leading to rapid growth in his patient base. Over time, he expanded his operations into wellness services and property management, eventually acquiring two commercial buildings. His ventures became family endeavors, with his wife, children, and extended family supporting the practice and taking on leadership roles. 

While building his practice, Kirby also became a passionate advocate for personal leadership. He mentored his sister-in-law, inspiring her to continue with school to earn her chiropractic credentials. Together, they opened a second practice—a successful and profitable expansion. However, the experience also taught him an important lesson: he thrived as both a chiropractor and a small business owner, roles that brought him genuine joy. Yet, he realized that managing a larger operation, with its increased administrative demands, wasn’t the path he wanted to follow. It would pull him away from what mattered most—being a devoted husband, father, and role model in his profession.

“It made me take a hard look at my strengths,” he admitted. “I’m an excellent chiropractor, but managing multiple offices just isn’t for me.”

After several years of running his second practice, he decided to sell it to another provider in order to focus on his primary office. This allowed him to expand its space and operations while also stepping into the role of a landlord. As the owner of two large buildings, he became the primary tenant while generating additional income by leasing space to other businesses.

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Giving Back Through Mentorship 

A defining feature of Dr. Kirby’s career is his commitment to mentorship. Whether coaching hockey teams or hiring new associates, he consistently invests in helping others achieve their goals. His advice? Be adaptable, and never stop learning. “I’ve gained so much just by listening to others and staying open to their knowledge. You don’t always have to know everything yourself—just be willing to learn.” 

Dr. Kirby’s formula for success—resilience, strategic action, and a commitment to lifelong learning—is a roadmap for anyone seeking to overcome adversity and make the most of their potential. 

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Vocabulary Development 

1. Resilience – The ability to recover from difficulties with strength.
   
   
2. Entrepreneurship – Taking risks to start and manage a business.
   
   
3. Authenticity – Being genuine and true to one's values.
   
   
4. Strategic – Carefully planned to achieve specific goals.
   
   
5. Self-Directed – Taking initiative in one’s learning or actions.
   
   
6. Accountability – Taking ownership of one’s responsibilities and outcomes.
   
   
7. Adaptability – Flexibility in adjusting to change.
   
   
8. Persistence – Continuing effort to overcome challenges.
   
   
9. Mentorship – The act of guiding and advising someone toward growth.
   
   
10. Innovation – Creating and implementing new ideas or methods. 

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Self-Directed Reflection Questions 

1. What can you change today to redefine success for yourself?
   
   
2. How could building stronger role models inspire your personal transformation?
   
   
3. What actions can you take to ensure you’re setting clear, achievable goals?
   
   
4. What opportunities for self-education can you pursue, even while in adversity?
   
   
5. How can you adapt to challenges and turn weaknesses into strengths?
   
   
6. What does accountability mean to you, and how can you practice it daily?
   
   
7. How could collaboration and networking empower your success?
   
   
8. How can you develop entrepreneurial skills, even starting from limited resources?
   
   
9. What skills or approaches could you learn from observing successful professionals?
   
   
10. How can you integrate giving back into your definition of success? 

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Recommended Books 

The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber 

This book explores why so many small businesses fail and provides practical guidance to build systems that promote sustainable growth. It aligns with Dr. Kirby’s lessons on operational discipline and recognizes one’s strengths. Gerber’s concept of “working on the business, not in the business” reflects Dr. Kirby’s realization about effective practice management. 

Quote: “If your business depends on you, you don’t have a business—you have a job.” 

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill 

A foundational text on success, this book dives into mindset, goal-setting, and perseverance. It aligns with Dr. Kirby’s discipline-driven approach and highlights the importance of facing setbacks with resilience. 

Quote: “Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.” 

Mindset by Dr. Carol S. Dweck 

Dr. Dweck examines the power of adopting a growth-oriented mindset. This principle resonates with Dr. Kirby’s experience shifting from a C student to an honor roll achiever through exposure to ambitious peers. 

Quote: “Becoming is better than being.” 

The Richest Man in Babylon by Og Mandino

Og Mandino's timeless classic, The Richest Man in Babylon, shares essential wisdom for building lasting financial success and stability through engaging parables set in ancient Babylon. The book outlines clear and practical financial principles, such as consistently saving, living within one's means, and making wise investments. Each story provides valuable lessons that motivate readers to approach their finances with discipline and intention. Mandino emphasizes the gradual nature of wealth-building, underscoring that true prosperity requires patience, persistence, and thoughtful planning. His insights highlight the critical role of cultivating positive financial habits for sustainable long-term growth and personal transformation.

Quote:

“The soul of a freeman looks at life as a series of problems to be solved, and solves them, while the soul of a slave whines, 'What can I do? Who am but a slave?' and resigns himself to a life of oppression.”

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Recap of Straight-A Guide Lessons 

1. Define Success: Dr. Kirby set clear definitions of success at each stage, from excelling in school to managing his business.
   
   
2. Set Goals: His education and entrepreneurial strategies were guided by SMART goals.
   
   
3. Adopt the Right Attitude: A persistent, can-do mindset kept him moving forward.
   
   
4. Aspire: Dr. Kirby consistently aimed higher, whether starting a business or expanding into property ownership.
   
   
5. Take Action: He took disciplined steps to grow his practice and engage his community.
   
   
6. Be Accountable: Dr. Kirby’s self-directed discipline ensured measurable progress.
   
   
7. Stay Aware: Recognizing emerging opportunities allowed him to expand strategically.
   
   
8. Stay Authentic: He remained committed to his vision of chiropractic care and holistic wellness.
   
   
9. Celebrate Achievements: Each milestone—completing school, securing a loan, repaying debts—was a step toward long-term success.
   
   
10. Express Gratitude: Dr. Kirby credits family, mentors, and faith for supporting his success. 

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Sample Response 

Reflection Question: What actions can you take to ensure you’re setting clear, achievable goals? 

Sample Response: I am writing a sample response, as I would have written if I were in prison, learning from Kirby's story. I'd publish it on my profile at PrisonProfessorsTalent.com, to show others how I spent my time in prison preparing for success. Question: What actions can you take to ensure you’re setting clear, achievable goals?

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Question: What actions can you take to ensure you’re setting clear, achievable goals? 

One essential action is to choose good role models who exemplify success and resilience. By observing the paths of those who have overcome challenges, like Kirby, I can gain insight into the importance of discipline, focus, and perseverance.  These individuals can serve as inspiration and motivation, reminding me that success is possible even in the face of adversity.

Role models provide a blueprint for what is possible, and inspire me to take consistent steps toward my own goals. In Kirby's story, we heard how a teammate from his high school hockey team inspired him to work harder toward the goals he wanted to achieve. Even though I didn't meet Kirby, I could use his story as inspiration, pushing myself to work harder, even if I was starting in a solitary cell or prison.

By listening to a story like Kirby's, I could see how progress becomes possible, even if we start in difficult circumstances. The key to success is personal commitment.

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Challenge 

Use Prison Professors Talent to develop a profile that showcases your progress toward self-directed learning and success. Instead of responding to one question from this lesson, write responses to all questions in the MasterClass series. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate resilience, atonement, and readiness for opportunities after release. Include examples of your learning from lessons like Dr. Kirby’s, and use detailed responses to reflect your continuous effort to become extraordinary. Those efforts will keep you on a self-directed path to use time inside to prepare for success outside.

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