Clifton Coates

"Only when you learn how to control your destiny will you realize your full potential."

Clifton Coates has taken his passion for empowering at-risk populations and turned it into an art form. An extraordinary motivational speaker and singer, he is transforming leadership in school systems, colleges, corporations, and non-profit organizations with his easy to follow..."Steps To Success."

Coates offers a unique combination of dynamic speaking as well as inspirational and motivational singing, what he and others have called "Edutainment" or "Inspire-tainment" and his charismatic style engages audience members the moment he takes the stage. His presentations are eye-opening, intellectually challenging and enlightening -- and they are changing lives.

"For many the light inside has been hidden by skin and soul. Now is the time to rediscover it."

Though most of Clifton Coates' original topics were geared toward at-risk populations and those who teach, plan lessons or serve as administrators in school systems, his topics have evolved into a cross-section of subjects that are applicable to institutions of every variety and are also applicable to anyone desiring success or life coaching. Coates' most requested keynotes include:

• From 1.8 To Great
• How to Re-Invent Yourself
• The Teachable Moment
• Past Imperfect
• What You Hear Is What You Get

Early in his professional speaking career, Clifton Coates utilized his own experience with academic struggles to teach individuals, students, and staff about self-esteem, self-respect, and creating a healthy attitude for success. Over time, Coates gained extensive and invaluable experience while working as a journalist, volunteer chaplain, juvenile corrections counselor, public school teacher, coach, and school administrator and principal. In every career, Coates was quickly recognized for his natural ability to lead, inspire, and change lives:

• Coates developed and implemented a Life Skills Training Curriculum for a juvenile detention center, reducing the recidivism rate by 25%.
• As a teacher, mentor and success coach for students placed at-risk to academic failure, attendance and GPAs increased 37 and 41 percent.
• Athletes learned to improve their skills and their character under his coaching. Coates taught them to put academics first and as a track coach, 85% of his athletes earned scholarships. Character building became the hallmark of his training.
• While serving as a teacher, vice-principal and principal, Coates became one of the most requested motivational speakers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

Clifton Coates will release his motivational and inspirational book, How to Reinvent the Will, in the fall of 2015. He is also the composer, producer, and featured vocal artist on I Wish We All Could Be Together, a CD of motivational and inspirational songs released in 2008 and scheduled for re-released also in Fall, 2015. His musical background makes him the perfect choice for music concerts at conferences and conventions.

Coates Keynote Speaking clients have included: Grant Thornton, The Esperanza Education Fund, The National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP), ATI Career Training Center, Free State Academy, Maryland State Education Association, Maryland Department of Juvenile Services,Platinum Music Group, LLC, The National Urban League, The N.A.A.C.P., National Organization of Concerned Black Men, Community Kinship Coalition, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., D.C. STRIVE, D.C. Department of Employment Services, D.C. Department of the Environment, D.C. Area Health Education Center (AHEC), A.R.C.H. Jobs, D.C Public Schools, D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services, Prince George's County Public Schools, Baltimore City Public Schools, Montgomery County, Maryland Public Schools, Workforce One of Broward County, Florida, Broward County Chamber of Commerce, Broward County Public Schools, The Urban League and the NAACP of Broward County, etc.

Currently, "The Professor" as Coates is affectionately called, serves as an Adjunct Professor of Public Speaking at the University of the District of Columbia Community College in Washington D.C. and serves on several boards dedicated to improving the conditions are individuals from all walks of life.

Publications

• How to Reinvent the Will

Music

• I Wish We All Could Be Together

Memberships & Associations

• National Speaker's Association (NSA)
• Toastmasters International
• Global Speaker's Federation
• Global Keynote Speaker's Association
• National Association of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS)
• Screen Actors Guild/American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
• American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP)