Terrance Sookdeo
Terrance Sookdeo was born on the island of Trinidad. He grew up in very poor conditions, but through his dogged perseverance he was able to lift himself above his circumstances. His Mom gave birth to eight children-five of them she gave birth to by herself at home including Terrance. Very early in life Terrance was tested for his tenacity to survive. While playing in their earthen floored home, he was stung by a scorpion. Due to their isolated home and lack of transportation it took almost a day before he was admitted to a hospital and was put under observation; against all odds, he survived. Terrance spent his early childhood living in the countryside of the island. Walking to school meant several miles of trekking down winding roads each day, and chores included walking long distances to carry potable water from distant standpipes or from the local river. Running water out of a faucet was unheard of and there was no electricity, no dental plan, no floor other than the one Mother Earth provided or any other luxuries that he now calls an "SLP" Standard Living Package. With very little money for school, Terrance fought his way through school and despite his circumstances, he excelled. He did not pity himself, because he understood that no matter how unfortunate his life was, he had the power to control it. Terrance eventually was awarded a national scholarship which provided the financial support for him to attend the local university.
While in school, he found an interest in martial arts; however, his fascination with martial arts was quickly transformed and replaced by the focus and discipline of the harsh reality of a full contact system of training without any protection. His teacher quickly became the most uncompromising and astute person he has met in his life. Terrance's life was therefore greatly influenced and molded by the teachings of his Tai Chi, Kyokushinkai, and Zen teacher, Sensei Michael Jarrette. As his new-found mentor and teacher, Sensei Jarrette often required him to endure long hours of physical training, meditation, and lecture sessions. "Respect is NOT something you fight for, grab for, curse for, or even earn. Respect is something you attract by the person you become," said Sensei Jarrette. Terrance says that after more than two decades he still vividly remembers some of those powerful l ecture sessions like, "When your life is a PAIN, what do you care about others?" And "Attitude and Respect is everything."
Shortly after graduating from the university with his engineering degree, Terrance entered the oil industry in Trinidad, and in 1998, he immigrated to the United States with his wife, Marcia, and two children, Rhea and Christopher, and continued to work in the oil industry in the U.S.
After well over a decade and a half working in the field as a top performer and with discipline and perseverance, Terrance eventually moved into management where he used his personal experiences in life to bring powerful insight, excitement and motivation to everyone around him. He was eventually encouraged by close friends to join Toastmasters International and the National Speakers Association so that he could refine his skills and find more avenues to transform people's lives. He speaks on motivation, power communication, safety and frontline performance. His message is always tailored to the audience and what their specific goals are. He often uses stories (including Zen stories from his teacher Sensei Jarrette) to convey his perspectives. "We as humans may be predisposed to remembering stories and tales since they give vision to our beliefs," says Terrance. He takes common sense and converts it into common practice. He often jokes that he is the "Reflector" and on occasion the "Deflector". His love for learning is one of his strongest attributes, and he has a disciplined approach to learning along with maintaining his physical health.
"You can beat a man, break his arms and legs, but don't EVER hurt him," - Sensei Jarrette.
Terrance Sookdeo was born on the island of Trinidad. He grew up in very poor conditions, but through his dogged perseverance he was able to lift himself above his circumstances. His Mom gave birth to eight children-five of them she gave birth to by herself at home including Terrance. Very early in life Terrance was tested for his tenacity to survive. While playing in their earthen floored home, he was stung by a scorpion. Due to their isolated home and lack of transportation it took almost a day before he was admitted to a hospital and was put under observation; against all odds, he survived. Terrance spent his early childhood living in the countryside of the island. Walking to school meant several miles of trekking down winding roads each day, and chores included walking long distances to carry potable water from distant standpipes or from the local river. Running water out of a faucet was unheard of and there was no electricity, no dental plan, no floor other than the one Mother Earth provided or any other luxuries that he now calls an "SLP" Standard Living Package. With very little money for school, Terrance fought his way through school and despite his circumstances, he excelled. He did not pity himself, because he understood that no matter how unfortunate his life was, he had the power to control it. Terrance eventually was awarded a national scholarship which provided the financial support for him to attend the local university.
While in school, he found an interest in martial arts; however, his fascination with martial arts was quickly transformed and replaced by the focus and discipline of the harsh reality of a full contact system of training without any protection. His teacher quickly became the most uncompromising and astute person he has met in his life. Terrance's life was therefore greatly influenced and molded by the teachings of his Tai Chi, Kyokushinkai, and Zen teacher, Sensei Michael Jarrette. As his new-found mentor and teacher, Sensei Jarrette often required him to endure long hours of physical training, meditation, and lecture sessions. "Respect is NOT something you fight for, grab for, curse for, or even earn. Respect is something you attract by the person you become," said Sensei Jarrette. Terrance says that after more than two decades he still vividly remembers some of those powerful l ecture sessions like, "When your life is a PAIN, what do you care about others?" And "Attitude and Respect is everything."
Shortly after graduating from the university with his engineering degree, Terrance entered the oil industry in Trinidad, and in 1998, he immigrated to the United States with his wife, Marcia, and two children, Rhea and Christopher, and continued to work in the oil industry in the U.S.
After well over a decade and a half working in the field as a top performer and with discipline and perseverance, Terrance eventually moved into management where he used his personal experiences in life to bring powerful insight, excitement and motivation to everyone around him. He was eventually encouraged by close friends to join Toastmasters International and the National Speakers Association so that he could refine his skills and find more avenues to transform people's lives. He speaks on motivation, power communication, safety and frontline performance. His message is always tailored to the audience and what their specific goals are. He often uses stories (including Zen stories from his teacher Sensei Jarrette) to convey his perspectives. "We as humans may be predisposed to remembering stories and tales since they give vision to our beliefs," says Terrance. He takes common sense and converts it into common practice. He often jokes that he is the "Reflector" and on occasion the "Deflector". His love for learning is one of his strongest attributes, and he has a disciplined approach to learning along with maintaining his physical health.
"You can beat a man, break his arms and legs, but don't EVER hurt him," - Sensei Jarrette.
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