“We are not defined by our circumstances; I believe we can be defined by how we choose to respond.”
My path to helping others overcome adversity started with a devastating twist of fate. In my early years, my childhood was one that most would dream of – filled with youth sports, family dinners, and milkshakes before bed.Then, at the age of 8 years old, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of my mother, sister, and brother. My father was left severely injured. My own physical injuries were minor, but the emotional pain of losing my mom and siblings at such a young age was devastating.Even then, I understood the importance of continuing to live a life fueled by positivity and optimism in my family’s honor. The bond my dad and I shared grew stronger and we were each other’s reason to keep going.
Eventually, my dad was remarried to Kimberly, a wonderful woman with three children of her own. Together, we formed a blended family, which restored a sense of normalcy in my life. Meanwhile, I worked hard on my basketball skills, and the hours I put in were beginning to pay off. On June 15th, 2011, I was offered a full scholarship to play basketball at the University of Michigan, my mom’s alma mater. It was a dream come true.Nine days later, a second plane crash claimed the lives of my father and second mother, and put me in the hospital in critical condition and a medically-induced coma.Two months later, I came out of the coma and began the long road to recovery, which included re-learning how to walk, talk, eat, and live a normal life.I achieved my goal of making it to The University of Michigan, where coach Beilein honored my scholarship. I had four great years with the basketball program and while I only scored one point, I took pride in my role and found ways to make a positive impact on our team.After graduation, I worked in Domino’s corporate office, developed the G.R.I.T. Framework, and began my true passion of speaking to and inspiring individuals and teams to overcome adversity.
“Life is not about what we do for ourselves. It's about how we impact others.”
“We are not defined by our circumstances; I believe we can be defined by how we choose to respond.”
My path to helping others overcome adversity started with a devastating twist of fate. In my early years, my childhood was one that most would dream of – filled with youth sports, family dinners, and milkshakes before bed.Then, at the age of 8 years old, a tragic plane crash claimed the lives of my mother, sister, and brother. My father was left severely injured. My own physical injuries were minor, but the emotional pain of losing my mom and siblings at such a young age was devastating.Even then, I understood the importance of continuing to live a life fueled by positivity and optimism in my family’s honor. The bond my dad and I shared grew stronger and we were each other’s reason to keep going.
Eventually, my dad was remarried to Kimberly, a wonderful woman with three children of her own. Together, we formed a blended family, which restored a sense of normalcy in my life. Meanwhile, I worked hard on my basketball skills, and the hours I put in were beginning to pay off. On June 15th, 2011, I was offered a full scholarship to play basketball at the University of Michigan, my mom’s alma mater. It was a dream come true.Nine days later, a second plane crash claimed the lives of my father and second mother, and put me in the hospital in critical condition and a medically-induced coma.Two months later, I came out of the coma and began the long road to recovery, which included re-learning how to walk, talk, eat, and live a normal life.I achieved my goal of making it to The University of Michigan, where coach Beilein honored my scholarship. I had four great years with the basketball program and while I only scored one point, I took pride in my role and found ways to make a positive impact on our team.After graduation, I worked in Domino’s corporate office, developed the G.R.I.T. Framework, and began my true passion of speaking to and inspiring individuals and teams to overcome adversity.
“Life is not about what we do for ourselves. It's about how we impact others.”
We Shouldn’t Think “If” We Should Think “When”
How Will You Respond
He didn’t choose to be in a hospital bed for months or to relearn how to speak, eat, and walk. But he did choose how he responded to this and every challenge life threw his way.
The Secret
Why is it that some people and groups are able to overcome adversity while others are not?
When you look at all individuals and organizations that have been able to persevere in the face of great turmoil, tragedy, and tribulation, there is one thing they all have in common…Grit.
3 recommend Austin
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Farm Bureau Insurance - Michigan
On-Site
T.B., Managing Partner, Farm Bureau Insurance - Michigan
Austin is a first-class professional. He is able to combine his very personal story with business strategy to create energy in his audience. He brings motivation and hope with a clear message that we all can overcome our own adversity.
Loan Depot
On-Site
A.M., Executive Vice President of Sales, Loan Depot
We ultimately decided that Austin’s belief system, overcoming the adversity in his life, his grit, and his mindset, align with our organizational beliefs. We thought his presentation would be deeply impactful for our staff, especially with all that’s going on in the world today between COVID, stay-at-home orders, and social unrest. It really left an indelible, long-lasting impact on a lot of our loan officers, our management team and our direct lending sales group. Any organization would benefit from hearing a man like him. Deeply inspirational and a very principled person.
Head Men's Basketball Coach
On-Site
L.J., Michigan State, Head Men's Basketball Coach
Blessed to have Austin Hatch on the line with our team. As far as motivation goes there's no one who has a testimony like his. His outlook on life and his message is extremely powerful for any individual, team, or organization.
