Professional Speakers

Andre Norman

From Hardened Felon to Harvard Fellow

Hard Hitting Speaker teaches you how to unlock you potential and unlock your business

About Andre Norman

Andre Norman is a globally renowned transformational speaker, strategist, and consultant revolutionizing correctional systems worldwide. As the founder of Second Chance University, a program designed to give access and inspiration to people seeking to improve their lives, Andre embodies resilience and innovation. As a former Harvard University fellow and collaborator with prestigious institutions across the world, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his engagements.

Through dynamic presentations, practical strategies, and his personal journey over overturning an over 105-year prison sentence to becoming a Harvard Fellow, Andre empowers audiences to overcome obstacles, navigate change, and unlock their true potential. His profound impact, global reach, and unwavering dedication make him a trusted expert for personal and professional transformation.

About Andre Norman

Andre Norman is a globally renowned transformational speaker, strategist, and consultant revolutionizing correctional systems worldwide. As the founder of Second Chance University, a program designed to give access and inspiration to people seeking to improve their lives, Andre embodies resilience and innovation. As a former Harvard University fellow and collaborator with prestigious institutions across the world, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his engagements.

Through dynamic presentations, practical strategies, and his personal journey over overturning an over 105-year prison sentence to becoming a Harvard Fellow, Andre empowers audiences to overcome obstacles, navigate change, and unlock their true potential. His profound impact, global reach, and unwavering dedication make him a trusted expert for personal and professional transformation.

“Andre is one of the most impactful speakers I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen him speak live 3 times now – and each time I’m left speechless and standing to applaud. He once left an entire room of CEOs crying, his impact was so strong.”

-Cameron Herold, Founder COO Alliance & Author of Double Double

Andre in action

Social Proof Podcast

Get inspired by the #1 prison success story in the world. Motivational speaker and Harvard fellow Andre Norman shares his incredible story and how he turned his life around from being a felon to being a mentor and a listening ear to people in need. Also known as the “Ambassador of Hope,” Andre also provides training programs for people in crisis and keynote presentations for the business sector.

Andre’s helps Hope Works

Motivational and keynote speaker, Andre Norman, commits to helping families, communities, and organizations around the world turn their situations around. People see good work and they come to it. That’s the reason Andre Norman decided to help HopeWorks, an organization that provides hope to the people of Memphis through education, employment, and empowerment.

How to fix the American Prison System

Who else would know the American prison situation better than someone who spent years locked up in a cell? In this TEDx talk, motivational speaker and Harvard fellow, Andre Norman, talks about the American prison system, why it is important to fix, and why society should get involved. Andre Norman has been home for more than 20 years and his mission is to make the world better for others, one step at a time.

Andre Norman at the Genius Network

Andre's Topics

Andre often presents this program to business audiences that want to help their community. Sponsors also engage Andre to present this program directly to at-risk youth programs. The story of Andre’s personal journey from prison to university lecturer and international speaker is not a Cinderella story. It is a tale of extremely hard work, numerous setbacks and an uphill struggle against tremendous odds. It is also a story that has inspired numerous audiences and encouraged people to think differently about what a determined individual can achieve.

Professor John Kotter of the Harvard Business School wrote that, “for leadership, achieving a vision requires motivating and inspiring—keeping people moving in the right direction . . . by appealing to basic but often untapped human needs, values, and emotions.” Andre had to abandon his old value system in order to take control of his life and, once released, stay out of prison. But he did find that some of what he learned in the world of prison gangs—about those untapped needs and emotions—has relevance for leaders in the world of legitimate business. Andre provides fresh perspectives on the leader’s role and a new appreciation for what is possible.

Andre's Topics

Andre often presents this program to business audiences that want to help their community. Sponsors also engage Andre to present this program directly to at-risk youth programs. The story of Andre’s personal journey from prison to university lecturer and international speaker is not a Cinderella story. It is a tale of extremely hard work, numerous setbacks and an uphill struggle against tremendous odds. It is also a story that has inspired numerous audiences and encouraged people to think differently about what a determined individual can achieve.

Professor John Kotter of the Harvard Business School wrote that, “for leadership, achieving a vision requires motivating and inspiring—keeping people moving in the right direction . . . by appealing to basic but often untapped human needs, values, and emotions.” Andre had to abandon his old value system in order to take control of his life and, once released, stay out of prison. But he did find that some of what he learned in the world of prison gangs—about those untapped needs and emotions—has relevance for leaders in the world of legitimate business. Andre provides fresh perspectives on the leader’s role and a new appreciation for what is possible.

Andre's Book