Motivational and inspirational speaker Derek Clark recently shared his powerful message of hope, resilience and redemption to thousands of child welfare workers, foster parents, social workers and others that are involved with foster care throughout Australia and Canada. The audience reaction was awesome! Derek is not the typical motivational speaker, he is a master storyteller and a singer-songwriter that sings the journals of his life. He perfectly blends inspiration, music, motivation, education, rejuvenation and enthusiasm into his presentation.
Derek Clark’s story is one of resilience and redemption. Derek spent 13 years in the
foster care system. Before entering foster care, Derek suffered unthinkable child abuse,
abandonment and emotional distress, Derek knows first hand on how to cope with
adversity and overcoming hardship. His past reflects a life of humiliation, aggression,
emotional distress and overwhelming anxiety. He has experienced the life of fear and
rejection and much more.
At five years old Derek’s mother and stepfather turned him over to the county
social services but kept his brother and sister. Derek felt as if he had been deleted from
his family. His father was in prison for the criminally insane. Psychiatric reports stated
that at the age of five years old, Derek had severe behavioral problems and fascinations
of extreme violence and death. Neurological reports stated that at six years old, he had
the IQ of a two and a half year old and diagnosed him with erratic psychosis. Having also
been misdiagnosed as mentally handicapped and having numerous emotional and
language difficulties, Derek never gave up. With the help of his foster parents and
mentors, he has defied the artificial limitations imposed upon him. This has never held
Derek back from accomplishing what he set his heart and mind to. From owning a very
successful corporation to having a family, his maxim is to make no excuses.
Derek Clark is the Ambassador for the Foster Care Alumni of America, an inspiring
speaker/trainer, singer/songwriter and the author of NeverLimit Your Life and the I Will
Never Give Up book series. Derek has over 100 tracks on iTunes. His true-life trials and
personal triumphs have inspired organizations throughout the United States and Canada
with his powerful message of hope and unwavering perseverance. He recently delivered
the keynotes for the International Foster Care Organization conference (child welfare
delegates from over 20 countries), the National Foster Parent Association conference,
Federal Dept. of Labor National Bureau of Prisons conference and many child welfare
conferences.
Derek has been featured in numerous radio shows in many major U.S. cities and
television. He has performed his music for some very famous people including the
President of the United States. He has been featured with Lance Armstrong, Michael
Phelps, Johnny Depp, Tyler Perry, Brad Pitt, Tyra Banks and U2 as “People Who Roar”
by Roar Clothing. He unleashes his creative energy in a never-ending effort to ignite
passion in others and instill the courage to never give up. His maxim is to make no
excuses and become what you want to become. He has turned his situation from a victim
to a victor, equipping him with the Wisdom and the Will to Never Give Up.
Very inspiring story. I can see why he is so talented at motivating children because he has been there once. I am so amazed at the lengths a man can reach if he just maintains his focus and determined to fulfill his dreams.
It is great to know at least some there who motivates worker for the betterment of child welfare, foster parents and for social workers. It is such an awesome thing. Such motivational speakers are great who wants to motivate such organization and peoples.