As a young man, Aldric Marshall was labeled a “slow learner.” That was just the beginning. After struggling with the unexpected and a series of confusing setbacks, including rejection and growing up in an intensely violent home, Aldric redefined his life. In doing so, a confident, prolific, and ambitious leader and author emerged. Today his messages include a set of motivational teachings rich enough to evoke and inspire all of humanity. With an arc of revolutionary fervor and zeal, Marshall transforms how and what marginalized people see. With startling candor, the first-time author recounts his moving real-life story of overcoming a multitude of challenges. He has created the life of his dreams as an entrepreneur, educator, and motivational speaker. Recently, I sat down with him. We talked about his childhood, his love of inspiring others, and of course his freshman book, “Success Behind the Scars.”
Frank Briggs: Good morning, Aldric. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us today.
Aldric Marshall: It is a pleasure to be with you, I have heard a lot about you and the wonderful things you are doing. Thanks for having me.
full board No problem. Aldric, could you share with us a bit more about your background?
AM Growing up as a young man and then as a young man, he could not read. Still, I graduated from high school with a 2.0 GPA. I enlisted in the army and got kicked out for failing the aptitude test. I witness a lot of domestic violence in my home when I was a child. It tested my ability to function as a normal child in school. I’ve heard it all; from, ‘you’re going to be a wife beater, you’ll never amount to anything, to, you’ll go from one dead-end job to another. I’m here to tell you: someone’s comment about you doesn’t no it has to be your reality. Indeed, I did not grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth, in fact, I can count the spoons that we had in my house.
full board Your long-awaited book, Success Behind the Scars, is scheduled for release in February 2009. Can you share a synopsis?
AM The book talks about growing up in a home with domestic violence, being labeled a slow learner and kicked out of the Air Force for failing an aptitude test. I had to get a job in a dirty junkyard separating metal for a large aircraft company. That junkyard was where I learned to read. In Success behind the scars, I tell my moving real-life story of how I overcame a multitude of challenges to create the life of my dreams, becoming an entrepreneur, educator, and now a motivational speaker. I reveal the secrets of my success and inspire readers to courageously pursue and achieve their dreams!
full board Who has the council benefited from the most?
AM The only advice and example that everyone can benefit from is Jesus; He is the one I have benefited from the most.
full board What were some of the biggest obstacles involved in your decision to become the leader you are today?
AM This decision was very easy for me. As a speaker, I would witness other children having the same emotions that I had when I was in school and growing up. I saw these ‘obstacles’ as a blessing to help others.
full board What is evident is his passion and dedication to teaching others to be successful. When did you realize that you had the ability to ignite and help others become empowered in their daily lives?
AM When I talked to children and witnessed a positive change in their lives. Parents from all over came to me and asked me to talk to their children about the problems they were going through.
full board Most of the mentors had or have had mentors. Did you have a mentor who influenced you a lot in your youth?
AM The community in general influenced me a lot when I was young. When I realized that I was the one causing most of my problems. That’s when I opened up to seeking help. I was able to read and act like most normal children. There was a fear of being exposed that greatly intensified my ability to move on. Fear is something. . . It will keep you grabbed and under a rock if you let it. Another key person was my uncle Claude. It was very inspiring in my life. My uncle Claude realized that school work and all that it had to offer me was not for me. What he did was play to my strengths. He taught me to work with my hands. There are many more people who greatly influenced my life. There are too many to mention.
full board What are the visions you invent in your mind that drive your desire to inspire?
AMI read remember something. He said: ‘To the world you are just one person, but to one person, you can be the world.’ The hands-off approach that people have toward our youth in our communities has resulted in our children losing their smiles, their sparkle, and their hope for a future. My inspiration is when I see a lost smile, a shine and a hope for the future. That’s what drives me.
full board Aldric, in your book you mention that you went from working in a junkyard to managing a multi-million dollar company. Can you tell the readers how you did it?
AM I did it with perseverance and persistence. I wanted to create a better life for myself and my family and show other young people that whatever you set your mind to, you can achieve it.
full board You are currently Project Coordinator for the Florida Resource Center for Women and Children. Could you describe your role for us?
AM My role as project coordinator is to bring economic development back to communities where the majority of our urban community has lost hope for the future. My role also includes encouraging, encouraging, motivating, and providing each and every individual with the care they need and the self-esteem that is required to be future leaders and role models.
full board Many authors have a favorite author. You have one? If so, who is he and why?
AM My favorite author is John C. Maxwell because when I was in the junkyard learning to read, the first book I read in its entirety was the journey of success by John C. Maxwell. His book continues to inspire me to this day. Not to mention that John is a dear friend of mine. He is also one of the pastors of my church. I have the pleasure of speaking with him every Sunday that he comes to minister.
full board What has been the most moving experience since you wrote your book?
AM The most moving experience I’ve had since writing my book was knowing that it would help so many people and knowing that my book crosses all cultures, income levels, and genders.
full board Have you ever questioned your faith or your ability to write a book? If so, how did you get over it?
AM Yes, I have doubts about my faith in writing a book due to my history of not being able to read as a child and completely hating school. Writing a book brought multiple challenges. But those challenges were quickly overcome by the three things I call ‘The 3Ds of Life’. They are Determination. Dedication. And drive.
full boardWhat makes you happier?
AM What makes me happiest is when I spend time with my family and see them happy.
full board What advice do you have for the aspiring author?
AM My advice to the future and aspiring author is that if you have dreams of becoming an author, or even a speaker, or a motivator, don’t let your fears or anyone else stop you from achieving your dreams. They (your dreams) are there for the taking.
full board What’s next for Aldric Marshall?
AM I plan to take my message to the world. I want to help inspire, motivate and convey the message that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. I was a kid who grew up witnessing domestic violence and was told it would never amount to anything. I was bombarded by all kinds of negativity and couldn’t read. Still, I graduated with a 2.0 GPA. If I can achieve my dreams, then the next person can also achieve their dreams.
full board Thank you, Mr. Aldric Marshall. It was an absolute honor and pleasure speaking with you today. I am believing nothing but the best for you in all your endeavors.
AM Thank you.