Hey! I’m Mike, I go by DJ AXCESS, and I’m a DJ and public speaker based in Columbus, Ohio. For the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with the Driven Foundation, a movement dedicated to empowering young people to become leaders within their classrooms and communities. This experience has been truly remarkable, and I’m excited to share some of the impactful moments. Our mission with the Driven Foundation is to ignite a spark of leadership, responsibility, and self-love within the next generation. We achieve this through dynamic assemblies, where we engage students with powerful messages and interactive experiences. It’s about more than just talking; it’s about creating a lasting impact. One of the most compelling aspects of this collaboration is my connection with Buckeye Football legend Roy Hall Jr. His vision and passion for empowering youth are truly inspiring. And, let’s be honest, the students’ excitement when they see former Buckeye football players on stage is amazing. It adds an extra layer of engagement and relatability, making the message resonate even more deeply. The Driven Foundation’s principles are built on a foundation of empowerment and self-belief. These principles, encapsulated in the acronym FLY, are: * **FLY (First Lead Yourself):** This foundational principle emphasizes the importance of self-leadership. Before you can lead others, you must first master yourself. It’s about understanding your values, cultivating self-discipline, and taking ownership of your actions. * **I believe:** This principle encourages students to cultivate a strong sense of self-belief. We emphasize the power of positive affirmations and the importance of believing in their own potential. * **You matter:** This principle reinforces the inherent value and worth of every individual. We strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where students feel seen, heard, and valued. * **Push up and push through (for the push-up competitions):** This principle, while seemingly physical, serves as a metaphor for resilience and perseverance. We use push-up competitions as a fun and engaging way to illustrate the importance of pushing through challenges and overcoming obstacles. These principles are not just words; they are actionable tools that students can use to navigate their lives with confidence and purpose. We’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of these principles as students begin to embrace their leadership potential. The energy in these assemblies is truly electrifying. We’ve seen students step out of their comfort zones, embrace challenges, and discover their inner strength. The push-up competitions, in particular, have become a symbol of resilience, showcasing the students’ determination to push through physical and mental barriers. Witnessing these young individuals embrace leadership and self-love is incredibly rewarding. It reinforces the importance of investing in our youth and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. The Driven Foundation is more than just a program; it’s a movement that’s shaping the future leaders of our communities. This experience has also reinforced the importance of clear communication and impactful messaging, principles that are central to my work as a DJ and public speaker. Just as I strive to create unforgettable experiences through music, the Driven Foundation creates unforgettable experiences through its empowering assemblies. I believe in the power of music and words to inspire and uplift. Whether I’m crafting a seamless mix for a packed dance floor or delivering an impactful message to a room full of students, my goal is to create a positive and lasting impact. Working with the Driven Foundation has been a remarkable journey, and I’m excited to continue empowering young leaders in our community. If you’re looking for a speaker who can inspire and motivate your audience, I’d love to connect. Visit my website at djaxcess.com to learn more about my presentations and how I can help your event be a success. Let’s work together to create something extraordinary.