Meet Brandon Mclean

We were lucky to catch up with Brandon Mclean recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brandon , we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Facing challenges related to mental health has been a journey of self-discovery and acceptance for me. Over time, I’ve come to realize that my brain is simply wired differently than others, and that’s not something to be ashamed of—it’s something to embrace. This perspective has allowed me to stop viewing my struggles with anxiety as weaknesses and start seeing them as opportunities for growth. Instead of resisting the way my mind works, I’ve learned to work with it, finding tools and strategies to navigate challenges while also recognizing the unique strengths that come with this perspective.

Mental health is a vital conversation for everyone, but it’s particularly important for men, who often face societal pressures to suppress their struggles. I’ve come to understand how essential it is to break those barriers and keep the narrative alive about men opening up. Sharing my experiences has been empowering not only for me but also for those around me, as it creates space for others to feel seen and supported. When men talk openly about mental health, it normalizes the conversation and helps dismantle harmful stigmas that have persisted for far too long.

In fact, I’ve grown to appreciate my experiences with anxiety because they’ve given me the chance to lead by example. By being open about my struggles, I hope to show the next generation that there’s nothing wrong with asking for help and prioritizing mental health. My goal is to inspire others to understand that seeking support is a strength, not a weakness, and to continue building a world where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. Through this, I’ve found purpose in my journey and am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a healthier, more open future.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

My name is Brandon McLean and I’m the Founder and President of Teach Me 2 Tie Inc. Teach Me 2 Tie Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Fayetteville, NC in which our mission is to empower young men with the skills and knowledge needed to become responsible and self-sufficient individuals. Our vision is to have a future where every young man has the opportunity to learn essential life skills and grow into a confident and capable individual through mentorship, guidance, and workshops.

I feel most excited about the young lives that have been and will be impacted by the works of Teach Me 2 Tie Inc. It’s amazing seeing young men learning the generational life lessons that are being taught by us at Teach Me 2 Tie Inc. This is my purpose! To leave the next generation with lessons that will make them better men of society.

We’ve completed multiple events and programs, such as “Teach Me 2 Tie” and “Teach Me 2 Golf”, however, the program that I’m most excited and proud about now is the launch of our new “Who Am I!” Program. This program is a five week course where we partner with local elementary schools and teach young men lessons regarding their self-confidence about who they truly are and not based off of their environment. We empower them with practical exercises and affirmations that changes the narratives of the negative things that they’ve heard about themselves.

Teach Me 2 Tie Inc. brand is leading by example. We pride ourselves on setting a standard in reaching our next generation and empowering them to become better daily!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were my faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, empathy and love for the underdog or overlooked, and the ability to lead with purpose and conviction. These traits have shaped my perspective, guided my actions, and allowed me to persevere through challenges while lifting others up along the way. Each of these qualities provided a foundation for growth and connection that has been integral to my personal and professional development.

Faith and belief in Jesus Christ has been my anchor, giving me strength, clarity, and hope even in the most uncertain times. It has allowed and allows me to trust in a purpose greater than myself, reminding me that every challenge has meaning and every success is an opportunity to serve others. Jesus Christ said Himself in Matthew 20:28 NKJV, “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” As a follower of Christ, I must do the same.

Empathy has taught me to see the value in every person, especially those who are often overlooked or underestimated because I’ve oftentimes found myself in those positions. It has fueled my desire to advocate for the underdog and has helped me form meaningful connections with people from all walks of life. Finally, leadership has given me the ability to inspire and guide others, creating environments where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to cultivate these qualities intentionally. Faith requires dedication—spend time in prayer, scripture, or meditation to deepen your relationship with God and find clarity in your purpose. Empathy grows when you listen with an open heart and seek to understand others’ perspectives, especially those who differ from you. Leadership, on the other hand, develops through action: take opportunities to lead, learn from your mistakes, and focus on serving those you lead. By nurturing these traits, you’ll find both fulfillment and the strength to overcome any obstacle.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

The number one obstacle I’m currently facing is staying consistent with pushing Teach Me 2 Tie Inc., especially when it feels like no one is engaging or responding. This challenge is particularly tough when trying to garner interest for sponsorships and donations, as it can sometimes feel like the effort is falling on deaf ears and setting my pride to the side (I’m not 100% comfortable with asking people for donations/sponsorships). However, I’ve learned that persistence and faith are key in overcoming this hurdle. When asking for donations/sponsorships, I realized that I’m not asking for me and that any funds received will go towards the future of the next generation.

To tackle this, I’ve focused on refining my outreach strategies, ensuring that my message is clear, compelling, and targeted to the right audience. I’m also exploring creative ways to engage with potential supporters, such as sharing personal stories of impact, creating more interactive content, and collaborating with others who share similar goals. Additionally, I’ve reminded myself that every small step matters—each conversation, email, or social media post contributes to the bigger picture. Staying true to the mission and trusting that the work will resonate with the right people helps me maintain the drive to keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teachme2tie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TeachMe2TieMovement/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teachme2tieinc/
• Twitter: https://x.com/TM2TInc