Meet Michael “chief” Peterson

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael “chief” Peterson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Michael “Chief”, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

I can’t remember who said it, but I remember someone telling me that I have survived 100% of life’s most difficult challenges. That message was a wake-up call for me. I’m certain there are many people that have faced far worse adversities in life but I’ve had my share of significant challenges and in many cases, I didn’t feel like I would make it out of them. To find myself on the upside of depression and thriving in life has been nothing short of a blessing and just the reassurance I needed to remind myself that I will be ok. Life it certainly going to happen and how we handle it determines our character. I firmly believe there is a bright side, or positive in most situations. In the event there isn’t, there is absolutely a lesson, and I have to remember to be grateful for the opportunity to learn. There are a plethora of situations we will go through in life that no one has prepared us for. I have made it my mission to remain as positive and optimistic as possible when looking adversity in the face. There isn’t much benefit in sulking and living in sadness. Of course, There will be many moments where I will need to process my emotions and deal with pain but ultimately, I know I will be ok and that mindset alone has saved me from dark days. In short, I guess what I am saying is, I’ve been through enough bad to know that there isn’t much that can happen to me that can defeat me like things once did.

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

Michael “Chief” Peterson marries social consciousness with mellow poetic verses. Born and raised in New Britain, CT, he declares himself a man dedicated to his family and focused on helping our youth. Chief not only speaks about social inequities and individual struggle, but
he acts to change the cycle. Chief is the playwright of and actor in his one-man show, I Wish Life Had Training Wheels. He was recently appointed as the first ever Poet Laureate of his hometown, New Britain Connecticut in which he was recently appointed to a second term. He appeared on Seasons 4,5, & 6 of the TvOne hit series, Lexus’ Verses and Flow. He is a 3x Connecticut Spoken Word Grand Slam Champion as well as a coach for the CT youth poetry Slam team. Chief was featured at the Kallio Block Party in Helsinki, Finland. He also performed at the 2012 London Olympics. A graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology, as well as a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University, Chief is no stranger to the injustice he speaks out about. He is currently a Dean of Students at his alma mater, New Britain High School, and is also a part-time Child Development Specialist.
He contributes to extra-curricular activities by coaching the football and basketball teams at New Britain High School. From the high school where he works to the stages where he performs, this poet on the rise turns his art into action while inspiring people to do the same. This is a performer who literally practices what he preaches. From the high school where he works to the stages where he performs, this poet on the rise is about turning his art into action and inspiring people to do the same.

He recently released his second spoken word poetry album which has been submitted to the Recording Academy to be placed in consideration for a Grammy in the Best Spoken Word Poetry Album Category.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I believe the skill of communication is abundantly underrated. Far too many people believe they are quality communicators, until they cross paths with someone who is proficient in communication. I’m on stages all over the world and once believed that because I speak for a living, that I was a good communicator. Was I ever wrong?
I also believe having the desire to be a life-long learner will shape the way we look at the world and open us up to the acceptance of different perspective.
Lastly, I believe kindness is an underappreciated trait. Many people are easily triggered and forget to consider the reality that others live. Grace is needed for all people, but we get so caught up in our own worlds that our problems seem to take precedence over any and everything and subconsciously we may lash out or ignore others

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I have established some remarkable relationships in my life and for the longest time genuinely felt like I didn’t need new friends. I now realize in order for me to continue to grown and achieve success, I am going to have to step outside of my circle and connect with those who are living the life I aspire to achieve. Collaboration is something I intend to get better at and Ideally I’d love for it to be with like-minded people who desire to grow and keep chasing success and greatness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chiefthepoet.com
• Instagram: @chiefthepoet
• Facebook: @chiefthepoet
• Linkedin: @chiefthepoet
• Twitter: @chiefthepoet
• Youtube: @chiefthepoet
• Soundcloud: @chiefthepoet

Image Credits

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