Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Scruggs. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michael, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose in seeking God and asking him for his wisdom. I’ve always known that my purpose was to impact the lives of people. My life has never been about me. God put me here to impact lives and, that gives me great joy. Hearing my former students tell me how I did or said something to change their life lets me know that my living is not in vain.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Impacting lives gives me the greatest joy. I’ve been blessed to have been on over 13 national networks or platforms (Ellen DeGeneres, Good Morning America, CNN, CNN, Channel one news, Google, etc), and this has launched me into some great opportunities. I have the absolute pleasure of leading the 2-Generational efforts for the Whitehaven Area of Agape Child & Family Services. Our approach to help families come out of poverty by walking along side of them with a plan to help them stable. My job gives me the greatest joy because I am able to align my passion for helping people with my occupation.
For the past 17 years, I have been an active mentor for area youth and definitely, my former students. My mentees keep me busy in a good way and I’m able to pour back into what was given to me. I’m blessed to have some great mentors in my life. I think about Dr. Ken Brown who has been my mentor for over 23 years. He instilled value, service and the sense of never forgetting your why.
I am also proud to have asked to be a 2023 Ambassador for the American Cancer Society “Real Men Wear Pink of Memphis”. Cancer has affected my loved ones and I’m able to raise money to fight this disease. As you can see, I love being a community change maker.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three qualities or skills that have been impactful in my journey would be : Faith, accountability and determination. My faith in God has opened up so many doors for me. Favor will do what your money can’t do. Accountability allows me to grow and challenge myself to do better and not become complacent.
My advice to anyone would be to listen to the right people. Find you some mentors that lead by example. Always remember your purpose. Your purpose might not be the same as everyone else. There is only one you. Always remain in the seat of student ready to learn and grow.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
This question cannot be narrowed down to one person. God has helped me through a lot of hard situations. My mom, friends, family, mentors and former students ( Dr. Ken Brown, Minnie Blackmon, Jerry Malone, Kevin McCarthy, Eric Wilson, Bobby White, Edward Stanton, Levi Pointer, Rod Richmond, Art Horne, Alex Pearson, Ramone Lloyd, David Armstrong, Dennis Midget) and others have been helpful in me overcoming obstacles and building my skills.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: michaelscruggs3
- Facebook: Michael Scruggs
- Linkedin: Michael Scruggs
- Twitter: mascruggs3
- Youtube: mascruggs3
Image Credits
Alex Pearson – APearson Photography
