Printable Biography of Les Brown

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As a renowned public speaker, author and television personality, Les Brown has risen to national prominence by delivering a high energy message which tells people how to shake off mediocrity and live up to their greatness. It is a message Les Brown has learned from his own life and one he is helping others apply to their lives.

Born a twin in low-income Liberty City in Miami, Florida, Les and his twin brother, Wes, were adopted when they were six weeks old by Mrs. Mamie Brown, a single woman who had very little education and financial means, but a very big heart. As a child his inattention to school work, his restless energy and the failure of his teachers to recognize his real potential resulted in him being mislabeled as a slow learner. The label and the stigma stayed with Les, damaging his self-esteem to such an extent that it took several years to overcome.

Unending Self-Education Les has had no formal education past high school, but with persistence and determination he has initiated and continued a process of unending self-education which has distinguished him as an authority on human potential. Les Brown’s passion to learn and his hunger to realize greatness in himself and others helped him to achieve greatness. He rose from a hip-talkin morning DJ to broadcast manager; from community activist to community leader; from political commentator to 3-term legislator; and from a banquet and nightclub emcee to premier keynote speaker.

In 1986, Les entered the public speaking arena on a full-time basis and formed his own company, Les Brown Unlimited, Inc. The company provides motivational tapes and materials, workshops, and personal/professional development programs aimed at individuals, companies, and organizations.

Award Winning Speaker In 1989, Les Brown was the recipient of the National Speakers Association’s highest honor: The Council of Peers Award of Excellence. In addition, he was selected one of America’s Top Five Speakers for 1992 by Toastmasters international. In 1990, Les recorded his first in a series of speech presentations entitled “You Deserve” with Les Brown, was awarded a Chicago-area Emmy and became the leading fund-raising program of its kind for pledges to PBS stations nationwide.

Les Brown is not only an internationally recognized speaker and CEO of Les Brown Unlimited, Inc., he is also the author of the highly acclaimed and successful book, Live Your Dreams, and former host of The Les Brown Show, a nationally syndicated daily television talk show which focused on solutions rather than problems.

TESTIMONIALS

...Your motivating meeting really hit home with our attendees. I know we have “hungry” F&I managers across the country inspired to strive toward new levels of achievement.
Michael P. Zewalk, Director GENERAL MOTORS ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

...A true motivator and the best speaker our company has presented to our agency force. We wanted to break new records and set new heights in our sales and that's exactly what Les Brown brought into our agency force!
Gerald Battle, Agency Manager ALLSTATE INSURANCE

...You have my heartfelt appreciation. I now believe that – it’s possible!
Charles E. Panoff MASS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY

...Your ability to weave our corporate goals into your presentation helped our Mobil dealers and distributors relate, comprehend, and enroll in our vision to be the number one company in the petroleum industry.
Michael D. Damitz, Project Manager MOBIL OIL CORPORATION

...I can’t tell you how much it means to us to have someone like yourself speak at our seminar. You truly exemplify the meaning of SUCCESS!
Peter Lowe, President and Chief Executive Officer PETER LOWE INTERNATIONAL

...It is amazing what changes occur when members of our system have the insight of someone who has truly 'lived his dreams and still knows how to practice what he preaches.
Laura Bernstein, Director of Public Relations SCHLOTZSKY’S DELI

Everyone at our conference was affected! Your captivating personality and approach grabbed all of us in the room, and you didn't let us go! You made us laugh and cry with your touching personal stories. You spoke to our topic “People Advantage” with eagerness and enthusiasm. A member of our senior management (who has been exposed to over 25 speakers in his career) announced to our entire group, that you were the best speaker he has ever heard!
Karen Marryshow PHILLIP MORRIS

I thought you might be interested in the results of a random survey we conducted of 166 of the 1,200 people who attended the three conferences. Out of a possible score of five (meaning excellent), your presentation received a 4.21, the highest of all our speakers. Thirty of those responding said your talk was the single best part of the conference for them.
Jeff Smith NORTHWEST AIRLINES

What a terrific program! I heard such great comments from my colleagues that viewed and others around the country. We had over 100 downlinks (satellite) as you know, and the audiences were large. The Fairfax County government for example, had 200 of its employees and family in the room. Your message got distributed to a group of very enthusiastic people.
Kandace Laass U.S. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE