Reggie D. Ford

Reggie D. Ford is a corporate wellness speaker specializing in mental health, resilience, leadership, and positive psychology. He is the author of the bestselling book "Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction," a memoir that explores Ford's life through the lens of mental health and social justice. In the book, Ford reassesses the Black experience in America, introducing the concept of "Perseverance Through Severe Dysfunction" as a new understanding of PTSD. He addresses the impact of mental health challenges and behaviors on young people, emphasizing the importance of hope and the potential for overcoming hardship.

Ford is a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor's degree in economics from Vanderbilt University, where he also played football, and a master's degree in accountancy from the Owen Graduate School of Management at Vanderbilt University. He has been recognized among Nashville's Black 40 Under 40, nominated for Forbes 30 Under 30, and featured in Top 100 People in Finance magazine. Ford is the founder and president of RoseCrete Wealth Management, a financial services firm providing investment management and financial planning strategies for businesses, professionals, and athletes.

As a mental health advocate and founder of the Vulnerability Muscle framework, Ford works with corporate leaders and organizations to build emotionally intelligent cultures rooted in trust, resilience, and psychological safety. His work as a corporate wellness speaker has reached Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, sports organizations, and schools globally. Ford is a TEDx speaker and hosts the "Vulnerability Muscle" podcast, where leaders and changemakers discuss leading with empathy and authenticity.

With a score of 10 on the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scale, Ford brings personal insight into overcoming adversity, trauma, and the pressures of high-performance environments. He has broken cycles of poverty and trauma, as highlighted in his memoir. Ford co-founded a scholarship fund, serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, and is a certified yoga instructor who leads classes for diverse communities, including children from historically disenfranchised backgrounds.

Ford also engages younger audiences with "I Am the Rose," a story about a boy who discovers hope and strength through a rose growing in concrete, illustrating that resilience is not dependent on perfect conditions. Drawing from his experiences and the support he received, Ford writes stories that help children feel seen and supported. Through keynote speeches, Ford addresses business, finance, mental health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, encouraging audiences to lead with authenticity and transform adversity into growth.