The Maximize Positive Impact Conference brought together an extraordinary group of small business owners, cultural change leaders, and nonprofit visionaries. The theme of the event centered on maximizing the positive impact these leaders bring to their communities, with a focus on strengthening relationships, fostering inclusivity, and overcoming obstacles. Each speaker offered something profound, but it was our keynote, Remi Adeleke, whose words left me utterly captivated.
I showed up ready to learn. I had been furiously jotting down notes, panel after panel, capturing the insights shared by so many remarkable leaders. But when Remi stepped onto the stage, I found myself setting my pen down to simply listen, so drawn in by his storytelling.
No one can tell Remi’s story better than he does, but some context is important to effectively share the lessons learned. Remi’s journey began in Nigeria, where he was born into wealth. After his father’s untimely death, the government seized everything his family owned, leaving his mother to raise him and his brother in the Bronx. As a young African American boy raised by a single mother, he faced a higher risk of dropping out of school or ending up in prison. Remi is honest about the mistakes of his youth, including his involvement in illegal activities. A near-disastrous encounter with a drug dealer became his wake-up call, pushing him to turn his life around. Remi forged a path from hardship to an extraordinary life as a Navy SEAL, an actor, a producer, and an advocate for victims of human trafficking.
The straight facts about Remi’s life experiences are remarkable in and of themselves. I was, however, really struck by how he framed perseverance—not just as grit or determination, but as an intentional practice anchored in purpose. His matter of fact, rational explanations of what it takes to thrive through adversity make anything feel possible. Here are the lessons I learned from his story that will stay with me long after the conference.
1. Your Why Is Everything
Remi emphasized that knowing your “why” is essential when the challenges seem insurmountable. During Navy SEAL training, he faced grueling tasks like a 10-mile swim and Hell Week, where 270 candidates were whittled down to just 29. He said, “You have to have a deep-rooted emotional reason as to why.” That is going to anchor you when you’re at your limits and want to quit. You are going to face challenges everyday in whatever you pursue. You need to know why you are doing it in order to keep going.
2. Mental Toughness Outweighs Physical Strength
Remi didn’t sugarcoat the intense demands of SEAL training but emphasized that success wasn’t about being the strongest or fastest. It was about refusing to quit. He recalled the infamous “tread”—treading water for five minutes with his hands above his head—and how mental toughness carried him through when his body wanted to give up. There were SEAL candidates in better shape than him who did not make it to graduation.
3. Exposure Expands Possibilities
One of the most beautiful parts of Remi’s story was the role his mother played in shaping his resilience and vision of what was possible. Despite their struggles, she created opportunities to expose him and his brother to a world beyond their circumstances. She took a job at an art gallery so they could go for free, saved money to dress them up for nice dinners in Manhattan to teach them etiquette,
I did not expect to be inspired as a mother on this day, but I certainly was. It reinforced the importance of exposing others—especially children—to experiences that expand their horizons, showing them that their potential isn’t limited by their current reality.
4. A Mother’s Influence Strengthens Identity
Remi spoke with deep reverence for his mother and the lasting impact she had on his life. In the midst of their struggles, she created a sanctuary for him and his brother—rooted in love, calm, and strength. She was stoic in the face of adversity, yet fierce and unyielding in her commitment to shaping her sons' character.
One profound lesson was her affirming of their inherent dignity and potential through the meaning of their name, Adeleke—Ade meaning "crown" and Leke meaning "supreme." She often reminded them, “Your destiny is written in your name,” instilling a sense of identity and purpose that reinforced their potential for greatness, regardless of their circumstances.
5. Perseverance Is a Daily Practice
At age fifteen, the movie The Rock inspired Remi to think, “If I ever turn my life around, I would be a Navy SEAL.” However, finally earning that title wasn’t the end of Remi’s journey—it was just the beginning. He shared a mantra that SEALs live by: “Earn your trident every day.” Perseverance is a continual commitment to show up, put in the work, and serve a greater purpose.
6. Personal Accountability
A very notable thread in every story Remi told was the impact of personal accountability. Once you know what you want to achieve, take responsibility for understanding what it takes and commit to the work required. Remi exemplified this by refusing to make excuses, no matter how challenging his circumstances were. His journey shows that owning your actions and choices is essential to overcoming obstacles and reaching your goals.
A Final Reflection
I feel very grateful for having listened to Remi’s incredible story. He didn’t just share his accomplishments; he shared the lessons and mindset that made them possible. No matter the odds, perseverance—anchored by a clear “why,” mental toughness, personal accountability, and a commitment to daily growth—can lead to extraordinary outcomes. I left the conference feeling a stronger sense of responsibility to myself, my son, and my community.
Thank you, Remi, for sharing your story and being so gracious with your time so that others may be inspired.