EJ Carrion: “How to Be Bold”

EJ Carrion is the Co-Founder and CEO of Student Success Agency, an online platform that assists school districts across the country in providing digital support services like tutoring, counseling, and advising to students anywhere, anytime.

EJ is a first-generation college student who received the prestigious Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship and first-generation entrepreneur who was recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 in Education in 2018.

EJ has become one of the country’s Top Youth Speakers after his Goalcast video about his stepdad, Mike, hit over 35 million views on Facebook. EJ and his bud Jimmy Sweeny, the founder of the Grand Berry Theater, host the 817 podcasts where they banter and dissect the biggest stories in local culture, politics, and business every Monday morning.

EJ shared his story and experience with LeaderKids through his presentation – “How to be BOLD.” He told the students about the first time he went skydiving with friends and how being bold is jumping out of the plane and assembling the parachute on the way down. He captured the student’s attention through his engaging and dynamic storytelling and shared lessons on why we stop being bold:

1. Little voice syndrome
2. Friends and wanting to fit in
3. Family expectations and societal pressures

EJ challenged the students to dream big and to not let the 3 reasons stop them from being bold!