Real Stories Ep 33: Derek – Inspiring Change in His Community (Pt. 2)

In last month’s episodelast month’s episode, we introduced you to Derek. Today, we continue our conversation with him.

Derek runs several small businesses, something that seemed unlikely several years ago. Despite spending ten years in federal custody, he remained laser focused on learning as much as he could when it came to money. He even started a financial education program for his fellow inmates which he enhanced with materials from GreenPath.

Upon his release, he faced an economy and world turned upside down by the pandemic. But his resilience shown through. This resilience has helped him as he works on his financial goals and tries to effect change in his community.

Key Moments

2:48 Derek reflects on his experience receiving financial coaching from GreenPath as he worked on his financial goals.

6:46 He talks about how it’s not always easy to be your authentic self when you’re in a challenging environment.

10:06 After Derek lifts up a community need in Chicago, co-host Omari talks about how GreenPath is striving to build trust in Detroit.

12:33 Derek speaks about some of his financial goals, including expanding his businesses and investing in real estate.

15:40 He points out that possible regrets from his past ended up being learning opportunities.

18:29 Derek discusses change and growth and how his mindset has impacted his life. He reminds us that “nothing grows without changes”as he reflects on family members who are challenged to break out of past patterns.

23:32 He talks about how he’s trying to influence change in his community.

26:30 Derek expresses gratitude to GreenPath for giving him tools to help him become more financially resilient.

30:42 Learn what happened when Real $tories Host Chris proposed hugging Derek.

35:16 An excerpt from one of Derek’s letters to reflect on as Thanksgiving approaches

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