Hi readers, my name is Claude Jones, and I am the author of the Astro the Monster Book Series.
I have a passion for creating opportunities to help others succeed. My ultimate goal is to encourage, inspire, and motivate through my words and actions. I believe in helping to make the lives of others and our communities better.
I want you to live your best life, and I want to help you learn how.
It wasn’t easy to get where I am today, but with the support and encouragement I have received from others, I’ve been able to overcome adversity in my life and channel my focus into helping others.
Growing up, I was subject to verbal and physical abuse at home. At only nine years old I had the responsibility of caring for my three younger siblings, and lived in a neighbourhood where I experienced exclusion and racism. From that young of an age, I wondered if the world would be better off without me. I constantly asked myself, would anyone even notice if I was gone?
At the age of twelve, my life was on a downward spiral. It wasn’t until my school counselor noticed that things began to change. He became a mentor, creating an environment of love and support, encouraging me to believe in myself.
With his help, I learned I had value. I learned how to set and achieve goals. I learned strategies to overcome my challenges. His acknowledgement and kindness towards me changed my life forever.
From starting my first business at the age of twelve, to teaching myself how to program software, to being the first person in my family to graduate from college, at each stage of my life, I’ve had various mentors and coaches giving me the advice I needed to succeed.
Today, I work for the #1 company on the Global Fortune 500 list. I have over 16 years of technical leadership and team building experience while supporting a $500 billion business.Though I celebrate my successes, I feel blessed knowing if it were not for the people who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself, I would not be the man I am today.
For this reason, I work hard everyday to pay it forward by creating opportunities for others who might need a helping hand.
As a result, I created the Elevate Foundation, an organization focused on giving back to the community by helping others in need. I also started The Practical Leadership Guy, where I offer free services for motivational speaking, life coaching, and personal stories of inspiration aimed at encouraging others to achieve their goals.
I am excited about my newest program, Kids in Leadership, which focuses on teaching children empathy, communication, and teamwork, giving them the confidence to stand against adversity and building a foundation of the soft skills required to be successful in life.
