As an inmate in the Massachusetts penal system, Andre Norman rose to the top of the prison's largest gang before deciding to take charge of his life and apply his talents to creating something positive. His fifteen year odyssey from gang leader to lecturer at Harvard University, featured speaker of the London Business School and nationally recognized youth advocate is testimony to the fact that the extraordinary is possible.

Now, as an international speaker, Andre shares insights from his incredible experience to show business audiences how Focus, Purpose, Resilience and a Plan can overcome even the most daunting challenges. He has helped develop the leadership teams of clients such as:

• Prudential Insurance (UK) Board of Directors & CEO
• Bovis Lend Lease (AUS) Board of Directors
• Deutsche Bank (Germany)
• British Petroleum (UK)
• Ericsson (Sweden)
• Danone (France)
• World Presidents Organization (USA)
• Young Presidents Organization (USA)
• Major League Baseball (USA)

Andre was surprised to discover that many of the lessons he learned on the wrong side of the law - about human nature, about personal limits, about persistence and the importance of a compelling vision - are valid in business. Armed with this knowledge, Andre joined with the London Business School to design unique Experiential Learning Labs for some of its top clients over the past seven years. Andre has lectured at Harvard University, including the School of Law, the John F. Kennedy School of Government and the Harvard Divinity School. He has been a featured speaker at MIT's Department of Urban Studies and Planning, as well as the London Business School's Sloan Fellowship. In the 2005-2006 academic years, Andre was hired as a visiting lecturer at Tufts University. His story inspires audiences and helps them see how the impossible can become the possible in personal and professional relationships and in the business world.

Andre's advocacy for youth is built on his core belief that every kid can make it if given the proper support. Andre has worked with the City and State Agencies across the nation designing and teaching programs to curb youth violence, truancy and gang activity. Because his own story is one of obstacles overcome, Andre is able to connect with troubled and at-risk young people to a degree that no social worker, no matter how dedicated, can match.