“Listen, Learn and Lead” – it’s the creed by which Maxie Lee inspires others and lives his own life. This professional speaker, academic advisor and expert in student retention teaches that through the use of these three tenants one can overcome life’s obstacles and live a meaningful and fulfilling life. Maxie specializes in advising and motivating students and student- athletes to ensure that they get a solid education and are prepared for life after collegiate sports.
Maxie truly practices what he teaches. After a football career with Howard University that ended in injury, this native of Southern Pines, North Carolina transferred to North Carolina A & T State University where he graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Merchandising. He was enjoying a twenty-year career in the retail automotive industry and finance when he found himself caught up in a company re-organization and was suddenly unemployed. After searching for new employment, Maxie began to “Listen” to others’ wisdom and decided to go back to college for an advanced degree. There he “Learned” - sports management, motivation of at-risk student athletes, student retention and academic advising while obtaining his Masters degree in Sports Studies from High Point University.
Maxie further honed his skills at his alma mater, NC A&T State University, as an academic advisor. He created and implemented a successful male retention program within the Center of Academic Excellence, advised students on academic options, and developed a network of student peer mentors. He found his calling.
He began to “Lead” others through speeches and workshops, where he promotes the post high school development of student-athletes to achieve in college academics, athletics and in life after sports. “Listen, Learn and Lead” is an educational tool Maxie created for student athletes to coach them in personal development, life skills and self-esteem.
Maxie now spends his time working with high school and college students in their efforts to stay focused academically and personally. His workshops and speeches are interactive, inspiring and full of practical advice for students – AND – the parents, educators, mentors, school administrators, coaches, and others who impact the lives of these young people. Maxie uses humor, personal anecdotes, and research driven facts to encourage, engage and entertain his audience.
Maxie introduced a new program in the summer of 2009 – Dads Are the Difference (DAD) – which will address the positive impact fathers have in the social, emotional, and academic development of their children. As a motivational speaker for dads, fathers, youth, teens, student athletes, all youth -especially black boys, and male campus students, Maxie's messages are empowering.
If you are looking for a way to motivate and retain students in your athletic and/or academic program, want to re-invigorate faculty, staff and coaches, or want to help parents understand how to navigate the student-athlete/academic environment, then Maxie Lee is the speaker for you. Maxie’s engaging demeanor and passion for students and their welfare will be the highlight of your next conference, convention or workshop – we promise!
