Today we’d like to introduce you to David Watts.
David, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am from the Bay Area (born and raised) and most if not all of those years as a student-athlete. I had the opportunity to play college football at UC Berkeley and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies. Upon graduation from college, I became a police officer, while also pursuing my master’s degree from UC Berkeley in Education with emphasis in Athletic and Academic Achievement. During my time as a police officer, I developed a passion for visiting schools and speaking with students about academics, athletics and life success. The engagement with students was a powerful experience served as the foundation for my work with student-athletes.
In 2008, I made a career change because I was no longer passionate about law enforcement. Instead of contributing to the ushering young people into the criminal justice system, I wanted to be a part of the solution that supported their growth and trajectory to college. This led me to relocating to Southern California, where as an educator, I could combine all of my interests and passions of academics and athletics together to help young people succeed with education at the forefront.
Tethered to my educational experiences and athletic background, I started a consulting business that focuses on student-athlete advocacy. In today’s society with so much attention and emphasis being placed solely on athletics for young people, my work mainly focuses on academic achievement, character growth, college preparation and personal development. These are the components that are often forgotten about and not emphasized enough.
I enjoy helping to cultivate young people to be the best version of themselves. I love working with student-athletes–the work is invigorating and fulfilling. I travel to schools, teams, camps, and conferences speaking on the importance of student-athletes having the mindset of being #Student1stAthlete2nd. I have a growing social media presence and I hope the work continues to expand to student-athletes across the country.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the biggest challenges is me getting a foot in the door to actually speak at schools, camps, and clinics. I’ll volunteer and come for free. Sometimes the red tape of bureaucracy can get in the way. I hope that changes in the future.
My other challenge is……….communities that need the most advocacy are the communities that are under-resourced. In the future, I hope to partner with a foundation to expand the reach, where I can connect with students, schools and communities who need this information and support. This work is a game-changer and of tremendous value. It all comes down to timing–being at the right place at the right time!!!
David Watts Consulting – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
All too often our young people are told to do well in school and get a good education. The problem is they’re hardly ever shown how. I believe my advocacy focuses on giving students strategies on how to perform well in class, in their sport, and in life. My goal is to enable young people to see the connection and benefits of all three experiences.
I’m known for bringing passion and social engagement to my audience. I facilitate workshops that are lively and participatory. I bring that energy! My philosophy is to speak with students, not at them.
What I’m most proud of are the relationships I have with many of the former student-athletes I’ve worked with in the past. Seeing many of them graduate from high school with honors or having the opportunity to play at colleges and universities across the country gives me the ultimate joy. Hearing their stories on what they have overcome and persevered through is truly amazing.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
My definition of success is the process of continually growing as a person, while recognizing the significance of reaching back to help others who come after you. What good is to have guidance and knowledge to only keep it to yourself?
David Watts Consulting Tools For Success:
1) There is Power in Your Story!
2) It’s OK to ask for help!
3) Failure Can Be One of Our Greatest Teachers!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.davidwattsconsulting.com
- Instagram: @DavidWattsConsulting
- Twitter: @DWCInfo
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