From years spent on Chicago's notorious inner city streets, my immersion in Chicago street gangs as a major gang chief, my years as an entrepreneur and as a founding director of the Chicago non-profit group "Ready-Set-Work" I understand, up-close and personal, the struggles teenagers face with self-esteem, with each other and just with life, each and every day.

I think it's fair to say that though I may not have been a troubled-teen myself, I sure as hell was a troublesome one!

It's hardly surprising that there are so many teens troubled and struggling. Today teenagers face greater stress, more challenges to their self-esteen, temptation and peer pressure then ever before. And they're more cynical and sophisticated, so it's tougher than ever to connect with then. Kids who are in trouble won't respond to just anyone, certainly someone who just doesn't get it, who hasn't any legitimate idea of what they're going through, and can't walk the walk.

Look I want to be clear right up front. I'm no therapist. I have no formal training or qualifications, nor any 'five-step' program for troubled teens. My experience dealing with teen-trouble is based on a combination of my extraordinary ex-life as a precocious and powerful young gang chief; my endeavors as a young black entrepreneur and the work I do today as a life coach, with parents, communities, schools and teens.

And when you read my story in my memoir: "Tattoos On My Soul" you'll understand why I am one of the most potent voices you'll find anywhere to help a troubled teen.

You see I do get it. I've been there, I've lived it, and I speak the language. Young people, and troubled teens, recognize my street creds. They just have to look into my eyes to see the depth of the experience, and knowing there.

• Being pressured to join, or trying to get out of,
  a street gang?
• A victim of bullying, or being a bully?
• Too little self-esteem or too much self-loathing?
• Experimenting with drugs?
• No focus?
• Just impossible to live with!

There may not be a silver bullet solution, but at least, open the door, and start the dialogue. Contact Us to schedule an appointment for a chat.

For much more in-depth focus on the issue of gangs
click here to visit Streetwise Speaking