Breakfast Leadership Show From Prison to Purpose: How Ken Miller Transformed His Life After 20 Years Homeless
From the Streets to Significance: Ken’s Incredible Journey of Redemption
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Ken—a remarkable individual whose life journey redefines perseverance, transformation, and the human spirit. Born into hardship as the son of a teenage runaway and a pimp in New York City, Ken’s early years were marked by instability, foster care, and adoption. Despite earning his way to Dartmouth and achieving academic success, he faced a decades-long battle with addiction, homelessness, and multiple felony convictions.
But Ken’s story doesn’t end in darkness. In September 2024, he proudly celebrated 20 years of sobriety. Now a thriving business owner, Ken channels his energy into uplifting others and paying it forward.
The Turning Point: Choosing Growth Over a Life Sentence
Ken opens up about his time in prison, sharing a raw and honest perspective on the prison system, recovery, and the choices that can change everything. He identifies three common paths among inmates and the pivotal mindset shift that ultimately saved his life. During his third incarceration, Ken committed to rebuilding every part of himself—mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. That commitment led him to a halfway house, a dedicated sponsor, and the intentional decision to reconnect with society in a meaningful way.
"Becoming Ken": A Story of Hope, Healing, and Humanity
Ken’s book, Becoming Ken, is more than a memoir—it’s a blueprint for transformation. We dive into the book’s core themes: understanding personal motivation, embracing pain as a teacher, and the critical importance of self-awareness and growth. Writing this book was no small feat, and Ken’s transparency about the process is both inspiring and empowering for anyone facing life’s hard chapters.
Hard Truths, Bold Choices, and a Call to Action
Ken and I also unpack the importance of courage in making life-altering decisions. He reminds us that pain isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to navigate. And when you face it head-on, healing becomes possible. Ken urges listeners to seek support, make bold choices, and above all, give back. His book launch is right around the corner, and he welcomes anyone who wants to learn more or connect directly.
🎧 Tune in for this unforgettable conversation—because no matter where you’ve been, your story isn’t over.
Meet Kevin MillerI'm Ken Miller, CFRE, and I help individuals and organizations harness the power of resilience. My message goes beyond survival—it's about reclaiming identity and integrity in adversity. Resilience is an act of self-assertion and radical love, a testament to transforming suffering into strength.
Through speaking engagements, seminars, and small group work, I guide leaders and teams in navigating setbacks to unlock their true potential. My clients experience relief, clarity, and inspiration, gaining practical insights to empower themselves and their organizations.
My passion stems from my own journey—20 years of homelessness, the support I received, and my transformation into a successful business owner and Ivy League graduate. As a Black man who has overcome immense challenges, I share an authentic, powerful message of hope, success, and resilience. Let’s explore resilience together and inspire growth through courage and compassion.
Book Launch May 19 2025: https://becomingkenbook.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenmiller84/
Speaking: https://kenmillerspeaks.com/