Jeff Yalden overcame incredible odds to become the man he is today...As a teenager, he lost interest academically. He took the SATs twice and scored only 610 out of a possible 1600. Worse yet, Jeff suffered from a stutter, a facial tic, bad acne, and a learning disability. With a dismal sense of self and a defeatist attitude toward the world, Jeff graduated high school 128th in a class of 133. Although he was accepted by 3 of the 19 colleges to which he applied, Jeff was afraid to attend college, so intense was his fear of rejection, failure, and the mother of all loads - inadequacy.
The turning point came one month after high school when Jeff grew sick of being sick and decided to take charge of his life. He entered and won the Mr. New Hampshire Male America and later Male America's "Mr. Personality." A year later, he enlisted with the Marine Corp where he quickly learned the virtue of self-reliance and teamwork. Jeff became a two-time Marine of the Year and played for the All-Marine-Corp basketball team.
Unfortunately, a failed relationship sent Jeff spiraling back toward his old ways and soon, he found himself hospitalized with depression and suicidal tendencies. In 1994, after an honorable discharge from the Marines, Jeff realized that his destiny was in his own hands. He reached deep inside himself for the fortitude and character to make powerful, life-transforming choices.
Today, Jeff draws on the grace he experienced in his darkest lessons to help today's youth transform their own lives. He has captured the imagination of more than 3,000 audiences from all over the world. Along with youth programs, Jeff delivers programs on college campuses for freshman orientation and college keynote addresses. Also, Jeff routinely speaks to teachers at their in-service days and parent / community programs.
Jeff has presented for the likes of SADD, FBLA, StuCo, FCCLA, SEARCH INSTITUTE, The National PRIDE World Drug-Free Conference, National Speakers Association, National Student Council, and more. Along with youth programs, Jeff delivers programs for teachers, parents, and communities as well.
Jeff appears routinely in print, the subject of articles in newspapers and magazines across the country. He is also the author of "They Call Me Coach", "Keep It Simple", "20 Ways to Keep It Simple", and "Traits of a Leader", Jeff coauthored "Lead Now or Step Aside" and contributed to "New York Times" bestseller, "A Cup for Chicken Soup for the Soul."
Jeff believes that success depends on one's worldview - how people perceive their position in the world. His stories of personal transformation uplift and entertain, for Jeff is living, breathing proof of the miracles available to every human.
Jeff Yalden overcame incredible odds to become the man he is today...As a teenager, he lost interest academically. He took the SATs twice and scored only 610 out of a possible 1600. Worse yet, Jeff suffered from a stutter, a facial tic, bad acne, and a learning disability. With a dismal sense of self and a defeatist attitude toward the world, Jeff graduated high school 128th in a class of 133. Although he was accepted by 3 of the 19 colleges to which he applied, Jeff was afraid to attend college, so intense was his fear of rejection, failure, and the mother of all loads - inadequacy.
