"SaulPaul: our beginnings don’t define us—our choices do"

The latest episode of Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life Podcast features a guest whose life is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the power of transformation.

SaulPaul, a Grammy-nominated artist, TED speaker, and founder of the SaulPaul Foundation, turned a turbulent childhood and difficult beginnings into a lifelong mission of mentoring youth in foster care. A man who, despite the weight of tragedy, has dedicated his life to uplifting others and inspiring the next generation.

To understand SaulPaul’s journey, it’s crucial to start with the hardships he faced from a very young age. Losing his mother at the age of three and growing up in foster care, he could have easily been swallowed by the circumstances around him.

As he said, “I was rescued by an amazing woman named Pearlie, who had 16 children of her own but still raised me as the only child.” 

Despite the love Pearlie gave him, the challenges of navigating life without his biological parents left deep scars. Like many teens who feel abandoned or misunderstood, SaulPaul found himself entangled in a life of crime. At 17, he was arrested by the FBI for counterfeiting money—an experience that could have been his end.

But this is where his story takes a transformative turn.

After his arrest, SaulPaul faced a decision: to continue down a destructive path or to seize the opportunity for change.

This moment of realization was the catalyst that would alter the trajectory of his life. In a powerful decision, he chose to rewrite his narrative.

Upon his release, SaulPaul returned to the University of Texas at Austin—this time on parole—and graduated with a stunning 4.0 GPA. “I went from four felonies to a 4.0,” he recounted, a statement that not only speaks to his resilience but to his belief in second chances. This academic achievement wasn’t just a personal victory; it symbolized a rebirth, the beginning of his commitment to using his life as a tool for positive change. His journey as an entrepreneur began when he left his corporate job at KVUE to pursue his passion for music and motivational speaking full-time.

SaulPaul’s unique brand as a "Musician with a Message" was born out of this fusion of personal experience and purpose. He wasn’t just making music; he was crafting a message that would resonate with audiences who, like him, had faced adversity. His performances became more than entertainment—they became moments of mentorship, where his words and music inspired others to seek change in their own lives.

His mission was clear: to reach as many people as possible, not only to inspire them but to empower them to create change in their own communities.

SaulPaul's influence extends beyond his music. Through his foundation, he mentors youth in foster care, helping them find their purpose, just as he found his.

His Be The Change Tour has reached over 125,000 students, encouraging them to make a positive impact in their schools and communities. But for SaulPaul, the number of people he’s touched isn’t enough.

"Even if I touch a million people, that’s amazing, but it’s not enough. The goal is to empower others to continue the work," recognizing that real change comes when others take up the mantle of leadership.

His legacy isn’t about fame or accolades; it’s about what he pours into others. For him, success is measured not by personal achievements but by the impact he leaves on the world. “It’s about transferring the power to the people so they can go do the work.” 

He doesn’t just want to inspire; he wants to equip. The foundation’s goal is to create a ripple effect—empowering one person to empower another, building communities of support and mentorship across the country.

SaulPaul’s story teaches us that our beginnings don’t define us—our choices do. He chose to transform his life, and now he’s helping others do the same. As he said, “It wasn’t my circumstances, but my choices,” that determined his future. He is living proof that no matter where you start, it’s where you go and who you become that truly matter.

The lessons from SaulPaul’s journey are clear: We all have the power to change, not just for ourselves but for the betterment of those around us.

The question now is, how can we take these lessons and apply them to our own lives? How can we make choices today that will shape a better tomorrow, not just for ourselves, but for our communities?

Listen to Uncharted Your Sidekick for Life: Episode 4, Season 2 with Saul Paul

SaulPaul: For the last decade, SaulPaul has traveled the world as a popular keynote speaker known for incorporating music into his presentations. His inspiring backstory of transitioning from tragedy to triumph has been told on screen via the documentary Tower to Tower and via his memoir Be The Change as well as his popular TEDx Talks. 

SaulPaul was named 2017 Austinite of the Year and in 2018 he was awarded the Texas Civil Rights Project Rising Star Award. In 2019, his company SaulPaul Productions was named by the Austin Young Chamber as a Top 5 Best Community Minded Company. In addition to generating significant profits, SaulPaul Productions is proud to be known for creating significant, positive cultural impact.

After providing a decade of keynotes and coaching for corporate America, SaulPaul found his happy place when he discovered the impact he could make working in the Diversity and Inclusion space. Recognizing an inherent responsibility to give back and lift up, SaulPaul founded the SaulPaul Foundation. Since it’s inception, the SaulPaul Foundation has served thousands of at-risk youth across the United States and Canada. Partnering with organizations like the NFL, Dell and others, the SaulPaul Foundation has empowered young people to discover their purpose and place in the workforce. 

Natalie Peyton: Peyton studied theatre and film in Australia, New York and LA and performed stand-up on the “three coasts.” She honed her podcast executive skills over the last 4 years developing and producing dozens of podcasts and even hosts a children’s mindfulness bedtime program

Leon Vanstone: Leon brings his curiosity and sharp interviewing skills to the table, facilitating insightful discussions with our mentors, extracting valuable lessons and insights to empower listeners on their own path to growth and achievement.

Dan Dillard: Dan, with his thoughtful approach and engaging style, delves into the minds of our mentors on the podcast, crafting compelling interviews that uncover the wisdom and experiences driving their success and impact.

This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.

If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com

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