Dr. Ruben West is truly a one-of-a-kind in the speaking and training industry. What sets him apart is not just his unique abilities to motivate, transform and inspire on the stage, but rather the vast and varied experiences and successes he achieved prior to taking the stage. Born in Topeka, Kansas, Ruben has always had a focus on mastering whatever he set his mind to. 4 years out of high school, at the age of 22, he was promoted to the rank of E-6 Staff Sergeant in the US Army and was awarded for his exemplary efforts in Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
Dr. West and 3 other colleagues helped to start the surgical assistant profession in his home state of Kansas. He co-founded 2 martial arts schools and was inducted into the U. S. Martial Arts Hall of Fame. Together with trusted associates, Dr. West started several businesses, developed patented products all while inspiring others to dream on a larger scale.
Dr. West was awarded the International Humanitarian Medal by Amb. Abdull Ghani
Yahya Al-ebarh, the President of the United Nations Social Council.
FMM: You started several businesses and developed patented products. Share your background.
I’m originally from Topeka Kansas. My father is Robert West Sr., and my mother is Rosetta West. They have been married now for about 55 years. I have always believed that every one of us gets ideas that will generate wealth. Unfortunately, because we don’t know how to manifest the idea we usually do nothing. Then, three months, six months or even two years later we see what we imagine and we say “I thought of that. I believe it’s not what you think of, it’s what you act on. I knew back then I would get ideas but they would be limited by the quality of my associations. Therefore, I have always tried to associate with people that would be willing to work together. Myself along with several colleagues including Ron Degon, James Johnson and Kevin Wilson started several businesses together including a medical staffing company, a Surgical assistant company, a surgical assistant training company. Kevin and I started a martial arts school and next year we will celebrate 25 years in business running the school. He primarily runs the operations now as I do more global work.
FWM: As a speaker, you have the unique ability to challenge audience members to take personal inventory and to “think outside the box.” What do you bring as a speaker?
The two primary things that I bring as a speaker is humility and relatability. I like to let them know that often times we judge ourselves by the wrong standards. Who we thought was most likely to succeed in high school often times did not turn out accurate. Why? Because life is not high school. We were using the wrong standards. Life is not always about the most gifted or the most talented. In many cases life favors the most dedicated and the most hard-working. Hard work can outshine an unpolished gift. I found that most people have never stepped out on faith. They’ve never taken the big risk. They’ve never taken a big chance. They’ve never attempted to do something great. They have lived their lives within the confines of other people’s expectations. They have played it safe. I let them know that if you’re not willing to be laughed at then you are not willing to be applauded either.
FMM: Can you share a speaking engagement that you are the most proud of?
I’ve spoken in Dubai several times, Bahrain, Oman, London, Uganda, Kenya, Uganda, Canada, Guyana, all throughout the US and more. One event that moved me the most was at a technical college graduation in Chicago Illinois. I told the story of how my grandfather (my father’s dad) who was born in the 1890s left home when he was 13 after his father was killed. He worked as a field hand and was paid six cents a day and was charged four cents a week to live in the barn. When he was in his 90s he was admitted to the hospital where I worked at the time as a surgical technologist. When I went to see him on the floor and he realized that I had the opportunity to work in surgery he was amazed. It seemed that all of his long hard days converted from suffering to sacrifice in that very moment. I let everyone of the graduates know that someone sacrificed for them and that it was their responsibility to thank them.
After my presentation an older gentleman (70 years plus) came up to me with tears in his eyes and he said thank you. My family had never thanked me for all of the work that I have done. I thought they didn’t care or they didn’t realize it. Your story about your grandfather opened their eyes. He said “today changed my life”. They thank me! I was very thankful that I could help them see what was always there.
FMM: Are you noticing any trends?
Yes. The world seems to be becoming more globally minded. Topics like climate change and human rights seems to be significantly on the rise. There are many more summits and conventions for these topics are the focus.
FMM: What is success to you?
Leaving you mark on the lives of others. Helping them see possibilities that they did not
know were there before.
Please watch this 1 minute 50 second video answering this question when I was asked.
FMM: What lessons have you learned as a motivational speaker and entrepreneur?
I’ve learned that it’s better to fall short than to stop short. When I look back over my success it was not built because of my resources but rather my resourcefulness. The world is waiting for anyone with the courage to bring forth a new idea, new product or new service. It doesn’t have to be perfect. However, you will have something to work towards protecting.
” Sometimes the true benefit is not in the result of the attempt but in the willingness to attempt the result.” ~ Dr. Ruben West
FMM: You were awarded the International Humanitarian Medal by Amb. Abdull Ghani Yahya Al-ebarh, the President of the United Nations Social Council. When you were younger did you always aspire for greatness?
Honestly, I never thought about being great. But I did think about doing great things. My grandparents on both sides or givers and doers. No matter what they had, they shared. My parents were very hard workers. They open their home to help many people. They give, they share, they sacrifice without a demand for repayment or recognition.
What I’ve learned is that greatness is a result of service and this award is a reflection of the values that my parents and grandparents instilled in me. Every honor I receive is the result of me living what I was taught not just in words but also in demonstrated actions.
FMM: What advice do you have for young people to follow their dreams?
Whatever your dream is, double it. Dream even bigger. Dreaming cost you nothing. Not dreaming can cost you everything. Once your dream is set let your determination commitment and perseverance match the level of your dream. Also, make sure that you’re surrounded with O. Q. P. = Only Quality People
You are not a product of your environment. You are a product of your requirement! You will produce what you require of yourself.
FMM: Please share your public speaking engagements for 2022?
I have an even bigger dream for 2022. My goal is to help bring civility to the electoral process in the country of Kenya. I have been working on this for several months now and it is picking up momentum. I want to help bring civility through civic education and training. I am meeting with the leadership and political parties to help them see how civility can be the pathway to peace. I have hosted or cohosted eight events in Kenya during 2021. I am nailing down the details for a string of events in Nairobi July 10 – 16 2022.
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