Today we’d like to introduce you to Darryl L. Rivers
Hi Darryl L., can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in inner city Detroit Michigan as a child had its challenges. Not meeting my father until the age of 12, due to his incarceration, and not being raised by my mother as a result of her drug addiction fueled the inner over achiever in me. Expericening the harshness of poverty, I found myself not self loathing but dreaming. Dreaming of a better life I knew one day I’d experience. At the age of 15 I was catapulted into a life that required me to provide for myself. Attending high school while my form of shelter was an abandoned dwelling riddled with fire damage. Knowing this life was not the sum total of this gift called life I signed up for the United States military at the age of 17. Being a part of the Desert Shield campaign in the Persian Gulf in the early 90’s and traveling the world exposed me to an elevated way of life and purpose. Immediately following my enlistment in the military, I was fortunate to become a part of the Detroit Police Department at the age of 23. I would say my time policing in my hometown was the highlight of my law enforcement career. After 6 1/2 years I relocated to Arizona and continued my public service journey. Gaining experience as a Detective, a Lead Special Agent with The Office of The Attorney General, a Police Sergeant, and Hostage Negotiator during my tenure. While making an arrest of a violent armed robbery suspect I was injured and forced into a medical retirement in 2014. I felt as if my dream was transformed into a nightmare. That nightmare feeling was dispelled quickly as I leaned on my faith. From the years of 2004 to 2017 I pastored faith based ministries, appeared on Christian television for a year and hosted my own faith based radio program in Phoenix Arizona.
Not knowing where my path would take me, I explored various avenues to where my experiences could benefit myself and add value to others. So, I looked toward my educational interest, which were psychology and human behavior. I spent significant time studying under cognitive specialist, neuroscientist, and leadership experts gaining tons of information and multiple certifications. Becoming a human behavior analyst and a certified speaker, trainer, and coach (through The John Maxwell Team) I started my entrepreneurial journey. I founded The Betterment Group, a public speaking, training, and coaching company. Within the first year, to my surprise, the company went national. Working with government entities, small businesses, educational institutions, entrepreneurs, and individuals by facilitating live workshops, traveling for seminars, keynote speeches, online trainings, and one-on-one performance coaching. Moving to Texas in 2017 was a major change for me. It allowed me to refocus on me as an individual and not continually empty my cup in my attempts to make positivity louder in the world. This refreshing proved to be invaluable. In 2021 The Betterment Group secured its first international clients and have been an international company ever since.
Today The Betterment Group continues to bridge the gap between potential and performance with its clients alongside my wife and Operations Director of The Betterment Group, Shakera Rivers.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think and believe an entrepreneurs road is void of constant smooth roads. Yes there has and continue to be bumps and detours. In the beginning it was client acquisition, in the middle it was navigating a small measure of success and the adjustments that come along with it like limiting distractions and eliminating personnel from my life that did not add value to my endeavors. As of now, the main challenge is the desire to expand and still spend significant time with my wife and family. I am one who believes without challenges there is no change. I embrace the challenges of this lifestyle to build something bigger than self.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My number one purpose is to add value to others through sharing life experiences, perspectives, processes, inspiration, and my education to the best of my ability. Specializing in leadership, communication, and human behavior, The Betterment Group is known for excellent content, great relationships with clients, and relevant information that is applicable to real life.
I am most proud of the reality that I get to do what I truly love and in turn it provides a certain lifestyle for my family. I am proud of who I have become in contrast to where I came from. I am proud of my beautiful relationship with my wife and how we work together and support one another. I am proud to serve and make a difference!
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
Oh yes! The singular most impactful thing learned during Covid-19 was – If you change before you “have” to change you will never “have” to change. Staying ahead of changes keeps you in front. Changing when change in necessary indicates we are led by circumstances and are behind the curve. Changing before it is necessary is a choice, changing only after the industry forces you do is being led by the industry and not leading the industry yourself. After my first speaking contract that was cancelled due to Covid, I explored other business models just in case more would get cancelled. I started a new arm of the company to supplement potential loss of revenue, and I spent significant time in reflection mode encouraging personal growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebettermentgroup.com/
- Instagram: @darryl.l.rivers
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryllrivers
Image Credits
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