How Maya Angelou’s story of survival, alongside other Black pioneers, inspires us to rise above adversity and make a lasting impact.

When we talk about resilience, few figures embody it more powerfully than Maya Angelou. Her life, as shared in her autobiography I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, tells a story of overcoming unimaginable hardship, abuse, and discrimination. For me, Maya Angelou’s journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and her words continue to guide how I approach my work and life today.

Overcoming Tragedy and Finding Her Voice

In I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou recounts her traumatic childhood, marked by the sexual abuse she endured at a young age, her subsequent silence, and her long journey to finding her voice again. The book’s title is a metaphor for the entrapment she felt as a Black woman in America, yet her story is one of rising above that cage and finding freedom.

During her years in silence, Angelou discovered the power of books, poetry, and writing. Through words, she began to heal and express herself, eventually becoming one of the most influential voices of her generation. Her resilience reminds us that even in our darkest moments, strength is within us, waiting to emerge.

Her story speaks to me because it isn’t just about surviving but thriving. It’s about using pain to fuel creativity and growth, a theme I carry into my work with Mike Lawrence Health and Wellbeing. When I face challenges, I think of Maya’s journey and how she transformed hardship into something powerful and enduring.

My Favourite Quote: The Power of How You Make People Feel

One of my favourite quotes from Maya Angelou, and one that I often use in my business, is:

“People may forget what you said, people may forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

This quote encapsulates everything I aim to achieve at Mike Lawrence Health and Wellbeing. It reminds me that the emotional impact I leave on others is what truly matters beyond the services I provide or the words I say. I strive to ensure people feel heard, valued, and empowered in every workshop, coaching session, and interaction. Angelou’s wisdom resonates deeply because it speaks to the core of connecting with others on an emotional level.

Other Pioneers Who Inspire Me

Maya Angelou isn’t the only Black pioneer whose story has influenced my thinking and approach to resilience. I greatly admire Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose leadership during the Civil Rights Movement wasn’t just about achieving justice and embodying peace, love, and nonviolence in the face of immense hatred.

Nelson Mandela’s story of enduring years of imprisonment without losing hope is another testament to resilience. His ability to forgive and lead South Africa out of apartheid, even after enduring unimaginable injustice, is a lesson in grace and perseverance.

And then there’s Katherine Johnson, the brilliant mathematician whose calculations were vital to NASA’s Apollo missions. Despite her immense contributions, her story remained hidden for decades, only coming to light in the film Hidden Figures. Katherine Johnson’s brilliance and determination remind me that many stories of Black excellence have been sidelined, but their impact is no less profound.

Why Maya Angelou Resonates With Me

Maya Angelou resonates with me on a deeply personal level, not just because of her resilience, but because of her focus on how we connect with others. Like her, I’ve faced my own challenges—discrimination in my early job interviews, being passed over for promotions, denied entry to nightclubs, and being told by my school’s careers officer that my aspirations were unrealistic. I was made to feel that my vision for my life was too ambitious, too unreachable.

But like Angelou, I’ve learned that resilience isn’t just about surviving difficult times. It’s about how you rise from them—how you turn adversity into inspiration and use those experiences to make a lasting impact on others.

One key moment that shaped my early career was becoming the first Black Redcoat in the history of Butlin’s Holiday Camp. At the time, I didn’t realise the significance of this achievement. Being a Butlin’s Redcoat is an iconic role in British entertainment. It offers guests support and fun during their holidays. It’s a role that launched the careers of many famous entertainers, including Des O’Connor, Jimmy Tarbuck, and Stephen Mulhern.

I was later interviewed by Rony Robinson on BBC Radio Sheffield. One thing about presenters is that when they research or dig up a bit of gossip, they want the full SP! Naturally, when Rony asked if I could share some juicy stories from my Redcoat days, I gave him nothing. Those stories remain with the people I worked with, and when we get together, we reminisce—but that’s where they stay.

However, one question Rony asked really stuck with me and made me pause: “What transferable skills did you learn as a Redcoat that helped you in your work today?” It wasn’t something I had considered before, but without thinking, I answered, “It taught me more than I can imagine.”

In that moment, I realised the role gave me skills far beyond entertaining—it taught me how to connect with people, make them feel valued, and create lasting positive experiences. These are the skills I use daily in my health and wellbeing work. It struck a chord because those experiences, combined with the qualifications I later earned at university and professional certifications, shaped who I am today.

Looking back, I realise that being the first Black Redcoat wasn’t just a milestone—it was a foundation for how I approach my work at Mike Lawrence Health and Wellbeing. It taught me the importance of making people feel heard and valued, which resonates deeply with Maya Angelou’s belief in how we make others feel.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Resilience

Maya Angelou and pioneers like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Katherine Johnson remind us that resilience isn’t just about enduring adversity—it’s about rising above it. Their stories inspire me to continue pushing forward, challenge the status quo, and leave a lasting impact on those I work with.

Through my work at Mike Lawrence Health and Wellbeing, I aim to follow Angelou’s example and ensure that how I make people feel truly matters. That is the legacy I hope to leave behind.

Mike Lawrence: Your Guide to Health & Wellbeing

I’m Mike Lawrence, a passionate advocate for mental health and wellbeing. After overcoming significant health challenges, including brain surgery, I’ve dedicated myself to a journey of self-improvement and helping others thrive. From heart-pounding skydives for charity to soul-enriching travels in Thailand, my experiences have shaped my approach to holistic health.

I love sharing the lessons I’ve learned from these adventures and from the powerful audiobooks I devour. Let’s explore the paths to better mental and physical health together. Embrace life’s adventures with enthusiasm and resilience, and remember—you’re never alone on this journey!

Feel free to reach out via email at hello@mikelawrence.co.uk or connect with me on LinkedIn. For more in-depth insights and inspiring stories, read my latest blogs here. Together, let’s create a healthier, happier future!