From Prison Walls to Community Leader
Reinventing Gary Shepherd
Gary Shepherd and me after a breakfast meeting last week.
I’ve got one of the best stories I’ve ever shared. I recently hosted an extraordinary guest on my YouTube channel, The Clarity Channel, with yours truly. (I’d love it if you subscribe!)
Gary Shepherd transformed his life after spending 30 years in an Arizona state prison. I met Gary through a friend of his, Joe Chiappetta, who was also in prison when they met.
I mentor both men. Mentoring means unpaid coaching, and it’s my honor to pay forward the many gifts given to me. I love these guys.
People ask me why I do stuff like this. I say, “Because I see a part of me in these men, and if I can help them help themselves, I am.”
Gary's journey from a life sentence to being released to become a community leader is remarkable.
A New Beginning in a Dark Place
Gary Shepherd was sentenced to life plus 24 years, which might have broken many.
However, Gary chose a different path.
He spent his early years in prison studying biology, anthropology, history, and religion, seeking a deeper understanding of life.
Gary’s intellectual journey led him to develop a unique perspective on human behavior, cooperation, and the potential for positive change.
Building a Legacy Inside Prison
Around 1999, after nearly a decade of self-education, Gary began sharing his knowledge with fellow inmates.
He helped establish peer mentoring programs focused on re-entry, substance abuse, and disease control.
Initially small, these programs grew to impact thousands, providing inmates with the tools to succeed inside and outside prison.
Beyond the Prison Walls
Since his release in 2021, Gary has continued his mission.
Now based in Phoenix, he is actively involved in community development, particularly creating affordable housing for justice-affected individuals and veterans. He’s part of a small team I’m mentoring.
Gary also discusses leadership, pro-social behavior, and integrating emerging technologies like quantum computing and blockchain into social projects.
It can be hard to track Gary’s high-level and transformational thinking. However, one of the best parts of his story is what he did to change people while in prison, to help them prepare to get out and stay out.
Watch the Full Interview
Gary's story powerfully reminds us that hope and transformation are possible even in the darkest places. To hear more about his journey and insights, watch the full interview on The Clarity Channel.
You can also reach Gary via his email at Sheperdg690@gmail.com for speaking engagements or partnership opportunities in his community initiatives.
Stay tuned for more updates on “Reinventing Gary Shepherd.”
Clifford Jones is the founder and managing partner of Clarity Strategic Coaching, LLC. He writes about the art of human transformation and coaches company founders and leaders as a facilitator, revenue builder, and communications consultant. Cliff is also a family man, writer, visual artist, and mental health advocate. Learn more at www.CliffordJones.com.