Bio
One of 15 siblings, growing up Shep endured challenges that most would only encounter through the fictional medium of television. As a result, his transparent, and impactful story has captivated thousands, subsequently leading people to transformed lives in droves.
As a former student-athlete, Shep was blessed to participate on every level of competition. He experienced massive success on the football field, but maintains that his proudest accomplishment was earned in the classroom by being the first in his family to graduate from college. Upon graduation, he was then blessed to train in the National Football League. It was after completing his football career that Shep was propelled into his life’s work of delivering hope through his speaking to audiences around the world. Shep served as an FCA Character coach for seven years, with tenures in Atlanta GA, at the University of Michigan, PITT, and the University of Arizona along the way.
As the Founder and CEO of Keep the Change Inc., Shep now desires to “make plays” off of the field, by making a difference in others’ lives. As an author, nationally recognized chaplain, inspirational speaker, and character/life coach, Shep conveys this message to all people, regardless of race, gender, denomination, class or age demographic, igniting them to live a life of purpose, and to make every day count. His vision is to see the world of sports dominated by selfless leaders who walk much louder than they talk.
In 2015 Shep founded Shep Inspires LLC, where he took his expertise from working with the top athletes and teams on the planet and developed game changing presentations that have taken the corporate, education, association, and government markets by storm. Moreover, Shep has been unmatched in his ability to deliver real, relevant, and relatable content from the platform for over 16 years now.
At 14 years old Shep was writing a suicide note, but God tore it up and wrote a survival story. After nearly two decades of taking light and love to the world through speaking events and chaplaincy, Shep is now changing the game again with his collection of inspirational, challenging, and hope-filled reflections shared in his new book Get Out Of That Bed.
His presentations are as relevant as they are timeless. His influence is global. He is one of the leading authorities today on Hope and Transformation. His philosophy is simple: Tough times do not last, Tough people do! He was born in the hood, but he is now reaching the world… He is Mr. C.L. “Shep” Shepherd.