Tell us your name and a little about yourself.
Terrell M Sumpter is 26 years of age originally from Philadelphia PA born and raised where he spent most of his days. A kid who is the youngest of 4 and someone who valued family more than anything. Growing up in the trenches of Philadelphia was a bit tough. At age, Terrell lost his dearest mother due to cancer and it left him and in his family in a world of hurt. Terrell and his mother shared a very strong bond that could never be broken she was like his best friend. It was a big loss for Terrell and his family to face which left them heartbroken. He just didn’t know what the future will hold for him and after the passing of his mother, he had split up with his brothers and sister and moved in with his Aunt Gladys who lived in North Philadelphia for a while.
He struggled with education for quite a while didn’t really know basic math or reading and his sister helped him along the way. It was tough, here you have a kid who lost the closest person to him. Terrell says it wasn’t easy losing the one who knew him most and before bed he will just break down. You only get one mom, please cherish her to the fullest, communicate daily and appreciate her. Most importantly tell her “I love you after every conversation you just never know when that will be the last convo you two have. He learned that he had to make his mom proud somehow someway.
It was something that took time for him to grow through. Another event, that occurred in his younger year when one of Rell closest friend had got shot and killed in the streets of North Philadelphia. He said this is somebody who many people respected and just a week before his death he talked about how the young man wanted to leave the streets alone and do right by his family. No more hustling No more drugs than later the next week he was murdered tragedy. Rell says It was a hard pill to swallow and just could not take it anymore with so much death and the loss of loved ones and good people in his life. “It’s like when you want to change, there are people out there who will do their best to make sure you don’t and it’s scary you know”.
A year later Terrell moved with brother El who raised him and was there every step of the way of his young life. Terrell experienced so much at a very young age in his neighborhoods from drugs and violence. Growing up you thought being on the corner was cool and was the life and really it was just a trap. At the time Rell thought that’s where the real money was at because he has seen “real hustlers” counting up lots of money that any younger kid would be mesmerized to see. Later in life, those same people end up falling victim to the streets or to the system. It was a common thing in Rell’s neighborhood because there was not much opportunity. Later in his teens years, Terrell started to go down that same path because he didn’t like handouts.
He made poor decisions and got his self into trouble with the law but he took responsibility and accountability for his actions. Truth be told Rell was a humble guy very quiet but a focus for him was to take care of his family. He did that by hustling and saving every penny he earned. It was just the only option he knew that someday he would be able to leave the home because it just wasn’t anything promised there in Philadelphia no more.
“A greater influence in Rell life at the time was his brother El who also worked in Law Enforcement. He did all he could for his family especially Rell, his sister Shira and other brothers Scarfo. He took a huge step and he didn’t have to he encouraged Rell to always go far in life no matter what. Terrell had to learn on his own and go through the troubles and just knew if he would continue to go down that same path it will not be a promising future. Life’s too short but it can be long when you just decide to do the right thing and be a service to others. People who were once close to him were still in the streets or in the penitentiary “just the life they chose”.
Terrell went through his juvenile detention centers and boot camps. He just decided to mature as he got a little older and started to separate from the pack . It was for the best, Terrell started to think about the life he desired and started to get that feeling that there was more out there than just “quarter hugs and alleyways”.
Rell made a brave decision at age 19 that changed his life for the better to leave it all behind finally step out the nest and move to the sunshine state. Terrell worked hard to save $60,000 from being a meat clerk and much more from the drugs he sold. He decided to take a leap of faith and took the greyhound bus an 18 plus hour ride to a new home, a new city where he knew no one and it was all self-sufficient.
Terrell is a true overcomer and dreamer who is super passionate about helping and guiding people out their comfort zones and into their throne. He has learned from his past experiences that life will never be easy nor a promise but the journey is worthwhile. Terrell now spends time being an advocate and a mentor for at-risk youth/teens guiding them through their every life challenge with principles he has applied to his only life. This has helped Rell transform to be the elite leader he stands to be today no question. He has come such a long way and is now a full-time orator and community leader who spends time also mentoring students, athletes teaching them the fundamentals of what it takes to be the very best authentic you. To look at your mistakes as lessons and to know adversity will only grow you through the process.
“You may face pain but will you later heal”. Rell has taken the extra mile and allowed others to know you are worthy and able to accelerate to reach new heights you never been.
“There is no greater thing you can do with your life and your work than to follow what matters most and that’s your passion”. Terrell has learned through this journey that it is much bigger than him In a way that serves the world. The ability to help others brings life and the leader you inspire to be. It is truly a calling and what makes the world a great place is the great people in it striving and thriving every day to be a service to others. Our next-generation, let’s not judge, look down on or belittle but let’s lead by example and provide people with the proper tools, skills, and knowledge to help them unlock their inner greatness and achieve massive success.
Terrell is a true walking the testimony of no matter where you come from there is always a way out. “You are only stuck if you allow yourself to be”. Rell is extremely grateful to be in the space he is in today and thank GOD every day for the tremendous platform he has built in the last few years. Terrell’s tireless commitment and passion and continuously helping and mentoring people from juvenile facilities, coalition for the homeless centers, high schools, leadership training’s and much more. The main focus is to encourage and guide our future leaders to become resilient and fearless. No matter the challenges Rell has deeply that’s it’s all about “I” but WE.
“A wise man once said life will never be easy but the journey is so rewarding when you don’t quit”. When you just keep going and chase after your dreams”.
What exactly does your company do?
Terrell has decided to take on a serious role that requires understanding, ownership, commitment, patience, persistence, resilience, dedication and accountability. In everything he does and is apart of he makes sure to show up and give his all from his podcast platform and business The Inspire Before We Expire Show, Consulting, Speaking Career, Mentoring Juveniles, matchmaking and dating company The Love Duo Inc and leadership events where he bring individuals from different walks of life to connect, network and build meaningful relationships. Rell focus is to make sure his team stay, of course, focused, energetic, driven and are exceeding goals. To stay grounded and 1 on 1 coaching others who are having a hard time finding their niche, creating their purpose, going after their dreams and executing their mission. Terrell will continue to produce and help others understand in personal development and career the process and persistence. Everything you want is on the other side of fear and the key is preparation. You have to prepare yourselves and those around you mentally for what’s next. Terrell believes in gratitude and “A grateful heart becomes a faithful heart”.
There will be naysayers, you will start to realize it comes with fear and it has nothing to do with you but a lot to do with them. Along the journey, Rell has led his community to focus on building with people who are on a similar mission and at the Top Of Their Game. It’s a greater feeling when your students, clients or employees email or call to show their appreciation for all your help, proper leadership and guidance.
Rell is an advocate and runs his program for male and female inmates across the states guiding and teaching them purpose through their every life challenges. The principles and the proven method he has applied to his personal and professional life that has helped shaped his life into becoming his very best self while guiding others to do the same. The fundamentals of what it takes to be persistent, resilient, fearless and to live a life of love, understanding, and gratitude. Terrell is helping others unleash their fullest potential and vulnerability.
Rell said It’s important to know that everything you are looking for is right on the inside. To know you are a true beacon of light and not everyone will understand your journey the way you do. There will be pain and it’s never permanent only temporary. Just believe have Faith that things will work out for the better. Rell has decided to take the extra mile to get each of his students and clients to know “your main focus is to remain focused”. It’s important to connect and surround yourself with like-minded people who will support, challenge and encourage you every step of the way.
What were the biggest challenges you have faced and how did you overcome them?
Another thing, Rell advised with challenges comes room forth growth and admiration. A big challenge for Rell was being away from his family and not seeing his younger nieces grow up. Growing up he was a lot closer to his family compared to as he got older he has been more distant but more focused. Terrell started to focus more on himself and his mission but later along the journey he knew he has a lot more to live for other than himself. He loves his family and although may not talk to them every day he wants nothing but the best for them. The biggest challenge Rell also mentioned for the past couple of years the passing of friends and family back home has been put him in very tough places. These were people who once were close to him and to hear that they no longer were here left Rell in tears. “It hurts a little more when you didn’t talk to someone you were going to reach out to and then see the sad news it can traumatizing”.
Terrell learned this was a challenge for him and he had to let the tears flow and started to reminisce about the good times he shares with those fallen angels. Terrell said he is beyond thankful and grateful to come this far. When he was a lot younger he just didn’t know what the future would hold, especially with the loss of his dearest mother Donna Sumpter. The pain stuck with him for years but as he started to reflect and reminisce on all the good time’s and moments tears will flow down Rell’s face but he had to remain strong and look up to the sky and knew he had a guardian angel watching over him every step of the way.
A few years ago, there was a time where Terrell was also going through financial troubles and the verge of losing his home and vehicle repo and blew a lot of money. He was beyond frustrated and mind was racing. So much of this was happening at one time he just couldn’t understand and didn’t know how to overcome it. At the time Terrell was also on adult probation and charges had been planted on him (falsely). So that’s something he also battled with. Terrell would remind himself every day how far he came, and that “quitting” will never be the option. At this time so much was coming down and Terrell learned the man above will never put too much on your shoulder that you can’t handle and to remain strong and positive no matter what.
At one point Terrell felt like giving up and going back home to Philly because he started to lose hope. So Terrell used his resources and decided to reach and seek for help and guidance. Mr. Buck who was also his college director who helped him get through those tough times. Terrell shared everything that was happening in his life with his mentor and Mr.Buck will just listen, never judge nor looked at him differently but he was patient and gave great advice. He told Terrell to come to visit him weekly and that’s what Rell did. The more Terrell vented and started to let frustration and anger go the better he started to feel. “Release all doubts, problems, and fear”. Mr. Buck became family and a mentor.
When Rell was on the verge of giving up someone came across his paths to tell him you didn’t come this far to quit, keep going young man. There will be times when you feel like quitting and want to throw in the towel but deep inside you are destined to move mountains, accelerate and achieve greatness. Tough times last but tough people last longer, and we all must accept any challenge that comes in our way and grow from the experience. During those times Terrell could only hold himself accountable and responsible for any of his failures and lessons. He once believed going out drinking every night was the way and spending money not knowing that could really put him in a deep hole. Terrell says he is glad he went through that experience it made him wiser, brighter and now sees that there is a lot to be grateful for. “There’s somebody that comes along in our journey who see a lot more in us more than we see in ourselves”.
“When something means a lot to you, not materialistic things but all the hard work and sacrifices you’ve made to become who you are today giving up is not an option but giving back is the only option”.
To overcome it truly takes time sleepless night and Rell advise we all should pray at least 3 times a day. Prayer is powerful and will get you through any challenge you faced. We must understand that anything we go through we can grow through. Take time to also ask for help and the right person will come across your path. “You are not alone and together we can overcome.
What piece of advice do you wish someone had given you at the start of your career?
When Terrell first started, He wasn’t sure of his direction but he wanted to put out great, meaningful and positive content to the universe. He was focused on building his brand and bringing something forth that will have an impact on many people lives. The mistake Rell made was just not connecting with other like-minded people and not engaging with his community. When he started to build his social media presence, Rell thought Instagram was only for pictures because that’s what he had seen and he wanted to bring more different to what some leaders were doing already. It took him a while to be committed and vulnerable and gain a large audience. Terrell just wanted to do everything on his own and didn’t feel like he needed any help. One thing he learned “Everybody needs somebody”. Terrell advice to those building their social media presence and aspire to make a difference don’t hesitate to reach out and connect with others who are at a place you desire to get to.
Be open to new conversations and opportunities if does resonate with your journey and can serve you it will grow you. That’s a mistake Terrell made was believing he can do all on his own. Through the process, he learned to become more vulnerable and engaging and more of a communicator. Surround yourself with those are willing to lift you high, people you can collaborate with on exciting projects to bring upon difference and change. When other like strong-minded people come together extraordinary things happen. “Every expert was once a beginner” remember that. We all make mistakes and it’s a part of life to learn from the experience and never stop going for the next big thing.
Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?
Doors that once was close will appear open when you believe in yourself. Trust your journey and take the necessary steps to become the all-around authentic leader you strive to be. A few of Rell biggest influences are Rell’s siblings, father close friends, and a few mentors. The reason why the way they each take on life no matter the battles or obstacles. Rell seen his oldest brother do what he promised when Rell was younger and looked after him when their mom passed away. He did what was necessary for the sumpter family. It pushed each of them to grow stronger. Also, Rell sister Shira is also a big influence who is a single mother and works full time in the hospital and also takes care of their Dad Terry. She is a very strong individual and has always been there no matter the situation. Terrell may not have a large family but he makes sure to cherish the ones he is close to and share a great relationship with. These people inspire Rell to keep going and to remember why he started. The last couples of years have been tough with the loss of loved ones but the best thing Rell do is remain positive, to move with purpose, faith, and dignity.
Terrell also wanted to share about three entrepreneurs who also was a big part of his journey and allowed him to see a lot more in himself. Kyle Gray Jr, Anthony Williams Jr, and Brian Wanjare. These gentlemen who were those who truly supported Rell and encouraged him to keep going no matter the odds. With the advice and conversations from these leaders, Terrell decided to push forward open his mind more and become a positive force in the world. He decided to put out positive and meaningful content in the social space. This came from a conversation he had with his good friend Brian who is an entrepreneur and now lives in Nairobi Africa.
Brian once said to Rell you really inspire us bro and thank you for speaking light and positivity around when situations become tough it helps more than you know. “I think it’s time to share your story with the world”. Terrell took some time to deeply think about it all. From that conversation, Terrell was able to capitalize and take good advice from a dreamer, believer, and achiever. Rell started to build and grow his platform through Instagram about two years ago. “You must trust the process and be patient you may not have a lot of supporters but know your avatar”. As Rell started built his platform
he became more focused, persistent and confident in himself. The social media platform is a powerful space and is used to not only be inspired but to inspire.
Mr.Buck was also a huge influence during Rell college journey someone who helped him get through the toughest times of his life and never looked down on Rell but understood the process. Terrell admires Mr.Buck because of his individuality and how he was there to help each student overcome tests and obstacles and help them prosper.
Terrell is grateful to say someone who has also been a huge influence in his life as a A mentor Rock Thomas once said “Nothing has meaning but the meaning you give it”. Terrell is grateful to be connected and establish a wonderful relationship with the self made millionaire who is helping entrepreneurs around the world today grow to become successful. He started from the very bottom and worked his way up by learning from the best of the best. Terrell believes “every expert was once a beginner”.
Who are your biggest influences and people you admire and why?
Doors that once was close will appear open when you believe in yourself. Trust your journey and take the necessary steps to become the all-around leader you strive to be. A few of Rell biggest influences are Rell’s sister, brother, father close friends and mentors. The reason why the way they each take on life no matter the battles or obstacles. Rell seen his oldest brother do what he promised when Rell was younger and looked after me, my sister and another brother when their mom passed away. He did what was necessary for our and family. It allowed each of us to grow stronger. Also, my sister Shira who is a single mother and works full times in the hospital and also takes care of our Dad Terry. My dad and my big sister are also like my best friend who one of the most genuine souls you will ever come across. My dad is a very strong individual and has always been there no matter the situation. Terrell may not have a large family but he makes sure to cherish the ones I am close to and share a great relationship. I wanted to point out these people inspire me to keep going and to remember why I started. We each had our pitfalls and the last couples of years have been tough with the loss of loved ones but we remain positive, to move with purpose, faith, and dignity.
Terrell also wanted to share about three entrepreneurs who also was a big part of his journey and allowed him to see a lot more in himself. KG, Ant, and B who were those who truly supported Rell and encouraged him to keep climbing bro. With the advice and conversations from these leaders, Terrell decided to go forward and bring something a lot different from the social media space. He decided to take action and put out positive and meaningful content. This came from a conversation he had with his good friend and brother Brian Wanjare who is an entrepreneur and now lives in Nairobi Africa.
B once said to Rell you really inspire us bro and thank you for speaking light and positivity around when situations become tough it helps a lot. “I think it’s time to share your story with the world”. Terrell took some time to deeply think about our conversation. From that conversation, Terrell was able to capitalize and take good advice from a dreamer, believer, and achiever. Rell started to build and grow his platform through Instagram about two years ago. “You must trust the process and be patient you may not have a lot of supporters but know your avatar”. As Rell started built his platform
he became more focused, persistent and confident in himself. The social media platform is a powerful space and is used to not only be inspired but to inspire people across the world who seeks more guidance, leadership, understanding, inspiration, and transformation.
Mr.Buck was also a huge influence during Rell college journey someone who helped him get through the toughest times of his life and never looked down on Rell but understood the process. Terrell admires Mr.Buck because of his individuality and how he was there to help each student overcome tests and obstacles and help them prosper.
Terrell is grateful to say someone who has also been a huge influence in his life as an A mentor Rock Thomas once said: “Nothing has meaning but the meaning you give it”. Terrell is grateful to be connected and establish a wonderful relationship with the self-made millionaire who is continuously helping entrepreneurs around the world today grow to become successful. He started from the very bottom and worked his way up by learning from the best of the best. Terrell believes “every expert was once a beginner”.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are?
Terrell is grateful for his brothers Eltor, Scarfo, father Terry, and sister Nashira Sumpter. These few incredible people deserve a lot of credit in his growth and success as an individual and were with him through his younger years. They helped him become the person he is today and he is very grateful to have had them in his corner. During times as a young athlete and times of troubles, they were there for Rell and supported him every step of the way. It means a fortune to know Rell had his siblings and father there no matter what. He once was told, “someday you will be someone great”.
Terrell is much more grateful for it all now versus when he was younger. He started to practice gratitude as he got older and became more grateful because he knows the feeling of trauma and that tomorrow is never a promise. Cherish love ones and appreciate the moments. Terrell learned the importance of family matters, to take nothing for granted, to believe in yourselves even when no one else does.
A valuable lesson Terrell learned was that change is inevitable and to make smarter choices leads to better and healthy living. He said he wouldn’t have made this far without them and everything they said when he was younger went in one ear and out the other. As Rell got older he started to understand the importance of it all. Terrell is also grateful for genuine friendship and few mentors as well who supported him along the journey, encourage and who has been rooting for him. He learned that everyone will never understand your journey the way you do and that’s completely okay. Not everyone will have your best interest but stay consistent, committed and resilient no matter who’s watching and remain focused. Remember how far you’ve come and going and always pay it forward. Give thanks to those who have supported, seen something in you when you didn’t see in yourself and gave the best advice. Along the journey it means a lot and Terrell is extremely grateful and thankful for such kind-hearted, genuine, supportive and authentic people to be in his corner, it helps a lot and gives Rell the ability to keep accelerating.
What do you see as your greatest success in life?
prior success Terrell has been awarded the most valuable contributor award for his services and work in the juvenile detention and correctional facilities. He decided to take the step to lead example and guide repeated offenders away from their troubles, their comfort zone and into a place of peace, focus, and transformation. Terrell knows what it’s like to feel alone and know that most juveniles just need the right people to come across their path to help transform them into better citizens, leaders and family people. He has helped them put their past life behind and guided them to turn their negatives into positives.
Terrell has been granted the opportunity to speak to many incarcerated individuals and witness so much transformation in the lives of each and something he is extremely proud of. It is a process and to be in front of these individuals and to inspire others is a priceless feeling. The importance of freedom Rell knows what it is like to be far away from loved ones. So, Terrell is humbled to travel to various juvenile and correctional facilities across the states being able to share his story, principles he has applied to his life that has helped turned his life around for the utmost better.
To allow each individual to know that you are not alone on this journey and to know “change is inevitable”. “There is someone fighting a battle you know nothing about.” Terrell is highly grateful and humbled to receive this award with honors and the knowledge to first most importantly thank the man above for allowing him to make it this far and uplift others in such an extraordinary way as he does. Terrell does his best to let these individuals know that life happens but not always to us but for us. “Nothing will be given but it is awarded gratitude, structure, commitment, and consistency.
Another success is The podcast journey with “The How To Be A Grown-Up and The Inspire Before We Expire Podcast Show. Terrell got a long message from educator and leader Erik Andress. One day saying “I admire your work and believe your message will resonate highly with many of my listeners and will love to join forces. After the message, Terrell started working and delivering messages on a weekly basis. He didn’t have any fancy equipment, studio and was very new to the podcast world but he made it work, he struggled and sometimes had to record again. Terrell made sure to deliver a powerful and authentic message in each episode. Within a year and Erik, Terrell and few hosts were able to gain 200 K plays alone on Sound Cloud.
Terrell wanted the listeners to feel something much more and to know you can “overcome anything they undergo”. He started to receive positive feedback and messages from people all over the world saying “Thank You”. Terrell later decided to branch off and created his own podcast “The Inspire Before We Expire” which both gained so much growth, exposure, and success over a short period of time from daily interviews with some of the best at the Top Of Their Game. He now interviews successful like-minded entrepreneurs who are making a tremendous difference around the world today. People who devote time to give back. Terrell says sharing conversations with these leaders brings forth so much more value and power, love and light into the lives of others and is drastically transforming them to be their very best selves and extraordinary people. Rell is proud to say “hard work, perseverance, resilience, proper mentor-ship and commitment is what it takes to be successful.”
How can people contact you?
