Biography

For more than 20 years, Derrick Keith Watkins has been helping people find their true purpose by realizing their potential in order to fulfill their dreams. Derrick’s story of rising from a three-bedroom apartment in a housing project to becoming a human achievement specialist, face to face communicator and motivational speaker has inspired thousands of people.

This impressive journey of success over poverty, fear of rejection, self-doubt and family addiction, uniquely qualifies him as an expert in the area of human achievement and personal development. His story and the dynamic way he shares it, demonstrates the true power of focused-willpower over obstacles.

Derrick motivates audiences to develop their talents and love for life, which will be their ticket out of self-doubt and fear. His memorable personal stories and experiences in human achievement and face-to-face communication will help your people see how they can transform obstacles into opportunities and failure into triumph.

His keynote speeches, seminars, workshops and other learning resources are filled with material you can implement instantly in your life and business. Derrick’s powerful style and immediately applicable “five -P’s” have cause audiences to cheer for more!

Derrick graduated from New Jersey City University with a Bachelors degree in Communications and received his Masters degree in Social Work from Rutgers University. He holds certifications in Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Business Coaching and Conflict Resolution and has been trained in Relationship Coaching and Handwriting Analysis. In addition, Derrick is a member of the National Speakers Association, National Association of Business Coaches and International Graphoanalysis Society.

Program Titles

• Fulfill Your Dreams
• What Does It Take To Make It?

“Derrick, you have a great way of making people hang on to every word and leaving them spellbound! And I mean this!” — K. Taylor, Community Education Center, Jersey City, New Jersey

“Your speech was inspiring and helped the students believe in themselves!” — T. Taylor, American Friends Committee, Newark, New Jersey

“Derrick, you brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for those much-needed words.” — K. Smith, New Jersey City University

“Your presentation was inspiring, motivating, and timely! You can come back anytime!” — J. Valentime, Program for Parents, Union County, New Jersey

“Derrick provided an outstanding motivation presentation to our group of parents…His message about his own journey to success really touched them and sparked an enthusiasm that was evident throughout the conference.” — Michelle Johnson, NJ GEAR UP State Coordinator

“The evaluations were wonderful, and the staff and students raved about your presentation!” — Nicole Masi, Student Assistance Counselor

“What a success!” — Vice-President, Education Programs, Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum

“I NEVER remember all thirty-five participants returning from a 10 minute break AHEAD of time!!!!! Derrick was professional, dynamic and informative; he was absolutely outstanding.” — Gail Hartman, Curriculum Consultant, Office of Educational Services, State of New Jersey Department of Corrections

“Derrick Watkins was the perfect speaker for our new student orientation/student success mini conference. His mix of practicality and humor kept the audience captivated. He provided the perfect motivation and advice to jump start their college careers.” — Elizabeth Kelly, Brookdale Community College