Les Brown celebrated his 75th birthday this month Feb 17th! Early on in my speaking career, I remember watching some of his videos and saying one day I want to make others smile just like he made me smile.

I remember meeting Magic Johnson and speaking during the same event. I was the opener and he was the closer. I remember thinking how grateful I was for experiencing his presence and how much I learned about the power of presence just from being in the same room and on the same stage as Magic.

I remember getting mentoring advice from Simon Bailey and Kevin Carrol about the journey and the gratitude that comes with helping people reach beyond their limits and what it means to be a catalyst and a spark. I remember how much those conversations inspired me to always focus on how I can help transform a room to help people leave and think with a new perspective after hearing me speak.

I remember meeting Daymond John and all that I learned about the hustle of being an entrepreneur and the business of speaking is just as important as the passion of speaking. I am a better businessperson as a result.

I remember meeting Lisa Nichols and being inspired by her super “Shero” persona! It inspired me to help others find and celebrate their inner superhero.

I remember speaking alongside Shaq and embracing what it is to be a real Giant. I remember saying I want to make others grow taller than Shaq when they hear me speak.

This month as we celebrate Black History Month, I celebrate the rich history that I join to help others transform their lives and elevate their careers.

As I speak on how Diversity & Inclusion elevates high performance, I work every day to be a giant so my shoulders can inspire others to use the power of their voice to own their brand and achieve their greatness.

I am Kaplan Mobray and I stand on the shoulders of giants. Happy Black History Month!

Kaplan Mobray is an acclaimed author, thought leader, career coach and motivational speaker whose presentations change the lives of every audience he is in front of. He brings insight and wisdom that inspire new ways of personal branding, leadership, networking, operational excellence, emotional resiliency and success.