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We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Sonbert. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.

Alright, Michael thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Almost every entrepreneur we know has considered donating a portion of their sales to an organization or cause – how did you make the decision of whether to donate? We’d love to hear the backstory if you’re open to sharing the details.

I donate a portion of everything Rebel Culture makes to the Autism non-profit, Families for Inclusion. My son, Teddy, has Autism. He’s the most incredible person I know. I’m hopeful that we can create a more inclusive world for kids like Teddy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started my career working in schools in urban areas in the US. I became obsessed, very early on, with how two schools, just blocks from each other, could have wildly different adult cultures. The schools were often located in economically depressed areas where violence, trauma, and poverty are high. And despite a narrative that the work was so hard that being happy and healthy and engaged was impossible, there were examples of places where this was happening. I observed those leaders. I studied them. I coached others to do what they were doing. I told myself, I need to show every employer on earth how to create cultures like that.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I spent my 20s trying to drink and drug myself to death. When I finally came out of the haze, I decided I needed to commit to doing good for others. I got into education and ultimately started Skyrocket Education to support kids and families. It’s the same with Rebel Culture now. I took a lot for a long time. It was time to give back.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Providing value for people by showing them how to execute on the skills we train on. Our work isn’t theoretical at all. There’s too much of that out there. We show people how to be better tomorrow than they are right now. It’s hard for some people. For people who’d rather talk about the work at 30,000 feet. But once they engage, they see the value and they want more.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rebelculture.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael.sonbert/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-sonbert/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/rebelcultures