Meet Michael Berry | Executive Director – Youth Guidance Dallas

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Berry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, how do you think about risk?
It is interesting a book by the name of “Failing Forward” by John Maxwell really changed my outlook on life. I would say my upbringing and school life revolved around defining success as the completion of things, the mastery of knowledge and it was only when I first experienced Failure with a true growth mindset that I welcomed risk taking as part of growth. In my experience in working with young people they fear failure because we haven’t accepted it as part of the learning process. Fear of failure can limit people and their mindsets and their appetite for risk taking. I now sit with the old adage: No risk it, no biscuit. I have used this mindset and attitude in my day to day to even my professional life as I believe what’s on the other side of risks are worthy of deeper exploration.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My journey to this work has been paved with lots of failure, uncertainty but also successes along the way. I have used the failures as learning lessons such as when I didn’t get into my 1st choice High School and I decided to become more self-aware as to why I didn’t get into my high school and the truth was – I didn’t deserve the opportunity given the choices I made. We all have choices and they have consequences. But along the way I have also met these learning opportunities with grace for myself. I want to continue to have a growth mindset however it is important to give myself grace as I learn and grow.

Perhaps learning to give myself grace is one of the most important things that I am most proud of. My self work and commitment to continual growth is what I am additionally proud of. I love to pour into others however I have made a commitment to myself to keep me first – You cannot pour from a depleted cup.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Dallas is full of so many fun places and locations of interest. I would definitely have a few brunch spots on the menu. Let’s be real – Dallas’ Sunday Funday is undefeated. I have lived in a lot of places and have traveled and Dallas is still at the top.

Dallas is so rich with history with locations such as the 6th Floor Museum to the home of one of the Civil Rights Pioneers in J.J Craft. Deep Ellum also is a place of interest – love the history and the scenery as this would definitely be a place we’d visit. Love the Deep Ellum Brewery -we’d have to make a stop here.

BBQ is undefeated and I have lots of local spots that we would try. We’d have to go and see the Star in Frisco as if their my BFF they’re also a Dallas Cowboy Fan. We’d check out Legacy Hall nearby and grab food. On the topic of Sports we’d have to go check out the Rangers and head to Texas Live for good food and drinks. Love the scene over at Victory as we head to Hero and grab food and drinks as we watch Kyrie and Luka dominate with the Mavs!

I am a huge fan of music and the scene in Dallas is definitely top tier and I have some good friends who manage artists and we’d definitely grab an opportunity for a listening session.

I also have some party promotors within in my network and we’d have our evenings quite full.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Great question! I would offer that my parents had a huge part in the makeup of who I am today. Grateful for the life lessons, love and empathy that they offered to me as I journeyed through life. I read a book a few years back by Ta-Nehisi Coates called “Between the World and Me” which also was a life changing moment for me. I felt instantly seen and validated in my journey and in my new role as a Dad. This book gave me the courage and reminded me of my purpose and I am forever grateful for the author and this book. I have made it a point to purchase this book for new Dads in my network and even began a book study within the men in my family. The authentic space the author creates is what I seek to create for all of the young people I work with.

Website: https://www.youth-guidance.org/youth-guidance-dallas/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/youthguidancedallas

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/michael-berry1911

Twitter: www.twitter.com/YG_Dallas

Facebook: www.facebook.com/YouthGuidanceDallas