It's Not Over Until You Win

Born in an abandoned building and adopted as an infant, Les Brown was labeled “educably mentally retarded” in grade school. Teachers told him he’d never succeed. Society expected him to fail. But Les didn’t let those labels define him — and his story became one of the most electrifying comebacks in motivational history.

Raised in poverty in Miami, Florida, by a single mother, Les struggled with low self-esteem and poor academic performance. For years, he believed the lie that he wasn’t smart enough — until one teacher changed everything. That teacher told him,

“Someone’s opinion of you does not have to become your reality.”

Les began to push past his fear, study relentlessly, and speak with passion. He started as a sanitation worker, but he never let go of his dream to inspire people. After countless rejections, he finally landed a job as a radio DJ — by pretending to be someone else to get on the air. From there, he rose to become a popular broadcaster, a state legislator in Ohio, and eventually one of the most powerful motivational speakers in the world.

Les Brown's booming voice, infectious energy, and heartfelt storytelling have moved millions across the globe. His famous line —

You’ve got to be hungry!”
— became a rallying cry for anyone who dared to dream beyond their circumstances.

He reminds us that your background, limitations, or past failures do not define you. What matters is your belief, your resilience, and your hunger to keep going.

Today, Les continues to inspire audiences to pursue greatness, overcome fear, and live their purpose. His life is living proof that with faith, determination, and courage, you can rewrite your story — no matter where you started.