Chris Gardner is an American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker. His life story shows resilience and the ability to overcome challenges, as detailed in his autobiography and speeches.
Gardner faced many difficulties in his early life, including poverty and family issues. He never knew his father and spent time in foster homes. His mother encouraged him to believe in his potential to change his life.
After serving in the Navy, Gardner moved to San Francisco to pursue a career in medicine but later switched to finance. He got an entry-level job at a well-known firm and faced significant challenges, including homelessness while caring for his young son. Despite these struggles, he remained determined, spending nearly a year in shelters and public restrooms.
Gardner's hard work paid off as he became a successful stockbroker, first as a trainee at Dean Witter Reynolds and later at Bear Stearns. In 1987, he started his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Co., which flourished under his leadership.
His autobiography, "The Pursuit of Happyness," became a bestseller and inspired a popular film starring Will Smith. As a motivational speaker, Gardner shares his story of overcoming adversity, focusing on perseverance and personal responsibility. He has spoken at many schools to inspire future leaders through the Christopher P. Gardner Foundation.
In addition to his first book, Gardner wrote "Start Where You Are" in 2009 and "Permission To Dream" in 2021. His charitable work has been recognized by various organizations.
Gardner credits his success to two important choices: ensuring his children knew their father and striving for excellence in everything he did. His philosophy emphasizes the power of choice and commitment to goals, making his journey a true example of the American Dream.
