MySpace. Podcasts. Ebooks. Webisodes. Blogs.

For most adults, these contemporary communication vehicles elicit little more than a puzzled scratch of the head. But, ask the average young person between the ages of 12 and 24 and they totally get it. Just like they totally get Josh Shipp.

This modern, self-help guru can be found dispensing his own brand of wit and wisdom in cyberspace, in books, on television and radio, at conferences, and to packed audiences of students in high school auditoriums across the country. Listen to him for just a few minutes and you will get it, too. Josh offers up a healthy dose of what he calls “advice with an attitude.” He counsels teenagers on everything they care about and it’s all done in a youth-friendly, humorous tone that is more hilarious survival guide than preachy sermon.

Josh certainly knows a thing or two about survival. Abandoned and abused as a child, he was able to triumph over the tragedy. He attributes his personal growth to the support of a great foster family, dynamic teachers and enriching school programs that opened his eyes to his true potential. After serving as State DECA President and on the School-to-Work student advisory committee, Josh decided to commit his life to helping others achieve their goals.

“I’ve found that sometimes the very thing that has hurt you the most, is the very thing you can use to help others. You can’t change the past -- so why not focus on building an incredible future?”
- Josh Shipp

Although Josh is still in his 20s, you wouldn't know it from his resume. He's written books, shared the stage with Bill Cosby, and hosted a reality TV show. For the past seven years, this San Francisco Bay area resident has toured the world as a successful motivational speaker sharing his inspirational words with more than one million people. Rest assured that most of them left the room with a broad smile on their face and hope in their heart.