HAKEEM CROOM

Hakeem Jubal Croom is a certified life and leadership coach, speaker, educator, entrepreneur, and transformational storyteller dedicated to helping individuals and organizations defy the odds, unlock their potential, and flourish. As the Founder and CEO of Defying All Odds (DAO), Hakeem has devoted his life and career to empowering people to overcome adversity, develop purpose driven leadership, and create meaningful impact in their communities.

Born and raised in Harlem, New York, during the height of the crack epidemic, Hakeem's life story is a powerful testament to resilience, perseverance, and what he calls Rebellious Hope, the audacious belief that one's circumstances do not determine one's ceiling. Hakeem transformed obstacles into opportunities through education, mentorship, athletics, and an unwavering commitment to personal growth.

A first-generation college graduate, Hakeem attended Fishburne Military School before earning his bachelor's degree from Hampden-Sydney College, where he played collegiate basketball. His educational and professional journey has uniquely positioned him as a leader who has served within all three segments of California public higher education, the California Community Colleges, California State University, and University of California systems.

As a sought-after speaker, Hakeem has delivered presentations, workshops, and keynote addresses on leadership, resilience, Black student success, men's development, entrepreneurship, mental health, positive psychology, and human flourishing. His engaging storytelling, practical wisdom, and authentic leadership style inspire audiences to challenge limiting beliefs, embrace their purpose, and become catalysts for change.

Hakeem is the author of the forthcoming book, Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot: How to Win This Game Called Life and Flourish, a compelling memoir and personal development guide that chronicles his journey from the streets of Harlem to becoming an educator, entrepreneur, and community leader. Through deeply personal stories and actionable life lessons, the book equips readers with strategies to navigate adversity, rewrite their narratives, and flourish despite life's challenges.

He is also the subject and executive producer of the upcoming documentary, Bigger Than Me: The Hakeem Jubal Croom Story, a powerful film that traces his journey from Harlem to higher education leadership. The documentary explores themes of identity, resilience, education, family, purpose, and hope while inspiring viewers to recognize that their lives are connected to something greater than themselves. Through the lens of Hakeem's story, Bigger Than Me challenges audiences to defy the odds, embrace possibility, and leave a legacy that extends beyond personal success.

Whether coaching individuals, developing leaders, supporting students, or speaking to audiences across the country, Hakeem's mission remains clear: to liberate beliefs, inspire actions, transform lives, and help people defy all odds and flourish anyway.

Hakeem resides in California with his beloved wife and two children.