Motivational speaker Rex Crain took the stage on October 15 to speak to business owners at the Ukrainian Reception Centre in London. Crain delivered a lively performance to a passionate crowd of over 100 people.

He began his presentation by identifying the goals and dreams of his audience. He continually asked the audience to complete the phrase: "My name is... and my life is about..." Crain believes that you have to know who you are and what your life is about before you can achieve your ambitions.

The energetic man then shared the inspirational stories of Stevie Wonder, Socrates and Walt Disney in an attempt to both entertain and connect with the crowd. He also included his own personal stories of struggle and success in his career, relationships and education.

Crain has been a motivational speaker and life coach for more than 14 years. He travels more than 250 days of the year to reach out to over 30 nations.

Crain's emotional performance brought many of the audience members to tears. One older woman stated that Crain made her feel like she wanted to "run out into the world and make a difference." Others said that he was captivating, inspiring and overwhelming.

Many of these audience members were already familiar with Crain's history and motivational techniques. Among these techniques is his 90-Day Life Lift Challenge. The campaign's slogan, "Do Different," summarizes Crain's key principle of changing to be a better person. He helps the participants to develop the tools needed to overcome fears and challenges, envision and achieve a rewarding life and make lifechanging decisions.

Crain has also released an inspirational book titled Life Lift, which is based on the same principles as the 90-Day Challenge. His book features quick, easy-toread chapters and bits of advice for the busy reader.

While much of his message is spiritual in nature and his audience of an older age group, Crain is still able to connect to younger, less religious individuals as well. He says he is able to help people from all walks of life because everyone wants to make changes in their life.

The life coach has worked with entertainers, musicians and athletes and says that this is where the real heroes are. "These teenagers have the courage to break away from the crowd and do something with their talent that has never been seen before," he said.

And he is no novice to the idea of turning away from the crowd. At the age of 18, Crain turned down a second season with the Boston Red Sox to pursue his dream of life coaching. He managed to break into the field, even without completing an education in public speaking.

Crain explained that it is not your education that makes you who you are; it is your dreams and achievements. He wished to leave Fanshawe students with this piece of advice: "Not everyone will understand the dreamer in you. Refuse to live the way everyone else wants you to live."