Billy Anderson
Speaker/Coach/Author/Founder of The Courage Crusade
When I was 5 years old my mom heard me crying in my room. She asked what was wrong and I said “You’re born, you live for a while, and then you die. What’s the point?” It took me years to answer that question. Now I help other people figure out their “point” and live a life that’s true to them.
But it was a long and bumpy road to get there. I went through a deep depression as a teenager and had to change schools. I questioned myself every step of the way on my life and career journey to find out what was the right fit for me. I finally found the courage to stop doing what the world told me I “should” do. Instead, I defined my own version of success and I went after it. I left my successful advertising career – people thought I was nuts. I moved to the woods and led Outward Bound trips, while leading volunteer projects in Central America and the South Pacific during the winter.
Now I live a life that’s true to me while making a positive difference in the world as a speaker, coach, author and founder of The Courage Crusade. I also find time to get WAY out of my comfort zone so I can grow my courage “muscle.” I’ve jumped out of an airplane exactly 101 times. I’ve traveled to over 30 countries. I’ve trekked in the Himalayas, Run with the Bulls in Spain, and swam with sharks in Thailand. I’ve been a sugar-cane farmer in Costa Rica, an apple picker in New Zealand, and a fundraising director for an international charity. I know what makes me tick. I set goals and I achieve them. I understand the importance of courage in not allowing my fears to hold me back. In fact, I’m scared of the exact same things you are: failure, looking stupid, and not being liked.