Bridging faith, leadership, and second chances to create a better future.
Dr. Monty Burks is a national leader, speaker, and strategist whose life is living proof that purpose can rise from pain. Once entangled in addiction and incarceration, Monty chose not just to rebuild—but to rise—and help others do the same. From the justice system to a Ph.D. and government service, his journey inspires others to believe in second chances. Today, he helps communities build new visions of what's possible.
Monty’s journey began by helping others reenter society post-prison. That first act sparked a mission. Drawing from his lived experience with addiction, incarceration, and recovery, Monty rose to become a college professor and Deputy Director of Tennessee’s Faith-Based Initiative. Every step forward became a blueprint for others.
As founder of MNDBX Consulting, Dr. Burks travels the country coaching, training, and speaking to help build systems of opportunity. From mentorship to national strategy, he transforms how we view reentry and justice-involved individuals. His message: Lived experience isn’t a liability—it’s leadership.
Tennessee Supreme Court:
Access to Justice Commission Faith Based Chair
Rx and Illicit Drug Summit
Advisory Board
Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Advisory Board
Tennessee State University Criminal Justice Faculty Advisory Committee
Dr. Monty Burks delivers powerful transformation rooted in real experience, inspiring individuals and organizations to turn barriers into breakthroughs through faith and proven results.
Monty’s powerful story of transformation is more than inspiration—it’s instruction. He speaks to how adversity can be the first step to purpose.
How to reframe failure as fuel for your purpose
Practical tools for building beyond shame and stigma
Why second chances create powerful leadership
This talk is a call to action for faith-based organizations to lead in healing and reform. Monty shows how spiritual communities can be powerful systems of support.
Why faith communities are essential for reform and reentry
How to use spiritual assets in recovery and public health
The balance between compassion and accountability
Monty speaks directly to those with justice involvement—and to those who serve them. He shows how experience can become the foundation of leadership.
How to turn your story into your strategy
How to build systems that include lived eXperience authentically
The MNDBX Blueprint: Manage, Navigate, Deconstruct, Build, eXperience
Monty dives into the role of trauma-informed mentorship, bridging gaps between hopelessness and healing for the forgotten and overlooked.
How to design trauma-informed mentorship programs
How to lead with empathy, structure, and accountability
How mentorship changes generational outcomes
This session is for anyone leading through hardship. Monty shares how to stay grounded in faith and lead with grit through seasons of personal and professional storms.
How to build resilience through crisis or loss
How transparency makes stronger leaders
The mindset that drives transformation in adversity
Ideal for leaders in justice, education, or behavioral health, this session challenges stigma and showcases real stories of redemption.
What makes reentry programs successful
The power of structure and hope in long-term change
Stories of second chances that worked
We all make mistakes – I know I do! But I am thankful that our greatest obstacles can become our biggest opportunities. When mistakes and mishaps happen, I look for what I can learn from them. One thing I’ve learned is that mishaps often expose blind spots, but I truly believe that turning mistakes into teaching moments and uncovering those blind spots can change everything. When we learn from our mistakes and give ourselves a break (and some grace through the process!), it gives us the opportunity to grow in wisdom and articulate that experience with others. How awesome that our “mess” can bless someone else! It can be easy to complain about the situation, but that doesn’t change anything and doesn’t help you – let alone anyone else. Even though you’ve made a mistake, don’t beat yourself up! I know that can be easy to do. Something that’s helped me tremendously is practicing positive self-talk. To reach victory, I tell myself: “Monty, you are not a victim! You are a survivor with a testimony that can help others!” We are all survivors! If you don’t already have a practice of positive self-talk as part of your routine, I encourage you to give it a try.
By Dr. Monty Burks
Don’t just book a speaker—bring in a story that moves hearts, shifts mindsets, and sparks lasting change. Dr. Monty Burks turns pain into purpose and systems into solutions. Whether you’re leading a school, church, nonprofit, or government agency—this message belongs in your space.
Take action now. Inspire your audience. Transform your community.
© 2025 MontyBurks