146. Creating Lifelines: Empowering Through Sports with Former Chicago Cubs Outfielder The Esteemed C.J. Stewart

Jason Zuk, The Social Psychic™

Creating Lifelines: Empowering Through Sports with Former Chicago Cubs Outfielder The Esteemed C.J. Stewart

In this episode of the Social Psychic Radio Show, Jason sits down with Special Guest The Esteemed C.J. Stewart, the Chief Visionary Officer and Co-Founder of the L.E.A.D. (Launch, Expose, Advise, Direct) Center for Youth. Together with his wife, Kelli, Stewart extends his impact through their non-profit, L.E.A.D., which empowers at-risk youth in Atlanta to transform their communities and lead globally. The program boasts impressive outcomes: 100% high school graduation rate, 93% college enrollment, 90% receiving college scholarships, and 14% entering the military or workforce. Stewart’s commitment to giving back is his way of thanking those who guided him and creating similar opportunities for today’s Atlanta youth.

As a former Chicago Cubs outfielder and Atlanta native, our Guest shares his inspiring journey from professional baseball to founding a non-profit dedicated to helping black youth in Atlanta overcome significant challenges like crime, poverty, and racism through the sports of baseball and tennis. The conversation explores the motivations behind starting L.E.A.D., its impressive impact over 17 years, and future aspirations for scaling the program nationwide. With notable successes, C.J. illustrates how sports can serve as a powerful catalyst for social change and personal growth.

#### Episode Highlights:

- **00:00** Introduction to the Social Psychic Radio Show

- **00:05** Meet C.J. Stewart: From Pro Athlete to Visionary Leader

- **01:32** The Mission of LEAD Center for Youth

- **02:05** Overcoming Systemic Barriers: Crime, Poverty, and Racism

- **04:43** Scaling the Impact: National Programs and Federal Support

- **05:33** Innovative Approaches in Sports-Based Youth Development

- **07:06** Empowering Marginalized Youth Through Training and Mentorship

- **15:53** The Genesis of L.E.A.D.: Personal Journey and Inspiration

- **27:18** Challenges and Innovations in Building L.E.A.D.

- **29:18** Funding and Social Enterprise

- **29:42** Coaching and Community Impact

- **31:29** Spiritual Work and Personal Growth

- **32:18** Future Visions and Community Development

- **35:25** Leadership and Empowerment

- **37:58** Personal Reflections and Legacy

- **38:41** Living to Lead: The Book

- **43:33** Overcoming Barriers and Racism

- **46:04** The Importance of Sports and Life Skills

- **47:12** Favorite Marvel Characters and Final Thoughts

### Guest Biography

C.J. Stewart is the Chief Visionary Officer and Co-Founder of the L.E.A.D. Center for Youth, a non-profit organization focused on sports-based youth development. Utilizing baseball and tennis, L.E.A.D. equips Black youth in Atlanta with the skills to overcome crime, poverty, and racism. A former Chicago Cubs outfielder, Stewart has over 22 years of experience in player development and has mentored some of the top amateur, collegiate, and professional players in the game. An Atlanta native and best-selling author of "Living To L.E.A.D.: A Story of Passion, Purpose, and Grit."

Recognized as one of the top baseball player development professionals in the country, he founded and leads Diamond Directors, a firm renowned for its success in developing elite baseball talent. With over 25 years of experience, Stewart has worked with an impressive roster of clients, including Jason Heyward (Los Angeles Dodgers), Dexter Fowler (Chicago Cubs, World Series Champion), Andruw Jones (former Atlanta Brave), Peter Alonso (NY Mets), Kyle Lewis (Arizona Diamondbacks), and Andrew McCutchen (Pittsburgh Pirates).

Connect with CJ Stewart on Instagram: [@iamcjstewart](https://www.instagram.com/iamcjstewart)

### Call to Action

To learn more about the LEAD Center for Youth and support their mission, visit [LEAD Center for Youth](https://leadcenterforyouth.org).

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