About Us

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Born from a powerful life journey that began in the heart of Southwest Atlanta and rose to the honor of standing at the White House with the U.S. Coast Guard, Soar Above™ was created to inspire individuals to rise above adversity, lead with integrity, and live with purpose.

At our core, we believe that everyone has the power to overcome. Whether you’ve faced hardship, grown up with limited opportunities, or struggled to find your path, this community is here to remind you: you were born to soar.

Our founder, Dr. Michael Barkley, is a veteran, motivational speaker, author, and strategic leader who turned life’s storms into stepping stones. Through a mix of military discipline, faith, and leadership expertise, he built a life of impact—and now he’s sharing those lessons with the world.

• Resilient Leadership: We equip current and future leaders to grow through challenges—not avoid them.
   
• Empowerment Through Story: We use real-life experiences to ignite confidence and courage in others.
   
• Community & Mentorship: Through apparel, coaching, training, and storytelling, we are building a movement that supports personal and professional transformation.
   

• A book that shares a raw, inspiring story of transformation.
   
• A motivational apparel line that reminds you to wear your resilience.
   
• Leadership training programs designed for both youth and professionals.
   
• An online community of dreamers, doers, and overcomers.

Because life will bring storms—but you don’t have to stay in them. With the right mindset, guidance, and faith, you can rise above the chaos and discover the purpose you were created for.

This is your invitation to rise.
This is your call to lead.
This is your time to Soar Above™.