Jared Salas wears many hats: speaker, counselor, entrepreneur, musician, husband, and father. But at his core, Jared is a force for change, driven by a mission to promote mental health and inspire compassion. From overcoming personal trauma to empowering students nationwide, Jared’s journey is a testament to resilience and the power of using one’s voice to create meaningful connections.

As Jared puts it, “Confidence and courage are currency. If I can hand out enough to help others tell their truth and get the help they need, that’s my legacy.”

From Adversity to Advocacy

Jared’s passion for mental health advocacy stems from his personal experiences. Growing up in a turbulent environment, he learned early on the importance of resilience. His life took a transformative turn in high school when his community was struck by a tragic suicide epidemic. Struggling with the loss of a friend and the town’s lack of mental health resources, Jared channeled his emotions into songwriting.

At just 15, he performed the song he had written about this experience for his school, letting his peers know they weren’t alone. That act of vulnerability opened the door for others to share their stories, sparking a chain reaction of healing and understanding. This pivotal moment ignited Jared’s career as a motivational speaker and set the stage for his lifelong mission to inspire and uplift.

Building a Life of Impact

Jared’s determination to make a difference has been the cornerstone of his success. At just 16, he turned his love for music into a thriving business by purchasing and running a recording studio with over 300 clients. His early entrepreneurial experience taught him valuable lessons in leadership and perseverance, which he carried into his speaking career.

With the mentorship of former Harlem Globetrotter Melvin Adams, Jared honed his craft, transitioning from a shy yet passionate teenager to a powerful speaker. Over the years, he has expanded his reach, speaking to students nationwide and creating programs designed to foster emotional resilience and stronger school communities.

The Culture Shift Tour: A Movement for Change

Jared’s most impactful initiative, The Culture Shift Tour, is transforming schools nationwide. The program gives students a platform to voice their challenges and collaborate on actionable solutions. Through workshops and activities, Jared helps students develop a sense of agency while working with staff to implement lasting changes that improve school culture over time.

His approach bridges the gap between students and the adults in their lives, ensuring that mental health resources are accessible. By connecting schools with nonprofits and funding opportunities, Jared helps ensure every student is supported.

The goal is simple yet profound: to open conversations that might otherwise never happen.

“I know there’s no such thing as the shy kid,” Jared says. “Everyone has something inside they want to share; they just don’t know how. If I can gather enough courage and confidence to hand out to people, that’s my legacy.”

Creating a Chain Reaction of Compassion

Whether speaking to students, creating music, or building new initiatives, Jared’s focus remains on starting a chain reaction of compassion. His work reminds us that even small acts — like taking five seconds out of your day to make someone else’s better — can ripple outward and create lasting change.

By using his voice to empower others, Jared is living proof that courage, compassion, and persistence can transform lives.

WE KNOW YOU ARE INSPIRED. FOLLOW JARED HERE:INSTAGRAM.COM/JAREDSCOTTLIVE

I’m a senior leader at The Elliott Group with over 12 years of client service experience and have held a substantial leadership roles in the automotive industry. I’m also an accredited coach, a writer, speaker, and a triathlon finisher. To contact me for engagements you can reach me at [email protected].