Picture a young Karlos Harris, standing at the crossroads of childhood and adolescence, the weight of uncertainty heavy on his shoulders. At just 15 years old, he made the life altering decision to leave his grandmother’s home, a place that had been both a refuge and a source of fear. He chose to escape the threat of punishment, leaving behind the only stability he knew, driven by a deep seated desire to be with his mother. This moment was not just a physical departure, it was the beginning of a journey that would take him through couch surfing among friends, navigating the turbulent waters of high school, and ultimately discovering his true self.
Karlos grew up in Helena, Arkansas, raised by his grandmother after his mother, just a teenager herself at 16, had to step away. This upbringing provided him with a unique perspective on family and connection. He often reflects on his childhood, sharing that while he was “bad as hell,” he also had a knack for teaching. This duality shaped his character, instilling in him a desire for maternal love and connection, which he sought to find elsewhere after leaving home.
But it was during this time that Karlos began to understand the value of independence, even if it came with its own set of challenges. As he navigated life outside of his grandmother’s home, Karlos faced the realities of couch surfing and the instability that came with it. School was a battleground; getting suspended during his senior year was just one of the hurdles he encountered. Yet, through these struggles, he discovered an unexpected ally: the process of trial and error.
He learned to embrace failure, understanding that setbacks were merely stepping stones on the path to success. Karlos would say, “You can accomplish a lot without a college degree; it’s about stepping into opportunities and learning.” This belief fueled his journey, allowing him to quickly set up businesses and establish a digital presence that would later serve him well. The turning point in Karlos’s life was not just about leaving home; it was about taking control. He learned to adapt, to pivot, and to make the most out of every situation.
By the time he reached adulthood, Karlos had transformed his challenges into a blueprint for success. He became a co owner and chief operations officer at the Detroit School for Technology, where he spearheaded multiple initiatives aimed at giving second chances to those who, like him, might have been overlooked. His work is a reflection of his own journey a commitment to empowering others through education and opportunity. In our conversation, Karlos shared poignant moments from his past, reflecting on the struggles he faced and the lessons he learned along the way.
He spoke candidly about the fear of punishment that drove him away from home and the subsequent challenges he embraced as part of his growth. These experiences shaped him into a leader who understands the intricacies of personal and professional development. Karlos is not just a success story; he is a living example of how one can rise from difficult circumstances and create a life filled with purpose. As we wrapped up our discussion, it became clear that Karlos’s journey is about more than just his own achievements.
It’s about the connections he fosters and the impact he has on the lives of others. His story serves as a reminder that the path to success is rarely linear. It is often filled with twists and turns, but each experience, whether good or bad, contributes to our growth. Karlos Harris is a testament to the idea that with determination and a willingness to learn, we can all carve out our own paths, no matter where we start.