Together,
We Become More.

Opportunity doesn’t wait until you feel ready. It opens when you step forward. And when we step forward together, we all become stronger.

Buy the Book

Contact Arshay DONATE to the foundation

Do These Problems Sound Familiar?

Sometimes the world
tells you that you
don’t belong.

Sometimes self-doubt
whispers louder than
your dreams.

Sometimes closed
doors keep
communities divided.

And when opportunity feels
out of reach, generations
carry the weight.

But you are not the problem.
The problem is the barriers that keep you out.

“I can’t do the work of 8, but 8 can do the work of 1.”

From

Believing fear defines you
Carrying the weight alone
Doubting your place on the team
Surviving instead of striving

Turning fear into courage
Rowing together, not alone
Owning your seat and your strength
Thriving as part of something bigger

Hi, I’m Arshay Cooper.

And I know you’re not the problem because I’ve been where you are now.

I was raised on the West Side of Chicago, with addiction around every corner, violence in every direction, and fear in every step. Then a boat changed everything. Rowing taught me resilience, unity, and the power of doing it afraid.

That story became A Most Beautiful Thing — a book, a film, and now a movement.

Because whether you’re a student, a coach, or a CEO, the lessons are the same:

Hope can move.
Unity can heal.
Resilience can build progress.
Service can leave a legacy.

Because whether you’re a student, a coach, or a CEO, the lessons are the same:

Learn More

Trusted by Leading Organizations, Universities, Nonprofits, and Teams to Inspire and Motivate Audiences

“Arshay is not merely a motivator but a builder of people and communities. He challenges us to reimagine what is possible and to step boldly into our purpose. Each time I hear him speak, I am reminded of the extraordinary power of story to calm fears, bridge divides, heal wounds, and ignite action.”

Dr. Kenya V. Beard

EdD, AGACNP-BC, ANEF, FAAN, FADLN, Dean and Chief Nursing Officer, Mercy University School of Nursing

Let Me Be Real With You…

It’s easy to hide.
It’s easy to doubt yourself.

But what if you started living with courage?

My story is messy. Yours might be, too. But when I stopped running from those messy parts and started owning them, everything changed.

In my new book, Let Me Be Real With You, I share:

How I learned to own my story, even the hardest chapters
Why unlearning can be the most powerful kind of growth
How to balance pushing through with giving yourself grace
Why we all rise higher when we rise together
The 8 elements of wellness that can transform your whole life

This isn’t just my story. It’s a mirror for all of us. If you’re ready to face your fears, grow stronger, and lead with service, this book is for you.

Pre-Order Your Copy

The Great Eight of Wellness

A practical framework to help you move from surviving to thriving — built from the lessons of rowing, resilience, and real life.

Mental-emotional wellness

Understanding and embracing your feelings, values, and attitudes for a steady, meaningful approach to life.

Physical wellness

Prioritizing your body’s needs, health, and energy through care and recovery.

Environmental wellness

Recognizing the interconnectedness of all life, caring for your environment, and making a healthy commitment to the planet.

Vocational (Occupational) wellness

Engaging in work aligned with your values, that fulfills you, and contributing through service.

Financial wellness

Managing resources responsibly, living within your means, and planning for the future.

Intellectual wellness

Committing to lifelong learning, sharing knowledge, and embracing challenges.

Social wellness

Building and sustaining healthy, mutual, and supportive relationships and community.

Spiritual wellness

Finding deeper meaning and purpose in life, with or without religion, and recognizing the interconnectedness of existence

The Great Eight of Wellness

Mental-emotional wellness

Understanding and embracing your feelings, values, and attitudes for a steady, meaningful approach to life.

Physical wellness

Prioritizing your body’s needs, health, and energy through care and recovery.

Environmental wellness

Recognizing the interconnectedness of all life, caring for your environment, and making a healthy commitment to the planet.

Vocational (Occupational) wellness

Engaging in work aligned with your values, that fulfills you, and contributing through service.

Financial wellness

Managing resources responsibly, living within your means, and planning for the future.

Intellectual wellness

Committing to lifelong learning, sharing knowledge, and embracing challenges.

Social wellness

Building and sustaining healthy, mutual, and supportive relationships and community.

Spiritual wellness

Finding deeper meaning and purpose in life, with or without religion, and recognizing the interconnectedness of existence

Mental-emotional wellness

Understanding and embracing your feelings, values, and attitudes for a steady, meaningful approach to life.

Physical wellness

Prioritizing your body’s needs, health, and energy through care and recovery.

Environmental wellness

Recognizing the interconnectedness of all life, caring for your environment, and making a healthy commitment to the planet.

Vocational (Occupational) wellness

Engaging in work aligned with your values, that fulfills you, and contributing through service.

Financial wellness

Managing resources responsibly, living within your means, and planning for the future.

Intellectual wellness

Committing to lifelong learning, sharing knowledge, and embracing challenges.

Social wellness

Building and sustaining healthy, mutual, and supportive relationships and community.

Spiritual wellness

Finding deeper meaning and purpose in life, with or without religion, and recognizing the interconnectedness of existence

Speaking That Moves People From Lockerrooms to Boardrooms

Keynotes

Inspiring, story-driven talks on resilience, unity, and courage. Arshay moves audiences from fear to action, equipping them with tools that last beyond the event.

Workshops & Programs

Interactive, team-focused sessions where organizations learn how to row together, breaking down barriers, building trust, and creating lasting change.

Book Arshay