Meeting the X-Men Coach, Jim Kwik

Jim Kwik is well known as a transformational speaker, entrepreneur, brain coach and CEO of the Kwik Learning program based in L.A. He’s coached, and taught thousands of people the power of speed reading, and how to improve memory. On top of that, he’s worked with big names like Harrison Ford, Will Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Tony Robbins and many more.

Jim is also a frequent speaker at Mindvalley University, Mindvalley Live, and A-Fest which is how I met him. But before I get to our first meeting, let me tell you how it all started.

In 2018, my family and I stumbled upon a documentary series called Transcendence, and one of the people in it was Jim Kwik.

“If you fight for your limitations, you get to keep them.”

Jim Kwik

Before all his success, Jim had fallen on hard times. He was the son of immigrant parents in the city of New York and at a young age, he suffered a traumatic brain injury which effected his ability to read, learn and remember things. School was a nightmare, he found it hard to stay focused in class and as the years passed he fell farther behind the rest of the students.

“If knowledge is power, reading is your super power.”

Jim Kwik

Late at night when his parents thought he was asleep, Jim would try to teach himself to read by reading comic books with a flashlight. His favorite superheroes were the X-Men, not because of their powers or special abilities, but because they were different, and were able to shine in that difference.

After a powerful meeting with a friend’s father, Jim committed to read a book a week on top of his college coursework. That challenge changed his life completely.

Don’t let school get in the way of your education.

Albert Einstein

Years later, Jim got a call from Fox Studios, asking him to do training for the chairman and his team. Afterwards, the chairman gave Jim a tour of the studio, the home of the X-Men series (can you see where this is going?). Jim told his childhood story to the chairman and explained his love for the X-Men. To his surprise, he was given the opportunity to go on set, and coach the actors of X-Men!

Not long after he was alongside Hugh Jackman (Wolverine), Patrick Stuart (Professor X) and the entire X-Men cast, teaching them how to better remember script and performance. That was a full-circle moment for him.

After the X-Men experience, Jim got a package in the mail. It was a picture of him with the entire cast and a note that said. “Here’s your new school photo.” He’s gone on to work with Richard Branson, Elon Musk, Michelle Obama and many more.

“I will see it when I believe it.”

Jim Kwik

My mom and I were so moved by his story and wanted to learn more about Jim Kwik and what he does. We started watching his talks and interviews on Youtube. This eventually led to us attending Mindvalley University and Mindvalley Live.

One of Jim Kwik’s methods is a technique to remember people’s names which, during an event like Mindvalley, where you are meeting dozens of new people everyday, it can be helpful.

It was so awesome getting to meet him. It’s been a ripple effect of magic from the day we saw that documentary. From attending Mindvalley University, to all the people I’ve met, and places I’ve been. It’s been quite a journey.

His story is so incredible. First, because it shows that anyone can come through any pain or struggles (or both). Second, what you might think are disadvantages, can be your super powers. What’s your super power?