We had the good fortune of connecting with Chris Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chris, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by the immense potential of the next generation of youth growing up here in Atlanta—a city brimming with rich history, vibrant culture, and an undeniable influence that extends far beyond its borders. These young people are not just growing up; they’re immersed in a trend-setting environment that shapes them into leaders, innovators, and changemakers.

Atlanta is home to some of the brightest college students from across the country who come here to study at prestigious institutions, including the collective powerhouse of HBCUs and one of the top technological colleges in the nation. The opportunity to mentor and guide these students as they pursue their dreams is a privilege that inspires me every day.

What also fuels my passion is Atlanta’s unique ecosystem of Fortune 500 companies that not only excel in their industries but also prioritize making our city a better place for the next generation. It’s this collective effort—this shared vision of progress and positive impact—that drives me and the work we do at Be Compelled. Seeing how everyone, from our youth to our corporate partners, is committed to shaping a brighter future for Atlanta and beyond is what truly inspires me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My journey has been anything but conventional, and it certainly wasn’t easy. I started in banking and investment straight out of college, but my true passion was always in mentoring and ministry. I ran a Bible study for athletes at the University of North Texas, which eventually led to a full-time role in college ministry. Over 11 years, we grew that ministry from 42 students to over 550, which taught me the power of dedicated leadership and community-building.

The biggest challenge was transitioning from established roles in ministry to starting something new in a city as dynamic as Atlanta. But when I saw the lack of mentorship and leadership on the Westside of Atlanta, I knew we had to act. By partnering with brilliant minds from local colleges and creating pathways for them to mentor younger students, we’ve been able to overcome these challenges and build something truly impactful.

What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the value of collaboration. Success doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s the result of people coming together with a shared vision. I’ve also learned that persistence and adaptability are key. Challenges will always arise, but if you stay committed to your mission and are willing to adjust your approach, you can overcome anything.

What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I want the world to know that Be Compelled is about more than just mentorship; it’s about creating sustainable change in communities by investing in the leaders of tomorrow. Our story is one of faith, resilience, and a deep commitment to making a difference. We’re here to inspire, to guide, and to empower, and we believe that by bringing together people from different walks of life, we can create a brighter future for everyone.

Fun fact:
Interestingly, I’ve never done a formal interview for a job position. Every opportunity I’ve had has come from being asked to step into a role because of the work I was already doing. My career started in banking and investment, but my heart led me to ministry and mentorship, where I’ve had the privilege to lead and grow various programs. From running a Bible study for athletes to becoming an expert in college student development and urban ministry, my path has been shaped by the desire to serve and uplift others.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Here’s a polished version of your response:

When friends and family visit Atlanta from places like Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico, I love showing them the best of what this city has to offer. We always hit the BeltLine, starting at Kroger in Ponce City Market and walking all the way to Krog Street Market. Along the way, we might grab a burger at Fred’s Meat & Bread, which never disappoints.

No visit to Atlanta is complete without swinging through downtown to check out the Paris museums and the Botanical Garden—perfect spots to soak in some culture and natural beauty. And if we’ve indulged a bit too much, a stroll through Piedmont Park is always a good idea to walk it off.

As a Westside resident, I spend a lot of time at Lee + White on the BeltLine. It’s a great spot to grab a pizza at Monday Night Brewing or a coffee at Costa, and the food hall offers something for everyone, even if pizza isn’t their thing.

I also love taking visitors out to The Battery. Even if there’s no game, the atmosphere around the baseball stadium is electric, with amazing restaurants and people watching. Another must-visit is Buford Highway, where we can taste flavors from around the world, right here in Atlanta. And for the Chick-fil-A lovers in the group, I always make a stop at The Dwarf House—people are always surprised to find out they can get a hamburger there!

These are just a few of the places I love to take visitors, and they always leave with a new appreciation for everything Atlanta has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Wow, there are so many people who deserve recognition as the building blocks of where we are today. First and foremost, I want to give all glory to God, who has instilled in me the heart and desire to pour my life back into my community. I believe Jesus exemplified what it means to truly care for everyone we encounter, and that’s the guiding principle behind everything we do at Be Compelled.

I also want to shout out my wife, who shares my vision of making our community a better place and supports me every step of the way. My brother, Lawrence Brown, deserves major credit for helping me get Be Compelled off the ground and into the streets where we can make a real impact.

Andrew Cathy has been a steadfast supporter, investing in our mission from the very beginning, and I’m incredibly grateful for his belief in our work. Lastly, I want to give a special thanks to Rich McKay and the Atlanta Falcons for giving us a platform to invest in youth mentorship through sports. Their support has been invaluable in helping us reach and inspire the next generation.

Website: https://bcompelled.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becompelled/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-miller-919a7911/

Twitter: https://x.com/itscmill

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=be%20compelled%20inc.

Youtube: @becompelled4095

Image Credits
These pictures are allegiance to serve as mentors and coaches to youth on the west side of Atlanta. In the area of Sports and group activities.

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