Client Featured on Good Morning America!

Michael Delman is the CEO/Founder of Beyond BookSmart – founded in 2006, Beyond Booksmart helps students K-college become more effective by helping them develop better Executive Function skills using the challenges they are currently facing as a springboard. Combining a focus on both the mindset and the toolkit, they help their clients approach their work with greater confidence and awareness of what it will take for them to be successful at what matters to them.

Last year, 33% of all students were chronically absent from school, up from 25% just 1 year prior – and one of the primary reasons was challenges associated with mental health. Anxiety, ADHD, and other disorders are on the rise, along with an increase in experiencing a lack of belonging in the classroom. Dealing with emotions, time management, how to study/maintain attention in classrooms and on assignments, etc.. are often skills many of these students lack, leading to this absenteeism as well as other issues. Schools don’t necessarily teach these skills, and many parents either don’t recognize these underlying issues in their kids and/or lack the skills needed to help them.

When Michael approached me, he was excited that he/his company was going to be featured on Good Morning America (https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/family/video/biggest-challenges-facing-boys-high-school-110494888) , and he needed updated headshots (his current image was pretty dated). As CEO of a company who works with kids, we wanted a look that showed him as approachable, energetic but with an implied level of professionalism that gives the impression of confidence – all important attributes for prospective parents and their kids. We decided on a darker background, both a casual and more business like attire, and a good amount of energy in his expression.

Below are 2 shots from our session - The lighting/background combination draws the viewers eye directly to Michael’s face/expression – his energy is evident, his smile genuine in both images. He looks friendly/approachable/trustworthy, yet serious/competent – all the qualities a parent would want to see in the leader of a company they are entrusting their child with.

Congrats Michael on a great shoot and on the GMA piece. Spreading the word that there is help out there for families can help you continue to make a difference!