Welcome to The First Move™ — Part of the Thriver’s Path™

The Thriver’s Path™ is a connected ecosystem for people in transition—designed to help you move from awareness to alignment to action.

The First Move™ Structured Path is the foundational journey within the Thriver’s Path™—designed to help you move from insight to embodied leadership.
Orvin T. Kimbrough 

St. Louis, MO

Designed for Leaders in Transition

Built for emerging leaders, new managers, and experienced professionals stepping into greater responsibility. If you’re moving from potential to performance—or from competence to confidence—this course meets you right where you are and helps you rise with intention. It also prepares you to fully engage the broader Thriver’s Path™—where growth continues through reflection, community, and practice.

Reflect, Journal, and Realign

Each module invites you to slow down and do the interior work that leadership demands. Drawing from Orvin Kimbrough’s journey—from foster care to the boardroom—you’ll gain clarity, resilience, and perspective through guided reflection and journaling. This interior work is reinforced across the Thriver’s Path™ through reflection tools, guided journaling, and ongoing prompts that help integrate insight into daily leadership.

Lead from Your Story. Multiply Your Impact.

Learn to lead from who you are—not who you think you’re supposed to be. Cultivate authenticity, resilience, and purpose that strengthen your influence, deepen trust, and expand your impact at work and beyond. You’ll carry this way of leading forward—into the conversations, tools, and practices that live throughout the Thriver’s Path™ ecosystem.

How The First Move™ Fits Into the Thriver’s Path™

The Thriver’s Path™ is a connected ecosystem designed to support growth over time—not just moments of inspiration. The First Move™ is where clarity begins. It gives you a shared language, a grounded framework, and the internal alignment needed to make the most of everything else inside the Thriver’s Path™—from daily reflections and tools to deeper leadership integration over time.

Welcome to The First Move™ — Part of The Thriver’s Path™

The First Move™ is designed for purpose-driven leaders—emerging leaders, high-potentials, and seasoned professionals—who are navigating transition, carrying responsibility, and ready for greater clarity and alignment in how they lead and live. Inspired by Orvin Kimbrough’s journey from foster care to the boardroom, this course is grounded in resilience, faith, and lived leadership experience. It’s not about learning leadership theory—it’s about doing the interior work that shapes how leadership shows up on the outside. Through this course, you will:  -- Reframe your thinking to gain clarity and perspective  -- Reclaim your agency so you lead with confidence and intention  -- Rename your possibilities and align your leadership with who you are       becoming The First Move™ equips you to lead from your story, expand your influence, and increase your impact—personally and professionally. The First Move™ is not the finish line—it’s the foundation. This is where your next chapter begins. Make your first move.

Meet Orvin Kimbrough

Join Orvin Kimbrough—former foster youth, educator, author, and CEO of a $3 billion asset bank—on a leadership journey shaped by lived experience, from foster care to the boardroom. Orvin doesn’t teach leadership from theory alone; he teaches from responsibility, reflection, and results. Through real-world insight, guided reflection, and practical guidance, you’ll learn how to lead from your story, grow with intention, and become the kind of leader who strengthens others along the way.

Course Curriculum

15 Chapters · 200 Lessons

  1. 1

    Start Here: Welcome & Orientation

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Your Roadmap: The First Move™ Syllabus

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Digital Journal

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      The Theory Behind The First Move™

  2. 2

    Prework | Foundations of Thriving Leadership

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Learning Objectives

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials & Resources

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Why Your First Move Starts Within

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] Social–Ecological Mapping Worksheet

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Thriver’s Path™ Growth Assessment

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      [Deep Dive] The Boy Who Walked Alone - A Story of Formation, Not Just Survival

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] Your Origin Story With The Triple R Method™

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      [Deep Dive] Discover Your Core Strengths

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Upload Your Strengths Profile

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] Strengths → Story → Leadership

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] Micro-Commitment: One Strength, One Action

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read & Reflect] Trauma and Leadership

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      [Deep Dive] Systems → Story → Self

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      [Quiz] Systems & Self

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Community Discussion

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triple R Integration

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      [Watch] Strength Awareness in Practice

    18. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary & Next Steps

    19. (Included in full purchase)

      Digital Journal

  3. 3

    Module 0 | Prologue – End of the Tunnel Theme: Guiding Principles & Growth Mindset

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials & Resources

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      [Deep Dive] Mindset

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      [Listen] Feedback

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Workbook Integration

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      [Assignment] Leadership Principles Manifesto

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      [Reflect] Your Guiding Principles

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      [Quiz] Mindset & Communication

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      Community Discussion

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triple R Integration

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructor Insight

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary & Next Steps

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

  4. 4

    Module 1 | Fatherless Child Theme: Resilience in Adversity

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials & Resources

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      [Read] Crucibles of Leadership

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      [Listen] Leaders Share Stories of Resilience

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      [Activity] Workbook Integration

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      [Reflect] Resilience & Leadership

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      [Read] Resilience → Teams Mini-Framework

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      [Assignment] Resilience in Action

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      [Quiz] Recognizing Resilience

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      Community Discussion

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      [Read] Triple R Integration

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      [Deep Dive] Resilience, Origin Stories & Leadership Identity

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      Summary & Next Steps

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

  5. 5

    Module 2 | Distance Theme: Forgiveness & Healing from Hurt

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Systemic Survival & The Distance Between Who You Were and Who You’re Becoming

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      Materials & Resources

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      [Read] The Science of Forgiveness

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      [Listen] The Science of Productive Conflict

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      [Activity] Workbook Integration

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] Forgiveness in Leadership

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      [Assignment] Conflict-Resolution Framework

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Community Discussion

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triple R Integration

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      [Quiz] Forgiveness & Conflict

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructor Insight

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary & Next Steps

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Pause & Notice: Your Growth Snapshot

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

  6. 6

    Module 3 | Kids Cry Out Theme: Determination & Awareness of Triggers

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Beaten But Not Broken

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      Materials & Resources

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Building the Emotional Intelligence of Groups

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      [Listen] The Power of Vulnerability

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Workbook Integration

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      [Deep Dive] Why Triggers Matter

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      [Assignment] Coaching Through Emotion

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      [Quiz] Emotional Intelligence & Feedback

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Community Discussion

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triple R Integration

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructor Insight

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary & Next Steps

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

  7. 7

    Module 4 | Never Stray Theme: Hope, Faith & Supportive Networks

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      [Listen & Read] Fathers & Figures Story Integration

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      [Listen & Reflect] Fathers & Figures

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials and Resources

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      [Watch] Building a Culture of Trust

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Workbook Integration

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Reflection

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read & Reflect] The Voice of Hope

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      [Assignment] Team Insights Summary

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triple R Integration

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      [Quiz] Trust & Team Belonging

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Community Discussion

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructor Insight

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary and Next Steps

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

  8. 8

    Module 5 | Peace Within Me Theme: Inner Peace, Vision & Vulnerability

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials & Resources

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Start with Why

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      [Listen] Vision is a Team Sport

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Workbook Integration

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read & Reflect] The Mirror and the Mask

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      [Journal] Key Principle

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] Peace and Vision

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      [Assignment] 12–24 Month Leadership Vision Statement

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triple R Integration

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      [Quiz] Vision & Alignment

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Community Discussion

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructor Insight

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary & Next Steps

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

  9. 9

    Module 6 | What I’ve Seen Theme: Meaning in Experiences

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      [Deep Dive] Chapter 6 Anchor Story

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials & Resources

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Putting the 'Me' in Leadership

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      [Listen] How to Succeed at Failing

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Workbook Integration

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Reflection

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 4: Micro-Anchor

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] Meaning Shapes Leadership

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      [Listen & Read] Systems Thinking

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      [Assignment] Strong Numbers, Hidden Cracks Case Study

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triple R Integration

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      [Quiz] Operational Awareness

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Community Discussion

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructor Insight

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary & Next Steps

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

  10. 10

    Module 7 | Why’d I Make It Theme: Effort, Perseverance & Networks

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials & Resources

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] The Power of Passion and Perseverance

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      [Listen] Overcoming Obstacles

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Workbook Integration

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      [Deep Dive] Case Study: Failure, Grit & Meaning-Making

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] Perseverance in Practice

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 5: Grit → Discipline → Momentum Mini-Framework

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      [Assignment] Career Development Plan

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triple R Integration

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      [Quiz] Perseverance & Growth

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Community Discussion

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructor Insight

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary & Next Steps

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

  11. 11

    Module 8 | Forgiveness Theme: Reframing Pain into Power

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials & Resources

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      [Deep Dive] Anchor Story: Becoming a Man, From Pain to Wholeness

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triggers

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      [Watch] The Unstoppable Power of Letting Go

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Workbook Integration

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] From Pain to Strength

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      [Assignment] The Reframe Plan

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triple R Integration

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      [Quiz] Pain into Power

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Community Discussion

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructor Insight

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary & Next Steps

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

  12. 12

    Module 9 | Thanks Theme: Vision, Adaptability & Inclusion

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials & Resources

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Anchor Story

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Empowerment: The Emperor's New Clothes

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] The Diversity and Inclusion Revolution

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      [Watch] We Need Leaders Who Boldly Champion Inclusion

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Workbook Integration

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] The Posture of Leadership

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      [Assignment] Adaptability Video Reflection

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triple R Integration

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      [Quiz] Adaptability & Inclusion

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      Community Discussion

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructor Insight

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary & Next Steps

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

  13. 13

    Module 10 | Epilogue Theme: Vulnerability, Accomplishment & Legacy

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Introduction

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Materials & Resources

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Lesson 0 — Anchor Story (Read Before You Begin)

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Leading from Within

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      [Listen] CNLP 467 | Rick Warren

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      [Activity] Workbook Integration

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      [Watch & Read] The Thriver’s Transformation Architecture

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] Defining Legacy & Next Move

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] From Stuck to Strengthened

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      [Assignment] Leadership Differentiator & Next Move Statement

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] Triple R Integration

    12. (Included in full purchase)

      [Quiz] Strength in Scars

    13. (Included in full purchase)

      Community Discussion

    14. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructor Insight

    15. (Included in full purchase)

      The Four Gravities

    16. (Included in full purchase)

      Summary & Next Steps

    17. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

  14. 14

    Thriving Leadership Mastery

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      [Assessment] Multiple Choice

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      [Assessment] Short Answer

  15. 15

    Capstone | Leadership Portfolio Time Commitment: 2–3 hours

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Congratulations & Framing

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Portfolio Instructions

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Capstone Overview and Leadership Portfolio Guide

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      [Reflect] Identity Activation

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Evaluation Criteria

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      [Assignment] Create & submit your portfolio

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Community Discussion

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      [Read] R3 Completion Map

    9. (Included in full purchase)

      Instructor Insight

    10. (Included in full purchase)

      Course Completion

    11. (Included in full purchase)

      Thinkific Digital Journal

What People Are Saying

Discover how the Thriver’s Journal is empowering leaders to embrace their stories and grow confidently.

”
This wasn’t about finishing a course. It was about building a system that forms identity, not just competence. What we created holds together because it’s honest, intentional, and designed to last.
Monica L.

Collinsville, IL

”
This work honors the full human journey. It doesn’t rush healing or manufacture confidence. It creates space for people to tell the truth about their lives—and that’s where real leadership begins
Crystall S. 

Executive in Transition

”
Most programs teach people what to do. This one teaches people who they are becoming. That’s why it will travel, scale, and endure
MJ L.

Tampa, Florida

”
This isn’t a course completion—it’s a commissioning. The work is whole, the arc is clear, and the impact will extend far beyond the screen
Nicole L.

St. Louis, MO

Continue Your Leadership Journey

You’ve taken an important step. Continue your growth inside The Thriver’s Path™, where each chapter builds clarity, confidence, and alignment in how you lead and live. $5,000 per year

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