By: AK Infinite

Yusef-Andre Wiley has long been a beacon of transformation, guiding individuals through the most challenging transitions of their lives. A renowned keynote speaker, consultant, and advocate for justice-involved individuals, Wiley has dedicated more than 25 years to empowering others. His latest book, What I Know Now: The Guide to a Growth Mindset, released on December 20th, builds upon the foundation laid by his previous work, If I Knew Then, offering readers a roadmap for resilience, reinvention, and lasting change.

If I Knew Then: The Genesis of a Movement

Wiley’s first book, If I Knew Then, is a deeply personal narrative detailing his journey from incarceration to influence. Wiley’s journey of transformation began in 1993 when he embraced Islam after facing a challenging past marked by struggles and difficult experiences. His faith, vocational training, education, and a commitment to self-improvement set him on a path toward rebuilding his life. *If I Knew Then* chronicled his hard-earned wisdom, underscoring the lessons he wished he had known earlier. It became more than a memoir—it inspired justice-involved individuals striving to redefine their futures.

The Next Chapter: What I Know Now

With What I Know Now: The Guide to a Growth Mindset, Wiley takes a crucial step forward, offering a strategic and practical guide to navigating life after incarceration. While the first book reflected on past lessons, What I Know Now is a forward-looking blueprint for success in a world that often resists second chances.

Wiley’s latest book addresses individuals’ unique struggles transitioning from prison back into society. From overcoming the stigma of a criminal record to securing employment and rebuilding relationships, this book provides actionable insights from Wiley’s experiences and his extensive work with reentry programs. The book emphasizes self-discipline, adaptability, and the necessity of cultivating a growth mindset to navigate the unpredictable landscape of post-incarceration life.

A Guide for Transformation

At its core, What I Know Now is about resilience. Wiley explores the psychological and emotional hurdles formerly incarcerated individuals face, offering guidance on staying motivated despite setbacks. He highlights the importance of self-reflection, goal-setting, and developing a strong personal identity beyond past mistakes.

One of the book’s compelling aspects is its focus on structure, which many individuals struggle with upon release. Wiley acknowledges that prison provides a rigid, predefined routine, and reentering society requires a shift toward self-determined discipline. Through step-by-step strategies, he teaches readers how to establish new routines, set achievable goals, and build a network of supportive relationships.

A Beacon of Hope

More than just a guidebook,  What I Know Now is a testament to the power of personal growth. Once marked by struggle, Wiley’s story is now defined by purpose. As the Founder and Executive Director of the Timelist Group, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, he continues to enact change at both an individual and systemic level. His work as a commissioner on the Human Relations Commission for the City of Union City and as a Blue Ribbon Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles further exemplifies his commitment to advocacy and reform.

Wiley has helped hundreds of individuals reintegrate into society with dignity and direction through his writing, speaking engagements, and nonprofit efforts.  What I Know Now is a culmination of his knowledge, offering a path forward for anyone seeking redemption and renewal.

The Future of Second Chances

Wiley’s message is clear: transformation is possible for anyone willing to put in the work. *What I Know Now* is not just a book for the formerly incarcerated—it is for anyone facing adversity, seeking change, or striving to embrace a growth mindset. His journey underscores that while the past cannot be rewritten, the future is still unwritten.

As Wiley continues to inspire through his books, keynote presentations, and advocacy, his latest work reinforces an essential truth: resilience, personal growth, and determination can pave the way to a brighter future. What I Know Now: The Guide to a Growth Mindset is more than just a sequel—it is a manifesto for change, encouraging readers to recognize their potential and focus on building a future guided by purpose rather than being held back by past mistakes.

Published by Stephanie M.