By: Maria Williams

The story of Matthew D. Hutcheson is one of resilience, adversity, and the everlasting power of love. A former advisor to two American Presidents and an Amicus to the United States Supreme Court, Matthew’s life is divided into ‘the calm before the incident’ and ‘the terror that happened after.’ In 2012, in just one moment, the life of Matthew and his family turned upside down, with their beloved husband and father being arrested at gunpoint by the FBI.

Wrongfully prosecuted for fraud, he was sentenced to 17 years of imprisonment, away from his family and deprived of the life he had worked so hard to build. From a renowned economic advisor to a convict, now turned author, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker on leadership, his journey is a cautionary tale, an inspirational story, and a source of unique insights that ignite personal development. 

Without a fair chance in trial, he lost, was sent to America’s toughest prisons, and was forced to adjust to a new reality. “To make it through, I needed to fight with my bare hands. Violence, fear, and injustice were all around me, and I needed to learn how to navigate this environment,” Matthew shares. “The physical side was what I had feared the most. But I quickly realized that the mental battles are where my integrity and strength would really be put to the test.”

Defying the deeply engraved ‘survival of the fittest’ notions that permeated every inch of his cell, Matthew found serenity in spreading blessings. Though life-changing and harrowing, his time in prison was also rewarding; while incarcerated, Matthew began teaching inmates how to pass their GEDs, obtain diplomas, and turn their lives around, sharing his extensive knowledge and expertise with those who struggled.

To fellow convicts, he was someone evocative of a high school teacher – a light illuminating the path toward a fulfilling life. There, he witnessed the impact of empathy and the incredible power of the mind firsthand. “I taught over 200 inmates, and their transformations are what kept me sane. Watching darkness fade away from their eyes, replaced by a newly found happiness and purpose, showed me that FUDD – fear, uncertainty, doubt, and dread – can be overcome,” he shares. “Especially in prison, every lesson, virtue, and opportunity feels like a chance at a new life. I absorbed it all, let myself succumb to this new reality, and helped not only myself but also others come out on the other side better and stronger than before.”

Matthew’s sentence was cut short when his wife Annette obtained a law degree and fiercely defended her husband in court. In honor of her resilience, he now advocates for those whose voices are muffled, striving to foster a thriving, just, and united world. Together, the couple now stands at the forefront of an empowering revolution. Harnessing the experiences they have been through, Annette and Matthew have turned challenges into a driving force toward fulfillment. To convey their invaluable insights, they offer unique leadership programs where they guide businesses, individuals, and governmental entities toward success.

Tapping into the healing properties of storytelling, Matthew ventured into authorship, writing 13 books that range from – Quinny: A Story of a Father’s Love – a story of an Apache Native American and his son – to works that explore political affairs, such as Why America is Great!. Moreover, to help others overcome the mental strain of life’s innate challenges, Matthew and Annette have released The E.P.I.C. App™, a cutting-edge solution that helps users implement healthier daily habits and remain committed to success. 

“Before I was sent to prison, my mother told me: Don’t look at yourself as an inmate—be an independent observer. If someone needs help, uplift them. These words echoed in my mind every single day, helping me survive a decade of solitude in harsh environments,” Matthew shares. “How you handle complexities stems from your internal beliefs. If you maintain your values through the difficult times, you’re ready to come out on the other side. I survived because I made a conscious choice not to let prison define me, I made a conscious choice to maintain my dignity, and simply refused to be labeled as someone I am not.”

Published by: Martin De Juan