November Edition

This month, we’re proud to spotlight Brian Williams, founder of Think Kindness—a national movement that empowers students to create real, measurable waves of good in their schools and communities. Brian’s work echoes the heart of our mission at the Live Like Knox Foundation: to carry on kindness in ways that lift others, build connection, and create lasting impact.

Meet Brian Williams 

Founder, Think Kindness
Reno, Nevada

Brian travels the country speaking in more than 70+ schools each year, challenging students to compete in the best way possible: seeing who can make the biggest difference in the world. Through school-wide kindness missions and global service trips, Brian equips young people to use their compassion, creativity, and courage to change lives.

“Kindness isn’t just something we teach,” Brian shared. “It’s something we live.”

How Brian Connected With Knox’s Story

When Brian first learned about the Live Like Knox Foundation he felt a deep alignment right away.

“Honestly, it couldn’t align more perfectly,” he said. “The Live Like Knox Foundation’s dedication to elevating kids and young adults who lead with empathy, joy, and inclusivity matches our vision at Think Kindness. Their work reminds us all that kindness isn’t a side note; it’s the main event.”

Why Kindness in Young Leaders Matters More Than Ever

Brian has seen firsthand how kindness changes school culture.

“The world can get noisy with the pressure to achieve or stand out,” he explains. “But what about standing out for being good?”

Recognizing empathy and inclusivity in young people, he says, elevate the values that bring a community together.

Success isn’t only academic or athletic — it’s how we treat each other.

“When young people see that compassion is celebrated,” he adds, “they see a path forward that’s not just about personal success – it’s about the collective well-being.”

The Origins of Think Kindness

Brian’s entire mission was sparked by a simple lesson from his martial arts instructor:

“Kindness is the ultimate form of self-defense.”

Those seven words changed his life.

What began as a single spark has now grown into a movement with over one million documented acts of kindness—each one proof that small actions add up to something extraordinary.

“Martial arts taught me that strength isn’t just physical,” Brian says. “It’s character. Kindness acts as both a shield and a catalyst for change.”

Think Kindness: Growing the Movement

Think Kindness originally began by inspiring simple, individual acts, small ripples that built confidence in young people who often felt unseen.

But over the years, Brian’s mission evolved.

“We realized lasting change isn’t about inspiring one-time actions,” he said. “It’s about creating environments where kindness flourishes.”

Today, his team equips educators with the Kindness By Design framework — tools and routines that weave kindness and belonging into everyday school life. The goal is simple:
Every student should feel seen, valued, and capable of making a difference.

Carrying Knox’s Legacy Forward

When asked how individuals and organizations can help continue Knox’s legacy, Brian’s answer is both grounded and inspiring:

“There are so many ways. Donate, volunteer, or join the foundation’s events—everything from basketball tournaments to brunches in Knox’s memory. But you don’t need a formal ticket to join the movement. Keep your eyes open for chances to help someone, to include those left out, to champion other people’s dreams. Living like Knox means acting with intention, big or small, every single day.”

Brian’s Kindness Challenge for November

We ask every Kindness Champion to leave readers with one challenge.

Brian’s is unexpected—and perfect:

Play Rock, Paper, Scissors.

Yes… seriously.

“Challenge a stranger, a kid in your life, or even someone in the car next to you at a red light. It creates an instant moment of connection—and there’s a near 100% chance you’ll make someone smile.”

His reminder is simple and powerful:
Let yourself be a kid again. Make new friends. Rediscover joy.
You never know how far a small moment of kindness can reach.

Kindness Lingers and Multiplies

Brian’s work is proof that kindness is transformational. “Compeitions fade, but kindness lingers and multiplies.”, Brian is putting into practice the values that mirror Knox’s life: a belief that joy is meant to be shared, and kindness is meant to be carried forward.

We’re grateful for Brian, for Think Kindness, and for the way their mission keeps growing the ripple Knox started.

Be sure to follow Think Kindness on Instagram, Facebook and Youtube.