Byron Pitts: More than a Feel-Good Story

This next pick may be a bit of a homer, since we work in the same building, but I’d be fascinated by Byron Pitts's story even if I didn’t know him personally. A stutterer until the age of 20 who goes on to use his voice professionally, eventually becoming a correspondent at 60 Minutes? Byron’s story is impressive and inspiring. I’ve enjoyed reading his scripts over the years; I hope you enjoy reading his book, Step Out On Nothing. JG


JG:What inspired you to write this book?

BP: There are millions of men, women and children in our country who cannot read. By some estimates more than 30 million adults cannot read. Many more are functionally illiterate. Add to that, it’s estimated 3 million Americans stutter. I know their pain. I know the shame associated with being unable to read and speak clearly. I was a kid who did not learn to read until I was 12. I stuttered until I was 20. I was bullied through elementary school and much of junior high school. Self esteem was certainly a problem that I had. I didn't have many friends because of my stutter. I was embarrassed a lot of times and out of that embarrassment came anger and isolation. In the book I talk about the journey I had to go on as a boy who felt uncomfortable in his own skin, the secrets I kept, my struggle to read and how those childhood challenges have affected me all of my life. I want to encourage people to believe that all things are possible. On the outside, it looks like I've got it made. A career that many people would dream of obtaining. But my challenges have been no different than so many others. And I want people to understand that obstacles can be overcome, that no challenge is insurmountable. I’ve been so incredibly blessed to have been born in this great country and surrounded by a small group of people (family, a few friends and even a few strangers) who touched my life in powerful ways.

So, my book is meant to encourage people who are struggling mightily with something in their lives. It’s also meant to thank and encourage those people (parents, teachers, counselors, coaches, etc) who work every single day to help someone else. I wouldn’t be where I am today (and that includes 60 Minutes) without the many people who believed in me before I learned to believe in myself. There may be a few places worth shedding a tear in the book and plenty of places to laugh, but mostly stories that tell people that no matter what their circumstance, life can be better.

JG: What surprised you the most during the writing process?

BP: I was surprised by how much old hurts can still linger. Writing the book stirred up a lot of painful memories, especially times when I was teased for being 'slow' or 'stupid.' But I have always been heartened by remembering that despite our nations many warts, we are a country filled with good, caring and hard working people. I’ve been fortunate to come across many of them in all kinds of places.

JG: What would you be doing, if you weren't a writer?

Maybe coaching. I love sports, I love the sense of team and I love the optimistic spirit associated with sports: we can win if we work hard enough.

JG: What else are you reading right now?

BP: Malcolm Gladwell’s next book, What the Dog Saw. It’s not out yet. He’s the author of the bestselling books, Outliers and Tipping Point. Also reading Hill Harper’s book, The Conversation. He’s also written bestsellers, Letters To A Young Sister and Letters To A Young Brother.

JG: What's next for you?

BP:Be the best 60 Minutes correspondent I can be, reach as many people as possible with Step Out On Nothing, and be home in time to take out the trash.