A youth-led video series · with Teen Esteem

Before They Were

Every leader was once a kid figuring it out.

Students sit down with CEOs to talk about the challenges they faced growing up — then bring those stories to a community event right here in Danville. Proof that where you start doesn’t decide where you go.

Watch the series Get involved
FormatVideo interviews
Led byStudents
SupportingTeen Esteem
The idea

Your worth was never your worst day.

Every teen carries a story they’re afraid defines them — a setback, a struggle, a season they’d rather forget. Before They Were exists to flip that script.

We ask successful CEOs one honest question: what were you up against when you were a teenager? Their answers — recorded as short video interviews and produced entirely by students — remind young people that the hardest chapters are often the start of the story, not the end of it.

  • 01Real stories, not highlight reels. Honest conversations about anxiety, failure, family, and finding a way through.
  • 02Made by teens, for teens. Students run the interviews, the cameras, and the edit — building real skills along the way.
  • 03In partnership with Teen Esteem. Echoing their message: your value is based on who you are, not what you do.
How it works

From a question to a community.

A simple, repeatable model that any student can help lead — from the first outreach email to the lights going down at the premiere.

1

Students lead

Nikil and a crew of student volunteers plan the series, reach out to CEOs, and prep the questions.

2

We interview

Each CEO sits for a recorded conversation about the challenges they overcame growing up.

3

We premiere

The films debut at a community event in Danville — a night of stories, conversation, and connection.

4

We give back

Proceeds and awareness go to Teen Esteem, fueling their work with local students and parents.

The series

Stories landing this fall.

Our first slate of conversations is in production now. Guests confirmed soon — subscribe to be first to watch.

Ep 01
CEO · Guest TBA

The kid who got cut from the team

On failure, grit, and the long road back.

Ep 02
CEO · Guest TBA

First in the family

Carrying pressure, and rewriting expectations.

Ep 03
CEO · Guest TBA

The quiet one in the back

Finding a voice when no one was listening.

Know a CEO with a story? Nominate them
The event

One night. Every story, on the big screen.

The series builds to a live community premiere in Danville — students, families, CEOs, and neighbors in one room. Watch the films, hear from guests, and celebrate the young people who made it all happen.

Save your spot Help organize
When
Fall 2025
Exact date to be announced
Where
Danville, CA
Local venue — TBA
Who
All ages
Teens, parents, educators, community
Benefiting
Teen Esteem
Danville youth nonprofit
Get involved

There’s a role for everyone.

Whether you lead a company, hold a camera, or just hit share — you can help a teenager see their own story differently.

Be a guest

Are you a CEO or founder with a story from your teenage years? Share it on camera.

Nominate yourself

Join the crew

Students: help interview, film, edit, or run the event. Build real skills, lead real work.

Volunteer

Sponsor or donate

Local businesses and families can fund production and the event. Every dollar supports Teen Esteem.

Become a sponsor

Spread the word

Share an episode, tell a teen who needs to hear it, or bring your school on board.

Share the series

Built alongside Teen Esteem.

Since 1994, Teen Esteem has helped Danville-area students, parents, and educators navigate the challenges young people face — with a simple, powerful message: your value is based on who you are, not what you do. Before They Were exists to amplify that message and direct support back to their work.

Learn about Teen Esteem
The founder

Started by a student.

Nikil is a high school junior from Danville who believes too many teens measure their worth by their worst moments. He started this series to put a different set of stories in front of them — and to give other students a way to lead, create, and give back alongside him.

“Every CEO I’ve met was once a teenager who wasn’t sure they’d make it. I want every kid to hear that.”
Be part of it

Help a teen rewrite their story.

Nominate a CEO, join the student crew, sponsor the event, or just subscribe and share. It all starts with one message.

Get involved Watch the series or email hello@example.org
Tweaks