Each year, thousands of professionals in America find themselves in the unenviable position of facing the prospect of incarceration as penalty for things they’ve done during the course of operating their businesses. While each instance is different – sometimes this may come as a shock, other times less so – one thing is universally true: facing prison time is disorienting, disruptive, and daunting for these individuals and their loved ones.

For many of these individuals, their previous life experiences have scarcely prepared them for the realities of the criminal justice system. These people find themselves with hundreds of questions from the overarching concerns of legal strategy and the impact of a conviction on one’s future, down to the minutiae of daily life behind bars, such as the conditions of the showers and the nature of the social hierarchy. 

Even the idea of facing incarceration is a profound shift which touches on every aspect of life but as federal prison consultant Sam Mangel says, it doesn’t all have to be negative.

Sam Mangel should know. Mangel is a name that has become synonymous with guidance and reassurance in the tumultuous journey through the criminal justice system, a reputation he built in the aftermath of his own lived experience with the criminal justice system. Nearly a decade ago, Mangel was charged with wire fraud relating to the operation of his insurance business and sentenced to 60 months, which he completed by serving 21 months in Miami’s federal prison camp.

Now, he helps illuminate the path for those facing incarceration by providing practical advice involving the logistics of prison life as well as the psychological and emotional challenges ahead. With Mangel’s guidance through his consulting firm and free YouTube channel, individuals learn not only how to navigate the complexities of the prison environment but also how to use this time for personal reflection and growth.

At the heart of Mangel’s philosophy lies a nuanced perspective on the nature of imprisonment. He contends that while the penal system is fundamentally punitive, designed to restrict freedom as a form of retribution, it inadvertently creates a space ripe for introspection and personal transformation. Mangel articulates, “The solitude and boredom one encounters in a federal prison camp provides ample opportunity for self-reflection and for re-prioritization in your life.” This statement underscores his belief that the very elements of prison life that are often seen as harsh and monotonous can, in fact, serve as catalysts for profound personal development.

Within this context, he argues, lies the potential for individuals to engage deeply with themselves, reassess their life’s direction, and cultivate new or dormant aspects of their character. He advocates for the pursuit of educational programs, suggesting that expanding one’s knowledge and skillset can not only provide a constructive use of time but also lay the groundwork for a more positive and productive life post-release. Similarly, he champions physical fitness as a means to foster self-discipline, improve health, and enhance mental well-being. Spiritual exploration is also highlighted as a pathway to inner peace and resilience, offering a sense of purpose and connection that transcends the prison walls.

Through his work, Mangel seeks to inspire a shift in how incarceration is perceived by both inmates and the broader society. By emphasizing the potential for personal growth amidst the challenges of prison life, he presents a vision of incarceration that balances the reality of its punitive purpose with the transformative possibilities it holds. With an ever-increasing number of Americans facing incarceration, it’s critically important for Mangel and others to share this shift in perspective, from one of loss and limitation to one of potential and possibility.

Published By: Aize Perez