Clayton Maxwell chatted with #Powerjournalist Markos Papadatos about the upcoming “Man of the Year” competition in Bali.
The late U.S. Army general and former Secretary of State Colin Powell once said: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.” Clayton Maxwell epitomizes this wise quotation.
Repping the state of Indiana, Clayton was the 3rd runner-up in the 2025 Mr. America Global competition, which was held in Washington D.C. this past August. The Mr. America Global competition is more than just a showcase of style and presence—it is a transformative experience designed to empower participants with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to excel both personally and professionally.
‘Man of the Year’ competition
Clayton will represent the United States at this year’s “Man of the Year” competition, which will take place from November 14th to 24th in Bali-Lombok, Indonesia.
On his Mr. America Global experience, he shared, “It was great! I am still trying to wrap my head around that whole experience. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and now I am excited for the next pageant ‘Man of the Year’ 2025.”
“Honestly, I really like the ‘Man of the Year’ title that Mr. America Global honored me with,” he admitted. “It’s a really nice title, and I can’t wait to go there and speak from the heart.”
Mr. America Global Brotherhood
On the Mr. America Global brotherhood, he said, “It was instant, and it was like a spark where everybody got along so well. I didn’t expect to form those genuine, deep relationships at all or that quickly. I loved every one of the guys. I am still close with the guys, and we are in group messages, and we are all supportive of each other.”
Advocacy for ‘Man of the Year’
Clayton shared that the stance that the 2025 “Man of the Year” pageant has is on “wildlife preservation. “That is what the whole pageant is for, and I actually connect with it because of global warming and the misinformation surrounding it,” he said.
“If we don’t have our wildlife, we don’t have the Earth that we have,” he acknowledged. “So, I am really excited to express that stance as well.”
“Also, if we can use tech to help our environment, then the world would be a better place. More people should be onboard with it, and it all comes down to raising awareness. I am really intrigued by regenerative agriculture,” he added.
Daily motivations
On his daily motivations, he remarked, “Honestly, to be my best self and present my best self. I am not perfect by any means, but I like to strive for perfection. When I look my best or when I do my best, I feel my best. That feeling is what motivates me the most.”
Lessons learned from the pageantry world
“It taught me that everything that I’ve worked for and everything that I put energy into was all worth it. That pageant was a presentation of myself, my journey and everything I do stand for.”
“It was a surreal validation that every hard day and challenge that I’ve ever faced or overcome was all worth it and it was written the way it was supposed to happen,” he added.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he revealed, “Personal Growth and shedding skin of things that no longer serve me.”
“I am doing a lot of internal assessment of my mindset, and reassessing where I want to be in 10 years,” he explained.
Superpower of choice
If he were to have any superpower, it would be “Empathy.”
“When I talk to people, I like to really listen to them, I hear what they are saying, and I make them feel heard,” he said.
Being a metabolism coach
On being a metabolism coach, Clayton remarked, “It’s so fulfilling. I had my own transformation, and I love being able to give back to people and show them the way, and being the leader, and leading people. I know that I am a leader at heart, and I am a Leo as well. It’s very fulfilling to see somebody have a positive change because of me.”
“Even if you doubt the outcome, if you believe in yourself, you can achieve great things for yourself,” he added.
Success
On his definition of the word success, he revealed, “Fulfillment from doing my best.”
“Also, knowing that even if I failed, I tried, and that’s a win,” he explained.
Closing thoughts about ‘Man of the Year’
Clayton remarked, “I never thought that I would be doing this! As long as you are open to doors opening for yourself, walk right through them even if you doubt yourself.”
“It’s probably going to lead to a positive experience or something that can change your life. Do it scared, afraid, nervous, and do it anyway,” he concluded.
To learn more about Clayton Maxwell, follow him on Instagram.
