The Power to Persist

If You're Not at the Table, You're on the Menu

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 09:00:00 +0000

We’ve all heard the famous saying—if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. But in this deeply personal solo episode of the Power to Persist, host Lamell McMorris asks a much more critical question: what actually happens once you earn your seat in the room?

McMorris breaks down the hard-learned lessons of stepping into high-stakes rooms starting at age twenty-six, explaining why simply getting invited is never a moment of arrival—it's the beginning of a harder job. He challenges listeners to reframe their presence from a "favor" or charity case into essential "value added," while warning against the trap of mistaking one person's presence for collective progress. McMorris provides a no-nonsense framework for navigating lonely seats of power, stressing why true leadership requires fluency in two distinct languages: the language of the boardroom and the language of the block. Tune in for a powerful guide on how to walk into rooms with leverage, build a strong delegation, and use your seat to bring others along so you never go in empty-handed.

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26 Years Later: The March on Washington I Helped Lead

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this solo episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris finally tells, in full, a story he's kept mostly private for twenty-six years: how he came to help lead Redeem the Dream, the August 2000 march on Washington against police brutality and racial profiling, alongside Reverend Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III. Prompted by young organizers asking him whether marches actually change anything, Lamell walks through the weeks nobody saw — the coalition calls that ran past midnight, a tense pre-march meeting with U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, and the fear he carried standing at the microphone in front of a crowd he'd asked to trust him.

What makes the episode land is Lamell's Vulnerability — his admission, rare for a leader telling this kind of story, that he spent every night before the march running through his own doubts: Am I the person who should be doing this? That same honesty carries into his account of Faith, describing the quiet, unscripted prayer he said the morning of the march — not for success, but simply to be enough. Twenty-six years later, he traces how that day launched a longer arc, from executive director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference to founding Greenlining Realty USA, and makes the case that the real test of leadership isn't the march itself, but what you build in the years after the cameras leave.

Dorri McWhorter and the Business of Social Impact

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0000

n this special episode of the Power to Persist, host Lamell McMorris sits down in Woodlawn on the South Side of Chicago with civic leader Dorri McWhorter. The President and CEO of the Executives Club of Chicago and former head of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago shares her journey from accounting partner to social impact pioneer. McWhorter argues that non-profit is merely a tax status rather than a business model, showing how applying acquisitions, innovative partnerships with brands like Uber and Peloton, and launching an ETF can expand community impact.

Throughout the episode, McWhorter weaves the show's core habits directly into her leadership story. She demonstrates dogged determination through her relentless drive to push beyond traditional boundaries and catalyze growth in underserved neighborhoods. She pairs this grit with the agility of introspection, constantly questioning outdated models and adapting business strategies to fit a changing world. Ultimately, McWhorter highlights the power of building a network, emphasizing that lasting progress relies on fostering deep, trusting relationships where leaders collaborate, grow, and succeed together.

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Talking to the Students of Birmingham About Habits of Resilience

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

In this special, high-energy episode of the Power to Persist, host Lamell McMorris addresses the students of Birmingham Schools to deliver an empowering message on what it truly takes to thrive in an unpredictable world. Drawing on his personal experiences and the core principles of his book, McMorris breaks down how establishing daily, intentional practices early in life creates the foundation for lifelong success, self-determination, and community impact.

He urges the students to lean into dogged determination, reminding them that resilience isn't about avoiding failure, but having the quiet grit to keep showing up and doing the work when motivation fades. McMorris highlights the vital need for agility, showing young minds how to embrace self-reflection, stay open to pivot when unexpected hurdles arise, and reframe obstacles as fuel for personal growth. Above all, he emphasizes that no one succeeds alone, stressing the practice of building a network of peers, mentors, and allies grounded in mutual support and shared accountability. This inspiring address provides Birmingham’s next generation with a clear, practical roadmap to own their narrative and lead with confidence.

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NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson On The Habits of True Leadership Resilience

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:00:00 +0000

As the NAACP convenes this week in Chicago for its National Convention, there could not be a more timely conversation than this one. In this powerful episode of The Power to Persist podcast, host Lamell McMorris sits down with NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson for an intimate discussion on the front lines of modern civil rights leadership. The conversation begins with a personal reflection on legendary Chicago journalist Vernon Jarrett—the founder of the NAACP's ACT-SO program—who selected a 13-year-old Lamell to serve as a student co-host on his weekly television program. That early opportunity became a defining lesson in the power of mentorship, exposure, and leadership.

Johnson shares deep insights into his own journey from a 1.8 high school GPA to leading one of America's most consequential organizations, illustrating the Dogged Determination required to overcome early obstacles and relentlessly show up for the movement.

Throughout the discussion, Johnson emphasizes that modern advocacy demands the Agility to pivot away from outdated playbooks, breaking down why 1960s tactics cannot solve 2026 challenges. Rather than allowing external systems to dictate the terms of progress, he champions the importance of Building a Network of collective resilience—connecting corporate governance with voting rights, strengthening mentorship, expanding representation through the NAACP Image Awards, investing in the next generation through ACT-SO, and aligning the global Black diaspora for lasting impact.

This episode is a compelling masterclass in institutional modernization, character-driven leadership, and the enduring persistence required to create meaningful change.

Cultivating the Next Generation: The NAACP ACT-SO Program

A core part of the discussion highlights the NAACP's commitment to youth empowerment through the Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). This year-round achievement initiative is designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage academic and cultural excellence among high school students. By competing in categories spanning STEM, humanities, business, and the arts, students receive the mentorship and training needed to succeed. Learn more about the program here: https://naacp.org/our-work/youth-programs/act-so-achievement-program

Looking Ahead: The 117th NAACP National Convention

The momentum of these civil rights initiatives culminates in Chicago, Illinois, for the 117th NAACP National Convention at McCormick Place. Running from July 18 to July 22, 2026, under the powerful theme "We, The People," this premier annual gathering brings together activists, allies, and innovative change-makers to build collective power and foster an intergenerational approach to advocacy. Secure your registration and learn more about the event https://naacp.org/convention

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Bending Without Breaking: New Grads are Turning Fear into Opportunity

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

On this episode of the Power to Persist, host Lamell McMorris speaks directly to the graduating class of 2026, addressing the pressure and anxiety surrounding rapid technological disruptions like AI. Reframing this era of transformation as an arena for opportunity, McMorris challenges corporate America to build stronger bridges of mentorship and practical experience for graduates entering vital industries like energy, infrastructure, and public service.

Instead of obsessing over a linear career path, he advises young professionals to navigate modern uncertainty by leaning into core leadership habits. Graduates can cultivate dogged determination by continually showing up when the future is unclear, while maintaining the agility of introspection and adaptability to pivot gracefully and bend without breaking during unexpected transitions. Ultimately, McMorris stresses that long-term success relies on building a network of human connection, combining technological innovation with emotional intelligence to redefine leadership.

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The Hope Machine: Michael Strautmanis on the Obama Presidential Center

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 09:00:00 +0000

To celebrate Juneteenth and the historic opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, host Lamell McMorris welcomes Incoming Executive Vice President Michael Strautmanis back to Chicago's South Side. Far from a traditional archive, this privately funded "hope machine" utilizes world-class green spaces and local hiring pipelines to expand what the next generation believes they can achieve.

Throughout the episode, Strautmanis weaves the show's core leadership habits directly into his journey. He shares how dogged determination led him to call a hiring director monthly for over a year to secure the job that introduced him to the Obamas. He pairs this grit with the agility of introspection—a self-reflection habit learned from President Obama to overcome people-pleasing and find authentic purpose. Ultimately, he defines his legacy as building a network of winners by working behind the scenes to let others succeed and scale systemic community impact.

About the Obama Presidential Center

The Obama Presidential Center, located on Chicago’s South Side, is a civic hub and "hope machine" designed to invest in local communities and inspire the next generation of global leaders. Far from a traditional museum, the privately funded campus features world-class architectural green spaces, a public playground, and a branch of the Chicago Public Library. It stands as a vibrant economic and cultural catalyst, offering community programming, local career pipelines, and immersive exhibits that celebrate the legacy of President and Mrs. Obama.

To plan a visit or explore their civic programs, check out these official resources:

Plan Your Visit: https://www.obama.org/visit/
Civic Initiatives: https://www.obama.org/

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The Education Mayor: Birmingham's Randall Woodfin on Rebuilding Trust and Opportunity

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:19:06 +0000

On this episode of The Power to Persist, host Lamell McMorris welcomes Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin. Elected as the city's youngest mayor in more than a century at age 36, Woodfin shares how his deep roots across Birmingham's neighborhoods, strong family values, and commitment to service shaped his approach to leadership and community impact. Throughout the conversation, Woodfin embodies the habit of Dogged Determination, reflecting on an early political defeat that could have ended his public service journey but instead fueled his resolve to keep moving forward. He demonstrates remarkable Agility in his approach to public safety, shifting from traditional enforcement strategies to treating violence as a public health crisis while addressing the economic factors that contribute to crime. McMorris and Woodfin also explore the importance of Building a Network, highlighting how communities, relationships, and public-private partnerships can create transformational opportunities. Through initiatives like the Birmingham Promise, which has raised more than $30 million to help local students attend college tuition-free, Woodfin shares how collective action can change the trajectory of an entire city. This episode is an inspiring masterclass in leadership, resilience, and the power of community, proving that lasting change happens when persistence is matched with purpose, partnership, and a commitment to serving others.

Burnout Is a Signal: How to Rest, Reset, and Persist

Tue, 19 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris addresses the rising epidemic of burnout, reframing exhaustion not as a weakness but as a human signal that we are carrying too much alone. This conversation is for anyone who has been running on empty and wondering why rest no longer feels like enough. Burnout is showing up in our homes, workplaces, classrooms, and communities, especially for those trying to

Lamell offers a grounded path forward through three essential practices: focus, vulnerability, and agility. What truly deserves your energy today? What shifts when you tell the truth about what you are carrying? And how can you adjust your pace without losing your purpose? These are practical habits that help protect your peace, strengthen your mindset, and build real resilience over time.

At the heart of this episode is a simple but powerful reminder: resilience is not about pushing through at all costs. It is about responding with honesty, wisdom, and care, honoring your limits, and leaning into community. If you have been feeling stretched thin, this episode will meet you there.

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“Praying With Your Feet”: A Life of Faith and Justice with Rabbi Steven Jacobs

Tue, 05 May 2026 13:00:00 +0000

On this episode of The Power to Persist Podcast, Lamell McMorris sits down with longtime friend Rabbi Steven Jacobs for a powerful conversation shaped by nearly 30 years of trust, friendship, and a shared commitment to justice—featuring commentary from Rabbi Philip Lazowski.

Rabbi Jacobs has spent a lifetime at the intersection of faith and moral courage, confronting antisemitism, racism, and extremism with conviction and compassion. Together, he and Lamell explore the historical bond between Black and Jewish communities, the tensions shaping that relationship today, and the urgent need to rebuild trust through honest dialogue.

This conversation leans into complexity. It explores solidarity, pain, faith, and leadership—and what it truly means to pursue peace in divided times. Rabbi Lazowski’s contrasting perspective adds depth, grounded in the same commitment to dignity and shared humanity.

What can we learn when we choose conversation over division? What becomes possible when we make room for complexity without losing our commitment to one another?

If you care about faith, justice, and the future of Black-Jewish relations, this is a conversation worth your time.

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Mental Health Is Resilience: What We Can All Learn from Gen Z About Mental Health

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode, Lamell McMoriss dives into the pressure and anxiety of trying to hold it all together during uncertain seasons. Lamell emphasizes that true resilience is not a "solo sport" but a team effort built on vulnerability—admitting that you are human and honestly asking for help when you're tired. Learn why forming a trusted inner circle is crucial, transforming your mental health into something you can navigate through network and community, not isolation.

The conversation covers the burden felt by listeners, from young graduates feeling like failures to professionals facing their first layoff, all carrying the same weight. By focusing on small, daily practices like "micro rest" and setting boundaries, you can begin to rebuild your mental resilience from the inside out.

You are not alone, you are built for this moment, and together, we will persist.

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John Hudson's Energy: Power, Persistence, and Community

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

On this episode of the Power to Persist, Lamell welcomes John Hudson, Chief External Affairs Officer of Entergy, and close friend for a candid conversation. John details his rise in the Fortune 500 utility sector and the dogged determination instilled by his father. The discussion dives into the constant industry tension between sustainability and profitability. John outlines the utility’s "obligation to serve" all customers and his efforts to promote energy equity in underserved communities.

Hudson breaks down the billions of dollars in new opportunities driven by AI data centers and renewable infrastructure. John recounts his non-linear career path, stressing the crucial agility needed to pivot during down moments. He attributes his persistence to a strong network of mentors and friends who help reframe challenges. This episode is a masterclass in resilient leadership and building an ecosystem for community success.

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Basketball Legend Kevin Johnson’s Story Doesn’t Stop on the Court - It Evolves.

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris sits down with former the NBA All-Star and the first Black mayor of Sacramento to unpack what it really takes to build a life of impact beyond one chapter.

Kevin shares the mindset that carried him from the NBA to public service, rooted in work ethic, focus, and dogged determination. He reflects on what he calls the “Larry Bird lesson,” why the greats show up early to sharpen their edge, and breaks down the mentality behind his legendary dunk on Hakeem Olajuwon, a moment that captures the importance of fearlessness and preparation.

The conversation also explores leadership, resilience, and the responsibility that comes with influence. That same drive now fuels Kevin’s work in the community, from supporting Black bookstores across the country through the National Association of Black Bookstores, founded with his brother to honor their mother, to creating opportunity through Fixins Soul Kitchen and his commitment to second chance employment, local hiring, and community impact is part of the foundation, not an afterthought.

Kevin closes with a powerful reminder on resilience inspired by Reverend Jesse Jackson. You don’t stop. You keep kicking. This episode is about reinvention, discipline, and the habits that allow you to keep building, no matter where you start.

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"Resilience is Not Optional": A Book Talk with Lamell McMorris and The Executives' Club of Chicago

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Power to Persist, host Lamell McMorris takes listeners inside his live conversation at The Executives' Club of Chicago to explore the core habits of lifelong resilience from his book. In this conversation moderated by Cortney Hall (NBC Chicago), Lamell asserts that resilience is "not optional anymore" in the current disruptive social and technological landscape. He reveals the profound, and sometimes challenging, habits necessary for persistence, citing the personal journey that led him to write the book.

Lamell discusses the liberation found in embracing vulnerability, explaining that letting go of the need to have all the answers frees both the leader and those they lead. He connects the habits to the modern workplace, detailing why cultivating agility—the ability to be nimble and flexible—is crucial for adapting to the age of AI. Finally, Lamell pays tribute to his mentor, the late Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., reflecting on the profound examples set by Jackson's "dogged determined" spirit and incredible work ethic that Lamell has modeled throughout his career.

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Loneliness Isn’t Weakness: How Gen Z Can Rebuild Connection with Attitude, Network, and Faith

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:19:00 +0000

In today’s episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris reframes loneliness as a common, human experience and a starting point for resilience, especially for Gen Z, a highly connected generation reporting high emotional isolation amid economic instability, student debt, housing challenges, and widening inequality. McMorris argues the pandemic was a defining chapter that disrupted key years for learning connection, leaving lasting social aftershocks, and explains that loneliness is also structural and cultural, not just personal.

McMorris emphasizes coalition-building and community as essential, then shares three habits to combat Gen Z’s loneliness; Attitude (shifting the internal story), Network (building a real support circle beyond social media), and Faith (believing connection is still possible). In practice, this could looks like reaching out, joining aligned communities, opening up to one safe person, and staying open to hope.

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From the South Side to Wall Street: John Rogers on Black Wealth & Economic Justice

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Lamell McMorris welcomes John Rogers, founder, Chairman, and Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, for a deep dive into Black wealth, economic justice, and leadership. Rogers shares the dogged determination and work ethic that led him to build the first Black-owned mutual fund company and establish the "slow and steady wins the race" investment philosophy. He discusses his commitment to fighting for economic fairness as a corporate board director, even when it’s difficult. Rogers also highlights the powerful network of South Side Chicago luminaries, from his parents to Reverend Jesse Jackson, who inspired his career and his commitment to community service through initiatives like the Ariel Community Academy.

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The Nucleus of Power: How White House Strategist Ashley Etienne Learned to Play Big

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

On this episode of Power to Persist, host Dr. Lamell McMorris brings on political advisor Ashley Etienne, former Senior Adviser to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former Communications Director for Vice President Kamala Harris.

The two dive into Etienne’s journey from Houston to Washington, D.C. and her deep commitment to represent her community at the highest levels of power. Etienne's journey exemplifies exceptional work ethic as she recounts pursuing the hardest assignments, which she felt forced her to grow rapidly. Her success as a communications juggernaut is a testament to her agility as a "pure strategist" and problem-solver in high-stakes political environments.

This conversation also highlights her dogged determination to never accept no, leading to a remarkable career that broke glass ceilings. McMorris and Etienne end the conversation by highlighting the importance of faith and the role it has played in both of their lives and their success.

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The Quiet Resilience of Gen Z

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Join host Lamell McMorris on The Power to Persist Podcast as he explores why Gen Z is one of the most quietly resilient and resourceful generations ever. This episode examines the financial and social disruptions Gen Z has faced—from rising costs and financial anxiety to pandemic-era isolation—and how they’ve turned fragments into new roadmaps.

Through adaptability and Agility, Gen Z has learned to move quickly in a constantly shifting world. Their Work Ethic shows up in side hustles, online skill-building, and creating multiple paths to stability. At the same time, their willingness to embrace Vulnerability has made mental health and balance essential—not optional—parts of persistence.

This episode reframes resilience through the lens of Gen Z—quiet, consistent, and unbreakable.

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Navigating the Challenges of Higher Education and Entrepreneurship with Dr. JD LaRock

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Welcome to The Power to Persist podcast with your host Lamell McMorris. In this episode, Lamell sits down with Dr. JD LaRock, President & CEO of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) and former Northeastern professor, for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on the forces reshaping education and access in America.

With higher education under intense scrutiny, AI rewriting the rules, and corporate commitments to equity quietly unraveling, Lamell and JD dig into what opportunity really looks like today—especially for underserved communities. They explore why public frustration with college has reached a tipping point, how HBCUs continue to serve as anchors of purpose and leadership, and why entrepreneurial education may be one of the most powerful tools for economic mobility.

The conversation also tackles the promise and pitfalls of AI in education, the reality behind post-2020 corporate pledges, and the mindset young people need to navigate an uncertain future.

This episode is a masterclass in Agility and Focus—two habits essential for persisting when the landscape keeps shifting.

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End of Year Message

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 03:16:00 +0000

In this special end-of-year message, host Lamell McMorris reflects on the challenges of 2025, emphasizing that resilience is no longer just a personal virtue—it's how we rise, lead, and grow together.

Drawing on his personal journey from the south side of Chicago to advising CEOs, McMorris shares his insights on what separates organizations that "bend without breaking." He recounts his inspiring visits to Morehouse and Miles College, where he spoke with the next generation of leaders, encouraging them with the simple, powerful message: "So can you."

Lamell calls on listeners to honor their journey, reflect on the moments that tested them, and step into 2026 with clarity, courage, and conviction. "This is a message for everyone still showing up, still trying—that's the true definition of resilience."

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Ben Crump

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this episode of 'The Power to Persist', host Lamell McMorris engages in a powerful discussion with Attorney Ben Crump, focusing on his journey and the fight for justice within the Black community. They discuss the Centennial Convention for the National Bar Association, the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Black lawyers and judges, and the importance of visibility, policy change, and economic power. Crump emphasizes the need for strategic thinking, resilience, and unwavering courage in the ongoing struggle for equality, highlighting cases from George Floyd to Breonna Taylor. The conversation also touches on the impact of social media and the critical role of young people in the justice movement.

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Marc Morial

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Power to Persist Podcast, Lamell McMorris is joined by Marc Morial, President of the National Urban League, former Mayor of New Orleans, and one of the country’s most respected civic and political leaders.

Marc reflects on the lessons that shaped him growing up in a household rooted in the civil rights movement. Influenced deeply by his parents, Dutch Morial and Sybil Haydel Morial, he shares how their example of service, humility, and perseverance became the foundation of his own leadership journey.

Lamell and Marc discuss the unique connection between New Orleans and Chicago, the community bonds that define both cities, and the cultural history that links them. They also explore the evolution of the National Urban League, its legacy, its modern-day impact, and its role in expanding economic opportunity and social justice.

Marc offers a rare and personal insight into leading through crisis, including his personal experience with Hurricane Katrina, and the resilience required to guide a city through one of the most challenging moments in its history.

This conversation shines a light on Marc Morial’s extraordinary legacy and the principles that continue to drive his work today. It’s an inspiring look at resilience, leadership, and the power of staying rooted in purpose.

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Pivot and Persist: My Transition Back To My Own Company

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 10:00:00 +0000

In this heartfelt episode, Lamell McMorris shares a deeply personal story of the day he almost quit his business after his partner unexpectedly left. He delves into the importance of resilience, the role of faith, and the power of maintaining a positive attitude and agility to navigate through life's biggest challenges.

Lamell emphasizes how these moments of adversity can birth new opportunities, leading him to rebrand and redefine his business, ultimately transforming his setbacks into significant growth. He draws on his journey and experiences to inspire others to persist and thrive despite the lows, driven by unwavering faith.

00:00 The Day I Almost Quit

01:04 Building Resilience and Agility

02:26 Rebranding and New Beginnings

03:46 Facing Vulnerability and Leadership Challenges

06:34 Faith as the Foundation

07:56 Emotional and Physical Pivots

10:11 Full Circle Moments and Resilience

15:46 The Power of the First Step

17:32 Conclusion and Next Steps

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Anna Valencia

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Power to Persist podcast, Lamell welcomes the Chicago City Clerk Anna Valencia to discuss her journey and the impactful programs she has spearheaded since taking on the position in 2017.

The two delve into the City Key program, Chicago's innovative municipal ID card that facilitates access to city services for residents without traditional identification. Anna shares her experiences with faith, resilience, and personal reflection emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and support for leaders.

They also get real about mental health—the courage it takes to go to therapy, to face burnout, and to find joy again. Anna’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t measured by titles or elections—it’s measured by how you show up for people and for yourself.

Finally the two close with a discussion on the significance of maintaining a positive attitude, planning for joy, and the role of personal life in public service.

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The Power to Persist: 8 Simple Habits for Building lifelong Resilience

A Mother’s Resilience: Lessons from My Mom

Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this very special episode, host Lamell McMorris sits down with the woman who shaped his life and values: his mother, Mrs. McMorris.

They explore her experiences growing up on the south side of Chicago, her memories of important historical events, and her reflections on raising Lamell. Mrs. McMorris shares about her early family life, her dedication and work ethic, and the importance of faith and church. The two also recount all the sacrifices made so Lamell had every opportunity to thrive.

Lamell and his mom share heartfelt stories that reveal the very foundation of resilience: the power of faith, hard work, and a parent’s unshakable belief in their child.

This episode is a tribute to the quiet strength behind every success story, and a reminder that resilience often begins at home.

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Jesse Jackson Jr.

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:00:00 +0000

On this episode of The Power to Persist Podcast, host Lamell McMorris welcomes longtime friend and brother Jesse Jackson Jr. during the very same week he plans to announce his bid to reclaim his former congressional seat.

Jackson speaks candidly about his past, his path toward redemption, and how resilience has guided his journey forward—both personally and professionally. Together, he and McMorris reflect on lessons learned from public service, leadership, and the enduring influence of his father, Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr.

This episode delivers a deeply powerful message on the importance of community, historical understanding, and renewal—and the human capacity to rise, rebuild, and lead with purpose through shared experiences, leadership, and redemption.

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Angela Rye

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this powerful episode of The Power to Persist, host Lamell McMorris sits down with lawyer, strategist, and unapologetic truth-teller Angela Rye to explore what it truly means to serve.

Angela shares the story of building a professional development program that has already shaped the careers of over 600 young leaders, showing that public service isn’t just about holding office—it’s about showing up, leaning in, and refusing to be defined by setbacks. She reveals how choosing to lead with love instead of letting wounds guide decisions transforms pain into purpose, and how healing makes advocacy stronger.

Lamell and Angela discuss the responsibility of thought leadership, the importance of giving back to the communities that raised us, and the lessons we inherit from those who paved the way. This episode is a reminder that resilience isn’t just bouncing back—it’s persisting with courage, vision, and heart. Because true leadership always begins with service.

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Resilience: “There is a through line we find in our lives”

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 13:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Power to Persist, host Lamell McMorris reflects on his journey to success and the lessons learned along the way. He shares how resilience creates the through lines that connect one opportunity to the next, why a strong network is essential for growth, and how true connection requires vulnerability. Lamell reveals that it’s often in those vulnerable moments that we discover the most about ourselves—and the path forward.  

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Reverend Al Sharpton

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 22:04:00 +0000

Welcome to The Power to Persist podcast, hosted by author, advocate, and entrepreneur Lamell McMorris.
In this episode, Lamell welcomes his mentor, friend, and pioneering American civil-rights activist and social-justice giant, Reverend Al Sharpton. They explore Sharpton’s upbringing and his early mentorship under Rev. Jesse Jackson, then delve into the long-reaching impact of his civil-rights career and Rev. Jackson’s influence on both their lives and trajectories. Other topics include Sharpton’s latest applications of AI, his relationships with James Brown and Michael Jackson, and strategies for effective activism. The conversation also covers his transition to television, the role of faith in advocacy, and the future of civil-rights leadership.
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