Bending Without Breaking: New Grads are Turning Fear into Opportunity

Bending Without Breaking: New Grads are Turning Fear into Opportunity

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. Follow Lamell McMorris   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lamellmc/ [https://www.instagram.com/lamellmc/] Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@LamellMcMorris/playlists [https://www.youtube.com/@LamellMcMorris/playlists] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamellmcmorris/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamellmcmorris/] Purchase Your Copy Here: https://www.lamellmcmorris.com/the-power-to-persist [https://www.lamellmcmorris.com/the-power-to-persist]

The Hope Machine: Michael Strautmanis on the Obama Presidential Center

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/ [https://www.obama.org/visit/] * Civic Initiatives: https://www.obama.org/ [https://www.obama.org/] Follow Lamell McMorris   Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lamellmc/ [https://www.instagram.com/lamellmc/] Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@LamellMcMorris/playlists [https://www.youtube.com/@LamellMcMorris/playlists] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamellmcmorris/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamellmcmorris/] Purchase "The Power to Persist" here: https://www.lamellmcmorris.com/the-power-to-persist [https://www.lamellmcmorris.com/the-power-to-persist]

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

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

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.        Follow Lamell McMorris  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lamellmc/ [https://www.instagram.com/lamellmc/] Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@LamellMcMorris/playlists [https://www.youtube.com/@LamellMcMorris/playlists] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamellmcmorris/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamellmcmorris/] Purchase your copy here: https://www.lamellmcmorrias.com/the-power-to-persist [https://www.lamellmcmorris.com/the-power-to-persist]

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

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.     Follow Lamell McMorris  Instagram https://www.instagram.com/lamellmc/ [https://www.instagram.com/lamellmc/] Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@LamellMcMorris/playlists [https://www.youtube.com/@LamellMcMorris/playlists] LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamellmcmorris/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamellmcmorris/]   Purchase your copy here: https://www.lamellmcmorris.com/the-power-to-persist [https://www.lamellmcmorris.com/the-power-to-persist]