The Power to Persist Podcast
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Lamell sits down with changemakers and leaders for candid conversations on resilience and leadership—unpacking the mindsets and habits that turn challenges into opportunities.
Each episode delivers real stories and practical insights to help you adapt, overcome, and lead with impact.
Previous Episodes
How I Built a Sports Agency - Taking the Leap Before You Feel Ready
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris shares how he built Perennial Sports, a full-service sports agency, by embracing uncertainty, taking risks, and surrounding himself with trusted experts. Discover how vulnerability, agility, and strong networks drive success.
Derrick Stafford: 30 Years in the NBA, Michael Jordan, and TGL Golf
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris sits down with former NBA referee Derrick Stafford to explore his 30-year career, stories involving Michael Jordan, his transition to TGL Golf, and lessons on resilience, integrity, and determination.
Surviving Layoffs: Resilience After Job Loss and Rebuilding Your Future
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris speaks to those facing layoffs and career disruption, sharing how vulnerability, strong networks, and agility can help rebuild confidence, find new opportunities, and move forward with purpose.
PepsiCo’s Steven Williams: "Attitude Determines Altitude"
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris sits down with PepsiCo executive Steven Williams to discuss leadership, determination, adaptability, career growth, and why strong relationships are essential to long-term success.
If You're Not at the Table, You're on the Menu
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris explores what happens after you earn a seat at the table, sharing lessons on leadership, representation, leverage, and using influence to create opportunities for others.
26 Years Later: The March on Washington I Helped Lead
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris reflects on helping lead the 2000 Redeem the Dream March on Washington, sharing lessons on leadership, vulnerability, faith, and what it takes to turn a moment of action into lasting impact.
Dorri McWhorter and the Business of Social Impact
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris sits down with Dorri McWhorter to explore social impact, innovative leadership, and how determination, adaptability, and strong networks can transform organizations and communities.
Talking to the Students of Birmingham About Habits of Resilience
In this special episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris speaks to Birmingham students about resilience, determination, adaptability, and the power of building strong relationships to create a future defined by purpose and opportunity.
NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson On The Habits of True Leadership Resilience
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris sits down with NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson to discuss resilient leadership, mentorship, civil rights, and the power of building strong networks to create lasting change.
Bending Without Breaking: New Grads are Turning Fear into Opportunity
n this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris encourages the Class of 2026 to turn uncertainty into opportunity, exploring how resilience, adaptability, mentorship, and meaningful connections can help young professionals thrive in the age of AI.
The Hope Machine: Michael Strautmanis on the Obama Presidential Center
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris sits down with Michael Strautmanis to discuss the Obama Presidential Center, leadership, community impact, and the habits of persistence that turn vision into lasting opportunity.
The Education Mayor: Birmingham's Randall Woodfin on Rebuilding Trust and Opportunity
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris speaks with Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin about resilience, leadership, public service, and creating opportunity through education, partnerships, and community-driven change.
Burnout Is a Signal: How to Rest, Reset, and Persist
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris reframes burnout as a signal, not a weakness, and explores how focus, vulnerability, agility, rest, and community can help us reset and build lasting resilience.
“Praying With Your Feet”: A Life of Faith and Justice with Rabbi Steven Jacobs
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris speaks with Rabbi Steven Jacobs about faith, justice, Black-Jewish relations, moral courage, and rebuilding trust through honest dialogue in divided times.
Mental Health Is Resilience: What We Can All Learn from Gen Z About Mental Health
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris explores mental health as a core part of resilience, highlighting how vulnerability, community, and small daily practices help navigate anxiety, uncertainty, and life transitions.
John Hudson's Energy: Power, Persistence, and Community
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris sits down with John Hudson to explore resilience, leadership, and energy equity, highlighting how persistence, mentorship, and adaptability drive success in the evolving utility and infrastructure landscape.
Basketball Legend Kevin Johnson’s Story Doesn’t Stop on the Court - It Evolves.
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris sits down with Kevin Johnson to explore resilience, reinvention, and leadership beyond the NBA, highlighting how discipline, fearlessness, and community impact shape a life of lasting influence.
Resilience is Not Optional": A Book Talk with Lamell McMorris and The Executives' Club of Chicago
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris shares key habits of lifelong resilience from a live talk in Chicago. He explores vulnerability, agility in the age of AI, and the influence of Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr. on leadership and persistence.
Loneliness Isn’t Weakness: How Gen Z Can Rebuild Connection with Attitude, Network, and Faith
In this episode of The Power to Persist, Lamell McMorris explores loneliness as a shared human experience and a starting point for resilience, particularly for Gen Z.
From the South Side to Wall Street: John Rogers on Black Wealth & Economic Justice
In this episode of “The Power to Persist,” host Lamell McMorris speaks with John Rogers, founder, Chairman, and Co-CEO of Ariel Investments, about his journey building the first Black-owned mutual fund company and his commitment to economic fairness, leadership, and community impact.