The Power to Persist
The Power to Persist Podcast, hosted by Dr. Lamell McMorris, features candid conversations with changemakers, leaders, and innovators who demonstrate resilience, justice, and transformative leadership. Through powerful stories and practical insights, McMorris shares the habits and mindset needed to overcome challenges and make a lasting impact. A new episode is released every other Tuesday.
Episodes
If You're Not at the Table, You're on the Menu
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 gettin
26 Years Later: The March on Washington I Helped Lead
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 an
Dorri McWhorter and the Business of Social Impact
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 busin
Talking to the Students of Birmingham About Habits of Resilience
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 fo
NAACP CEO Derrick Johnson On The Habits of True Leadership Resilience
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 o
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 in
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 achi
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 h
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 f
“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 ex
Mental Health Is Resilience: What We Can All Learn from Gen Z About Mental Health
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 so
John Hudson's Energy: Power, Persistence, and Community
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 "obliga
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 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,” wh
"Resilience is Not Optional": A Book Talk with Lamell McMorris and The Executives' Club of Chicago
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 t
Loneliness Isn’t Weakness: How Gen Z Can Rebuild Connection with Attitude, Network, and Faith
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 yea
From the South Side to Wall Street: John Rogers on Black Wealth & Economic Justice
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 econom
The Nucleus of Power: How White House Strategist Ashley Etienne Learned to Play Big
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
The Quiet Resilience of Gen Z
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 adaptabili
Navigating the Challenges of Higher Education and Entrepreneurship with Dr. JD LaRock
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 rewr
End of Year Message
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 recoun
Ben Crump
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,
Marc Morial
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 Mori
Pivot and Persist: My Transition Back To My Own Company
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 op
Anna Valencia
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
A Mother’s Resilience: Lessons from My Mom
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 f
Jesse Jackson Jr.
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 profess
Angela Rye
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
Resilience: “There is a through line we find in our lives”
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 disc
Reverend Al Sharpton
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 c
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