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The Power to Persist
The Power to Persist episodes
- Navigating the Challenges of Higher Education and Entrepreneurship with Dr. JD LaRockWelcome 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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43 min - 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 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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The Power to Persist: 8 Simple Habits for Building lifelong Resilience8 min - 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, 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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The Power to Persist: 8 Simple Habits for Building lifelong Resilience52 min - 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 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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The Power to Persist: 8 Simple Habits for Building lifelong Resilience52 min - 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 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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19 min - 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 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 Resilience49 min - 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 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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11 min - 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 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.Follow Lamell McMorris
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51 min - Angela RyeIn 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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42 min - 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 discover the most about ourselves—and the path forward.
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13 min
About The Power to Persist
From the publisher's feed
The Power to Persist Podcast with Dr. Lamell McMorris brings you candid conversations with changemakers, leaders, and innovators who embody resilience, justice, and transformative leadership. Through…
powerful stories and actionable insights, Lamell shares the habits and mindset that help you rise above challenges and create lasting impact. New episodes every other Tuesday.