Kenny Lattimore on The Power of Song and Resilience
In this episode of No Boxes: Just Verses, we sit down with the incomparable, Grammy-nominated artist Kenny Lattimore, a man whose voice has been a soundtrack to so many lives. Are you a leader navigating tough times, trying to stay grounded while achieving success, or looking for inspiration to overcome personal challenges? This conversation goes beyond the typical bio to explore the life lessons and emotional depth that shaped Kenny, all through the powerful songs that moved him. We'll delve into the lessons of resilience, faith, and humility that made him the leader he is today.
Kenny Lattimore is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and vocal powerhouse, known for delivering timeless songs that speak directly to the heart. Dubbed the "Modern Soul Man," his music is rooted in purpose, blending faith, love, and legacy. Kenny's journey is one of vulnerability, strength, and deep spiritual grounding, making him a truly inspiring voice both on and off the stage.
Watch on YouTube:
Key Takeaways:
The Power of a Visionary Supporter: Learn how a mother's early belief and vision can shape a leader's entire career and personal identity.
Resilience in Loss: Discover how Kenny navigated profound loss and found strength in faith, learning that grieving is a necessary part of growth.
Humility and Accountability: Hear why staying grounded is a conscious choice, and how a leader's friends and community are essential for staying on the right path.
Embracing Continuous Learning: Find out how a leader must be willing to learn from younger generations and pivot based on the feedback of their audience.
Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and review the podcast!
CONNECT WITH KENNY LATTIMORE:
How to Find Your Leadership Voice: Lessons from a Grammy-Nominated Artist
Have you ever felt like your career journey doesn't fit into a neat little box? You've worked hard, you have an impressive title, but you know that's only part of the story. The real lessons, the hard-earned wisdom, and the moments that truly shaped you aren't on LinkedIn. So, how do you share that full, authentic picture? How do you lead not just with your professional skills, but with your whole self? In an interview on the podcast, "No Boxes: Just Verses," a renowned Grammy-nominated artist shared his powerful story, revealing how his journey was shaped by faith, resilience, and, most surprisingly, a personal playlist of songs. This article is for you if you're ready to look past the typical career playbook and learn how to lead with vulnerability, purpose, and your own authentic soundtrack.
Step 1: Embrace the Power of Affirmation and Visionary Support
It’s easy to believe that talent alone will get you to the top. But many successful people will tell you that it’s not just about what you can do—it’s about who believes in you from the very beginning. A common mistake is to think you have to do it all on your own. In reality, the most impactful leaders often have a visionary supporter who sees their potential before anyone else does. This kind of support isn't just about cheering you on; it's about giving you the tools to succeed. Our guest shared how his mother was his earliest and most important supporter. She saw his shy self singing alone and, instead of just praising his voice, she got him voice lessons. This gave him the education and respect for his craft that helped him break out of his shell and realize his talent was a serious gift, not just a hobby.
In this step, we learn that a strong foundation of support and education is crucial. This support helped him go from a shy kid to a confident performer who was willing to travel alone to practice his craft. It wasn't about being famous; it was about honoring the gift he was given and putting in the work to become excellent.
Conclusion:
Visionary support can be a launchpad for your career, helping you turn a natural gift into a powerful skill.
Find a mentor or supporter who believes in your potential.
Seek education or training to sharpen your natural talents.
See your craft as something to be respected and honed, not just a hobby.
Practice your skills, even when it's hard or unconventional.
Step 2: Develop Resilience by Learning to Grieve and Grow
Life is full of unexpected losses and setbacks. A common misconception is that a strong leader should be tough and not show emotion, pushing through pain with a stiff upper lip. But our guest’s story shows us the opposite. He went through a period of deep personal loss, a time that was filled with confusion and grief. Instead of letting anger consume him, he turned to a song that reminded him of his faith and his mother’s voice. This song became his anchor, helping him navigate his hurt and find a way to move forward. He learned that grieving isn't a sign of weakness; it's a necessary part of healing and growth.
This period was a powerful lesson in resilience. He learned that it’s okay to have moments of intense emotion, even years after a loss. But it’s also important to have something to hold onto—a belief, a memory, or a piece of music—that reminds you of your purpose and keeps you from getting lost. This experience taught him that real strength is not about avoiding pain, but about learning how to move through it without losing who you are.
Conclusion:
Finding an anchor in moments of deep loss and confusion is key to building resilience and staying true to yourself.
Allow yourself to feel and process your grief without shame or guilt.
Lean on your faith or personal beliefs to find strength and direction.
Use music or other creative outlets as a way to minister to yourself and soothe your spirit.
Realize that a difficult time is not a sign of failure, but a test of your purpose.
Step 3: Practice Intentional Humility to Stay Grounded
When success and fame arrive, it’s easy to get caught up in the chase for more. Many people get so focused on the next big win that they lose sight of who they are and what truly matters. Our guest made a conscious decision to avoid this trap. He wrote a personal song as a tribute to his mother and as a reminder to himself. The song's promise was simple: no matter how successful he became, he would not forget who he was or where his blessings came from. This song wasn't just a track on an album; it was a personal commitment that served as his soundtrack to staying grounded.
He points out that staying humble isn't something that just happens; it's an intentional choice. He surrounded himself with a community of friends who would hold him accountable, cry with him, and remind him of what was important. This network was his safety net, helping him remember his purpose and the sacrifices made along the way. This step is a powerful reminder that while talent can get you into the spotlight, humility and community are what keep you there.
Conclusion:
Being intentional about humility and surrounding yourself with a supportive community is the best way to stay grounded amid success.
Create a personal reminder or mantra to help you stay focused on your values.
Surround yourself with a community of friends who will hold you accountable and remind you of your purpose.
Remember that success is a blessing, but it shouldn't cause you to lose yourself.
Understand that humility is not a passive trait but an active, intentional choice.
Step 4: Continuously Learn and Evolve Your Craft
The world is always changing, and so are the people you lead and serve. A major mistake is to believe that because you've achieved success, you have all the right answers. A true leader understands that learning is a lifelong process. Our guest shared a fantastic story about his hit song "Weekend." For a long time, he stopped performing it because he felt it was a failure based on what the music charts said. But when he started listening to his audience, he realized the song meant something different to them. It was a staple in their lives and a source of joy. By listening to his fans, he was able to pivot his thinking and his performances, giving people what they needed.
This experience taught him a huge leadership lesson: you have to be willing to be wrong. He also shared how he actively seeks to learn from a younger generation of artists who are more fearless with technology. He partners with them to create new music that still feels authentic but speaks to a new audience. This willingness to adapt, to listen, and to learn is the key to staying relevant and impactful for decades.
Conclusion:
Staying relevant as a leader means being a lifelong student and being willing to change your mind based on what you learn.
Be willing to admit you are wrong and change your approach.
Actively seek feedback from your audience, customers, or team.
Look for opportunities to learn from people who are younger or have a different perspective.
Never stop loving what you do, even if commercial success is not what you expected.
Conclusion: Your Unboxed Journey to Authentic Leadership
In this article, we've gone on a journey with a Grammy-nominated artist, learning that great leadership isn't about fitting in a box. It’s about building a strong foundation of support, learning to grieve and heal, practicing intentional humility, and being a lifelong student of your craft and your audience. You've seen that your unique journey, with all its twists, turns, and playlists, is your greatest source of wisdom and influence.
Now, it’s time to apply these lessons to your own life. Start by reflecting on your own leadership playlist. What songs mark the pivotal moments in your life? What songs remind you of your purpose and keep you grounded?
Final Steps to Take:
Identify your visionary supporters and mentors, and thank them.
Find your personal "Sovereign"—the belief or song that gives you strength during hard times.
Make a conscious choice to stay humble and intentional in your relationships.
Ask your audience, customers, or team what they need from you and be willing to pivot.
Never forget to find the joy in your work and in your life.
CONNECT WITH SHANNON:
LinkedIn Shannon | LinkedIn NBJV
Theme Song: Pedal to the Medal by Martin Luther (Spotify | Apple Music)