We recently had the chance to connect with Kenny Glenn and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kenny, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
A recent moment that me feel proud is supporting my friends who are living their dreams! One of them, Keandre Jones, was the keynote speaker at The Ohio State University for the 10-year celebration of their Sports and Society Initiative! His message was well received and he also gave me the opportunity to say a few words.
On the same day, David Montgomery, running back for the Detroit Lions, returned home for a game against the Cincinnati Bengals! I was super thankful be in attendance and witness him living his dreams, as it was David’s first time playing in his hometown of Cincinnati since he was in high school 10 years ago!!!
It is an amazing feeling to support the people you care about about, but also those who support you!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kenny Glenn and I am a Professional Speaker and Published Author! My first book is titled Question Everything: Advice for Students & Graduates. I wrote the book to help students between the ages of 12 to 24, figure out who they are, what they want, and how to go get it! I noticed the encouragement they needed to feel empowered as they were preparing for their next steps after graduation. I am also the Founder of KEEP GOING; a company created to provide students and student-athletes with strategies on the path of becoming the best version of themselves!
I graduated high school when I was only 16 years old, and then immediately went to college at Miami University to earn my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Accounting. While at Miami University, I also served as a leader on the track & field team and set school records in the long jump. My furthest jump was 25 feet, 7 inches!!
After college, I worked as a business consultant and competed internationally as a Professional Athlete for the country of Honduras. Also, when I was just 22 years old, I served as a School Board Member for my alma mater, Mt. Healthy City Schools.
I then worked with Leading Men Fellowship to help improve literacy rates for preschool students, while also diversifying the Educator pipeline by increasing the number of young men of color in Education.
I now give dynamic speeches across the country to empower students to define success for themselves and take ownership of their futures. I use my voice, platform, and experiences to equip the next generation with the mindset, tools, and confidence to thrive in school and in life!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that has served its purpose and must now be released is thinking “I need doubters to fuel my growth.” In my younger years, I worked so hard to prove other people wrong. That mentality did help fuel and push me in certain areas and times when I may have felt fatigued. However, I have now reached a space of healing where I now focus on proving myself right and letting go of the anger I once held onto. I feel this to be much healthier and sustainable!
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
My usual phrases of advice are KEEP GOING (company name) and QUESTION EVERYTHING (book title). However, I will choose a different phrase today… Forgive Them! If I could say this one kind thing to my younger self, I know how helpful it would have been! Looking back I had lots of anger and resentment towards certain people who intentionally or unintentionally caused psychological pain. However, I now know that we all have stress and challenges we are working through that stem from various types of trauma. I would tell my younger self to forgive them, or at least learn how to forgive, so I can move forward with my life in a healthier way.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Helping people with my words! I love giving advice and ideas that motivate others; especially when they are in a situation or point of life that I have been in before.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell about me when I’m gone is that I lived a life full of passion and purpose. That I inspired them to remain curious and become a better version of themselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kennyglenn.org
- Instagram: @kgthespeaker
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-glenn-60b210117/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kgthespeaker
Image Credits
Taylor Keeton
