The Power of Leading Your Own Way

Knowledge Gumbo

EPISODE TITLE: The Power of Leading Your Own Way- Gwendolyn Brooks on Leadership | KGP-EP018

EPISODE OVERVIEW: In this episode, host Alicia Thomas dives deep into Gwendolyn Brooks' powerful quote about choosing to lead rather than simply fit in. Learn about the first African-American Pulitzer Prize winner's bold career decisions and what they teach us about authentic leadership.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Understanding why fitting in can hold us back
• What it means to lead authentically
• The importance of communication in leadership
• Defining leadership as service
• Practical steps to use your voice with purpose

FEATURED GUEST WISDOM: "Do not desire to fit in. Desire to oblige yourself to lead." - Gwendolyn Brooks

KEY TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Welcome and episode introduction

00:53 - Gwendolyn Brooks' Pulitzer Prize achievement

01:30 - The struggle between fitting in and standing out

02:41 - Why effective communication matters in leadership

03:50 - Action vs. titles in true leadership

04:17 - Brooks' revolutionary career choices

05:40 - The importance of self-leadership

06:44 - Question of the Week: Your leadership word

08:12 - Small acts of kindness and service

09:27 - Equipment spotlight: Shure MV7 Plus

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: "If you redefine leadership in one word, what would it be?"

SHOW NOTES: Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) was:

• First African-American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry (1950)
• Winner for her collection "Annie Allen"
• Revolutionary in choosing Black-owned publishers (Broadside Press, Third World Press)
• Advocate for accessible poetry for all Black audiences

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS:

• The power dynamics of standing out vs. fitting in
• Why authentic communication drives real leadership
• How servant leadership transforms communities
• The legacy of bold career decisions
• Using your voice with purpose and authority

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Leadership isn't about titles or fitting in—it's about having the courage to stand out, serve others, and use your voice with purpose.

LISTENER ENGAGEMENT: Share your one-word definition of leadership in the comments!

TECHNICAL NOTE: This episode features the new Shure MV7 Plus microphone. Share your feedback on the audio quality!

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=====LINKS MENTIONED IN EPISODE=====

Gwendolyn Brooks Resources:

• Pulitzer Prize information: https://www.pulitzer.org/article/frost-williams-no-gwendolyn-brooks
• "Annie Allen" poetry collection: https://amzn.to/44iXoVP

Black-Owned Presses:

• Broadside Press: http://www.broadsidelotuspress.org/
• Third World Press: https://aliciatsays.link/thirdworldpress

Equipment:

• Shure MV7 Plus microphone: https://amzn.to/4jFOjez

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