We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Pen Ken. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Pen below.
Pen, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
It starts with being fearless. Knowing that you have what it takes to adapt to any environment and people from different walks of life, than how you grew up. Then you have to make your gifts work for you effectively; because talent is only half the battle. Talent is not always what gets you in the door, nor keep you there. For me, it was my personality traits. I’ve always had a natural and charismatic personality that was welcoming. No matter if I was having a bad day, I always kept a smile on my face. I treated others with care and authenticity. Being a human and putting the person before business is what makes a relationship grow and sets a foundation of loyalty. Those traits builds trust, foundation with any race and person of any occupation. We all have gifts, the best gift that you can give others is being YOU.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve been in the entertainment industry for 20 years; working in TV/Film, Brands, Sports, Music and Events. Currently, my Children’s book series with Harpercollins recently released Nationwide and I am on a book tour. It’s a 4 book series featuring the lives and careers of 2 PAC, Queen Latifah , Biggie and Kid & Play; teaching kids the History of Hip Hop through education. It’s a great time to be celebrating Hip Hop during the year of the 50th Anniversary. The series is illustrated by Saxton Moore, who is a 3x Emmy Nominated Director and VP of Production for the Oscar winning company Lion Forge.
I have 3 other Children’s books releasing in January. One with my client Nailah Blackman, who is one of the top Caribbean music artists and Grandfather created the music genre Soca. It’s about the sights & sounds of Carnival and Soca. One with my client MzVee, who is one of the top African music artists. It’s about teaching little girls to embrace their natural self. One is on my Auntie, who has been the NBA’s famous “Cookie Lady” over the past 40 years. It’s a cool story about being a team player and working on yourself to earning your reward.
Giving kids great cultural and diverse stories was a goal of mine when I entered the Children’s Book industry. It’s alot of power in the art of story telling!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being Fearless with your Dreams
Betting on yourself always with Purpose
Keep Faith, Family and Love at the forefront.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
BELIEVE IN ME! Letting me move to LA to chase a Dream and supporting my outside of the box thinking. It wasn’t their Dream for me; but them allowing me to create my own path was everything to me. I could never thank them enough. Was there to pick me up when I needed it and was there to cheer me on every step of the way. A supportive family is priceless; because Love is what really helps you along the way.
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