Meet Morgan McKenzie Cornell

We were lucky to catch up with Morgan McKenzie Cornell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Morgan McKenzie, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from within. There is an unshakable sense of faith within my core-being that things are always working out for me, no matter what– so long as I keep the vision of my desires at the forefront of my mind and the passion behind those desires in my heart.

Optimism gives me the power to choose to focus on favorable outcomes instead of perceived roadblocks in my way. I imagine myself achieving my goals vividly. I feel the excitement and fulfillment rush through my body as if my achievements are occurring in that very moment! Passion sets me ablaze on my various paths and I allow the journey to lead me to victory.

I’ve witnessed optimism beautifully expressed in my life through dance, multi-media, and life itself.

Dance, with its lively movements and rhythms, represents hope and joy. As a high school student, I was determined to join North Carolina A&T State University’s Golden Delight Auxiliary. I meticulously studied their performances and practiced their choreography, even attending prep classes two years before I was eligible to audition. My commitment and optimism were unwavering; I visualized giving my all on the field whilst sporting beautifully crafted sequined uniforms. I enthusiastically embraced the journey. Not only did I join Golden Delight, but I also became a part of the leadership team my junior year at the university. I was ecstatic!

Optimism has been my guiding light in pursuing a career in radio, a field I’ve always dreamed of joining since I was a little kid recording my favorite songs from the radio using a cassette tape and boombox. As an intern at 102 JAMZ, I jumped at any opportunity to assist with radio shows, commercials, events and more. And man did I have a blast in doing so! I was genuinely happy to be in the same room as radio veterans I grew up listening to. I visualized having my own show and my voice making waves throughout North Carolina. I knew in my heart and mind; it was only a matter of time I’d be broadcasting on my own. Despite facing numerous rejections, my unwavering belief in my potential kept me motivated. Through persistence and a positive mindset, I eventually excelled as a radio personality. I was a co-host for a community-based talk show, Straight Talk. I’ve hosted mornings, middays, afternoons, nights, overnights, you name it! The microphone was a part of my everyday life. An opportunity in Oklahoma City opened up for me to have my own show. Leaving the home I knew for 29 years; I started a new life in a new city with the inner knowing that all would be well. I fulfilled my dream as a fulltime radio personality at Power 103. 5FM. Amidst the pandemic, I became a voice the community could count on during a turbulent time through the power and intimacy of radio. Each challenge reinforced my determination, proving that with optimism and resilience, dreams can indeed become reality.

I never thought the day would come where I’d leave radio. Even with the sting of uncertainty and grieving my radio career due to massive change to the industry as a whole, I knew everything would work itself out. Plus, another dream of mine surfaced and began to manifest itself. Since I was kid, I mimicked character voices from cartoons, movies and commercials. I always wondered what a life in Voiceover would be like. My optimism in believing I could become a voiceover artist drove me to study the craft intensively after my departure from the world of radio. I bought books, hired VO coaches, joined VO forums on social media and had fun all-the-while. My optimism and dedication paid off when I landed a transformative voiceover opportunity for Homes.com. This breakthrough not only validated my aspirations but also changed my life, proving that faith in oneself and enjoying the journey can lead to extraordinary success.

Embracing optimism as life continues to ebb-and-flow has given me a sense of well-being and comfort; allowing me to look on the brighter side of things and visualize my own victories before they even occur. With darkness there is light. Optimism gives you the power to decide.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a voiceover artist for Homes.com, I narrate the neighborhood experience by capturing the essence of diverse neighborhoods from all over the country to help potential homebuyers envision a lifestyle in their new home. This role is incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to bring scripts to life and guide homebuyers through their journey. I thoroughly enjoy working in the sound booth, where my voice transforms written words into vivid experiences. Currently, I’m also in the process of writing a book, so stay tuned for that exciting project. My work combines my passion for storytelling with the joy of helping others.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, being teachable, relatable, and adaptable has profoundly shaped my journey. Embracing a teachable mindset allowed me to continuously learn and grow from feedback and new experiences. I sought out the wisdom and knowledge of people who excelled in avenues of my interest and I studied my passions on my own time. Relatability helped me connect with others, building strong relationships and understanding diverse perspectives. This was vital to my success as a radio personality because radio is a tool for connection. It’s not just about being a star. It’s about amplifying voices of the community. Adaptability enabled me to navigate challenges and seize opportunities by adjusting to evolving situations. These qualities combined have not only facilitated personal and professional development but also fostered resilience and success in my endeavors. They’ve allowed me to stay open-minded, connect deeply with others, and respond effectively to the dynamic nature of my journey.

My advice is to continuously learn from every environment you’re in. Ask questions, buy books, seek out mentors, and fully immerse yourself to gather valuable insights. Curate your social media timelines based on your goals and aspirations by following people and brands that align with what you wish to accomplish. Build genuine connections with others; networking is important, but also contribute by offering your own skills. Embrace change as it is inevitable—either plan ahead or adapt as you go. By staying curious, connecting meaningfully, and remaining flexible, you can navigate your journey effectively and seize opportunities for growth and success.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra has been a valuable guide in my life. This little book now has wear-and-tear having always carried it in my purse, offered me uplifting insights and reminders. It taught me the power of living in the present moment, the importance of flowing with life, and introduced me to meditation. Through meditation, I’ve learned to calm my mind and use conscious awareness to channel my heart’s desires effectively. This book has been a catalyst for personal growth, helping me navigate life with greater clarity and purpose.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @morganmckenziemedia
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgancornell/

Image Credits

Kevin Dorsey
Mike Byrd
Denzel Fleming
DeMarco Dwayne