Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chonsten Jennings. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chonsten, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Purpose isn’t something you stumble upon—it’s something you refine through experience, challenges, and the moments that push you beyond yourself. My journey started in the world of professional basketball, working alongside NBA athletes, helping them develop not just their game but their mindset, strategy, and ability to see beyond the court. At first, I thought my purpose was in sports, but over time, I realized it wasn’t about the industry—it was about the people.
The shift happened when I transitioned to working with CEOs, founders, and high-performing individuals outside of sports. I recognized a pattern—talented, driven people struggling with clarity, vision, and execution. That’s when I understood my real purpose: helping leaders step into their full potential, not just in their careers but in their lives.
Then I had a deeper realization—when we’re building something, we’re often giving our younger selves the tools we once needed to be successful. We create solutions for the obstacles we once faced, and in doing so, we equip others with the same tools when they cross our path. Purpose comes from passing those tools along, ensuring that the people who need them most don’t have to figure it all out alone.
This belief is at the core of The Luminary Panel—its mission is simple: to connect the aspiring individual to the inspiring individual story and become an immediate resource. The goal is to bridge the gap between knowledge and action, potential and execution. I wanted to build more than just a coaching platform; I wanted to create a space where people could see success modeled in real-time, gain access to the insights they need, and have a direct line to those who’ve walked the path before them.
Purpose isn’t a destination—it’s a constant refinement. Every conversation, every challenge, every breakthrough moment reminds me why I do this. It’s about creating impact, helping people unlock their next level, and making sure that no one with a powerful vision gets stuck in the “almost.”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Stepping into the Next Level of Impact
My journey has always been about transformation—first, working alongside professional athletes and later pivoting to coaching and business development for CEOs, founders, high-level executives, and other high-performing individuals. I quickly realized that whether on the court or in the boardroom, success is not only about talent or skill—it’s about clarity, mindset, and having the right tools and resources to execute your vision.
This understanding led me to create The Luminary Panel, a platform dedicated to connecting aspiring individuals to inspiring stories and becoming an immediate resource for those ready to take action. Our mission is simple: we help individuals not only define their vision but also take the necessary steps to bring that vision into reality.
As I worked closely with entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals through The Luminary Panel, I started to see a growing need in the market. Many coaches, business owners, high-level executives, and even individuals in the 9-5 world felt stuck, unsure of how to take the next step, and seeking more from life. They needed not just personal development but also the systems and structure to make meaningful shifts in their lives. This insight led to the creation of The Purpose Engine, a program designed to meet these needs.
The Purpose Engine allows me to work with a wide range of individuals, from high-level executives and aspiring entrepreneurs to professionals in the 9-5 world who feel stuck and are craving more. Through 1-on-1 coaching, small group sessions, virtual coaching, and roundtable discussions, I help people discover their purpose, unlock their potential, and create lasting change in both their personal and professional lives. Whether you’re a high-level executive, an aspiring entrepreneur, or someone feeling unfulfilled in your current career, The Purpose Engine provides the support, strategy, and tools you need to achieve your goals and take your life to the next level.
In addition to working with individuals, The Purpose Engine also offers coaching support for coaches in various industries, providing them with the backend systems, strategies, and structure they need to grow their businesses and personal brands.
What makes The Luminary Panel special is that it’s more than just coaching—it’s a community of action-takers committed to growth and transformation. We create a space where high-level strategy and practical execution come together, empowering individuals with the right tools and mindset to break through barriers and achieve lasting success.
What’s Next?
As we continue to grow, The Luminary Panel is focused on expanding its reach and deepening its impact. Our goal is to provide more opportunities for people to connect, learn, and grow together.
In addition to The Purpose Engine, we offer business consulting services to help entrepreneurs and organizations optimize their operations, define their vision, and create lasting impact.
We also host monthly networking events at Z Co Space and Clubhouse, every second Wednesday of the month, to bring like-minded individuals together for connection, collaboration, and growth.
The Luminary Panel has also launched a podcast where we feature inspiring stories, practical tips, and interviews with top leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers to equip you to take action.
We’re expanding our online presence, so you can stay connected and get access to valuable content no matter where you are. Be sure to visit us at TheLuminaryPanel.com and follow us on social media—@ChonstenJennings for personal insights and updates, and @TheLuminaryPanel on Instagram and YouTube for the latest from our community.
Bringing It All Together
Everything we do is centered around helping individuals get out of their own way, break through their limitations, and create the life and business they’ve always dreamed of. Whether you’re a high-level executive, just starting out, feeling stuck in your 9-5, or looking to take your entrepreneurial efforts to the next level, we’re here to help you get there.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking Back: Key Qualities That Shaped My Journey
Reflecting on my journey, there are three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that I believe have been the most impactful in shaping who I am today, both personally and professionally. These are:
Self-Awareness & Emotional Intelligence
Understanding myself—my strengths, weaknesses, and triggers—has been one of the most powerful tools in my personal growth. This self-awareness allows me to stay grounded and make decisions that align with my values. It also helped me relate to others and connect on a deeper level, especially in high-pressure environments. Developing emotional intelligence, which includes managing emotions, empathy, and recognizing the emotions of others, has been invaluable, especially when building and leading teams or coaching individuals.
Advice for others: Take time for self-reflection, whether through journaling, meditation, or simply being present. Developing a deep understanding of yourself will help you navigate challenges and leverage your strengths effectively.
Resilience & Adaptability
The journey hasn’t been without its hurdles—there were countless moments where I had to face setbacks, rejections, and moments of doubt. What allowed me to keep moving forward was resilience—the ability to bounce back and keep pushing, even when things felt uncertain. Adaptability was key, too—being open to change, embracing new ideas, and knowing when to pivot are all essential in this fast-paced, ever-changing world.
Advice for others: Don’t fear failure. Learn to embrace it, adapt to it, and use it as a stepping stone for your growth. Resilience is built when you face adversity, and the more you stretch your comfort zone, the stronger you’ll become.
Strategic Thinking & Vision
Having a clear vision and being able to think strategically has been vital in helping me stay focused on my long-term goals. There were many opportunities to get distracted or sidetracked, but I’ve learned that strategic thinking involves setting clear objectives and understanding the steps needed to get there. When you have a vision, it’s easier to make decisions that align with your desired outcome.
Advice for others: Take the time to think about where you want to go, not just where you are right now. Set long-term goals, break them down into manageable steps, and always have a strategy in place. And remember, it’s okay if your path changes along the way—just ensure you’re always moving toward something greater.
Bonus: Survival vs. Sacrifice – Doing What You Love
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of doing more of what I love to do rather than what I felt like I had to do. I like to call this distinction between survival and sacrifice.
Survival mode is about going through the motions—doing what you feel you must to meet expectations, make ends meet, or just get by. It’s draining, and it often leads to burnout because you’re not connected to what truly excites or fulfills you. Sacrifice, on the other hand, comes from making conscious choices to let go of distractions or things that don’t align with your true purpose, so you can focus on what really matters.
When I shifted my mindset from survival to sacrifice, I stopped asking myself, “What do I have to do to survive?” and started asking, “What do I want to do to thrive?” That mindset shift allowed me to make choices that aligned with my passion and purpose, leading to more fulfillment in my work and life.
Advice for others: Start identifying what you love to do and create more space for it. Move away from the survival mindset, and begin making decisions that support your long-term vision, even if it means letting go of certain obligations. Making sacrifices that align with your purpose will create the space for you to truly thrive, both personally and professionally.
To Those Just Starting Out
If you’re early in your journey, my advice is to prioritize the development of these three qualities. Being self-aware and emotionally intelligent will help you navigate relationships and challenges. Cultivating resilience and adaptability will allow you to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. And strategic thinking will help you turn your ideas into reality. Stay focused, stay committed, and remember that growth is a continuous process.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
Going All In on Strengths vs. Improving Weaknesses: My Perspective
When it comes to the decision of whether to double down on your strengths or invest energy into improving your weaknesses, I believe the key is to optimize your strengths while addressing your weaknesses strategically. Let me explain why.
Focusing on Strengths
The reality is that we all have areas where we excel naturally, and these strengths are the things that truly set us apart. Over the years, I’ve realized that by focusing on what I’m naturally good at—whether it’s strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, or connecting with others—I can truly create value. By leaning into these strengths, I’ve been able to differentiate myself in my industry and do work that feels effortless and fulfilling.
For example, in my coaching work, I’ve always found that I’m most effective when I’m engaging with clients one-on-one or in small groups. I connect deeply with people’s stories, and that’s something I’m passionate about and great at. My clients often come to me because of my ability to empathize and give them actionable steps to reach their goals.
Improving Weaknesses
That being said, there are areas where it’s critical to improve, even if they’re not necessarily my natural strengths. For me, it’s been about developing the skills I need to run a business effectively—like operations, financial management, and tech systems. While these areas aren’t where my passion lies, I recognized that I needed to invest time in strengthening them so I could build a sustainable business.
A story that stands out to me is when I first started The Luminary Panel. I was all about the vision, the mission, and connecting with others, but I quickly realized that without the right backend systems, operations would fall apart. So, I had to invest time learning and improving those systems, even though it wasn’t my favorite task. And while I didn’t become a master in this area, I learned just enough to put effective systems in place.
The Power of Collaboration & Relationships
One of the most significant catalysts for my success has been the relationships I’ve built and the collaborations I’ve had the privilege to be a part of. Surrounding myself with the right people—people who are smarter than me in different areas, who challenge me, and who support my vision—has accelerated my growth in ways that working in isolation never could.
I’ve always been intentional about networking and forming partnerships with people who can offer fresh perspectives, skills, and insights. These relationships have not only opened doors but have also allowed me to collaborate on projects and initiatives that I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish on my own.
Why I Feel This Way
I believe that doubling down on strengths gives you a competitive advantage. It’s where you can make the greatest impact and find the most fulfillment. But no one is perfect, and no one is great at everything. By being aware of your weaknesses and investing in just the right areas, you ensure you’re setting yourself up for long-term success, without getting bogged down in trying to be perfect at everything.
Advice for others:
My advice to those who are just starting out or even those already established is to invest in your strengths—double down on what you’re great at and build around that. But don’t ignore areas that need improvement. Prioritize weaknesses that will help move your business or personal development forward. You don’t need to be an expert in everything, but knowing when to outsource, learn, or collaborate with experts in your weak spots is key.
Also, never underestimate the power of collaboration. Surround yourself with people who push you to grow and challenge you in a healthy way. Relationships are the foundation of success—whether they’re mentors, peers, or partners—because the right connections will amplify your efforts and help you reach your fullest potential.
In the end, it’s all about leveraging your strengths to create opportunities for growth while addressing weaknesses in a way that serves your bigger vision.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theluminarypanel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chonstenjennings/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chonsten-jennings-985174245/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheLuminaryPanel
Image Credits
Gopi Patel
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