Meet Kennedy Marinelli

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kennedy Marinelli a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kennedy, thank you so much for joining us today. There are so many topics we could discuss, but perhaps one of the most relevant is empathy because it’s at the core of great leadership and so we’d love to hear about how you developed your empathy?
I planted the seed and watered it, but it never grew because my environment was cold. Many days went past with no sunshine and the little that did shine through, wasn’t enough to sprout my seed. Traumatic events have played a pivotal role in deepening my empathy. During most of my childhood and teen-age years, I lost touch of reality. Experiencing adversity firsthand allowed me to connect with others on a profound emotional level, having walked similar paths of pain and struggle. These challenging moments became powerful catalysts for understanding and compassion, shaping my ability to empathize with the diverse range of human experiences. At a very early age I spent time in nature by the pond, outback from my grandmas mobile home. With my Great-Grandma down the street and my Great-Great-Grandma all on the same property! We called our little village ‘The Kusa’. There were three ponds in total, with a small farm and dogs who accompanied me everywhere I went. Spending time in nature and developing my love for animals played a significant role in shaping my compassionate nature. Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. This involves two or more beings to exchange energy. Kind of like putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, imagining yourself in that persons situation. Some say it’s a gift and you have to be born with it while others say you can inherit traits from your parents through epigenetics and environment so in-fact it is learned. While my empathy has been a valuable trait, there are challenges. Being highly empathetic sometimes means absorbing others emotions, which can be emotionally draining. Finding a balance between understanding others and maintaining personal well-being has been a journey of self discovery and boundary setting. I was taught love before hate and shown peace before conflict. I lost my ability to empathize when I lost touch with myself. Throughout my spiritual journey, I embraced the law of conservation of energy, ‘energy can neither be created nor destroyed – only converted from one energy to another’. This awareness added depth to my empathy, yet it also revealed the potential for emotional exhaustion as absorbing energies can be draining. Innerstanding that energy persists and transforms, I learned to navigate emotional exchanges more consciously. Recognizing the transformative impact of empathy, I believe it’s crucial for everyone to adapt and cultivate this skill. Unfortunately, evidence suggests that only around 1-2% of the US population currently possesses strong empathetic abilities. Daily obstacles that all humans face includes securing basic needs like food, water, and shelter. Additionally, issues like economic inequality, discrimination, and injustice persists globally, highlighting the moral and inhumane challenges our society confronts. Acknowledging and addressing these issues is essential in fostering a more empathetic and compassionate world. This is why it is crucial to call a ceasefire now for our people in Palestine. Practice your empathy and put yourself in their shoes. We are not promised our peace. From the River to the Sea. No one is free until the people of Palestine are free.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My professional commitment revolves around a community driven approach in establishing a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the unique skincare needs of women in challenging circumstances. In times of hardship, women’s needs often are overlooked, impacting their sense of confidence. Through this initiative, I aspire to bridge this gap by creating a supportive and inclusive environment where all women can access the tools and information to maintain healthy skin. While this is a long-term business goal of mine, I am delighted to announce a meaningful initiative for the upcoming year – free monthly facial giveaways through drawing at Central Park Residences in Downtown Tulsa! This exciting venture not only aligns with my mission of empowering women through skincare education and product provisions but also emphasizes the significance of building positive and meaningful relationships within the community. Central Park Residences, located in the heart of Downtown Tulsa, provides an ideal setting for these monthly events. The goal extends beyond skincare education and product distribution; it seeks to cultivate a sense of connection and support among women in the community. Building robust relationships has been a highlight of my time here, and I am enthusiastic about extending this outreach to give back to the dynamic community at Central Park. This community driven approach underscores my belief in the transformative power of collective support and the positive impact it can have on individuals.

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?
Creativity serves as a dynamic force, allowing ideas to flow like water. The recognition that if one idea doesn’t succeed, another might, creates an infinite well of possibilities. My unwavering determination to bring ideas to fruition fueled my ambition, propelling me into the path of success. Humility became a vital companion, reminding me that I don’t possess all the knowledge. Understanding the value of seeking feedback and embracing failures as opportunities for growth kept me grounded.

Discovering your passion ensures that you find joy in your daily endeavors. Despite inevitable mistakes, maintaining a drive to accomplish your goals becomes second nature. Focusing on what you love becomes a driving force for creativity. Embrace the outcomes, learn from mistakes, and understand that even billionaires face humiliation at times. Taking such experiences with a grain of salt and using them to instigate positive change is crucial. Stay determined to achieve your ultimate goal through unwavering ambition, never losing sight of the prize. Maintain focus in your craft, trust in yourself, and allocate time for self-care to nurture the body you’ve been given.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
4 years ago, I came across one of my all time favorite books “The Alchemist” written by Paulo Coelho. The novel is known for its philosophical and inspirational elements, encouraging readers to pursue their dreams with passion and perseverance. The story explores themes of destiny, spirituality, and the importance of following ones heart. During the time I read this novel, I could relate to the main character Santiago, as I was embarking on a similar quest to discover my personal legend and fulfill my dreams. I could empathize with Santiago, as I was experiencing obstacles just as he was. This novel propelled me to follow my dreams and listen to my heart. The concept that everything in the universe is interconnected and communicates through the “Language of the World”. Innerstanding “Universal Communication”, the notion that there is a universal language. This enables effective communication beyond words. This can be powerful in various aspects of life, including relationships, business, and teaching, by emphasizing non-verbal cues and shared experiences. The wisdom of the Language of the World suggests that there are signs and lessons in every experience.

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