Meet Marcus Gladney

We were lucky to catch up with Marcus Gladney recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marcus, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

My Purpose actually found me. I’ve had many jobs in my life.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Since founding the Venice Electric Light Parade in 2015 my main end goal was to transform it into a Non Profit and have it fully funded so that it continues to be a Venice staple for many more years to come. The Venice Electric Light Parade is Special because for those 3 hours on Sundays people can leave all their problems and the problems of the World behind and just have a organically grown good time with New and old friends or family. We have sister chapters in San Diego, Ventura, Hawaii and a honorable mention of recognized LED Bike Parades in Cambridge England and Eastvale California. Coming Soon we are working on a ALL Children’s Bicycle Parade and will be called the Venice Electric Little Peoples Parade first ride TBD.

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?

The 3 Qualities one MUST posses is Compassion, Consistency and Determination. doing what I do as I’ve said before you have to be able to navigate many different personalities, and emotions from new and old participants and the conversations become repetitious but if you truly believe you are doing God’s work then nothing else matters.

The advice I’d give people just starting out is to do if from the heart and walk in faith if the universe has given you the opportunity to help people then do it and expect nothing in return.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

The Venice Electric Light Parade “The Mothership” is a full production behind the Scenes. Nobody sees or fully understand the complexity of hosting a bicycle parade EVERY Sunday since it’s creation 10 years ago. What I do when I feel overwhelmed is to meditate and have a conversation with God, this is something that was instilled in me since childhood and whenever I have a conversation with my mom she reminds me to never stop praying and being Thankful. So that would be my piece of advice to anyone feeling overwhelmed is to have a relationship with God or your specific higher power whatever that may and you will overcome the challenge.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://veniceelectriclightparade.com
• Instagram: @veniceelectriclightparade
• Facebook: @veniceelectriclightparade
• Linkedin: veniceelectriclightparade
• Twitter: @VeniceLights
• Youtube: @[email protected]
• Soundcloud: veniceelectriclightparade
• Other: Tiktok @VeniceElectricLightParade

Image Credits

Jack Geren