Meet Marlena Wright

 

We recently connected with Marlena Wright and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marlena, great to have you with us today and excited to have you share your wisdom with our readers. Over the years, after speaking with countless do-ers, makers, builders, entrepreneurs, artists and more we’ve noticed that the ability to take risks is central to almost all stories of triumph and so we’re really interested in hearing about your journey with risk and how you developed your risk-taking ability.

Growing up in small town Mississippi, routine was pretty much the norm for me. It provided a sense of safety and community, and coming from a close-knit family, it was expected that I would conform to the usual path—go to college, get a stable job, work for 50 years, and retire. Dreams didn’t pay the bills, so pursuing anything outside of that structure seemed impractical.

But I never truly saw life that way. I always believed there was something more beyond the limits of my town. That belief became the foundation of my ability to take risks.

I started by challenging small fears—speaking up when I had a different opinion, taking on leadership roles, and stepping into unfamiliar situations. Each time I stepped outside my comfort zone, I realized that risk wasn’t just about the possibility of failure; it was about the opportunity for growth.

My first major leap was leaving behind the safety of the familiar to explore new career paths. I took chances on projects that others thought were too ambitious, pursued roles I wasn’t “traditionally” qualified for, and built a career based on passion rather than just security.

Over time, I learned that risk is not reckless—it’s calculated. It’s about trusting yourself, being willing to learn, and knowing that even if things don’t go as planned, there’s always a lesson that moves you forward. Taking risks has given me a life far beyond what was expected of me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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?

For the past 10 years, I have been fortunate to work as a Marketing Consultant, helping numerous brands and businesses enhance their marketing strategies and achieve greater success. I’ve had the privilege of working with industry giants like Walmart, GoPro, and Amazon, helping them connect with their audiences in impactful ways. But 2024 marked an exciting new chapter in my journey.

In April 2024, I launched The Lounge Radio Show, a platform dedicated to shining a light on ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Airing on the historic WMPR 90.1 FM in Jackson, Mississippi, The Lounge is where real stories come to life in a relaxed, engaging atmosphere. The legendary Danny Lewis of Danny Boy Entertainment joined me as my co-host, and in January 2025, the record-breaker, Lex Luga, was added to the team, bringing even more energy and depth to the show.

But that was just the beginning. On May 14, 2024, spearheaded by Commissioner De’Keither Stamps, Mississippi was officially declared the Birthplace of Southern Soul Music, a historic milestone for the genre. This incredible recognition paved the way for Southern Soul Tuesday in Jackson, Mississippi, a groundbreaking platform held at M-Bar Sports Lounge that celebrates and elevates Southern Soul artists—giving them the recognition they deserve in spaces where their music is often unheard. I was honored to be brought on as the host of this phenomenal event, and it has truly been a game-changer in my career.

These opportunities have charted a new path for me, blending my passions for media, music, and storytelling in ways I never imagined. Whether it’s through marketing, radio, or live events, my mission remains the same—to amplify voices, create opportunities, and leave a lasting impact. I can’t wait to see what’s next!

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

Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were faith, tenacity, and respect.

Faith kept me grounded, reminding me that even when I couldn’t see the next step, I had to trust that it was there. It gave me the courage to take risks and the strength to keep going when things got tough.

Tenacity pushed me to keep striving, no matter the obstacles. Success doesn’t come overnight, and setbacks are inevitable. But I learned that challenges are just part of the process, and the key is to keep moving forward, even when progress feels slow.

Respect has been the foundation of my relationships—whether in business or life. Respect for others, respect for my craft, and respect for the journey itself. Building genuine connections and valuing the people around me has opened doors I never could have imagined.

To anyone at the beginning of their journey, my advice is this: Understand that life is hard. It was never meant to be easy for anyone. But you are already equipped with everything you need to achieve success. When the road gets tough, remember—being tired doesn’t mean you stop. It means you rest, recharge, and continue your journey. Stay the course, trust yourself, and never lose sight of your vision.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I know that nothing can be achieved alone. Collaboration is the key to success, and I am always looking to partner with like-minded individuals who share a passion for growth, creativity, and impact.

I am especially interested in working with those who have been down a similar path and are looking to build a strong, experienced team. Whether you’re a music industry professional, artist, promoter, or media personality, I would love to connect—especially as we continue expanding opportunities for Southern Soul music. There’s so much potential to elevate the genre and create new platforms for artists to thrive, and I’m looking for partners who share that vision.

Additionally, The Lounge Radio Show is always open to guest appearances, sponsorships, and advertising opportunities. If you’re looking to promote your brand, share your story, or support a platform that amplifies real voices, let’s connect!

If you’re interested in collaborating, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected] or connect with me on LinkedIn. Let’s build something great together!

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