An Interview With Jake Frankel
Don’t Doubt Yourself: Early in my career, I often second-guessed my abilities. I remember a time when I hesitated to submit a manuscript because I feared it wouldn’t be good enough. It wasn’t until my mother encouraged me to trust my instincts and submit it that I found success. This taught me the importance of self-belief; when I finally let go of my doubts, I discovered that my work resonated with readers.
Books have the power to shape, influence, and change our lives. Why is that so? What goes into a book that can shape lives? To address this we are interviewing people who can share a story about a book that changed their life, and why. As a part of our series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ladaro J. Pennix,II.
Ladaro J. Pennix, II, a native of Long Beach, California, is a multifaceted talent known for his remarkable blend of academic prowess and artistic creativity. With degrees in psychology, communications, liberal arts, and theology, he leverages his deep understanding of human behavior as a motivational speaker and accomplished author of eight diverse books, including his latest on spiritual empowerment. An inspiring hip-hop artist and dedicated humanitarian, Pennix actively works to uplift his community through music, film direction, and event organization, all aimed at fostering unity and positive change.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory” and how you grew up?
I grew up in Long Beach, California, in a challenging home environment marked by domestic violence and abuse from my father, which forced my mother and me to endure unimaginable hardships. In search of identity and refuge, I turned to the streets while my mother made the ultimate sacrifice, dedicating herself to her education as a means of escaping our difficult situation and protecting her children from our abuser. Despite facing homelessness, shelter living, and constant struggles to make ends meet, we learned to survive; as the saying goes, hardships can strengthen you, and my mother Loretha Washington and I emerged from our experiences with an unstoppable drive to create a better life for ourselves.
Let’s talk about what you are doing now, and how you achieved the success that you currently enjoy. Can you tell our readers a bit about the work you are doing?
My mother and I are dedicated to giving back to our community every day, sharing our positive energy and performing acts of service, whether through spiritual influence or simple acts of kindness. Together, we are building on our collaborative writing journey, having previously co-authored several books ranging from children’s literature to suspense thrillers. Our latest project is a gripping crime fiction novel that promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats, showcasing our versatility as authors and ensuring an engaging experience for all.
You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
As a successful leader, I believe that dedication, consistency, and embracing self-freeing beliefs have been instrumental to my success.
Dedication: My mother Loretha and I have always been naturally driven individuals, but we realized that true dedication is essential for achieving our goals. When we decided to write a book, we committed ourselves to the process. For example, we set aside specific hours each week to focus solely on our writing, treating those times as sacred appointments. This unwavering dedication allowed us to complete our first book, which was a significant milestone in our journey.
Consistency: Consistency has been another key trait in our success. We understood that progress doesn’t happen overnight; it requires steady effort over time. When we embarked on our writing journey, we created a structured plan, including weekly writing sessions and regular check-ins to assess our progress. This consistency not only kept us accountable but also helped us refine our craft, leading to the successful publication of several books across various genres.
Embracing Self-Freeing Beliefs: Perhaps the most transformative trait has been our ability to embrace self-freeing beliefs. We firmly believe that anything is possible if we apply ourselves and put our minds to it. This mindset was particularly crucial when we faced setbacks, such as receiving critical feedback on our early drafts. Instead of being discouraged, we viewed these challenges as opportunities for growth. By maintaining a positive outlook and trusting in our abilities, we were able to persevere and ultimately produce work that we are proud of, reinforcing our belief that we can accomplish anything if we stay true to our vision.
What’s the WHY behind the work that you do? Please share a story about this if you can.
The “why” behind the work we do is rooted in our desire to lead by example. We believe that it’s not enough to simply tell people they can achieve success; we want to show them that it is indeed possible through our actions and our own journey. For instance, our book *Maid In Secrecy: So Don’t Believe The Hype* is more than just a fictional story; it represents a journey filled with hope, determination, and grit. Each project we complete serves as a testament to the idea that success is attainable, and through our writing, we aim to inspire others to believe in their own potential. By sharing our experiences and the lessons we’ve learned along the way, we hope to empower others to pursue their dreams with tenacity and confidence.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
The person I am most grateful for on my journey to success is my mother, Loretha Washington. During some of my lowest moments, she provided the inspiration and motivation I desperately needed, igniting a spark of creativity within me that has fueled my ambitions ever since. There was a time when I doubted my abilities and felt overwhelmed by our circumstances, but my mother reminded me of the power of resilience and the importance of believing in ourselves.
She often emphasizes that God is our first motivator because, without faith and divine guidance, nothing is truly possible. Her unwavering belief in both me and our shared purpose has been a cornerstone of my success, and her strength has been a constant reminder that we can overcome any obstacle. Thanks to her support and the values she instilled in me, I have been able to pursue my passions with confidence and determination.
Awesome! Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. I’m an author and I believe that books have the power to change lives. Can you please tell our readers about “The Book That Changed Your Life”? Can you share a story about how it impacted you?
The book that changed my life is *Rich Dad Poor Dad* by Robert Kiyosaki. It profoundly impacted me by shifting my perspective on success and financial literacy. The book taught me to think outside the box and not let life define my path; instead, I learned to take control of my destiny. It introduced me to concepts like budgeting and creativity in financial decision-making, providing valuable insights into business and how to navigate the world in a way that leads to success.
In parallel, the current book my mother and I have just written, Maid In Secrecy: So Don’t Believe The Hype, also inspires me deeply. The creative process we went through to craft this story was exhilarating, and I’m continually amazed at how we were able to weave together a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Our collaboration not only reflects our growth as writers but also embodies the very principles I’ve learned from *Rich Dad Poor Dad* — that with determination and innovative thinking, we can create something truly impactful.
What was the moment or series of events that made you decide that you wanted to take a specific course of action based on the inspiration from the book? Can you share a story about that?
Absolutely! The decision to take a specific course of action based on the inspiration from *Rich Dad Poor Dad* came during a series of collaborative moments between my mother and me. We would sit together, brainstorming ideas and bouncing concepts off each other. She might create a scene, and I would start writing, then she would add her thoughts, and together we would weave our ideas into a cohesive narrative.
One pivotal moment was when we reflected on our own life experiences — our struggles and triumphs — which inspired the themes in our writing. These real-life events became the foundation for our stories, allowing us to infuse authenticity and depth into our work. It was in these creative sessions that we realized how our experiences could resonate with others, leading us to the conclusion that we could create something truly impactful together. This collaborative process not only strengthened our bond but also transformed our life stories into powerful narratives, underscoring the very lessons of creativity and resilience that *Rich Dad Poor Dad* had instilled in me.
Can you articulate why you think books in particular have the power to create movements, revolutions, and true change?
Books have the unique power to create movements, revolutions, and true change because they serve as vessels for ideas, emotions, and experiences that can resonate deeply with individuals and communities. They have the ability to inform, inspire, and provoke thought, allowing readers to see the world from different perspectives. When a book articulates a compelling narrative or presents a transformative idea, it can ignite passion and motivate people to take action.
Moreover, books can bridge gaps between diverse cultures and experiences, fostering empathy and understanding. They provide a platform for marginalized voices, enabling them to share their stories and advocate for change. For example, works like *The Diary of a Young Girl* by Anne Frank or *The Grapes of Wrath* by John Steinbeck have sparked conversations about human rights and social justice, inspiring countless individuals to fight for equality. Books not only reflect the realities of society but also challenge the status quo, encouraging readers to question and, ultimately, redefine their beliefs and actions. When enough individuals are inspired by a particular book, it can catalyze a collective movement, leading to significant societal change. This transformative power is what makes literature a vital force in shaping our world.
A book has many aspects, of course. For example, you have the writing style, the narrative tense, the topic, the genre, the design, the cover, the size, etc. In your opinion, what are the main, essential ingredients needed to create a book that can change lives?
In my opinion, several essential ingredients come together to create a book that has the potential to change lives:
1. Compelling Narrative: At the heart of any impactful book is a compelling narrative that engages readers emotionally. A well-crafted story that resonates with personal experiences or universal truths can draw readers in and inspire them to reflect on their own lives.
2. Authenticity: Authenticity in voice and perspective is crucial. Readers are drawn to genuine stories that reflect real struggles, triumphs, and emotions. When authors share their truths, it creates a connection that can be transformative for readers.
3. Universal Themes: A book that explores universal themes — such as love, resilience, identity, or social justice — can resonate with a wide audience. When readers see their own experiences mirrored in the text, it fosters a sense of understanding and can motivate them to enact change in their lives or communities.
4. Actionable Insights: Books that provide practical advice, strategies, or insights empower readers to take action. Whether it’s through self-help, personal development, or even fictional narratives that illustrate valuable life lessons, actionable content encourages readers to implement change.
5. Engaging Writing Style: The writing style should be engaging and accessible, allowing readers to easily connect with the content. A mix of emotional depth, vivid imagery, and relatable language can enhance the reader’s experience and retention of the message.
6. Strong Design and Presentation: While content is king, the design and presentation of a book also matter. An eye-catching cover, thoughtful layout, and quality production can draw readers in and enhance their overall experience. A well-designed book invites exploration and engagement.
7. Community and Conversation: Finally, the ability of a book to spark conversation and foster community is vital. Books that inspire discussions — whether through book clubs, social media, or public events — can amplify their impact, encouraging readers to share insights and support each other in their journeys.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started My Career” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)
Here are my “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started My Career,” along with stories and examples for each:
1. Don’t Doubt Yourself: Early in my career, I often second-guessed my abilities. I remember a time when I hesitated to submit a manuscript because I feared it wouldn’t be good enough. It wasn’t until my mother encouraged me to trust my instincts and submit it that I found success. This taught me the importance of self-belief; when I finally let go of my doubts, I discovered that my work resonated with readers.
2. Believe in Your Potential: There were moments when I underestimated my capabilities, especially when tackling new projects. I vividly recall working on our first book together; I was overwhelmed by the process and considered giving up. My mother reminded me of our shared vision and potential, which reignited my motivation. This experience reinforced the idea that believing in my potential can propel me forward, even when challenges arise.
3. Think Outside the Box: Creativity often flourishes when we step beyond conventional boundaries. During the brainstorming phase for *Maid In Secrecy: So Don’t Believe The Hype,* we decided to explore unique plot twists that deviated from traditional narratives. This willingness to think outside the box not only made our story more engaging but also highlighted the importance of innovation in our writing.
4. Always Finish Your Projects: In the beginning, I had a tendency to start multiple projects but struggle to complete them. One instance involved a promising story idea that I abandoned halfway through because I lost interest. Later, I learned that finishing projects is crucial for growth, as it provides valuable lessons and a sense of accomplishment. Completing our first book taught me that every finished piece contributes to our journey as writers.
5. It’s Okay Not to Be Perfect: I often aimed for perfection, which sometimes led to paralysis by analysis. While working on our books, I would obsess over every word and detail, delaying progress. Over time, I realized that striving for perfection can hinder creativity. Embracing the idea that it’s okay not to be perfect allowed me to take risks and explore new creative avenues without the fear of judgment.
The world, of course, needs progress in many areas. What movement do you hope someone (or you!) starts next? Can you explain why that is so important?
I hope to see a movement focused on mental health awareness and accessibility gain significant traction. In recent years, we’ve made strides in destigmatizing mental health issues, but there’s still a long way to go. I envision a movement that not only raises awareness but also actively works to make mental health resources accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or economic situation.
The importance of this movement cannot be overstated. Mental health affects every aspect of our lives — our relationships, our work, and our overall well-being. Yet, many people still feel isolated in their struggles or lack access to the resources they need. This gap in accessibility can lead to severe consequences, including a rise in anxiety, depression, and even suicide rates.
I believe that by fostering open conversations around mental health, we can create a culture where seeking help is normalized and encouraged. This movement could involve community outreach programs, educational initiatives in schools about emotional well-being, and partnerships with organizations to provide low-cost or free mental health services.
For example, I envision community workshops where individuals can learn coping strategies, mindfulness practices, and how to support one another. By creating safe spaces for dialogue and sharing personal stories, we can empower people to seek help and connect with others who understand their experiences.
Ultimately, this movement would not only enhance individual well-being but also strengthen communities. When people feel supported in their mental health journeys, they are more likely to engage positively in their lives and contribute meaningfully to society. It’s a step towards a more compassionate world, and I hope to be part of that change.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
On Amazon:
Or
On linktree:
Order Today:
MAID IN SECRECY: SO DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE https://a.co/d/j2U4kfF
Thank you so much for these insights. It was a true pleasure to do this with you.
Ladaro J Pennix II On The Book That Changed His Life was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.