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An Inspired Chat with Ricky Pannell of Greater Lansing Area

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ricky Pannell. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Ricky, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Identity is a consistent theme I see people are struggling with. This goes across the board: sexual orientation, gender, gender roles, relationship dynamics, intercultural differences, etc. With they’re being echo chambers for anything we can think of nowadays, it can be hard for an individual to figure out how are they supposed to present themselves authentically. Most tend to go with social norms in order to not be potentially ostracized (real or imagined).

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ricky Pannell Jr. and I’m an entrepreneur with my interests in multiple lanes. Creatively, I release music and related content as Wavie P. (Was A Valuable Influence Everyday) and have new projects coming before the year ends. As for my other endeavors, stay on the lookout for some interesting things coming.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Some children are raised within the trope of “being seen and not heard”, basically be a “non-boat rocking” representative of your immediate family thus stifling your voice. This is belief I was caught under, where I didn’t think my voice mattered as much. However, as I moved out on my own, I learned the opposite was true and there were a breadth of people that value my experiences and what my views are and have found them insightful and helpful.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
The wounds I have are more on a psychological level. I’ve been able to heal from them by first becoming aware of certains patterns I displayed and next identifying their source. I tend to be reflective, so writing things down has been helpful. Cathartic activities like songwriting and releasing music are great for me. I’ve also placed myself in therapy, which involves group and individual sessions. I’ve been able to release old things, bounce ideas/ experiences off others, and gained insight on how to turn those wounds into scars for success.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
That the vulnerable should never be taken advantage of. It takes a very weak person to try to oppress, devalue or manipulate someone just because a person believe they might be superior to another.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
Let’s be real, people are going to say whatever they want, however, I believe they’ll be some common themes amongst people about me. These will include saying I was genuine, lived authentically, tried to give my best in whatever situation I was in (even if it might not have fit other’s standards), enjoyed life, loved fully and wasn’t a hater.

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Image Credits
Gio Bartlett Productions
MoscowMadeIt

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