Ep 95: 100 Suits with Kevin Element Livingston
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Ep 95: 100 Suits with Kevin Element Livingston
Episode 95: Show Notes
In this show, we welcome Kevin Element Livingston, the heart and mind behind the amazing 100 Suits program, and someone who has taken an idea and run with it, fueled by a lot of belief and willpower.
We hear from Kevin about his early years in New York City, growing up in Jamaica, Queens, and the difficulties he had in high school that led to him being kicked out. He talks about the job he got as a bank teller and how he started to collect suits from wealthy customers to provide for his community.
Kevin ties this idea back to the importance that his father placed on being well-presented, and even Eddie Murphy's film Boomerang! We also get into the period in which Kevin was technically homeless, why and how he quit his job at the bank, and some of the milestone moments for his outreach work.
Kevin has a strong message of taking action, and believes we all have the power to make a difference, so to catch all of this good stuff, listen in with us today!
Key Points From This Episode:
A little about Kevin's upbringing in Jamaica, Queens, and his family life.
Kevin's misbehavior in school and how this led to him being kicked out.
The affinity that Kevin showed for business from a young age.
Early ideas of success and the emphasis that Kevin's father put on looking good.
The advocacy work that Kevin started to get involved in in response to violence.
A photo on Facebook that sparked Kevin's first collection of suits.
Early news coverage that Kevin garnered for his work, despite his lack of experience.
Challenges that Kevin and his 100 Suits project faced.
The shift that Kevin made in 2012 and the steps that led to him quitting work at the bank.
Why Kevin spent a month living in his car.
The commitment that Kevin felt to his mission and to never giving up.
Further marches and action that Kevin led to protest violence in his community.
How the 100 Suits program actually operates.
Support from prominent figures and how this has boosted Kevin's reach.
Words of advice from Kevin about taking action in your community for the better.
Kevin's thoughts on success and the run-along effects of helping others.
Tweetables:
“I was a typical statistic, I had two kids before the age of 20.” — Kevin Element Livingston [0:08:52]
“I saw something and I went to work.” — Kevin Element Livingston [0:15:20]
“I felt like right now I needed to do something in my community, and be a thorn in the sides of the politicians who sit there and ain't doing shit.” — Kevin Element Livingston [0:26:14]
“I am the type of person that will tighten my belt before I ask for help.” — Kevin Element Livingston [0:28:45]
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: