.png)
For well over a decade now, Seth Pinnock has been using his gifts to change the world around him.
From managing highly successful teams to setting up international summits and finding pragmatic ways to support the community he comes from, Seth has made it his mission to make a difference in as many ways as possible.
An architecture graduate, public speaker, singer and songwriter to name a few things - he has made good on the early promise that saw him named a Young Leader To Watch by The Tony Blair Faith Foundation, which later became The Tony Blair Institute for Global Change.
Driven by his faith and a belief in the value of education as a route to empowerment, he set up his first charity; Symphony Co in 2006 when he was just 16 years of age.
Still thriving today, Symphony Co began as an idea to bridge the gap between the church and the community and is now the bedrock for groundbreaking initiatives such as a record label for artists, a publishing arm for authors and a free extra tuition programme for young black boys from inner-city backgrounds.
I was honoured to sit down with Seth to discuss this and more about what drives him to keep believing in, not only his success but everyone else's too.
For those unfamiliar with your work, can you tell us who Seth Pinnock is and what motivated you to start Symphony School, Music and Festival?
Seth is a simple song with a complicated melody, someone who wants to live on purpose, with purpose, for purpose.
Symphony Schools, Music and Festivals are my way of trying to create platforms and spaces for people to realise the same.
What gaps or challenges did you identify that led you to start Symphony Co?
I wanted to create something that brought together culture, church and community, born out of the Black British experience.
I wanted to address issues of equity, equality and empower a generation to embody possibilities, possibilities that their environment said were uninhabitable.
How has your involvement with Symphony enabled you to become an effective leader?
You gotta learn to do a bit of everything and when you do that you get to learn how to lead a bit of everything.
You also learn about your strengths and weaknesses, recognising that we all need each other to create a resonant sound capable of changing the world.
Over the past year, what valuable lessons have you learnt that can inspire young leaders from disadvantaged backgrounds?
Don't shy away from asking for help; build a supportive team around you. Share your vision far and wide and continuously work on refining your pitch.
Bring structure to your life by establishing routines and exercising discipline. Embrace laughter and don't take yourself too seriously. Cherish the present moment, put in hard work and don't be discouraged by rejection. It's okay to feel disappointment, but always remember to pick yourself up and keep moving forward.
How did you receive the invitation to the 2022 Concordia Annual Summit in New York?
My mentor was initially invited to speak at the United Nation's Concordia Summit in New York.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances related to the Queen's funeral, he was unable to attend. As a result, I was given the privilege to serve as his representative at the conference.
What insights did you gain from meeting leaders and dignitaries from around the world at this conference?
The meeting with global leaders and dignitaries underscored a shared dedication amongst us: regardless of language, faith, tribe, sect, industry or movement, we are all striving to make the world a better place than we found it and aiming to enjoy the journey along the way.
This gathering also served as a reminder of the vast and complex challenges that our world faces, highlighting the need for expansive, innovative ideas.
However, through unity and collaboration, we have the potential to make significant strides towards solving these issues.
One of the other people speaking at the Summit was the First Lady, Jill Biden. How was it being in the presence of someone so influential in the world of education?
While I didn't have the opportunity to engage directly with Jill Biden or sit opposite her, as I was positioned in the fourth row, being in her presence was indeed a remarkable experience.
She emanated a sense of power and humility, embodying an inspirational story that resonated deeply with me
. While at the Summit did you feel that you suffered from imposter syndrome while speaking to Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan?
My interaction with the Queen of Jordan was brief, but I did manage to say "Hello".
Hearing her speak on stage was truly inspiring. Her words were powerful and served as a remarkable example of the leadership she provides in her region.
How has your faith played a role in keeping you grounded while navigating influential environments?
My faith serves as a powerful antidote to any feelings of imposter syndrome I may encounter.
It offers a constant reminder that I'm not here by accident or solely by my own effort. It provides perspective and assurance, reinforcing the belief that there's a greater purpose at work in my life.
Who impacted you the most at the UN during the three days you were there for the Summit?
The entire experience at the Concordia Summit was nothing short of incredible.
Each individual I had the chance to interact with left a distinct impression, contributing to the richness of the event. The breadth and depth of the speakers, their various themes and areas of expertise, provided a plethora of insights.
Notably, the discussions around the Clinton Initiative's projects made a significant impact, further reinforcing the importance and urgency of their work.
How did your collaboration with Apple Music and Beats by Dre come about? What can you share about technology, campaign marketing, business and entrepreneurship which is their speciality?
Our collaboration with Apple Music and Beats by Dre came about through a series of introductions and a commitment to nurturing valuable professional relationships. It's a process that underscored the importance of connection and mutual benefit in achieving shared objectives. In the realm of technology, staying updated with the latest advancements is crucial. We've been able to learn from the pioneering tech initiatives led by Apple Music and Beats, understanding how they use cutting-edge technology to reach and better serve their audience. Campaign marketing is about engaging your audience with a compelling narrative. Apple Music and Beats excel in this area, creating relatable and powerful campaigns that we've learned from. In the context of these collaborations, business acumen involves making sound decisions that promote growth and sustainability. It requires a solid grasp of the marketplace, the ability to identify opportunities, and the skill to navigate challenges. Entrepreneurship, in essence, is a mindset. It's about transforming obstacles into opportunities and having the courage and determination to manifest your vision. Through our work with Apple Music and Beats, we've gleaned valuable insights into entrepreneurial thinking. These experiences have broadened our understanding, helping us to more effectively pursue our mission and serve our community.
For the students who attended Apple and Beats by Dre what 5 things did they take from this experience?
Exposure to New Environments: A visit to the Apple HQ would expose these students to a world-class corporate environment. This exposure can be transformative, expanding their understanding of what's possible and igniting their ambitions.
Technology Understanding: Apple, being a tech giant, offers an immersive experience of the latest technology trends. This could spark interest and inspire these students to explore tech-related career paths
Networking Opportunities: Being at Apple HQ would provide the students with an invaluable opportunity to interact with professionals in the tech industry. This could help them form connections and open up potential mentorship opportunities.
Real-World Business Insight: Observing the operations of a leading global company would give the students a real-world perspective of business at the highest level, providing insight into how successful businesses function.
Inspiration and Motivation: Lastly, seeing people who look like them thrive in such environments can be incredibly inspiring. It sends a powerful message that they too can overcome obstacles and achieve success, motivating them to strive towards their goals.
What kind of support or assistance would you need to progress further with the Symphony Festival?
At this stage in our journey with the Symphony Festival, our primary need is to strengthen our team.
We are actively seeking dedicated individuals to join us, particularly those who might serve as co-founders. We believe that a robust, diverse and passionate team is crucial to carrying our mission forward and expanding the impact of our festival.
What advice would you give to your 15-year-old self?
I would tell my 15-year-old self to embrace authenticity. Be true to who you are and unafraid of expressing it.
Speak your truth, even when it's uncomfortable, and stand firmly in your own light. Life is most fulfilling when you live it as your true self.
Who has been your main support with this project and what does leading from the front mean?
My main support throughout this project has come from everyone who has contributed to our campaign and those who make regular donations to our charity.
Each of these individuals stood with me as I took a leap of faith, transitioning from full-time employment to dedicating myself to this endeavour. As for 'leading from the front,' it means setting an example through action. It's about being the first to face challenges, take responsibility, and inspire others through your dedication, courage and commitment.
It's about not just telling others what to do, but showing them how it's done by your own actions.
How does every touch leave a trace while navigating in new spaces?
The concept of "every touch leaves a trace" in new spaces speaks to the impact of our actions and interactions.
Whether it's a casual conversation, a formal meeting or even a fleeting interaction, each contact we have with another individual leaves an impression. We might not always realise it, but we are constantly influencing—and being influenced by—the people we encounter.
Therefore, it's essential to approach every interaction with kindness and respect. After all, we never know who we're talking to, who might remember us, or how our words and actions could affect someone's life.
What does the future hold for you, Seth, and the Symphony project?
The future for me and the Symphony project is bright and filled with determination.
We are committed to manifesting our dream and bringing about transformational change.
Our focus is on creating platforms and spaces that empower individuals to become the best version of themselves. It's a mission that's bigger than us - it's a divine calling, and we believe it will make a significant impact.
So, in essence, the future holds perseverance, growth and profound change.
A huge thank you to Seth for taking time out of his hectic schedule to speak with us. I hope you enjoyed a small insight into the incredible work Seth does and how he is helping improve the world around him. A lesson from which we can all take something. You can keep up-to-date with Seth via his website, WeAreSymphony.co, or across social media including Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
You can also listen to Seth's own music over on Apple Music right here.
If Seth's musical prowess has inspired you and you'd like to help me out, you can buy me a virtual coffee by clicking the button below. A huge thank you in advance espresso-ly for you.
Kommentare