On this episode of Leadership LevelUp… “The resiliency. It wasn’t easy. Those hurdles that would have normally knocked me back, but because I had a desire, a hunger… I kept going.”

For Kent Wade, one of the defining aspects of his leadership journey also happens to be one of his favorite words: Ambition. No matter the circumstance, Kent has always looked forward and emphasized growth. He cites key mentors that helped him realize his potential and encouraged him to branch out and make connections.

With host Jeff Williamson, Kent provides habits and strategies to help maintain a positive mindset and prepare you for each day. Emphasizing the importance of leaving your comfort zone, Kent outlines the tenants of his leadership philosophy as well as the key components necessary for a community to nurture burgeoning leaders. With his service forward leadership style, Kent Wade’s insights into leadership and mentorship offer actionable strategies to improve your relationship with yourself and others.

Listen in to hear Kent’s journey from a teenager just moving into town, to the “Library Guy,” to a pillar in the Kankakee Community. 

Meet Your Guest

Kent Wade

Kent Wade has over 17 years of library and customer service experience. After obtaining a GED (2005) and an Associates from Kankakee Community College (2012), a fire for sharing the value of education was lit in him that still burns strong to this day. 

From working with youth, to empowering professionals, Kent’s mission has remained the same: for humans to regain their AMBITION despite the heaviness of life. During the summer of 2018, Kent launched Shake the Fear, a public speaking workshop geared toward overcoming the fear of speaking.

Wade’s ability to be a change agent earned him a Kankakee County 40 Under 40 award in 2016. Kent serves as the first Black officer on the Kankakee Public Library’s Board of Directors, as well as serving on the board of Directors of United Way. In 2020, Wade launched his Shake the Fear Gear Tee and Hooded Sweatshirt brand. Kent Wade is a proud husband, father to four, and uncle to many. 

About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast

Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.

Meet Your Host

Jeff Williamson

Show Sponsor

Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.