In an insightful look at his artistic journey, Kevin Olusola, the acclaimed singer from the vocal group Pentatonix, shares reflections from his upcoming book, *Designed to Succeed*, co-authored with life coach Donovan Dee Donnell. Set for release on 9 June, the publication aims to provide readers with a fresh perspective on achieving success through faith and personal growth.
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Olusola’s exploration of success is deeply rooted in his own life experiences and the artistic evolution he has undergone since childhood. He recalls how his mother often encouraged him with the mantra, “Whatever you do, be extraordinary and uncommon.” This nurturing approach not only underscored the importance of striving for excellence but also opened doors to opportunities that he embraced throughout his early life. His parents ensured that he received musical training, investing in lessons for instruments such as the piano, saxophone, and cello while supporting his academic pursuits at prestigious institutions like Phillips Academy in Andover and Yale University.
Despite a promising academic path and ambitions in medicine and foreign relations, Olusola felt the weight of numerous possibilities, which he described as both exciting and overwhelming. However, a turning point in his career came unexpectedly during a concert he attended. As he and his bandmates toured in Amsterdam in late 2013, Olusola took a moment to reflect on his purpose as a musician and an artist.
During this time, Pentatonix had reached significant milestones, performing across the United States and Europe. Yet, amidst the acclaim and success of his band, Olusola experienced an internal conflict, questioning his role and artistic identity. He began to feel restless, pondering, “Why am I really here?” This moment of introspection set the stage for a dramatic revelation about his artistic aspirations.
An invitation to attend a concert by Justin Timberlake would prove to be a pivotal moment for Olusola. The concert showcased a level of artistry that left a lasting impression on him, igniting what he called a “revelation” about his own artistic potential. As he witnessed Timberlake reimagine his music and engage a vast audience, Olusola’s yearning to create rather than merely perform crystallised within him.
During the car ride back from the concert, amidst the chatter of his enthusiastic bandmates, Olusola declared his desire to be an artist, which was met with laughter. His friends interpreted his role in Pentatonix as that of an artist, yet Olusola felt a deeper calling to create and channel his innate talents towards a more profound expression. He craved to offer audiences transcendent experiences that reflected his multicultural influences, classical training, and faith.
In grappling with the complexity of his ambitions, Olusola questioned how he could meld his diverse musical influences into something uniquely his own. He found himself contemplating whether to blend his love for classical music with modern genres like hip-hop and pop, or to pursue a more niche concept, such as a cello-beatboxing album. Overwhelmed by potential options, Olusola recognised that true artistic growth would require not just exploration, but also a significant leap of faith.
His journey underscores a broader theme presented in *Designed to Succeed*—the notion that recognising one’s potential involves navigating a path that can often be guided by divine inspiration. Olusola conveys that the journey is not merely about achieving success in the conventional sense, but about understanding one’s unique contribution to the world.
He acknowledges that embracing this “more” requires aligning oneself with personal calling, emphasising the importance of faith in uncovering one’s true sound and purpose. The questions he posed to himself during this transformative period reflect a universal quest for meaning: “Lord, what have you put inside me that the world needs to hear? What does heaven sound like through me?”
As the release date for *Designed to Succeed* approaches, readers can anticipate valuable insights not only from Olusola’s personal narrative but also from Donnell’s life coaching expertise. The book promises to serve as a roadmap, encouraging individuals to explore their potential in collaboration with their faith and community. With a blend of personal anecdotes and actionable guidance, Olusola and Donnell aim to inspire others to redefine their own paths to success.
*Designed to Succeed* is now available for pre-order through various retail platforms, inviting readers to embark on this journey of self-discovery and faith-driven success.