An Inspired Chat with Samuel Sirmons

We recently had the chance to connect with Samuel Sirmons and have shared our conversation below.

Samuel, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’m actually walking a path. One that I didn’t know I would be walking on in my 30’s, but I’m grateful for everything in my life. I wouldn’t think anyone that knows me that I don’t have an ungrateful spirit about myself, but I don’t think I allowed myself to just be happy with where I was at. I have always had a “what’s next” and I wouldn’t appreciate where I was. I’m living a lot of prayers, affirmations, & more recently, declarations. Wandering happens when you have no direction. I always knew where I was headed, I just didn’t have a map while I was on the journey. That’s the distinction.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
You might have heard of him referred to as 6’5″, but Sam Sirmons has become one of the most accomplished executive producers in the radio industry. He has made his way to being an industry mover into being a curator of cultural influence through national platforms. From Atlanta to Palm Springs, CA, Sirmons has made himself a staple in radio broadcasting.

On top of delivering #1 ratings in markets across the country as both a producer and personality, Sirmons was recognized by Radio Ink Magazine as a member of the Class of 2020 “Future African-American Leaders in Radio” & inducted into the inaugural class of the Hall Of Beneficence for the College of Communication, Information, and Media at Ball State University.

Currently, Sirmons is a DJ, public speaker, entrepreneur, philanthropist, & brother of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity Incorporated, Alpha Alpha Omega Chapter.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The obvious answer is my parents. They always spoke life into me. But, career wise? I think I had told everyone what I was going to do & be, but I feel like only my bestfriend that I’ve known since daycare, Pat Bynum, really bought in from the ground up. Pat went to the National Museum of African American History and Culture the first year it opened with his family. There’s an exhibit with radio and he sent me that section, with the caption, “Sam got next.” That was a stamp from my guy that I didn’t know I needed, but it was him showing his faith in me that never wore off. You can have faith in yourself, but when your closest friend see the vision, it drives you even more.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would have a LOT to say to my younger self, but if I had to limit to just one thing? “Keep being you.” As confident as I believe I come off, I absolutely had imposter syndrome. Being a student athlete while being in show choir, I had coaches/teachers not understanding what the other needed of me. I was starting for the basketball team but also competing across the state in competitions. Being needed and depended on was stressful. But, I am grateful that I didn’t let one supercede the other. There was space for them both. I didn’t just have to be the kid in choir. I didn’t just have to be the athlete. I had my parents blessing to do both & I did. And more so, after I left both the court & the stage, I didn’t have a space where I didn’t know who I was. I was still me. I am glad that I didn’t have to go on several different paths to get where I am now.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Culturally, I believe it’s the importance of building family/community and that family/community isn’t always people that have your same last name. I’m forever going to show love to those that love me. It’s something you hope you find, but also be prepared to be someone’s family/community that may not have one. The sense of believing we do it alone is a rumor and after the pandemic, that’s all many of us had. But, you have to find a way to be connected. We have to be near or around those that care for us. And it may require you to be what you are looking for before receiving it.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
The only thing that would remain would be my character. Those that know me personally including those that know me professionally, they know I don’t give half-effort, I don’t cut corners, and that I deliver high quality results. I don’t believe that my name has warranted any recognition, my role absolutely is one that’s unsung, and I don’t have the most worldly possessions. I just know how I show up, how I am able to just do the work, and allow my actions lead instead of relying on anything else that can and will eventually fade away. What will stand the test of time? Character.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://samuelsirmons.com
• Instagram: @therealsix5
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stsirmons/
• Twitter: @therealsix5
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealsix5
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@therealsix5

Image Credits
@eley_photo, @artbyphanny