Introduction
Meiko Seymour is a local pastor, blogger and podcaster. In the four years since his move to St. Pete, Seymour has made the city home. As a member of the 2019 class of Leadership St. Pete, he has successfully bridged the gap between the business and entrepreneurial community and the faith community. You might recognize him from his takeover of the City of St. Petersburg's Instagram account, the first of the #LocalTourist series. His podcast, Altitude Collective, launched in 2018 and has featured local influencers like Anthony Close of St. Pete Rising and Mayor Rick Kriseman. Seymour is also the author of two books, "The Driven-Box Method" and "The Heartbeat System."
Years in St. Pete
Almost 4 years
Organizations involved in
Leadership St. Pete, St. Petersburg Downtown Partnership, St. Petian, St. Pete Chamber of Commerce
What gets you out of bed every day?
Knowing that every day is a seminal opportunity to affect my world. There’s so much that needs to be done to be a good neighbor – and I have found every day is a new adventure in discovering new facets on that journey.
Why St. Pete?
St. Pete is on the cusp of greatness in our own quirky way and I love that. The sun shines here, but it often shines in varying degrees depending on the neighborhood you are in. And so I love the opportunities this city has for those who are willing, to roll up their sleeves and get to work to find solutions where all can feel the warmth of the sun. Not to mention, our food and coffee scenes are to die for! Paradise plus opportunity = yes please!
What is one habit that you keep?
I calendarize everything. If you want to see what I care about, look at my calendar. It helps me meet the challenges of every day, keeps me balanced and life-prioritized. Before I go to bed at night, I review the next day’s calendar. Sunday evenings, I look at the week. I work hard at making sure my calendar works for me, and makes sense, and gives me opportunities to operate in all of my passion areas daily.
Who are some people that influence you?
Drew Brees, Common, President Obama, Lebron James, Steph Curry.
What is one piece of insight - a book, methodology, practice - that you would share with our readers?
I recently read “Digital Minimalism” in an effort to create additional margins in my life. I’ve spent the last few months implementing devices in my life that force me off of my phone, my computer, social media etc. What I have found is that my ears are more in tune, my eyes opened wider, and my heartbeat in sync with those around me. It has really allowed me to hear myself and others more clearly. It has allowed me to dive deep into my community and sift out where I belong, how I can contribute. Sometimes it really takes a deep carving-away from these devices in order to find how you can affect the change you wish to see.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your work 3 years ago?
That bravery costs you a lot. Not everyone will come with you on your journey. Not everyone will agree. However, you will have to answer to yourself for the decisions you decided not to keep because you were afraid of what others would say.
What’s next?
Finding ways to get my hands dirty helping those who can’t find paths towards their goals.
