Embedded Files
Finding My Voice:
Kenny M’Pindou's Journey with Stuttering
An exclusive interview with CLOUDZILLA
Meet Kenny M’Pindou, a bobsled athlete whose story is about much more than just speed and ice. From a young age, Kenny faced the challenges of living with a stutter. While many might see this as a barrier, Kenny turned it into a source of strength and inspiration.
In this story, you'll see how Kenny's experiences shaped his outlook on life and inspired him to advocate for greater understanding and support for those with speech impediments. His path is a reminder that our challenges do not define us; how we rise above them does.
Dive into Kenny’s journey and discover the power of perseverance and the importance of believing in yourself.
Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background?
My name is Kenny M’Pindou, and I am a bobsled athlete with a passion for both sport and advocacy. I have had a speech impediment since I was young, and I still experience it today. Opening up about my stutter last year was challenging, but it has led to many rewarding experiences. I am committed to continuing this journey, hoping to make an impact, whether big or small, in raising awareness and supporting others who stutter.
How has your journey with stuttering been? When did you first notice it, and
how has it impacted your life?
Sometimes I feel as if my memory is a blur. I recall in elementary school stepping out of class and working with a teacher on my speech through various exercises. However, I never felt it affected me negatively; no one ever laughed or made comments about it. It wasn't until junior high in Grade 7 and beyond that others started to make comments or laugh. I think that's when it started to affect me. I always felt as if I didn't care, but when others noticed and laughed, I became more self-conscious, embarrassed, and reserved. I found myself avoiding certain situations and being less interactive in group environments. Unfortunately, I carried this with me up until university, never truly talking about it, expressing how I felt, or telling others not to laugh or make comments. I would just accept it, brush it off, and act as if it didn't bother me. Opening up about my stutter last year was difficult; I hesitated a lot because, to this day, some people laugh when they see others stutter. I did not want my experiences and story to be mocked. That fear held me back a lot before I first wrote my story and shared my experiences, which aren't even half of what I've been through. I was moved by the positive remarks I received. For once, I was praised for something that had held me back for so long.
What were some of the biggest challenges you faced because of your stutter?
One of the biggest challenges as a person who stutters is getting others to see your value and look past your speech impediment. There have been opportunities I pursued knowing I was capable, had the qualifications, and could be a standout candidate, yet I was overlooked or passed over because of how I communicate. That has always been tough to deal with, especially after university. In the jobs I have worked, I constantly asked myself how I could bring value and what would separate me from others, knowing that in certain situations, my speech might have an impact.
In my previous jobs, I aimed to be that person, the faster, stronger co-worker who could be a physical presence, handle situations with ease, and be someone people wanted on their team. I felt I was able to achieve that, and because of it, I had great relationships with my co-workers. However, I always had to prove myself for others to see me for who I am and what I am capable of, instead of that being recognized from the beginning. That has been one of my biggest challenges.
Are there specific individuals, or experiences that have had a positive impact on
your mental well-being?
Every time I chat with Kat, the founder of Xoxo Sports, I tell her she will always get the credit she deserves. Growing up, the stigma around stuttering was often negative. When I was chatting with Kat about my story, focusing on the injuries, setbacks, and disappointments I had faced, I never considered my stutter as part of my story. Talking about it was sensitive for me. However, Kat stopped me in that moment and pointed out that my stutter is my story. I was shocked & did not know what to say in the moment. Afterwards I wondered if this was something I could openly discuss. But after our conversation, I started researching athletes who stuttered, and Kat sent me videos and articles about past athletes who had shared their experiences. This helped me build more and more courage. I also have to say my brother; Kevin, who also stutters, has faced similar challenges.
Seeing him go through the same struggles put a fire in our bellies to dream big and pursue our goals. Going along this journey with him and being able to relate to each other means a lot. I look forward to the day when we accomplish the things we have written down and talked about, knowing the challenges we have faced, which aren't always shared or discussed with others. Our journey, though difficult, has made us stronger and more resilient.
How did you overcome these challenges, both personally and professionally?
I wouldn't say I have entirely overcome the challenges I have faced, but maintaining a positive outlook and believing in myself fully has made a big difference. I no longer see myself as inferior or at a disadvantage compared to others. Building this mindset has been crucial. Knowing my value and what I can bring to the table, whether I stutter or not, has been the biggest game-changer.
Previously, I used to compare myself to others frequently, especially in interviews. I would automatically assume that even if a person's resume wasn't better than mine, but they had better communication skills, they would get the position over me. This mindset often led me to enter interviews already feeling defeated. I have had to flip that around, focusing on my strengths and effectively showcasing them.
The same belief I applied in sports, I've had to apply outside of sports. It's about harnessing my strengths and confidently presenting myself.
What types of support have you found most helpful in managing your stutter? Are there any specific resources or organizations that you would recommend to others?
Returning to speech therapy has been beneficial for me. I initially started attending iStar, a stuttering treatment clinic in Edmonton, when I was in grade 8. I stayed there for a few months before stopping. I resumed therapy in 2018, but when COVID-19 disrupted things, I became inconsistent and stopped once more. I recently resumed therapy in 2023 and have been working with Holly since then. It's a process, but I'm finding it rewarding to connect with other clients and share my story with those who can relate. If there is one organization I would recommend, it would be iStar.
How do you prioritize self-care practices in your own life, and what advice do you offer to
anyone striving to maintain their well-being?
I think finding and knowing what's important to you and following through on those things is crucial. My phone background is a list of tasks I know I need to do each day to improve. There are days when I don't accomplish everything, but if I complete at least 3-4 tasks each day, I know I've made progress. It's also important not to put too much pressure on yourself. Sometimes taking a day to relax or unwind is essential. I used to feel that I had to be doing something every day, not realizing that rest is just as important. Sleep, recovery, and proper nutrition are all vital. What also works for me is having an accountability partner, someone who isn't afraid to be honest with me and tell me what I need to hear if I'm not prioritizing the important things.
What motivated you to become an advocate for people who stutter? What are some common misconceptions about stuttering that you aim to address through your advocacy?
Last year, I was looking through my old journals where I had written my goals and thoughts. While in university, I contemplated switching from a criminology program to a speech pathology program because I wanted to help those with a stutter. I remember looking at the program requirements and everything I needed to do, considering I was in a different program... that plan was short-lived, haha. At the time, I thought that would be the only way for me to help those with a stutter.
However, last year, I realized I could help just by sharing my story and connecting with others. Looking back at what I wrote down and seeing where I am today is rewarding because, even though the plan I initially had in mind didn't work out, I have been able to achieve my goal in a different way, and I am so thankful for that. My hope and what I want to accomplish is to "kill" the stigma around stuttering. Those with a stutter are competent and well able to excel despite their speech, and it should not prevent anyone from having opportunities.
What advice would you give to someone who is struggling with their stutter?
How can friends, family, and colleagues best support someone who stutters?
My advice to someone struggling with their stutter, and something I wish I had done myself, is to not be afraid to speak up in challenging times. There were many instances where I wanted to say something but didn't, for fear of causing problems or being made fun of. Speaking up for yourself is crucial.
Another piece of advice is to hone in on your strengths and talents. For me, it was sports and the gym where I excelled. Doubling down on that was my way of communicating and showing others just how valuable I can be. For others, it can be anything, it doesn't have to be sports. Find that area where you excel and can express yourself.
As for family, friends, and colleagues, I would say be patient, be supportive, and take the time to get to know the person. A teammate of mine took the time to ask me questions and find out how he could better support me. That meant a lot to me, and I think it's something people want to hear often.
What motivated you to open up about your journey, and what do you hope others gain
from hearing your story on CLOUDZILLA?
After my conversation with Kat, as mentioned, I hesitated to open up about my stutter. However, what pushed me to share my journey of growing up with a speech impediment was the chance to show and tell others what it's been like—the rejections, being overlooked, and not being understood. Already feeling at a disadvantage because of your speech makes you wonder if there will ever be a way out. We live in a time where the topics of diversity, equality, and inclusion are often discussed, and that's what I hope others gain from my story. Don't be quick to judge others; take the time to know them and treat everyone equally. You never know the struggles someone might be facing.
If there is one key message you want the audience to take away from your story, what
would it be?
If there is one key message I want the audience to take away from my story, it's that you should never let your challenges define you. Embrace who you are, with all your unique qualities, and don't let anyone's opinions limit your potential. Your obstacles can become your strengths, and by pushing through them, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Be proud of your journey, keep persevering, and always believe in yourself.
Website: Kennympindou.com
Instagram: @kenmpindou
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kenny-m-pindou-828a55162
Check out Kenny's "Sneak Peak" video down below!
Google Sites
Report abuse