Written by: Patricia Arboleda, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. In today's fast-paced work culture, it's easy to fall into the trap of constantly pushing yourself to the limit. However, working too hard and too long without taking time off can lead to burnout, which can have serious consequences for your health, your relationships, and your career. The pandemic set a precedent in the way we engage in our work. After spending about two years working from home, many of our priorities changed, balancing what fulfills and benefits us as human beings and what is supposed to get done in the workplace. In 2020, a survey done by Flex Jobs noted that 75% of people polled have suffered from burnout at work, with 40% of them saying they experienced it during the pandemic. Over the last years, we have seen that returning to the workplace suppose a big challenge. While some companies accepted to turn at least into hybrid work, others have been playing under the same rules of the pre-pandemic world, which has not yielded the best result, especially for women professionals. By the end of 2022, women were more likely than men to suffer from burnout. According to research conducted by McKinsey & Co, 42% of women reported feeling burned out at work frequently, compared to 35% of men who stated they felt burned out. Additionally, a study done last year by Deloitte’s Women at Work showed that one-third of 5000 women surveyed took time off work due to their mental health. It is clear that now professionals are more attentive to their mental health while less tolerant of behaviors and systems that represent an imbalance to their well-being; so the slightest sign of burnout, they eventually resign. What to do before burnout makes you resign If you are starting to feel overwhelmed and not finding meaning in your career, it is crucial to take time off before it is too late. Consider these five valuable tips to help you avoid burnout. Recognize the Signs of Burnout Before you can take action to prevent burnout, you need to be able to recognize the signs. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), some common symptoms of burnout include exhaustion, cynicism, and a lack of motivation; as a result, people usually switch from giving their best at work to doing the bare minimum. Also, it is common to start developing negative thoughts about your job and role inside the organization. In my leadership programs, it is usual to hear things like: “Am I good enough for this job?”, “why am I here?”, “I’m not doing anything relevant for my life”, clearly a sign that something is not working for these women leaders. So, be attentive to your body's responses. If you are feeling emotionally drained, struggling to focus or experiencing physical symptoms like headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or insomnia (to name a few) it may be time to take a break. Prioritize Self-Care Many pieces of research have shown that practicing self-care can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Be sure you get enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and taking time for your hobbies. I suggest setting around 30 minutes a day during a week to identify how you’re spending your time, and make a list of all the things you would like to do, and make you feel relaxed and fulfilled. This way, you will have the big picture of your actual behavior and make all the changes needed to reorganize your agenda and improve your wellness. Of course, leaving some space to be spontaneous could help you too. Also, practicing mindfulness is an excellent tool for learning to be present and avoid pervasive thoughts. Set boundaries in your workplace Some studies suggest that employees not allowed to disconnect from work experience higher stress levels and burnout. That is why setting boundaries plays a significant role in establishing work-life balance and maintaining healthy relationships. Make sure to let know your manager and coworkers when you will be available to manage work issues. Being clear about this fact is critical to separate your professional life from your personal life. It makes it easier to change the chip in your brain that is always in work mode. But it is not enough to limit others, it is also necessary to set boundaries for yourself. One of the main contributors to burnout is overworking. Professionals tend to think that working long hours and taking on more responsibilities than they can manage will make them advance faster in their careers. This behavior leads to anxiety, stress, and fatigue, symptoms associated with burnout. Make a conscious effort to leave work at work, avoid checking your email outside of office hours, and delegate tasks when possible. If you have a defined schedule and stick to it, you will not be called in inappropriate hours, and sure, you will not need to stay at office hours later than the end of your shift. Let your manager know your needs Being vocal about your needs and challenges in the workplace is critical to have a better understanding among peers. Occasionally, try to find a moment to discuss how you feel about your workload, processes, and dynamics within the company. This way, you can work with your team to find potential solutions that benefit everyone, like adjusting your workload or taking time off. The APA suggests that employees that have supportive managers experience lower levels of stress and burnout. It is also essential to learn how to regulate your emotions; talking is a tool that will help you get rid of worries, feelings, and negative thoughts. Remember that these situations that worry you can trigger increased production of cortisol, the hormone that generates tiredness and heaviness in your body. Set time aside During your working hours, take 5 to 10 minutes occasionally to breathe fresh air, take a walk or have a coffee. It is helpful for your brain not to feel exhausted. You can also take the opportunity and combine it with the Pomodoro technique, which is excellent for increasing productivity while establishing hours of complete concentration and minutes to rest. In addition to short work breaks, taking a vacation is the reset you need to get back with more energy. Even if you are unable to take a long time off, a short getaway can help. Here is my advice: plan your vacation and set an out-of-office message to let your colleagues know you will be unavailable during that time. Sometimes people take rest for granted, but studies from APA confirm that taking a vacation can lead to a reduction in stress and an improvement in mood. Leaders have things to do Responsibility for mental health in the workplace does not rely only on employees. Leaders must strive to develop a culture where people feel free and safe to talk about their issues regarding the workplace. Managers must be open to hearing their coworkers and encourage them to take the time needed to avoid actions that might not benefit the team, company, or employees involved. It is equally important that they have the tools to create strategies that help employees work efficiently. Improving processes is an excellent way to accelerate and dynamize workflows; keeping an eye to identify those steps that may be too stressful or complicated, it is critical to get better results. On the other hand, including employees in decision-making regarding the workloads can be beneficial too. A survey realized in 2020 by Flex Jobs suggests that allowing more flexibility during the workday, offering mental health days, and increasing paid time off could be the best ways to support employees, according to the respondents. If you want to learn more keys to avoid burnout and find ways to align your career to your purpose, visit my website. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or visit my website for more info! Read more from Patricia! Patricia Arboleda, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Patricia Arboleda is a certified Executive & Leadership Coach, Former Fortune 500 Senior Executive, keynote speaker, and the Founder of Arboleda Coaching. Through her interactive and transformative corporate and individual coaching programs, she empowers driven diverse leaders to accelerate their success, take their careers to the next level, and break through barriers to build the futures that they want and deserve.

Written by: Jane Parker, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Many people have a list of what they would like in their ideal partner. But how do you know when you have found someone that will last the test of time? What attributes are profoundly important in your marriage that will bring you the love and longevity that you long for in your marriage? When looks are faded and material desires are not as important, will your partner still be there, and will you still want them to be? How do you know when someone is a keeper? How do you know if your marriage can last? When it comes to wondering if your marriage is, or would be successful, there are a few tell-tale signs that you and your partner have what it takes to make it work. In this article, we will explore some of the most important qualities you may have that will reassure you that you are on the right track for marriage success. 1. You make your marriage a priority When you make your marriage a priority, it creates feelings of safety, certainty, and security. Your partner knows that they can rely upon you, they feel special and they have an underlying feeling that the marriage is solid. Making your marriage a priority means paying attention to it, nurturing it, protecting it, not allowing anything outside to affect it negatively and consistently making choices that respect it. You make time for it, address things that happen within it, and treat it like it is precious ‒ because it is. 2. You communicate effectively Most of us know that communication is an essential part of a healthy happy relationship. It can also be much deeper than that and often is the cause of divorce. For some of us, being heard is a love language. Our partner's listening and understanding of what we say and how we feel is what makes us feel loved, close, and connected to them. For others, long conversations are not as important but being understood by our partner is imperative. 3. You can manage conflict well It is not that you argue, it is how you argue that matters. Do you each know when to take a break from an argument? Are you both respectful and reasonable even if you disagree? Do you forgive or let go of the argument quickly? Do you both accept apologies? Do you seek to resolve rather than prove you are right? 4. You respect each other To know if your partner respects you, consider how they interact with you. Do they speak kindly to you? Are they patient and understanding? Do they give you the space to voice your opinion without judgment? A partner who respects you will also be honest and open with you, and seek to understand your point of view. Additionally, respect in a relationship means having trust in each other and not constantly questioning their loyalty or fidelity. Lastly, if your partner respects you, they should make you feel appreciated, safe, and secure. 5. You laugh together A sense of humour can carry you through times of stress and heartache and I feel that it is a crucial part of a marriage that will last. When life gets tough, if you can still laugh together then that is invaluable. As a couple, being able to be light-hearted when things get heavy prevents life's challenges from becoming marriage problems. 6. You each take responsibility An essential part of a happy marriage is both partners being aware of what they, themselves are bringing to the relationship and not focusing solely on what the other person is or isn't doing. If your partner can look at their own behaviour and take responsibility for that then your chances for success are magnified! So many relationships fail because one or both partners simply have a powerful desire to be right, which prevents them from seeing the other persons point of view, or that they have created much of the situation themselves. When you each take responsibility, blaming and shaming stop. The battles stop. Stress and frustration take a back seat and you begin to work as a team, empathy grows and deepens, and you become united and connected. 7. You make time for each other Making time for each other is making time for your marriage. For me, it is non-negotiable. Marriages need feeding and watering like plants, and if you do not give them the time and attention that they need, they will eventually wither and die. It is not a case of having to make vast amounts of time available. A small amount of time each day dedicated to each other can transform an unhappy marriage very quickly. If you are happily married now, I am certain that you make time for your marriage every day. 8. You support each other Supporting each other is crucial to building trust and deepening your connection with your partner. Taking the time to understand your spouse’s wants, needs, and feelings, and standing by their side in good times and bad are two of the key elements for a happy marriage. It's essential that both spouses make an effort to express their appreciation for one another and show them love and support every day. Supporting each other also means being there for one another through thick and thin. Whether it's offering emotional support during tough times or providing a listening ear when they need to talk, always be there to show them they can count on you. 9. You listen to each other The feeling of being heard and respected by your partner is a powerful one. When your partner listens to you and acknowledges your thoughts and feelings, it can make you feel loved and appreciated. Knowing that your partner is really paying attention and taking the time to understand you can make all the difference in building a strong and lasting relationship. 10. You feel loved and appreciated We all love to feel loved! Feeling appreciated helps us to feel valued, cared for, and significant, all good things... In a happy marriage, feeling loved is one of the pillars that support it. It is important to know that your partner loves you and makes you feel special, and it helps to build self-love and confidence. Finding ways to show love and feel loved is an important part of maintaining a healthy marriage and this can be felt in different ways. For some, physical toughness makes them feel loved, for others it is feeling heard and seen. Make sure to take the time to recognize the little things your partner does for you and show them your appreciation. Gratitude for your partner is key for them to feel valued, that they matter, and that they are significant. 11. You both understand the importance of nurturing your relationship Having a successful marriage takes work and commitment. As the years pass, it’s important to understand that your relationship needs to evolve and grow in order to remain healthy. When your partner understands and respects the importance of nurturing your relationship, it is a clear sign they are a keeper. It is not enough to just stay together; you need to actively work to ensure you both stay happy. Being content with the status quo is not the path to a long and healthy marriage. Taking the time to invest in your relationship is essential for it to continue blossoming. 12. Care about each other needs Does your partner care about your needs? Knowing what you need and making sure that your partner is aware of those needs is essential for a successful marriage. Ask yourself if your partner takes time to really understand your needs and cares about your happiness and well-being. Having your partner listen to you and make an effort to meet your needs will help create a stronger bond between you. 13. Give each other room to grow A wonderful element of a successful marriage is giving each other room to grow. Not many people have the same needs and interests at 20 as they do at 60. As human beings, we evolve and change as we get older. Within a marriage, you will want to do this naturally and together. This means allowing each other the space and freedom to explore your individual interests and passions, and being interested and excited for the other person and their personal growth. Respect and trust are essential pillars of a happy marriage, and this includes respecting the personal time each of you needs for yourself. Allowing your partner the space to have their own hobbies, ideas, and friendships will help to keep your relationship strong and healthy. 14. Love each other as you are How do you feel when someone accepts and loves you exactly how you are? It can bring the feeling of freedom into a committed relationship. We feel relaxed, fun, and free to be however we choose at any given moment, we are at ease and comfortable around that person and they bring out the best in us as we do not fear being judged. We like ourselves more! Remember – nobody is perfect! This list is not a checklist. Your partner may be great at some of these and not so good at others, and you may be also. Use this list to focus on what your partner does bring to the relationship and love them for their qualities. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Jane! Jane Parker, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jane Parker is a Certified Strategic Intervention Advanced Relationship Coach and she works with couples and individuals to guide and empower them to create positive changes in their marriage or relationship. Her strategies help couples in crisis who may be considering separation or see no other alternative than divorce. Jane's work helps couples to see the value in their relationship and each other, allowing them to build upon the foundations of their connection to intentionally create the relationship they desire. She inspires couples and gives them the tools and skills to create more understanding, connection, and trust within their relationship. Jane's deep commitment to her work comes from her strong family values and a desire to coach couples to create happy and healthy relationships within their own homes. She is dedicated to showing that even when things seem hopeless positive changes can be made. Jane works with couples in person in the beautiful Lake District, UK, or online worldwide. You can find Jane at www.janeparkerrelationshipcoach.co.uk

Written by: Shelley Sanders, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. As women, we often find ourselves striving to meet the expectations of those around us, neglecting our needs and desires. It's time to break free from this cycle and become our Best True Self. The journey toward self-discovery requires courage, self-love, and a willingness to relinquish societal expectations. We owe it to ourselves to live fully and become powerful feminine beings. Step 1 ‒ Set Boundaries: It's time to draw a line in the sand and tell others what's unacceptable. When we set boundaries, we show that we value ourselves and demand respect from others. We no longer need to say yes to everything and everyone, leaving us feeling depleted and exhausted. Step 2 ‒ Listen to Your Heart: We often seek validation from others and ignore our intuition. Our hearts know what's best for us, and we make better choices when we listen to our intuition. Now is the time to trust our hearts and make decisions that align with our true selves. Step 3 ‒ Take Heart Aligned Action: Fear and self-doubt often hold us back from pursuing our dreams and goals. But when we take heart-aligned action, we can save ourselves time, energy, and frustration. We must stop waiting for the "perfect moment" and take action now to become our Best True Self. Step 4 ‒ Let Go of Other People's Opinions: It's natural to care about what others think of us, but it's important to remember that their opinions do not define us. We must let go of outside voices and listen to our intuition. We can take what resonates with us and leave the rest behind. Step 5 ‒ Stand in Your Truth: When we stand in our truth, we believe in ourselves and won't let others sway us from our path. It may be uncomfortable for others, but necessary for personal growth and happiness. We may lose people along the way, but we must remember that we are like rockets taking off into space, shedding unnecessary pieces to soar higher. Becoming our Best True Self requires a caring and powerful approach. We must prioritize ourselves, set boundaries, trust our hearts, take action, let go of outside opinions, and stand in our truth. Let's break free from the chains that bind us and become powerful, feminine beings. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Shelley! Shelley Sanders, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Shelley Sanders could see, hear, and speak to Spirit at a young age and is honored to serve Spirit today, utilizing her gift to deliver messages from the other side. She teaches in-person and online classes and is an expert in spirit communication. Shelley is a certified advanced psychic medium through LWISSD – Lisa Williams International School Spiritual Development. She has also trained with International Psychic Medium Colby Rebel. You can visit Shelley at mediumshelleysanders.com

Debra is a motivated, enthusiastic lifelong learner. She has always had a curious mind, a natural love for people, and her strength is mentoring people to succeed. She feels blessed to use her talents and passion in a bigger way with her business as a Professional Life Coach. Debra believes balance in life is important. She finds pleasure in the big, as well as the small moments – whether coaching a client, being a mother to her children, cooking, hiking or her latest love of playing pickleball. Her message is both bold and simple, be courageous, expand your horizons, and believe in your abilities. Debra Rossi, Personal Life Coach What differentiates your business from other life coaching businesses? What differentiates my business from other professional life coaches is the program I take my clients through called Mindset for Success. This program is instrumental in helping my clients transform their minds. It is specifically designed to help people change old, negative ways of thinking and replace those limiting thought patterns with new positive thoughts and beliefs. We truly have unlimited potential but often have a difficult time believing in our abilities. Mindset for Success is a blend of Neuroscience, Spirituality and Psychology, developed by Psychologist, Dr. Jayne Gardner. It is a great process that initiates lasting change because it is a brain-based approach that gets your brain circuitry connected on many different levels. What is important is that when you create new beliefs you feel the energy and emotion behind those new thoughts. You want to BE the change you want to see happen. When you move your thinking beyond your limiting beliefs you become comfortable with your innate gifts. What’s your Life Philosophy and/or Business Philosophy? There is a merger that exists between both my Life Philosophy and Business Philosophy. My philosophy, ‘Surrender into the Process of Personal Transformation. Live Life being the Strongest Version of your Best Self.’ Personal growth occurs when you let go of the thoughts, habits, behaviors and attitudes that no longer serve you with ones that do. When you practice living life believing in your best self you’re making changes in your brain, which has a ripple effect in all areas of your life. I discovered I have more WINS in my life when I feel better both in my mind and body. A powerful tool for me has been having an attitude of optimism which is just plain healthy. When my attitude says I am going for it, I feel the excitement in my body. An optimistic attitude has enabled me to take action steps with my business, help accomplish my goals, and increase my creativity. This philosophy has carried over into my business with my clients. As they transform their mindset, they are able to embrace the new and not fear change. They learn to tap into their higher potential and achieve a bigger, bolder version of themselves in life. They feel more confident, more at peace. If you believe in your abilities, you can succeed. If you think you can, you can. If you think you can’t, you won’t. Why did you start your business and become a Personal Life Coach? I have always had a natural curiosity about people, an interest in self-improvement and knew my strength was motivating and inspiring people to succeed. At a young age, I was a good listener, energetic, and enthusiastic. Thinking back to my teen years, I realized how often my sisters or friends would turn to me for guidance. Throughout the years I was the go-to person for family and friends. I studied Administration & Management and began my career in the Human Resource Management field. The years went by and my life was full but I started feeling an emptiness inside. When this feeling didn’t dissipate, I knew I had to start my own personal excavation process. I worked with a Spiritual Life Coach and went through vast inner change. Old parts of my life started to fall away as I learned to surrender and embrace the lessons growth brought. It was during this time of exploration I learned about a book study group called Find Your Strongest Life by Marcus Buckingham. The class was facilitated by two professional life coaches and turned out to be the catalyst for change I had been seeking. Personal Life Coaching is a natural alignment with my strengths and interests. I started with a vision, a dream with how my business would help people transform their mindset, be open to change and have inner growth. I trusted my intuition and knew this was the right time in my life to start my business. My passion and excitement with turning this dream into a reality was my mission. Nine years ago, I went through extensive training and certification to become a Personal Life Coach. My passion and excitement continue to grow with the work I do helping women and men reach their higher potential. I discovered it is never too early or too late to become the person you always wanted to be. Who inspires you? My mother had always been a source of inspiration for me. She always believed in the goodness of people and had a positive attitude about life. I learned from her the values of kindness, caring, and resiliency. As an entrepreneur, resiliency is an important character trait. In 2004 inspiration hit, I followed my passion of writing and wrote a book. I started researching publishing houses and discovered Louise Hay. She has served as a source of inspiration for me through the years with her life story. She was a motivational author, incredible visionary and founder of Hay House Publishing. Hay House is one of the largest independently owned publishing houses in the world. Louise was an awe-inspiring woman who built an empire, overcame illness and lived to be 90. What is your daily self-care routine? Upon awakening, I have a 15-minute morning practice. This is my special prayer time and a time when I set my daily intention. Sometimes my intention is choosing a certain word, phrase or particular attitude that feels right for the day. An attitude of optimism, determination, focus, thankfulness, or patience. Often, I’ll go outside on my patio to bring mother nature into my morning practice. My office is in my home and my days are often filled with soft music playing in the background. I live life very aware of my thoughts and feelings. I know when I have to pivot and take a quick 20-30 minute walk during lunchtime instead of working on my computer. A priority for me with my self-care practice is healthy eating. I found nutritious food affects how I feel and allows me to have energy without the highs and lows. I end my day with writing in my journal. This allows self-reflection with how I’m feeling, what’s going well in my life, and what areas in my life need change or more attention. Healthy self-care practices are key to having equilibrium in our lives and manifesting our dreams. Who should contact you for your services and what is the best way to do so? I work with women and men who are stuck, restless, feeling anxious, or a disconnect from within. The first step towards reconnecting from within is investing in yourself. You can schedule a one-hour complimentary consultation here. Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Debra!

Written by: Edit B Kiss, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Have you experienced that you have goals and dreams, but you don’t know how to take action toward them? Or are you an action taker, but you feel like your actions not bringing results, the manifestation you wish for? In this article, I will introduce you to the 3P method to help you with what actions to take which really bring opportunities and rewards. I am the kind of person who dreams big and is ready to take action. I reached many successes in my life both in my professional engineering career and also in my coaching business. I used at both case the 3P method. But before you start implementing these action steps, I recommend you pay attention to releasing and realigning. First, have a CONSCIOUS DECISION that you want the change in your life and you are ready for your new level. Second, make sure that your SUBCONSCIOUS BELIEFS and HABITS are aligned with your conscious decision. Third, create the space and time to release EMOTIONAL TRAUMAS from your unconscious mind so you can live without triggers and reactions. Finally learn how to ALIGN with the Superconscious so you understand the law of rhythm and don’t get frustrated any time you are in the phase of growth instead of the phase of striving. After all these you are ready for implementation. The first P is Positioning. Probably you heard many times that your network is your net worth. Position yourself close to the fire physically. Get into groups, start networking with the people who can help you to achieve your goals, and start serving them or learning from them. Pay into their programs and support them in their groups. Be present, be known. The second P is Preparation. You need first a strong, powerful vessel/body. Being healthy mentally and physically is a must for any mission. Prepare your body and mind to stay strong to achieve your goals. Also, learn new skills. The difference between your current self and your future self could be new skill sets, new experiences, or new habits. You will be more likely to be presented with opportunities if you are skilled and experienced. The third P is Push. Push to jump when the opportunity arrives. Might it sound first silly: why wouldn’t you take the opportunity when it arrived? Trust me, I have seen many times how self-doubt and low self-esteem can sabotage accepting your manifestation. People get suddenly scared of responsibilities or the hard work and back off. So be grateful and bold and know that Universe never brings you an opportunity unless you are ready to fulfill it. The timing can be different for these steps and how fast you can achieve your goals. If you already have the skills and the experience when you position yourself the manifestation can be pretty fast: days or weeks. If you still need to gain new skills, learn new languages, or train your body the manifestation can take a year or two. So, as you see it depends on you! Even though we are co-creators being a YES man will definitely speed up the process. I guide my clients through the transformation to get ready for the 3P, then I help them to map out their actions if they do not receive enough intuition/ inner guidance for their path at the beginning. My purpose is to support you in your journey with my Release and Realign Accelerator programs: Transform, Elevate, and Fly. So you are able to stand the storm and reinvent yourself to the next level while getting rid of self-sabotaging habits, limiting beliefs, stress, anxiety, and triggers. Download my free eBook to learn more! Bon Voyage! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Edit! Edit B Kiss, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Edit B Kiss is a holistic mentor, success habit coach, 1 best-selling author, Humanitarian Award winner and international speaker. She helps her clients to get healed from running mind, insomnia to gain more focus and fill the void in their hearts by raising their frequency and getting them aligned with their true self so they can stand the storms and live their life joyfully and reinvent themselves to the next level.

Written by: Rita Briffa, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. A smile is the facial response to being happy. But there is more to it... What is a smile for you? Honestly it occurs naturally for me to smile. It is an innate capacity to show tenderness and self-love to every cell in my body. It is my way of connecting with my inner child which keeps me happy. So how do smile at yourself? On the street, I genuinely smile to others. I observe how it changes the whole dynamics. Often I catch people walking looking grumpy, upset, sad and purposely I look at them and smile. Then I allow the magic to unfold. I can relate to this episode that is forever embedded in my heart. I was visiting a friend in Germany many years ago. We were out with her 4-year-old boy and he was riding his toy pushbike. One time he got down and as I bent over to pick it up, my eyes catched an elderly lady resting her arms on a windowsill on the fifth floor of the apartments opposite the street. She looked so lonely. I smiled at her and she was taken by surprise and got in a frenzy. She started waving and throwing kisses at me and the little boy. My friend saw her and she came to me asking me what had I done?! She told me she may have been there every single morning watching people go by, and no one had smiled to her for many years. It is sad to think that a simple gesture is missing in our fast paced society. When was your last time that you smiled to someone you do not know? How long does it take you to go from a frown into a smile? My friend have you ever thought that time cannot be reversed? So when you frown you are losing valuable moments. I acknowledge that there are circumstances where we react, but then you will be lowering your vibrations and what you detest will persecute you. So just rise up, smile and watch its ripples attract more smiles. A smile holds power. It has the potential to uplift you and others. Also be aware that a smile can irritate others who do not mean well to you. A smile changes your perception on yourself and your surroundings. It helps you respond to life. A smile lightens the burdens and it is contagious. It is the seed and what you focus on, you will get. So put up a smile even if you feel down, and allow this to ripple out. Smile breaks down resistance – it just surrenders to better living. A smile does not take any resistance – it comes naturally. A smile aligns you with the flow of energy. It is surrendering to the flow and allowing it to raise your vibrations. Then the law of attraction aligns energies with your needs and desires. So when you go for alignment, then everything flows. So my friend, smile and allow its ripples of energy to heal you and believe in better days now. In my work obviously I meet women who have been or are passing through lots of pain. When they work with me, I fully empathize with them, but when it gets heavy, I make it a point to relate a funny anecdote. I simply see their faces remembering to smile or laugh. And the therapeutic effects are marvellous. So smiling has loads of benefits: Smile to yourself and allow every cell of your body to feel lighter Start smiling at someone you do not know and allow magic Turn your frowns into smiles and feel the different vibrations in your body Tap into the potential of smiling and watch its power Smiling is contagious. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Rita! Rita Briffa, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Rita Briffa has more than 20 years of experience in energy healing, herbal remedies, aromatherapy and Encaustic art therapy. In her mid-30s she met Reiki and her life has changed completely. Her encounter with Reiki changed her life from a perspective of a sick child to a wise assertive woman full of health and vitality. She published her book ''My way to Success through healing self-love.'' She gives programmes in Success Self Love coaching both at her Wellbeing Consultancy Centre and online. She gives physical and distances healing with Reiki, Reflexology, Bach flower remedies and Encaustic art therapy. Her passion is helping people to love themselves and sharing this abundant love with others.

Kristen LaRose-Gaasrud, at just 21 years old and by herself, started a Luxury Digital Marketing business in early 2022. She achieved a certificate from Duke University in Advertising & Society and combined her creativity, experience, as well as leadership mentality and Sunday Studio Marketing was born. Now working for some of the leading businesses in her area, as well as National and International businesses. She is pivoting businesses towards success, and her skills have been labled electric and rare. Her mission: to share her knowledge and inspire others to chase after their dreams. Her work is truly an accomplishment for a young entrepreneur and she continues to make an imprint in the business industry. Kristen LaRose-Gaasrud, Luxury Digital Marketing Director and Owner of Sunday Studio Marketing, LLC Can you tell us about who you are and your story? I was born in Ocean City, Maryland, with my early years spent in a beach house chasing wild rabbits behind my surf shop neighbor, an amusement park right outside my bedroom window, the smell of salt and boardwalk fries in the air, getting tossed by waves, and catching crabs at my grandpas. At the age of 5, I moved to Southbury, Connecticut. Despite the wild child I was, my childhood was not the easiest. I took a lot of hard losses and experiences at a young age, but I am proud of that young version of me for fighting through things that some adults have not even experienced. I believe that is what gave me my guts and whit. I do not think I would be who I am today without it. Growing up, my mom always inspired me with the stories of her horse, Blue Boy, and her beautiful seascape paintings on driftwood hanging on our walls. I began riding horses at five years old, as well as painting and drawing. That sparked my two passions; animals and art. To this day, they remain the same. I was always told that I was very confident as a kid. I would get up on stage and sing in front of strangers. I would do the most when it came to fashion and outfits. I said whatever came to my mind, and when I set my mind to something, I did it. I flourished in anything creative. I would capture images with my dad’s camera around our house. I took art classes at school and submitted my work to galleries. I created videos of my life and events. I think everything I did and still does, had to be creative and different, there is almost too much to list. Connecticut became a big part of me. I made lifelong friendships that I cherish close to my heart. I discovered a lot about myself and my creative mindset. I built a life there. When I was 16, my brother passed and my mom and I moved back to Ocean City, Maryland. It felt like my world was shattering. I lost my spark. I felt lost. I had to meet a new version of myself and get to know her. After sometime nurturing this new reality, I discovered an even stronger and happier version of myself. I have made academic achievements, I started my own business at just 21 years old, and now I am working harder than I ever have for my future family. Can you tell us your business name and more about it? I own a luxury website design and digital marketing business called Sunday Studio Marketing, LLC. Some of the popular services I provide are Website Design, Social Media Management, Photography, Videography, Graphic Design, and Brand Strategy. I believe customer and market tastes are quickly changing, as are businesses. As business owners, we must adapt accordingly. My techniques follow an innovative approach. To me, a brand refresh is a powerful tool for an internal team. I look at my skills as a way to fine-tune brands to understand them better. My skills allow a company to highlight its unique position in the marketplace, reinforce its value, and gain a new perspective on what lies ahead. Sunday Studio Marketing is energetic, luxurious, and inventive. It has taken the marketing world head-on and transitioned it into something extraordinary. The goal is to transfer ideas from my clients for their businesses and transform them into luxury branding and digital marketing. Sunday Studio is destroying the standard marketing norms project by project. It is giving clients a tool that no one else can have, not just a tool but an advantage. Each project taken on by Sunday Studio is treated as a sculpture. The rule of thumb is representation, visual appeal, and outcome. Each website and marketing task will have a story that showcases the client's identity. Then, it includes brand vanity. The vanity strategy follows a color scheme, visual theme and appeal, brand identity, and innovative trends. Lastly, outcome, digital marketing is not an expense it's an investment. Sunday Studio does not stop at creation but strives for outcome. How was Sunday Studio Marketing founded? I always knew I was suppose to do more. I was never the type to want to work a typical 9-5, let alone under someone else. Out of high school, I would create businesses right from my house. I would have the itch to create something visually pleasing and unique to the specific market. I would make a website, logos, color themes, branding, social media, the whole package and then let it go. Off the top of my head, some of the brands I made were a jewelry brand, an interior design brand, a dog blog, and probably many others. I never understood why I would spend hours creating these brands and launching them publically just to let them go. You would think the answer would have been obvious, but it was not yet. It became obvious after I spent about a year and a half obsessing over going to Veterinary School and trying to prove to everyone that I am intelligent. In grade school, I was not known to have the top grades and was even labeled a dumb blonde. After I became a Vet Technician for a while and realized that I was fully capable of going down this route, but I began to feel unhappy. I felt like I was not making the right career choice and that something was missing. When I made the decision to leave the medicine field, I felt like I was betraying my love for animals by leaving. Yet, something inside me was telling me there was something else I was supposed to be doing. I spent time investing in my creative abilities by designing graphics for wildlife conservation organizations. One of the organizations I worked with was a chimpanzee organization based in South Africa. I created a large amount of graphic designs for their apparel shop. One day, I made a website for a friend, resulting in people asking me to make their websites. People began telling me how rare my marketing and digital design talents were and how valuable they would be for businesses. I started to research major businesses in my area and found dated websites and marketing efforts. I realized that there was a need for innovative marketing and business branding in my area. That is when the answer finally became obvious; my niche was marketing and branding. That is how Sunday Studio Marketing was born. Sunday Studio was founded on the idea that a good brand should be felt, as well as seen. I obtained a certificate from Duke University in Advertising and Society and got the right to work. What inspires your work? Various fashion designer campaigns have inspired my work. As well as moody color schemes, elegant fonts, clean and minimal visuals, and the luxe exclusivity feeling. The saying "less is more" I believe is more powerful than people realize. One of the brands that inspire me is Aman Resorts. This company radiates luxury and innovative branding. They own 34 luxury resorts all across 20 countries. The way they tackle branding is ahead of our time. Not many hospitality businesses can create an individual identity for each of their hotels, most start to look the same, but, Aman Resorts has mastered this and is an inspiration in their marketing techniques, visually and strategically. What are your current goals for your business? This question is hard to answer because Sunday Studio has already exceeded so many of my expectations. I believe I am still in shock. It has been growing at a rapid speed and I couldn’t be prouder. Right now, I have a client list with well-known establishments Locally, Nationally, and Internationally. The goal I am working on right now is investing time and mentorship into my interns and being a voice for young entrepreneurs. I want to create a community of creatives that I can empower, mentor, and cheer for. I wish I had a support team like this when I was trying to figure out my future. I do believe I would have gotten here a lot sooner. Moving forward, my other goals are to continue perfecting my skills, building my clientele, and hiring more people to be part of the evolving digital career. It truly is an amazing industry to be a part of, especially during this time. The mission is to be the leading marketing business in my area because I truly love my clients and want them to succeed just as much as I want myself to succeed. What would you like to achieve for yourself and your business in the future? I plan to always be part of Sunday Studio, it’s my passion. Everyone has a dream they are working towards and the biggest thing I am working for is my future family. I want more than anything to one day have children and give them a childhood of ease and happiness. That is why I am working so hard right now. I picture myself running my business from home and being with my kids on a farm with horses and other animals. Maybe even opening the first wildlife rehab facility in our area as well. I have the itch to be a voice for others in achieving their dreams and to make a footprint in the business industry. I aspire to start a podcast and continue growing my credibility through publications and conferences. I hope to build a strong team under my business now and mentor them and teach them the specific skills I have. Then one day, expand Sunday Studio into a large marketing agency, offering more opportunities for my powerful and creative team members under Sunday Studio to continue expanding their clientele and making success through the business. That is the dream. If you could tell your younger self anything as well as other young people finding their footprint in life, what would you say? I would say you are going to make it. I would tell my younger self that she is powerful and she is intelligent, and that she is going to prove that to herself one day. You need to lose the mindset of negativity and doubt and replace it with, “I control my path.” Once you realize you are in control of your future, you will be a force that no one can break. Just remind yourself every day, “I am creating the life of my dreams, and everything I want, wants me more.” It may seem intimidating or scary now, but it will be worth it. You need to truly believe it for it to be possible. Also, stop comparing yourself to other people and stop worrying about what they think, life is too short to be playing those kinds of games. Say how you feel and do what you love. Most importantly, fight the stereotypes and become the CEO your parents want you to marry. The second you stop getting in your way and show up for yourself, it is crazy to see how you blossom. Follow me on Facebo ok, Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Kristen! Photo credits: Sterrett Photography

Written by: Corina Neagu, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is a crucial component of success in business. It is defined as the ability to identify, understand, and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. The importance of EI in business cannot be overstated, as it helps to build strong relationships, improve communication, and enhance leadership skills. One of the key benefits of EI in business is the ability to build strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers. By being aware of one's own emotions and those of others, individuals can more effectively communicate and build rapport with others. This can lead to better teamwork, increased productivity, and more successful business outcomes. Another important aspect of EI in business is communication. Effective communication is essential for any business to succeed, and EI can help individuals to communicate more clearly and effectively. By understanding the emotions of others, individuals can tailor their communication style to better connect with others and build stronger relationships. In addition to building relationships and improving communication, EI is also critical for effective leadership. Leaders who possess high levels of EI are able to understand the emotions of their team members and use this knowledge to motivate and inspire them. They are also able to provide support and guidance to team members who may be struggling, leading to a more cohesive and productive team. EI can also help individuals to manage stress and navigate difficult situations in the workplace. By understanding and managing their own emotions, individuals can remain calm and composed in high-pressure situations. They can also recognize when others may be struggling and provide support to help them manage their emotions and cope with stress. Here are some ways that emotional intelligence can be better used in business: 1. Developing Self-Awareness Understanding one's own emotions is the first step towards developing emotional intelligence. Individuals with high emotional intelligence are aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, as well as how their emotions impact their behavior and decision-making. In business, this can lead to more effective communication and collaboration with others. 2. Improving Communication Effective communication is a key component of emotional intelligence. Individuals with high emotional intelligence are able to communicate their thoughts and feelings in a clear and concise manner, while also being able to listen actively to others. This leads to better relationships with colleagues, customers, and clients. 3. Building Empathy Empathy is the ability to understand and relate to the emotions of others. Individuals with high emotional intelligence are able to put themselves in other people's shoes, and can therefore better understand their needs and motivations. This can be extremely valuable in business, as it can lead to improved customer service, increased collaboration, and better teamwork. 4. Managing Conflict Conflict is inevitable in any business setting, but individuals with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to handle it effectively. They are able to stay calm and composed in difficult situations, and can use their communication and empathy skills to find a resolution that is acceptable to all parties involved. 5. Leading with Emotional Intelligence Leaders who possess high emotional intelligence are able to inspire and motivate their teams more effectively. They are able to communicate a clear vision and goals, while also being able to connect with their team members on an emotional level. This can lead to increased employee engagement, improved morale, and higher levels of productivity. Overall, emotional intelligence can be a powerful tool in business. By developing self-awareness, improving communication, building empathy, managing conflict, and leading with emotional intelligence, individuals can become more effective and successful in their professional lives. As such, it is essential for business leaders to prioritize the development of emotional intelligence within their organizations, in order to drive success and achieve their goals. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Corina! Corina Neagu, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Corina is the H (human) in HR, and she has more than 20 years of experience in Human Resources. She has become an entrepreneur in HR and Leadership Consulting in 2014. She founded Dare (www.dare.com.ro) in 2016 as she always dared to dream, to create, to share more and more, to do good. She has trained, mentored and career coached thousands of people starting 2010 including teenagers, students, employees in many organizations. She has started to deliver HR and management trainings in Asia in 2015, when she has also become an HR and Management professor at the Business Academy in Bucharest. Now she works as Human Capital Business Partner at Xclusiverse, in Dubai.

Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview Daphney Poyser is the Founder and CEO of Fern Connections, a LGBTQIA+ Matchmaking and Date & Relationship Coaching company. Prior to starting her company, Poyser worked for over twenty-five years in the tech sector; she would later bring that same analytical and strategic energy to build the scaffolding of her company. After retiring from corporate America Poyser, who in a prior life was titled the “Fundraising Queen” for her philanthropic success in connecting students within the Black community with college scholarships, began to ruminate on the ways in which she could continue to utilize her expertise to further be a champion for disenfranchised communities. This inevitably led her towards connections with individuals searching to make a similar impact, one of which, in a fortuitous turn of events, directed her towards the Matchmaking Institute. Regarding the Institute, Poyser mentioned that the program she received her accreditation from “really was a launching pad for me, not just because I saw myself as a Matchmaker, but especially because of what I didn’t see happening within the world of Matchmaking at large.” A natural problem solver, the future Matchmaker immediately noticed a lack of diversity within the world she had entered into. On Fern Connections’ website it says that as a part of their mission they aspire to inspire individuals to live and love in their truth, and that’s exactly what Poyser has accomplished here. With headquarters in Texas, Georgia, and Colorado, the company has expanded at a rapid rate in the last two and a half years, and they don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. From a feature in The New York Times to a contract to help cast for a reality dating show, the engine on this Queer Matchmaking and Coaching company is running full steam ahead! Can you tell us more about your work and how you ended up where you are today? I felt like there wasn’t much being done to represent Queer people, people of color, individuals over fifty. Individuals who had always been kept out, continued to remain on the sidelines; I wanted to see my community flourish in the way I knew only they could. It was in this space that I saw my opportunity to change the future; to create her own company founded on the principles of greater gender, sexual, cultural, and romantic inclusivity. We did an in-person date night event recently in Dallas [Texas], and we had so many couples come to participate. The events which are currently taking place online and in-person in Texas and Atlanta are open to anyone regardless of sexuality or relationship status. Most of the couples that showed up to our event were straight-presenting, cis-gender couples. To see so many straight couples come to an event run by an openly Queer company that services the LGBTQIA+ community, it was surprising, but it renewed my faith in what we should expect from human beings–kindness, acceptance and inclusivity. However as many of us know, bigotry is far too common against the Queer community, and it’s not everyday that you see the level of allyship that takes place at Fern Connections events. I’m a straight, cis-woman, and I still get a lot of flack [to this day] from people in and out of the Queer community for starting my company. But I felt comfortable starting my company because I knew that there were other allies out there just like me, who if given the opportunity would come to help support the community I have lived my entire life around; and come they did. What is Date Planning? The idea, like most of the things we do here, came from a conversation with one of the people on my team. The new service which will cater to both singles and couples alike will allow individuals to delegate all the stressors of planning a night out–where to go, making reservations, knowing when you and the other person in your party are free–allowing them to delight in only the best parts of date night: spending quality time with their significant other. When I started my business I wanted it to be a multi-dimensional, one-stop shop for individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies. We work with singles, couples. We'll coach you on how to fight fair in your arguments. We’ll plan your dates, hell we’ll even plan your proposal! Adding a familiar yet lighthearted touch to one of the most important days in many individuals lives. At the end of the day, I am so incredibly proud of the work that my team and I are doing to service our community, and knowing that we can help people to make and preserve these connections is one of the few things that allows me to actually rest easy at night. What do you think about for example Tinder and such apps? I am not a huge fan of dating apps but if I had to choose a few to recommend to people I would go with Hinge and Match. I think that Hinge does a good job of diversifying the features in their app, and Match runs a lot of in-person events which is a nice, controlled way to meet other singles. I have clients who use dating apps who I coach on how to effectively and safely use apps to their advantage. I walk them through how to set up their profiles, help them select potential partners, even help them plan what to say to keep the conversation going or spark initial interest. I personally use dating apps and have matched with several wonderful people over the years using these methods, which is why I wanted to show others how to have an effective approach with using them. Can anyone join your service or are you targeting a specific target group? We try to be as inclusive as possible, keeping in mind that our main focused demographic is the queer, gay and ally community. We want to ensure that we are providing a safe place for our clients so that they don’t have to worry about being rejected for who they are. What are your current goals for your business? We have been in business for three years and one of the main goals is for us to be a centralized source for the queer, gay and ally community. Somewhat of a one stop shop when it comes to dating, coaching, events and relationships. Who inspires you to be the best that you can be? My family, my close network of friends and the people that I get to work with on a daily basis. I love the work that we do and I would not trade it for anything else right now. Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far. Being featured in the New York Times earlier this year was something that I could have never imagined in my wildest dreams. On a more personal level, as a Mom, having my kids support what I do is a wonderful accomplishment to me. I could not be more happy knowing that they are proud of what I am able to accomplish on this new and exciting journey of my life. If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? That everyone would be able to afford this type of service and no one would be excluded for being their authentic selves. Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today. After becoming a widow in 2019 my life was automatically being transformed so I decided that I would take this opportunity to create the life I want to live going forward, truly live as my authentic self and do the things that bring me the most joy everyday. Helping people find love and happiness is definitely at the top of my list. I believe that if you help other people get what they want then the universe will in return give you what you want. It’s that simple. Fern Connections is currently accepting new clients who either reside full-time or part-time within the continental U.S. To learn more about their company and receive more information about the services they offer, head over to their website For more info, follow Daphney on Youtube, Instagram, Twitter, FaceBook, TikTok and Linkedln

Written by: Poly Panou, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. The ability to understand and share the feelings of others is referred to as empathy. It is an important characteristic in all aspects of life, including the workplace. Empathy in the workplace, on the other hand, can lead to a more positive and productive environment for all employees. 1. Improved communication is one of the primary advantages of empathy in the workplace. When coworkers and managers can empathize with one another, they are more likely to actively listen and provide useful feedback. As a result, collaboration improves and problem-solving becomes more efficient. 2. Empathy can also boost job satisfaction and engagement. Employees who believe they are understood and valued by their coworkers and managers are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and purpose in their work. This can result in increased motivation and productivity. 3. Furthermore, empathetic leaders are more effective at managing their teams. They have a better understanding of and ability to address the needs of individual team members, which can lead to higher levels of engagement and performance. Empathetic leaders are also more likely to foster a more positive and supportive work environment, which can boost morale and reduce turnover. 4. It is critical to understand that empathizing in the workplace does not imply sacrificing productivity or efficiency. Rather, it entails recognizing and responding to employees' emotions and needs in a respectful and supportive manner. This can result in a more engaged and motivated workforce, which benefits the bottom line in the long run. So, how can employers and managers foster workplace empathy? One approach is to encourage open communication and give employees opportunities to express their thoughts and feelings. Regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins can assist in making everyone feel heard and valued. Another critical step is to set a good example. Managers who show empathy in their interactions with employees set the tone for the organization as a whole. This can include actively listening, providing constructive and supportive feedback, and acknowledging the unique challenges and experiences of individual team members. Finally, empathy is a valuable workplace trait that can lead to improved communication, job satisfaction, and productivity. Empathy-focused employers and managers can foster a more positive and supportive work environment that benefits both employees and the organization. Follow me on LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Poly! Poly Panou, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Panou Theopoula (Poly) is an HR Manager/Business Partner, a Coach, an Agile HR Practitioner, and a Mentor. She is currently responsible for the entire HR cycle, specializing in Talent & Performance Management, Engagement, and Retention of Talent & Business Coaching. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) accredited by the ICF Federation and specializes in Solution Focused Coaching, supporting teams and professionals to improve/develop their professional & personal lives. She is an HR enthusiastic that loves to talks about coaching life, hr management, business coaching, and hr business partnering.

The chatbot ChatGPT could power new information-access features in vehicles built by US automobile giant, General Motors (GM). The manufacturer is reportedly using Microsoft’s Azure cloud service - which includes a ChatGPT API - to create an AI assistant for car owners. GM has a longstanding relationship with Microsoft. In a piece on semafor.com, GM suggested that the developments could push things beyond the simple voice commands available in today’s cars. In a further interview with Reuters, a spokesperson for General Motors said: “This shift is not just about one single capability like the evolution of voice commands, but instead means that customers can expect their future vehicles to be far more capable and fresh overall when it comes to emerging technologies." Examples of use include asking the AI assistant what a warning light means on the vehicle dashboard or integrating schedules from the driver’s calendar. Tech website, The Verge, urged patience though, suggesting drivers may be in for a wait for the new AI assistant. It wrote: “There’s no release timeline or even a formal announcement for General Motor’s ChatGPT integration plans as yet, and with details being so slim, it could be a while before we’re recreating scenes from Knight Rider in a new Chevrolet.”

Written by: Katie Scott, business reporter Brainz Magazine Furniture brand Ikea has been added to a list by the Russian government that allows its products to be imported into Russia without its permission. The so-called parallel imports scheme is a way for the Russian industry minister to get around the sanctions imposed after the country’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. Also on the list are Lancome, Japanese gaming brand Nintendo and toy manufacturers Hasbro and Mattel, according to Reuters. The news comes after the Russian government announced last month that it had brokered a deal with local companies to buy Ikea’s factories in Russia. Ikea said in a statement at the time: "The sales process is subject to a mandatory approval process. This process is between the authorities and applying companies.” It also added that it was keeping some details confidential at this time, stating: “We have agreed with potential buyers not to share any details with respect to them and the integrity of the sales process."