Written by: Christine Nicholson, 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. If you are one of the. 70% of business owners who are relying on your business to fund your retirement, then finding the right time to sell is as important as all the other factors that make a successful sale. Lots of entrepreneurs assume that selling a business is simple. After all, if you have put your life and soul into it, someone else should surely see all that value? Sadly, nothing could be further from the truth. Selling your business is hard. Being prepared for the right time is essential. Deciding when to sell a business is a highly personal and complex decision that depends on various factors, including your personal and financial goals, the business's financial performance, market conditions, and future growth prospects. Not only does the timing have to be right for you, but it also must be right for the buyer. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether it is the right time to sell your business: Personal and financial goals Your personal circumstances, such as retirement or a desire to pursue other interests, can play a significant role in the decision to sell. Planning for this should ideally start on day one but the next best time is today. I hear a lot of business owners saying. “Oh, I’m miles away from retiring”, or “I don’t need to think about stepping back just yet”. None of that is relevant if you are serious about the value of your business. Protecting your business value and future income is critical. More than 50 % of business owners will experience one of the 4 horsemen of the business apocalypse – death, disease, disability or divorce – that impacts their business.No one wants to think of their own mortality. And it’s not always you that is the victim of the dreaded 4 D’s – it might be a member of your family that takes you away from the business. The impact will be the same. Being prepared protects your business from the high probability of it falling into administration or insolvency if you are away from your business for more than a few weeks. It protects your income, keeps your staff in jobs, takes care of your customers and suppliers. You might need to raise funds for personal reasons. Whether it’s selling the business or refinancing, preparation gives you options. And if you are incapacitated, planning makes it easier to get through the processes. Remember selling is NOT quick or easy. It’s taxing emotionally and mentally demanding. Preparation gives you choices and makes it easier when the timing is right – no matter what creates the opportunity. Business performance If the business is performing well and generating consistent profits, it can be an attractive opportunity for buyers and may fetch a higher price. Equally when a business is on the rise, it takes cash for growth investment which you may not wish to invest. Your appetite to risk is as much a driver as the buyers’ approach to risks. In businesses that have plateaued, there are often new markets to explore which take time, energy and cash. I have found a lot of business owners start thinking about selling when the business starts to dip. Often this is because of their own energy in the business falling. If your business needs you in the day-to-day, every day, it’s exhausting. Your energy becomes the business’ energy. Reviving the performance of the business can result from readjusting your own position and approach in it. One of the most beneficial side effects of exit planning is how much easier it is to build a business that is worth more, even when you don’t want to grow it or when no growth is possible. No matter what stage your business is at, there will be buyers who look for specific characteristics ‒ cash cows, growth opportunities, international or national expansion, and parallel products. Market conditions While business performance is often affected by the wider market. Market conditions are one of the key elements to the right timing. Whether in a booming market or a recession, there are always buyers looking for the goldilocks acquisition – not too big, not too small, just right – for them. And it’s the same for funding, borrowing and investment. Some businesses are less affected by economic trends. Most sectors have competition within the industry and from alternatives. Understanding your competitor’s performance gives insight into the market. Very few businesses spend any time or effort in benchmarking themselves against others. This can give great intelligence that translates into an easier business to sell at a higher price. Benchmarking reports are not easily acquired and if you haven’t benchmarked your business, maybe it’s time to explore this. Contact me if you’d like to explore this quickly and easily. Buying and selling a business is like buying or selling a house. It’s all about finding the right buyer. Sophisticated buyers look at the return on their investment and make assumptions about the business on how they can make that return. When you can show there is demand for the business's products or services, the next owners can see the risks associated with impact the decision to sell. Future growth prospects If you believe that the business has limited future growth prospects, you may consider selling it while it is still performing well. Equally if you recognise that there are new opportunities that another owner can take advantage of it makes the value proposition easier to articulate. Looking at your business from the perspective of a buyer is a good place to start. You want to make it easy for the right buyer to make their decision and get the ball rolling for the acquisition process, especially if it’s the right time for you. Buyers look at acquisition for 3 main reasons: Capacity (equipment, people) Capability (skills, unique intellectual property) Customers If your business has any of these in your industry sector or a parallel one that utilises the same skills, you may have a wider range of buyers, whether there are growth opportunities or not. Consider consulting an appropriately experienced advisor or exit planning professional to help evaluate these factors and make a well-informed decision. Questions For Your Reflection Personal and financial goals: What do you NEED for future financial security? What do you WANT for your future lifestyle? Business performance: What's your business worth right now (is it going to give you what you need or want in the future?) What does it need to be? (Not sure how to get a business valuation? Contact me for a quick conversation and a valuation within 48 hours) Market conditions: Is your market expanding? How are your competitors doing? How do you know? (NB Benchmarking is useful here ‒ ask about how you can get more information about this) Future growth prospects: What future value-adding opportunities are there in your business? What will it take to take advantage of them? Do YOU need to do it? Follow me on LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Christine! Christine Nicholson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine I am Christine Nicholson, an author, speaker, and award-winning Professional Business Mentor who works with multi-million turnover business owners of technology, engineering, or product/services businesses. I'm UK Business Mentor of the Year 2021 and a Global Top 50 Woman in Accounting. I've appeared on BBC talking about business! christine@christinenicholson.co.uk 0333 567 8011

Written by: Serena Martino, 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 many professionals in fast-growing companies know, the demands of work can often take over their life. It can be challenging to maintain a healthy balance between work and personal life, and it can be even more challenging to keep that balance while meeting the demands of a growing business. Embracing flexible work is the solution that can benefit individuals, but also companies. Flexible work in all its forms can lead to increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention: it’s a good way for companies to attract and retain top talent, as well as reduce overhead costs. Also, companies that embrace flexible work are often better positioned to adapt to fast-changing market conditions and remain competitive. Here are 3 ways you can embrace flexible work to maximize work-life balance and company performance. 1. Remote work is not a place. One of the most significant shifts in the work environment over the past year has been the rise of hybrid work. There has been so much discussion about returning to the office and whether it should be mandated or optional for workers. While this discussion will continue for a while, the reality is that for most online businesses this decision is totally arbitrary. It's important to remember that remote working is not a place: it is a mindset that requires to be flexible and adaptable. As a company, you can decide if you prefer for people to spend most of their time meeting face to face; if you prefer to hire people anywhere they live in the world, or anything in between. But if you need to truly build a company that can scale globally, you have to ensure that your team can do their work wherever they are, and be able to have the same optimal performance as if you are all squeezed together on the same floor. One of the keys to making remote work successful is communication. You need to communicate goals and expectations clearly with your team and avoid information silos. Put real trust in employees and ensure everyone knows where they can add value. You can be a remote-first company and have employees coming to an office. You'll be set for success independently from where people are sitting. 2. Flexible schedule to maximize performance. This has a clear advantage for workers as they can better adjust their work hours to accommodate their personal life. For example, they can start work early and finish early, so you can pick up your children from school. Or, they might be able to work longer hours on some days to take a few hours off during the week. For international companies, an additional benefit is to have more availability to cover work at certain times (or days) that are not traditional business hours or ease communication with people in very different time zones. The overall clear benefit of a flexible schedule is that it can boost performance. When you're able to work when and where you're most productive, you're more likely to get things done quickly and efficiently. To make flexible time and schedule work effectively, you need once again to be proactive to communicate needs and expectations with your team. It’s ok to set boundaries on when people should be available ‒ even when working asynchronously ‒ so people know when to get in touch or expect a response. 3. Flexible workforce. With more companies struggling with budgeting for new hires, due to uncertain economic situations, flexible contracting is a great solution too often overlooked. This includes part-time work, contracting work, and fractional work. These types of arrangements allow hiring people on a project-by-project basis or for a set number of hours per week, rather than committing to a full-time position. Part-time work is ideal for professionals who want to work fewer hours but still want to maintain a connection to the workforce. Part-time work is great to hire parents struggling to return to work full-time, as well as very seasoned workers that have decided to slow down and want to pursue personal interests or hobbies. Contracting work can reduce the risk of overstaffing or underutilizing employees. This allows companies to manage their workforce more efficiently and avoid the costs associated with employee turnover. From a worker's point of view, flexible contracts can provide opportunities for professional growth and be exposed to different industries and work environments, and includes the ability to choose the projects and assignments that are most interesting and rewarding. In conclusion, the era of flexible work has arrived! When managed correctly is a powerful way to maximize employees’ work-life balance and company performance. We must move beyond the office vs. home option and think about flexibility in its full variety. If you need a partner to help you future-proof your business you are welcome to reach out to me via LinkedIn or my website. Read more from Serena! Serena Martino, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Serena Martino is an Executive and Business Coach (ACC with ICF) with abundant Leadership experience both in Corporate and Startup environments, with a focus on Tech, eCommerce, and Travel. Having worked in 6 different countries and with teams around the World, she understands cultural diversity and the complex dynamics of scaling internationally. She works with leaders at all levels: her approach is allowing to find the best solution through self-reflection, combined with practical tools from her direct experience in the field. She coaches people through their businesses, empowering teams and individuals to grow with a clear direction. Her mission is to put people at the center of every company.

Written by: Paul Corke, 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. One common theme we find in any book on mindset is the assumption that the quality of your thoughts will determine the quality of your life. The reason for this? “Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside will change along with it.” ‒ Steve Maraboli The answer then has to be what we think about most of the time tends to manifest itself in our lives. Whether that is good or bad…ever noticed that when you think you are ill or not then you tend to be. If you repeat over and over again, ‘I’m not happy’ to yourself through your ongoing self-talk guess what you are not going to be happy. And vice versa hence why positive affirmations are so important they help to re-wire your brain for success. If they are positive! So can you recondition your mind? Part of the brain, the Reticular Activating System (RAS) makes sure that what we bring to our attention our mind focuses upon, and it looks for supporting information, data, and evidence to support what we are thinking about. It is now understood by neuroscience that our brains are shaped by experience, but they have the ability to evolve throughout our lives. Out intelligence is not fixed like lots of people think. For every one of us in life our thoughts and behaviours change on a daily basis, which creates a shift in the neuroplasticity of the brain. With the consistent conditioning of our thoughts, feelings, and actions, we create new neural pathways with the proportion of grey matter changing, and synapses in the brain may strengthen or weaken over time. Neuroplasticity is the ‘muscle building’ part of the brain which we can shape and change; but our repeated thoughts and behaviour over a long period of time condition us to believe we are who we are, and nothing can change us. Especially the older we get, but we are in constant flux and have the ability to continually learn new things. We have been taught that the brain stops developing later in life, but we now know this is not the case and we can develop, shape and re-condition our brain to build new synapses and new ways of thinking even as we age. In effect, you can teach an old dog new tricks if the dog is willing to learn and has a positive mindset. “All the experiences in your life ‒ from single conversations to your broader culture ‒ shape the microscopic details of your brain. Neurally speaking, who you are depends on where you've been. Your brain is a relentless shapeshifter, constantly rewriting its own circuitry and because your experiences are unique, so are the vast detailed patterns in your neural networks. Because they continue to change your whole life, your identity is a moving target; it never reaches an endpoint.” – David Eagelman American Neuroscientist and Author. It is this information that gives us the option to really look at who we are, what we stand for, our values and beliefs knowing at any point we can decide to be who we want to be. If we choose to change our mindset, we can change our life and we can change who we are. The greatest achievers in sport, business and life all stress the importance of their mindset and demonstrating the resilience of never giving up. As Lewis Hamilton after achieving his seventh record equalling Grand Prix Title, "It’s so important for kids – dream the impossible. You’ve got to work for it, chase it and never give up or doubt yourself." The mindset of a winner. But not everyone feels like they are winning so you should never give up on yourself no matter what you are facing. Whatever you are feeling right now, especially with all the uncertainty in the world, understand no matter what your mindset is everything; you can change, you can choose your response to any situation, and you can reframe your mindset for success. The greatest know there is an equation to success and that the mental part of how they became successful is just as important as what they do. They understand that the dream began in their mind, with choosing a mindset and maintaining that mindset to achieve everything they have. It's simple if you want to be successful in life, if you want to be happy, mindset matters. So here are some simple steps to take to use the power of your mindset… Listen to what you are thinking on a daily basis and how your mind is making you feel. Write it down in your own personal mindset diary to capture the good thoughts and your negative self-talk. Give yourself a score for how you feel each day from 1 being not great to 10 feeling fantastic and note what part your mind plays in you feeling this way or vice versa. Think about how you can reframe your thoughts so any negative self-talk start to reframe it to positive self-talk. Use positive affirmations each day until they become ingrained in how you think every day. Once you feel you are in the best place possible commit to being a 10 out of 10 every day all day. Have a mindset that anything is possible and the sky is not your limit to achieving the things you want in life. Remember our mindset is everything. “What lies within us is far greater than what lies ahead of us.” – Erik Weihenmayer Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Paul! Paul Corke, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Paul Corke is an author, a keynote speaker, and considered to be a leading expert on mindset, innovation, and leadership. He is currently recognized as the No. 1 Health and Wellness Thought Leader & Influencer with @Thinkers360 and is also the Managing Director of Leadership Innovators an innovative leadership consultancy. He previously spent 25 years in the corporate world with award-winning results specializing in organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, talent management, and leadership development with experience in the UK, Ireland, Europe, the US, and the Middle East. Paul is the author of Reframe Your Mindset: Redefine Your Success, has a podcast series to support the book and has created The Mindset Journal all based on what he calls ‘The Mindset Equation for Success.’ Paul uses his research into the mindset and positive psychology along with the thinking from his books to provide thought leadership, leadership model design, leadership assessment, and solutions to help organizations build their leadership capability. Paul has successfully built a leadership development strategy and provided solutions in the industries of Financial Services, Retail, Automobile, Charity, Information Technology, Education, and Local Government. His mission is to develop leaders the world now wants to see whilst also making a difference through B1G1working towards the UN Global Goals to help those in need across the world.

Written by: Dr. Khushali Trivedi, 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. Imagine not being able to afford basic necessities like food or shelter, but also having to choose between buying menstrual products or buying other essentials. This is the reality for millions of women and girls around the world who experience period poverty. International Women's Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women and girls around the world, and to reflect on the ongoing struggles that still face us. One of the most overlooked issues affecting women today is period poverty – the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities. Period poverty not only has a negative impact on women's health and well-being but also on their economic opportunities and potential. On this International Women's Day, let's take a closer look at the economic impact of period poverty and what we can do to address it. The global scale of period poverty Period poverty is a global issue that affects women and girls in both developing and developed countries. According to a report by the World Bank, an estimated 500 million women and girls worldwide lack access to adequate menstrual hygiene facilities. In many countries, menstruation is a taboo subject, and menstrual products are considered a luxury item, rather than a basic necessity. As a result, women and girls are often forced to use unsanitary materials like rags or leaves during their periods, which can lead to infections and other health problems. In addition, the stigma surrounding menstruation can lead to social isolation and discrimination, which can further limit women's economic opportunities and potential. In developing countries, period poverty has a particularly significant impact on girls' education. According to a study by Plan International, one in ten girls in Africa misses school during their period, which can lead to a loss of up to 20% of their education. In India, only 12% of menstruating women have access to sanitary products, and 23% of girls drop out of school once they begin menstruating. In Kenya, a study found that 65% of schoolgirls could not afford menstrual products and missed up to four days of school each month. This can have a long-term impact on girls' education and career opportunities, limiting their ability to reach their full potential. Period poverty in developed countries Period poverty is not just a problem of developing countries. It is also prevalent in developed countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries in Europe. Women and girls who cannot afford menstrual products often miss school or work, which can lead to lost income, reduced productivity, and limited career opportunities. According to a study by Plan International, one in ten girls in the United Kingdom cannot afford menstrual products, and 49% have missed an entire day of school due to their period. In the United States, a survey by Thinx found that 1 in 3 women have experienced period poverty, and 2 out of 5 women have struggled to afford menstrual products. Menstrual products are subject to sales tax in 33 states in the United States, which adds an additional financial burden to women who already struggle to afford these products. This has led to a growing movement for menstrual equity, which aims to ensure that menstrual products are affordable and accessible to all women and girls. The movement has been successful in some places, such as California, where legislation was passed in 2019 to provide free menstrual products in schools. The economic impact of period poverty The financial burden of period poverty is not limited to the cost of menstrual products. Women and girls who cannot afford these products often resort to using unsanitary materials like rags, which can lead to infections and other health problems. They may also have to pay for medical treatment as a result of these health problems. Moreover, the stigma surrounding menstruation can lead to social isolation and discrimination, which can further limit women's economic opportunities and potential. Addressing period poverty is not only a matter of social justice but also of economic efficiency. By ensuring that women and girls have access to affordable and adequate menstrual products, we can help them to stay healthy, stay in school, and stay in the workforce. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on economic growth and development. What can we do to address period poverty? There are several steps that governments, businesses, and individuals can take to address period poverty. These include: Removing sales tax on menstrual products: Governments can remove sales tax on menstrual products, as has been done in countries like Canada, India, and Australia. This can make these products more affordable and accessible to women and girls. Providing free menstrual products in schools and public facilities: Governments and businesses can provide free menstrual products in schools, libraries, and other public facilities. This can help to ensure that women and girls have access to these products when they need them. Investing in menstrual education: Schools and community organizations can provide education and information about menstruation, including proper hygiene practices and the importance of menstrual products. This can help to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation and increase awareness of the importance of menstrual hygiene. Supporting menstrual product donations: Individuals and businesses can support organizations that donate menstrual products to women and girls in need. This can help to ensure that women and girls have access to these products, even if they cannot afford to buy them. Period poverty is a serious issue that affects women and girls around the world. It has a negative impact on their health, education, and economic opportunities. Addressing period poverty requires a multi-faceted approach that includes removing sales tax on menstrual products, providing free menstrual products in schools and public facilities, investing in menstrual education, and supporting menstrual product donations. By taking these steps, we can help to ensure that women and girls have access to the menstrual products and resources they need to thrive, both personally and economically. On this International Women's Day, let us commit to working together to end period poverty, and to create a more just and equitable world for all women and girls. Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Dr. Khushali! Dr. Khushali Trivedi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dr. Khushali Trivedi holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in women's health at Texas Women's University. She is a co-founder at VediKh Care, a non-profit organization that strives to promote healthcare equality. Dr. Trivedi is a passionate women's health activist who is dedicated to ending period poverty and improving the overall quality of life for women. Her research interests include studying postpartum depression, pelvic pain, and other critical women's health issues. By investigating and addressing these challenges, Dr. Trivedi aims to contribute to a better understanding of how to promote women's health and well-being.

Written by: Christelle Soto-Suarez , 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. This is the 3rd installment of my 3-part series on the topic of "Do you ever look back at the early stage of your professional life?”. Having looked back at the “5 Steps I’m Glad I Took to Empower Myself as a Young Professional” and at the “ 5 Actions I Wish I Had Done Better or Earlier ”, I’m now looking back at the “things” I didn’t do, but now wished I had done! Why the regrets? Well, with the benefit of insight, life experience, and maturity… it’s quite easy to say to ourselves: “If I had done that… … I would have the knowledge that I need right now… … I would feel more confident about getting out of my comfort zone… … I could have a very different life… … I could have made even more out of my youth and “worry-free” time…” I’m probably not the only one wondering “what would my life look like now if I had taken that opportunity?” Although we can't change the past and, personally, I try not to delve too much into the “what if I had…”, I hope that someone’s “ regrets ” can be someone else’s “inspiration” ! What stopped me? I see 3 main categories of “obstacles”: Lack of courage : Whether we call it lack of courage, not daring, not wanting to get out of our comfort zone, fear of the unknown, worries about “what will people think of me?”… It’s that “thing” that stops us from taking the step toward what we would like to do, that makes us think “what I want is actually not worth the pain”, that makes us tell ourselves “this present situation is not that bad!”, that reminds us that “there are more important things to do”… Lack of awareness : Sometimes, there are opportunities that we don’t even know exist, that we don’t even see… Maybe because we're too absorbed in our world and priorities, or because these opportunities are not mentioned in our social environment… and our mind is not (yet) trained to “see” outside of our familiar circle… Non-existence at the time : And sometimes some opportunities don't (yet) exist… by law (after all, equal rights for all are still a "work in progress" in many countries, including in "developed" countries), because of access restrictions (hence the development of equity, inclusion and belonging terminology!) and because technology is constantly opening new opportunities (it wasn’t that long ago that cellphone and internet were inexistent, when we had to rely on writing letters, reading books and calling people to get information, and when the whole world of “gig” economy and side hustle was a lot smaller!). And now, let’s look at these “things” I regret not doing… Pushing the fear-mindset aside In a way, this is probably “THE REGRET” that is at the root of most of my other “regrets”… It’s the fear-mindset that: Pushed me to study hard at school, including subjects I didn’t like or wasn’t good at; Made me select an education path that provided me with a qualification after 2 years, in an industry with job opportunities and decent salaries; and Brought me to concentrate mostly on professional development at the beginning of my career. Instead, I would have loved to have had a more open mindset to: Do more of what I liked and less of what I didn’t like; Enjoy the journey more rather than concentrate on the destination; Think more about my “esteem” and “self-actualization” needs instead of limiting myself to my “security and safety” needs (see Maslow’s hierarchy of needs ) I would have loved to have someone I valued tell me about the fear-mindset, about this pyramid of needs, and show me a world of different possibilities! Participating in students’ clubs I've heard a lot about all these different student clubs in the last few years, whether they're about student representation, sports, arts, politics, etc. And I can see that they're a great way for young adults to develop multiple skills… But at the time I was a student, I wasn't at all into these "clubs" – I wasn't even aware of most of them (even if they probably were a lot less of them then), did not see the value of them (it was more important to concentrate on my studies), and had no understanding of the social network created (actually, “social network” wasn’t a term I would have understood)… Of course, now I’m much more aware of what I could have learned through such experiences, and how they could have impacted my life… Taking a gap year This was a “thing” when I was studying in the UK: students taking several months off their education to explore the world, do some volunteering work or even work in different industries, and learn more about themselves - before deciding what to do with their life… But, for me, this was unheard of – a least based on the social environment I was coming from: we would go to school, then go to university or learn a trade, and finally start work… So, even having become aware of this “gap year” experience, it just wasn’t in my mindset to: Take some time to travel (earning some money at the same time) and learn more about other cultures and become familiar with an international environment; Try out different types of work and discover what I was more attracted to and what suited me the most; and Get some volunteering experience and develop skills such as team working, communication, even management and leadership, and learn to adapt to unfamiliar situations and environments! Such experiences would likely have been eye-opening experiences for me, on multiple levels! Having a side activity/side hustle Here is another activity that is becoming more and more common, and in many cases, is a great way to build new expertise, learn new skills, bring something “different” to our day-to-day life, and sometimes even bring additional income! Again, this was something I had never heard of when starting my adult life… I didn’t know anyone who had a career and also did something else on the side, something that wasn’t related to their profession and was more than “just” a hobby… And, in any event, I would have seen it as a “barrier” slowing me down in my studies and then in my career… But now, I’m much more aware of what I could have gained from experimenting with having several “professions” at once… Be more “adventurous” in my choices Some people say that I’ve actually been quite “adventurous” as a young adult: carrying on my construction studies in the UK despite not speaking much English, getting my first job in the capital (Paris) when coming from the countryside, resigning from my first job to study Spanish in Spain, taking a job in a very, very small country (Gibraltar)… But, for me, I see that I could have been a lot more “adventurous” in general: Taking a gap year, as mentioned above; Living and working in countries outside of Europe; Learning a non-European language; Looking for roles much more outside of my experience, even if potentially earning less at the beginning… Of course, there is always a “risk” with being more “adventurous” in our choices… but, with experience, I’ve come to realize that there is also always a “risk” in staying in “known” environments: being left behind, feeling trapped, not learning how to deal with unexpected events… not making the best of our lifetime! What about you? I’m curious… If you’re at the beginning of your professional life: What is it that you see others do around you, but YOU’RE NOT PREPARED to do… despite what it could BRING YOU? What is STOPPING you? What REGRETS could you have in 10, 20, 30 years’ time? How could you EXPAND your horizon, your view of what’s possible? Final words Interested in knowing more about my 5-step process to “Empowering Yourself to Create the Life and Career You Want”? Book a free 45-minute Empower Yourself Discovery Call ! Simply curious? Then check out Pistachio-Cassis Coaching website ! Subscribe to my Pistachio-Cassis Newsletter for monthly insights on Empowering Yourself to Create the Life and Career You Want. Follow me on LinkedIn for inspiration, motivation, and education about how to empower yourself. And please, reach out to me via LinkedIn or email to let me know you’ve read my article. I’d love to hear from you if you have any feedback, suggestions, or anything else you want to tell me! Visit my website for more info! Read more from Christelle! Christelle Soto-Suarez, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Christelle Soto-Suarez is a Personal Leadership & Development Coach who empowers Women in STEM / Construction to create the Life and Career they want, and is the founder of Pistachio-Cassis Coaching. She’s a certified professional coach and a member of the International Coaching Federation. However, coaching is her 2nd career. Previously, she spent 25 years as a construction professional, working on a wide range of construction and engineering projects and in different roles. She worked and lived in several countries, experienced working in multicultural teams, and speaks 3 languages. But however fulfilling and challenging these experiences were, the time came when she realized that she actually felt unhappy, unfulfilled, unsatisfied with where she was in her life… Through her own exploration journey to discover how to create the life and career she wanted for herself, Christelle realized she was actually following a life coaching process… That fascinated her so much that she trained as a professional life coach and she set up her own coaching practice to empower others to also create the life and career they want. Outside of coaching, Christelle loves expanding her horizons through reading, conversing with people with different backgrounds and experiences, and relaxing in nature.

Written by: Diane Hiller, Senior Level 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. Money. I bet I have your attention now. (Smiling.) The three things people ask most about in a consult are Love, Money, and Health. When I do readings, men often ask about stocks, ROI, and the bottom line. “Show Me The Money.” Can you name the movie? As you may know, your home has nine energetic areas in each room and on the property. If not, please refer back to previous articles. Today the focus is on “Xun,” also called “Hshun,” in the King Wen Later Heaven Bagua. It is the far back left corner of your home relative to the architecturally designed main front entrance of the house on both floors. The color is purple, and the element is wind. In looking at any home, it is essential to understand the overcoming and production cycle of the elements. Each qua is associated with an element, water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. It is known as the cycle of the five elements. This system is found in acupuncture, Chinese Medicine, and the I Ching. The trigrams of three broken or solid lines form 64 hexagrams representing the world's oldest divination system. Feng Shui derives from this system. You can see them on the bagua map. Before moving on, it is important to note whom you are hiring. If you hire anyone. You do not want someone who did a weekend class. Even after three years of study and more than a decade of practice, I still ask questions. The two primary schools in Feng Shui are the Compass School and the Chi School. The Compass School is the traditional form. They rely more on directionality. I studied at the Chi School. The Compass school basically thinks we are a bunch of nut jobs and not credible. They are pretty vocal and public about it. We were taught to pay attention to their methodology and not to discredit them. We did entire classes in both schools and came to the same conclusions. The compass school is very protective of this knowledge, and many think those in the west should not have access. His Holiness Lin Yun thankfully disagreed. We were taught not to overshare. On a spiritual level, Feng Shui is considered a “karmic intervention.” It is for this reason that we accept money in a red envelope. This is protective in the tradition and symbolic of us not taking on the karma of the problems we are trying to solve. Not all practices do this, either. But, I was taught that not doing so could cause me energetic or karmic harm, so I feel I can only share so much. So, the back-left corner of your home or typical signs of money problems. Entering the front door of your home and being met with a staircase that is not offset, Indicates money struggles. It can be corrected. Seeing a wall within 6 feet of entering the front door of your home symbolizes blockages in that area. Correctable. A bathroom in the wealth area is tough to correct. Not impossible, but difficult. Some people are known to have powerful money chi enough to overcome this issue, but I would not buy a house with a bathroom there. Seeing straight through the house from the front door symbolizes money coming in and out too quickly. Many well-versed in Feng Shui will not even enter or look at the home if they see this when house shopping. It can be corrected. A bathroom in the home’s direct center or Tai Chi indicates too much money for going out for taxes. It can be corrected. A fireplace in the center also burns up the primordial yin/yang energy. It is correctable. The kitchen stove is not in good working order. A fireplace in wealth can be corrected. A fire pit in the wealthy area of the backyard is a terrible idea. Move it to the fire area, the back center of the property. An exit door in the wealth gua. Correctable. No walkway to the home that connects to the driveway, road, and the outside world. A poorly placed swimming pool. In doing a business consult, we look at the above and if there is a cash register, where it is placed, and how the chi flows to the building. Also, there is Feng Shui for websites, business cards, and logos. What are some things you can do without hiring someone? Place live soft-leaf plants in the wealth areas of each room and empower them. No cactus. Use peace lilies, philodendrons, and any delicate rounded-leafed plant. No spikes. Plant purple flowers or shrubs in the back-left corner of your property. Empower them. Ensure your front door and the path to it is clear. Be sure you have a pathway to your front door; one that meanders is best. We like things in multiples of nine. It is the number of completion and money. I had no walkway here, so I added 45 stones and placed Chinese money coins under all of them. Be sure your kitchen stove is in good working condition, and turn on all burners occasionally if you do not use them. It is a mini representation of the bagua map and how you bring nourishment into your life. Place a five-flute hollow metal windchime near any entry door. Especially the front. It is well worth hiring someone. Several years ago, I hired someone to take another look at my home. Feng Shui Master, heal thyself. She found things others had not seen. I did not see them. The corrections resulted in nearly immediate results. I was already busy, but my business literally doubled within two weeks. Each house can have many different issues. Almost all are correctable without structural changes. I recently did a radio show, and the host asked about Feng Shui, stating that many do not know what it is. Do your research. Pick a school. If you get books from different ones, you will be totally confused. Yes, it does work. The movie previously mentioned was “Jerry Maguire” and that hilarious scene with Cuba Gooding, Jr. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Diane! Diane Hiller, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Diane is a Licensed Psychotherapist, Psychic Medium, Certified Feng Shui Master, and Medical Intuitive. She has been tested for accuracy. After working in the nursing field as an LPN. She returned to college and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa. She then went on to earn her Master's (MSW) with a Major in Clinical and a Minor in Research, both from the University of Connecticut. She is licensed by State examination as an LCSW. In 2005 she founded Elemental Empowerments, LLC. She is noted in the book “The Top 100 Psychics and Astrologers in America.”In February, she was honored and humbled to be named TOP PSYCHIC MEDIUM OF THE YEAR for 2023 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) "for her outstanding leadership, dedication, commitment, and enlightenment to her field." She will be presented with an award in December at the Plaza Hotel in NYC. Diane is considered one of the most well-researched psychics In North America.

Written by: Sachin Parmar Are you thinking about rebranding your company? Before you start the process, read this article to better understand why your employees need to be involved. Sachin Parmar, Creative Director from evokeu, London’s leading boutique digital marketing and branding agency, explains why your internal audience is as critical to a rebrand as your external stakeholders. Depending on your business model and sector, your external stakeholders could be clients, customers, investors, suppliers or shareholders. Yet your internal audience of employees, although a lot smaller and less complex is often forgotten when a company decides to rebrand. A rebrand of a company is a huge investment in time, money and expertise, but can pay dividends in the rewards it reaps. evokeu recently carried out a rebrand project for award-winning construction consultancy, Core Five, which involved a discovery workshop, brand design and activation, and a new website. Fortunately, Core Five’s objective from the beginning was to create a compelling and interactive platform for clients as well as employees, but here are some reasons why you need to consider your internal audience as much, if not more than your external stakeholders when entering a company rebrand. Make your team part of the process As soon as you have the seed of an idea to rebrand your business, you need to involve your team. evokeu offers a 12-step brand discovery workshop, which utilises the knowledge of your employees to generate ideas and clarify the focus of your company. Nobody understands your business better than your staff; they’re on the ground day-to-day selling your product or service and speaking to clients. Trust in your team to feed into a project as significant and impactful as a rebrand – you might be surprised by the results. By including your employees in the process, there’s also more chance of them being engaged with the finished product. If your employees believe in what your company stands for and are proud to work for such an establishment, they’ll work harder to drive the business forward and make it a success. Attract and retain talent A rebrand will normally consist of either a website refresh or a completely new site – for Core Five, it was the latter. Your company website is a critical part of your business; it’s your shop front and is frequently your external audiences’ first impression of your business. A poor website could be the tipping point between a prospective client and a client that’s on your books. But your website is also an essential sales tool for your employees. An attractive website that clearly communicates the vision and mission of your business and sets the tone for your organisational culture will capture the attention of your current employees and inspire them to embody your company values. You want your employees to be happy to share your website with the outside world, not embarrassed that it’s dated and reflects a less than desirable place to work. Represent your team At the very least, your new sleek website needs to include images of your team, but ideally, it needs to detail names, job titles and biographies. This gives external stakeholders an insight into your company structure and shows your team that you hold their skills in high regard. One of the main reasons that Core Five decided to pursue a rebrand was mainly because their team had grown exponentially and the existing website no longer represented the current company format. evokeu designed a website that included plenty of team photos to signify a professional, yet friendly and welcoming environment. By being open about who is part of the team, the new website showcases Core Five’s open, diverse and trustworthy culture, which reinforces the perception that they’re the go-to consultant for clients. Launch your brand internally as well as externally Finally, once the rebrand is complete, make sure to celebrate the success of your company internally as well as externally. After all the hard work that’s been devoted to the project, take time to enjoy the results with your team. For Core Five, evokeu organised an event to celebrate the business’ 10th anniversary. The event was a highlight for all involved and launched the rebrand with all the glitz and glamour it deserved. If you’d like to find out more about Sachin and evokeu, please visit: https://www.evokeu.com/. You can also follow Sachin on LinkedIn, where he frequently posts business advice and inspiring content. About the author: Sachin Parmar is Creative Director of boutique digital marketing and branding agency, evokeu. With decades of design experience, Sachin has a keen eye for detail and a drive to create consistently superior results. Sachin and his expert team work with big and small brands across many sectors to help clients capture customer attention and create growth. Evokeu also has a vertical brand called Graphic Kitchen, which specialises in the hospitality sector.

-Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview Lotta Spjut is a dynamic entrepreneur, Pro Executive Business coach, advisor, and educator who is also a health, fitness, and nutrition Developer - all rolled into one! With a passion for education, Lotta has graced the TEDx stage and other public forums with her expertise on various subjects. As a seasoned entrepreneur, she has extensive experience in the web5 industry, using her business acumen to create successful ventures. Lotta leverages her diverse skillset to offer valuable coaching and advisory services to companies and entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level. In addition to her entrepreneurial, coaching, and advisory endeavors, she is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle through her work in health, fitness, and nutrition. Lotta believes that a strong body and a strong mind work together. Being physically active is as important as being mindful and training our mindsets. With her wide-ranging knowledge and experience in these fields, Lotta is well-equipped to educate and inspire others to lead a healthier and happier life. Lotta is a true renaissance woman, a multi-talented individual who excels in multiple domains, making her a valuable asset in any professional or personal setting. People have heard about web3 or Web 3.0, though you “title” yourself as a Web5 Entrepreneur. What does that mean? Yes, I know that web5 isn´t that used. Many hardly know the difference between web2 and web3. I will do my best to give a short summary and answer your question: Web2 refers to the second generation of the internet, mostly focused on static websites and centralized platforms owned by a single company and where we are mainly information consumers giving our personal data out to be able to log in to platforms or pages. Our data are used and sold for advertising, meaning we are more their product than their consumer. In contrast, Web3 refers to the third or next generation of the internet, characterized by decentralized platforms, peer-to-peer interactions, ownership of your data, and blockchain technology. For a business or an entrepreneur, the main difference between Web2 and Web3 is how they interact with their customers and the opportunities that arise from decentralization. In Web3, businesses can interact with customers in a more transparent and decentralized way, allowing for more secure transactions, increased privacy, and greater control over their data. Let me give you an example. Businesses can use blockchain technology to create decentralized marketplaces where users can buy and sell goods and services without relying on centralized intermediaries like Amazon or eBay. Additionally, businesses can issue their own digital currencies or tokens, which can be used to incentivize customer loyalty or as a membership subscription. The shift from Web2 to Web3 represents a significant opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to create new decentralized business models, increase security and privacy, and enhance customer engagement. We see web2 brands already doing this, such as Nike, Spotify, Starbucks, YSL, Prada, Adidas, Time, and many more. We are still in a very early stage, and we will see many web2 businesses take steps into Web3 where they see that the user cases benefit them. I work with companies and entrepreneurs in Web2; some are now taking their businesses into Web3. In other words, Web2 and Web3 are separate or combined. Many businesses will have one foot in Web2 and the other in Web3, at least to start with. 2+3=5 = Web5 You are part of developing knowledge in the NFT and Web 3.0 markets. How many women do you meet in the same field? I would love to see more women in the space. Every industry and business benefits from diversity. I just returned from NFT Paris, a conference with +18 000 visitors. I could see that there were a good number of women there, too, even if men were dominating. Many people come from the tech and gaming industries, and more men are in these industries. According to a Boston Consulting Group and People of Crypto Lab study, women are currently underrepresented in the Web3 and NFT markets. Only 13% of founding teams include at least one woman, and just 3% of companies have an exclusively female team. I meet many women (and men) actively working to onboard more women and increase diversity in the industry. Many amazing business founders are women and actively promote inclusivity for women and minority groups in web3. Do you have any examples of women who inspired you in your career? During my +16 years as an entrepreneur and as an employee for 10 years before that, I have met many women who inspire me with their stories. I believe that comparing with others is one of the biggest threats to success and only creates excuses. Getting inspired by others grows your mindset and ability to understand that challenges are also part of the journey. For web3, I get inspired by so many women I meet daily. It can be in a chat, a Twitter post, IRL (In Real Life) meeting. I could mention hundreds of women here that inspire so many others than only me. If I can only mention a few, Jaime Schmidt is definitely one of them. Her story inspires me a lot and meeting her personally manifested how genuine and humble she is. Starting her business in her kitchen with a small kid and very little funds, and in 2017 she sold her business Schmidt´s Naturals, to Unilever in 2017 for nine figures. Today she is a role model for many women, with many successful businesses in her portfolio and a passion for helping primary women and people of color. She is also the founder of one of the most significant women-founded web3 communities, MyBFF, started by 100+ leaders across industries. BFF is an open-access community with a mission to help women and non-binary people get educated, connected, and empowered in web3. I highly recommend reading her book “Supermaker” and following her on Instagram and TikTok to get inspired. She shares many valuable tips about entrepreneurship and being a woman in business. One of my favorite communities in the space is CPGPop, and it´s not a women-founded business though we have a subgroup NBA (No Boys Allowed) only for women where it´s an amazing value sharing. Mention a few women in that group and in the space that I had the opportunity also to meet IRL, which inspired hundreds of thousands of women, are Somi Arian, Debra Nipp, Riley Blackwell, Heather Rae Doyle, Joanna Kaufman, Michelle Lora. They are all CEOs and founders of amazing web3 businesses, and I will do my own interviews with them and share as an Executive Contributor. I want to mention a little short about them here too. Somi Arian is a powerwoman and founder, building an amazing Web3 platform that I have been part of since the start, named InPeak. Every business with content can use the platform to interact and build a bigger audience. If LinkedIn and Masterclass had a Web3 "baby", it would be InPeak. InPeak connects Web3 (and Web2) creators and communities through next generation network effects. Somi is a tech philosopher with long tech and business experience and she wrote a best-seller book about technology. In December last year, I had the great opportunity to meet and spend time in Miami at Art Basel with Debra Nipp. She is the founder of ThreeSpaces, and one of the largest components of their startup is to onboard more women into web3. They partner with artists, businesses, and brands to bring digital art to physical form in businesses and on products. Her company works with many who are not in Web3, and they are continuously onboarding and educating. Riley Blackwell was one of the first women I recognized in Web3 because of how she helped other women and non-binary people to take a step into space. She founded Together, a Web3-enabled education platform built with and for community professionals. Riley stands for sustainable, inclusive, and engaging communities and has been a leading voice for creative community builders in the space. When Riley came into Web3 seeking paid work as a community professional and couldn't find the support, leadership, and education necessary, she decided to build it. Anna Miller and I met through a Web3 project in April last year and there are few people I know has the skill set she has when it comes to Web3. I use to say that there are no “experts” in Web3 yet. There are experts in different fields of web3, though Web3 is so wide and still in an early stage. Anna is as close to an “expert” as she´s a scrum master in Web2 and has her own fantastic art community, Yuniverse that brings together the different artists in Web3 at the same time as she is a multi-talented artist herself. Another enthusiastic woman I met is Heather Rae Doyle. When she recognized she had the network and leadership skills to help women transitioning into web3, she started CoinQueens by hosting IRL events at their country club. Those events and the community that formed catapulted her to create CoinQueens as a digital community to help women build their own IRL (In Real Life) communities centered on web3. Joanna Kaufman is a true inspiration in the space. I e-met her for the first time last year, and I could directly feel through the screen how she made an impact through her calm way. Later I met her in Miami. Joanna started similar to me, with an interest in the future. She likes to stay on top of tech trends and understand what's coming next. It's not just reading interesting articles and buying new currency; it's truly building alongside others. The community aspect made Joanna stay involved, and she is the founder of Effi, an interactive live-streaming platform. They also participate in events introducing NFTs and web3 to interested women who may be intimidated to start. I met Michelle Lora for the first time in Miami too. She is such an energy boost! As a health-, wellness, and fitness developer, I appreciate what Michelle is building. Michelle is the founder of Siesta, a lifestyle company around making time to focus on resetting. Their mission is to inspire moments of R&R (rest & relaxation) through thoughtfully designed experiences and products that don’t feel taboo because taking a break is important. This is so important, not only in this space but in everyone's life. I could go on, though I will return to this later, sharing it in my articles. What is your biggest challenge today as a woman in your profession, and what are the biggest challenges you see for onboarding more women into web3? The biggest challenge as a woman in my profession. Hmm, it´s not simple to answer, I don´t directly think about my gender when facing challenges though I understand what you mean. I know many women that are treated differently because they are a woman. It´s proven, and there are many studies around it. I haven´t (knock, knock on wood) been in any bigger challenges connected specifically to my gender. I have got comments about working too much and not spending enough time at home, which probably a man should not have got. Though these comments are most often coming from women and not men. Soon being 49 years on this planet and mostly worked with men in men-dominant industries, gives me some experience in fast reacting to gender discrimination or specific behavior. At the same time, I don´t want to make my gender a disadvantage or an advantage. Then I know that in business and society, there are challenges connected to the inclusivity of women, and it´s important to address and work for diversity, no matter business. This is also such a huge question. I live in a country where women legally have the same rights as men. It´s not always working that way though there are also millions of women living in countries where they legally have no rights on their side. Having equal rights, no matter gender, color, or where you happened to be born, is, in my opinion, where we should put the most effort. I also believe that boys or men do not create all the “pressure” and expectations for women about how to look and be in business. We do that a lot to ourselves too. Girls and women can be the absolute best supporters and help each other, but some can be terrible against each other. I read, for example, studies about online bullying and net trolls, and most of them are women attacking women. As a former teacher and mother of two girls, I believe it starts with us adults. We have a big responsibility to be role models for the kids as parents, adults, and in school. Children are not doing what we say, they do what we do. Challenges for Web3, including the challenges to get more women into the space, also creates opportunities. Web3 is moving very fast, and it is hard for everyone to keep updated with the speed of technology. On the other side, we don´t need to learn everything. Starting with learning something that interests You is more than a great start. You are still very early compared to the masses and being early can make a huge difference in the long run. We are all using a mobile phone though very few of us know exactly how all apps work and the technology behind them. We know the basics that we are using and that´s enough. There are also many work opportunities created in web3 that are not applied to a technical background. Community managers, social media managers, and jobs that are a lot about communication skills and being able to keep many things running at the same time. Something women are very good at. A challenge I have experienced is that most web3 businesses are start-ups with a limited economy. Some founders and managements take advantage of that and hire people to work for months with the promise to pay them and then they never do it because they ran out of money. I experienced this myself, I consulted a blockchain company for five months and got paid for one. In this case, most of the men in the company did get paid so this might be a gender issue. It is a lesson to never deliver work or stay unless you get paid the month after and separate friendship from business. Another big challenge in the space is security and the number of bad actors taking advantage of people´s lack of knowledge. It´s important to educate and meet women where they are, and most are not interested in technology terms. Creating safe places for them to learn out of their personal interest together with other “newbies” and to have fun at the same time is important. That´s why I really recommend and love the work of the woman founders I mentioned earlier. Another reason to learn more and to overcome challenges is to support our children who many times are more techie than we are. To be able to keep up or at least understand and help them with challenges that appear feels good for both parties. Have you encountered any obstacles in your profession as a woman, if so, what, and how did you deal with them? It is an unfortunate reality that women face obstacles in many professions, including bias, discrimination, and unequal opportunities. While I of course encounter obstacles in my profession too, that´s part of being an entrepreneur, most of these obstacles aren´t specifically because I´m a woman. Though I have mentored and coached many women in my profession, so I have seen a lot of it. One of the biggest obstacles women face in their workplace is a lack of representation in leadership positions. Women are often overlooked for promotions, and the gender pay gap persists in many industries. I don´t think that the gap is the same in web3 but negotiating and telling your value, is something many women can be better at. Another obstacle is the stereotype that women are not as competent or ambitious as men, which can lead to bias and discrimination. To overcome these obstacles, women must be assertive and confident in advocating for themselves and each other with true intentions. It's essential to clearly communicate your goals and accomplishments and ask for the opportunities you deserve. Networking and building relationships with mentors and sponsors can also be helpful in breaking through barriers. Organizations and businesses also need to do their part in promoting gender diversity and equity. That is not the same as it needs to be 50/50. I don´t believe in “special” treatment, I believe in the right person at the right place, no matter gender but with a fair selection. Offering training and development programs that support women's advancement if women are underrepresented, implementing fair and transparent promotion processes, and addressing unconscious bias in hiring and evaluation are ways to do that. In conclusion, while obstacles exist for women in business, there are ways to overcome them. By being assertive and advocating for themselves and with the support of businesses committed to gender diversity and equity, women can thrive in their professions. You can be a humble and kind person yet still a “tough” businesswoman. It´s not one or the other. Finally, what are you up to next, and where do you see yourself in your profession one year from now? I love that question. I am really excited about the work I am currently doing with web2 companies in the health, wellness, sports, and fitness industry and as an advisor for a web3 company havening a 360 platform. Here any company can market its products through affiliate marketing and people can get rewarded directly to their e-wallets. My advisory role for this company is to help them with a very cool health/wellness app that has everything from physical training to mindfulness and mental health. The app will be for both web2 users and web3 users. My main role is advising and helping the web2 companies find their place in the market and create value for their customers. I am also looking forward to exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by the emergence of web3 and helping these companies navigate this transition. In terms of personal and professional growth, I am committed to continuing my education and learning as much as I can about new technologies and trends that can benefit my clients. I believe that staying curious and open to new ideas is essential for success in any field, and I am excited to see where this path takes me. Finally, I hope to continue to bring as much value as possible to my clients and the communities I´m part of. I will stay active within the communities of people who share values and a growth mindset and seek out new opportunities to collaborate and learn from others. Ultimately, I see myself continuing to grow and thrive in my profession, helping others to achieve their goals and create successful businesses that make a positive impact on themselves and the world. For more info, follow Lotta on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, linkedln and visit her Website!

Written by: Michelle Harris, Guest Writer She was born in a typhoon, so I should have known then that my motherhood journey may not follow the ‘normal’ route. From the moment my daughter was conceived and during the pregnancy, I felt very in tune with her needs: it was as if she was guiding me on how to prepare her for her birth. I sought various alternative techniques including my own inner healing work, to provide her with the optimal experience and start in life. However, since I was a first-time mum and “to be safe,” I was also encouraged by other mums to follow the experts’ parenting books, which advised to create early routines including set times for feeding, self-soothing, and so on. Armed with this knowledge, and driven by the collective need to be the best mum I could be, I felt ready and prepared to have “the perfect motherhood journey” from get-go. However, things didn’t work as planned. Within the first 3 months of our new family life, I was more stressed and anxious to make sure I followed the protocols in the parenting books than being a mum itself! It was clear that something had to change. We let go of the book and the ‘shoulds’ of newborn parenting and immediately, a huge weight lifted. We scheduled our own routine and found our own rhythm. My daughter didn’t want to be left alone to cry settle to sleep, she wanted a hug. She didn’t want to sleep alone in a cot, she wanted to sleep close to me. She also certainly didn’t want breastfeeding to stop after 6 months but actually went on for 2 years. For both my daughter and myself, what we needed was something different and once we aligned to what that was, we flowed in greater harmony. As the years have passed, my husband and I have always trusted our intuition along with practicality, in our parenting journey of our now 16-year-old daughter; one that also connects to higher consciousness to follow the best path for her and for ourselves as a family. Through many years’ experience and observations in my work with women and kids, this approach feels more appropriate and aligned to the needs of our new generations. The ‘New’ Generations Our traditional roles of motherhood and parenting until now have been appropriate for most. However, there are a lot of mothers who apply the methods and teachings of their parents to their own kids, and find it doesn’t work. You are not failing if the traditional parenting styles don’t work for you or your children. There is a fundamental shift in parenting happening because kids these days are evolved in different ways and so their needs are different. New systems and ways are needed to support the new evolved levels of consciousness. We can draw upon the amazing wisdom of our parents and our elders but we need to understand that each generation has a different focus and a learning and so our parenting style should reflect their needs, drives and motivations. Only then can we offer true understanding and guidance that best supports them, and which also helps us in our motherhood journey in the process. In general, Gen Z (born 1997-2010 approx) focus on communication, wanting to be heard and listened to. They command truth, honesty and authenticity. This is how you/they build trust, respect and honour, which is important to them. They want to be accepted for who they are, and seek equality and justice. They are not entitled as some might label them to be, they just know what they want and what is fair. They are all about collaboration and non-hierarchal structures. Gen Alpha (born 2010-2024 approx) understands our real or true identity is oneness and so any forms of separation or disconnect feels difficult. They know that we are creating our reality and people and life reflects it back to us. They seek to uphold unity , it feels intrinsic to their very existence and they are wired to create this in life. Our very culture requires change and change requires us to let go the old ways to allow the new ways to be birthed and created. It starts with us. What our kids need: Busting the Myths that Bind Us (to embody our true role of motherhood) Myth 1: “Mother knows best” Truth: As mothers we have deep instinctual knowing and connection to our offspring that is beyond rational thought, along with wisdom from our life experiences which help us guide them. Whilst following our intuition is important when raising our kids, remember we are learning from them just as much as they are learning from us. This is how it is meant to be. Each child has their unique soul, soul journey and intuition, and your main role is to help guide them to that, to find their truth, express their deeper needs and support their dreams. Therefore, rather than steering them to follow your path, give space to listen and allow them to be heard. Nurture them to trust their own inner guidance system – by first honouring, clarifying and trusting your own in their upbringing ‒ and then showing them how to do it for themselves. This will teach them true sovereignty, to stand strong in their own power and follow their calling. Myth 2: “Motherhood requires you to give, give, give, have no time for self and sacrifice your own dreams and needs” Truth: Society seems to applaud you when you give everything to your child, and reward you as Super Mum when you are all things to them: parent, carer, support, friend, help, guide, advisor, etc. It’s natural to want to give your best, and you will, but it’s also important to properly self-care, to help you replenish and fill your own cup first, which then helps you better able to help others. It is also essential to fuel your own soul by doing what brings you joy and nourishes your heart. Sacrificing yourself and your needs causes all kinds of problems. Not only detrimental to your own health and wellbeing, when you deny your body, your dreams and your needs, you are teaching your child its ok to do the same for themselves, since they model and take on learned behaviour and patterning from what they see/hear/observe. By creating boundaries and following through on your own needs, you show them that oneself is important, and this is a big part of developing self-esteem, self-love, self-respect and self-worth. Also, it teaches them to listen to their inner desires and relate to one’s body in an empowering and healthy way. Be the example you wish to be for your child. Balance your parental responsibilities but also show them how to honour the self, fulfil ones dreams and follow your heart. Myth 3: “As main care-giver you need to control and punish your child if they are to be disciplined” Truth: Children need to be guided to make empowered choices and decisions not shamed into submission if they do something ‘wrong’ or be punished for their actions. They are still learning and forming their opinions, ideas and understanding of the world. Allowing them space to make mistakes is part of being human, and in that they find their own way and truth. Moreover, controlling your child suppresses their innate power, and fuels and builds frustration. They feel thwarted. The New Generations don’t tolerate this kind of mothering/parenting, and will likely rebel or may turn it in on themselves, which is not healthy. Treat your child with respect and they will then respect you back. Don’t punish them for not fitting into a box of what we feel is right or wrong. Of course, where appropriate implement guidelines for safety and create boundaries (with ‘consequences’ if need be), but allow them space to grow and be themselves. Myth 4: “Children should be seen and not heard” Truth: This myth is now a conditioned belief passed on through generations, that is detrimental to our kids (especially nowadays). The truth is, children need to be seen, heard, validated, respected and valued, for who they are, what they feel and what they offer. They will test the boundaries, push against us, argue, conflict, and make noise. This is part of being a child, and learning about themselves, others and life. However, we can learn to be mindful parents, aware and conscious of their deeper needs and soul expression. Working with the higher consciousness and soul of your child brings great rewards because you will then know how to best nurture and parent them, and gain a deeper understanding of what your child is learning as part of their soul growth. So rather than shutting them down, open them up: guide them to live the best journey they can live. Rather than teaching them your way (which may not always be best for your child), help them find their own way and through that, you will also be learning, growing and teaching yourself. Myth 5: “Giving too much ‘mother-love’ creates neediness and is mollycoddling” Truth: Feeling and sharing love is the fundamental drive for our human existence and soul purpose for being. It is the language that we all relate and connect with, deep down to our core and our soul. Building a foundation of love and acceptance of your child allows them to thrive and feel validated for who they are – on all levels. Within this foundational framework, it creates the space for them to love and accept themselves, naturally. Through the motherhood journey we are learning to separate and understand how giving love from fear is different from giving love from unconditional acceptance. Love from fear creates a need (on both sides), whereas love from acceptance creates freedom. Myth 6 “Children need to see happy mums all the time .You will always feel love and connection to your child, since motherhood is the best job in the world and you will LOVE it” Truth: Children need to see authentic, real parents and have authentic, real relationships. They also need to learn how to experience feelings and to self-regulate, as well as deal with life’s challenges – which they do by observing how you manage problems or conflicts, and in how you relate with others. The New Generations are very sensitive and empathic with a natural ‘truth detector’ so often sense or pick up on things unsaid. Openness and communicating any difficulties in a child appropriate way helps them feel safe and to know that any challenges are not ‘because’ of them. Further, as age and situation appropriate, discuss things as a family, which helps your kids understand and feel reassured. Give them space to share their opinions and feelings, since their ideas might also offer a newer perspective and insight. This will empower your child, make them feel heard and valued, involved in decision-making and create unity and collaboration. Also, you and your child are evolving as souls, learning and growing through all your relationships. Sometimes you may not feel a connection and love for your child, or even like them! There are often times when motherhood feels challenging and difficult, and you may feel lost and confused. Our kids are here to help break down the old and bring in the next phase of our collective evolution. They are experts at pushing our buttons and will show you where you need to heal. Have compassion for yourself during these times. You will be triggered and may even have feelings of shame, failure, anger, fear, not good enough, self-blame, powerlessness, sadness and guilt. These are also part of the motherhood journey and their healing not only helps your own soul evolution but assists in the balancing of the collective feminine-masculine polarity on the planet. Through being conscious and mindful of your patterns and fears you take responsibility for your feelings and learn to not project your unresolved pain or trauma onto your child. You turn the challenges into an opportunity for soul-growth rather than entering into power struggles to assume control and ‘show who’s Boss’. Show your kids how to be in touch with truer feelings and be their true self. Be vulnerable and apologise when need be if you have made a mistake. Teach them how to be accountable, and express their needs clearly and openly. Authentic, conscious relating with self and others builds awareness, self-mastery, trust, love and honest communication. These are deeper needs of our children. A Final Word: True Role of Motherhood From the moment we conceive, we are feeding the life of our child. Nourishing them through the placenta, we also nourish through the soul and personality with our thoughts, words, feelings, beliefs, energy and actions. This continues throughout their lives. Even those who are not birth mothers, your presence and intentions are continually feeding and shaping them. We are always passing on an invisible-like thread of energy, sharing the essence of the feminine, the Mother, that always aims to heal, hold, support, nurture, and love, unconditionally. The motherhood journey therefore starts with you: You are being asked as mother/woman to rise into her true power, to heal, to love and embody self-love, which comes through the learning that your child is presenting to you, and in allowing space for all to evolve. To draw upon your soul-self connection, inner wisdom and trust in the higher consciousness to guide you and your child, to be the best you can be ‒ in body, mind, heart and soul. Only then can we truly support our kids to feel happy and to be as they are intended ‒ the pioneers, forward-thinkers and leaders that will shift and align our world to what we really need: one of love, collaboration, truth, integrity, confidence and serving will-to good. In so doing, we will create the balance of our planet. This is the true role of motherhood. For more info follow me on Facebook, Instagram and visit my website! Michelle Harris, Brainz Magazine Guest Writer Bestselling author and well-known healer in Hong Kong, Michelle Harris of Michelle Harris International has guided others to healing and self-empowerment for 25 years. Drawing upon her inspiring personal journey, she shares authentic teachings through pioneering initiatives and signature programs, mentoring you to greater peace, growth and transformation. Her effective tools and life solutions have helped many worldwide. A mum, natural counsellor, master healer and empowerment mentor, she is also the founder of a unique crystal healing system, The Empowerment School platform for kids and teens, the popular Empowerment Dayfest Events for Women, Mums and Kids, and Women’s Retreats. Her well-being programs also support schools and organisations. As a multi award-winning healer, women leader and women of wellness, Michelle is sought after for her impactful, deep work to overcome lifelong issues and trauma. She is featured in various media and publications. She is also author of “Tools and Tricks for Tweens & Teens” empowerment & meditation workbook, and co-author of two Amazon No 1 bestsellers “Shaken, Stirred But Not Deterred” and “My Voice Vol 3: Journeys of Self Discovery and Resilience’.

Written by: Nicky Burke, Senior Level 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. BLISS I'm here! When you connect with your creative spark you feel unstoppable, as if you’re on the wildest rollercoaster of your life, often ending in a calm pool of rejuvenation and often BLISS! Taking the journey to meet our creative spirit needs to be a choice, with society being a constant distraction we can shy away from listening to our own essence, embodying our true nature and instead we become bombarded with other things, things that seem more essential to the rational mind. In all of my time as a creative, I have found that I have been the most healthy, vibrant, self-nourishing and joyful self in ALL areas of my life when I am feeding my creativity; to me, this meeting of ourselves is MORE essential than going to the doctor or dentist for that check-up, instead I choose to make time to check in with my creative spirit who shows me where I am, who I am, where I feel stuck and finally where my energy seeks to go. This may sound time-consuming and raise the question how do I get there? The most beautiful thing is that your creative spirit wants you to make it up! Tips to meet your creative spirit Here’s some suggestions to get you started: Go walking in nature with NOTHING, NADA! Allow yourself to go to a place of innocence or peace so that you feel you have space to enquire with questions like, what type of creative practice would soothe me? Meditation ( obviously!!) Meet your creative spirit in art galleries/ places that inspire you and allow yourself to enquire about the way the art speaks to you/makes you feel. Go to a creative meet-up and be surrounded by others who share similar interests. Read that book that is covered in dust! Create a sacred space at home that lures you in … These are all suggestions, there are so many ways we can meet our creative spirit, most importantly we need to choose it for ourselves. Choose to make your creativity an important factor in your life otherwise you will continue to feel stuck and be on repeat. You feel me? One thing at a time Perhaps you are overwhelmed by the amount of things you would like to do or perhaps have a “creative block.” Here are some ways to bring you into harmony with your creative spirit; If you’re ready to go but perhaps overwhelmed with ideas, simply ask yourself what do I love to create and begin to write down a list of all the things you love, close your eyes and pin the tail on the donkey; just go with the idea you get! This is not about getting it right, this is all about choosing from your intuition. If you’re feeling blocked/ stuck, sit quietly and bring your inner child into the space. Imagine them happy at the age of 4 or 5 and ask them personally “what would you love to do today?”Simply listen, hear a whisper, receive a memory or a brand new vision… you will understand the message! Structure creates results! If you really want to create momentum then create a structure that works for you. Perhaps you take 5 minutes a day for creative practice, maybe half an hour per week, or maybe embrace this creative freedom with a full day of YOU! The trick is to not overwhelm yourself and try to do it all at once! You could set up a group, or join one and mark your calendar in BIG FELT TIPS COLOURS … CREATIVE ME!!!! I’m simply throwing spaghetti at the wall, giving options that work for me. Some spaghetti may stick on your wall and others not; as I said you get to make this up! Why Choose your Feminine Creative Energy Working with clients on a regular basis, I see the transformation and ripple effect that allowing their personal creativity has on ALL areas of their lives. You will connect to a deeper sense of purpose bringing happiness, joy and upliftment into your day. BONUS! You also find that you can become the generator of your own happiness & well-being. So if you’re ready to evolve into the most creative and abundant you yet say yes to take the opportunity … What do you have to lose? And so it is! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Nicky! Nicky Burke, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine "Nicky Burke is a Professional Artist, Choreographer, Creative Director & Intuitive Coach for Film, TV & Theatre. Her clients include the BBC, SKY TV, ITV, Sony Music Entertainment, Channel 5 & ExCeL London, including Uber, Eats, Harry Hills Tea Time Series 1 & 2, Lip Sync Battle UK, Britains' Got Talent, Scouting for Girls, NYC Time Square Hard Rock Cafe & the UK's leading pawnbroker H&T. She also enjoys her time working on feature films & guiding singer/songwriters worldwide. Nicky's passion for dancing has led her to share the joy of movement with people all over the world, of all ages and abilities! Her teachings support shifting old belief systems and subconscious blockages so you can open up to accelerate and live a life of your own unique gifts. Nicky brings her wisdom and compassion to every board meeting, set, and coaching session knowing that each person is on their own individual journey. You can hire Nicky for private and group sessions, both online & in person, enquire today to reveal your SUPERPOWERS!"

Written by: Rylee June, 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. You’ve likely gone through a transformation of your own recently and you’ve had this burning desire to turn around and help other women or men feel and experience the joy and freedom you’ve found in yourself too. You’ve likely even taken the time to join programs or training to learn coaching and/or healing skills but every time you open the social media pages you’re bombarded with 15 more tips and 20 more programs trying to sell you all the steps to $1,000,000 and a year on a yacht. Okay, but if you are feeling anything like I was when I was in my first to third year of starting and running my business, you are getting constantly swayed by all the huge marketing wins and luxury lifestyles it seems the 23-year-olds are living after only a short time in their business. Before getting into the 5 things you need to focus on building out. Here are two hacks that are going to keep you in your lane and aligned with the direction you’re meant to go: Hack No.1 Unfollow anyone you are constantly comparing your life and situations to This is wildly unhelpful, literally all the time. This is not the motivation you think it is, and subconsciously you are damning yourself every time you go “Awe, I can’t wait to be there one day”. Your life is likely going to look so much different when you finally start hitting those targets you want to hit. Equally, pick 1-3 people who are experts in the areas you need the support most and only take in their content for advice and support. (This is a time and mind saver) Hack No.2 Be Patient You are just getting started and unless you have thousands to sink into ads, your growth is going to take time just like everyone else's. You’re doing this not just to make a pile of money and sign handfuls of clients overnight. You’re in this to make a difference long term and I can guarantee whatever personal and philanthropic reasons you want to get going are, time and exposure to other people and other ideas will likely tweak if not even completely inspire a new way of thinking, being and doing along the way. Give yourself some grace. Here are the 5 things you need in place to build your business in order to grow it: 1. Honestly, a mentor. Normally I would make this the last one but after the thousands of dollars I've spent learning this lesson (which has wildly helped) and thousands of hours in book reading and podcasts, this really should be more of a priority. However, make sure you do your research and don’t just sign up with anyone just because they have the Channel bags and take all the trips. Ask questions, and see if they can actually help you with what you do/ want to do and with where you’re at. Note: My dm’s are always open if you even just have questions!! 2. A community. Having a place where you can invite people in that is safe for them to be heard and seen and where you are equally spending time nurturing and providing value is a huge asset to you when you’re ready to offer new products/ programs or specials. Even if you’re in NWM, a community is going to be a make or break for you in the long run, especially if you want to run your business seriously. 3. A way to convert your audience to something you own. Your audience is rented and if the power goes out so to speak, you have to think about how you are going to be able to stay in contact with your people. This can be done through an email list or text message list. Create these things filled with value daily affirmations, little segments of education, insight, tips, and another way for your audience to get exclusive value from you, while equally gathering their contacts to be able to reach them no matter what. (The size of your email list/ text lists end up being a huge asset down the road when you want to do brand deals/ affiliate marketing/ publishing books ;)) 4. A system. This is so overlooked for so many startups and actually can cause you to burn out so quickly because you’re constantly trying to come up with new things and you have no process to follow. Whether it’s a new course, you want to bring on a podcast, or eventually, start speaking or even running group programs, if you don’t have a clear client experience mapped out, you’ll always feel like you are missing pieces. This also is a huge asset when you do have the client volume and want to start handing off some of your workloads to a virtual assistant or lead generator. If you don’t even know what you’re doing, it is far too easy for clients to fall through the cracks or things to get missed/overlooked, and the eventual team you want to build requires so much more effort because you have to go back and start extracting what you’re doing. Start where you are right now, go into a program like ASANA, and start mapping out what each offer entails and the process to move through that experience. 5. A network. You’ve probably heard this before but your network is your net worth, and if you haven’t heard this yet make sure you write it down on a sticky note and put it everywhere. Truly the only way to grow outside of LOA which honestly isn’t a strategy. Is to get on calls with other like minded people. Get into the containers and rooms where they are hanging out and start putting yourself in positions where you are equally practicing sharing with others who you are, what you do and the problem you solve. This could almost replace 1 because if you go into networking to genuinely get to know other people and lead with the intention of ‘What can I do for you’ Something Chris Hard and Craig Siegel often speak to, You really truly cannot go wrong. When I was starting out my accidental healing turned coaching business half a decade ago, I didn’t realize the mindset and routine difference between something part-time, doing it just for fun, and something I passionately loved and wanted to spread with the world full-time. I spent thousands in programs and mentors from all different areas of business knowledge and development combined with my education in business, marketing and customer service to realize there needed to be a hub for healers and coaches to be able to go in their 1st-3rd years of business and be able to fill all of these needs and receive the training so they could skip the line so to speak and really show up and shine in what they felt deep in their hearts called to do. The Aligned Entrepreneur Mastermind Program was born from that space. Open For Enrolment, but equally so is the community that you can join at any time and start learning from guest experts and networking with others who just might be the connection you’re missing to fill a gap you’re feeling stuck or struggling with right now. If you take these 2 hacks and double down on these 5 areas and dial in, honestly your long-term success will absolutely be inevitable. Focusing on this allowed me to retire my husband within 2 years of starting my business, and helped me scale to creating a 6 figure company within 3 years. It took a lot of work, don’t get me wrong, risks and personal growth, but it was so wildly worth every moment and every moment forward, I couldn’t imagine not doing this today. Bonus: Once you get really good at these 5 things and have built in the consistency and habits surrounding them, you can start insulating your life with additional income streams and bringing on more people to help grant you that time freedom to move on to doing other passions your heart is set on too. Don’t hesitate to reach out, ask questions, and most important just come say Hi! I love getting to know who comes across these articles and where you’re at in your life and business. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Rylee! Rylee June, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Rylee June is an international Intuition Master Coach and spiritual activator. Supporting thousands across the world in healing their trauma and limiting beliefs, as well mentoring and coaching those who offer energy services in curating ethical and deep transformative experiences for their clients. Podcast Host, Self Published Author & a pioneer in her industry, Rylee June is here to take a stand in the spiritual industry and create ethical practices for those seeking energy and life transformation support.

Written by: Ilaria Storch, Senior Level 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 you probably know, I was a late bloomer where traveling is concerned. And yet, deep down, I had two certainties in my heart. One was that I would see the world, and two, I wanted it to be a shared experience, with my partner, best friend and eventually family, and then for the coaching business. Here, choose what feels best for you: is it solo, with family, a partner, or a friend, for study and self-growth, with your pet, or all of it? Below, seven cities that were dreams come true and that will motivate you to start planning and daydreaming now! It's interesting to journal the places you have already been to ‒ remember to feel grateful for where you are at, from the town fair next door to the nearby city, to bigger adventures around the globe. This is not a guide, it's an emotional ballad to nudge your mind and heart out of your comfort zone! Also, I would like to add that the journey and the effort to make most of these travels and destinies come true sometimes took many years to happen, plan and come to be – it involved waiting and taking action, visualizing, asking for help and knowing who I would love to have with me on board. Patience combined with practical steps, reality and your vision working together. 1. Turin, Italy Situated in the North of Italy, it was its first capital, and visiting this city was a desire I cuddled since all the stories I heard from my grandmother and mother, who were born there. It was very worthwhile waiting to go there because I discovered the city together with my husband, and it sort of illustrated some of the family’s stories. Turin is a very charming city, full of history, with its beautiful arches under which you can walk around the city, sheltered in case of hard weather, and sit and enjoy your expresso – Italian coffee. And great food, after all, it's Italy! 2. Vancouver BC This city is an extraordinary discovery – a big urban center, and at the same time not crowded, with all that it can offer, with nature all around it. For me, Vancouver BC is one of the most beautiful cities in North America, with a full work-lifestyle, art and music options, a thriving night life, and also with many outdoor activities, sometimes only 10 minutes away; you can go hiking, visit the amazing Capilano Bridge Suspension Park bridge park, see the ocean, wild life, so much to enjoy and learn nature wise, and the people are very open and welcoming. 3. Jerusalem So different and so far away from the traditional western way of life, it's a city full of charm and spirituality – where each person can find their own connection within and outside too. It's a wonderful city for tourism and doing some very ancient sight-seeing, enjoying a camel ride, or just sitting somewhere – maybe with a typical dish, like shakshuka, or falafel, or gefilte fish, and taking in the scenery. There are many little streets and market places, full of inspiring art, scarves, antiques, jewelry, pottery, fruits, where you can take some afternoons off to just stroll and meditate in a new take on things. Admiring the city's light and buildings all made with the same-colored limestone is a work of art in itself! 4. Tokyo Some trips take many years to happen, as I mentioned before, and the motivations may vary. As much as Vancouver BC – Canada was on my heart, Japan was on my daughter’s dream wish. This was so possible thanks to my coaching career and seeing the opportunity to blend both dreams and trips together – not that age matters, yet a tech savvy millennial in her 20's and her fun mother in her 50's got this rock and rolling – a mix of surprise, planning, asking for help and guidance and going for it! Tokyo is a very populated city, and yet what surprised me was how quiet the city is; the people are amazing and very polite, all the time. It's so different from any other place, from the food, to the day-to-day living, to the parks that are silent, very well kept, and the culture of many little shops (and big ones too) with Animes, pens and pencils, stationery and electronics. 5. Mexico City This was one of the first cities I visited on business with my hubs, and then for an amazing mini vacay in Cancun. Mexico City reminds me of the city I live in, São Paulo. They are both crowded, noisy, cities, with various business and apartment towers, as well as more laid-back neighborhoods, with a more human feel to them – that kind of compensates for all the nonstop action. People are very warm and willing to help and yes, the food is spicier than average, and quite delicious. 6. Los Angeles Being a nomad at heart, the time came for me to finally visit Los Angeles, California. This was one of those places that I had only seen and imagined in the movies, with all the stories and glitter – I was more curious than drawn to it – because even with a dreaming heart and mind, I usually have my feet on the ground. So, when I eventually arrived at the city, for a coaching business event, I had already figured out some things, was well accompanied and knew myself quiet well. The vibe I got from Los Angeles is that of a place where all is possible, a place of breathing creativity, open places and people, tech professionals, many well-off people, movie people and the struggling artists and creatives too. It's a very special mix, and a true challenge for you to find your way to what will work, especially if you are super young, keep your eyes open. The possibilities are there! And beautiful beaches and nature too. 7. Your Home Where is home for you, right now? This is an important question, because you can either feel joyful or positively triggered to find out new ideas for you and your loved ones. How much are you willing to change, move, and also acknowledge that it feels awesome where you are at? Something useful to remember: the feelings you experience during your trip and the memories you bring back are one of the best things to cherish for life –maybe even better than some souvenir that can get lost or fade away. Life Is Nomadic by Essence! Helping you find YOUR talents and live the way you WANT to, wherever you are! Remember to get your 7 Free Tips to Feel at Home Anywhere, with new inspiring pictures, here. You can connect with me also at Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit my website for more info! Read more from Ilaria! Ilaria Storch, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Ilaria Storch, a Life Coach Nomad, is the creator of Life Coach Nomads, where she shares her passion for travel and for inspiring people everywhere to access their true center and find more connection and energy on the way to more joy, fun, and fulfillment. She practices that following your emotions, wrapped up in a personal structure that can connect your goals, desires, and love, is the path to all real and true growth. Wherever you are, change is nomadic by essence, and it takes time, support and starts inside you when you absolutely desire to develop yourself and move on. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising, speaks many languages, won a Fashion Illustration Award during College, and loves coaching her clients towards their expressive life journey.