Written by: Leah Bernath, 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. Whether you are experiencing challenges in your professional life, personal life, relationships, or financial struggles, you may feel defeated, as if the struggles you face are overwhelmingly insurmountable. The truth is not one of us is immune to experiencing difficulties at any given time. In fact, even the most well-known and successful men and women encounter obstacles along their journey to success. Follow these simple steps to get back on track when life knocks you off course. Allow yourself to feel The first step is to silence the noise that exists outside you – environment, social media, list of to-dos, other people’s opinions, expectations, and suggestions. Find a quiet space to be still. Turn your attention inward and allow yourself to both feel and process all your emotions, without question or judgement. Understand that emotions are neither inherently good nor bad. They are messages you receive triggered by thoughts you have formed about someone, something, and/or your circumstances. Unconsciously, you assigned a meaning to your feelings, creating an entire narrative around what, why, and how and causing you to dwell in misery, self-pity, or angst longer than you should. Don’t be afraid to sit in the feelings – cry, laugh, get angry – whatever you need to do to move through them and beyond. Seek outside help – Lean on others When facing unconquerable difficulties give yourself permission to be vulnerable. Talk to trusted friends, loved ones, and professionals to offer advice, support, and guidance. Be open to new ideas, perspectives, and support received, yet trust your inner voice to determine the best course of action in alignment for you. Sometimes the simple act of feeling seen and supported is enough to propel you forward into action. Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude Practicing daily gratitude for all of your blessings shifts your mindset from all that is lost, lacking, or not yet manifested to all the good that both exists and awaits you. Take 5-10 minutes each day to journal what you are grateful for, proud of, excited about, and looking forward to in your future. Write down what you desire as if it has already happened. Practicing consistent gratitude reduces fear-based beliefs and enables you to embody desire-based beliefs, ultimately allowing you to see your world through new lenses, solve problems, create innovative solutions and ideas, and tap into your intrinsic power. S.A.S (small actionable steps) List out small, incremental, and actionable steps you can take to overcome your struggles. Decide how and when you will go about them. Create a system to hold yourself accountable along the way and solicit support if needed. Implement these changes with consistency, intention, and desire. Even the tiniest shifts can build large momentum and results. Before you realize you will have turned the corner, reached new heights, and looked back with a knowing smile – only you held the power to pick yourself back up when life tried to knock you down. Follow me on Instagram and visit my website for more info! Read more from Leah! Leah Bernath, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Leah Bernath, Leader/CEO of Your Best Self, LLC, is a leading Empowerment & Success Coach, helping her clients thrive amidst difficult life transitions, unleash their intrinsic power, gain confidence, and level-up in their careers and relationships to manifest the life of their dreams. With over 20 years as a multidisciplinary expert in interior design, commercial real estate, entrepreneurship, coaching, and health and fitness, her diverse professional career has provided her with wisdom, experience, and success, despite enduring many life changes. Her mission is to elevate women to embody their ‘best self’ to achieve the success and abundance they desire personally and professionally, without limitations.

Written by: Menaka Charan, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Many people obtain disappointing results using manifesting techniques described in well-known books, movies, and classes. Common explanations for their lukewarm outcomes include a lack of focus and giving up too easily. However, we should ask: Why are they unfocused or giving up? Here’s what’s missing and what you need to know: Each of us has a unique energy field that influences our lives This energy field flows within and around our bodies. It holds our beliefs and attracts ‒ like a magnet ‒ the quality of relationships, health, and the ability to make money. If you look at your own life, do you see repeating patterns? For example, do you seem to bring in the same type of relationships, bosses, or recurring money issues? Where Beliefs Come From Most beliefs are absorbed from the people who raised you or were around you during childhood. They are also adopted from society and can be created by you. Either consciously or unconsciously, they will influence your actions and inactions as you go through life. How limiting beliefs work against manifesting If you desire to be a millionaire yet think, "I’ll have to work eighty hours a week and never have a life" or "everyone will want a piece of me," these beliefs will oppose achieving what you want, creating mixed results. However, as you clear out the negative beliefs and replace them with positive ones, your overall energy will vibrate at a higher level. Also, many held beliefs are false and based on fear and doubt about ourselves or what might happen. When you learn how to manage your energy and overcome your doubts and fears, you’ll begin to believe in yourself and move forward in your life. In addition, you’ll attract the right people and opportunities to achieve your goals. Size Does Matter When you’re afraid, have self-worth issues, or don't want to be seen, you keep the energy small and close to your body. That's the worst thing you can do. You'll hold less power to manage your emotions and environment. Also, it will affect how others perceive you; you might be bullied or not heard. You’ll be paralyzed from taking steps to improve your life. It will even diminish your ability to generate good solutions because you’re blocking your creativity and intuition. Absorbing negative energies around you Did you ever wonder why you feel drained around certain people? You're soaking in their energy like a sponge because you don't know how to keep their lower energies out of you. This can affect you emotionally and physically. Depleting your energy to help others When you are very sensitive or caring, you tend to help others using your energy. This can happen while talking to someone you know, when thinking about them or even trying to assist others displayed in the news. It’s like sharing your oxygen mask with others instead of keeping it for yourself. Although it's wonderful to help others, you can learn how to do so without draining yourself. Clues to hidden beliefs Your emotions, circumstances, and health issues reveal the beliefs embedded in your energy field. For example, if you’re depressed, it might be because you believe your life will never improve. Under this thought, you might be telling yourself, "I'm unlucky,” "others have advantages," or "I don't have what it takes." Once they’re discovered, you can boost your energy field by replacing undesirable beliefs with higher-level beliefs. Be in charge of your life! When you learn to expand your energy field and replace limiting beliefs with empowering beliefs, you will transform your life! You'll feel happier and more peaceful. At the same time, you’ll increase your confidence, enhance your creativity and ignite your intuition. You’ll become more resilient when things don’t go your way. Most importantly, you’ll courageously walk away from the sidelines and take inspired action toward your dreams. To learn more, please visit here or email here. Visit my website for more info! Read more from Menaka! Menaka Charan, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Menaka Charan is an Intuitive Life Coach, Healer, and Physical Therapist who has helped thousands move forward in their lives. After acquiring university degrees in Physiology and Physical Therapy, she found herself drawn to serving people at a deeper level. She has passionately pursued training in healing, intuition, and spirituality for over twenty-four years. In her private practice, she helps clients remove limiting beliefs held energetically in them to improve their emotional and physical health, relationships, careers, and wealth. Menaka is also an avid runner, skier, hiker, reader, writer and loves road trips. Additional Resources: https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/energy-alchemy https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/what-are-limiting-beliefs

Written by: Anna Misztela , 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. Before listing the essential vitamins women should take for healthy hair, skin and nails, it is important to reiterate that the first step towards your beauty goals is to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet. For example, aim to consume healthier, unsaturated fats such as olive oil, or alternatively plant-based fats such as those from avocados, or fats from seeds and nuts. These healthy fats can help maintain moisture in your hair, skin and nails. Also, recall that your hair and nails are mostly protein (keratin), so eating the daily recommended amount of protein will benefit your hair. Poultry, lean red meat, seafood, and fish such as salmon and tuna are all excellent sources of protein. Carbohydrates are also important, as they produce the energy that keeps our body going, so be very wary of low-carbohydrate or low-calorie diets. If you subscribe to a low-carbohydrate diet, you may be at risk of interfering with your body’s energy capacity to support healthy hair growth and find yourself with brittle and thinning hair. On the other hand, if you are on a low-calorie diet, you may be missing out on important vitamins and minerals, most likely those healthy fats and proteins we just mentioned. A balanced diet will provide you with a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals, but which of these are the most important for your hair, skin and nails? Let’s begin with the vitamins, and no better place to start than vitamin A. The first important thing you need to know about vitamin A is that your body cannot produce it – it must come from your diet or through supplementation. It can benefit the appearance of skin by aiding the growth of skin cells (which decreases with age) and collagen (which thins with age), and thus help slow the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin A also regulates cellular activity around the hair follicle, hair shaft and their neighboring sebaceous, oil-producing glands. These oils (sebum) are the natural moisturizers of your skin and can reduce the brittleness of your hair and provide a lovely, shiny appearance. However, if insufficient vitamin A is present and this cellular regulation breaks down, too much sebum will be produced, your hair and skin will appear more oily, and your skin will be more prone to acne breakouts. Meats, carrots, and sweet potatoes are all excellent dietary sources of vitamin A. Next up are the group of B vitamins that help create the red blood cells that bring nutrients and oxygen to all areas of your body, including your hair, skin and nails. There are 12 in all, but of particular importance are vitamins B5, B6, B7 and B9. Like vitamin A, your body cannot produce vitamins B6 and B9, while vitamins B5 and B7 are produced in small, insufficient amounts by the bacteria in your gut. Vitamin B5 (also known as pantothenic acid) is an important contributor to your immune system and to the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fatty acids. Furthermore, it also heavily factors in the synthesis of lipids, cholesterol, hemoglobin, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Its role in the synthesis of lipids has been suggested to help preserve the integrity of our skin , thus preventing moisture loss and maintaining skin hydration. As an additional benefit, several studies indicate that vitamin B5 can be effective in the treatment of acne , both by a lowering of the frequency of new outbreaks and through a regression of existing lesions. Finally, there are reports of its effectiveness in treating hair loss resulting from androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium, in the latter case, with a notably large effect on the diameter of the newly regrown hair, adding body and fullness. Excellent dietary sources of vitamin B5 include mushrooms, peanuts, avocados, chicken, tuna, and eggs. Vitamin B6 is important for protein metabolism, including keratin and melanin, the main proteins in hair. By doing so, it ensures that hair follicles are supplied with sufficient keratin and melanin to promote hair growth. It also regulates the release of certain hormones, such as testosterone which can negatively impact hair growth by reducing the length of time hair spends in the growth or anagen phase, and via a reduction in the size of the hair follicle. To reap these benefits of vitamin B6, chickpeas, bananas, tuna, salmon and poultry should frequently appear in your diet. This brings us to vitamin B7, or biotin, which is surrounded by a certain degree of controversy. There is no disputing, however, its importance in metabolizing carbohydrates, amino acids and fats, all essential processes for general health, growth and development. Though most of us will maintain adequate levels of biotin through diet, some women could be in danger of falling below these levels during pregnancy and lactation. Despite all the excitement about the benefits of biotin for hair growth, there is not much evidence to support this notion with the exception of those that are deficient (for the reasons just mentioned, inherited genetic deficiencies or other underlying conditions). There appears to be more data supporting the beneficial effects of biotin on your nails, by helping decrease their brittleness and increasing their thickness. To ensure your biotin levels are in good shape, roasted almonds and sunflower seeds are not only good sources, but also make an excellent snack choice. And finally, vitamin B9 (also known as folate), which contributes to amino acid and DNA synthesis. A deficiency in folate, as it relates to hair, skin and nails, has been linked to a condition where patches of the skin become depigmented (vitiligo). However, supplementation with folate has been found to not only lead to a re-pigmentation of these patches, but also to a reduction in the spreading of said patches. This now brings us to vitamin C, which we must acquire through diet or supplementation. Though you may be more familiar with the role of vitamin C in disease prevention, it plays two very important roles for our hair, skin and nails. First, it acts independently as a strong antioxidant, but also in concert with vitamin E as an antioxidant team. We know the harmful UV rays of the sun can produce reactive oxide species (ROS) that can be very damaging to our skins cells and skin appearance. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C can help neutralize these ROS to help maintain clear, smooth and healthy-looking skin. And when it works in tandem with vitamin E, it does so by helping vitamin E rejuvenate it’s antioxidant weaponry after their deployment to neutralize ROS. The second important role of vitamin C is in its known ability to increase the production rates of collagen , the body’s most abundant protein and chief building block. As we grow older, our body does not sustain the same rate of collagen production we enjoyed in our youth. Getting a bit of a boost in collagen production can help reduce the inevitable effects of skin aging, improve wound healing, while increasing skin elasticity and hydration. You probably already know great dietary sources of vitamin C, but as a reminder you cannot go wrong with citrus fruits, tomatoes, mango, kiwi and peppers to start. As mentioned above, vitamin E is another important vitamin, especially for your skin. As a result of its strong antioxidant properties, it can help prevent or reduce the effects of sunburn, and even prevent cellular DNA damage, which left unchecked could eventually spawn cancerous growths. Nuts, seeds and fruits and vegetables are all excellent sources of vitamin E. Those are the essential vitamins that women should take for healthy hair, skin and nails. But there are a couple of minerals we should mention as well. The first is iron, which is the most common nutrient deficiency worldwide. It is used to make the protein haemoglobin, which is critical for transporting oxygen around the body, similar to the B group of vitamins. Thus, a deficiency of iron can lead to hair loss as follicles will be lacking their necessary supply of nutrients. Lack of iron can also affect your nails, with brittle nails or spoon nails typically being the main manifestation. Red meats are high in iron, but if you are vegan or vegetarian, chickpeas, red kidney beans, and edamame beans are good alternatives. You could also consider snacking on nuts. Zinc is another mineral that is important for your hair, skin, and nails. It is critical for our health, aiding in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, contributes to cell division and DNA synthesis, helps with our immune system, has antioxidant properties, and can assist with wound healing. Of particular note for hair, skin, and nails is its contribution to cell division and DNA synthesis, particularly to the keratinocyte cells that make up 90% of all cells in the outermost layer of your skin. This can help maintain the integrity of your skin and regulate its moisture content. And just like iron, deficiencies can affect the health and appearance of your nails, such as ridge formation or increased brittleness. So that is it, the essential vitamins that women should take for their hair, skin, and nails. It is by no means an exhaustive list, and there are other compounds such as amino acids that can also contribute to achieving overall beauty, which we will discuss in future articles. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , or visit my website for more info! Read more from Anna! Anna Misztela, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Anna Misztela’s interest in nutrition analysis and beauty began after she won the Mrs Polonia 2017 and Mrs Polonia World 2018 beauty contests. She then completed a Nutrition Science certification and became a Board-Licensed Esthetician. Her goal was to unlock the mystery of naturally beautiful hair, skin and nails. She was astonished by her discoveries of how sulfur and different types of vitamins work in our body. Since Roman times sulfur baths and sulfur waters have had known health and beauty benefits. Anna has included these compounds in her unique product, which helped many women to transform their hair, improve skin conditions, and get stronger nails. That’s how Beauty&Cutie was born.

Faith Abraham has already achieved incredible success as an author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, humanitarian, workshop facilitator and speaker at just five years old. She is an inspiring example of how to make the most of your childhood and use your talents to make a positive difference in the world. Her inspiration to become an icon of empowerment for young children was her grandmother, a cancer survivor. Seeing her weakened after relentless rounds of chemo and radiation, Faith and her sidekick rescue dog, Sparkles , decided to do what a child does best. They helped Grandma with getting about the house, eating healthy meals, and showering her with lots of love. Encouraged and led by her mother, Delisa Abraham, Faith has tapped into sharing her abundance of creativity, positivity, and empowering messages for children. She published her first book "Superhero Faith" when she was three and followed up with her second book, "Doctor Faith," at four. It's amazing that such young children can be creative and write engaging books about their life experiences. Faith believes every child should have access to education and live a happy and healthy life. To help bring this vision to life, she delivers empowering speeches to children nationwide. Her words of wisdom have inspired hundreds of children to believe in themselves, gain confidence and achieve their dreams. The recognition for her work has been immense; she was recently named Success Magazine Woman of Influence 2022 , nominated for Go Daddy & Google Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award 2022 and even featured in UPS Small Business and Canadian Small Business magazine 2023 . Faith has even created her signature workshop, Beyond Writing: A Creative Experience which is geared toward children and youth to express themselves through art and innovation. Her books, speeches and TV appearances have contributed to Faith's growing popularity among children and parents. Children look up to her for being brave enough to pursue their dreams despite the odds, while parents are inspired by her and wish their children to follow her and learn from her. To follow Faith Abraham on her incredible journey and to get her books and other empowerment merchandise, visit www.faithandsparklesworld.com

Written by: Katie Scott, business reporter Brainz Magazine US Government agencies have 30 days to ensure that all federal devices and systems do not have the TikTok app on them. Reuters has revealed the timeline in an exclusive story after seeing a guidance memorandum sent by the Office of Management and Budget. The action follows the agreement of the ban late last year. Similar action has been taken by other governmental organisations, including the EU and the Canadian Government. However, this move is being mooted as a possible precursor to a US-wide ban of the Chinese-owned app as a result of national security fears. The American House Foreign Affairs Committee is set to vote on a bill that would give the President the authority to issue such a ban, says Reuters. It quotes committee chair, Representative Mike McCaul, who stated: “My bill empowers the administration to ban TikTok or any software applications that threaten US national security. Anyone with TikTok downloaded on their device has given the (Chinese Communist Party) a backdoor to all their personal information. It’s a spy balloon into your phone."

Written by: Katie Scott, business reporter Brainz Magazine Social media platform, Snapchat, has announced that it is launching an AI chatbot called My AI. The new tool is powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT. In a statement, Snapchat explains: “My AI can recommend birthday gift ideas for your BFF, plan a hiking trip for a long weekend, suggest a recipe for dinner, or even write a haiku about cheese for your cheddar-obsessed pal.” It encourages users to “make My AI your own by giving it a name and customising the wallpaper for your Chat.” The feature will initially only be available to paying Snapchat+ subscribers, but Snap CEO of Evan Spiegel told The Verge that expansion is planned. "The big idea is that in addition to talking to our friends and family every day, we're going to talk to AI every day," he said. "This is something we're well positioned to do as a messaging service." In the announcement of My AI, the Snapchat team adds caveats including that users should not share any secrets with the tool nor rely on it for advice.

Written by: Katie Scott, business reporter Brainz Magazine The Biden administration has announced its nominee for the role of president of the World Bank and it is a former Mastercard executive. Ajay Banga is currently Vice Chairman of the private equity firm General Atlantic; and has been singled out for his “...critical experience mobilising public-private resources to tackle the most urgent challenges of our time, including climate change,” said President Biden. The nominations will be considered by the bank’s board, but, reports The Washington Post, “ …as the bank’s largest shareholder, the United States has typically chosen its leader”. Banga ran Mastercard for more than ten years and in this time, the company’s revenue more than tripled. In this time, the company launched an initiative - with nine other major financial companies - to plant 100 million trees over five years. Banga also headed up the company’s bid to reach net-zero emissions. Before his time at Mastercard, Banga worked at Nestlé's India operations, Pepsico and Citibank. However, environmental organisations, amongst them Friends of the Earth, have criticised the nomination arguing that Banga is too closely aligned with US corporations to put the planet first. “Banga has no background in public service, mitigating climate change, promoting sustainable agriculture, reducing poverty or supporting just energy transitions,” Kate DeAngelis, international finance program manager for Friends of the Earth, told The Washington Post. “He represents US corporations rather than the needs of eight billion people around the world.” The current president, David Malpass, will be stepping down from his position by 30th June, 2023.

“It can often feel like you want two different things: to make money as a woman and have a masculine man that knows how to lead and still provides and protects you. Society teaches us that you cannot have both.” - Monica Yates One of the number one things that couples fight over is money. Navigating finances, figuring out who pays for what, and the whole ‘wealth gap’ can feel like a real burden in your relationship. Money, in my opinion, isn’t something worth being the number one source of turmoil in a relationship . Why? Because money is neutral in energy. However, most of us feel a less-than-ideal way about money which we project into our relationships. Over time the fights and resentment will only hinder your long-term wealth growth and, worst of all could cost you your relationship. The number of women-initiated-divorces is on the rise. As is the number of women out-earning their male counterparts. Female breadwinners are becoming the new norm. Many people can end up feeling shame, resentment, and anger around money because of the problems it brings into their relationships. And really, the issue isn't about money … it's about communication and getting our needs met . Most people are not great at communicating about money because it's a sensitive subject with each person's value, ego, hard work, and time behind it. It's easy to talk about what you're having for dinner, but it's HARD to talk about finances. Then on top of that, the stress of wanting him to lead you so that you can be in your feminine can feel defeating when you feel like it’s not happening in the way that you expect it to. At the end of the day, whether there’s a wealth gap or not, women still want to feel protected and provided for, and unfortunately, we still tie that to a dollar amount. Here are three ways to massively improve the dynamics of your relationship if money is driving a wedge between you and your partner: 1. Heal your relationship with money. If you are avoidant or resentful towards money , it will make talking about it that much harder. Most people grow up with limiting money beliefs. Identify which are yours, and work through them so that you and your partner can have open conversations about money without your stories hindering the conversation. 2. Acknowledge that your feelings are your responsibility. Oftentimes when couples come to me and ask to work with me ‘as a couple,’ I turn down the request because, in most cases, the conflict resides within each individual (not always, of course). When you as the individual (and your partner as an individual) can address the issue as your own and heal the root cause of the conflict around the topic of money, you’ll be a much more effective communicator in the relationship. 3. Communicate your needs without emasculating your partner. When our needs aren’t being met, it’s the easy route to get frustrated and take it out on our partner. Show your partner how it makes you feel when they hold a door open for you, when they handle planning the dates, etc. Men are hardwired to want to protect women, and if he sees it’s also a turn-on for you when he provides you with a feeling of safety and ease - honey, the job is done. Navigating this subject does not have to be stressful. It can feel sexy and intimate when you tackle a big hurtle like this together . If you would like more resources on this subject, check out my podcast and my masterclass, The Feminine Female Breadwinner . This masterclass is going to take you from feeling stressed about the impact money is having on the polarity of your relationship to feeling completely in alignment with your partner and how money impacts your relationship. For more info, follow Monica on Instagram , LinkedIn , YouTube and visit her website ! About the author: Monica Yates is a somatic trauma healer, feminine & masculine embodiment coach, period whisperer and podcast host. After struggling with her own health issues, multiple traumatic surgeries and a terrible relationship with men, she finally had to face the issues that she was blissfully unaware of. Her modalities that now help thousands of women and men around the world be free of their big and small trauma. She works with people from all walks of life that are determined to no longer be held back by beliefs, bad habits, health issues, inner child wounds, anxiety, fears etc. She is the CEO of Monica Yates Health and the host of the podcast, Feminine as F*ck.

It’s not the most glamorous fact or something anyone wants to hear, but nearly every business will experience a crisis once in its lifetime. Rather than wait for the crisis to arise, I strongly suggest business owners, founders, and principles proactively consider working with their public relations (PR) firm or hiring one long-term to develop a solid course of action, including approval processes and statement guidelines, before any issues come to light. I have worked with corporate hotel chains, professional athletes, celebrities going through a divorce, and YouTube stars, all with various forms of PR crisis that needed to be attended to in order to support the longevity of their brands and their own reputations. While the bigger your name, the more the risk of crisis, the impact on any person, brand, or business can be just as detrimental without the right crisis communication. Let’s dive in! What is Crisis Communication? Crisis communication is the practice of distributing information to address a crisis that impacts customers, other stakeholders, and/or the organization’s overall reputation. Nobody expects a crisis, which is why this practice is often deemed unnecessary. In reality, the best communicators expect the unexpected, and having a solid crisis communication plan in place can help mitigate major issues down the road. The crises you may need to address include financial issues, major staffing changes, technological failures that affect your customers or the general public, workplace violence, poor organizational practices or leadership interviews, or natural disasters. How to Work with Your Public Relations Firm When a PR Crisis Arises A good crisis plan outlines the specific steps your organization will take when a public issue occurs, including media response strategies and how you’ll address stakeholders. When planning for a crisis, collaborate with your public relations firm to follow these steps. 1. Assess Your Risk First things first: you’ll need your public relations firm to conduct an analysis of your overall risk factors in various segments. Take a look at the following: Your business structure. Which areas of your business have higher risk potential? Which could potentially impact customers or the public the most? Your external relationships. What is the status of your current vendor, contractor, and partnership relationships? How about your relationships with local, regional, and national media? Your internal team. What is the current status of your workforce? Is it strong, or have you recently gone through rounds of layoffs? What is the overall employee sentiment toward leadership? Your industry. What industry-wide practices could lead to future crises or harm? Map all of your risk factors out in a visual chart so you can address each section in your crisis plan. 2. Create a Flow Chart Now that you know the risks of your business, you’ll need to bring together a team that can address them. Your core team should include your public relations firm, members of your leadership team, and a few internal team members in the PR or marketing department. You may also want to tap other individuals, like the head of HR, customer service, or operations, to weigh in on particular risk factors relevant to their roles. Once you’ve identified the players that need to be involved during crises, create a flow chart for each person’s role. Your public relations firm should be the first touchpoint for not only writing statements to address the public but also for media relations. Internal team members may need to weigh in for context on the situation or to provide quick approvals. Make sure you have backup individuals assigned if you cannot get in touch with the A-team right away. 3. Plan Your Responses You can do quite a bit of proactive crisis management before an issue ever arises! We recommend working closely with your public relations firm to draft sample statements, quotes, and social media posts to address every type of risk you assessed in the first step. You can also prep templates that team members can customize to the specific situation. Generally, make sure your responses are empathetic, genuine, and not too vague. 4. Regularly Review and Update Crisis plans should be reviewed and updated quarterly. Once a year, consider doing a fully updated risk assessment, then you can make adjustments to your planned responses from there. The flow chart of involved team members should be updated every time a personnel change occurs at the company. 5. Find a Professional Crisis Management Team If this all seems too daunting and out of your wheelhouse, find a professional who can help you plan ahead for future risk and potential areas where you can become proactive in your business model to avoid crisis. There are many out there, yet, find someone referred or trusted to ensure you can get what you are needing for your business. Is Working with a Public Relations Firm Difficult During a Crisis? PR crises can be scary, just the term itself gives any business owner or CEO a bit of goosebumps, but with solid plans in place, you can approach each crisis stealthily and professionally. Well-laid plans will result in seamless collaboration with your firm—your work together should not be at all challenging! Remember, your public relations firm is there to be your right-hand partner and guide throughout the process, so lean on them when needed. You’ve got this!

Written by: Anael Ivon, 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 are never truly alone! Companions of the Spirit Realm have always been with you since before your first breath and will remain until the very last. They may be invisible to us, but these highly evolved Spirit Guides vibrate on a different level than us; they exist in another plane of existence yet still serve as our teachers and guides with immense love so that we can further elevate ourselves spiritually. Working with your spirit guides is an unparalleled opportunity to expand and evolve on a personal level. Unlike those in the physical realm, their counsel isn't tinted by worldly considerations; they are vibrating at a much higher frequency! Seeking assistance from them relating to your personal life offers insight into the invaluable lessons you’re learning, teaching others and understanding deeper meanings of connections – instead of focusing on menial details like who leaves the toilet seat up. They provide practical advice that YOU can actually implement for greater clarity, change and growth in your life! Working with your spirit guides can be a truly wondrous experience! Their infinite wisdom and divine guidance offers remarkable insights into personal growth, free from the influence of this illusory physical realm. Remember to always honor yourself ‒ no true guide of high light will ever override or trample on your own choices in life; instead they offer profound support for any journey you choose to take. Embrace these spiritual connections safely though, as venturing through the inner planes requires respect, reverence and unfailing connection to Source’s High Light. With divine guidance, you can reach a place of clarity and understanding which transcends the mundane. By tuning into your spiritual energy, you are in essence opening yourself up to a deeper level of wisdom – one that is beyond what we call “logic” or “reason”. This connection will often provide guidance when it come to making decisions and navigating through the many challenges that life has to offer. Your spiritual connection can also help you cultivate feelings of peace, joy, contentment and purpose. When in alignment with this higher power, it is possible to let go of the underlying anxieties or fears which tend to hold us back from achieving our goals. Its transformative power can ultimately help us become our highest and best selves. Ultimately, you should strive to be in tune with this Source of Light on a daily basis. By doing so, you will likely find yourself living a more meaningful life while being supported by an inner strength that is unmatched by any other. May the light of your spiritual connection continue to brighten your life, today and always! Anael Ivon, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Anael Ivon is a Spiritual Mentor, Intuitive, and Channel who has walked the path of awakening for over two decades. Anael has worked for some of the world’s most prestigious companies as well as becoming Internationally Board Certified by the International Board of Coaches and Practitioners (IBCP), in different areas of human consciousness. Anael's life was changed by a series of events that led to her deeper understanding of the power we all hold within us. Anael now uses her unique blend of spirituality, psychology, and quantum physics in her work as a Spiritual Mentor, Coach and Channel, helping individuals heal themselves on a deeper level and tap into their power to create the life they desire.

Written by: Patrick Brown, 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. We live in an era of major developments and changes. Time requires organizations to adjust their conventional organizational forms and legacy methods of managing people. That is, if you want to keep up with the changes, you must innovate your approaches and adapt to evolving markets. Build a team that responds to all obstacles and challenges in a multilayered manner while keeping the characteristics of various markets in mind. Keep reading to discover the benefits of global business teams. We also share strategies for management and techniques for overcoming potential challenges. Advantages of a Global Business Team Organizations that embrace an international workforce are more likely to find the best candidates and retain top talent. Explore three benefits of a global business team. 1. Cultural Diversity Global teams foster a diverse and welcoming company culture. Research shows that diverse companies are 36% more likely to outperform less diverse competitors financially. Companies with a diverse workforce have a broader understanding and a wider range of perspectives than most homogeneous environments, resulting in more innovative solutions. 2. Higher Productivity Productivity is one of the top advantages of global teams. Teams operating in varying time zones perform tasks around the clock, improving project turnaround time. You can leave tasks before the workday ends and rest assured that your staff will finish them before you return to the office the following day. 3. International Market Knowledge A global business team is a catalyst for growth and global expansion. For one, a U.S. company attempting to market in the Philippines benefits most from having a team of local talent because they know the customs, regulations, laws, and demands of potential clients. Speaking the native language helps them build stronger connections with the target market. Overcoming Challenges in Managing a Global Business Team Nearshoring and offshoring are some ways to integrate a global business team. Regardless, most international teams work remotely across different time zones, giving companies a better reach. However, this comes with some challenges. Here are techniques for overcoming common issues: Communication Issues An obvious challenge with global businesss teams is that team members are not physically present. With a lack of face-to-face interaction, communication is less effective, especially when monitoring how they cope with work challenges. Solutions: Encourage staff to use messaging tools. Create a non-work channel for everyone to get to know each other. Set a 10-minute informal chat before starting virtual meetings. Cultural Barriers Different countries have varying ways of doing business. Some might be more formal, while others might favor a more relaxed setup. Some language barriers arise with global teams. Solutions: Set work tone, finding middle ground between what you and the team want. Get to know your staff by having them introduce themselves and the ways their culture differs from yours. Use simple English terms and expressions to avoid wasting time translating. Performance Tracking Problems Performance monitoring becomes a challenge, especially with team members out of the office. Solutions: Make deliverables and objectives clear in each project stage. Focus on results-based performance tracking instead of an hourly work system. Top Destinations for a Global Business Team Businesses have various destination options to choose from when building a global team. Here are the most common hubs for integrating an international business team: 1. India India remains a top destination when building a global business team. The country ranked second on Tholons’ Top 50 Digital Nations list in 2021. What makes India a top destination? Cost savings Large talent pool Commonly outsourced services: Software development Software engineering Back-office services Average salary: $425 per month based on the 2021 exchange rate 2. Philippines The Philippines is the second-best outsourcing location in the world. It has retained its title of “the BPO capital of the world” for more than a decade. Companies such as IBM, Wells Fargo, and Microsoft built their global business team in the country. The country also ranked 22nd out of 111 countries in the EF English Proficiency Index. What makes the Philippines a top destination? Advanced English proficiency Strong government support Commonly outsourced services: Customer service IT support Data entry Back-office services Average salary: $885 per month based on the 2021 exchange rate 3. Mexico Mexico is a popular emerging hub for global business teams. It secured the eighth rank on Tholons’ 2021 Top 50 Digital Nations list. What makes Mexico an emerging hub? Closer time zones to the U.S. High retention rate Commonly outsourced services: Human resources Customer support IT services Average salary: $1,530 per month based on the 2021 exchange rate Average Cost of Managing a Global Business Team The price of outsourcing a global business team is based on the cost per employee. Staff pay – base pay for each employee Staff perks – company and government benefits Management fee – expenses involved in the operation, including infrastructure and office fees Building a global business team through outsourcing lets you choose a pricing structure that suits your needs. The total price also differs depending on the location you choose. For example, offshoring is more cost-efficient than nearshoring. You can hire a web developer in the Philippines for an average of $595 per month in comparison to the $5,808 U.S. average. Strategies To Effectively Manage a Global Team Finding common ground and looking past differences are key when building a global business team. Encouraging open communication while sharing mentoring and learning opportunities is also important. Here are three strategies: Set a schedule to meet with the whole team. Department-wide meetings can be a rare occurrence, but you should not drop them completely. Team members need video calls to share knowledge, bond, collaborate, and build rapport. Make the most of your team meetings by developing a clear plan and framework. Create meaningful connections and foster trust. Global team members are more likely to stay when they work with people who communicate regularly. Hence, you should get to know employees’ interests and career goals and the challenges they’ve encountered. Make them feel comfortable when asking you questions and foster transparency. Keep resources accessible to all. Ensuring all necessary resources are available to each team member is key to success. Use knowledge base software to give employees access to important documents, regardless of their location. A knowledge base keeps work moving and empowers workers. Final Thoughts Integrating global teams has clear benefits: global teams are efficient, flexible, and more cost-effective. While international employees have many advantages, building a team is just the beginning. You need the right tools and technology to effectively manage members, collaborate, and measure progress. You also need the right BPO partner to help you find skilled professionals who can help you achieve your business goals. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Patrick! Patrick Brown, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Patrick Brown is the founder and CEO of Unity Communications, an award-winning BPO service provider operating globally. As a leader, he has built an international organization that serves clients across the globe, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. With recognition on the Forbes Next 1000 list in 2021, Brown's vision and leadership have made his BPO company a force to be reckoned with in the industry. But Brown's journey to success didn't begin with Unity Communications. He kicked off his career in the U.S. Navy and eventually rose to the rank of IT director for USS John S. McCain DDG-56. After leaving the military, Brown worked with renowned telecommunications companies such as Cox Communications, Mitel, and XO Communications. His international exposure, interest in technology, and passion for entrepreneurship led him to start his own business in 2009. And he has since grown Unity Communications into the thriving BPO company it is today. Despite the demanding nature of running a business, Brown believes in fostering a work-life balance for his employees. He himself also dedicates time to his own family and personal hobbies. In fact, he often competes in sanctioned IRONMAN events throughout the world as a way to acquire goal orientation and develop mental fortitude. Patrick Brown believes that investing in people, leading a disciplined life, and not being afraid to fail are the keys to success.

Written by: Lai Tattis, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Have you ever asked yourself why people who deeply attract you also frustrate you come into your life? If you've ever wondered what you're doing with a specific person, it could indicate an unconscious choice for a romantic partner. How we perceive Love in our unconscious began to develop from the moment of our birth through our childhood years and became a set of well-formed beliefs by the time we turned 18. Whatever mental picture we created became our internal map of the world deeply programmed in our unconscious mind, attracting the type of person we select as a primary love partner in adult life and how we relate to them. This mental image is a combination of the positive and negative traits of how well our primary caregivers met our early needs, typically our parents; of course, it can be anyone taking on that role as we grow through our childhood years. These early yet significant relationships we experience profoundly affect what we seek and attract in romantic relationships and how we share Love. In other words, we attract what we are. Think about how your parents demonstrated Love or did not; perhaps you had an absent parent or separated parents. The influence of our family of origin impacts how we self-regulate in response to pleasant and unpleasant events, relate to our partners, and communicate our emotions and needs. This idealized blind Love, in which we don't see the other for what they are and unrealistically hope they'll meet our every expectation, is influenced by our unconscious mind. The unseen forces attract what is familiar more than what is right because they are comforting. If you think about it, at the beginning of our romantic relationships, we are a magnet attracting someone who is a match for each other's wounds, like a puzzle piece fitting together. As the relationship progresses, we are given the opportunity through our interactions to heal the wounds we've had since childhood. Until we heal these wounds with self-love, self-compassion, and understanding, we will continue to repeat the same patterns reflecting outwardly what goes on inside ourselves. A journey of self-discovery Unfortunately, what we want from our partners will be the hardest thing for them to give us, but if we are willing to get out of our head which wants to regress, and into our hearts, which wants to progress, we can grow our self-awareness to become conscious enough. We can use the relationship to develop and heal, deepening the connection together. It's interesting to note that everyone we meet, not just romantic partners, is a mirror showing us how to love ourselves. If you are single or don't have a partner willing to do this inner work, you can still heal those parts of yourself on your own or with the support of a therapist, coach, or mentor. Transformation happens once you heal those wounds that reside within you, at the root. Only then will you no longer attract partners that will provide you the opportunity to heal them, or if you have a partner, those same behaviors that used to trigger you won't anymore because you've healed and moved on from them. A reflective question to ask yourself when triggered is how can I tend to what triggers me with Love? During the relationship, what gets triggered becomes a vehicle for your healing, growth, and evolution. These triggers become your path to freedom, expanding into more significant and deeper Love. How can you let your heart do the talking in the face of fear? In my painful experiences, vulnerability is the gateway to healing and connection, of opening up to this greater Love. When I stopped to pause and reflect on the relationship from my heart, only then could I see unrealized potential and have the most intimate experience of Life… there is No Thing to fear as what was blind becomes a new perspective, to see that you are not in the world rather the world is inside of you. You can choose at any moment what you experience. When we understand this, we begin to feel and sense wholeness, that you are the source of Love, bringing what is hidden in the unconscious to the conscious to heal, to drop out of the headspace and into the heart space where Love becomes the foundation of WHAT we are. The experience of Loving doesn't make us blind; it's only when we let ourselves get blinded by Love. We need to challenge ourselves in new ways, be willing to attempt new things and be tenacious in the face of adversity. Forward movement will be achieved with realistic expectations, patience, persistence, and self-compassion; it may, however, involve some detours and be slower than you'd prefer. It is ineffective to try to move past what has transpired in the past by denying and or ignoring what we feel. Such emotions frequently linger, perhaps going dormant or becoming numb for a while, but eventually, they build up, stacking over time and returning with force. Tips on seeing the red flags and managing triggers. Next time you are triggered, learn how to better understand your triggers and act in a way that will strengthen self-awareness and connection to share mature, nurturing, and fulfilling relationships. This is how to break the old subconscious pattern and create a more resourceful state. Seek to understand by being curious and flexible rather than closed off. Ask yourself, "Am I feeling this way now because it reminds me of past experiences/my childhood?". "Am I reacting and protecting myself, or am I open to connecting to my awareness of my thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations?" Bringing your focus to what it is you are experiencing and what you need instead will allow you to process and assess how open you are to listening, expressing, healing, and repairing. "How can I better communicate my needs instead of expecting my partner to interpret and respond to my mood?" If you are closed off, take some time to connect to your inner wisdom and not insecurities. We often judge, criticize, and blame; therefore, we do not take responsibility; Love cannot grow with these ingredients. In these moments of self-reflection, as we drop into our heart space, we can validate ourselves, better understand what is important to us, and discover more resourceful ways to resolve arguments by finding solutions that encourage meaningful intimate conversations, helping the relationship and Love to grow. If you are having difficulty seeing the red flags and working through your triggers, it is advisable to seek professional therapy. No matter where you are in your life, and what you have experienced, it is possible to see this Love right now. Connect with yourself because there is an inner wisdom within you that already knows what you need to do to become whole and complete with the capacity to share and experience healthy Love from the heart. Be the Love that you want. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Youtube, or visit my website for more info! Read more from Lai! Lai Tattis, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Lai is a life coach and clinical hypnotherapist who helps people to heal from their past to change their future by growing from limitation to liberation using the amazing power of their own mind freeing them to live energised, confident and meaningful lives they’re excited about. Her approach is intuitive, transformational, and Spiritual. She draws on philosophies from NLP, Matrix Therapy, Modern & Traditional Hypnosis, Neuroscience & Psychotherapy. Lai speaks internationally, offers professional, personalised audio tracks, online courses, workshops and one-on-one sessions remotely all over the world in a safe and supportive space. She believes that magic happens when transformation occurs on the inside.