Written by Silvana Avram, Inspirational Life Coach and Author Silvana Avram is a successful, Inspirational Life Coach, philosopher, author, teacher, and founder of Life Coaching with Silvana, whose mission is to empower us to embrace our uniqueness, fall in love with life, fulfill our potential, and create a beautiful legacy. This December, as Comet 3I/ATLAS drifts through our solar system, it offers a timely reminder of the beauty and magic that surrounds us. A gift from beyond the stars, this rare interstellar visitor invites us to rediscover the wonder of being alive, to appreciate the vastness of the cosmos, and to embrace the extraordinary gift of life itself. Here are three simple ways to reconnect with the awe that life offers every day. Every December, the world wraps itself in lights, music, and meaning. But this year, the Universe decided to add its own ornament to the sky: Comet 3I/ATLAS is a visitor from another solar system An interstellar gift, billions of years old, drifting through our solar system just in time for Christmas. A visitor from beyond the sun Discovered only a few months ago, Comet 3I/ATLAS is no ordinary comet. It comes from outside our solar system, only the third interstellar object humans have ever observed. Scientists believe it may be much older than our Sun, perhaps even older than our entire solar system, having formed in an ancient region of the galaxy long before our Sun existed. Its strangeness lies not only in its origins, but in its composition, unusual levels of nickel and iron, a plume that seems to “pulse,” a behaviour that has puzzled astronomers. It is fully natural, yet intriguingly different. A tiny cosmic mystery passing through our neighbourhood. It reminded me of Einstein’s beautiful reflection: “Everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe, a spirit vastly superior to that of man, and one in front of which we, with our modest powers, must feel humble.” – Albert Einstein You don’t need to be a scientist to feel this. The breathtaking beauty, intelligence, and perfection of the Universe, the home we all share, is for all of us. And this beauty, this intelligence, this perfection lives in us too. We should remind ourselves of this truth every single day. On 19 December 2025, 3I/ATLAS will sweep past Earth at roughly 170 million miles away — a cosmic wave hello before disappearing back into deep space. A visitor like this is rare. What a gift. What a reminder. What a moment. And that is why I wanted to write this article, to offer you a timely reminder, an early Christmas gift: the gift of wonder. Wonder: The most powerful, most forgotten human capacity We live in a world that keeps us looking down at our phones, our problems, our fears, our to-do lists. We take our worries very seriously. And in the process, we forget who we are. We forget that we belong to an ever-expanding universe filled with magic, abundance, and beauty. We forget that life is wonderful. That being alive is a privilege, a miraculous opportunity. Comet 3I/ATLAS arrives at the perfect moment to bring a little cosmic sparkle into our world. Its mysterious, luminous presence invites us to look up again. To remember that we live inside a vast, breathing cosmos. To remember that we are made of stardust. To remember that life, your life, is a miracle. As the year draws to a close and this interstellar visitor approaches, let’s open our hearts to the infinite beauty available to us. Let’s relearn to live with wonder. Let’s relearn to see magic in every encounter. Let’s allow this cosmic visitor to help us see our lives in perspective. As another year on planet Earth ends, let’s make a promise to embrace life as the precious gift it is. Here are three simple ways each of us can welcome more wonder into our hearts and daily lives. 1. Remember that life is a miracle Your body is a miracle, a symphony of trillions of cells working effortlessly so you can breathe, move, feel, and create. Pause for a moment. Place your hand on your chest. Feel your heartbeat steady, loyal, ancient. Feel the breath moving in and out – your silent companion since the day you were born. Do you know you can smile? Do you know you can speak words that uplift? Do you know you can sing, dance, touch, hold, and love? Do you know you can feel grateful? Every day, take just five minutes to step outside to notice a leaf, a flower, a bird, a breeze, a cloud. Nature whispers the same truth again and again: You are alive. And that is already extraordinary. 2. Expand your horizon Comet 3I has been travelling for billions of years. Billions! Just holding that thought in your mind is expanding, humbling, and strangely comforting. This ancient traveller has crossed unimaginable distances, and it has arrived at us, now, in this exact moment of our collective story. When you place your own worries inside that vast cosmic timeline, something shifts. Something softens. The pressure eases. A wider perspective opens quietly, reminding you that life is bigger, gentler, and more spacious than your fears allow. Ask yourself: Will this matter a year from now? Is this worth losing my peace for? What might this look like from 170 million miles away? When you zoom out, the impossible becomes manageable. The heavy becomes lighter. The future becomes spacious. Perspective is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. 3. Deepen your relationship with life You are not separate from life, you are life. A unique expression of the same creative force that forms galaxies, oceans, forests, and stars. You have access to expansion, intuition, renewal, and infinite possibility. Take time to nurture this relationship: Speak to life as if it hears you because it does. Affirm your place in the universe. Ask for guidance and listen for the subtle response. Treat your existence as the precious, unrepeatable opportunity it is. When you remember that you are an expression of infinity, you naturally walk through the world with more curiosity, appreciation, and trust. A season of wonder As Comet 3I passes by, let it be a reminder: There is more magic in this universe than we can comprehend. More beauty than we can behold. More support, more intelligence, more mystery than we dare to believe. This season, give yourself permission to feel awe again. To look up. To breathe deeper. To let your heart expand. Reclaim the wonder that is your birthright. And if you’d like to keep exploring life through a lens of meaning, beauty, and cosmic perspective, you’re warmly invited to connect with me for inspiration, guidance, and deeper conversations about the miracle of being alive. Because wonder is not a luxury, it is nourishment. It is the elixir that keeps our inner light alive. And it is always available. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram ,  LinkedIn ,  and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Silvana Avram Silvana Avram, Inspirational Life Coach and Author Silvana Avram is a successful, Inspirational Life Coach, philosopher, author, teacher, and founder of Life Coaching with Silvana, whose mission is to empower us to embrace our uniqueness, fall in love with life, fulfill our potential, and create a beautiful legacy. Fascinated from a young age by the mystery of life and our place in the universe, Silvana has been on a quest to find her own answers to the big existential questions facing humanity. Now an acclaimed Coach and Author, she draws on her extensive study of Philosophy, Psychology, Meditation, Holistic Healing, and Spirituality to create a uniquely inspirational and empowering style of Coaching, also reflected in her Book “Being You and Loving You,” in which she guides us through an unforgettable, transformative journey of self-discovery and self-love.

Written by DDL Smith, Author DDL Smith is a British novelist known for ‘Detective Dion’ and the eco-horror novel ‘Decay’. His independently published novels have attained global reach with his ‘think like a publisher’ mentality. With the release of Decay, an eco-horror about the legacy of nuclear orphan sources, it is worth reflecting on why fear still surrounds nuclear energy. Fear has shaped public opinion for decades, yet fear itself can be a dangerous force. It can stall progress, distort our views, and obscure the facts. Nuclear power holds a singular place in the imagination. It is seen as one of the most feared, most scrutinized, and least understood technologies of our time. To scientists and engineers, the process is simple, split uranium atoms, release heat, turn water into steam, and spin a turbine. Outside technical circles, the picture is different. The public view is shaped by accidents, headlines, and long shadows of disaster, fueled by disasters and fallout maps. Nuclear today: Building for the future Across the United Kingdom, a new generation of nuclear projects is taking shape. Sites like Hinkley Point C in Somerset and the Sizewell development on the Suffolk coast mark the country’s largest investment in nuclear power for decades. Together, these stations are designed to provide stable, low-carbon electricity for millions of homes and form a backbone for Britain’s transition away from fossil fuels. For policymakers, nuclear offers what renewables like wind and solar alone cannot. A constant supply of low-emission energy that supports the peaks and troughs of wind and solar. Each project promises jobs, infrastructure investment, and long-term security. Yet progress relies on more than engineering excellence. It also depends on public confidence. Engineering builds the station. Trust builds consent. Yet, the public won’t always understand the science and the safety mechanisms taught. As humans, we rely on stories. The stories people remember, Chernobyl and Fukushima. Changing the narrative behind nuclear is key to building a future that relies on nuclear energy. It’s why outreach and providing a better narrative are vital. Yet, recent outreach to several major UK nuclear projects, including Hinkley Point and Sizewell, revealed another challenge, silence. Both declined to provide comment, citing workload and the volume of media requests. Their reluctance is understandable, but it highlights an industry still uneasy about public dialogue. If communication remains gated behind press lines and corporate statements, confidence can only grow so far. Why fear persists Let’s take a look at how fear persists in many of us regarding nuclear. A few years ago, I was flying into Leipzig, Germany. Through the window, I spotted a colossal cooling tower. In that moment, I wondered, "How much radiation did I just absorb?" Later, I remembered that Germany was already in the process of shutting down its reactors after the 2011 Fukushima incident. The tower I saw might not have been active at all, or even part of a conventional plant. But the shape, the classic hyperboloid of cooling towers, was all I needed. That flight over Germany showed me how powerful symbols are. My mind locked on the tower as though it were radioactive, ignoring the radiation exposure I had just received from the sun on that same flight. It’s a small, fragile example of how perception works, we seize on fears, even when they’re disconnected from reality. Despite decades of safe reactor operation worldwide, nuclear power carries a persistent shadow. Chernobyl, Fukushima, and Three Mile Island remain embedded in public memory. For many, they function as shorthand for catastrophe. These events, though rare, loom larger than the billions of reactor-hours where nothing dramatic occurred. The media reinforces this imbalance. Headlines almost never read “nuclear plant operates safely for another year.” In contrast, stories about “nuclear accidents” draw attention, drama, and repeat viewings. That asymmetry shapes what people believe. Risk perception is rarely decided by numbers, it’s shaped by what people see, hear, and imagine. Psychologists call this the availability heuristic, we estimate how dangerous something is by how easily examples come to mind. Vivid images of reactors in crisis outweigh simpler narratives of steady operation. Scientists have noted that nuclear risks are prime candidates for this bias because so much of the public discourse involves dramatic coverage and vivid associations. Facts vs stories Fukushima offers a striking example of how fear and narrative distort reality. The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami killed nearly 19,000 people. The media images of waves crashing into nuclear reactors fused disaster and nuclear danger in the public mind. Yet official figures show no deaths from acute radiation sickness, and only one death recognized by a government review as possibly linked to radiation (a worker’s lung cancer) under compensation rules. Still, more than 2,300 “disaster-related” deaths have been attributed to the evacuation itself. Because the public remembers images more than numbers, many link “nuclear disaster” with “death tolls,” even when the primary causes were natural hazards or evacuation harm. That link has proven dangerous for nuclear rollout, fears compound faster than facts. By contrast, more than one million people globally die each year from air pollution tied to fossil fuel use. But because the story of air pollution isn’t as dramatic as a reactor explosion, people see it as less of a threat. Nuclear design is built on redundancy upon redundancy, multiple safety systems, thick containment structures, layers of regulatory oversight, international treaties, and inspections. On paper, nuclear is one of the most tightly regulated and secure industries on Earth. Yet stories often have more power than spreadsheets. Popular culture imagines worlds permanently scarred by radiation. In the Fallout games, civilization crumbles for centuries after nuclear war. In reality, radiation fades more quickly, visitors walk across the Trinity test site in New Mexico today without the fatal exposure those games would suggest. Fiction plays with worst-case scenarios, fact shows how science contains and controls risk. The danger comes when the two are blurred. Fear in this context is not irrational. It is how humans process threats. We notice danger more readily than reassurance. But fear can become mismatched to evidence. Towards a balanced narrative The challenge is not to dismiss fear but to meet it. Anxiety cannot be erased by statistics. It requires conversation. A discussion that is open and honest. Industry voices must learn to speak in more than technical terms. They must speak in human ones. Projects like Sizewell C face a cultural as well as an engineering test. Building confidence may demand as much work as pouring concrete or wiring turbines. Because trust is not engineered, it is earned, slowly, through presence and participation. When I was writing Decay, I wanted its portrayal of radiation and acute radiation sickness to be as accurately horrific as facts would allow. But finding detailed, scientific information about ARS was surprisingly difficult. Not because it’s hidden, but because it’s so rare. The rarity itself is a testament to the progress made in nuclear safety. Not everyone has the time or patience to deep-dive into nuclear science, that’s why the narrative around fear needs to change. The nuclear industry cannot stay locked behind acronyms and press offices. It needs to open its doors, invite curiosity, and work with the public rather than around them. Engineers need to think like storytellers to show nuclear energy not as a horror of the past, but as a tool for the future. A balanced narrative begins when expertise meets empathy. We should understand people’s fear and change the narrative because we remember stories of a bright or dull future, not press releases on double containment units and core-catchers. Reflection Nuclear energy is not free of risk. No technology is. But its risks are known, measured, and outweighed by what it can deliver, stable, low-carbon power in a time that desperately needs it. What endures most stubbornly is not danger, but story. And stories matter. They shape how we see, how we fear, and how we trust. Fiction has long cast nuclear energy in shadow, from wastelands and glowing ruins to apocalyptic decay. Yet those imagined worlds have value. They remind us of responsibility, of humility before our own creations. In Decay, an orphan source haunts the forest floor, a reflection of how carelessness, not the science, breeds danger. It’s fiction, but it mirrors a truth. Fear grows in silence. We already trust radiation in medicine, electricity in every device we touch. Nuclear energy belongs in the same company, a technology once feared, now proven, and ready to serve. The difference will not be written in spreadsheets alone. It will be written in stories, outreach, and transparency. Explore the fiction novel Decay, available online at all large book retailers. Follow me on Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from DDL Smith DDL Smith, Author DDL Smith is a London-based novelist whose cross-genre, contemporary fiction reflects issues and fears in modern society. His creative roots started from a young age with theatre and scriptwriting for online content. When transitioning to novels, his goal was to use marketing techniques to ‘think like a publisher’ while staying independent. A tactic that has his books available in book chains across the globe.

Written by Shery Saeed, Executive Coach & CEO Advisor Shery Saeed is a transformational executive coach and trusted advisor to bold CEOs, visionary founders, and culture-shaping leaders. With over 25 years of experience navigating high-stakes leadership moments, she blends strategic rigor with deep psychological insight to help clients lead with clarity, scale with conviction, and evolve with purpose. There’s a moment every leader knows. Your chest tightens. Your mind races. And you watch yourself become someone you don’t want to be. You say the thing you promised you wouldn’t say. You make the decision you know isn’t right. You lead in a way that contradicts everything you believe about leadership. Afterward, you sit there thinking I knew better. Why couldn’t I be different in that moment? If you’ve ever felt that gap between who you know you need to be and who shows up under pressure, this story will show you why it happens and what to do about it. When everything falls apart The morning of the San Francisco earthquake, I woke up in my apartment, as I did every day. By afternoon, my building had shifted into the middle of the street, and a deep fracture had split through the neighborhood. Everything I owned, everything familiar, was gone. Standing there in the wreckage, a strange clarity hit me. I can’t go back to who I was before this. Not because I didn’t want to. But because that version of me no longer had a world to live in. The apartment was gone. The routines were gone. The certainty was gone. I chose New York. I chose business school. I chose to start over completely. I didn’t know it then, but that moment became my blueprint for understanding transformation not as an idea or a strategy, but as a lived reality. The moment when you can’t be who you were anymore and must become someone new. Brilliant leaders, stuck in old patterns under pressure Years later, I was leading major organizational transformations at American Express, Bear Stearns, large-scale change with real money, real people, real stakes. The strategies were sound. The numbers worked. Boards were satisfied. But something kept nagging at me. I watched brilliant executives credentialed, committed, intelligent, understand exactly what the future required. Then, under pressure, revert to old patterns. Control. Avoidance. Over-functioning. Anxiety masked as intensity. They weren’t failing to understand the change. They were failing to be the leaders the change required. We were asking people to execute a future strategy while still living in a past identity. We changed everything around them, but not them. That’s why it was such a struggle. The call I’ll never forget After I started my own practice, a CEO I’ll call Marcus reached out. Smart. Trusted by his board. Clear vision. He was also unraveling. “I know what I should do,” he told me. “Collaborative leadership. Emotional intelligence. Trust. I’ve read all the books. I get it intellectually. But when the pressure’s on, it’s like another version of me takes over. I just watch myself do the exact things I know don’t work.” This wasn’t a strategy problem. It was an operating system problem. Marcus wasn’t lacking insight. He couldn’t access a different version of himself in the moments that mattered most. The gap wasn’t knowledge, it was his nervous system. And suddenly, I recognized something familiar, the same truth the earthquake had taught me years earlier. You can’t create your future from your past self. What actually changes a leader I became obsessed with one question: How do you help someone become different? Not learn new tools. Not manage their behavior better. But become the version of themselves who naturally respond the way the moment requires without effort, without force. Over years of study and coaching hundreds of leaders, I started to see the pattern beneath the pattern. Every leader operates from an internal architecture, an identity-level operating system shaped by survival, emotional conditioning, and meaning-making. Most of us run software written for earlier life stages: The version that learned to control everything because chaos felt dangerous. The version that avoided conflict because confrontation felt threatening. The version that confused worth with productivity because stillness was never safe. That software worked. It got you here. But it isn’t designed for where you need to go. This is the core of my message: leadership transformation comes from upgrading your Identity Operating System™, the internal architecture that makes the leader you need to be your default, not just a performance. Transformation is not trying harder Here’s the truth I learned from the earthquake, from decades of transformation work, from sitting with leaders at their most exposed, "Transformation isn’t about trying harder. It’s about becoming different." Not new skills. A new operating system. Not managing your old self better. Becoming your future self now. When Marcus and I worked together, we didn’t focus on collaboration tactics. We focused on identity on becoming the leader for whom collaboration was no longer effortful, but natural. As his nervous system changed, so did his leadership. Three months in, his team said, “Something’s different.” Six months later, his board noticed. A year later, his company transformed not because he learned more, but because he changed. I have seen this repeatedly. The founder who couldn’t scale herself didn’t need more CEO training, she needed an identity shift from scrappy creator to strategic executive. The healthcare leader hijacked by anxiety didn’t need better stress tools, she needed to experience challenge as a puzzle, not a threat. When the internal system changes, everything else accelerates. The moment you’re in right now Every leader I work with is standing in their own version of that earthquake moment, not because disaster struck, but because they’ve outgrown themselves. Who they are cannot take them where they need to go. And some part of them knows it. The gap you feel between knowing and being isn’t a flaw. It’s not a lack of discipline or effort. It signals you’re ready to evolve. The question isn’t whether transformation is possible. The question is whether you’re willing to stop being who you’ve been. Because this much I know for sure. You already know what kind of leader you need to be. The work isn’t learning more about that person. The work is becoming that person now. Your future self isn’t waiting for you to achieve something or fix something. Your future self is waiting to become the future you. And that can start today. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Shery Saeed Shery Saeed, Executive Coach & CEO Advisor Shery Saeed is a transformational executive coach and trusted advisor to high-performing CEOs, founders, and cultural change-makers. With over 25 years of experience across industries and economic cycles, she helps bold leaders navigate uncertainty, scale with precision, and evolve their leadership identity to meet the moment. Her work fuses strategic rigor with deep psychological insight, unlocking the internal shifts required to lead powerfully in a world defined by constant change.

Taxi Maxim is a technology that independent local businesses in more than 20 countries use as the backbone of their ride-hailing, delivery, and everyday service operations. For passengers, it is primarily associated with the Taxi Maxim app, where they book trips and orders. Drivers and couriers work through the Taxsee Driver application, which aggregates requests and helps them plan their day. The Taxi Maxim platform provides routing, mapping, pricing logic, and technical support, while commercial decisions and customer interactions are managed on a local level. Urban transport and on-demand delivery have become essential infrastructure in many markets. Instead of calling dispatchers or stopping cars on the street, people are increasingly relying on apps to get from point A to point B, send documents, or have food and groceries brought to their door. Taxi Maxim is the platform that makes this possible. The Taxi Maxim technology was first applied to transportation tasks in the early 2000s and has gone through several development cycles since then. What started as tools for handling phone calls and basic dispatching has evolved into a comprehensive technology with mobile apps, GPS tracking, automated billing, and analytics. Today, Taxi Maxim is used in over 1,000 locations across the world. Tariffs and service line‑ups are defined locally. Within Maxim app, users can сhoose a variety of services, from booking a car or bike trip, to ordering small everyday services.  Maxim Taxi is designed to stay affordable for a wide audience. Beyond large urban hubs, the Taxi Maxim technology is active in regional centres, where people often lack stable public transport and rely on a mix of informal options.  For drivers and couriers, this creates an opportunity to earn on their own schedule, whether they work a few hours a week or treat Maxim Taxi as a full‑time activity. The Taxi Maxim technology includes tools for digital oversight, trip data, feedback, safety functions, and local operators use this data to improve their services. Maxim app for customers For customers, interaction with Taxi Maxim begins and ends in the passenger app. After installation, the user selects their city and sees a list of categories that reflect local demand. In one country, this might mean economy and comfort cars, motorbikes, and basic deliveries. In another, moving services with vans and light commercial vehicles, “purchase and deliver” services, household help, or even massage. The scope depends on what the local Maxim provider includes in the offer. The order process within the Taxi Maxim app is straightforward: the user specifies pickup and drop‑off points or delivery addresses, and selects the required service category. The application displays when a driver or courier is expected to arrive, enabling trip or delivery tracking on the map. Once the order is completed, the customer can rate the service and leave a short comment.  How people pay inside the Taxi Maxim app varies by country. Some markets remain heavily cash‑based: drivers collect fares directly and then transfer the platform's share to the operator at agreed intervals. Other regions have moved to digital payments, cards, e‑wallets, and similar tools. The ability to mix different methods within the same Taxi Maxim framework used by independent local operators allows them to function seamlessly in countries with varying levels of financial digitalization. Several safety-related functions are consistently implemented across most markets in services built on Taxi Maxim technology. An emergency button allows a passenger to send an alert to a pre‑selected contact or support team, and a trip-sharing feature, to forward their journey details to trusted contacts for real-time monitoring.  The contact between the Maxim customer and the driver is usually routed via masked numbers or in‑app chat: personal contact details are not exposed. Order history is retained in the system, allowing support managers to reconstruct events in the event of disputes. Taxsee driver: Application for drivers and couriers Vehicle owners and couriers use a specialized tool within the Taxi Maxim framework: the Taxsee Driver app. It serves at once as their workplace, planner, and accounting system. Taxsee Driver shows nearby orders, offers route suggestions based on integrated maps, records completed trips and deliveries, and summarizes income over any chosen period. Drivers themselves decide when to start and stop accepting orders. They log in to Taxsee Driver when they are ready to work and go offline when they need a break. There are no fixed shifts built into the platform logic, making it suitable for people with changing schedules. Many use it as an additional source of income alongside full‑time employment or studies; others treat it as their main activity but still value the ability to adjust workload week by week. There is no universal profile of a Maxim partner; the platform is built to accommodate a wide range of backgrounds. While orders are being completed, the partner app records key trip parameters: route, duration, speed. In many markets, Maxim partners work in their own vehicles, which encourages thorough maintenance and safe driving. Taxi Maxim’s driver app, Taxsee Driver, supports several types of work within a single account. A motorbike owner can switch between passenger rides and urgent deliveries during the day. Drivers of larger vehicles can alternate between airport transfers, cargo tasks, and “helper” jobs that involve moving heavy items or assisting with relocation. The application interface is designed to make such switching simple, without requiring separate logins or additional software installation. Taxi Maxim: How the technology is used across countries Taxi Maxim  technology is currently used in dozens of countries, and the exact scope of services varies depending on the location. In Southeast Asia, Taxi Maxim is often associated with motorbike transportation and affordable delivery. In Latin America, demand for cargo transport and helper services is stronger. In Central Asia, early launches of Maxim Taxi helped users avoid hailing taxis on the roadside or at traditional taxi stands in several cities. In Indonesia, Maxim is present in over 200 urban locations, from major centres to regional hubs. Motorbikes dominate, accounting for a large share of completed trips. The domestic operation has also built a food and goods marketplace inside the app and supports a charity fund that helps partners and passengers affected by accidents. In Malaysia, transportation, delivery, and household assistance services run across all states, with a notable presence in Sabah and Sarawak. Operators actively cooperate with driving schools to help partners obtain the professional licenses required by law and have introduced discounted tariffs for passengers with disabilities. In Thailand, Maxim was launched as a delivery solution, with passenger transportation added later. The headquarters is located in Chiang Mai, emphasizing work beyond the capital. The app is available in 18 provinces, offering a mix of car, motorbike, and electric vehicle tariffs. Thai teams work with local authorities on tourism projects and support environmental and social initiatives. In Brazil, Maxim appeared in 2021 and concentrated on towns with up to half a million residents, where large international platforms were less active. It was one of the first to offer structured motorbike rides there. Phone‑based ordering remains an important channel alongside the app, serving users who are not comfortable with smartphones. In Laos, Maxim started in Savannakhet. Later launches included Vientiane and other locations. Early stages were marked by zero‑commission periods for drivers and rapid user growth, especially after restrictions on a major competitor created a gap in the market. Other countries where Taxi Maxim technology operates include the Philippines, Vietnam, Colombia, Peru, Bangladesh, South Africa, and a number of Central Asian states. Legal descriptions differ, from the traditional “Taxi Maxim” to “Digital intermediation service”, but in all cases, local businesses remain separate entities that use the same technology and brand model. There is no global body that manages daily operations. Service and positioning The set of services offered by local operators using the Taxi Maxim technology is not identical in every country, but a typical portfolio includes the following directions: Car rides in basic, comfort, and sometimes, premium categories Motorbike rides in dense urban areas, where two‑wheelers are the fastest and most affordable option Courier services for small parcels, documents, and online orders Cargo moves with minibuses, vans, or light trucks, often with optional loading assistance Ordering food and goods from partner outlets inside the app Additional services such as laundry pickup, cleaning, engine start, or towing, where local operators see sufficient demand. The Maxim platform allows providers to keep operating costs low, therefore, passengers get better-priced offers too.  Inside the Taxi Maxim technology layer After the Taxi Maxim customer presses “confirm” in the app, the platform looks for a suitable partner nearby, taking into account location, road conditions, and current workload. Matching has to be both fast and efficient; otherwise, waiting times increase on the client side, and drivers or couriers spend more time without paid orders. On the back end, these functions are handled within each market by the local operator’s infrastructure built on the Taxi Maxim framework: user authorization, trip records, and analytical dashboards. Personal data and payment flows are handled locally by the domestic operator in accordance with local requirements. Local Maxim operators monitor demand and supply fluctuations by hour, district, and service category, and adjust operations accordingly.  The level of digitalization allows the Taxi Maxim platform to be used in regions with uneven connectivity: requests are buffered, and the system is tolerant to short‑term network issues on the partner side. Over the years, Taxi Maxim technology has been steadily adding more analytical and automation tools that allow operators to provide better services. Usage data helps to predict where and when cars or motorbikes will be needed, which in turn allows for reducing dead mileage. The same logic supports the Taxi Maxim expansion into new cities: once a local business decides to start operations, much of the technical setup is already in place, and the provider can concentrate on the quality of their offer. Safety and service standards Safety and high service standards are ensured through a combination of in‑app instruments and processes on the operator side. The Taxi Maxim platform provides tools; local teams define thresholds and work with cases. Digital control starts with partner onboarding. Depending on country regulations, this includes verifying identity documents, checking driving licenses, collecting proof of vehicle ownership, and sometimes conducting criminal background checks.  During trips and deliveries, Taxi Maxim–based algorithms monitor events: sharp accelerations and braking, deviations from optimal routes, and unusually long stops. Passenger feedback is equally important. Complaints about rude behaviour, unsafe driving, or poor service are tracked and can lead to training, warnings, or blocking, depending on severity and frequency. In Indonesia, Malaysia, and some other countries, local companies created mechanisms to support drivers and passengers who suffered in accidents during Maxim trips. In some cases, these funds provide compensation even beyond what mandatory insurance typically covers. Cooperation with insurers is also common: operators in certain markets purchase additional policies that extend coverage to all trips made via the app. From the customer experience side, metrics such as average waiting time, share of cancelled orders, and response speed of support are watched closely. If a city or district shows systematic problems, operators may adjust tariffs, invest in partner recruitment, or change promotion strategies. The Taxi Maxim platform offers tools for such analysis; how to use them is up to each local operator. Accessibility and inclusive design An important part of the platform development agenda is accessibility. Maxim apps support screen-reading functions, which allow visually impaired users to navigate the interface and place orders using the built‑in accessibility features of their smartphones. For people with hearing impairments, in‑app chat provides a way to communicate with drivers without relying on voice calls. Drivers can mark that they are ready to assist users with limited mobility, for example, by helping with wheelchairs or other devices. In several countries, local operators have launched specific initiatives for vulnerable groups. In Malaysia and Indonesia, local operators using Taxi Maxim technology regularly provide free or discounted trips for members of associations representing blind people, and later, this experience was formalized into special tariffs. In Thailand, during major sporting events for athletes with disabilities, a local company using Taxi Maxim technology supported the events by providing transport at its own expense. Some markets have also introduced “women for women” categories, allowing female passengers to request a female driver. Social engagement Beyond commercial services, many local Taxi Maxim operators invest in social and environmental projects. The specific activities differ, but several recurring themes can be seen across markets. Road safety education: joint sessions with police in schools and driving centres, where children and new drivers learn about correct behaviour on the road. Support for vulnerable groups: deliveries of food packages to low‑income families, assistance to orphanages, organizing children’s events, and seasonal campaigns. Environmental initiatives: tree planting, beach and public space clean‑ups, support for animal shelters and reserves, including elephant sanctuaries in Thailand. Disaster response: free rides and help with transportation during floods and fires, including for volunteers and humanitarian cargo, rebuilding efforts in affected regions, etc. Health‑focused drives: free medical check‑ups for drivers, vaccination campaigns for stray animals supported by local shelters, and cooperation with charities focused on public health. Taxi Maxim: Summary Taxi Maxim model combines three core elements: app-based access to mobility and delivery, a network of independent local operators, and a focus on services that remain affordable for mass users. In practice, this approach translates into a set of operational features. As noted in Business Review’s profile of Taxi Maxim , key characteristics include: A configurable service framework covering rides, deliveries, and helper tasks, which can be adapted to local demand and regulation. A flexible work model for drivers and couriers with no fixed shifts and the ability to handle several service types from one Taxsee Driver account. Built‑in instruments for risk management and control: onboarding procedures, trip data, rating systems, emergency functions, and operator‑side case handling. Coverage that extends beyond capital regions into mid‑sized and regional cities, where digital mobility and delivery services are often underrepresented. For urban markets, Taxi Maxim technology brings organised ride-hailing and delivery to the areas where people used to rely on street taxis and informal couriers, and helps spread app-based services in countries where this kind of infrastructure is still new.  The platform is designed to be flexible and closely aligned with the needs and habits of local customers. As more local operators adopt the Maxim technology, transport and delivery services become accessible to more people across different backgrounds and income levels.

Martin Hargrove embodies what it means to be a hard worker both inside and outside a professional environment. Born and raised in Nevada, he also graduated from the University of Nevada in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business. Not long after graduation, he decided to embark on an exciting and unpredictable journey as an artist and entertainer, moving to Los Angeles, California. Martin Hargrove, Artist Mentor & Entrepreneur Who is Martin Hargrove? Introduce yourself, your hobbies, your favourites, you at home and in business, tell us something interesting about you. I am from Reno, Nevada, where I was born and raised. Growing up, I was an avid sports enthusiast and continued to pursue sports in college. During my time at the University of Nevada, Reno, I also earned my business degree, graduating in 2018. In my free time, I stay active by working out at the gym or delving into research on topics that ignite my passion. I believe in the power of knowledge and strive to learn and share it with others. Naturally, I’m committed to making a positive impact on those around me. As a teacher, leader, and mentor, I find fulfillment in guiding and inspiring others. When I’m not immersed in my studies or sports, I enjoy exploring the city’s culinary scene by trying out different restaurants. Additionally, I love going roller skating and unwinding with a game of PS5 or a movie. What inspired you to launch your brand and focus on the niche you’re in now? What motivated me to launch my brand was the desire to create an organized and visually appealing platform that could showcase my work while retaining its value and conveying a story. I aimed to set an example for others on how to gather tools and implement them to build their own personal brands. I wanted to create something innovative and easily understandable. This blueprint has been instrumental in strengthening my overall character and business focus.  What is the core service or solution you provide to your clients, and how do you define your unique approach? This platform and foundation for success showcase entertainment with a personal portfolio niche that also involves coding, which we are already familiar with from apps and websites. I developed it for the Apple App Store and created content from YouTube to my personal website. My website is simply Bitcoin and crypto MySpace, allowing anyone to access apps, watch videos, exchange value, and interact all on one platform. It encourages users to make money and invest their earnings in investment vehicles if they choose to. My areas of expertise include photography, entrepreneurship, and artistry. What typical challenge or pain point do your target clients face before they come to you? The primary challenges most people face, in general, are finding reliable sources of information. To address this, I’ve incorporated my artificial intelligence agents into my website, ensuring that users can always find answers to their questions, even when I’m not available. My content primarily focuses on spiritual beliefs and activities that promote personal and collective growth in various aspects of life. Many people struggle to find the significance of crucial matters, particularly in the context of everyday life and navigating its complexities. How is this website beneficial to a business or person? This website consolidates all your information in one place and provides a system for engaging in transactions that are constantly evolving and gaining mainstream acceptance. While you still need to conduct your own research and work, it enables individuals and businesses to effectively advertise and market themselves, receiving help from the platform if necessary. How do you tailor your method or program to suit each individual client’s needs and goals? My approach serves as a guiding example and visual representation of how someone else might envision themselves using this website and customizing it to suit their unique professions or businesses. The primary focus is on maintaining relevance and ensuring that the content is up to date. What key mindset or lifestyle change do you believe is most critical for your clients to embrace to get lasting results? Understanding that patience is crucial and failure is inevitable is essential. However, these failures serve as tests of resilience, imparting valuable lessons that benefit you in the long run. Amidst the chaos, it’s crucial to prioritize your main objectives and navigate effectively using the strategies that work best for you at the moment. How does your background, skills, experience, or something surprising give you an edge in helping your clients succeed? My background and skills demonstrate consistency and unwavering dedication to my pursuits. People recognize and comprehend that I can walk the walk and talk the talk, backed by tangible evidence. By making my words and actions credible and of high value, I ensure that my actions have a real-world impact on myself and others. For someone reading this who’s on the fence about reaching out, what could they expect when working with you? I am a leader and a teacher who always gives 110%. My decision-making and creativity are guided by intuition, and I am someone who thinks outside the box and takes initiative. What’s the one piece of advice you’d give right now to someone who wants to take action and transform their life/business/health (whatever your niche) today? Begin now and cultivate the momentum that will transform into consistency, passion, and potentially something greater. Prioritize the main objective and lead with intuition more frequently. Don’t hesitate to take risks. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the environment of individuals who exemplify the achievements you aspire to. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Martin Hargrov e

Written by Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin, Owner of Alfouad Group Al Fouad Group is a leading real estate consultancy specializing in valuation, development advisory, and investment strategies, alongside City Creek Contracting. The Group provides expert guidance to investors and developers across luxury and high-growth real estate markets. Most real estate losses begin long before any contract is signed. This article reveals the hidden decisions that quietly derail investments and shows how smart strategy, due diligence, and discipline shape true long-term success. During my years in real estate valuation and advisory, I’ve sat with investors from every background, first-time buyers, seasoned developers, and ultra-high-net-worth clients. Despite the differences in their goals, I noticed one pattern that repeats itself far more often than people realize: Most investment failures happen before any property is purchased. Not because the market is bad. Not because prices rise or fall. But because the investor made a decision early on quietly, confidently, and sometimes emotionally, that set the entire deal on the wrong path. This realization changed the way I advise clients, and it’s the reason I’m writing this article. 1. The mirage of a “good deal.” I’ve lost count of the times someone came to me saying, “Mohamed, this developer is offering an unbelievable price, should I buy now?” My answer is always the same: A good deal is not what looks attractive in a brochure. A good deal is what survives real due diligence. In reality, professional investors look beyond the glossy presentation. They examine: True Land Value: What the land is truly worth beneath the project. Construction Logic: Whether the construction cost makes sense relative to quality. Payment Plans: How the payment structure affects your risk exposure. Escrow Safety: If escrow protections actually exist. Exit Strategy: What exit options look like, not in theory, but on the ground. A property can look beautiful and still be a financial trap. I’ve seen it too many times. 2. Developer risk: The most overlooked factor If I could give only one piece of advice to every investor, it would be this: The developer you choose can determine 80% of your investment outcome. In Dubai, I’ve met investors who bought into great locations but from developers who had poor cashflow management or a history of delays. Some of those projects never reached completion. On the other hand, I’ve seen average locations delivered by exceptional developers projects that became success stories simply because the team behind them was strong, disciplined, and transparent. This is why my valuation work always starts with one question: “Who is the developer, and what is their real track record?” Everything else comes after. 3. Emotional investors vs. Strategic investors Let me share something simple but powerful: People don’t buy real estate. They buy a story. That’s where emotional investors fall into trouble, a nice view, a trending location, or a beautifully designed launch event. Meanwhile, strategic investors are asking the hard questions: Is the rental yield sustainable? How does this project compare to similar completed assets? What does the financial model look like? What risks am I actually taking? The investor who wins is rarely the one who moves fastest, it is the one who thinks deepest. 4. Due diligence: The quiet superpower One of the greatest misconceptions in the market is that due diligence is something “extra” or “optional.” In my world, due diligence is the difference between confidence and regret. It includes: Checking cashflow tables. Understanding legal obligations. Studying construction timelines. Reviewing feasibility reports. Asking uncomfortable questions. Most of my clients are surprised by how many risks disappear simply by asking the right questions early. 5. What two decades have taught me After years of valuations, feasibility studies, negotiations, and sitting across the table from developers and investors, I’ve learned this: Real estate rewards discipline, not excitement. It rewards clarity, not trends. It rewards the investor who prepares, not the one who rushes. The market will always change. Prices will rise and fall. But the mindset behind your decisions is what shapes your long-term success. Real estate is not just about owning property. It is about owning the right decisions long before you buy. Conclusion Your best investment is not the unit you purchase. Your best investment is the wisdom you apply before signing anything. Shift your mindset. Protect your decisions. And the market, no matter how unpredictable, will begin to reward you. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin, Owner of Alfouad Group Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin is a real estate expert, author, and investment consultant with extensive experience in valuation and development advisory across the UAE and MENA region. He is the founder of Al Fouad Real Estate Valuation and a member of FIABCI and ACAMS. Mohamed specializes in guiding investors, analyzing developers, and identifying high-value opportunities. He authored “Sell a Property to Billionaires” and “Please, Don’t Buy From This Developer,” empowering investors with clarity and confidence.

Written by Cindy Witteman, Founder/ CEO/ Editor-in-Chief Cindy Witteman is a multi-award-winning author, speaker, and founder dedicated to empowering others through storytelling, action, and impact. She inspires change as the creator of Little Give TV Show, FORCE Magazine, and the Nonprofit Driving Single Parents Inc. We often hear people say they want to make a difference, but they feel overwhelmed, underprepared, or unsure of where to start. Many believe impact has to be big, loud, or public to count. But the truth is, the world is changed through small acts long before it is changed through grand gestures. The entire mission behind the Little Give TV Show is built on this simple idea: One small act of kindness from one person can become a life-changing blessing for someone else. The Little Give TV Show began as a heartfelt way to highlight ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Over the years, through the show, the podcast, and community outreach, I have witnessed one truth over and over again: Big change always starts with small kindness. The heart of the Little Give TV Show is not about money or status. It is about intention. It is about noticing the moment when someone needs support, encouragement, guidance, or hope and choosing to step in. The show exists to celebrate the people who do these things every day, people who give a small piece of themselves and end up creating something much bigger. On the Little Give TV Show, we see this every single week. People share stories of a moment when someone else showed up for them. People talk about the individuals and nonprofits that changed their lives. We witness the ripple effect of kindness in real time. These stories remind us that anyone can be part of something meaningful. You do not need a title or a platform. You only need a willingness to care. Why the Little Give TV Show matters People often underestimate the impact of a single kind moment because they cannot always see where it leads. But behind every story shared on the Little Give TV Show is a deeper truth. There is a single parent who needed encouragement to keep going, a nonprofit founder who needed someone to spotlight their mission, a child who needed someone to listen, and a community member who needed a reminder that they matter. Every time a story is aired on the Little Give TV Show, someone watching is reminded that kindness still exists. Someone learns that they are not alone. Someone is inspired to be more compassionate in their own life. That is why the show matters. It is not entertainment, it is connection. It is community. It is hope in action. And perhaps the most important part is this: Little acts of kindness inspire more acts of kindness. The Little Give TV Show makes that visible. It shows how one small gesture can spark another and then another. That is how movements begin. Not with a single giant gesture, but with countless small ones stacked together. How FORCE Magazine amplifies the mission When I created FORCE Magazine, I wanted to build more than a publication. I wanted to build a platform that lifted people up and created opportunities for those doing important work. FORCE Magazine has become a best-selling international publication, but its heart has always remained rooted in service. One of the most meaningful commitments we made was to give every nonprofit free space to share their mission, no cost, no barrier, no red tape. Just an open invitation to shine a light on the work they do for others. Nonprofits run on passion. They run on volunteers, tight budgets, and enormous heart. Most do not have advertising budgets or marketing teams. Many operate quietly, even though their work is changing lives every day. That is why FORCE Magazine chose to offer free space to nonprofits in every edition. We want their stories to be seen. We want their missions to grow. We want their impact to reach beyond their zip code. A single article in FORCE Magazine can lead to donations, partnerships, volunteers, and visibility that changes the trajectory of an organization. Just like the Little Give TV Show, FORCE Magazine serves as a reminder that kindness grows when it is seen. Little gives create forces of change When people witness the impact of small kindnesses, it changes the way they move through the world. That is the soul of the Little Give TV Show. It builds stronger communities. It restores hope. It reminds people that they are connected in more ways than they realize. Some people ask where to start. The answer is always the same: Start with what you have. Start with the small moment in front of you. Start with the person who needs a little encouragement. You never know how far that one gesture will reach or how deeply it may matter. A call to step into your own Little Give Whether you are an individual with a desire to help or a nonprofit with a mission to share, there is a place for you in this movement. If you are inspired by the stories we share, visit LittleGive.com to learn more about the Little Give TV Show, watch episodes, or suggest a nonprofit you love. If you are a nonprofit or someone doing meaningful work, visit ForceMagazine.com and take advantage of the free space we offer to nonprofits in every edition. Your story matters, and it deserves to be seen. Little kindnesses change lives. Together, through the Little Give TV Show and FORCE Magazine, we are proving that those small acts can change the world. Follow me on Facebook , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Cindy Witteman Cindy Witteman, Founder/ CEO/ Editor-in-Chief Cindy Witteman is an award-winning author, speaker, and Action Mastery Specialist passionate about helping others create impact and live with purpose. As the founder of Driving Single Parents Inc., creator of the Little Give TV Show, and Editor-in-Chief of FORCE Magazine, she empowers people worldwide to turn challenges into triumphs. Cindy is also a proud mom, Nonna, and advocate for giving back, believing that even the smallest acts of kindness can create a lasting ripple effect. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to embrace possibilities, take bold action, and write their own success stories.

Written by Sharon Clare, Clinical Hypnotherapist Sharon Clare is an accredited Solution-Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist. She is the founder of Sharon Clare Hypnotherapy, which helps professional women overcome stress, burnout, and sleep struggles using neuroscience-backed approaches to rewire how they think, feel, and respond to life. She also specialises in easing fears of surgery. Jaw clenching, grinding, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain affect millions of adults, yet most people never talk about it. They wake with headaches, discover their jaw can’t open fully, or learn from a dentist that their teeth are wearing down. Many assume it’s “just stress.” Others don’t think of themselves as stressed at all. They simply know their jaw won’t relax, especially at night. Bruxism and TMD are recognised medical conditions. The NHS describes bruxism as the involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, often linked to the body’s stress response. These patterns aren’t a choice or a behavioural weakness. They are automatic, brain-driven protection strategies, the nervous system’s way of holding on when life feels demanding or unpredictable. And just as the brain can learn to guard, it can also learn to let go again. The jaw is part of the threat system The jaw is tightly connected to the fight-flight-freeze response through the trigeminal nerve, one of the most powerful sensory, motor highways in the body. It links directly to brain regions responsible for fear, defence, and emotional memory, including the amygdala and brainstem. When the nervous system senses threat, muscles all over the body prepare for action. The jaw tightens as part of a rapid protective response, brace, hold, stay ready. This reflex evolved long before language or logic, when surviving meant biting, shouting, defending, or suppressing sound to avoid danger. In today’s world, the threats are different, deadlines, responsibilities, unresolved fear memories, but the jaw still responds as if danger is close. And because the body doesn’t receive a clear “threat is over” signal, those muscles never truly switch off. Internalised stress: When you don’t feel anxious, but your body does Many people with bruxism insist they “aren’t stressed.” And from the outside, they appear calm and resilient. They keep going, push through, get things done. They’ve learned to cope silently. Meanwhile, their nervous system operates on a constant low-level alert, subtle enough that they don’t notice it until their body forces the issue. Studies show that physiological hyperarousal, even without conscious anxiety, can manifest in muscle tension and oral symptoms like clenching or spasms. In my clinical practice, I often see people whose first real sign of stress shows up in the jaw. They may experience painful spasms or suddenly notice they cannot open their mouth fully. Sometimes a dentist detects restricted jaw movement, inflammation, or wear patterns and refers them to their GP. In severe cases, they’re told the tension could lead to surgical intervention if it continues. Only then does the question arise: “Why is my body doing this when I feel fine?” Because you can feel fine yet still be physiologically in fight/flight. Your body remembers effort your mind has learned to ignore. Related: How your jaw holds the stress you don’t speak of and what it’s doing to your body Night-time grinding: Stress rehearsal in sleep Bruxism often occurs during REM sleep, when the brain processes emotion and consolidates memories. Normally, the motor system is inhibited to keep the body still. But when stress chemistry is elevated, the inhibition is incomplete. The jaw acts out the body’s internal “rehearsal” of stress, clenching, grinding, guarding. This is why people wake unrefreshed even after a full night’s sleep. The nervous system has been working hard all night. Not solving problems, preparing for imagined danger. Related: How sleep and stress forge the blueprint of your brain Why standard advice often doesn’t solve jaw clenching When people finally ask for help with teeth grinding or jaw tension, the advice they receive usually sounds practical, try to relax your jaw, stop chewing gum, wear a mouthguard, reduce coffee, notice when you’re clenching. These tips can protect your teeth or temporarily ease symptoms, but they rarely solve the problem. For many people, they make it worse. Here’s why. Bruxism and TMJ tension begin in the subconscious nervous system, not in the teeth or the thinking brain. The primitive brain has learned that jaw tightness equals safety. So, when you are told to constantly monitor your jaw, is it tense now? What about now? You inadvertently draw attention to it. The brain interprets attention as importance, and importance as potential danger. The more you watch the jaw, the more the nervous system believes it must stay alert. It’s not stubbornness. It’s protection. This is also why mouthguards only go so far. They defend the enamel, but they don’t change the message coming from the amygdala, the emotional alarm centre. The body keeps running the same survival programme while the device absorbs the consequences. Many of my clients arrive saying, “I’ve tried everything, the mouthguard isn’t working anymore.” And that’s because the root cause is neural, not dental. Jaw tension isn’t corrected by control. It’s corrected by safety. The neuroscience of letting the jaw release The jaw only relaxes when the nervous system feels secure enough to stand down. Two systems are involved: The intellectual brain (which can understand there is no threat) The survival brain (which reacts as if threat might come back) When these two parts disagree, the survival brain wins. Every time. That’s why you can tell yourself you’re fine, while your jaw tightens anyway. To truly unlearn bruxism, the nervous system must receive repeated experiences of genuine calm. Not forced relaxation, not monitoring, not “fixing it,” but internal evidence that life is safe again. That happens through: Physiological reset: Breathwork, deeper sleep, parasympathetic activation, these lower adrenaline and cortisol, allowing jaw muscles to release their defensive hold. Changing the meaning: When people stop blaming their body (“What’s wrong with me?”) and shift toward understanding (“My jaw has been trying to protect me”), stress chemistry drops. Shame fuels tension. Self-compassion softens it. Subconscious learning: In trance states used in Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy, the emotional brain and body communicate directly. New, calmer responses are rehearsed until they become the default. The brain begins predicting comfort instead of danger, and the jaw responds automatically. Related: Why nervous system regulation is becoming the ultimate leadership advantage in the age of AI What recovery feels like Change often begins quietly. You notice yourself waking without that familiar stiffness, the jaw sitting a little softer instead of clamped tight. Morning headaches become less frequent. Your mouth opens more easily, the joint no longer protesting every movement. During the day, you realise you’re working, talking, and concentrating without that tight grip creeping in. Sleep deepens, the kind of rest where you wake feeling like you have actually been off duty. Even the shoulders and chest, long used to bracing, start to feel lighter, as if the body is remembering a more natural shape. It isn’t just that the pain fades. You begin to feel more like yourself again, not the version of you who gets through the day, but the one who feels safe in it. That’s what happens when the nervous system finally learns: there is no danger here anymore. Jaw tension doesn’t let go because you fight it, it lets go when it knows it can. When the body stops guarding against the past, space opens for the present. And in that space, calm becomes possible again. Confidence grows. Control returns, the real kind, the kind that doesn’t have to be clenched. The jaw that once held on can learn to rest. And you get your life back, one safe, easy breath at a time. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn , for more info! Read more from Sharon Clare Sharon Clare, Clinical Hypnotherapist Sharon Clare is an accredited Solution-Focused Clinical Hypnotherapist specialising in mindfulness and stress management. She combines her expertise with decades of leadership experience in the NHS and not-for-profit sector to support her professional clients. Leading a social care organisation through COVID was an immense responsibility that deepened her understanding of stress and resilience, She also has a passion for helping people overcome fears around surgery and medical procedures. She volunteers at her local cancer care centre. When she's not helping others, Sharon can be found sea swimming year-round on the beautiful Northern Irish coast, a ritual that continues to keep stress at bay. Her mission is helping women thrive.

Written by Lawrence E. Dumas Jr., Executive Brand Communications Strategist Lawrence E. Dumas Jr. is an Executive Brand & Communications Strategist, Army veteran, and travel experience specialist who uses storytelling, digital marketing, and AI to help people design meaningful, memory-building experiences in life. As a child, I was diagnosed with ADHD and a learning disability. Along with the labels came recommendations, interventions, and a stack of medications that were supposed to help me “focus” and “function.” I refused to take them. Not because I was rebellious for the sake of it, but because something in me knew something important. The problem wasn’t my mind. The problem was that the system didn’t know how to teach it. My brain didn’t move in straight lines. It moved in scenes, patterns, and connections closer to a film edit than a textbook. For a long time, that way of thinking was treated as a liability. What made a critical difference in that season was my parents. My father, Lawrence, and my mother, Linda, refused to let the labels be the final word on my potential. They made sure I had tutoring, structure, and support at home, creating an environment where I could still learn, even when the school system didn’t fully understand how my mind worked. Their decision to lean in instead of give up became the first layer of the foundation I stand on today. Today, I’m a screenwriter, a strategic communications professional, and an Executive Contributor writing about technology, creativity, and human potential. I hold a Master of Science in Digital Marketing and have designed a Student-AI Creative CodeEx Certification Course to help students learn how to use AI as a creative and cognitive ally. I have also released my book, The Art of Generative AI Prompting, which is available on Amazon Kindle and other digital platforms. It captures the methodology I now use and teach so others can unlock the same possibilities I discovered. This is the story behind both. When the system doesn’t see your mind Being labeled “different” in school can follow you well into adulthood. Traditional classrooms often reward one style of thinking, sit still, absorb, and recall. If you process information visually, kinetically, or through story, you can easily be misunderstood as: Unfocused Disruptive Not “applying yourself” In reality, many of us were already: Connecting ideas across subjects Seeing patterns others didn’t see Turning complex emotions and concepts into stories and images We didn’t have a framework or a language to show that this was intelligence. At home, that story looked different for me. My parents made sure I wasn’t reduced to a diagnosis. They arranged extra help, kept me accountable, and gave me the kind of structure that said, “You are capable, and we’re going to figure out how you learn best.” That mix of support and expectation planted a belief in me that I carry into everything I build now. When you design the right environment, people who have been written off can thrive. As I grew up, I pursued what made sense to my mind, film, storytelling, and communication. I learned to design narratives, build characters, and structure emotional journeys. Later, I entered the world of digital marketing and strategy, where I discovered how data, behavior, and message all intersect. Then I encountered generative AI. AI as a mirror, not a replacement When I first began using generative AI, I didn’t see a threat to creativity. I saw a mirror. For the first time, I had a tool that could keep up with the speed of my thinking. I could: Capture scattered ideas and turn them into outlines Develop characters and stories through dialogue with the model Break down complex tasks into clear, actionable steps Ask questions without feeling judged for “not getting it the first time” AI didn’t replace my creativity. It amplified it. That realization changed everything. I stopped seeing AI as a purely technical tool. I began to see it as a creative partner, especially valuable for people like me who never fit neatly into traditional learning boxes. From that insight, the Student-AI Creative CodeEx Certification Course was born. A new way to learn The Student-AI Creative CodeEx is a structured certification course I developed to help students, creatives, and emerging professionals learn how to work with AI in a human-centered and intentional way. It is built on three core principles: Learners are not broken, environments are misaligned. Many students don’t need to be “fixed.” They need tools, language, and methods that respect how they naturally think and create. AI is not a shortcut. It is an amplifier. The CodeEx does not teach people to outsource their thinking to AI. Instead, it helps them: Clarify ideas Structure projects Expand creativity Improve communication skills Creativity is a language, and AI can help translate it. Some think in visuals, others in sound, motion, metaphor, or dialogue. The CodeEx teaches participants how to translate that internal language into effective prompts and tangible outputs. Within the course, students learn how to: Design prompts that reflect their unique thinking style Co-create stories, concepts, presentations, and solutions with AI Evaluate AI outputs critically rather than accepting them unquestioningly Use AI ethically and responsibly in creative and professional contexts To make this experience more relatable, I introduced a character: Chatty G. Chatty G: A character, a guide, a possibility Chatty G is more than a clever name. It is a narrative representation of what AI can be at its best. Instead of presenting AI as a cold, faceless system, I approached it as a screenwriter. What if learners could experience AI as a guide, curious, supportive, and focused on bringing out the best in them? Chatty G represents: A collaborator, not a competitor A guide, not a gatekeeper A creative partner that helps process ideas, not a machine that dictates answers This character-based approach matters, especially for students who are intimidated by technology. Story lowers resistance. It restores a sense of agency. When a learner interacts with Chatty G, they’re not just using a tool. They’re entering into a guided creative conversation. That shift can be the difference between avoidance and engagement. For someone who was once told his mind was a problem, designing a character like Chatty G is also profoundly personal. It is a way of saying to the next generation: “Your way of thinking belongs here. Let’s build with it, not against it.” The art of generative AI prompting As I watched how AI reshaped my own work and the learning journeys of those around me, I recognized a consistent gap. We talk a lot about AI models and platforms, but not enough about the quality of the questions we ask them. That is why I wrote The Art of Generative AI Prompting, now available on Amazon Kindle and additional digital platforms. The book distills what I have learned into a practical, accessible framework for anyone who wants to: Communicate more clearly with AI Design prompts that lead to meaningful, usable outcomes Use AI as part of a creative or strategic process, not just for quick answers Build confidence in their own thinking instead of becoming dependent on automation At its core, the book is not just about getting better results from AI. It is about reclaiming the role of the human mind in a world of intelligent tools. For those who connect with my story, especially those who were once told they were too much, too distracted, or not smart enough, this book is an invitation to reframe that narrative and step into a new kind of literacy. Why this matters for leaders, educators, and innovators AI is reshaping every sector, including education, business, healthcare, entertainment, and more. But the real revolution is not the technology itself. It is what we choose to build with it. Here are a few implications from my journey: Design with the margins in mind. When learning experiences are designed to include neurodivergent and highly creative minds, they tend to be more engaging and effective for everyone. Honor the people who stand in the gap. Parents, caregivers, and mentors, like my father Lawrence and my mother Linda, often provide the unseen tutoring, structure, and encouragement that carry children through systems that do not fully understand them. Any future of AI in education should support, not replace, that human role. Story is infrastructure. Characters like Chatty G are not marketing gimmicks. They are bridges that make complex technology emotionally accessible. Prompting is a new form of literacy. In the same way we once learned to read and write to participate fully in society, we now need to know how to communicate with AI in ways that reflect our values, goals, and humanity. Lived experience is strategic insight. My experiences with ADHD, learning labels, filmmaking, and digital marketing all inform how I design courses and write about AI. Your own story is not a side note, it can be a strategic advantage. An invitation to the next chapter I created the Student-AI Creative CodeEx Certification Course and wrote The Art of Generative AI Prompting for people who see themselves somewhere in this story: The student who learns differently The creative who thinks in scenes and patterns The entrepreneur or professional who feels the world is changing faster than their training The educator or leader who wants to harness AI without losing the human element If you are interested in learning more, exploring certification in generative AI prompting, or bringing this kind of training into your community, classroom, or organization, I invite you to connect, reach out, and start the conversation. The book is available now on Amazon Kindle and other digital platforms, and the Student-AI Creative CodeEx is designed to extend that learning into a guided, certifiable experience. Because at the end of the day, this is about more than technology. It is about giving people, especially those who were once underestimated, the tools to turn their way of thinking into their most significant asset in an AI-powered world. Author’s note This article is dedicated to my father, Lawrence, and my mother, Linda, who refused to let a diagnosis define my destiny and made sure I had the tutoring, structure, and support I needed when the system did not see my potential. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Lawrence E. Dumas Jr. Lawrence E. Dumas Jr., Executive Brand Communications Strategist Lawrence E. Dumas Jr. is an Executive Brand & Communications Strategist, travel experience specialist, and an Army combat veteran, who centers his work on one core question, "How can we help people make informed decisions that lead to better, memory-building experiences?"

Written by Emma Toms, The Confident Wellness Coach Emma Toms is an Integrated Wellness Coach, IEMT Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, and Certified SSP Provider. Drawing on her own healing journey through autoimmune illness, she empowers clients to restore balance, build resilience, and reconnect with their true nature. Most people think of anxiety as a feeling, something emotional, something psychological, something we should be able to “think away.” But anxiety is not a feeling. It is a physiological state of activation in the autonomic nervous system, driven by the body’s instinctive attempt to protect you. When we misunderstand anxiety as a personal failing, we overlook the biology, the trauma imprints, and the lived stress loads that push the nervous system into overdrive. When we understand anxiety as a state, we gain a clearer path to healing. Anxiety as a physiological state: What the science shows The autonomic nervous system responds to cues of safety or danger. When a threat is perceived, real or anticipated, the sympathetic branch activates, producing: faster breathing increased heart rate muscle tension digestive changes heightened sensory scanning These shifts happen automatically, before the thinking mind creates any story around them. Research consistently shows: Anxiety correlates with inflammatory immune activity: A 2018 meta-analysis found that people with anxiety disorders have higher levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α.[1] Chronic stress reshapes fear and memory regions in the brain: Long-term stress is associated with increased amygdala activity and reduced hippocampal volume, patterns linked to anxiety and hypervigilance.[1] Vagal tone influences emotional regulation and stress recovery: Lower baseline vagal tone (measured through heart-rate variability) is associated with a reduced capacity to regulate stress and emotion.[2] Interoception, the ability to sense internal bodily states, is linked to anxiety: A recent systematic review found that stronger interoceptive awareness supports better emotional regulation and resilience.[3] The gut-brain axis is affected by stress: Emerging research shows that psychological stress can affect gut barrier integrity and gut-brain signalling, influencing mood and emotional state. While the field is still developing, stress-gut-brain relationships are consistently observed.[1][4] Sleep changes dramatically affect anxiety levels: A large 2019 study found that a single night of insufficient sleep can increase next-day anxiety by up to 30%.[5] Anxiety, therefore, is not imagined, dramatic, or irrational, it is embodied physiology. Why anxiety becomes chronic A nervous system that has endured too much, too fast, for too long begins to see threat everywhere. Factors that heighten chronic anxiety include: trauma or adverse experiences long-term stress without adequate recovery chronic illness or inflammation sleep disruption sensory overload accumulated emotional suppression Trauma research shows that the nervous system can even “overcouple” sensations, environments, or memories with danger long after the danger has passed.[1] Anxiety becomes chronic not because someone is weak, but because the nervous system has adapted to survive. How IEMT, SSP & somatic awareness support regulation These modalities are not replacements for medical or psychological care, but they can support nervous system regulation through mechanisms that align with emerging evidence. 1. Integral Eye Movement Therapy (IEMT) Research on IEMT specifically is emerging, but therapeutic eye-movement work is supported by strong evidence in related fields. Bilateral eye movements reduce emotional intensity, support the reconsolidation of memory, and reduce distress associated with past experiences. What is IEMT (integral eye movement therapy), and its benefits? - Counselling Directory IEMT helps clients: uncouple emotional triggers from past memories process identity-based imprints reduce chronic emotional activation reorient to present-moment safety 2. Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) Grounded in Polyvagal Theory, SSP uses filtered acoustic stimulation to support vagal regulation and nervous system co-regulation. Studies report improvements in: emotional regulation sensory sensitivity autonomic stability What is the SSP Evidence is promising but still developing, an important nuance for ethical representation. 3. Somatic practices & interoception training Somatic awareness increases the brain’s ability to track internal states, improving emotional regulation and reducing chronic stress activation. A 2020 review supports interoception as a key mechanism in improving emotional resilience. Frontiers in Psychology Article Somatic work supports: grounding breath regulation sensory processing vagal tone completion of stress cycles deepened body-awareness Practical daily tools for nervous system regulation These practices are not quick fixes, they are daily re-patterning tools that help the system return to balance over time. The 90-Second Reset: A biochemical stress response peaks and begins to settle within approximately 90 seconds unless fueled by additional thoughts. Try: Exhale slowly, soften your shoulders, name a sensation in your body, and allow the wave to move through. Orienting to safety: Visually scanning your environment reduces amygdala activation and supports nervous system down-shifting. Breathwork with extended exhale: Longer exhalation increases parasympathetic activity and lowers sympathetic arousal. Example: Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 6 seconds, repeat for 2 minutes. Interoceptive check-ins: Naming sensations reduces limbic activation and increases regulation. Prompts: Where do I feel activation right now? What does this sensation remind me of? What is one small adjustment I need? Humming or soft vocalisation: Humming stimulates vagal pathways through vibrational resonance. Completing the stress cycle: Movement helps metabolize built-up activation and signals “the danger has passed.”Gentle shaking, brisk walking, long exhale sighs, or slow twisting movements. Journal prompts to support insight Where in my body does anxiety speak first? What increases my activation? What decreases it? What does my system need more of: rest, nourishment, quiet, or connection? What 1% shift could I make today? What part of me expects danger, and is that still true? Final thoughts Anxiety is not a flaw. It’s a body trying to protect you, shaped by stress, experience, memory, and biology. When we understand anxiety as a state, not a personal failure, we gain the clarity and compassion needed to heal. With evidence-informed tools such as IEMT, SSP, somatic awareness, and trauma-informed lifestyle practices, the nervous system can learn safety again. Steadily. Gently. Reliably. You are not broken. Your nervous system is communicating, and with the right support, it can return to balance. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my LinkedIn  for more info! Read more from Emma Toms Emma Toms, The Confident Wellness Coach Emma Toms is an Integrated Wellness Coach, IEMT Practitioner, Reiki Master Teacher, and Certified SSP Provider. With more than 30 years of lived experience following an autoimmune diagnosis, she combines expertise in neuroscience, somatic practice, and energy work to deliver a comprehensive approach to wellness. Her background spans both healthcare and holistic settings, giving her a unique perspective on the intersection of science and spirituality. Having overcome her own challenges with Graves’ Disease and chronic stress, Emma now guides clients to restore balance, build resilience, and reconnect with their true nature. References: [1] NCBI Article [2] PubMed Article [3] Frontiers in Psychology [4] Nature Article [5] Sleep Disorders as Core Symptoms of Depression - PMC

After experiencing redundancy firsthand, Nathaniel recognised how isolating the job search can be and set out to change it. Through Hurdle, he’s building a global platform and community where people can rebuild confidence, find support, and move forward together. His mission is simple, no one should face the job search alone. Nathaniel McAllister, Founder of Hurdle Community Who is Nathaniel McAllister? Introduce yourself, your hobbies, your favourites, you at home and in business. Tell us something interesting about yourself. I am a 24-year-old, overly positive, optimistic guy who did not do particularly well in school and wasn’t even sure about going to university. I come from the city of Chester in the United Kingdom, surrounded by a loving family. I was immersed in the family business from a young age and quickly decided that one day I would start something of my own.  I taught myself the basics of supply and demand by selling popcorn, cans of Coca-Cola, and the occasional packet of cigarettes in school, strategically positioning myself against the school shop prices (of course, the cigarettes were a separate matter) with a portion of the profits then reinvested into supply, and the margins suiting me nicely as a teenager. I played a lot of sport, although I was never that good at it, and would say I was very sociable and could talk to anyone. This business and social mindset stayed with me. When I studied business management at Manchester Metropolitan University, I discovered a business creation module, where I created my first start-up idea alongside my sister called the “Wash a Walk”, later rebranded Soak. It was aimed at the luxury pet market, where I successfully raised funding and quickly realised two things: Never trust nonindustrial designers to help you make a product requiring metal fabrication.  And second, that I had no interest in pet products even with their incredible potential. After university, however, I was able to break into the private equity industry and then the family office industry, proving to be something that I had an incredible interest in (who wouldn’t, a 22-year-old moving to Fulham and working in finance). Here, I worked primarily within private equity strategy and direct to company investing, learning huge amounts from my boss at the time about scaling businesses and how to celebrate wins in style. This led me to two of my life-changing outcomes: Meeting my partner who has taught me as much if not more than everything else. Redundancy (which is where it’s all starting). What inspired you to create HURDLE Community and serve people facing career change, burnout, or redundancy? It wasn’t quite inspiration, but more of my own difficulties. I came into the job search and thought, “I’ve got nearly two years of great experience, I’ll walk into a job easily”. But oh, was I wrong about this.  Hundreds of applications, and zero interviews within the first month or two: My CV was awful,  My approach was incorrect,  Ghost jobs were rife And my LinkedIn is non-existent.  I simply couldn’t stand out, even against all the university students that I had two years over.  I started a TikTok and managed to get some other job seekers together (two of which are now Hurdle ambassadors  now) to meet for a coffee. All from different backgrounds, both professional and personal, and we all connected over this one specific challenge. The job search. It just made me think, there must be so many others in the same position, or maybe they are about to get there.  People shouldn’t have to go through the job search alone. They should be able to access knowledge, clarity, and support to get over their next hurdle in front of them. What is the biggest challenge your clients face when navigating career transitions, and how do you help them overcome it? The biggest challenge job seekers face is isolation. At the start, you don’t tend to feel it, the job search seems as if it will be over quickly, and for some, maybe this is true, but for many, it isn’t.  Your friends are all working. Your funds are depleting (especially if you’re paying London rent). Your CV becomes your ‘self-worth’. And you mostly hear silence from the jobs you applied for.  But Hurdle  changes this. It allows you to be heard by a group of individuals in a similar situation, facing similar challenges. Hurdle is an enabler for them to overcome this challenge. By hosting both online and in-person meet-ups and having a very active community, all there supporting each other. The peer power is the driver.  How does HURDLE Community support someone who feels stuck in the job market and unsure of their next step? Most people who join Hurdle are exactly in that position. When you’ve applied to 50 or even 100 roles and barely heard anything back, it’s natural to doubt yourself and feel unsure about the next step. The first thing we do is bring people in with open arms, reassurance and encouragement matter more than people realise. Modern job searching requires resilience, and that resilience used to be a word reserved for entrepreneurship. Now, it applies to job seekers just as much. So, the initial support we offer is simply reminding someone they’re not alone and that they’re capable of continuing. From there, we give structure. We run workshops with trusted expert coaches and host peer-powered ‘bootcamps’ that help members gain new perspectives, tools, and approaches. People begin to see progress through shared experience, whether that’s reframing their strategy, finding accountability, or receiving feedback that unlocks something for them. We’ve seen multiple success stories come out of this model, and that’s the best part, watching someone go from stuck to employed, more confident, and supported. Can you walk us through a typical success story from one of your clients and the transformation they achieved with your help? We’ve seen multiple success stories across Hurdle, and they all start differently but share one theme, most people arrive with low confidence. Some have applied to 100 or even 200 roles without hearing anything back. Others have gone through interview rounds only to get rejected, or they’re still at university and already see how difficult the job market is. Either way, they come in doubting themselves, questioning their skills, and unsure how to move forward. One of the most impactful ways we support people is through our peer-powered challenges, 5 or 10-day job search “bootcamps” where we meet every morning at 9:30 am to work on core areas like CVs, interview skills, outreach, and networking. What consistently stands out in these sessions is how often someone’s CV undersells their achievements or how they don’t speak with confidence in interviews. Those sessions become a mirror for people to realise they’re not alone in feeling stuck, and they begin learning from how others approach the job search. We’ve seen members shift from self-doubt to self-belief, simply through being supported, guided, and exposed to others doing the same work. And what’s most rewarding is how quickly outcomes can follow once confidence improves and someone begins communicating their value properly, we often see roles being secured within weeks. The transformation is real, clearer positioning, stronger confidence, and landing opportunities they previously didn’t think they were capable of. What are the key pillars or values your programme is built on, and why are they important for those rebuilding their career confidence? The first is trust. There is an overwhelming amount of job search advice online, and it’s hard to know what actually works. At Hurdle, information is filtered through experienced members who are more likely to trust guidance from people walking the same journey rather than generic posts or ads on LinkedIn from people trying to sell them something. That shared experience creates credibility and reassurance. The second is support. Our community is intentionally built as a safe place. There’s no competition, politics, or judgement. Just people who genuinely want to see each other win. Having someone in your corner, especially when you’re unemployed or doubting yourself, makes a huge difference to confidence and motivation. The third is growth. Members and coaches believe in Hurdle’s potential to become something bigger, and many who have secured roles stay involved to help others. That creates a network of people across industries and locations who continue contributing, mentoring, and cheering one another on. It becomes a cycle of progress, people are helped, then they help others. What unique methods, tools, or practices do you use that set you apart from other career or life-coaching services? Peer Power and Price. The peer-powered network is by far the most important part of Hurdle. There’s no pressure, just real accountability and encouragement. Many communities we see are transactional or push services at people. We operate differently. We are growing our capabilities alongside our members, and they are heard and involved every step of the way. It may mean we build slower as a business, but it also means our foundations are stronger. We also believe support shouldn’t be limited to those who can pay for it. That’s why we maintain a free, peer-powered aspect of the community, which already yields great results for members.  Alongside that, we offer our Inner Circle Membership  (£9.99), which gives members access to deeper learning, including two workshops per month run by vetted expert coaches  and continual access to Hurdle resources. One-to-one coaching typically costs £50 an hour or more, we exist as a bridge providing career development, interview preparation, and job search guidance at a far more accessible price point. Every coach in Hurdle has been personally selected by me. They give their time to run sessions, interact with members, and support people beyond the workshop itself. Some members choose to work with them directly later on because trust has been built. Our coaches believe in Hurdle’s mission and continue to play a role as we grow, which reinforces the idea that our ecosystem is collaborative, not extractive. How do you tailor your approach for someone who is burnt out versus someone who is facing redundancy or forced career change? As I’m not a career coach, I don’t comment from a clinical or coaching standpoint. But from experience, these are two very different situations that both require specific attention.  We’ve seen both within Hurdle, and while they show up differently, they do share one truth, people often need space and time before jumping straight into the next thing. Rushing back into work isn’t always the best solution as reflection matters. With burnout, it usually starts with understanding the root cause, was it the hours, the environment, the culture, or something else? That’s why one of our career coaches  specialises in helping members gain clarity on what they actually want next, rather than repeating the same patterns. Redundancy can be more sensitive. It can trigger questions around identity, self-worth, finances, and “what now?” We have coaches who specifically support individuals navigating redundancy, helping them process the experience and rebuild confidence. For those who prefer not to go directly to a coach, we also run workshops every fortnight. Topics range from imposter syndrome (often tied to redundancy) to breaking into new industries (common after burnout). Alongside this, our members have access to practical micro-guides that break down step-by-step approaches to rebuilding momentum, whether that’s career clarity, interview prep, or transitioning into something new. The goal is simple, whether someone is burnt out or made redundant, they shouldn’t have to figure it out alone. There are tools, people, and space to help them move forward. What are three concrete outcomes or benefits someone can expect when they join HURDLE Community? Knowledge sharing. Support during the job search. Confidence boost. If a reader is on the fence and wondering “Should I reach out?”, what would you say to them to let them know you’re the right person to contact and what the first step should be? If you’re stuck in the job search and don’t know why things aren’t moving, then yes, reach out. There’s often nothing “wrong with you.” People blame themselves when in reality it could be timing, employer requirements, the way a CV is presented, or simply needing a new approach. Sometimes you just need someone to look at things with you. The first step is simple, visit Hurdle and join the free community. Once you’re in, I’ll reach out personally. From there, you’ll start meeting others in similar situations, accessing resources, and finding clarity through support rather than isolation. We’re in this together, and whatever hurdle is in front of you, we’ll work to get you over it. Follow me on Instagram  and LinkedIn  for more info! Read more from Nathaniel McAllister

Diana Beaulieu is a shamanic and energy medicine practitioner, coach, author, and founder of the InnerWomb Method™. With academic credentials from Oxford and UCL in Human Sciences, Psychoneuroimmunology, and Anthropology, combined with 25 years of experience in Shiatsu, bodywork, core shamanic healing, and coaching, Diana believes that the Womb is the foundational locus of healing and the “missing link” for women struggling to transform emotional, reproductive, and relationship challenges. Her proprietary protocols–rooted in shamanic practice, somatic therapy, energy medicine, embodiment work, trauma healing, and consciousness exploration–help clients reclaim the wisdom, power, and pleasure that live within their Wombs. Passionate about embodied feminine power, safety in sexuality, and energetic sovereignty, Diana inspires women from all walks of life to heal their trauma–integrating ancient wisdom with modern understanding, science with spirituality, and personal healing with collective awakening. In a world where women’s bodies have been disconnected from their innate wisdom, few voices speak as powerfully to the intersection of shamanic healing, somatic embodiment work and feminine consciousness as Diana Beaulieu. Her work fuses energy medicine, trauma healing, and sacred ceremony into a unified model for feminine reclamation and embodied power. Diana Beaulieu, Womb Healing Teacher “The Womb is not just a physical organ – it is a space of consciousness, emotionality, and profound wisdom that has hidden effects throughout our lives.” Who is Diana Beaulieu? Introduce yourself – your hobbies, favorites, life at home and in business – and share something interesting about you. I’m a shamanic and energy medicine practitioner, coach, author, and the founder of the InnerWomb Method™. I live with my daughter and my partner, Simon, who is also a shamanic practitioner. Together, we teach and work in partnership, both passionate about helping others find their harmony in life and relationships. Though I’m a digital home-working entrepreneur, nature is my true medicine. I spend as much time as possible walking along rivers and in the forest, allowing the Earth to restore and recalibrate my energy. Teaching Womb work is the culmination of a lifetime of rich experiences–my past career includes working as a science journalist, an anthropologist in Latin America, championing African musicians as a global music DJ, and captivating audiences as a performance storyteller at international festivals. Each of these experiences taught me something essential about expression, embodiment, and the power of sacred container–all of which now inform the healing work I do with women around the world. What inspired you to start Sacred Woman Awakening and focus on Womb healing? Despite years of study at top universities including Oxford and UCL, I entered my twenties with a profound disconnect–while I could function intellectually and professionally, my emotional life was far from healthy. I struggled with low self-esteem, body shame, and an inability to feel pleasure or form healthy relationships. Looking back, I realise that like many women, my masculine energy was over-developed while my feminine energy was atrophied and unhealed. An unexpected encounter with Shiatsu bodywork opened me to the emotional and energetic pain stored in my body, setting me on an eight-year path of embodiment practices like T’ai Chi and Chi Gung. Yet despite all that work, my Womb still felt numb and empty–a mystery I knew I had to explore more deeply. Through a core shamanic healing session, I discovered that this numbness stemmed from “soul loss”–a part of my life force that had left my Womb during a traumatic event. Reclaiming it was the beginning of a long and transformative journey into Womb consciousness. My Womb journey accelerated when I began to remember early childhood sexual trauma. As I healed layer by layer, I witnessed extraordinary shifts: I reconnected with my sensuality, found safety in my body, established boundaries, and finally attracted the loving, stable partnership I had always longed for. The InnerWomb Method™ was born from this personal awakening–a sacred space to guide other women to reclaim the wisdom, power, and pleasure that live within their Wombs. This is a pathway that is now making an impact on thousands of women in over 40 countries worldwide. How would you describe the InnerWomb Method™ and what makes it unique? The “InnerWomb” is a term that encompasses our Womb as not only a physical reproductive organ, but also a space of emotionality and consciousness within us that has profound and often hidden effects throughout our lives. In shamanic terms, our Womb is a portal of intuition and wisdom. In energetic terms, she a power centre, modulating our sexual and relational experiences in multiple ways. This means that Womb work is powerful and relevant whether or not you have a physical Womb. The InnerWomb Method™ is an empowerment modality–meaning it is something that anyone can learn and explore in order to connect with and heal their Womb. The “Method” is a combined pathway of somatic, energetic, emotional, and shamanic healing to consciously connect to the Womb at these multiple levels–transmuting past traumas and bringing forth harmonious feminine energy. What makes the InnerWomb Method™ unique is its multi-faceted focus on the Womb as the foundational locus of healing within us and the “missing link” for many who are struggling to transform their emotional, reproductive, and relationship challenges. This isn’t a set of fragmented healing techniques–it’s integrated reclamation of our embodied feminine energy. Who is your ideal client, and what challenges do they commonly face? My ideal client is a woman anywhere between 21 and 80+ who is on her journey of healing her feminine energy. Usually, she will have experienced some kind of trauma–be it sexual trauma, a reproductive trauma such as miscarriage or abortion, or she will have faced the loss of all or part of her physical Womb to disease and medical interventions. She feels somehow disconnected and numb, sensing that “something is missing.” This manifests as a lack of sexual pleasure, fertility issues, difficulty establishing boundaries, or not feeling fully embodied in her life. She’s often tried everything–talking therapy, bodywork, spiritual practices–yet the Womb remains unaddressed, holding the key to her healing that hasn’t yet been unlocked. This woman is seeking more than symptom relief–she’s craving wholeness. She is ready to journey inward, to face what has been hidden, and to reclaim the feminine power that is their birthright. What transformations do clients experience when working with you? The transformations that my clients experience through Womb healing are both subtle and profound and range across many life areas, including relationships, sexuality, fertility, and most fundamentally, trauma resolution. They range from seemingly simple breakthroughs –“I can feel sensations in my Womb after being numb for years”–to more complex processes of ongoing healing. I have witnessed many women transmute multiple levels of sexual and relational trauma and go on to develop pleasure and safety in their sexual lives, attracting harmonious relationships for the first time. Womb healing offers core transformation related to personal boundaries–being able to feel and set them in new and life-affirming ways. Where once my clients couldn’t say “no,” they suddenly find themselves establishing clear, self-honouring limits naturally and reclaiming vital life energy that had been given away to others. Another key experience for my clients is a rekindling of creative direction and productivity - as healing the Womb leads them to empower their inner cauldron of artistic and entrepreneurial drive - especially when they’ve felt blocked or unconfident about what they can bring forth. This confidence and breakthrough extends into the reproductive journey, with women using the InnerWomb Method™ alongside natural and medical interventions to heal underlying blocks to their fertility. Each woman has her own unique journey through the work, and it is ongoing. The transformation isn’t a destination–it’s a deepening relationship with the foundational feminine energy within us all. What begins as healing evolves into embodied sovereignty–a state where feminine power isn’t performative but radiated from the inner depths of the Womb herself. What training or qualifications do you bring to your practice? I bring an Oxford University BSc in Human Sciences, including a specialism in Psychoneuroimmunology, an MSc from University College London in Anthropology, plus my numerous trainings, apprenticeships, and a collective 25 years of experience in Shiatsu and bodywork, core shamanic healing, and coaching. This combination of academic rigour and embodied practice creates a unique foundation–I understand both the science of the nervous and reproductive systems and the ancient shamanic foundations of energetic healing. My anthropological training has taught me to honour diverse cultural perspectives on the feminine and the sacred. My shamanic apprenticeships gave me the tools to work in non-ordinary reality and facilitate deep soul retrieval, amongst other energetic healing methods. And my decades of bodywork experience taught me that trauma lives in the tissues–that true healing must address the body, not just the mind. This multi-dimensional experience and awareness allow me to meet women exactly where they are –whether they need scientific validation, spiritual guidance, or somatic release. The InnerWomb Method™ integrates all of these pathways into a coherent healing journey. How do you combine science, spirituality, and ceremony in your work? That’s a powerful question. I am a trained scientist and believe in the importance of measuring the effects of healing processes. However, when it comes to energetic healing, our conventional science falls short of being able to measure what truly matters. In my practice, the best “research” I have at hand is to analyse what happens in my life and my clients’ lives when they engage in powerful energy clearings and healings in the Womb. My years of core shamanic practice have shown me ways to “see” and “sense” shifts in the energy field that go beyond what medical research usually measures. One of the core tools in Womb healing - setting specific intentions is a powerful quantum healing method–what mainstream science might dismiss as “pseudoscience,” - yet I have witnessed, again and again, through direct observation, that it truly works. Womb healing sessions can be viewed as ceremonies and are structured around three pillars: First, setting powerful healing intentions for energy work. Second, directly observing, from an intuitive perspective, the shifts that occur within the client’s field. Third, creating the safe and boundaried container–whether with just a client and facilitator or an entire circle of women. This is where science meets soul–where measurable outcomes emerge from apparently immeasurable forces. The bridge between them is consciousness, intention, and the willingness to honour both what we can prove and what we can feel. What is one common misconception about Womb healing you want to clear up? “Womb healing” is often conflated with esoteric, “New-Age” practices and goddess worship. Type “Womb healing” into Instagram and images of nubile “priestesses” in flowing dresses abound. For me, this image is not the essence of the work. Womb healing is a profound and serious healing pathway for women from all walks of life and can be integrated with mainstream and alternative healing modalities. My practitioner students include medical doctors, psychotherapists, midwives, and counsellors–seasoned professionals who recognise that the Womb holds keys to healing that their conventional training never addressed. This work isn’t about aesthetics or "spiritual” appearances–it’s about reclamation. It’s about addressing the trauma, numbness, and disconnection that so many women carry in their bodies. It’s clinical and sacred, grounded and mystical, accessible and transformative. The Womb doesn’t care what you’re wearing–she cares whether you’re willing to come home to yourself. How do you guide clients from pain or trauma into embodied feminine power? Trauma is a complex, ongoing experience that arises from one or multiple traumatic events. I help women start by systematically unpacking the many different facets of their trauma and how it manifests at the somatic, relational, emotional, and energetic levels. Then I guide them to sequentially experience a designed and tested course of Womb healing practices that, in their entirety, work to create release and transmutation across all these dimensions. It’s this combination of approaches that helps them disentangle the complex picture that trauma presents in their lives. Trauma is like a stone in the river of our life force or personal energy. It creates stagnation, numbness, and blockage. Once trauma begins to clear through the InnerWomb Method™, their feminine energy begins to flow through the space of their Womb and radiates through the entire body. This is when embodied feminine power emerges–not as something esoteric, but as something palpable and real. They stop seeking power outside themselves and recognise it has always resided within their Womb, waiting to be awakened. What programs or services do you offer, and how do they differ? I offer 1-1 coaching and healing programs for women wishing to have a personalised deep-dive into Womb healing–a sacred container where we can address their unique trauma patterns, soul fragmentation, and embodiment journey at a pace that honours their nervous system. I also train women to become certified Womb healing practitioners through Level 1 (4 months), Level 2 (8 months), and Level 3 (6 months) training. This certification pathway has grown into a global network of practitioners in over 40 countries who bring the InnerWomb Method™ into their existing practices–whether they’re therapists, bodyworkers, midwives, or healers. For anyone who wishes to go through a self-guided Womb healing course, I have an 8-week program on my website. This provides a foundational pathway into Womb consciousness for women who prefer to explore at their own pace or who aren’t yet ready for deeper practitioner support. Each offering serves a different stage of the journey–from initial exploration to deep personal healing to becoming a certified guide for others. The thread that connects them all is the same: reclaiming the sacred feminine through Womb consciousness. What are your plans for the future or upcoming offerings you’re excited about? This next chapter is about reaching more women while honouring the depth and sacredness of this work. I am currently writing a book about Womb healing based on my 25 years of experience that culminated in creating the InnerWomb Method™. This book will distill the wisdom of thousands of hours of client work, practitioner training, and my own healing journey into an accessible form for women worldwide–a guide for those who are just beginning to sense that their Womb holds the key to their transformation. I have also recently launched the Womb Sanctuary, a free monthly Womb healing session where women can share, heal, and ask questions in a loving group container that spans the globe. This sanctuary creates community–reminding women that Womb healing isn’t a solitary path but a collective awakening. These offerings represent my commitment to making Womb consciousness accessible while maintaining its integrity. As I often say, “When we heal the Womb, we heal the lineage–past, present, and future.” This is the work of feminine reclamation, and I’m honoured to be a guide on this sacred path. If someone resonates with your work, what’s the best next step for them to connect with you? Visit my website  and download my free Womb Healing Activation Course – this will give you an immediate felt sense of this work and make you an instant member of the Womb Sanctuary, where you can join our global community of women on this journey. Also, explore my Practitioner Training and get on the waitlist for the next intake if you feel called to bring this work into your own practice. Whether you’re seeking personal healing or professional certification, there’s a pathway waiting for you. The Womb you’ve been disconnected from is calling you home. I’m here to guide you back. Follow me on Facebook and  Instagram  for more info! Read more from Diana Beaulieu