Written by Christina Giordano, Marketing & Manifesting Consultant Christina Giordano is the founder of the movement Soul'd™, an approach to marketing and manifesting with nothing but the essence that is you. Entrepreneurship often encourages constant self-improvement, more mindset work, more strategy, more optimization. Yet the most powerful source of clarity and sustainable success is often overlooked. Your essence. When business is led from who you truly are rather than who you are trying to become, alignment replaces force, and growth becomes coherent instead of exhausting. This article explores why your essence is the most reliable compass you have as an entrepreneur. Five reasons it consistently points you toward alignment, clarity, and sustainable success Entrepreneurship is filled with advice on how to evolve. Shift your mindset. Rewire your subconscious. Regulate your nervous system. Increase your capacity to receive. While these approaches are often well intentioned, they frequently overlook the one element that determines whether growth feels expansive or exhausting: your essence. Your essence is not something you need to build, optimize, or improve. It is the most truthful expression of who you are beneath conditioning, performance, and expectation. When business decisions are made from this place, alignment becomes natural, and outcomes change without force. True alignment does not require constant effort. It requires coherence. Five reasons your essence is the most reliable compass you have as an entrepreneur 1. Your essence prioritizes perspective over pressure In business, it is easy to confuse urgency with importance. Metrics, visibility, revenue milestones, and external validation can quickly become measures of self worth. Your essence restores perspective. It reminds you that your value is not dependent on perception, position, or performance. When you operate from this grounded truth, you conserve energy and lead with clarity rather than reactivity. Entrepreneurs who build from essence are less likely to make fear based decisions and more likely to create businesses that are sustainable, resilient, and aligned with their long term vision. 2. Your essence anchors you internally during external uncertainty Periods of uncertainty are inevitable in entrepreneurship. Market shifts, financial pressure, and personal challenges can easily pull attention outward. Your essence redirects focus inward, not as avoidance, but as sovereignty. External control is an illusion. Internal coherence is not. When you trust what is true within you, decision making becomes cleaner. You stop outsourcing clarity and begin leading from self trust. This internal alignment allows you to navigate uncertainty without abandoning yourself in the process. 3. Your essence values energy over effort Effort alone does not create momentum. Energy does. Where you place your attention, your time, focus, and emotional investment, determines whether your business feels expansive or draining. When energy is scattered across misaligned priorities and projects, progress feels heavy regardless of how hard you work. Leading from essence simplifies this. You begin investing energy only where it matters. Work feels purposeful rather than depleting, and action flows from alignment rather than obligation. 4. Your essence reframes setbacks as integration, not failure Growth requires endurance. Setbacks are not indicators of inadequacy, they are part of the integration process. When you lead from essence, you stop measuring success solely by outcomes and begin measuring it by integrity. Each experience becomes informative rather than defeating. Entrepreneurs who embody this perspective develop resilience not because they avoid difficulty, but because they trust their ability to move through it without abandoning themselves or their greater purpose. 5. Your essence positions you as the source, not the seeker Many entrepreneurs unconsciously look outside themselves for permission, reassurance, or the next direction to follow. Your essence ends this pattern. It positions you as the source of clarity rather than someone waiting to be guided. Leadership shifts when you stop asking the world to validate your direction and instead commit to holding yourself through growth, uncertainty, and expansion. This self leadership is what allows opportunity, collaboration, and momentum to meet you at the right time. The foundation of aligned leadership When your business is led by essence, coherence replaces chaos. Decisions feel cleaner. Energy becomes focused. Strategy becomes effective because it is grounded in truth. Your essence is not separate from your success. It is the foundation of it. Entrepreneurs who create lasting impact are not the loudest or the most performative. They are the most embodied, the most rooted in their purpose, and the most aligned with who they truly are. Your essence does not need refinement. It needs permission to lead. From you. Follow me on   I nstagram , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Christina Giordano Christina Giordano, Marketing & Manifesting Consultant For over 15 years, Christina Giordano has helped soulpreneurs build their businesses with alignment and authenticity, leading the way. In 2020, she channeled her own methods of self-discovery, which act as soulful (yet practical) roadmaps for entrepreneurs to market and manifest with nothing but their essence. These methods are The Marketing Methods, The L.I.F.E. Method, The S.O.U.L. Method, and The L.O.V.E. Method, and The Manifesting Methods, The D.E.B.I.T. Method, The C.R.E.D.I.T. Method, and The R.O.S.E. Method. The methods represent the movement Christina has founded and trademarked as “Soul’d,” which empowers big-hearted business owners to show up, be seen, and shine in the way that is uniquely and wholeheartedly you.

Written by Gemma Gains, Director Gemma Gains is a Space Holder and Facilitator in the world of healing and transformation. She specializes in the subtleties of reading and harnessing energy. From a woman who gave birth to a “miracle” son, who was conceived without sex. Not through miracle, myth, or divine exception, but through modern medicine, science, trust, and artificial insemination. And yet, when we speak of belief, we are far more comfortable accepting ancient stories of immaculate conception than we are trusting the body’s capacity to heal, adapt, and thrive. Provocative, I realise. Especially as I believe more in magic, miracles, and God’s presence in all our lives now, more than when my son was conceived. The Christmas scene, the paradox of belief Over the last few weeks, you have probably run yourself ragged trying to find your nearest and dearest magical presents that they will not want to return, filling the cupboards with foods that you probably would not touch for the rest of the year, in every variety, whilst trying to clear the decks for family, guests, and vast amounts of new belongings that are going to need a home in the coming weeks. You visit the kids’ Nativity and watch the baby white Jesus fall on his head a few times, while the shepherds pick their noses and the kings amuse themselves by play fighting. You turn the house into the Elf on the Shelf’s chaos realm, thinking of innovative ways to make your kids laugh, and then threaten any mischievous behaviour with “Santa doesn’t gift naughty children.” On Christmas Eve, you leave St. Nick his plate of goodies and Rudolf’s travel snack, then neck the sherry after the kiddies go to bed super early because they want ALL their pressies. You spend Christmas Day in a flurry of paper, glitter, and tantrums, as everyone has had no sleep, is hyped up on sugar, and full of big expectations. You completely overeat on all the foods you collected over the month and drink from 11 am, leaving you exhausted by dinnertime, on the sofa and bloated by 5. We love Christmas as a society, suspending logic joyfully for one season of the year, like a big weekend where work stops and we are free. But are we? Dogma masquerading as truth in fairy lights? Ok, I get it. We do not need to tear Christmas to smithereens like a toddler falling into the Christmas tree. You are about to embark on a festive adventure towards the New Year and your resolutions. I would like to give you a seed to plant within those resolution thoughts, a bright light that bursts in the darkness. Is belief easiest when it is symbolic? Is belief hardest when it is transformational? The next few weeks of your life have been programmed into your consciousness through family traditions, the media, and society, all external influences that will not only shape your present, but will also have a lasting effect on the following year and the choices to come. The bright light that bursts in the darkness We watched on screen as my son was conceived with a flash of light. Conceived through IVF, after two operations and months of invasive tests, and over ten years of “trying.” I am not rejecting medicine here. I celebrate it. But I now understand that, for me, belief in myself, my body, and God was missing from the equation in ways I did not see at the time. The process I went through with my IVF, pregnancy, birth, and the early years of mothering brought God closer than ever before, and I have used this closeness to create more and more magic, miracles, and wonder in my life. Notably, during my last operation before my IVF commenced, I had my fallopian tube clipped, making getting pregnant naturally impossible. I had just the one. In November 2024, I was diagnosed with a 13 cm ovarian dermoid cyst, which they thought was cancerous. I called on God, on my body, and I meditated every day. I asked to protect my ovary and to get rid of the clip. I asked my body to break it down and let it pass from my body with no trace. “Anything foreign to the community, which is Gemma Gains, is to be broken down and dispersed through natural means.” I gave myself six months to heal and booked to have my cyst removed in June 2025 with my chosen surgeon, whom I sought out. My belief in her was solid. The power of belief is ineffable. The surgeon told me before going in to remove my cyst that there was no healthy ovary to save, based on the opinion of a previous surgeon. “You are a magician. I know you are the best at what you do. I know that you will find a way,” I said. The surgeon came to me after the operation. She really struggled during the procedure. The way she first attempted it, there was no tissue to save. She then remembered what I had said and tried another way. Sure enough, she saved my ovary, and no clip. No sign of the clip, gone. She also said it would take three or more cycles for my body to come back to a bleed. It took one month. This is not proof. This is science, religion, and magic in harmony, as it was once studied. Religion: Faith without evidence, scepticism with the self When I met my son’s daddy, I was so far away from myself. I was told so many conflicting stories about my fertility that I had lost all faith in myself, my body, and God. Constantly chasing this elusive place or person I needed to be. Wanting to be a mummy had consumed so many years. I felt like life had passed me by, and my faith had been shaken. He reminded me who I was when I could not see. He brought back my faith when I had lost it, and he helped me to believe again. I believe that God was working through him. I found a new fire to follow my own path to fertility, forged a path with my own authority, went privately, and sought out medical professionals to have success in our first round of IVF. My son’s birth completely and profoundly shifted my whole existence. I would not be the person writing this had his dad not believed in me. I would not be helping others heal. The importance of belief lives in the body. We believe in divine intervention, but not in biological intelligence. The economics of disbelief Is it spiritual or systemic? While we believe that God is separate from us, some master power in the clouds, we are left separated from our own power and the power we have to heal one another, the power to build our own realities. Who benefits from us not believing in our health? Who profits from illness, debt, consumerism? Excess is celebrated. “You deserve it” overrides “Is this good for us?” Our doubt and separation from God and ourselves cost us. You only have to scroll social media and see the plethora of supplements, tonics, and protocols being sold to offer alignment, contentment, and health. Our separation from our personal beliefs facilitates the growth of billion dollar industries. The psychological cost When I was a child, I had tonsillitis every month. I found myself in the GP’s office every time, picking up my prescription for bright yellow, banana flavoured antibiotic gloop. When I reached university age, I was sent to have my tonsils out. My body was not the problem. The tradition in my family to “put up and shut up” was. I was taught, as most of us were, that the doctor would heal you, that antibiotics are normal, and that the only way out of pain or discomfort was medication. The destruction of belief can be devastating. I was taught that I had no power over my body, no capacity for healing or health, and that my existence was in the hands of a stranger. I was taught to outsource my responsibility, wait to be saved, and believe that parents and authority figures knew what was best for me, with no evidence to back that belief up. Is this resonating for you yet? Reframing shared stories and the idea of proof The amount of effort, intention, and energy we put into Christmas is pretty impressive as a society. In the UK alone, consumers are expected to spend tens of billions of pounds over the Christmas period, roughly £24.6 billion nationally and around £460 per adult on gifts, food, drink, and celebration. We believe in Christmas, with what proof? We rest on religious stories for meaning, with what proof? Do we accept them simply because they are shared stories? Do the stories we tell ourselves heal or harm our human potential? What would your Christmas look like if you built new traditions around personal power, in the belief that happiness comes from being free from obligation and expectation? Proof does not always come first. Belief often comes before evidence. The greatest gift What if all the energy, intention, and effort you put into Christmas and pleasing others were put into you and your family? What if this Christmas you asked your children to believe in themselves, in their ability to manifest the reality they desire, not one that profits from their doubts? Christ being born to a virgin can be truly symbolic to those who see. I will share the greatest gift I was given, an insight. Jesus, Yeshua, Yehoshua means “the Lord is salvation,” to deliver and to rescue. Born to a virgin, purity, honour, and wholeness. The biblical scripture could be showing us the way to God, to ourselves, through purity, honour, and wholeness. To believe in ourselves, in the unexploited, the unprocessed, the untainted. If we can believe in magic once a year, what might happen if we believed in ourselves every day? Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Gemma Gains Gemma Gains, Director Gemma is a space holder, guiding you as a compassionate, protective, and dedicated shepherd through the subtle energies of your field. With patience and wisdom, Gemma uses her intuitive card readings, deep conversation, and body work to help release blockages and heal generational traumas, realigning your energetic flow. Drawing on principles of quantum physics, Gemma can help you understand how your inner world reflects your relationships with yourself, others, and the Earth. As your unwavering guide, Gemma is dedicated to supporting you in returning to a "right" relationship with yourself, while leaving you with full autonomy over your healing journey. Her intention is to empower you to reconnect with your true self and cultivate harmony within your body, energy, and the world around you.

Written by Carlo Cecchetti, Relational Landscape Facilitator and Coach Carlo Cecchetti facilitates relational natural landscaping resonant to the Earth's consciousness and resources. Founder of integralgardens.com , Carlos's work expresses through the human body, relational energetic containers and systemic landscape to channel energies of belonging. How would you like to be part of a community that is a living organism at one with Earth consciousness and life force? In this article, I am highlighting the services I provide to create this community as a resource and enabler. Foundation first We humans were born with the capacity to access, through our body among other ways, Earth energy and dimension, which I describe as Being Held at One with the Earth. This allows each human to directly access Earth consciousness, life force, native wisdom, and resources, and to restore our capacity to trust our own body intuition to know deep inside what is going on at local and planetary levels, and beyond. Separation from the Earth dimension has a direct influence on fear, loneliness, feelings of scarcity, and a lack of trust in one’s own feelings, among others. The individual liberation and empowerment that comes from accessing collective dimensions is a paradox for the logical mind, which tries to do everything alone. Single plants standing on their own roots create the garden together. In my coaching and facilitating practice, which I describe as relational resonant landscaping, whether for individual, family, organisational, or community relationships, I integrate access to Earth resonance through the body when working with clients’ challenges around belonging and freedom, health, purpose, and creativity. Access to energies of belonging through bespoke landscape Although I work with humans only, I also offer a service of creating bespoke landscape design, for indoor or outdoor spaces, initiated to be a physical bridge and anchor for people to channel their own specific energies of belonging through their body. This service requires prior work with the client to explore challenges and restore flow in their own energetic field of belonging, the inner landscape whose members they are connected to and part of at any moment. Bespoke landscape design can include garden colour schemes to channel resonance to the family soul. White roses to remember who belongs. High shade trees for protection. A fountain with written words to connect to the garden soul and welcome guests. Natural elements in offices to channel specific organisational purpose energies. Shopping centres can resonate with wellbeing and business purpose energies through natural images, sentences, and landscape elements. Working with community stakeholders and field Working in service of community spaces starts with community stakeholders expressing their wish to explore challenges, solutions, and possibilities connected to their needs and desires. This allows energetic access to the community’s field of belonging and exploration of what is emergent, such as the voice of the land, resistance and possibilities, evolving tradition, heritage and legacy, resources, and unique shared purpose. When needed, this work can honour and release unresolved events from the past that are still holding people back today, including abandoned buildings and public spaces people no longer visit or invest in. Access, possibilities, co-creation and vision The core restoration is to Earth wisdom, resources, and opportunities for people’s agency. Each individual can find personal and collective answers and support through their body. Yoga practitioners are often already resonant. It is also possible to generate written sentences, images, and QR codes to facilitate inner connection for people with reduced body sensitivity. Examples of landscape elements include access to energies connected to shared community purpose, surrender, being seen, Earth energy and dimension, ancestral support, safety, and strength. These can take many forms, from pyramids to circles, integral journalism, benches for grief and loneliness, spaces to transform shame, expand individuation, and work with tension and fear, land of origin and land of immigration, harmonising hubs for interconnection and exchange, and tapping into Earth energy for large scale transformation. Other elements may include community catalysts, voice, sacred and temple spaces, returning home, organisational Earth resonance, life force mergers, deep listening, play, being held, creativity and shapeshifting, leadership spaces, places where people can ask for a message, mystery and journey portals, practitioner spaces at one with the Earth, creative voids, spaces for holding creative tension and transforming conflict, trauma processing and coregulation, spaces for creative fire and the arts, and storytelling. Heartbeats can synchronise with the Earth. Imagination is the limit. A fundamental feature of this community is the availability of a space as an Earth buffer where people can return burdens they carry, conscious or unconscious, regardless of time and space, without hurting or excluding anybody. This movement directly enables the restoration of individual strength and agency, sustains transformation at scale, increases interdependence, and reduces codependency. Existing landscape elements can be initiated and transformed into specific energy channels, or new landscape elements can be added to existing environments. To reduce vandalism, universal access points such as ancestral support can be created, allowing individuals to receive their own specific ancestral energy while contributing to the shared community purpose. It is also possible to create universal community access points that people can use to work with any of these possibilities and beyond, including access to online information for inspiration, tutorials, and guidance. The community energetic field can also be set to work with skilled people, enabling them to connect from any place. Self-organising ecosystem at one with the Earth As people cocreate and evolve, the overall ecosystem self-organises and resonates with the community’s evolving energies of belonging. Social coherence increases through its energetic scaffolding for shared responsibilities and possibilities, allowing it to hold and sustain the growing energies required for today’s uncertain times and emerging opportunities. Reading this article, are you curious to discover the emergent possibilities of your own resonant community, being held at one with the Earth? Reach out to book a free discovery call to find out more. Follow me on Facebook , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Carlo Cecchetti Carlo Cecchetti, Relational Landscape Facilitator and Coach Carlo Cecchetti specializes in human relational abilities resonant to the Earth's consciousness and resources. Born in a family of landscape designers, his personal development led him to help people remember themselves Being Held At One with the Earth. Founder of Integralgardens.com , Carlo's work delivers through the human body, relational containers and bespoke systemic landscape to anchor and channel unique energies of belonging.

Written by Dr. Donya Ball, Leadership Expert, Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Author Dr. Donya Ball is a renowned leadership expert, keynote speaker, author, executive coach, and professor specializing in organizational development. She captivates audiences and readers around the world with her thought leadership, including her TEDx Talk, "We are facing a leadership crisis. Here's the cure." This is not a rhetorical question. It is a leadership test. Strip away the applause. Remove the recognition, the awards, the titles, the public accolades, and any visible validation. If no one acknowledged your effort, would you still show up with the same level of gusto? The answer to that question reveals more about leadership than any resume ever could. Because real leadership is not built for the audience. It is built in the quiet, unobserved moments where character either holds or slips. The difference between being seen and being solid Public recognition is not the problem. It can be meaningful and affirming. The issue arises when recognition becomes the driving force for the work rather than the result. Private excellence is what happens when leaders do the work even when no one is watching. It is consistency with zero recognition. Integrity with zero incentives. Commitment with zero guarantees. The most trusted leaders are rarely those chasing attention. In fact, they are the ones who rarely receive public awards but instead ensure that their teams feel steady, supported, and respected long before accolades ever arrive. When recognition becomes the motivation When leaders begin to pursue recognition instead of excellence, priorities subtly shift. Decisions become performative rather than principled. Wins are highlighted while weaknesses are hidden. Credit is protected instead of shared. Teams feel this immediately. Trust erodes not because leaders lack skill, but because authenticity gives way to optics. The leader who proclaims, “We are going to rank number one in test scores.” “We are going to rank number one in sales.” “We are going to rank number one in reviews.” Ambitious goals, yes. But the real question remains, why? And are those measures of test scores, sales metrics, and reviews truly sound, unbiased indicators of excellence? Usually not. Recent research confirms that authentic leadership grounded in internal values rather than external validation significantly strengthens trust and long term engagement (Baquero, 2023). People do not disengage because test scores are not the highest in the county, sales have declined, or the company received a one star review. They disengage because leaders become performative. Why this matters right now We are leading in a time where visibility is rewarded faster than substance. Platforms amplify presence, not patience. But organizations do not thrive on applause. They thrive on connection and trust. The leaders who last are not those who collect the most recognition. They are the ones who quietly build cultures that function when they are not in the room. Private excellence creates psychological safety. Private excellence builds credibility. Private excellence earns loyalty. And when recognition does come, it is downright earned. How leaders recommit to excellence without applause Do the work before you talk about the work. Let outcomes speak first. Visibility should follow impact, not replace it. Share credit faster than you claim it. Secure leaders elevate others and do not care much about receiving the county or state award. Insecure leaders keep score. Use values as your decision filter. If something looks good publicly but feels wrong privately, it is not leadership. Ask who benefits from the decision. Is this about service or self? Teams always know the difference. Honor the unseen moments. How you lead when there is nothing to gain defines who you are when everything is on the line. The leadership reality Applause fades. Awards gather dust. Titles change. What remains is reputation. What endures is trust. What lasts is how people experienced being led by you. So return to the question honestly. Would you still pursue excellence with no public recognition or awards? Because the leaders who can answer yes never need to convince anyone they are credible. Their work already speaks. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Dr. Donya Ball Dr. Donya Ball, Leadership Expert, Keynote Speaker, Best Selling Author Dr. Donya Ball is a renowned keynote speaker, transformative superintendent, and passionate author. With over two decades of experience, she also serves as a professor and executive coach, mentoring and guiding aspiring and seasoned leaders. She has authored two impactful books, Adjusting the Sails (2022) and Against the Wind (2023), which address real-world leadership challenges. Her expertise has garnered national attention from media outlets like USA Today and MSN. Dr. Ball’s TEDxTalk, "We are facing a leadership crisis. Here’s the cure," further highlights her thought leadership.

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. With a powerful belief rooted in two simple words, “I can,” Aikan Acts is redefining what’s possible for emerging actors. Founded by actor and creative leader Nakia Dillard, this online-first performing arts school blends craft, mentorship, and real-world career guidance to help talent from all backgrounds step confidently into the industry. In the heart of Philadelphia and now accessible from anywhere in the world with just a laptop, phone, or tablet, an online-first performing arts school with a simple but powerful message is changing the trajectory of lives:   “Aikan” is pronounced “I can.”   For more than a decade, Aikan Acts and its founder, actor, writer, director, and entrepreneur Nakia Dillard, have been quietly building what many young performers dream of but rarely find: a training ground that is equal parts craft, community, and career strategy.   At a time when the entertainment industry can feel impenetrable and social media often rewards visibility over depth, Aikan Acts stands as a counter-narrative, one that insists talent from everyday neighborhoods deserves world-class preparation and real pathways into professional work.   This is not just a story about an acting school. It’s a blueprint for how creative leaders can use their gifts to build ecosystems of opportunity. From sketchbook to soundstage: The journey of Nakia Dillard Before he ever stepped onto a set, Nakia Dillard was a kid in Philadelphia who loved to draw. That early passion for art opened a world of color, animation, and imagination until another calling appeared: acting.   His training began at the historic Freedom Theatre, where he studied under respected instructors and joined the Rainbow Company, sharpening his skills on stages such as Hedgerow Theatre and The Wilma Theater.   Then came the roles many audiences recognize:   Officer Lambert on HBO’s The Wire Appearances in hit series such as Black Lightning and House of Cards Film work alongside artists like Gerard Butler, Jamie Foxx, Anthony Mackie, Wendell Pierce, and Kerry Washington For many actors, that résumé would be the destination. For Nakia, it became the foundation for something larger: a commitment to bring his training, insight, and industry access back to the same kind of community that formed him.   Art, for Dillard, isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. It is how people discover their voice, process their reality, and imagine a future beyond the limitations placed on them. Building “I can”: The birth of Aikan Acts In 2009, Dillard formalized that commitment by founding Aikan Performing Arts (Aikan Acts), a Philadelphia-based acting school designed to equip youth and adults for real careers in the performing arts. What began in physical classrooms has evolved into a premier online performing arts school that meets students where they are on their laptops, phones, and tablets.   Since its inception, Aikan Acts has reached hundreds of students and workshop participants across the region, offering high-quality acting and performing arts training in a safe, fun, and friendly environment.   At the core of Aikan Acts is a simple belief: when you give people world-class tools and tell them “you can,” everything changes. A world-class coaching team for youth and adults One of the quiet superpowers of Aikan Acts is its faculty.   Dillard has built a world-class team of acting coaches who bring deep professional experience, diverse perspectives, and a shared commitment to student growth. The faculty is intentionally structured to serve:   Youth classes: Instructors who understand how to guide children and teens through performance, confidence-building, emotional expression, and on-camera presence in age-appropriate ways. Adult classes: Coaches who train working professionals, aspiring actors, and career-changers in the demands of auditions, set etiquette, character development, and the realities of film, TV, and theater work. These coaches are not just talented performers, they are mentors. Many are veteran industry professionals with long-standing careers on stage and screen, bringing authentic insight that can’t be found in a textbook.   The result is a training environment where a teenager discovering their first monologue and an adult preparing for a network audition can both feel seen, stretched, and supported. MasterClasses with veteran industry pros Beyond its regular classes, Aikan Acts is known for hosting MasterClasses that feel less like a workshop and more like a front-row seat into the real industry.   Throughout the year, Dillard brings in veteran industry professionals, including award-winning actors, directors, casting professionals, and producers, to work directly with his students. These aren’t distant celebrity appearances, they are hands-on sessions where students:   Receive live feedback on monologues, scenes, and self-tape work Hear unfiltered stories about the journey into film and television Learn how to navigate agents, auditions, contracts, and set life with professionalism Ask questions about the realities of sustaining a career in entertainment For many students, these MasterClasses become turning points. It’s one thing to dream about working in the industry, it’s another to be coached by people who have already walked that road and earned recognition for their work.   By curating these experiences, Dillard turns Aikan Acts into more than a school, it becomes a bridge between emerging talent and seasoned professionals. More than acting: Financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and life skills One of the most striking aspects of Aikan Acts is its refusal to romanticize the “starving artist” narrative.   In his teaching and interviews, Dillard pushes back against the idea that artists must struggle in poverty to be taken seriously. At Aikan Acts, students are encouraged to build sustainable lives, not just impressive reels.   That’s why the program integrates:   Financial literacy: Conversations about budgeting, multiple streams of income, understanding contracts, and planning for the long game. Entrepreneurship: Encouraging students to see themselves as brands and businesses, not just performers hoping to be chosen. Creative versatility: Offering opportunities in areas like screenwriting, producing, and directing through initiatives like Aikan Acts Films. In a landscape where many training programs focus solely on craft, Aikan Acts stands out for its holistic approach: art, business, and personal development are all part of the same conversation. Pivoting through the pandemic: From local classroom to global reach Like many arts organizations, Aikan Acts faced a defining test when the COVID-19 pandemic shut down in-person instruction. Rather than pause operations, Dillard moved the program online, transforming a crisis into an opportunity and revealing just how many aspiring performers needed an option that didn’t require a car, long commutes, or a big-budget training plan.   Today, Aikan Acts leverages virtual platforms to reach students far beyond Philadelphia, while still maintaining its intimate, high-touch approach to training. Students can log in from home, a campus dorm, or even a break room at work, starting their journey into acting with nothing more than a device and a stable internet connection. This shift did more than keep classes going:   It expanded access for students who might never step into a Philadelphia studio. It prepared actors for a world where self-tapes, remote auditions, and digital collaboration are standard. It demonstrated how a community-rooted organization can scale impact without losing its soul. For creative leaders and educators globally, Aikan’s pivot is a case study in resilient, mission-driven adaptation. Impact you can measure in careers and confidence The most powerful proof of concept for Aikan Acts is not found in its marketing, but in its outcomes.   Over the years, Aikan students starting as young as seven and continuing into adulthood have gone on to:   Book roles in film, television, and theater Gain representation from agents and managers Step into creative leadership roles as writers, directors, and producers Parents and participants consistently report: Greater confidence in communication and emotional expression Improved focus, motivation, and discipline Increased academic engagement and social-emotional growth In other words, the value of Aikan Acts is not limited to those who will one day see their names in credits. The training equips students to be more prepared, engaged, and expressive human beings, whether they’re on a stage, in a boardroom, or leading in their own communities. Lessons from Aikan Acts for leaders, educators, and changemakers While Aikan Acts is an acting school, the underlying principles are relevant far beyond the arts. Three key lessons stand out:   1. Talent thrives where expectations and support coexist Aikan’s environment is both nurturing and demanding. Students are encouraged and affirmed, but also expected to show up prepared, professional, and persistent. That balance of high expectations with high support is replicable in any industry that wants to develop people, not just fill positions. 2. Access is a leadership decision By creating a safe, welcoming space in Philadelphia and then expanding online, Aikan Acts sends a clear message: geography and background should not be barriers to world-class training. That principle can inspire leaders to remove invisible walls in their own organizations, whether those are financial, cultural, or structural.   3. Art and enterprise can coexist ethically Through financial literacy workshops, career guidance, MasterClasses, and an honest look at money in the industry, Dillard shows that it’s possible to honor the integrity of the craft while teaching artists to build sustainable lives. Arts organizations, schools, and even corporations can learn from this integration of purpose and profit. Aikan Acts as a living answer to “what if?” Imagine if every city had an Aikan Acts, a place where young people and adults alike could walk in with a dream, and walk out with tools, language, and a community that tells them, “Yes, you can.”   In Philadelphia, that “what if” is already real.   A kid who once discovered his gifts through drawing now uses his experience on shows like The Wire, Black Lightning, and The Wonder Years to open doors for the next generation. The school he founded continues to shape not just performers, but thinkers, entrepreneurs, and leaders who carry their artistry into every space they enter.   And it all starts with two simple words, I can. 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 Naeema Gilani, HR Manager & Leadership Consultant A former top-tier HR evaluator, Naeema Gilani, specializes in transforming brilliant but "invisible" managers into commanding executives. She is a leadership strategist and the author of Respect At First Sight: Body Language Secrets for Leaders. In the quiet, high-stakes atmosphere of the corporate boardroom, a recurring tragedy plays out, one that costs the global economy trillions but remains largely undiagnosed. It begins with a celebration, the promotion of a technical genius, a "star" contributor whose technical mastery is undisputed. But the moment they take their seat at the head of the table, their brilliance vanishes. They are talked over in meetings, their directives are met with inertia, and their presence seems to dissolve into the background. I call this the David Syndrome Over seven years on the opposite side of the hiring table as an HR evaluator, I diagnosed a fundamental systemic failure that most organizations miss. I watched companies allocate billions of dollars annually to elevate 'genius-level' technical experts, those who master intricate workflows and crush KPIs, only to see that investment evaporate. Organizations pay a premium for strategic brilliance, only to have that value erased because the leader's weak presence neutralizes their impact. It is a fatal disconnect between internal capability and external demeanor, effectively rendering the company’s most valuable assets invisible.   The 100-millisecond verdict A critical reality that many C-suite executives overlook is that effective leadership is not merely a meritocracy of words but a meritocracy of perception. Research from Princeton University indicates that judgments concerning competence and trustworthiness can be established in as little as 100 milliseconds.   In the high-pressure setting of the boardroom, an individual's fate is often determined at the doorway. When a manager exhibits hesitation through nonverbal cues such as slumped posture, apologetic gestures, or fragmented eye contact, the organization experiences an immediate "Impact Leak," resulting in stalled initiatives and diminished authority.   This strategic void is an organizational drain of massive proportions. According to Gallup’s 2024 State of the Global Workplace report, low employee engagement costs the global economy an astounding $8.9 trillion, or approximately 9% of global GDP. Gallup identifies that 70% of the variance in team engagement is directly attributable to the manager. When a manager suffers from the David Syndrome, their team is 60% more likely to experience high stress and active disengagement, directly hemorrhaging productivity and profit.   The trillion-dollar case study: Xerox PARC vs. Apple The most devastating business loss attributable to the David Syndrome occurred at Xerox PARC in the late 1970s. The engineers at PARC possessed undisputed technical genius, they had already invented the Graphical User Interface (GUI), the mouse, and bitmapped graphics, the foundational assets of modern computing. Yet, this brilliance became a wasted investment because the engineers lacked the Executive Presence to sell it. They presented their breakthroughs to Xerox’s senior management using the language of technical specs, failing to command the strategic authority required to move the board. It was the ultimate David Syndrome: The brilliance of the invention was totally eclipsed by the invisibility of the inventors. The board walked away from a trillion-dollar future simply because it wasn't commanded. In stark contrast, when a young Steve Jobs visited PARC, he brought the one element the engineers lacked: Presence. He didn't just see the code, he possessed the influence required to command the market. The result was a historic transfer of wealth: Xerox (High Competence, Low Presence) lost the personal computing monopoly, while Apple (Competence + Presence) built an empire on it. This disconnect serves as a sobering reminder that without authority, even the most brilliant asset is worthless.   The promotion criteria: The proof of presence Research from Coqual found that Executive Presence (EP) accounts for 26% of what it takes to get promoted to the next level. In surveys of senior executives, gravitas (the ability to project confidence and stay calm under pressure) was ranked as the most important pillar of EP by 67% of leaders. Conversely, the traits that most undermine a leader's path to the C-suite are being "timid" (85%) and "lacking confidence" (84%), the exact symptoms of the David Syndrome.   The anatomy of authority: Bridging the presence gap The ultimate tragedy of the 'Invisible Manager' is not merely the stunted career of a brilliant individual, it is the measurable decay of organizational ROI. When leadership presence is neglected, the bottom line suffers in three distinct ways: Execution Velocity slows, as directives need to be 'sold' rather than followed, Talent Retention drops, as high-performers leave leaders they cannot respect, and L&D Investment is wasted, teaching managers what to think without training them on how to be heard. Investing in presence is the single most effective way to close this gap and secure the 9% of GDP currently lost to disengagement. The 'David Syndrome' is the structural blind spot that turns organizational intelligence into wasted overhead. It turns your highest-paid talent into your lowest-performing assets (stranded assets). Global markets are currently sacrificing $8.9 trillion annually to teams led by managers who know what to do but lack the power to command it. This leaves you with a stark choice. You can continue to subsidize the invisible manager, paying a premium for brilliance that no one hears. Or, you can close the gap. By shifting focus from the history on the resume to the authority in the room, organizations can reclaim execution velocity and stop the trillion-dollar leak.   Competence without presence is an expense. Competence with presence is an empire.   If you are ready to master the unspoken rules of power, read my book, Respect at First Sight: Body Language Secrets for Leaders, available now on Amazon .   Follow me on LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Naeema Gilani Naeema Gilani, HR Manager & Leadership Consultant For seven years, Naeema Gilani sat in the executive "evaluator’s chair" at top-tier firms, witnessing firsthand why brilliant technical experts often fail to command the boardroom. She diagnosed this systemic issue as the "David Syndrome," a costly disconnect between strategic brilliance and executive presence. She provides high-impact toolkits for professionals ready to master the unspoken rules of power and reclaim their influence. Naeema is also the author of the critically acclaimed book, Respect At First Sight: Body Language Secrets for Leaders.

Written by Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director Helen champions the arts as a tool for change. Now, as CEO of RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education, she mentors young people, creates pathways for them to thrive in the arts, and helps launch successful careers. Do you ever feel like something is missing in your work life? You’re not alone. Many professionals find themselves stuck in jobs that pay the bills but lack real meaning. Studies show that a sense of purpose is a key factor in long-term happiness, yet many of us spend our days chasing promotions, meeting deadlines, and wondering if our work makes a difference. But what if your job could do more than sustain you, what if it could also fulfil you? At RYTC/ESB, we believe that the most rewarding careers are those that contribute to something bigger than ourselves. Whether it’s helping vulnerable communities, advocating for change, or tackling mental health awareness, a career in the charitable sector offers an opportunity to create an impact while enriching your own life. And the best part? You don’t have to be a millionaire or a superhero to make a difference, just someone willing to use their skills for the greater good. In this article, we’ll explore 7 ways a charitable career can boost your happiness, enhance your sense of purpose, and strengthen your community. If you’ve ever considered making the shift to a more meaningful career or even just finding ways to give back, this is for you! What are charitable careers? Charitable careers are jobs focused on making a positive impact on society, the environment, or helping people in need. Unlike traditional corporate jobs that focus on making money, these roles aim to support communities and solve important social problems. They cover areas like education, healthcare, human rights, environmental protection, and poverty relief. You’ll find these careers in nonprofits, NGOs, social enterprises, and even in corporate social responsibility (CSR) teams within businesses. Roles can vary from direct work like social workers and community organizers to behind-the-scenes jobs in fundraising, marketing, and policy development. What unites them all is the goal to make a real difference. The best part? Charitable careers aren't just for people with nonprofit experience. Many professionals switch from corporate jobs, using their skills in areas like finance, communication, tech, or management to help causes they care about. Whether you're working full-time, part-time, or volunteering, there’s always a way to get involved and create a rewarding career that benefits both you and society. What makes a charitable career special? A charitable career isn’t just a job, it’s about making a difference. Unlike traditional roles that focus on making money, these careers aim to create positive change in society. Whether working for a nonprofit, NGO, or social enterprise, the focus is on purpose and contribution rather than paychecks. Here’s what sets them apart: A mission to make a difference: Every charitable career has a clear goal to improve the world. Whether it's tackling poverty, supporting education, or advocating for human rights, these roles are designed to address real social problems. This gives workers a sense of purpose and the satisfaction that their work truly matters. Working in purpose-driven organisations: Most charitable careers are found in nonprofits, NGOs, and social enterprises. These organisations focus on helping others, not making a profit. Sometimes, charitable work can be found in corporate social responsibility (CSR) teams, but the main focus is always on service. Impacting communities: Charitable careers directly affect individuals, communities, or global causes. Whether helping vulnerable people, improving healthcare, or protecting the environment, your work creates real, lasting change. Ethical and sustainable goals: Charitable careers focus on long-term solutions, not quick fixes. This means supporting sustainable development and ethical practices that empower communities, ensuring the work continues even after immediate relief. Teamwork and advocacy: Working together is key. Charitable professionals often collaborate with governments, businesses, and community groups to drive change. Whether it’s advocating for laws, mobilising volunteers, or building partnerships, teamwork is essential. Using your skills to help: Charitable careers aren’t just about hands-on help. They require skills like marketing, law, finance, education, and healthcare. People from all backgrounds can contribute their expertise to make a difference. Opportunities for growth: Many people start in charitable work through volunteering or part-time roles and grow into full-time positions. The sector values passion and offers opportunities for career development, leadership growth, and global impact. Charitable careers not only help others but also provide personal fulfillment, job satisfaction, and a sense of purpose. If you want a job that aligns with your values and makes a real difference, a charitable career might be the right path for you. Ways you can get involved in charitable careers Getting involved in a charitable career doesn’t always mean working full-time for a non-profit. There are many ways to contribute, whether through volunteering, using your skills for good, or even launching your initiative. Whether you're looking for a career shift or simply want to make a difference in your spare time, here are some practical ways to get involved in the charitable sector. Volunteer your time: Many charities and non-profit organisations rely on volunteers to support their work. Whether it’s helping at a local food bank, mentoring young people, or assisting in fundraising events, volunteering is a great way to gain experience and make a difference. Pursue a career in a charity or non-profit organisation: If you’re passionate about social impact, consider working for a charity or NGO in roles like programme management, fundraising, advocacy, or community outreach. Many organisations offer full-time positions where you can directly contribute to positive change. Use your professional skills for good: If you have expertise in areas like marketing, IT, legal services, or finance, you can offer pro bono support to charities. Many non-profits need professional services but lack the resources to afford them, so your skills can be invaluable. Start your charitable initiative: If you have a cause close to your heart, why not take the lead? You can set up a fundraising campaign, establish a community project, or even start your non-profit organisation. With the right planning and support, you can create a lasting impact. Support charities through your business: If you run a business or work for a company, explore ways to integrate charitable giving into your work. This could be through corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, donating a percentage of profits to a cause, or offering employees paid volunteering days. Engage in advocacy and awareness campaigns: You don’t have to work directly for a charity to make a difference. Raising awareness about important issues, signing petitions, participating in campaigns, or using social media to amplify a cause can be powerful ways to support charitable work. Consider a career in social enterprise: Social enterprises operate like businesses but reinvest profits into social or environmental causes. If you’re entrepreneurial, you can launch a business with a mission to create social good, such as fair trade brands, ethical fashion, or eco-friendly initiatives. Signs it's time to get into charitable careers Are you feeling disconnected from your work or questioning the impact you're making? Charitable careers can offer a fresh path toward fulfilment and purpose. If you find yourself experiencing any of the signs below, it might be time to consider a change toward a more meaningful and impactful career. Desire to make a difference: If you want to contribute to something bigger than yourself, a charitable career can provide that opportunity. Passion for helping others: If you feel strongly about supporting people or communities, charity work can align with that passion. Feeling stagnant: If your current job lacks excitement or growth, a charitable career offers fresh challenges. Wanting to align values with work: If your personal values don’t match your current role, charity work allows you to work for causes you believe in. Burnout and stress: If you’re experiencing burnout, charity work can provide a more fulfilling and balanced career. Desire for personal growth: Charitable careers often come with rewarding challenges that foster personal and professional development. Interest in building community: If you want to work with like-minded people for a common cause, charity work provides that sense of belonging. Need for flexibility: Many charitable roles offer more flexible working conditions, which can improve your work-life balance. Desire to address bigger issues: If you feel disconnected from societal challenges, a charitable career allows you to engage directly with important causes. Eagerness to work with diverse groups: If you’re looking for a career that offers diversity and inclusion, charity work often involves interacting with various communities. If any of these signs resonate with you, it might be time to explore a charitable career and make a positive impact while finding greater fulfilment in your work.   7 ways a charitable career can boost your happiness and purpose If you’re searching for work that feels truly fulfilling, a career in the charity sector could be the answer. Beyond making a difference in the world, it can enhance your sense of purpose, well-being, and community. Here’s how: 1. Aligning your work with your values Many people feel unfulfilled in their jobs, longing for more meaningful work. A charitable career allows you to contribute to causes you care about, whether it’s education, social justice, healthcare, or the environment, leading to a deeper sense of satisfaction. 2. Finding a stronger sense of purpose Knowing that your work has a real impact on people’s lives creates unmatched motivation and fulfilment. Whether you’re advocating for change, supporting vulnerable communities, or fundraising, your efforts make a tangible difference. 3. Developing empathy and emotional intelligence Engaging with diverse communities and challenges strengthens empathy and emotional intelligence. These skills not only enhance your professional abilities but also enrich your personal relationships. 4. Boosting mental well-being Acts of kindness and giving are proven to reduce stress and increase happiness. Working in a charitable career means constantly engaging in meaningful service, leading to a greater sense of well-being. 5. Strengthening community connections The charity sector is about bringing people together for a common cause. Whether you’re involved in local initiatives or global aid efforts, your work fosters unity and positive change. 6. Expanding your network and opportunities Surround yourself with passionate, purpose-driven individuals who inspire and support your growth. Working in this sector can lead to leadership roles, social entrepreneurship, and opportunities in international development. 7. Personal growth and lifelong learning Working in the charitable sector challenges you to think creatively, solve complex problems, and adapt to different situations. You’ll continuously learn new skills, gain fresh perspectives, and grow both personally and professionally. Make a difference with RYTC and ESB: Empowering young people through arts and education Have you ever wondered how you can make a real impact in young people’s lives? Through partnership and donor support, you can help RYTC and ESB continue their mission of transforming education and the arts for the next generation. Your involvement doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, small actions can create lasting change. Start by engaging with our blogs – read, share, and spark conversations that spread awareness and inspire others. Take it a step further by registering for our projects, volunteering your time, or enrolling children into our programmes. Every contribution, big or small, nurtures young learners and aspiring performers, helping them build confidence, creativity, and a brighter future. Inspired to take the first step? Whether it’s supporting a young writer through RYTC’s creative workshops, gifting a subscription to the Learning Genie Club , or championing literacy with Snuffer and Robertson, there are meaningful ways to get involved right now, no matter your background or schedule. You don’t have to change your whole career to change lives! Start small: sponsor a child’s creative writing journey at RYTC, share the gift of learning through The Learning Genie Club , or support literacy through the Snuffer and Robertson book series. Where can I buy Snuffer and Robertson? You can order the paperback on Amazon for £8.99 here or on AbeBooks here. Every purchase supports our literacy mission and helps children discover the joy of reading—one imaginative story at a time.   Together, we can create a world where education and the arts empower young minds to reach their full potential. Every action, big or small, contributes to building a more creative and educationally enriched future for the next generation. Join us today! Contact Us: RYTC Contact Us: ESB Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn  for more info! Read more from Helen Kenworthy Helen Kenworthy, Artistic Director Helen Kenworthy’s career embodies the transformative power of the arts, from her early roles in the prestigious West End with Bill Kenwright to her impactful work in regional theatre. As manager of the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership, she created pathways for young people to thrive in the arts, with many going on to successful careers. Now at RYTC Creatives CIC and Give Get Go Education, Helen continues to inspire and mentor the next generation of theatre-makers and community leaders, offering invaluable opportunities for growth and professional development.

After surviving domestic abuse and rebuilding her life as a single mother of six, Somia Kaur Singh turned her lived experience into purpose. In this interview, she shares why she founded SafeSpaces2 and how it offers women a safe, supportive bridge between counselling and real life, helping them reclaim confidence, stability, and a hopeful future. Somia Kaur Signh, Women's Wellbeing Empowerment Coach Who is Somia Kaur Singh? I am Somia Kaur Singh, a 48-year-old single mum of six, and everything I do comes from lived experience. I’ve survived domestic abuse, rebuilt my life from the ground up, and learned how to find strength, stability, and self-love through some of the hardest chapters a woman can face. Today, I dedicate my life to empowering women and young girls through my project Safe Spaces 2. My mission is simple: to help women heal, find their voice, rebuild their confidence, and create a better future for themselves and their families – especially when they feel they have nowhere else to turn. My journey is proof that with support, community, and the right tools, transformation is possible. And I continue to work, raise my children, and stand for the women who are still finding their way forward.   What inspired you to create SafeSpaces2? (Refined & Professional) SafeSpaces2 was born from my own lived experience. After leaving a long-term controlling relationship and completing counselling, I found myself standing at a crossroads with no real guidance on what came next. Counselling had helped me understand my past, but it didn’t prepare me for the day-to-day reality that followed – managing my emotions, rebuilding my finances, supporting my children, and creating a new structure for our lives. I struggled with debt, instability, and overwhelming responsibility, all while trying to heal from trauma. I realised that many women, like me, finish counselling but are left with a painful question, “What now?”   There is often no aftercare, no transition support, no safe space to rebuild confidence, learn practical skills, or reconnect with who you are outside of abuse. That gap – that silence after counselling ends – is what inspired me to create SafeSpaces2. SafeSpaces2 was designed as a bridge between counselling and real life. A space where women can: Reconnect with themselves Rebuild structure and confidence Learn financial basics and practical life tools Work through emotions in a supportive community Find healing, purpose, and direction And most importantly, feel seen, heard, and not alone   This programme empowers women to step into a positive and brighter future. It offers connection, guidance, and a healthy outlet for growth – something I desperately needed but didn’t have. Now, I give it to others.   What kind of clients benefit most from SafeSpaces2's services? SafeSpaces2 is designed for women who are ready to rebuild their lives after experiencing hardship, control, or emotional instability. The clients who benefit most from this programme are:   Women leaving domestic violence or abusive relationships: These women often come out of counselling still feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to rebuild their lives. SafeSpaces2 supports them through: Emotional grounding Confidence rebuilding Financial awareness Structure and routine Community connection Women coming out of toxic or controlling situations: This includes relationships, family dynamics, or environments that have affected their self-worth. SafeSpaces2 offers a space to rediscover identity, independence, and emotional strength. Young women facing low self-esteem, anxiety, or emotional distress: Many young women struggle with confidence, trust, boundaries, and finding their voice. SafeSpaces2 helps them develop: Healthy coping strategies Emotional resilience Self-love and self-belief A clearer sense of direction and purpose   The Heart of SafeSpaces2: SafeSpaces2 is about reclaiming your voice, rebuilding your strength, and stepping into a powerful and positive future. It’s not just a workshop, it’s a network, a sisterhood, and a community of women supporting women. Our aim is to create long-term connections where women continue uplifting each other even after the programme ends, helping to build a stronger, healthier community for the future.   How does SafeSpaces2 approach healing and growth differently from other therapy or support programs? SafeSpaces2 is not a counselling service – it is a transition programme designed to bridge the gap after therapy ends. Many women finish counselling with emotional awareness but still feel lost about what to do next. SafeSpaces2 steps in where traditional therapy stops. Here’s what makes our approach different:   We focus on closure and forward movement: While counselling explores the past, SafeSpaces2 helps women understand, close, and gently step forward into the next chapter of their lives with clarity and confidence. We reshift the mindset from surviving to rebuilding. We build real-life structure, not just emotional insight: Women learn how to: Manage their emotions in everyday situations Create routines that support stability Rebuild life skills they may have lost in a controlling environment This is practical, hands-on healing. We prioritise financial empowerment: Many women leave abusive situations with debt, no budgeting skills, or no financial independence. SafeSpaces2 teaches: Basic budgeting Financial planning Understanding money Regaining control of their financial life Healing is emotional, but it is also practical – we focus on both. We help women identify their skills, strengths, and purpose: Every woman has a skill – even if she lost sight of it. Our programme helps women recognise their gifts, build on them, and use them to shape a positive future. We emphasise emotional connection, not clinical therapy: SafeSpaces2 creates a safe, warm, sisterhood-like environment where women connect, talk openly, and recognise their shared experiences. This emotional connection encourages healing in ways that traditional therapy cannot always provide. We set real, achievable goals: We guide women to create meaningful, realistic goals and support them in taking the steps to achieve them – whether personal, emotional, financial, or career-based. We focus on growth, empowerment, and community: The growth continues long after the programme ends. Women stay connected, support each other, and build a stronger community together – something most standard programs do not offer. In simple words, SafeSpaces2 doesn’t just heal the past. It builds the future. It gives women structure, empowerment, financial confidence, emotional awareness, and a community that continues to grow with them. What does a typical first session with SafeSpaces2 look like for a new client? A first session at SafeSpaces2 is intentionally soft, calm, and welcoming. We understand that many women arrive carrying emotional weight, uncertainty, or fear of the unknown – so we begin with reassurance and ease.   A gentle introductio: We start by introducing the space, the purpose of the programme, and the supportive community they are stepping into. Clients are encouraged to take their time, settle in, and feel safe. Setting the tone: non-judgemental & confidential: We remind every woman that SafeSpaces2 is a confidential, judgement-free environment. This is a space where stories are respected, emotions are understood, and every woman’s journey is honoured. Understanding the process: We explain that SafeSpaces2 is a journey, not a quick fix. The first session is about helping women understand that healing, rebuilding, and reconnecting take time – and that they will not walk this path alone. Light connection activities: We use soft discussions or simple reflective prompts to help women begin opening up gently. There is no pressure to share more than they feel comfortable with. Building trust and comfort: The main goal of session one is trust. Women leave feeling: safe welcomed understood and aware that they are stepping into a community designed to support their growth. Introducing the programme structure: We outline what the coming weeks will include – emotional awareness, financial confidence, skill building, goal-setting, connection, and empowerment. In simple words, The first session is a soft landing – a calm introduction into a sisterhood where healing begins, confidence grows, and women learn they are not alone.   What kinds of struggles or challenges does SafeSpaces2 most often help clients overcome? How do you create a "safe space" where clients feel truly heard and accepted?   SafeSpaces2 supports women who are facing emotional, practical, and confidence-based challenges after leaving difficult or controlling situations. The most common struggles we help clients overcome include:   Difficulty trusting others again: After trauma, trust becomes fragile. SafeSpaces2 focuses on building trust slowly, through consistency, safety, and genuine connection. We meet every woman where she is and allow her to open up at her own pace. Struggling to build a rapport or form new relationships: Many women find it hard to form connections after abuse or emotional harm. Our sessions create a gentle, non-judgmental environment where rapport grows naturally, not rushed or forced. Emotional overwhelm and uncertainty: Clients often feel: lost confused unsure of their next steps emotionally disconnected We help them understand their emotions, reconnect with themselves, and find clarity. Low self-esteem and broken confidence: Years of control or manipulation can damage a woman’s sense of worth. SafeSpaces2 helps clients rebuild confidence, recognise their strengths, and rediscover their identity. Difficulty managing day-to-day life after leaving a controlling environment: Women often struggle with: structure and routine decision-making independence parenting pressures SafeSpaces2 provides guidance, grounding, and tools to help create stability again. Financial stress and lack of budgeting skills: Many clients leave with debt or little financial understanding due to financial control. We support women in learning budgeting, planning, and taking back control of their financial life. Fear of the future or the unknown: Healing is not just about the past – it’s also about gaining confidence in the future. We help women set realistic goals, identify their skills, and envision a positive direction forward. In simple words, SafeSpaces2 helps women overcome the emotional and practical struggles that come after leaving an abusive or toxic situation – with trust, compassion, and progress happening at their pace, never ours.   Why is confidentiality and non-judgment so important in your work at SafeSpaces2? Confidentiality and non-judgment are the foundation of SafeSpaces2. Women who come to us have often faced trauma, criticism, shame, and judgment throughout their journey. Many have been blamed, silenced, or misunderstood – both inside and outside their relationships. Because of this, creating a truly safe environment is not optional, it is crucial. At SafeSpaces2:   Women must feel safe to speak openly: Healing begins when a woman feels she can share her experiences without fear of them being repeated or used against her. Confidentiality protects her story, her privacy, and her dignity. Many women arrive with a history of being judged: Judgment from partners, family, the community, or even professionals can leave deep emotional scars. SafeSpaces2 offers the opposite – acceptance, understanding, and compassion. Feeling heard is essential to rebuilding confidence: For many clients, SafeSpaces2 is the first time they truly feel listened to. When a woman is heard without criticism, she begins to trust herself again. A non-judgmental space encourages emotional freedom: Women open up naturally when they know they won’t be judged. This allows them to express emotions, process their journey, and take meaningful steps forward. Safety is the key to growth: A woman cannot heal, learn, or rebuild if she feels unsafe or watched. Confidentiality gives her the security she needs to grow at her own pace. In simple words, women at SafeSpaces2 have already survived enough judgment and trauma. Here, they deserve to feel safe, respected, heard, and protected – because true healing only happens in a space where they know they will never be judged and their story will always remain confidential.   What role does the client’s pace and individual story play in your approach? At SafeSpaces2, the client’s pace is everything. We understand that every woman arrives with her own journey, her own history, and her own level of readiness. Healing cannot be rushed, pushed, or forced – it has to unfold naturally, at a pace that feels safe for her.   Stories are shared only when a client feels ready: Women are never asked to reveal their story before they feel comfortable. Some open up quickly, others take weeks – both are completely okay. The choice always belongs to the client. Healing happens through patience, not pressure: We practise patience every step of the way. Clients are encouraged to take their time, breathe, settle, and move forward when they feel emotionally prepared. Every woman’s story is unique: No two journeys are the same. We honour each woman’s background, trauma, strengths, and hopes. This allows us to tailor the experience so she feels seen and understood. Trust grows slowl,y and that is respected: Many women come from environments where trust was broken. We allow trust to develop gently, through consistency and compassion, without expecting it too soon. The programme adapts to the woman, not the other way around: SafeSpaces2 does not follow a one-size-fits-all approach. We adjust activities, discussions, and support based on each client’s emotional readiness and comfort level.   How do you guide clients from where they are now to a healthier mental wellness and a more hopeful outlook? SafeSpaces2 guides women toward healthier mental well-being by helping them rebuild, refocus, and reconnect with themselves. Our programme is not counselling – it is a practical, forward-moving journey designed to help women reclaim their lives with confidence and clarity.   We focus on rebuilding, not reliving the past: Instead of going backwards into trauma, we help women look forward. We give them the space to rebuild their identity, routine, confidence, and sense of purpose. We help women refocus their mindset: Many arrive feeling lost, overwhelmed, or stuck. Through guided activities and gentle discussions, we support them in shifting their thinking from: survival to stability fear to self-belief confusion to direction This creates a more hopeful and grounded outlook. We promote positive living and emotional reconnection: Women learn how to reconnect with their emotions in a safe, structured way. They gain tools to manage stress, identify their feelings, and build emotional resilience without being judged. We set realistic goals and celebrate progress: A big part of healing is learning to dream again. We help clients create achievable goals – big or small – that give them focus and motivation. Every step forward is acknowledged, because progress builds hope. We encourage clients to reclaim their life at their own pace: There is no pressure to move faster than they are ready for. Our role is to guide, support, and gently encourage, while clients rediscover strength, independence, and self-worth. We create a supportive community of women: Connection is powerful. SafeSpaces2 brings women together so they can share, support, and uplift each other, reminding them they are not alone in their journey. In simple words, SafeSpaces2 helps women move from where they are now to a healthier, more hopeful future by rebuilding their confidence, refocusing their mindset, reconnecting them with themselves, and giving them the tools to reclaim their life – all without traditional counselling. What would you say to someone who's hesitant about reaching out – what makes SafeSpaces2 worth contacting today? If you’re unsure about reaching out, the first thing to know is this: SafeSpaces2 is here for you, without pressure and without judgement. Many women hesitate because they worry about cost, confidence, or whether they’re “ready.” That’s why SafeSpaces2 is designed to remove those barriers from the very beginning.   It doesn’t cost anything to join: The programme is free, because we understand that financial stress is one of the biggest fears for women rebuilding their lives. Contributions are welcome – but never required. No woman should miss out on support because she can’t afford it. You gain lifelong skills you can use forever: This workshop isn’t just emotional support; it’s skills-based empowerment. You leave with tools you can carry into every part of your life: confidence budgeting skills emotional awareness clearer goals healthier routines a stronger sense of who you are These skills stay with you long after the 10 weeks are over. You meet and connect with a real community: SafeSpaces2 is more than a programme – it’s a network of women who uplift each other. Here, you will find connection, understanding, and friendships that can continue long after the sessions end. You can always come back: Even though the programme runs for 10 weeks, the space does not close to you. Women are welcome to return, reconnect, or get support again whenever they need it. Once you join SafeSpaces2, you are part of the community for as long as you choose. You don’t need to have everything figured out: You don’t need to be “ready.” You don’t need to have the perfect words. You just need to take one small step – and we take the rest together, at your pace. In simple words, SafeSpaces2 is worth contacting today because it is free, supportive, skills-based, and built for women who want to reclaim their life – even if they’re unsure where to start. You will never be judged, never be rushed, and never be alone in this journey. Follow me on Instagram and visit my website for more info! Read more from Somia Kaur Sign h

Written by Lisa Sheerin, ICF PCC Executive Coach | Transforming Confidence, Communication & Leadership Lisa works as an executive public speaking coach, actor, and fitness enthusiast. She is passionate about helping people overcome imposter syndrome and find their authentic voice to unlock career success in business and beyond. She is the founder of Speak Proud. In a world of restructures, “strategic realignments” and never-ending change, it’s no surprise that so many high-achieving professionals feel like the ground beneath them is never fully stable. At the recent Women In Research (WIRe) event at Netflix HQ, London, Show Up For Yourself, I shared a simple idea that landed deeply with the room: Your role is temporary. Your identity isn’t Job titles change. Teams get reshuffled. Strategies pivot. Sometimes those decisions are made with you. Sometimes they’re made about you. But who you are underneath the email signature, your values, your character, the way you show up for yourself and others, that runs far deeper than any job description. When your role wobbles, it’s easy for your confidence to wobble with it. But that’s exactly the moment where a different kind of leadership can emerge, the kind that isn’t dependent on a title, a pay grade, or where you sit on the org chart. The illusion of security: “If my title is safe, I am safe” Many of us were quietly trained to believe that confidence comes from external stability: The “right” job title The “good” brand on your CV The salary band that proves you’re doing well So when something shifts, new leadership, budget cuts, a promotion you didn’t get, a project that’s pulled at the last minute, it can feel like a personal attack on your worth. You might recognise some of these thoughts: “If they’ve changed my role, maybe I’m not good enough.” “If I were really competent, this wouldn’t be happening.” “If I don’t feel secure here, I must have done something wrong.” The problem is not ambition. The problem is that when your self-worth is welded to external conditions you don’t fully control, you're left feeling like you're not in control. The truth is blunt but freeing: organisations will always move pieces around the board. The only way your confidence survives the reshuffle is if it’s built on more than the square you happen to be standing on. Your role is a chapter, your identity holds the pen So what does it actually mean to say, “Your role is temporary, your identity isn’t”? It means remembering that: Your skills and experience don’t vanish because a strategy changes. Your values don’t evaporate because a restructure is announced. Your voice doesn’t lose its power because someone else got the title. Your role is a context in which you express who you are. It’s not the container that creates you. When you really let that sink in, your internal questions shift. Instead of, “How do I prove I’m worthy of this role?” You move towards, “What kind of person do I want to be in any room I walk into?” That’s where lasting confidence starts, not with a title, but with a decision about how you want to show up. Confidence at work: Less performance, more alignment At WIRe, women shared stories of looking confident on the outside while feeling anything but on the inside. Presenting to global stakeholders while silently worrying they’d be “found out.” Over-preparing for every meeting because they were sure someone would ask the one question they hadn’t thought of Saying yes to everything to avoid disappointing anyone, and burning out quietly in the process This kind of performance-based confidence is exhausting. It’s also fragile. The minute something shakes a critical comment, a change in reporting line, a tough piece of feedback, it cracks. Identity-based confidence looks different. It sounds like: “I may not have all the answers, but I am committed, capable, and willing to learn.” “Even when this is uncomfortable, I will speak up for what I know is right.” “My value doesn’t disappear because of one difficult week or one difficult person.” That’s not arrogance. It’s alignment, knowing who you are and letting your behaviour match it, even when circumstances are less than ideal. Five practical shifts to stay steady when things shake This all sounds great in theory. But what do you actually do when your job feels uncertain, your confidence is dented, and your nervous system is on high alert? Here are five concrete shifts you can make, drawn from the themes we explored at WIRe: 1. Stop over-apologising, it quietly drains your authority “Sorry” is powerful when it’s needed. But when it becomes a reflex, “Sorry, quick question,” “Sorry, can I just add,” “Sorry if this is a stupid idea,” it sends a signal to everyone listening, including you, that you are somehow in the wrong simply for existing in the space. Try these swaps: “Sorry to bother you.” to “Do you have a moment?” “Sorry this might be a silly question.” to “Here’s a question so we’re clear on the detail.” “Sorry for the delay.” to “Thanks for your patience, here’s the update.” Tiny language shifts create noticeably different energy in the room and in your body. 2. Don’t aim to be liked, aim to be respected Being liked is lovely. Being respected is vital. When your priority is to be liked, you: avoid hard conversations over-explain and justify yourself water down your ideas so nobody feels challenged When your priority is to be respected, you: say what needs to be said, clearly and calmly set boundaries without guilt accept that not everyone will agree, and that’s okay Ironically, when you stop twisting yourself into knots to be liked, people often end up trusting you more. They may not always agree with you, but they know where they stand. 3. Take agency, even in small ways When work feels shaky, your brain wants to freeze or fantasise about escape. Both are understandable. Neither move you forward. Agency doesn’t have to mean dramatic gestures. It can look like: asking for clarity on expectations instead of silently worrying booking time with your manager to discuss development, not just delivery reaching out to someone you admire internally for a coffee and a conversation updating your CV and LinkedIn, not as a panic move, but as a quiet reclaiming of your story Action, even small action, reminds your nervous system: I am not powerless here. 4. Treat resilience like a muscle, not a personality trait We tend to talk about resilience as if some people “just have it” and others don’t. That’s not how it works. Resilience is built through reps: The awkward presentation you delivered anyway The feedback that stung but helped you grow The project that went sideways and taught you something about how you operate under pressure The crucial piece is reflection. After a tough moment, ask yourself: What did I handle better than I would have five years ago? What did this reveal about my values? What support do I need next time? That’s how experiences become strength, rather than just scars. 5. Remember, you know more than you think  It’s easy to over-index on the brain on data, evidence, frameworks, methodologies. All vital. But human potential goes beyond the brain. Intuition, pattern-spotting, emotional intelligence, lived experience, these are not “soft” extras. They’re part of your professional toolkit. The next time you second-guess yourself, try this reframe, “If someone else said the exact sentence I’m about to say, would I think they were being ridiculous, or insightful?” Most of the time, you’ll find that you’d happily trust someone else with your level of knowledge. The invitation is to extend that same trust to yourself. When your job shakes, you don’t have to You can’t control every restructure, every budget cycle, every leadership change. You can control how you speak to yourself in those moments. You can control the boundaries you set, the way you use your voice, the actions you take to honour your values, even when the picture isn’t clear. Your role is a chapter. It will change. It’s supposed to. Your identity, your integrity, your courage, your capacity to keep showing up, is the thread that runs through every chapter you’ll ever write. When you remember that, the ground may shake. But you don’t have to. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lisa Sheerin Lisa Sheerin, ICF PCC Executive Coach | Transforming Confidence, Communication & Leadership Lisa works as an executive public speaking coach, actor, and group fitness instructor with over 20 years of experience. A graduate of a three-year drama school program in London, she began her career in theatre and film, where she faced and overcame imposter syndrome. Today, she empowers others to embrace their authenticity and transform self-doubt into confidence, combining her acting expertise, fitness training, and passion for personal growth. Her mission is to guide others toward a life where they can speak and live proudly.

Written by Lauren Lea Fenn-Ellis, Agency Founder and Fractional COO Lauren Lea Fenn-Ellis, founder and CEO of OBM Associates, leads a globally trusted business management agency. Named one of the Top 10 Disruptive Entrepreneurs, she helps founders scale with clarity, strategy, and operational excellence. There comes a moment in every founder’s journey when the business is working, the team is growing, and demand is rising. On the surface, everything looks like progress. Yet behind the scenes, there’s an awareness that all of it still depends on you. I know this moment well. Letting go of my own roles was one of the hardest things I’ve done, which is why I wrote a blog on my experience . It had nothing to do with my team not being capable. It was because I’d spent years building an identity around being the one who knew everything, managed everything, and held everything together. That identity becomes a ceiling. That ceiling is the point where a founder’s personal capacity becomes the limit of the business. A self-managing company is the solution to that ceiling. It is a business designed to operate, deliver, and grow without relying on the founder’s daily involvement. It gives you space to lead, not manage. To think, not firefight. To grow, not just keep up. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the structure of a self-managing company, how it works, and what it truly takes to build one. What is a self-managing company? A self-managing company is not a business without leadership. It is a business where leadership is shared and supported by strong systems and self-led people. In this type of business, operations continue even when the founder steps away. Clients receive the same quality of experience. The team knows how to make decisions. The business feels grounded and predictable. The founder’s attention shifts away from doing and toward vision, innovation, strategy, and relationships. This shift is not only freeing for the founder, but it is also essential for long-term growth. A client once came to me feeling overwhelmed by a product launch that had spiralled into chaos. Every team member was waiting for her approval on tiny details. Within three weeks of restructuring her workflows and clarifying owners, she messaged me saying, “I feel like I’m in a different company.” The launch finished early, under budget, and without her having to intervene. That is the power of a business that no longer depends on one person. The three foundations of a self-managing company After years of building and operating two companies and supporting dozens more, I’ve distilled the structure of a self-managing business into three pillars: Strong, simple systems Self-led, high-ownership people A culture of freedom These pillars create a company that is stable, scalable, and able to grow without friction . 1. Strong, simple systems Systems are the backbone of a self-managing company. Without them, people rely on memory, habit, or guesswork, which sends questions straight back to the founder. A strong system is one that the team uses every day, not a folder that gathers dust. Key systems include: Clear standard operating procedures Defined workflows Streamlined client delivery Automation that removes manual effort Communication guidelines A centralised project management hub A tech stack that works together Systems should make work easier, not heavier. When systems are simple, the founder becomes optional rather than essential. A real-life moment. When I finally documented the content creation process inside my own business, something surprising happened. Not only did my team execute it beautifully, but they also improved it. They found steps I had been doing out of habit that slowed everything down. That was the moment I realised systems do not just free you, they often upgrade the business beyond what you were doing manually. 2. Self-led, high-ownership people Systems give structure, but people create movement. Inside both OBM Associates® and Root & Scale®, I hire people who are naturally self-led. While you can develop ownership in someone, it’s a slow, intentional process that requires consistent opportunities, clear feedback, and the right performance support. If someone has been conditioned to wait for permission, it’s not impossible to shift, but it does take time. And in a fast-moving business, you need people who already lean toward taking initiative, not away from it. The qualities I look for include: Proactive problem-solving Emotional maturity Calmness under pressure Integrity and reliability Genuine pride in their work Confidence with decision-making It is because of these people that my companies continue moving forward even when I step back. They hold the standard, protect the culture, and elevate the business. A story from a client. I once worked with a founder who told me she felt constantly “on call” inside her business. Her team was wonderful, but they leaned on her for reassurance more than she realised. After restructuring her roles around ownership rather than tasks, something shifted. One day, she messaged me saying, “I didn’t get a single Slack message today asking what to do next. They just handled it.” That quiet moment of relief meant more to her than any revenue milestone. It was the first time she felt the business moving forward without needing her to keep it alive. People are the true engine of a self-managing company. 3. A culture of freedom A culture of freedom is not casual or unstructured. It is a culture where trust, clarity, and accountability are normal. Freedom inside a team requires: Transparent communication Shared leadership Clear expectations Encouraged creativity Safe mistakes Personal ownership When people feel trusted and equipped, they step into their best work. Responsibility no longer feels heavy. Innovation becomes natural. The company becomes more resilient. Freedom is the culture that makes systems and people actually work. Why founders become the bottleneck Founders do not become bottlenecks because they are controlling. They become bottlenecks because they are capable. Because they know the business intimately. Because they care. But when everything flows through one person: Decisions slow The team hesitates Growth stalls The founder burns out The answer is not to push harder. It is to redistribute what you have been holding. Move knowledge into systems. Move authority into the team. Move leadership into the culture. This shift is the foundation of scale . How this works for small and larger teams A self-managing structure works at every size, though the approach shifts. Lean teams (four or fewer): Small teams can implement independence incredibly fast because communication is direct, and everyone sees the full landscape. They thrive with lightweight systems, early ownership, and fast decision-making. Larger teams (ten or more): Bigger teams require more intention. They need clear roles, middle leadership, documented systems, and structured communication rhythms. Both sizes can become self-managing. They simply get there in different ways. 7 steps to building a self-managing company 1. Begin with clarity, not complexity Most founders want to dive straight into systems and software. But the first step is much simpler: clarity. Whether you have one employee or fifty, start by asking: What decisions should no longer depend on me? Which responsibilities need clear ownership? What does “done well” actually look like in each area? What is the outcome each role is accountable for? Clarity is the foundation of autonomy. Without it, systems collapse, and teams hesitate. Before you design a single process, define the expectations. 2. Document what you already do, one workflow at a time You don’t need a 200-page operations manual to begin. You just need to document the work you’re already doing. Choose one recurring task each week and create a simple outline: What is the purpose of this task? What steps are taken each time? What tools or templates are used? What does success look like? This slow, steady documentation builds operational independence without overwhelming anyone. Small teams can do this together. Larger teams can do this by department. Solopreneurs can do this now to prepare for their first hire. 3. Redefine leadership as ownership, at every level A self-managing company is built through distributed leadership, not hierarchy. That starts with redefining what leadership means inside your organisation. Leadership does not mean: having the most experience managing people collecting titles Leadership means: taking responsibility solving problems thinking ahead communicating proactively upholding standards owning outcomes Invite everyone, regardless of role, to step into this identity. On smaller teams, this creates resilience. On larger teams, it creates depth. 4. Build simple systems that reduce questions Many founders assume systems need to be complex to be effective. The opposite is true. A good system should: reduce questions shorten the path to action prevent delays communicate expectations operate without you Start with the systems that drain your time the most: onboarding content workflows client delivery reporting approvals communication routines The goal is independence, not detail for the sake of detail. 5. Establish a weekly rhythm that doesn’t rely on you A self-managing organisation needs an operating rhythm that doesn’t depend on the founder being constantly available. This usually looks like: team-led check-ins clear weekly metrics communication expectations boundaries on decision-making simple escalation guidelines Your presence should enhance momentum, not be the thing that keeps everything moving. Small teams often do this with one weekly meeting. Larger teams might use departmental rhythms. 6. Delegate responsibility, not just tasks Task delegation creates dependants. Responsibility delegation creates leaders. Instead of, “Can you complete this task?” Try, “You own this outcome. Here’s the context, the standard, and the authority you have.” This one shift accelerates self-management faster than almost anything else. Small teams build leadership early. Larger teams unlock capability that has been sitting idle. Founders regain the strategic space they’ve been craving. 7. Build a culture that expects initiative A culture of autonomy isn’t created by permission. It’s created by expectation. Encourage your team to: Bring solutions, not just problems Take initiative before waiting for direction Communicate openly and early Share insights and opportunities Challenge inefficiency Take responsibility for their part of the business Why self-managing companies scale faster When the founder steps out of the day-to-day, projects move faster, the team rises into leadership, clients feel supported, and the business becomes more stable. Most importantly, the founder finally has the spaciousness to think strategically. This is the moment vision becomes possible again. A self-managing company is more resilient, more enjoyable, and more profitable. Why this matters in a tech-driven age Technology can enhance efficiency, but it cannot replace leadership, communication, or ownership. It exaggerates what already exists. Businesses built on clarity become more efficient. Businesses built on chaos become more chaotic. The companies that thrive are the ones with strong systems, empowered people, and distributed leadership. Freedom is the new growth strategy Founders often imagine freedom as something that arrives later, once they’ve worked hard enough or reached a certain milestone. In reality, freedom is not the finish line. Freedom is the approach. It’s the structure that lets you lead rather than manage every detail. It’s the identity shift that invites your team to rise with you. It’s the foundation of a business that grows in a healthy, sustainable way without taking over your entire life. A self-managing company isn’t a company without leadership. It’s a company where leadership is shared, supported, and strengthened at every level. Building a business that can thrive without you isn’t just operationally smart. It’s one of the most meaningful gifts you can give to your future, your team, and the life you’re creating. Your next step If you’re ready to build the systems, structure, and support that help your business grow without pulling more from you, my team and I are here to guide you. If this resonated with you and you want more practical insights on building a business that runs beautifully without relying on you, subscribe to my newsletter . It’s where I share honest stories, real strategies, and the tools that make sustainable growth possible. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lauren Lea Fenn-Ellis Lauren Lea Fenn-Ellis, Agency Founder and Fractional COO Lauren Lea Fenn-Ellis is the founder and CEO of OBM Associates, a globally trusted business management agency supporting high-growth entrepreneurs. With nearly two decades of operational leadership experience, Lauren and her team partner with visionary founders to scale intentionally through strategic systems, high-performing teams, and operations designed for clarity, efficiency, and scale. Named one of the Top 10 Disruptive Entrepreneurs, her work turns operational friction into focused momentum. For founders who are ready to step out of the day-to-day and into confident, sustainable leadership, OBM Associates builds the structure that sets them free.

Rebecca is a leader in innovating canine and equine health, wellbeing, and behaviour. After struggling with the behaviour of her own dog, Evie, her beloved Golden Retriever, she embarked on a journey to learn canine behaviour, nutrition, herbalism, shamanism, and kinesiology to develop a profound and new approach to total canine wellness that promoted a healthy relationship. She is the Chief of Eve's Animal Apothecary and will not rest until her mission is complete, to transform the way we work with canine health and behaviour, tackling it at the root cause with kindness and compassion. Rebecca Daws, Canine Kinesiologist, Herbalist and Trainer Who is Rebecca Daws? I'm Rebecca, and I am a shamanic practitioner, kinesiologist, and behaviourist for animals. As you can probably expect, I'm obsessed with all things dogs and horses, and when I'm not out in the fields with them, I'm either reading about them or painting them. I share my life with two Golden Retrievers and a German Shepherd, who are all utterly nuts and beautiful. I absolutely love books, the arts, and travel, and I love to challenge myself wherever possible. Recently, I have taken up Western horse riding, singing lessons, and kickboxing as part of my latest adventures. I realised I had healing gifts from a young age, either wanting to be Dr Dolittle or a vet. Weirdly, I appear to have become a combination of the two. I began to hone my gifts and accept them through time, age, and experience. If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I've noticed that within the canine industry, namely the training and behavioural side of the field, there is a war over what methods we should be using. Force-free trainers argue about the methods and equipment used by balanced trainers, and balanced trainers argue that force-free trainers are idealistic and do not get results. My own viewpoint is to train the dog in front of you. Each dog is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all. Ultimately, any training equipment has the ability to cause harm if we do not use it correctly and condition the dog first. Whilst trainers are busy warring with each other, we lose our focus on what really matters, helping the dog and owner. We must always train with understanding and compassion. That is, we must look at the animal as an individual and understand what emotion is driving the behaviour for us to achieve full and lasting results. How do you approach creating a truly bespoke program for each dog–owner pair? Could you walk us through your process from initial consultation to ongoing support? I always take on a client and their dog as an individual, which means that my programme is tailored exclusively to their needs. The consultation allows me to assess where the client is currently and their end goals. It is a great chance to see if we are a fit for one another and to discuss a plan going forward to ensure that both the owner and the animal are comfortable and aware of the process. After the consultation, the owner will receive a nutritional guide on how diet affects behaviour, along with suggested foods and supplements for their dog. The second step is the emotional healing aspect. Whether this is kinesiology, shamanic healing, or Reiki, I first like to dive deep and see what emotions are triggering the behaviour in the animal, and work at creating resolution and healing from the core aspect and wounding. I also delve into the emotional mirroring aspect to see where the animal is mirroring their owner and create a plan to resolve this within their relationship. In some cases, more than one healing session is required, which is why the programme is always tailored to the individual. The next step is to implement a training and behaviour plan. We start with a session together to ensure that the owner walks away feeling confident and competent in their skills. I also provide a document that is vital in understanding some of the basic theory behind how a dog's mind works and how to get the best from each training session. Ongoing support is always available, and owners have access to me via Facebook to discuss concerns and any future treatments they wish to explore. I strongly believe that this multifaceted approach creates huge shifts in animal behaviour, as it includes all aspects of health and wellbeing, behaviour, nutrition, physiology, and psychology. I have two course options available, including a complete package that includes a training session and programme, and another for those already attending training classes, so they can achieve results around their current schedule. What inspired you to blend Canine Kinesiology, behaviour training, and energy healing modalities like Reiki and shamanic healing into a single holistic service? It all started with my first dog, my Golden Retriever Evie. From the start, we experienced challenges in health and behaviour. I think by now I have spent thousands of pounds on some of the best dog trainers I could find, most of them labelling my dog as disobedient and disinterested. Yet I could not shake the feeling that there was more going on, a deep underlying emotional issue that was driving the behaviour. I had already used shamanic healing and Reiki for myself in the past and became curious about applying this to our dogs. Before I knew it, I fell down a rabbit hole of learning, studying as much as I could about canine behaviour, nutrition, and alternative therapies. During my time working in kennel facilities designed for residential training, I became increasingly convinced that training alone is not enough to deal with the complexities of animal emotions and how trauma is processed. I began using these modalities alongside canine behaviour knowledge during my career in kennels and quickly became the go-to woman for dealing with anxious dogs. Training in itself never seemed to completely resolve the undesired behaviour, and in many cases, I noticed behaviour worsened when we failed to acknowledge the emotions driving it. They are the same as us. Behaviour is always driven by emotion. Until we deal with the emotion, we cannot create lasting change in our animals. When we choose to take a multidisciplinary approach and a holistic view of our animals' wellness, we create a complete and lasting pathway to long-term healing. What changes or trends have you observed in canine wellness and behaviour, and how is Eve's Animal Apothecary evolving to meet those needs? Dog owners are waking up and asking questions, purely because we love and value our canine friends more than anything. Nothing shows this trend more than the changes in the food industry, with more and more people choosing to feed a raw or home-cooked diet over kibble. We are questioning vets, behaviourists, and dog trainers rather than accepting all knowledge as truth. I honestly love witnessing this, and I found myself treading this path with my own dogs, having tried a ridiculous number of dog foods and trainers that always seemed to offer conflicting advice. The biggest lie I noticed in the market was how products labelled as natural and healthy were actually full of grains and preservatives. This created the cornerstone of my business, to provide honest, bespoke, tailored solutions for animal wellbeing and health. Products that are not full of nasties, which I have tried and tested on my own dogs. I am always questioning and evaluating how things can be done better and what more we could learn. I am a dog lover first and a business owner second. Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today. Oh wow, it was less of a pull and more of a hard shove into this career. I tried so hard to create a normal life, and I noticed that no matter what, I appeared to be blocked from it. Jobs, relationships, and home life all fell apart, no matter how hard I worked. I always hid my own gifts for fear of rejection. The final catalyst was heartbreak, of all things, where I finally decided that I was going to pursue my own journey and path wholeheartedly and without abandoning myself. Knowing that there are so many animals and their owners out there who need support and help adds a further dimension. There is no greater feeling than following your own calling and watching others thrive because of the work you do. Follow me on Facebook for more info! Read more from Rebecca Daws

Written by Rashmi Gajree, Registered Nutritionist Rashmi Gajree is a Registered Nutritionist helping women in midlife reclaim their energy, regulate blood sugar, and feel sexy, confident, and in control of their bodies again, without dieting or deprivation. Most women I work with tell me the same thing, “I wake up tired. I reach for sugar or coffee. By afternoon, I’m drained, and by evening, I’m frustrated that nothing seems to stick.” If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Women in their 40s and 50s face a perfect storm of biological, hormonal, lifestyle, and emotional demands that deplete energy faster than we can replenish it. Yet the wellness world often responds with strict diets, endless supplements, or vague advice that doesn’t fit the reality of midlife. The truth? You don’t need another restrictive plan. You need a smarter, physiological strategy that works with your body, especially your blood sugar, stress response, and shifting hormones. As a Registered Nutritionist who specialises in helping midlife women feel energised, confident, and sexy again, here’s the science-backed truth behind your exhaustion and what you can do today to change it. 1. Blood sugar swings: The hidden energy thief Even if you eat “pretty healthy,” your blood sugar may still be on a rollercoaster. When blood sugar spikes (from skipping meals, sugary breakfasts, stress, poor sleep), your body releases a surge of insulin, followed by a crash. That crash triggers: Intense sugar or carb cravings Afternoon energy slumps Shakiness, irritability, or brain fog Emotional eating Reliance on caffeine Over time, these swings affect mood, metabolism, weight, and even sleep. The fix isn’t cutting carbs, it’s balancing them. Simple changes like pairing carbs with protein, adding fibre, and eating in a “gentle blood-sugar-friendly sequence” can stabilise energy within days. 2. Stress hormones and the midlife overload Women at this stage of life are often balancing careers, ageing parents, children, relationships, and never-ending responsibilities. Your brain and body interpret this as chronic stress, even if you feel you’re coping. Elevated cortisol affects: Belly fat Cravings Energy production Sleep quality Mood and irritability Libido You cannot “willpower” your way out of this. You must change the inputs, not try to push harder with the same exhausted system. Rest and regulation are as essential as nutrition. 3. Hormonal shifts no one warns you about Perimenopause and menopause aren’t just about hot flushes and irregular periods. Fluctuations in oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone deeply influence: How you process carbs Your metabolism Your hunger signals Your sleep Your emotional resilience Your libido and sense of confidence The problem? Most women think they’re “failing” when their biology has shifted. You don’t need to eat less. You need to eat in a way that matches this new hormonal landscape. 4. Diet culture creates more damage than solutions Many midlife women try the same strategies that worked in their 20s: Skipping meals Cutting out entire food groups Extreme calorie reduction Punishing exercise These approaches backfire now because your stress hormones and blood sugar respond differently. You are not undisciplined. Your body has simply changed, and it’s asking for a new approach. So, what does work? Here are the principles I teach inside my Sexy Switch 8 Step Programme. These are simple but powerful habits that create sustainable energy, weight loss, and confidence without restriction. 1. Eat to balance blood sugar (not to shrink yourself) A protein-rich breakfast within 90 minutes Fibre and colour at every meal Carbs paired with protein and fats Snacks that stabilise, not spike Real-life flexibility (yes, you can keep your chai or coffee) Balanced plates equal balanced energy, mood, and cravings. 2. Support your nervous system daily Small practices have a big impact: 3 deep breaths before eating Morning light exposure A 10-minute walk after meals Switching late-night scrolling for a calming routine This is about regulation, not perfection. 3. Honour the hormonal season you’re in Know whether you’re in early, mid, or late perimenopause, and adjust: Meal timing Protein needs Carb tolerance Exercise type Sleep rhythm When your lifestyle matches your hormones, everything feels easier. 4. Build a relationship with food that feels adult, not punishing This stage of life asks for nourishment, not control. Women thrive when food becomes: Permission-based Realistic Satisfying Enjoyable Because confidence grows when you’re not obsessing about what’s “allowed.” The result? You wake up energised, and start feeling like you again My clients often tell me: “I don’t need sugar or coffee to get through the day.” “My clothes fit again, and I feel confident.” “My mood is stable for the first time in years.” “My libido is back, I didn’t realise how much energy I was missing.” When women learn how to work with their bodies, everything changes. This isn’t a diet. It’s a return to yourself. And midlife is the perfect time to make the switch. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Rashmi Gajree Rashmi Gajree, Registered Nutritionist Rashmi Gajree is a Registered Nutritionist known for helping women in midlife reclaim their energy, mood, and confidence through blood sugar–balanced nutrition. Her signature Sexy Switch method blends evidence-based guidance with realistic lifestyle support to create lasting weight loss without deprivation. Rashmi’s work centres on helping women feel sexy, powerful, and fully themselves again. She is deeply passionate about showing women that small changes can spark big transformations.