Written by Cherie Rivas, Transformational Therapies & Coaching Specialist Cherie Rivas is a Transformational Therapies and Coaching Specialist who guides her clients to reconnect with their purpose, reignite their passion, and reclaim their power. By blending psychology, breathwork, NLP, hypnotherapy, and somatic healing practices, her clients are able to break through limitations and unleash their highest potential. There is a stage in a woman’s leadership evolution where her inner work is no longer the problem. She is self-aware, emotionally literate, and intuitively connected. She understands her patterns, has processed much of her history, and has built a life that appears stable and functional. From the outside, she looks ready for more, yet momentum slows precisely at the point where her next step would carry real consequence. This hesitation is often labelled a ‘fear of power’, but that explanation misses the deeper truth. At this level of development, the issue is rarely power itself. The friction arises when power stops being internal and becomes consequential, when it must be expressed through decisions that affect other people, structures, and outcomes. She doesn’t lack clarity, she hesitates at the threshold of responsibility. Where inner work stops creating movement Eventually, insight reaches a point of diminishing return, a point where additional insight no longer produces behavioural change, not because self-awareness has failed, but because the developmental task has shifted. A woman can understand exactly why she delays, where her people-pleasing formed, and how her nervous system responds to pressure, yet still repeat the same behaviour when the stakes rise. Insight explains the mechanism, but it does not automatically create capacity. At this stage, the work is no longer about knowing more, it’s about whether the system that holds her power can tolerate consequence. When responsibility is integrated, something specific changes internally. Action no longer fragments the Self, and choice no longer creates internal negotiation or collapse. Authority becomes something the body can stay present with, rather than something the mind must manage around. When power becomes consequential Power feels expansive when it remains internal. In vision, intuition, or potential, it is clean and energising. Responsibility begins when that power must be expressed through choices that alter outcomes for others. Decisions now affect timelines, resources, relationships, and systems, and some consequences cannot be undone. This is where power acquires weight. Irreversibility enters. A boundary changes a dynamic. A decision closes one path while opening another. A woman often senses, correctly, that stepping fully into responsibility will restructure parts of her life and remove the option to stay provisional. This is the moment power becomes relational, ethical, and binding. It is also the moment where hesitation intensifies, not because she doubts herself, but because she can feel the weight of consequence landing in the body. The shadow dynamics of authority Unintegrated shadow around authority forms wherever impact once carried risk. Many women learned early that being too direct caused conflict, that leadership triggered punishment or withdrawal, or that taking up space cost belonging. Responsibility became unconsciously associated with danger. As a result, power is often split internally, it is desired consciously yet resisted unconsciously. This resistance rarely looks like fear. It looks like thoughtfulness, humility, or waiting for alignment. In reality, it is a protective system designed to minimise perceived fallout. Some women fear being seen as ‘too much’, others fear blame, envy, or moral exposure. These are not mindset issues, they are shadow dynamics that reside beneath conscious intention and activate precisely when consequences become real. Why awareness collapses under pressure Awareness creates understanding, but it does not govern behaviour under pressure. Leadership decisions are made in moments of intensity, not reflection. When responsibility increases, the nervous system responds faster than conscious choice. Sensation is interpreted through memory, and if the consequence is encoded as a threat, protective responses activate automatically. This is why highly self-aware women are often quietly disappointed in themselves. They know their patterns and still default to them when it matters most. That surprise carries a cost: erosion of self-trust, quiet credibility loss, and a subtle fracture of internal authority. Over time, the gap between who she knows herself to be and how she acts under pressure becomes destabilising, not dramatically, but persistently. Authority erodes quietly, long before it collapses visibly. The issue is not a lack of insight. It’s that responsibility that is being experienced as a physiological threat rather than a neutral condition of leadership. Integration as an embodied requirement When shadow remains unresolved at higher levels of influence, power does not disappear, it leaks sideways. It shows up as over-collaboration that avoids final authority, chronic refinement that delays action, or excessive explanation that softens impact. These behaviours are often socially rewarded because they look reasonable and considerate, but over time, they create instability that others can feel, even if they cannot name it. Integration changes this not by forcing confidence, but by altering what responsibility feels like internally. When the nervous system no longer contracts around consequence, authority becomes steady rather than charged. Decisions carry weight without urgency, and action feels inevitable rather than effortful. What disappears is the internal bargaining, the justification, and the need to soften the impact to remain safe. Leadership becomes cleaner, not louder. Coherent rather than performative. Power requires wholeness, not confidence Responsibility marks a developmental threshold where leadership is no longer measured by readiness or confidence, but by the ability to remain internally whole while choices create consequences. The question shifts from “Am I ready?” to “Can I stay coherent while this changes things?” You are not afraid of your power. You are standing at the point where power demands internal unity, and you can sense that anything unintegrated will be amplified. That awareness is not weakness. It is discernment. Responsibility is not the obstacle to power. It is the initiation that must be crossed, because power that remains unclaimed does not stay neutral. It erodes trust, fragments authority, and eventually demands reckoning anyway. Power is conceptual. Responsibility is where it acquires weight. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Cherie Rivas Cherie Rivas, Transformational Therapies & Coaching Specialist Cherie Rivas is a Transformational Therapies and Coaching Specialist with a passion for shadow work. With nearly 20 years of corporate leadership experience and expertise in psychology, breathwork, NLP, and energetic healing, she helps her clients reclaim their power and purpose. Through her unique blend of traditional and complementary modalities, Cherie guides her clients to break free from limitations, step into their fullest potential, and create a deeply fulfilling life. She has also been a featured speaker for the Women Thrive Global Online Summit, sharing her insights on empowerment and transformation.

Thinking about launching your own business, but not sure where to begin? Our experts break down the essential first steps to help you move from idea to action with confidence. Expert Panelists 1. Start with purpose Start with purpose, not paperwork. Clarify why this business matters to you, how it aligns with your values, and which problems you are determined to solve. Visualise what success looks like in one and five years. Then turn vision into validation by taking one practical step, talking to ten potential customers about their challenges. Those conversations transform personal clarity into market insight. They build the confidence and momentum to begin. Sharon Banfield, HR Consultant | Strategic Coach 2. Stabilize before you optimize Before diving into biohacking, make sure your foundation is solid, because you can’t optimize a system that’s already overwhelmed. Start by stabilizing the basics: sleep, hydration, nutrition, movement, and stress regulation. Once those pillars are consistent, track your baseline so you know what’s actually changing when you introduce new tools or supplements. Biohacking should feel supportive, not stressful, so avoid stacking protocols just because they’re trending. When you approach it with curiosity instead of urgency, your body will tell you exactly what works and what doesn’t. Dr. Ariel McGrew, Founder, Business Psychologist 3. Align before you scale The first step is intentional clarity. Define the purpose, values, and impact your business is meant to create before deciding what you will sell. The second step is market resonance, where you observe and listen to real human needs rather than assuming demand. The third step is conscious design, translating insight into a simple, testable offer aligned with your capacity and resources. The fourth step is aligned action, taking focused, low-force steps while remaining adaptive to feedback as the business reality begins to take form. Jivi Saran, Quantum Business Consultant 4. Act before you perfect Starting a business is both a practical journey and a deeply personal one. The first step is not writing a business plan or building a website, it’s cultivating clarity. Ask yourself: Why do I want to build this? Your “why” will anchor you when self-doubt or imposter syndrome inevitably shows up. Once your purpose feels clear, focus on alignment. Identify the problem you’re solving and the people you most want to serve. This is the seed of every successful business. Many aspiring entrepreneurs jump straight into branding, but clarity about your audience and the transformation you deliver will shape every decision ahead. From there, take one small, tangible action. It could be speaking to a potential client, creating a simple outline of your offer, or testing an idea with a minimum viable product. Action dissolves fear, and momentum builds confidence. Above all, remember that entrepreneurship is not about having it all figured out from the start. It’s about vision, resilience, and the courage to take the first imperfect step forward. Mia Poulsen, Business Coach & Thought Leader 5. Turn purpose into practice The heart of any successful business is purpose. Before you think about products or profits, ask yourself: Why do I feel called to create this? What impact do I want to have on people’s lives? When your business grows out of a genuine desire to serve, it naturally attracts energy, opportunities, and the right people to support it. Write down your purpose in one clear sentence, and let it be the filter for every decision you make. From there, move into action with simple, grounded steps. Begin by clearly identifying your audience. These are the people whose lives you most want to touch. Have real conversations with them about their struggles and desires. Listen more than you speak, and let their stories shape your offering. Then, instead of waiting for the “perfect” launch, create the simplest version of your idea and share it with those same people. Gather feedback, refine, and improve. Finally, treat consistency as your ally. Block out regular time each week to take one concrete step. Whether it’s reaching out to a potential client, improving your skills, or building your online presence, baby steps make it real. When you marry purpose with steady, practical action, your business becomes more than a venture. Your business then transforms into a living expression of who you are and the change you want to see in the world. Dr. Kapil and Rupali Apshankar,   Award-Winning Board-Certified Clinical Hypnotists | Board-Certified Coaches 6. Chart your flight plan Starting a business is like standing at the edge of a runway. Your idea is the plane, but you’ll need the right checks, systems, and courage before takeoff. Every great entrepreneur begins with excitement, but it’s the structure behind that dream that keeps it flying. Before you rush to design logos or open social pages, take a moment to chart your flight plan, i.e., your purpose, your audience, and your process. These first steps are more than having paperwork; they’re the anchors that keep your vision steady when the winds of uncertainty blow. Whether you’re a results-driven go-getter, a careful planner, or a big-picture dreamer, clarity is your co-pilot on this journey. The foundation you build now determines how far your business can go tomorrow. Therefore, plan a clear and strategic way to help you move from idea to ignition with confidence. If you can do this by leveraging systems that'll give you a consistent, predictable and profitable growth then you're in for the best. Sariki Abungwo, Business Coach 7. Think like a financial founder Launching a successful business is adopting a financial mindset from the start. Instead of focusing only on branding or operations, begin with a clear budget, realistic cash flow projections, and scenario planning to understand how different choices may affect your future. This approach creates clarity, builds confidence, and helps you anticipate both opportunities and risks. With financial clarity guiding your decisions, you give your business the best chance to grow sustainably. Sandro Endler, Business Finance Specialist

Kirsten Hemmer is a Jay Shetty Certified Resilience Health Coach who has gone through many different health challenges herself.  She helps people with mental or physical health challenges build resilience by finding greater strength and love from within. She personally understands how vulnerable and difficult it can feel to face health challenges. Kirsten Hemmer, Certified Resilience Health Coach Who is Kirsten? Please introduce yourself. Hello, my name is Kirsten. I am a mom of two, and I believe my purpose in life is to be a mom and to help people. What inspired you to become a Resilience Health Coach? I have personally been through many different mental and physical health challenges in my life. I believe I went through these challenges to help support others who are also experiencing health challenges. What does resilience coaching mean to you? To me, resilience coaching means developing a more positive mindset around the challenges that happen in your life. Who do you help the most with your coaching? I help people who struggle with health challenges and who truly want to feel listened to and understood. They are looking to find fulfillment in their lives again. What are the biggest challenges your clients face before working with you? The challenges my clients face include having a more negative mindset, people-pleasing, feeling defeated, and not knowing who they truly are or what they want in their lives. How do you help clients overcome those challenges? We work on developing a more positive mindset when it comes to health challenges, while still honoring the complex emotions that come with experiencing these challenges. I ask powerful questions to help them understand who they are and what they truly want out of life. What makes your coaching different from other health or life coaches? I have personally gone through health challenges my whole life, so I can truly understand what my clients go through and empathize with them. Can you share a transformation story of someone you’ve helped? A client came to me feeling very depressed about their life circumstances and had many expectations placed on them by others. We started exploring who they really were and what truly made them happy in life. They began doing more of what made them happy, not just what others expected them to do. They developed a much more optimistic outlook for their future by living a life they desired. What results can clients expect when they work with you? Clients can expect more self-love, feeling valued for who they truly are, strength, and seeing challenges from different perspectives, and becoming more aware of who they are and what makes them happy, when living the life they desire. What is one common myth about health challenges and resilience you want to bust? Having health challenges does not define you, and you can still live a happy and fulfilling life. How can someone start working with you, and what’s the first step? They can contact me at my website or email me . I believe everyone has a light within, but sometimes we just need support in finding it! Follow me on Instagram for more info! Read more from Kirsten Hemmer

Egbert Schram is the Group CEO of the Culture Factor Group and a global authority on cultural analytics. With a background in forest management and environmental psychology, he approaches organizations as living systems: you cannot force growth, but you can design the conditions that make it possible. Growing up in Almere, a city built from reclaimed land, and becoming the first in his family to attend university, Egbert developed a fascination with how systems are constructed, whether social, ecological, or organizational. That systems lens became the foundation of his leadership philosophy: culture is not a soft topic; it is the operating system that determines whether strategy succeeds or stalls. Since becoming CEO in 2012, he has scaled the Culture Factor Group into a global advisory network operating in more than 60 countries, supporting multinational corporations, scale-ups, and governmental institutions through complex transformation, international expansion, and post-merger integration. To date, the firm has supported over 5,000 organizations worldwide. Its public Country Comparison tool attracts more than four million visitors per year, while over 300,000 new respondents are added annually to its global cultural database, making it one of the largest applied datasets in the field. Egbert’s work focuses on making culture measurable, translating abstract values into observable practices that align executive ambition with the lived experience of the workforce. By combining large-scale data with pragmatic behavioral design, he helps leaders move beyond intuition and treat culture as a strategic performance variable, one that directly shapes decision-making speed, collaboration, and long-term competitiveness. Egbert Schram, Group CEO Who is Egbert Schram, and what led you to focus your work on culture and leadership? I often describe myself as a “forester by training and a CEO by practice.” My early background in forestry taught me a fundamental lesson that applies perfectly to business: you cannot force a tree to grow; you can only manage the environment, the soil, the light, and the spacing that allows it to reach its potential. When I moved into the corporate world and eventually became Group CEO of the Culture Factor Group in 2012, I saw that many leaders were trying to “force” growth without examining the “soil”, the culture. I became, and remain, focused on making culture measurable. I wanted to take something that felt vague and “fluffy” and turn it into a legitimate, data-backed part of executive decision-making, to make assumptions visible, reduce ambiguity, and ensure greater consistency in how people experience work life. This was also the motivation behind my first book, Navigating Foreignerness. One of the largest challenges for CEOs is ensuring that leadership teams are genuinely aligned and that all members feel part of the group. Accepting that we are all foreigners in one way or another, by nationality, function, education, or generation, encourages leaders to test assumptions before acting on them. What core problem do organizations come to you for help with most often? The most frequent challenge is what I call “Strategic Sabotage.” Leaders often have a brilliant strategy on paper, but their Actual Culture, the way work really gets done, is actively working against it. In some cases, the organization’s way of working runs counter to the emotional preferences of a specific location. For example, a CEO may want to shift toward high-speed innovation, but the internal culture remains strictly means-oriented and risk-averse. Or the national culture favors thoughtful reflection over rapid improvisation. Companies usually call us when they hit a wall: they’ve tried changing the strategy, the staff, and the technology, but results are not moving because the underlying culture has not been addressed. How do you define a healthy, high-performing organizational culture? In the executive world, we often mistake “healthy” for “happy.” While happiness is valuable, a high-performing culture is defined by alignment. It is an environment where the Actual Culture matches the Optimal Culture required to execute the strategy, while also respecting emotional preferences shaped by national context. A healthy culture is one where management philosophy supports desired outcomes without creating unnecessary friction. If your strategy requires speed, a healthy culture balances strict work discipline with goal orientation and makes deliberate decisions about how authority and consensus are structured. It is about being fit for purpose. What makes your approach to culture transformation different from traditional models? Traditional models often focus on perceived culture, how people feel, or on aspirational values displayed on walls. We treat culture as a dynamic set of practices, or as one of our clients describes our work, we provide the “econometrics of emotion”. We unlock data with deep, profound cultural insights. Using the Multi-Focus Model™, we provide a diagnostic scan that is as objective as a financial audit. We measure six specific dimensions, such as Internally Driven versus Externally Driven, or Local versus Professional. This allows leaders to move away from opinions and toward actionable metrics, identifying exactly which levers influence organizational outcomes. We connect measurable practices with emotional preferences through our 6D™ Model of national culture. And where market positioning is involved, our Consumer Culture Intelligence (CCI™) model helps align internal culture with external audience expectations. How do leaders unintentionally damage culture without realizing it? Leaders often damage culture through symbolic misalignment. Employees are expert “boss-watchers.” If you speak about collaboration but reward only individual performance, you signal that collaboration is not truly valued. Another silent risk is the “one-size-fits-all” approach. Imposing a uniform global culture without considering national differences often creates resistance. What motivates a team in Helsinki may not work for a team in São Paulo. The same principle applies to product-market fit. What early signs tell a company that its culture needs urgent attention? The clearest sign is a persistent gap between strategy and execution. If initiatives consistently stall or are “reinterpreted” by middle management, there is likely a cultural misalignment. Other warning signs include silo behavior, internal politics overriding customer focus, or the departure of top talent who no longer feel supported by leadership philosophy. How do you help leaders turn values into daily behaviors, not just statements? We focus on practices rather than values. Values describe what people believe; practices determine what people do. You cannot easily change deep-seated values, nor would you want to, but you can redesign the rules of the game. We help leaders translate values into concrete rituals, meeting structures, reporting lines, and incentive systems. For example, if integrity is a value, it must be embedded into performance metrics and reward structures just as rigorously as sales targets. What impact does a strong culture have on performance, engagement, and results? Culture is the operating system of an organization. Without a fitting Culture as Operating System (CaOS), you get chaos. When culture aligns with strategy, internal friction decreases. Decision-making accelerates. Work feels coherent. Engagement rises because effort connects meaningfully to outcomes. Financial performance improves as execution becomes smoother and more consistent. Products and technology can be copied. The way people work together cannot. Can you explain how the Culture Factor Group supports organizations through change? We provide a clear three-step bridge for transformation. First, we diagnose the current state using the Organizational Culture Scan. Second, we align by defining what the Optimal Culture must look like to support strategic goals. Finally, we close the gap through executive coaching and consulting, embedding new practices that are fit for purpose within the broader emotional and national context. What types of leaders or organizations benefit most from working with you? We resonate most with evidence-based leaders, CEOs, and board members who want to see ROI on culture initiatives. We specialize in organizations operating in complex, multicultural environments where misalignment carries high financial and operational risk and where talent is hard to find or replace. What first step should leaders take if they want to improve their culture today? Stop guessing. The first step is to measure your starting point. Leaders often rely on intuition, but those perceptions are filtered through power and position. Only by obtaining objective, data-driven insight into current practices can you deliberately design the culture required for future success. Culture will either accelerate your strategy or quietly undermine it. The difference lies in whether leaders treat it as opinion, or as measurable infrastructure. For executives navigating growth, integration, investment, or transformation, the first step is not another workshop. It is clarity. Measure what is actually happening. Understand the gap. Then decide deliberately how you want your organization to work. Strategy deserves the right operating system, and it is crucial for CEO’s to act accordingly, to ensure Cultural Executive Ownership. Follow me on LinkedIn , YouTube , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Egbert Schram

KeKe Chanel is an award-winning author of suspense and paranormal fiction from Greensburg, Louisiana. KeKe is the owner and CEO of KeKe Chanel LLC and P.U.S.H. Life Coaching. She's a lifestyle blogger, ghostwriter, book consultant, writer, podcaster, and certified mindset coach. KeKe Chanel, Author, Host, and Certified Life and Book Coach Who is KeKe Chanel, and what inspired you to start your business? KeKe Chanel is a small-town girl from Greensburg, Louisiana, who aspired to rise above her surroundings and dedicated herself to making that dream a reality. Facing life's challenges at a young age taught her to adapt rather than succumb to victimhood. She founded her business with the goal of inspiring others to transform their mindsets through positive personal development, recognizing the profound impact that words can have on one’s life. Ultimately, it’s our thoughts that hold the most signiflcance during any stage we encounter. At times, we may feel trapped, and that’s where my business steps in to support others as they navigate the less favorable aspects of life and continue moving forward. What problem do you solve for your clients, and why is it so important? The challenge I address for my clients is facilitating a shift in their mindset by fostering positive personal development. It's essential to recognize the light at the end of the tunnel and avoid becoming trapped by fear of what lies ahead. At P.U.S.H. (Proclaiming, Unbreakable, Self, Healing), our mission is to transform the way my clients think. How do we achieve this? By unpacking mental burdens to create a new mindset centered on positive growth. We empower individuals to discover their inner light and keep it glowing, even in the face of adversity. How do you ensure your clients achieve the best results with your services? We conduct regular coaching sessions, assign tasks, and clearly communicate before signing any contract that we will support them throughout their journey. It’s important for each client to understand from the start that they are not alone in this process. Stepping outside of one’s comfort zone can be difficult and may lead to challenges in maintaining progress. However, at P.U.S.H., we pride ourselves on being open, honest, and transparent with our clients. What sets your approach apart from others in your industry? What distinguishes our approach from others in the industry is a unique method I created. While I won't reveal the name, it consists of four phases, each progressively challenging the client and guiding them toward their aspirations by the end of our collaboration. Although it requires significant commitment, we ensure that the journey is enjoyable as well. Can you share a success story of a client who benefited from working with you? Yes, I had the opportunity to work with a client a few years back who experienced a significant breakthrough during the second phase of the program. Initially, she struggled with confidence and often engaged in negative self-talk. What makes this story particularly special is that while I am guided by my faith, she was not. One day, she became emotional, and I asked if I could pray for her. Although she was hesitant at first, she eventually agreed. That moment transformed everything! At P.U.S.H., we not only guide our clients toward a positive mindset through personal growth but also foster spiritual enlightenment. We still stay in touch, and I’m thrilled to share that she is thriving! What is the most common challenge your clients face, and how do you help them overcome it? The primary challenge my clients encounter is self-doubt. I assist them in transforming their self-perception by guiding them through the program, one step at a time. If necessary, I customize the approach to meet them where they currently are, rather than strictly following the method I designed. This helps them release any self-imposed beliefs that they are unworthy of more. How do you stay current with trends and developments in your field? I don’t typically keep up with trends in my field. Instead, I follow industry leaders and invest in training that enables me to develop innovative courses and techniques, eventually helping my clients achieve their goals. What are the most rewarding aspects of your work? One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is observing my clients' journeys from their starting point to their ultimate transformation. It truly is a beautiful experience. Assisting individuals in unpacking their mental baggage can be quite challenging, but the rewards are immense. If I can change even one mindset, I feel my work has been accomplished. How do you make sure your clients feel heard and understood throughout the process? Being fully engaged throughout their coaching journey is essential. I listen with purpose, recognizing and validating their needs. I reassure them that they can finish strong and thrive even after our time together concludes. I also maintain an open line of communication for whenever they seek encouragement or inspiration. How does your work impact your clients’ lives beyond just the immediate results? The work I do profoundly influences my clients' lives, extending far beyond immediate outcomes by providing them with something they were missing when they first approached me: a shift in mindset. This transformation establishes a foundation for their entire lives. By viewing situations from a new perspective, they experience a change that enhances not only their mental state but also their overall well-being, helping them to cultivate the lifestyle they aspire to achieve. What advice would you give someone who is thinking about working with you? The advice I would offer to anyone considering working with me is straightforward: just go for it! Your life will transform in ways that are incredibly rewarding. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from KeKe Chanel

Shantana Telise is a quantum channel, multidimensional healer, and spiritual educator dedicated to helping women remember and reclaim their true essence. She began her journey in the realm of Reiki, where she quickly realized her calling extended into conscious channeling and energetic mastery. Shantana is the creator of The Art of Divine Channeling Masterclass, a comprehensive program that teaches safe and embodied channeling practices. She also founded The Portal of the Gods, an elite multidimensional initiation guiding women to align their identity with divine love, wealth, and leadership. In addition, she hosts The Goddess Evolution Summit, a global event focused on ascension and soul-aligned living. Shantana Telise, Quantum Channel & Multidimensional Healer Who is Shantana Telise? Shantana Telise is a quantum channel and multidimensional healer known for guiding women through deep, root-level transformation and energetic mastery. What began years ago as Reiki work evolved naturally into conscious channeling when she recognized that the guidance moving through her wasn’t something she had learned – it was something she remembered. Her work is centered on helping women reconnect with their intuition, power, and soul path through precise energetic healing rather than surface-level mindset techniques. She supports clients in clearing subconscious patterns, ancestral imprints, and energetic blocks so lasting change becomes embodied, not managed. Shantana is the creator of The Portal of the Gods and The Art of Divine Channeling Masterclass, immersive programs designed to activate spiritual gifts, expand leadership capacity, and support women stepping into wealth, visibility, and purpose-driven lives. Her work has supported thousands of clients worldwide and earned recognition as California’s Best Spiritual Empowerment Program (2026). Blending grounded practicality with multidimensional channeling, her approach is direct, honest, and deeply transformational. Her mission is simple: to help women stop searching outside themselves and remember that they are the frequency, the architect, and the creator of their own reality. What inspired you to start your journey in this field, and how has it shaped your approach? My journey began in childhood. I was highly intuitive and psychic from a young age, but without the language or support to understand what I was experiencing, it felt overwhelming and unsafe. For many years, I shut those abilities down because fear felt more manageable than the unknown. Everything changed when I became a mother and recognized the same sensitivities in my daughter. I knew I didn’t want her growing up afraid of her own intuition the way I had been. That realization led me into deep personal healing and conscious development of my channel. Because of that path, my approach today is very grounded and real. I don’t bypass the shadow or dress things up as “love and light.” I believe true healing happens when both the light and the shadow are honoured – when people feel safe enough to meet themselves honestly and heal at the root. How do you define success in your line of work, and what does it look like for your clients? For me, success is alignment. It’s the moment someone fully trusts themselves and begins making decisions from clarity instead of fear. When that internal shift happens, external changes follow naturally – healthier relationships, increased income, stronger businesses, clearer boundaries, and a deeper sense of peace. I’ve seen time and time again that when someone changes internally, their outer world reorganizes with far less effort. My clients don’t just achieve outcomes – they become the version of themselves who can naturally hold those outcomes. That level of embodied self-trust and confidence is what I consider real, lasting success. What makes your approach unique and different from others in the market? I don’t work at the surface. I’m not here to hype people up or offer temporary motivation. Every session is guided in real time through channeling and intuitive insight, which means the work is completely personalized rather than formulaic. We look at the deeper energetic patterns, subconscious beliefs, ancestral imprints, or soul-level contracts that are driving the issue underneath. When something is healed at that level, the change sticks – it doesn’t require constant maintenance or management. Many clients describe the experience as less like coaching and more like an activation into who they already are. How do you help your clients achieve lasting transformation in their lives or businesses? I focus on root-level healing rather than quick fixes. Instead of teaching people to push harder or rely on willpower, I help them shift their internal frequency so external results change naturally. Through channeling, energetic recalibration, and subconscious work, we clear the patterns that quietly shape their reality. When those patterns dissolve, life becomes easier – decisions are clearer, opportunities appear faster, and momentum builds without force. Because the shifts are embodied, they last. It’s not something clients have to maintain – it’s who they become. What challenges do most of your clients face, and how do you help them overcome them? Most of the women I work with are already capable, intuitive, and driven – but they feel stuck at a certain level. They often struggle with self-doubt, fear of visibility, repeating patterns in love or money, or the sense that no strategy seems to address what’s really going on. Many have already done extensive personal development and know the block is deeper than mindset. I help them uncover the true energetic or subconscious root and clear it in a grounded, supportive way. Once that happens, the struggle tends to dissolve quickly, and they move forward with clarity and confidence – without forcing or over-efforting. Can you share a success story where your service made a significant impact on a client? One client, Nicole, came to me feeling deeply called to spiritual work but convinced she could only connect on a surface level. She doubted herself constantly and didn’t trust her intuition. Through our work together, she began connecting deeply with her higher self and guides, clearing emotional layers that had been holding her back for years. Over time, she described the experience as finally feeling “at home” within herself – something she had been searching for her entire life. She activated gifts she didn’t believe she possessed and stepped into a level of clarity and self- trust that transformed how she showed up in every area of her life. Witnessing that kind of remembrance is why I do this work. What do you believe is the most important factor when working with clients in your field? Safety and trust – without question. Real healing can’t happen if someone feels judged, rushed, or pressured to perform. I focus on creating a space where people feel fully seen and supported so they can be honest about what’s actually present. My role isn’t to fix anyone; it’s to guide and mirror them back to themselves. When someone feels safe, they naturally open, go deeper, and create lasting change. Techniques matter, but energetic safety matters more. How do you stay updated and innovative in your industry? I see myself as a lifelong student. I continually invest in my own healing and education so I’m guiding people from lived experience rather than theory. I stay open to new modalities and tools that genuinely support transformation, while maintaining a daily channeling practice that keeps my work intuitive, responsive, and current. Much of my innovation comes from listening closely to my clients and evolving based on what actually creates results – not trends. What can a potential client expect from the first time they work with you? We go straight to the core. I don’t spend sessions circling the surface or over-processing. Once I understand what someone wants to shift, we trace it back to the root – whether that’s childhood, ancestral patterns, subconscious beliefs, or past-life imprints. I work directly with intuitive insight and the client’s guides to clear what’s actually creating the issue. Sessions are focused, grounded, and direct. Most people leave feeling lighter, clearer, and surprised by how much changed in a short amount of time. How do you tailor your work to each individual or business? Nothing I do is one-size-fits-all. Every person has a unique energetic blueprint, history, and soul path. I listen deeply, channel in real time, and allow each session to unfold based on what’s needed in that moment. Sometimes the work is gentle and layered; other times it’s direct and breakthrough- focused. I follow the energy rather than forcing a structure, which allows transformation to be precise and efficient. What advice would you give to someone considering working with you? Trust the pull. People rarely find my work by accident – there’s usually an inner knowing long before they ever book a session. You don’t need to feel perfectly ready or healed to begin. If something feels heavy, repetitive, or stuck, it’s often a sign you don’t have to do it alone anymore. My work isn’t about fixing you. It’s about helping you remember your own power. If you feel called, follow it – that first step often changes everything. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Shantana Telise

Amirah Gilani is the founder of AG Consulting, an educational consulting firm focused on helping students and families navigate academic challenges with clarity and confidence. Her work centers on personalized learning evaluations, academic planning, and long-term support across elementary, secondary, and post-secondary education. Amirah Gilani, Education Consultant Who is Amirah Gilani? Introduce yourself, your hobbies, your favorites, and tell us something interesting about yourself. I’m Amirah Gilani, the founder of AG Consulting. I work in education, supporting students and families as they navigate academic systems and regain confidence in their learning. My approach is centered on clarity, structure, and helping people feel less overwhelmed by the process. Outside of work, I enjoy long drives, journaling, and spending time reading. Reading has always been a big part of my life, and something people often find interesting is that I can read a book in a single day when I’m fully immersed. It’s how I unwind, learn, and stay curious. I’ve also had the opportunity to work across different education systems in Canada and the United States, which has shaped how I think about learning, access, and student support. What motivated you to start your consulting firm, and what drives you to keep going? I started my consulting firm on the belief that quality education should not be a privilege, but a right. Over time, I saw how access to clear guidance, appropriate support, and informed decision-making often depended on resources or insider knowledge rather than student potential. Many capable students were falling behind simply because they did not have the support needed to navigate the system. What continues to drive me is the opportunity to help close that gap. By providing structure, clarity, and personalized guidance, I aim to make education more accessible and less overwhelming for students and families. Seeing learners regain confidence and families feel empowered to advocate effectively reinforces why this work matters and why I continue to do it. How do you help your clients achieve success, and what makes your approach unique? I help my clients achieve success by starting with a deep understanding of how each student actually functions, not just how they perform academically. Every engagement begins with a detailed evaluation that looks beyond grades and subjects to examine learning habits, executive functioning, strengths, challenges, and environmental factors that impact performance. This allows me to identify the root causes of difficulty rather than treating surface-level symptoms. What makes my approach unique is the level of personalization involved. I do not focus solely on subject mastery. I look at how a student organizes their work, manages time, processes information, handles pressure, and responds to expectations. From there, I design clear, realistic plans that align with how the student learns best. By addressing both academic and non-academic factors, students build skills that extend beyond individual subjects and support long-term success. Can you share an example of a client who saw significant transformation working with you? I worked with a student who was Deaf and hard of hearing and had begun to disengage from school due to ongoing academic frustration. While the student was capable, their needs were not being fully understood or supported within the classroom environment. Through a comprehensive evaluation, I looked beyond academic performance to understand communication access, learning preferences, executive functioning, and emotional well-being. By adjusting strategies, advocating for appropriate supports, and building routines that aligned with how the student processed information, the student gradually became more confident and engaged. Academic progress followed, but the most significant change was the student’s renewed sense of agency and belonging in their learning environment. That shift, from feeling overlooked to feeling capable and understood, was the most meaningful outcome. What are some common misconceptions people have about consulting and how do you address them? A common misconception is that consulting offers quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. Many people expect immediate results without recognizing that meaningful change takes time and collaboration. In education especially, progress is rarely linear and cannot be reduced to simple strategies or checklists. I address this by being transparent from the beginning. I take time to explain the process, set realistic expectations, and emphasize that consulting is a partnership rather than a service done in isolation. By focusing on understanding the root causes of challenges and building sustainable systems, clients gain clarity and long-term tools rather than temporary solutions. How do you stay ahead in your field, and what strategies do you implement to ensure success? I stay ahead in my field by committing to continuous learning and reflective practice. I regularly engage with research, follow developments across different education systems, and learn from both formal training and lived experience working closely with students and families. Exposure to multiple educational contexts allows me to adapt rather than rely on rigid models. To ensure success, I prioritize structure and intentionality in my work. I rely on clear systems, detailed documentation, and thoughtful planning to maintain consistency and quality. I also place strong emphasis on boundaries and sustainability, recognizing that effective support depends on being focused, present, and able to adapt as needs evolve. What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of my job is witnessing students grow more confident in themselves as learners. When students move from feeling discouraged or misunderstood to feeling capable, the change extends far beyond academics. Equally meaningful is when students become comfortable enough to open up and share their experiences, challenges, and concerns. That level of trust allows for more honest support and deeper progress. Being able to create a space where students feel understood and supported, while helping families gain clarity and reassurance, is what makes this work truly rewarding. How do you balance personal life and running a successful business? I balance personal life and running a business through structure, boundaries, and genuine enjoyment of the work itself. The work I do is deeply aligned with my values, so it often feels less like an obligation and more like a long-term passion project. That sense of purpose makes it easier to stay engaged without burning out. At the same time, I am intentional about protecting my time and energy. I plan carefully, set clear limits, and prioritize rest and reflection. This balance allows me to remain present, thoughtful, and consistent in both my professional and personal life. What’s one piece of advice you would give to someone looking to work with a consultant like yourself? My advice would be to approach the process with openness and honesty. Consulting works best when there is trust, clear communication, and a willingness to reflect and adjust along the way. The goal is not quick fixes, but meaningful progress built on understanding and collaboration. When clients are engaged and transparent about their goals and challenges, the work becomes far more effective and sustainable. Where do you see your business in the next five years, and what are your plans for growth? In the next five years, I see my business growing in a way that is intentional and sustainable. My focus is not on rapid expansion, but on deepening impact through thoughtful partnerships, scalable resources, and continued refinement of my evaluation and support processes. I plan to expand access to high-quality, personalized educational support while maintaining the level of care and precision that defines my work. Growth, for me, means reaching more students and families without compromising values, quality, or the individualized approach that is central to AG Consulting. For families seeking clarity around learning needs, executive functioning, or academic planning, educational evaluations through AG Consulting provide a personalized starting point. These evaluations are designed to understand how a student functions as a learner and to create a clear, actionable path forward. More information about my work and evaluation process can be found through AG Consulting. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Amirah Gilani

Written by Joelle M. Faucette, Somatic Healing & Nervous System Expert Joelle Faucette is a Somatic Healing & Nervous System Expert who helps high-functioning women break free from chronic survival mode through body-based healing, trauma-informed tools, and emotional regulation. Her science meets soul approach blends neuroscience, somatics, and spirituality to create lasting transformation. A few years ago, I reached a point where I was so tired I felt it in my bones, but I still couldn’t slow down. I remember staring at my calendar, desperate for rest, yet incapable of taking it. My body buzzed with urgency. My mind raced. Even when I cleared my schedule, even when I sat on the couch, even when I tried to breathe, I felt restless, guilty, and on edge. I couldn’t slow down. And I didn’t understand why. If you’re reading this, you probably know that exact feeling, bone-deep exhaustion paired with an inability to stop, rest, or simply be still. And while it feels confusing, frustrating, and sometimes shame-inducing, there is a real physiological reason behind it. This article explains that reason in a way that’s simple, compassionate, and empowering, because once you understand what your body is actually doing, you finally stop blaming yourself and start healing at the root. Why rest feels hard Most women don’t realize this, but rest isn’t just an action. Rest is a nervous system state. To slow down, your body must enter the parasympathetic system, the state responsible for safety, digestion, recovery, emotional stability, and grounded presence. But if your body hasn’t experienced consistent safety, rest won’t feel natural. In fact, it will feel unsafe. So instead of relaxing, you feel: restless wired anxious guilty unproductive like something bad might happen This is not a mindset issue. This is not a discipline issue. This is not a weakness. This is biology shaped by your past. The real reason you can’t slow down Your body learned at some point, often in childhood, trauma, or a high-pressure environment, that slowing down is dangerous. In other words, your nervous system equates rest with vulnerability. If your earliest or most shaping experiences taught your body that: resting meant getting in trouble slowing down meant you’d fall behind being still meant someone might get angry relaxing meant you’d miss the warning signs stopping meant you weren’t valuable Then, of course, you can’t slow down now. Your body is protecting you. Not sabotaging you. Protecting you. Hypervigilance in a high-functioning body Many high-performing women live in a state of hypervigilance, a nervous system that is always scanning for danger, conflict, or expectation. Even when nothing is wrong, your body acts as if something might be. This leads to: chronic tension difficulty resting overthinking and overplanning always feeling “behind” irritability or emotional shutdown guilt when you try to relax feeling “lazy” when you’re simply tired Hypervigilance is not a personality trait. It is a survival adaptation. Your body learned to stay alert because it once needed to. Why therapy and mindset work often don’t fix this You know you need to slow down. You understand the pattern. You want to rest with every cell in your being. And still you’re not able to do it. Why? Because your thoughts are not the problem. Your nervous system state is. Talk therapy helps you understand the “why.” Mindset work helps you reframe the story. But neither directly rewires the physiological survival patterns that keep your body stuck in “go mode.” This is why so many women tell me, “I know I’m safe, but my body doesn’t feel safe.” Because safety is not a belief. It’s a felt experience. And until your body feels safe slowing down, you won’t be able to. What actually helps you slow down To truly be able to rest, your nervous system needs: Regulation: Learning to shift out of fight, flight, or freeze and into a state of grounded presence. Capacity: Expanding the amount of emotional energy your system can hold. Safety: Teaching your body that slowing down is not a threat. Somatic support: Using body-based practices that create real physiological changes, not just mental ones. Examples include: breath patterns that signal safety grounding techniques somatic unwinding or gentle movement vagus nerve activation tension release practices body scanning for emotional imprints This is how you teach the body to trust stillness. This is how rest becomes possible. Not through forcing it. Through rewiring for it. You’re not failing, you’re protecting yourself The moment you understand that your inability to rest is not a flaw, something softens inside you. You stop shaming yourself. You stop comparing yourself to others. You stop trying to “think” your way out. And instead, you start listening. You start noticing the patterns your body has been holding for decades. You start honoring the exhaustion. You start learning to receive support. That’s where healing begins. Not in the mind. In the body. You don’t have to do this alone If this article speaks to your experience, your body is already asking for support. This is exactly the work I do in Becoming Her, my 10-week somatic mentorship for high-functioning women who are exhausted from living in survival mode. Inside the program, we: Map your personal nervous system blueprint Identify the root cause of your restlessness Rewire your safety system so rest feels possible Release the trauma patterns keeping you in hypervigilance Build a body that knows how to soften, regulate, and receive Help you become the most grounded version of yourself You don’t heal just by slowing down. You heal when your body feels safe enough to slow down. Your next step If this resonated, I’d love to support you personally. I offer a free 45-minute Becoming Her discovery call, where we explore: Why your nervous system won’t let you slow down What your body is protecting you from The patterns driving your exhaustion The somatic healing path that would actually help Click to book your call: Book your free nervous system discovery call Your body has carried you for so long. It’s time to let it rest. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Joelle M. Faucette Joelle M. Faucette, Somatic Healing & Nervous System Expert Joelle Faucette is a Somatic Healing & Nervous System Expert who helps high-functioning women break free from survival mode and reconnect with emotional safety, confidence, and inner peace. As the founder of mindbodySOL, she blends somatic psychology, trauma-informed coaching, and spiritual embodiment to create lasting transformation. Her science-meets-soul approach offers practical tools for anxiety, burnout, trauma patterns, and emotional dysregulation, helping women feel at home in their bodies again. References: Parasympathetic nervous system and rest/recovery: Bremner, J. D. (2006). Traumatic stress: effects on the brain. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 8(4), 445-461. Chen, Y. L., & Koenig, J. (2014). Autonomic nervous system and heart rate variability measures. In M. Thayer & J. Lane (Eds.), Handbook of Physiological Research Methods in Health Psychology (pp. 213-232). Sage Publications. Porges, S. W. (2011). The polyvagal theory: Neurophysiological foundations of emotions, attachment, communication, and self-regulation. W.W. Norton & Company. Shaffer, F., & Ginsberg, J. P. (2017). An overview of heart rate variability metrics and norms. Frontiers in Public Health, 5, 258 . Somatic therapy and trauma treatment: Andersen, T. E., Lahav, Y., Ellegaard, H., & Manniche, C. (2017). A randomized controlled trial of brief somatic experiencing for chronic low back pain and comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 8(1), 1331108 . Brom, D., Stokar, Y., Lawi, C., Nuriel-Porat, V., Ziv, Y., Lerner, K., & Ross, G. (2017). Somatic experiencing for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized controlled outcome study. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 30(3), 304-312 . Kuhfuß, M., Maldei, T., Hetmanek, A., & Baumann, N. (2021). Somatic experiencing – effectiveness and key factors of a body-oriented trauma therapy: a scoping literature review. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1929023 . Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: Using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 6,93 . Vagus nerve and nervous system regulation: Breit, S., Kupferberg, A., Rogler, G., & Hasler, G. (2018). Vagus nerve as modulator of the brain–gut axis in psychiatric and inflammatory disorders. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 9, 44 . George, M. S., Ward, H. E., Ninan, P. T., Pollack, M., Nahas, Z., Anderson, B., ... & Ballenger, J. C. (2008). A pilot study of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for treatment-resistant anxiety disorders. Brain Stimulation, 1(2), 112-121. Porges, S. W. (2001). The polyvagal theory: phylogenetic substrates of a social nervous system. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 42(2), 123-146. Chronic stress and health: Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). Understanding the stress response: Chronic activation of this survival mechanism impairs health. Harvard Medical School . McEwen, B. S. (2007). Physiology and neurobiology of stress and adaptation: Central role of the brain. Physiological Reviews, 87(3), 873-904.

Written by Deutina Idisi, Women Empowerment Coach Deutina Idisi is a global product leader and identity architect behind TinaTalks™, empowering women of faith to rebuild purpose, confidence, and clarity through her signature 5G Journey to Becoming™ framework. For many women in their 30s, grief does not arrive with a single moment or clear loss. It arrives quietly through birthdays, weddings, baby announcements, and milestones that never come in the order or form they expected. This is the grief of the life you thought you would have: the marriage that did not happen when planned, the children that have not come, the timeline that slowly slipped away. This article explores why this kind of grief is so often unrecognised, how it affects identity and faith, and how women can move forward honestly without minimising their pain or pretending everything is fine. What does it mean to grieve a life you thought you would have? Grief is often associated with death, but many women experience a different kind of loss: the loss of expectations, imagined futures, and assumed milestones. Psychologists refer to this as ambiguous loss, grief without closure, ritual, or social permission. Unlike visible losses, unmet timelines rarely receive acknowledgement. There is no ceremony for the relationship that did not happen, the child you hoped for, or the life you quietly prepared to live. Yet the emotional impact can be just as real. What makes this grief particularly complex is that life continues as normal. Women are still working, serving, showing up, and often supporting others, all while carrying an internal sense of loss that lacks a socially recognised language. The growing reality of delayed adulthood and unmet timelines This experience is not isolated. Across the UK and many Western countries, the average age of first marriage and first-time motherhood has continued to rise, with more women reaching their late 30s and 40s without having followed the life sequence they once assumed. More women are single longer. More face fertility uncertainty. Many live in prolonged “in-between” seasons, with milestones delayed or missing. What previous generations experienced as brief transitions have, for many women today, become extended chapters of their lives. Yet the emotional weight of this shift is rarely named or supported. The result is a quiet, widespread grief that feels deeply personal, even though it is shaped by broader social and structural change. Why this kind of grief often goes unrecognised It does not fit society’s definition of loss Modern culture celebrates achievement and progression. Weddings, pregnancies, promotions, and anniversaries are publicly affirmed. What is not acknowledged are the quiet absences, the milestones that did not arrive. When loss lacks a clear event, women are often urged to “stay positive” or “be grateful,” even when something is missing. A culture of faith and positivity can silence pain For women of faith, disappointment can feel especially complicated. Well-intentioned encouragement to “trust God,” “wait patiently,” or “it is well” can unintentionally dismiss the grief women are carrying. Lament, however, is deeply biblical. Scripture makes room for sorrow, confusion, and unanswered prayers. Faith was never meant to bypass pain. It was meant to hold it. Comparison makes grief feel illegitimate When others appear to be moving forward, women often downplay their own sadness. Thoughts like “others have it worse” or “I should be happy by now” can silence grief rather than heal it. Minimising pain does not resolve it. It only forces it underground. How unmet timelines affect identity and self-worth When marriage, motherhood, and milestones are closely linked, delays in one area can begin to shape how women see themselves. A singleness that lasts longer than expected can raise questions about one’s worth or desirability. Delayed motherhood can trigger feelings of failure or shame. Missed milestones can quietly erode confidence. Research shows that identity uncertainty peaks during prolonged transitional periods, particularly when life no longer aligns with cultural expectations. Women are not grieving “nothing.” They are grieving the loss of certainty about who they thought they would be. For many, the deeper loss is not the milestone itself, but the meaning it was expected to provide: legitimacy, belonging, stability, or a sense of arrival. When those markers do not come, women are left renegotiating who they are without the framework they were given. And sometimes, even when milestones are reached, fulfilment still does not arrive as women were promised. That realisation can deepen the grief because it reveals that the ache was never only about getting the thing, but about what it was supposed to fix. The emotional and physical signs of suppressed grief Unacknowledged grief often shows up subtly rather than dramatically. Many women experience: Emotional numbness or low-grade sadness Irritability or withdrawal Anxiety around birthdays, holidays, or life milestones Difficulty celebrating others without guilt Chronic exhaustion or loss of motivation Because this grief has no clear label, women often turn the pain inward, blaming themselves rather than recognising the loss beneath the symptoms. Over time, this can create emotional fatigue and a sense of disconnection from one’s own life. Grief is not the same as ingratitude One of the most damaging myths women face is the belief that grieving unmet milestones signals ingratitude. In truth, silent grief and gratitude can coexist. Recognising this balance is central to validating the silent grief from unmet timelines. You can be thankful for your life and still mourn the parts that did not happen. You can love God and still feel disappointed. Suppressing grief for gratitude delays healing rather than deepening faith. When marriage, motherhood, and milestones collapse into one expectation Many women were given a simple framework: find a partner, get married, have children, and then life will make sense. When that framework does not unfold, the grief often is not about one missing milestone. It is about what that absence seems to say about you. Singleness can start to feel like being overlooked. Childlessness can begin to feel like being left behind. When those narratives take root, the pain becomes personal, even when the circumstances are not your fault. Recognising that you were handed an incomplete framework is not self-pity. It is the beginning of self-compassion. How to live with grief without letting it shrink your life Living with grief does not mean living small. It means learning to carry loss without letting it define the limits of your future. This begins with naming what was lost, not only the outcome, but the meaning attached to it. It continues with the release of comparison, which keeps grief trapped in cycles of self-judgment. And it grows through allowing purpose to evolve rather than insisting it must look the way it once did. Grief does not signal the end of purpose. It often marks the beginning of a more honest one. Faith, lament, and learning to sit with disappointment Faith traditions often emphasise victory and breakthrough, but Scripture is equally rich with lament. The Psalms are filled with questions, sorrow, and unresolved tension. Faith is not the absence of disappointment. It is the decision to remain present within it. Trust grows when women stop pretending and start telling the truth to themselves, to God, and to safe others. Moving forward without pretending Moving forward means integrating grief into a clearer self-understanding. Once women stop rushing to “move on,” clarity often follows. Life may not look the way it once did, but it can still be meaningful, purposeful, and deeply aligned. Start where you are If you are grieving a life you thought you would have, whether that grief is tied to singleness, delayed marriage, motherhood, or unmet milestones, you are not broken. You are human. If you want structured support to process this season, reconnect with your identity, and move forward with clarity rather than comparison, you can book a clarity call with me. Together, we create space to acknowledge what was lost, discern what remains, and design a path forward that reflects who you are now, not who you were told you should be. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Deutina Idisi Deutina Idisi, Women Empowerment Coach Deutina Idisi is a global product leader, author, and identity coach empowering women of faith to rebuild from disruption to design. As founder of TinaTalks™ and creator of the 5G Journey to Becoming™ framework, she helps women in transition rediscover who they are beyond titles and timelines. Blending corporate strategy, storytelling, and spiritual insight, Deutina guides women to design purpose-led lives grounded in faith, confidence, and clarity.

Ellen Silverman is currently a residential real estate advisor at Compass, a technology-driven real estate firm headquartered in New York City. A native New Yorker, she attended the prestigious Trinity School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University. Ellen Jane Silverman, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Who is Ellen Jane Silverman? I am a fourth-generation New Yorker who grew up as an only child of a single mother. I lived with my mother, and my aunt and grandmother lived within two blocks of each other in Chelsea; together, they shaped every part of who I became. They worked tirelessly: my mother was a nutritionist at several leading Manhattan hospitals, my aunt was an accountant for a fashion company in Lower Manhattan, and my grandmother worked for Macy’s for forty years. While I got my strong work ethic from these women, I felt enormous pressure to succeed. Independence became my armor. I wanted to chart my own course, to live without anyone telling me what I should be or do. I was fortunate to attend private schools in Manhattan. In grammar school and high school, I had amazing math teachers who inspired and motivated me to excel in math. I decided to major in mathematics and attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA. After graduating from college, I earned an MBA in statistics and launched my career on Wall Street. I worked as an equity analyst, then a fixed-income analyst, and later as a technology consultant. I loved the energy of the markets, the fast pace, and the intellectual challenge. But as time went on, especially after the 2008 financial crisis, the joy began to fade. The work became arduous, the hours long, and the environment exhausting. I stayed in finance longer than I should have, since I had those golden handcuffs of a stable job and a great salary. I should have left then, but it took me another eight years to finally leave in 2016. I got my real estate license the summer of 2016 and never looked back. I am a licensed real estate salesperson in Manhattan and have been with Compass for the past six years. When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling, spending time at the beach in the summer, and attending art openings. I also love exploring city boutiques and keeping an eye on emerging fashion trends. I have a genuine passion for style, with a particular weakness for fashion, handbags, and jewelry. What first inspired you to become a real estate advisor in New York City? I am a native New Yorker and have lived here my entire life. I have experienced the city through both challenging and transformative periods, and it truly is a place that never sleeps. New York is home to some of the most resilient people in the world, and its energy is unmatched. I have witnessed firsthand how neighborhoods evolve, giving me a strong instinct for where real estate value will appreciate. Combined with my financial background and passion for interior design, real estate is a career that perfectly integrates my skills, interests, and experience. How does your background in finance and on Wall Street influence the way you serve your clients? My initial approach when working with both buyers and sellers is to start with the numbers, whether pricing a property for a seller or determining an appropriate offer for a buyer. I am highly analytical and rely on detailed spreadsheets, allowing clients to view all relevant data clearly in one place. That said, real estate is still inherently emotional. Transactions involve significant financial decisions, and clients need to feel confident and satisfied beyond what the numbers alone may suggest. Every deal marks the close of one chapter and the beginning of another. As a result, while the quantitative skills I developed on Wall Street are essential, empathy and listening skills are equally as important. My own experiences buying and selling Manhattan apartments, combined with a lifelong understanding of the city, have allowed me to genuinely put myself in my clients’ shoes and guide them thoughtfully through a real estate transaction. What is the most important thing buyers should know before starting their New York property search? First and foremost, buyers who are new to the New York City market must understand that it is truly a world unto itself and does not operate like the rest of the country. Approximately two-thirds of the city’s housing inventory consists of co-ops, which come with strict rules and approval requirements for buyers. The remaining third of the inventory is condominiums, which generally offer greater flexibility. It is also essential for buyers to understand how pricing is influenced by factors such as neighborhood, building type, amenities, floor level, and apartment size. By reviewing listings and previewing properties, buyers can develop a clear understanding of the market and make informed decisions. How do you help clients find the right home in such a competitive and complex market? I strive to make the process as stress-free as possible. I often say that while New York City is competitive and complex, it is also incredibly diverse, with opportunities for anyone! As a fourth-generation New Yorker, I truly believe this – even amid today’s often discouraging headlines. With that perspective, I take the time to interview my buyers and ask thoughtful questions about their goals, budget, preferred neighborhoods, desired size, and amenities. I then show what is achievable within their budget and proactively introduce alternative options and creative ideas they may not have previously considered. What common misconceptions do people have about buying or selling in Manhattan? Clients often try to compare the process of buying in Manhattan to purchasing real estate elsewhere in the country. There truly is no comparison, and attempting to compare the city to other markets only leads to frustration. If you want to live here, it is important to let that mindset go. That does not mean buying beyond one’s financial means – rather it requires one to also consider the lifestyle and experiences you gain by living in New York City. What skills or qualities do you bring that set you apart from other agents? What sets me apart is my innate understanding of the city, strong financial expertise, and a genuine passion for new developments and interior design. Can you share a moment when you turned a challenging situation into a positive outcome for a client? Every deal comes with its own challenges! One transaction in particular involved a family purchasing a condominium in a boutique building on a street that, surprisingly, lacked internet connectivity. The buyers both work in technology and operate from home, so this was a major concern. To complicate matters, the developer claimed to be unaware of the issue. We worked directly with Verizon to confirm that the necessary infrastructure could be installed to provide reliable internet service. Fortunately, the work was completed before my clients closed on the unit. Emotions understandably ran high throughout the process – after all, in today’s world, a day without internet feels almost unimaginable, even if a brief disconnect might not be such a terrible thing once in a while. How do you support sellers in showcasing and staging their property to attract the best offers? Compass places a strong emphasis on staging and will front the cost, with staging fees paid at closing. In today’s market, buyers are highly discerning and need to be able to envision themselves living in a space. Staging sets the tone, demonstrates what is possible, and reflects the lifestyle buyers aspire to in the next chapter of their lives. Statistically, staged properties consistently sell for more money in a shorter period of time. In addition to staging, we present clear market comparables, provide a comprehensive overview of current market conditions, and leverage a wide range of marketing strategies, including social media and other targeted marketing tools, to maximize exposure and results. What neighborhood characteristics do you consider when helping someone choose where to live? Most clients want to be close to a subway and within easy reach of great food, shopping, and restaurants. Of course, every buyer has a unique lifestyle and priorities, so the types of conveniences they value can vary widely. I have also seen firsthand how developers transform once-undeveloped or overlooked neighborhoods. In no time, new amenities often emerge – better grocery markets, coffee shops, restaurants, fitness studios, yoga spaces, bars, and cultural venues –reshaping the character and appeal of an area. Safety is another common concern. I always recommend that buyers walk through a neighborhood at various times of day and night to get a genuine feel for the environment before making a decision. What advice would you give someone who feels overwhelmed by the NYC real estate process? I would say: stop relying on real estate shows, the news, or the naysayers! While I enjoy those reality shows as much as anyone, they rarely reflect the day-to-day realities of the market. Not every buyer is purchasing a penthouse on Billionaires’ Row or a luxury loft in TriBeCa. Instead, work with a level-headed real estate broker – like me – who can take the time to understand what you are looking for, review your budget and finances, and guide you through the options that truly fit your needs. How can potential clients contact you to start working together, and what should they expect first? You can visit my website or follow me on Instagram . Feel free to call, text, or WhatsApp me at 917-570-5042, or email me . I am always happy to meet over Zoom or for a coffee. I love discussing real estate and exploring what is possible for the next chapter in people’s lives. Follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Ellen Jane Silverman

Written by Grinia Bradwell, Intuitive Author & Writer Grinia Bradwell, PhD, is a scientist, author, and Reiki Master exploring the intersection of science, consciousness, and personal growth. She is the author of The Energy Field: The Paths We Take Are the Choices We Make, a reflective memoir exploring personal transformation, cultural change, and inner awakening. Most people don’t wake up thinking, “I don’t love myself.” More often, the truth is quieter, we don’t know how we relate to ourselves at all. We move through life responding to responsibilities, expectations, and challenges, often without noticing the tone of our inner world. We may function well on the outside while internally pushing, judging, or dismissing our own needs. Over time, this internal relationship silently shapes our well-being, resilience, and sense of meaning. In a world that is constantly changing, uncertain, and fast-paced, learning how to relate to ourselves with care is not a luxury, it is a skill we must develop if we want to thrive. What is self-love? Most of us were never taught how to have a healthy relationship with ourselves. We learn how to perform, adapt, and succeed, but not how to respond to our own struggles with care and compassion. Self-love is not being selfish or self-serving. Self-love is not about being vain or egocentric. At its core, self-love is about how you treat yourself when challenges arise. It is about how you respond when you fail, feel overwhelmed, or don’t meet your own expectations. A closely related concept, self-compassion , refers to the ability to respond to our own struggles with kindness, awareness, and understanding, rather than judgment and avoidance. It is treating ourselves with the same level of empathy, care, and compassion that we would give to a dear friend or a loved one. Self-love is celebrating our achievements with pride. It is taking care of our mind and body without shame, and it is setting healthy boundaries without guilt. Self-love is investing in our personal growth and well-being, it is taking the time to rest when we need it and getting back up when we fall. Self-love is forgiving our mistakes and moving on with what we’ve learned. It is looking in the mirror knowing that we are a unique individual, and while imperfect, we are complete and deserve respect, love, and care. Why do we struggle with self-love? If self-love is so important, why does it feel so difficult for so many of us? There are several factors that can play a role in how we relate to ourselves, some of them have deep roots in our childhood, personal relationships, or societal expectations. Let’s look at three examples. 1. When we feel that love is conditional Many people grew up in environments where love and affection were closely tied to achievement, behavior, or emotional control. As children, they learned that to be loved, they needed to behave in certain ways, meet expectations, or suppress parts of themselves that were inconvenient, overwhelming, or uncomfortable for others. From a child’s perspective, they learn that they need to adapt to be loved. They may think that they are only accepted when they succeed or contain their emotions. They believe that being quiet and helpful will keep them connected. They may think that their needs are less important than being a “good kid.” It should be noted that this can happen even in families where there is genuine care and good intention. Love may be present, but it is not always felt, as parents’ intentions and a child’s experience and expectations may differ. Expressions of love and affection vary widely across cultures, generations, and social environments. In some families or communities, physical affection is rare or discouraged, and love is demonstrated through sacrifice rather than words or touch. In these contexts, a lack of affection does not mean a lack of love. In many cases, parents are doing the best they can within the limits of their own upbringing, stress, and cultural context. Love may be expressed through providing material needs, encouraging discipline, or preparing a child to succeed in a demanding world. Emotional restraint may be seen as strength. Affection may be assumed rather than expressed. However, a child’s mind may not understand intention and may interpret their experience as conditional love. The beliefs developed in childhood can persist into adulthood , subconsciously, as deep-rooted relational patterns . Some symptoms we may notice from this early experience can show up as self-criticism, lack of boundaries, or a constant need to please others to receive approval. In this scenario, one may associate their self-worth with being constantly recognized through an incessant effort to perform and meet outside expectations. 2. When we try to meet societal expectations Modern society has a powerful influence on how people are expected to look, perform, and present themselves. In some cultures, value is still closely tied to productivity, where being busy and efficient is praised, while taking time to rest and slow down can be viewed as weakness. Additionally, societal expectations around appearance can deeply influence how people relate to themselves, particularly in cultures that emphasize youth, thinness, and constant self-improvement. Social media can intensify comparison by offering a constant stream of curated lives, bodies, and successes. Even when people know these images are filtered or selective, the nervous system still responds. Increased social media use is linked to higher levels of anxiety, depression, and lower self-esteem. When comparing themselves to fabricated online lifestyles, people start to measure their worth based on the idea that, to be good enough, they must meet a certain financial status, beauty standards, or personal achievements. In truth, most of what is shown online is curated for perfection and far from the reality of most creators. When worth becomes tied to appearance, the internal relationship often shifts toward monitoring and correction rather than acceptance. Self-love becomes conditional, “I can be kind to myself once I achieve this goal,” or “I will love myself when my body looks a certain way.” This ongoing self-judgment brings anxiety, shame, and reduced well-being, leading to a vicious cycle of perfection-seeking for social approval. 3. When trauma speaks Traumatic experiences or chronic mental health challenges can also shape how people relate to themselves. Trauma, whether from toxic or abusive relationships, loss, or ongoing stress, can deeply influence how people perceive safety, worth, and connection. Symptoms associated with trauma and post-traumatic stress can include increased self-criticism and difficulties regulating emotions. Together, these factors can interfere with some people’s ability to respond to themselves with kindness and compassion, leading to a reduced capacity for self-love. While we won’t explore all the different types of trauma or mental health challenges here, it is important to recognize when they may be present and to seek appropriate support. There should be no shame in identifying these experiences or reaching out for help to address their effects. Doing so can help open the path to healing, strengthen the inner relationship, and create space for self-love and self-care. Practical tools to practice self-love Now that we have covered what self-love is and why so many people struggle with it, let’s look at some tools that can help you practice it mindfully. Listen to your inner voice Most people don’t realize they are being self-critical because that voice is automatic and familiar. Notice how you speak to yourself when something goes wrong. Is your tone supportive and patient, or is it harsh or dismissive? Negative self-talk is powerful and can significantly impact the relationship we have with ourselves. The opposite is also true, when we treat ourselves with compassion and self-love, positive transformations can begin in our lives. Repetitive negative thinking, including negative self-talk, can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression, causing us to lose the motivation to take positive steps toward our health and well-being. In addition, the mindset and energy we put out into the world often return to us, as we tend to attract people with similar outlooks. These relationships, in turn, influence our experiences and the opportunities and paths that may open up for us. Stop negative self-talk The first step to stopping negative self-talk is to remove yourself from sources of negativity. Stop consuming social media that encourages comparison with curated or manufactured lifestyles. Instead, choose content that feels uplifting, grounding, and joyful. Practice gratitude. Each day, take a moment to notice one or two things you could be grateful for. It doesn’t need to be something big. You might be grateful for drinking clean water, for the food on your table, or for the sun shining outside. Practice positive thinking. You don’t need to completely ignore your negative thoughts. Instead, observe them without judgment, like clouds passing through the sky, while gently redirecting your attention. Practice replacing these thoughts with something positive and a small action. For example, instead of thinking, “I don’t like how I look,” say to yourself, “I am grateful for my body and will treat it with love and respect today.” Follow up with a supportive action, such as going for a walk, eating a healthy snack, or doing something else that helps you feel good and cared for. Practice meditation Mindfulness, combined with meditation, is a great tool to shift our mindset. Guided meditation is very helpful when our minds are busy or spiraling with negativity. Try a few different meditation styles and find one that works best for you. Practice regularly, even if you can only dedicate a few minutes a day. Meditation doesn’t always look like sitting quietly with an empty mind. You can listen to positive affirmations while walking or driving to work. You can journal your experiences and reflect on them, or listen to music that evokes positive feelings. The more you practice, the more you will notice subtle shifts in your mindset, including changes in how you perceive yourself and how you interact with the world around you. Movement is key Movement is key for life. Prolonged stagnation can lead to disease and unhappiness. In an ideal world, we would all be walking more and exercising daily. In reality, this may not be consistently achievable for many people. However, there are other ways to incorporate movement, even when lifestyle demands or personal conditions don’t allow for long daily self-care routines. You can start by making small changes to your daily routine. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Go for a walk in your neighborhood or enjoy short hikes on the weekends. Stretch your body, notice where there is tension, and try to mindfully relax. Avoid isolating yourself. Connect with other people, volunteer in your community, or find new activity groups to participate in. You can also move around the house, tidying up your space and removing clutter. It all counts. Allowing more movement into your life can support a clearer mind and a healthier body. Self-love is an ongoing relationship Self-love is not something we achieve once and then we are done. It is an ongoing relationship, one that evolves as we move through different stages of life. How we relate to ourselves is shaped by our past experiences, our environment, and the challenges we face along the way. At times, self-love may feel natural and accessible, at other times, it may require patience, awareness, and support. Learning to love ourselves does not mean ignoring difficulties or forcing positivity. It means noticing how we speak to ourselves, how we care for our body and mind, and how we respond when things feel hard. Small, consistent practices, like mindful awareness, movement, and choosing kinder inner dialogue, can slowly reshape this relationship, even when progress feels subtle. Most importantly, self-love is not about perfection. It is about returning to yourself again and again with compassion. Each moment of awareness and each small choice creates space for healing, resilience, and growth. Over time, this ongoing relationship with ourselves becomes a steady foundation for well-being and happiness. If this resonates with you, I’d love to keep the conversation going. Connect with me on Instagram and explore more on my website . I would love to see you there. Follow me on Facebook for more info! Read more from Grinia Bradwell Grinia Bradwell, Intuitive Author & Writer Grinia Bradwell, PhD, is a scientist, author, and Reiki Master who explores questions of perception, awareness, and personal growth. With a background in scientific research and a deep interest in consciousness and energy, her writing reflects on how logic and intuition can coexist. Through personal experience and thoughtful inquiry, she invites readers to expand perspective and reconnect with inner balance.

Written by Meghan Rusco, Leader and Innovator As an Executive Contributor to Brainz Magazine, I'm passionate about exploring the frontiers of human potential and innovation. There was a time when passion felt like being overtaken. It was loud. Chemical. Urgent. It lived in longing, imagination, and the restless pull toward something just out of reach. I used to believe that if something stirred me enough, unsettled me enough, pulled hard enough at my emotions, it must mean something real. For many of us, especially women who have spent years in survival mode, caretaking roles, high emotional labor, or constant self-reinvention, intensity becomes the language of aliveness. We learn to associate butterflies with meaning. Chaos with chemistry. Longing with love. But there comes a moment when the body stops agreeing. I don’t know passion by that name anymore. What I’ve outgrown is the primal yearning that once made me restless over things that weren’t actually mine. The kind of desire that hijacks the nervous system and disguises itself as destiny. The emotional weather feels electric but rarely feels safe. At first, this shift can feel unsettling. Many women describe it as numbness. Emptiness. A loss of spark. We wonder if something is wrong with us. If we’ve hardened. If we’ve aged out of desire. If healing has flattened us. But often, what’s happening is something very different. The nervous system is recalibrating. When you spend years in emotional intensity, relationships that keep you guessing, roles that require constant output, identities built on proving, pleasing, or persevering, the body wires excitement and survival together. Adrenaline feels like attraction. Cortisol feels like a connection. The highs and lows become familiar. And familiar gets mislabeled as passion. As healing begins, the nervous system no longer gets the same chemical reward from unpredictability, fantasy, or emotional chasing. What once felt intoxicating starts to feel noisy. What once felt magnetic starts to feel misaligned. Not because you are broken. Because your body is no longer mistaking activation for truth. These days, I notice that I’m often met with warmth. With interest. Sometimes even admiration. And occasionally, with a kind of fixation. But what people are usually drawn to is a part of me, a light, a softness, a familiarity, a reflection of something in themselves. That’s human. We all meet each other in pieces first. What has changed is what I do with that. I’m learning that I am more layered than first contact allows. More complex. More tender. More real. And sometimes, that’s more than someone expects. I don’t say that with pride. I say it with clarity. Because I am still growing. Still unlearning. Still very human. But I am no longer unfinished in the way I once was, the way that reached outward for completion, validation, or emotional anchoring. What’s emerging now feels quieter. It doesn’t seize me. It doesn’t hijack me. It doesn’t scramble my sense of self. It feels more like recognition than craving. More like steadiness than spark. More like a slow, grounded yes. This is the phase many women are entering and not naming. The season after longing. The nervous system after survival. The self after performance. It is not empty. It is spacious. It is where creativity changes. Where attraction matures. Where boundaries stop feeling like walls and start feeling like self-respect. Where solitude stops meaning loneliness and starts meaning residence. I don’t yet know what I will call this next way of wanting, creating, loving, or living. But I know this, I am learning how to be enough presence for my own life. And whatever comes to meet me next will not need to rescue me from myself, excite me out of my body, or consume my attention to feel real. It will need to be able to stand beside the wholeness that is already here. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Meghan Rusco Meghan Rusco, Leader and Innovator A seasoned thought leader and innovator, I bring a wealth of expertise to the table, fueled by a relentless curiosity for the complex interplay between technology, psychology, and success.