Interview with Paulin Larsen Berglöf, CEO and founder, Whippy What does Whippy do? Whippy designs structured onboarding processes with customized content that is focused on both the employee and manager experience. The onboarding processes are created in external technical solutions and platforms. Does onboarding and introduction mean the same thing or are there differences? We used to talk about introduction but today, we use a new terminology with terms such as employer branding, retention and onboarding. The difference between introduction and onboarding is mainly that introduction was a more analog process. Analog in the sense that it included a lot of physical material such as employee handbooks. It also included physical introduction days which were aimed at getting the employee up to speed. There was a lot of one-way communication. The introduction was also often limited to a few days time. Onboarding, on the other hand, should be a more digital process and with two-way communication. The employees should be able to share their reflections, ideas and thoughts about the business as you can learn a lot from new employees. Onboarding should also be conducted over time, up to 12 months, as 12 months is the average time to get a new employee completely onboarded. Therefore, you need to plan ahead; for example what will happen during the seventh month and not only during the first week. Why was Whippy founded? Whippy was founded out of a frustration. We worked closely with companies but in other areas that were related to onboarding, such as recruitment and organisational development, and we stood on the sidelines when it came to the actual onboarding of new employees. We saw that companies put a lot of time and resources into recruitment but once the new recruits started, it did not turn out as expected. Expectations were not always held, employees sometimes left their jobs early and there was often a lack of culture integration. Conclusively, the recruitment became very expensive as people dropped out. We started Whippy as we know how critical the first months of employment are, both to the new recruit and to the manager. The founders of Whippy, Paulin Larsen Berglöf and Ida Garamvölgyi, both run additional businesses within recruitment and organisational development and saw a gap in the market when it comes to the onboarding processes within companies. Ida often saw that companies with a good vision but in the ending lack a plan, time and knowledge to manage new recruits in their new roles and Paulin met managers that understood the value of onboarding but lacked the time and the right tools to succeed. Why is onboarding important? Today, there are a lot of requirements on employers. As an employee, you want to fit with the culture and have a leader that you actually want to follow. You want to have fun along the way and almost experience your employment as a journey. We can also see that companies put a lot of effort into attracting new employees. Looking forward, we believe the focus will shift onto retaining them. When it comes to withdrawals, as many as 1 in 5 will quit their jobs within the first 45 days. Paulin predicts that in the future, companies must focus even more on retaining the employees you have attracted and recruited. There is often talk about managers’ lack of time. Why should managers focus on onboarding, too? The benefits are many but primarily to retain new employees. Of course, you want more employees to feel satisfied with their onboarding journey and to feel ready to fully take on their role. How employees experience their first time of employment and how they talk about it externally is an additional reason why, as it affects the employer brand. Studies (Gallup 2019, Creating an Exceptional Onboarding Journey for New Employees) indicate that the manager’s role is critical for how the new employee experiences the new workplace as an engaged manager indicates that you are important to the company. We have seen this in practice with our customers as well - what has been most appreciated in the onboarding is the manager’s active participation in the process. Paulin’s recommendations to managers who are onboarding new employees: People work for people Objectives and tasks are often prioritized over culture and values, which are often neglected. However, if you as a manager include how employees should experience and become a part of the company’s culture and values in your strategy, the incentives to stay increase. Also, think about how you want to be perceived as a manager as leadership plays an important role in why people stay within a company. Confirm expectations  Make sure that the employee’s expectations are aligned with reality and encourage the employee to ask questions and to reflect on their new experiences early on. One of the top 3 reasons for early quits is that the reality did not live up to expectations. Physical meetings Even though the onboarding process is mainly digital, physical meetings cannot be completely disregarded as they build a strong relationship between you as a manager and the new employee. However, you do not need to have several long meetings - rather, they should be well designed and with relevant content. Utilize past experiences  The window where a new employee can see the company with fresh eyes is short. Make sure to utilize this window by capturing the employee’s unique experiences and ideas. This can contribute with valuable insights and new perspectives.

By: Heroes of Brand and Business Innovation Gone are the days when companies could use a megaphone to broadcast a message with an attractive promise to build their brand and drive sales. Internet has given rise to an increased transparency and has transferred power into the hands of customers. Companies can no longer get away with poor experiences that are not aligned with the purpose of the brand. In this article, brand and customer experience experts, Åsa and Sofie, give their view on how this has changed the way companies need to interact with their customers to be relevant in the future. Customers today are competent and engaged. We comment and scrutinize brands in social media in touch points that the company does not control and might not even be aware of. We are no longer passive consumers, but active collaborators or opponents (!). We have power to affect the perception of a brand and thereby, the business of the company! There is a constantly on-going conversation online that affect the perception of the brand. We listen to each other and we know that we are important. We don’t make purchases without checking the testimonials from other customers. – We put more trust in the referrals from strangers than in commercials from brands. Experiences can spread like wildfire online. Good experiences drive sales and bad reviews cause enormous harm. As pointed out by Brian Solis, experiences that people share have become the most important touch points for branding and purchasing decision: The experience of your customers defines your reputation on the market. – They become the brand. “Experience is the new brand. Experiences are the new branding”* We expect companies to listen to us and value our opinions. To see us. To interact with us. And to provide great experiences. For companies and organisation, this is both the bad news and the good news. Companies today have less control of how they are perceived. At the same time, they have more opportunities than ever to engage with customers in meaningful and value-creating ways! People today are constantly bombarded with information, messages, communication, and interactions. This information overload makes it hard for us to make decisions. So a strong brand might never have been more important than today to help us to make decisions. But the way to build a brand has changed radically! There is a new and exciting world and sooo many new opportunities to take advantage of! Here are a few questions to ask yourself about your organisation to understand to what extent you have adapted to this exciting new world. All related to things that we believe have changed radically! What is your response when sales figures drop or churn increases? Do you make another campaign, or do you try to understand where the customer experience fails? Shift the focus of your efforts to the whole experience of your customer in the customer journey. Fix the basic problems and enable emotionally engaging experiences that customers chose to talk about and share with others. Do you talk to your customers our with them? Do you use traditional media to send one-way messages, or do you engage in conversation with your customers? Increase mindshare through relevant presence when and where it is relevant to your customers. Online as well as IRL! Do you make the same offer and communication to all you customers? Or do you adapt based on target groups, tribes or situation in the customers’ lives? In a world of endless possibilities and information overload, relevance is gold. If you try to be everything for everyone, you end up being nothing for noone. Do you optimise or innovate? What is the main focus of your organisation – to sell what you have already put on the market? Or to continuously develop and improve services, products and experiences to stay relevant for your customers? Involve your customers in the development projects to ensure that you solve the right problem in the right way. Co-creation is the new black. Stop trying to make people want things. Instead, focus on making things that people want. - John V Wiltshire Are your main concern how to deliver the next quarterly report? Or how to deliver on your organisations purpose of being? The myriad of touch points with your brand are impossible to control. Only with shared values and a passion for your customer experience will you be able to ensure that you enable the right experiences for your customers and your brand. How do you talk about your customers? As human beings, or as transactions or data points in an excel sheet? Your customers are your best marketing channel, your best collaborators in your development teams and your best sources of insights! Relate to them as equal parties of the relationship. Build trust through solving their problems, fulfilling their needs and engaging in meaningful conversation about things that matter for them. Experiences are the new branding and it is not the issue of the marketing and communication department! The focus of branding needs to be on the total customer experience that ranges across all the touchpoints where the customer interacts with the brand. This makes it everyone’s business and the ability to adapt will decide the future of your business. Judgement day is here and the customer is the judge. Heroes of Brand and Business Innovation aims to help companies grow in a better way. Our core business is business and brand development within digital change. Our focus is to help companies with HOW they can develop and grow better based on the company's specific conditions and current situation. Whether we make big or small efforts for a customer, we always work from a holistic perspective - all parts of a company must work together to create sustainable solutions. Our efforts alternate between ongoing advisory services, workshops or to execute change.

By: Anton M.G. Lindberg There is no doubt that the world is full of accessible information. We can search the web and find everything in between successful people such as Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon to 236 million results of pie recipes on Google. Type in Personal Development and you will find another 2.7 billion results. Yet, with all this information available, independent studies show that depression among millennials is rising. Healthline.com published an article on March 2019 named “Why Millennial Depression is on the Rise”. In this article mental health therapist Jessica Singh explained that millennials can not help to compare themselves to the success of others, which can leave them feeling insecure and unaccomplished. As a millennial myself who overcame depression, I relate with the arguments stated. However, the Internet is not the root of evil. It offers endless opportunities for the curious mind. It is thanks to Social Media I was introduced to global thought leaders like Robin Sharma. Or Tony Robbins who is known as a motivational ‘guru’ and has coached celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton and Nelson Mandela according to Business Insider. Yet there are people with no titles or reputation in our neighbourhoods who have taught me more about life than anyone else: kindergarten children. But what is it that the internet failed to teach me, that they did? Here are two (forgotten) key practices for life: Firstly, stop being sad and be happy, NOW. Have you ever seen a child that cried hysterically over something, to only within a few minutes later be able to laugh over a funny face? Children can shift their focus from negative to positive without overthinking. We still possess this skill. But only a few practices it enough. This goes beautifully in hand with Tony Robbins famous saying: “Where focus goes energy flows”. Secondly, clear communication. Are you uncomfortable around children? I used to be. Back in my teenage years I was asked to be a kindergarten assistant. They showed me so much affection in the first two days that I called in “sick” for the rest of the week. I did not know how to cope with a four-year-old adamant girl who had told all her friends about her teenage crush (I had no say in this)?! Believe me I was petrified, and reasoning was not an option. The key lesson to take-away, is that kids have no filter when they speak. Instead they express what they feel without the fear of being judged. Read those two last sentences again and embrace the beauty of it. To conclude, the next time you encounter a life problem. Spend time with a child. Give it a go, go offline and reconnect with their imagination and authenticity! You never know what lessons they will teach you. Believe it or not but spending time with children helps us to get out of our own heads and focus on what value we can bring to an innocent mind. Laughter could actually be the medicine that you are missing. Anton M.G. Lindberg empowers young adults by liberating their mind of distractions through thought-leadership. His passion resolves around the idea of progress. In the past, he has founded several small enterprises but has now decided to focus on public appearances.

By: Åsa Degermark Many companies create excellent visions and detailed plans for driving a digital transformation. Very few leaders create a plan for how to develop their leadership. The digital consequences such as speed, globalization and innovation put new requirements on the leadership to fully empower the drivers of digital success. Do you have what it takes? For leaders with more traditional leadership, it is important to understand and adapt to the new conditions that exist in a fast-paced digital environment. Fixed systems and frameworks need to become flexible playing plans and corporate silos needs to break down and become flexible project groups and networks. The leaders themselves need to let go of control and move towards a more orchestrating approach where daily tasks are more of facilitating opportunities, judge risks, solve problems and point in the right direction of in testing and trials. With less detailed plans, the company culture becomes the spine of the company. Values and behaviors not only need to be defined and implemented in the teams, but also be 100% embraced by the executives and the leaders of the company. In the culture you also need to find the risk-taking part, where employees deer to test and fail to reach success. A success factor for digital transformation is transparency and communication. It is important to make the progress and the learnings visible for all employees as well as for the external stakeholders. I also recommend all companies to implement an “constant improvement” mentality instead of a “change-project” mentality. This will benefit the company by more employee’s contribution to daily improvements.  The human aspects of digital transformation have yet not been fully implemented. Technology is there and no longer a limit. The only limit is the human ability to change, embrace new ways of working and re-skilling. An upgraded leadership with a large focus on the human abilities is a key to success. If a company tries to put new digital KPI’s managed by traditional leadership – you will fail.  No matter how the world develops, a good leadership is always the starting point. Make sure you are ready. Åsa Degermark is the author of the book “Digital Leadership – develop your ability to lead in a digital world”. She is a consultant working with digital transformation, leadership and communication.

By: Annika Sörensen Do you as a business leader often feel tired and worn out? You feel you have too much on your plate but you have no idea what to do about it because everything just happens so fast. There is no time for reflection. You don’t want to reveal your bad situation so you say you are stressed and have so much to do, in a tone and way to make it sound like you are a hero. As if the person with most on their to-do –list wins. But on the inside you feel sad and you know you are letting yourself down. If this is you – and I know this is a very common problem among busy business leaders – this article is for you. I bet all you want is to have control, be a good boss, do some good work and be profitable for yourself and the company. And that is possible, it is even easy if you know how. The solution is to get “back to basics”. Back to biology, back to what we are made for. Using biology to our advantage. May sound boring, it is definitely not flashy but very effective. Here is the main clue – this all starts with you, you as a person. This has very little to do with what is on your to-do-list. It has to do about how you act or react to your to-do-list and all other stressors coming your way. At the bottom line it is about your mindset. Finding a good way to deal with this has many positive effects. It can first of all improve your own work-life balance. And it can also help at the workplace by resolving conflicts, improve communication skills, deal with difficult relationships and improve productivity to name some of the benefits. And who doesn’t want all this? So, what to do? First of all – what is stress – really? It is an automatic biological reaction in your body and mind when you meet a challenge. And the challenge is everything from the alarm ringing to get you out of bed in the morning to an unexpected event in your work to serious matters like dealing with death – it all uses the same system. First thing to learn is to deal with that actual acute moment of stress. And you do that by staying calm, take deep breaths, take a step back, and try to distract yourself if possible. All for your brain to get a few seconds of rest, to think clear, prepare for the challenge and react in a more unrushed way. You can do this by taking that deep breath, by jumping up and down by your desk, or walk along the corridor or smile towards your colleagues, by doing a mini-meditation, using affirmations or just about doing whatever for a short moment while your brain is resting from the problem and you can take control of the reaction. For this time. Next step after getting control back of that stressful moment is to analyze what happened and find clarity if this was a one-time happening or if this keeps coming often. Also clarity on how serious it was, do I need to take measurements for it not to happen again, will this take long to pass through or is it just this temporary moment. From there you have the choice of how to handle and react. There is a saying “You are only one thought away from calm” and that is basically true. You decide what thoughts you have. You can actively change an existing thought. It takes willpower and the choice is yours. You can choose to react with anger or with calm. You can also apply choice to chronic stressors such as poor working environment or complicated work relations. You have a choice to change your work environment or maybe even leave it if you can't see an end to the misery. You also have a choice to move away from an unhealthy relationship or do other changes in your life that will benefit you. Do you see the pattern in this all? If you work with staying Calm in the moment, finding Clarity in your reactions and using your ability to choose how to react, you will over time have created new habits and this leads to real change in your life. At the same time these new responses get hard wired to your brain and you will end up being that calm cool leader you always dreamed about. This will not only benefit you but also your work staff. They will recognize you new way of dealing with the stressors at work and if you do this gently they will model you and the group will be empowered and more effective and have more fun and that most often ends up in better results in the business you are set to do. A win-win for everyone. To your success and keep smiling! Annika Sörensen, MD, Author, TEDx Speaker, Mentor, Seminars/Workshops, Strategic Sessions and more. Helping stressed out Business Leaders feel less stress, get more done and create bigger success! Dr Annika is specialized in family medicine and health promotion strategies. She has practiced in the Public Health System in Sweden for 30+ years, and she has seen stress and illness from all sides, both from her patients but also privately.  Today she has changed her daily mission from treating disease, to prevention and promoting health by working with stress management, health, wealth and a happy leadership and work life. Today she runs her own company, AskDrAnnika.com. Dr Annika has also published the top-rated stress management book, “Take Stress from Chaos to Calm” and its follow up companion “My De-Stress Diary.”

Heidi Kyle is a well-known hypnotherapist and counsellor in private practice in the incredible Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa. Heidi started her career in the corporate world in London and since has used her experience to craft a unique style in the helping professions. With hypnosis and our shared consciousness being the next frontier of evolving humanity, Heidi has developed the "Centred Consciousness" approach to take back our power in our lives and to understand our own unique role in the human story. Heidi's mission is to bring about change in the human psyche to benefit all. Heidi is currently working on her first book "Journeys in Hypnosis". Heidi Kyle Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better. I am a Counsellor and Hypnotherapist based in the majestic Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa. I am originally from Australia, via England, and it’s amazing to be living, working and thriving in Africa! I am married to a South African, Mark, and have two beautiful children, William and Clementine. We live on a farm and have cows, chickens, four dogs and lots of space – it’s the most beautiful, peaceful place and the mountains emit an energy that’s hard to describe. I have built a name for myself, primarily through hypnosis, and my clients come from all over the world and often travel to see me. It’s a huge privilege to be able to help people in such a profound way. Can you tell me about the background and history of Heidi Kyle Practice? What inspired you to start this business? My inspiration started in the corporate world, in investment banking. I saw all these amazing bankers, earning crazy money, and yet they seemed so confused, angry and damaged and not very functional – yet they should have been on top of the world, right? That was an eye opening experience and I realised that happiness cannot come from money and possessions - but it is available to everyone, from the inside, not the outside. I have met happier and more stable people in the most poverty stricken parts of Africa than I met in Investment Banking in London. Wanting to help people, I started a degree in Counselling to career change but the biggest change came in 2012 when I attended a self-hypnosis weekend course with the South African Institute of Hypnotism. Suddenly I found myself having conversations that were so deep and important, the desire to learn to train in this modality grew in me as many of these hypnosis practitioners were speaking from their sub-conscious mind and experiencing life and other people in such a meaningful way as a result. Their ability to connect was incredible and I thought “I want to learn how to do that”. What services or therapies does Heidi Kyle Practice offer to clients? How do these services benefit individuals seeking help? I offer many hypnosis techniques such as Regression Therapy, Past Life and Spiritual hypnosis, Hypnobirthing, pain management, smoking cessation, weight loss, fears and phobias, depression and anxiety, stress, coaching, soul journeys. I am so fascinated by hypnosis and it’s benefits that I can’t stop learning! I would say that Regression Therapy has been the most beneficial to the most clients – I have literally seen people healing from the most profound childhood trauma as well as serious mental illness diagnosis. Training in Regression Therapy has been the hardest thing I’ve ever done and the most rewarding. You really have to know how to use the techniques and it’s a big responsibility. My job is to do my best to the best of my ability and the change and the feedback from my clients still amazes me. I am in awe of my clients and their bravery and guts to change their lives. How does Heidi Kyle Practice differentiate itself from other similar practices in the area? What unique aspects or approaches do you bring to your clients? I would say that Regression Therapy is the most unique part of my practice. It’s the part that is the most unusual as not many therapists will train for this and is why my clients are based all over the world. I am sitting in my beautiful mountain home talking to clients in Australia and Germany and sometimes I have to pinch myself that I get to do this! I always see each client as a true individual and celebrate them and really try to help them to gain inner resources. Many people are so tired and drained when they see me – they literally are at the end of their tether. Its such a great experience to help them to reconnect with their functional, higher self and see them walking out feeling hopeful. Could you share some success stories or testimonials from clients who have benefited from your services? How have you made a positive impact on their lives? I have so many testimonials. My favourite one came from a weight loss client “wow, therapy on steroids, thank you”. Many of my clients have long histories with therapy and they are really amazed at what can be achieved with correctly applied therapeutic hypnosis. Another favourite is my client who wrote : “I spent ten years trying to get my relationship with my mother into some kind of perspective so I wasn’t expecting much. However, I am healed and it took three sessions. Truly eye-opening stuff.” What are your qualifications and experience in the field? I am a member of the South African Association of Counsellors and the South African Institute of Hypnotism as well as the General Hypnosis Council in England. I have worked with hypnosis now for over ten years and counselling for fifteen years and the experience gained is so valuable but I never think I know it all. Learning something new every day is so important and to be open to continuing to learn. I hope I am still learning when I am 101! What is your overall mission and vision for Heidi Kyle Practice? How do you envision the practice evolving and growing in the future? My overall mission for my practice is so simple since the pandemic. The pandemic has had a huge impact on human society and it’s clarified so much for so many. For myself, my mission is help humanity to evolve their sub conscious mind one individual at a time. To bring the understanding our subconscious mind into our day to day lives and to help people to clear negative emotional programming. Our world is so damaged right now but it can change in an instant if humanity could wake up sufficiently to see this. To work together, to listen to each other, to have the maturity to know we can disagree but we can still keep talking! That’s my goal – and my dream. In the future I see my practice evolving to take on more and more group work – such as retreats and large group events all over the world. Reaching more people is more pressing than ever and every day is a challenge to reach out to as many people as possible. Currently, I am working on my first book “Journeys in Hypnosis” which will be published later this year and which I hope will help people understand more about this modality. Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today. The pivotal moment in my life happened when I was 30 years old. I grew up with an amazing, talented, funny, smart, artistic father – who also had a serious mental illness. I saw his terrible suffering on so many levels, and, as a result, the suffering of my mother and my brothers and sisters. I went through many years of pain and confusion and one day I realised that we have a choice. No matter how limited that choice can feel at times. We have a choice and a chance to change every day. That’s what my work with clients is all about: choice. You choose. Every day is a new beginning we just have to choose. I have an awesome plaque in my office: “Welcome to Today, Another Day, Another Chance, Feel Free to Change”. I love that. Follow me on Facebook, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Heidi!

WHAT do you want? WHY do you want it, and HOW are you going to get it? These three keys will help your millennial employees set goals in life and will at the same time make them more motivated at work. When your employees work without goals or a purpose, they won't have an internal motivation and most of them will expect to get motivated by someone or something else - something that will make them unreliable when it comes to consistent results in sales. There are 3 key elements of what you should focus on when setting up goals. 1. What do you want? First of all, WHAT do you want to achieve in the next 12 months? When setting goals our best advice is to set them up in different categories of your life. For example Health, Economy, Private life, Personal development. If you set goals in only one area of your life you might feel empty in other areas. For example, if you only put your focus on money and no focus on your health or relationships you might get rich, but how fun is it to be rich if it cost you your health and your relationships? Therefore, at least analyze all those areas in your life when deciding what goals to set. Maybe your relationships are great but you need to deal better with negative thoughts, then you should probably prioritize personal development for example. When you have identified WHAT you want you can start figuring out your WHY. 2. Why do you want it? Purpose is about finding your WHY, your reasons for doing things. Why am I doing what I'm doing? Most people don't know the answer to that question. Having a strong purpose for your goals will strongly increase the chances of you succeeding with them. For example "I want 10.000 dollars!" is not a strong goal. But giving the goal a purpose like "I want 10.000 dollars, so that I can buy my mom a new car" will increase the chances of you actually getting it because you give your subconscious mind a strong reason for the actions you're about to take. This will make it easier for you to actually taking action. Which leads to your HOW. 3. How are you going to get it? When you know your WHY you can start thinking about your HOW. How are you going to get the things you want? First of all, you need to clearly identify what actions you need to take to reach your goals. For example "to get my dream body I need to exercise 4 times a week and change my diet". That might seem simple but that's not enough. You should also think about what habits you need to change to make this happen. Reaching goals is not just about what things you are going to start doing, it's also about the things you need to STOP doing. This can be things like stop watching Netflix, stop playing video games, quit smoking, etc. You must be willing to give up things to gain things. Most people have a pretty tight schedule and most of the time, taking action towards your goals acquires some sacrifices from that schedule. You must be willing to give up things to gain things. Now it is time to track your process. The best way to track a process is to create a track-sheet where you can follow up on the action steps you're about to take. I recommend creating a 30-day track sheet with boxes for each day and each goal that you can tick off. I recommend placing the tracking sheet on your fridge and adding a vision board right next to it, so that you never loose track of what you want and why. When you have a clear vision of what you want, why you want it, and how to get it, it gets much easier for you to focus on your goals at work and it also helps you to stay motivated for a longer period of time. When your employees work without goals or a purpose, they will lack internal motivation and most of them will expect to get motivated by they were going to get it which made them much more motivated to stick to a long term goal, which automatically resulted in better focus at work. A goal without a plan is just a dream! When your employees work without goals or a purpose, they will lack internal motivation and most of them will expect getting motivated by someone or something else. This makes them unreliable when it comes to sales. The reason for that is because they wake up most days feeling unmotivated, not knowing why, which will make it harder for them to deliver. This is one of the main problems when you have people in your team without life goals. They are on a constant search for outside motivation which makes them dangerous to your sales results. Their motivation is dependent on the manager or competitions or daily motivation-videos and they always need a daily dose of motivation to be able to deliver. They are also more likely to quit as soon as something else that seems fun occurs in front of them; because when they don't know what they want in life, they will constantly, unconsciously search for it. This is one of the reasons you see 20-year-olds with resumes that states 10 prior job titles. When you don't have long-term goals, consistency is not a habit, and in sales teams, consistency is what we're striving for. When you don't have long-term goals, consistency is not a habit, and in sales teams, consistency is what we're striving for. However, when you have a long term goal, a purpose, and a plan, the motivation comes from their fire within, making these people more reliable in delivery and they will most likely stay longer. Therefore, if you're a sales manager, always put your focus on helping your staff to set up long term goals and give them tools to find their purpose by using these 3 goal-setting strategies. Good luck!

Joann Malanga started working in the Senior Living industry as a nurse’s aide at the age of 19 while attending college. She experienced what it felt like to be at the caring end of the spectrum as she came face to face with the senior population. Single at the time living in North Jersey in a “fast go-go pace” kind of town! She found herself frustrated and appalled by the care and at times neglect that the seniors were getting in the communities. She knew that she could do better and make a difference in the Assisted Living Communities and as a leader. It was a pivotal point in Joann’s life at that moment in 1998, when she realized that she was meant to lead and be a channel for big change. She had a vision of leading facilities and knew how to work and that is where her journey began back in 1998. She shifted all her courses from Nursing to Business Administration/Humanities. Joann Malanga, Soul Integration Coach, Alchemist, Energy Healing On the weekends she made it a point to volunteer when the facilities needed help with activities. She worked tirelessly, and even though she could not always see the road or direction she was heading in, she always could see the result. Over 10 years Joann experienced every facet of the Assisted Living Industry, from being a nurse's aide, cleaning in housekeeping coordinating resident care services/schedules, running the kitchen, and passing out medications as a certified medication Tech. She was ready to start running communities and that is exactly what she started to do after college. As an Executive Director, she has run smaller communities with a resident capacity of 60 residents to larger communities with over 154 units as well as a community that specialized for the memory impaired. Throughout her experience, she has gained awareness, and empathy skills, and has always strived to be a conscientious leader. She realized that running a business was more about channeling one's energy and always about how you show up! This also pushed her into her awakening. She started to feel more sensitive around energy, and also feel spirit when someone would transition in the communities. She had no idea how to navigate this energy. The worst was when she felt dark energy or was being spiritually attacked. That's when she fell deeper into her spiritual healing and awakening and started to seek out shamans to work with, and healing practitioners. Fast-forward 30 years later, she found that working with people made a profound difference in her life mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. She has so much passion about “connection”, and still believes that people are meant to be around people, connecting and thriving in life, and not alone in a box following rules because someone says so. Joann completed her Reiki (Master), and Integrative Energy Practitioner while working full-time as an Executive Director at one of the most reputable AL communities. Joann also became a Certified Life Coach Universal Rays Practitioner and RTT Hypnotherapist. On her journey of self-discovery of dark and light – she found the only way out of the dark was through facing herself and the many lives she had within herself. She is certainly a spiritual powerhouse with abilities beyond this world. She is an experienced healer with 30 years of practice in the field. Her intuitive abilities encompass clairvoyance, clairsentience, shamanic healing, and alchemy. Joann offers Soul Integration Coaching, specializing in shadow work integration and hands-on healing to support the energy body. To assist in the process of ascension, Joann helps you utilize the power of self-awareness and incorporate angelic light. Her Soul purpose as a Soul Integration Coach and Healer is driven by the desire to support others on their spiritual journeys and to awaken humanity out of slumber. When you seek a healing session from her, expect to receive clarity, inner guidance and cut through any bullshit. She supports cutting cords, removing any implants, attachments, trauma cording, or any programming that is ready to go. Cutting through dense energy is necessary and helps you uproot emotions that have been dormant and suppressed. She believes that every individual possesses a wellspring of intuition, and her role is to empower you to access that innate wisdom and become your own medicine. As a servant in her soul style, she is dedicated to serving your highest good working with all of your 12 bodies, and allowing the Rays of light to come through a gentle cleansing of your 12 bodies and clearing karma. Direct, sassy, and fun, she is committed to cutting through illusions and presenting you with the unfiltered truth. With her Coaching skills and leadership qualities, she will guide you and serve as a way-shower on your path – a grit and grind girl who will also help you flow with the energy of the divine feminine healing and attract what your soul needs. Her personality embodies authenticity and humor, creating a nurturing and supportive environment for your spiritual growth. What sets her apart are her unique insights and her deep ability to hold sacred space by integrating spirituality into our three-dimensional lives while lifting our consciousness. Joann is passionate about helping others weave their spiritual journeys into their everyday existence. With her keen self-awareness, strong intuition, and servant leadership skills, she can relate on profound levels with all people, at any age, and every religion and every ethnic background. Her ancient wisdom of healing can uproot many traumas that we suppress from childhood all too often causing physical /mental manifestation of pain. She shows you ways to unfold everyday life, as opposed to resisting it. She carries the energy to support you to move your consciousness to the next level as she has. During her sessions, you can expect a professional and nurturing atmosphere. Her goal is to help you uncover your truths, overcome obstacles, and embrace your highest potential. She will help you extract, and clear away energy in the way of living your highest potential, along with mother love guidance to light the way. Together, you will clear the old and will create a life filled with purpose, alignment, and joy. The Integrative Conscious Vibe Center is where you get to open up your consciousness and heal on profound levels. Joann does not solve your problems. She will hold the energy so she can dissolve the root of where it all started in the first place. She will support the process of bringing it to consciousness. Working with her will facilitate you bringing your power back and living a life where you are conscious and aware of your vibe and can self-express profoundly. A place where you and only you can integrate your mind, body, and spirit. A place where spiritual tools are available and practical for real-life living. Taking responsibility for your actions, and admitting you could have done better takes calm courage. Facing your fears takes calm courage and facing your inner shadows takes calm courage. Speaking up for what you need in relationships, raising a family in the modern-day world, losing your job and starting a new one, and everything else thrown on your path takes great courage. Thank yourself for having the guts to forge forward and make a change. For change to happen, it takes the foundation of life to fall as we have known it. To break apart, crumble, and fall so that a new one can be built. Are you willing to move from victim consciousness to states of awakened consciousness? We bring practicality back to anchor here into your real life of everyday living. As we all know, anything worth having is going to take work. There are 2 things you have to be willing to do; Be willing to change old behaviors and ways of living, and have enough “fire” left inside of you that you are ready to take action and create those changes and anchor them. We are going to "have to feel" to heal those places that we have repressed and suppressed and have found them to be "a bother" to deal with. It takes the process to deepen awareness, and transform energy in the areas; of relationships, occupation, love, self-forgiveness, and others, and help us shift into different consciousnesses. A place where you are conscious and aware of the mind and notice where the stories are coming from that are dragging you down. Becoming more aware of ancestral drama carried down from generation to generation. The strength and courage to heal the heart of all of the repressed guilt, grief, bitterness, and resentment that has piled up through the years. How many times do we procrastinate and put our needs last on the list or expect others to meet our needs without communicating them? We expect people to know what we need and then to make matters worse, we assume. I would say one out of three people are walking around with guilt, grief, suppressed anger, and fear waiting to blow. We walk around either in a beautiful state or a suffering state and think this is "just life". We give our power away far too many times without even noticing we have a choice in the matter. We get dressed up, buy an expensive car, sign a new record label, take a new job, get a new boyfriend, and think, “Now, I will be happy." Some of us also have multiple partners and are still yet not satisfied. Certainly, no judgment, as everyone has the freedom to live as they do. We sign up for a new self-help course, purchase a new diet plan, and sign on with a new coach only to find ourselves back to step one again. That I mean, in a suffering state. The reality is, we have not integrated our consciousness with our mind, body, and spirit. We have not taken a deeper look at where the stories started from within the roots inside of us and where we have yet to embrace and love those parts into wholeness. Where are you pulling your stories from anyway? Or are you still running like an 8-year-old? Are you even conscious that you are running? Or has it repressed deep into your subconscious, that you don’t even know you’re doing it? We have settled again and again. We have not taken the time to uproot belief systems and create a calm connection with others and life where love overrides fear. Integrative Therapies can bring you to this path, and it is going to work on your end. Through a series of thought-provoking conversations, you will begin to tap into your higher wisdom and rekindle what matters to you. The process will give you permission to explore and pull emotional roots that have been buried down inside causing you to replay patterns in your subconscious. I hope this will inspire you to unzip your fears and get into your heart. Open up to offerings: The Unguarded Heart-A U-turn back to you. This Coaching group is for anyone who has a guarded heart and can’t seem to shake or unhook themselves from pain cords or upsets from the past. Practical Process for breaking belief systems, behaviors, and ancestral clearing, 1:1 Diving deep with masculine and feminine energy in the heart as well. This course is for anyone who had experiences that left them with a heart that is bitter and angry. You get 13 weeks of healing, and heart activations and processes to work through. People have an opportunity to realign with their soul path, new tribe of friends, and new soul love. It's all about the U-turn back to SELF care and SELF love. Energy Clearing clears old stagnant energy, clears old cords/trauma bonds, and helps the client open to the new. Deep Soul Healing/Integration-conventional approaches to energetic releasing in the 12 bodies will support the client in attracting new energy into their life. We also work with belief systems, old patterns, and soul contracts that are complete. Universal Ray Healing Sessions help Trigger the body's natural response within moving energy to open blocks and move forward with clarity. Shifting and awareness into higher levels of Consciousness so they can create with the angels and universal rays. Usui Reiki Healing-Sessions to balance the flow of energy through the body for stress relief and promote relaxation in the body Shadow Work – This work supports the person to take a deep dive into the aspects of themselves that have been in the way of their life path. It's what is in the subconscious with an inner child or a dormant aspect. Soul Retrieval is often done in sessions and healing. The purpose is to bring those aspects to the forefront so they can be seen heard and honored. This helps the person feel integrated and whole. They often feel liberated and free to start a new one. There is a lot of forgiveness for themselves and patterns are acknowledged and released. The dark aspects are integrated with the light for a healthy balance. Soul Integration Coaching is the next step if you are ready to thrive deeper and more liberated. We are nothing like what’s out there because we teach Self-empowerment, Energetic Soul Alignment, Self-sustainability within the mind, body, and spirit, and making it practical. We teach Soul consciousness on a multi-dimensional level. We teach people to be their own medicine as opposed to going outside of themselves to seek medicine. We say, "Be the plant and grow." The Integrative Conscious Vibe Intends to be active in the leader communities and have a school someday with online self-teachable courses and a community where people can also thrive and live. A place where there are food forests, smaller homes, affordable housing and garden food sources, and helpful community leaders supporting change and the rise in consciousness. About the industry and maybe I will get some frowns but, I am going to say it anyway. I would say that humanity needs to stop running from themselves and running towards the things that are “quick fixers”, quick remedies, and quick fixes to medicine retreats every week to every month and skipping the intense work that is needed. It’s only through the processes, integration, and deep contemplation that liberation and consciousness happen. We have to pivot at one point and stop seeking what we need outside of ourselves. Even with working with Joann, she is a stepping stone to start and guide you on your journey, not be with you forever! Testimonials… I had a 15-minute energy alignment with Joann. She is incredible her knowledge and fast abilities in the space of Healing are truly an asset, especially for me to refer my clients to her since I don't work in the energy healing space. I am forever thankful to make this connection and see how much we can help each other in the future! I was not only able to pick her brain about things I have gone through or experienced but felt the energy physically when she did her alignment with me virtually!" – Amanda Swartz Swartz Professional ServicesWilmington, NC I have been working with Joann for energy clearings for a few months now and I truly can feel a shift after our sessions. She’s extremely talented and knowledgeable. She makes me feel safe, heard, and comfortable the entire time. When she conducts the energy healing, I feel that she's able to connect to my soul even through the computer screen which is such an incredible feeling. I will continue to use Joann as my Soul Integrative Coach! So lucky to have her! " – Kendra Weber Kendraweberconsulting@gmail.comSanta Clarita, CA Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn or visit my website! Read more from Joann Malanga

Written by: Mahima, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Finding and living your purpose is one of the most important things you can do in life. It gives you a sense of direction, fulfillment and meaning that cannot be found elsewhere. But how exactly do you go about finding your purpose? Here are three things to keep in mind: 1. Purpose is not a destination One of the biggest misconceptions about purpose is that it is something you can find like a treasure at the end of a long journey. In reality, purpose is not a destination but a journey in itself. It is a continuous process of self-discovery and growth that requires consistent effort and patience. Your sense of what purpose is may change as you go through different stages of life, and that is perfectly normal. What matters is that you stay true to your values, talent and passions, and align your actions with your beliefs. When you live your purpose, you feel a sense of vitality and flow that comes from doing what you love and what you are uniquely gifted at. 2. Purpose is not just about yourself Another common misconception about purpose is that it is a purely personal pursuit. However, purpose is not just about fulfilling your own desires and goals; it is also about making a positive impact on others and the world around you. When you live your purpose, you contribute to something greater than yourself – whether it is through your work, your relationships, or your community involvement. Your purpose can inspire and uplift others, and help them discover their own purpose as well. Therefore, it is important to think beyond yourself when you are searching for your purpose. Ask yourself: How can I use my talents and passions to make a difference in the world? What problems or challenges do I feel called to address? By focusing on these questions, you can discover a purpose that is both meaningful and impactful. 3. Purpose requires courage and resilience Finally, it is important to understand that living your purpose is not always easy or comfortable. It requires courage to pursue your dreams and take risks, even when others may doubt or criticize you. It also requires resilience to overcome setbacks and obstacles along the way. Living your purpose may involve stepping outside of your comfort zone, facing your fears, and embracing uncertainty. But the rewards are well worth the effort. When you live your purpose, you feel a sense of aliveness and vitality that cannot be found in a mundane, routine existence. To cultivate courage and resilience, it can be helpful to surround yourself with like-minded individuals who support and encourage you. Seek out mentors, friends, or colleagues who share your values and can offer guidance Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and visit my website for more info! Read more from Mahima! Mahima, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Mahima ‒ Europe’s No 1 Self Mastery Mentor, Mindset Trainer, International Bestselling Author and Award Winning Speaker and Founder of The Mahima Mindset MAHIMA is the first Black Self Mastery Mentor to have spoken at The Harvard Club of Boston in July 2018. In 2017 she got to share the stage with Sir Richard Branson at a business development event in Singapore. She has also had the privilege to share the stage with other thought leaders like Les Brown, Kevin Harrington, Lisa Nichols, Vishen Lakhiani and Kane and Alessia Minkus. Mahima has done over 10 000 hours of meditation practice and to date has helped transform the lives of thousands of people, with her unique teachings.

Written by Sara Yoggini, EcoHub Community Wellness Retreat Entrepreneur Sara Yoggini is a Yoga lifestyle coach, EcoHub entrepreneur, and innovator who blends ancient wisdom with modern design. A certified Yoga and Yin Yoga teacher and Ayurvedic Principles Guide, she empowers individuals through holistic health, energy alignment, and sustainable living, inspiring personal growth and well-being. She is also an Eco Studio designer. Sara Yoggini is a pioneering eco-entrepreneur and wellness leader redefining holistic living through her expertise in yoga, Ayurveda, and sustainability. A CPD-accredited Yoga Lifestyle Coach, 300-hour Yoga and Yin Yoga teacher, and Yoga Alliance certified instructor, Sara also holds certifications in Ayurveda Foundations and Ayurvedic Principles Guide. She further empowers others with her knowledge on how to align and heal your energy with her knowledge of Yoga, energy, the power of manifestation and how to use the art of mindfulness. As an advocate for mental health, Sara integrates ancient practices with modern eco-conscious living to foster personal growth, healing, and connection. She is the founder of the Ethereal Retreat Community Wellness EcoHub, a sanctuary that combines yoga, mindfulness, and sustainable design to nurture both the body and the environment. Through innovative structures like geodesic dome studios and her commitment to green building practices, Sara demonstrates how wellness and sustainability can thrive together. Her work encourages individuals to live with purpose, balance, and a deep connection to the planet, making her a visionary in the wellness industry. The eco revolution: A greener tomorrow begins today In a world where climate change, pollution, and resource depletion threaten our very way of life, the need for an eco revolution has never been more urgent. But what if the solution to these global challenges was simpler—and closer—than we think? From sustainable living practices to eco-friendly buildings, the power to protect our planet lies within our everyday choices. Imagine a world where the air we breathe is cleaner, the food we eat is grown responsibly, and the homes we live in are energy-efficient and harmonious with nature. This is not a far-off dream—it’s happening now, and you can be part of it. In this article, we’ll explore the countless benefits of sustainability, from reducing your carbon footprint to fostering a healthier lifestyle, all while making eco-conscious decisions that shape a brighter future for generations to come.  Ready to join the revolution? Your journey to a greener world starts here. As environmental concerns continue to escalate, businesses and individuals alike are shifting toward more sustainable practices to preserve our planet for future generations. Eco-friendly businesses and lifestyles are not just a trend—they are a powerful movement that is reshaping industries and communities. With sustainable living becoming more vital than ever, it's time to explore the essential steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint, embrace sustainability, and even contribute to a healthier, greener world. 1. Geodesic domes: The future of green architecture At the forefront of sustainable architecture are geodesic domes—energy-efficient, cost-effective structures that are transforming how we live and work. These unique, spherical designs minimize material waste while providing exceptional energy efficiency. Ideal for eco-friendly businesses and retreats, geo domes offer a harmonious blend of design and function, maximizing space, reducing energy consumption, and lowering overall environmental impact. 2. Herbal gardens: Nature’s pharmacy at your doorstep Imagine stepping into a lush herbal garden, where nature’s healing power is right at your fingertips. By incorporating these gardens into businesses like wellness retreats or eco-hotels, you can grow your own medicinal herbs, natural skincare, and food. Herbal gardens promote biodiversity, reduce your reliance on artificial products, and offer customers an opportunity to reconnect with nature in a meaningful way. 3. Eco-friendly products: Consciously curated for a greener tomorrow The market is evolving, and eco-friendly products are at the heart of this transformation. Sustainable packaging, biodegradable materials, and organic ingredients all contribute to reducing waste and pollution. Eco-conscious businesses can set the standard by using these products, offering customers a chance to make eco-friendly choices without sacrificing quality or convenience. 4. Harnessing the power of renewable energy Switching to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or geothermal power is one of the most impactful steps a business can take toward sustainability. Renewable energy is not only good for the planet—it can also lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Investing in clean energy ensures that your business operates in harmony with nature while contributing to a cleaner, greener environment. 5. Zero-waste practices: Minimizing waste, maximizing impact The zero-waste movement is a game-changer for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental footprint. By adopting zero-waste practices—such as recycling, composting, and reusing materials—you’re helping keep waste out of landfills. From eliminating single-use plastics to offering eco-conscious packaging, these small steps can create a massive difference for our planet. 6. Sustainable transportation: Going green on the move Eco-friendly businesses should encourage employees and customers to opt for sustainable transportation. This could include providing bike racks, offering carpooling incentives, or installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. Switching to electric delivery vehicles can also make a significant impact on reducing emissions, making eco-friendly transportation an essential element of any sustainable business plan. 7. Fair trade and sustainable sourcing Businesses that prioritize fair trade and sustainable sourcing ensure that the materials they use come from ethically responsible sources. From fair wages for workers to sustainable farming practices, these efforts help preserve natural resources and create equitable opportunities for people around the world. Supporting local and global sustainability efforts helps ensure that businesses thrive while protecting the environment. 8. Water conservation: A key element of sustainability With water scarcity becoming a pressing issue, water conservation is crucial for sustainable living. Businesses can implement water-saving technologies such as low-flow toilets, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient irrigation systems. Reducing water consumption not only helps the environment but also cuts down on utility costs for businesses. 9. Farm-to-table: Organic and locally sourced foods Eco-friendly businesses that are involved in food and hospitality should embrace organic and locally-sourced foods. Supporting local farmers reduces food miles and the carbon emissions associated with transportation. Plus, organic foods are grown without harmful pesticides, making them healthier for both consumers and the environment. Sourcing locally strengthens community ties and supports regional economies. 10. Eco-friendly office spaces: Going green at work Sustainable businesses recognize the value of creating eco-friendly office spaces. These spaces use natural lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable materials to minimize their environmental impact. Adding green spaces, such as indoor plants or rooftop gardens, not only improves air quality but also fosters a productive, healthy atmosphere for employees. 11. Collaboration for change: Building a green community Sustainability is not just about individual actions; it’s about collaboration. Businesses that work together can amplify their efforts to create a lasting environmental impact. From joint eco-friendly product launches to collaborative sustainability campaigns, partnerships between like-minded organizations can help spread awareness, share resources, and foster a community-driven approach to environmental responsibility. 12. Educating consumers: The power of awareness Sustainable businesses have a responsibility to educate consumers about the importance of eco-friendly living. Whether through workshops, social media campaigns, or community outreach, businesses can inspire their customers to make more conscious choices. By raising awareness about sustainable practices, you can encourage your community to take small steps that lead to big changes—whether it’s reducing plastic use or supporting green policies. The future of business is green As eco-friendly businesses continue to grow and evolve, the shift towards sustainability is not only about protecting the planet but also about creating healthier, more connected communities. By embracing geo dome structures, herbal gardens, zero-waste practices, and renewable energy, businesses can significantly reduce their environmental impact while fostering a deeper connection to nature. Every step toward sustainability counts, and businesses that lead the way will inspire others to join the movement. Incorporating these key features into your business isn’t just good for the environment—it’s a wise investment in the future. With each eco-conscious decision, businesses have the opportunity to shape a greener, more sustainable world for future generations. The future is green, and it starts with us. Top tips to live an eco-friendly lifestyle Incorporating sustainable practices into daily life and business operations is essential for promoting environmental health and ensuring a viable future. Here are some actionable tips and resources to guide you on this eco-friendly journey:  By integrating these practices, individuals and businesses can make significant strides toward a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. Eco-friendly sustainability Q&A What are the easiest first steps to living a more sustainable lifestyle? Start small! Switch to reusable bags, bottles, and containers, reduce single-use plastics, and be mindful of your energy consumption by turning off lights and unplugging devices. Every small step adds up to a big impact. How can businesses become more sustainable without breaking the bank? Businesses can implement cost-effective sustainability practices like reducing paper waste, optimizing energy use, sourcing local materials, and encouraging remote work to cut down on carbon emissions. Many green initiatives save money in the long run! Why is sustainable living important for future generations? Sustainable living ensures that future generations have access to clean air, water, and resources. By reducing waste and preserving natural ecosystems, we create a healthier planet for our children and grandchildren. Can one person really make a difference in combating climate change? Absolutely! Individual actions like reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable businesses collectively drive significant change. When millions of people adopt eco-friendly habits, industries and governments follow suit. What are some innovative ways to reduce waste at home? Try composting food scraps, upcycling old items into new creations, using refillable containers, and choosing products with minimal or recyclable packaging. Sustainable habits can be creative and rewarding! Call to action: Join the eco revolution today! The time to act is now. Every small change you make—whether it’s embracing sustainable practices at home, supporting eco-friendly businesses, or advocating for greener policies—has a ripple effect that can transform the world. Don’t wait for tomorrow to start making a difference. Dive into this movement and discover how easy it is to live more sustainably, protect our planet, and build a brighter, healthier future. Together, we can create lasting change. Be part of the solution—because a greener world begins with you. Let’s make every choice count! Follow me on Instagram  and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Sara Yoggini Sara Yoggini, EcoHub Community Wellness Retreat Entrepreneur Sara Yoggini is a CPD-accredited Yoga Lifestyle Coach, a 300-hour Yoga and Yin Yoga teacher, a Yoga Alliance-qualified teacher, an innovative ECOhub community entrepreneur, an eco-designer, and a humanitarian. She founded the Ethereal Retreat Community Wellness EcoHub, blending ancient wisdom with modern geodesic design to create a sustainable space that promotes healing and personal growth. With a strong focus on mental health and holistic living, Sara is also a guide in Ayurvedic principles, a sister science to yoga practice, and an energy alignment coach. She specializes in designing transformative outdoor spaces, building a geodesic dome garden studio community retreat to integrate wellness practices with eco-conscious initiatives, pioneering advancements in health and well-being.