Written by Emilia Valdez Münchmeyer, Msc. Clinical Psychologist Emilia Valdez is the co-founder of DeMente, a mental health start-up focused on personal and professional development through workshops, group therapy and community reach-out programs. She works as a clinical psychologist in her private practice and collaborates as a professional in a foundation specialized in child abuse. After enough heartbreaks, love can start to feel unsafe. You scan for red flags before you even let someone in, and you check out from the game before it even begins. You do not want to be cynical, you are just tired and afraid of losing again. Most people who struggle to trust again are not bitter, they are wounded. They built walls not out of coldness, but out of survival. But what if trust is not something we lost forever? What if it is something our brain can relearn? Trusting again is not naïve. It is the most intelligent form of courage, the kind that remembers pain but chooses love anyway. The science of heartbreak: When trust becomes a threat When love breaks, the brain reacts as if we have been physically injured. Functional MRI studies show that heartbreak activates the same brain regions that process physical pain.[1] Our nervous system evolved to treat social rejection as danger. From an evolutionary standpoint, belonging equals survival. When the attachment breaks, the alarm goes off. The amygdala, our inner alarm, becomes hypervigilant after betrayal.[2] The prefrontal cortex, responsible for regulation, becomes less effective, which is why logic fails when we are triggered.[3] Oxytocin, the bonding hormone, decreases, while cortisol, the stress hormone, rises, keeping us in alert mode.[4] If you want to explore the neuroscience behind this process more deeply, visit my previous article, “ Love Hurts and Your Brain Knows It ,” where I break down how emotional pain mirrors physical pain inside the brain. In short, your brain after heartbreak is not “broken”, it is protecting you. However, protection can quietly turn into isolation. Your brain’s job is to protect you from pain, your heart’s job is to remind you that not all connections are dangerous. The psychology of trust and fear Trust is both a biological and psychological act. When it has shattered repeatedly, we do not just lose faith in others, we lose confidence in our own judgment. Attachment research shows that betrayal often leads to avoidant defenses (“I will never rely on anyone again”) or anxious patterns (“I will cling so you cannot leave”).[5] Over time, people may develop hyper-independence, which is just fear disguised as strength. Recent studies show betrayal changes the way we process information, making us misinterpret neutral actions as potential threats.[6] In relationships, this can manifest as emotional withdrawal, mistrust, or self-sabotage. When trust has been broken, love no longer feels like safety, it feels like risk management. Healing as rewiring: The brain’s capacity to learn to trust again The hopeful truth is that trust can be relearned. Our brains are flexible, they adapt and form new connections throughout life. Therapy, mindfulness, and positive relationships calm the amygdala and strengthen the prefrontal cortex, allowing us to respond from reason instead of fear.[7] Learning to trust yourself is achievable by practicing self-care, introspection, and gradually putting yourself out there again. The healing starts with self-trust: Trusting yourself to notice red flags early is crucial. Trusting your ability to walk away. Trusting that even if love hurts again, you will be able to handle it. And mostly, trusting that love can also work out just fine. You are not learning to trust others again, you are learning to trust yourself in the presence of others. Small, consistent experiences of safety, like honest conversations or reliable friendships, tell your nervous system, it is okay here, you can exhale. It requires teaching your brain that not all love connections end badly and that it is okay to trust, rewiring the alert pathways into confident ones. Rebuilding trust: Where science meets soul Acknowledge the wound: Healing begins when you stop minimizing your pain. Regulate before you analyze: Slow breathing, grounding, and mindfulness calm your body before you start telling your story. Start small: Share a little vulnerability with safe people and observe how your body reacts. Redefine love: Love is not the absence of risk, it is the willingness to risk wisely. Remember: Safety is built, not found. Trust grows through consistency, empathy, and honesty over time. Love is never risk-free, it is risk-worthy. The difference lies in knowing you can survive the fall. Love as a leap of faith Healing does not promise you will never be hurt again. It promises that next time, you will face love with wisdom instead of fear. When you open your heart again, you will do it with both tenderness and discernment. You will recognize fear as a visitor, not a truth. The goal is not to trust without fear, it is to love while holding fear’s hand. Love remains a leap of faith, but this time, it is a conscious one. You are not leaping unquestioningly, you are leaping with awareness, courage, and self-trust. It is not about forgetting past hurts, but about learning to use them to build better, stronger, and safer relationships, and to develop a more confident self in managing disappointment when, and if, it arises. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more info! Read more from Emilia Valdez Münchmeyer Emilia Valdez Münchmeyer, Msc. Clinical Psychologist Emilia Valdez Münchmeyer is a leader in mental health. Primarily focused on neuroscience, she invests her time in learning and teaching how to understand, rewire, and reach the full potential of mental, emotional, and spiritual development. Her love for animals inspired her to be certified as an animal-assisted therapist to further connect with her patients and encourage healing in all areas needed. ¨Your true potential is hiding behind your fears and everything everyone told you you are¨. References: [1] Fisher et al., 2010 [2] Brown et al., 2022 [3] Luo et al., 2014 [4] Pierrehumbert et al., 2012 [5] Freyd, 1996 [6] Li et al., 2024 [7] Davison & McEwen, 2012

Recent findings from Vanguard’s How Australia Retires 2025 report reveal that “many younger Australians have a pessimistic outlook on retirement.” And given current inflation, rising housing costs, and global uncertainty, life after 60 does not seem to look as good for millennials as it did for their parents or grandparents. But beyond mapping out investment strategies with SMSF accountants  and agreements lawyers , how can today’s professionals start prepping for when the 9-to-5 ends? Expectations vs reality Published in September 2025, the Vanguard report found that many younger Australians anticipate needing at least $100,000 per year in retirement income to feel comfortable, nearly double what many current retirees manage. According to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia’s (ASFA) June 2025 standard, the “comfortable” annual spending benchmark is $75,319 for couples and $53,289 for singles, reflecting what retirees need to live well with essentials, leisure, travel, and more. The expectation gap between millennials and today’s retirees reflects not only rising living costs but also how the notions of comfort and security are defined per generation. For many, a “comfortable” retirement once meant home ownership, regular holidays, and the freedom to support family or volunteer. But with property prices remaining high and wages struggling to keep up with inflation, those markers of comfort feel increasingly out of reach. Vanguard’s data show that 58% of millennials worry about not having enough super to fund their retirement, while 64% admit they’re unsure of how much they’ll actually need. This uncertainty underscores a broader truth: millennials are entering their prime earning years at a time when financial systems are less forgiving. The safety nets that benefited past generations, such as stable housing markets, generous pensions, predictable interest rates, are no longer guaranteed. Is SMSF really enough? A self-managed super fund (SMSF) allows Australians to choose their investments, from property to shares, giving them a sense of agency over their financial future. But despite the appeal of control and flexibility, is it really enough to live on in retirement? According to the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO) June 2025 SMSF Quarterly Statistical Report, the average SMSF holds about $1.6 million in assets, while the average member balance sits around $881,000. While these seem substantial, experts warn that the figures can be misleading. Balances vary widely, and even a seven-figure fund may not stretch as far as expected once inflation, market volatility, and longer life expectancies are factored in. Moreover, an SMSF requires ongoing management, compliance, and strategy. A poorly diversified fund, or one with high administrative costs, can easily underperform. For those without the time or expertise to manage their investments, professional guidance becomes crucial. The bottom line: an SMSF can be an excellent vehicle for retirement wealth, but only if it’s well managed, regularly reviewed, and part of a broader financial plan that considers all aspects of one’s wealth, from property to personal savings. What millennials can do now While the prospect of retirement may seem unimaginable at best or daunting at worst, it’s never too late to take practical steps to secure the future. And if allocating capital for major investments is not in your cards at the moment, start with the following baby steps: 1. Review your fixed financial commitments Take a closer look at your big, recurring financial commitments, such as rent, insurance, mobile plans, and utility providers. Many Australians stay with the same service out of convenience, even as cheaper or better-value options emerge. Renegotiating your rent, refinancing your mortgage, or switching to a more competitive energy or insurance plan can free up hundreds each month. Redirecting these savings toward super top-ups or investment contributions can make a far greater impact on your long-term financial position than cutting coffee runs or Spotify ever will. 2. Reduce or eliminate high-interest debt Credit cards, personal loans, and buy-now-pay-later services may offer short-term convenience, but they can significantly chip off your future wealth. Paying off high-interest debt should be a priority before investing heavily elsewhere. Clearing these liabilities frees up cash flow that can then be redirected into superannuation or other long-term assets. 3. Reconsider your property strategy While home ownership remains a major financial milestone, millennials may need to redefine what that looks like for them. With property prices still elevated, renting while investing the difference could be a smarter move for some. Others may consider “rentvesting” or owning a property in a more affordable area while living in a rented space closer to work or family. The key is to make property work for you, not against you. 4. Make your super do more Superannuation is one of the most powerful tools for building retirement wealth, but it can also be one of the most misunderstood. A qualified SMSF accountant can help you structure investments, maximise contributions within compliance limits, and give recommendations on how to build your funds without risking penalties. Professional guidance can spell the difference between a stagnant fund and one that actively grows with your goals. 5. Lawyer up for business and investments Many millennials are supplementing their income through side businesses or partnerships. Whether you’re already on this route or planning to take it, consulting a skilled agreements lawyer can help safeguard your ventures. Especially when going through partnership contracts or shareholder agreements, lawyers can help ensure that your business interests are protected from disputes that could derail your business progress. Conclusion The future of retirement for Australian millennials is undoubtedly complex, shaped by shifting economic conditions and changing expectations. But while the road ahead may be uncertain, preparation is still the most reliable safeguard. A comfortable retirement won’t come from optimism alone. It will come from conscious, consistent effort: budgeting smarter, reducing debt, managing super strategically, and getting professional help where it matters. Because when the 9-to-5 finally ends, comfort won’t just mean financial freedom. It will mean peace of mind, knowing that you’re starting the next chapter on solid ground.

Staying ahead of the curve isn't just about serving delicious dishes. It's about understanding the latest food trends and leveraging them to engage consumers, enhance brand loyalty and drive revenue. From viral food trends on social media to innovative offerings shaping restaurants' menus, businesses that track, analyze and act on evolving consumer tastes are better positioned to succeed in a competitive market.  Understanding consumer behavior Consumer preferences are changing faster than ever before. Health-conscious diets, sustainability concerns and a desire for new flavors are shaping the foods that people want. Plant-based dining is a prime example. What was once a niche market is now a mainstream food trend. It affects everything from fast and casual restaurants to fine dining.  Real-time insights from Tastewise show that searches for plant-based meals have jumped a lot in the past year. This signals a strong demand for meat alternatives and plant-forward dishes.  Functional ingredients are also gaining traction. Foods with added health benefits like adaptogens, collagen and turmeric are appearing in beverages, snacks and main courses. These trends reflect a growing focus on wellness. Restaurants and brands that follow these trends show they understand what consumers want.  The power of viral food trends Social media drives many trending foods. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram can turn a unique snack or visually striking dish into a viral sensation. This is almost overnight. From whipped coffee to rainbow bagels, trends can explode quickly. This shows how fast consumer attention can shift.  But chasing viral trends is only part of the story. The real advantage comes from understanding which trends are likely to last. Tools like Tastewise provide real-time analytics on ingredient mentions, recipe searches and menu adoption. Businesses can use this data to separate short-term fads from popular food trends that can be part of a long-term strategy.  Restaurant food trends shaping menus Restaurant food trends combine creativity with smart business practices. Ghost kitchens, customizable dishes and AI-driven menu insights allow restaurants to respond quickly to new food trends. AI can analyze ordering patterns and flavor combinations. This helps restaurants update menus in ways that reduce waste and increase sales. Sustainability also plays an important role. Consumers want eco-friendly choices, from locally sourced ingredients to plant-forward options. Restaurants that embrace these practices meet consumer expectations and benefit from a growing trend that blends purpose with profit. Turning trends into business opportunities  Understanding trending food has real business implications. Insights into consumer behavior help companies to anticipate demand, optimize inventory and create marketing strategies that resonate. Businesses that ignore new food trends risk falling behind. Those who use predictive analytics can move quickly and capture market share. A practical approach combines social media monitoring with data-driven insights. Platforms like Tastewise track menu mentions, regional adoption rates and ingredient popularity. Businesses can identify emerging popular food trends early on. This allows them to develop products, marketing campaigns and menus that align with consumer expectations. Implementing food trends in menus and operations Knowing the latest food trends is one thing. Turning them into actionable business strategies is another. Brands and restaurants that succeed do more than follow trends. They integrate them thoughtfully into every part of their operation. This can include product development, menu design, marketing and even sourcing decisions. For example, a restaurant noticing the rise in plant-based dining might create a plant-forward menu section. They could pair this with functional ingredients like turmeric lattes or collagen smoothies. At the same time, social media campaigns can highlight these offerings, connecting with consumers who are already searching for these foods online. Tastewise data can guide which ingredients or dishes are gaining traction and in which regions, helping businesses to make informed choices rather than just guessing. Marketing and brand strategy for trending foods Marketing strategies benefit from trend insights just as much as operational decisions. Highlighting trending foods in campaigns or social posts can boost engagement and drive traffic. Collaborations with influencers or featuring trending dishes on delivery platforms can expand reach and create a buzz around your brand. Ultimately, implementing food trends effectively is about aligning innovation with strategy. By combining data insights, operational planning and marketing execution, businesses can turn trending foods into revenue growth and long-term brand loyalty. Looking ahead Technology, wellness and sustainability will continue to shape current food trends. Expect more AI-driven menu strategies, personalized dining experiences and functional, plant-forward foods. Brands that pay attention to viral food trends while using real-time data will not just stay relevant; they will set the pace for the latest food trends around the world. Taste is constantly evolving. A business that can combine creativity, data and insight can turn trending food into real growth. Staying ahead is about more than following what is popular. It's about anticipating change and offering foods that are exciting to us and satisfy consumers.

Written by Matteo Turi, CFO & M&A Strategist Matteo Turi is a Chartered Accountant and CFO with 29 years of global experience in scaling companies and leading $480M+ in M&A deals. He is the creator of The Exponential Blueprint and author of Fail. Pivot. Scale. Every entrepreneur begins with an idea powerful enough to challenge the ordinary. But as the business grows, so does the noise, more people, more complexity, more uncertainty. Many founders mistake this noise for progress. In reality, they’re building chaos faster than they’re building clarity. After nearly three decades in finance and experiences as a CFO and M&A investor, I have seen one truth repeat itself across every industry, effort does not scale, systems do. That realisation led me to create The Exponential Blueprint, a framework designed to help founders stop reacting to their business and start designing it for exponential growth. Why most founders get stuck Most entrepreneurs chase revenue, launch products, and hire quickly, but without a financial operating system that connects every action to long-term valuation. They think the solution is more sales. But revenue is only energy, it’s not architecture. Without the right structure behind it, more energy only burns faster. The true purpose of entrepreneurship isn’t to make money but to create an asset that keeps working even when you don’t. That’s where The Exponential Blueprint begins. The high valuation triangle The Blueprint is built on a model I call the High Valuation Triangle, the same structure I’ve used to guide companies from early-stage chaos to investor readiness. It has three sides: Monetize intellectual property. Every company, whether they know it or not, owns IP. It could be data, processes, technology, or a unique way of delivering value. When you learn to monetise that IP, you shift from transactional income to recurring wealth. Build leadership depth. Investors buy systems, not personalities. That means creating a leadership model that works without you. Once your business can perform consistently without the founder in every decision, you have created scalability. Go global. Growth doesn’t come from bigger markets alone but from designing your business to be relevant beyond borders. When your IP and leadership are strong, internationalisation becomes the natural next step, not a gamble. Together, these three sides turn a business from fragile to investable and from busy to exponential. “Effort doesn’t scale, systems do.” Shift from growth to valuation The biggest breakthrough for most founders happens when they stop asking, “How do I sell more?” and start asking, “How do I increase valuation?” Valuation is the ultimate scoreboard of business health. It rewards predictability, leadership, governance, and IP, not just sales volume. When you adopt a valuation mindset, decisions become clearer. You stop seeing finance as a constraint and start using it as a language for growth. It’s not about counting what happened; it’s about engineering what happens next. CFO mindset You don’t need to be a billion-dollar company to think like one. Even in a lean team, a CFO-level perspective changes everything because it aligns your strategy, capital, and operations with investor logic. Most founders think of finance as reporting. I see it as storytelling. Your numbers tell the story of your business, but they must also tell the story investors want to hear — one of structure, discipline, and scalability. Founder-led to investor-ready A company becomes “investor-ready” when it can survive absence and attract attention. That means your systems, not your presence, drive growth. This is where founders regain their time, confidence, and clarity once they implement this shift. Suddenly, fundraising, exit planning, or scaling internationally no longer feel like unknown territory. It becomes a strategy, not a scramble. “A business becomes investable when it works without you.” Your next step If you’re ready to transform your business from effort-driven to valuation-driven, start by taking the free Valuation Scorecard here . It will show you where you stand across the three sides of the High Valuation Triangle. Then, join my newsletter, The Exponential Blueprint, to receive weekly insights on wealth creation, investor readiness, and leadership scaling. Because the truth is simple, wealth isn’t created by working harder, it’s created by building smarter. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , or visit my website for more info! Read more from Matteo Turi Matteo Turi, CFO & M&A Strategist Matteo Turi is a UK-based Chartered Accountant and international CFO known for building investor-ready, high-valuation businesses. Over a 29-year career, he has structured complex M&A transactions exceeding $480M and advised global ventures across renewable energy, technology, and finance. He founded The Exponential Blueprint and authored Fail. Pivot. Scale. to share proven strategies for turning crisis into growth. Matteo’s mission is to help founders build wealth through intelligent financial design, leadership depth, and global scalability.

Written by Andrea Douala, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach Andrea Douala is the founder of MissDoualaFitness, a bilingual fitness and wellness brand. Her approach emphasizes nurturing every dimension of health, mind, body, and soul to help you become the best version of yourself. I’ve come to realize that living a healthy lifestyle is a way of healing and accepting yourself. True wellness isn’t just about eating better or moving more, it’s about reconnecting with your body, your emotions, and your story, while learning to see yourself with compassion. It’s about saying, “I will no longer let my wounds, insecurities, or doubts decide for me. I’m taking back the power over my health, my energy, and my identity.” And little by little, you begin to find inner peace. Yet so many people seek to “change” without first changing the way they think. They train without properly nourishing their bodies and end up feeling lost, exhausted, and discouraged. In reality, movement, mindset, and meals are deeply interconnected, and one cannot fully thrive without the others. Let’s break down how each pillar supports the other, and how, together, they help you build habits that truly last. Movement: The medicine your body craves Many people see exercise as punishment or a way to burn calories. However, movement is a natural medicine. It improves circulation, balances stress hormones and blood sugar, boosts mood and sleep, and even influences the way we nourish ourselves. Most importantly, it helps us reconnect with who we are. Moving your body is like having a conversation with it. It’s a moment during which it can express, release, and heal. Over time, you learn to respect its rhythm, celebrate its strengths, and honor its limits. That’s when fitness is no longer just about aesthetics, it becomes a ritual of self-love. Each workout becomes proof that you can do it, and you carry this confidence into other parts of your life. Isn’t it fascinating to see that one intentional movement can transform not just your body but also your entire mindset? So next time you move, don’t think, “I have to.” Think, “I get to.” Because every movement is an act of gratitude toward your body. Mindset: The foundation of every habit True transformation begins in the mind. You can’t build new habits with an old story, you have to rewrite it. That starts with how you see yourself, the thoughts you nurture, and the faith you place in your own growth. When your mindset shifts from punishment to gratitude, everything changes. You’re no longer training to hate yourself less, but to love yourself more. You move not to chase an image, but to honor the person you’re becoming. Having the right mindset isn’t about being unbreakable, it’s about being kind to yourself when things get hard. It’s choosing compassion over criticism and faith over fear. It’s understanding that every challenge has a purpose, that growth is not just physical but deeply internal. Your mindset is tied to your identity. Every time you move, eat, or rest with intention, you’re casting a vote for the person you want to be. Instead of seeing fitness as an obligation, see it as a lifestyle, a daily act of alignment between your body, mind, and soul. And when in doubt, try speaking to yourself in the third person. It may sound simple, but it helps you step back from your emotions and see yourself with more grace. It reminds you that you are not your insecurities or temporary feelings. You are a person in progress, deserving of patience and compassion. That’s where real consistency starts, not in perfection, but in how you speak to and believe in yourself. Meals: Fuel for body and mind If movement is natural medicine, then nutrition is the first prescription. What you put on your plate directly shapes your energy, hormones, digestion, mood, and even your focus. Eating healthy isn’t a passing trend, it’s both an act of prevention and healing. Consistency and respect for your body are key. When you make peace with food, you also make peace with yourself. You shift from a mindset of restriction to one of nourishment and kindness. You learn to listen to your body, its hunger, its fullness, its needs. Mental health, too, begins on your plate. The foods you eat feed not only your body but also your brain. A diet rich in essential nutrients such as omega-3s, fiber, and vitamins strengthens your mindset, motivation, and emotional resilience. I’m also a firm believer that nutrition is both cultural and spiritual. Good nutrition isn’t just about macros or calories, it’s about connection. Cooking with spices that awaken the senses, revisiting childhood dishes with a healthier twist, and sharing meals with others are all ways to nurture both body and identity. Spiritually, eating consciously is a form of gratitude, a way to reconnect with yourself and with the present moment. When you slow down and savor each bite, you move from survival to presence, transforming a simple meal into a moment of mindfulness and self-respect. The synergy: How they heal together Your body, mind, and soul work in constant harmony. When you align them, you don’t just transform, you heal, accept, and thrive. Each pillar supports the other, a nourished body creates mental clarity, a strong mindset fuels consistency in both movement and nutrition, and regular movement restores balance, releases stress, and strengthens self-esteem. True wellness happens when all three communicate. It’s not about chasing perfection but about creating alignment, feeling grounded, energized, and connected to yourself. When your habits come from a place of love rather than pressure, your lifestyle becomes medicine. You start showing up differently, not to fix who you are but to nurture who you’re becoming. A call to reconnection Take a moment to reflect, "Which pillar feels most out of balance right now, your mind, your body, or your soul?" Healing doesn’t happen all at once, it happens when you give attention to what’s been neglected. Maybe it’s your mindset that needs more compassion, your body that needs nourishment and movement, or your spirit that needs rest and reconnection. Whichever it is, start there. Small shifts create lasting change. Remember, you don’t have to be perfect, just aligned. When you nurture one pillar, you strengthen them all. So today, choose to show up for yourself, not out of pressure but out of love. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Andrea Douala Andrea Douala, Certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach Andrea Douala is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach passionate about inspiring others to embrace the joys of healthy living. As the founder of MissDoualaFitness, a bilingual small business offering services in both French and English, she is dedicated to making fitness and wellness accessible to everyone. No matter how busy life gets, Andrea believes that your health is your greatest strength. With her holistic approach, she empowers clients to create sustainable and meaningful changes that are unique to them.

Written by Remington Steele, Intuitive Breath Practitioner, Emotional Wellness Coach & Philanthropist Remington Steele is an Intuitive Breath Practitioner, Emotional Wellness Coach, and the visionary founder of Breathe With Rem and We Are The Village – Teen Moms. A philanthropist and author of Breathe With Me, Remington’s work is rooted in healing, empowerment, and generational transformation. I remember the weight of judgment pressing down on me long before I even held my newborn, whispers behind my back, the pit of guilt in my stomach, and the constant fear that I was defined solely by my age and my circumstances. In countless communities, teenage motherhood has become a mark of failure rather than a testament to resilience, and that stigma seeps into every corner of a young mother’s life, from healthcare appointments to school hallways to social media feeds. Shame becomes the unspoken curriculum, teaching us to hide our stories, our struggles, and even our triumphs. But beneath that shame lies a powerful truth, teenage moms are survivors, advocates, and builders of strong futures for their children. It’s time to uncover how our society’s normalized shame perpetuates harm, and how we can reclaim our voices, our dignity, and our worth. What is normalized shame? Normalized shame occurs when societal judgments and stigmas become so pervasive that individuals begin to internalize them as an unquestioned truth about their identity. Instead of seeing shame as an external reaction, it becomes an internalized lens through which one views every action and decision. In the context of teenage parenting, this means young mothers grow up learning that their worth is tied to their age and parental status, hearing messages that they’re irresponsible, unworthy, or failures. Over time, that shame isn’t just something they experience. It becomes the default story they tell themselves, shaping their self-esteem, choices, and how they engage with healthcare, education, and community resources. Same story, different teen At just 15, I faced a wave of judgment that sought to define me by my circumstances rather than my potential. When I announced my pregnancy, I was stripped of my place on the cheerleading squad and shunned by those I once trusted. My best friend’s mother forbade our friendship, branding me a “bad influence.” Yet I refused to let that narrative become my truth. I graduated from high school early, went on to earn four degrees, built successful businesses that allowed me to retire at 40, and established both a nonprofit and a for-profit venture. My journey proves that teenage motherhood is not a life sentence but the starting point of resilience, ambition, and triumph. Jamie Lynn Spears’s story echoes this all-too-familiar stigma on a global scale. When she announced her pregnancy at 16, the world turned on her. She walked away from her hit show, endured accusations of “ruining” her young audience, and was publicly cast as irresponsible and unworthy. Yet, like so many teenage mothers, she persevered. She completed her education, raised her daughter, and rebuilt her career on her own terms. Spears’s experience shows how quickly society can normalize shame, and how courageous it is for any young mother to claim her story and redefine her worth ( ew.com ) . What does shame do to a family? Shame seeps into a family like an invisible poison, corroding trust and silencing hearts. It turns dinner tables into minefields, where a single question about how school is going can trigger tears or stone-faced avoidance. Children learn to hide their mistakes, siblings learn to distance themselves, and parents, afraid of judgment, become hypercritical or dismissive, all in a desperate bid to protect the family’s reputation. Conversations shrink, laughter fades, and love feels conditional on perfection. Over time, this culture of secrecy teaches each member to internalize failure, leading to isolation, anxiety, and fractured bonds that can echo for generations, unless someone dares to speak courageously and offer compassion in its place. How did we get here? Generations of cultural messages and systemic forces have conspired to normalize shame around family “mistakes” long before we were born. Colonial and Puritan moralism framed any deviation from strict social codes, such as premarital sex, public grief, or mental distress, as moral failings to be hidden. In Black communities, the legacy of slavery and segregation forced families into survival modes where any sign of weakness or dissent risked violent repercussions, embedding a code of silence around pain. The rise of mass media and social institutions in the 20th century then broadcast narrow ideals of “perfect” families, two-parent households, unblemished reputations, and stoic resilience, while dismissing or punishing those who didn’t fit the mold. Layer on enduring stigmas around teen pregnancy, mental health, and economic hardship, and you have a culture that teaches us to bury our vulnerabilities rather than heal them, passing shame from parent to child as though it were an heirloom. How generational patterns of teenage pregnancy hold shame When a family has faced teenage pregnancy across generations, shame often becomes woven into its very fabric, transforming what could be compassion into blame. A mother who was once a teen mom herself may lash out at her daughter, not out of cruelty but out of her own unhealed pain and fear of societal judgment, projecting her regrets and self-recrimination onto the next generation. This cycle teaches young mothers that their worth is tied to their ability to “do better” rather than to their inherent value, and it silences conversations that could offer empathy or practical support. Every harsh word or disappointed glance reinforces the message that teenage motherhood is a failure rather than an opportunity for growth, ensuring that shame, not insight, is the legacy passed down. 8 ways to prevent the unconscious shame we impose on teen parents An undercurrent of shame often flows unseen in our judgments, policies, and everyday conversations about teenage parents, yet it doesn’t have to be this way. By becoming intentional in how we speak, act, and design supports, we can replace stigma with empathy and opportunity. Below are eight practical ways to prevent unconsciously imposing shame on teen parents and instead build environments where they feel valued, capable, and supported. 1. Say congratulations First off, they rarely get to hear that. The simplest way to dismantle shame is to replace judgment with genuine celebration. When a young person shares news of a pregnancy or parenting milestone, respond first with “Congratulations,” not “Are you sure?” or “How will you manage?” Acknowledging their achievement honors the courage it takes to become a parent and sets a tone of support. That small moment of positive recognition can shift their entire experience from stigma to empowerment. 2. Encourage them Offer words of belief and support that reinforce their potential, such as “I believe in you” or “You’re capable of handling this.” Encouragement helps teen parents see beyond immediate challenges and reminds them they have the strength, skills, and community to succeed. By focusing on their growth and resilience, rather than their age or mistakes, you empower them to keep moving forward with confidence. 3. Remember, they are children learning to raise their child Teen parents are still growing themselves, navigating adolescence while assuming adult responsibilities. Keeping this perspective reminds us to offer patience, guidance, and age-appropriate resources instead of expecting them to know it all. When we treat them as learners with the capacity to develop skills, we create a nurturing environment that fosters confidence and competence rather than perpetuating shame. 4. Listen Truly hearing a teen parent’s experience without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice shows deep respect and validates their feelings. By asking open-ended questions such as “How are you feeling about this?” or “What support would help most right now?” you invite them to share their perspectives and needs. Active listening builds trust, reveals unseen challenges, and helps you tailor support in ways that truly resonate. This simple act of presence can dismantle isolation and foster a sense of belonging. 5. Respect their boundaries Let her lead in parenting her child, and you focus on raising her. Avoid unsolicited critiques or “helpful” corrections, as doing so only undermines her confidence and creates friction. Trust her to make decisions for her family, and offer help only when she asks. This respectful distance empowers her autonomy and demonstrates genuine support. 6. Share information Think of sharing advice with a teen parent the same way you would guide your daughter before her wedding day, offering insights out of love, not obligation. Present options clearly, such as “Here are a few resources on newborn feeding and local support groups that you might find helpful,” and let her decide which ones fit her family’s needs. This compassionate, nondirective approach honors her autonomy and mirrors the respect you’d show in guiding any young person through a major life transition. 7. Give them a break Just as every parent needs a moment to recharge, teen parents deserve respite without guilt. Offer to watch her baby for an hour so she can rest, run errands, or simply breathe, no judgment attached. Framing this as a normal part of parenting reinforces that self-care isn’t selfish but essential. By giving her permission to pause, you honor her well-being and model healthy balance for her entire family. 8. Mind your words The language you use can either uplift or undermine a young parent’s confidence, so choose your words and tone carefully. Avoid microaggressions like “You’re too young for this” or “I couldn’t imagine doing that,” which, even if unintended, reinforce stigma and self-doubt. Instead, use neutral, supportive phrases such as “How can I best support you?” or “You’re doing great” that validate her experience. Remember, every comment leaves an imprint. Speaking with respect and empathy helps dismantle shame rather than perpetuate it. Teens go through postpartum, too Becoming a mother at any age triggers the seismic shifts of postpartum, hormonal swings, emotional vulnerability, and physical recovery, but these experiences are too often dismissed when the parent is a teen. Young mothers face the same “baby blues” or postpartum depression risks as older parents, yet they’re less likely to have access to screening, support groups, or even basic rest. Without acknowledging their need for postpartum care, from mental health check-ins to lactation support and pelvic healing, they’re left to navigate isolation, anxiety, and exhaustion alone. Recognizing that teen parents deserve comprehensive postpartum resources is essential to breaking cycles of shame, promoting healthy bonding, and ensuring that both mother and baby thrive. What WATVTM is doing to normalize change At We Are The Village Teen Moms (WATVTM), we believe visibility is the first step toward transformation. That’s why each year we convene our signature Teen Mom Discussion Panel, an open forum where teen parents, allies, and community leaders come together to share lived experiences, address systemic barriers, and co-create solutions. Past panels have featured teen moms who’ve navigated foster care, school reentry, and housing insecurity alongside service providers from Parkland Health, Dallas ISD, and community nonprofits. One woman who attended shared that she was not a teen mom. In fact, she had done everything “right” by society’s standards, waiting until her thirties to have her son, building a career, and taking pride in the stability she had created. Yet when her teenage son became a father, she found herself swallowed by the same cloud of shame that so many teen mothers carry. For six long months, she hid the news from her family, delaying the joy of becoming a grandmother because of the fear of what others might think. She admitted that her son didn’t have to wear the announcement on his body like the mother did, but she still bore the weight of judgment in silence. Her perspective was a powerful reminder that shame doesn’t only cling to young mothers. It seeps into the hearts of parents, grandparents, and entire families, even when they’ve never lived the reality of teen pregnancy themselves. In that room, her story joined the voices of many, past teen moms, expecting teen parents, past teen dads, community leaders, grandparents, best friends of teen parents, products of teen parents, and siblings of teen parents. We stood together in a circle of raw honesty, peeling back layers of pain that had been carried for years, sometimes decades. Tears flowed freely as celebrations erupted in the same breath, moments of healing happening in real time. For some, it was the first time they had ever spoken their truth. For others, it was the first time they felt it was safe to release it. And in that sacred space, the shame that had once kept us silent began to loosen its grip, replaced by the power of shared stories and the unshakable reminder that we were never alone. As a reminder, we’ve launched our “I Am a Teen Mom,” “I Support Teen Moms,” and “Product of a Teen Mom” tees, free with a $25 donation, to help replace shame with pride. Grab your shirt here ! Through thought-provoking articles like my piece on emancipation rights, we’re spreading awareness and fueling policy change so that every mother, regardless of age, can thrive without judgment. Together, we’re shifting the narrative from shame to strength. Removing the shame Now is the moment to transform compassion into impact. Stand with teen parents by speaking up and taking action. Share your support by wearing or gifting an “I Support Teen Moms” shirt, using EndTeenMomShame to amplify their stories on social media, and inviting young parents into your communities as speakers, mentors, or leaders. Volunteer with WATVTM , donate to fund workshops and scholarships, or host a local panel to spark honest conversations. Lastly, reach out to policymakers and demand equitable access to education, healthcare, and housing for teen parents. Together, our collective voices and deeds will dismantle stigma and build a future where every young mother and father is met with empathy, resources, and pride instead of shame. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Remington Steele Remington Steele, Intuitive Breath Practitioner, Emotional Wellness Coach & Philanthropist Remington Steele is an Intuitive Breath Practitioner, Emotional Wellness Coach, and the visionary founder of Breathe With Rem and We Are The Village – Teen Moms. A philanthropist and author of Breathe With Me, Remington’s work is rooted in healing, empowerment, and generational transformation. As a former teen mother herself, she has turned her personal journey into a mission to guide others through intentional breathing, holistic wellness, and community-centered care.

Grief coach and death doula Karen Bulinski Mathison expands mental health platform to address death, pet loss, divorce, friendship breakups, and other "invisible" losses through innovative programming and Friends-themed podcast that supports employees without disrupting work. Camden, DE – The Naked Grief, a comprehensive grief support platform, announces the availability of four membership programs and The RAW Experience podcast, designed to support individuals navigating all types of loss, including disenfranchised grief that society often minimizes or ignores, without requiring time away from work or exposing personal struggles to employers. While traditional grief support focuses on the death of loved ones, millions suffer in silence from "invisible" losses, pet loss, divorce, job loss, miscarriage, friendship breakups, and empty nest syndrome. These losses are rarely acknowledged, leaving individuals isolated and unsupported and often fearful of losing their jobs if they take time off to heal. Virtual, on-demand support when employees need it most The Naked Grief now offers a complete suite of programs to meet members where they are in their healing journey, all available virtually with no appointments necessary: Healing Hearts Complete ($47/month): A month-to-month membership featuring four days of accessible and meaningful content, including Myth-Busting Monday, Wisdom Wednesday, Tool Time Thursday, and Self-Care Saturday, plus personalized assessments, progress tracking, and community connection for those navigating death and major loss. With over 60 months of content ready for members, there is always something new to explore and support available for as long as members need it. New members receive a 21-day free trial with immediate access to two communities for peer support, crisis support resources, and meaningful content that meets them where they are, no appointment necessary. Grief Wisdom Circle ($27/month): A month-to-month membership offering three days of weekly themed content, including Wisdom Spotlight Tuesday, Myth-Busting Friday, and Spiritual Sunday, plus a member directory and resource library for ongoing grief education and connection. Over 60 months of content is available for members to explore at their own pace. Spirit Wisdom Circle ($27/month): A month-to-month membership featuring spiritual healing and personal development resources led by Melissa Bishop of Wholehearted Studio, including Sacred Space Saturday for those seeking a holistic approach to grief and transformation. Over 60 months of content is available for members to explore. RAW Experience Circle ($47/month): A month-to-month membership combining the best of both Grief Wisdom Circle and Spirit Wisdom Circle for comprehensive six-day-a-week support. Members receive Grief Wisdom Circle's three days (Wisdom Spotlight Tuesday, Myth-Busting Friday, and Spiritual Sunday), combined with Spirit Wisdom Circle's three days (Wisdom Spotlight Monday, Myth-Busting Wednesday, and Spiritual Practice Saturday), ensuring members feel seen and supported six days a week. Co-created with spiritual healing expert Melissa Bishop of Wholehearted Studio, this balanced structure delivers true body, mind, and soul healing, addressing losses that do not receive traditional recognition or support while offering the spiritual healing and personal development resources that make The Naked Grief's holistic approach distinctive. RAW Experience provides the mental health benefits employees need to maintain job performance without taking time off work, allowing them to feel supported and seen by their employer without ever having to expose what they are going through. All programs feature extensive content calendars, member directories, and resource libraries designed to meet members where they are in their healing journey, whether that's 30 days or five years after loss. Built-in assessments and engagement trackers allow employers to monitor progress and offer reimbursement incentives without invading employee privacy while encouraging members to keep doing the hard work and get their job performance back on track. The RAW Experience podcast: Identifying disenfranchised grief through Friends The platform also launches The RAW Experience, a groundbreaking podcast series co-hosted by Karen Bulinski Mathison and Melissa Bishop that uses cinematherapy to teach grief concepts by dissecting every episode of the beloved TV show Friends. Each episode identifies and explores the various types of disenfranchised grief woven throughout the series, from Ross's divorce and the downward spiral that happens when he does not get help, to Rachel's career identity loss, Chandler's childhood trauma, and Monica's struggles with infertility. By analyzing how these characters navigate loss, the podcast helps people recognize that even the things they think do not need help often do. Melissa's spiritual perspective, combined with Karen's grief expertise and lived experience, creates a unique, holistic framework that addresses the emotional, mental, and spiritual dimensions of grief. The breakdown and explanation of disenfranchised grief through Friends creates interest, builds community, and makes complex emotional topics accessible, relatable, and shame-free. The RAW Experience is available on all major podcast platforms and Spotify for Creators at @therawexperiencecircle. "Disenfranchised grief is real grief," says Karen Bulinski Mathison, M.S. in Mental Health & Wellness with an emphasis in Grief & Bereavement, Certified Death Doula, and grief survivor who has experienced the loss of her husband, father, best friend, and partner. "When your dog dies, your marriage ends, or your best friend ghosts you, that pain deserves support, not dismissal. We created these programs and The RAW Experience podcast with Melissa Bishop because too many people are told their loss 'doesn't count' or they should 'just move on.' That ends here. Our holistic approach, combining evidence-based understanding of grief with spiritual healing, is what we bring to the table." Cheaper than most gym memberships and more critical to employee wellbeing, The Naked Grief platform offers a powerful solution for organizations seeking to support their workforce without disrupting productivity. Employers become mental health awareness advocates by offering The Naked Grief as an employee benefit, providing access to virtual, on-demand support that employees can access anytime, anywhere, with no appointments necessary. Just as employees attending anger management classes or AA meetings demonstrate they are trying to improve, and are protected from termination as long as they are actively seeking help, grief support through The Naked Grief shows employers that their team members are doing the hard work to heal. The assessments and trackers provide documentation of engagement and progress, helping employees maintain job security while recovering from loss. Employers can set their own standards for engagement expectations and choose to reimburse based on participation levels, making mental health support accessible without major cost to the organization. The Naked Grief is among a growing number of platforms connecting all types of loss under one roof, combining evidence-based understanding of grief with heart-centered, relatable content and spiritual healing. The RAW Experience podcast demonstrates this approach by using familiar characters and storylines to help people recognize their own grief patterns without judgment or defensiveness. The platform also offers corporate bereavement solutions and partnerships with funeral homes, hospices, churches, and schools, making comprehensive grief support accessible to organizations of all sizes. Building a network of grief professionals Beyond employee support, The Naked Grief is building a network of trusted grief professionals, grief coaches, therapists, counselors, death doulas, and support group leaders who specialize in different types of loss. "For anybody in the business of supporting others through grief and loss, connecting with me and talking about how I link with professionals is essential," says Bulinski Mathison. "Because we all have different areas of strength. And in order to create grief awareness, we all have to stand united." Professionals interested in partnership opportunities, cross-promotion, referral relationships, and collaboration are invited to connect and learn more. All membership programs and The RAW Experience podcast are now available on the website . About The Naked Grief The Naked Grief, LLC is a comprehensive grief support platform offering membership programs, corporate bereavement solutions, and partnerships with funeral homes, hospices, and faith communities. Founded by Karen Bulinski Mathison, M.S., the platform serves individuals navigating all types of loss with evidence-based, compassionate support that honors the reality that grief has no timeline. In partnership with spiritual healing expert Melissa Bishop of Wholehearted Studio, The Naked Grief delivers holistic body, mind, and soul healing. Media contact Karen Bulinski Mathison The Naked Grief, LLC info@thenakedgrief.com 302-956-4245

Written by Noura Lutyk, Health and Wellness Coach Noura Lutyk is a certified Holistic Practitioner and Wellness Coach with a passion for gut health and its impact on overall well-being. With a focus on scientific insights and mindful practices, she creates content that inspires healthier choices for better health and longevity. What if your hormone dysregulation is being caused by your gut? The traditional view of hormones has taught us that hormonal regulation is controlled primarily by specific glands in the body. This perspective is commonly known as the “endocrine gland model.” What the traditional endocrine gland model teaches In the past, each hormone was thought to be produced by a specific gland. Glands act like command centres that respond to the body’s needs. Hormone levels were thought to be regulated by negative feedback loops. If hormone levels are too high, signals would reduce gland activity. If hormone levels are too low, the gland would be stimulated to produce more. This was the foundation of endocrinology, a medical field that we commonly know of today. But there’s more to the story Modern research has expanded our understanding, showing that hormones are not just regulated by glands but also by local tissues, the gut microbiome, and the circadian rhythm. Many organs, like the heart or intestine, produce hormones. The endocrine system is a more complex crosstalk that is more expansive than we previously thought. Understanding the gut-hormone axis The gut-brain axis The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional communication system between the GI tract and the central nervous system. It involves neural, hormonal, and immune pathways and influences stress hormones such as cortisol and neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Serotonin is made by cells called enterochromaffin cells, mostly in the gut. The gut microbiome helps regulate the availability of serotonin precursors, such as tryptophan. Gut bacteria influence whether tryptophan becomes serotonin (good) or kynurenine (inflammatory). The estrobolome The gut also plays a role in oestrogen metabolism, which can impact conditions such as oestrogen dominance. The estrobolome is a subset of gut microbiota capable of metabolising estrogens. It plays a critical role in maintaining hormone balance, particularly in regulating circulating oestrogen levels. When gut dysbiosis occurs, this delicate microbial ecosystem becomes imbalanced, often leading to impaired oestrogen metabolism. This disruption can lead to oestrogen dominance or oestrogen deficiency, both of which are linked to hormone-related issues like PMS, PCOS, and even certain cancers. Thyroid function Thyroid function is also affected by poor gut health, which affects the conversion of inactive thyroid hormone (T4) to its active form (T3). Absorption of essential nutrients, such as selenium and iodine, is also impaired by gut imbalances. This keeps the cycle of dysfunction going. What if your gut is the missing link to your hormonal health? What is gut dysbiosis? Gut dysbiosis is a term used to describe an imbalance in the gut microbiome, the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract. In a healthy gut, good bacteria help with digestion, support the immune system, produce important vitamins, and even help regulate your mood and hormones. When this balance is disrupted, harmful bacteria, yeast, parasites, or viruses can take over. This leads to inflammation and a wide range of health issues. Gut dysbiosis has been linked to digestive problems like bloating and IBS, but also to more complex conditions like anxiety. What is inflammation? Dysbiosis: Define gut dysbiosis and its correlation with hormonal disorders. Leaky gut syndrome: Explain how increased intestinal permeability can lead to systemic inflammation, affecting hormone receptors and signaling. Inflammation: Discuss the systemic effects of chronic low-grade inflammation originating from the gut and its impact on hormone production and regulation. Signs your gut is affecting your hormones Have you ever experienced premenstrual symptoms like mood swings, food cravings, and bloating before your period? Many signs have been accepted as “normal” and part of a woman’s normal hormonal cycle that are, in fact, signs of gut dysbiosis and deeper inflammation. Let’s look at some of them. Hormonal acne: A sign of detox pathways struggling While hormonal fluctuations can trigger acne, the deeper cause of any skin presentation is an inflamed gut struggling to clear toxins efficiently. When these toxins recirculate, they can do so through the liver and skin. Gut inflammation, which is the imbalance of microbes, can lead to compromised detox pathways and even make hormonal imbalances worse. Excess estrogen is caused by a disrupted estrobolome and impaired oestrogen detoxification. Whenever you see persistent or recurrent skin breakouts, look at your gut. Irregular menstrual cycles Missed periods, long cycles, or painful periods are often blamed on PCOS or stress. But the gut plays an integral and surprising role in regulating your cycle and cycles that are painless. The estrobolome, which is a collection of bacteria that help metabolise oestrogen, is often out of balance, leading to too much or too little oestrogen when the gut is disrupted. Gut inflammation also impacts nutrient absorption, like zinc, B vitamins, and magnesium, which are all crucial for hormone production. I have seen women go from painful PMS to easy periods without premenstrual symptoms as a result of addressing gut health. Weight fluctuations If your weight seems to fluctuate wildly even though you stick to the same diet and exercise routine, your gut might be the culprit. Gut inflammation affects insulin sensitivity, food cravings, satiety, and even how you extract calories from food. Inflammation also leads to water retention, increased cortisol, and disrupted hunger hormones. The result? Weight gain or weight loss that doesn’t make sense. Again, often attributed to “hormonal changes,” but the real cause is likely your gut. Mood swings and anxiety I used to experience severe mood swings and many other pre-menstrual symptoms, which I brushed off as “normal” and “part of my cycle”. The reality? I was dealing with low serotonin levels caused by an imbalanced gut. Serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter, is mostly produced in the gut. Dysbiosis can cause low serotonin levels, further inflammation, and a leaky gut, which affects brain function. Digestive issues Bloating, constipation, gas, or food sensitivities often appear alongside hormonal changes. Instead of treating them as separate problems or worse, being told they are normal, they should be considered as core symptoms of gut dysfunction. A sluggish and inflamed gut can’t properly absorb nutrients or eliminate waste, which leads to poor hormone synthesis and toxin buildup. When you see symptoms crop up right around a hormonal change, it’s the first sign that there’s gut inflammation there that the hormonal change is highlighting, not the other way around. The conventional approach targets symptoms We’ve been taught to target symptoms: Birth control for irregular periods Antibiotics or Accutane for acne Laxatives or antacids for digestive discomfort But without addressing gut health, these symptoms come back, or more often, get worse. New studies show that the gut microbiome works almost like an extra hormone-making organ. This means that it both senses and shapes a person’s hormone networks. Germ-free and microbiota-manipulation experiments change circulating levels of steroid, metabolic, and neuroendocrine hormones, while clinical studies link microbiome composition to conditions such as PCOS, obesity, and menopausal changes.[1] One example is the estrobolome. The collection of gut bacterial genes that modulate enterohepatic estrogen recycling. Studies show that when the gut bacteria that help handle estrogen change, it can affect how much estrogen the body keeps or gets rid of, and this may be linked to diseases like certain kinds of breast cancer.[2] A major way the gut microbiome affects hormones is through the chemicals it makes, especially short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that come from breaking down dietary fiber. These SCFAs, like acetate, propionate, and butyrate, interact with receptors in the body, influence gene regulation, and shape gut and immune system signaling. Research in both animals and humans shows that SCFAs can change how sensitive we are to insulin, how appetite-related hormones work, and even how some steroid hormones are made. This makes SCFAs an important link between what we eat, our gut microbes, and overall hormone balance.[3] Practical strategies to support gut health for hormonal balance Taking care of your gut is one of the most effective ways to keep your hormones working smoothly. Here are some simple, research-backed strategies: A diet that feeds a healthy gut microbiome Load up on fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Fiber feeds good gut bacteria, helping them thrive and keep your microbiome diverse. If you’re working on your gut health, aim to build up your fiber intake over time to 30 or more grams per day. Add fermented foods like kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso, or yogurt to your meals. These foods naturally contain probiotics, which replenish healthy bacteria. Include prebiotic foods such as garlic, onions, leeks, and asparagus. These act as fertilizer for beneficial microbes, encouraging their growth. Lifestyle modifications Practice stress reduction with yoga, meditation, or even simple deep-breathing exercises. Lowering stress helps balance cortisol (the stress hormone), which otherwise can disrupt gut and hormone function. Stay active every day through walking, dancing, or regular workouts. Daily movement improves gut motility and supports more stable hormone levels. Prioritize quality sleep by aiming for 7 hours each night. Sleep is critical for hormone production because it allows the gut to repair and reset . Even better, sleep within 2 hours of sunset to align with your circadian rhythm and natural melatonin release. Supplemental support Probiotics and prebiotics (through supplements or foods) help restore a balanced gut flora, especially after antibiotics or if you have digestive issues. Key nutrients like magnesium (for calming the nervous system), omega-3 fatty acids (for reducing inflammation), and vitamin D with K2 (for hormone signaling and calcium uptake) may further support hormone balance when diet alone isn’t enough. The best news is this Infertility can be overcome. PCOS and recurring PMS symptoms that drive you crazy every month can be improved. Your gut health plays such an important role in your overall health, especially your hormonal balance. Start making intentional choices daily to reduce stress, move your body more often (go for that long walk even when you don’t feel like it), cook a fiber-rich meal with a variety of foods in your diet weekly, try new foods, and add fermented foods to your plate. Simple but intentional actions will go a long way towards improving your hormonal health. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more info! Read more from Noura Lutyk Noura Lutyk, Health and Wellness Coach Noura is a gut health advocate who has personally overcome eczema and histamine sensitivity, as well as helped her children navigate eczema and food sensitivities through gut-focused strategies. After extensive research into studies on the gut microbiome and its role in chronic diseases, she discovered how food and lifestyle changes can impact specific microbes in the gut, influencing both skin health and overall well-being. Over the past three years, Noura has been helping women and children overcome gut, hormonal, and skin issues by applying holistic approaches backed by scientific research, empowering them to restore balance and improve their quality of life. References: [1] Pires L, Gonzalez-Paramás AM, Heleno SA, Calhelha RC, et al. Gut Microbiota as an Endocrine Organ: Unveiling Its Role in Human Physiology and Health. Applied Sciences. 2024;14(20):9383. doi:10.3390/app14209383. MDPI [2] Kwa M, Plottel CS, Blaser MJ, Adams S. The Intestinal Microbiome and Estrogen Receptor Positive Female Breast Cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2016;108(8):djw029. doi:10.1093/jnci/djw029. PubMed [3] Koh A, De Vadder F, Kovatcheva-Datchary P, Bäckhed F. From Dietary Fiber to Host Physiology: Short-Chain Fatty Acids as Key Bacterial Metabolites. Cell. 2016;165(6):1332–1345. doi:10.1016/j.cell.2016.05.041. PubMed

Written by Lukasz Kalinowski, Executive Coach, Mentor & Keynote Speaker Lukasz Kalinowski is an executive coach, mentor, and keynote speaker who helps leaders break barriers and achieve lasting impact. Combining strategic insight with transformational coaching, he empowers executives to lead authentically and drive meaningful change. Before David faced Goliath, the real battle had already been won, in silence, in the fields, when he decided who he was and who held him. Identity Wins Before The Fight explores the unseen moments that define visible victories, reminding modern leaders that strength begins not with strategy or skill, but with knowing your centre. Because the sling is a technique, but identity is a decision. Who is David? David is the shepherd from the Hebrew Bible who later became king of Israel. Goliath was the Philistine champion whom he defeated with a sling. Bethlehem, before the noise At dawn, the hills near Bethlehem look like a rumpled quilt. A boy walks the boundary with a staff that has learned his hands, the way a tool does after years together. The sheep stray. The boy whistles. Somewhere, a lion remembers being hit between the eyes by a stone and decides to keep his distance. The prophet Samuel had come yesterday. Oil on the head, the unexpected son brought in from the fields, the brothers trying to look pleased. Then silence. No crown. No trumpet. Just the ordinary next morning, and the same animals that do not read prophecy. The bit people skip the identity This is the bit people skip. The anointing happens, then nothing changes except everything. The boy goes back to work with a different centre of gravity. He is still David. He is also something more. The line inside has moved. Much later, he will step into a valley where a giant mocks the living God and an army remembers it is small. He will pick stones, not armour. He will run towards the noise. By then, the real fight is over. It ended quietly, somewhere between sheep and sky, when the boy decided who he was and who held him. The sling is a technique. Identity is a decision. The older wisdom We like the visible part. The single shot. The heap of armour. The cheer that travels through a crowd like a flame through dry grass. But the older wisdom, the kind that smells of dust and ink, says battles are won before anyone lifts a sword. Sun Tzu wrote it as a calculation. David lived it as consecration. Two ways of saying the same thing. Get your inside right, and the outside follows. The modern echo There is a modern way to say this that is less poetic and just as stubborn. People do what people like them do. If I hold the line, “I am the kind of leader who protects focus and keeps my word,” I begin to prune my calendar and clean my language. I stop writing “ASAP” and start writing “Wednesday 15:00.” I end meetings with names and dates instead of vibes. It is small, and then it is not. I have seen this many times, and so have you. A head of operations with a thousand messages a week writes a single sentence on an index card and reads it every morning. She says it out loud. She acts from it when the room gets loud. In eight weeks, the team’s speed shifts as if someone oiled the gears. She did not become someone else. She simply chose to be who she had said she was, in public, on repeat. Identity is not a speech. It is a promise upheld by tiny acts. The armour problem There is also the armour problem. Saul, the first king of Israel, means well. He always does. He offers what he thinks success looks like, weight, polish, the sound a chest plate makes when you knock it with a fist. David tries it on and moves like a man in someone else’s suit. You can almost hear the pause. Sorry, he says, I cannot walk in this. How many leaders are moving like that, dressed in a previous boss’s voice, wrapped in a deck when a page would do, performing certainty they do not feel because that is what the last person did? The cost is movement. You lose the half-second that decides a moment. David chooses his own kit. Five stones. One habit honed under an empty sky. Authenticity is not self-expression for its own sake. It is operational. A line you can live with this week If you prefer the academic language, it is simple. Identity changes how we see effort, friction, and risk. When a task belongs to your “me” story, you push longer and read setbacks as useful, not fatal. And in transitions, you grow by trying on a slightly larger self, collecting feedback, and editing what does not fit. You do not wait to feel ready. You act into readiness. Put that in a board pack, and it sounds like a theory. Watch it in a Tuesday meeting, and it looks like a person choosing. The story holds one more quiet lesson. After the prophet, after the oil, after the valley, David still writes songs. Some of them sound like a man breathing hard in the dark. “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” This is not palace music. It is field notes from somebody who learned to tell his fear where to stand. Gratitude and meaning are not soft extras. They are ballast. You can try this in one ordinary week. On Sunday evening, write one line that begins, “I am the kind of leader who”. Keep it plain. Protects focus. Tells the truth early. Builds calm under pressure. Then choose one act each day that expresses it. Decline a meeting with no clear outcome. Replace a vague promise with a date and an owner. Put a single one-page brief in front of a conversation and hold to it. Each act is a small vote for the person you are becoming. Also, choose one piece of borrowed armour to put down. If you write when everyone expects slides, write. If your team needs your presence more than your polish, give them you. If you are repeating a phrase you do not believe, retire it. At the end of the week, ask one person you trust two questions. Where did my behaviour match the line I wrote? Where did I drift? Listen without defence. Thank them. Adjust. Repeat. The drift after success The risk, of course, is success. Success can loosen your grip on the centre that got you here. David knew the warmth of that drift. He looked from a rooftop and forgot he was a shepherd. It happens. Titles outgrow character. The antidote is not shame, it is return. “Create in me a clean heart,” he wrote, a way of saying, take me back to the true story. Leaders fall. Leaders return. The sling is always there. Closing image The giant still stands in the valley. He looks a lot like your calendar, or cash, or the conversation you have postponed because it will not be tidy. The point is not bravado. The point is posture. You walk down the hill as someone who has already chosen. The stones feel smooth because they have lived in your hand. You do not need to be loud. You need to be settled. Next in the series Ready for the field manual that helps you hold this line when life tests it. Read From Cave to Crown: A Letter and a Playbook for the In-Between. Follow me on LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Lukasz Kalinowski Lukasz Kalinowski, Executive Coach, Mentor & Keynote Speaker Lukasz Kalinowski is an executive coach, mentor, and keynote speaker specialising in leadership transformation, resilience, and strategic growth. With a background in business management and coaching, he helps leaders break through limitations, navigate challenges, and achieve lasting success. Drawing from years of experience in high-stakes leadership roles, he empowers executives to lead with clarity, confidence, and authenticity. Passionate about resilience and personal development, Lukasz shares insights on overcoming adversity and unlocking true potential. Connect with him for more expert content and coaching.

Written by Dean Page, Certified Life Coach & High Performance Coach Dean Page is a certified life coach who is a two-time American Taekwondo Association World Champion and a three-time cancer survivor. These unique experiences have given Dean both strong empathy for clients who are facing challenges as well as an understanding of the mindset of the high-performance individuals who want to be the very best. What can professional wrestling teach us about business? In this article, we dive into five key principles learned through wrestling that can help entrepreneurs and professionals improve their performance, whether in leadership, customer service, or mastering the basics. What do pro-wrestling lessons have to do with my business? In your everyday business life, you may not be called upon to body slam a six-foot, 260-pound athlete, cut a promo to induce an audience to purchase tickets for a specific event, or even entertain a crowd that surrounds you from all sides. While you may not have to engage in those activities, you do have to manage business in a highly skilled manner, communicate to your customers the need for them to purchase your goods or services, all while navigating an environment where every business move can be immediately broadcast to a worldwide audience via the internet. While writing my article titled What It Really Takes to Succeed in Professional Wrestling , I realized that the same principles could be used to help ensure success in business and, in fact, life in general. So, whether your work attire is a singlet or a suit, let's consider these principles. 5 keys to successful business practices 1. Be coachable “My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to take these great people we have and to push them and make them even better.” – Steve Jobs I stated in my article, 'What It Really Takes to Succeed in Professional Wrestling' that “Being coachable does not mean being a doormat or not having confidence in your abilities. In fact, the opposite is true. Being coachable means that you have the confidence in yourself to be open to constructive criticism and feedback regarding your weak areas. It reflects that you have the character to be realistic in the assessment of your current abilities, along with the motivation to make the necessary adjustments. It is one thing to want to be the best that you can be. It's another thing to be willing to accept critique on how to become your very best.” Finding and developing several mentor relationships can advance you years ahead of those who don’t, simply by the nature of learning from their mistakes and building on their learning curves. How often have we heard individuals who are considered titans of innovation refer to “standing on the shoulders of giants who came before them”? Being coachable in pro-wrestling can mean improving from good to great and from great to excellent. The same is true for your business career. What are the takeaways from potential improvement areas mentioned in performance reviews or one-on-one managerial sessions? The bottom line is that feedback in areas of improvement can present keys to unlocking improvement in your overall performance, which will benefit you in the long run. 2. Master the fundamentals “You must perfect every fundamental of your business if you expect it to perform well.” – Ray Kroc It was not unusual to have a new, prospective pro-wrestling student go into the ring expecting to learn high-flying moves, only to concentrate on basic drills such as rolls, properly getting up off the mat, and the various “flat bumps.” The simple fact is that even the most gifted athletes who have flaws in these fundamental drills will find that weakness multiplied exponentially in actual matches. The same is true in business, where it is an extremely competitive world. It is challenging enough when competing directly in areas of strength. Why would you want to hand your competition an opportunity for an advantage due to a weakness in basic business fundamentals? A simple search on the internet about business fundamentals will provide you with various categories of business that recognized leaders of academia recommend. Start with those and ask yourself, “Do I have a workable understanding of the fundamentals of this business category?” If accounting is a weak area, I’m not suggesting that you need to get your CPA, but can you read a balance sheet? Can you look at forecasts and projections and understand the inner workings so that you can detect unchecked optimism? Do you understand the fundamentals of marketing to recognize if that slick, new ad campaign will resonate with your company’s customers? Do you understand their demographics and what it is about your product or services that attracts them to your particular goods and services? I am a big proponent of delegation, but I always include follow-up. It’s pragmatic to have people who work for you who are more skilled than you are in some specific departments. It is also pragmatic to understand the fundamentals of those areas to ensure that they are, in fact, performing at their best and for the benefit of the overall company. 3. Pay attention to the little details “How you do the little things is how you do everything.” – Sharon Pearson A key component of pro-wrestling is the art of storytelling. In order to build a loyal audience following, the audience must become invested. A simple yet profound element of building audience investment can be enhanced by paying attention to the verbal and non-verbal cues that the audience is giving you. They are literally giving you a gift in that they are communicating to you in real time what is and what is not working. What are the verbal and non-verbal cues that your customers are giving you? Are you paying attention to your “audience,” or are you too busy focusing on the work at hand? Simply put, it is far better to make needed adjustments along the way to ensure your customers are repeat customers than to find out their dissatisfaction after the fact. Many times, little nuances that seemed insignificant end up resonating with the audience. Whether it’s the John Cena “You can’t see me” or the Ric Flair “Whoo,” it adds to the audience’s experience. The question is, do you want your customers to want to do business with your company, or just “have to” do business? Because the odds are good that a competitor will eventually figure out how to lure away the customer who believes that you have a great product, but lacks customer awareness. 4. Repetition, repetition, repetition “You have to perform at a consistently higher level than others. That’s the mark of a true professional.” – Joe Paterno In the world of professional wrestling, muscle memorization is a crucial part of being able to focus on recognizing the unexpected opportunities to add extra value to the fan experience that often arise in a predetermined wrestling match. This is developed by repetition, but not just repetition alone. It must be repetition in doing things the correct way. Muscle memorization is either an ally or an enemy, and you are the one who determines which one it will be. I would suggest that a business’s “muscle memorization” would be the mission statement that reflects the organization’s purpose, core values, and goals. It is from this that clarity can be found in those grey areas. If part of your company’s mission statement is to help the local region economically, then naturally you consider local vendors. If an aspect of the company’s mission statement is to be on the cutting edge of product development, then cutting the research budget would be ill-advised. Another aspect of repetition is quality. We have a mechanic that we have used for decades because of the consistency of their work. This can also mean inconvenience because of the waiting list to get in. We are not the only ones who recognize their level of excellence. In professional wrestling, I have muscle memory that automatically ensures that I have my left foot forward and my hands up, regardless of the previous moves. In business, that may mean, regardless of the situation, always doing what is best for the customer. 5. The performance starts when you arrive in the parking lot, not when you go through the curtain “You don’t build a business. You build people, and people build the business.” – Zig Ziglar Pro-wrestling, at its basic essence, is the art of live storytelling. It is a live, very physical performance in which the goal is to entertain the paying audience. It is thus very easy for an athlete, or any performer, to focus only on the time from the opening of the curtain to the final curtain call. But the fact is that their level of professionalism is not just measured in the ring but also backstage. There are stories of exceptional, generational talents that were so good in the ring that their negative attitudes toward others were tolerated. Although it should be noted that even in their cases, once their ability to perform at a high level diminished, so did their support groups. If you are blessed with the ability to provide exceptional service or have top-of-the-line products, it is important that, as an entrepreneur, manager, or business leader, you ensure that the entire operation is professional. How often have you heard of customers switching companies because “They have a great product, but they never meet their promised delivery dates?” Other red-flag examples are “I can never get them on the phone, and they don’t return my calls,” or “I had to wait until the receptionist was done taking a personal Instagram selfie before she acknowledged me.” I’m not suggesting that you can be exceptional in all areas, but I am suggesting that you and your organization should be professional in all areas. Maybe your schedule is such that you don’t have time for a phone call with a client today, but you can at least send a message to let them know you received their request and will get back to them as soon as possible. Being a professional isn’t just at the point of sale, but in all the processes leading up to it and the follow-up afterward. Conclusion Am I suggesting that if you master these five keys, you are guaranteed instant business success? No, I am not. I am saying that without these keys, your business journey will be more challenging and most likely hindered unnecessarily. The choice is yours. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Dean Page Dean Page, Certified Life Coach & High Performance Coach Dean Page is a certified life coach who is a two-time American Taekwondo Association World Champion, a multiple-time “Top Ten Competitor”, and a three-time cancer survivor. After suffering the side effects of "chemo brain", which affected his memory and the ability to learn, Dean determined that he would learn to learn again. He continued his education, graduating with a GPA that resulted in invitations for membership in multiple collegiate honor societies. These unique experiences have given Dean both strong empathy for clients who are facing overwhelming challenges as well as an understanding of the mindset of the high-performance individuals who are not satisfied until they are the very best.

Written by Monserrat Menendez, Interior Designer Monserrat is an entrepreneur, interior architect, and sustainability advocate, as well as the founder of Senom Design, a firm dedicated to merging innovative design with sustainable solutions. With over a decade of experience across residential, commercial, and international projects, she specializes in bringing clients’ visions to life through thoughtful, high-impact interiors. Immigration enforcement is quietly undermining America’s climate goals. As ICE raids sweep through construction sites, they don’t just detain workers, they stall green projects, deepen labor shortages, and expose the hypocrisy of a sustainability movement built on exploited labor. Every delay adds pollution, every deportation drains expertise, and every “green” building left unfinished reveals a deeper cost of ignoring who builds the future we claim to protect. When immigration policy meets climate policy Immigration crackdowns are quietly derailing America’s green-building revolution. Every time ICE raids a construction site, the fallout goes far beyond the workers detained. It slows down projects that are supposed to fight climate change, deepens the labor crisis, and exposes the hypocrisy of building “sustainably” on the backs of exploited labor. The numbers don’t lie Roughly 22% of U.S. construction workers, about 2.2 million people, are immigrants. In January 2025, President Trump’s executive orders launched what he called the largest domestic deportation operation in American history, with construction singled out as a target industry. The impact has been immediate: Crews are 30 to 40% smaller than before. Even legal workers are afraid to show up. Ninety-two percent of construction firms say they can’t find enough labor. This isn’t just an economic or humanitarian issue. It’s an environmental one. 1. Delayed projects mean extended pollution In places like San Antonio and New Orleans, raids have delayed infrastructure and university projects for months. Every extra month of delay means: Diesel generators and heavy equipment run longer. Exposed materials deteriorate and must be replaced. Green buildings that could be reducing emissions instead sit unfinished, producing them. A six-month delay can double a project’s carbon footprint. Every stalled LEED-certified building is a missed chance to cut emissions by up to 50%. 2. The housing crisis fuels urban sprawl A labor shortage has stalled billions of dollars’ worth of housing projects. When cities can’t build dense, efficient housing, families are pushed into sprawling suburbs, driving up emissions through: Longer commutes and car dependence More infrastructure (roads, utilities, services) Loss of green space Urban density is one of the strongest tools against climate change. ICE raids are dismantling that tool. 3. Losing green building expertise Immigrant labor is essential to the sustainability movement. Many of the workers skilled in solar installation, green roofs, and eco-materials are now leaving the industry, or the country, out of fear. Sustainable construction already faces a shortage of skilled workers. ICE enforcement is turning that shortage into a crisis, threatening the next generation of energy-efficient buildings. The exploitation nobody talks about The construction boom has always leaned on underpaid immigrant labor. U.S.-born workers make $3.12 per hour more than undocumented ones in the same roles. About 6.5 million undocumented workers experience wage theft each year, losing $50 billion collectively. Immigrant workers suffer 300 more fatalities and 61,000 additional injuries annually than native-born peers. ICE raids don’t stop exploitation. They amplify it. When deportation looms, workers are too scared to report abuse, and exploitative contractors face no consequences. If sustainability is supposed to mean fairness and safety, building “green” structures on exploited labor isn’t sustainable at all. Building solutions that work 1. Legal pathways for construction workers The U.S. can create sector-specific work permits, similar to agricultural H-2A visas but tailored for year-round construction: Fast-track permits for workers on green or infrastructure projects. Employer-sponsored legalization for workers with sustainability certifications. Support for the Dignity Act of 2025, offering legal status through background checks and taxes. This stabilizes the workforce without sacrificing border control. 2. Fair-trade construction standards Just as we have “Fair Trade” coffee or clothing, we can certify ethical construction: Expand LEED certification to include labor standards. Introduce “Fair-Trade Certified Construction” labels guaranteeing legal, fairly paid labor. Offer tax breaks or incentives for developers using certified contractors. Buildings shouldn’t earn a sustainability badge while their builders are exploited. 3. Protect workers on green projects Some cities are experimenting with “construction sanctuaries” for essential projects: Workers on pre-approved sustainable housing get protection from workplace raids. City-sponsored worker centers connect legal and undocumented labor with vetted projects. Fast-tracked permits go to developers who use union or certified fair-labor crews. This approach keeps crucial climate projects on schedule while upholding human rights. 4. Train the next generation Gen Z increasingly wants green careers. We can bridge their aspirations with the expertise of experienced immigrant workers: Apprenticeship programs pairing immigrant mentors with young Americans. Certification courses in solar, energy efficiency, and sustainable materials. Worker cooperatives providing stable, fairly paid employment. A Germany-style training model that links apprenticeship to legal residency or citizenship. The goal is a diverse, skilled, legally protected green-building workforce. Why this matters now Construction is one of the biggest climate battlegrounds. In the U.K., the built environment produces 45% of total emissions and 32% of landfill waste. The U.S. numbers are similar. To hit climate goals, we must: Build and retrofit energy-efficient structures. Expand renewable energy infrastructure. Design dense, walkable, transit-oriented communities. All of that depends on workers, many of them immigrants. Roughly 1.4 million undocumented people already work in construction, the highest of any U.S. industry. Deporting or terrorizing them sabotages our climate agenda. Learning from other countries Other nations have already balanced labor needs and sustainability: Germany uses dual-track apprenticeships that train both citizens and immigrants. Canada fast-tracks skilled tradespeople through its Provincial Nominee Program. U.S. agriculture already operates temporary-visa systems, flawed but functional, that could inspire a construction model. We don’t lack blueprints. We lack political will. The choice before us We face two paths: Continue raids that shrink the workforce, delay projects, inflate costs, and worsen emissions. Adopt smart reforms that legalize, protect, and train workers while fast-tracking sustainable construction. Environmental progress and worker dignity are not opposing goals, they’re inseparable. A “green” building built on exploitation isn’t green at all. Take action Individuals Support comprehensive immigration reform like the Dignity Act of 2025. Choose contractors who pay fair wages and protect workers. Ask about labor practices in your own renovation or development projects. Policymakers Establish worker centers and sanctuary policies for sustainable construction. Update LEED standards to include labor protections. Fund apprenticeship programs that unite immigrant and U.S.-born trainees. Industry leaders Conduct fair-wage audits and ensure legal employment across your supply chain. Partner with worker cooperatives for eco-projects. Invest in green-training programs that offer legal work pathways. The bottom line We can’t fight climate change without builders, and we can’t call it “sustainable” if it’s built on fear and exploitation. Sustainable buildings need skilled, protected workers. Protecting those workers is protecting the planet. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Monserrat Menendez Monserrat Menendez, Interior Designer Monserrat is an entrepreneur, interior architect, and sustainability advocate, as well as the founder of Senom Design, a firm dedicated to merging innovative design with sustainable solutions. With over a decade of experience across residential, commercial, and international projects, she specializes in bringing clients’ visions to life through thoughtful, high-impact interiors. She is the U.S. Brand Ambassador for U Green, an organization that helps companies become more profitable while empowering people and brands to follow a consistent path toward sustainability through transformative education and specialized consulting. As an Executive Contributor to Brainz Magazine, she shares her expertise in design, sustainability, and innovation. Her mission is to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also responsible and forward-thinking.

Written by Luis Vicente Garcia, Business Performance-Leadership-Success Coach Luis Vicente García is a business coach, international speaker, and best-selling author, known for helping entrepreneurs and leaders elevate performance through mindset, motivation, and strategic leadership. In my last two Brainz articles, I explored how leaders are navigating a world defined by constant change. In "The Triple Crisis of 2025," we identified the three forces reshaping leadership, strategy, sanity, and spirit. In "From Triple Crisis to Resilient Growth," we discussed the three pathways that help leaders turn pressure into performance, namely strategic agility, human-centered leadership, and purpose-driven innovation. Now, as we approach the final months of the year, it's crucial to focus on the human side of resilient growth, the people, the values, and the purpose that transform leadership from survival into inspiration. Because while systems, processes, strategies, and now AI matter, it’s people who make resilience possible. The most successful organizations in 2025 aren't necessarily the most efficient. They are the most human. And in a time when machines are taking over more of the work we once did, what truly sets us apart is our ability to connect, collaborate, and care. The future will not belong to the most automated companies, but to the most technologically advanced and emotionally intelligent ones, particularly those that understand that relationships, trust, and shared purpose are still the ultimate drivers of performance. 1. Purpose as the core of resilience If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that strategy alone doesn’t sustain a team through adversity. What sustains people is meaning, a clear understanding of why their work matters. Purpose acts as the internal compass that keeps teams aligned when the map changes. When challenges arise, as we have all learned, teams grounded in shared purpose respond with focus and unity instead of confusion and fatigue. A few months ago, I worked with a small business that had faced enormous external pressure, supply chain disruption, economic uncertainty, and declining demand. Yet, despite all odds, their team maintained energy and optimism. When I asked the CEO how they kept morale so high, she answered, “Because everyone here knows why we exist, we’re not just selling a product, we’re solving a problem that matters.” Always bear in mind that 'purpose' is the catalyst that converts mere effort into active engagement. It elevates work from a mere task to a significant contribution. And it's this sense of contribution of doing something meaningful that fuels long-term resilience. 2. Building emotional resilience in teams Resilience is often misunderstood as strength. However, true resilience is not about resisting pressure. It's about absorbing, adapting, and growing through it. Emotional resilience, especially within teams, is built on a foundation of empathy, trust, and shared accountability. Leaders who cultivate emotional resilience create what psychologists call psychological safety, an environment where people can speak honestly, share ideas, and admit mistakes without fear. This safety is what allows creativity and adaptability to flourish, even in high-pressure situations. Trust and transparency are key in building emotional resilience. I remember working with a leadership team that had to make difficult financial decisions during a downturn. Instead of shielding employees from bad news, the CEO chose radical transparency. She explained the reality, involved her team in problem-solving, and made space for concerns and suggestions. The result? Instead of disengagement, there was renewed commitment because people felt respected and trusted. In resilience, transparency builds trust, and trust builds strength. It's a reminder that people don't just want strong leaders. They want leaders who are real. This story is a testament to the power of trust and transparency in building emotional resilience and fostering a sense of security and confidence. 3. Leadership behaviors that inspire resilience Resilient leadership is not a mindset you declare. It’s a behavior you demonstrate. This behavior is revealed in how you lead during uncertainty, communicate under pressure, and inspire trust when others lose confidence. Leaders who inspire trust and adaptability tend to share four key habits. They lead with transparency in times of uncertainty, communicate with empathy under pressure, inspire trust when others lose confidence, and show consistency while empowering their teams. These leaders motivate people and foster adaptability, two essential qualities in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing world. And when leaders trust their teams to act, make decisions, and own results, they fuel not only confidence but also accountability. In June this year, I had the chance to give a five-day dynamic leadership training to Nigerian oil executives in Doha, Qatar, and you can imagine how deep some of our conversations went. One day, I told them, “People don’t follow perfection, they follow presence.” The exchange that followed was incredible. The team’s VP mentioned that a leader’s presence is like an anchor. It doesn’t stop the waves, but it keeps the ship steady. And it made me realize that teams draw strength not from a leader who never wavers, but from one who remains grounded and human in the midst of change. 4. Creating cultures of meaning and performance When organizations combine purpose, trust, and empowerment, they create cultures that are both resilient and high performing. Meaningful work becomes a shared value, not a slogan. People show up not because they have to, but because they want to contribute to something they believe in. We've seen this shift across industries. From startups with distributed teams to global companies like Patagonia or Unilever, purpose-driven cultures consistently outperform those built only on profit metrics. They attract top talent, foster innovation, and sustain engagement through complex cycles. The connection is clear. Purpose fuels motivation, motivation fuels performance, and performance fuels resilience. As leaders, our role is to ensure this cycle stays alive, to keep people inspired, connected, and aligned with a mission that matters. Purpose and resilience are not separate ideas. They are two sides of the same leadership coin. You can’t build resilience without meaning, and you can’t sustain purpose without people who feel valued. If purpose gives direction, people give energy, and performance gives results, then culture is the glue that holds them together, the invisible force that turns shared meaning into sustained excellence. Culture transforms purpose into behavior and behavior into results. It’s where strategy meets humanity, and where leadership becomes legacy. Resilient leadership begins when leaders decide to lead with heart, combining strength with empathy, and strategy with humanity. The great paradox of our time is that in a world powered by technology and data, it’s the human element that gives organizations their edge. As we move towards 2026, leaders who cultivate this balance will be the ones who inspire not just results, but renewal. And their teams will give their best because they believe it matters.   “People don’t give their best because they have to, they do it because they believe it matters.” – Luis Vicente García Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Luis Vicente Garcia Luis Vicente Garcia, Business Performance-Leadership-Success Coach Luis Vicente García is a business performance coach, international speaker, and best-selling author with over 35 years of experience in leadership, motivation, and strategic growth. A former CFO and CEO, he now empowers professionals through Incrementum Academy and his signature concept, Motitud, the fusion of motivation and positive attitude. Certified by Brian Tracy and Jack Canfield, Luis helps entrepreneurs and leaders unlock their full potential. He writes regularly for global platforms and is a recognized voice on mindset, productivity, and leadership transformation.