Written by: Shannon McLaren, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. There's an old interview question commonly asked; "Are you a leader or a follower?" How many of you thought one was a better skill than the other? I certainly did. If I answered the question, I would always tell you, “I am a leader. No doubt, a leader.” Yet, I unknowingly have co-mingled my energy by taking the path of least resistance or doing what is easy . In my early 20’s and well into my 40’s, I took jobs where I supported others’ dreams. Every day I woke with a passion for life and “gifted” that powerful energy to their career goals. For example, I am the visionary architect behind Tiffany Haddish’s explosive career success and velocity not seen in decades in Hollywood. I plotted and planned every day for her success; whether she was focused on it or not, I was for 13 years. And, what a delight it was ~ I held the vision of her extraordinary talent unwaveringly. In the end, I did not benefit monetarily from my investment. It was the MOST VALUABLE life lesson my Soul was teaching me about how I was unknowingly co-mingling energy, and it was WORTH IT! Who’s manifestation river am I in? I can still feel that burst of energy I felt when I awoke each day during that time in my life! I can hear people reflecting on me, amazed at what I was doing for Actors before they broke big. And, of course, there was jealousy from other Actors and competitors who wanted to claim the fame of the opportunities I had developed. Back then, I didn’t understand the depth of what my “energy” was creating or how to apply it consciously. I was functioning based on the simpleton premise that we grew up, moved out of our parent’s home, found a partner, and got jobs working to support ourselves. My belief about life was limited and ignorant. I didn’t know about my systemic family history or how my human energy system works to guide maturation , nor did I understand what it meant to be autonomous. This trifecta is foundational in truly knowing and understanding one’s Self. The definition of autonomy is independence in one’s thoughts and actions. Autonomy is the right or condition of self-government. The capacity of a system to make a decision about its actions without the involvement of another system or operator. To be Autonomous or Self-Realized is one of the most credible things we can do to understand ourselves, our extended families, and our communities. Self-Realization begins within, noticing your own human energy system’s (HES) indicators that communicate with the Self in every moment. Sensory perception and intuition are the skills needed to understand your HES. They are innate and forgotten as we depend more and more on tools outside of the Self; like other people, clocks, books, computers. Still, these skills can be easily re-learned. We don’t know what we don’t know. The concept of independent thought never occurred to me. How can we make decisions on our own if we don’t understand the effects of our Familial history and the “beliefs” handed down to us through generations? Who knows, you might discover that some of your ideas or patterns of behaviour came from people you didn’t even know. Do you want to be clear about what you are doing and why? Can you answer a question for yourself, is this behavior or thought mine or co-mingled from my family? Naming what “is” and your systemic family values and behaviors as they are, honors the wireless threads of energy that connect your lineage to you—in turn, allowing one to separate and account for what is yours and theirs. Please keep what you like, and return the rest to its bringer or to the Earth as compost. “ The unexamined life is not worth living ” quote by Socrates. When something feels “off,” how many of us investigate, explore and resource what we think or experience? What do we believe and why? Have you ever noticed the feeling in your body in response to any subject before calling a friend or using a google search? Becoming consciously aware requires you to “Learn the Self” and answer the question: Am I manifesting for myself or collective energy? Currently, society is experiencing a run-away large herd mentality around vaccine programs. It feels like two primary groups yet, there are many different views about it. I use this as an example because the statement alone will incite most people’s feelings or thoughts regarding the topic. Question; “Can you support another person’s opinion when it differs from yours, or do you become physically tense or impassioned when a topic comes up you disagree with?” An honest answer tells you whether you are manifesting for the Self or connected to the collective energy. How does that co-mingling happen? Generally speaking, if your answer is yes, you are probably attached energetically and/or emotionally to some collective aspect; therefore, energies have co-mingled. Here are some warning signs you are connecting to someone else’s energy stream vs. your own: • Focusing on what others do or are doing(or not doing). • Running stories (either positive or negative) in your mind over and over. Expectations of another person, place, or thing. • Not feeling “like yourself” or behaving out of character. • Frustration or upsetness often leads to digestive issues. Or digestion issues. • Sudden switch of mood like; uncontrollable laughter or sudden rage. Do you remember walking into a room or an event and immediately feeling something in the space? The experience could be anything from sudden silence, excitement to stuffy tension. What was the feeling for you? Exactly, and you just walked right into it: Co-mingling with others’ energy doesn’t have to be wrong either. How about surrounding yourself with 5 of the most influential people you know? I would love to seep in their energy for as long as I can! What do you want to create? Does the current frequency serve you, or can you leave the space exactly how you entered it? Generally speaking, we are unaware of co-mingling energy so, the answer might be no. We become the thing we surround ourselves with. *Up to 60% of the human adult body is water. According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158 , the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. Think about how water behaves; it is self-leveling. You may think about it this way; we are swimming in a pool every day, and the closer we come to another person, we merge with the other’s water aspects. Don’t let the mist and water of someone else’s channel take you away. Discovering your beliefs, behaviors, and expression is key to re-orienting yourself as the Leader of our life and creations, thereby placing you directly on our souls’ path. The ability to acknowledge the difference between where your energy begins and ends within the collective energy field is a powerful tool and perhaps the most challenging feat of human hood. The consciousness of the Leader both influences and is influenced by the collective consciousness. Approach every moment as a learning opportunity for your life and be responsible for how you feel and think. In that way, the student continuously evolves, c onsciously aware of what is theirs and another’s. Be the Leader you dream of; when you do, magic will happen! For more info, follow Shannon on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and visit her website ! Shannon McLaren, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Shannon McLaren is The Mystic Agent, a natural-born Seer, Systemic Constellation Facilitator, Integrative Craniosacral Therapist, Board Certified Polarity Practitioner(BCPP), and Educator(RPE) with IPSB @ Life Energy Institute. This former Playboy model and stockbroker is willing to go ANYWHERE the client needs to in order to get the thing they are looking for in their lives! She offers original self-realization experiences and content, such as The Soul Game, as well as services, and guidance to cultivate simplicity in being. She’s no one’s guru. Shannon’s philosophy is a selfish one on purpose. “Do you,” she says. “Take action to create fluidity. Remain courageous and patient during the waves and disruptions, and then your authentic contribution to the world will emerge from you with ease and grace. Your inspirations will resonate with the right people and the world around you will bend to you. Everyone can be a Mystic Agent, an Agent of Action guided by their Soul.

Written by: Sara Estelle Turner, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Have you ever sat in the back rows of your life and business out of fear of rejection? Have you ever been told to be “quiet” when you have felt and shown your anger? Have you ever swallowed your tears so as not to appear weak or vulnerable? I most certainly have and it’s not an empowering or abundant space to be. As women we are wired to feel - to feel both joy and sadness deeply, and to dance with this flow of feelings at different times of the lunar cycle, in different seasons and times of our lives. Our world does not always honour this flow of feelings. As a woman you are a yin, soft, watery Being. We have grown up in a world that has revered yang, masculine, pushing and striving energy. This is not who you are. I’d like to share below 3 ways that I found my own way out of this maze of self doubt and self hiding and on the path to loving myself deeply enough to share who I am and then supporting others do just the same Be your own kind of flower My expertise is in the realm of flower and vibrational essences and as part of my own path, I discovered I was a “water violet” type according to the Bach range of Flower Essences. Water violet types are shy and appear to be aloof. We stand on the edges of life, often holding space for others and we do our best work from this space. We are deeply sensitive and find on the ground, 3D type existence exhausting. Realising and honouring who I am and deeply loving myself for being of this Water violet frequency was of such great help. I was able to give myself permission to be myself and stop going into self-comparison and hiding as a result of not feeling “enough”. This on its own changed everything Follow the cycles of this earth As I deepened my journey into the wisdom of our earth by using flower essences in guided and committed ways, I began to follow the cycles of the moon and saw and felt that nature reflects back to us the beauty and ease of change. The seasons and cycles of gaia, our earth, are the co-creative building blocks of all life. Sometimes we find ourselves in summer with blue skies and warmth; sometimes life is bleak and cold just like winter. We are not separate from this cycle of change and so just like the moon, we may be full or dark or somewhere in between What I have learned is that when I feel my feelings and show my vulnerability, life is more magical. Feeling more allows more flow of everything through our lives. And so how would it be if you gave permission for All of YOU to Be Honoured? We are whole and sacred in this way. Find ways to move the energy through your body Feeling happy or sad or angry is normal - yet when we find ourselves in a cycle of feelings that stop us from fully engaging in life, it’s important to find ways to restart the flow of energy through your body. Source energy always flows and is there just waiting to flow through us But first we need to allow it through. Here are some of my favourite ways Journal. Share your deepest feelings each day in this intimate and grace filled way. This can open a flow of understanding and self love just within a few moments Dance! our physical bodies are the containers of our energy flow/our feelings and moving in joy (even when we are sad) can get stagnant energy moving and free up space for more of who we truly are Take a flower essence that will support you in feeling safe enough to release energy that has accumulated in your energy system as a result of life experiences. This is a gentle and deeply powerful way to return to wholeness and was my own starting space. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Sara Estelle Turner, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Sara Estelle Turner is a leading expert in the world of Flower and Vibrational Essences and supports Spiritual Entrepreneurs grow aligned and nourishing businesses. Sara Estelle turned to Flower and Vibrational Essences and nature-based healing in her early 40s following debilitating anxiety and sadness in her life. She experienced such deep transformation that Sara Estelle has now dedicated her life to supporting others move past trauma, shift limiting beliefs and deeply embedded emotional responses so that they can embrace their unique magical selves and become empowered change-makers in the world. Sara Estelle facilitates a successful Diploma in Flower and Vibrational Essences that has over 70 Graduates and supports Healers of all modalities gain crystal clarity on who they are and then share this in abundant ways with those that need them. She is a Modern Day Priestess and Creatrix of the New Earth. She is the current Chair of the British Flower and Vibrational Essences Association and host of the Nature Connections Podcasts. Her Mission: To Grow a Globally Recognised Spiritual Business Academy for Women Based on Sacred Principles of Nature and Sovereignty

Written by: Deneane Abed, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. As a female CEO, I know that inspiration is important to your team. Whether you're trying to motivate them or inspire them to do something incredible, it all starts with you. So here are some tips on how to be an inspiring leader! Inspiration is the key ingredient in any successful business but, what does it take for one person to become inspirational? Here are six steps towards being an inspiring leader! 1. Give positive reinforcement Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for managers who want to inspire their employees to do more than they think they can. The key is that the manager’s praise needs to be genuine and sincere, not just empty words or manipulation. A little bit of encouragement goes a long way in helping your team reach new heights. As a leader you can inspire your team to do more than they think with the power of positive thinking. Positive thinking isn't just about the glass being half full, it's also about how you communicate with your team. Your words have power and can inspire them to do more than they think is possible. The next time you go into a meeting or speak with one of your employees, make sure that you are using positive language because it will help them accomplish great things together as a team! 2. Be a leader, not a boss It's not enough to know what's right for your business and how you want your employees to behave. You also need the skills required to lead them in that direction. And as a CEO, you're responsible for making sure those skills are well developed among all of your managers. Do you want to be a leader and not just a boss? It's okay if the answer is "not really." You're in good company. Many people struggle with this distinction between leadership and a boss. Leadership requires that we step out of our comfort zone, take risks, and lead by example. Boss’s care more about the numbers; then they do about their team’s growth or concerns. Basically, it's easier than leading. However, if your goal is success for yourself and your team, then you need to make sure you are spending most of your time on leadership activities instead of managing day-to-day tasks. Setting up your team for success and mastering effective leadership skills will help ensure the tasks are achieved while also relieving your workload. 3. Give credit where it's due It's human nature to want credit for our successes and to deflect blame for our failures. We all have a bit of the ego in us, but that shouldn't prevent you from recognizing your employees when they do something right. It can be easy to overlook the small things, especially if you're busy with other tasks or are too close to an employee's work. However, these small steps towards success are just as important as larger milestones because they keep employees motivated and working hard every day. As a leader, you have to keep your team motivated and engaged. One of the best ways to do this is by recognizing their efforts and giving them credit where it's due. Recognizing someone for their hard work not only makes that person feel good about themselves, but also encourages others to step up and take more responsibility in order to get noticed as well. Take a look at some tips on how you can recognize the employees who deserve it! 4. Create an open environment One of the most important aspects of a company is it's culture. This can be defined as "the way things are done around here." In order to succeed, you need employees that feel like they are part of something great not just someone you delegate tasks to. You want your employees to feel comfortable sharing their thoughts with management and other staff members because this leads to better communication, fewer mistakes, and happier workers. It's also incredibly difficult for people who don't know each other well enough to communicate effectively if they're afraid or uncomfortable speaking up when there's an issue. It is important for companies to have strong cultures where employees feel included and valued; however, it can be challenging at times due to differences between individuals working together on projects. 5. Encourage everyone to be creative Most people think that CEOs are the only ones who can come up with new ideas, but this is not true. Employees at all levels should be encouraged to come up with their own creative ideas and solutions for company problems. This will help your employees develop skills they can use in other aspects of their lives as well as make them feel like they have a stake in the company's success. We all know that creativity can be the key to success. It's what helps us come up with innovative ideas and solutions, which is especially important in a competitive business environment. However, it isn't only the brainiacs who are coming up with new ideas - it's also your employees. Encourage everyone of your employees to be creative and come up with new ideas by promoting both individual as well as group brainstorming sessions where they feel free to share their thoughts without being judged or criticized. This will not only help you generate more creative ideas but will also foster an atmosphere of collaboration among your team members! 6. Provide opportunities for growth Every company's goal is to have a workforce that is engaged in their work. Providing opportunities for growth by allowing employees take on projects outside of their job description can be one way to do this. This approach can help them become more well-rounded and increase morale, while also giving you the opportunity to see how they handle themselves in different situations. When you hire employees, it is important to provide them with opportunities for growth and development. This will allow them the chance to learn new skills and expand their knowledge base while also helping your company grow in different ways. We are aware how important it is to be a leader instead of just being labeled as a boss. It’s so easy when we have the opportunity to motivate, inspire and encourage others who are working for us or with us. These six steps will help you create an environment in your online business that encourages creativity, innovation and growth in your team members while also providing opportunities for them outside of their responsibilities on a day-to-day basis. What steps will you implement today? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info! Deneane Abed, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Deneane Abed, is a business coach, expert in leadership and team alignment. She believes that when you have a team of people who are aligned with the organization's values, engaged in the work they're doing, and confident about their success - it creates an environment where everyone can achieve more than they thought was possible. She is the CEO of SUA VIDA, a business consulting company helping Female CEOs to develop effective leadership skills, high performing teams, and establish a healthy work-life balance. Deneane has over six years of leadership experience working in corporate America and understands the challenges facing today’s leaders. Prior to coaching she served as an operations director where she found her passion through managing her own team, mentoring other directors in her market, and worked with Fortune 500 companies’ business owners as well as their employees. During this time, she obtained her MBA from Albertus Magnus College. She is committed to empowering women in leadership and creating an environment where they can flourish by providing access to her proven strategies. She believes that together we can make this world better for our business and teams, but it all starts with us taking care of ourselves first! Her mission is to create more female leaders globally and is committed to the growth of their businesses. She provides successful results-driven outcomes to help female CEO’S fully step into their business owner role and manage their teams with ease. All while building exceptional company culture for their teams to align with the mission and vision of the business. Her coaching style is empowering, supportive, insightful, encouraging with a healthy dose of accountability to help you achieve your goals faster!

Written by: Alexis Lenihan, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Goals. We all have them. So, why is it that some people seem as though they are crushing goal after goal while others barely get off the start line? Distraction is big culprit. There is always something pulling at our attention and knocking us off focus whether for a minute or weeks. But distraction isn’t the only reason we aren’t moving at the pace we want with our goals. Often, we lose motivation when we don’t see the results we want quick enough. We live in a world of instant gratification. We scroll through endless feeds of information and visuals that don’t give us a chance to get bored. We see one funny cat video and then Ooops! Down the rabbit hole we go! Hours feel like minutes as we enjoy reward after reward. We don’t have to wait for much of anything anymore. And so we get impatient when we pop back into real life and realize that real progress takes time. So how do you keep your head in the game when you’re not seeing results? I’ve got 4 big ideas to share with you. 1. Connect with your dream daily. It is crucial to touch your dreams every single day. Spend time visualizing the process as well as the end result. Vision boards are great for this but not everyone takes the time to connect with them and do the work - it’s not enough to just create them and hang them up! Figure out a routine that works for you. Personally, I write out the 5 dreams I have accomplished (SPOILER ALERT: I have not yet accomplished them) every. single. day. However, I write them out as though I already have and then feel what it will feel like when I do. Maybe you meditate on them. Maybe you write out what you are trying to accomplish in detail and read it aloud every morning. Maybe you visualize in the shower.. I don’t know what it is for you, but find a way to connect with your dream every day and get all in your feels about it. 2. Find and focus on small wins. You must recognize ALL progress, no matter how big or small, you make towards achieving your dream. Let’s say your dream is to buy your first home. Your goal is to save the down payment by the end of the year. Today you decide to skip the drive thru and make your coffee at home - $5 saved towards your goal! Tomorrow, you bring your lunch to work instead of purchasing it - another 15 bucks saved! Woo hoo! Once you see that progress IS being made, you will look for more ways to win. 3. Have a plan and a detailed timeline. List out the 5 major moves that MUST be made to realize your dream. Almost any big goal can be broken down into 5 major moves and THEN your to-do lists go underneath each move. The moves don’t have to have a particular order, you can sometimes be working on them all at once. The idea is to simplify these seemingly massive accomplishments into bite size chunks, and then go to work. Set out weekly and monthly timelines for completing the tasks needed to accomplish the major moves and celebrate when you hit those milestones. 4. Find your squad. Amazing things are rarely accomplished alone. It takes a village. Build your village to include those that keep you accountable, those that are your cheerleaders, those that are brutally honest, and those with big shoulders. With the technology available to us now, there is NO excuse for not creating a community of support around you. Even now, in a global pandemic. Look to your friends and family first - do they know what you’re up to? Do they know the dreams that you have? If not, that is on you. Share what you want out of life with those closest to you and tell them what you need from them. I know this sounds scary but if you don’t tell them, they can’t support you. Friends, colleagues, neighbours - you would be surprised how much people want to help and support you. Give the opportunity to do so. If your current social circle cannot offer you the support you need, there are (literally) billions of other people you could reach out to. LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram - use these platforms for what they are meant for. Social Connection. Join groups of like-minded individuals and share what you are looking for. Maybe you want an accountability partner to keep you on track with your fitness or nutrition goals, maybe you want to connect with a fellow entrepreneur/lawyer/mom/sales manager to vent and celebrate with because they ‘get it’ more so than someone that isn’t in the field. Find a mentor or coach that can help support you in a specific way and accelerate your progress. Whatever you need, it is your job to find it and set yourself up powerfully. Times are tough right now but so are you. You have everything you need inside of you right now to achieve your wildest dreams. Give yourself permission to go all in on what you want - and then, GO ALL IN ON WHAT YOU WANT. Motivation isn’t something that just lands on you one day, it is up to you to create it. It’s not going to be easy, but nothing worthwhile ever is. So, get clear on what you are after, check in often, develop a plan, celebrate the journey and include others along for the ride. You’ve got this. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Alexis Lenihan, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine As a Certified High-Performance Coach, Alexis and her team transform their clients from playing small to showing up and playing BIG in every major life arena. They are dedicated to helping people achieve heightened and sustained levels of performance while maintaining optimum health, well-being, and connection. Trained and certified by the High-Performance Institute, Alexis is a leading authority on the habits and practices of High Performers and shares her ideas on major and minor media to inspire others to take action in their own lives. She is the COO of Goal Set Coach, a Business Professor, and a busy mom of two young boys! She knows firsthand how life can feel like a juggling act but and is committed to helping you find a beautiful balance so that the life you live is by design, not by reaction.

Written by: Merrill Isherwood, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. An impactful four-letter word starting with ‘F’ One of the most intriguing aspects of taking a giant leap, starting up and managing my own company, was a very unexpected emotion becoming a very evident resident within me, one I had never experienced to this extent before. It has been a radical realisation. Emerging from an environment where I could follow my daily routine and tasks with my eyes closed, manoeuvring my physical and mental self through a complex maze of work and personal activities with no emotion whatsoever, automated like some futuristic robot, was mind-blowing, to say the least. From being totally adept and skilled at the tasks at hand to feeling like a bloated, clumsy bass fish trying to negotiate my too-large body through a narrow, shallow channel of water without sinking…became my new daily grind. Gradually becoming aware of how inept I am (or was) in the real world, it was like moving from the 20th to the 21st century in an instant. Taking giant steps from cold-calling in a physical field sales environment, doing old-fashioned written sales proposals or marketing ads, to drowning in concepts tidal wave of social media marketing, SEO (search engine optimisation for those not in the know), podcasts, videos, and then being forced to expand even further to virtual meetings and presentations due to the recent pandemic. No novelty adventures these, I can assure you. I can only rationalise it by comparing the journey to a toddler progressing from conquering the climb up a playground jungle gym, five-rung ladder, to attempting to scale an external stepladder leading to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, an all-time horror for anyone afraid of heights, coming in at around 828m meters! This discreet, yet terrifying, all-encompassing emotion which has inadvertently ruled my life for the past two years is none other than an unlikely four-letter word starting with ‘F’, namely FEAR. Why – you ask? What can be so daunting that it can so easily overwhelm one? Let me explain. Firstly, starting your own business, there is fear of the unknown. Never having done so many of the things that need to be done such as: Deciding: Which industry sector to venture into Which business entity structure to opt for On the company name (which may not be available when registering so one can end up opting for the 160th choice on your list (like me) Registering the company Appointing accountants and/or auditors Setting up equipment, tools and software Setting up office space (even if working at home) Marketing processes / social media choices/advertising or marketing agency Posting on social media sites daily or scheduling Sales lead generation – self or contracting sales agents Learning about sales funnels Planning, creating and developing a website/landing pages Forecasting Setting budgets Networking platforms, forums, virtual/in-person meetings/social media groups (live), pre-recorded videos, or written posts Automation of bulk emails or messaging, chat flows, understanding buyer personas, avatars All of these being terminology and language I’d never been exposed to before my embarkation on this business ship I find myself on, navigating stormy seas - massive waves being ridden several times a day Processing the first annual financial returns Processing the first provisional tax returns Compiling company, privacy and web policies, terms and conditions of sale, agent contracts and much, much more It sounds simple, and for youngsters or those with degrees of MBA’s in the marketplace, these are probably simple tasks they are accustomed to dealing with, much like I was used to navigating at ease the excel spreadsheets which proudly contained the names of my sales leads in alphabetical order, each entry manually inserted with loving care and attention…. For the older generation like myself, however, being cast out in the ocean to sink or swim, has been a precarious ride. My head has dipped below the water a few times and I come up sputtering for breath, eyes firmly fixated on the white and red life-saving ring I am ever-hopeful someone will throw my way, but alas, it is not forthcoming. I am in this, on my own, fighting each battle daily, not knowing whether the entry I just made in my website dashboard will crash my site or not. I used to be overcome by fear, afraid of the admonishment expected from the web hosting team, but each time, they kindly helped me see the light. Before this though, I put off taking much-needed action simply because I was too scared to do what I thought needed to be done. Procrastination set in. Not because I was too lazy or any other reason but the domination of fear which won me over every time. Business stood still for a long, long time. The longer I did nothing, the more useless, pathetic, worthless, hopeless and desperate I felt. I had a choice to make. Quit or do something. I am proud to say I chose the latter. I had to eventually pluck up the courage and tell myself in the wise words of the Nike Team, “Just do it”… what is the worst that could happen? It took months for me to reach that stage where I could no longer wait and had to accept no one else was going to do this for me. I had to just jump in and swim. I was tossed around royally, ofttimes swallowing water, gulping for air, pushing upwards and onwards. Luckily most times no one was watching my clumsy body trying to surf above the water, but I persevered, I celebrated my small, (really minor to others), achievements and marvelled at my courage to do what I was doing and above all, master a task I did not believe I could ever achieve. Eventually, I became accustomed to that daily sinking feeling or tense knot in my stomach, which thankfully has reduced to a couple of times a month now, causing far less fear in my mind than before I think I am over the worst now. Most things needed to be done have been done at least once or have been ‘messed’ up at least once, without too much disruption to myself, the clients, or the company, so the fear has abated. That’s not to say I don’t still lookout for a handsome hunk of a lifeguard coming to rescue me in his streamlined speedboat or, (a little less romantic), in his rubber dinghy. To every entrepreneur or intrepid explorer out there, if you take nothing else away with you after reading this article, know that despite all odds stacked against you, despite being on the road very definitely less travelled, being alone adventurer, perseverance, resilience and courage become your second, third, and fourth names. If your will or your need is strong enough, you will reach your destination. You may be a little weathered and beaten by the storms you’ve endured, you may be barefoot because your shoes have worn through from the rocky path, but who cares how, or how long it took you, you got there, and that is all that matters! Want to learn more from Merrill? Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and visit her website. Read more from Merrill! Merrill Isherwood, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Merrill Isherwood is a life transformation coach who has spent much of her life being of service to others in the corporate world and her personal life. She has an exemplary work ethic and is driven by living a life of integrity, having honesty, kindness, trust, and respect as her core values. Her psychological counseling degree, supported by her accreditation in life coaching, allows her to ensure her clients are suitably supported in transforming their lives. She specializes in body image, lack of self-esteem, overcoming abusive or toxic relationships, finding life direction, forgiveness, and overcoming adversity. To her, a life well lived means making a difference in each person's life that you are fortunate enough to touch, even if only in the smallest way possible.

Written by: Zaiba Hasan & Uzma Jafri MD, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Zaiba Hasan and Dr. Uzma Jafri are cohosts of the award-winning podcast, Mommying While Muslim. What started out as a quest to find answers to their own questions about raising American Muslim children in a post 9/11 America turned into an international support system for this community of mothers and their allies. Mommying While Muslim tackles a range of topics like their introduction says, “from potty-training to politics.” They invite us to sit at their virtual kitchen table for a glimpse of the world they face every day with their kids. Zaiba & Uzma have decided to put themselves in interview mode to change the format they’re usually operating in as podcast cohosts. Today, they’re in the hot seat! Zaiba: Uzma, back in August of 2017 I “Facebooked” you with a strange request. Do you remember what that was? Uzma: I do! You wanted my number because for several years we’d only been social media contacts and you wanted to talk, like real talking. With a voice and not a DM. Zaiba: LOL. Uzma: You had a harrowing experience flying while Muslim and called me to ask what resources existed in order to talk to your kids about what happened. Zaiba: For anyone reading who doesn’t know what “flying while Muslim is,” can you explain? Uzma: “Flying while Muslim” is a phenomenon known to Muslims mostly after 9/11 whereby anyone who “looks” Muslim, speaks Arabic or anything sounding like it, makes anyone from crew to passengers “uncomfortable,” can be pulled aside for non-random screenings by TSA or booted off a flight without any reasons given. As far as TSA goes, there are manuals that teach racial profiling and insist that that’s not what it is, but it is, and it sounded like that in your situation. Zaiba: Yes, sadly, my 14-year old son who’d outgrown me in height back then was stopped by TSA for 3 hours for traveling without an ID. I had never traveled with identification for my kids until that point and you were so upset with me when you found out! Of course, it was many years post 9/11 and I took it for granted because as a mixed-race person, I am “white-passing” and had the privilege of attending my 4 young children until my son hit puberty. We recorded “Double Takes We Experience” to describe how people approach you and me differently based simply on how we physically appear in the world. It was eye-opening for me at the airport that day, and not in any good way. Thereafter my son received what I now call “the Muslim man treatment.” Uzma: How was that explaining it to him? Zaiba: To be honest, it’s something that I continue to have to explain to my children. As far as traveling that day, I had to swallow the sad truth that my kids no longer look like me and I can’t project them anymore as an adult. They have to fend for themselves and know the right things to do and say, as well as the rights that they have as American and global citizens. Be kind, be polite, be brave and proud, but at the same time, be “smart.” These are tough “be’s” to reconcile. I don’t want them to rock the boat, but I also don’t want them to draw unnecessary attention to themselves. Does that make me a hypocrite? Uzma: No, it makes you a responsible mom. I think to some extent, all socially conscious moms are doing what you’re doing, but as Muslim moms, our fear is that our kids get profiled and then don’t get a pass if they stand up for their rights. There have been so many cases when Muslim Americans, primarily young men, have been entrapped in the FBI’s program to crack down on domestic terrorists, but the most they’ve done is further alienate Muslim Americans who refuse to be their eyes and ears. We’re not on their payroll and owe them nothing, especially when we have Tariq Mhannas, the Newburgh Four, the Fort Dix Five, the Liberty City Seven. Even the names of these accused Muslims are so reflective of the false tactics used by the FBI to create an enemy in America because we ran out of them in the 80s. In any case, these are Muslim sons who have been imprisoned in many cases because they were led on by FBI undercover agents or simply had lies plastered about their activities. They’re already guilty before there’s been evidence, and then when the evidence is false, they have no chance. You’re not a hypocrite. Zaiba: Since then I’ve signed up for TSA Precheck which allows us to go through security with the minor children without opening up all the luggage, taking off our shoes, etc because I was so scarred by that airport experience that I will never go through that again or have my children do so if I can avoid it. Also, check out “The Real Threat of Muslim Entrapment” we recorded about this specific FBI Counter Violence and Extremism program and its effects on our families. Besides Muslim entrapment in the United States, and I’ll guess across the globe, what other issues do we have to worry about in addition to the common things that keep all moms awake at night? Uzma: Well, arguably in the developing world, there’s war keeping Muslim moms up at night. Besides literal bombs falling on their heads, there are economic sanctions, apartheid, or genocide forcing displacement. Fulfilling their children’s basic human rights of safety and health are threatened when they can’t access food, medicine, and shelter. The world sees this crisis of refugee resettlement but how about pulling the plug on refugee creation, right? Zaiba: But THAT’S another podcast! Uzma: I knew you’d say that! Back to our topics. We worry about our kids’ educations in more affluent nations of the world, but in the US and many countries in Europe where Islamophobia may or may not be pervasive, Muslim kids suffer from discrimination based on their religion. Now, religious discrimination is not new and we can ask our Jewish brothers and sisters about that, but in the US in particular, Muslims got off easy for many decades before the War on Terror destroyed their false senses of safety. Since then, up to 60% of Muslim students reported being subject to hate speech or hate crimes in school as a result of simply being Muslim. For any nation that claims democratic ideals, this is an absolute travesty. THAT’S hypocrisy. What other examples can you think of? Zaiba: So far, flying while Muslim, religious dicrimination in schools, by teachers and administration by the way, not just by students. I think it’s important to point that out. Uzma: Absolutely. 100%. Zaiba: There’s job discrimination reported, especially when one has a “Muslim-sounding” name. And even if you look at our social circles, there are a lot of people who look at me and see a white woman with red hair and trash talk Muslims. It’s so alienating because I have to step up to say, “You know, you’re wrong. I know because I’m a Muslim.” And while it sets them straight at the moment, I don’t think it changes their mindsets and makes them want to stay or be friends with me to learn more. Uzma: It’s harder to challenge our fixed, false beliefs. In medicine, we call those delusions. Zaiba: LOL. On that note, we need to talk about our backgrounds to break some more stereotypes. Uzma: You start. Tell people about all the waves you make on the daily. Zaiba: Of course my first job is mom, and it’s my favorite title of all. Professionally, I have a background in finance and owned my own event planning company prior to starting the podcast. As my kids have gotten older, I’ve been able to go back to school and work on my real passion. Helping other mothers and developing an amazing team to do just that at EMERGE. There was no Ph.D. in parenting so I decided to create one myself! I have received training and/or certifications in the following (Parent Coaching, Sleep Training, Spiritual Mediation & Conflict Resolution, Positive Discipline, Adolescent Brain Cognition, topping it off with a Diversity & Inclusion lens focusing on motherhood in the workplace. Uzma: And my full-time gig is also mommying, but I am a physician, refugee volunteer, and writer part-time. I own my practice serving geriatric populations right now because the flexibility in owning your own business exercises a ton of neurons and provides me ample time to unschool my kids. I also have 4 kids ranging from 6 to 13 and my oldest is a podcast fan, which is the biggest award I think Mommying While Muslim could receive. Zaiba: He’s so cute, and he even recruits his friends to listen! Uzma: Children are very particular about their listens and media time, so I think it speaks volumes about the utility of our show. Our podcast is recorded every Friday and we post the videos on Facebook and YouTube. The edited audio goes up on all podcast platforms the following Thursday. Zaiba: We have a membership group on our Patreon, and you can get ad-free audio episodes that way, besides special features we record on Fireside. Our Facebook group is open to all moms and some of our most engaged are those non-Muslim allies we spoke about. Uzma: This podcast takes up a lot of our time as we search for Muslim moms to represent, share their stories, and help people look at their false, fixed beliefs and maybe go, huh? Zaiba: We are really appreciative of those that also tune in without fixed, false beliefs, and are here to be allies to us, and more importantly, to our children. Our hope is that if they see something hateful against Muslims happening, they will step up and say, “No. We won’t buy this lie anymore and we won’t let you use it.” Uzma: Agreed, we love all our audiences and are so grateful. We’d be even more so if you’d subscribe to and share our podcast Mommying While Muslim, and leave reviews. Zaiba: You really should follow us on @mommyingwhilemuslimpodcast on Instagram because watching Uzma engage with hateful messages is entertaining in itself, plus you find out about the social services we participate in at the podcast, and more about our guests. Uzma: Last question: What’s for dinner? Zaiba: I’m making vegetarian lasagna for my kids because I have 2 vegetarians, so salad and homemade vegan chocolate chip cookies. What’s on your menu? Uzma: Frozen pizza, carrot sticks, and no apologies. Zaiba: And that’s why we complement each other. I love you. Uzma: I love you, too. Eat your veggies, everyone. Visit my website for more info! Zaiba Hasan & Uzma Jafri MD, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Zaiba Hasan is an American Muslim who grew up biracial and bicultural. Born and raised in Chicago, Zaiba’s Irish/Pakistani heritage and interfaith upbringing gave her a head start on navigating between identities. It’s therefore, no surprise that she is frequently invited to speak at interfaith events since her background makes her a natural at bridging gaps between Muslims and non-Muslims in the United States. A degree in Political Science and Communication further shaped Zaiba’s outlook on issues like race, immigration and nationalism, as well as her parenting philosophy, which is geared towards raising compassionate, responsible global citizens. When she isn’t busy with podcasting, public speaking, fostering interfaith community, or working on her Masters In Divinity & Spirituality, Interfaith Certification, & Parent Coaching Certification, Zaiba can usually be found on the basketball court or baseball field with her husband and their four children.

Irina Costea is a Transformational & NeuroMindfulness Coach® and a former HR Professional. After a severe postpartum depression scattered with suicidal thoughts, Irina discovered Positive Psychology and the power of coaching. Once enrolled in the coaching school, she soon realized that her personal mission is to help other people unlock their true potential through practices of neuroscience and mindfulness. She believes that only by mapping and following your fears and blockages you can live authentically. Because only when you use them as your stepping stones you can connect to yourself again. Costea has been trained as a Coach at CoachVille, one of the first coaching schools in the world, and as a NeuroMindfulness® Practitioner at the NeuroMindfulness® Institute. She also worked as a Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist for one of the biggest travel platforms in the world. Who is Irina? Irina is a dreamer, a neuroscience passionate, who lives and breathes coaching. I am a Transformational & NeuroMindfulness Coach, and PCC ICF accredited (just passed all the exams, I am waiting for the official papers). My studies and professional experience cover also a part of HR, meaning that I have bachelors & masters degree in Human Resources Management, and I was an IT Recruiter for one of the top travel booking platforms in the world, I am the proud mother of a 3 years old, and the wife of an amazing man. We are living together in Germany, in a small and peaceful town, close to the nature. What’s the story behind the coach? My story with coaching started 2 years ago when I was deep in a suicidal postpartum depression. I was on the edge, in the hospital with my son who suffered a head injury after a fall in our home, I felt suffocated, hopeless, and powerless. I realized that my son will be ok after the hit, but for sure I was not. The moment in which for a split second I believed that my son was going to die, it was my wake-up call. I had to do something, and this was my starting point. I started by searching for a meaning, and I discovered Martin Seligman and Positive Psychology. I graduated from a 20-week course on Foundations of Positive Psychology, and I became fascinated with emotional resilience. After a life with chronic anxiety, I discovered that the power was in my hands. Hiring a coach was my next step, and after 2 sessions I decided that I wanted to enroll in a coaching school. I got a 7500$ scholarship at CoachVille, one of the first coaching schools in the world, and this is where everything changed. It changed my mindset, my approach around fears, opportunities, and life itself. It basically saved my life. In the last 18 months, I have over 530 hours of 1:1 coaching sessions, I built this thriving coaching business, and I am preparing to launch a coaching school (part of the CoachVille family) in my home country, Romania. What is it that you do for your clients? I guide people to discover their authenticity in order to become whoever they desire to, in any kind of game: career, business, personal life. In this coaching process, we go back to the roots. We discover patterns, we expand awareness, we map fears and belief systems, we discover the self-defense mechanisms that hold you back. We use neuroscience coaching tools in order to rewire your brain to work FOR you, not on survival mode (body scan visualizations, playing with fears, role plays, environmental design, and so much more). When we are driven by unknown processes, we cannot influence them. By revealing them to you, you gain back your influence (it was ALWAYS with you), and you will act from a place of consciousness, not only from a place of reaction. For those who want a career shift also, I guide them and help them with the HR consulting part. I rewrite their CVs from scratch (with a design also built from scratch), we practice mock interviews and they get insights about how they can modify their CV in the future. Why are you so passionate about neuroscience? This is what I like most about neuroscience: it brings the power back into the hands of the people. When you are driven by unknown processes, you don’t have influence over them. When you understand the neuroscience behind your behaviors, triggers, and self-defense mechanisms, you have to power to act upon them. In a way, neuroscience brought me (and I saw this in ALL my clients also) what I needed most: self-compassion. Because I understood that nothing is wrong with me. My patterns are the way in which my brain is trying to protect me. My triggers are my allies because they show me where to look for growth opportunities. My behaviors point me to the road that I need to follow in order to heal. You know that phrase in actions movies: “follow the money?”. In transformational coaching is “follow the fears”. The ideas of “power through the fear” and “get rid of your fears” are myths, and not exactly something you would like to do. Why? Because fear is there to protect you. Fear’s role is a noble one, not a bad one. Fear is what helped us survive as a species. When you develop the ability of sitting down with your fear, understand it and the wisdom behind it, that’s when you will be able to put a space between trigger and response. What role plays mindfulness in your coaching process? The transformation process means that you start to get off the autopilot and you start being more present. This usually triggers a lot of anxieties, fears, and the client needs the proper tools in order to regulate oneself emotionally. In order to be able to learn, transform, heal or change habits, you first need to be safe, and on the side of social engagement zone. Our central nervous system is formed of sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is the one responsible for fight/flight response. It gets activated whenever we feel in danger. Evolutionary speaking, whenever we were threatened by something, we either needed to fight or to run. So, when the sympathetic nervous system is activated, the blood supply is redirected towards our legs and arms, the heart rate goes up, the digestion shuts down (chronic stress leads to constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome ), and the activity of the prefrontal cortex (responsible with regulating the emotional response) is reduced by 75%. The parasympathetic nervous system, also called rest and digest, is responsible for calming our bodies. When activated, our heart rate gets back to normal, our digestion works just fine, we feel safe, and the prefrontal cortex is back on track. Now, most of us live in a state of fight or flight without even realising. We react a lot to our environment, everything is personal and about us, our lives are emotional Montagne Russes (we get angry a lot, we have conflicts, it feels right everything happens TO us). In order to be able to heal our wounds, to make a transformation happen, we need to learn how to handle our nervous systems, and that begins by learning how does our body feels when we feel that we are in danger, and how does it feel to feel safe. Mindfulness practices are the tools that make this shift possible. What’s the most difficult thing to handle as a coach? To find your balance. To be connected to yourself enough, so you can see when you are triggered by clients when you give more than you can handle. Because every client is different, and you will sometimes identify yourself with the client’s challenges. For me is really important to have a support system: I go to therapy constantly (for 6 years now), I have a personal coach, so I can be well with myself. It’s also important to have daily practices like breathing exercises, yoga practices (especially yin and hatha yoga, long postures that connect my mind with my body), meditation, and journaling. All of these allow me to be focused, connected and to have my cup full. When I coach, I am there 100% with the client and inflow. My curiosity allows me to unlock powerful questions, to put pieces together and to mirror them back to the client in order to help them reframe. If I get triggered and I am not aware of it, I can’t access my curiosity and creativity. This is why therapy, coaching and mindfulness are so useful. Because I know who I am, what my triggers are, I work on them constantly, and I can spot a trigger a long way before it reaches me (meditation plays a crucial role here, by developing meta-awareness). Also, I think this skill comes with time and trial and error. What is your mission? As a coach, my mission is to help people understand that they don’t need to be fixed, they are not broken. I want as many people to understand themselves better, to understand the processes that lie behind the transformation and to reconnect with their authenticity. When you know who you are, what got you here, what are your character strengths, what are your growth opportunities, you know what’s in your toolbox. Knowing who you are is like starting in life from pole position (thanks, Paul Olteanu for this great metaphor ). I really think that the holistic view of transformation/personal development is much more helpful than looking at fragments of the process and trying to change certain behaviors/parts, without the “helicopter view”. As a teacher, my mission is to train and build a community of coaches that pass this spirit of play further, that pass the wisdom of transformation. I feel like we need to move on from self-sabotage and other myths from the personal development industry. We are products of our environments, we are shaped since we are children by parents, school, society. We reach adulthood with these beliefs already installed, so it’s our job to cultivate kindness, love towards ourselves, in order to uncover those beliefs and defense mechanisms. It is of great help to be able to distinguish when defense mechanisms that once saved you emotionally, now are pulling you back. During winter, when you are cold, you add clothes. In the summertime, at 45 degrees Celsius, those same clothes could mean death, suffocation, blockage. It’s the same with self-defense mechanisms. We need to honor them, to thank them for keeping us safe, but also we need to learn when to let go. So my overall mission is to give people this freedom of choice, of knowledge and tools that one can use in order to reconnect with oneself. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Irina!

Written by: Martina Krulakova, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Exceptional leader & lady-boss I was recently reading about Sarah Blake – how she rewarded her employees – with the 1st class ticket to travel and gifting them with the budget of 10k to enjoy their holiday, it brought tears into my eyes. It reminded me of my deepest desire. I have been dreaming for years while taking steps toward it and making it a reality. It was an amazing feeling to get proof that my dream is possible and although I am not entirely clear on how to reach my dreams on such a big scale, it’s always inspiring to see that it is possible. The coffee machine But this “story” brought tears into my eyes because I tried to remember when was the last time someone else surprised ME with the gift I wanted? When was the last time you received exactly what you wanted as a gift from someone else? The harsh reality hit me – it was the gift on my 36th birthday from my boyfriend that time. He surprised me with the real proper coffee machine. The one I have been dreaming about for years. I couldn’t believe my wish just came true. It felt amazing to feel heard, seen and understood without even asking for it. It also got me thinking – why the heck didn't it happen sooner? Why didn’t I get gifts earlier when I had so many birthdays, name days, Christmas… you name it… Why didn’t I get the present I wanted earlier? Barbie dream of 6-year-old As I was digging deeper and deeper, I returned back to the times of a 6-year old girl and remembered the doll – Barbie. Do you remember those Mattel times in the late ’80s, when the real Barbie came out? Of course, it was a big deal for any girl and I wanted one as well. Well, my parents couldn’t afford it but they found a way around it. They all went (the big family shopping trip with my uncles and aunts) and we all got the cheaper version of Barbie. Of course, my parents did as best as they could and it now makes me smile how creative they were and willing to surprise us – all girls in our families - myself, my sister and all my cousins got one. But it wasn’t the real Barbie. The ONE I wanted. As a 6-year old girl, living in my little world, all I could think of was that I can’t have what I want. I will never get what I ask for. I don’t deserve it, we can’t afford it. So since then, I stopped asking. I made the decision that if I really want something, I will get it for myself. So, I have learned to work hard to deserve anything. I remember my shopping visits to each shop and asking my Mum whether I could keep the small change to save for something later. Radio Christmas opportunity With years passing by, I trained myself to get less and less and avoid any disappointment. I remember another Christmas present as a teenager. My father was traveling to work in another country back then and he always surprised us with some gifts. Yes, I was receiving lots of them, but actually, never asked exactly for what I wanted. Except for one special wish when I wanted the radio. While in my mind I had the idea of the modern cassette record player, I got the classic radio instead. Luckily, I was ready for this surprise because I dug out all the presents I could find in advance before Xmas. Not only because I was curious, but also to prepare myself for disappointment – as I was expecting, it wasn’t the cassette radio – the one I wanted but because I knew how hard my Dad was working, by the time it was Xmas, I was honestly grateful for the one I got. Better to have any radio than none. Again, with my assumptions and the meaning I made years ago – my mind just proved to me what I was searching for – the meaning I made earlier in my life. I never get what I want unless I work hard for it. So, with years passing by, I stopped even asking for anything. I didn’t feel worthy to get anything unless I earned it. Children do what they see When I noticed myself replying: I don’t need anything, I could hear the mirror of my Mum inside of me. I had it right in front of my eyes. She hardly bought anything new for herself, she was always the last one (if anything left) and she saved the rest very often ignoring her own needs to provide for the rest of us. The worst part? I didn’t really appreciate gifts that were well-meant and gifted from the heart. I felt so much shame and guilt mixed with anger and frustration. The inner critic was louder than any well-meaning gesture. Assuming is not asking Luckily, with upcoming years and thanks to my transformational journey, with taking responsibility for my life and clearing the past, I have learned to view things differently. I have got new insights and so much appreciated wisdom to see blessings in anything that has ever happened to me. But here is my point: Assuming is not asking. I guess, it’s pretty clear from my story. Nobody can ever read the mind of others unless it is clearly communicated. Sadly, I am meeting women from all around the world who are missing clarity in themselves. Women who don’t dare to ask or even think about their deepest desires. And so, they choose to live the life of resentment, frustration and regrets. As Mel Robbins says in her latest book The High 5 Habit: "Your dreams will haunt you if you don’t go after them." Happy ending of the story My story has a happy ending because without all those lessons I wouldn’t have become who I am today. The person who loves to work hard and who is not afraid to get what she wants. But here is another point of this story: Get clear on what you really want. Clarity is superpower and assuming that others know it "automatically" is just a fantasy. I know, expressing yourself clearly is scary. Especially for us – women. We are wired to please others and we hate to hurt anyone. We know how rejection hurts, how painful it can feel but honestly, you are not doing any favour to anyone by rejecting yourself. That’s why I am so passionate to work on my mission and educate others, especially women, how to empower themselves and start living the extraordinary life everyone is meant to live. By becoming the leader of your life, the whole world around you will change too. It all starts with you! Follow Martina Krulakova on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin and visit her website for more info. Read more from Martina! Martina Krulakova, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine MartinaK is a Clarity Alignment Coach helping you become an inspiring leader and master of life you love. Her constant search for happiness and money left her broke, miserable and lonely in a foreign country. That was when she realized that real transformation starts within, so she mastered the formula to fulfillment. Her search has turned into a mission. Today she is helping other women find their unique path and fulfilling careers they love and get handsomely paid for it by working with individuals, small groups, and running powerful workshops. She teaches the importance of self-awareness, mastering yourself and your inner world as the core solution to most problems. Because it all starts with YOU!

Written by: Andrea Raggambi, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. Think about the last time you had a reaction or thought after seeing or hearing a stranger which caused you to judge them in a way that may not actually represent who they are at all. It happens to all of us instinctively, all the time. It’s in our nature and DNA to quickly assess our surroundings to determine how we fit in and how to respond. These are part of our survival instincts – think cavemen and women in the stone age who had to be vigilant about their surroundings to avoid predators. Fast forward 2.5 million years. Our surroundings have vastly changed, yet our reptilian brains still retain these protective instincts. Today, the use of this innate instinct doesn’t serve us in the same way. The way we form opinions about people has to do with how we compare their looks, words, or behaviors against our own or what we deem appropriate. Judging strangers has actually very little impact on them and more so on the person doing the judging. Judging people we know and with whom we want to maintain relationships can take both you and the relationship down a very destructive path. When we judge others, a few things are happening with some serious impacts. Judging others actually highlights our insecurities and is like a mirror projecting back what we are insecure about. If we judge what someone is wearing it means we likely worry about what we wear. It is also a way (albeit a destructive way) to make us feel better. Hearing someone speak in a way that you think makes them sound uneducated means you likely put pressure on yourself to sound intelligent. And judging someone as uneducated may immediately help you feel better than. This kind of judgment can perpetuate and train our minds to find the negative in others which can lead to increased stress. This stress can weaken our immune systems, cause high blood pressure, depression, fatigue and anxiety, and worse. Although our instincts lead us down this road, we don’t have to be a victim of it. As Walt Whitman astutely stated, “Be curious, not judgmental.” Curiosity is the enemy of judgment - it is impossible to be in judgment when you are being curious. Practicing genuine curiosity is the best way to minimize and over time, remove judgment that is destructive for us and to our relationships. Here are three fun ways to practice curiosity with some levity when you might instinctively want to make a judgment: 1. Clothing Choices. At one point or another, we have probably seen someone and wondered, “What the heck were they thinking when they left the house this morning?” Instead of judging people for their clothing choices, try these curious statements instead: That’s an interesting choice, I’m curious what they are into and do for a living. I wonder what music they like to listen to and what brings them joy. I am curious how they were brought up and what their story is. 2. Tattoo Choices. Whatever our feelings towards tattoos, most of us have likely had a reaction to a tattoo we noticed someone decided was a good idea to permanently ink into their bodies. Tattoos might be one of the most personal, ultimate forms of self-expression which many times are on display for all to see. Instead of reacting with eye rolls or other forms of judgment to tattoos, form these questions instead: That’s a unique choice, I wonder what the meaning is for them. I am curious how they decided on that design/image. I wonder what their story is. Based on that choice, I would love to know more about this person to understand what makes them tick. 3. Driving Abilities. There aren’t many people who wouldn’t say they haven’t called someone else on the road a moron, idiot, maniac, or worse. There’s no end to the stories people share that would imply that only they are competent drivers. Instead of reacting in anger and judging someone harshly on the road, which can take a dangerous turn, take a deep breath, assume positive intent, and tell yourself the following instead: We all get distracted on the road. I wonder what they might be distracted about. I’m sure they didn’t set out to tick me off today. I wonder what emergency they are rushing to. I hope it isn’t too tragic. I wonder if they were taught that driving under the speed limit is the safest. These are just a few ways to have fun reframing judgment into curiosity. Make your own list of curious questions around what you tend to judge. Thinking in curious ways relieves us of emotional stressors that can perpetuate negative self-perceptions, increase our acceptance of others, and improve our relationships and our overall health. When we build our curiosity, we weaken our judgment muscles and build the capacity to be more accepting and live in more peace and ease. When and how will you choose to be curious? For more info, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and visit my website! Read more from Andrea! Andrea Raggambi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Andrea is an ICF ACC coach and Chief Success Designer for mid to upper-level leaders who want to hit the pause button on busy-ness to take an exciting and courageous journey to design their personal and professional legacy and move forward with clarity, confidence, and renewed energetic purpose. Her purpose is to empower curiosity and creativity so that we choose to accept our differences, embrace change, and make choices that represent our best selves. Andrea applies a unique mashup of coaching and “success management” techniques utilizing a mix of change management, mindset, and habit-building practices to shift energy, thoughts, and behaviors in the direction of her client’s vision and goals. Since launching PerforMore in 2009, she has designed creative experiences, tools, and products that have resulted in success for hundreds of high-performing leaders in the technology, medical, architecture, construction, and engineering industries.

Written by: Jenn Drakes, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. “Don’t worry, be happy” is one of those clichés that is so much easier to say than do. Worrying is an ingrained human trait. As a human, you experience worry, and you do from a very young age. “Happy,” however, is the thing that gets dangled in front of us as we go through the journey of living our lives. “Happy” is what we are always trying to achieve – our desired end state, which can be a topic for another day. This article is about worry because it is fast becoming more relevant today than ever before. Everywhere – at every bend and turn, worry can be seen in abundance – in every conversation, on faces, in actions, and in demeanors. In fact, it is in the very air we breathe. Why is that? Well, it seems a perfect storm is brewing. If you keep your eyes on your everyday routine, or you keep your focus on what others tell you to focus on, then more than likely you will miss the elements that are coming together to create that perfect storm. Moreover, when the storm finally passes, what once was will be gone. This is where you tilt your head, wondering if this article is trying to prevent or encourage worry. This article is aimed at neither of those things. Humans worry irrespective of economic standings, age, religion, or other factors. Making you aware of that enables you to pause for a moment and consider “What am I most worried about right now?” Worry needs awareness because it is the precursor state that tends to get overlooked or swept aside. If ignored, it turns into something more. Merriam-Webster defines worry as “mental distress or agitation resulting from concern usually for something impending or anticipated.” Worry encompasses fear and anxiety and could lead to reactive responses that may not always be in one’s best interests. Right now, we are living out this particular circumstance. What do I mean by that? Such circumstances appear to be the divide in relation to COVID-19 vaccinated and unvaccinated people. The fuel behind this divide is worry. The match is outside stimuli, massaging the worry into outright fear. The reactive response to that ignited fear is the willingness to give up freedoms and create, yet again, societal divides and second-class citizens. But what is the worry? Many pushing the divide are already vaccinated and, as such, are protected from COVID-19, right? If we are protected, then why worry about something we are protected from? Those choosing to remain unvaccinated are not making that decision lightly. In fact, the many I have spoken with are well-articulated on their position to refrain from doing so. The divide is global and there are reasons to get vaccinated, but there are equally compelling and plentiful reasons to hold back. In speaking with those who are vaccinated and who support having a passport implemented, I discovered they believe their support will help reduce the COVID-19 case numbers. They have subscribed to the belief that there is a societal responsibility for everyone to partake in that effort. That viewpoint is not wrong, but the method to achieve this may very well be. Silence was the response received when I posed the following: “is taking the vaccine the only way to support that objective?” Well, is it? Many of the COVID-19 vaccinated people also believe that unvaccinated individuals are more likely to spread the virus. Does sufficient data exist to substantiate this belief? From what I have read and understand, both vaccinated and unvaccinated people are contracting the Delta variant, albeit with different symptoms and recovery outcomes. For sure, some reports are saying that all new cases of COVID-19 are from those that had not been vaccinated. However, there is no publicity on where those people caught the virus. In fact, given the vaccines do not prevent vaccinated people from catching COVID-19 (it only prevents them from showing or having severe symptoms), it is fair to consider that those who are vaccinated may be probable carriers of the virus. This is what the CDC calls either “symptomatic breakthrough infections” or “asymptomatic breakthrough infections.” The former would be a vaccinated person that becomes infected with symptoms, while the latter is similar but without symptoms. As carriers, they could very well be passing the virus and its variants to others – vaccinated or not. From that perspective, unvaccinated individuals should be equally concerned about those who are vaccinated. However, as mentioned, this does not seem to be the case, and the strong concern over those who are unvaccinated appears to be one of the main factors in support of implementing a vaccine passport, enforcing vaccinated vs. unvaccinated divides. Proper conversations lead to real understanding. I am fortunate to have been able to speak to many on both sides of this issue. In doing so, I found that each person was given the opportunity to see the perspective of the other. It is always fascinating when media downplays having proper conversations where there is more than one point-of-view to be heard. A proper conversation involves asking both participating parties “did you receive the vaccine?” and “why or why not?”. It is as simple as that. It should never be to push one’s own opinion and views on the other, no matter what side you might be on. You make your point backed by arguments, and the other makes their points backed by their arguments. In the end, either party should walk away with a new perspective that they can think on or act on. While not all-encompassing, those that took the vaccine had reasons prominently related to… Not wishing to catch the virus; A desire to see and interact with loved ones; especially elderly family members; A need to travel; Following the masses; Curbing work concerns. In these discussions, the underlying theme was worry turned into fear, and with that came a need to deal with that reality. Again, while not all encompassing, those that did not take the vaccine also had prominent reasons related to: Personal health lifestyle doctrines; Opting-in on the democratic right to choose; Opting-out on partaking in what some considered a “clinical trial”; Concerns about unknown side-effects; Medical record privacy contradictions; Religious beliefs; Possible impacts to female reproduction – pregnancies in-progress and pending; Other information that can be overwhelming to validate, especially if found online. In these discussions, the underlying theme was about being fully informed to make a decision. Just like those who are vaccinated, some unvaccinated people are worried, while others are scared. Who wouldn’t be if one heard that there could be potential unknown side-effects? Whether true or not, something like that can make someone very uneasy. However, the fears suffered by vaccinated people and unvaccinated people are for different reasons or, rather, have different motivations. Those who are vaccinated seem to have been motivated by emotions and feeling pressured into returning to normalcy. Meanwhile, unvaccinated people seem to be motivated by distrust and caution; hesitant in taking a leap of faith that could impact the future health of themselves and pending generations. Many admire those that took the leap, but do not wish to follow. What was interesting, based on my personal observations, was that the divide had little to do with general anti-vaccination sentiments. The decision not to consume the vaccines was based on a fundamental belief in having a right to make that choice. In September, the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (JCCF) in Ontario, Canada issued a legal warning letter to the Ontario Government. From here on, JCCF’s position on this issue will be used to assess the validity of people holding firm on their right to make a personal decision on whether to take the COVID-19 vaccines (specifically, the mRNA ones). The JCCF letter demanded that the vaccine passport “be immediately revoked,” citing legal action would be taken if the Ontario Government failed to halt its “unconstitutional discrimination against those who have decided against receiving the experimental vaccines.” Let’s get a perspective on why JCCF purposely selected and used such strong words. Implementing the vaccine passport would mean that those that are unable to show proof of full vaccination by either the double-dose vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and/or AstraZeneca) or single-dose vaccine (Janssen by Johnson & Johnson) would be denied access to a variety of businesses and organisations in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. Examples of this would be the inability to sit in at restaurants, cafes, and bars (take-out is fine, though); inability to access gyms, movie theaters, public events such as concerts or festivals, etc. Essentially, if it is something that takes place indoors and/or will have many people in close proximity to each other, and is non-essential, then it will more than likely require proof of vaccination. JCCF indicated that those not having that proof, by their democratic choice, have worry forced upon them in relation to potential job loss, inability to worship, as well as the inability to access other spaces like restaurants and gyms. The governmental push for vaccination has no provision for exemptions due to religion and creed, a right afforded to Canadians by their Charter and Human Rights Act. Additionally, the JCCF called out the fact that the vaccine shots are new and have no long-term safety profile. Furthermore, the associated clinical trials will apparently not be completed until 2023; substantiating the supposed experimental nature of the undertaking. Although, JCCF was fighting for Ontarians, its message was inclusive of all those touched by the pressure to conform. For sure, countries carry their own laws affecting their citizens, but many who believe themselves to be under democratic rule must question at what point they unknowingly lost their democratic freedoms. The JCCF cited many rights… The right of informed consent provided under the privacy laws; The right to be equal before the law; The right to liberty and security of the person; The right to bodily autonomy; The right to decide what medical procedure to accept or reject; The right to decide who sees or does not see your medical record; The right to be fully informed on the side effects of vaccines; Etc. The divides exist even with the reality that the effects of vaccination are time-boxed. How long the vaccines last have been met with responses that make it clear that it is a matter of trial and error, and, of course, with that means constant monitoring to be sure of findings. Remember the ‘EXPERIMENTAL” word used by JCCF? Whether you agree with the term or not, it was clearly not used in jest. Especially given the following CDC response to the question “How long does protection from a COVID-19 vaccine last?”: “It’s not yet known how long COVID-19 vaccine protection lasts. Recent studies show that protection against the virus may decrease over time. This reduction in protection has led CDC to recommend certain groups of people get a booster shot. Some people who received Pfizer Vaccine or Moderna Vaccine should get a booster shot at least 6 months after completing their initial vaccination series. Anyone 18 years and older who received a J&J/Janssen Vaccine should get booster shot at least 2 months after their vaccine.” Did any of us get our shots knowing the time limitations? Even in presenting a passport, without knowing the duration of protection, is the passport really protecting anyone? So, when unvaccinated people appeal for information to help them make their decisions, can we really slight them in any way for that? What more still remains to be learnt? Pressuring people to comply in the face of these unknowns is questionable. Grasping power to enforce irrational measures are fear-based reactions, and ones that suggest vaccinated people made the right decision. Although this could indeed be the case, there are still many questions to be answered before we can claim that it is the undeniable truth. However, whether right or wrong, vaccinated or unvaccinated, it does not matter because that is not the fundamentally issue. The fundamental issue revolves around making a very personal choice and having the right to make that choice. Someone once said to me “Dictatorship went out in the 20th century for a reason.” Depending upon where you are located in the world, this statement could be debated, but on the North American side of the globe, we prided ourselves on our democratic system and the freedoms it provided. This debate opens the flood gates to seeing dictatorship returning to North America in this century. If it does, what have we learnt? How will higher education have served us? All of us have been hit with unprecedented circumstances, but do those circumstances warrant the loss of treasured freedoms? The loss of the fundamental principles around democracy and living in a democratic society? Do those circumstances warrant a gut reaction to segregate and marginalise a portion of society who chose to consider their bodies, their religion, their beliefs, and proactively manage their own fears with research, a demand to be informed, and hesitancy to act? As previously mentioned, this debate has nothing to do with vaccination or non-vaccination. It has everything to do with our right to choose when and under what comfort level (based on how much information and subject to what personal pressures) we will make personal health choices. The bigger question is how much power do we wish our governments to have over us?Scrutinising our money is one thing. Prescribing what goes in our bodies is a whole different level of power. Earlier in the article, I mentioned a perfect storm brewing. A perfect storm forms from several negative, unusual, and sometimes unforeseen and unpredictable factors coming together. That is exactly where we are right now, and this storm, if left unchecked, will arrive with unprecedented power, saying “here is the medical care you get,” “here are the drugs you must take,” or “here are the privileges or services you are allowed.” Are any of us really willing to have our fears erode the freedoms so many lost their lives to preserve? Now is the time to think differently, act differently, structure differently, and achieve different, but greater outcomes. I think you will be amazed at what that will look like down the road… Jenn Drakes is an author, Life Strategist, and one of THE ACCELERATORS - a team of business-savvy coaches who work with SMBs (small-to-medium businesses) to propel them forward. In addition to reading this article, take in one of the Employ to Innovate shows for insights on a number of relevant topics, or schedule a call to discuss your growth needs – personal or professional. Follow me on Facebook, connect with me on LinkedIn and visit my website for more info! Read more from Jenn! Jenn Drakes, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jenn is a mom, serial entrepreneur, and life advocate who hosts the podcast Arrays of Living. She is also the creator and co-host of the Get Awesome Show, author of the book Aladdin Carpets - Change your Perspective, Change your Life. In addition to Brainz Magazine, she is also a Featured Author on Plumose.co for her poetry and stories and Contributing Author on Boss Ladies Mindset. Jenn is a hidden gem in a desert of gems, and everyone who discovers her is forever changed by her personality and presence. Over the years of working with youths and young adults, she was crowned The Original Goddess to acknowledge the shared feeling that "Jenn is wise beyond her years. I find her to be almost an "old soul" type of spirit." Her voice and writings are powerful, impactful, and life-changing because they trigger thought and promote tantalizing, intelligent conversations. Today, she uses that wisdom to shatter glass ceilings and power up the purpose she believes everyone holds within. A belief that is foundationally based on all of us being born with a gift and a responsibility to use and share that gift to achieve sustainable happiness. Her mission is to improve how people feel about themselves and empower their sense of self-worth to achieve more personally and professionally than they imagined. SOURCES: CDC FAQ: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html CDC (Delta Variant): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html JCCF article: https://www.jccf.ca/justice-centre-gives-ontario-final-warning-over-vax-passports/ JCCF letter: https://www.jccf.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/2021-09-22-Demand-Letter-Ontario-Vaccine-Passports_Redacted.pdf Yale Medicine: https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/how-long-will-coronavirus-vaccine-last

Written by: Lily Woi, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. I used to think being thick-skinned was about being shameless. But really it is about boldness, courage and vulnerability. It’s funny how such a simple reframing changed the way I approach life, and now I have the confidence to pursue my wants/needs, without worrying about others’ opinions. I wouldn’t be where I am today without this. Used in its form, in Cantonese, having “thick skin” is not always perceived to be something good. People around me often use this phrase in the context of ‘how could you be so thick-skinned (shameless)’. So I learnt to never be associated with that word. That I should always be kind, considerate, hardworking and conform to societal norms. Because...what would others think?! Not surprisingly, I brought this with me when I started university and eventually into my work and life too. I always wanted to just fit in and nothing more. Let’s not stand out or be noticed. I don’t like having attention directed to me. I try my best to downplay it or redirect it immediately. This didn’t serve me well. At all. It was exhausting. Plus, it’s not like I did great at fitting in. I have quite a big personality...among my close friends. Most of all, it stopped me from doing the things I wanted to do. All because I was too worried and was trying to control other people’s perceptions of me. It was silly to think I could control how others thought of me...or that I should care what others thought of me. The more reliance I had on other people’s expectations, the more dependent I was on them and I was risking being burnt out constantly. At one point, I did burn out, and sadly, it took me a while to even realise I was burnt out. Deciding to prioritise myself felt freeing...but it was not easy. The fear was real. And I don’t believe people talk enough about it. By prioritising myself, others who came to expect a certain level of attention/responsiveness from me are no longer getting what they were used to getting. Upsetting that dynamic upset many people. I had to keep reminding myself to not revert back to old behaviours. I start to befriend my critical voice, turning my attention to what's within my control and STOP SAYING SORRY. My journey into coaching and becoming a coach has helped me with this — h aving a person holding the space for me, challenging and supporting me to reframe my worldview was invaluable. Through this journey, I learnt to share more of myself with others and be vulnerable. Brene Brown was and still is my biggest influence on how to be vulnerable. I admit I did tear up a bit while listening to her narrating her ‘Daring Greatly’ book. This quote from her is something I remind myself of often. “Daring greatly means the courage to be vulnerable. It means to show up and be seen. To ask for what you need. To talk about how you’re feeling. To have the hard conversations.” — Brené Brown Most importantly, I started to differentiate feedback from criticism. Feedback is from people who are invested in me and my growth, while criticism is from people who are insecure and are trying to put you down. I learnt how to differentiate those who have my best interest in mind and ignore the rest. So I encourage you to be more thick-skinned and find the courage to be bold and vulnerable. You might feel exposed at first, but that’s because you’re just not used to it yet. And find a coach to help you, if you need it. There’s a misconception that coaching is only for the rich and privileged. It’s not. Coaching is for everyone and is accessible at any price range. Don’t limit yourself and give yourself permission to fly high. Here’s to you being thick-skinned! Follow me on LinkedIn or visit my website for more info! Read more fro m Lily ! Lily Woi, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Lily Woi is a professionally trained coach and an expert in helping individuals to accelerate their career progression and develop authentic leadership capabilities. She has spent years working in corporate consultancy training and advising clients to deliver multimillion transformation programs before starting her career coaching business (Lily Woi Coaching). She develops current and future leaders to be self-directed, resilient to change, grow their presence and build authentic leadership styles that motivate and inspire others. She is known for her personalized approach, tailoring content to individuals' learning preferences and work experiences to instill real practical change in an enjoyable way.

Written by: Amber Stitt, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise. No matter who you are or what kind of lifestyle you lead, planning for disaster should be at the top of your priority list. As we emerge from a global pandemic, we can all appreciate the need for better preparation and steps that keep us firmly in control. In this blog, I’ve put together some of the essential business strategies that will help you do what you love and follow your passion, regardless of catastrophe. With so many factors in life remaining out of our control, I want to help you focus on what you can plan for and how it can help you succeed. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail... right? Let’s dive in. Growth Mindset Before we talk about the steps you can take to plan for catastrophe, it’s important to figure out your unique situation and how you personally need to do things. Grant yourself the grace of growth. I find that we are at our best when we are doing what we love in a way that comes completely naturally to us. There are lots of ways you can go about exploring who you are and what works for you. I recommend initially looking into some acclaimed personality tests such as: 16 Personalities Clifton-Strengths DISC Emotional intelligence 2.0 You might also want to take a look at my essential reading list. This is an extensive collection of all of my favorite books for deeper self-exploration and finding the mechanisms of success that work for you. 5 Business Strategies That Will Help You Do What You Love While Surviving Any Catastrophe 1. Get Money Smart Saving and budgeting correctly are the best things you can do to protect yourself and your business. Put away funds each month. Save 6-months of rent. Have a budget. Maximize your contributions at work. On top of this, hiring a good tax advisor can go a long way towards making the most of your money. Set your goals up for success using methods that are geared towards your personality and then work with your partner on their methods as well. Understanding how each other's minds work when it comes to money will bring your plan success. 2. Focus On Transferring Risk Review your insurance policies. By considering what endorsements you might need and asking your insurance company what is included in your basic policies, you could discover new ways to get better protection; especially if you have had a change in life events. An insurance broker can help you determine what you’re covered for so you don’t get any nasty surprises when the unexpected comes knocking at your door. There are other ways to transfer risk too, by just getting organized. You may consider keeping an electronic method of storing important documents with your partner and/or other family members for safekeeping. This will allow for easy access to the resources in a time of need and keep clutter at home to a minimum. 3. Level Up Your Marketing And Technology One of the best strategies you can adopt is to take a global approach to communicating with your audience on an annual basis. Break up your year into quarters or 4 seasonal segments and research your client base in depth. This will give you a clue as to how often you must communicate with them to stay relevant. Consider and develop your email marketing and social media strategies in response to your findings. Try to plan a full month at a time and have that plan ready 2-weeks in advance of the next month! Batching your time in a day a month can help to be more efficient and to build consistent strategies. With consistency, you can create habits and track progress. 4. Expand Your Network When I started as a solopreneur, it felt as though I was very much on my own – until I met all of the other entrepreneurs out there! When you work for yourself, building a community with like-minded souls is essential. Support each other and your businesses throughout thick and thin by building a mutually beneficial community. Not only will you have fun meeting new people, but you can also have a community to rely on when you need help. With a trusted network in place, you can get mentorship but also provide your clients a resource if you are temporarily or permanently unable to help them. Having a safe place for clients to go (in the event of an emergency) will bring you peace of mind and secure ongoing reciprocal relationships with strategic partners. 5. Make Use of Your Talents The final and most important strategy is to find what you love and commit to developing your talents. There’s no point in trying to please everybody all of the time – it just doesn’t work! You’re guaranteed to end up overwhelmed and disengaged if you try to fix who you are by focusing on what you are not. If you want to survive, build your business around the passion that drives you, and your success will be much more sustainable throughout any disaster that strikes. Self-awareness will keep you grounded to continue doing what you love and to provide yourself grace when you are facing a tough time. Knowing what makes you thrive in addition to implementing the 4 steps above, will help smooth out stress during an uncertain time. The above-mentioned assessments will help you get there. So, are you ready to take the necessary steps to catastrophe-proof your life and business? You can get access to my Action Plan and start your journey to a successful future on my website. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and visit my website for more info! Amber Stitt, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Amber Stitt is a Financial Consultant, Business Strategist, and Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach who helps individuals and businesses to take action to Catastrophe Proof their lives. She is co-owner at M.D. Disability Quotes and founder of the AmberStitt.com Blog and has been working in the financial industry for 10+ years. Amber's passion is to help individuals identify how to implement custom planning processes that allow for those to do so within areas where they are naturally talented. She feels that it is everyone's duty to take care of those we love as well as ourselves, while we are able-bodied to. Planning can feel like a daunting project; so many or most, don't take the time to work on their overall game plan. She loves to educate and motivate those that she meets, so they achieve success and resilience with whatever obstacles they may face in life!