Written by: LaTrenda George, 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 felt like life was squeezing the life out of you? Where you have been so conditioned by others and their expectations of you that you just want to escape to a place far away. Let’s be real, life can hit you so hard you can feel like you need a passport to be you because you have been trained to fit in with everyone else but yourself. How do you get out of this nightmare? How do you speak up in the most loving and compassionate way and still be true to yourself? Well, it is called the Gift of Allowing! I use a mantra daily that I have on the whiteboard in my office, which says, Allow Me to Be Me. The gift of allowing is staying present to your truth,which allows you to be true to yourself. In doing so, you are embracing the understanding that you will be in different phases on your journey. But, it’s okay for you to be in different phases because we all have different needs and different assignments to fulfill, and share with others. With that said, you can release the need to control and accept where you are in the present and give others that same grace. In addition, you can intentionally create new actions and interactions. Additionally, you can welcome the beautiful exchange of the energy of others. Lastly, you can allow every day to be new, and new things will greet you, big or small. Allowing is something I had to learn, but once I learned it, my life changed. My view of myself and my mindset shifted. My compassion for humanity grew stronger. You may notice by your actions and interactions where healing is needed for yourself and others. Just remember, everyone must commit to their own healing, and it can never be forced, or it will surely backfire. Go ahead and allow yourself to shine; and eventually, everyone around you will shine, or they will drift away from your path enabling you to understand in the most loving and compassionate manner, the gift of allowing. Click the Link to Purchase Her Book. Want to learn more from LaTrenda? Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn! You can also click here to purchase her book! Read more from LaTrenda! LaTrenda George, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine LaTrenda George is an author, podcaster, and transformational coach specializing in spiritual coaching and mentoring. She is also a certified mind, body, and soul practitioner and facilitator. LaTrenda brings eleven years of experience to the table, un-programming her clients from past challenges and teaching them how to live from within. She inspires and empowers others to act on their deepest desires.

Adele is a transition coach and mentor. Committed to seeing a world filled with thriving individuals living their lives authentically, she created the S.P.A.R.K.© self-alignment model and programme, to help clients around the world leverage their strengths and overcome their fears to transition into having a purpose-driven life. She believes that having clarity and alignment of one’s values, strengths, vision and purpose – “core elements” of oneself – are essential in enabling a person to take ownership and be the agent of their own life. This is because when you are certain of who you are and what you want, and they are in alignment, you will live your life authentically as you achieve ambitions that fulfills you. We had the privilege to sit down with Adele, who is also a Brainz Executive Contributor, to learn more about her and what she does. Adele Chee, Transition Coach, Mentor, and Creator of the S.P.A.R.K.© self-alignment model Who is Adele Chee? Tell us a little about yourself. I have been deeply reflective and spiritual since I was a child. Enduring severe afflictions from a tender age, I’ve asked myself important life questions pertaining to beliefs, values, purpose and aspirations, probably earlier than one normally would. One of my biggest takeaways from my upbringing is that when you are fulfilled, you cause less damage and do more good. Thus, making not just your own world beautiful but that of others. My idea of a fulfilling life is to live a life of choice where I can achieve my dreams without succumbing to the pressures of society. This is the life I now live where I’m realising the 3 life goals my younger self has set for me – travel the globe, help others lead a better life and write. How poignant! So, what brought you to work as a coach and mentor? Passionate about people, I’ve always lived a life of enabling others. Throughout my life, family, friends and colleagues have often sought my counsel on various personal and professional issues that they are going through. The common themes I noticed in most of these conversations was on fulfillment – desiring to go after what they want and realising their dreams but feeling held back by doubts and fears. Some are externally-driven, but most are self-inflicted doubts and fears. In particular, thoughts of not being good enough which leads to fears of failing and being judged. Having conquered my doubts and fears to live my definition of a fulfilled life, I desired to see the same for others. When I discovered that as a certified coach and mentor, I’ll be in the position to help others live fulfilling lives, I knew that I have found my life-long vocation. To be part of someone’s journey, as they successfully own their story and live their lives authentically, is my privilege and greatest satisfaction. What is it exactly that you do for your clients? Foremost, I help the client clarify their definition of a fulfilled life. Not a pipe dream but their genuine desire. This includes tangible and intangible components like experiences, feelings and perceptions. Then, we take a bird’s-eye view of where they are in their life’s journey to realise this aspiration. I use this visual tool called the ‘Wheel of Life’, a concept created by Paul J. Meyer, the pioneer of the self-improvement industry. My clients love this tool. Thereafter, the client is further supported to develop self-awareness, gain clarity, build resilience and create possibilities to realise their true aspirations. This will see the client establish a clear personal strategy, one that outlines their authentic goals and action plan; where they leverage their strengths and available resources, in order to overcome the doubts and fears that were previously holding them back. Then, what is S.P.A.R.K.© and how is it applied in the work that you do? The S.P.A.R.K.© self-alignment model is designed to strengthen the relationship you have with yourself. This means making all the elements of your core – values, strengths, vision and purpose – clear and aligned. When this happens, you will be able to make authentic decisions and set goals that would truly enrich your life. Therefore, allowing you to be empowered to take actions to realise them. Self – Identify your values, strengths and vision. Purpose – Connect with your true motivations. Action – Take accountability. Reward – Celebrate successes. Kindle – Stay present and shine! The S.P.A.R.K.© programme is a 15-week facilitated practical application of this model. That is, to instil and encourage the continuous practice of having clarity of self and build resilience to support living life in an authentically fulfilling way. What can your future clients expect when working with you? The best way to answer this question is to refer to the testimonials from my previous clients (available on my website). I see 3 common themes. I provide my clients a safe and structured space to explore. This is because in our sessions, I’ll be curious with you. We will journey together to the depths and lengths that you’re willing to go. At the same time, I serve as the second pair of eyes to keep your “red thread” in check so that you stay on track towards your goal. Clients can certainly expect to be encouraged and challenged by me. To quote some words used by previous clients to describe this – “gentle push”, “can do attitude”, “ignites a fire within me”, “unlock my thinking” and “find new ways”. My role is to support you to create possibilities to achieve your ambition. So, you can definitely bet on getting stretched in the process. I will be keeping you focused and holding you to account because words without action amount to nothing. Hence, I will be the mirror that reflects the commitments you have made to yourself to ensure that you honor them. All I want is for you to succeed in being your authentic self and achieve goals that fulfill you. Who should work with you? Corporate professionals who are feeling unfulfilled and thinking to themselves “there must be more to life than this” but hesitating to do something about it because they are facing doubts and fears. In particular, the feeling of being inadequate or not knowing where to begin and the fear of being judged for it. Could you probably share a success story? Yes! In fact, I can share 2 stories. The first story is about a client who has been in the communications space in the finance industry for nearly two decades. When she came to me, it seemed like she’s had it with the corporate world and wanted to start her own gig. Taking into consideration the various elements in her Wheel of Life to put things into perspective for her, she came to a realisation that it wasn’t the corporate space or communications role that she’s had enough of. It’s the finance industry. Overcoming the feeling of being inadequate, she seized an opportunity to transition into the property industry. Now, she’s putting her stake into the ground and making great strides in her career as she told me that she felt “seen”, “heard” and got her “mojo” back. The second story is about a client who has spent over a decade having a good run in the HR space within a large global organisation. However, she felt that she had exhausted her options to be able to continue to grow and live her purpose optimally despite loving what she was doing. Standing at this crossroad and not knowing where to start, she decided to embark on the S.P.A.R.K.© programme journey with me. By the end of the programme, she came away with 3 clear goals for her career and life. She’s now well on her way to realise these goals as she looks to transition into a medium-sized corporation that allows her to integrate her passion for mindfulness within the capacity of her HR role; and wanting to have the time to pursue her other passion – writing, she’s choosing a work arrangement that only requires her on a part-time basis. What is your big goal? Any exciting projects coming up? Well, I’m on a mission to empower 1 million people to take ownership and be the agent of their own lives. So, I’m currently working on a couple of exciting projects that intend to inspire and support others to live by their definition of a fulfilled life. Staying true to my dogma of creating possibilities, I hope to widen the reach of the S.P.A.R.K.© programme so that many more can benefit from it. Hence, I’m exploring alternatives to effectively deliver the programme in a self-coaching format. Watch this space! Do you have a favourite quote to share? Why do you think that resonates with you? I have a few favourites but I particularly like this one from comedian Brian Regan, who said in one of the episodes of Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee – “The things you remember in life are the things that happen right after you’ve had ‘butterflies’. So, you should never avoid the ‘butterflies’ because those are the memory makers.” This resonated with me because I believe that the reason these moments become memories is because they have connected with your core and fulfilled you. So, I would encourage everyone not only to never avoid the ‘butterflies’ but to actively look for them. When you are in constant supply of what fulfills you, you won’t be wondering if there is more to life than this. What is the best way our readers can further follow your work online, Adele? Please connect with me on LinkedIn or sign up for newsletters on my website, and keep the conversation on how to lead an authentically fulfilled life going. Read more from Adele!

Written by: Jaya Jankert, 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. One year ago, I spent the summer in the country house feeling tired to the bones, with a lack of money mindset and not a strong self-image. I allowed myself to rest and spend more time with my children. My speed since the divorce 7 years ago has been in one direction and in my masculine energy. Today, I look back, standing outside barefoot in the ground and with my mother’s horse by my side. Last September, I made my first financial decision about investing in myself and, in return, my business. I invested in a brilliant coach who is also very spiritual who helped me market my business online globally and that led me to my next decision to invest in a virtual assistant who soon became my Executive Online business manager. So why do I tell you all of this? Because of the power of making an investment in yourself. In January, I signed up with my Feminine Embodiment mentor, where the real inner work started, down to the root causes. This has shifted literally everything for me, my business, new global opportunities, relationships, vibration, energy, and inner freedom. Truly live from the inside. The result of this decision is that I can serve all my clients in a deeper way since we all have blockages and traumas. Then to add your unique style where you are now and where you are heading. Since clothing is energy and is a reflection of your inside and self-image. The deeper work inside to the root causes, the more you can stand in your own power and be more creative and playful with your style. You are you, fully. How can you dress with more intention and make your visualization? First of all, if you start with moving your body and create some emotions and then take some deep breaths and imagine how you feel entering a room or a meeting. What colors make you feel joyful and empowered? Your desire is to feel more radiant and magnetic, so you can attract the right ideal clients. Clothing is energy, as we all are. Notice the difference when you dress as the empowered human you are. You can make new combinations of your clothing and see how you feel wearing them. Go outside your comfort zone. Even if you work at home and have lots of digital meetings, you want to have your visualization clear, and that goes for your powerful style! Dance and be playful with your new outfits, are they aligned with your vision? Create the magic emotio ns through your outfit even when you feel on a low vibration and feel the shift. So, take the time and ask yourself what kind of vibration do you want your visualization to be on and how the clothing can reflect your inner peace by empowering you! With love, Jaya. Follow me on Faceboo k , Instagram, LinkedIn , or visit my website for more info! Jaya Jankert, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jaya Jankert is the Indian-born and Swedish founder of Empowered by Jaya. She is a global Empowerment Wardrobe Coach, Mentor, International bestselling Author, Speaker, and professional connector. Jaya helps thousands of women and men all over the world to stand in their own power, by bringing out the personality in the clothing and reconnecting to the spiritual self on a higher level. She has been awarded a Brainz Creative Global Award and featured in different global podcasts and digital magazines. She is an international bestselling author with the book Change Makers. When Jaya was a newborn she was adopted by her Swedish parents from Stockholm, Sweden where she grew up and is based with her two beloved children Nora and Sixten. Jaya is a free-spirited woman who loves to channel her energy through dance whenever she gets a chance.

Written by: William Lee, 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. Micromanagement. Such taboo in modern business. Yet, business communities are flocking to alignment, congruency, performance metrics, feedback loops, big data, behavioural science, motivational forces, purpose-driven engagement, and other concepts that together, constitute management at the micro-level. Can we truly manage without control? Critical Tasks Identification Mr K was recruited to a technical sales unit in the manufacturing industry. To make sales in that space, it is vital to deliver performance consistently and competitively with full alignment in the product-application-operation technical cycle. Supplier product and design is limited by its capabilities, market intelligence and positioning, under its own control. Product application is the cultivation of information exchange between the supplier and the customer to find the best (combinations of) fit. Customer end user then controls the operation(s) that place ceiling(s) on product performance, with or without supplier involvement. Without solid technical foundation, any commercial discussions were proven fruitless or costly. Connecting Mechanism At first, there was a huge gap between strategy and actual business activities. Products and applications were based on overseas experiences. Service reports from engineers were so vague and incomplete that Mr K struggled to comprehend what exactly happened when products were running. Field sales could not satisfactorily explain why price cuts or claim payments were necessary to maintain business, often complaining underperformance. Given a chance to get hold of a non-contact measuring equipment, Mr K used his PhD skill to develop one technique that involves several different information streams to collectively give a different picture to customer’s critical manufacturing problems. Starting from articulating a vision to the customer, Mr K was able to access information previously unavailable to his industry sub-vertical. He then invested substantial time in putting together these information streams, finding pattern(s), proposing mechanistic explanation(s), and discussing possible solution alternatives involving various external and internal stakeholders. He even advised individuals on how to weave through their personal political problems leading to positive outcomes mutually beneficial to both the customer and supplier organisations. Assisted by deep understanding of one customer’s business organics, he was able to find the common link to that entire industry. From there, together with the product management team, a new generation of product designs and service philosophy were developed that on the surface were inconsistent with customer apparent needs but at the end, gave customer a better operational flexibility and economic returns. Something that confused competitions while generating cumulative competitive advantages. Consequently, Mr K’s company was able to reduce application changes and the associated trials, complaints and claims, which then led to repeat orders and consistently planned production and delivery that achieved real economy of scale. Mr K found a way to connect different stakeholders technically, emotionally and commercially through open and good faith discussions bound by privacy and respect (see also Chapter 4 — Taichi Fortunate (brainzmagazine.com)). When a customer is engaged, they actively share critical information and participate in continuous improvement that optimises application fit and operational performance. When various supplier business units are engaged, this unrestrained and unbiased information is enabled to flow freely without pride, prejudice and politics. Products and services can then be improved effectively and efficiently to best serve customer needs better than competitions. When customers realise substantially better results, they become even more engaged that percolates along the value chain. A virtuous business cycle filled with frictionless feedback loops outside in and inside out, is thus attained. Furthermore, the more the Wheel of Fortune is turned, the more momentum it builds. Shine Too Bright Technical, emotional and commercial connections between multi-stakeholders, however, require structure, organisation, and lots of dedication. It involves much details and coordinated efforts. And for that to happen, transparency exposes weaknesses of some, and amplifies strengths of others. A star sales subordinate of Mr K, did not respond well. He started to go into hiding, sometimes months at a time. And, he was spreading unfounded rumours, accusing Mr K of running a sweat shop, power hungry, micromanaging, and/or adopting uncompetitive market practices. That made recruiting extra difficult among significant organic growth. Mr K tried hard directly and indirectly to explain the special technique and wished that Mr Z be able to pick up or at least participate. He spent hours and hours explaining why a change was needed in response to shareholder demand, thinning margins, increased delivery times and shifted compliance requirements. He spoke as little as possible when they visited customers together, for Mr Z to take the spotlight. He even assigned technical assistant to Mr Z and assured him of his long-term job security. He failed. Mr Z simply wasn’t able to understand the technical complexity, nor accept his reduced role. The harder he tried, the worse Mr Z’s engagement became. He finally accepted that, to a person with enlarged ego and perceived any change as threat, one word was too many. He also learnt that one word was enough, if there was mutual respect. And sometimes, that respect needed to exist right from the beginning. Restructure The hard learnt lesson changed Mr K’s approach. Instead of explaining everything to everyone directly, shining too bright and exhausting himself in the process, he restructured the organisation to that tiered with authorisation, empowerment, allowance, transparency and privacy boundaries. People were organised through aligned employment contracts, job descriptions, work manuals, organisation chart and ability to perform strategized critical tasks, and incentivised accordingly. The clarity allowed him to train his team through the tiers to write unrestrained, unbiased, relevant and on-time reports maximising numbers, graphs and pictures. When words and opinions could not be avoided, he implemented procedures to ensure that everyone in the team speak the same language and understand the right messages. He also established documented processes that facilitated each tiered leaders, including himself, having a chance to exercise tiered discretion, becoming fully aware of their direct subordinate activities, coaching their teams and establishing their own credibilities. Last but not least, he tried his best to negotiate better pays and conditions for his team, balancing company strategic needs. He de-micromanaged, step-by-step. “難得糊塗” The purpose of management is never about control. The aim is always to ensure that decision makers are ‘rarely confused 難得糊塗’ by information received and what they are trying to achieve, so that actions can be taken to serve both individual and collective purposes. Avoid shining too bright. Start from critical tasks identification and fit. Structure, organise and incentivise. Implement well-designed information flow. Generate and facilitate individual and collective energy, direction and mechanisms (see also Chapter 5 — Day And Night (brainzmagazine.com)). Embrace good faith, respect and care. Implement procedural justice, fairness, openness and popularity, and be as well prepared as possible that allows flexibility in time and space, for people to grow and things to ferment, organically and spontaneously. Turn people’s Wheels of Fortune together, through the connecting mechanisms of capabilities, emotions and commercials. Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit my website for more info! Read more from William! William Lee, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine William Lee, a business coach and expert in connecting people’s wheels of fortune together, excels at producing positive results in complex multi-stakeholder engagement, end-to-end customer experience satisfaction, and remote team management. Frustrated by years of conflicts and external negativities, William dug deep to understand how our minds work, how we interact with one another, and how good faith can improve our connected world together. Through a process called CentriFusion, William’s methodology and system provide an easy first step to vastly improve team empathetic capability. With increased presence and engagement, as a result, fertile mental grounds are sown to enable organic and spontaneous growth, aligned to a shared common purpose. William provides the way to attain TRUE and SUSTAINABLE COMFORT in your businesses. Enjoy life without complacency!

Written by: Janet Macaluso, 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. Does “We Have to Talk” trigger an inner primal scream? Perhaps you’ve heard these ominous 4-words from... The Boss: “I have some feedback” A Partner: “It’s me, not you” Garage Mechanic: “It’s the transmission” Child's teacher: “About their behavior” If you wince when faced with interpersonal friction, you’re not alone. Awkward “Undiscussables” often evoke fear and avoidance. Yet our most compelling social, political, and planetary topics urgently require skillful communications. If your earnest efforts deserve more than a snowball’s chance in the global warming crisis, let’s revisit Undiscussables with fresh eyes – to develop ourselves, our people, places, and causes. So I surveyed 160k+ people on Challenging Conversations. The respondents encompassed a global community with a keen interest in all things development: Personal Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Communications, and Leadership. My question was this: “What do you fear most about having Challenging Conversations?” And the clear “winning” response was actually having the Undiscussable. As one respondent said: How do you START an Undiscussable, even when your knees are shaking?? Well, this is what I do all day, every day… help changemakers bust through communication blocks to evolve and innovate their relationships, teams, and businesses. And when the survey indicated a widespread fear of initiating challenging conversations, I realized my personal “go-to” "Springboard Sentences" list for starting Undiscussables may be of value when communicating important topics. "Springboard Sentences" aren’t paint-by-number exact scripts; rather, suggestions on how you might start a vibrant, life-affirming dialogue instead of dreaded drama. And with the upcoming holiday seasonal stress, you may want the list nearby to administer “Communication First-Aid.” If You Think You're Enlightened, Go Spend a Week with Your Family. - Ram Dass What’s a Springboard Sentence? Like setting an inviting dinner table for a special event or guest, Springboard Sentences set the tone and demonstrate the importance of the conversation. You want to convey that this communication is different from the daily, routine chit-chat. Here are some phrases to consider, then create your own. I'm between a rock and a hard place. The rock is having this conversation. The hard place is not having it. What I want is a heartfelt dialogue. What I don't want is a shouting match or a lost opportunity to share our truth and grow together. My intention is to share my experience. I don’t intend to be a “know-it-all.” Could we agree to allow each of us to talk as long as we want? We’ll interrupt only for clarification. And we’ll listen until the other person says “done”. I understand the decision you made. I don't completely understand the rationale behind that choice. Preventions and Interventions Springboard sentences are “Preventions” – the thinking and doing prior to an anticipated interaction. They help tip the scales towards conversational success. If and when the conversation takes a turn for the worse, you may have to intervene with an “Intervention” reminder of previous agreements. With skill and practice, the turn-around can be incredibly fast. The first step is acknowledging you’ll need structure, courage, and compassion. The list below is a structure for skillfully addressing Undiscussables. 1. initiating the conversation – see Springboard Sentences above 2. balancing advocacy and inquiry 3. sharing the artifacts 4. inviting the other to share their data and conclusions 5. ending stronger I’ll reveal more nuggets in my following articles. In the meantime, would you like to take my upcoming Undiscussables Quiz? Sign up for early access to my Quiz and webinar “What’s Your No.1 Blocker to Breakthrough Conversation?” If you know someone who needs this info, send it their way. Sharing is caring! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube and visit my website for more info! Read more from Janet! Janet Macaluso, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine After a 25-year corporate career developing executives, teams, and organizations, Janet founded Learning2LEAD, a Regenerative Leadership Development practice based in Cambridge, USA, and Malaga, Spain. No stranger to personal regeneration, Janet reinvented herself from a college dropout to a flight attendant and aerobic instructor to an award-winning coach and global executive with three academic degrees. Janet created Learning2LEAD to reflect the life, legacy, and impact she wants to leave. Applying modern science and ancient wisdom, Janet stewards successful mid-life change-makers, leaders, and rabble-rousers ready to transform their "1st-half" successes into "2nd-half" significance. Whether in virtual workshops or leadership hiking retreats in Spain, Janet nudges clients to move toward their Best Future Self Now - so they can do the same for their people and places. Her mission: To Ban Average!

Robin Wilson is a published children’s author, educational consultant, certified teacher, and motivational speaker. With more than 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, she has earned a reputation for being a champion for community literacy initiatives. A native of Inkster, Michigan, Wilson, at age 23, began her literacy advocacy work in her hometown as a family literacy non-profit founder. In 2009, she became an Echoing Green Fellowship semi-finalist, which is a prestigious fellowship that invests in transformational leaders. “This recognition affirmed that I was operating within my ‘Zone of Genius,’ Wilson said. “I was on the right path.” “Illiteracy is a global issue that affects businesses' bottom line and society as a whole,” Wilson says. According to a 2017 UNESCO report, an estimated 102 million of the global population between 15 and 24 years old are considered illiterate. “This is a social justice issue that we must continue to address.” Wilson has held various educational leadership positions. Still, she never shies away from talking about the challenges that she faced in her youth. Her passion for literacy stems from once being a slow reader, a challenge that she overcame with the support of a teacher and church member. “I had people who stood in the gap for me---they believed in me and supported me. Now, I am passionate about doing the same for young people.” Robin M. Wilson, Literacy Leader The founder and CEO of Robin Wilson Educational Consulting LLC (RWEC), a Michigan-based educational consulting practice, she combines her lived experiences, research knowledge, and professional experience to guide youth service organizations in developing effective strategies for serving youth, especially girls and young women. Currently, Wilson is designing an online reflective journaling course for the Nurturing Wellness Group Foundation, a Michigan-based nonprofit organization that is committed to helping students and young adults overcome barriers that prevent or delay success in school and life by providing them access to a holistic support system. “I specialize in designing educational programs, developing curriculum content, and measuring outcomes of programs for youth service organizations.” Who should hire/work with you? I believe that change happens over time with strategic planning, intentional action, and collaboration. I strategically partner with nonprofit organizations to design programs and processes that yield high-impact learning outcomes for youth, especially girls and young women. I have a passion for serving young people and advancing literacy initiatives locally and abroad. If an organization is seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable literacy leader to train their staff/youth or to design educational programs, I am open to exploring opportunities to collaborate. My approach to consulting involves building meaningful relationships with clients to truly understand their needs. I work collaboratively with organizational leaders to achieve desired outcomes. My ‘leadership superpower’ is in my ability to listen intentionally and intuitively, respond compassionately, and find common ground with the people that I serve. To connect with me directly, send an email to theresolutestrategist@robinmichellewilson.com. What is it that you do for your clients? Robin Wilson Educational Consulting LLC’s core values are rooted in respect, accountability, integrity, and excellence in service. I like to provide clients with personalized experiences and build relationships based on trust. RWEC transforms lives by developing meaningful relationships with youth, organizational leaders, and designing programs that address their learning needs. RWEC offers quality youth and staff leadership training, strategic educational consulting services, and speaking services for special events and conferences. What is your big goal? Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? My aim is to support youth to overcome educational barriers by providing quality services and programs to organizations that are committed to serving and empowering young people. This has been a consistent goal of mine. As I move forward and grow my company, my commitment remains the same. Within the next ten years, I do envision hiring other educational consultants who share the same values and vision. In the future, I also plan to establish a scholarship to award funds to young people who seek to pursue a career in education or business. I want my work to have a lasting impact. I want to leave a legacy of excellence in service and investing my knowledge and resources into the development of young people is my way of leaving a mark for generations to come. For now, Wilson is focused on her current literacy projects and writing for children. On November 9, 2021, her children’s book Mama Got Rhythm, Daddy Got Rhyme will be published by Bristow Publishing. For more information, visit www.mamagotrhythmdaddygotrhyme.com. In addition to consulting, teaching, and writing stories, Robin Wilson is a wife, daughter, sister, and friend. Her favorite movie is “The Count of Monte Cristo” and her favorite book for business is “Jesus CEO: Using Ancient Wisdom for Visionary Leadership” by Laurie Beth Jones. She is married to Khari Wilson. They attend Brightmoor Christian Church in Novi, Michigan. Robin loves to travel, and she is a self-proclaimed vegan foodie Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Robin!

Written by: Sue Lewington-Bide, 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 the seasons change, so do our attitudes and along with colder weather and darker days it’s easy to feel the effects on our bodies and we become more open to the idea of flu/colds and even COVID. Bodily imbalance can be controlled and does not have to be the result of being susceptible to diseases brought on by inner beliefs. The word dis-ease in itself tells you that if your mind isn’t in the right place, your body will follow suit. Firstly, understand this. Your mood affects every part of your body. You are in complete control of your daily health. Your body is a reflection of how you think. Therefore, I have compiled some small but effective exercises that can make your body feel better and also help your mind feel more at peace. 1. Feeling tired and lethargic in the morning. Take 2 – 3 deep breaths to re-relax your body before getting out of bed. This actually invigorates the oxygen passing through your whole physique. 2. Take time out during the day – just for you. Meditation is a good one. Whenever you have time, just 15 minutes is all you need. 3. If your energy is particularly low; Just jiggle your whole body while standing. 30 seconds is all you need. It sends endorphins to the brain and makes you feel like you’ve taken some actual exercise. 4. Walk, whenever possible. You don’t have to go on a hike, simply walk anywhere just for 10 minutes or so a day. It’s not known as the best form of exercise for nothing. 5. Making sure you get a good night’s sleep. Avoid drinking any liquids at least 2 hours before bed. Make sure the room is well ventilated. These things may seem obvious, but you’ll be amazed at how they will not only make your body feel better, but your mind will be more relaxed as a result. Imagine your average day of waking up in the dark, going to work, coming home in the dark and going to bed. Even if you’re working from home the gloom in the sky is very uninspiring. Just 1 or 2 of the above exercises every day can change your whole demeanour. I find that I sit up straighter and appreciate the better things around me rather than taking everything for granted. Taking a little time out for your body each day, not only improves your frame of mind but also gets your immune system working in your favour. It’s a win/win. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Sue! Sue Lewington-Bide, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Sue Lewington-Bide became a Mental Fitness Coach after her daughter became anorexic. This was not a situation that she was prepared for and it took its toll on her own mentality. As a result she studied hypnotherapy, psychology, NLP, and EFT in order to better understand her daughter’s challenges and be in a position to help others facing similar issues. In 2020 Sue formed Suelb Ltd so that she could bring her knowledge online and help even more people who need the support in these trying times.

Written by: Chi Quita Mack, MSW, 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. Let’s get right down to it and discuss the most common conversation I have with my mommies...Mom Guilt! Q: Does this really exist? A: Absolutely! Q: Can I overcome this? A: Yes, you can! It just takes time and practice but, it’s definitely do-able. Q: Do other mommies suffer from this or is it just me? A: Listen, you are not alone! I have definitely suffered from mom guilt and I still have my moments! Just know, you have a whole community behind you that is ready to support. Here are 3 strategies to help you work through your feelings of mom guilt; whether you are taking time for yourself or are a working mama trying to juggle it all. 1. Tell Yourself, “I’m Sorry.” Now you may be asking yourself why on Earth am I apologizing to myself? Well, as mothers we often over criticize ourselves for the choices we make on a day-to-day basis. We feel guilty for taking care of ourselves, working late, and missing a practice or school activity. We talk ourselves out of doing what makes us feel good, happy, and smile because we feel that time and energy should be poured into our children at all times. STOP! Forgive yourself for your choices as each choice you make is for a reason and serves a purpose. 2. Stop Comparing Yourself to Her. Just stop! Stop comparing yourself to other moms! It is always important to remember that you are doing the very best that you can do. Each mom has their own lifestyle and is parenting in a way that best works for them. That means that their way is not always your way! You got this! Your children appreciate you for who you are. Love who you are. Continue to be the best that you can be! Remember, there is only ONE you! 3. Build Your Mommy Community. Remember the saying…"It takes a village?" Well, that is still true today! It is so important to surround yourself with those that mean the most to you. Those that are experiencing similar situations to you, and sometimes just to have that person to vent to! Trust me, I have my days where I just need someone to hear me complain and other times I need that mommy advice! Sometimes I need a mini break and it is great to know I have my support squad that will watch the kids for a few hours! Build that support system! I promise you it will definitely come in handy. When Mom Guilt Kicks in start with some positive affirmations: I am doing my very best each and every day I am capable and worthy Each day I am learning to love myself more and more I am leading by example I am in control I can do this For more guidance and encouragement for your mommy support group and to work with me, Chi Quita Mack, MSW Book Your FREE 30-Minute Clarity Call Here Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and visit my website for more info! Chi Quita Mack, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Meet Chi Quita Mack, MSW: A Major in the United States Army, Social Worker, Author, Life Coach, wife, and mother of 3. She currently holds a Master of Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University, a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Military Science from West Virginia State University-Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). Chi Quita is the founder and CEO of The Chi Quita Mack, LLC, a safe place she created for all women to come relax, get empowered, and be constantly reminded they have not lost the ability to be who they once were. Chi Quita reminds women that they are more than just mommies and with a positive mindset, attitude, and motivation all those dreams that were set aside can come true. Chi Quita just released her workbook called “The Beauty in You: A Guide Created To Help You Discover The Best Version of You."

Written by: Serena Scarlett, 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. Has the main pursuit of money coloured your way? Do you ever stop to evaluate your level of worship to the God of Money & Materialism? Most importantly do you remain true to what’s important to your integrity, your spiritual beliefs and ethical outlooks? Worthy questions that help you maintain integrity, remain true to who you truly are. Your business doesn’t need to be offering a spiritual service but you can still be a spiritually based business operator. When others are charging high ticket prices with low value, while you offer value packed services for a reasonable price, what keeps you accountable and aligned with your values? Being in company of those who hold similar approaches helps you a great deal and is one way to keep on a healthy, ethical path. Not putting prices up really high just because you can. Keep true to your own ethical and moral codes. Some personal navel gazing is helpful to ensure you haven’t drifted. Considerations: Are your business directions in keeping with your higher self? Who are your peers, are there key people aligned with your values? Do you treat all with respect and kindness? Can you apologise when you make mistakes and follow through with making amends? Are you loyal to those you hold dear or have shared your journey? Are all your business services ethical and moral? Has your income or wealth changed you? Is what you offer making a difference to the world? Awareness and self evaluations is a starting place to review who you are and how you live in accordance with your values, but there is more. Inclusiveness and generosity toward those not at your level, perhaps struggling in some way, is also the mark of an aligned leader. Is there generosity of spirit in all that you do? Generosity of Spirit includes some traits in business including: giving true value, over and above expectations adding sweeteners, including a bonus or gift with purchases providing of occasional pro bono services offering free or discounted services to those in real need putting up a scholarship mentoring to those who ask showing kindness, respect, and a helping hand. There are some industries and even spiritual businesses that over time become cliquey and are not inclusive to others. Don’t become part of ‘us and them’, holier than thou or exclusive clubs. Look for what is similar rather than focus on what's different. Be truly inclusive. It's not about agreeing fully, who ever does? We each have our personal take on things. And the disagreements that occur in any relationship can be healthy debates, where each can provide an alternative view. So allow others to be themselves, disagree at times, respectfully, and don’t just say Yes to everything to keep the ‘peace’. If there are enough commonalities to share broad goals and values that are aligned the rest is just trimmings. Viva la Difference: Those with mental health conditions who may at times appear negative and not be the best company will bring their unique perspectives. And don’t forget they are no less intelligent. There is much to learn from them. People may simply have their own additional challenges and in some cases need you even more as someone to connect with. Don't expect everyone to agree with you 100 % of the time. That's not trust or respect of authority by you as a leader, it's encouraging unhealthy passive behaviour or weakness to blindly follow without question. We can all make mistakes and everyone needs to be able to question and build their own inbuilt ‘bullshit detector’, so encourage healthy query. If you run a group or club that only has members that follow blindly, that isn’t being inclusive, it's at risk of being dictatorial and isn’t inclusive unless you are allowing truly free contributions. Allow those with outspoken behaviours that may challenge the status quo to be a part of things as well. Many, many geniuses and change makers acted against the odds, giving rise to invention and greater quality of life to many of us now. Do: Listen to others and allow alternative ideas Give generously, even conceptually by giving encouragement individual expression when different to yours or the majority around you Be confident in your own beliefs and ways of behaviour so that you don’t feel challenged by an opposing opinion or position Give compliments for someone’s point, even if to say ‘that’s interesting’, or “I hadn’t thought of it that way before”, even thank them for their contribution. Be interested and curious about people and their unique way of living, thinking and creating. The way to bridge a chasm is always available no matter how wide the divide. Bridge any gap with kindness and gentle communication. We share a world, Spirit origins or the Spirit of Creation at the very least. Be accessible, friendly and respectful to those who share your world, whether it's business or personal, be someone of integrity and loyalty. Be kind, treat all those you interact with utmost respect. Know that we are all brothers and sisters, part of a spiritual family even at times of a different name and belief set. Lead with kindness as a good parent would. We are here together. So let's all get along, act with gentleness and love. Behave as a spiritual family. Be inclusive, not exclusive. Open your mind and arms. We need many more leaders and role models that inspire with maturity and wisdom. Is that you? Follow Serena on her Facebook, LinkedIn and visit her website for more info. Read more from Serena! Serena Scarlett, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Serena ignites messages while maintaining the business owner’s feel and stamp. Wholistic copywriting with alternative approaches are central for supporting unique businesses. When Magic (and the opposite) happens, Serena provides Mentoring. She delivers creative problem solving, outside-the-box solutions, and stratagems. Whatever the role or project, Serena powers it up and packs a punch. This includes presenting to a SharkTank / Dragon’s Den-style panel and a public audience at the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship in 2019. Copywriting for web pages and marketing materials are her core functions, and being a Wholistic Mentor for Entrepreneurs. The nitty-gritty / hard yards achieved: designed and ran spiritual groups, mindfulness, relaxation, and meditation classes taught conventional classes on marketing & small business management, financial (debt) management sessions, therapeutic counseling and case management, start-up and business mentoring copywriting, making business presentations, entrepreneurial pitches. International Business Mentor, with clients in the USA, Europe, and Australia. Companies that worked for include International Legal firm VisAustralia, Counselling services Converge International, Belconnen Community Services Canberra, Mission Australia, and Anglicare Canberra covering South East and South West NSW, Australia. And currently an Entrepreneur Serena Scarlett as a Spiritual Wordsmith / Wholistic Copywriting & Mentoring. KEY QUALIFICATIONS (Quals) Copywriting Training & Internet Marketing by Hot Copy, Graduate units Sydney School of Entrepreneurship, Ideation & Structure for Success in 2019 fuelled this further. Formal Quals include: B. App Sci Health (& Community) Education Post Grad Community Counselling Dip Financial Counselling. Create Your Destiny graduate with William Whitecloud April 2021 Mind Soul Spirit workshops (30 + years) The latter two being personal, spiritual, and psychic development.

Written by: Marie Hernandez, 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. Every time you pitch to a sponsor, you are building up an image of your brand. A wrong tone of choice of words can reflect poorly on your business and reputation. Although you should always stay true to your style, there are still things you need to avoid when presenting your company. 1. Can’t establish your expert field. You should always establish yourself as an expert in your chosen field, regardless of what it is. I have seen so many failed pitches. Most of them couldn’t identify themselves correctly. Don’t just say you love traveling or you are a creative mind. What exactly is your niche? Do you do sculptures for destinations? Are you an expert in backpacking or luxurious stay? What details can you give about your work? Failing to identify your niche will result in an instant rejection. Sponsors want to know how your specialized skills will benefit them. 2. Sounding too arrogant. Don’t get me wrong. You need to sound confident when presenting your business. You’d want your sponsors to trust you and not let others challenge you easily. But there’s a fine line between sounding confident and sounding like an arrogant jerk. For example, your sponsor may not always know your field well and may have questions for you. Sometimes, you know your sponsor is wrong about something. That’s because it’s not their expertise to know. Don’t jump on them and point out that they are wrong. You don’t need to be the smartest one at the table. Calmly explain to them why their suggestions may not work and use your experience to drop some examples. Be an educator. Teach others what you know without dumping your knowledge on others as if they are all stupid. Attitude matters a lot. A bad attitude will get you out of the door in no time. 3. Without a concrete plan. Some people mistakenly think being too flexible is good for business. Well, it’s not. Never pitch to a sponsor saying you want to say at their place whenever they can. No, pick a specific time for them. Sponsors are not your babysitters. They will not come up with a schedule for you. If you can’t provide a concrete plan as to when you expect to arrive, what type of sponsorships you want, they will move on to the next candidate. There’s so much to talk about when presenting your business. That’s why I have my Facebook group, Coaches! Expand Your Brand with Sponsored Travel!!! , where I share free tips often and let ambitious business owners ask questions to take things up a notch. I have my Mastering Travel Mastermind , a fantastic Mastermind that helps students land their dream sponsorships. Over the years, I have secured over half a million worth of sponsorships and helped students do the same. For more info, follow me on Faceboo k , Instagram , LinkedIn and visit my web site ! Read more fro m Marie ! Marie Hernandez, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Marie Hernandez is a women's empowerment and digital entrepreneur business coach. After a devastating divorce at 50 that left her jobless, 10 thousand miles away from family, with 16 cents in the bank, she knew she needed to rewire her thinking. She has dedicated her life to the service of women who want to become empowered to alter the course of their lives. The owner and CEO of Marie Hernandez Coaching, LLC., she travels, lives, and works globally and offers women’s empowerment coaching programs that help women 45+ bridge the gap from where they are to a place of love and strength and live any life they choose. Download her free workbook " Rewrite Your Life Story ," which will help guide you to understanding the lies we believe and shift your mindset from limited to "anything is possible."

Written by: Caroline Brewin, 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. Want to accelerate your career with confidence? Try these 5 simple strategies for game-changing results. 1. When you know yourself, you can trust yourself. It is frightening how the majority of people aren’t able to clearly articulate their values; know what’s most important to them or the direction they want to go in life. This is the most powerful information you can have that has a fundamental impact on your performance and happiness levels. Confidence in your career comes from being grounded in yourself, alignment with the things most deeply important to you, and living that out in your work and home life. If you feel uncomfortable and unhappy, it’s most likely because you aren’t aligned with your values. Invest in yourself. Spend the time getting to know YOU – why on earth would you want to get to 80 years old and have regrets because you were on the wrong path? 2. Take on tough conversations. Very few of us really enjoy conflict. In fact, the vast majority avoid it like the plague. But at what cost? If you don’t have the confidence to have a difficult conversation with your manager, you could be missing out on really important feedback that will help you develop. Yes, you are nearly perfect (aren’t we all?) but the fact is you could be even better if you address your areas of development, with a positive growth mindset. *Hot tip* You can make it less of a high-stress discussion if you invite the feedback. Ask them: What can I improve? What do I need to do more or less of? See it as an opportunity to improve & grow your capabilities not criticism of who you are. Want more awesome questions? You can download The Most Important Questions for Career Success here. 3. Don’t wait for Performance Reviews for Feedback. The end of the year discussion. They give you 25 things that have gone really well, but you only hear that last ‘area for development’ and stew on it like crazy for the next week (don’t worry, our brains are programmed to do that – an adaptive, if not slightly annoying response). If you actively seek feedback through the year, you won’t have any surprises that you could have managed earlier on. You don’t need to be needy, just be proactive. My manager once marked me down in my end-of-year review as I ‘didn’t have regular enough meetings with her’. I didn’t realise she hated conflict – had I asked how things were going earlier, that could have been something very easy to correct. 4. Stop Saying Yes! Warren Buffet said: “Really Successful People Say No To Almost Everything”. Ok so you want to be helpful and sometimes you feel like you don’t have a choice, but having poor boundaries means you will do everything sub-standard. Even worse, you will be given negative feedback about ‘not being able to manage your workload’ – even though you’ve been slogging your guts out! Focus on the things that are not just urgent or important, but also have impact later on. Have some key phrases in your back pocket to help you push back on people trying to give you too much. Grab a free Boundary Builder cheat sheet here or learn about our “Fearless Boundaries” course here. 5. Don’t Assume! I hate to break it to you, but you aren’t the only one your manager is thinking about. If you’re lucky, they are thinking about you at least some of the time, but the likelihood is, they have a whole lot else going on, of which they themselves are front and centre. They, therefore, are unlikely to remember your exact salary, package, or when you last got a pay rise. They may not see (or remember) all the great additional value you have been adding. They don’t know you want to be promoted. It’s not that they are nasty, just that they have a lot going on. Take control of this and do not assume. Instead, make it easy for them! Make sure you have a targeted career discussion with them at least once a year with a 6m check-in (Yes, you organise it and do not avoid the promotion discussion!) ensure they get a regular view of the key highlights you’ve delivered periodically, then when appropriate and timely, ensure you discuss remuneration. Want to get the how of success? Brain Powered Confidence is here! It’s the only online programme which deeply connects the power of neuroscience, to address all of these real-life challenges for transformational change and career success. We cover conflict, values, imposter syndrome & inner critic, purpose, and loads more, with lots of amazing tools and tips. Join the Earlybird Waitlist today and grab the special introductory price! Read more here. For more info, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and visit my website! Read more from Caroline! Caroline Brewin, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Caroline Brewin is a professionally trained Executive and Confidence Coach, complemented by over 18 years of Global Investment Banking experience. From Chief of Staff to complex Regional & Global roles, she’s seen it first-hand: the long-term success and profitability of organizations are inextricably linked to the trust, motivation & diversity of their people. She is the founder of Brain Powered Coaching, which uses a neuroscience-based approach to improving Confidence and Leadership; enabling lasting, exceptional results. Through Executive Coaching and her unique Authentic Confidence program, she is committed to empowering Individuals and Corporates to achieve their personal and professional potential.

Written by: Mala Kennedy, 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. When I first experienced vitiligo on my skin it felt like my world was falling apart. I looked at my white patches and felt myself contract in revulsion. When I’d hear people tell me to love myself I’d roll my eyes. It was too much of a stretch, and I couldn’t believe it, because I didn’t feel worthy. As my vitiligo escalated I fell into a dark place. Positive affirmations and faking it until I made it wasn’t going to cut it. I had big dreams of starting my own business and being successful. I’d done the coach training and yet I didn’t feel good enough, I was always reaching for more. Self-love didn’t exist for me. It wasn’t even a speck on the radar of possibility. So I had to rewind. I had to go from self-hatred to self-acceptance. Accepting myself was the starting place and from there I could step up into self-love. This is what I tell my clients - start small. It seems simple, but is it? We get to condition our minds to hold bigger beliefs. Every little stepping stone paves the way for the next. It’s how I approach everything, and it’s how you can too. You don’t have to believe you are at the top of the food chain. You can start by being ok with yourself, give yourself permission to take the pressure off. There are so many things you can do to support this stairway to self-love. Five minutes of something per day is 1825 minutes per year. That’s 30 hours, which in my book is a whole lot more than nothing. Here are three things you can do now that will work that muscle and get you closer to your freedom. 1. Gratitude Every morning and evening as you lay in bed give gratitude for the parts of yourself that you like the least. Let it be easy by doing it before you roll out of bed. Commit to one minute (or even 30 seconds - that's still 15 hours a year). My self-doubt centred around my skin, especially the vitiligo on my hands. So that is where I focused my attention. I'd lay in bed and thank my hands for allowing me to write and eat, and my skin for protecting me. As I did this I would tickle and caress my hands. At first it felt uncomfortable but I committed to it daily and it got easier every time I did it. Over time I expanded into more confronting practices and eventually I grew to love my skin. It was from here that I felt confident enough to launch my business, and I got my first client on my first post. 2. Bring Awareness to Your Emotions Awareness is key. It’s such a foundational piece, and it's also such deep work. Start taking inventory of your thoughts and feelings. You can even journal on them, but initially just notice them. Observing alone will allow you to notice patterns, and where you are spending most of your energy. From here you can release things. If you aren’t aware of your thoughts and feelings how can you ever shift them? 3. EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) Emotional Freedom Technique is also called tapping. It works on the meridian points in your body to reprogram your subconscious mind. A few minutes can reduce stress in your body and help shift limiting beliefs. What I love about it is you don’t have to bypass how you are feeling. With EFT you get to go explore your negative thoughts and go into your doubts and fears. This allows you to release them. Curious to know more about it? Grab my free EFT Guide for Beginners here. Slow and steady wins the race. Be gentle with yourself and remember self-compassion is key. Self-love is the end goal. From there you can actualise your dreams. Next time you feel like you aren’t far enough along I want you to pause. Remind yourself that 5 minutes a day is more than enough to move the needle and shift into self-love. You're on your way. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Mala! Mala Kennedy, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Mala helps mama's overcome imposter syndrome so they can show up for themselves and build a business they love. She is passionate about supporting women to feel confident and master their mindset. She is a life coach, EFT practitioner, reiki practitioner, writer, and mama. She is certified in ontological coaching which integrates language, emotions, and body for a way of being that supports your best self. She uses this linguistic and somatic approach in partnership with her other modalities to support her clients to embody their next level. Mala is the expert Self-Care Columnist at Untamed Soul Magazine, and co-author of The Q.U.E.E.N. Xperience Guide to Playing Your Royal Position: Snatch Your Confidence Back. She facilitates group coaching programs, offers private coaching, and hosts a free Facebook Group, Confident Women.