Written by: Natasha Bazilevych, 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. Do people always listen when you speak? Imagine if your listeners would not only pay attention every time you spoke but trust you and take action. Imagine if every story you tell and every speech you give changes somebody’s life. Wouldn’t that be fantastic? Having a powerful voice can help you with that. It will grab your audience’s attention and hold it till the end. It’s a public speaking crime to deliver a wonderful speech with a monotonous voice. It kills the message and leaves no witnesses of the crime. Why? Because nobody paid attention. So, what are the main techniques you can use to release the power of your voice? 1. Practice Tongue Twisters This is my favorite exercise. Tongue twisters help you practice enunciation, articulation, and rhythm. They’re powerful, and they’re fun! Just search on the Internet, and you’ll see a huge variety of tongue twisters. Here’re a few examples: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. Betty Better bought some butter, but she said this butter’s bitter. ... She sells seashells on the seashore. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? ... How can a clam cram in a clean cream can? 2. Practice voice relaxation If your throat muscles are tight, they will close the pathway for air and sound. It will result in a bad projection of your voice. You’ll basically pitch it back to your throat, and you'll sound like a thud. So, what should you do? Simply relax your articulation organs: jaw, throat muscles, and lips. You can also practice saying “me-mo-me-mo-me-mo-me.” This little exercise will make your jaw more flexible. Another way to relax your voice is to yawn on purpose. Open your mouth wide, and then say “hum” after the yawn. Prolong this “hum” word as much as possible. 3. Do breathing exercises I’m sure you’ve heard about the usefulness of breathing exercises for our health: for sleep, to calm down, to relax, etc. They’re also a powerful tool for our voice. A couple of easy exercises will help you take control of your voice even when you’re extremely anxious and nervous. They will teach you to project the voice. They will make it stronger and more manageable. Here are a few of them. Breathe in from the belly, stop, exhale, and count “one-two-three-four-five.” Repeat while lying down, sitting, or standing. Breathe in from the belly, and say every letter of the alphabet on each exhale. Inhale, exhale while saying “A,” inhale, exhale while say “B.” And so on. Laugh heartily with a big “Ha-Ha-Ha” until you exhale all air from your lungs. Breathe in and repeat. Then laugh soundlessly through your nose with your mouth closed. 4. Add vocal variety Have you ever had to sit through a boring lecture? There’re lots of ways the speaker could make it more interesting. One of them is to add variety to your voice. Play with your pitch, change the rhythm, increase or decrease volume or pace, and finally, add powerful pauses. Don’t be monotonous. Like I said before, it’s one of the biggest public speaking sins! 5. Project your voice Would you like to know if you’re projecting your voice correctly? Hum “Happy birthday’, and see if you feel the air on your lips. Make sure you don’t pitch your voice back to your throat. Your lips will even get a little itchy. Practice enunciating words and phrases. Pronounce them, making emphasis on every syllable. Tongue twisters are rather helpful in this case as well. Remember always to carry your voice forward when speaking. And the audience will feel its power. Would you like to learn more about the power of YOUR voice? Would you like to become a confident speaker who prepares clear, persuasive messages? Are you ready to work 1:1 with a public speaking coach? Then contact me, and we’ll schedule a call. It will be the best decision you’ll make in your life. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and visit my website for more info! Read more from Natasha! Natasha Bazilevych, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Natasha Bazilevych is an international speaker and business trainer. She teaches business owners, top managers, and entrepreneurs to give powerful presentations and reach audacious goals. Natasha has been teaching business skills for 13 years, has two bachelor's degrees and an MBA. Her signature program, “Speak With Power,” is a unique experience after which each participant knows how to overcome fear, craft powerful messages and deliver them with confidence.

Written by: Moira Hutchison , 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. If you are new to affirmations, this is a great time to get started. These positive statements can be incredibly powerful. A recent study confirmed the effectiveness of affirmations. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people under high stress did about 50% worse on a problem-solving test. However, when they used a brief self-affirmation first, they did just as well as the other participants. Let us explore the benefits of using affirmations and how you can get the most from them. The Benefits of Affirmations: 1. Improve your performance. In addition to overcoming stress, affirmations can also help you learn from your mistakes. They promote flexible thinking that makes it easier to spot your weaknesses and form new habits. 2. Feel better. This is medicine that tastes good. Skillful self-talk cheers you up instantly. It is like giving yourself a hug. 3. Enjoy better relationships. It is easy to slip into defensiveness when you feel tense. Affirmations give you a more constructive method for dealing with difficult issues so you can remain open to what others have to say. 4. Protect your physical health. Chronic stress triggers inflammation and interferes with your metabolism. Simply relaxing reduces your risk for many health conditions. 5. Draw on your strengths. Perhaps you excel as a parent but struggle with public speaking. Affirmations remind you of your most important strengths and help build your confidence in weaker areas. 6. Take them everywhere. Colleagues or clients may look at you funny if you interrupt a meeting to get a massage. On the other hand, you can recite uplifting messages out loud or silently wherever you are. 7. Discover more meaning. Most importantly, affirmations welcome more meaning into your life. You will be more mindful of your choices and how your actions contribute to fulfilling your purpose. A Few Easy Rules about Affirmations: 1. Time it right. Prepare yourself for challenging tasks. Perform an affirmation before you give a presentation or depart on a long flight. 2. Clarify your values. You can apply affirmations to any area of your life, from baking a cake to putting out forest fires. Affirmations have the greatest impact when you tie them to your top priorities, whether in your business, family and friends, or world peace. 3. Write it all down. Recording your statements in a journal makes them feel more tangible. Spend about five minutes, jotting your thoughts down. Identify what matters most to you and figure out the reasons behind your values. 4. Take supporting actions. Naturally, your behavior needs to match your words. If it is important for you to be a great tennis player, work on your backhand. To write a best-selling book, start writing and drafting the plot. 5. Use a combination of resources. Blend your affirmations in with other sources of assistance and encouragement. Devote time to spiritual practices or talk with a friend about a conflict to get their perspective. 6. Develop a strong intention. Forceful wishes create mighty affirmations. Reflect on your motivation and give your full attention to what you are saying. Engage all your senses to produce a vivid experience. If you are trying to grow your own vegetables, imagine how they will look and taste. 7. Be sincere. Analyze your affirmations to be sure they feel authentic for you. Go ahead and proclaim you are a top salesperson if you really believe it. Otherwise, you may want to build up gradually by praising yourself for each call or visit you make. Affirmations can lead to exciting breakthroughs, whether you want to lose weight or acquire new clients. Focus on your core values and let them guide your actions and affirmations. For more information and tips on accessing your inner guidance to align with YOUR best success, follow Moira on Facebook , Instagram , or LinkedIn , join her Facebook Community , or visit her website ! Read more from Moira ! Moira Hutchison, Executive Contributor, Brainz Magazine As an Intuition Cultivator and Mindset Mentor, Moira Hutchison guides her clients to access the inherent power they have available when they ignite their personal trinity of trust, inner awareness, and self-confidence. Moira works with professionals who feel that there is something better in life for them, but they have no idea how to access it. However, they have a yearning to be guided by their intuition and align with their unique calling. What makes her distinctive and different in this work is that she has developed the ability to take complex energetic, and spiritual ideas and interpret them in ways that people find easy to understand, integrate and implement.

Linda Terjesen is an International sought-after Certified Nutritionist, Health & Fitness Expert dedicated to helping middle-aged women worldwide build consistency, lose belly fat and boost metabolism to feel and look confident for life with a sustainable, real food approach. After Linda lost her only brother at age 45 to a sudden heart attack, Linda decided to follow her passion for health and fitness and help others live their healthiest life. As a relatable Coach who truly cares about her clients and their success, Linda has served over 100 Clients worldwide, providing a wealth of accountability, support, and education. Who is Linda? Hi, I'm Linda Terjesen, and I created my company name from my initials 'LT'. I love to exercise, and I want everyone to be active, so that is another reason I came up with the company name LTLTE, which stands for Learn to Love to Exercise. I'm 53 years old, in full menopause, and I'm in the best shape of my life! I help other women achieve great health as I have. I'm a Certified Nutritionist and a Certified Yoga Teacher. I graduated later in life from California State University in Fullerton, where I was interviewed and selected to do the Commencement speech for the Communications department on graduation day. I live in a place I used to dream of, Southern California. I have a 20-year-old cat, Mr Pumpkin, who I bought for $100 at a flea market in North Carolina, and he came with fleas! I've lived in 3 countries and 5 states. I love to travel. I grew up in Norway and all my family, except for my mom, lives in Norway. My mom lives in Florida, and we are best friends. My boyfriend and I met 8 years ago on LinkedIn, and although I gave him a hard time to start with, well, I sometimes still do, lol, we have a great relationship, and we have lots of fun together. 14 years ago, my life changed forever, as I lost my only brother, Frank, to a sudden heart attack. Frank is my "Why" as to why I want to help others improve their health, reduce or eliminate medications, and live their best and healthiest life. What is it that you do for your clients? As a Certified Nutritionist, I help educate my clients on proper nutrition to create a sustainable lifestyle change. My clients receive customized workout programs designed for their needs, goals, limitations, and location. As mindset is the biggest growth factor, we work on a variety of mindset activities throughout the program. You can find out more information and see some great client testimonials on my website. Potential clients are also invited to join my free Facebook group LTLTE Health & Fitness Group for daily value, tips, and inspiration around health and fitness, and to obtain free and helpful guides to start implementing healthy habits on their own. Who should hire/work with you? Middle-aged women, around age 40-60, who truly desire a lifelong healthy change. Women who struggle with menopause who have extra belly fat, body fat, and/or body weight they want to reduce. Women who have a hard time with consistency and who lack support. Women who are not sure what, when, and how much to eat and are confused about nutrition. My clients desire and are willing to make a change in their mindset, nutrition, and movement. My ideal client wants to work on their health, they long to be fit and happy, and they are ready to prioritize themselves, take action and implement what is suggested to them. My clients are committed to investing in their health with effort, time, and money. My ideal client is open to receiving guidance and getting out of their own way. How can someone "learn to love to exercise"? There are so many activities out there that one can find an activity to love—kind of like eating vegetables. There are so many vegetables that we can all find one that we love. Think of all the activities: walking, pilates, swimming, running, surfing, Zumba, yoga, kayaking, weight training, gymnastics, karate, etc. It's easy to find something to enjoy. The most important factors are that one is willing to try something new, truly desire change, and put in the effort to make it happen. The process is a lot easier if one has a professional to be accountable to and has made a financial commitment. What is your big goal? Where do you see yourself in 10 years from now? My big goal is to travel and speak on stages worldwide, sharing stories of all my client successes and what it truly takes to succeed with your health. My goal is to personally take on just a few clients that I can work with privately 1-1 at an advanced level that will be a serious commitment and a life-changing experience for my clients. LTLTE team coaches, who are trained by me, guide other clients in THE NEW ME Academy in various courses. Personally, I continue growing and evolving with my own Coach(es) that I hire to improve myself and my business. My life is abundant, with time and money freedom, an abundance of clients, and an abundant mindset. In 10 years, I will have a few homes and rental properties in various locations across the world. I'm happy, independent, and free. Oh, and of course, I am a Millionaire. My mission is to make the world a healthier and a lighter place. If it sounds like I’m telling you my goals as if I’ve already achieved them, I have, because my goals have already originated on the inside, I have decided, and I believe they will happen. It all starts in the head! What are your top 3 tips for people who are trying to lose weight? Move your body consistently. Start with something easy like walking. Eat your veggies every day, served raw, steamed, boiled, grilled, or baked. Drink water, min 64 oz or about 2 liters daily For more information, follow Linda on Facebook, Instagram and visit her website! Read more from Linda!

Written by: Lynn MacDonald, 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 this happened to you? The other morning, I went to look for an important document I left out the night before. It wasn’t there. I felt a sense of panic then began to frantically search everywhere for five minutes. Suddenly, out of the blue, a fresh new thought appears, “Look here!” Guess what? “Look here!” is exactly where the document was found! What a relief! You gotta love it! Have you ever had that feeling of knowing that a difficult situation beyond your control would work out peacefully and okay? Did you already know your flight would be delayed before you got to the airport? Have you ever veered off your regular exit to go home because you had a feeling traffic could be backed up? Did you ever receive a solution to a problem while in the shower? Did you have insight into something that was bothering you that totally cleared it up for you? I am sure you’ve had many experiences like this. This is your wisdom speaking. Wisdom comes from within. Often arrives out of the blue as a fresh new thought and is accompanied many times by a good feeling. How does this happen? Well, we humans have a default feature we are born with. It’s called innate wisdom. It’s our internal GPS that guides us through life. It’s always there. Like the blue sky, it’s constant; it never goes away. So how do you access wisdom? When our mind simmers down from thought storms, which it does, because the mind self-corrects itself, wisdom speaks. Most people say, “how do I do that?” They look outside for “how-to” strategies to quiet the mind down. Have you experienced glimpses of overwhelming feelings of peace, joy, happiness, and contentment for no reason at all? Most people I talked to have had this experience. This is exactly what happens when the mind simmers down. We have access to living more in the flow of life regardless of circumstances. We often have misguided attempts to find clarity, peace, calm, happiness, wisdom, etc. Truth be told, you have all that already. It’s always there; it never goes away. Every human has access to it. The more we look outside for “how-to” is when we are further away from living from our innate gifts. In fact, you don’t need to do anything. This is the BEST kept secret. The mind's natural state is clarity. Through clarity, the mind self-corrects, you’ll automatically be brought living more from innate wisdom, innate resilience, and innate well-being. Recognizing you are in a thought storm minus analyzing or poking the bear is that is needed. From that place, something new will occur on how to deal and handle a problem or a solution, to something that will arise. A new idea may appear. Whatever it is, you’ll know what to do at that moment. Wisdom allows people to see beyond their filters of conditioned thinking. Their heart is open, and they see people with more love and understanding. They spend life thriving instead of trying to cope, manage or survive in life. Wisdom brings common sense to those who can hear it. Amazing, right? I’ve got so much more, which is why I am bringing to the world in Jan of 2021 The Best Gift Ever Program! Would you like to hear about the best gift ever? You might be thinking, “A trip to the Bahamas!” or “A manicure” or “That new designer purse I’ve been eyeing.” And not that those wouldn’t be nice... but when you go to the Bahamas, get a manicure or show off into that new purse, you’re still who you’ve always been on the inside. But what if you could get a full upgrade on your inner experience so that every outer experience you have feels newer, richer, and more fulfilling? People get into trouble because they think their feelings, thoughts, and moods are generated from the people, events, and circumstances outside of them, but what’s really true is that we’re creating it all - and we don’t see it - because we don’t understand - how the mind - actually - works. However, when you understand how the mind works, you start to create your life consciously minus looking for how to do so with tips, tools, or strategies. Once you know how something works, you have less on your mind. You don’t have to remember how your car works; you get in and drive. Same thing, when you know how your mind and the nature of thought work, you see it for what it, there’s nothing to do, you know how it works. And this is exactly the foundation of my new 8-week game-changing course called “The Best Gift Ever” program. “Wisdom cleans the channels of your mind and brings sanity into your life. You must find it for yourself.” — Syd Banks You're always okay. You always have self-care available to you. It’s only when you think you’re not okay. Are you ready to start to live all the unlived life in you? I invite you to check out the link here. Follow me on Facebook for more information! Read more from Lynn! Lynn MacDonald, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine I’ve been a corporate trainer for a Fortune 500 company. I’ve been a yoga teacher with consistently sold-out classes and a professional hypnotherapist, successfully curing some of the biggest fears and phobias people have. All of this, plus studying with some of the highest level teachers on the planet, has led me to understand human nature that I use to help strengthen professional women, shed their old beliefs, and become the potent, prosperous leaders they’re here to be.

This post is sponsored Over a thousand goods are produced within a second around the globe. This is a typical example that the production and manufacturing industry is a growing sector of the world’s economy. The sector is growing at a fast pace, as it is believed that there won’t be consumption without production. Production of some of the goods may not have been possible without utilizing technological equipment. The hygienic movement of heavy weighted goods using lift tables within the production area would be complicated if there were no equipment. Today, technological equipment focused on production activities help businesses within this industry rule their world. This post concentrate on four important equipment widely used by production and manufacturing-focused businesses across the world. 1. Checkweigher Checkweigher is a piece of highly innovative equipment used mainly in the food processing industry. The equipment is used to weigh items and confirm their exact weight as they pass through the production stages. Weighing an item during production is an essential activity; it enables the production team to determine overweight or underweight products. Furthermore, the checkweigher machine checks and balances the weight of an item and gives a full interpretation if they meet the initial product specification. 2. Conveyor One piece of equipment that has stood the test of time and is still relevant is a conveyor. Its function is as simple as ABC, but it delays the manufacturing process when it is not done appropriately. A conveyor conveys product from one position to another where they are needed for other production processes. Sometimes, the conveyor is automated to carry out a repeated task from start to finish. Conveyors have several types, which include an electric powered conveyor and a gravity-powered conveyor. 3. Storage Tank In the manufacturing sector, wastage is an inappropriate act. Hence materials are expected to be utilized in portions that are rightly measured. When the material is excess, then storage is advised for future use. This is where a storage tank comes in handy. An industrial storage tank is a container used to safe-keep bulk quantities of materials. While the materials are store in a storage tank, the tank ensures that they do not lose their original quality and nature. Therefore, their integrity is highly maintained. A storage tank is available in different shapes, sizes, and accordance with industrial act regulations. 4. Lifting Table As the name suggests, a lifting table helps transport an item, especially heavy weighted ones, from the ground level to a higher position. In other terms, a lift table can raise and lower materials or person to a desired height. The lifting is hygienic and makes working within the factory more ergonomic, and eliminate the need for a manual lift. Final Thoughts All the equipment mentioned in this post is used during the process of manufacturing a product. They help to get the job done faster and do this efficiently. A few of them require an automated process, while others can work perfectly even without automation. Furthermore, if you seek to purchase any of this equipment, you must contact a reliable and reputable company or individual supplier.

Written by: Samantha Touchais, 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. In case you’ve been living under a rock lately, you will know that the world kind of shut down this year. For some, it’s been a terrifying time full of uncertainty, job losses and concerns about loved ones. For others, it has been a time to self-reflect and really think long and hard about the kind of world they want to step back into once the virus restrictions are lifted. For me, it was a mix of both. The restrictions have been hard in ways I hadn’t anticipated; Cancer diagnoses with close family members on both sides of the family. The death of a loved one. Both parents turning 80 and not being able to celebrate with them. The cancellation of a trip to my home country that had been in the making for four years. Children not seeing grandparents. The realization that I had to be super careful as I have a condition that makes me vulnerable to the Coronavirus, which led to a sudden aversion to strangers. But as the world starts to re-open again, we all have the opportunity to think about what kind of world we want to re-enter. And that is a gift not to be wasted. I am a business and mindset coach and I work with busy women who want a safe and secure way to launching their own business. My work involves empowering women and teaching them how to empower themselves, to make decisions that will lead to a better and more fulfilling life. Trust me when I say that no-one gets to the end of their life and says that they were happy they spent the best part of their waking hours in a dead-end job. That is definitely not something to strive for. And yet, this is exactly where so many of us find ourselves. Putting food on the table and paying the bills becomes a habit that is fed by the steady paycheck each month. Mediocrity becomes the norm, and once that happens, it is very hard to step away. What if this time has been a blessing… But I think this time has secretly been a blessing for many people. I do happen to be an optimist and will always find the silver lining, but life can be so fast-paced and any opportunity to slow down and re-assess is truly an opportunity to be coveted. Have you asked yourself what kind of life you want to step back into? If you dig deep into your heart of hearts and put aside your fear for a moment, what is it that you truly desire? Most people will not be able to answer this question straight away as it is not how we were raised. Society prizes education that leads to a ‘good’ job. An entrepreneurial spirit is often squashed in favor of security. But I am here to tell you – even great jobs can disappear overnight. Are you holding on to the supposed security that you fear you will lose if you step out on your own? Are you afraid to change jobs because you are afraid of uncertainty? If you truly could not fail, what would you be doing? Where would you be living? Who would you be living with? What would you do for fun? I am not encouraging everyone to rush out and start their own business. There are many benefits to being an employee. But if you find yourself filled with dread at the thought of stepping back into your previous life, to a job that doesn’t bring you pride or satisfaction, then you need to question the choices you have made. As 2020 slowly comes to a close, I suggest taking the time to reflect on your life to date and how you truly would like to continue. Be honest with yourself. We are about to enter a new year full of possibilities and opportunities. How do you want to leverage that? Key Questions to ask yourself:  What dreams did I have as a young child that were not realized? Where will my life be in one, five, and ten years if I keep doing what I’m doing? Is this where I want to end up? What is my purpose? What do I want to get out of life, and why? How can my job and career help me achieve that? What will I regret at the end of my life if I don’t do it? What would I do if I had nothing to fear? Change can be uncomfortable. Change requires effort. But we have an extraordinary opportunity right now to create a life that we look forward to stepping back into . One that brings meaning to our days and allows us to sleep peacefully at night. Don’t remain stuck where you are not truly happy. Find support, get clear on what you want, and GO FOR IT! You can find Samantha on her website , wellbeingseries , and LinkedIn ! Read more from Samantha ! Samantha Touchais, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Samantha Touchais is a Business and Mindset Coach helping women create a safe and secure path to launching their dream business by providing them with the support and tools to make it a success. She has over 20 years of marketing and strategy experience working for large international companies worldwide, and it was her love of how the mind works and how to create the right mindset for success that led her into coaching. She lives and breathes marketing and mindset and loves sharing her learnings with others. Author of four books and the creator of the Well Being Series (a collection of apps and books that provide meditations and affirmations for well-being based on the latest neuro-science), she loves exploring Europe, where she has been for the last 14 years, but misses the beaches of her native Australia.

Written by: Jane Parmel, 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 worked for a big company, I had no trouble charging the customer and explaining terms and conditions of the sale, but as a small business owner, I never have that conversation – I’m just not comfortable.” I cannot tell you how many times I have heard that sentiment from colleagues and competitors alike, whether they have been in business for themselves a short time or for decades. And it is a scary thought for someone to have in their heads. Confidence in business is so important. Human nature includes haggling and negotiation – both feed off fear, which many small business owners “let show” even when they think they are not. Fear comes in the worry which you express and don’t even realize it. That worry is multi-leveled: What if this customer walks away? Then I lose a sale. Then I lose a referral. Then I could get a bad review. Then I lose other customers. Then I’ll have to layoff staff. I won’t be able to handle the work I do have. Customers will be more upset. The customers will all leave. I’ll be out of business. Welcome to the world of "Spiraling Out of Controlled Business"!! Not the place you want to be. It’s doomsday thinking, and it has no place in a growing business. So here are a few tips to remind you of your greatness: 1. It’s one customer. Not every person you speak with is your ideal customer. 2. Don’t assume that the customer that chooses not to work with you actually ever gives a referral any time – for you or anyone else – EVER! 3. Bad reviews can be counterbalanced with good reviews, so make sure you actively pursue those customers who have told you VERBALLY that they love you, and you have done a great job. It is out of many people’s comfort zone to do this but ASK for a written review. It is an honor for some people to see their name after a recommendation so give it a try! 4. One customer does not make for a “death spiral.” Leave it in its place – don’t let it affect the rest of the work or the staff. 5. Use social media or your blog to let people know what you are about – your vision, your mission, why you do what you do. Be personable and let them know you as the person behind the business – stories personalize otherwise uninteresting interactions. Tell yours! Whatever you do, remember that you have a reason for doing it, and some days will be better than others. Keep your chin up. Let people know what you really represent and how you wish to serve them in business. Tell your story, widen your audience, and be heard! For more information, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and visit my website! Jane Parmel, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Jane Parmel, the creator of "The Profit Project," helps women to powerfully transform their businesses by up-leveling their money mindset, signature system, and pricing to recognize their value and create a more profitable business through authentic marketing and efficient operations. She makes your bottom line the high point of your business! Jane is also the NY Global Business Connector for the Women Speakers Association, hosting events connecting women with resources to amplify their role as a “Phenomenal Message Maker” – clarifying their message, increasing their visibility, and growing their audience.

Written by: Saskia Kremer, 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 an entrepreneur, you have a vision and a passion, yet you can get caught by adjusting your service to what others want. Losing sight of what you really want and can give is sometimes just around the corner. And yes, there is a fine line when responding to the market's needs without losing that connection with your authentic and imperfect self. As I was setting up the Christmas decorations on the day of the Dutch celebration of Sinterklaas, I have this flashback of all the times when I moved from one country to the next. Again I see myself creating my own culture, my own traditions, navigating from one to the other, creating my own and checking it with my own values and vision. As a daughter of ex-pats, relocating on an average every 2 years, and later on as a Missionary, now as a Dutch-Kiwi living in Ireland, I have always lived in between cultures. It has shaped me into the person I am today, and I learned to: Adapt See the good in each culture and country Listen to what was said beyond words Reach out and reflect Absorb the different customs and adjust to my environment Observe and strengthened me to do things my way It has been my pitfall leading to burnout, and now, it is my strength in business! Constantly adjusting to my environment and the people who surrounded me made me lose sight of who I am. I disconnected from myself to please others, longing to belong somewhere. My ability to adapt and serve others came with a high price: I lost myself. I learned that to give. I had to receive first. To belong, I had to dive deep and accept myself first. This is the same in business! That is why, if you want to be the expert in your field, if you want to be an authority, inspiring and leading others, you need to belong even more to yourself. As Brené Brown puts it: “belonging to ourselves means being called to stand alone – to brave the wilderness of uncertainty, vulnerability and criticism. True belonging is something we carry in our heart!” And it is when you find the courage to be yourself and stand-alone that you can make that true connection to lead from a place of authenticity! And the big paradox is that you shape yourself, who you are, and who you become by being inspired by others. It is not a matter of copy and paste, rather a constant movement from the inside world out and vice versa. When you look at yourself in your business, how do you create that space where you can safely navigate between that inner space and the demands of the market? For more info, follow me on LinkedIn , visit my website and join my Facebook Group ! Read more from Saskia! Saskia Kremer, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine As an Executive Coach and Trainer, Saskia helps successful, time-challenged high-level management, directors, and business owners increase their performance and their teams' productivity without the stress and overwhelm. Once a Missionary, working alongside Mother Teresa herself, made her live all around the globe, helping people discover their meaning in life in sometimes heartbreaking circumstances. After leading multiple projects and International communities, she left the missions following her own experience of burnout. Starting her own business allowed her to combine her philosophical and theological research with her rich multi-cultural experience. She places the human person at its center, allowing it to find its unique place and thrive. In 2016, as a single mum of 2 young children, she moved from Holland to Ireland. She specialized in working with business owners, directors, and managers, showing them how to create a bigger vision for their business and life, freeing up their own time to excel in what they are best at and increase their profit and satisfaction without the stress and the overwhelm.

Written by: Rachel Tindall, 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 2020 draws to a close, many of us evaluate our goals from the beginning of this year. No one could have predicted a global pandemic. Taken into account with the uptick of social movements and the tumultuous election cycle, we’ve all had quite a ride this year. These events have impacted us on a personal level, and for most of us, they’ve affected our business - not all for the worse. Many online-based businesses, especially service providers, haven’t faced the same set of challenges as brick and mortar businesses. For some entrepreneurs, business boomed this year! Whether it was a fantastic sales year or whether you just scraped by, you should congratulate yourself that you’re still in business. You’re still doing the best you can, and you’re still here. "Success is subjective." There’s so much messaging that promises to make you 6-figures in the next 6 months - some even sooner. While that’s an admirable goal and doable for some business types, it’s not the only way to succeed. It feels a lot like the promise of 6 figures is the ultimate goal - the be-all and end-all. When we get there, we will have “made it.” But what about all the smaller achievements you accomplish to get to that big goal? There’s more to success, and business for that matter, than simply making more money. So, as we finish the year that’s felt like a decade, I’d like to propose we measure success a little differently. Have we built personal & professional relationships? Business is as much about networking and relationship building as it is about sales and marketing, if not more. Relationships make our business possible, and they allow us to reach the people who really need us. They allow us to be successful in new and exciting ways. We need relationships both personally and professionally. If we’re lucky, sometimes they overlap, and our colleagues and teammates become friends. When we have to socially distance, we need to be even more intentional about fostering these relationships. Consider these questions about your relationships as you reflect on the success of your year: How can I connect with others on a professional level? How can I connect with others on a personal level? Why do I (or don’t I) enjoy talking to others about my business? How can I communicate more meaningfully with my team? How can I connect and communicate better with my clients? Is our business model sustainable? Our time is our most valuable resource, and as much as we would like it to be, it’s not infinite. Knowing this, it’s important to think about how we can stabilize and grow our businesses in ways that don’t require an increasing amount of time. This is especially true of service-based businesses. We only have so many hours in a day and a week! Once that time is filled, there isn’t really another option to expand. Although providing services can be the bread and butter of our business, we need to make sure our business can still be successful without adding more. In other words, we need to work smarter, not longer and harder. Consider these questions about business sustainability as you think about how successful your business has been this year: Could I maintain this schedule for the next 5 years? If not, what needs to change? If so, what’s working well? How effectively am I able to manage my time? If money wasn’t an object, how many of my daily tasks could I delegate? (And if I could make that investment, how would it positively impact my business?) What tasks do I dread & what do I need to do to unload some of them to someone who would enjoy them and/or be better at them than I am? Are our clients & customers happy? At the end of the day, businesses help people. We fill a need we see around us, and we joyfully fill that need with a service or product that makes life easier for someone else. At its core, it’s not a complicated concept. It makes sense then that when we are thinking about our own success, we need to consider whether our clients are getting what they want and need. They are, in fact, the heart of the business. They are why we do what we do, and there’s nothing quite like seeing a happy client or customer succeed in their dreams and goals because we shared knowledge that feels obvious to us. The most important measure of success is our clients. Consider these questions about your clients & customers as you reflect on how successful you & your business have been this year: What made my clients & customers satisfied this year? How can I keep improving my services & products to make my clients’ & customers’ lives even better/easier? What have my clients and customers been able to do this year because I helped them? What have my clients told me about working with me? Why are my services & products important to my clients & customers? When you think of success, there will probably always be money involved - especially in the business world. After all, we all have to feed our families and have a safe place to sleep, right? Success isn’t always about the money, though. It’s also about relationships, sustainability, and how happy your clients and customers are with what you do. At the end of the day, 6 figures is nice - and doable - but you can’t get there without other successes and victories along the way. For more info, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and visit my website! Read more from Rachel! Rachel Tindall, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Rachel Tindall is a Writer and Writing Coach at Capturing Your Confidence. Her lifelong love of learning inspired her to pursue education in writing, as well as teaching. Throughout her years of teaching at the university and community college levels, she has developed a strong desire to continue to be the best learner and educator she can be – a coach. Rachel uses intentional motivation and empowerment to facilitate growth for driven writers and creatives on their journey to becoming unstoppable dream-getters. Building confidence in her colleagues and students is at the heart of all she does.

Written by: Iliana Rocha, Executive Contributor Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of e xpertise. Many leaders and business owners recognize the need to manage employee performance but don’t necessarily have robust performance management frameworks in place to manage overall business health. This results in a number of challenges. How will you know whether you are on track to meet your annual and long-term goals? Do you have mechanisms in place for early warning signs that something is not going according to plan? Additionally, many business owners focus on revenues, but there is a myriad of other drivers that you can monitor so that you can proactively adjust your course of action as conditions change. Therefore, performance management of your employees and vendors is a good start, but you also need to make sure you are managing the performance of your overall business. You have heard of a balanced scorecard approach to look at business health holistically. I prefer to develop performance management frameworks because a scorecard implies simple reporting. On the other hand, with a performance management framework, the focus is on how you use the data and information you have gathered to reflect on your progress and adjust and course-correct as required. Here are the top 5 considerations when designing a performance management framework: Identify the relevant metrics that you need to monitor. Look beyond revenue – revenue tends to be a lagging indicator, and by the time you notice that things are off track, it may be too late for you to address the issues in time. You need to focus on leading indicators — the metrics that will help you flag potential challenges well in advance. To do that, you need to know your revenue and cost drivers. For example, what does your sales funnel look like? Do you have the right number of leads in each of the sales stages? Is the velocity of your conversions improving or deteriorating? Analyzing any of these indicators should give you early warning signs that your revenue is about to decrease or increase. Set targets. Plan what your performance should be for each of your performance indicators. You should know your historical performance and then decide whether you want to keep it as is or assume changes in the future. Once you apply your assumptions to the historical trend, you should have some high-level targets with identified timelines to manage to. Forecast out your expected performance. Monitoring how you perform each month is important. But you also need to forecast where you expect to be in a month or a year from now based on the changes you are observing in the business. It doesn’t have to be a super detailed, time-consuming forecast, but it should be directionally right. Compare targets to forecast . Are you forecasting that your business will underperform or overperform as compared to the targets you set? What is the holistic view of the forecasts for all your performance metrics vs. their respective targets telling you about your business health? Adjust as required . You now have an early warning signal framework which will highlight potential business issues or wins well in advance. This allows you to adjust your course of action to either avoid a negative impact on your business or leverage a positive trend. The bottom line is that you need to improve the predictability of your business performance. And to do so, you need to identify the right metrics, track their performance, re-forecast them regularly and design preventative and corrective actions to meet your business goals. Only when you are looking towards the future will you have a real handle on your business performance while analyzing your most up-to-date results. For more info, follow me on Facebook , connect with me on LinkedIn and visit my website ! Read more from Iliana ! Iliana Rocha, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Iliana Rocha is a senior business leader with extensive consulting and coaching experience in all things business. Iliana has been working hand-in-hand with businesses in optimizing their strategy and operations and is now President & Lead Coach at Clubnet Solutions Inc. Her focus is on working with entrepreneurs and small business owners on scaling and transforming their businesses profitably. She is in the process of publishing her first book: Level Up! Low Hanging Fruit to Instantly Improve Your Small Business. Iliana holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ryerson University, a post-graduate certificate in Strategic Relationship Management from George Brown College, and a Bachelor of Commerce and Finance, with a Major in Economics from the University of Toronto. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), a certified Agile Coach (ICP-ACC). She is in the process of receiving an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certification as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC).

Written by: Dianne Hatke, 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. Are you waking up every morning to complete your daily routine of affirming, scripting, visualizing, and repeating? Are you avoiding or overriding every shred of negativity and unpleasant emotion as possible? Have you been doing this work yet still have not made the change both internally and externally you have been seeking? While I do believe these affirmations and the like have a time and a place and can be helpful, if you’re finding that they aren’t getting you the results you want, keep reading. There are two reasons why affirmations and other, what I call “band-aid,” mindset techniques don’t work to help people actualize long-term change. First, these techniques are surface level and do not get to the root of what is causing these limiting beliefs and behaviors in the first place. Second, they do not take into consideration the physiological responses these often deeply rooted beliefs present in the body. Let’s break both of these down. Getting to the root of your limiting beliefs: I like to think of affirmations as a prescription drug. You know you have a problem (your limiting beliefs/behaviors), but instead of understanding the underlying cause for this belief, you take a pill (your affirmations) to cover it up and hope eventually it goes away on its own. This is no different than visiting your doctor for sleep issues and her prescribing you a pill to fall asleep without trying to figure out why you are having sleep issues in the first place. If you want to make lasting change, you must see beneath the surface of your limiting beliefs; you must understand them. You can do this simply by asking questions around them. Some questions I like to ask are: What led me to believe this? How do I react when this belief shows up? When is the first time I remember this thought coming up for me? What does this belief prevent me from doing? What might be true about this belief? What’s false about this belief? What have I experienced in the past to prove this belief wrong? Once you get to know the thoughts keeping you stuck, it is time to understand how they show up in your body. This is important because even if you are telling yourself one thing, but your body is responding in the opposite way, you are likely to find yourself reacting to your physiological responses, not your mental ones. Recognizing these responses can be a bit trickier than recognizing the thoughts running rampant in your mind. We become so used to these physiological responses that we are not even aware they are coming up for us. Getting to know the body: To learn how your body is responding to your mind is sometimes obvious, like when you have about of anger, fear, or anxiety, but often it is very subtle, especially if we are often in that state. A person who thinks they are worthy and capable of achieving all they desire is going to feel much different in their body than a person who thinks they are not. Next is the process I use and teach to help myself and others understand how their body is responding to their thoughts. I always suggest understanding your limiting beliefs or the negative thoughts coming up for you first (at least for beginners). This practice will be easier if you already know what has been coming up for you. First , find a comfortable place to sit and take a few deep breaths to relax. Do a quick body scan to tune into your body. This is simply starting at the top of your head and working your way down your body, noticing any sensations you are feeling. Second , once you feel relaxed and comfortable, think of the limiting belief you are struggling with and notice how your body responds to it. Maybe you feel some tightness in your chest, maybe your stomach knots, maybe you feel flushed. Then, say the opposite of that belief. How does your body respond to that? Does it believe what you said? Notice any contrast. Third , allow whatever unpleasant feelings that arise in you to move out of you. Notice them and name them. You can say “tightness in chest” or “knot in stomach” and watch how as you just notice these sensations, they fade away. What is important here is not to feed unpleasant emotions by thinking more negative thoughts or by judging yourself for having them and not to fight them by trying to push them back down. What you fight fights you back, and trying to pretend they aren’t there keeps them scratching at the surface, wanting to be seen. As you begin allowing the physiological responses to move out of you, you can retrain your body to feel what you want to experience with your upgraded thoughts. A great way to do this is simply by thinking of things you are grateful for, feeling that gratitude, then bringing in your new, positive affirmations. Happy healing! For more information, follow Dianne on Facebook , Instagram , and visit her website ! Dianne Hatke, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dianne Hatke is a leader in self-mastery and personal development. After nearly bankrupting her first business then rolling from its recovery right into marital struggles, Dianne has never been one to call it quits. Instead of giving up on either, she began diving deep into herself in unique ways to both maintain the mindset necessary to keep pushing through it all and to uncover the deeply rooted beliefs and thought patterns that led her down this path in the first place. She realized there is a huge gap between what we believe we are supposed to experience, and what we actually experience, a gap that leaves many feeling alone and lost. Through her work, she has discovered her gift and her passion of helping people rediscover and reconnect with themselves.

Written by: Dee Burrowes, 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. Life happens, life shocks, and at times, it gets in the very way of us. Our daily lives get out of sync, and everyone’s emotional wellbeing can get knocked out of the socket during times like these. It is reported that black women normally have to surmount higher hurdles than others to get the help they need to treat mental health. The conversation surrounding mental health among black women has increased quite a bit in the last previous years, yet still, there is much more advocacy that needs to be done. Often, the strong black woman struggles with their own expectations, mindset, and responsibilities thrown on them from family, finance, self-care, and professional scope that have them neglecting their own health and well-being. We are faced with the stereotype of the ‘strong black woman,’ which is much more than just a cultural ideal but extended to coping psychologically. Societal stigma makes it no easier to cope with mental illness and the barriers and challenges faced by a black woman. There is a deafening silence about how we intend to improve black women's health as we strategically concentrate on their emotional and mental health wellbeing. Yes, we are Superwomen with all the multiple roles and responsibilities but typically can get stuck in a blatant negative stereotype rather than the positive compliment it was intended to be that ripples in such a burden. ‘Journal entry 5/12/20 – I nurture and take care of everyone as I think it’s duty and the best thing to do. I will continue to portray and embody strength at all times. I will not break. I can’t do that as I am dependent on family, friends, colleagues, and community. I will continue to be everything to everyone, catering to them, prioritizing their needs, and neglecting my very own. I am ok with that, but kind of wish things were a bit smoother, or someone would think of me for even a second.’ Better days will come. xxx At times, it appears impossible to juggle with all the care and duties of life, motherhood's responsibilities, being a wife, and fostering intimate relationships. I always feel it’s my duty to go above and beyond while my colleagues, peers, and even family leaving my own professional and self-development are compromised. The efforts of tirelessly toiling do feel undervalued, not that validation is needed but rather some level of acknowledgment or appreciation both at work and home. Many would not know what it is to work with others who do not value you as a human being and all the external pressures of the World. Compared to other ethnic groups, Black women's personal and professional profiles are quite different and are facing many other challenges. Like most of us, Black women, we have experienced the phenomenon of quit and stay in the workplace, which highlights how we have mentally checked out – subconsciously. As this intensifies, we meet the minimum expected value of what is expected then somehow glides under the radar mysteriously. No doubt this stifles our mindset and emotional mentality, limits employee interaction, and slows productivity instead of enhancing Black women's potential. Depending on their distinctive social identities, they are faced with varied obstacles as they desire to improve their scope in their careers. The thoughts of feeling alienated are also married with no one else who looks similar to them that do have a seat at the table; it's become very lonely. It is encouraged that Black women must seek out their own network and support system for accountability and emotional support. There is a better balance doing so with others you can trust with your emotions and those who do have their back no matter what you face. Having a lack of purpose ultimately leads to disconnection causing many women to quit. Exercising a level of fairness should be something that stands out rather than disregarding people's ability who supported the success of the company they belong to. “I understand your pain. Trust me, I do. I’ve seen people go from the darkest moments in their lives to living a happy, fulfilling life. You can do it too. I believe in you. You are not a burden. You will never be a burden.” — Sophie Turner. Impact on Mental Health For many black women, our story spans to perseverance and resilience even in times of desolation. After all, we have survived slavery, the great depression, then surely, there is hope to survive bouts of anxiety and sadness. In part, the challenge is that too often. There is a delay associated with acknowledging that mental illness is much more than feeling melancholy. It is also not a sign of weakness as we fail to recognize mental illness as an actual “illness,” it is no different from an illness as diabetes, cancer, or hypertension. There is a high shame factor attached to mental health, and not until those concerned have started to share their dilemma, only then they realize they are far from being alone. Black women's desires are no different from what other women in other ethnic groups hope for. Everyone's goal is to live a happy and healthy life with positive control, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Ignoring the problem and having it internalized will become unresolved. It’s only by accepting the problem and supporting collaboratively then we can overcome this challenge. Journal entry 06/12/20 – I’ve realized I am having serious psychological distress. Who can I trust? Where can I get help without feeling ashamed? Despite putting up a brave face to everyone, I have sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and anger. Oh well. I must carry on my responsibilities. xxx It may appear easier to remain in that zone of comfort regardless if there’s a void that we are struggling to satisfy, a hole so very deep it will take much more effort than awareness to fulfill. Unfortunately, there is a misconception that anything less than their best is a sign of being inadequate. In context, for these reasons, black women are in denial due to possible becoming an outcast with their community resulting from their mental health problem. Black women are increasingly experiencing anger, anxiety, and feeling of powerlessness in the face of discrimination and racial injustice. Circumstances do put black women at a higher risk for mental stress due to severe economic insecurity, lack of social support, and physical illness, to name a few. Eventually, this spiraled due to tension, worry, and fear. Additionally, the everyday struggles of coping with other externalities as racism, further exacerbate mental and emotional stress. These triggers of discrimination, inter-generational trauma, and ongoing mental stress are woven into the fabric of our very being. Support is needed by each other without shame, and there is power in taking that first step in asking for help. Journal entry 07/12/20 – I am priceless, blessed, and valuable beyond measure. My contributions to this world will be noticed, although that seems a bit off guard or unnoticed at the moment. I am supportive, loving, nurturing, and encouraging, which will have a ripple impact on those lives that I touch. My influence will be seen and affect generations to come. I know my worth even though it wavers sometimes and is not defined by the different roles I do have. I am enough, I am necessary, and I am loved. xxx It is totally about championing change and the amplification of silent voices needed to reclaim power, which is the first step to care for our mental health. 5 Tips to Championing Mental Health Stigma remains among the most persistent hurdles for people living with a mental health condition. The key is connection, adaptability, identification with culture, knowing your limits, and family. Listen to yourself – Be in the know. You can make a difference in your family, community reaction and comprehend exactly all that there is to mental health. Listen and educate yourself as mental health is personal. However, it is essential to educate people and learn from those who have experienced it. Speak up and speak out – Whenever there is an opportunity, it is a topic that needs to be spoken about in the board room, in homes, and in schools. The importance of mental healthcare must be at the forefront, and if there is a negative conversation about mental illness, do not stay silent. Silence should be avoided at all costs. Be an advocate - Bringing awareness to mental health issues and supporting those living with mental illness. Social media platforms are a quick method of productive engagement and reach widespread very quickly with any intended initiative. Music to the soul – Plug into playing soothing and uplifting music on the regular. It will gradually calm the mind and increase dopamine level – a touch of happy hormones is what the doctor orders. Seek therapy – Therapy is a productive and effective means of managing mental health illness, making it viable to those who most need the sessions. Therapy involves one to one contact with a certified specialist who will also design exercises and activities to practice at home to manage mental health. For more information, visit my website! Read more from Dee! Dee Burrowes, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dee Burrowes, Certified Professional Coach, NLP Practitioner, Speaker, Trained Teacher, International Awards Judge, and Mental Health Coach with Behavioural Disorder, helps you gain more confidence in being more effective at bringing happiness to your life. By identifying your core values and what drives you, you will gain clarity on what your life and career vision should be. By learning how to eradicate self-doubt, boost self-confidence, and form good habits, all of us can overcome our challenges and live more mindfully, consciously, and authentically. Life passes us by, and the fear of not being authentic kicks in, and it is the right time now to identify your inspiration by designing a lifestyle that would capture the very essence of you. Dee is a visiting professor in Events and Hospitality management in both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. She continues to participate in the hospitality industry. Dee is very much passionate about Mental Health, and as a Mental Health Advocate, she supports corporate companies on Mental Well-being.