Statistically, Luca Senatore shouldn’t be where he is today. Born in Italy and raised in a challenging environment with no safety net, Luca was working in a factory at age 14 to help his family survive. When he arrived in England at 25, he had just £65 and zero English skills - famously being fired from his first job as a dishwasher because he couldn’t understand the instructions. Today, Luca is a senior leader at Google, a best-selling author, and a trusted advisor to global entrepreneurs. He didn't reach these heights by following a traditional path, he reached them by treating his upbringing as a masterclass in resilience and discipline. In a world moving at the speed of AI, Luca now helps founders move away from the exhausting cycle of "push" marketing and step into true, intentional leadership. Luca Senatore, Sales Leader, Mentor and Coach What inspired you to create transformative strategies that drive success for entrepreneurs, and how do you ensure lasting results? My drive stems directly from my roots. Growing up with no clear path or safety net, I had to figure everything out the hard way. That experience stayed with me as I built businesses and wrote my books, including my most recent, The Agency Business Blueprint. It taught me that constraints are often where the best systems are born. Today, I see incredibly talented leaders stuck, not because they lack skill, but because they are operating without clarity. They are busy, but not effective. My goal is to help them move beyond quick wins to build something robust and intentional. I focus on helping people build businesses that are not just bigger, but better and more aligned with the life they actually want. What specific mindset shifts do you focus on, and how do they contribute to a business owner's long-term success and personal fulfillment? There are three shifts that change everything. Designing vs. Reacting. High performers don’t just "end up" with a business, they architect it. Effort vs. Effectiveness. Drawing from my years in martial arts, I teach that intensity without direction is wasted energy. You can’t just work hard, you have to work right. Systems over Motivation. Motivation is a feeling, systems are a reality. When you build structures for selling and decision-making, you stop relying on willpower and start achieving consistency. How do you approach identifying and breaking through the unique barriers that hold back entrepreneurs? Most barriers are strategic, psychological, or structural. No direction, avoiding uncomfortable work, or no systems. I see this clearly in the agency world, where many rely on "hope-based marketing" or random referrals. I help businesses move from chasing opportunities to defining them. When an agency, or any service business, stops being a generalist and starts being intentional about who they serve, the friction disappears. They move from chasing leads to experiencing "pull" magnetism, leading to skyrocketing conversion rates and robust client retention. How do you measure success for your clients, and what sets your results-driven approach apart? Revenue is the baseline, but I look for control and predictability. Is the founder less reactive? Are they choosing their clients rather than being chosen? I also demand radical accountability because there is no value in a bigger business if it results in more stress and less freedom. On a deeper level, my "final hour" goal, the legacy I want to leave behind, is the knowledge that I’ve helped people elevate their lives and businesses because of where I came from. Because I know what it’s like to operate without a safety net, my ultimate measure of success is seeing a leader move from survival mode to a position of true power and purpose. It is important to recognize that survival isn’t just about a lack of money or facing extreme hardship. I also see it in successful founders who have reached a high level of success but have hit a plateau they can’t break through. They are "surviving" the daily grind of a business they no longer control. Helping them bridge that gap to the next level of scale is my ultimate mission. What is the biggest mistake you see entrepreneurs and leaders making today? They rely too much on push, and not enough on pull. Most businesses try to force growth through sheer volume, more outreach, more messages, more noise. It’s exhausting. The shift I encourage is toward deliberate positioning. Instead of trying to reach everyone, you speak so clearly to a specific problem that the right clients recognize themselves in your words. When you do this, you don’t have to push as hard, the market starts to pull. I’m so committed to this shift that I’m currently investing in a tech solution to help leaders automate this intentionality. Final word & gift You can download four sales-specific chapters of my new book for free here . Important disclaimer. Although I work at Google, all opinions are entirely my own and do not necessarily represent the views of my employer. Follow me on Linkedin , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Luca Senatore

Written by Twanna Carter, PhD, Career Transition Coach & Hypnotherapist An ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) who empowers stressed, busy women execs, tackling impostor syndrome, self-criticism, and doubt to alleviate their stress so that they can find peace of mind and focus on excelling in their careers. In eighteen months of coaching senior Black women through tech layoffs, I've seen the same unexpected pattern emerge, what felt like an ending was actually a recalibration. Here's why the redirect you didn't ask for may be the one your career actually needed. I have been having the same conversation with senior Black women in tech for the past eighteen months. It starts in a place of shock and disorientation. A layoff. A restructuring. A department eliminated with the kind of speed that makes you wonder if the work you spent years building ever mattered at all. And then, somewhere between grief and strategy, something unexpected happens. Women who came to me convinced their careers were over begin to discover that what felt like an ending was actually a redirect. Not a consolation prize version of what they had, but something more aligned, more sustainable, and, in several cases, more financially rewarding than anything they had been pursuing inside tech. This pattern is not accidental. And it is not luck. It is what happens when a forced recalculation creates the conditions to finally ask the question that career momentum usually prevents, "Where does everything I have built actually belong?" The story we tell ourselves after a tech layoff The default story sounds like this, I need to get back in. I need to find the equivalent of what I just lost, in the same industry, at the same level, as quickly as possible. That story is understandable. It is driven by financial pressure, professional identity, and the very human instinct to restore what was disrupted back to its previous state. But for many senior Black women in tech, that story leads back into the same environment that required them to prove their worth constantly, where advancement came slower than their results warranted, and where the invisible labor of being the only one, or one of very few, at their level added a cost that never appeared on a balance sheet. Recovery, in this context, does not always mean return. Sometimes it means recalibration. What I observe in my coaching practice When women arrive at a coaching conversation after a tech layoff, two things are almost always present simultaneously. The grief is real. Losing a senior-level role in an industry you have devoted years to is not a minor disruption. It is an identity event. The title, the team, the particular set of problems you had mastered solving, the professional community you had built over years of shared experience, all of that is genuinely lost, and it deserves to be acknowledged rather than bypassed in the rush to update a resume. And alongside the grief, almost without exception, there is something else, a quiet awareness that the career they are grieving was never quite the right fit. That the environment required too much performance and offered too little recognition. That something was not working even before the layoff made it undeniable. That awareness is not a betrayal of the career you built. It is the beginning of clarity. And clarity is the foundation of every successful transition. For a deeper look at building that clarity strategically, explore my work on career pivot strategies for Black women . The question that actually moves the needle The most productive pivot in my coaching conversations is rarely "How do I get back into tech?" It is almost always, "Where do the capabilities I have built for the past fifteen years actually create the most value?" That question opens a completely different landscape. Your analytical rigor, your systems thinking, your ability to lead cross-functional teams through complex, high-stakes challenges, these are not tech skills. Tech was the industry that recognized and hired them first. But healthcare, financial services, government digital transformation, higher education, and consulting are all operating in the middle of technology-driven change that they urgently need experienced leaders to navigate. The transferable skills you have built inside tech are not limited by the walls of the industry that developed them. They travel. And in many cases, they travel into industries where the compensation is competitive and the mission alignment is something Big Tech rarely offers. Three things worth knowing right now If you are a senior Black woman in tech navigating a layoff or seriously contemplating a pivot, here is what I want you to carry into whatever conversation you have next: Your expertise does not expire because your employment did. The depth of knowledge, leadership experience, and problem-solving capability you have accumulated belongs to you. It is not a credential that an employer issues and retrieves. It is yours, and it moves with you. The layoff removed a ceiling, not your capability. For many of the women I work with, the organization that let them go was also the organization that had been limiting their visibility, undervaluing their contributions, and creating barriers to the kind of advancement their results warranted. Data-backed direction outperforms gut-driven decisions in high-stakes moments. This is not the moment for intuition alone. This is the moment for a strategic career mapping process that gives you objective information about where your profile is most naturally positioned before you commit to a direction, retool your narrative, and invest your energy in a new pursuit. The recalculation has already begun You did not choose this redirect. But you are in it now. And the women who emerge from transitions like this with careers that are more fulfilling and more financially rewarding than what they left are not extraordinary. They are not uniquely resilient or unusually fortunate. They are the ones who stopped trying to restore the previous version and started asking better questions about what comes next. In my work with senior Black women executives navigating disruption, I have seen this pattern repeatedly, the moment everything feels uncertain is often the exact moment their leadership sharpens, their voice clarifies, and their next level begins to take shape. The shift is not about starting over. It is about repositioning what has always been there, with intention, precision, and authority. The redirect is not the end. It is the recalculation. And the destination is ahead of you, not behind. Follow me on  LinkedIn , and visit my   website  for more info! Read more from Twanna Carter Twanna Carter, Ph.D., Career Transition Coach & Hypnotherapist An ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) who empowers stressed, busy women execs, tackling impostor syndrome, self-criticism, and doubt to alleviate their stress so that they can find peace of mind and focus on excelling in their careers. Rather than coaching symptoms, she leverages her coaching so that women work on the root causes that threaten to sabotage their careers and lives. Which means clients see immediate change resulting in decreased stress, increased confidence, and shifting from overwhelm to relaxation. Recognized as an Office of Personnel Management Presidential Management Fellow, Twanna left full-time federal employment to be an entrepreneur. She is currently the CEO of Twanna Carter Professional & Personal Coaching, LLC.

In this article, Hayley Su Buchanan shares her transformative approach to wealth, showing how the nervous system and embodied success play a vital role in building sustainable and aligned prosperity. Discover how Hayley's method empowers women to shift from pressure and overwork to a grounded, confident approach that unlocks their true wealth potential. Hayley Su Buchanan, Creator of The Extra Ordinary Way™ & Founder, The Embodiment Lounge What inspired you to connect wealth with the nervous system, and how has this approach transformed your clients’ financial journeys? What inspired this work was my own story. I built a six-figure business the way many women are taught to, through pushing, overworking, and constantly striving for more. And while I did achieve the financial results, it came at a cost I couldn’t ignore. My body began to break down. I had completely burned out my nervous system building success. What I learned is that when your nervous system is dysregulated, your body doesn't feel safe holding more wealth, so you unconsciously sabotage or cap your income to stay within your survival comfort zone. At the time, I was also pregnant, and I came dangerously close to losing my baby boy. That moment changed everything. It forced me to question the way I had been building success and whether it was truly sustainable or even safe. I realized that wealth created through pressure and survival energy will always come with a price. That’s what led me to explore the connection between the nervous system and wealth. I began to see that it wasn’t just about what we do to make money, but what our body feels safe holding. When the nervous system is dysregulated, more visibility, more money, and more responsibility can actually feel threatening, which leads to cycles of burnout, inconsistency, or self-sabotage. By bringing the body into the conversation, everything shifts. My clients don’t just increase their income, they create stability. They feel safe receiving more. They stop chasing and start allowing. Their growth becomes grounded, sustainable, and deeply aligned with who they are. Because true wealth isn’t just about how much you can make, it’s about how much you can hold without losing yourself in the process. I don’t believe wealth should ever cost you your health, your peace, or the things that matter most.   How do you guide women to shift from a forceful approach to wealth creation to one that’s more embodied and receptive? Most women have been conditioned to believe that success comes from pushing harder, doing more, and proving their worth. That approach may create short-term results, but it often leads to exhaustion and disconnection. I guide women back into their bodies. This means slowing down enough to feel what’s actually driving their actions, whether it’s fear, pressure, or the need to be validated and then recalibrating from a place of self-trust and internal safety. Embodied wealth is not passive. It’s deeply powerful. It’s making decisions from clarity rather than urgency. It’s allowing opportunities, clients, and money to meet you rather than constantly chasing them. When a woman shifts into this state, her energy changes. And that’s what people respond to. That’s what creates magnetic, sustainable growth. This is why I work as an Energetic Midwife of the Extra Ordinary. I help women birth themselves from force-based business into embodied wealth. Because the deepest wealth strategy isn't in your head. It's in your body. What role does Human Design play in your method, and how can it empower women to trust their own signals when it comes to wealth? Human Design is a powerful tool within my method because it gives women permission to stop forcing themselves into strategies that were never designed for them. So many women are trying to build wealth in ways that go against their natural energy which creates resistance, confusion, and inconsistency. Human Design brings them back to their own blueprint. Your own operating system. It shows them how they are designed to make decisions, how they are naturally meant to attract opportunities, and how their energy works best in business. This removes the constant second-guessing and comparison. Instead of asking, “What should I do to make money?” They begin asking, “What is correct for me?” That shift alone is incredibly empowering and it’s where aligned wealth begins. What’s the biggest mistake women make when it comes to building wealth, and how does your approach help them overcome this? The biggest mistake is building wealth from an identity that isn’t fully owned. Many women are operating from versions of themselves they think they need to be. The version who hustles 12-hour days, who says yes to everything, who believes rest is lazy rather than the woman their body actually wants them to be . That disconnect creates friction. It shows up in their messaging, their offers, and their ability to receive. My approach brings women back to identity. Not the surface-level version, but the embodied identity, the one their body believes and can hold. When that identity is clear and integrated, everything becomes more coherent. Their voice lands. Their offers resonate. Their presence becomes magnetic. Wealth doesn’t just come from what you do; it comes from who you are while you do it. How does The Extra Ordinary Wealth Method™ enable women to release societal conditioning around wealth and reconnect with their own power? The Extra Ordinary Wealth Method™ is designed to decondition women from everything they’ve been taught about money, success, and who they need to be to have both. From a young age, many women internalize beliefs that wealth requires sacrifice, overwork, or constant striving. These patterns become deeply embedded in their nervous system. A woman might intellectually know she deserves wealth, but if her body doesn't feel safe receiving it, she'll unconsciously create barriers to keep herself safe. Inside the method, we work on multiple levels: identity, nervous system, energetics, and strategy. This allows women to not only recognize these patterns, but to actually release them. As they do, they reconnect with their own power not in a forceful way, but in a grounded, embodied way. They begin to trust themselves. They make cleaner decisions. They stop abandoning their truth for approval. And from that place, wealth becomes something they allow, not something they have to fight for. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Hayley Su Buchanan

Written by Dr. Irene Sanchez-Celis Castro, Mentor & Healer Womb medicine doctor, spiritual mentor, and creator of Radiance the Podcast, Dr. Irene Sanchez-Celis, helps women awaken the magic in their bodies and embody the sacred through cyclical living, Chinese medicine, and feminine alchemy. Chi Kung, an ancient Chinese practice, offers profound benefits for women's health by addressing fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and emotional stress. Unlike conventional approaches, Chi Kung helps regulate the nervous system, improve body awareness, and foster a deeper connection with one's body, offering a holistic way to support recovery and well-being. There’s a pattern I see over and over again in my clinic. The women who are doing everything right are often the ones who feel the most disconnected from their bodies.   They are disciplined, high-achieving, and resilient. They eat well, exercise, and invest in their health. And yet, despite all their efforts, something still feels off.   They are tired in a way that sleep doesn’t fix. Their hormones feel unpredictable. Their nervous system feels wired or depleted. Their body feels like something they have to manage, rather than something they can trust. This is where I often introduce Chi Kung. Not as another thing to “add” to their routine, but as a way to change their relationship with their body entirely.   What is Chi Kung and why it matter Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese practice that combines breath, movement, posture, and awareness. From a Chinese medicine perspective, it regulates the flow of Qi, the body’s vital energy, supporting circulation, organ function, emotional balance, and overall vitality. From a Western medical lens, it can be understood as a form of mindful movement that helps regulate the nervous system, improve body awareness, and support stress recovery. In simple terms, it helps the body shift out of survival mode. And this is where many women live without realizing it.   Women’s health is not just hormonal One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that women’s health is only about hormones. It’s not. It’s about the nervous system. It’s about inflammation. It’s about sleep quality. It’s about emotional load. It’s about whether the body feels safe enough to rest, repair, and regulate. Chi Kung works at this level. A 2021 systematic review of randomized controlled trials in women found that Qigong was associated with improvements in fatigue, depressive symptoms, and overall quality of life, while also being safe and highly accessible. That matters because the most effective practice is the one women can actually sustain.   Chi Kung and menopause: A different way through the transition Perimenopause and menopause are often approached as problems to fix. But clinically, what I see is that many women are being asked to meet this transition with the same strategies that are no longer working. Push harder. Do more. Stay productive. The body resists this, and symptoms intensify. Research is beginning to reflect what we see clinically. A 2024 systematic review found that mind-body practices like Chi Kung were associated with improvements in sleep quality, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and even bone mineral density in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Randomized trials have also shown improvements in sleep, emotional well-being, and overall menopausal symptom severity after consistent practice. This is not because Chi Kung “fixes” menopause. It’s because it supports the body through it.   The pelvic floor, the womb, and whole-body regulation Another area where Chi Kung becomes powerful is the pelvic space. Most approaches to pelvic health focus on strengthening or correcting isolated muscles. But the pelvis is not just structural, it is neurological, emotional, and energetic. Breath, diaphragm movement, spinal mobility, and nervous system tone all influence pelvic function. A recent randomized study found that a Health Qigong program improved pelvic floor muscle function, reduced urinary leakage, and enhanced quality of life in women with stress urinary incontinence.   This reinforces something important: Women do not heal in parts. The womb, the pelvic floor, the nervous system, and emotional patterns are all connected. Chi Kung works through that connection.   Fatigue, burnout, and the deeper depletion most women ignore Many women are not just tired. They are depleted. From a Chinese medicine perspective, this is not only a Qi issue, it often involves deeper depletion of Jing, the body’s essential reserves. From a Western lens, we might describe this as chronic stress physiology, nervous system dysregulation, and inflammatory load. Chi Kung does not force energy into the system. It restores circulation. It supports regulation. It allows the body to recover rather than compensate. This is why it can be especially supportive for women navigating burnout, recovery, hormonal transitions, and emotional overwhelm.   What I see in practice What I see clinically is simple, but profound. When women practice Chi Kung consistently, their breath changes. Their sleep improves. Their bodies soften. Their energy becomes more stable, and perhaps most importantly, they begin to feel themselves again. Not in a conceptual way. In a physical, embodied way. That is often where real healing begins.   A simple way to start You don’t need to do this perfectly. You don’t need an hour a day. You don’t need to become someone else to practice Chi Kung. Start with 10-15 minutes. Slow movement. Breath awareness. Consistency over intensity. And if you are navigating more complex symptoms, hormonal imbalances, pelvic pain, insomnia, or chronic fatigue, use Chi Kung as part of a broader, integrative approach. Not instead of care. But alongside it.   Final thoughts Chi Kung offers something that many women have lost connection to: A way of moving that does not deplete them. A way of being in their body that does not require force. A way of healing that begins with listening.   In a culture that rewards pushing, overriding, and performing, Chi Kung invites something else. Slowing down. Regulating. Returning. And for many women, that is not a step back. It is the way forward.   If you’re feeling called to explore this deeper, I’ve created a free Womb Quiz to help you understand your unique womb type through a Chinese medicine lens. From there, I guide you into personalized practices, including Chi Kung, nutrition, and self-care rituals, to support your body in a way that actually makes sense for you. This is the first step. You can take the quiz here . Follow me on Facebook , Instagram ,  LinkedIn ,  and my website for more info! Read more from Dr. Irene Sanchez-Celis Castro Dr. Irene Sanchez-Celis Castro, Mentor & Healer Dr. Irene Sanchez-Celis is a Doctor of Chinese Medicine, ontogonic hypnotherapist, and creator of Radiance: The Podcast. Known as a spiritual hacker embodied in feminine wisdom, she guides women through womb healing, tantric and shamanic arts, and cyclical embodiment. Irene's online programs blend Chinese medicine, somatic therapy, and sacred sexuality to help women reclaim their pleasure, power, and purpose. Her mission is to awaken the body as a sacred portal for soul remembrance and feminine leadership.

Written by Catrina Francis, Integrative Frequency Specialist and Ayurvedic Practitioner Catrina “Tri” Francis is the owner of LifeART Wellness Clinic in Glendale, WI, where she serves as an Integrative Frequency Specialist and Ayurvedic Practitioner. With deep expertise in energy medicine, neuroscience, and mobility, she is passionate about holistic healing and dedicated to creating welcoming, supportive spaces where clients can heal and thrive mentally, physically, and spiritually. Navigating the world of neurodivergent children can often feel overwhelming and confusing. This article explores how understanding their unique needs and challenges can bring clarity, offering insights into ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodevelopmental differences. Learn how to provide the right support to help these children thrive. Why is he so jumpy? Why can't he stop moving and focus? Why does he jump from one topic to another? He learned this, I know he knows this, so why are reading and writing still so hard? He knows better. He can do it. Why can't he just do what I'm asking?  People told me, "He's just a boy," or "He'll grow out of it." But I saw the truth: the struggles at school, the frustration in his body, the battles he fought inside himself. We were both worn down, trying to fight something we couldn't name. What neurodivergence really means Neurodivergence is a term that's becoming more common in conversations about child development, yet many families and professionals still struggle to understand what it truly means. At its core, neurodivergence describes any non-standard way the brain processes information, including attention, learning, sensory input, communication, and emotional responses. These differences are not deficits. They reflect natural variations in human neurobiology. A neurodivergent child's brain works in its own unique way. This wiring shapes how they think, feel, learn, and respond to the world around them. Neurodivergence is rooted in early brain development and is present from birth. It is not caused by parenting style, emotional trauma, or environment. However, early experiences can influence how strongly traits appear and how sensitive or reactive a child's nervous system becomes. Common forms of neurodivergence Neurodivergence encompasses a wide range of brain-based differences, including:  ADHD: Challenges with regulating attention, energy, and impulses are often described as having a fast engine with sensitive brakes.  Autism: Differences in communication, sensory processing, and routines. Dyslexia: A unique way of processing written language, often paired with strong intelligence and creativity.  Dyspraxia: Differences in coordination, motor planning, and movement.  Sensory processing differences: A nervous system that takes in sensory information too intensely, too softly, or in a way that feels disorganized.  Tourette syndrome/Tic disorders: Sudden movements or sounds that are not fully within the child's control.  ADD: Difficulty with focus and organization without hyperactivity.  Each reflects a distinct neurodevelopmental pattern - not a behavioral problem.  The moment everything became clearer "I can't read it because the thoughts won't stop!" he cried, both of us sitting there frustrated. I was proud that he could finally put his experience into words, a huge step from the meltdowns of the past, but heartbroken by the overwhelm he felt as he tried to push through his language arts work.  Looking back, none of this was new. We had been navigating behavior and comprehension challenges since he was a baby. He started out colicky, with delayed speech, sensory sensitivities, and motion issues that slowly grew into other struggles. We gave him emotional tools and did our best to support him, but we still didn't understand what was at the core.  This wasn't something he was going to "grow out of." It was time to understand what was really happening and finally get him some relief.  Drawing on my past experience working with children, and after weeks of research, I finally decided to have him evaluated for ADHD. How early experiences shape sensitivity Although neurodivergence itself is rooted in biology, a child's early environment plays a significant role in how their nervous system expresses itself. Certain experiences can heighten sensitivity, increase reactivity, or make regulation more challenging. A few influences on early neurodevelopment include:  Stressful pregnancies: High maternal stress can prime a baby's nervous system to be more alert and sensitive.  Traumatic or medically complex births: Fast, prolonged, or intervention-heavy births may affect the vagus nerve, the body's primary calming pathway.  Environmental stressors: Noise, instability, or ongoing stress in the home can teach a child's body to stay on guard.  Early tension patterns: Tightness from birth or limited movement can affect how smoothly the brain and body communicate.  These factors do not cause neurodivergence. Instead, they influence how strongly traits show up and what types of support help a child thrive. The diagnosis and the unexpected reality We finally received the diagnosis, and I thought things would get easier. They didn't. Getting the diagnosis and even starting medication felt like being stuck in the middle of the ocean on a sinking boat, handed a life jacket, and told to swim to safety. You now have a name for what's happening and the reassurance that you're not imagining it, but you still have no idea which direction to go or how to navigate any of it. And you just have to hope the life jacket your doctor gives your child fits. For us, it didn't. And that's where the real journey began. © 2026 LifeART Wellness Co. All rights reserved.  Follow me on Facebook, Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Catrina Francis Catrina Francis, Integrative Frequency Specialist and Ayurvedic Practitioner Catrina "Tri" Francis is no stranger to burnout and its negative effects on the body. After facing stress-induced health challenges, including high blood pressure, obesity, TMJ, and migraines, she experienced neuro-exhaustion in the form of a stroke. Determined to heal, she immersed herself in complementary medicine, developing a holistic system that integrates Ayurveda, Reiki, Sound Healing, Chakra Attunements, Yoga, Assisted Stretching, and Neuroscience. Today, she blends her expertise in wellness and project management to empower others on their healing journeys, helping them achieve balance in mind, body, and spirit.

Written by Arlana Tanner-Sibelle, Interspecies Connection & Wellness Coach | Author Certified holistic animal wellness and behavior consultant, speaker, facilitator, intuitive, and author of Moving Beyond Words. She blends five-element insight with holistic wellness tools to help guardians create calmer, healthier relationships with their companions. The One Health movement highlights the connection between human, animal, and environmental well-being, but something essential is often overlooked. This article explores how the human-animal bond, nervous system regulation, and shared environments play a central role in true healing and holistic wellness. We are beginning to see a shift in the conversation around health, one that recognizes what many of us have long intuitively understood, "Everything is connected." The growing One Health movement highlights the interdependence of human, animal, and environmental well-being. It challenges the fragmented systems that have separated these areas for far too long and calls for a more integrated, sustainable approach. And while this shift is both necessary and long overdue, it is still only the beginning. Because there is something essential missing from the conversation, and we need to acknowledge and integrate it if we want to see sustainable growth and change. Let’s start by identifying a system that is no longer working A widely cited One Health roadmap states: “The current fragmented framework of health governance for humans, animals, and the environment, together with the conventional linear approach to solving current health problems, is failing to meet today’s health challenges and is proving unsustainable.” It continues: “There is an ever-growing disconnect between human health, animal health, and environmental and ecosystems health… A paradigm shift is urgently required to de-sectoralize human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health and to take a more integrated approach to health.” These statements confirm what many are now witnessing firsthand, "We cannot continue to approach health in isolation. But even within this evolving model, there remains a critical gap." The missing link: Connection within the human-animal bond While the One Health framework focuses on systems, medicine, environment, and global health structures, it often overlooks something far more immediate and influential, "The relationship itself." Not simply proximity. Not ownership. But the dynamic, responsive connection within the human-animal bond and the environments we share, and how this shapes the way we relate to the world around us. Because health is not only shaped by systems, it is shaped by interaction. How we show up emotionally How we regulate our nervous systems How we respond to stress, both our own and our animal companion’s These factors directly influence both animal behavior and overall emotional wellness. Let’s break down how our communication and connection may not be working. Behavior is communication, not dysfunction In my work, I rarely see animals as “misbehaving.” What I see instead is communication. What appears as: Reactivity Anxiety Withdrawal Is often a reflection of: Nervous system dysregulation Environmental stress Disconnection within the relationship Animals are deeply perceptive, especially within the human-animal bond, where emotional and nervous system states are continuously exchanged. They attune to our internal state. So, when we attempt to change behavior without addressing connection, we are often working against the very system we are trying to support. Co-regulation: Where healing begins If we are to truly embrace a holistic model of wellness, we must move beyond treatment and into relational awareness and take accountability for it. This is where co-regulation becomes essential. Humans and animals continuously influence each other’s nervous systems. A dysregulated guardian can heighten anxiety in an animal A stressed animal can amplify tension and anxiety within the home A calm, grounded presence can restore balance to both This is not theoretical. It is observable, practical, and foundational to both holistic pet care and emotional well-being. What this looks like in real life Bologna, in a moment of trust. What once showed up as tension and uncertainty began to shift, not through correction, but through connection. When we became the calm, safe place she needed and let her lead, trust blossomed. I worked with a rescue parakeet named Bologna, who was deeply afraid of people and resistant to any form of touch. She lived in a constant state of vigilance, startled easily, withdrawn, and unable to relax in the presence of her guardian, Cassandra. Instead of focusing on behavior correction, we focused on creating the relationship. We began by removing expectations and allowing Bologna to guide the pace of the interaction. Routine was introduced to create predictability, and her environment was adjusted to support a greater sense of safety, not based on what Cassandra envisioned, but on what Bologna needed, because the space we share needs to accommodate both to ensure both humans and animals are able to feel safe and calm. At the same time, Cassandra was shown how to regulate herself before engaging, using breath, awareness, and intentional presence to shift her own nervous system. Something Bologna would have sensed from their very first interaction. This became the turning point. As Cassandra became more grounded and allowed the interaction to progress naturally, Bologna began to respond. Not immediately, but consistently. She softened. She observed. She moved closer, on her own terms. And over time, she began seeking connection. What once felt unsafe became something she could move toward, and even initiate. What emerged was not simply improved behavior, but trust. A shared state of safety. A relationship built through co-regulation rather than control. Cassandra later reflected that while Bologna was healing from her fear, she too experienced a profound shift, finding calm, presence, and a deeper sense of connection in the process. From concept to lived experience The One Health movement points us toward integration, and as Holistic Actions expresses: “By reconnecting to the fundamental unity of people, animals, and our planet, we can at last lay the foundations to survive, thrive, and create the better world that has too long been waiting for us.” This is the vision. But for many, the question remains, "How do we actually live this?" Because connection is not just an idea. It is a practice. It shows up in: How we regulate ourselves How we engage with those around us, including our animal companions How we shape the environments we share How we extend compassion and understanding out into the world around us How we interact and support our planet with intention The environment we create, both physically and energetically, does not just influence behavior in our homes. It reflects a broader relationship with the world around us, where the choices we make impact not only our own well-being, but that of our animals and the health of the planet as a whole. Our beliefs and actions extend beyond our homes through how we interact with, and respect, others and the world around us. The future of wellness is relational The One Health movement is right: We must move beyond fragmentation. But the next evolution is not just integrated systems. It is integrated relationships. Health is not experienced in isolation. It is experienced together, as the whole. When we begin to: Listen instead of correct Regulate instead of react Connect instead of control We shift the entire dynamic. Not just for ourselves. Not just for our animals. But for the environments we share, and the planet we are dependent upon. A new way forward The future of wellness is not only about creating systems. It is about restoring connection. Between people. Between animals. And within the environments that support us both. Whether in our homes or in the world around us. Because when we heal the relationship… We don’t just shift behavior. We transform the experience of living, for people, for animals, and for the planet. Call to action If this perspective resonates with you, exploring how connection, environment, and awareness shape your relationship with your animal companion is a powerful next step. You can explore additional insights and resources here , including tools to support deeper connection with your animal companion and a link to her book Moving Beyond Words: Our Shared Journey. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Arlana Tanner-Sibelle Arlana Tanner-Sibelle, Interspecies Connection & Wellness Coach | Author Arlana Tanner-Sibelle is the founder of We Wellness Solutions and the author of Moving Beyond Words: A Transformational Guide for Animal Guardians and Their Companions. With over 25 years of experience in holistic wellness and a lifetime of working with animals, she blends intuitive insight with integrative healing modalities to support both people and their companions. Arlana helps animal guardians create happier, healthier, and more harmonious relationships by guiding them from stress and frustration into calm, trust, and a deeper connection.

Jerri Bre (Jerrlicia Cameron) is the founder of Real Time Gains Management, a company focused on helping entrepreneurs and businesses transform their operational chaos into structured, sustainable growth. With a background rooted in pattern recognition and Lean Six Sigma principles, Jerri works to implement systems that allow businesses to scale without burnout. In this interview, she shares her story, her approach to business, and how she empowers companies to thrive. Jerrlicia B. Cameron, Global Cultural Strategist Who is Jerri Bre (Jerrlicia Cameron)? Jerrlicia is the spirit. Jerri Bre is the structure.   I was born in Fort Riley, Kansas, but I’ve never felt tied to just one place. My father was in the military, my mother was a nurse, so I lived in Germany, Spain, globally  –  constantly adapting and observing. I’m from the South, but the Midwest raised me, so I learned early how to move between environments without losing who I am. Life hasn’t been easy, so I found joy in creativity, in understanding people, and in paying attention to details others overlooked. Most people see me out in the world, but they don’t really know me. I’m what you’d call a popular loner – I move with people, but I also move within myself. Growing up as an only child in my mother’s home, I learned strength early. And when that’s all you know, you don’t question it – you become it. Jerrlicia is who I’ve always been: bold, observant, and deeply aware. I’ve always seen patterns, gaps, and potential. Jerri Bre became the version of me that could carry that awareness into the world.   Where Jerrlicia is instinct and fire, Jerri Bre is vision and execution – the strategist behind Real Time Gains Management. Real Time Gains isn’t just a company name; it’s how I think. Every decision is rooted in cause and effect, and every action must create traction in real time. At home, I’m reflective and intuitive. I don’t sit in confusion; I clear it. I’ve been called a canvas rebel, and I think that fits. I don’t rebel against systems, I redesign them. Jerrlicia is the uniqueness the world didn’t know it needed. Jerri Bre is the brand ensuring it won’t be ignored. What inspired you to start Real Time Gains Management, and what gap did you see in the market? Real-Time Gains Management was born from pattern recognition.   I kept seeing entrepreneurs and creatives being labeled as inconsistent or unfocused when, in reality, they were outgrowing their environments. There’s a tension that happens when your internal vision expands faster than your external reality. Most people experience it, but don’t have the language for it – so it shows up as burnout, frustration, or self-doubt. But I saw something different.   I saw people who didn’t need correction – they needed structure. I saw businesses that didn’t lack ambition; they lacked systems. Many entrepreneurs rely on hustle, believing more effort will solve everything. But effort without structure leads to burnout, not scale. So I built Real Time Gains to close that gap – helping people translate ideas into concepts with flawless execution. The gap wasn’t intelligence. The gap was integration. What core problems do you help small to midsize businesses solve when they feel stuck or overwhelmed in their growth? Most businesses don’t struggle because they lack effort – they struggle because they lack structure. When companies feel overwhelmed, it usually comes down to three things: lack of operational clarity, inconsistent execution, and over-reliance on the founder.   Many business owners are still doing everything themselves, which keeps them stuck in a cycle of constant hustle instead of growth. Delegation becomes difficult – not because they don’t have support, but because they don’t have systems they trust. That’s where I come in.   My process starts with observation. I take time to understand how the business actually operates – how time is used, how decisions are made, and where breakdowns happen. From there, I identify gaps in areas like delegation, workflow structure, and consistency across operations. Once those gaps are clear, I implement systems that create stability – structured workflows, clearer accountability, and processes that allow the business to function without relying on one person. A big part of my work is helping clients maximize what they already have. Most businesses don’t need more resources; they need better utilization of the ones they’re underusing. My goal isn’t dependency, it’s sustainability.   I build foundations that continue to operate even when I’m no longer there. That’s what allows businesses to scale without burnout. What makes your Lean Six Sigma systems and process improvement approach different from traditional business consulting? I don’t spend time focusing on competitors – I focus on results.   What sets my approach apart is that I’m not just giving advice. I’m applying structured, proven methods to solve problems that often aren’t visible at the surface level. Many businesses can identify when something feels off, but they can’t always pinpoint where the breakdown is happening. That’s where process thinking comes in. My approach is rooted in Lean Six Sigma principles, which focus on reducing waste, improving efficiency, and creating consistency across operations. But more importantly, I translate those principles into real, everyday business applications. For example, I often tell clients – everything in your business should have a place and a purpose. In product-based businesses, this shows up in inventory organization, workflow, and resource management. In service-based businesses, it shows up in consistency, delivery, and customer experience.   I also bring a level of analytical thinking that considers long-term impact, not just short-term results. In business, every decision has a ripple effect, and I help clients understand when to move forward, when to pivot, and when to pull back before small inefficiencies turn into larger problems. My process follows a structured framework:   Define the problem. Measure what’s actually happening. Analyze where the breakdown is. Improve the system. Control it so the results last.   What makes my work different is that I don’t just build systems — I make sure they’re reusable, not just usable. A usable system works once.   A reusable system continues to work without constant rebuilding. It’s like an engine – once it’s built correctly, it should keep running, adapting, and producing results over time. The goal isn’t complexity. It’s clarity and sustainability.   Because when systems are reusable, businesses can operate, grow, and scale without having to start over every time they expand.   What are the first changes you typically implement that create immediate, measurable results? The first thing I create is clarity.   Before anything can improve, we need to understand what’s actually happening inside the business – where time is being spent, where bottlenecks exist, and where resources are being underutilized. From there, the first immediate shift is structure.   I focus on organizing daily, weekly, and monthly responsibilities so the business isn’t running on memory or urgency, but on a consistent operating rhythm. One of the biggest changes I implemented early was delegation.   Most business owners are doing too much themselves – not because they want to, but because they don’t have systems in place they trust. So we identify what can be reassigned, who is responsible for what, and how those responsibilities are tracked. That alone creates immediate relief and opens up capacity for the business to grow.   I also look at where small inefficiencies are creating larger problems – whether that’s in workflow, communication, or delivery and make targeted adjustments that improve consistency right away. In some cases, that includes introducing simple automation or tracking systems to reduce manual work and improve visibility. Within a short period of time, businesses begin to feel more stable, more organized, and more in control of their operations. The goal isn’t to overhaul everything at once – it’s to create momentum through clear, measurable improvements. Because once a business can see what’s working, it becomes much easier to scale it.   Throughout my life, I’ve been many things to many people – a mother, a sister, a friend, a partner, a colleague. I’ve been called by names that reflected love, misunderstanding, admiration, and projection. Some saw me as the underdog. Some called me overachieving, blunt, difficult, or too much. But through all of it, I have chosen to walk by faith, not by sight. No matter what the world called me – whether I was celebrated or criticized, understood or misunderstood – I remained who I’ve always been at my core: Jerrlicia. And now that the world knows me as Jerri Bre, I still have not lost my essence.   Through every challenge, mentally, physically, and emotionally, I have continued to apply the same pressure toward my goals while helping others reach theirs. Because titles may change. Perceptions may shift. But purpose remains. Follow me on Instagram , Linkedin and visit my website for more info. Read more from Jerrlicia B. Cameron

Written by Jay Mannion, The Soul Coach Jay is a soul coach and breathwork facilitator specialising in ECS Breathwork, a science-led approach that integrates oxygenation, nervous system regulation, and mind-body awareness. His work bridges physiology, psychology, and lived human experience to support lasting change. Steve’s diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was the catalyst that propelled him to live his best life, not through external changes, but by transforming his inner world. In this article, Jay shares the powerful lessons he learned from Steve’s journey, highlighting the importance of embracing each moment and choosing to live fully. Through breathwork, gratitude, and mindfulness, Steve’s life was transformed, and so was Jay’s. “Jay, it’s taken me getting cancer to live my best life as my best self.” I’ve never forgotten those words. They came from a man called Steve. He was 34. A business owner. A husband. A dad to two young children. A working-class lad. Loved his football. Not spiritual. Not into meditation. Not into anything like that. And he had just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.   When I first started working with people with cancer, it began with my uncle. To this day, God rest his soul, he is my hero. A true human being. Caring, loving, kind. One of those people you simply felt better for being around. After working with him, I stepped into working with people outside of my family. If I’m honest, that brought a whole new level of pressure. A lot of ego. A lot of doubt. Because now it wasn’t just love guiding me. It was a responsibility. Expectation. Fear of getting it wrong. And then came Steve. When Steve first reached out, he was exactly where you would expect him to be. Fear. Real fear. His whole life, as he knew it, felt like it had been ripped away from him. Not physically, but mentally. That is what the ego does. It jumps forward. It catastrophises. It tells you everything you are about to lose before anything has actually happened. And Steve, like most of us, had spent his life building patterns. Working. Providing. Being “the man”. Not sitting with his feelings. Not exploring them. Not understanding them. Just getting on with it.   One of the most powerful moments of my life happened during a session with him. It was on Zoom. His screen was off. Just his name. He was muted. I had taken him through what I called a mindfulness exercise at the time, which I now understand was meditation. And in that silence, my ego kicked in. Is he thinking this is rubbish? Is he going to cancel after this? Is he wondering what I’m talking about? All that noise. All that doubt. All that is needed for validation. Then suddenly his mic came on. “Jay, it’s taken me getting cancer to live my best life as my best self” I was blown away. Looking back, something shifted in Steve in that moment. But something shifted in me as well. Because if I’m being honest, part of what I felt was validation. My ego had been in overdrive, telling me all the reasons why this 34-year-old lad, from a similar background to me, would think I was talking nonsense. Up until that point, I had built my identity on being logical. Science. Data. Evidence. If it could not be measured, I struggled to trust it. But something had already started changing in me. Because I had seen something before Steve.   A woman called Debbie. The first non-family member I worked with was after my uncle. Without realising it at the time, she was showing me everything I now understand as the foundation of my work. Her resilience. Her energy. The way she carried herself through something most people fear more than anything. It did not come from logic. It came from something deeper. And to this day, she is still here. Still showing up. Still living. Still choosing her best self. And what I had seen in Debbie, I was now witnessing in Steve. From that moment on, something opened in him. All the things he had previously shut off, he stopped resisting. Because suddenly, none of that mattered anymore. What mattered was how he felt. What mattered was being alive. What mattered was his truth. His raw, human desire to live. To be a husband. To be a dad. To be the man he knew he truly was. From that point on, Steve began to change. Not externally. His circumstances were the same. But internally, everything shifted. He started to consciously appreciate every moment. To really feel it. Because when you strip everything back, feeling a moment is proof that you are still alive in it. That became his focus. Not the fear of what might happen, but the appreciation of what was happening. Even in his darkest moments, he found the strength to choose gratitude. Not because everything was okay, but because he was still there to experience it. Then came a moment I will never forget. He called me. “Jay, I’m going to send you something. You need to try it.” I could hear the excitement in his voice. So, I said, alright, send it over. It was an 11-minute breathwork video. At that point, I was still very much driven by logic. If it was not backed by data, I dismissed it. And if I’m honest, that is exactly what I did at first. A bit of arrogance. A bit of ignorance. But I gave it a go anyway. What I was not told was that you probably should not be doing this while walking around your living room. I was at home with my six or seven-month-old daughter, pacing as I followed the exercise. The first round felt incredible. Energised. Alive. So, I pushed harder. The next thing I knew, I woke up on the floor. Looking up at my little girl, crying her eyes out, because her dad had just fainted in the living room. Thankfully, I did not hit my head. As strange as it sounds, that moment changed everything. Because it was Steve, in one of the hardest moments of his life, who opened my eyes. To breathe. To presence. How lucky we are just to be here. Every breath is a moment. Every moment is something we get to experience. And when it all comes to an end, what we really have is the collection of those moments. That is our life. So let me ask you something. Try to answer it logically, not emotionally. Why did it take cancer for Steve? Why did he wait? And the bigger question is this. What are we all doing unconsciously?   One of the greatest lessons I have learned is this. Make the choice now. Not later. Not when life feels easier. Not when the timing feels right. Now. Because I have heard too many regrets from incredible people. Different lives. Different stories. Same truth underneath. Waiting. Waiting to live. Waiting to speak. Waiting to feel. Waiting to become who they already are.   It should not take a diagnosis to wake us up. But for many people, it does. So, I will leave you with this. What are you waiting for? Because the truth is, most people are not really living. They are existing. Living in fear. Comparing themselves. Trying to prove something. Stuck in the past or worrying about the future. All while missing the only place life actually exists. Right now. Steve did not change his life. He changed how he lived it. And that changed everything. Follow me on Instagram , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Jay Mannion Jay Mannion, The Soul Coach Jay is a soul coach and the creator of ECS Breathwork, a structured breathing methodology designed to support physical regulation, mental clarity, and emotional balance. His work blends modern science with grounded coaching, helping people reconnect with their bodies and their sense of self. Drawing on years of experience working with individuals from all walks of life, Jay focuses on sustainable change rather than quick fixes. His approach is practical, human, and deeply personal, meeting people where they are and guiding them forward with clarity and compassion.

Written by Arne Salig, Psychological Consultant, Mentor, and Author Arne Salig is a psychological consultant, author of several books, and co-creator of the Self-Competence Model. With over 25 years of experience, he helps people grow from within and live with clarity, resilience, and authenticity. His work bridges deep psychology and real-life transformation. There’s a quiet frustration many people carry with them. They’ve reflected. They’ve learned. They’ve tried to change. And still, certain patterns keep returning almost as if something inside them refuses to move forward. It doesn’t always look dramatic. Sometimes it shows up in hesitation. In overthinking. In that subtle sense of knowing what to do and not doing it. Not because of a lack of discipline. Not because of a lack of intelligence. But because the real driver of our behavior often remains unseen.   Beyond behavior and thought Most approaches to personal growth focus on what we do or what we think. Change your habits. Reframe your mindset. Try harder, stay consistent.   And while these approaches can create short-term improvements, they often don’t reach the level where lasting change begins. Because behavior is not the starting point. It’s the result of something deeper. What we do is shaped by what we feel and even more by what we are not yet aware of feeling.   What actually drives you If you slow down for a moment and observe yourself honestly, a pattern becomes visible. Many of your reactions, decisions, and internal dialogues are shaped by one of two fundamental emotional states: fear or love.   Fear can be subtle. It doesn’t always appear as anxiety. It can show up as perfectionism, control, withdrawal, or the constant need to prove something. It can look like strength on the outside — while being driven by tension on the inside.   Love, on the other hand, feels different. It carries a sense of openness, clarity, and inner stability. It allows connection not only with others, but with yourself. The challenge is not that fear exists. It is a natural and necessary part of being human. The challenge is that most people are not aware of when fear is in control. And as long as that remains unconscious, change will feel like an uphill battle.   Why insight alone doesn’t change you Many people have already had powerful insights about themselves. They understand their patterns. They see where they hold themselves back. They can even explain it. And yet in the decisive moment, they react in the same old way. This is the point where frustration begins to grow. Because it feels like knowing should be enough. But it isn’t. Insight without integration often leads to more pressure, not more freedom. Or as Arne Salig, co-developer of the Emotion-Based Self-Competence Method (ESM), puts it: “Most people don’t struggle because they lack knowledge. They struggle because they don’t fully understand what is driving them in the moment.”   A more practical way to understand yourself Real change requires more than awareness. It requires the ability to work with what you become aware of. This is where the concept of self-competence becomes essential.   Instead of trying to fix behavior directly, self-competence focuses on developing a deeper, more stable relationship with your inner world. It is not about optimizing yourself. It is about learning to understand yourself in real time.   This includes the ability to recognize your internal state, to stay present with it without rejecting it, and to take responsibility for how you respond to it. These capacities don’t emerge overnight. But when they develop together, something begins to shift. You stop fighting yourself. You start seeing yourself more clearly. And from that place, different choices become possible, not forced, but natural. The moment where change begins There is a subtle but powerful moment in every process of change. It is the moment when you recognize what is happening inside you, not afterward, but while it is happening.   “This is fear right now.” Not as a judgment. Not as a label to push something away. But as a clear observation. And in that moment, something opens. A small space between impulse and reaction. A space in which you are no longer fully identified with what is driving you. And that space changes everything.   A shift in perspective Many people believe that overcoming inner blocks means pushing harder. Becoming more disciplined. Finally, “getting it right.” But often, this approach only reinforces the very patterns they are trying to overcome. Because what looks like resistance on the surface is often protection on a deeper level.   When you begin to understand this, your relationship with yourself changes. And with it, your ability to change. As Arne Salig describes it: “ESM is not about becoming a better version of yourself. It’s about understanding yourself in a way that naturally changes how you think, feel, and act.”   A more human way forward You are not a problem to be solved. You are a human being navigating complex emotional dynamics shaped by your experiences, your history, and your way of relating to yourself.   Lasting change does not come from forcing yourself into a new version of who you think you should be. It comes from developing the capacity to see, understand, and guide what is already there. And when that happens, something shifts quietly but deeply. Not because you tried harder. But because you finally began to see clearly.   Start your journey today If something inside you is nodding right now, that quiet yes, don’t ignore it. Self-competence isn’t just a concept. It’s a practice. A path. And you don’t have to walk it alone. Join our free Self-Competence Community  and connect with others who are ready to grow gently, truthfully, and from the inside out. Grow within. Shine beyond. It starts with you. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn and visit my website for more info! Read more from Arne Salig Arne Salig, Psychological Consultant, Mentor, and Author Arne Salig is a psychological consultant, author of several books, and co-creator of the Self-Competence Model. With over 25 years of experience, he supports individuals and organizations in developing inner clarity, emotional resilience, and authentic presence. His work combines deep psychological insight with real-world practicality. Arne’s approach is rooted in the belief that lasting change begins within – not with perfection, but with honest self-connection. He works internationally as a mentor, speaker, and trainer.

On March 28th, the energy inside the Ann Arbor District Library was undeniable as writers, aspiring authors, and creatives gathered for a powerful and engaging GLAAWC Writers Circle experience. Hosted in collaboration with GLAAWC and led by Dr. Michael Copeland and Schwartzen Precil, the event proved to be more than just a workshop, it was a transformational moment for both in-person attendees and a large virtual audience tuning in via live broadcast. What made this event particularly impactful was its reach. While participants filled the room in Ann Arbor, the message extended far beyond the physical space, connecting with a wide online audience who joined virtually. This hybrid format created a dynamic environment where ideas, stories, and strategies were shared across communities, reinforcing the power of storytelling in today’s connected world. A dynamic Writers circle experience Dr. Copeland and Precil brought a unique synergy to the stage, blending leadership, lived experience, and practical publishing strategy. Their tag-team approach kept the audience engaged, energized, and actively participating throughout the session. The Writers Circle webinar was designed to meet authors at every stage, whether they were just beginning to explore their story or already navigating the publishing process. During the session, participants were guided through four key areas: Crafting a strong manuscript with a unique voice: Attendees learned that their authenticity is their greatest asset. Rather than chasing perfection, they were encouraged to write with clarity and purpose, understanding that their voice, shaped by their experiences, is what makes their story impactful. Choosing the right publishing path: The session broke down the often-confusing world of publishing into simple, actionable options. From traditional publishing to self-publishing, participants gained clarity on how to choose the path that aligns with their goals, timeline, and level of control. Building and engaging a loyal readership: Copeland and Precil emphasized that success as an author goes beyond writing a book. Attendees explored how to build genuine connections with readers, engage consistently, and develop a community that supports their work long-term. Growing your author brand and marketing reach: Perhaps one of the most impactful takeaways was understanding that a book is just the beginning. Authors were challenged to think bigger, leveraging their books into speaking opportunities, workshops, coaching, and broader influence. Impact beyond the room The combination of in-person interaction and live-streamed access created a powerful ripple effect. Attendees left not only with practical tools, but with a renewed sense of confidence and identity as authors. Moments of open dialogue, shared experiences, and live coaching reinforced a key message echoed throughout the event, "Your story is not just for you, it’s for the people waiting to hear it." What’s next: April 29 author power session Building on the momentum from Ann Arbor, Dr. Michael Copeland and Schwartzen Precil are preparing for their next virtual experience: Author power session II: From influence to impact April 29, 2026 7:00 PM EST (Virtual) $49 Registration "April theme: Launch It. Leverage It. Lead With It." This next masterclass is designed for authors who already have: A clear book idea A published book Or momentum from previous sessions And are ready to move from concept to strategy. What participants will learn 1. Build your audience before you build your sales Create consistent, positioning content Build an email list that converts Leverage partnerships to expand reach Core truth: Influence is built intentionally, not accidentally. 2. Turn your book into a business model Develop an offer ladder (Book to workshop coaching to speaking) Package your expertise Price your value with confidence Core truth: Books create credibility. Systems create income. 3. Scale without burning out Create sustainable visibility rhythms Delegate key responsibilities early Protect your creative energy Core truth: Sustainable authors build systems, not hustle cycles. Register now . Final reflection The GLAAWC Writers Circle in Ann Arbor was more than a successful event, it was a clear demonstration of what happens when purpose-driven authors come together to educate, empower, and elevate others. As Dr. Copeland and Schwartzen Precil continue to expand their reach, one thing remains certain, they’re not just helping people write books, they’re helping them build platforms, influence communities, and leave lasting legacies. To watch the entire Writers Circle conference from Ann Arbor, watch here . And for those ready to take the next step, the April 29th webinar is the next opportunity to do just that.

Written by Madeleine Daleng Nyland, CEO of MAD Madeleine Daleng, a five‑time Norwegian figure skating champion, now empowers people through rehabilitation, obesity coaching, and fitness training, blending elite‑sport insight with a human, down‑to‑earth approach. Sticking to new habits is often harder than it seems. While willpower plays a role, true change comes from understanding your motivations, setting clear goals, and finding support. This article explores how to make habits an integral part of your life without the pressure, focusing on long-term growth and balance. Why habits are so hard to stick to How many times have you promised yourself that this time you’ll stick to your new habits? If you’re like most people, the answer is: more times than you can count. And yet, every time someone says, “It’s easy, just push through!”, something inside you tightens because you know it’s not that simple. Real change isn’t about willpower alone. It’s not about being “strong enough” or “disciplined enough.” It’s about understanding yourself, your motivation, and the life you actually live. Once you get that part right, habits stop feeling like a battle and start becoming part of who you are. 1. Why January feels easy, and April feels hard January and February come with fresh-start energy. We’re mentally ready for change. We feel motivated. We want to do better. But as the months pass, life returns to its usual rhythm. The excitement fades. And suddenly, the habits we were so committed to feel heavy again. A new year is not a new life, it’s simply an extension of the old one. Goals matter, but they need structure and purpose to survive beyond the “New Year glow.” 2. Your why: The foundation of every habit Your why is the anchor. It’s the reason you want this habit to become part of your life. And no, “because I want it” is not enough. Your why should be rooted in: What this habit will give you How it will improve your life What it means for you long-term (think 20 years, not 6 months) Write your why down by hand. Keep it somewhere you can return to when motivation fades, because it will. 3. Your inner motivation: The engine Inner motivation is the quiet, powerful force that keeps you going when things get tough. It sounds like: “I want to feel stronger.” “I want more energy for my kids.” “I want to trust myself again.” Without inner motivation, habits rarely last. 4. Your outer motivation: The support system Let’s be honest: very few people rely only on inner motivation. Outer motivation can be: A workout buddy A coach A challenge A reward A community A schedule Using external support isn’t cheating, it’s smart. 5. Don’t be too hard on yourself Life is not meant to be lived inside strict routines. It’s healthy to: Go to a party Eat comfort food Have a girls’ or boys’ night Stay up late on a beautiful summer evening Take a break These moments don’t ruin your habits, they balance them. 6. What to do when you fall out of the system Because you will. Everyone does. A day, a week, or even a whole vacation “off track” is not failure. It’s life. When you’re ready to return: Go back to your why Reconnect with your inner motivation Start with one small action Don’t punish yourself, redirect yourself You haven’t lost progress. You’ve gained experiences. 7. Don’t make it absolute The more restrictive the habit, the more likely it is to break. All-or-nothing thinking kills consistency. Instead: Allow flexibility Adjust when needed Focus on progress, not perfection Sustainable habits are built on balance, not rules. The real secret to staying with your habits Staying consistent with your habits isn’t about perfection, it’s about direction. It’s about knowing your why, understanding your motivation, giving yourself grace when life gets messy, and choosing to return to your path again and again. You don’t need to start over every Monday. You don’t need to wait for a new year. You don’t need to be flawless. You simply need to keep choosing the version of you that you’re becoming, one small decision at a time. Habits don’t shape you in one big moment. They shape you quietly, steadily, in the everyday choices you make. And when you build them with kindness, clarity, and flexibility, they stop being something you chase, and start becoming something you live. Follow me on Instagram , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Madeleine Daleng Nyland Madeleine Daleng Nyland, CEO of MAD Madeleine Daleng is a five‑time Norwegian figure skating champion who now channels her competitive drive into helping people rebuild strength, confidence, and health. With a background from the Norwegian School of Sports Science, she works across rehabilitation, obesity coaching, and fitness training. Her approach blends elite‑athlete discipline with warmth, humor, and real‑life understanding. As the founder of MAD, she supports clients through personal training, group fitness, and long‑term lifestyle change. She also inspires a wider audience through her YouTube channel, Madeleinedaleng_goodvibes.

Written by Tami Saito, Founder of Flow Score | Frameworks Designer Tami Saito is a strategist and executive positioning expert. Founder of FlowScore and creator of frameworks to solve complex problems. She helps C‑suite leaders, independent consultants, and mentors turn experience into numbers, escape “invisible expert” status, and build data‑driven, premium, authentic personal brands with predictable revenue. There is a number that should unsettle every family office, every wealth advisor, and every executive who has ever thought seriously about legacy. 97%. That is the percentage of intergenerational wealth transfer failures caused by factors that have nothing to do with finance. Not market downturns. Not poor investment decisions. Not tax miscalculations, but communication. Trust. Preparation. Mission. The invisible architecture that holds everything together or lets it collapse. The study no one can ignore Roy Williams and Vic Preisser spent twenty years tracking 3,250 families through wealth transitions. Their findings, published in Preparing Heirs, remain the most comprehensive dataset on why family wealth disappears. 70% of wealth transfers fail by the second generation. 90% by the third.   The breakdown of causes is what matters:   60% – collapse of communication and trust within the family. 25% – inadequately prepared heirs. 12% – absence of a shared family mission. 3% professional advisor failures.   The financial planning was sound. The trusts were structured. The portfolios were diversified. What was missing had no name, no number, and no protection.   The gap I saw before I had language for it I did not find this research in a library. I found it in my own family. My family built, prospered, and faced one of the deepest crises an entrepreneurial family can endure. When the financial patrimony was tested, what sustained the crossing was not on any balance sheet. It was the name my grandparents had built. The knowledge. The relationships. The values that preceded the wealth and outlasted the crisis.   At the time, I had no framework for what I was witnessing. I simply observed that the assets that mattered most were the ones no one had planned to protect.   Years later, when my son was born, the question became personal and urgent: if I left the room tomorrow, what would remain of what I had built? Not my portfolio. My expertise. My network. My reputation. The intangible capital that generated every opportunity I had ever received.   The answer was uncomfortable, all of it was invisible, unmeasured, and entirely dependent on my physical presence.   The intangible estate of wealth James E. Hughes Jr. identified five forms of family capital: human, intellectual, social, financial, and spiritual. The wealth management industry has built an entire infrastructure around one of them. The other four are addressed, at best, with a family retreat and a mission statement exercise.   James Grubman, who spent decades working with families from the Forbes 400, offered a different lens. Families that acquire wealth, he argued, are like immigrants arriving in a new country, the "Land of Wealth." They must adapt to a culture they did not grow up in. And they must prepare their children to navigate a world the parents never experienced as children.   He identified three patterns:   Denial: Pretending nothing has changed. Assimilation: Abandoning the values that built the wealth. Integration: Balancing heritage with opportunity.   The families that prosper across generations are the ones that integrate. They do not merely transfer assets. They transfer context, values, and the capacity to steward what was built. They transfer the map, not just the territory.   What is missing The corporate world solved this decades ago, at least partially. Ocean Tomo's research shows that over 90% of the S&P 500's market value now sits in intangible assets, patents, brand equity, intellectual property, and human capital. Aswath Damodaran at NYU Stern has spent his career building frameworks to value what does not appear on a traditional balance sheet.   For companies, intangible valuation is standard practice. For individuals, it does not exist. The executive with 25 years of expertise who does not know how to price an advisory engagement. The founder whose reputation opens every door but appears in no succession plan. The leader whose network is worth more than most portfolios but has never been mapped, measured, or made transferable.   These are not abstractions. These are real economic assets generating real value with no system to protect them.   A different approach This is the gap that led me to create the Flow Score™. It is the first methodology designed to value personal intangible assets not as metaphor, but as a structured, measurable system organized around four capitals:   Knowledge: What you know and how you apply it. The expertise that makes a two-hour advisory session worth more than a month of generic consulting. Relationships: Who trusts you and who you can access. The network that opens doors no recruiter, no platform, and no algorithm can replicate. Reputation: How the market perceives you when you are not in the room. The asset that puts your name on a shortlist before anyone makes a call. Legacy: What remains after you. How your knowledge, network, and reputation are structured to survive your direct involvement and transfer to the next generation.   Each of these can be assessed. Each can be developed with intention. And each can be made transferable, which is precisely what traditional succession planning fails to do.   The question worth asking Williams and Preisser gave us the data. Hughes gave us the framework. Grubman gave us the metaphor. What has been missing is the tool.   A system that takes the intangible, the reputation, the knowledge, the network, the capacity to transfer meaning across generations, and gives it the same rigor we apply to financial assets.   Because 97% is not a statistic. It is a warning, and the families that heed it will not be the ones with the best financial plans. They will be the ones who understand that the most valuable estate is the one no attorney can draft.   Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Tami Saito Tami Saito , Founder of Flow Score | Frameworks Designer Tami Saito is a strategist and executive positioning expert focused on high‑trust markets. She is the founder of FlowScore and creator of frameworks that solve complex positioning and pricing problems for experts. Tami helps C‑suite leaders, independent consultants, and mentors turn experience into numbers, escape “invisible expert” status, and build data‑driven, premium, and authentic personal brands with predictable revenue.