Gregory Mikolay did not start his career with a clear roadmap. What he had instead was a strong work ethic, curiosity, and a habit of learning by doing. Over time, those traits helped him bring complex ideas to life in one of the most demanding areas of enterprise technology. Today, Gregory Mikolay is a Senior Oracle Developer with more than 20 years of experience. He has worked across construction, hospitality, agriculture, and large-scale IT systems. Each chapter added a skill. Each role shaped how he thinks about problems. “I never followed a straight line,” he says. “I followed opportunities for financial or personal growth reasons, always with a mind towards seeing where I could add value or learn more how things work.” Early foundations: Learning work the hard way Gregory Mikolay  graduated from Fox Chapel Area High School in 1986. He later attended the University of Pittsburgh from 1989 to 1991. Like many people early in life, he was still figuring out direction. “I wasn’t ready for a traditional path,” he explains. “I learned more by working than sitting still.” Before entering IT, Gregory Mikolay worked in construction as a general laborer. He spent years in kitchens and restaurants. He also worked as a farm hand and eventually became an Assistant Farm Manager. Those jobs taught him reliability and accountability. “If you don’t show up, the work doesn’t get done,” he says. “That lesson sticks with you.” These early roles shaped his leadership style later in life. He learned how teams function under pressure and how small mistakes can create big problems. Finding direction in technology In the late 1990s, Gregory Mikolay saw technology becoming a backbone for every industry. He decided to commit fully. He enrolled at the Computer Learning Center and earned an Associate’s Degree in Computer Technology (Client Server Tech) in 1999. He graduated Summa Cum Laude . “That was the first time I knew I was exactly where I needed to be,” he says. He was drawn to how systems connect. “Code is just another kind of structure,” he explains. “Like a building. If the foundation is weak, everything above it suffers.” Building enterprise systems that scale Over the next two decades, Gregory Mikolay worked in enterprise IT environments where reliability mattered. He supported large organizations including Corporate Express, MCI Worldcom, Oracle, the U.S. Veterans Administration, financial institutions, and healthcare organizations. His titles changed often, reflecting both depth and adaptability: Oracle Developer, Oracle EBS Developer, Reports and Forms Specialist, Mid-tier Developer, OBIEE Developer, Senior PL/SQL and SQL Developer, Senior Database Developer, Performance Tuning Analyst, Data Warehouse Builder, and Oracle Business Analyst. “I didn’t chase titles,” he says. “I chased understanding and building cohesion and relationships within each of the IT departments.” One of his strengths became performance tuning. He often stepped into software and systems under strain. Slow queries. Overloaded databases. Unclear data pipelines. “I like unburdening things,” he says. “Using business workflows, you can envision how data should move within supporting structures. Once this structure/architecture is implemented and put into place, solutions can be applied that allow that effortless flow and streamlining of data.” His work helped stabilize systems that thousands of people relied on every day. While the backend work he was responsible for was not necessarily “visible” to end users and clients, the values of business continuity, data reliability and marked performance were “felt” in all areas of the business Leadership without the spotlight Gregory Mikolay does not describe himself as flashy. His leadership shows up in the consistency and dedication to his work, the preparation and his generally affable nature. Colleagues often rely on him during high-pressure situations to calm the waters, explain in detail what the problems are and then present solutions in a demeanor that tends to break the ice. “Staying calm is half the job,” he says. “If you panic, you miss the obvious fix and perhaps, the opportunity to check yourself and others you are working with in a crisis situation and thus, being able to learn from the experience to construct a better response when problems occur again” His leadership philosophy was shaped long before IT. “Construction taught me to work quickly but cautiously, it taught me to be safe with my movements and respectful in my interactions with others on a work site. Farming taught me the value of hard work and need for patience, as well as the need for long hours to finish a job. In the hospitality industry, such as restaurants, kitchens and the like, I learned about timing, empathy towards customers or other staff and to be mindful of the quality of services I provided in relation to the expectations of others” he says. “Those lessons apply everywhere today in Information Technology.” He believes stable departments, software development ecosystems evolve from clear thinking, communication and collaboration. “No one who works in IT is on an island; we are all part of the same network or system. If we work on our own but as a collaborative team we all succeed, If we don’t the entire system collapses” he says. Creative thinking beyond the office Outside of work, Gregory Mikolay is a dedicated musician. He writes his own music and plays guitar, keyboards, bass, and drums. He also has experience with violin and viola. “Music is a way to unwind/separate, get in touch with your own passions and feelings. It trains your brain to recognize patterns or get lost in them,” he says. “That carries over into tech.” He remains hands-on in his personal life. He skis, hikes, gardens, works on construction projects, repairs cars, and fixes electronics. “I like knowing how things work,” he says. “Whether it’s a database or a garden.” Quiet impact through giving back Gregory Mikolay also supports causes that matter to him, including Native American organizations, food banks, and college funds. He prefers to keep this part of his life low-profile. “What’s good for the ‘soul’ such as helping other people doesn’t require recognition,” he says. “Commitments outside of yourself require follow through. Making a difference through that commitment is the reward” A career defined by built ideas Looking back, Gregory Mikolay sees his career and life as a combination of journeys, ideas all brought to life through discipline and persistence and a sense of adventure and curiosity. In his professional life he did not endeavor to become a front end software developer where most of the “creative” and “flash” of the internet exist. On account of his curiosity over how things work and what’s actually “under the hood” he chose to get involved with the development of data architecture, databases, and ETL. “Success isn’t always pronounced,” he says. “Sometimes success is just making sure using the proper metaphor, like a car mechanic, the car starts, it runs properly and efficiently, and through proper maintenance and support, ensure the longevity of all its systems and to the satisfaction of the user” His journey shows that big impact often comes from steady effort, practical thinking, and a willingness to learn at every stage. “There’s never been an orchestrated plan or path I set upon for my career,” Gregory Mikolay says. “I have moved around as opportunities presented themselves. Whether they be for financial reasons or personal enrichment and experience you can find value in each opportunity. Whatever the future holds, you just keep moving forward, strive to do the right thing in every circumstance, keep your cool and resolve and maybe, just in looking back, you’ve accomplished that high water mark in life; that you’ve contributed positively to the business and the people you came in contact with, and no matter the time spent there where you could ‘make your mark’, maybe you’ve gained some more respect and a better reputation.”

Natasha B. Russell (NBR) is a dynamic force in the entrepreneurial world. As the Founder & CEO of NBR Global Solutions Inc., she empowers purpose-driven entrepreneurs, businesses, and organizations to achieve their goals. Through coaching, speaking, training, and consulting, Natasha delivers impactful communications, branding, and public relations strategies that drive success. Natasha B. Russell, Motivational Speaker Who is Natasha B. Russell? Introduce yourself, your hobbies, your favorites, you at home and in business. Tell us something interesting about yourself. Hello! I am Natasha B. Russell – though many of you know me simply as NBR. If I had to describe myself in a few words, it would be a Transformation Architect. I am the Founder and CEO of NBR Global Solutions Inc., an award-winning coach, strategist, and motivational speaker. But before the awards and the certifications, I am a woman of deep faith and a proud Calgary native with vibrant Jamaican roots. My mission is simple but massive: to empower purpose-driven leaders and entrepreneurs to lead their lives with Purpose, Confidence, and Clarity. I don't just want to help you build a business; I want to help you build a legacy from the inside out. In the boardroom, I am a strategist with over 20 years of experience in corporate communications, PR, and crisis management. I’m the person organizations call when they need to protect their reputation or unlock their next level of performance. I believe that when you operate in your God-given purpose, success isn't just possible, it’s inevitable. But at home? I am a mom first. My home is my sanctuary. I am a woman who values peace, integrity, and the beauty of a fresh start. You might find me enjoying the quiet of a morning prayer, or navigating the beautiful, messy, and rewarding journey of motherhood. I believe your 'inner world' dictates your 'outer success,' so I prioritize my own mental, physical and spiritual well-being just as much as my client's KPIs. When the 'Boss' hat comes off, I am fueled by creativity and community. I have a passion for mentoring youth and partnering with organizations like Calgary Pageants to boost the confidence of young women. I love high-vibe environments, empowering conversations over a great meal, and anything that inspires growth. I'm a firm believer that 'Your Health is your Wealth,' so I’m always looking for ways to rejuvenate my spirit and stay grounded. Something people might find surprising? My journey isn't just built on successes; it's built on resilience. At age 11, I heard a sermon about being 'fearfully and wonderfully made,' and it changed my life forever. It gave me the self-esteem to know that no matter what life throws at me – whether it's a career shift or a personal transition – I am equipped to handle it. I’ve learned that the 'Best is yet to come' isn't just a catchy motto; it’s a lifestyle. I am a living testament that you can transform your reality, reclaim your power, and build an empire even when you're starting from a blank slate. What inspired you to focus on leadership, branding, and communication coaching? My inspiration comes from a deep-seated belief that every individual has a unique, God-given purpose, but many lack the tools to articulate that purpose or the confidence to lead from it. Over my 20-year career in corporate communications and public relations, I saw a recurring pattern: brilliant people were being held back, not by a lack of skill, but by a "communication gap" and a "confidence crisis. I realized that Leadership isn't just a title; it’s an influence that starts with self-mastery. I was inspired to help leaders stop "performing" and start leading with authenticity. Branding became a focus because I saw how often people’s external image didn't match their internal value. I wanted to help entrepreneurs and professionals build a brand that is an honest reflection of their integrity and their "BOSS" energy – standing for Believe, Optimize, Strategize, and Succeed. Finally, Communication is the heartbeat of everything I do. Whether it’s internal dialogue or external PR, how we speak determines our reality. I was inspired to coach in this area because I’ve seen firsthand how one shift in communication can save a reputation, close a deal, or heal a relationship. My coaching is my way of giving others the "Keys to the Kingdom" – the ability to own their story, command a room, and build a legacy that lasts. How does your work help entrepreneurs and organizations gain more clarity, confidence, and purpose? My work serves as a bridge between current obstacles and future potential. I help entrepreneurs and organizations move from a state of "survival" or "stagnation" into a state of High-Performance Alignment through a three-pillared approach: Clarity: The Strategic Roadmap. Most leaders suffer from "noise" – too many ideas and not enough focus. I help my clients strip away the distractions to identify their core mission. We define exactly who they are, what they do, and why it matters. This clarity eliminates decision fatigue and ensures that every move they make is intentional and profit-driven. Confidence: The BOSS Mindset. Confidence is a muscle, and I help my clients build it. Through my proprietary coaching frameworks, I help leaders silence the "inner critic" and overcome imposter syndrome. For organizations, I build confidence by strengthening their communication culture. When a leader believes in their value and their voice, they become an unstoppable force in their industry. Purpose: The Legacy Factor. Success without purpose is empty. I help my clients align their business goals with their spiritual and personal values. When an entrepreneur finds their "Why," their work becomes a calling rather than a chore. For organizations, this means higher employee engagement and a brand reputation built on integrity. By the time our work together is done, my clients don't just have a better business; they have a "sound mind" and a strategic blueprint to believe, optimize, strategize, and succeed. What is the biggest mistake you see people make when trying to build a personal or corporate brand? The biggest mistake I see – and it is a costly one – is building from the "outside-in" rather than the "inside-out." Many people believe that branding is simply a beautiful logo, a catchy tagline, or a polished Instagram feed. They focus on the "packaging" before they have defined the "product." When you build a brand based solely on aesthetics or what you think the market wants to see, you create a brand that is fragile. The moment a crisis hits, or the moment you face a personal transition, that "outside-in" brand crumbles because it has no foundation. A truly powerful brand is built on authentic alignment. Another major mistake is the inconsistency of character. In the digital age, your "personal brand" is your reputation. If your corporate brand promises integrity, but your personal leadership is characterized by chaos or a lack of clarity, there is a "trust gap" that no amount of marketing can fix. People don't buy products; they buy people and the purpose they stand for. At NBR Global Solutions, I teach my clients that your brand is a promise. If you haven't done the internal work to ensure you can keep that promise, you aren't building a brand – you’re building a facade. To succeed, you must first believe in your internal value, optimize your mindset, and then strategize your external message. What outcomes can clients expect when they complete your 90-day coaching programs? The NBR 90-day coaching journey is a high-impact, transformative experience designed for those who are ready to stop playing small. While every leader’s path is unique, my clients consistently walk away with three tangible outcomes: A Comprehensive Strategic Blueprint: We move from "guessing" to "governing." Clients leave with a customized roadmap for their personal or corporate brand. They know exactly what their message is, who their audience is, and how to communicate their value with surgical precision. A "BOSS" Mindset Shift: One of the most powerful outcomes is the psychological breakthrough. Clients report a massive increase in self-confidence and a reduction in the "mental fog" that often leads to burnout. They learn to lead with a "Sound Mind," allowing them to navigate high-pressure situations without losing their peace or their purpose. Tangible Growth and Visibility: Whether it’s securing higher-level speaking engagements, rebranding an existing business for higher profit, or mastering internal corporate communications, my clients see measurable results. By the end of 90 days, they aren't just "coached"; they are equipped. They possess the tools to Believe, Optimize, Strategize, and Succeed on their own terms. They don't just reach a goal; they become the version of themselves that is capable of sustaining that success for a lifetime. If someone is ready to take the next step with you, what does working with you look like, and how can they get started? Working with me is a partnership built on radical honesty, strategic excellence, and results. I don't believe in "cookie-cutter" coaching. Whether you are an individual executive looking to sharpen your leadership or an organization needing a brand overhaul, our journey always begins with a discovery consultation. During this initial phase, we perform a "Pulse Check" on your current brand or leadership style to identify where the gaps are. From there, we move into one of my tailored programs – we will decide based on your goals. I am a hands-on strategist. My clients have direct access to my 20+ years of expertise as we build your blueprint together. We use the B.O.S.S. Framework to ensure every move you make is backed by a solid strategy and a clear purpose. If you are tired of playing small and are ready to reclaim your voice and your value, the best way to get started is to visit my website here . There, you can book a consultation, explore my coaching packages, or inquire about booking me for your next event. The best is yet to come, and I would be honoured to help you build it. Follow me on LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Natasha B. Russell

Written by Shaun Sargent, Co-Founder STAIT That we age is a given, how we age is a choice. STAIT – Unapologetically Strong. A first-class academic, award-winning professional, and global CEO, he is dedicated to continuous growth and inspiring others along the way. What a question! We are constantly told to drink water, make sure we hydrate, and get those eight glasses in each day. But is that good advice? Maybe. Maybe not. I wasn’t so aware of this issue around water until I met my beautiful wife back in 2011. She lived in Las Vegas, where we met, and her bad experience with the water there was incredible. Such a happy, healthy, pure woman suddenly became depressed, lethargic, and very anxious. Lucky for me, her partner at the time was an expert in water and asked her which tap she was drinking from. Sure enough, she was drinking mains water, full of Vegas’ finest recreational and prescribed drugs, as well as hormone disruptors that leach into the system on the QT. Think about it. Watch any documentary by Dr Masaru Emoto, Viktor Schauberger, and the like, and you will quickly realise that just because it looks the same, not all water is the same. And that’s before we even mention the quality of water. You see, modern water in villages, towns, and cities has passed through the bodies of, on average, at least seven people. I hate averages. And the purification of water at the local treatment plant isn’t capable of removing, or maybe it’s too expensive to remove, even the basic crap that is in the water. How can they test the water in Sydney, Australia, and find cocaine or birth control pill residue? Because it’s not removed in the process. However, when we listen to health experts, they all say to drink more water. In doing so, we must be mindful of drinking water that nourishes us. Is bottled water any better? Frankly, no. Anything stored in plastic will, despite what the plastics industry tells us, contain hormone-disrupting chemicals. As an aside, and with no evidence, just put an Evian bottle in front of a mirror and see what words you see staring back at you. So, back to the story, what did my wife do? She bought the best water filter available and only drank water that passed through that filter, in her tea and hot drinks too. What a miracle. Within a couple of weeks, all the side effects disappeared. The key is that we need to take this into consideration with all our drinks. How often do people fuss over bottled mineral water, yet drink tea or coffee without knowing the water source? At home, we take this one step further, because the content of water is not only absorbed through what we drink, but also through what we bathe in. The skin is our largest organ, and what goes onto the skin is rapidly absorbed into our system via the semipermeable membrane of the skin. So think about it. We drink bottled water because we are told this is the way to avoid contamination. Then we go home after a long day, have a bath or a shower, relax, and then what? The whole point is to question everything and go with what feels best for you. But I can bet that anything that goes on the skin will impact how you feel, how healthy your body is, and how you function as a human. So what’s the answer in everyday life? We have super-strong filters on everything we drink and everything we bathe in, because we want to be as clean as possible, free from toxins and contaminants. We place the water that we drink on energy plates to enhance, as Dr Masaru Emoto found, the messages in our water. When we travel, we take our portable water filter, stainless steel water bottles, and our energy plates. Extreme, yes. But given our body requires water to survive and thrive, the quality of the water we use and take in will have a massive effect on our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. If you would like to be the best you can be, look into where your water comes from and take steps to make it the best it can be. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Shaun Sargent Shaun Sargent, Co-Founder STAIT As a co-founder of STAIT, my personal search for health and personal development is relentless. I seek out the best of the best to learn from and share with. To be the best you can be on a daily basis is the key to human growth.

Written by Hendrien van der Bijl, Imago Relationship Therapist Hendrien is an Imago Relationship Therapist and founder of Start Right, helping couples rebuild connection, communicate with compassion, and live their relationships with greater passion and purpose. Disconnection in a relationship rarely announces itself loudly. There isn’t always a big fight, a betrayal, or a clear moment where everything changes. More often, couples begin to lose each other quietly while still sharing a home, a bed, a life. This is what we call the “invisible divorce.” It unfolds in ordinary moments that are easy to dismiss, easy to explain away, and even easier to normalize. Nothing looks “wrong” from the outside. And yet, something essential slowly slips out of reach. I notice these moments all the time. Not because I’m searching for what’s broken, but because patterns have a way of revealing what words don’t. This isn’t about blame or diagnosis. It’s about bringing awareness to what often goes unnoticed. Because what we can notice, we can gently shift before distance becomes a way of life. Disconnection is usually subtle, not dramatic Most couples don’t come to therapy because of one single event. They come because something feels off, even if they can’t quite name it. Quiet disconnection often hides behind everyday explanations. Everyone is tired. Everyone has phones. Everyone has busy seasons. And all of that is true. The problem isn’t any one behavior on its own. It’s when certain moments start appearing together, again and again, until distance becomes the background of the relationship. What quiet disconnection often looks like in real life These are some of the small, easily missed signs I notice when couples are emotionally drifting, not intentionally, not maliciously, just gradually. Being on phones without really leaving them Both partners are on their phones. Not checking something specific, just staying there. John Gottman refers to everyday moments of attention, eye contact, and response as bids for connection. These bids are small attempts to say, “Are you here with me?” When phones consistently replace responsiveness, bids often go unanswered, not because partners don’t care, but because presence has quietly shifted elsewhere. You can learn more about Gottman’s concept of bids for connection here . Talking without shared joy Conversation is happening. But there’s no laughter. Words are exchanged, logistics are covered, updates are given, yet something light, playful, or connective is missing. Esther Perel writes about how modern couples often prioritize efficiency and responsibility while intimacy slowly thins out. In Mating in Captivity, she explores how connection doesn’t disappear because of conflict, but because vitality, curiosity, and aliveness quietly fade. You can explore Esther Perel’s work on intimacy and desire in long-term relationships here . Sitting close, feeling far You’re next to each other. But there’s space between your bodies. Physical proximity doesn’t automatically create emotional closeness. Without intentional presence, even shared spaces can feel lonely. The absence of casual touch No hand on a knee. No quick squeeze. No unconscious reach. Touch is one of the earliest forms of safety we learn. When it disappears, it’s often not because affection is gone, but because emotional safety has become uncertain. Humor that carries an edge The jokes sound harmless. But they land a little sharp. This is often where unspoken tension leaks out sideways. Humor becomes a shield instead of a bridge. One talking, one elsewhere One partner is speaking. The other is looking around the room. Thich Nhat Hanh often spoke about the art of conscious presence, how being truly present with another person is one of the deepest forms of love. Not listening to reply. Not listening while distracted. But listening as an act of devotion. You can read more about Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings on mindful presence and deep listening here . Moving through the motions on autopilot Waking up. Getting ready. Sorting lunches. Replying to messages. Making dinner. Tidying up. Going to bed. Everything gets done. Life keeps moving. On the surface, it looks like teamwork. But nothing is really felt. When couples spend long periods in survival mode, presence slowly becomes optional. Conversations become functional. Touch becomes efficient. Togetherness turns into coordination. And without realizing it, partners start living alongside each other rather than with each other. Autopilot is not a failure. It is often a sign of exhaustion, responsibility, or overwhelm. But when it becomes the default way of relating, the connection does not break dramatically. It fades quietly. And what is lost is not the relationship itself, but the felt sense of being emotionally together inside it. Rare eye contact, little turning toward each other Eyes don’t meet often. Bodies rarely orient toward one another. Gottman describes turning toward as one of the strongest predictors of relational health. These small movements, a glance, a nod, a soft orientation, are where connection lives and repairs itself. Why these small moments matter None of these behaviors means a relationship is failing. But when many of them show up together, repeatedly, they often point to emotional disconnection, not the dramatic kind, but the slow, almost invisible kind. This kind of distance usually isn’t caused by a lack of love. It’s caused by stress, adaptation, unspoken hurt, exhaustion, and the gradual loss of presence. Noticing without blame is the first step back This isn’t about labeling your relationship. It’s not about deciding something is wrong. It’s about awareness. Because once something is noticed, it becomes a choice point. Awareness creates options. And options create movement. In Imago work, we don’t start with fixing. We start with noticing patterns gently and without judgment, because safety is what allows connection to return. A gentle question to sit with If you slowed down and really watched your own relationship, without defending it, without criticizing it, which of these would you recognize first? Not to panic. Not to accuse. Just to notice. Because quiet disconnection doesn’t mean the end. It usually means something is asking to be seen. Start reconnecting on purpose You don’t need a crisis to begin reconnecting. You don’t need a label or a diagnosis. Sometimes the most meaningful shifts begin with presence, choosing to turn toward each other again intentionally, gently, and with care. Why I refuse to help couples settle for unconscious disconnection I do this work because I don’t believe disconnection is something couples should simply learn to tolerate. Many relationships don’t end in crisis. They end in quiet resignation. Partners adjust. They lower expectations. They stop reaching. They make peace with a distance they can feel but no longer question. And from the outside, everything looks fine. But inside, something vital goes missing. Unconscious disconnection slowly teaches people to abandon parts of themselves. To speak less honestly. To touch less freely. To feel less deeply. Over time, this doesn’t just affect the relationship, it affects how alive a person feels in their own body and inner world. I help couples because I believe relationships are meant to be places where aliveness is restored, not diminished. Noticing these small patterns isn’t about fixing or blaming. It’s about bringing what’s unconscious into awareness so choice becomes possible again. When disconnection is named gently and met with presence, couples don’t just learn how to get along, they learn how to come back to themselves and to each other. I don’t help people simply survive relationships. I help them reclaim connection, safety, and vitality. Because when two people are awake, present, and emotionally available, love doesn’t have to be chased. It emerges naturally, again and again. If you’d like support in learning how to do this in a way that feels safe and sustainable, you’re welcome to explore my work or book a session through my website . Connection isn’t lost overnight. And it doesn’t return overnight either. But it does return when it’s noticed, invited, and nurtured. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more info! Read more from Hendrien van der Bijl Hendrien van der Bijl, Imago Relationship Therapist Hendrien is an Imago Relationship Therapist and the founder of Start Right, a practice dedicated to helping couples rebuild connection and communicate with greater compassion. She specializes in guiding partners through conflict patterns, emotional disconnection, and the deeper dynamics that shape intimate relationships. Her work blends clinical training with practical, heart-centered tools that make healing accessible and real. Through her courses, sessions, and writing, she teaches couples how to understand each other with curiosity rather than defensiveness. Hendrien’s mission is simple, to help people live their relationships with intention, presence, and passion.

Written by Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO Wayne Elsey is the founder and CEO of Elsey Enterprises. Among his independent brands, he is also the founder and CEO of Funds2Orgs. The future of capitalism and business is being rewritten. It's not just in the boardrooms, but also in the growing public call to close the gap between profit and meaningful responsibility, not just talk through self-promoting corporate social responsibility programs. For generations, capitalism has been built on ownership. Whatever the CEO, business leadership, and shareholders owned, controlled, or extracted was theirs to sell. In turn, the entrepreneurial mindset  created wealth and scale, but, as is apparent, it also created a fractured society in almost every country. Why is there so much fracturing and anger? Because people and workers feel like afterthoughts. As a few exert control, many wonder how they can provide for their families. In my work, I see it every day. Generally speaking, families are good, and all people want is the dignity of a job and work opportunity so they can support their families. The future of capitalism belongs to those who understand stewardship. From ownership to business leadership responsibility Ownership often asks a straightforward question: What can I take? In turn, stewardship asks another, more complex question: What am I responsible for doing while I'm here? With a stewardship mentality, you're aware of how you engage with people, resources, and time. Ownership favors quick scaling and fast wins, and stewardship prioritizes durability, legacy, and a hand-up. Now, sure, people may call me an idealist, but I'm a realist. The reason I've been able to create multiple global organizations and scale them to multi-million-dollar entities is that my team and I have earned the trust  of others. In turn, it’s allowed us to gain expanding market share and outperform because we don’t treat anyone as expendable. Responsibility compounds. Why the old model is losing credibility As reported by Edelman , there's a massive erosion of trust in major institutions, including businesses and government. People have grievances because they feel society is unfair and the elites have more than their share. Optimism is dim, and the future of capitalism, which I believe in when it's tied to stewardship, is facing crosswinds. The old playbook assumed that growth could justify almost anything done to the public, customers, and workers. Any consequences were someone else's problem. But today, communities are less willing and able to accept disruption without any benefit. Young people don't care about performative values and hollow words. Responsible capitalism is not anti-profit Responsible and purpose-driven capitalism doesn't mean "soft" leadership or an anti-capitalist mentality. I'm someone who believes in capitalism as a path to sustainability. Still, I also believe in a shared responsibility for lifting as many boats as possible, not just mine and my family's. Why have my social enterprises been successful? Again, we’ve earned trust, which is now such a precious commodity. We did it with restraint and not excess. We did it with patience, even though it would have been easier to take a shortcut for higher profits. And we did it, staying focused on the long term rather than short-term thinking. Trust as a competitive advantage Something that at the moment seems like an undervalued asset for the future of capitalism is trust. But when your employees trust you, it creates the stability to continue. When your partners trust you, you can leverage them for expansion. And when communities trust you, you gain permission to operate and grow in areas that were previously closed. In a world where people feel more disconnected than ever, and anxiety and depression  are significantly rising, earning trust is so vital. Communities, workers, and people want to trust someone. When business leadership seeks to build trust, it shows in outcomes, and it becomes a value to protect rather than spend. Rethinking scale and growth with sustainable capitalism For generations, capitalism has equated success with scale. The bigger, the better. The faster, the smarter. But the stewardship and the future of capitalism lean on challenging that assumption. Not every business needs to scale, but it should drive income and value for its workers and community. As I long discovered in the world of for-profit social enterprises, some business models need depth. My team and I have partners in about two dozen countries. We make it a point not to go to those partners to tell them how to sell the shoes. They know what works and what doesn’t in their localities, and they trust us to help them scale sustainable businesses. Business leadership, stewardship, and capitalism’s next chapter When business leadership assumes a stewardship and responsibility posture, it prioritizes dignity over rescue, CSR programs, and opportunity over intervention. The future of capitalism favors this design because workers and communities want to be a part of organizations that serve as a nexus of trust, not as an add-on, but as an engine of mutual benefit and growth. The coming chapter of capitalism is still in the process of being, but it’s plain to see that what stood stands no more. The bolder leaders are those who are willing to act responsibly and measure success from what lasts rather than how fast they can extract and scale. If you want to do more, ask yourself, What am I responsible for doing while I’m here?   © 2026 Wayne Elsey . All Rights Reserved. Follow me on Facebook,   Instagram , LinkedIn,   and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Wayne Elsey Wayne Elsey, Founder and CEO Wayne Elsey is the founder and CEO of Elsey Enterprises. Among his independent brands, he is also the founder and CEO of Funds2Orgs. This social enterprise helps nonprofits, schools, churches, civic groups, individuals, and others raise funds while helping to support micro-enterprise (small business) opportunities in developing nations and the environment.

Written by Julie Wan, Psychotherapeutic Counsellor Julie Wan is a UK-based Psychotherapist and Counsellor specialising in anxiety, life transitions, and attachment work with teenagers and adults. She integrates humanistic-existential psychotherapy with developmental psychology to help clients gain clarity and freedom. For many people, the idea of therapy begins with the assumption that something inside them needs to be fixed. They come because anxiety feels unbearable, because they feel stuck in patterns they can’t change, because they are overwhelmed, ashamed, disconnected, or unsure of themselves. This assumption makes sense. We live in a culture that treats psychological discomfort as a problem to eliminate. But in my work as a therapist, I have found that therapy becomes most transformative when we move away from the mission to “fix” and toward an attitude of curiosity, contact, and understanding. My own practice has been shaped by existential, relational, and experiential traditions that view emotional distress as meaningful rather than defective. These approaches invite us to explore how we make sense of our lived world, how assumptions, beliefs, relationships, and history shape our experience, and how understanding these patterns can open space for change. Moving beyond the fix-it mindset When someone arrives in therapy hoping to get rid of anxiety, or overwhelm, or uncertainty, I don’t try to remove those feelings. Instead, I become curious about them: what might they be protecting? What meaning do they hold? What are they responding to? Where did they begin? This shift is powerful because focusing on eliminating discomfort can actually limit insight. When our only goal is to stop feeling anxious, for example, we may miss the story the anxiety is telling. We may miss the part of us that is trying to keep us safe, maintain connection, or avoid shame. Therapy offers a different stance. Instead of asking, “How do I stop this?” we begin to ask, “What is this showing me?” The moment the agenda stops being self-correcting, space opens for self-understanding. Paradoxically, clients often notice that feelings start to soften when they are no longer being fought. The relational encounter Although therapy is often described as a treatment, I experience it first and foremost as a relationship. Much of what wounds us happens in relationships through being unseen, misread, invalidated, controlled, or abandoned, and it is through relationships that repair becomes possible. In the therapy room, I pay attention not only to what clients say, but to how they are feeling in the moment: tension, hesitation, self-consciousness, longing, defensiveness, humour, overwhelm. These are not symptoms to eliminate, they are communications. Over time, clients begin to experience something that can feel unfamiliar: the sense of being met rather than managed. When someone feels safe enough to share the parts of themselves that feel messy or unacceptable, those parts begin to come into focus. They become less frightening, less shameful, and more understandable. This does not mean therapy is always comfortable. Sometimes it is frustrating, awkward, tender, or uncertain. But these moments are often where something important is happening, a pattern is being revealed, a boundary is being felt, a need is being expressed, a younger part is being protected. Change unfolds through contact, not correction. Working with parts instead of against them Something I see often in therapy is that people are at war with different aspects of themselves. A part of them wants closeness, another part pulls away. A part craves achievement, another collapses under pressure. A part longs for rest, another insists on productivity. When we treat these inner tensions as defects to be fixed, we often intensify the struggle. But when we approach them with curiosity, what is this part afraid of? What is it trying to secure? What history does it carry? A different picture emerges. Many so-called “symptoms” turn out to be adaptations: strategies that helped us survive circumstances we could not control. Criticism might have protected us from humiliation. Anxiety might have kept us vigilant in unpredictable environments. Numbing might have shielded us from overwhelm. These parts don’t need to be eliminated, they need to be understood. When they feel recognised rather than rejected, they often relax. Inner conflict becomes inner dialogue, and new choices become available. Attending to experience instead of controlling it Another dimension of therapy involves learning to attend to what is happening in the present moment. This includes thoughts and emotions, but also sensations, impulses, imagery, and the subtle “felt sense” that exists before words. I often invite clients to slow down and describe what they are noticing, without trying to change anything yet. This can sound simple, but it is not easy. We are used to overriding our internal experience in order to function. But when experience is given space not analysed from afar, not suppressed for the sake of coping, something tends to move. People are often surprised by what emerges when they listen inwardly. A feeling that seemed threatening may show its purpose. A bodily tension may soften when named. A belief may reveal its origin. Insight arises not through mental effort, but through contact with what is there. There is a natural forward movement in the psyche when experience is allowed rather than controlled. It is not forced change, it is organic development. What transformation actually looks like Sometimes people worry that if therapy stops focusing on fixing, nothing will change. In my experience, the opposite is true. When the demand to “get better” relaxes, space is created for understanding, and understanding creates the conditions for transformation. Change in therapy is not usually dramatic or sudden. It tends to unfold quietly, through moments of clarity or gentleness or coherence. It may look like: being less at war with yourself questioning old assumptions feeling your needs instead of dismissing them recognising patterns in relationships setting boundaries without apology feeling emotions without drowning in them making choices that reflect who you are rather than who you should be Clients often describe feeling more grounded, more compassionate, more spacious inside. They relate to others with less fear or reactivity. They develop a sense of inner coordination rather than fragmentation. This is not fixing. This is integration. Conclusion: Understanding over fixing Therapy offers something that our culture rarely makes room for: the chance to explore our inner world without urgency, judgment, or self-correction. When experience is met rather than managed, it begins to make sense. When it makes sense, it begins to shift. The paradox is that change often arrives when we stop demanding it. By moving away from fixing and toward understanding, we learn that our distress is not a sign that we are broken, it is a signal that something in us is asking to be heard. Closing reflection If you find yourself thinking about these themes in your own life, you don’t have to make sense of them alone. Therapy provides a calm, relational space where questions can be explored and experiences can be understood in your time. Follow me on LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Julie Wan Julie Wan, Psychotherapeutic Counsellor Julie Wan is a Psychotherapist and Counsellor working on the South Coast of the UK and the founder of Rockshore Therapy. Registered with the BACP, she works from a humanistic-existential framework, integrating phenomenology, attachment theory, and developmental psychology. Julie specialises in anxiety, transitions, and relational difficulties with teenagers and adults. Her work is known for its depth, clarity, and ability to reduce self-blame while supporting clients to see their situations more clearly. She has previously worked with organisations including the YMCA and brings a rich background in education and teaching to her therapeutic practice.

Written by Joana Esteves, RTT Practitioner, Clinical Medical Assistant & Hypnotist Founder of Holistic Transformation Center and host of the Mind Untangling Podcast, Joana Esteves is an International Rapid Transformatio nal Therapy practitioner and Health Coach who helps high achievers reach the next level through the power of hypnosis. Personal growth  isn’t about fixing what’s broken, it’s about reconnecting with what’s already within you. Many people genuinely want to grow, change habits, and create a more fulfilling life. Yet, even with the best intentions, old patterns often resurface. This doesn’t mean you lack discipline or motivation. More often, it means that something beneath the surface is asking for attention. True personal growth happens when we work from the inside out. Why personal growth can feel challenging Personal development is not just about learning new strategies or setting better goals. While those are important, lasting change also requires awareness of the inner patterns that quietly influence behaviour, confidence, and decision-making. When we approach growth with curiosity instead of self-judgment, change becomes more accessible and more sustainable. Gentle foundations for personal growth Personal growth doesn’t require force or constant effort. It unfolds more naturally when a few essential foundations are in place, foundations that support change at both a conscious and subconscious level. Clarity of intention Personal growth begins with clarity. This doesn’t mean having every step planned, but rather understanding the direction you wish to move toward. When intentions are aligned with your deeper values, they create an inner sense of coherence that makes change feel purposeful rather than imposed. Without clarity, growth efforts often feel scattered or exhausting. Emotional awareness Growth requires an honest   relationship with your inner world . Emotional awareness allows you to notice patterns of reaction, resistance, or self-doubt without becoming entangled in them. By learning to observe emotions with curiosity rather than judgment, you create space for more conscious choices and reduce the inner friction that often blocks change. Supportive environments Personal growth is deeply influenced by the environments you move through. This includes the people you surround yourself with, the conversations you engage in, and the spaces where you reflect and reset. Supportive environments help regulate the nervous system and reinforce new ways of thinking and being, making growth feel safer and more sustainable. Consistency over perfection Lasting growth is rarely dramatic. It happens through small, consistent moments of awareness and choice. When perfectionism is softened, growth becomes less about proving something and more about staying present with the process. Consistency builds trust with yourself and with the changes you’re inviting into your life.   These foundations help create safety within the nervous system, a crucial and often overlooked part of transformation. When insight isn’t enough Many people understand what they would like to change, yet still feel blocked when it comes to implementing it. This is where   deeper inner work can be especially valuable . Approaches such as   hypnosis  work directly with the subconscious mind, the place where habits, beliefs, and emotional patterns are formed. By gently engaging this level of awareness, it becomes possible to release   self-sabotaging  patterns and create change that feels natural rather than forced. A different way to approach change Personal growth doesn’t need to feel like a struggle. It can be spacious, compassionate, and deeply empowering when approached with the right tools and guidance. If you feel that there’s more available to you but something keeps getting in the way this may be an invitation to explore growth at a deeper level. You’re invited On February 7, I’m hosting a live online workshop called:   Unleash Your Full Potential – Release Self-Sabotage & Realign Your Life   This experiential workshop blends personal growth insights with guided reflection and hypnosis, offering a supportive space to reconnect with clarity, confidence, and inner alignment. This is not about pushing harder, it’s about releasing what no longer serves you. Learn more and register here .   Follow me on  Instagram , and visit my  website  for more info! Read more from Joana Esteves Joana Esteves, RTT Practitioner, Clinical Medical Assistant, Hypnotist Joana Esteves helps people from all walks of life with issues like stress, anxiety, weight loss, insomnia, addiction, wealth, relationships, confidence, self-esteem, phobias, sports performance, procrastination, and any undesirable patterns that may be keeping them from living at their highest potential. Using the phenomenal RTT method, Joana taps into individuals' subconscious minds to get to the root cause of the issue, removing old beliefs and reprograming the mind to achieve the desired goals. Other useful links and resources related to this article: https://www.apa.org/pubs/reports/work-in-america/2023-workplace-health-well-being#:~:t  ext=Opportunities%20for%20growth%20are%20associated,42%25). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-doesnt-kill-us https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-024-02546-9  #:~:text=Personal%20Growth%20Initiative%20(PGI)%20a,multi%2Ddimensionality%20of% 20the%20construct . https://ukcpd.co.uk/personal-development/what-is-personal-development/#:~:text=Perso  nal%20Development%20is%20the%20conscious,knowledge%20and%20improving%20pe rsonal%20skills.&text=develop%20talents%20and%20potential%2C%20build,realisation% 20of%20dreams%20and%20aspirations .

Written by Nelum Dharmapriya, Doctor & Health Coach Dr Nelum Dharmapriya is a Brisbane-based GP with a special interest in metabolic health, menopause, and lifestyle medicine. She combines 30 years of clinical experience with a personal passion for helping women thrive in midlife and beyond. By the time women reach their 40s, many feel as though their bodies have quietly turned against them. They are eating less than ever. They are exercising more. They are doing everything they’ve been told to do. And yet the weight creeps up, particularly around the belly. What makes this experience so distressing is not just the physical change, but the story women tell themselves about it. That they’ve lost discipline. That they’re not trying hard enough. That if they could just summon more willpower, things would fall back into place. As a GP working with women in midlife, and as a woman who has lived this journey herself, I can say with certainty that this narrative is wrong. For most women over 40, belly fat is not a matter of willpower. It is a stress-driven biological response. Understanding this shifts everything, from blame to biology, from frustration to clarity, and from ineffective dieting to real, sustainable change. When knowledge isn’t enough: My own wake-up call For much of my medical career, I believed that good health followed good advice. Eat well. Exercise regularly. Sound guidance, but incomplete. As a South Asian woman, I also grew up in a culture where food is deeply intertwined with love, celebration, and a sense of belonging. Rice, curries, and shared meals were part of everyday life. At the same time, South Asians are genetically more prone to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, often at lower weights and younger ages than other populations. Over time, I began seeing the same pattern repeatedly in my clinic, and quietly in myself. High responsibility. Chronic stress. Poor sleep. Long working hours. Doing everything “right” and still feeling tired, bloated, foggy, and stuck in a body that no longer responded to effort. What finally changed my approach, personally and professionally, was realising that willpower was never the missing ingredient. Biology was. The stress insulin connection that most women aren’t taught To understand why stress, not willpower, drives belly fat after 40, we need to understand a simple but powerful physiological sequence. Stress triggers a rise in cortisol, which increases blood sugar, leads to insulin release, and promotes fat storage. This chain reaction happens every day in modern life, often without us realising it. Stress isn’t just emotional. The body responds to mental overload, caregiving, poor sleep, restrictive dieting, excessive exercise, inflammation, illness, and hormonal fluctuations in very similar ways. All of these activate the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis and increase cortisol. Cortisol is not a “bad” hormone. It is essential for survival. But when cortisol remains elevated for long periods, as it often does in midlife, it fundamentally changes metabolism. Cortisol raises blood sugar, even without food One of cortisol’s key roles is to ensure that glucose is available in the bloodstream. From an evolutionary perspective, this makes sense. If the body perceives a threat, it wants immediate fuel for the brain and muscles. Cortisol increases glucose production in the liver and reduces glucose uptake into muscle and fat tissue. Importantly, this rise in blood sugar can occur even if you haven’t eaten. This is a crucial, and often misunderstood, point. Many women assume blood sugar spikes only come from carbohydrates. In reality, chronic stress alone can raise glucose levels repeatedly throughout the day. When women understand this, something shifts. Their lived experience finally makes sense. Insulin: Essential, protective, and easily overstimulated Whenever blood glucose rises, insulin is released to move glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells. Insulin is life-saving. Without it, glucose becomes toxic. However, when insulin is released frequently, problems emerge. Over time, cells become less responsive to insulin’s signal. This is insulin resistance. The pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, leading to chronically elevated insulin levels. Here is the critical point most diets ignore, as long as insulin remains high, fat loss is biologically blocked. No amount of calorie cutting can override this hormonal reality. This is why willpower-based dieting fails so many women after 40. Why belly fat is so stubborn Visceral fat, the fat stored around the abdomen and internal organs, is metabolically active and highly sensitive to cortisol. It contains more cortisol receptors than fat stored elsewhere in the body. Under chronic stress, the body preferentially stores fat centrally. Belly fat is not a moral failing. It is a stress adaptive survival response. Visceral fat also worsens insulin resistance and inflammation, creating a self-reinforcing loop of stress, insulin, and fat storage. This is why belly fat is often the last area to respond, and why it is closely linked to cardiometabolic risk. Why dieting backfires after 40 Many women respond to midlife weight gain by doing what has always worked before, eating less and exercising more. But after 40, this approach often backfires. Perimenopause and menopause bring hormonal changes that increase cortisol sensitivity, reduce muscle mass more easily, and impair recovery from stress. Sleep is often disrupted, further driving insulin resistance and appetite dysregulation. When women restrict calories, skip meals, or over-exercise, the body interprets this as another stressor layered onto an already overwhelmed system. The result is predictable, metabolic slowdown, rising cortisol, worsening insulin resistance, increased cravings, fatigue, and emotional eating. This is not a failure of discipline. It is physiology doing exactly what it was designed to do. Insulin resistance: The root issue hiding in plain sight Insulin resistance affects far more than blood sugar. It underlies fatigue, brain fog, inflammation, cardiovascular risk, hormonal disruption, and weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. Many women with insulin resistance are told their blood tests are “normal” and are dismissed, despite feeling anything but well. When the focus remains on weight alone, the real issue is missed. Improving metabolic health, not chasing weight loss, is the key to long-term wellbeing. What about fasting? Intermittent fasting can be a powerful tool, but only when the foundation is right. In women over 40, fasting layered onto poor sleep, chronic stress, low protein intake, and hormonal instability can increase cortisol rather than improve insulin sensitivity. The goal is not to stack stressors. It is to create metabolic safety. Shifting the narrative: From willpower to support When women understand that stress, not willpower, drives belly fat after 40, everything changes. The focus shifts from punishment to support. From restriction to nourishment. From control to collaboration with the body. Sustainable fat loss begins when the body feels safe, supported by adequate protein, preserved muscle, stable blood sugar, restorative sleep, and nervous system regulation. Muscle, in particular, is critical. It is the largest site of glucose disposal in the body. Loss of muscle accelerates insulin resistance and metabolic decline, especially in menopause. Stress regulation is not optional. It is a biological necessity. The take-home message If you are a woman over 40 struggling with stubborn belly fat despite doing everything “right”, your body is not broken. It is responding exactly as designed to chronic stress, hormonal shifts, and metabolic overload. Understanding this biology is deeply liberating. It allows women to step out of self-blame and into clarity, compassion, and smarter care. When we stop blaming willpower and start respecting physiology, real healing begins. Ready to take the next step? If this article resonated with you, you’re not alone. At Whole Food Revolution, we support women over 40 who are tired of blaming themselves for bodies that are simply responding to stress, hormones, and modern life. Our work focuses on restoring metabolic health through science-based nutrition, lifestyle change, mindset support, and compassion, not restriction or guilt. If you’d like guidance that helps you work with your body rather than against it, we invite you to get in touch. Visit here to explore our resources, programs, and community, or reach out to learn how we can support you on your next step toward sustainable health. Because when women understand their biology, they can finally stop fighting their bodies and start healing them. Follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Nelum Dharmapriya Nelum Dharmapriya, Doctor & Health Coach Dr Nelum Dharmapriya is a Brisbane-based GP with 30 years’ experience in women’s health and metabolic wellbeing. Founder of Whole Food Revolution, she empowers women 40+ to reclaim energy and confidence through the three pillars of science, lifestyle, and mindset.

Written by: Kamil Shah, 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 this post is being written, we are going through a period of pause. The COVID-19 virus has brought countries and economies to its knees. For some of us, it is a confusing and restless period, filled with anxiety and fear. For others, it provides a moment of optimism, growth and development. This moment brings with it an opportunity to reflect and take stock of our individual state. A moment to identify where we are now, where we have come from, and more importantly where we are going. International Keynote Speaker, Author and Success Coach Les Brown says it best when he poses the 3 questions that each one of us should be reflecting on. “ Why am I here', 'Where have I been', and 'Where am I going?” - Les Brown The first 2 questions can quite easily be answered. We can quickly locate ourselves in terms of our current state of affairs, and also reflect on our past. The third is somewhat more challenging to answer for most people. Unless there is a definite and intentional focus applied, trying to clarify 'where we are going' can be rather vague. Like walking through a thick fog, you may only be able to see as far as your hand can reach, and nothing further. It can be quite an uncomfortable and scary situation to be in. However, if there was a light in the distance, clear and apparent like a lighthouse, the situation seems less daunting. You may feel less anxious and comforted to the fact that there is something up ahead guiding you. If we take the notion of the fog as the confusion that we may have in our life, one which only offers visibility on a day to day basis, we can also compare the guiding light up ahead as a Goal which has the potential to guide us out of the 'fog' towards a fixed and clear destination. There's a lot of debate as to whether Goals, or setting a target for oneself, is something worth investing time and effort in. Remember the Goals you've set as your New Year's resolutions? It may be extremely discouraging if you, like many others, have set your own Goals only to see them peter out over the course of the year, or have been abandoned mid-way. It is worth noting that Goals without Strategic Action reduces the Goal into merely an idea which never sees the light of day. Strategic Action is required to begin the journey into realizing the Goal. For many, having Goals is not even part of their mental psyche, or 'radar'. “Research finds that 97% of Americans don't have clearly written goals, and 99% don't revisit or rewrite them from time to time.” Read the last sentence again. With that kind of statistic, let's have a look at our own Goals. Do we have any? And if so, have we clearly defined what they are? Are they written down somewhere? And if they are, are we re-visiting them daily to see if they still hold true or need re-calibrating? Now you may be asking why is all of this important? How can Goal setting improve our lives? Hopefully the following article can shed some light onto the significance of having Goals and its role on our personal development. Reason No.1 Goals Set Destinations In the late 90s, there was a Glaswegian band who made it big with songs like 'Why Does It Always Rain On Me' and 'Sing'. If you were around at the time, you'll know that I'm talking about Travis. The band enjoyed much success, albeit for a while, only after their second album, 'The Man Who', was released. In fact, they had been at it, playing and performing, for about 10 years before they really shot to stardom. Although Travis were known for the titles mentioned, a song which really resonated with me, and still does, is 'Driftwood'. The lyrics, although might seem obvious yet confusing, essentially illustrates how Life moves on and takes it pre-determined course. The cycles of seasons and natural laws carry on, with or without us. It just does. Within the song, it talks about a 'driftwood' that just, well, drifts. Just as a piece of wood which can be found floating aimlessly in a body of water like a river or sea, a driftwood does not navigate its course. Rather, it goes where the current flows. Carried along, sometimes above and at other times under, water. It's a daily reminder of the fact that Life will move on, with or without you. Unless we understand the true value, which Life gives us, we will eventually, unknowingly, become 'driftwood'. So, what is all this talk about 'driftwood' got to do with Goals? The answer is simple. Without Goals, our lives may turn out to be 'driftwood'. That's it. Why am I boldly saying this? It's because my own life was, at one point, moving aimlessly like a 'driftwood'. Now the concept of 'driftwood' doesn't necessarily mean purely sitting or hanging around watching your life go by. This is one form. However, we can still be actively engaged in society (having a job, paying the bills, paying taxes etc.), and still develop the concept of 'driftwood'. For some, days , months and even years go by, and they may find themselves doing the same thing over and over again, almost like Groundhog Day, with no real intention and just drifting. You may still hold a job, but possibly one which you are disengaged with or have no real heart in but you do it anyway to pay the bills. Before you know it, days turn into months and months into years. As I mentioned, this was me at one point. I had not set myself any clear Goals, and so I just drifted. “Goals act like 'hooks'. We cast them into the future with intent, and they draw us forward towards them.” Setting a Goal sets you on a path to achieve fulfillment in the things that matter to you. Contrary to a driftwood, a Goal allows you to navigate and steer towards a definite target which is that of your own. As the saying goes, 'If you don't have a plan, you will most likely be part of someone else's'. And that's true. For many of us, not having a clear Goal will mean that we may fall under someone else's plan, for example an organization that does not have your best interest to progress your career, but one that may be using your talents to fulfill their own. Having a Goal allows you to steer clear of things which may not be aligned with your targets, which means that you can focus your energy into the ones that do. For example, to set a Goal for your dream job, or a house, or car, or something you want to achieve in your relationship. Anything for that matter requires an intentional destination and desired result. Being intentional means that you are in charge of your destiny and this is important if achieving a Goal is something that you want to do in Life. It avoids you falling into the situation of drifting along someone else's course. Once set, the course begins to be paved to get you there. Reason No.2 Goals Give Us a GPS Having a Goal is like having a GPS. Take Google Maps for example. In order for it to function, it first needs to know where you are currently located. Then it will need to know where you want to go. Once it has these two variables, it will work out for you a number of permutations, or ways to get to your destination. In this respect, having Goals is similar to having a GPS. It sets a clear and firm destination of where you would like to go. The words 'clear' and 'firm' have been highlighted for a reason. Clarity in your Goal will determine how accurately you arrive at your destination. The clearer you are with the Goal, the more likely you are to get there. At the same time, a focused destination will give you a strong 'beacon' that is unwavering under any circumstance. Once you've set the destination, the GPS will then work out for you the different ways to get there. However, if you are unable to determine where you would like to go in the first place, the GPS will not be able to provide you the routes or paths to get there. “When is the best time to start? When it is finished (in the mind)” - Jim Rohn In essence, having a Goal places an anchor for you similar to a GPS, which without, risks you drifting through Life. By having an end point in mind, then only can you start on your journey. Jim Rohn, renowned American speaker and author, reminds us of this simple fact. In order for us to achieve our ambitions, we need to have a plan that takes us there. And in order to have that plan laid out for us, we need to have it finished in our mind. Then only can you begin to embark on the journey. Thus, having a Goal will allow you to plan the path you need to get there. One key part to note is that you may find as you go along your journey, and as you gain more clarity, you may need to re-calibrate your Goals. There's no harm in that. In fact, it shows a great deal of self-awareness that you re-visit your Goals from time to time and assess whether they need adjusting. Changing or calibrating your Goals, if needed, is part of the process of your growth and personal development. Reason No.3 Goals Give Us Forward Focus Want more free time and energy? Then set a Goal. This is one of the best ways to free yourself up for more time and energy as we go through Life. 'How is this possible?', you might ask? 'Surely it works in the opposite way?'... ''Surely having a Goal to work towards will take up more time and expect more energy from me?'...'I have enough on my plate as it is, and I'm spent each day working my 9-5. How can having a Goal give me more time and energy?!'. “Where focus goes, energy flows” - Tony Robbins The answer is simply that Goals allow us to consolidate our focus and energy on the things which we actually want to make happen in our Life. Not having one can zap our time and energy as we continue to scurry and run around, sometimes like headless chickens, day in and day out, with no clear aim. We may be creating movement but not really progress. Herein lies the difference. You may be spending a lot of time and energy on something, but without a Goal, your movement is similar to a hamster running on its wheel. No progress is made. Even if there was any, it is probably not aligned with your own Goal, but someone else's. “Don't mistake movement for progress.” Having a Goal helps consolidate our time and energy working towards our own cause. We all have the same 24 hours a day. No more, no less. What differentiates people when it comes to appearing to have more time than others are how and where they use their time. By focusing our energy and time into the activities which support our Goals, we gain more time which otherwise would be wasted on distracting activities. The same is true with energy. You may have heard this question before, or you may have asked it yourself...'How do you have the time and energy to do all of this?'. The simple answer is that by focusing our time and energy on our Goal, we are liberated from the tasks which do not serve our purpose. This in turn leads us to reclaiming back what would be lost time and energy for us to devote on the things that actually matter. Reason No.4 Goals Give Us Ownership of Our Lives One of the biggest stressors (and motivators, whichever way you want to look at it) in people is a lack of control of their lives. As mentioned previously, not having a plan for your Life may lead you down a path of featuring in someone else's plan. At times, we may feature heavily in their plans. Now, if your aims and ambitions are aligned with theirs (e.g. in an organization), then together both you and the organization will reinforce each other's goals and a good match is established. However, if you are not at one with the ambitions of the organization or apathetic to its whole direction, this could lead to you being disengaged with your work which, in turn, may lead to other issues such as work-related stress induced by one-way or even abusive relationships. Not having a Goal, for example a career goal, may lead to stress attributed to a lack of ownership in the direction of one's professional Life. “Research now finds that up to 90% of medical illnesses seen in a doctor's office has some underlying stress related to it.” A growing number of illnesses seen today such as panic attacks, eczema, asthma and even the common cold can be said to be the physical manifestations of stress. Basically, your body is trying to tell you something about which you may not have been paying attention to or have been ignoring for some time. By having a Goal, you are able to focus on what you aim to achieve, and in turn you will do the required things needed to get there. Once you understand this, you begin to make the moves necessary as you take ownership of your life. Essentially, it is taking responsibility of your own life, and that success or failure is now up to you. How fast and how slow you get to your Goals is now also up to you. There will be no room for playing the 'blame game'. It is no longer someone else's fault. By taking ownership of your destiny, the buck stops with you. This will help lift you from being a 'victim' of the situation, to becoming a 'victor' of your future. Reason No.5 Goals Make you a Better Person As we go through Life, we may find that our Goals may require fine tuning, or completely overhauled. This is normal. It's part of Life. The fact that you may want to revisit, change or alter your Goals is a healthy sign of your continual assessment and engagement with them. It indicates a perpetual investment of time in questioning the relevancy of your Goals. “Ultimately it's now what you get, but who you become” - Jim Rohn In fact, the Goal may even be secondary. What is more profound is the person we become in getting there. For what it makes of us as we journey towards it. As mentioned previously, you may never get to your Goal, but what is more valuable will be the knowledge acquired from the books that you'd have read, the course you'd have taken, the people you'd have to speak to, the places you'd have to travel to, the decisions you'd have to make and the actions you would have taken on your journey. To get to your Goal may require you voyaging uncharted waters picking up new skills along the way. They may prove beneficial later on either in your career or personal life; for example, learning a new language or new piece of technology. The path on which you travel will also enrich your Life experience; another of the 'ripple effect' of Goals. Lastly, the process of pursuing your Goal will humble you as you become a better person. Reason No.6 Goals Give You Drama! Finally, the reason to have Goals is the excitement of getting there! That 'top of the mountain' feeling of achieving your Goal. It is something that you would want to savor as you soak up the atmosphere. Being in the moment of finally achieving it. Take for example, the moment that you finally pass an exam which you've invested time, effort and money in. The sacrifices that was required in the process. Finally, to arrive at a point where you know you've succeeded in achieving that Goal. Savor the moment. Soak in the atmosphere. Connect with the surroundings. The people there with you. The sounds. The smell. At that very moment of time, your senses will be heightened. It is the perfect time to lock the moment in. You've arrived. “Part of the fun of having Goals is not only to check them off when you've accomplished them, but the opportunity to create new ones!” Checking off your Goals could be one of the most fulfilling moments for you. Not only because you acknowledge your success in achieving it, but more importantly, that it provides you an opportunity to create new ones. The end paves the road to a new beginning. And as such, the accomplishment of a Goal may provide you with more hunger and desire to set up new ones. To wrap up, the following are the fundamental reasons why anyone should have Goals: Reason no.1 Goals Set Destinations Reason no.2 Goals Give us a GPS Reason no.3 Goals Give us Forward Focus Reason no.4 Goals Give us Ownership of Our Lives Reason no.5 Goals Make you a Better Person Reason no.6 Goals Give you Drama! As we move on from here, the post COVID-19  terrain should bring us more opportunities. If you haven't already, start setting and journeying towards your Goals now, so that your future may be much brighter than ever before! I hope that you have found this helpful. Please share it with someone who you think may find it beneficial. Let's support each other during these challenging times. My sincere gratitude and love to you. Kamil. For more details follow me on Facebook or Instagram and visit my website . Read More Kamil Shah, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Coming from a professional background in design, Kamil previously practiced in both the Education & Corporate Sectors. One life-changing event in his 20s saw Kamil's life plummet from having a progressing career in design, to living on $2 a day virtually overnight. This painful experience has taught him valuable lessons in Life, which he has used advantageously in regaining his feet and ultimately achieving Personal and Professional Success. He now shares his experience and knowledge in helping others achieve their own success through bringing on their own Personal Genius.

Written by Margo Monique Thompson, Relationship and Personal Growth Strategist Margo Thompson is a Social Work professional, Educator, and CEO of Complete Care & Wellness Clinic. In her upcoming book, The Psychology of a Broken Heart, she offers a clinical and faith-rooted approach to healing emotional pain–bringing hope, clarity, and lasting change for individuals and generations to come I didn’t enter 2025 looking for wholeness. I thought I was already complete. But I entered it tired, emotionally, spiritually, and quietly questioning parts of myself I thought I had already healed. What this year required of me wasn’t more effort or resilience. It required honesty. 2025 became less about doing and more about undoing. I spent more time unlearning survival patterns than chasing growth, questioning the internal narratives I had lived by rather than the ones I truly believed. I stopped managing my pain and allowed God to meet me in it. What followed wasn’t a dramatic transformation, but something far more sustainable, alignment, or what I’ve come to understand as integration. Integration is the process of bringing together the parts of yourself that were once fragmented by survival, your mind, body, emotions, faith, and lived experiences, so they can move in truth rather than tension. Alignment, for me, meant my beliefs, boundaries, emotions, and actions no longer pulling in different directions. Not perfectly, but honestly. 10 lessons that became my lifelines on my journey toward wholeness The way it started isn’t necessarily how it will end, and that isn’t a bad thing: We often treat new beginnings as guarantees. But new beginnings don’t determine outcomes. Growth does. Some of the most uncomfortable starts carry the potential for redirection, clarity, and purpose when we stop resisting change. Where your mind goes, your body follows: The body is always listening. Stress, fear, and emotional suppression don’t remain abstract. They manifest physically. Healing required paying attention to my thoughts because misalignment between mind and body was showing up everywhere. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks: Our words expose what we’ve normalized internally. Listening to my language revealed unresolved grief, quiet resentment, and desires I had minimized to keep the peace. Integration began when I stopped filtering my truth. Actions will always speak louder than words: Intentions don’t build trust. Patterns do. I learned to observe behavior rather than explain it away, both in others and in myself. Alignment demanded consistency, not excuses. If you’re going to believe in anyone, believe in yourself, and who God called you to be: There comes a moment in healing when you must decide whose voice carries the most authority. Releasing trauma and the subconscious desire for external validation made room for faith-rooted confidence and self-trust. Delay is not denial: Not everything arrives when we expect it to. Some delays are protective, preparing us emotionally and spiritually for what we’re asking to sustain. Integration and alignment often require patience before access. Failure is the pathway to success: Failure stopped being evidence of inadequacy and became information. Each setback exposed areas still operating from survival instead of alignment. Growth doesn’t avoid failure. It learns from it. Finding yourself will bring you closer to being found: The more I chose authenticity over performance, the more aligned my relationships and opportunities became. When you stop abandoning yourself, connection stops feeling forced. Boundaries are not for restriction, they’re for protection: Boundaries clarified what was mine to carry and what wasn’t. They preserved my energy and protected my peace. Love without boundaries creates depletion, not peace. Perfection is overrated, wholeness requires honesty, not flawlessness: Healing didn’t come from fixing myself. It came from aligning with myself. Wholeness isn’t about erasing flaws. It’s about integrating them with compassion, accountability, and grace. Final reflection 2025 didn’t make life easier. It made it truer. Alignment and integration became the quiet measure of my healing when my faith, boundaries, emotions, and behavior finally began to agree. Not perfectly, but honestly. If you’re in a season of reckoning, reflection, or rebuilding, let this be your reminder. Becoming whole doesn’t mean something was wrong with you. It means you were brave enough to tell yourself the truth and choose healing anyway. One step at a time Many of the lessons shared here are explored more deeply in my book, The Psychology of a Broken Heart, now available on Amazon . The book examines how unhealed wounds shape the way we love, attach, give, and stay, and how awareness, faith, and truth can move us toward alignment and integration with ourselves and others. If any part of this reflection resonated with you, consider it an invitation to go deeper, at your own pace. Healing doesn’t require perfection. It only requires honesty and the courage to begin. It’s time to evolve. Follow me on LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Margo Monique Thompson Margo Monique Thompson, Relationship and Personal Growth Strategist Margo Thompson is the CEO of Complete Care & Wellness Counselling Clinic (CCWC), a Social Work professional, post-secondary Educator, personal development Counsellor, and author of the upcoming book The Psychology of a Broken Heart. With over 18 years of experience in Child Welfare, Education, Mental Health, and Wellness, she is known for her compassionate, faith-rooted approach to trauma recovery, emotional well-being, and relationships. Her insight blends formal training in Social Work and Psychology with lived experience–overcoming early adversity, nearly two decades of marriage, and raising five children with love and intention. At CCWC, Margo leads a multidisciplinary team delivering integrated, person-centered care through Counselling, Wellness, and family services. She is especially passionate about helping others move through pain with clarity and purpose, while fostering safe, accessible spaces for healing. In her upcoming book, she gives voice to emotional wounds that often go unspoken–confronting stigma, tracing trauma to its roots, and guiding readers toward lasting transformation through the combined lens of Psychotherapy and faith-based healing.

Shreyaa Sumi’s story of rising from beauty queen titleholder to Founder, CEO, and Director of SSVJ Model Media LLC reflects her vision of blending fashion with purpose. Shreyaa Sumi achieved the title of Mrs. Universe Asia USA 2022, a milestone that positioned her as a global representative. She has graced prestigious runways including Los Angeles Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, and New York Fashion Week – with her work featured on Getty Images, IMDb, Wikipedia, and numerous renowned news and media platforms. She champions representation, empowerment, and global storytelling through fashion. Shreyaa Sumi, Mediapreneur Who is Shreyaa Sumi? I am Shreyaa Sumi – an International Model, Entrepreneur, Beauty Queen, Mentor. I was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate in Media and Fashion. But Titles alone don’t tell you who I am. My story is not just about crowns, runways, or magazine covers. It is about crossing worlds, rebuilding myself, and choosing courage over familiarity. Who I am today is the result of navigating two very different worlds – the one I was born into and the one I built. Growing up in India, I was shaped by discipline, ambition, and a deep respect for hard work. But when I moved to the United States, I had to rebuild myself from the ground up. I learned to rise through persistence, training, and an unwavering refusal to let others define my limits. My passion for modeling and the performing arts eventually revealed a deeper purpose: to challenge the narrow standards of representation in fashion and media and to create spaces where diverse voices are not only welcomed but celebrated. That vision became the foundation of SSVJ Model Media LLC in Hollywood, USA, a platform I built to champion global representation, mentorship, and meaningful storytelling. Through media production, publishing, pageantry, and talent development, I devote my work to guiding emerging creators to step into their power with clarity and confidence. My journey has taken me across runways in Los Angeles, New York, London, Milan and Paris. I’ve appeared on magazine covers and billboards, led global campaigns, and earned honors such as Mrs. Universe Asia USA 2022 and the 40 Under 40 Entrepreneur Award. But beyond the spotlight, what truly shaped me were the transitions – moving between cultures, rebuilding my identity, and learning to stand firmly in who I am. Those experiences strengthened my commitment to opening doors for others, especially those who have been told their dreams are too bold. Today, my work is no longer just about being seen. It’s about ensuring that others see themselves reflected in the worlds of fashion, media, and creative expression. It’s about building pathways where none existed and proving that representation is not a privilege reserved for a few – it’s a responsibility we must carry with intention and purpose. And yet, beneath every accolade, I remain a storyteller at heart. I lead by example – directing and producing short films, global pageants, writing editorials, mentoring talent, and creating opportunities that once felt out of reach. I strive to bridge diverse cultures and sectors. I am an example that you can be both glamorous and grounded, creative and purposeful, a dreamer and a builder. Above all, authenticity is my form of leadership, and my purpose is to support young aspiring talents as they find the courage to write their own extraordinary stories, claim their voice, and embrace their identity. What inspired you to pursue a career in modeling, media, and fashion? My journey into modelling, media, and fashion has always been fueled by a deep desire to express myself creatively while representing women who balance ambition with identity. From a young age, I felt a natural pull toward the performing arts – not simply to stand in front of the camera, but to experience the freedom of telling stories through style, movement, and artistic expression. My path was far from linear. I faced my share of challenges long before becoming the woman I am today. From humble beginnings to eventually founding my company in Hollywood, I learned that visibility can be a powerful tool for voice, representation, and impact – especially for women who are often told to shrink their dreams or step back after motherhood. That realization pushed me to step onto global platforms, excel in fashion and pageantry, and build a company that unites innovation with purpose. Creativity never felt like a choice; it felt like a calling. Even as a teenager, I understood that visibility wasn’t just about being seen – it was about shaping what the world sees. That understanding stayed with me as I moved from India to the United States, rebuilt my identity from scratch, and stepped into industries that weren’t designed with women like me in mind. Modelling became my first pathway into the world I’m passionate about. I was drawn not only to the runway, but to the storytelling behind it – the way style, movement, and presence could communicate identity, culture, and purpose. My academic training in international business, filmmaking, and audio engineering helped me understand both the creative and technical sides of the industry, while early work on TV and radio taught me the power of narratives. My journey through global pageants, including earning the title of Mrs. Universe Asia USA 2022, showed me how representation can transform not just a stage, but the trajectory of someone’s future. Yet the deeper inspiration came from a gap I saw everywhere: talent was abundant, yet opportunities were not. Many emerging models had passion but lacked mentorship, direction, or platforms to turn that passion into something sustainable. I knew I had to build something that didn’t exist yet – and that vision became SSVJ Model Media LLC, rooted in inclusivity, global storytelling, and purpose-driven leadership. What inspires me today is the same force that inspired me at the start: the belief thatwomen can be multifaceted, ambitious, and unapologetically themselves. I’ve walked runways in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London, and Milan; produced a short film in the fashion capital of Paris; and mentored talent across continents – but every achievement is tied to a mission larger. I want women to see that motherhood doesn’t end ambition, that identity doesn’t limit opportunity, and that their stories deserve global stages. Every project I take on – whether it’s a campaign, a fashion film, a runway, or a mentorship program – is a reminder that authenticity is our greatest strength. And if my journey helps even one person step forward with courage, then every challenge, every reinvention, and every leap of faith has been worth it. How do you describe your role as an entrepreneur and founder of SSVJ Model Media? As the founder and CEO of SSVJ Model Media, I see my role as both a creator and a catalyst. I built this company to merge fashion, media, and mentorship into a platform where representation is global and talent is genuinely nurtured. I’m not simply running a business; I’m shaping up a space that offers individuals the visibility, support, and guidance I once had to seek out on my own. My days move fluidly between vision and execution – one moment I’m directing a shoot or producing a short film, and the next I’m mentoring emerging talent, writing editorial columns, or building international partnerships. I stay deeply involved because I believe representation must be international, and every project we produce should reflect integrity and purpose. My responsibility is to ensure that everything we create embodies authenticity, inclusivity, and meaningful impact. Ultimately, my role is to build a platform where creativity becomes opportunity, where diverse voices are amplified, and where women can see themselves reflected in global media with dignity. What makes your approach to brand collaborations and entrepreneurship work unique? “My approach to brand collaborations and entrepreneurship is unique because it’s grounded in the same principles that shaped my journey and my company – authenticity, purpose, and representation. Having walked global runways, produced fashion short film, and built SSVJ Model Media into a platform for diverse voices, I’ve learned that true impact comes from honoring identity rather than chasing trends. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all campaigns or partnerships created solely for visibility– the work has to reach far deeper. While visibility is great, it matters far more when it leads to real representation and meaningful change. Every collaboration I take on must elevate a story, respect culture, and align with my values. I lead with originality over imitation and choose projects that contribute to lasting impact. Whether I’m fronting a campaign, directing a shoot, mentoring talent, or shaping media narratives – in front of the camera or behind it – I ensure the work reflects inclusivity and a message that resonates. For me, entrepreneurship isn’t just about trends; it’s about shaping voices, amplifying purpose, and giving brands a platform grounded in real global stories. Who is your ideal client or collaborator, and how can they benefit from working with you? My ideal clients and collaborators are brands, magazines, creatives, and emerging talents who value storytelling, diversity, and sustainable growth – the same pillars that define SSVJ Model Media. Because we operate as a publishing and media platform, those who work with me gain far more than a traditional collaboration. They benefit from global editorial visibility, press features, magazine placements, and narrative-driven content that builds credibility and long-term presence. I’m drawn to partners who believe in international representation and want to create work that resonates across cultures. When they collaborate with me, they receive creative direction, mentorship, and access to a platform that amplifies their voice through video series, photography, media campaigns, and international publications. They also gain exposure to international runways and global pageants, as I hold official licenses to select representatives from the USA for two major global competitions. My goal is to help them build sustainability, visibility, and a meaningful presence – not just fleeting moments. Together, we don’t just create content; we shape stories that live in press, runways, and across global media with purpose and resonance. What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your industry, and how did you overcome them? One of the biggest challenges I faced was navigating traditional industry systems that often overlooked multicultural talent. Early in my career, opportunities weren’t easily offered to someone with my background. Instead of allowing that to limit me, I used it as fuel to build my own path. Through global runways, media production, publishing, and entrepreneurship, I stand as an example – to myself and to the industry – that inclusivity and excellence can coexist at the highest level. I learned to create opportunities where none existed, and that mindset eventually led me to build a platform that champions diverse voices with intention and purpose. Today, I’m grateful to see the industry evolving. It’s becoming more open, more diverse, and more willing to embrace authentic representation. I’m proud to contribute to that shift, not only as a model, but as a founder committed to creating opportunities for others who deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. How does your experience in pageants and international runways help your clients or partners? My experience in pageants and international runways gives my clients and partners a unique advantage because I’ve experienced this industry from every angle – on stage, behind the camera, and now in the boardroom as the founder of a media and production company. Competing on global pageant stages and walking major fashion weeks in Los Angeles, New York, Paris, Milan, and London taught me how to present myself with confidence, communicate identity with intention, and meet international standards without losing my cultural roots. Those experiences also revealed a major gap: many creatives had passion, but lacked mentorship, guidance, and a clear pathway to grow. That realization is what inspired me to build SSVJ Model Media LLC – a platform designed to bridge that gap with insight and empowerment. Today, I use everything I’ve learned to prepare clients for campaigns, publications, and pageants with clarity, confidence, and professionalism. My goal is to give them the support, visibility, and global insight I once had to navigate on my own, so they can step into their own spotlight with direction, purpose, and a strong sense of identity. What’s one thing most people misunderstand about the fashion and modelling world? One of the biggest misconceptions about the fashion and modelling world is that it’s all glamour and effortless visibility. In reality, this industry demands discipline, organization, and a level of emotional strength that most people never see. My own journey – from international runways to global pageants to building SSVJ Model Media – taught me that success isn’t created by the spotlight, but by the professionalism behind it. Early in my career, I realized that talent alone wasn’t enough; you need mentorship, and a strong sense of identity to navigate an industry that often overlooks substance. That’s why I built my company to be more than a platform for content – it’s a space where creatives are developed, where stories are shaped with purpose, and where careers are built thoughtfully rather than overnight. Glamour is only what the world sees; the real foundation is consistency, perseverance, and hard work. What real impact or transformation do you help individuals or brands achieve? The transformation I bring is empowerment. For individuals, I support them to find their voice, refine their craft, and gain the visibility that leads to lasting opportunities. For brands, I create authentic, global storytelling that connects with audiences and strengthens their identity. Whether through short film, publishing, campaigns, directing editorials or pageantry leadership, my goal is to produce work that is relevant, elevates identity, and honors authenticity and excellence. I focus on creating narratives that resonate far beyond the moment – stories that build credibility, inspire connection, and leave a meaningful, lasting presence in the world. What trends do you see emerging in fashion and media that your audience should know about? Looking ahead, I see several powerful shifts shaping the future of fashion and media – many of which mirror the journey that led me to build SSVJ Model Media. The industry is moving toward purpose-driven storytelling, where audiences crave depth, meaning, and narratives that feel genuine rather than fabricated. Multicultural representation is no longer optional; global audiences expect to see themselves reflected authentically, and that aligns with the mission I’ve championed from the beginning. Digital-first publishing is also transforming how stories are shared, allowing creators to reach international audiences without traditional gatekeepers – something I’ve embraced through my own editorial work and media platforms. Another major shift is the rise of creators who lead with authenticity instead of algorithms. People are gravitating toward voices that feel real, intentional, and culturally aware. The future belongs to those who can blend creativity with purpose, and that’s exactly the space where SSVJ Model Media continues to grow – building stories, platforms, and opportunities that resonate across borders. What’s your best advice for someone who wants to build a meaningful career inmodelling, branding, fashion, and media? To build a meaningful career in modelling, branding, fashion, or media, start by defining who you are and what you stand for. Visibility without identity doesn’t last. This journey requires discipline, consistency, and authenticity – the qualities that sustain you long after the excitement fades. Don’t chase trends; build your craft. Don’t wait for permission; stay proactive, curious, and open to learning. And most importantly, surround yourself with people who elevate your vision and challenge you to grow. Lead with authenticity, and every step you take will move you toward a career that’s not only successful but deeply fulfilling and aligned with your purpose. ''You don’t have to define your potential by the odds of someone else’s limitations''. For media and publication inquiries, press and podcast interviews, and collaborative opportunities, connect directly with Shreyaa Sumi and her team at SSVJ Model Media LLC. Shreyaa Sumi welcomes meaningful collaborations that amplify powerful stories, elevate brand visibility, and create impactful media moments. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Shreyaa Sumi

Stephanie Blaum was born in this current lifetime in 1978 in Neuwied am Rhein, Germany. She lives with her husband and three children in a three-dimensional but beautiful everyday life close to a variety of picturesque wine villages on the German river Rhine. Stephanie Blaum, QHHT-Practitioner and Author Who is Stephanie Blaum? Stephanie Blaum is a soul with its essential origins positioned far away in the endless space of the universe. In her fundamental and infinite essence, she is love and she is light. Stephanie entered her current lifetime with a specific, yet usually created soul plan, including special life lessons that provide achievable progress and frequent soul ascension. Moreover, and most importantly, she arrived on planet Earth with a cosmic mission. After accessing her phase of spiritual awakening, she realized the tremendous downfall of humanoid development and an epic but historically seen repeating situation of imbalance, destruction, hate and separatism. At that moment when she started living her authentic soul, she felt an urgent desire to help humans return to their essences and become one again. The mission has begun. What inspired you to create The Soul Sanctuary, and what sets it apart in the wellness space? The Soul Sanctuary is a central tool in my mission, assisting people in understanding and overcoming their darkness on both mental and physical levels and, consequently, reaching their soul authenticity. Living an authentic lifetime implies a natural frequency ascension, so that the soul's earthly system veil is lifting. Reality is changing, and the understanding of human and universal oneness is re-emerging and re-implementing. With living the individual energetic essence, feelings and vibe are changing and rising. A natural snowball effect is a consequence, as ascending vibe and energy indicate transfer to other souls. While going through my own awakening process, I came across the amazing Dolores Cannon, a US hypnotherapist who developed a unique program and worked with clients' stunning experiences as they entered the fundamental and deepest levels of subconsciousness. My own session with a QHHT (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique) Practitioner has been clear proof of my personal meditation experiences, which have given me detailed knowledge of former and parallel lifetimes. Additionally, as a magic icing on my session cake, the direct contact with my subconscious team has been initiated and has never ceased. In my opinion, and much more important in my feeling, the QHHT method is a unique tool for the individual human soul to enter its inner soul library and records on a quantum and so multi-dimensional level. QHHT has a unique and incomparable position in the field of wellness, especially spirituality. It represents an essential and most effective way of the principle “help for self-help”. The most profound difference from other methods is the freedom to create your own healing path, using solely fixed methods coordinated just by and with yourself on various levels of consciousness. Just me, myself and I. Just your truth and you. So, the most professional expert, the front-row witness, of the soul’s story. Parallel to gaining knowledge about your soul history, character essences and mental and physical healings, you are contacting your Higher Self, the subconscious mind on the highest energetic frequency, who welcomes you back with unconditional and so supernatural love and light. How do you define holistic healing, and why is it important for people to embrace it? Healing the human individual apparatus, in my opinion, is most effective when approached holistically. Mental and physical diseases can be seen as hints from the soul's Higher Self, conveying clear messages about urgent needs for change across various fields. Seen holistically, the diagnosed sickness areas always provide more detailed information about the soul's origin of problems. Dolores Cannon, for instance, often has stated in session protocols an emotional anger suppression with a cancer disease consequence. Symptoms of disease are nowadays and meanwhile mostly successfully fixable with artificial, but now again, alternatively and more holistically nature-based medication. I fully support and admire holistic healing with homeopathy, energy, audio frequencies, body movement or breathwork. For me, this is an amazing and very effective addition and relief, allowing one to realize the origin of the disease. Removing symptoms often does not permanently clear the dysfunction. A comeback may be foreseeable if the core conflict remains unresolved. The acceptance of a soul's core problem, the self-allowance to identify it, and, moreover and most importantly, the approval of change are fundamentally relevant to holistic healing. Thus, embracing your physical and mental state, trusting the healing process, and intentionally letting go of triggering situations and hidden problems is indispensable for successful holistic healing. Can you share a success story where your services helped someone transform their life? I met a middle-aged man by chance at a wall in a beautiful ancient city in Eastern Germany. With spraying stunning graffiti, he was doing what his true soul sanctuary was in this present incarnation. We instantly started a deep conversation. He spoke about having difficulty coping with life on planet Earth, mainly with people and their controversial energies, which he found extremely disturbing. He was diagnosed with manic depression and borderline syndrome. For me, coincidences do not exist, as we are all following our soul plans leading to intersectional situations, where the souls have choices to initiate life-changing decisions. Therefore, it became clear to me that I would have a session with this man. We did not speak as much as usual before putting him into a trance. I just informed him of the basics he needs to know about the session process. His Higher Self gave him everything he needed to know for that moment in his life. Showing him a cycle of incarnations that exactly covered his problems in the here and now. Entering the Theta-brainwave state of hypnosis, he found himself in a medieval village as a little girl shouting at a blacksmith who could not hear him. After a frustrating while, he entered the blacksmith’s fire, becoming a light and transforming into a whole planet sun. The client briefly explained this amazing transformation and his deep-down feelings and cosmic experiences being a sun. This was so stunning for him and for me. I could feel his heat and outstanding energy. This sun soul was somehow lost in its search for its universal destiny. Failing at using its extraordinary forces correctly, the sun burnt down an earthly forest and killed a little girl who could not escape the forest early enough. This little girl, in her ghost form, which means she left her human body but remained in the earthly atmosphere, is the one who, at the beginning, was shouting at the blacksmith without getting any response. And this then closed a circle and made sense. The story shown to the man in a trance carried a powerful, all-encompassing symbolism. The living blacksmith could not have heard the ghost girl. This tragedy represented the client's current suffering. He still felt unheeded and, consequently, tended toward self-unacceptance and, furthermore, self-destruction. The Higher Self emphasized his core and essence, being the light and sun. For himself and planet Earth. Without fear of destruction and rejection. This was one of the amazing souls that touched me tremendously. After the session, feeling the client's warm, bright, and joyful energy, his relief, and his open heart, I was filled with gratitude for the universe's unconditional love and support. Some time later, maybe half a year, I heard of the man. He bit by bit discontinued his disease medications and started a life in a completely changed state of mind. Integrating and maintaining his bright, warm soul essence into everyday life, he found fearlessness and happiness. He healed himself successfully by realizing and feeling the reasons for his chronic illness. It is like a magic fairytale. And the man is living happily ever after. I know it. As I know it. And as he knows it. You shared your own story of your spiritual development in your debut book, Ascension. What inspired you to write your story down and publish it to the world? My biggest inspiration has been my intuition, pushing me vehemently and forcefully into the book project. I know with absolute certainty that every single word of my story of spiritual awakening had to be created and stored. I believe in the human race on Earth and their ability to ascend spiritually across the narrow earthly boundaries of right and wrong. I believe in all your abilities to develop a high-frequency comprehension of the universe. I believe in you and the love all over and within you. I have felt the urgency to publish my story, based on my own, very personal reality, to learn for myself and to offer my readers alternative thoughts, feelings, and new horizons of consciousness. Can you tell us something about the highlights of your story? Ascension narrates my unexpected and incomprehensible journey through time, space and dimensions. From a deep, dark phase of my soul, I set out as the protagonist and director of my present and numerous past and multi-dimensional lives on my path into the light and to my authentic self. What I was and therefore am is somehow social dynamite, because I am portraying extreme times and feelings, shocking stories and extra-terrestrial missions. Can you explain the social dynamite? The social dynamite aspect is undeniably a part of my story. In these present times on planet Earth, we are all confronted with social, political and cultural polarities that foster human separatism and radical judgements, while ignoring the importance of self-criticism, perspective-taking, empathy and, most of all, unconditional love. I truly believe in my truth that we are all one and are naturally able to change the present vibes. The constantly drifting-apart, already so separated society can return to a harmonious, unconditionally loving balance. From various perspectives, I would say that, keeping all these aspects in mind, there is something more that needs to be realized. The recreation of harmony on our planet is not only assured by love, light, and oneness. Not only do harmony and unity create balance. Balance indicates, as physics also states, the presence of both positive and negative parts, and not to underrate either. Therefore, incarnations that create negative karma are also relevant and vital. Earth is a school to learn as much as the soul can, and this, of course, most easily through negative and wrong behaviour. Thus, good and bad actions, experiences and emotions are relevant. As a base for a balanced planet, transferring harmonious frequency into the cosmos. Relying on my story's social dynamite, I describe it from the perspective of the just depicted big picture, but actually not a common mind-representing picture. A lifetime in the closest society circle of the reigning Nazis in the German Third Reich is narrated very intimately, without referring to other perspectives, and is somehow not easily understandable. Coping with this time is more than difficult on a three-dimensional standard level. It is one of the most difficult challenges for the Germans. And so, and even much more, for me. My inner decision to be ready to confront this tragic, so dark lifetime brought me into a phase of the most profound, void obscurity, enabling me to face every dark detail with my soul's essence and resulting in a huge lesson that propelled my spiritual ascension. My honesty about this one, so dark a chapter of my earthly soul existence has, see the physical particle attraction again, transferred my vibe and frequency to a special high and light one. My book Ascension’s dynamite gives one central and essential message. Overcoming the fear of your own darkness, accepting and embodying every deep, dark particle of your soul with honesty and integrity, will give you the lessons you need, raise your soul's frequencies to the highest level of authenticity, and reveal the recreated light-side essentials of your soul. Facing my darkest part has made it real to me that I am what I am. I am the unconditional love and light. What types of clients typically benefit most from your services at The Soul Sanctuary? A life already integrating an open mind to metaphysics and spirituality, as well as holistic perspectives and conduct, is a beneficial but not necessarily necessary precondition for a successful session. An essential requirement for a mostly beneficial QHHT session is unconditional trust. An unconditional trust in the universe, the metaphysical system of energies and most of all the trust in yourself and your more than magic abilities to heal yourself and get in contact with your subconscious mind and its overall knowledge about your soul. How do you approach creating personalized healing plans for your clients? Healing plans and procedures will already be implemented in the client's direct consciousness during the session while in Theta-trance. In a pre-talk, the clients and I are clarifying their questions to the Higher Self, often with a primary focus on healing issues. I always question whether I should ask the Higher Self to perform a whole-body scan to out-balance physical problems. Once we enter the direct contact level with the Higher Self, I start asking the client’s questions. While in direct contact, special energetic healing procedures are carried out simultaneously. The clients then often talk about specific physical feelings and realize energies entering their bodies. Not seldom healing has already finished directly after the session. One client with a pre-session osteoarthritis condition, not able to bend his hands and feet, experienced fundamental healing while being in a trance. After the session, he has been able to move his whole body fluently, softly, and flexibly, without any pain. This state remained. He, in contact with his Higher Self, healed himself immediately. Post-session healing plans are fixed subconsciously by yourself. Healing needs and actions enter your mind automatically. The only approach that is possible and important to me is to communicate a session summary before you leave the sacred session space. In my experience, the session time from beginning to end always creates an intense portal and a separate space dimension of high-energy light frequencies, including many high-healing opportunities. In your experience, what is the most common obstacle people face when seeking healing? For me, the most common obstacle people face when seeking healing is fear. And especially when they take into consideration a QHHT session, they most often fear what is going to be shown to them when under trance. People fear cruel incarnations presenting them hate and pain or even a life, for example, as a hater or killer, so that they, as a consequence, take this with them to the present lifetime and destroy themselves even more. To help overcome this fear, it is essential to know that you never lose control in Theta-trance. Although you may not remember anything after coming back, therefore sessions are recorded, so you can still talk to the therapists directly and share your wishes and desires. And most importantly, you are the only creator of your session path. The therapist is only your journey attendant. And as you yourself are the story director, it is inevitable that you will never present yourself with anything you cannot stand and that can destroy you. The fear obstacle lines up with a lack of trust. I already mentioned trust and told you that trusting the universe and trusting yourself as the only responsible creator of your reality opens the portal of unlimited possibilities and abundance. This can be transferred easily to the overall fear of humanity. The whole planet is suffering from eternal fears in every sector of life. Humans fear disease, death, destruction, wars and natural catastrophes leading to planet-wide apocalypses and the end of the world. Overcoming fear starts with overcoming your own personal limits and entering into the purpose of confronting the dark aspects of your soul. Opening up and letting go leads to your individual spiritual awakening. Realizing the metaphysical system and rebuilding your soul's authenticity naturally creates unconditional trust. What is always there, and will always and forever be there, is the universe, of which you are a part. You are the universe. We are the universe. We are all one. So, trust the universe. How can someone recognize when they are ready to begin their healing journey with you? The most relevant aspect in recognizing when you are ready for a QHHT session is your intuition. Your feelings and resonances on the mental and physical level will mirror your readiness perfectly. It is also always a matter of time. Your intuition will give you the perfect moment for the session. All the mental and spiritual preparations must be fixed so that you are ready to enjoy your journey into your limitless, endless soul universe. What role does mindfulness play in your approach to holistic healing? Mindfulness for me is the always-present direct contact with yourself and your Higher Self, the subconscious mind as holder of your soul essence, all your soul aspects and the overall universal knowledge. If you ascended your energetic frequency to the level of direct contact with your subconsciousness, your mindfulness is just a natural matter of fact. Mindfulness, in the context of holistic healing, means the ongoing, natural, and intuitive evaluation of the health and abundance of mind, soul, and body. If this state of mindfulness has been integrated into your three-dimensional, everyday reality, holistic healing is an automatically occurring process, primarily implemented in an early pre-state of the healing needs. How do your services cater to both the body and the mind in the healing process? Body and mind are both essential and equal parts of the holistic soul. So, the healing process always includes both body and mind, and, most importantly, the overall soul. In a QHHT session, the origins of healing needs are identified and, consequently, taken back into a holistic balance of mind, body and soul. A healing of only one part fails to address the central need to rebalance the disease-causing elements in every part. The building blocks of the mind and body create an authentic and abundant soul structure. What makes your approach to wellness and self-discovery unique compared to other practices? The uniqueness is clearly defined by the underlying principle “help leading to self-help”. This is initiated by the session’s most often included part, in which the portal opens to direct contact with the client's Higher Self. The closest and always-present contact indicates light and easy self-therapy for every part of life at any time, creating a fantastic vibe of abundance. Results of the open channel to the universal records are intuitive decisions, early recognition of possible physical imbalance, wrong directions, and, above all, a life model in unity with the soul’s authenticity and the cosmic oneness. As the individual soul lives a unique truth and authenticity, every holistic healing and living approach resonates with some souls but not with others, so that different approaches are not practical for every soul. The contact with the Higher Self guarantees, first of all, the highly frequent intuition which is a resonance leader to the most fitting models. I am beyond grateful for the realization that every soul is the sole responsible creator, producer, and director of its earthly, very multi-dimensional life. The connection to the soul’s higher-frequency, subconscious self opens the channel to its guides and soul parts, providing 24/7 support to create a perfect, soul-authentic lifetime in love, light and abundance. What advice would you give someone unsure about taking the first step toward their healing journey? Dear soul, close your eyes, just for a profound moment, take a deep breath in and then out, ground yourself to the core of our loving and amazing planet Earth, open your heart as wide as you can, look with your closed eyes to your third eye between the first and second eye. Trust the universe, let yourself go, and just follow your intuition for this divine moment. This is going to be a short but intense little journey to every single answer and piece of advice you need. Or even so much more, leading you to your essence and the feeling of unconditional and cosmic abundant love of all souls. Of the universe. As we are all one and will be forever. Follow me on Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Stephanie Blaum