Written by Marina Krauth, Online Business Mentor & Entrepreneur Marina Krauth is an online business mentor & entrepreneur who helps individuals create more freedom and purpose through an online business focused on health and personal growth. She guides others on how to leverage a powerful business model as a vehicle to achieve meaningful life changes. If you already care about organic food, a plant-based diet, and reducing toxins at home, there’s one quiet change you could be overlooking right now, and that’s your water. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always drunk tap water at home. Honestly, I never thought twice about it because it was just how I was raised. Tap water is “safe to drink,” right? And it’s better than plastic bottles. Or so I thought. It’s almost crazy to think how little attention we give to water when it makes up around 70% of our entire bodies and sustains every single cell in it. So, throughout my health and healing journey, it was no surprise that I eventually came across a home water system and started really rethinking everything I thought I knew about water (I actually knew so little). Just like me, a growing number of health-conscious people and families are starting to see water not just as something to hydrate with, but as the foundation for healthier and more conscious living. From cooking and washing produce to reducing chemicals in household cleaning, and from daily hydration to disinfection, this quiet shift is inspiring a new wave of people to upgrade their water systems and rethink what health at home truly means. How social media opened my eyes about water To my biggest disappointment, learning what the best water for my health was did not come from my doctor, my parents, my friends, or school. It actually came from social media. Yes, I know, even I was surprised. But social media changed my life in that sense. I was not happy in my 9 to 5 and was exploring new opportunities online, looking for a way to combine my passion for health and conscious living with something that could also bring income and purpose. That’s when I came across a woman who was building a business around something I had never even heard of before, a “water ionizer.” At first, I was very skeptical. Honestly, who wouldn’t be? With so many “miracle” products promoted online, I had learned to be cautious. But this felt different. The more I looked into it, the more intrigued I became. I discovered that this company had actually been around for 50 years, leading the market globally with a strong reputation and patented technology. A leader in the market for 50 years, that had to be for a reason, right? So, I did what I always do, my own research. I watched demos, read about the science behind water ionizers, and learned how they were being used not only for drinking but also for cooking, cleaning, and toxin-free living. And once I understood how much this simple change could influence everyday health, there was no way I could unknow it. It made me question my daily habits and my whole health routine. How many of us spend money on supplements, skin care, or organic food while ignoring the very thing that makes up most of our bodies? It felt like I had been missing the foundation all along. Today, water has become the biggest part of my wellness routine, something I now pay attention to with intention. Just as I choose food that nourishes me, I choose water that supports how I want to live, cleaner, simpler, and more aligned with the values I care about. Why more people are losing trust in “safe” water The more I learned, the more I understood that my experience wasn’t unique. Across Europe and beyond, people are starting to question what’s really in their water, both bottled and tap. Over the past few years, several reports have raised concerns about the safety and transparency of large water companies. Investigations into major brands, including Nestlé, have revealed controversies around groundwater extraction and misleading “pure source” marketing. At the same time, scientific studies have shown that microplastics (tiny plastic particles invisible to the eye) have been detected not only in bottled water but even in tap water across multiple European countries. A 2023 European Commission review estimated that the average person ingests tens of thousands of these microplastic particles every year, many through water alone. Add to that concerns over PFAS (often called “forever chemicals”) and aging urban pipelines that can leach contaminants into household supplies, and it’s no wonder people are searching for safer, more transparent options. This growing mistrust has pushed many to take matters into their own hands, literally. Households are moving toward home water systems that allow them to see, taste, and trust their water again. For many, it’s about awareness and responsibility, knowing that what you drink, cook, and clean with actually supports your health, rather than compromising it. Beyond filtration: The water ionizer I have had charcoal and Brita filters in the past, so at first I assumed this was just a fancier version of a filtration system. But it turns out they’re much more than that. While filtration removes impurities and pollutants, ionization transforms the structure of the water itself, creating several types of water with different properties and everyday uses. A water ionizer is a powerful, multifunctional appliance designed to improve your water quality and transform your daily life. It connects directly to your kitchen tap and filters out chlorine, rust, and other contaminants (those nice things initially put into your water to make it “safe”). Then, it uses a process called electrolysis to separate the water into acidic and alkaline streams by adjusting the pH level. Why is this important? Because different pH levels serve different purposes. Your body, your skin, your home. They all have different water needs. The result? One machine that replaces dozens of products, including bottled water, beauty toners, cleaners, disinfectants, surface sprays, and much more. You not only save money and help reduce plastic waste, but you also protect your health and the environment every time you turn on the tap. To dive deeper into the different ways to use this water at home, I invite you to download my free eBook* about the 60+ everyday uses of water. ( Download it here for free or contact me to get the link.) Disclaimer: This e-book is provided for educational purposes only and does not replace advice from a professional medical practitioner. Turning awareness into action What began as curiosity has now become my purpose. Today, I help individuals and families upgrade their water systems and create healthier, more conscious homes. Through this new career path, I’ve found a way to do what I love while improving my own well-being and that of others. And if there is one thing we can all do today for our health, instead of searching for the latest supplement, wellness “hack,” or trendy workout, it’s to refocus on what’s common to all living beings – water. Sometimes, looking for another career can mean much more than applying to another desk job. Sometimes, it’s opening your eyes to new things that completely change your life for the better. Whether you’re a health-conscious person curious about improving your home’s water or someone exploring a new way to create a more meaningful lifestyle, I am here to help you with both. Connect with me at marinakrauth.marketing@gmail.com  to learn more or ask questions about upgrading your home water system and your career. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Marina Krauth Marina Krauth, Online Business Mentor & Entrepreneur Marina Krauth is an online business mentor and entrepreneur who helps individuals build freedom-based online businesses focused on health, personal growth, and authentic living. After experiencing burnout, she chose a different path, creating a business that aligns with her own values and offers true flexibility. Today, Marina guides others to embark on this transformative journey, using a proven business model as a vehicle to achieve freedom, fulfillment, and meaningful life changes. Through her mentorship and coaching, she empowers a growing community of freedom-seekers to live purposefully and create lasting impact.

Written by Gina Strole, Intuitive Healer and Spiritual Coach Gina Strole is an intuitive healer and spiritual coach who helps women heal from emotional trauma, regulate their nervous systems, and reconnect with their soul’s truth. Through her signature programs, she guides clients into lasting transformation, self-trust, and deep inner freedom. Many people sense a subtle nudge, a knowing, or a feeling of support they cannot quite explain. That guidance is not imagination. It is your Spirit Team communicating. In this article, you will learn how to recognize their signs, invite their wisdom, and build a deeper relationship with the spiritual helpers walking beside you. “You were never meant to walk this life alone – your Spirit Guides walk with you every step of the way.” One of the most comforting truths I have learned in my twenty years as an intuitive healer is this. You are guided. Always. Every single person on this planet, whether they realize it or not, has a spiritual support team. Your Spirit Guides are loving, intelligent beings who have chosen to walk beside you in this lifetime. They are not distant, mysterious forces, they are your allies, teachers, and soul family, dedicated to helping you live your highest path. And the best part? They already know exactly what you need, you just have to invite them in. Who are your Spirit Guides? Spirit Guides come in many forms and frequencies. Some have lived human lives before, others are ancient energies or pure light beings who have never taken a physical form. Some are ancestors who know your family line intimately. Others may be connected to your soul purpose or your spiritual gifts. Every person’s team is unique, designed around your purpose, your lessons, and the divine gifts you are meant to share with the world. For example: A healer or nurse might have guides who specialize in energy, medicine, or compassion. A teacher may have guides who help communicate wisdom clearly. An artist might work with guides that bring creativity and flow. A leader or entrepreneur may have guides of courage and strategy. It does not matter if you are a spiritual teacher, a doctor, a parent, or a counselor, you have a Spirit Guide team perfectly aligned with your soul’s work. They know your path. They see your potential. And they are constantly sending signs and nudges to help you grow. You have to ask, they need your permission One of the most common misunderstandings about Spirit Guides is that they can step in at any time. But here is the truth, your guides cannot interfere with your free will. They respect your soul’s sovereignty completely. That means, no matter how much love they have for you, they will not intervene unless you ask. It is not because they do not care. It is because this is your Earth journey. You are here to learn, grow, and experience your own power of choice. But the moment you open your heart and say, “Guides, I am ready for your help. Please show me the next step,” you activate the energy of divine assistance. Doors open. Synchronicities align. People, opportunities, and miracles begin showing up seemingly out of nowhere. That is not a coincidence. That is divine collaboration. How to work with your guides Working with your Spirit Guides is not complicated. It is about awareness, trust, and invitation. Here are a few ways to begin or deepen your relationship with them. Create a daily invitation. Start each morning by saying, “Spirit Guides, I invite you into my day. Please walk beside me, guide my words, and help me see through the eyes of love. ”This simple prayer lets them know you are open and ready for support. Listen for guidance. Spirit speaks through intuition, synchronicities, songs, conversations, and sensations in your body. Pay attention. If you suddenly feel peace, or a phrase keeps repeating in your mind, that is often how your guides communicate. Trust divine timing. Your guides see the bigger picture, far beyond what your human eyes can perceive. If something is not happening as fast as you would like, trust that there is alignment happening behind the scenes. Keep a Spirit journal. Write down any signs, dreams, numbers, or messages you notice. Over time, you will begin to see clear patterns of communication. Say thank you. Gratitude amplifies connection. Thank your guides often for the signs, the lessons, the love, and even the challenges. They are always working for your highest good. Five essential steps to connect with your Spirit Guides You are surrounded by loving guidance every single day, your Spirit Guides are right beside you, waiting for you to reach out. Whether you are new to spiritual connection or simply want to strengthen your intuitive bond, these five steps will help you open the channel and begin receiving clear guidance. Set the intention: Everything in the spiritual realm begins with intention. Simply say out loud or in your heart: “I am ready to connect with my Spirit Guides. I open my heart and energy to receive clear and loving guidance. ”This single statement invites your guides into your awareness and gives them permission to connect more deeply with you. Create a sacred space: Your guides communicate through vibration, and a calm, peaceful environment helps raise your frequency. Light a candle, burn sage, or play soft music. As your energy softens, you will begin to sense the subtle presence of Spirit, often as warmth, tingling, or a deep feeling of peace. Listen with all of your senses: Guidance rarely comes as a booming voice. Instead, it shows up as signs, feelings, thoughts, songs, numbers, or even feathers on your path. Your Spirit Guides speak your language, so pay attention to what keeps showing up. If something feels repetitive, that is not coincidence, that is communication. Ask for specific signs: Your guides love when you get specific. Ask them to show you a particular sign, like a white butterfly, a heart, or a certain word. Then release control and trust. The sign will appear when you least expect it, as validation that they have heard you and are near. Journal, trust, and thank them: After each meditation or moment of connection, write down what you experienced, words, emotions, sensations, or images. Over time, you will notice patterns that reveal how your guides uniquely communicate with you. And always remember to say thank you. Gratitude strengthens the energetic bond between you and your Spirit Team. Remember, your guides have no agenda other than your growth, healing, and joy. The more you trust, the more they can work with you. When you ask, life expands The more you invite your guides in, the more supported you will feel. Your intuition strengthens. Fear softens. And life begins to flow with ease, grace, and divine synchronicity. You will start to notice how perfectly things unfold, how challenges lead to breakthroughs, and how even delays are divine protection. When you partner with Spirit, you move through life with peace and trust, knowing that you are never alone and that everything is happening for you, not to you. A final message from Spirit Your Spirit Guides want you to remember. You are loved. You are guided. And you are never without support. The more you trust in your unseen team, the more you will see just how miraculous life truly is. Call on them. Ask for help. Then open your heart to receive the guidance, signs, and blessings that follow. Because when you allow Spirit to walk beside you, your entire life begins to rise. Inside my 12-month transformational program, RISE, we go deep into connecting with your Spirit Guides, awakening intuition, and healing your energy from the inside out. Together, we will raise your vibration, release fear, and help you step into the life your soul has been calling for. Visit my website to join. Your Spirit Team, and your next-level life, are waiting for you. Want to learn more? I just released a brand-new video where I share the different types of Spirit Guides we all have, from ancestral guides to divine mentors, and how you can start recognizing and connecting with your own team today. Watch now and meet your Spirit Team: Meet Your Spirit Guides Master Class . Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Gina Strole Gina Strole, Intuitive Healer and Spiritual Coach Gina Strole is an intuitive healer and spiritual coach who specializes in helping women heal deep emotional wounds from childhood trauma. Her work blends nervous system regulation, energy healing, and intuitive guidance to support true, lasting transformation. Gina creates a safe and sacred space where women can release old patterns, reconnect with their bodies, and remember who they truly are. She has helped countless women move from survival mode into a life of clarity, self-trust, and soul alignment. Gina is also the creator of Healing for the Healer, a transformational program for those ready to rise into their gifts and support others from a place of wholeness.

Written by Jenny Cameron, Principal Business Analyst Jenny Cameron is a principal business analyst who frequently contributes to articles that are the result of her investigative research and critical analysis of topics to explore and gain coherence. As a business owner, you work hard to create an environment that feels inviting to customers. But have you considered that the very features that make your property welcoming to them can also, sometimes unintentionally, extend an invitation to crime? Theft, vandalism, and loitering can eat into your profits and damage your reputation. The good news is that you do not need a massive security budget to make a significant impact. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) is a proven approach that uses smart design and simple maintenance to deter criminal activity. The goal is simple, create a space where legitimate users feel safe and offenders feel exposed. Grab your notepad and take 5 minutes to walk your property with this simple CPTED checklist. 1. The approach: Can you see and be seen? Stand across the street and look at your building. Is your main entrance well lit and clearly visible from the road? Criminals prefer targets that offer concealment. Check for overgrown shrubs or signage that blocks the view of your front door or windows from passersby. Action item: Trim all bushes and tree canopies to below 3 feet (waist height). Ensure your entrance is a focal point. 2. The parking lot: Is it a clear zone or a shadowy maze? Walk through your car park. Is the lighting even and bright, without creating dark, shadowy corners between light poles? Are there abandoned shopping trolleys or piles of debris that signal neglect? A well-kept area sends a “someone cares here” message. Action item: Report any burned-out lights to your landlord or maintenance team immediately. Keep the area clean and clear of potential hiding spots. 3. The building exterior: What are your blind spots? Walk the perimeter. Can you see the sides and rear of your building clearly? These are often the most vulnerable areas. Look for unused alcoves, stacked pallets, or unsecured ladders that could provide cover or access to your roof. Action item: Remove anything that could be used to hide or gain entry. Secure dumpsters and storage sheds. This is where modern technology offers a powerful advantage. For a comprehensive view, a drone survey can instantly reveal vulnerabilities impossible to see from the ground. An aerial image can map out dark zones in your parking lot lighting, identify hidden access points on your roof, and show how the flow of foot traffic creates hidden areas, all critical data for a robust security strategy. 4. The entryway: Who is in control? Your front door is a critical transition point. Is it a single, clearly defined entrance? Revolving or double doors are excellent for controlling the flow of people. Is your cash handling area visible from the outside? The more visible it is, the less appealing a target it becomes. Action item: Keep entrances clear of clutter. Position high-value displays and cash points so they are easily observed by staff and from outside. 5. The overall image: Does your property say, we are watching? Finally, take a holistic view. Is your signage clear and professional? Is graffiti removed promptly? Is the paint fresh? A well-maintained property projects competence and active ownership, deterring those who look for signs of apathy. Action item: create a rapid response plan for graffiti removal and minor repairs. By completing this five-minute audit, you have taken the first crucial step toward a safer, more secure business. These simple, cost-effective principles work 24/7 to protect your assets, your customers, and your peace of mind. See our resources, guides, workbooks, and digital downloads available here . Follow me on LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Jenny Cameron Jenny Cameron , Principal Business Analyst Jenny Cameron is a principal business analyst and consultant. Ready to help you with your projects. Providing on-site or remote consultancy as a service, services range from business planning and project implementation, continuous operations and improvements in business as usual, and post-project evaluation.

Written by Ylwa Woxmark, Equine-guided Recovery Coach Ylwa Woxmark is a certified and accredited coach and the founder of The Horse Sanctuary in Sweden, where horses with mental and physical traumas are healed. After the healing process, the horses assist her in helping people with the same challenges. She is also the author of the Horsiquette book, published in 2023, together with her husband, Mats. Discover how horses at The Horse Sanctuary in Sweden guide us to stand in our own energy, honor our boundaries, and reconnect with our true selves, all through their presence, choice, and authentic connection. Have you ever found yourself saying “yes” when every part of you wanted to say “no”? Maybe you have felt drained after helping others, carrying guilt for wanting rest, or silenced your own needs to avoid conflict. Setting boundaries is not selfish, it is an act of self-respect. In the world of horses, boundaries are even more than that, they are survival. A horse needs to see your contours clearly, to feel where you begin and end. Without that, you remain energetically invisible, and no herd member can feel safe following you. Learning to set boundaries as humans works in much the same way. When your inner edges are clear, both people and horses recognize and trust your presence. What are boundaries? Boundaries are the invisible lines that define where you end and another begins. They protect your emotional, physical, and energetic space. In a herd, horses constantly communicate boundaries through body language, a flick of an ear, a shift of weight, or a single breath. Clear boundaries prevent conflict and create harmony. When your own boundaries are unclear, the herd or the people around you cannot read your energy. They may test, push, or misunderstand you, not out of malice, but out of confusion. Learning to define your contours allows others to relate to you with trust and respect. Why we struggle to say no Most of us were not taught how to have healthy boundaries. We learned that being kind meant being accommodating. But horses do not interpret softness as weakness, they respond to clarity wrapped in calm. When we overgive or say “yes” out of guilt, we lose our energetic shape. In a herd, that would make us invisible or even unsafe to follow. In human life, it leads to exhaustion and disconnection. Just like a lead mare calmly moves another horse with a small gesture, you can learn to say no with quiet confidence, not force, just presence. The psychology of boundaries Healthy boundaries are not walls, they are filters that keep connection clear. Horses demonstrate this perfectly. They do not hold grudges or hide emotions. They respond honestly in the moment, then return to peace once clarity is restored. Setting boundaries is not about pushing others away. It is about standing in your own energy clearly enough that others can meet you there. It is what allows mutual respect, the same principle that keeps a herd balanced and safe. How to recognize when your boundaries are being crossed In the horse world, tension tells the truth. If you step too close or send unclear signals, the horse’s body shows discomfort before words could ever describe it. Humans have similar signals, the tightening in your chest, the fatigue after being too available, the quiet resentment that builds when your no gets ignored. When you begin to notice these cues, you are reading your own body the way a horse reads energy, honestly, without judgment. That awareness is your first step toward self-respect. How to start setting boundaries (without guilt) Learning to set boundaries is a practice, one built on awareness, breath, and consistency. Horses do not need long explanations, they feel the truth of your intention. You can do the same. Pause before you say yes: In a herd, hesitation is communication. Take a breath and sense what feels true before responding. Start small: Boundary work does not require confrontation. Subtle shifts in body language or tone, just like in horse communication, can carry enormous clarity. Notice the guilt, and let it pass: A young horse might test a new boundary, not because it is wrong, but because it is unfamiliar. Guilt is your own version of that test. It softens with practice. Use clear, kind language: Horses read congruence: your body, energy, and tone must match. When you say no, let your body agree with your words, calm, grounded, and true. Protect your energy like it is sacred: Your energy is the field the herd or your community feels around you. When it is strong and clear, everyone relaxes. But when your words and your energy do not match, others, especially horses, feel it instantly. You might say “It is okay,” while every muscle in your body whispers “It is not.” You might smile, but your breath is shallow, your shoulders tight. Horses sense that split second of incongruence and become alert, unsure of what is true. In the herd, mixed signals can be dangerous. A horse that says “I am calm” but carries tension in its body can trigger confusion or even panic, because the rest of the herd relies on energetic honesty for survival. The same happens among humans. When what we say does not align with what we feel, others sense something is off. Trust fades. Safety disappears. Learning to align your words, body, and energy is not about perfection, it is about integrity. When you say no and your body agrees, when you express yes with genuine openness, the field around you becomes coherent again. And in that coherence, both horses and humans exhale. The relationship between boundaries and self-worth A horse with clear boundaries stands tall, balanced, and confident. When your self-worth grows, your posture changes in the same way, both energetically and physically. You stop apologizing for existing. You begin to take up space with grace. Each boundary becomes an affirmation, I am worthy of respect. I am safe to be seen. Horses recognize that energy immediately, it is the language they trust most. When a wounded self-image shapes your boundaries For a long time, I did not understand why setting boundaries felt so impossible. It was not that I did not know how to say no, it was that somewhere deep inside, I did not believe I was allowed to. Like many highly sensitive children, I learned early to adapt, to feel the atmosphere, sense the moods, and smooth the edges of others’ discomfort. My self-worth became entangled with harmony. If everyone around me was calm, I felt safe. If someone was upset, I assumed I had failed. Over time, this created an injured self-image, a quiet belief that my needs were less important, that love had to be earned through effort, and that safety came from pleasing others. When you carry that pattern into adulthood, you radiate openness but without protection. It is like standing in a field with no fence, kind souls might tread gently, but those with darker motives will see an easy entrance. That is what happened to me. People with psychopathic or narcissistic traits have a sharp instinct for identifying those with blurred boundaries. They sense empathy, kindness, and compliance, not to meet it, but to use it. At first, they mirror you perfectly, reflecting back the version of yourself you most long to see. It feels magnetic, fated, intoxicating. But slowly, the admiration turns into control, the charm into manipulation, and you find yourself shrinking in order to survive. It took me years, and many lessons from the horses, to understand that my lack of boundaries was not a flaw in my personality. It was a symptom of a fractured self-image, one that needed gentleness, not judgment. Healing meant remembering that I am allowed to take up space, that saying no can be an act of love, and that my worth was never meant to depend on someone else’s comfort. Inviting horses into your healing process Inviting horses into your healing process can become one of the most powerful things you will ever do. As a highly sensitive child, I learned to adapt to survive, to adjust my tone, my body, even my breath to fit the emotional weather around me. Horses did not let me do that. They responded only to truth. When I pretended to be fine, they turned away. When I softened into honesty, they came closer. In their presence, I began to remember what authenticity feels like, that calm, steady pulse of being exactly who you are. Horses do not need perfection, they need coherence. And as I practiced that, I began to rebuild trust in myself. That is the quiet magic of healing with horses. They do not ask you to be better, they invite you to be real. In conclusion: boundaries are bridges, not walls In both human and horse relationships, boundaries are what make connection safe. They define our contours, the edges that allow others to see us clearly and know where we begin and end. Without boundaries, the herd becomes anxious, trust falters, and no one knows who to follow. With clear, calm boundaries, everything softens. Safety returns. Communication flows. Setting boundaries is not a punishment, it is an invitation, a way for others to meet you exactly where you are. In that space of mutual respect, trust, the kind both horses and humans crave, can finally grow. Healing, as the horses teach us, is not something we do to them or even merely with them. It is an invitation they extend through presence, choice, and connection. And it asks only that we pay attention, honor ourselves, and reclaim our own contours. Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more info! Read more from Ylwa Woxmark Ylwa Woxmark, Equine-guided Recovery Coach Ylwa Woxmark, certified and accredited coach and equine-guided recovery coach, has healed from childhood traumas and abusive relationships. She is today dedicated to helping people change their perspective on traumas to be able to see their strengths and to find their life purpose. She is the founder of The Horse Sanctuary in Sweden, where former traumatized horses assist her in coaching people with the same challenges. Her mission: Allow yourself a second chance.

Written by Helena Demuynck, Transformation Catalyst for Purposeful Women Helena Demuynck is the women’s leadership architect and transformation catalyst, and author of It’s Your Turn, guiding high-achievers to shatter glass ceilings from within. She hosts The Boundary Breakers Collective and Power Talks for Remarkable Females, reshaping modern female leadership. The idea that careers should move upward in perfect sequence is an outdated story, especially for women who have already proven themselves in complex systems. The truth is, the most strategic careers look less like ladders and more like constellations, multidirectional, deeply personal, and guided by timing, energy, and purpose. What is the myth of the linear career? For decades, the corporate world sold us a single narrative, success moves vertically. Promotion follows promotion, each rung a visible signal of progress. But for many women executives, that ladder begins to feel like a cage. You have reached impressive heights, yet the next step often looks suspiciously similar to the last. The tension is not ambition fading, it is awareness deepening. Modern research backs this up. According to a 2024 Deloitte survey on women in leadership, 59 percent of senior women report wanting to pivot their careers toward roles that better align with personal purpose, even if it means stepping off the traditional advancement path. The metric of meaning has replaced the metric of titles. Why linear growth does not match modern reality Leadership today is nonlinear by necessity. Global markets shift, hybrid teams blur boundaries, and organizations reward adaptability more than hierarchy. The women who thrive are those who learn to see strategy as motion, not maintenance. You might lead a regional team for one year and a transformation initiative the next. You might mentor, consult, or create, sometimes simultaneously. That fluidity is not a lack of focus, it is a sophisticated form of design thinking applied to your own life. As one executive recently shared with me: “The day I stopped chasing the next title and started curating my portfolio of impact, everything expanded, my energy, my creativity, even my influence.” Your worth no longer sits in the straightness of the line but in the coherence of the pattern you create. How to navigate a career constellation Start with values, not vacancies: Before scanning opportunities, identify the principles that energize you. Values are the gravitational pull that holds your constellation together. Without them, every role feels random. Recognize energy as data: Notice what gives you vitality versus what drains it. This is more than intuition, it is biofeedback for better strategy. If your leadership feels effortful, it is often misaligned, not underdeveloped. Embrace portfolio thinking: See your career as a blend of roles, projects, and passions that evolve in rhythm with your life stage. A board role, a consulting project, or a sabbatical can all be strategic moves when chosen with intent. Keep curiosity at the center: Curiosity is what prevents mastery from hardening into monotony. When you ask, “What could this become?” instead of “What comes next?”, you give your career the space to breathe. When strategy meets self-awareness The most fulfilled leaders I coach share one thing in common, they have stopped confusing momentum with meaning. Their moves might look unpredictable from the outside, but they form a powerful internal logic. This shift does not happen by accident, it is the result of deep self-knowledge. Understanding how your unique strengths, patterns, and motivations interact allows you to shape opportunities rather than chase them. That is exactly where Strengths in Motion comes in. I have designed an intelligent tool to help women map their personal constellation of strengths and identify how each element can translate into future strategic directions. For now, the Snapshot is free, a quick, revealing mirror that shows how your strengths can take new shape as your career evolves. Start your free Strengths in Motion Snapshot today and see what your next move looks like from above. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Helena Demuync k Helena Demuynck, Transformation Catalyst for Purposeful Women Helena Demuynck pioneers a movement of radical self-reclamation for women leaders, blending strategic coaching with cutting-edge neuroscience and body work to dismantle limiting beliefs at their core. The author of It’s Your Turn, she equips visionary women to architect legacies that defy societal scripts, merging professional mastery with soul-aligned purpose. Through her global platforms, The Boundary Breakers Collective and Power Talks for Remarkable Females, she sparks candid conversations that redefine leadership as a force for systemic change. A trusted guide for corporate disruptors and entrepreneurial innovators alike, Helena’s work proves that true impact begins when women lead from uncompromising authenticity.

Written by Meagan Buggey, Meta Ads Strategist Meagan Buggey is a Meta Ads strategist and funnel expert who’s been in the marketing game since 2019. She helps 6 and 7-figure coaches scale through low-cost, high-converting ad strategies without the content burnout. Most women are working harder than ever, but still struggling to make progress. Here’s how to ditch the hustle, get visible, and scale one offer all the way up. According to most online research and the NWBC,   88% of women-owned businesses earn under $100,000 per year . Less than 5% ever reach the $250K mark, and only about 2% hit 7 figures. Let that sink in. It’s not a talent problem. It’s not a work ethic problem. It’s not even a “need another certification” problem. So, what is it? From what I’ve seen in my business, in my clients’ results, and in research across the board, the real problem isn’t ambition. It's visibility and scale. And when we start playing by new rules, our rules, that’s when things finally click. The real reasons women stay stuck below 6 figures Studies from sources like American Express, IWPR, and the CEO Collective point to several overlapping reasons why female-led businesses remain underpaid and underrecognized. Here are just a few:   Lack of capital access: Women receive significantly less venture capital and traditional funding, meaning most of us are bootstrapping from day one. Underpricing and self-doubt: We tend to undervalue our services, hesitate to raise prices, and struggle with charging premium rates, especially if we’re service-based or heart-led. Too many hats, too little time: Many women are also caregivers, mothers, and manage households. With limited time and energy, scaling often feels out of reach. Shiny-object syndrome: Instead of doubling down on what’s working, we get caught up launching new offers, downloading new freebies, and chasing the next “big thing.” Inconsistent visibility: We’re not showing up enough, in the right places, with the right message, and often without a strategy that supports long-term scale. What actually moves the needle (from someone who’s been there) When I stopped trying to “do more” and focused on doing the right things consistently, my business took off. Here’s what actually helped me double my revenue year after year and build a sustainable 6-figure+ business: 1. Get consistently visible, even when you don’t feel like it Your dream clients can’t buy from you if they don’t know you exist. You don’t need to go viral. You don’t need to post every single day. But you do need to show up with intention on the platforms your audience actually uses. Visibility isn’t about being loud. It’s about being findable and memorable. 2. Scale one offer all the way up One of the biggest shifts in my growth? Simplifying my offer suite.   When you go all-in on a single core offer, you streamline your marketing, increase conversions, and build serious momentum. Stop launching 17 different things. Start scaling the one that’s already proven. 3. Create systems that don’t burn you out You can’t scale chaos. If everything in your business depends on you doing it manually, you’ll hit a ceiling fast. That’s why systems matter not just automations and tech, but systems for decision-making, content creation, and client delivery. Scaling becomes possible when your business stops being fragile. 4. Rewire your mindset around marketing & money You don’t need to become a bro-marketer. But you do need to be visible, sell clearly, and own your authority. Marketing is not manipulative. It’s how the right people find the right solutions. And if you’re constantly shrinking back or second-guessing yourself? You’re robbing someone of the transformation you can give them. Confidence comes from clarity, and action builds both. We deserve more, and it’s time to claim it You didn’t start your business to play small. You started it because you had a vision, a skill, a desire to create something of your own. And yet the stats don’t lie, most of us are working harder than ever and still staying stuck. Let’s change that. Not by burning ourselves out trying to do everything. But by getting clear, staying visible, and scaling with strategy, not stress.   “Scaling doesn’t mean doing more. It means doing less – better.” Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Meagan Buggey Meagan Buggey, Meta Ads Strategist Meagan Buggey is a Meta Ads strategist and funnel expert who’s been helping coaches scale their businesses since 2019. Known for her signature low-cost, high-converting ad strategies, she specializes in webinar funnels and client acquisition systems that don’t rely on constant content creation. With a deep understanding of paid traffic and conversion psychology, she’s passionate about demystifying Facebook and Instagram ads for online business owners. Her work blends strategy with simplicity, making Ads feel accessible, not overwhelming.

Written by   Sam Mishra, The Medical Massage Lady Sam Mishra (The Medical Massage Lady) is a multi-award winning massage therapist, aromatherapist, accredited course tutor, oncology and lymphatic practitioner, trauma practitioner, breathwork facilitator, reiki and intuitive energy healer, transformational and spiritual coach, and hypnotherapist. In Part 1 , we explored how trauma-informed leadership begins with personal healing and nervous system regulation. In Part 2 of this powerful story, we dive deeper into therapeutic innovation, community-driven care, and the impact of specialised training. Light at the end of the tunnel Today, my work is reshaping how massage therapy is viewed. Integrating modern scientific understanding with time-tested healing practices has been crucial to my success. I have created innovative treatment protocols that aid women in their physical and emotional recovery after breast surgery, one of these being my post-mastectomy breast massage program. Assisting the body in processing emotions and trauma is equally important as physical recovery. It is a fine line to walk, but I have done my best to make sure my methods incorporate the most valuable aspects of each approach. Additionally, I have been an innovator in the treatment of trauma-induced anxiety and depression, as well as in specialised services for a wide range of medical issues. I am able to treat both short-term symptoms and more chronic conditions by combining traditional medical massage with cutting-edge scientific knowledge. If a customer has to pick between conventional medicine and alternative therapies, this all-encompassing method will go much further in achieving their therapeutic goals long term. Through my training programs, I want to stress how crucial it is that therapists push the boundaries set by both society and the industry. I believe therapists should aim to dismantle stigma while enhancing their abilities through specialised, advanced training. It is insufficient to complete a single course and declare oneself a therapist. The role carries the privilege and responsibility of caring for people’s health, with the potential to create genuine change both in the industry and in clients’ sense of agency. I often reflect on the words of Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” Practical skills may allow someone to carry out massage, but knowledge holds the power to transform both the practitioner and the client. This philosophy fuels my dedication to offering training courses. I train others not just to perform a technique, but to understand the body and the person in front of them. It is a blend of compassion and science, of experience and purpose. One of my most meaningful contributions has been a massage course designed for children with cerebral palsy, inspired directly by my daughter. As a parent of a child with special needs, I experienced firsthand the difficulty of finding effective, affordable, and accessible treatment. When clients from distant locations sought my expertise, I discovered there were very few therapists in the United Kingdom equipped to provide similar care. This realisation led me to create a training program to prepare more therapists to serve children with disabilities. These courses fill crucial gaps in traditional massage education, offering practitioners the chance to learn from my knowledge of surgical nursing, midwifery, and holistic therapy. My commitment to education has led to the training of hundreds of practitioners across the UK, expanding access to specialised care and ensuring that the next generation of therapists can apply medical knowledge alongside traditional massage techniques. Where many therapists or educators stop at theory, I also offer practical, tangible guides. My self-help series spans from the highly clinical, comprehensive manuals on endometriosis and PCOS that marry medical science with lifestyle strategies, to the deeply personal, including intimacy guides for couples navigating touch after trauma and a primer on understanding trauma itself. These are not sterile resources, they carry the unmistakable fingerprint of someone who has lived what she teaches. When I write about CPTSD, I write not only as a clinician but as a survivor who knows the struggle of explaining the inexplicable to those untouched by trauma. Contribution to community and resilience in leadership Perhaps the most striking dimension of my work lies in my commitment to community. Community service and human connection are at the heart of everything I do. It is not enough to help individuals, we must address systemic issues to create lasting change in healthcare access and awareness. Community work has played a significant role in my journey over the last few years, leading to my receiving the Global Recognition Award, in part, for my contributions to community service. Community service remains central to my practice, particularly supporting charities that work with vulnerable populations. I believe that my consistent community engagement and fundraising, combined with my professional achievements, therapeutic innovation, and educational leadership, demonstrate the lasting impact of my work on both individuals and the wider community. John Donne said, “No man is an island entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent,” and I often emphasise that a significant part of my own recovery from trauma has come through my work with clients, learning from them as much as they learn from me. I am very much involved in philanthropic activities, in addition to my practice and educational endeavours. To date, I have raised over £12,000 for organisations supporting vulnerable communities, including The Survivors Network, Bloody Good Period, Savera UK, and the Helen Bamber Foundation. These charities support important causes such as period poverty, honour based abuse and female genital mutilation, and support for victims of sexual assault, domestic abuse, torture, and trafficking. Whether it is through national charities or local community initiatives, such as donating over 2,000 sanitary products to a food bank, community engagement forms a central part of my work and focuses on organisations that support vulnerable populations. By offering free therapy, raising awareness, and sharing my story, my hope is that other survivors of abuse recognise their potential to move from victimhood to resilience. My mission is to help them gain confidence, regain their self-worth, see themselves as survivors, and, ultimately, be empowered to support others in similar circumstances. In addition to offering community sessions to support survivors of domestic abuse, refugees, and disadvantaged youth, ensuring that therapeutic care remains accessible to all, I accept charity referrals, extending care to those who might otherwise be excluded from therapeutic spaces. This is no small feat, it represents not only professional dedication but a moral stance. Healing in my hands is not a privilege but a right. This approach reflects my commitment to making therapeutic care accessible, ensuring financial circumstances do not limit access to quality support. I developed a charity referral program offering free trauma-related treatments for six months, removing the financial barrier that often prevents survivors from accessing help, especially those who have experienced financial abuse as part of their domestic violence. The impact has been profound. By getting to survivors early, ideally within the first few weeks, we can potentially prevent PTSD from taking hold. Even when full prevention is not possible, we can help regulate their nervous systems so that they can think more clearly, sleep better, and have a greater capacity to deal with everything else they are facing. Abuse brings disconnection from our bodies as a survival mechanism, triggering fight, flight, and freeze responses that become our default mode. The overwhelmed nervous system buries this trauma in our cells, which eventually emerges as somatic symptoms, chronic fatigue, persistent muscle and joint pain, and weakened immune response. True healing requires reversal of these dominant stress responses, reactivating the parasympathetic nervous system, the rest and digest response that allows for healing and growth. Trauma-informed massage offers something that talk therapy alone cannot. The opportunity to heal trauma where it lives, in the body. For survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, therapeutic touch in a safe environment can be transformative. The massage therapist becomes a non-judgmental confidant, bearing witness to the client’s darkest emotions, providing refuge and healing with someone who can be trusted. Trauma massage allows survivors to reconnect with their bodies and rebuild trust in a safe space with a compassionate, skilled therapist. For many survivors, human touch becomes a threat, but massage provides a way to reintroduce safe touch, re-establishing comfort levels gradually and respectfully. Just as trauma can be stored in the body, so can feelings of safety and warmth, and both can be reignited. Touch can reveal hidden trauma through changes in skin tone and muscle tension, providing valuable information about where trauma is stored. Many trauma survivors live disconnected from their bodies, massage helps ground them and create feelings of safety again, with profound implications for their ability to form future healthy relationships. Massage honours clients for who they are without objectification or judgement, re-educating the nervous system, allowing clients to feel safe in their own skin. Talking therapies have their place, but they do not address the root cause, nervous system dysregulation. My charity work and trauma-focused practice hold deep personal significance. They symbolise resilience and victory over past struggles marked by a narcissistic mother, abusive relationships, complex grief, depression, self-harm, and chronic pain. Although my story contains elements shared by many women and men who have endured abuse, my contribution has been to transform those experiences into systems of awareness and change. The impact of this work is multiplied through my most popular course in trauma training, where every therapist who completes it goes on to support survivors, and each survivor who heals contributes to breaking cycles of trauma in families and communities. Transformation is calling In addition to my work as an educator, I am passionate about challenging stigmas in both the healthcare and massage industries. My podcast, MML Talks, explores taboo topics like trauma, intimacy, and mental health, aiming to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of themselves and their challenges. Through this platform, I continue to push the boundaries set by society, encouraging others to explore and address their own struggles. I approach subjects that society often prefers to leave unspoken, childhood trauma and its echoes in adult intimacy, the quiet devastation of absent parents on self-worth, the lasting damage of narcissistic abuse, self-harm, and generational trauma cycles of despair. These are not topics for the faint-hearted, but that does not hold me back. I approach them with candour and compassion, inviting listeners to explore their own challenges with curiosity rather than shame. My episodes are less lectures than conversations, a kind of verbal holding space in which listeners can feel both seen and understood. The podcast is not where my mission ends. Twice a year, I convene my Transformation Workshop, a fifteen-week live online program that attracts individuals from all walks of life who find themselves caught in toxic patterns or weighed down by unresolved trauma. Far from a quick-fix course, the workshop unfolds deliberately, week by week, through exploration of personas, emotional triggers, narcissism, codependency, and the repetitive loops trauma creates. Later sessions dive deeper into inner child work, shadow integration, and reflective exercises that ask participants not merely to learn but to transform. My approach is holistic. Breathwork, mindfulness, journaling, and paired exercises sit alongside discussion and accountability. What emerges is a kind of apprenticeship in self-awareness, an invitation to stop running from pain and instead interrogate it, to alchemise trauma into growth. I do not promise ease, I promise authenticity. I am also working on a new course addressing intimacy after trauma, a theme I have long recognised as one of the most misunderstood and most necessary in the field of healing. International recognition My influence extends far beyond individual treatments. Two years ago, I was invited to contribute to Brainz Magazine. The freedom to write about any subject began with massage but evolved into articles on trauma and mental health, which consequently also became the focus of the MML Talks podcast dedicated to difficult and often stigmatised subjects, both in society and in the massage industry. By addressing these boundaries, I challenged their existence and encouraged open dialogue. This openness drew recognition. At the start of this year, I received a Global Recognition Award for therapeutic innovation, education, and community service, followed by a CREA award in June, along with numerous regional and national honours. With this recognition came greater visibility, leading more people to learn about my work and mission. Through my dedication to improving healthcare practices, my offerings as a senior executive contributor to Brainz Magazine, and various features across four continents, I am slowly reshaping the future of medical massage therapy. My advocacy also extends beyond each individual client to the profession itself within the massage industry, a field often trivialised or stigmatised. I have become an outspoken critic of the boundaries imposed by cultural misconceptions. I challenge not only the stigmas attached to trauma survivors but those levied against the practice of therapeutic massage. In doing so, I carve a space where body work and trauma education can coexist with integrity, dignity, and credibility. Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Sam Mishra Sam Mishra, The Medical Massage Lady Sam Mishra (The Medical Massage Lady), is a multi-award winning massage therapist, aromatherapist, accredited course tutor, oncology and lymphatic practitioner, trauma practitioner, breathwork facilitator, reiki and intuitive energy healer, transformational and spiritual coach and hypnotherapist. Her medical background as a nurse and a midwife, combined with her own experiences of childhood disability and abuse, have resulted in a diverse and specialised service, but she is mostly known for her trauma work. She is motivated by the adversity she has faced, using it as a driving force in her charity work and in offering the vulnerable a means of support. Her aim is to educate about medical conditions using easily understood language, to avoid inappropriate treatments being carried out, and for health promotion purposes in the general public. She is also becoming known for challenging the stigmas in our society and pushing through the boundaries that have been set by such stigmas within the massage industry.

Written by Joshua Matheson, Hospitality Innovation and Digital Transformation Joshua Matheson is a multi-award-winning hospitality consultant and community pub operator with over 12 years’ experience helping UK pubs thrive in a changing landscape. In a world obsessed with flawless performance, Joshua Matheson argues that authenticity is the true key to success. By sharing personal experiences from his work in hospitality and content creation, he illustrates how being real, raw, and vulnerable can build stronger relationships and a more sustainable brand than striving for perfection ever could. Let’s drop the act: perfection is a lie. In the world of hospitality, business, and content creation, we’ve been sold the idea that success means flawless service, spotless venues, and impeccable lives. But here’s what I’ve learned while running pubs, supporting operators, rescuing failing kitchens, launching tech platforms, and walking the pubco tightrope: perfection isn’t the goal. Instead, what actually resonates? Authenticity. Raw, real, slightly quirky, but full of heart. That’s what builds trust. That’s what turns one-time customers into raving fans. That’s what wins communities over. Chasing perfection will break you In our industry, you’re constantly told to polish, optimise, refine, and repeat: the spotless TripAdvisor listing, the flawless Instagram grid, the 100% food safety score. I get it. We want standards. We want pride. But perfection as a goal is toxic. It leads to burnout, paralysis, and imposter syndrome. Operators start hiding their struggles. GMs stop asking for help. Creators obsess over one video instead of posting 10. It’s a slow death wrapped in a shiny ribbon. And worse? Customers see through it. People don’t want robotic, cookie-cutter hospitality. They want a connection. Authenticity is your superpower The most powerful brands, businesses, and leaders in the new era are not the most polished. They’re the most honest. If your pub’s menu is tight because of staff shortages, say so, and focus on flavour. If you’re figuring out your brand, share the process. If your review score took a hit, own it, show you care, and act. People back people. Real people. Flawed, improving, passionate humans. Not pixel-perfect brands that never say the wrong thing. What authenticity looks like in practice Vulnerability: Admitting what’s not working, publicly. It makes you relatable, not weak. Storytelling: Don’t just post a picture of your new dish, tell me why you put it on the menu. Consistency over polish: The content you post today, even if it’s not perfect, beats the one you obsess over for a month and never release. Community-first mindset: Ask questions. Show behind-the-scenes. Share wins and losses. Let people in. In my world I run pubs. I coach pub owners. I build apps for menus and margins. And sometimes I forget to eat lunch because I’m on a rescue mission at a site with no head chef and a 0-star hygiene rating. My branding isn’t perfect. My TikToks are shaky. But they’re real. I get messages like, “You said what I’ve been feeling for months,” or, “Thanks for reminding me I’m not alone.” That’s the win. Not the algorithm. Not the applause. The impact. Final thought Perfection is impossible. But progress, passion, and authentic presence? That’s the winning trio. If you’re a leader, a founder, or a pub operator, stop trying to appear bulletproof. Instead, become someone your audience, your staff, and your locals can trust. Authenticity isn’t just essential; it’s magnetic. Follow me on Facebook , LinkedIn , and visit my website   for more info! Read more from Joshua Matheson Joshua Matheson, Hospitality Innovation and Digital Transformation Joshua Matheson is the founder of Josh the Pub Guy and a respected consultant in the UK hospitality industry. He’s known for transforming struggling venues into community-driven success stories through tactical support, menu innovation, and powerful digital strategies. With over 120 pubs, bars, cafes, and hotels supported, Josh pairs straight-talking advice with deep operational know-how. He also builds tech tools for independent operators and runs multiple award-winning venues across Worcestershire

Written by Dr. Asanee Brogan, Spiritual Coach Dr. Asanee Brogan is an Ifá educator and author who specializes in African traditions and ancestral wisdom. She is the founder of Asanee 44, an educational platform rooted in the Ifá tradition, and the host of the African Spirit Reintegrated + Reimagined podcast. Ifá divination is an ancient spiritual practice that serves as a guiding light for those seeking to align with their destiny. Rooted in the traditions of the Yoruba people of West Africa, Ifá is a sacred system of knowledge that has been preserved for thousands of years. Its teachings offer ancient wisdom about the interconnectedness of life, the importance of balance, and the role of destiny in the human experience. The foundation of Ifá divination Ifá is more than just a method of fortune-telling; it is a comprehensive spiritual system that helps individuals navigate the complexities of life. At its core, Ifá divination relies on the wisdom of Orunmila, the Orisha (divine spirit) of wisdom and knowledge, who serves as the intermediary between humans and the heavenly realm. The system operates through a vast corpus of sacred texts known as the Odu Ifá, which contains the collective wisdom of countless generations. When someone seeks guidance through Ifá divination, a trained Babalawo (father of mysteries) or Iyanifa (mother of mysteries) performs a ritual to communicate with the spiritual realm. The diviner uses sacred instruments, such as palm nuts (ikin Ifá) or a divination chain (opele), to cast patterns that reveal messages from the Orishas. These patterns correspond to specific verses within the Odu Ifá, each carrying a unique set of lessons, warnings, and solutions. How Ifá divination works The process of Ifá divination is both intricate and deeply spiritual. When a person comes for a consultation, the diviner invokes Orunmila and the spiritual forces that guide the seeker. The divination process unfolds in several key steps: Casting the Odu: The diviner throws the ikin Ifá or opele, forming a specific pattern that corresponds to an Odu (sacred scripture). Interpreting the message: The selected Odu contains poetic verses, proverbs, historical references, and mythological narratives that provide insight into the seeker’s concerns. Prescribing a solution: If the divination reveals obstacles or misfortunes, the diviner prescribes an ebo (sacrifice or offering) to align the seeker’s destiny with divine will. Providing guidance: The individual receives practical advice based on the wisdom of the Odu, empowering them to make informed decisions in their life. Ifá divination does not predict a fixed future. Instead, it reveals impending possibilities and helps individuals take conscious action to shape their destinies. It emphasizes the principle of iwa pele (good character) , urging people to cultivate wisdom, patience, and integrity in their daily lives. Why people seek Ifá divination People turn to Ifá divination for various reasons, including: Life purpose & destiny: Understanding one’s soul mission and how to align with one's highest potential. Relationships & family matters: Gaining deeper insight into love, marriage, and ancestral connections . Career & financial decisions: Navigating professional challenges and identifying paths to success. Health & well-being: Finding remedies for spiritual and physical ailments. Protection & spiritual growth: Strengthening one’s spiritual foundation and safeguarding against negative influences. The beauty of Ifá lies in its adaptability. Its wisdom applies to all aspects of life, guiding individuals toward balance and harmony. The modern relevance of Ifá divination In today’s world, many people seek deeper spiritual connections beyond conventional religious structures. Ifá offers a timeless, practical approach to understanding life’s challenges and opportunities. As more individuals explore African traditional religions , Ifá has gained global recognition for its depth and accuracy. While traditionally passed down through oral teachings, Ifá is now accessible to a wider audience through books, digital platforms, and online divination services . However, it is crucial to approach Ifá with respect, seeking guidance from properly trained practitioners who uphold its sacred traditions. Embracing Ifá as a tool for transformation Ifá divination is not just about seeking answers; it is about embracing a way of life that promotes growth, resilience, and self-awareness. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their choices while honoring the wisdom of their ancestors and spiritual guides. As more people reconnect with indigenous wisdom traditions , Ifá continues to illuminate pathways to self-discovery, healing, and enlightenment. Whether you are facing a crossroads in life or simply seeking greater alignment with your destiny, Ifá offers a transformative roadmap to self-discovery. If you’re looking to receive an authentic Ifá divination reading for spiritual guidance and alignment, Asanee 44 offers professional guidance rooted in tradition. Explore how this ancient wisdom can bring direction and balance to your life. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Dr. Asanee Brogan Dr. Asanee Brogan, Spiritual Coach Grounded in years of study and practice within the Yoruba-based Ifá tradition, Dr. Asanee Brogan creates accessible learning resources. These tools guide individuals toward ancestral reconnection and Ori alignment. Through Asanee 44, she provides Ifá divination, rituals, products, courses, and more that honor African spirituality with authenticity and cultural integrity.

Written by Sogol Johnson, MA, ACC, Author and Founder of the Mental Gym Program Sogol Johnson is an award-winning experience designer who left her Fortune 500 career on a mission to break generational cycles of trauma for the next generation. Founder of the Cycle Breakers Lab, Author of Wiggles McGee – The Magic Within, is an educator and somatic practitioner empowering individuals to reset and rewire their nervous system in order to thrive instead of survive.  What if the real key to thriving at work is not about working harder, but learning how to regulate our nervous system? Success has long been measured by how much we can push, produce, and perform. In my practice, I have been noticing a growing number of limiting beliefs being voiced by everyone from C-suite executives to managers and entrepreneurs. Once we unpack and explore these beliefs more deeply, the realization that many of them stem from nervous system wiring, attachment trauma, and long-standing survival mechanisms is the kind of goosebump material that changes everything. It reveals how deeply our inner world influences our professional world. Why your nervous system is your career engine Every challenge at work, from conflict avoidance to overworking, can trace its roots to the nervous system. These patterns are not flaws in discipline or drive, but survival strategies learned long ago. By understanding this connection, we can begin to see how rewiring our nervous system supports clarity, creativity, and confidence at work. Behind every challenge at work, whether it is avoiding conflict, overworking, struggling to say no, or freezing up in meetings, there is something deeper at play. These behaviors are not flaws in discipline or drive. They are survival patterns shaped by our nervous system and attachment history. Our bodies learn to adapt early on. If you grew up needing to earn approval, you might overperform or people-please. If speaking up once led to rejection, your nervous system may still equate self-advocacy with danger. These unconscious coping mechanisms follow us into our careers, influencing how we negotiate, lead, and respond to stress. When we operate from a constant fight, flight, freeze, or fawn state, our nervous system stays on high alert. This limits creativity, focus, and confidence. I have so many individuals ask me why they freeze and cannot respond to their bosses, or why they cannot let go of control and do not like micromanaging. The truth is we are wired to do so. We repeat the same relational dynamics at work that once helped us survive but now keep us stuck. The problem with traditional professional development Corporate culture celebrates performance over presence. I remember when I was in corporate America, performing but struggling with being truly present. Senior directors would often ask me to write up emails, reviews, and schedule endless meetings, tasks I did without questioning their purpose. The people pleaser in me kept saying yes with a smile, even when I felt disconnected. I was a dedicated but disconnected professional who had become a busy worker, and I was not alone. The rest of the fifty or so team members in my department were doing the same, performing instead of being present. The worst part was that I was in leadership, setting this example. Corporate, or even startups for that matter, often teach tactile communication skills and productivity systems but ignore the physiological foundation of success, the nervous system itself. Without regulation, no amount of strategy or mindset work can stick. Burnout, imposter syndrome, and emotional fatigue are symptoms of a body that no longer feels safe enough to grow. Modern professionals do not need another productivity framework. Research from the Harvard Business Review and the American Psychological Association has shown that while productivity systems like the Eisenhower Matrix and OKR frameworks improve short-term efficiency, they do little to address long-term well-being and sustainable focus. What most professionals truly need is a regulation framework that targets the root of performance, safety, self-trust, and emotional balance. This approach focuses on regulating the nervous system through consistent practices such as mindfulness, coaching, and breathwork, which have been proven to enhance both productivity and emotional resilience. Before we can create meaningful change, it helps to pause and recognize that every pattern begins with awareness. Reflecting on the nervous system's role in our professional lives is the first step. Once we see how stress shapes our reactions, we can begin to understand how to move from awareness into practice, transforming insight into new patterns of behavior. From survival to strategy We can all learn to move from reaction to regulation. Just like building physical strength, emotional resilience develops through daily repetition and intentional practice. Through affirmations, somatic therapy, coaching, meditation, and breathwork, we begin to rewire the nervous system to feel safe enough to respond instead of react. These are learned behaviors stored in the body, not fixed traits. This work reminds us that how we cope is not who we are, it is simply what we learned, and what can be relearned with awareness and practice. Using evidence-based somatic practices, trauma-informed coaching, and attachment science, participants learn to: Recognize and rewire old coping patterns that block confidence or assertiveness. Respond calmly under pressure instead of reacting impulsively. Access clear thinking and presence during high-stakes moments. Build internal safety so growth no longer triggers old fears of failure or rejection. Final thought The realization that so many of our professional habits stem from nervous system wiring and old survival mechanisms was goosebump material for me. It shifted everything I thought I knew about success and performance, revealing that transformation begins within our biology and self-awareness. Imagine a world where executives train their nervous systems the same way they train for marathons. Where burnout is replaced by emotional agility. Where leadership begins not with authority, but with co-regulation. Instead of co-workers we would have co-regulators. In this world, emotional awareness becomes the new intelligence, and mindfulness is not a luxury but a leadership skill. Teams would thrive because they feel safe enough to innovate and communicate openly. Workplaces would prioritize nervous system health alongside performance reviews, fostering genuine engagement instead of exhaustion. My wish as an ACC and trauma coach is to see a future where emotional regulation becomes second nature for professionals. I hope to help create that world one person at a time, showing that true success is not measured by constant output but by presence, balance, and calm confidence. Sometimes the ways we show up at work stem from what we once had to do to survive. They do not need to define our identities or dictate our success. Follow me on  LinkedIn ,  and visit my website for more info! Read more from Sogol Johnson Sogol Johnson, MA, ACC, Author and Founder of the Mental Gym Program Sogol Johnson, an award-winning designer with a master’s in Human-Centered Design, left her Fortune 500 career as a strategist to focus on breaking the cycle of generational trauma. Now an educator, writer, and advocate for healing childhood trauma, she combines her expertise in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Somatic Therapy, and trauma-informed coaching to empower parents and communities through self-parenting and healing practices.

Written by Beata Kaminska, Equestrian Mental Performance Coach Beata Kaminska specializes in the mental preparation of equestrian athletes for major events such as the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships. As an International Equestrian Mental Performance Coach & Researcher, she transforms pressure into power, teaching riders next-level mental toughness through her 6C Model. Every rider knows the difference between how they ride at home and how they ride at competitions. The gap isn’t about ability, it’s about pressure. Mental performance coaching bridges that gap. It trains the skills your body can’t, focus, composure, and trust in your ability when everything is on the line. What mental performance coaching for riders actually is Mental performance coaching is a structured, goal-focused process, the deliberate practice of mental skills that help you ride at competitions the way you ride at home, prepare for big events, overcome burnout, and enjoy competing again. Most riders turn to it when they realise that skill isn’t the problem, pressure is. What mental performance coaching for riders is not Mental performance coaching isn’t therapy, and it’s not about digging into your past, it’s about how you perform in the arena when it matters most. It’s not motivational talk or “just think positive” advice. It’s a structured process built on data, tools, and methods drawn from professional sports like football, rugby, tennis, or golf. And it’s not horse training advice. You and your coach know your horses best. Mindset training focuses on the one piece that often completes the puzzle, your mind under pressure. Why riders seek mental performance coaching After working with competitive riders across 8 countries, I’ve found that most riders don’t look for mental performance coaching because something is wrong, they look for it because something isn’t working the way it should. You train hard, ride well at home, and know you’re capable of more, but under pressure, your performance changes. When these patterns start showing up, riders look for support. Some experience a flood of negative thoughts, while others go completely blank, especially in the warm-up before big classes. One mistake spiral into another and focus slips after the first fault. The heart races or hands shake, and physical tension blocks rhythm and feel. Riders feel watched and overwhelmed, worrying about what the coach, judge, parent, or other riders might think. Overthinking between classes, replaying mistakes, doubting decisions, and losing trust in what they already know. Some start to fear specific challenges, a tricky combination, a corner in the arena, or a cross-country fence, and their horses sense it, tense up, and the cycle repeats. Others want a competitive advantage, to be mentally sharper, calmer, and more prepared than other riders for the show that matters most. Mental performance coaching exists for exactly these moments. It gives you practical tools to manage nerves, refocus after mistakes, and rebuild real confidence, not through affirmations, but through structured progress. Why confusion around mental performance coaching remains Even though more riders are turning to mental performance coaching, it’s still a fairly new concept in equestrian sport, which actually gives it a competitive edge. In disciplines like tennis, golf, or Formula 1, mindset work is already standard practice. More and more riders now recognise that it isn’t separate from performance, it’s part of it. Questions riders often ask, and the real answers behind them If you’ve ever wondered what mindset coaching actually looks like, or whether it can really make a difference in the arena, you’re not alone. These are the questions I hear most often from riders. “Isn’t mental performance coaching just talking about feelings?” Short answer, no. Mental performance coaching is about training the skills, not just talking about them. It’s a structured process designed to help you handle pressure, manage your state, focus, and recover quickly from mistakes, just like physical training helps your horse build strength and balance. You’ll use tools and techniques that professional athletes rely on to perform at their best under stress. “What if mental performance training makes me overthink before my round?” That’s a smart question. The goal of mental training isn’t to add more thoughts before your round, it’s to help you have fewer, clearer ones. When done well, it reduces overthinking by teaching you how to focus your attention on what matters most in the moment, your rhythm, your horse, and your plan. Think of it as mental decluttering. Instead of having ten thoughts fighting for space, you’ll learn to keep just one or two that support your performance. “Aren’t some riders just naturally mentally tougher than others?” Yes, genetics can influence how sensitive we are to stress or how quickly we recover after setbacks. But research shows that mental toughness is developed, not fixed. Even riders who seem naturally confident have usually built that mindset through experience, facing challenges, learning from mistakes, and developing coping strategies that work for them. ‘Do I really need mindset coaching if I already have a coach?’ Your riding coach helps you refine your technique, and mental coaching helps you apply those skills under pressure. It’s not a replacement for your coach, it’s what allows their training and your skills to come to the surface when it matters most. Both roles work together. Your coach sharpens your riding, and mental coaching sharpens your focus, confidence, and composure. ‘How is mental performance coaching different from psychology?’ Psychology is a broad clinical field, often focused on long-term therapy. Mental performance coaching is more practical, it’s goal-based, actionable, and tailored to real competition situations. You learn to use proven tools from sport psychology, but applied directly to riding challenges, warm-up stress, and performance routines. ‘Can mental performance coaching actually help me ride better?’ Yes, because your body only performs as well as your mind allows it to. Numerous sports science studies consistently show that mental skills are an essential component of successful athletic performance. When you train your focus, emotional control, and self-belief, your decisions become sharper, your reactions faster, and your communication with your horse clearer. A present and calm rider also creates a more relaxed and confident horse. Mental training directly supports your partnership, helping your horse feel safer and more confident in your aids. Mindset coaching doesn’t tell you how to ride, but it helps you access the version of yourself that can ride at your best when pressure hits. ‘What does a mental performance coaching session for riders look like?’ Good mental performance coaching is not a one-off conversation, it is a structured training process, just like physical coaching. Each program has a specific goal, and every session builds toward it. During sessions, you will learn and practice tools such as: Visualisation and relaxation techniques Focus and concentration strategies Energy and arousal management Confidence-building and performance-analysis tools Self-reflection to identify blind spots But the real progress happens between sessions. Riders receive practical, personalised tasks to apply during training or competitions. That is when new habits start to take hold. It’s a bit like having a riding clinic. You learn something from a coach that clicks, but the real change comes from how you practice it afterwards. Mental performance sessions are usually held every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on your goals and progress. Most sessions take place off the horse, while on-horse sessions are reserved for experienced riders who have already completed the foundations of mental training. Many riders join their sessions remotely or complete online courses from their lorries at competitions or at home between shows, making mental training easy to fit into a busy riding schedule. ‘How long does it take to see results from mental performance coaching?’ Most riders notice a mindset shift or a click within 48 hours, a small but real change in how they think or feel about riding. For example, one rider realised after just one session that she had been projecting the fear she developed from a past horse onto her new one, and together we worked out how she could start jumping combinations with confidence again. When the tools are practised consistently, these mental shifts usually start showing up in your riding within a few weeks, often around the one-month mark. How to choose the right mental performance coach Look for a coach who truly understands your sport, ideally a former rider who knows what it is like to manage nerves in the warm-up, ride under pressure, or bounce back after a tough test or round. The right coach will not just talk mindset, they will help you apply tools directly in training and competition, while keeping you accountable. Experience with high-level athletes and methods from other sports is a must. And remember, real, sustainable progress always starts with the trust and connection you have with your coach. How curious are you about what mental coaching could do for your riding? Remember, the best athletes take action when the opportunity is there. Start looking for a mental performance coach yourself, or join the waitlist for one-to-one coaching with me or one of our self-paced online courses to take your mindset to the next level. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Beata Kaminska Beata Kaminska, Equestrian Mental Performance Coach Beata Kamińska is a mental performance expert, coaching equestrian riders to thrive under the pressure of world-class competition. She prepares both senior and young riders for the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships. A graduate of Hartpury University in Equestrian Sports Science and Performance Analysis, she combines academic studies and her own research in mental toughness with hands-on coaching across Europe, the USA, and Asia. Beata is the creator of the 6C Model of Equestrian Mental Performance, a framework for building rider resilience and career longevity.

Written by Laurie Hawkins, Leadership Advisor Laurie Hawkins is a transformational leadership advisor and founder of Hawk Inspired, guiding high-achieving leaders to align ambition with authenticity. Blending soul, strategy, and nervous system wisdom, she helps leaders rise with purpose, power, and deep fulfillment. High-achieving leaders aren’t burning out because they’re weak. They’re burning out because they’re leaking energy everywhere, overthinking, overcommitting, absorbing emotions that aren’t theirs, and replaying the past on a loop. We’ve normalized exhaustion in leadership. We glorify resilience while secretly wondering why success feels hollow. But the truth is simple. The identity that built your success may now be the very ceiling holding you back. It’s time to RESET. R: Rewire your narrative Every leader lives inside a story, “I need to work harder,” I can’t slow down,” “I’m only as good as my last win.” These narratives were useful once, they pushed you to achieve. But they’re now outdated operating systems that keep you in survival mode. Reset practice: Write down the story that’s been running you. Then ask, "What narrative do I choose instead?" (For example, from “I must control everything” to “I trust myself and my team.”) E: Eliminate energy leaks You’re not exhausted because you’re incapable. You’re exhausted because you’re leaking energy, spinning in indecision, saying yes on autopilot, or carrying other people’s emotions home with you. Reset practice: Pause for 60 seconds. Hand on heart. Audible exhale. Ask yourself, "Where is my energy leaking right now, and what boundary will stop it?" S: Simplify your routine Leaders don’t need another 10-step morning ritual. You need one anchor habit that aligns your nervous system before the day consumes you. Reset practice: Before you touch your phone in the morning, take three intentional breaths, hand on heart, and ask, "What do I want to feel today?" One minute, infinite return. E: Examine relationships Your nervous system knows the truth, some people fuel you, some drain you. Leaders often ignore this reality until their bandwidth is gone. Reset practice: List the five people you spend the most time with. Label them, Fuel, Neutral, Drain. Then act accordingly. Prioritize fuelers, create space with neutrals, set boundaries with drainers without guilt. T: Talk your confidence into being Confidence isn’t built by waiting until you feel ready. It’s built by declaring who you are daily until your body believes it. Reset practice: Speak your five-line confidence script out loud every morning. Example: I don’t chase permission, I create my own. Every room I enter is brighter because I’m in it. My energy is my power, and I choose where it flows. The new standard The Reset Code is not another hustle tactic. It’s a reclamation of your leadership, your energy, your narrative, your rhythm, your relationships, your confidence. Because the truth is, you don’t need to do more. You need to reset the system you’re running on. Ready to experience The Reset Code yourself? Click here . Follow me on YouTube , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Laurie Hawkins Laurie Hawkins, Leadership Advisor Laurie Hawkins is a transformational leadership advisor, speaker, and founder of Hawk Inspired. She helps high-achieving entrepreneurs and executives align ambition with authenticity, blending business strategy, identity work, and nervous system intelligence to fuel sustainable success. With over 30 years of experience in sales leadership and personal transformation, Laurie is known for creating powerful spaces where leaders can expand into their next evolution. She is the creator of the Wake the F Up Festival, Ready for More, and The Expansion Room, designed to support those craving a deeper, more fulfilling way to lead and live.