Written by: Tiffany Watson , 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. Small businesses are crucial to the economy, and for the people who start them, they represent their hopes and dreams. However, there's one aspect of running a business that can't be ignored: taxes. Smart tax planning is not just about following rules; it's a way to help your business save money and do better financially. Creating a tax strategy Good tax planning is like being a conductor of an orchestra, where every choice you make should work well together to improve your business's money situation. To do this well, you need to know the tax rules and use them to your benefit. Using deductions and credits Tax planning helps you take full advantage of deductions and credits, which can lower the amount of tax you have to pay. This could include writing off the cost of a home office or the loss in value of equipment, which can save you money and give you more to invest back into your business. Choosing when to spend money Just like timing is key in music, it's also important in taxes. Planning when to buy big items or when to count your income can help you pay less in taxes. You might spend money earlier or wait to take income until later to fit into a lower tax bracket, which can help even out your cash flow and reduce tax costs. Planning for retirement For small business owners, planning for retirement is not just about the future; it's also a way to save on taxes now. Setting up retirement accounts like a SEP IRA or a Solo 401(k) is smart because you can deduct your contributions now, and the money grows without being taxed until you take it out later. Choosing the right business structure The type of business you have (like a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation) affects your taxes a lot. Each kind has different rules for how much tax you pay, how you keep records, and how much liability you have. Picking the right type is crucial and sets the stage for your tax planning. Using technology for keeping records Today, small businesses can use digital tools to make tax planning easier. With online accounting software and apps, you can keep track of your finances easily and get a clear view of how your business is doing. Good records help you make choices that fit with your tax plan. Getting help from tax professionals Running a business on your own is great, but tax planning can be complex and might require some help. Working with a tax expert is like adding a skilled musician to your team. They can guide you through tax laws, find ways to save money, and make sure you're following the rules, so you can focus on growing your business. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , Li nkedIn , YouTube and visit my website for more info! Read more from Tiffany! Tiffany Watson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Tiffany Watson, is a leader in the tax and accounting industry for small businesses. Servicing clients from across the U.S., she is knowledgeable and passionate about seeing business owners thrive. As the owner of her own tax and accounting firm, All Aboard Financial, Tiffany understands firsthand the struggles that business owners face. Tiffany’s commitment and passion shines through as she helps her clients get and stay on the right track.

Written by Laura McCann, Founder & CEO of Auratherapy Laura McCann is the Founder & CEO of Auratherapy, a luxury wellness brand helping people reclaim their breath and remember they are vibrational beings. A 30-year CPG + tech founder, she’s building a modern movement at the intersection of scent, energy, and self-mastery, turning daily rituals into transformation. In the modern beauty and wellness landscape, we are witnessing a radical shift. Consumers are no longer satisfied with "one-size-fits-all" luxury, they are seeking precision, transparency, and results that can be measured. As an entrepreneur who has spent decades at the intersection of fashion, tech, and CPG, I realized that the traditional retail model was missing a vital component: data-driven personalization. This realization, combined with over 10,000 aura readings conducted alongside my partner and Chief Auratherapist, Jim Levinson, led to the birth of the Spiritual Apothecary. It is a new category of "Prescriptive Wellness" that blends the aesthetic of high-end beauty with the diagnostic rigor of a science-backed laboratory. Our book, Auratherapy: A Guide to Adoring Yourself, Your Chakras, and Your Aura, serves as the essential primer for this approach, co-authored with Jim, blending ancient chakra wisdom with modern aura reading technology. Beyond marketing scents The beauty industry has long used scent as a marketing tool, pumping invisible "propaganda" into shared spaces to manipulate mood, often using synthetic toxins. A Spiritual Apothecary rejects this. We believe that your breath deserves consent. Instead of generic fragrances, we offer Functional, Breathable Luxury through clinical-grade essential oil formulas designed to be "Life Coaches in a Bottle." However, the true innovation lies in how we determine which formula you need. We do not guess, we assess. This diagnostic approach is what separates prescriptive wellness from traditional beauty retail. Wellness and energy as CRM When a client experiences an aura imaging session at our Asheville or Miami sanctuaries, they receive far more than a photo. They walk away with a 14-page scientific report that provides a comprehensive breakdown of their vibrational frequency, including a Chakra Wellness Scorecard. For a business owner, this is the ultimate Customer Relationship Management tool. By tracking these 14 pages of data over time, we can see exactly how a customer's energy is evolving. If the data shows a low "Yellow" score (Solar Plexus), we prescribe a specific protocol of scent, breath, and ritual to rebuild that confidence. We are using technology to explain "you to you," creating a loyalty loop based on actual transformation rather than just a transaction. The Vibe & Glow protocol The efficacy of this prescriptive model was pressure-tested during our residency at Canyon Ranch and has since evolved into our Vibe & Glow Event Series. These events serve as a case study for the future of beauty experiences. We take a room of high-performers and move them through a protocol of aura diagnostics, sound frequency, and prescriptive vibrational aromatherapy formulas. The result is a measurable shift in the collective frequency of the room. We are not just selling a "spa day," we are providing an energetic "reset" that allows founders and leaders to return to their work with a balanced chakra system and a clear mental field. Why this matters The Spiritual Apothecary is the blueprint for Conscious Commerce. By combining high-end aromatherapy products with a 14-page diagnostic report, we have created a brand that is impossible to replicate with a generic AI prompt or a mass-market fragrance line. In 2026, the brands that win will be those that provide a "Map" (the aura reading) and a "Medicine" (the prescriptive product). We are building a world where beauty is not just skin deep, it is vibrational. Take the next step Experience Vibe & Glow: Join our Miami flagship Vibe & Glow events in 2026. Receive your blueprint: Book an aura reading to receive your own 14-page report and personalized chakra prescription. The Path to Mastery: Enrollment is now open for our Auratherapist Certification (April 20-22 in Miami) for those ready to bring this diagnostic model into their own practices. Read the book: Auratherapy: A Guide to Adoring Yourself, Your Chakras, and Your Aura is available now. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Laura McCann Laura McCann, Founder & CEO of Auratherapy Laura McCann, a former child star, France-raised creative, NY fashion alum, and tech entrepreneur, now leads Auratherapy as Founder & CEO. With 30 years as a founder across CPG and tech, she’s bringing luxury and innovation to functional fragrance through breathable, essential oil-based Aroma Perfumes and water-based aura sprays. Auratherapy pairs this with data-driven aura and chakra diagnostics that translate energy into personalized rituals. Her mission is to help people reclaim their breath, remember they are vibrational beings, and transform through the practice of adoring yourself. Resources: Book Vibe & Glow Series Aura Imaging Technology Perfume is Propaganda Energy Alignment Protocols

Written by Aleksandra Tsenkova, Psychotherapist, Author, Speaker Blending Person-Centred therapy with coaching and DBT, Aleksandra Tsenkova helps people worldwide heal trauma, unpack emotional wounds, and step into confidence. We live in an era where self-improvement is no longer optional, but it is expected. Wake earlier. Work harder. Heal faster. Optimise your mindset. Become better. Hustle culture has quietly merged with the language of mental health, reframing exhaustion as a personal failure and rest as something to be “earned.” Under the promise of growth and success, many people are left feeling chronically behind, never quite enough, and strangely disconnected from themselves. This article explores what happens when the pursuit of becoming “better” requires us to abandon who we are. The person-centred approach, developed by Carl Rogers, offers the understanding that growth does not begin with pressure, discipline, or fixing. Instead, it invites us to look at how modern self-improvement culture may be recreating the very conditions that disconnect people from their authentic selves.   1. Hustle culture and the rise of conditional worth Hustle culture does more than promote productivity, it quietly reshapes how people relate to their own worth. Beneath the language of ambition, discipline, and “becoming your best self” lies an implicit message: you are valuable when you are achieving. Rest, slowness, and uncertainty are tolerated only when they serve a future outcome. From a person-centred perspective, this reflects what Carl Rogers described as conditions of worth, the internalised belief that acceptance, love, or self-respect must be earned through specific behaviours or achievements. In contemporary culture, these conditions are often tied to output, resilience, visibility, and constant self-improvement. People learn, consciously or not, that they are most acceptable when they are productive, positive, and progressing. Over time, these external expectations are absorbed into the self-concept. Individuals begin to evaluate themselves not through their lived experience, but through external standards: metrics, milestones, comparisons, and perceived success. Emotional states that interfere with performance, exhaustion, doubt, grief, or ambivalence are pushed aside rather than listened to. What makes this particularly insidious is how normalised it has become. Many people do not experience this as pressure imposed from the outside, but as an internal voice urging them to do more, be more, and cope better. Yet this voice is rarely compassionate. It does not ask what is needed, it demands what is expected. In person-centred terms, this creates a growing gap between the Organismic Self with its natural rhythms, limits, and needs, and the Idealised Self shaped by hustle culture. The cost of this incongruence is often subtle at first: chronic tension, a sense of never doing enough, or the inability to rest without guilt. But over time, it can lead to burnout, emotional numbing, and a profound disconnection from one’s inner life. When worth becomes conditional on performance, self-improvement no longer serves growth. It becomes a survival strategy, one that asks people to abandon parts of themselves in order to belong.   2. When growth is driven by fear, not authentic desire Not all growth is inherently healthy. From a person-centred perspective, the question is not whether someone is changing, but what is driving that change. Growth that emerges from authentic desire feels expansive, self-directed, and internally meaningful. Growth driven by fear, however, is different, shaped by anxiety, comparison, and the need to keep up. Yet, when individuals are motivated by the fear of falling behind, becoming irrelevant, or not doing “enough,” that is repackaged as discipline and drive, they are no longer responding to their inner valuing process but to external pressures and imagined standards. According to Carl Rogers, this represents a shift away from the innate capacity to sense what is right, nourishing, and growth-promoting. When this internal compass is overridden, people may continue to develop externally while feeling increasingly disconnected internally. Progress is achieved, but satisfaction remains elusive.   3. Self-optimisation as emotional disconnection Modern self-improvement culture often treats emotions as obstacles to overcome rather than signals to be understood. Fatigue is reframed as a mindset issue. Emotional pain becomes something to “work through” quickly. Vulnerability is postponed until after success is achieved. In the pursuit of optimisation, emotional experience is frequently sidelined. However, when individuals consistently ignore their internal signals in favour of productivity and performance, they gradually lose trust in their own emotional wisdom. The self becomes something to manage rather than relate to. This disconnection often masquerades as resilience. People may appear highly functional while feeling increasingly numb, restless, or empty. What is lost is not motivation, but aliveness, the sense of being in genuine contact with oneself. Person-centred theory reminds us that emotions are not disruptions to growth, they are guides. When emotional experience is honoured rather than optimised away, individuals regain access to authenticity, self-direction, and meaningful change.   4. Why acceptance, not pressure, is the foundation of real change The majority of people assume that change requires pressure: stricter discipline, greater effort, stronger motivation. From a person-centred perspective, this assumption is fundamentally flawed. Pressure may produce short-term compliance, but it rarely leads to meaningful or sustainable change. Carl Rogers observed that individuals move toward growth not when they are pushed, but when they feel psychologically safe. Acceptance, particularly unconditional positive self-regard, creates the conditions in which people can explore themselves honestly, without fear of failure or rejection. In this space, defensiveness softens, self-awareness deepens, and natural growth becomes possible. Paradoxically, it is often when individuals stop trying to change themselves that genuine growth begins. When worth is no longer contingent on performance, people can listen inwardly and respond to their real needs rather than imposed expectations. Change that emerges from acceptance is not forced or frantic, it is integrated, self-directed, and aligned.   5. Reclaiming growth without self-abandonment A person-centred critique of hustle culture is not a rejection of development, ambition, or achievement. It is a rejection of the idea that growth must come at the expense of the self. When worth is tied to productivity and improvement becomes an obligation, growth loses its vitality and becomes another form of self-surveillance. Reclaiming growth begins with a shift in authority from external standards to internal experience. From comparison to curiosity. From pressure to presence. The person-centred approach reminds us that individuals already possess an innate capacity for direction, meaning, and development when they are allowed to listen inwardly without judgement. This kind of growth is quieter and less performative. It respects limits. It allows rest to be meaningful rather than strategic. It honours emotional truth rather than overriding it in the name of progress. Most importantly, it does not require individuals to fragment themselves in order to succeed. In a culture that continually asks people to become someone else, reclaiming growth means choosing to become more fully oneself. Not faster. Not better. But more congruent, more alive, and more at home within. That is not the end of growth, it is where it truly begins. Note: This article draws on themes explored in greater depth in my book, “The Person-Centred Approach: A Modern Return to Carl Rogers’ Theory” exclusive on Amazon .   Follow me on  Facebook ,  Instagram , and LinkedIn  for more info! Read more from Aleksandra Tsenkova Aleksandra Tsenkova, Psychotherapist, Author, Speaker Aleksandra Tsenkova supports individuals on their healing journey by integrating Person-Centred therapy, coaching, and DBT. She helps people process emotional pain, recover from trauma, and rebuild inner trust to step into their confidence. With a deep belief in each person’s capacity for growth, she creates space for powerful self-discovery and lasting transformation. Her work is grounded in a passion for empowering others to reclaim their voice and unlock their potential. Through her writing, Aleksandra invites readers into meaningful conversations about healing, resilience, and personal freedom.

Written by Leonie Blackwell, Naturopath, Author & Teacher Leonie Blackwell is the founder of Empowered Tapping® and a naturopath with over 30 years' experience in emotional wellbeing. She trains practitioners globally and empowers individuals through her Bwell Institute and personal growth community, the Tappers Tribe. Have you ever had the realisation that if the people in your life had been able to sit in their own vulnerability, your world would have been very different? Sit with that thought for just a moment. Imagine if they had been able to own their insecurity instead of masking it with criticism. Acknowledge their jealousy instead of undermining you. Or sit with their discomfort instead of shouting at you. Imagine the difference in your life. Their avoidance might not have compounded your experience of heartache and pain. Instead, you were left to navigate not only your pain, but also the unspoken, unprocessed emotions of those around you. Their unwillingness to feel their feelings became your burden to carry.   The cost of avoiding vulnerability Most people are never taught to sit with vulnerability. Instead, they learn to avoid it, swallow it, project it, or disguise it. Vulnerability is labelled as weakness, something shameful that must be hidden at all costs. Yet the truth is this: avoiding vulnerability doesn’t make it disappear. It leaks out. It turns into blame, control, rejection, denial, and dismissal. It erupts in passive-aggressive comments, cold silences, or disproportionate reactions. For trauma survivors, this avoidance is especially devastating. It invalidates their pain. It creates isolation. It doubles the weight they already carry.   The difference between projection and presence When we avoid vulnerability, we project it. We make someone else responsible for what we are unwilling to face in ourselves. When we own vulnerability, we move into presence. We feel the insecurity, fear, jealousy, overwhelm, or discomfort, and we let it be ours to hold, without spewing it outward. Presence transforms vulnerability from something hurtful into something connective. It opens the door to empathy, compassion, and truth. Learning to sit with your vulnerability and choosing to act with compassion and empathy for the reality you are facing strengthens relationships. Imagine if more people did the same, the ripple effects would be enormous.   Vulnerability in action Owning vulnerability doesn’t mean wallowing in it or making it someone else’s problem. It means being willing to name what’s true in the moment: “I feel insecure right now.” “This situation is triggering uncomfortable feelings within me.” “I notice I’m feeling jealous.” These admissions, simple as they seem, change the dynamic completely. They remove the mask. They turn defensiveness into dialogue. They soften walls into bridges. When we acknowledge vulnerability in ourselves, we permit others to do the same. That exchange is where intimacy, trust, and healing grow.   Why vulnerability feels so hard We avoid vulnerability because it feels dangerous. For many, past experiences have reinforced the message that showing feelings leads to ridicule, rejection, or abandonment. So, we protect ourselves by staying on the surface. But this “protection” is costly. It keeps us disconnected. It makes us reactive instead of responsive. It drives wedges where we most crave closeness. Ironically, the very thing we fear being hurt becomes more likely when we refuse to sit with what we truly feel.   The hidden power of vulnerability Vulnerability isn’t the enemy. It’s the birthplace of authenticity. It’s the seed of empathy. It’s the pathway to compassion. If the people in your life had been willing to sit in their vulnerability, you may have felt more supported through your experiences. But their avoidance also teaches a deeper truth: you get to choose how you act. No matter how others behave, you can choose not to abandon your own feelings and not to project them onto others. Instead, you can choose presence. You can meet your vulnerability with honesty, and from there act with compassion. It’s a two-way street. Self-compassion and compassion for others improve everyone’s sense of self.   Moving from projection to presence If you want to begin practising this shift, here are a few gentle starting points: Pause before reacting. Notice the emotion rising in you, is it fear, jealousy, insecurity, overwhelm, or discomfort? Name it silently before you act. Own the “I.” Instead of deflecting with blame (“You make me feel small”), try “I’m feeling insecure right now.” Sit with the feeling. Let the emotion exist without trying to fix it, avoid it, or project it. Vulnerability loses its sting when we make room for it. Choose compassion. Once you’ve acknowledged your vulnerability, ask: How can I respond with empathy for both myself and the other person?   In closing If more of us sat with our own vulnerability instead of avoiding it, our relationships, communities, and workplaces would be profoundly different. Individuals would feel supported rather than dismissed. Connections would deepen. Trust would grow. The hidden power of vulnerability is this: when we move from projection to presence, we don’t just change our own lives, we change the world we touch. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Leonie Blackwell Leonie Blackwell, Naturopath, Author & Teacher Leonie Blackwell is a leader in emotional wellness, with over 30 years of experience as a naturopath and educator. She is the creator of Empowered Tapping® and founder of the Bwell Institute, offering accredited practitioner training and transformational personal development. Leonie has worked with thousands of clients, trained hundreds of students, and taught internationally, including trauma recovery programs for refugees. Her published works include Making Sense of the Insensible, The Box of Inner Secrets, and Accessing Your Inner Secrets. She is passionate about helping others live with authenticity, purpose, and joy.

Written by Paula Miles, BACP-Registered Psychotherapist Paula Miles is a psychotherapist, BACP-registered, who helps people navigating anxiety, stress, and burnout. Drawing from her own experience in high-pressure corporate roles, and childhood trauma she offers a grounded, compassionate space for root-cause emotional change. Every January, the same pattern shows up among high-performing professionals. It’s not a lack of ambition or direction, it’s the quiet exhaustion of carrying work stress into every part of their life. New goals are set, calendars fill up again, and yet something feels off. What’s missing isn’t discipline or motivation. It's emotional capacity: the internal resource that makes change sustainable. When productivity keeps working, but you don’t Many people enter the new year still functioning well on the surface. They meet deadlines, lead teams, solve problems, and stay responsive. From the outside, all looks as it should be. Internally, however, the system may be under strain. This is often where confusion begins. If productivity is still happening and everything looks “fine”, how can burnout be present? The answer is simple and uncomfortable: productivity can continue long after emotional capacity has been depleted. In fact, high performers are often the last to notice the cost, precisely because they are so capable of pushing through. Emotional capacity: What it actually looks like Emotional capacity isn’t a vague emotional concept. It shows up in very practical ways. It’s the ability to make decisions without feeling overwhelmed by them. It’s having enough internal space to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting sharply. It’s finishing the workday with enough energy left to be present in your own life. When emotional capacity is low, people often describe feeling mentally cluttered, easily irritated, or somehow detached. Small tasks feel heavier than they should. Rest doesn’t restore, it just pauses the pressure briefly before it returns. This isn’t a personal failing. It’s a sign that the system has been running without replenishment. Why January is a high-risk month for burnout January is often framed as a fresh start, but for many professionals, it’s the moment when pressure quietly resumes before recovery has taken place. The pace picks up, expectations reset, and the internal message is clear: it’s time to perform again. This is why burnout doesn’t always peak in December. It often emerges in the early months of the year, when people are expected to operate at full capacity without having rebuilt it. Anxiety increases, focus slips, and the sense of being “behind” appears early. Pushing harder at this stage doesn’t create momentum, it accelerates depletion. The hidden pattern behind emotional exhaustion A recurring pattern among high-achieving professionals is the role of being “the reliable one.” The person who absorbs pressure, anticipates problems, and keeps things moving. Over time, this role becomes an identity. The cost of this identity is rarely visible at first. Emotional strain is postponed. Signals are ignored. Stress is normalised. Eventually, emotional capacity becomes the silent casualty, not because life is too demanding, but because there is no space to process what those demands require internally. This is why changing jobs, roles, or routines often doesn’t solve the problem. The external structure shifts, but the internal pattern remains. From awareness to real reset Awareness alone doesn’t restore emotional capacity. Knowing that you are exhausted doesn’t automatically create space, clarity, or relief. A real reset involves changing how pressure is metabolised internally, not just how life is organised externally. This means paying attention to how often the mind stays in problem-solving mode. It means recognising when productivity is being used to avoid discomfort rather than serve meaningful goals. And it means allowing space for reflection, which is something many high performers have trained themselves to bypass. Emotional capacity grows when there is room to think, feel, and pause without immediately needing to perform. Redefining a successful start to the year A meaningful reset asks a different question than most New Year plans: How much can I hold without losing myself in the process? Success, viewed this way, isn’t about doing less or achieving less. It’s about operating from a place where decisions feel grounded, boundaries feel possible, and life doesn’t require constant self-override. When emotional capacity is restored, productivity becomes steadier, not louder. Focus improves. Relationships feel less strained. And progress stops feeling like survival. A different kind of reset The real reset for the new year isn’t another system, strategy, or productivity tool. It’s rebuilding the internal capacity that allows those tools to work without costing you. If the year is starting with a sense of pressure rather than possibility, that’s not a sign to try harder. It’s information. And listening to it may be the most productive decision you make. Paula Miles is a humanistic psychotherapist who works with professionals navigating stress, burnout, and emotional overload. You can learn more about her work via her website. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Paula Miles Paula Miles, BACP-Registered Psychotherapist Paula Miles is a BACP-registered psychotherapist working with anxiety, burnout, and high-functioning stress. With a background in demanding corporate environments, and having grown up in a critical, emotionally unavailable, and neglectful family, she learned early to carry the pressure of being the “good,” capable, strong, and always-okay one in every relationship. She deeply understands the experience of performing while feeling depleted inside, broken, or like a failure. Paula transformed her own pain into a vocation, she supports clients in over eight countries, offering a deeply human space where people can understand their emotions, reconnect with themselves, and find a root-cause relief from the patterns that keep them overwhelmed.

Written by Thi Quynh Trang Phan, International Education & Institutional Partnership Specialist Phan Thị Quỳnh Trang is a Vietnam-Canada based international education and institutional partnership specialist with a strong focus on higher education systems, policy-aligned collaboration, and cross-border education ecosystem development. In many countries, summer camps are often seen as short-term recreational experiences. Yet, in a world facing cultural fragmentation, climate uncertainty, and leadership challenges, youth exchange programs are increasingly expected to play a deeper role, shaping global citizens. The Canada Summer Camp 2026 program offers a case study of how summer education can evolve into a model of cultural diplomacy, leadership formation, and sustainable global learning. Many youth exchange programs today still remain superficial, focusing more on mobility than meaningful transformation. Students travel across borders, yet often return with photographs rather than deeper cultural understanding, emotional growth, or civic awareness.   In this context, the question is no longer how far students go, but how deeply they learn. Beyond travel: Education as cultural exchange Hosted at the University of Toronto, the Summer Camp 2026 program integrates academic learning, cultural exploration, and leadership development within a single framework. Summer camp 2026 Students aged 8 to 17 from different countries participate in English instruction, creative workshops, and cross-cultural projects while living in a university environment. This immersive structure allows learning to extend beyond classrooms into everyday intercultural interaction. In this model, language is not only a communication tool, it becomes a bridge for understanding perspectives, habits, and values. During one cultural performance rehearsal, a young student hesitated to step forward, unsure of her English and afraid of making mistakes. By the end of the week, she volunteered to introduce her group’s project in front of an international audience.   Her confidence did not come from perfect language, but from feeling respected, supported, and heard. Leadership through experience Rather than teaching leadership as a theoretical subject, the program emphasizes experiential leadership. Students collaborate in group projects, creative productions, sports activities, and public cultural performances. They learn how to listen, negotiate, present, and reflect, essential leadership skills in global contexts. One of the program’s highlights is the multicultural cultural performance at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, where students present alongside professional artists from different countries before diplomats and community leaders. Summer camp 2026 Here, leadership is not measured by authority, but by confidence, cooperation, and respect for diversity. Art, technology, and sustainable creativity A distinctive element of Summer Camp 2026 is the Canon Canada Photography & Video Workshop, aligned with Ontario’s SHSM Arts & Culture standards. Summer camp 2026 Students receive professional equipment, technical guidance, and creative mentorship. They produce individual and group projects that reflect personal identity and social themes. This approach connects creativity with responsibility, showing students how technology can serve storytelling, documentation, and cultural preservation rather than simple consumption. The resulting artworks are later showcased in student exhibitions, reinforcing the idea that learning outcomes should be visible, meaningful, and socially relevant. Sport as global language Football exchange activities with semi-professional Canadian clubs introduce another dimension of leadership education. Summer camp 2026 Through sport, students experience teamwork, discipline, fair play, and cross-cultural communication without language barriers. Sport becomes a shared language that teaches resilience and mutual respect. Learning geography through cultural context The program includes exploration across Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City. Summer camp 2026 Rather than functioning as tourism, these visits are structured as cultural discovery, introducing students to Canada’s bilingual heritage, Indigenous history, political institutions, and multicultural urban life. By linking geography with cultural meaning, students develop a more responsible understanding of global citizenship. A model for sustainable education Summer Camp 2026 reflects several principles aligned with sustainable education: Learning connected to real life Cultural respect as a core value Creativity combined with responsibility Leadership built through participation Global mindset grounded in local identity This model does not attempt to replace formal education systems. Instead, it complements them by developing emotional intelligence, cultural literacy, and civic awareness. From exchange program to educational philosophy What makes this program significant is not only its activities, but its philosophy, education is not preparation for life, it is life itself. By combining academic learning, cultural immersion, creative production, and leadership practice, Summer Camp 2026 transforms a short-term program into a long-term influence on student identity. A new generation of global citizens Students leave not only with certificates from the University of Toronto and Canon Canada.  Summer camp 2026 But with: Broader worldview Increased confidence in communication Respect for diversity Awareness of global responsibility These qualities define global citizenship more than any academic transcript. Conclusion Summer Camp 2026 demonstrates how youth exchange programs can evolve from seasonal activities into meaningful educational ecosystems. By integrating culture, leadership, creativity, and sustainability, the program offers a practical model for how future education can nurture not only skilled students, but responsible global citizens. In a world that urgently needs dialogue, empathy, and cooperation, such models may quietly shape the leaders of tomorrow. Call to reflection Perhaps the most important question is no longer where students travel, but who they become after they return. You can visit Summer Camp here. Readers interested in sustainable youth exchange models and education ecosystem development may explore further insights through the author’s professional platforms. Follow me on Facebook , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Thi Quynh Trang Phan Thi Quynh Trang Phan, International Education & Institutional Partnership Specialist Phan Thị Quỳnh Trang is a Vietnam-Canada based international education and institutional partnership specialist with a strong focus on higher education systems, policy-aligned collaboration, and cross-border education ecosystem development. Her professional work bridges schools, universities, education organizations, foundations, and public-sector stakeholders, supporting long-term cooperation models that emphasize academic integrity, regulatory compliance, and sustainable institutional value. Rather than operating within a recruitment-driven framework, her approach prioritizes ecosystem building, strategic alignment, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. Trang has played an active role in designing and facilitating transnational education initiatives, institutional partnership frameworks, and policy-adjacent education projects between Vietnam and Canada. Her work contributes to strengthening international academic cooperation while respecting the structural realities of both education systems.

Written by Timothy Veal, Board Certified Psychiatrist and Educator Dr. Veal, a board-certified psychiatrist and educator based in La Jolla, California, specializes in mental health, lifestyle medicine, and resilience. With extensive clinical, healthcare, and military experience, he delivers holistic, person-centered care through psychodynamic therapy, medication management, and evidence-based education. From brain fog during long meetings to late-night stress eating, many people experience how diet and mental health are connected, sometimes without even realizing it. While therapy, medication, and exercise are familiar tools for managing emotional health, what we eat is an often overlooked yet highly influential factor. For people balancing long workdays, family, responsibilities at home, and limited time to cook or plan meals, understanding the connection between diet and mental clarity can be empowering. It puts them in control of their well-being, giving them the tools to manage their emotional health effectively. Consider Maya, a project manager in her 30s who struggled with chronic fatigue and anxiety during a demanding work quarter. Her meals mainly consisted of takeout and snacks between Zoom calls. However, after attending a wellness seminar at work, she made minor dietary adjustments, such as incorporating more green and fermented foods and reducing ultra-processed snacks. Maya reported more energy, clearer thinking, and greater emotional balance within weeks. This article distills insights from nutritional psychiatry, an emerging field that explores how diet influences brain health, emotional regulation, and cognitive performance. From decision-making to reaction time, what we eat fuels our capacity to perform—whether leading a meeting, solving complex problems, or navigating emotionally charged situations. Using evidence from leading studies, we highlight simple and achievable ways busy individuals can eat to support resilience, focus, performance, and emotional stability. These changes are not daunting but manageable, easily incorporated into a busy lifestyle, making the audience feel capable and motivated to make these changes. Why food and mood are deeply connected The link between diet and mental health is complex but increasingly supported by neuroscience, immunology, microbiology, and epigenetics research. Nutrients fuel the brain and affect how we think, feel, and respond to stress. Nutrients and neurotransmitters Our brain relies on nutrients like folate, B vitamins, and iron to produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals regulate our mood, focus, and sleep. Nutrient deficiencies may impair this system and contribute to symptoms like low mood or fatigue (Muscaritoli, 2021; Kris-Etherton et al., 2020). Gut-brain signaling The gut hosts trillions of microbes, communicating with the brain through immune, hormonal, and nervous system pathways. A diverse microbiome is associated with better stress tolerance and lower anxiety (Verma et al., 2024; Berding et al., 2021). Neuroscientist Dr. Diego Bohórquez, featured on the Huberman Lab podcast, explains that gut sensory cells detect food components and relay information to the brain almost instantly. This demonstrates how meals can shape mood and cognition within minutes (Huberman Lab, 2024). Expert insight Neuroscientist Dr. Diego Bohórquez explains that gut sensory cells can detect nutrients and transmit signals to the brain in milliseconds. This process can directly influence emotion and cognition, as discussed in his interview on the Huberman Lab Podcast (2024).  Inflammation and mental function Consuming a diet high in added sugars and processed fats increases inflammation, which researchers have linked to depression and cognitive decline. Anti-inflammatory nutrients like omega-3s and antioxidants help protect the brain (Firth et al., 2020; Horn et al., 2022). Blood sugar balance Large spikes and dips in glucose levels can lead to irritability, mental fatigue, and even anxiety. Stable energy from fiber-rich carbs and proteins helps improve emotional regulation (Grajek et al., 2022). Epigenetic changes Diet affects day-to-day functioning and influences gene expression over time. Micronutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism (e.g., folate, B12, choline) play a role in DNA methylation, potentially impacting long-term emotional health (Bekdash, 2021). How to apply this science in everyday life Busy professionals may not have time to count vitamins or read research journals, but they can act based on what we know. The good news is that mental health–friendly nutrition does not require perfection. It requires consistency and small, meaningful changes that fit into a routine. For instance, swapping a sugary mid-morning snack for a piece of fruit, or adding a serving of leafy greens to your lunch, can make a significant difference in your mental performance over time. For example, starting the day with a balanced breakfast, such as oatmeal topped with berries and seeds, can help prevent mid-morning crashes and sharpen focus. Swapping highly processed lunches for gut-friendly meals like a lentil and quinoa salad with fermented pickles can boost the microbiome and keep energy steady through the afternoon. Even snacks matter: nuts, dark chocolate, or fruit offer better brain fuel than sugary or salty packaged foods. Cross-cultural consideration These food strategies are highly adaptable across cultures. For instance, fermented foods are not limited to yogurt. Miso (Japan), injera (Ethiopia), kefir (Eastern Europe), and garri (West Africa) all support gut-brain health. Similarly, omega-3s are found not only in salmon but also in mackerel (Japan), sardines (Portugal), and flax seeds (India). These globally relevant ingredients make performance-enhancing nutrition more inclusive and sustainable for diverse populations, ensuring that everyone can benefit from these strategies regardless of their cultural background. In short, translating nutritional science into everyday choices is about building sustainable habits. When those habits support physical and mental resilience, the return on investment is measurable in productivity, clarity, and wellbeing. In other words, the time and effort you invest in making healthy food choices can lead to improved mental performance and overall wellbeing, which can positively impact your work and personal life. Top 5 foods for peak mental performance Incorporating these into a routine can help boost clarity, creativity, and resilience: Fatty fish – Rich in omega-3s, it supports brain structure and mood regulation. Leafy greens – High in folate and antioxidants that protect cognitive function. Fermented foods – Like yogurt and kimchi, which enhance the gut-brain axis. Berries – Packed with polyphenols that reduce oxidative stress. Pumpkin seeds – A great source of magnesium and zinc, supporting focus and neurotransmission. Cultural variations Many countries have traditional diets that naturally include these performance foods. Berries in Scandinavia, dark leafy greens in West Africa (like amaranth), and fermented dishes like tempeh (Indonesia) or natto (Japan) offer regionally specific options that align with the same brain-boosting principles. Conclusion: Turning knowledge into nourishment Nutrition may not be the first thing we consider when struggling with mood, burnout, or brain fog—but it should be. The science is precise: what we eat influences our thoughts, feelings, and functions. Moreover, even more importantly, it is something we can change. For working professionals, even minor adjustments can yield significant returns: Start days with brain-fueling foods like oats, eggs, or fruit to avoid mid-morning energy crashes. Add a fermented food (like yogurt or kimchi) to lunch to support your gut-brain axis. To reduce fatigue and enhance focus, keep hydration visible, such as by placing a refillable bottle on the desk. Replace sugary snacks with nuts, seeds, or dark chocolate to reduce inflammation and stay mentally alert. Plan meals with fiber and protein to stabilize energy and mood throughout the workday. Use weekends to prep one or two go-to meals that support focus and are easy to reheat or assemble. Take supplements wisely, focusing on known gaps like vitamin D, magnesium, or B12 if needed. Reflect on how food impacts thinking. Tracking meals in a journal can help identify which foods contribute to feeling energized versus depleted. Integrating nutrition changes into a mental health and performance toolkit supports more than just physical wellness. It enhances clarity, emotional resilience, and overall quality of life. In high-demand professional settings, this mental edge can lead to sharper decision-making, sustained focus, more decisive leadership, and more adaptive responses to stress. A well-nourished mind performs at a higher level, regardless of geographic location. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Timothy Veal Timothy Veal, Board Certified Psychiatrist and Educator Dr. Veal is a board-certified psychiatrist and educator based in La Jolla, California, specializing in mental health, lifestyle medicine, and resilience. With extensive experience in clinical practice, military service, and organizational consulting, he offers unique insights into the human condition and adaptability. His approach combines practical knowledge, cultural awareness, and comprehensive mental health education to promote personal and organizational growth. Dr. Veal also provides holistic, person-centered care, integrating psychodynamic therapy, medication management, and evidence-based strategies. Learn more about his work and insights by visiting his profile page. References: Bekdash, R.A. (2024). Epigenetics, Nutrition, and the Brain: Improving Mental Health through Diet. Int. J. Mol. Sci., 25(4036) Firth, J., et al. (2020). Food and Mood: How Do Diet and Nutrition Affect Mental Wellbeing? BMJ, 369, m2440 Verma, A., Inslicht, S.S., Bhargava, A. (2024). Gut-Brain Axis: Role of Microbiome, Metabolomics, Hormones, and Stress in Mental Health Disorders. Cells, 13(1436) Horn, J., et al. (2022). Role of Diet and Its Effects on the Gut Microbiome in Mental Disorders. Transl. Psychiatry, 12, 164 Kris-Etherton, P.M., et al. (2020). Nutrition and Behavioral Health Disorders: Depression and Anxiety. Nutr. Rev., 79(3), 247–260 Grajek, M., et al. (2022). Nutrition and Mental Health: A Review of Current Knowledge. Front. Nutr., 9, 943998 Muscaritoli, M. (2021). The Impact of Nutrients on Mental Health and Well-Being. Front. Nutr., 8, 656290 Zhao, Y., et al. (2023). The Brain Structure, Immunometabolic, and Genetic Mechanisms Underlying the Association Between Lifestyle and Depression. Nat. Ment. Health, 1, 736–750 Stanford Center on Longevity (2024). More Than a Gut Feeling: How Your Microbiome Affects Your Mood Berding, K., et al. (2021). Diet and the Microbiota–Gut–Brain Axis: Sowing the Seeds of Good Mental Health. Adv. Nutr., 12(4), 1239–1285 Bekdash, R.A. (2021). Early Life Nutrition and Mental Health: The Role of DNA Methylation. Nutrients, 13(3111) Grajek, M., et al. (2022). Nutrition and Mental Health: A Review of Current Knowledge About the Impact of Diet on Mental Health. Front. Nutr., 9, 943998 Huberman Lab Podcast. (2024). Dr. Diego Bohórquez: How Your Gut Talks to Your Brain & Influences Emotions. YouTube

In an economy increasingly defined by intangible value, Fera Poppies is introducing a model that challenges how capital is traditionally accessed and deployed. The company is pioneering a system that allows luxury fashion and fine art – assets historically viewed as cultural or aesthetic stores of value – to function as financially verifiable collateral, unlocking capital in ways once reserved for real estate or digital assets. By placing high-value fashion and art pieces into structured trusts, Fera Poppies enables these assets to be leveraged responsibly within compliant financial frameworks. The result is a new asset class that merges culture with capital – one designed to support emerging founders who often struggle to access traditional financing despite holding significant nontraditional value. Bridging culture and capital within regulatory guardrails Operating under the interpretation rules of FINRA, Fera Poppies and its affiliated companies position luxury assets within established compliance standards rather than outside them. This regulatory-first approach differentiates the company in a space often criticized for opacity or speculative excess. For founders, the model offers more than liquidity. It provides credibility – allowing entrepreneurs to unlock capital without diluting ownership, compromising creative control, or conforming to rigid venture funding norms. Samantha Regan: Governance meets aesthetic intelligence At the center of Fera Poppies’ vision is Samantha Regan, an accredited investor under the interpretation rules of FINRA, fashion icon, and governance strategist. With a CRD number and the ability to manage over $110 million under FINRA oversight, Regan brings institutional-grade financial authority to an unconventional asset strategy. Her background uniquely positions her at the intersection of finance, culture, and governance – where long-term value creation increasingly depends on all three. Regan’s leadership philosophy is encapsulated in a guiding belief: “A strong legacy isn’t what you leave behind – it’s who you leave behind.” That perspective informs her approach to governance, succession planning, and board design – areas she sees as strategic levers rather than compliance exercises. Rethinking boards for a new risk landscape In Regan’s view, modern boards must evolve continuously to remain effective in a world shaped by technological acceleration, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting stakeholder expectations. She emphasizes four pillars of future-ready governance: Continuity of leadership, ensuring mission and vision survive leadership transitions Diversity of thought, reducing groupthink and increasing innovation Resilience, preparing institutions for systemic and unexpected risk Strategic foresight, aligning future leadership with long-term objectives Rather than focusing on replacement, Regan frames succession planning as leadership preparation – a discipline that builds trust, accountability, and institutional durability. Boards, she argues, should be asking harder questions: Are future leaders being developed early enough? Do governance structures reflect today’s complexity? Are renewal mechanisms – such as term limits and staggered appointments – embedded by design rather than crisis? A new definition of legacy capital Fera Poppies sits at a convergence point Business readers know well: alternative assets, founder-led innovation, and the redefinition of institutional value. By transforming luxury into liquidity and governance into strategy, the company is not just unlocking capital – it is reframing how legacy is built. In Regan’s model, value is not measured solely by balance sheets or exits, but by the leaders and institutions that endure long after the transaction is complete. Because in modern capital markets, as in fashion and art, what lasts is what matters most. Media & editorial contact Fera Poppies Work: 435-293-2542 Email: ferapoppies.info@gmail.com Fera Poppies Outreach Team available for follow-up and documentation.

As the global spotlight on sustainability and innovation grows brighter, Debola Ibiyode is redefining how technology can create meaningful impact. She is the Founder and CEO of CarbonAI, a domain-specific AI platform that transforms how the world understands carbon markets, sustainability data, and ESG intelligence. With more than two decades in software engineering and innovation leadership, Debola has built intelligent systems that connect technology with purpose, translating complex data into clear, actionable insight. Recognised as one of Europe’s leading women in technology and innovation, she is committed to demystifying and democratizing AI through education, storytelling, and real-world application. Before establishing CarbonAI, Debola held senior leadership roles that shaped her reputation as a pioneering technologist and strategist. As Director and Chief Technology Officer at Liquid Accounts, she led the creation of one of the UK’s first cloud-based accounting platforms for SMEs and guided the company to a successful acquisition in 2017. Beyond technology, she is a passionate advocate for STEM education and women in leadership, mentoring girls and young women through Optisource Coding and similar initiatives that inspire the next generation to innovate with confidence and purpose. Debola Ibiyode, AI Expert and Founder, Coach and Mentor Your career journey is remarkable. What inspired you to become a technologist, and what continues to drive your passion for innovation today? If I had to sum up my career in a single phrase, it would be this: building technology is my strength. From the beginning, I have had an instinct for cutting through the noise to see what truly matters and to create technology that solves real problems. What drives me most is the belief that technology is not just about code; it is about people. It is about understanding human needs and then building solutions that make life simpler, smarter, and more sustainable. Whether empowering accountants, enabling sustainability officers, or teaching young people to code, I see technology as a bridge connecting purpose with possibility. You have built products across diverse sectors, from education to accounting, and now carbon markets. How have you adapted your skills across these industries? Adaptability has been the cornerstone of my career. When I was at Liquid Accounts, I was not an accountant, yet I was building accounting software. To understand our users, I bought a copy of Accounting for Dummies and studied how accountants think, work, and make decisions. That experience taught me that building great technology starts with empathy. Since then, I have applied that same principle across every sector, from education and finance to sustainability. The tools evolve, the industries change, but the approach stays constant: immerse deeply, learn fast, and build with precision and purpose. How is CarbonAI redefining domain intelligence in sustainability, and what makes your approach stand out? Many people in AI are chasing the next big model. At CarbonAI, we focus on making AI useful in the real world – particularly in sustainability and carbon markets, where data is complex and fragmented. ESG data, in particular, demands context, integrity, and interpretability. Most solutions stop at “insights”; we go a step further. That’s where we thrive – turning complexity into clarity. How would you describe your core service in one sentence? Our focus is building intelligent systems that turn sustainability data into meaningful, human-understandable insights, helping organisations make faster, smarter, and more responsible decisions. That’s the heart of what we do – empowering the CarbonAI platform to become the go-to intelligence partner for sustainability officers and carbon market participants, helping them work more efficiently and productively. Who is your ideal client, and how do you help them succeed? Our ideal clients are organisations impacted by the drive to sustainability, the price on carbon, emissions, and reducing dependence on high-carbon supply chains. What is a common myth in your field that you’d like to debunk? That AI will somehow fix everything. It won’t. AI is powerful, but it’s only as good as the human intention behind it. The real breakthroughs happen when AI and human expertise work side by side, amplifying each other’s strengths – that’s when innovation becomes sustainable and meaningful. Another myth is that achieving Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will automatically solve global challenges or bring world peace. In reality, general intelligence carries a high degree of noise and unpredictability. What we should be striving for instead is Artificial Domain Intelligence – building expert AI agents that specialise deeply in a specific field. These focused systems are far more valuable to human experts than any all-knowing, generalist model could ever be. Can you share a client success story that illustrates your impact? We partnered with a global carbon trading firm that needed greater transparency and speed in understanding market data. Together, we built a live carbon-pricing intelligence platform that now powers how they track, compare, and analyse carbon markets – used and trusted by leading exchanges like CME and Bloomberg. Seeing their team make faster, more confident decisions is exactly why we build what we build. What sets your approach apart from competitors? For us, AI isn’t just about code – it’s about connection. We combine deep domain expertise with human-centred design, ensuring every system we build is transparent, conversational, and trustworthy. Our clients often tell us it feels like working with a partner, not a platform – and that sense of collaboration and trust is what defines CarbonAI. What is the first step a prospective client should take when they engage with you? Dive in! The system is intuitive to use, and clients can begin adding value to their work immediately. From onboarding to first use, our team provides guided support so that users can quickly experience how CarbonAI enhances productivity and insight in their daily workflow. How do you measure success with your clients? We measure success by repeat usage and long-term engagement. The more our system becomes part of our clients’ daily operations, the more successful we know we’ve been. Seeing users return, rely on, and expand how they use CarbonAI is our strongest indicator of impact and satisfaction. How do you stay current with trends in your industry and tech? Curiosity drives us. We stay close to innovation – researching, experimenting, and collaborating with engineers, scientists, and sustainability experts. What obstacles do clients often face before working with you, and how do you overcome them? CarbonAI chatbot/assistance has been evaluated as 7x better compared to known generalist AI versions. With the chatbot, clients experience quick wins and see firsthand how responsible, domain-specific AI can make their workflows lighter, not heavier. Once they see that transformation, adoption follows naturally. Being recognised as a global leader in technology and innovation is no small feat. What does that recognition mean to you personally and professionally? It is incredibly humbling. Recognition is always appreciated, but for me, it is not about the spotlight; it is about the responsibility that comes with it. Each feature or award is a platform to amplify impact rather than celebrate individual success. It reminds me that visibility can inspire others, especially women and young people watching from the sidelines and wondering if there is a place for them in tech. Professionally, it validates the work our teams have done, from building CarbonAI’s domain-specific systems to advancing ethical-AI discussions and sustainability strategies worldwide. Personally, it strengthens my commitment to demystify AI and to prove that innovation and integrity can, and must, coexist. The tech industry, and particularly AI, remains male-dominated. How do you navigate your role as a female founder, and what lessons have you learned along the way? Being a female founder in AI comes with unique challenges. There are moments when you are the only woman in the room, but I have learned that your voice becomes your greatest asset when you use it with purpose. I have never been afraid to stand out, yet I value the power of building bridges, mentoring other women, sharing lessons, and opening doors that once felt closed. Representation matters. When young girls see women leading in AI, it reshapes what they believe is possible. That is why I speak often about women in leadership and STEM, not as a slogan but as a call to action. This journey has taught me resilience, confidence, and the importance of community. No one builds alone. Every success I have achieved has been grounded in collaboration, shared purpose, and a belief that technology should always serve as a force for good. What do you want readers to remember, and how can they connect with you? At CarbonAI, we want readers to remember that AI isn’t about replacing people – it’s about elevating what people can do. When designed with empathy and purpose, AI becomes a force for good – improving productivity, innovation, and sustainability. To learn more or start a conversation, visit CarbonAI.eco or connect with us on LinkedIn . We welcome collaborations with organisations ready to build a smarter, more transparent, and sustainable future together. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , YouTube , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Debola Ibiyode

Brainz Magazine Exclusive Interview Olga Roberts is a former professional ballet dancer and Master Pilates Teacher whose career spans Europe, Australia, and the United States. She was accepted into the Birmingham Royal Ballet at the age of 13 and later trained at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance under former principal dancers Margaret Porter, Anya Linden, and Diana Vere, all partners of Rudolf Nureyev. Her contemporary training included techniques developed by Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, and Gaga, alongside choreography studies under Dr. Ross McKim, former Artistic Director of Rambert School. Olga holds a Foundation/BA (Hons) Degree from Rambert School and a specialist Teaching Diploma in Contemporary Dance from the Laban Centre in London. She began Pilates training with Jenny Colbourne, a second-generation Master Pilates, at the age of 11 and later completed 2.5 years of Master teaching Pilates training in Body Control Pilates under Master Teacher Jenny Colbourne, a second-generation Pilates educator trained by Joseph Pilates’ protégé Jerome Andrews. She also trained with Master Pilates Teacher Dreas Reyneke, who worked with principal dancers of The Royal Ballet. She is the founder of Body Intelligence Pilates, an advanced movement and conditioning method designed for dancers, athletes, and rehabilitation clients. Olga is an active member of the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD), Pilates Alliance Australasia, and the International Association of Dance Medicine (IADM). Olga Roberts “Refinement is not about aesthetic perfection, but about clarity, economy, and intention.” Your journey began in the world of ballet and evolved into a mastery of Pilates. What inspired that transition, and how did your dance background shape the teacher and movement specialist you’ve become today? My journey began in the disciplined world of ballet, where movement was both language and art. From a very young age, ballet shaped my sense of alignment, structure, and grace — it taught me that every gesture, no matter how subtle, carries intention. Those years gave me not only physical strength but also mental resilience and a profound respect for the precision of the human body. Over time, as my work deepened, I became increasingly curious about the mechanics beneath the movement — how alignment, breath, and muscular balance create freedom rather than restriction. That curiosity led me to Pilates. What I discovered was a method that didn’t oppose ballet, but rather completed it. Pilates offered the internal architecture that allows artistry to flourish without pain or fear of injury. My transition from dancer to teacher wasn’t a departure from ballet — it was an evolution of it. I realized that my purpose wasn’t only to perform movement, but to understand and teach it. Ballet gave me discipline and aesthetic awareness; Pilates gave me anatomical intelligence and longevity. Together, they shaped the educator I am today — someone who values both elegance and efficiency, expression and control. Today, when I teach, I draw from that fusion. My goal is to help each person move with integrity — to build a body that supports both strength and sensitivity. Whether I’m working with a professional dancer, an athlete, or someone rediscovering movement after injury, I see it as the same journey: to reconnect with the body’s innate intelligence and to move not just beautifully, but mindfully. You describe yourself as a “Third Generation Pilates teacher.” What does that lineage mean to you personally, and how has being part of this heritage influenced your approach to teaching? Being a third-generation Pilates teacher is something I carry with deep respect and responsibility. My mentor, Jenny Colbourne, was a second-generation teacher who trained under Jerome Andrews, one of Joseph Pilates’ original protégés who worked alongside him in New York for over a decade. That direct lineage connects me not only to the historical roots of the method but also to its original spirit — one of exploration, precision, and intelligent movement. For me, lineage isn’t about preserving tradition for its own sake; it’s about embodying its essence while continuing to evolve. Joseph Pilates created a system designed to strengthen the body and awaken the mind — a method that adapts to the needs of each generation. My approach honors that legacy by blending classical principles with modern understanding of biomechanics, anatomy, and movement science. This heritage also reminds me that teaching Pilates is a living art. Every session is part of a continuum — knowledge passed from one body to another, shaped by time and experience. I see myself as both a custodian and a contributor: preserving what is timeless while refining what is needed for today’s dancers, athletes, and movers. That connection to my lineage gives my teaching a foundation of integrity — it’s not just technique, but tradition brought to life through every breath and movement. “Body Intelligence Pilates” is a distinctive name — elegant yet purposeful. How do you define refinement in movement, and what makes your method stand apart from more conventional approaches? The name Body Intelligence Pilates reflects the essence of my work — movement that is both conscious and refined. To me, refinement in movement is not about aesthetic perfection, but about clarity, economy, and intention. It’s the art of doing less, but doing it better. Every gesture — every breath — should come from understanding rather than force. When a person moves with awareness, efficiency replaces effort, and grace becomes a natural byproduct of alignment and control. What sets my method apart is its fusion of classical precision and contemporary anatomical insight. My background in ballet gives me an eye for line and form, while my Pilates lineage grounds me in the method’s original principles of centering, control, and flow. I also integrate current research in biomechanics and neuromuscular conditioning, ensuring that my teaching remains both authentic and relevant. In Body Intelligence Pilates, refinement is a dialogue between strength and sensitivity. It’s about cultivating movement that feels intelligent — not just performed, but embodied. The goal is to move with integrity, to create a body that supports artistry, and to awaken the innate intelligence that resides in every human form. Olga Roberts Pilates often balances precision with freedom of expression. How do you guide your clients to find that equilibrium — between control and flow, discipline and grace? The essence of Pilates — much like ballet — lies in the conversation between control and freedom. True mastery isn’t about rigidity; it’s about intelligent balance. When I guide clients, I encourage them to think of control not as tension, but as awareness — a quiet steadiness that allows the body to move with intention rather than habit. We begin by refining precision: alignment, breath, and core stability form the foundation. But once those fundamentals are embodied, I encourage release — to let the movement flow, to trust the body’s innate rhythm. In that moment, technique transforms into artistry. The lines soften, the breath deepens, and movement becomes expressive rather than mechanical. For me, discipline and grace are not opposites — they are partners. Discipline gives form to grace; grace gives life to discipline. When a client finds that equilibrium, something shifts on a deeper level. They begin to move with both control and ease — and that balance often reflects in how they live, not just how they move. My role as a teacher is to help them listen: to the architecture of the body, to the rhythm of breath, and to the quiet intelligence that exists between strength and surrender. That is where true freedom of movement — and of self — begins. “Discipline gives form to grace; grace gives life to discipline.” Building a brand around mindful movement requires both creativity and strategy. How did you begin shaping Body Intelligence Pilates into a business, and what have you learned about authenticity and leadership along the way? Body Intelligence Pilates began as an idea — a vision of movement that could be both mindful and transformative. I never set out to build a business in the traditional sense; I set out to share a philosophy. I wanted to create a space where people could reconnect with their bodies, not through repetition or performance, but through awareness and intelligent movement. Over time, that philosophy evolved into a practice, and the practice into a brand. The creative side of Body Intelligence came naturally — designing a method that honored my lineage while integrating modern anatomy, dance science, and precision. The strategic side was about structure: developing programs, mentoring teachers, and creating a professional framework that could sustain integrity as the work expanded. Each step required clarity of intention — ensuring that growth never came at the expense of authenticity. What I’ve learned about leadership is that it begins with self-alignment. Authenticity is not something you project — it’s something you practice daily. Leadership, to me, is quiet service — guiding with integrity, listening deeply, and creating environments where others can discover their own intelligence through movement. The most powerful brands in wellness are built not on image, but on ethos. When your message is genuine, it naturally attracts the people who resonate with it. That’s how Body Intelligence Pilates grew — one mindful movement, one honest conversation, one transformation at a time. You work with diverse clients — from dancers to those in rehabilitation. What’s your process for adapting your teaching to different bodies, goals, and energy levels? Every body tells its own story. My work begins with listening — not just to movement patterns, but to breath, energy, and emotion. Whether I’m working with a professional dancer fine-tuning precision or someone rebuilding strength after injury, my goal is always to understand what their body is communicating in that moment. From there, I adapt. I use the structure of classical Pilates as the foundation, but I approach each client with fresh eyes. Some need stability and grounding; others need mobility and flow. I adjust pacing, cueing, and tactile feedback to meet their energy level and nervous system on that day. It’s a balance between guiding and allowing — between control and surrender. Teaching in this way is both science and art. The anatomy gives me the framework; intuition gives me the direction. When you meet people where they are — without forcing, without comparison — movement becomes deeply restorative. My role is simply to facilitate awareness, so that each person can discover their own alignment, resilience, and grace from within. Looking ahead, what’s your vision for the next evolution of Body Intelligence Pilates — and what legacy do you hope to leave in the movement and wellness community? The next evolution of Body Intelligence Pilates is about depth rather than scale. I want to continue cultivating a community that values awareness over aesthetics — where movement is understood as education, empowerment, and healing. My vision is to expand our work through advanced teacher training programs that integrate classical Pilates principles with the latest findings in anatomy, dance medicine, and neuroscience. I want future teachers to carry forward not just technique, but discernment — the ability to see, feel, and teach with empathy and precision. I’m also developing more interdisciplinary collaborations — bridging Pilates with physiotherapy, somatic research, and dance science — so that Body Intelligence Pilates remains at the intersection of art and evidence. My dream is to see a new generation of movers and educators who approach the body not as something to be perfected, but as something to be understood and respected. As for legacy, I hope my work reminds people that refinement is not about rigidity — it’s about awareness. If, through my teaching, I can help others move with integrity, curiosity, and compassion, then I’ve done my part. The legacy I wish to leave is simple: a movement culture that values intelligence, presence, and humanity above all else. Olga Roberts represents a modern evolution of classical movement education — one rooted in lineage, refined through science, and guided by awareness. Through Body Intelligence Pilates, she has created a methodology that prioritizes integrity, adaptability, and longevity, offering a sustainable path for movers across disciplines. Her work stands as a reminder that true refinement is not about perfection, but about understanding the intelligence already present within the body. To learn more about Olga , follow her on Instagram and visit her Linktree .

When Dr. Jody Downhill took over a small veterinary practice in Woodland Hills in 2003, she wasn’t chasing a business trend or a quick win. She was following a calling. With a deep love for animals and a work ethic shaped by years of hands-on experience, she transformed Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic into a thriving, trusted name in her community. “I’ve dedicated my life to helping animals,” she says. “That’s the heart of it. Always has been.” Her story is a reminder that success often comes from a simple idea, brought to life through consistency, care, and a commitment to growth—both personal and professional. From Pony Club to Practice Owner Jody grew up in Southern California surrounded by animals—dogs, cats, horses, even a sparrow hawk. She began riding horses at age seven and competed in three-day events and hunter/jumper shows. She was a member of the Portuguese Bend Pony Club. Her early years taught her responsibility, discipline, patience, and the value of connection with animals. “I always had a special way with animals,” she says.  After graduating from Rolling Hills High School, she worked her way through junior college and then UC Irvine by waitressing. She earned a degree in Biological Sciences and went on to Ross University for veterinary school, finishing her clinical training at Oklahoma State. Before taking over her clinic, she worked as an emergency overnight Vet at VCA Berwyn Animal Hospital in Chicago Illinois—a tough, fast-paced job that taught her how to stay calm under pressure. And she also worked at many practices as a relief Veterinarian. “Emergency medicine showed me just how much timing matters,” she says. “You don’t wait and see—you act.” Taking Over and Growing Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic In 2003, Dr. Downhill purchased Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic . The clinic was small but had potential. She immediately saw an opportunity to expand—not just physically, but in scope and quality of care. “I wanted a place where we could treat just about anything,” she explains. “Dogs, cats, pocket pets, birds, reptiles, horses—if someone needed help, I didn’t want to turn them away.” By 2011, demand had grown so much that she moved the clinic to a larger location on Fallbrook Avenue in Woodland Hills. That move was a turning point, allowing her to build out her services, add staff, and offer more advanced care while keeping the clinic deeply rooted in the local community. Today, Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic serves a wide range of patients, from household pets to farm animals. It’s not unusual for someone to bring in a parrot one day and a chicken the next. Preventative Care as a Core Business Idea One of the ideas that shaped Dr. Downhill’s approach early on was her focus on preventative medicine. While many practices focus heavily on treatment, she prioritized education, regular checkups, and early detection. “I’d rather see a pet once a year for a quick check than have to treat them in crisis,” she says. “Preventative care saves lives. It also saves people heartache and money.” This approach has earned her long-term loyalty from clients. She’s now seeing second-generation pet owners—children who once came in with their parents and are now returning with pets of their own. “That’s the most rewarding part,” she says. “Watching those bonds grow over the years.” The Challenge of Balancing Medicine and Business Running a veterinary practice is more than just medicine. As the owner, Dr. Downhill handles staffing, finances, operations, and strategy—often after hours. “Being a veterinarian and a business owner at the same time is challenging, ” she admits. “There are a lot of late nights. There are no real days off. But when you love what you do, it’s worth it.” She credits her early years in the service industry with giving her strong communication skills. “Waitressing taught me how to read people,” she says. “That’s helped me work better with pet parents—and with my staff.” Her leadership style is hands-on, empathetic, and rooted in experience. She believes in doing the work, not just delegating it. Building a Legacy of Trust and Compassion Fallbrook Veterinary Clinic isn’t just a successful small business. It’s a legacy. Dr. Downhill has built something that reflects who she is—resilient, deeply committed, and always thinking long-term. She’s helped thousands of animals through illness, injury, and end-of-life care. She’s also helped countless young pets get off to a healthy start. Each case adds another layer to a career built on impact, not ego. “I’ve helped many animals over the rainbow bridge,” she says quietly. “That part is hard. But it’s also an honor. You’re part of that family’s story.” What Others Can Learn Dr. Downhill’s story isn’t flashy. There are no shortcuts or viral moments—just years of hard work, clear values, and thoughtful choices. She’s brought big ideas to life by staying focused on her mission and staying flexible as the business evolved. Her advice is simple: “Stay connected to what you love. Be willing to learn. And don’t be afraid of the hard days—they’re part of the process.” In an industry where burnout is common and ownership is rare, Dr. Jody Downhill stands out—not just for her skill, but for her endurance and heart.

Written by Andie Simon, Breathwork Coach Andie Simon is known for one outcome: quieting mental noise, so focus, clear decisions, and sustainable performance become natural again. Only using the breath as a tool applied exactly when performance, recovery, and longevity matter, she works online or at in-person events & retreats in Europe. Most people don't repeat the same year because they lack motivation. They repeat it because they keep trying to change their actions without changing their identity. You can write the perfect plan, set ambitious goals, and still fall back into the same patterns the moment pressure rises. If you've ever felt that familiar frustration, the issue isn't your willpower. It's your baseline. In this article, I'll show you why traditional planning often gets lost under stress, why a To-Be list is more powerful than a to-do list, and how one simple shift in approach can shape your entire life without adding a single task to your schedule. A 60-second reset before you read Before you keep reading, you can try a short breathing exercise so this article doesn't become another tab you forget. Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds. Exhale through the mouth for 6 seconds. Repeat for six to eight breaths. A stressed brain scrolls. A calm brain learns. Now that the noise has settled slightly, let's look at why most planning doesn't last. Why to-do lists cost you more than they give Most planning happens after stress. A hard project. A health scare. A season of overwhelm. You sit down and promise yourself: never again. So you do what we've all been trained to do. You make a new list. But here's what that list actually costs you: more unfocused energy scattered across tasks, more exhaustion from doing things that don't move the needle. And the worst part, when pressure rises, the list disappears anyway. You cannot build a consistent life on a nervous system that lives in survival mode. Most people try anyway. They force themselves into new habits, new goals, and new routines, and then blame themselves when they can't sustain them. The truth is, if your baseline is self-doubt, you hesitate. If your baseline is people-pleasing, you say yes when you mean no. The list didn't fail you. Your internal state did. So the smarter question isn't "How do I do more?", it's "What state do I need to live in, so I stop repeating the same year?" That is why, instead of creating yet another to-do list, we should start building our To-Be list.   What a To-Be list is and why it works A To-Be list flips the whole approach. Instead of asking “What do I need to do next?”, you ask “Who do I want to become?” It's not affirmations. It's not a vision board. It's a short list of internal standards you choose to live from, especially when things get hard. Three to five qualities that define the person you want to be, in any situation. Your brain is wired to act in line with how you see yourself. Change the story, and the behavior follows. This matters more than you think. When you keep living from your old identity, it doesn't just affect your productivity. It affects your relationships. Your peace. The example you set for the people watching you. Every day you stay the same is a day you teach yourself that change isn't possible. And that belief has a cost you'll feel for years.   Why I stopped chasing to-dos I used to think the answer was better goals. Clearer plans. Filling my day with more tasks. But no matter how many lists I made, I kept falling back into the same patterns. Stressed. Reactive. Saying yes when I meant no. Back when I was employed as a team lead in a big company, I wanted to show up differently. Be a better leader. So I sat with that. I had already started with breathwork back then and decided to do a  breathwork session  to let go of all the noise and finally get clear on who I wanted to become. I imagined the version of me who already was that new leader. I wrote down three words: confident, clear, inspiring. That became my To-Be list. Instead of forcing new tasks, I started practicing my day through the lens of this identity. Short breathing techniques helped me whenever I noticed I would fall back into my old patterns. It could be a few conscious breaths before a meeting or a quick box-breathing reset when I felt triggered. The more I practiced reacting differently than my old self, the easier it became to step into my new role. This shift from doing to being became the foundation of   how I work with clients today . Why clarity comes when you slow down Your brain has different speeds. When you're stressed, rushed, or overthinking, your brain runs fast. When your inner critic is loud, you doubt yourself. You react instead of respond. I spent years in that state. Always planning, always pushing, always in my head. I thought clarity would come from doing more. It didn't. Breathwork helps you slow down. Not a few deep breaths. A full hour of   intentional breathing . I remember sitting there, eyes closed, the room quiet. At first, my mind was loud, jumping from thought to thought. But somewhere around the thirty-minute mark, something shifted. It suddenly became very quiet in my mind, like someone slowly turning down the volume. And in that stillness, I could finally hear myself. During such a session, your body begins to use more oxygen than usual. Your nervous system shifts. Your brain moves from that fast, stressed state into slower theta brainwaves (similar to hypnosis). That's the state where your inner critic finally shuts up. Now imagine what outstanding ideas can finally get your full attention, once the noise is gone: your next big move, your real priorities, your future self, ready to finally be heard. That's what happened to me. I wasn't trying to figure anything out. I just gave my mind room to settle. And when it did, the clarity was already there. You're not just breathing to relax. You're breathing to think clearly. To choose intentionally. To become who you want to be.   How to create your own To-Be list Here are the steps that make this simple and practical.   Step 1: Meet your future self Close your eyes and picture the version of yourself you want to become. Not someday. This year. How does that person carry themselves? How do they respond when things get hard? How do they make decisions? Now imagine standing face to face with that future self, one year from now. This version of you has stopped repeating old patterns. They respond differently under pressure. They trust themselves. They've changed not what they do, but how they show up. Step 2: Name who you want to be What three to five words describe that person? Write them down. Not goals. Not achievements. Traits. Maybe it's grounded, clear, kind, focused, or brave. These are your To-Be qualities.   Now ask yourself: what's the gap between who I am today and who I want to be? That gap is your work. No more tasks. Just closing the distance between your current self and your future self, one moment at a time.   Step 3: Breathe into your new self The old you shows up in familiar moments. When you're rushed. Stressed. Triggered. When someone pushes a button. When pressure rises, and your body wants to react the old way. This is exactly when you practice being the new you. When you feel that pull toward old patterns, take a minute before you react. Inhale through the nose for 4 counts. Exhale through the mouth for 6 counts. Repeat three times. Then ask yourself: how would my future self respond right now? Let the breath create space between the trigger and your reaction. That space acts like a reminder that this is not you anymore. There is another you now that acts differently. The more you practice, the more your new self becomes your default self. Why one list can shape your entire life A To-Be list becomes your filter. Your brain naturally filters for what you've decided matters. When you define who you want to be, you start noticing opportunities to be that person. Before you commit to anything, you check if it fits your new identity. Before you say yes, you see if it feels aligned with your new future. Before you push harder, you examine first if it brings you closer to your goal. This reduces decision fatigue because you stop negotiating with yourself all day. You are not relying on motivation, you are relying on identity. And this creates alignment across work and life because the same internal standards guide your decisions everywhere. One list can shape your entire life because it changes your starting state. If you want to explore this further, check out my   upcoming events . A breathing reset to lock in your To-Be list Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for a count of 6. Exhale through the mouth for 8 seconds. Repeat for one to two minutes. While breathing, read your To-Be list slowly. Let your body associate calm and clarity with those words. Every time you do this, you rewire your brain with new neurological pathways to associate your To-Be list with calm instead of anxiety. Start your journey today You don't need another list of things to do. You need a different starting state. If you're ready to stop planning under pressure and start living from clarity, you can start with a   free 6-minute guide  that helps you gain clarity before any decision. So, who are you becoming today? Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Andie Simon Andie Simon, Breathwork Coach Andie Simon works at the intersection of mental performance & longevity. Instead of adding more techniques or mindset strategies, she focuses on the most direct lever we have, the breath. Her work helps entrepreneurs, executives, and performance-driven individuals quiet mental noise, think clearly, recover faster, and protect their performance over time, not just in the moment. Her mission: make mental clarity and longevity practical, sustainable, and immediately usable.