Modern Fashion: Mel Huber and De Anne Combs of La Peony On The 5 Things You Need To Lead a…

Modern Fashion: Mel Huber and De Anne Combs of La Peony On The 5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Fashion Brand Today

An Interview With Candice Georgiadice

In the world of fashion, the sum of the work is greater than the individual parts. Create environments that foster collaboration, creativity, trust, and an entrepreneurial innovative mindset.

Many in the fashion industry have been making huge pivots in their business models. Many have turned away from the fast fashion trend. Many have been focusing on fashion that also makes a social impact. Many have turned to sustainable and ethical sourcing. Many have turned to hi tech manufacturing. Many have turned to subscription models. What are the other trends that we will see in the fashion industry? What does it take to lead a successful fashion brand today?

In our series called, “5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Fashion Brand Today” we are talking to successful leaders of fashion brands who can talk about the Future of Fashion and the 5 things it takes to lead a successful fashion brand in our “new normal.”

As a part of this series I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Melony Huber and De Anne Combs with La Peony.

Co-Founders Melony Huber and DeAnne Combs introduce a sustainably-sourced collection of timeless fashion pieces for women designed to “move with you through every stage of life.” Proudly working with Oaxaca-based artisans, La Peony is a brand that uplifts the modern wardrobe and supports the lives of the skilled men and women who create the fabrics. Each piece nurtures the unique beauty in every woman while supporting a lifestyle of love for the planet. Ethically sourced in Oaxaca, Mexico and made with sustainable dyes in Los Angeles, browse the complete limited-edition line at LaPeony.com.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?

Mel: I grew up the oldest of three born to a young, single mom, who remarried soon enough to enjoy the life lessons of a blended family dynamic. We did not have much, but she taught me at an early age that an education, hard work, and resilience are the formula for building a better life. I was always creative with a lot of empathy and compassion for others, and now I am tapping into those much-appreciated attributes, applying them in the world of fashion.

De Anne: I grew up in Northern California raised by parents who were serial entrepreneurs. My parents grew up in the midwest where my dad spent his youth working for his family business, so creating a business of his own just came naturally; I had a front row seat to the long hours, dedication, perseverance, and risk-taking it required. I loved working for them growing up (and was paid in ice cream cones!) I also witnessed the heartache and the victories that occurred along the way, My parents taught me that anything is possible through hard work, dedication, and a focus on doing right by people.

Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?

Mel: I’ve always been interested in interior design, painting, philanthropy, and travel. I discovered and nurtured this brand launch opportunity through conversations with De Anne. As an empty-nester in search of my new purpose, I’m choosing to take this leap into a fiercely competitive fashion industry that’s ripe for innovation. I am choosing to create and celebrate beauty in a world that can often seem dark; the task of designing this La Peony line speaks to my soul, serving as a means of self expression and satisfaction.

De Anne: The COVID shutdown gave me and Mel the time to dream and create. We were trying to answer the question, “What do we want to wear?” We knew we didn’t want to dress like our kids or like grandmothers and wanted clothes that flattered our female curves. We can all relate to that special feeling you get when you’re so confident in your outfit that you feel unstoppable. This is what we set out to create! Melony’s many years of design experience, working as an artist and interior designer, coupled with my background in entrepreneurship seemed to establish the perfect partnership.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

Mel: At 52 years old, I have many stories — but since my career in fashion began in January of this year, my most interesting story is rooted in my recent return from Peru. I, like many other women, have come to a time in my life where I want more clarity and less self doubt. I decided that I could achieve this through a trip to Peru for a 12-day Ayahuasca retreat where I could explore and deeply reflect on old patterns and new possibilities. I achieved all that I set out to achieve, and I look forward to integrating everything that I discovered — figuring out what these new realizations mean for me and my career going forward.

De Anne: Melony and I fundamentally share the same life ethos of honesty, transparency, and kindness. This journey into the fashion world came in starts and stops until we found the right partners who shared our values of honoring people and the planet in all we do. We weathered some sticky moments early on that challenged our ethics; although uncomfortable at the time, it only strengthened our resolve to be a different kind of business — one that is transparent in its efforts to put people and the planet over profits.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

  1. Risk-taking: a willingness to take a leap of faith financially and creatively, opening myself up to criticism with regard to my fashion designs.
  2. Integrity: choosing quality over profit while committing to honesty and transparency in everything.
  3. Generosity: looking for ways to share the prosperity, supporting all that contribute to our success with an ability to make a living.

De Anne:

  1. Perseverance: “If it were easy, it would have already been done” is a statement I bring to mind often; this reminder makes it easier to keep going when obstacles arise or the days seem long.
  2. Maintaining a “lifelong learner” mindset: There is always something new to learn. I try to focus on learning as much as I can from as many diverse perspectives as possible to help guide my path forward.
  3. Commitment to a team approach: You can’t build a business alone. Mel and I are truly better together, and I love working with new partners and mentors who share our vision.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

Mel: The softness of our fabrics makes you feel like you’re in pajamas, yet the flattering, sophisticated designs enhance a woman’s sense of feminine confidence. This — along with old-world traditions incorporated into a contemporary, comfortable design — makes us stand out.

De Anne: La Peony stands out because every piece is a pleasure to wear. We took the time to dive deep into the design research about which fits and fabrics truly flatter a woman’s curves, integrating this knowledge into our finished collection. Our brand also stands out because of our commitment to using only the finest, long-lasting fabrics, incorporating unique, artisan-crafted trims during a manufacturing process that takes place right here in Los Angeles according to the highest quality standards.

Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share a story of how that was relevant to you in your life?

Mel: Oscar Wilde’s quote, “Be yourself, everyone else is taken” is among my favorites. This has never been more relevant in my life than right now. “Being myself” as an entrepreneur makes me feel vulnerable. Still, when I express myself creatively in front of a broad audience of friends, family, and strangers, I am certain to be “me” at my best.

De Anne: “Find a place inside yourself where anything is possible’’ is a quote I live by. Most of the amazing things that I have loved on my journey through life did not come easily. Obstacles will always be there in anything you do, but I choose to see these obstacles as guiding steps toward learning, rather than as roadblocks.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Do you see any fascinating developments emerging over the next few years in the fashion industry that you are excited about? Can you tell us about that?

Mel: I see fashion designers taking bigger risks and re-imagining old designs in new ways. I also see innovation taking place, resulting in more sustainable and eco-friendly fabrics.

De Anne: The technological changes emerging in fashion right now hold so much promise for improving the overall sustainability of the industry. For example, new software enables an electronic design process in which pieces can be fitted to a specific body avatar before fabric is ever cut and sewn. This technology will also empower consumers to create their exact dimensional avatar and “try on” clothing virtually, reducing the need for product returns and lowering shipping/clothing waste.

Can you share how your brand is helping to bring goodness to the world?

Mel: LPC focuses on doing good from the start of the design process through fabric selection and into manufacturing, caring deeply about how women feel when they wear our brand.

De Anne: Doing good is a central tenet of La Peony Clothing. Mel and I have dug deep into the research regarding which designs best flatter a woman’s body — it’s not what most people think. This is part of La Peony’s secret sauce for creating clothing that makes women look and feel their absolute best, no matter their specific body insecurity! Our very first conversations centered around how women perceive themselves as unstoppable when they feel beautiful in their clothing. La Peony brings this unstoppable energy to all women in a way that honors people and the planet — by supporting the artisans behind our beautiful pieces; by choosing to manufacture in a small Los Angeles-based, family-owned factory; and by sourcing sustainable, luxurious fabrics.

Can you share with our readers about the ethical standards you use when you choose where to source materials?

Mel: We are committed to securing materials made by only vendors who share our values of integrity, quality, and sustainability. We do our very best to research and verify that our materials support the planet and people in the best possible ways.

De Anne: We partner with a Mexico-based social cooperative called the Unión de Artesanos de Santo Tomás Jalieza — a fair-trade network of skilled Mexican textile artisans — to source the one-of-a-kind accents on certain designs. The entire collection features beautiful, luxuriously soft and sustainable hemp fleece or hemp stretch denim, which we chose as an eco-friendly alternative to less renewable resources.

Fast fashion has an advantage, that it is affordable for most people, but it also has the drawback that it does not last very long and is therefore not very sustainable. What are your thoughts about this? How does your company address this question?

Mel: We have found that caring for the planet and people costs more but is socially responsible. At LPC, we believe we are doing good when we look out for people and the planet alike. We focus on fabrics and work practices that meet higher expectations.

De Anne: Slow fashion is not “cheap clothing” but a specifically curated wardrobe that answers the question: which pieces will last, both quality-wise and trend-wise? This type of fashion is intentionally designed to last longer, with a timeless design aesthetic that endures season after season. La Peony Clothing is a slow fashion company seeking to create a movement through a community of women who adorn themselves with confident intention every day. Our small batch capsule collections are purposefully limited, resulting in less waste. Even after customers are ready to part ways with an item, they can pass it on for resale knowing it still has many more years of life left in it.

Thank you for all that. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Fashion Brand”. Please share a story or example for each.

  1. Vision: Look out for emerging trends/colors while listening to consumers and responding to behaviors/preferences; stay alert so your brand can evolve as fashion evolves.
  2. Perseverance: Be able to pivot when obstacles present themselves and be willing to listen/adjust to criticism while working steadfastly toward your goals and values.
  3. Integrity: Do the right thing even when it may hurt profit or timelines.
  4. Attention to Detail: A garment or process can be improved by changing the tiniest details — even when it may not seem to increase profits (or people may not notice).
  5. Passion: Love what you do and don’t lose sight of why you started a fashion brand — for me, the reason is to make women feel beautiful!

De Anne:

  1. Vision: Find where there is a hole in the marketplace and figure out how you can uniquely meet that unmet need.
  2. Innovation: Resist being like everyone else. Finding new ways to solve old problems can be revolutionary.
  3. Know your customer: Really seek to understand everything about them — their behaviors, what motivates them, what drives their demand.
  4. Inspiration/Passion: You must love what you are creating and stay connected to “why” you are creating it.
  5. Collaboration: In the world of fashion, the sum of the work is greater than the individual parts. Create environments that foster collaboration, creativity, trust, and an entrepreneurial innovative mindset.

Every industry constantly evolves and seeks improvement. How do you think the fashion industry can improve itself? Can you give an example?

Mel: I think the fashion industry could benefit from slowing down while increasing its focus on consumers’ needs for self expression, confidence, and comfort — with the planet in mind. We can look for more creative ways to support the beauty that comes from within, transcending outward appearance, rather than sexualizing women. I believe that sophistication and confidence are the sexiest aspects of a woman!

De Anne: The fashion industry has consistently put profits over people and the planet — and consumers are growing more aware of this. Injustices like child and forced labor, unsafe working conditions, and the use of harmful environmental chemicals are on people’s radars; they recognize the hidden cost of making inexpensive garments. At La Peony Clothing, we work with a small, family-owned manufacturer in Los Angeles where employees have safe, clean working conditions and are paid a livable wage. When sourcing fabrics, we strive to use only the most environmentally conscious fibers.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

Mel: I am working toward this movement right now, trying to dress women so that they feel fearless, confident, and comfortable — in fact, De Anne and I are striving for a “perfect trifecta” of achieving this goal while simultaneously supporting the hard-working people behind our manufacturing process and staying mindful of the planet. I’m incredibly hopeful that we can establish a movement like this that sticks and continues to grow.

De Anne: Ditto to Mel — we are both so passionate about this!

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Thank you for these fantastic insights! We wish you continued success and good health.

Modern Fashion: Mel Huber and De Anne Combs of La Peony On The 5 Things You Need To Lead a… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Shai Tubali on How to Develop Mindfulness During Stressful or Uncertain Times

An Interview With Candice Georgiadis

Don’t think too far ahead; focus on the next step. When we over-think about the many steps we need to take, we inevitably become stressed and overwhelmed. This is always more than we can handle at this very moment. Instead, we simply need to focus on the present step fully: What I am meant to do right now is the only reality. The next step will follow naturally.

As a part of my series about “How To Develop Mindfulness And Serenity During Stressful Or Uncertain Times”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shai Tubali.

Shai Tubali is a leading authority in the field of self-development and self-empowerment. In his writings and teachings, he skillfully combines psychology, philosophy, Yogic traditions, and Eastern thought and practices into powerful processes of inner transformation. A PhD researcher at the University of Leeds, UK, Tubali explores 35 meditation techniques from all over the world in his newest book, “Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Meditation,” coming in January 2023.

Tubali’s numerous books have appeared internationally for the past two decades in 11 languages and have been published by major publishers. His most prominent writings have won awards in the United States and in Israel. Several have become bestsellers, inspiring many thousands on their inner journeys of mental, emotional, and spiritual transformation. Discover modalities and research on finding calm and clarity at shaitubali.com.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

I started off as a journalist and a novelist. This seemed to be a promising career and also a source of great passion. However, soon after I embarked on the spiritual journey in 1997, a series of inner revelations led me to realize the stunning reality and power of higher states of consciousness. These revelations inspired me to devote my life to both subjective and objective research into consciousness and to help others experience the effects of meditation and mind expansion on freedom from the past, mental and emotional clarity, and the sense of meaning in life.

At first, I was primarily interested in the ecstatic and liberating experience of these transcendent states. But as the years passed and as my work with people became significantly more established, I identified a need to make this broader mind applicable to the challenges of our human reality in the 21st century. As a result, I began to develop methods that empower people to embrace their life wholeheartedly and fearlessly. Among other things, these methods aid in releasing and transforming traumas and other deep-seated difficult memories, cultivating inner strength and the ability to cope with pressures, making better decisions in life, and leading a truly holistic way of life — all based on recognizing the power of one’s own consciousness.

Later, in 2018, I felt the need to add academic studies to the more subjective and experiential dimension of my journey. This led me to complete PhD research in the field of philosophy and self-transformation.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

When I was 21 years old, I enrolled at the university in the naive hope of finding great and wise minds who knew something about the meaning of life. I was deeply frustrated when, instead, I met professors who were knowledgeable but not authentically wise. This made me abandon my academic studies within a few months and seek out wisdom elsewhere. Nevertheless, this passion for academic studies lingered at the back of my mind.

Five years ago, in 2017, I came to realize that it was time to pursue this passion. This was also a part of my habit of making sudden and unexpected changes in life in order to keep the mind fresh and young. But entering the usual process of a bachelor’s degree at the age of 42 seemed unreasonable. Fortunately, I came across a supervisor at the University of Leeds, UK, who was willing to accept me into his research program on the basis of my previous, non-academic publications. As a result, I entered a purely research-based master’s degree, without even the slightest academic preparation or study. I needed to somehow learn to employ academic methods and style without ever sitting in class. Fortunately, this odd experiment turned out well: Thanks to my supervisor’s trust, I completed not only a master’s degree but also a full-time PhD research without having the experience of being an actual student.

What advice would you give to other leaders about how to create a fantastic work culture?

I have two pieces of advice.

First, as a believer in the transformative power of meditation, I would recommend starting every workday with 10 or 15 minutes of meditation. Even just sitting silently and letting the mind relax in an unfocused state could do wonders. While meditating, free yourself from your leader identity, the images of your future success, and the sense of being the doer of your life. Additionally, I would recommend pausing your work every exact hour for even just one minute of meditation (even if the temptation to work nonstop or to find relief in distractions is great!). Letting time stop and just being, either with your colleagues or alone, may lead to a dramatic shift in your work culture.

Second, leaders can greatly benefit from my system of the chakra types, which is presented in my book “The Seven Chakra Personality Types.” This is a typology of personalities which derives from the ancient chakra system. It can help you to recognize the true gifts and limitations of both yourself and others. This way, you really know what to expect from yourself and your colleagues, how you can genuinely serve one another, and what is the natural role of each within the greater framework.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

My greatest spiritual and philosophical inspiration has been the 20th-century thinker and mystic Jiddu Krishnamurti. One of the most substantial biographies which have been written about his life and thought was “J. Krishnamurti: A Biography” by Pupul Jayakar. I have read this book numerous times, especially because I was drawn to meditate on Krishnamurti’s dialogues with students and other thinkers.

What I have found so impressive has been Krishnamurti’s insistence on keeping the mind forever fresh and young, completely untainted by past experience and knowledge, including the great traditional knowledge of all religions and philosophies. To achieve this purpose, he would start by posing a fundamental question. Naturally, when your mind faces a question such as “What is the meaning of life?” or “What is love?” it is driven to supply ready-made answers. Your thoughts would rush to resolve the question just like ants would rush toward a grain of sugar. But Krishnamurti would then persistently negate all automatic, self-satisfied answers that his discussants suggested. Through this relentless process of questioning and negation, he led his companions, somewhat like Socrates, to a state of inner stillness and not knowing, from which genuine insights could arise. I believe that this form of inquiry could also benefit leaders who seek to tap into outside-the-box forms of thinking.

Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s move to the main focus of our interview. From your experience or research, how would you define and describe the state of being mindful?

In my understanding, mindfulness is a state of full consciousness or awareness, being completely awake in the deeper sense of the word. Ordinarily, we are unawake and even semi-conscious since our habit is to concentrate the entire energy of our consciousness on the extremely limited activity of our thinking. To allow this state of full consciousness, you need to learn to separate the two: Disengage your awareness from the stream of thoughts and realize that your awareness can stand free, wide, and unfocused. This can be simply described as realizing that you are not your thoughts. This is a major discovery in anyone’s life and it brings about a tremendous sense of psychological and spiritual liberation.

Traditionally, meditation has been divided into two types of practice: concentration and its very opposite, unfocusing for a resulting inner broadening. The latter is what mindfulness meditation is all about: moving your consciousness away from this fist-like concentrated state to a wide-open awareness. This is when you begin to be able to explore higher faculties of your mind, including great sensitivity, clarity, and attentiveness.

This might be intuitive to you, but it will be instructive to spell this out. Can you share with our readers a few of the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of becoming mindful?

There is an incredible amount of research, especially in the field of positive psychology, that demonstrates physical, mental, and emotional benefits of becoming mindful. This makes a lot of sense: Without getting in touch with the potential of your consciousness, you can only be aware of one half of your being. The one half of your being you are persistently aware of is the active, time-bound, future-oriented, and will-guided self. The reason deep sleep is so rejuvenating is that we get a chance to be relieved of the experience of our active self and to rest instead in a pure state of being. But mindfulness makes this complementary half of your being a conscious experience that can keep you profoundly sane and balanced. You finally get in touch with your silent, timeless, and broad presence. However, before getting in touch with this presence, you won’t realize that this experience is like any other vital need, not really different from the need for air and water.

In terms of benefits, a repeated experience of your hidden, complementary half releases you from problem-consciousness (the sense that there is always a problem that you need to resolve) and existential tension. It provides your body with breathing space and a resulting muscular relaxation. It enkindles your life force and reveals dormant reservoirs of energy. Emotionally, mindfulness fills us with unconditional joy, spontaneous heart opening, and enhanced sensitivity. It also radically alters your action: It helps you to better withstand pressures, remain immovable in uncertain situations, avoid mechanical reactions, and even prevent traumatic impressions from taking root in your body and mind.

Ok. Here is the main question of our discussion. The past 5 years have been filled with upheaval and political uncertainty. Many people have become anxious from the dramatic jolts of the news cycle. From your experience or research, what are five steps that each of us can take to develop mindfulness during such uncertain times? Can you please share a story or example for each.

Indeed, observing and going through the past five years, I am wondering how anyone can retain basic sanity without relying on the awesome powers of mindfulness!

Here are five possible steps:

  1. Cultivate a non-reactive state. We often have automatic reactions to situations, particularly extreme situations. These reactions divide our experiences into good and bad, pleasurable and unpleasant. Instead, you can learn to observe situations without immediate and hasty reactions and conclusions. For instance, you can become aware of a certain political crisis or the eruption of a pandemic and still remain inwardly immovable. Since reactions are mechanical, they will arise anyway, but you don’t have to identify with them. Instead, you can become silently aware of whatever reactions arise in you and notice how these limit your ability to respond (rather than react) to the situation.
  2. Listen to the situation. This implies not being tempted to adopt extreme opinions. Instead, you can study the circumstances with great attention, acquire serious information from all sides of the debate, while maintaining listening rather than thinking as your solid foundation. The mind tends to embrace extreme opinions, like being only scientifically-oriented or an anti-vaxxer, since they seem confident and certain. But the truth of the situation doesn’t lie in any of the extremes.
  3. Find the unchanging center inside you, the eye of the storm. In meditation, you can keep bringing yourself back to a center where nothing happens. This may be less exciting and dramatic than our drama-producing thoughts, but being able to tap into this unchanging space equips you with the ability to return to the world of constant change and upheaval while remaining less troubled by life’s ups and downs.
  4. Keep a sense of proportion. Many people develop anxiety when confronted with the future of humanity, possible disasters, and political and social changes. We do need to remind ourselves, however, that the world has known many periods of dramatic shifts and disasters. Regimes and political structures keep rising and falling. As humanity, we have known many pandemic- and war-stricken times. There are certain historical cycles that are pretty noticeable. Being overly time- and future-dependent helps no one.
  5. Don’t think too far ahead; focus on the next step. When we over-think about the many steps we need to take, we inevitably become stressed and overwhelmed. This is always more than we can handle at this very moment. Instead, we simply need to focus on the present step fully: What I am meant to do right now is the only reality. The next step will follow naturally.

From your experience or research, what are five steps that each of us can take to effectively offer support to those around us who are feeling anxious? Can you explain?

  1. Don’t reject the anxiety. Often, our automatic reaction to anxiety is to do our best to make it go away. But one of the fundamental laws of mindfulness states that we should neither identify with a negative state nor reject it; both are forms of judgment. Instead, when someone around you is feeling anxious, you can practice a compassionate approach by expressing the willingness to contain their anxiety and to listen to their feelings. Anxiety thrives in an atmosphere of rejection because it is fundamentally the wish to escape and avoid certain situations. Thus, an atmosphere of understanding would already reduce, quite effortlessly, some of the anxiety.
  2. Set an example. If you can display a silent, non-reactive mind and mindful presence, others will be naturally affected. When your presence is your teaching, you require less mental persuasion since your actions speak louder than your words. During the outbreak of COVID-19, many people were confused and disoriented. My response to the situation was to offer even more teachings and practices of meditation and positive psychology. I wanted to emphasize the fact that these are exactly the times when our mindfulness is tested. It is easy to be mindful under ideal conditions, but ultimately the practice is intended to equip you with the ability to face even the hardest moments of your life.
  3. Offer practices that release the mind from identification with thoughts. There are cognitive practices, such as Byron Katie’s “The Work” and my own “Expansion Method” and “Power Psychology.” These can enable a person to detach from their suffering-inducing thoughts and to feel that they can choose whether to give these thoughts power and meaning or to disidentify with them.
  4. Cultivate positive emotions. The renowned positive psychologist Barbara Fredrickson speaks of the “broadening effect” of positive emotions: their ability to enlarge the scope of our thought, action, and behavior. This implies that healing anxiety consists in not only fighting your anxiety but also bringing the light of positive emotions to the fore. By helping others to become aware of positive moments and feelings and even to invoke potential positive moments and feelings, you release them from the obsessive focus on the negative and thus broaden their perspective.
  5. Replace emotions with actions. In my understanding, many of our negative emotions come into being when we withdraw from action and replace action with emotion. Negative emotions may be our refusal to participate in life; it is as if we choose to take a break from life by resorting to complaint, depression, bitterness, and fear. You can support others by helping them to transform the emotional energy into creative action and constructive response to the situation.
  6. Practice the Buddhist Tonglen meditation. Tonglen is a wonderful meditation that shows you how you can help to alleviate the suffering of others around you by transforming it deep within your heart. This will purify not only their inner and outer environment but also stretch the limits of your heart.

What are the best resources you would suggest for someone to learn how to be more mindful and serene in their everyday life?

A good starting point could be my upcoming book (January release) “Llewellyn’s Complete Book of Meditation.” This book is like a practical encyclopedia of meditations from traditions around the globe. Each of the 35 meditation techniques is presented with its historical background, cultural context, potential benefits, and clear instructions for practicing it at home. Usually, meditation books focus on one tradition or technique, but in this case, the reader receives an overview of the world of meditation, a clear map that divides the range of meditation techniques into seven different categories, according to purposes and benefits. This enables readers to navigate the sometimes overwhelming world of meditation. In addition, the book contains general chapters that explain the principles of meditation, how to face difficulties while meditating, and how to make the best of the meditative experience.

One important source is the writings and recordings of Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who died in 2022. He is the ultimate authority in the field that translates ancient mindfulness principles to modern living. I can also recommend Jon Kabat-Zinn’s meditations “Body Scan” and “Mountain Meditation” (available online) for beginners. And if you want to be challenged, look for Jiddu Krishnamurti’s writings and recordings that take mindfulness to the next level.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life?

This Einstein quote is definitely one of my mantras: “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” This statement can be read in many different ways, but I tend to read it in the context of our need for higher or broader states of consciousness. All our problems have been created at the level of ordinary thinking, which is problem-producing by nature. If we want to radically resolve these problems, we must leap to a state that transcends ordinary thinking. When we abide in higher states of consciousness, some of these problems seem perfectly resolvable and some effortlessly dissolve.

This statement means a lot to me personally since in 2009, after giving numerous teachings on the power of higher consciousness, I succeeded in developing a method called the “Expansion Method” that could systematically and rapidly lead people to blissful states of expanded consciousness. This finally opened the gate to direct experience of self-transcendence, even for fresh beginners who had never meditated before. Soon after, I discovered something even more thrilling: This technique could serve as the foundation of deep-going psychological transformation. For example, traumatized people could enter a session, settle in broad states of consciousness, and from these states, unravel their traumatic memories. Prior to the session, as long as they were caught in their familiar narrative of the past, being released from the memory was not even a possibility.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

I have devoted a great deal of attention to what I term mindful living according to the seven chakras. Originally, the seven chakras were considered energy centers within our subtle body, which are vital for psychological and spiritual transformation. But the more I have studied the chakras, the more I’ve come to realize that they also represent seven dimensions of our being, all of which must be awakened if we hope to fulfill our human potential. For this reason, I also refer to these dimensions as the seven types of happiness.

Since there are seven days a week and seven major chakras in our subtle body, the movement I envision is a collective and individual way of life that dedicates some attention each day to its corresponding chakra: Monday is the day of grounding; Tuesday is the day of joy; Wednesday is the day of power; Thursday is the day of love; Friday is the day of expression; Saturday is the day of wisdom; and Sunday is the day of spirit. This way, every week is a celebration of all aspects of life — overlooking nothing, embracing everything.

This is not just a vague vision. I am actually quite committed to realizing it in different forms. Soon I’ll be starting an online community life that is empowered to lead mindful life according to the chakras through daily practices and teachings. And my biggest dream is to apply this principle to our educational system, mainly by establishing a model of an elementary school in which children learn to master their experience of life by going through this seven-facets cycle every week.

What is the best way our readers can follow you online?

My personal website is a good source of introductory materials, upcoming events, and blog articles: shaitubali.com.

My YouTube channel is filled with teachings and guided meditations: youtube.com/c/ShaiTubali.

You can also find guided meditation on InsightTimer: insighttimer.com/shaitubali.

Courses are available on Udemy: udemy.com/user/shai-tubali2.

If you’re interested in experiencing mind expansion, you are welcome to try this scientifically-proven 21-Day Challenge: activespirits.net/en/sp/expansion-positive-emotions-21.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

Shai Tubali on How to Develop Mindfulness During Stressful or Uncertain Times was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Thriving As A Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry: Sheela Benjamin of Serviceaide On The Five Things…

Thriving As A Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry: Sheela Benjamin of Serviceaide On The Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry

An Interview With Candice Georgiadis

In this fast-paced space, it is essential to continually learn and keep yourself updated in the field you are working. Be prepared to share and receive knowledge from peers, co-workers (reverse mentoring), and from mediums like articles, blogs, and podcasts.

In the United States in 2022, fields such as Aircraft piloting, Agriculture, Architecture, Construction, Finance, and Information technology, are still male-dominated industries. For a woman who is working in a male-dominated environment, what exactly does it take to thrive and succeed? In this interview series, we are talking to successful women who work in a Male-Dominated Industry who can share their stories and experiences about navigating work and life as strong women in a male-dominated industry. As a part of this series, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Sheela Benjamin, Director of Engineering at Serviceaide.

Sheela is one of the original co-founders of SunView Software and original architect of the ChangeGear product suite. Sheela has over 17 years’ experience managing product development teams from ideation to inception. Sheela manages the entire product lifecycle of ChangeGear and new AI-based features in Luma. Before SunView, She worked at Quark. Inc, Denver. She has a Masters in Computer Science from the University of Colorado. Sheela enjoys skiing and pushing herself by hitting new speeds downhill or reaching new heights climbing mountains.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?

Growing up in a rural seaside town on the southeast coast of India, far away from the buzzing metropolis’ where computers were a relatively novel concept for me, I did not think my career path would be in the field of computer science and engineering.

I am naturally curious and always dabbled in new things as I grew up, aided by the encouragement and support from my parents. I was fortunate to go to the best school in town with dedicated and vibrant teachers from all walks of life, striving to not only impart their students with knowledge but also imbue in them the necessary skills to explore, adapt, and be comfortable in their own shoes. Although my favorite subjects in school were physics and geography, I was captivated when a new course was made available, named computer science. I really did not think about my career or my future at that point, but I was excited to try new things, opted into it, and never looked back. I love the field, the excitement, and the challenges that come with building software that benefits others.

Can you advise what is needed to engage more women in the engineering field?

First and most importantly, getting more women involved in the engineering field starts at a very young age. It is incredibly important that people are encouraging girls and women to take chances and to provide them with opportunities to get involved and learn. This includes parents, family, educators, community leaders, etc.

My advice for women would be to not shy away from this field because it seems daunting or because it traditionally has not been a field women prefer. If there is even a glimmer of interest , explore it and try to narrow down a passion — be it designing a building or programming in the field of computer science. It is most important to know what you want, to have confidence in yourself, and to believe that your work will have a positive impact on others.

Although there remains quite the disparity and shortage of women in the field, it is heartening to see more women pursuing this field in the last decade or so with some of them reaching new heights and being a constant reminder to the rest of the us that with passion, competence, confidence and work, women can exceed expectations and stereotypes.

Women are effective workers and leaders who can set strategy and vision, direction and make tough calls. The industry and the field today are for sure lacking more women at the C-level and as more women enter this field, this must pave for more women role models in this field.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your team?

One of the aspects of leading a team that I have learned is to ensure there is adequate communication to keep everyone informed. This was evident during the acquisition of SunView Software by Serviceaide and the changes that usually accompanies an acquisition. By keeping an open communication channel, as a team we were able to accomplish a smooth transition and keep the team morale high.

It is equally important to manage product expectations for the different organizations in the company and not overwhelm the team by over promising and not being able to deliver. There is always so much to do and as a leader I feel it is important to not shy away from taking calculated risks.

An approach in providing leadership to the team for me has been to put myself in my team’s shoes and think through the expectations I would want and trying to the best of my ability to provide that.

Building a product is very much a team sport where it is crucial to bring team members together and play to their individual strengths. This requires the team to understand each other and more importantly for me to have good relationship with each one of them and understand their strengths and weaknesses. This has been a goal which I have had good success on but also a work in progress to ensure the team is well and are able to meet our goals. This also makes the most important task which is trust and delegation easier.

To me, every decision may not lead to a successful outcome, failure is never a stopping point or a period but a pause to choose a different path.

Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

There is not just one person but am grateful to have had a few people influence and provide guidance in my personal and professional growth.

I am grateful to my parents, who shaped me in my early years and gave me the independence and courage to take risks early on. They never discouraged me from trying out anything whether it be art, writing, yoga, karate, and others. This broad exposure and knowledge gained from many different avenues has contributed profoundly to not just my personal growth but later in my professional life.

In my career, I have crossed paths with couple of great technical managers and mentors who have taught me valuable lessons of staying true to myself and being open to ideas and criticisms. This has been serving me quite well over the years.

I am extremely appreciative of the support from my family when I must work long hours to meet deadlines or assist with challenging and time critical problems.

I am also grateful for the support from my team and the leadership at Serviceaide.

Can you tell our readers about the most interesting projects you are working on now?

Digital transformation in workplaces has been accelerated by COVID-19 and the continuing shift to a hybrid work environment has made the managing of IT Assets in a corporate network critical for effective IT management. With this in mind, Serviceaide just released Asset Discovery Expert (ADE), a powerful, lightweight, and agentless software solution that provides instant visibility and control of all technology assets in a corporate environment. This solution is available as a standalone product and can be easily integrated to any application. It is also available as an add-on with our ITSM (ChangeGear) and ESM (Point of Business) solutions).

The recent acquisition of SunView Software by Serviceaide has led to the merger of product portfolios, including the award-winning Luma Virtual Assistant (Luma VA) — powered by AI to provide a conversational experience in understanding and solving customer issues. We are excited to make available the integration of ChangeGear with Luma Virtual Assistant for the upcoming ChangeGear release in June 2022.

What are the 5 things that most excite you about the service management industry? Why?

  • Service management is widely powered by AI and ML, which is highly beneficial in a digital workplace, resulting in efficient and faster resolution times
  • Digital transformation in workplaces has forced the industry to continuously look for innovative ways to ensure 24/7 business continuity and availability
  • IT Service management now plays a key role in Employee Experience (EX), accelerated by the hybrid work environment brought on by the pandemic
  • With customers wanting their service management solution to be an all-in-one solution, there is an increasing desire for solutions to be built by citizen developers who know their business needs
  • IT Automation and Orchestration have become a necessity for an efficient digital workplace

What are your “5 Things You Need to Create A Highly Successful Career In Engineering Industry?

  • In this fast-paced space, it is essential to continually learn and keep yourself updated in the field you are working. Be prepared to share and receive knowledge from peers, co-workers (reverse mentoring), and from mediums like articles, blogs, and podcasts.
  • Business goals and vision are critical along with the understanding that success is the sum of many individual parts, and you do your part to the best of your ability.
  • Be pragmatic. Setting an expectation and delivering on it is more important than over-promising.
  • As the saying goes, “If you find yourself constantly trying to prove your worth to someone, you have already forgotten your value — Unknown”. Instead challenge your own work and do not hesitate to change your approach based on the new facts you may have learned.
  • Most importantly, make sure you enjoy and love the work you do, strive for a good work-life balance, laugh, and take care of yourself.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

Thriving As A Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry: Sheela Benjamin of Serviceaide On The Five Things… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Female Founders: Melissa Joy Parcels of Jeremiah Fire Ministries On The Five Things You Need To…

Female Founders: Melissa Joy Parcels of Jeremiah Fire Ministries On The Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman Founder

An Interview With Candice Georgiadis

Have a good spouse or support person — you will not be drawing a large income at first and you need to have your finances covered. Make sure you do not need to get a new car or move, buy a home as you will need two years of good company financials. Timing is everything.

As a part of our series about “Why We Need More Women Founders”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Melissa Joy Parcels.

Melissa Joy Parcels is the founder of Jeremiah Fire Ministries and has written several books and Bible curriculums teaching believers the foundational truths of God’s word. Parcels trains and equips believers throughout the world and has a heart to see people live out their God-given destinies. She lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with her husband, Ryan, and young son. To learn more, please visit MelissaJoyParcels.com.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

I am a dental hygienist and educator by trade. In my career, I fell into the role of writing and creating technical policies, manuals and later, school curriculums. Since childhood, I have written short stories, poems, plays, et cetera, so it came naturally to write. Over a span of the last few years, I felt led by God to start preparing the Bible studies, books and stories I had written to be published. The door was opened in 2021 to launch my new company, Jeremiah Fire Ministries.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?

I have been an entrepreneur for over 10 years starting with owning my own dental hygiene clinic and founding a dental vocational college in Calgary, Alberta, and now a new teaching ministry through Jeremiah Fire Ministries. There have been a lot of interesting things that have happened along the way of business ownership. At times, leading a company can be difficult because not everything is in our control or on our timing. The most interesting thing so far is how many connections have been made and new future alliances of businesses and people that will be forged through a single step in obedience in 2021.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

With respect to Jeremiah Fire, I am fortunate to not have a funny mistake story as of yet. I have learned a lot through my journey with other adventures (clinic and school) that has helped me side-step any potential “whoops” moments! I am a natural optimist and hopeful person by nature so when I do make mistakes it is easy for me to apologize, learn from it and move forward.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

There are many, however my husband, Ryan, has been my soundboard for every idea and business goal I have. We recently decided to sell one business and he was supportive in hearing my exit strategy, getting a timeline organized and coaching me through all the details and legal aspects. When milestone decisions need to be made, it is important to have someone who knows your strengths and weaknesses, and is able to help you navigate new waters with your best interest in mind. You will always need a #1 fan in your corner.

I also have a small, trusted inner circle of mentors from whom I can seek advice and get honest answers, including David, Ashely and Chantelle. Last year, I decided to go through a name change and rebranding of the school; risky, but necessary for growth and where I want to take the school. They helped me launch the campaign and run ideas like a new logo, new website — everything down to the colors. It was refreshing to have a team to get feedback from and not have to singlehandedly choose. Every founder needs trusted advisors to help especially in transition times and big growth moves.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. According to this EY report, only about 20 percent of funded companies have women founders. This reflects great historical progress, but it also shows that more work still has to be done to empower women to create companies. In your opinion and experience what is currently holding back women from founding companies?

In my opinion, many women have great ideas, loads of talent, multi-task well and would make great bosses and leaders. They fail to step out into business I believe because of risk. There are companies and banks that offer great funding, but there is still opportunity for growth in these areas where they can still offer more programs and equal funding options. A lot of talented women have creative business ideas that would be successful, but they cannot access initial funding.

There are a few setbacks like gender equality and peer support, but a major roadblock for women is they simply cannot risk the jump into business ownership without a safety net because of childcare, benefits or maternity leave. During the years when women decide to start a family, it would be necessary to have those securities in place, if there are not in place, they will not take the risk. It can be very expensive to pay out-of-pocket for childcare and the time, money and energy that is involved in raising a family. I believe this is the biggest barrier.

Can you help articulate a few things that can be done as individuals, as a society, or by the government, to help overcome those obstacles?

Individuals — we can help young female entrepreneurs by connecting them to mentors and financial advisors that can help them set up these contingencies for their families. We can offer peer groups that support and engage other female founders.

Society — support more local, small business enterprises instead of big-box stores. We can also take a stand against unequal pay and gender bias toward women founders. Male counterparts will make more money, have more funding options and be more supported than women making it more challenging to succeed.

Government — create programs that help the entrepreneur save for things like benefits and maternity leave. Have better childcare initiatives and programs removing financial pressure from women founders. Create a resource for investment dollars for the female founders.

This might be intuitive to you as a woman founder but I think it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you share a few reasons why more women should become founders?

Women have gifts, talents and abilities that are different than men and will help create diversity in the business world. Female founders are also more likely to support other female founders generating a boost in the local economy as well as joining and supporting other peers.

What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a founder? Can you explain what you mean?

The biggest myth is that you cannot have a family and business. Work-life balance is something every adult has to manage; being a founder is no different, except you are responsible for a longer to-do list. It is possible if you build a great team at work that you can train and delegate to. Leaders raise other leaders. Female founders must make sure they have clear boundaries and schedules, and resolve the fact that not all things can be accomplished in one day. Scheduling down-time or time away from the office regularly will allow more peace and joy into your work week.

Is everyone cut out to be a founder? In your opinion, which specific traits increase the likelihood that a person will be a successful founder and what type of person should perhaps seek a “regular job” as an employee? Can you explain what you mean?

The simple answer is no, not everyone is created to be a founder or wants to be one. It takes a specific personality and drives to achieve the founder mentality. Vision, drive, passion and execution are essential and without all the ingredients any person might fail, and many have. Successful founders should have a clear vision of what they want to create, a drive to get there, and a will to forge a way if necessary. They must have passion and love their business and the people they lead. Lastly, you must be a planner who can execute your vision successfully. This can be achieved through your personality, connections, mindset, and experience. You can better achieve your planning skills by utilizing your past experience. You can want or be passionate about something but if you cannot put action to your vision it will not move forward. You must be a doer — that is the most important trait!

Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)

  1. Have a good spouse or support person — you will not be drawing a large income at first and you need to have your finances covered. Make sure you do not need to get a new car or move, buy a home as you will need two years of good company financials. Timing is everything.
  2. Have cash capital or access to cash — apply for programs and funding to have some set-aside but borrow as little as possible.
  3. Create the right team — having qualified staff that you can raise up and it will include some mentors (including a “NO” mentor) that can help assist you in making your early business moves and meeting your business goals as you grow.
  4. Be seen — making sure you are seen whether that is physically by the location that is generating new revenues, clients or online through social media. Put yourself out there.
  5. Read — learn about your weakest area. For example, if marketing is a weak point, take classes or follow marketing people on Instagram to learn how to grow in this area. Read books on managing a business, cash flow, time management and more. A leader is a reader.

How have you used your success to make the world a better place?

I spend a lot of time invested in others. I work with Futurpreneur ™ mentoring young local entrepreneurs and I spend time on boards as an advisor. I mentor female founders that I personally know or meet through business connections. I help other dental professionals with their early start-up questions. On a weekly basis, I spend time helping others grow, sharing my own personal experience, mistakes, learned lessons, and wisdom in a meeting or over a cup of coffee. I am an open book.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

Simply one word: love. You need to love what you do and love the people you lead and serve. Being a leader isn’t about being right, perfect or fair; it’s about serving others’ needs before your own. It is the opposite of what is the social norm, but it has been my secret weapon that is catching on like a wildfire. People will take notice about how you act over what you say, and your character matters. If we support and take care of one another without our own agendas and alternative motives it could lead to an amazing community that supports each other, but the language must start with love.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

I admire the ambition and passion of Reese Witherspoon. She branched off from acting into producing and directing, expanding her skillset as well as founding a production company, Hello Sunshine, in 2016 after leading roles for women were declining in Hollywood. She decided to create her own company instead of relying on the men of Hollywood (the decision makers) to open more female roles that provide a challenge to the performer. She took the initiative to create a company where women actors and writers can be showcased for their work. Bravo.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

Female Founders: Melissa Joy Parcels of Jeremiah Fire Ministries On The Five Things You Need To… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Women In Wellness: Dr Carrie Jarosinski On The Five Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Help Support…

Women In Wellness: Dr Carrie Jarosinski On The Five Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Help Support People’s Journey Towards Better Wellbeing

An Interview With Candice Georgiadis

The very first is getting inside of your own head and second, getting out of your own way by breaking down the inevitable barriers. You must first awaken to what you are telling yourself. We are all filled with self-talk; the running manuscript in our heads that plays all day long. Most often we are not even aware of it. But if you are not aware of what your self-talk is telling you, you are going to have a tough time with sustainable behavior change. These running narratives can often be negative and a source of constant microaggressions against ourselves. When we are beatdown we can’t sustain positive changes. When you awaken to what you are telling yourself you immediately start to break down barriers that would ultimately sabotage you.

As a part of my series about women in wellness, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Carrie Jarosinski.

Dr. Carrie Jarosinski is a registered nurse, wellness coach, educator, inspirational speaker, and author of Reclaim Your Story: Renew Your Health and Wellness through the Power of Storytelling and the Nursing Assistant textbook educational series. She lives in Wisconsin with her two furry companions, Winn and Xena. She likes to hike, explore, meet new people, laugh, and continuously build upon her pollinator garden in her free time.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Our readers would love to “get to know you” better. Can you share your “backstory” with us?

Oh boy! I am just a girl from the Midwest that was traveling down an unhealthy path. After some ill effects of that path, I chose to take a peek into meditation by reading a book I had learned about while listening to NPR, which in turn offered me a different direction for my journey. After playing around with and finally adopting a daily meditation practice, other aspects of health and, finally my wellbeing, came into focus and fell into place. Here I am years later trying to share the story of my journey so that I might help others in theirs.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career? What were the main lessons or takeaways from that story?

Well, my career has also taken some different paths along the way. I am a nurse by trade, and currently an author and educator, but I actually began my career as a massage therapist. In doing so I became fascinated learning about the human body. With that newly stoked interest I completed nursing school taking my first job in long term care where I tended to end of life needs and helping “birth” others into the next step of their journey. I then transitioned to work in public health, which completely upended me to the opposite end of the spectrum, working with pregnant moms, new babies and children to help prevent disease before it starts. Lastly, I moved on to teaching; “back in the day” I wanted to be a teacher, so I guess I made it there in the end. Each step of the way has led me to this unique space in time that I am meant to be in, and I am so thankful for that. The biggest takeaway for me is that my path was never clear. I fumbled through stage by stage, along the way figuring out that I simply needed to learn how to trust those around me, trust the process, and to trust me. It was through the fumbles that I learned how to appreciate the beauty of discovery.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I have made my fair share of mistakes, but in reflecting inwards and backwards I would have to say that the pattern of isolating myself when I fumbled would be the biggest mistake. It may seem odd, because I am quite an extrovert and love engaging with others around me but when I would make mistakes I would retreat inward, brood, beat myself up, ruminate, and embrace the mindset of “you made your bed now you’re going to have to sleep in it” all while “suffering in silence” as opposed to owning and talking about my mistakes. I was judgmental of myself and worried that others would judge me if they knew, so I coveted them. This mindset only serves to create shame and blame, it most certainly does not help any situation. But once I recognized the pattern, I was able to lance those wounds and allow the healing to begin. That is a hard thing to do! But opening to the mistakes and talking about them also provides our loved ones a space to offer us help and support so that we can bounce back quicker and stronger, and I think we can all use a little help and support along our journey, don’t you?

Let’s jump to our main focus. When it comes to health and wellness, how is the work you are doing helping to make a bigger impact in the world?

Scrolling through social media can be so overwhelming. Between fad diets and crazy new cleanses folks have a hard time differentiating what health is, what is not and how to achieve it. As a society we still think health and wellness means diet and exercise! While those are two important aspects to consider, they are not the “be all and end all” and most often not the place for a person to begin a wellness journey. In my new book I break down what sustainable behavior change looks like in action and how to achieve it, when you are ready. While everything in the book is current and best practice, I wanted to make sure it was digestible for everyone. So, you won’t feel like you need a PhD to be able to read the content or decipher what you need to do; it is down to earth and it is individualized for the reader making it not just understandable but impactful for real life. I just want to help folks find the best iteration of themselves, however that looks in this given moment.

Can you share your top five “lifestyle tweaks” that you believe will help support people’s journey towards better wellbeing? Please give an example or story for each.

The very first is getting inside of your own head and second, getting out of your own way by breaking down the inevitable barriers. You must first awaken to what you are telling yourself. We are all filled with self-talk; the running manuscript in our heads that plays all day long. Most often we are not even aware of it. But if you are not aware of what your self-talk is telling you, you are going to have a tough time with sustainable behavior change. These running narratives can often be negative and a source of constant microaggressions against ourselves. When we are beatdown we can’t sustain positive changes. When you awaken to what you are telling yourself you immediately start to break down barriers that would ultimately sabotage you. After that, the next intervention is to just be nice! Sounds easy but can be tough. Once you awaken you need to flip the switch to hijack the self-talk and offer yourself a gentler space. You need to be a coach for self-talk; you can’t just stop the microaggressions, you need to intentionally restate the thought in a kind manner to break the cycle. For example, if you get out of the shower, sigh and turn away from the mirror feeling deflated (microaggression) identify that, stop the behavior and then actively state in your mind (or out loud if that makes you feel better!) “You are beautiful”. Kindness matters. Next would be embracing micro-interventions. These are tiny little behavior changes that you can quickly and easily adopt into your life. It takes a big goal and turns it into bite sized pieces. In doing so you see small, fast gains and increase your self-efficacy, the belief in yourself that you can achieve something. Micro-interventions could be something like getting away from your desk every hour on the hour to take 60 seconds of stretching for yourself. Then, as that becomes a habit you can add another minute. After that becomes a habit, you can try adding a yoga app to your phone and doing 5 minutes over your lunch break. You get the idea. Start really small to ensure it works for you and fits your life, and slowly build upon your successes. Lastly, make an effort to find joy. Joy will not find you, it is an inside job, again, a conscious awakening to living in the moment and seeking an internal sense of happiness for what you have right now.

If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of wellness to the most amount of people, what would that be?

Eat real food. It is strange that when people learn I try to avoid processed foods, they feel like that is a radical concept. Stop and think about that. Eating food that is real is radical. Preparing all my own meals, radical. Not buying fast food. Radical. Now, I will admit it takes planning, effort, lots of grocery shopping, financial resources and patience to avoid processed foods, but it can be done. Does that mean I don’t eat cookies or chocolate or ice cream? By no means, I do, and I love them! I just don’t have them as a normal staple in my kitchen, they are treats. If humans could eat real foods more often than they eat processed foods we would reduce our environmental footprint, decrease medication usage and chronic disease, and in turn increase lifespan and health span. Pretty great, right?! There are so many connections between diet and mental health, endocrine health, our skin, chronic illness and even acute illness that we can’t ignore it. It is the linchpin to our holistic wellbeing. And there is no need to be “radical” about it. Just try to eat more real foods than fake foods, taking it slowly with micro-interventions day by day.

What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why?

Opening to feedback is hard. Really hard. I don’t know that there is anything scarier for me than putting work “out there” and soliciting feedback. It makes you pretty darn vulnerable. But it also creates the most fabulous end product. It doesn’t matter if it is a book or a community health program initiative, working together makes everything better.

You’re going to be tired. It’s part of the deal. It means your living. Again, it doesn’t matter if you are writing a book, working out or shuttling kids from one practice to another, if you are tired you are living and that is a good thing. Do all the things, embrace all the experiences, meet all the people. Rinse and repeat.

You’re going to stumble. A lot. That’s growth and it is beautiful, if you look at it the right way. Having a growth mindset is one of those emotional wellness tools in your toolbox. Knowing that we all are human and make mistakes is important but take that a step further and embrace what you have learned from the experience then implement the knowledge into your life moving forward. That will make you a better human.

Setting goals is easy, accomplishing them is harder. (Yes, that is a Hamilton reference). Being resilient and tenacious are more emotional wellness tools in your toolbox. I have very big ideas and set a lot of goals for myself but seeing the finish line can be difficult. Sometimes we take on more than we can handle and sometimes the goals just are not realistic. Giving yourself the space and the grace to step away from a goal or to “massage” a goal into being more realistic is important. And of course, rejoicing in your goal attainment is great, just remember to savor that accomplishment before jumping into the next one.

Starting is the hardest part. Yes, I sometimes must tell myself out loud to get off the couch and get moving. Get up and move, start the momentum, find your inertia. I promise you will feel so much better if you do, just take that first step.

Sustainability, veganism, mental health, and environmental changes are big topics at the moment. Which one of these causes is dearest to you, and why?

Mental health, which is funny because when I was in nursing school, I had zero interest in this area. Perhaps that is part of the reason why I was headed down an unwell path?! With time, lived experience and age I have learned that the biggest mistake in any journey is to ignore mental health, and the second is to label it as mental health. Mental health has a very western medical connotation to it. The term mental health immediately has one thinking of a state of illness or a perceived lack of health in this area, I prefer to reframe that to use the terminology emotional wellness because it takes a strengths-based approach. Analyzing and applying this concept as a resource surplus as opposed to a deficit can further support sustainable behavior change in any dimension of wellness. And as I mentioned above, we all need to flip the switch of how we think about ourselves and how we approach change. Building your emotional wellness toolbox is the first step.

What is the best way for our readers to further follow your work online?

You can find me on Amazon or on Linked In under my name, Carrie Jarosinski, or you can connect with me via my business, Bold Contentment on Facebook, Instagram or go straight to my website at www.boldcontentment.com

Thank you so much for this. This was very inspirational, and we wish you only continued success!

Women In Wellness: Dr Carrie Jarosinski On The Five Lifestyle Tweaks That Will Help Support… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Modern Fashion: Maria Caruso Martin of The Bella Rosa Collection On The 5 Things You Need To Lead a…

Modern Fashion: Maria Caruso Martin of The Bella Rosa Collection On The 5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Fashion Brand Today

An Interview With Candice Georgiadice

Start small: Starting a fashion brand is a daunting task. Starting small and finding your niche helps you to stay focused, increasing your chances of success. Expansion and growth can be overwhelming and expensive. I started Bella Rosa as a bridal handbag company. It was a niche market, allowing us to target brides at the start — and now, as we have grown, we have slowly branched out to evening, red carpet, and special occasion handbags. Starting small was the key to our success.

Many in the fashion industry have been making huge pivots in their business models. Many have turned away from the fast fashion trend. Many have been focusing on fashion that also makes a social impact. Many have turned to sustainable and ethical sourcing. Many have turned to hi tech manufacturing. Many have turned to subscription models. What are the other trends that we will see in the fashion industry? What does it take to lead a successful fashion brand today?

In our series called, “5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Fashion Brand Today” we are talking to successful leaders of fashion brands who can talk about the Future of Fashion and the 5 things it takes to lead a successful fashion brand in our “new normal.”

As a part of this series I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Maria Caruso Martin with The Bella Rosa Collection.

Maria Caruso Martin is the passionate founder and creative director behind the Bella Rosa Collection of consciously crafted bespoke Italian luxury clutches, handbags, and heirloom wedding gifts. A multi-talented designer with over 25 years of experience, her keen eye for a couture-inspired aesthetic balanced with elevated signature accent elements brings to life an unparalleled line that is classically tailored and remarkably timeless. A second-generation Italian, her own rich family history serves as the foundational love story that influences a distinctive signature look coveted by brides such as Sophia Bush, in addition to red carpet royalty like Lupita Nyong’o. Her designs have been featured in Vogue and she has appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show to share her personal wedding style with an audience of millions.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?

I grew up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey — a small suburban town 25 miles outside of NYC. My Father is a first generation Italian immigrant. My Mom and Dad were High School sweethearts. They married just after high school, and we moved to Scotch Plains from Elizabeth, NJ when I was five years old. The youngest of three sisters, I spent a lot of time with my Mom and our interior designer as they planned out our house in Scotch Plains; this is where I discovered the world of design. During trips to NYC (the D&D building) and design studio meetings, I recall feeling mesmerized by the fabrics and decor.

At the age of 12, my Mom asked me and each of my sisters what magazine subscription we wanted for Christmas. My eldest sister asked for Seventeen Magazine and my middle sister asked for Tiger Beat. I exclaimed: “I want a subscription to Architectural Digest!” That was a defining moment for me. I knew from a very young age that I loved everything about design and fashion. Living so close to NYC meant weekend trips to 5th Ave, and I would beg my parents to let me look at the windows of all the shops.

Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?

I moved to Marco Island, Florida in 1998 to work with my brother-in-law at his building company. I started in sales and quickly transitioned to helping clients with their interior design needs. Fast-forward 25 years later: with over 300 homes under my belt, I was looking for something fresh. I wanted to explore working in the world of women’s fashion. As I planned my 2019 elopement, I discovered an open niche in the bridal market as I searched for a quality handbag to suit my bridal look. I quickly discovered there weren’t many choices designed specifically for brides — I guess you could say this was my “a ha” moment. The rest is history!

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

My appearance on the Oprah show back in 1997. I was planning my first wedding and the producers of Oprah’s show contacted my wedding coordinator to ask if she knew a bride who might be willing to make a guest appearance on the show. As I look back, it was a foreshadowing of what was to come. Twenty-five years later, I am the founder of a bridal fashion brand, speaking with brides all the time about their “big day.” It’s kind of funny how, 25 years ago, I was that bride having the exact same conversation with Oprah!

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

I like to practice what I call “the three p’s” in business: persistence, perseverance, and patience. Starting any type of new business can be a daunting task, and persistence is what drives you forward. When I was looking for an Italian manufacturer who could create bespoke quality for Bella Rosa, it wasn’t an easy task, but I persistently kept looking, interviewing, and researching. It was this persistence that led me to find my current Florentine factory — endless searching, over a year of looking for the right fit. With persistence, I was able to find the perfect atelier for Bella Rosa.

During the pandemic, it was perseverance that kept the brand alive. Persevering through canceled weddings, closed factories, and roadblock after roadblock. Bella Rosa weathered the pandemic based on my undying will to make it through — and good old fashioned perseverance.

Patience is the hardest “P” to master. When you are in startup mode, loaded with persistence and perseverance, it can be hard to be patient. If you can find your inner voice and stay patient until the answers come, I promise they will come. Being patient when a big launch is pushed due to schedule conflicts or learning to wait for the right connection — these can be hard when you are in “go” mode. Being patient while building a new business can be hard, but it is the key to success. All good things take time; success doesn’t happen overnight.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

The Bella Rosa Collection is a legacy brand. Our founding story is what makes the brand so unique: an undying love story and desire for quality over quantity, helping the consumer understand how important it is to buy quality-made products that you can continue to use — that stand the test of time. Fast fashion is so dangerous for the environment and detrimental to future generations. We must do all that we can to educate the younger consumers and teach them about the danger of fashion waste. We live in a society of instant gratification and disposable everything. Bella Rosa is here to rewrite the narrative. We believe in heirlooms and family traditions. Our products are made in small batches and often crafted especially for the client. We believe the future of fashion is slower production, better quality, and giving back. Giving back to organizations near and dear to our heart is at the core of The Bella Rosa brand.

Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote?” Can you share a story of how that was relevant to you in your life?

My father has carried an old-school laminated quote in his pocket his entire adult life. As a kid, he would pull it out and read it to us whenever we felt we needed some motivation. “Don’t Quit” by John Greenleaf Whittier. The first few lines are embedded in my head from years of my dad reciting this quote to me. Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed or ready to give up, I think of this poem and my father’s encouraging words: “no matter what happens, never quit.”

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Do you see any fascinating developments emerging over the next few years in the fashion industry that you are excited about? Can you tell us about that?

I see many big brands ( of the big fashion houses) really trying to reduce waste, use sustainable materials, and move toward safer manufacturing. I am excited to see the larger brands ( big fashion houses) paying attention to the data and showing concern for the planet. Every year, fashion waste makes up 92 million tons of textile waste, and the average US consumer tosses 81.5 pounds of clothes. The fashion industry is responsible for 20% of global waste water. Every brand needs to do their part to reduce these numbers. It is exciting to see the increase in brands offering sustainable options. Bella Rosa is proud to be a brand built on the principals of “less is more,” “quality over quantity,” and “buy better, buy less.”

Can you share how your brand is helping to bring goodness to the world?

Giving back is at the core of the Bella Rosa Collection. We add goodness to every sale by giving back to those in need, donating a portion of every sale to charities near and dear to our hearts. Collaborators are required to select a charity that is important to them. While Bella Rosa’s main giving partner is VOW for Girls, we give additional funds to numerous charities that we and our collaborators care deeply about. Spreading goodness with our “give back” motto is how we bring extra joy to the world.

Can you share with our readers about the ethical standards you use when you choose where to source materials?

Bella Rosa is committed to transparency and ethical craftsmanship. It is super important to me, during the sourcing of all materials and manufacturing facilities, that their ethics align with Bella Rosa’s. All of our vendors are vetted to ensure their companies fit with our values. Our silk is sourced from some of the best factories in Italy, each one doing their part to reduce chemical waste. They hold certificates in sustainable practices and are members of the global clean alliance. We look for factories that offer fair wages to their workers. When vetting a work room, we look for owners who treat their workers like family.

Fast fashion has an advantage, that it is affordable for most people, but it also has the drawback that it does not last very long and is therefore not very sustainable. What are your thoughts about this? How does your company address this question?

Within the last 15 years, the number of times consumers wear a garment has declined by about 36%. Most items are worn only 7–10 times in total. We need to educate the younger generations. Influencers and celebrities with a platform need to get the word out. If you buy better quality, it will last longer. Buying classic designs that are well made allows for continued use well beyond seven wears. The consumer needs to focus on craftsmanship, rather than fads and trends. The disposal mentality of “fad or trend styles” is a dangerous mindset. Modern-day heirloom style is how we address this with our clients. We encourage brides to reuse their clutch past their wedding day. We encourage the tradition of passing things down. Caring for well made products allows the consumer to extend the life of the product. We work really hard to educate our clients on this concept.

Thank you for all that. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things You Need To Lead a Successful Fashion Brand”. Please share a story or example for each.

  1. Start small: Starting a fashion brand is a daunting task. Starting small and finding your niche helps you to stay focused, increasing your chances of success. Expansion and growth can be overwhelming and expensive. I started Bella Rosa as a bridal handbag company. It was a niche market, allowing us to target brides at the start — and now, as we have grown, we have slowly branched out to evening, red carpet, and special occasion handbags. Starting small was the key to our success.
  2. Have a plan: Having a plan is imperative. Write out your dreams (thoughts and dreams for your new business) your plans for the business. Don’t get hung up on a fancy business plan at the start. Just work on a total comprehensive plan of what you hope to accomplish with your brand. I started my business plan with a simple journal. I would journal about the brand and my vision for its future. Once I had a clear plan, I was able to take those notes and create the formal business plan.
  3. Surround yourself with good people: Hiring the right people is so important. Surround yourself with the best of the best. Be honest about what you know and what you don’t know. There is no shame in having less knowledge about certain aspects of the business. Hire someone who can fill in where you are weakest. We can’t be experts at everything; hiring a good, solid, loyal, and hardworking staff is really important. Be patient when looking for your dream team. During the beginning days of the brand, I had a few weak spots on the team. Knowing where you might need to replace or adjust the staff is important. With every move forward, finding the best person for the job will inevitably contribute to the success of your brand.
  4. Manage your finances properly: Watching and managing your finances is by far the most important part of a successful startup. Many brands fail in the first two years because of miss-managed funds. Stay on top of spending, and secure funding when needed. Research all of the resources available to small businesses. Think outside the box — sometimes you have to keep your day job to make sure your new brand will succeed; having a steady stream of funds you can carefully allocate to your startup may be the difference between success and failure.
  5. Focus on customer service: Hands-down, customer service wins the game. Your customers are your future; you want to treat them with the utmost care. Happy customers lead to more sales and referrals. Every client is important, regardless of the size of the sale. Treat your customers as you would want to be treated, if you were the customer. Bella Rosa is committed to ensuring that every customer is happy and well attended. Answer client concerns promptly and, if needed, pick up the phone! The new age of email and DM is great sometimes, but I often call (or Zoom) our brides directly to make sure they are happy and well cared for. Set the example for your staff; lead by example whenever possible.

Every industry constantly evolves and seeks improvement. How do you think the fashion industry can improve itself? Can you give an example?

I think there is always room for improvement in everything we do. The fashion industry can improve with a united stance on waste. We need all brands to care about the planet. We need the fast fashion mentality to end. If we bind together, we can make a difference. The work we do today will impact the future of our children tomorrow, and that is really important.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂

If I could start a movement, I would choose love — more love, less hate. The world needs more love and more compassion. People need to come back to personal relationships and put down their smart phones. Love is the root of all things; when you have love, anything is possible. The “more love” movement would be my dream.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

@_thebellarosacollection

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We wish you continued success!

Modern Fashion: Maria Caruso Martin of The Bella Rosa Collection On The 5 Things You Need To Lead a… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Power Women: Sierra Hampton-Simmons of Project Management Institute On How To Successfully Navigate…

Power Women: Sierra Hampton-Simmons of Project Management Institute On How To Successfully Navigate Work, Love and Life As A Powerful Woman

An Interview With Candice Georgiadis

Boldness and bravery. It is critical to lead and operate through this lens of being bold in all you do. Operating in a passive manner will not yield the results you desire. Whether it’s raising your hand to lead a project, adjusting your plans in the event something isn’t going right, or suggesting a new business proposal to help lead your organization to success, positioning yourself as someone who isn’t afraid to take risks and who yearns to lead with passion will put you on the path to true success.

How does a successful, strong, and powerful woman navigate work, employee relationships, love, and life in a world that still feels uncomfortable with strong women? In this interview series, called “Power Women” we are talking to accomplished women leaders who share their stories and experiences navigating work, love and life as a powerful woman.

As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Sierra Hampton-Simmons, Vice President, Products, Project Management Institute (PMI).

Sierra Hampton-Simmons has nearly two decades of experience as an expert in Certification Management with a track record for transforming and developing lucrative brands to include relevant performance-based testing and training. She joined PMI in 2013 and currently serves as Vice President, Products. At PMI Sierra is responsible for the entire portfolio of Certification Products including the PMP credential-the gold standard in project management credentials.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?

An interesting part of my childhood that led to who I am today is that I was adopted by my grandparents. I was raised by people who were several decades older than me, which probably contributes to me having a bit of an old soul. They were raised in the rural South, and we had quite a garden in the backyard where we grew vegetables and fruit. Growing up with them taught me the value of hard work as they both worked well past retirement while caring for me and their home. My grandparents always encouraged me to pursue higher education, which they didn’t have the opportunity to do. It was ingrained in me from a very young age.

My grandfather was born in 1898, so he saw America change so much throughout his life. I remember I was maybe eight or nine, and my grandpa asked me, “What do you want for Christmas, baby girl?” I wanted the full series of the Nancy Drew books, so that’s what he bought me. He was so proud that I wanted books — not a doll, not a toy, but some books. We spent time together reading and discussing the plot. Through those pivotal moments with my grandfather — the man who raised me — I learned that while my grandparents never had a formal education past the fourth or fifth grade, they were very smart. And much of what I know now I attribute to them and the many life lessons they bestowed upon me.

Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?

One of my first jobs was as a teacher. I was a K-12 teacher, and I taught English in Japan. When I came back from living in Japan for several years, I taught Japanese to American kids. The way I taught was less about doing things by the book and more about giving students practical skills. How do you order food in a restaurant? How do you call and make a request to a customer care agent?

After that, I took that same philosophy I had employed in those previous teaching jobs and applied it to teaching people how to code using Java programming and HTML. This was when that technology was relatively new. I didn’t necessarily agree with how the information was presented in textbooks, so I employed some nontraditional teaching techniques to help students think more critically about the information they already knew, the information presented to them, and then how to merge all of that together to learn the technology and skills we were focusing on. At the time, this was called project-based learning. This way of teaching told me who actually learned the information and what we needed to reinforce — in other words, the effectiveness of the overall learning experience.

Teaching others taught me so much about myself: that I have a passion for empowering people to do big things, to make an impact, and to gain skills and expertise in their chosen fields. My role now has expanded from certifying people to include helping them train and learn beyond the four walls of a classroom and apply their knowledge, skills, and passions to new opportunities. And beyond that, it’s about product development. A major component of my role is understanding customers, the psychology of business, and the intrinsic values that drive people and their decision-making. All of my previous experiences have molded where I am today, and I don’t take a single moment for granted.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

When I was a teacher, I had my students email me their assignments. One student decided to email me a job listing he thought I would be interested in. He said that while he enjoyed learning from me and having me as a teacher, he thought this job would be a great fit for me. I decided that since this student had taken the time to think of me and my skills and abilities, I would check it out. I ended up getting the job that my student sent to me — which focused on training adults in technology — and it ended up being a great job for me. That job opened up the door to the path that led me to where I am today, and I am forever grateful to my students for seeing something in me that has ultimately led to more than I ever expected. The moral of that story is that we have much to learn from younger generations, just as much as they have to learn from us

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

I call myself a “frustrated artist,” and that has been very important for my professional journey because it speaks to the creativity and innovation I bring to work every day. There are things I obsess over until they are exactly as I imagine they should be — that iteration process lends itself to getting an idea, a product, whatever it may be, just right so that whoever is at the receiving end of that innovation gets the best work or product possible.

I also consider myself to be transparent. I think oftentimes people are wary about sharing or thinking out loud with leadership for numerous reasons. I was cut from that cloth for a very long time, but I found that operating in that way led to a lot of confusion and scramble. So, something that I learned over the last decade is that oversharing to some extent and building trust — basically, being a transparent leader — is one of the most important leadership attributes a person can possess.

Lastly, I consider myself to be reflective. In many aspects of my life and career, I have paused to reflect on people and experiences that have shaped where I am today, whether in a positive way that has caused me to want to emulate certain leadership qualities, or in a negative way that has led me to do things differently than I have experienced in the past. I didn’t always have the best leaders in my previous experiences. But I have used those instances of negative leadership to learn how I should lead differently, and it has resulted in me managing people the way I would want to be managed — with interpersonal skills (we call them “power skills” at Project Management Institute) at the forefront, such as empathy, communication, and collaborative leadership.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. The premise of this series assumes that our society still feels uncomfortable with strong women. Why do you think this is so?

Women have made massive strides in the workplace and in society at large over the past few decades. But in doing so, they have challenged the status quo. They have challenged the ways things have always been, resulting in discomfort amongst those who wish for the world to remain static. Anyone who has ever gone against the grain knows how difficult it is to effect change on a large scale — understanding that change doesn’t happen overnight. So, it’s this idea that there are pursuers of change and forces for good out there who won’t stop until this change is normalized, resulting in women — in everyone — being viewed through the lens they deserve: as powerful, resilient changemakers.

Without saying any names, can you share a story from your own experience that illustrates this idea?

When I was first starting in my career, I worked on a very large-scale innovation project using simulations and emulations in a certification exam. While this wasn’t new for the IT industry, we created some new types of emulations that indeed were different and got the attention of people in the testing industry. However, this project came with multiple risks, involved tons of internal and external stakeholders, and as a result also came with many individuals who challenged the concepts and openly fought against wanting the project to move ahead. These parties would stop at nothing to cause delays and lend criticism to the efforts during the development. They would often ask, “Why can’t we just do a normal multiple-choice exam?” or “Is this investment worth it?” Despite these objections, I continued with this project and succeeded in bringing cutting-edge learning and testing experiences to the market. The resulting product was a game changer because it enabled people to demonstrate their skills in virtual environments thereby proving they were the best job candidates. And as a result, people who traditionally struggled with old fashioned tests and theoretical learning, found these new products delightful. This resulted in my company at that time making this new way of learning and testing standard throughout their products.

What should a powerful woman do in a context where she feels that people are uneasy around her?

The most important thing a woman can do in this situation is remain true to who she is. Rather than shy away from the situation to make others feel more comfortable, she should remain steadfast in leading and inspiring those around her to be their most genuine and authentic selves, while knowing that there will be times that she’ll face moments of doubt — both from internal and external forces. Whether it’s standing in front of a crowded room, leading a presentation or meeting, or working one-on-one with a peer, authenticity in these moments is critical, which can lead to more support from those around her as they witness this authenticity in action.

Additionally, in these moments a woman should focus on utilizing her power skills — interpersonal skills like empathy, communication, active listening — that come naturally to many women. Because these skills are becoming more of a priority in the workplace, women can lean into them as a competitive advantage.

What do we need to do as a society to change the unease around powerful women?

Simply put, we need to support women in their endeavors and elevate and promote women in the workplace. Diversity of all kinds, including gender diversity, leads to better business outcomes. Similarly, we need to appreciate and uplift women in these moments of greatness and recognize that it is normal for women to succeed, to prosper, to lead. And for women who are in positions of power, they should work to uplift other women, whether their peers or those who are just starting their careers, to prove a commitment to this growth. We are all where we are today because of the women who came before us, so putting this collective mentality at the forefront of effecting change will ensure that the generations of women who follow us will have the same access to opportunities that we have today, and hopefully, in even better and more prosperous ways. When I was working on the simulation project I mentioned earlier, the detractors were often times men who were in roles much higher than me. However, I was fortunate to also have the support of very strong women who were experts in the field, believed in our project vision, and leaned in to assure we met our objectives.

In my own experience, I have observed that often women have to endure ridiculous or uncomfortable situations to achieve success that men don’t have to endure. Do you have a story like this from your own experience? Can you share it with us?

We have all found ourselves in situations that make us uncomfortable, oftentimes having to prove our resilience through that discomfort to overcompensate for preconceived notions about who we are and what we bring to the table, all thanks to stigmas and stereotypes women face in the workplace.

At one point early in my career, I was struggling to get to a formal managerial title, and I didn’t understand why because I had been working really hard, fostering relationships with colleagues and managing a team of young rising professionals, all while proving I had what it takes to be in that role. Finally, I got promoted, and my direct manager at the time told me I needed coaching on my professional appearance. After asking for an example, I was told, “Maybe it’s your shoes. Have you ever thought about wearing heels?” I wondered what my shoes had to do with whether I can be a good manager. It was so frustrating that this person believed that the shoes I chose to wear should hold me back. But rather than getting upset or shying away from the conversation, I explained why my choice of footwear was necessary to perform my job, a technical role that required walking around and inspecting equipment. However, the fact that this person’s perception of what was “professional attire” for a woman included high heels and make up was something that brought delayed progress to my career. This was not a roadblock for my male counterparts.

And through all of this, I have learned that I am much more than the labels and stereotypes placed upon women, and I will continue to push that boundary for myself, for the women around me, and for future generations of women.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by women leaders that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts?

Women have had to overcome many hurdles in society and in the workplace over time that men have not had to face — from overcoming the stigma that women shouldn’t work, to the time it’s taken to accept that women can lead at the very top, to how women have been disproportionately affected in the workplace by the pandemic. There’s much work that has been done to ensure women are heard, seen and valued in the workplace.

But at the same time, what we’re witnessing now is no longer whether women belong in the workplace, but where do they belong? The answer is everywhere. Industries that have conventionally been more male-dominated are seeing women fill new roles in droves, proving that not only can women succeed in roles that have historically gone to our male counterparts, but that they will succeed. And it’s thanks to the women who have come before us and the women who are alongside us now that we can continue to elevate women in the workplace today and for future generations of female leaders.

Let’s now shift our discussion to a slightly different direction. This is a question that nearly everyone with a job has to contend with. Was it difficult to fit your personal and family life into your business and career? For the benefit of our readers, can you articulate precisely what the struggle was?

To some extent, it was difficult to fit my personal and family life in my career. Early on in my career, I made a choice to become a single mother. I wanted to be a mother, and I wanted to advance in my career, and I felt like I could do both. My son was a very rambunctious little boy. He had a lot of energy, and he wanted to spend a lot of time with me. I was working on a very big project and spending some time on the weekends in the office. I made the decision to bring my son with me, and I encouraged my team to bring their kids, as well. We all had to make it work, and I encouraged my team to do what they could to make it work, too.

However, there were some instances that I will never forget the disappointment on my son’s face. He was older, maybe second or third grade, and he was attending a summer camp. He had a softball game, but the game was in the middle of the workday, and I wasn’t in a position where I could say, “I’m not going to such and such meeting because my son has a softball game on a Tuesday at 10 in the morning.” I didn’t feel comfortable actually making that decision, and I wish I had. It’s important that your family realizes they are more important than the job, and it’s something I’ve been working on as I balance home and work even to this day.

What was a tipping point that helped you achieve a greater balance or greater equilibrium between your work life and personal life? What did you do to reach this equilibrium?

As a mother, I know the toll that burnout takes on the person experiencing it and on those they love and work with. And I know that I cannot give my best to my family if I am not taking care of myself and prioritizing things that bring me joy and allow me to re-center my priorities. Anyone who has the important job of caring for someone else — whether children, elderly family members, or a friend who may need a little extra help — understands the importance of advocating for yourself in these moments of burnout when work-life fulfillment isn’t being achieved, because there are people who are counting on you in various ways.

Something I have found to help me in these moments that I struggle with balance is prioritizing family time. For example, at one point, I had to take off work when my son was sick, and I felt the need to take a picture and show my boss to ensure they knew I really did have something going on at home that was keeping me from work. I received a positive note back saying, “I don’t know why you felt you had to share me the picture. I’m sorry your son is going through this, but please know that we support you, and please put your family first.” It was the wake-up call that I needed — the permission to be human, the permission to be a woman and a mother. I have to prioritize everything accordingly because I may not have this job next week, but my family, if I’m lucky, I’ll have for the rest of my life. I think that was a pivotal moment for me career-wise. It allowed me to recenter my priorities, restore my sense of calm, and manage my priorities as I moved forward as a mother and as a professional.

I work in the beauty tech industry, so I am very interested to hear your philosophy or perspective about beauty. In your role as a powerful woman and leader, how much of an emphasis do you place on your appearance? Do you see beauty as something that is superficial, or is it something that has inherent value for a leader in a public context? Can you explain what you mean?

While I’d like to live in a world where appearance doesn’t matter and that in the workplace all are judged fairly by their accomplishments and contributions. However, the reality is we all have some level of internal biases that are oftentimes cultivated around what society has defined as beauty standards. And while this is never something that should have bearing on a woman’s career, things like ageism, sizeism, and even how a woman dresses can become a blocker for women. Sometimes those inflicting these standards are not even aware of their biases and unconsciously tie a woman’s value to their appearance.

For me at one point I was very overweight and noticed that many of those who entered their career at the same time as me were outpacing me in their advancements. I wasn’t aware of any professional accomplishments they had that exceeded my own. At first, I thought there was perhaps something I needed to do differently: work harder, take on more complex assignments, etc. But at one point I wondered how much my size and others’ biases were playing against me. So, while continuing to focus on my work, I began to focus on my health and over time lost a significant amount of weight. With this newfound focus on my physical health, I gained more confidence and began accomplishing more positive outcomes at work, but I recognize that the most impactful outcome was that I felt better — not that others felt better about me.

To me, true beauty is centered on wellness — both physical and mental wellness. When I feel like I am taking care of my body and mind, I feel that I am able to give my best to those around me and the work that needs to get done. Additionally, self-confidence is also a beautiful thing to witness. Women and men must look within to define what makes us who we are and find practices that cultivate this sense of well-being, leading us to being better leaders and colleagues because we see people for who they are beyond the unrealistic expectations society sometimes places on us.

How is this similar or different for men?

This can be similar for men because everyone has expectations for how leaders should look and present themselves. However, this does seem to be exacerbated for women simply because of the stigmas and stereotypes women in the workplace have had to overcome in relation to how they look and dress. But I think what we’re seeing more so now than we have in the past is this sense of allyship from our male counterparts — celebrating women on International Women’s Day and during Women’s History month (and year-round), uplifting female voices in the workplace, and shining a light on all of the change women are spearheading across industries and sectors. It no longer has to be us versus them. When we come together as allies for each other, that is when our best work gets done.

Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your opinion and experience, what are the “Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Powerful Woman?” (Please share a story or example for each.)

  1. A community who will uplift you. To me, this is one of the most important aspects of being a powerful woman in our personal and professional lives. We can’t do it alone. We must have a team of people both inside and outside of work who we can lean on when things get hard, who we can turn to when we need a helping hand, and who we can rely on to keep us grounded. I would recommend looking into both virtual and in-person networking communities, as I’ve seen firsthand through PMI’s chapter network that they can be a great way to connect with people who will both empower and challenge you.
  2. Time and space for resetting. We can’t be everything to everyone at all times, and this is especially true for the workplace. Furthermore, we can’t expect our people to give their all to their work if they aren’t taking care of their mental well-being, too. So, we must model what it looks like to prioritize mental wellness not only for ourselves, but for the people we lead, as well.
  3. Intellectual curiosity. We all know that learning and growth isn’t limited to a classroom. The key to being a powerful, impactful leader is committing yourself to lifelong learning and using that knowledge to drive better business and people outcomes in your respective industries. Whether it’s honing an interpersonal skill like collaborative leadership or obtaining an advanced degree or certification like our Project Management Professional (PMP)® at Project Management Institute (PMI), being a lifelong learner and finding joy and passion in curiosity will set you up for success in the long run.
  4. Empathy for yourself — and others. If we’ve learned anything over the past two years, it’s that we need to extend empathy to others and to ourselves if we want to be successful and collaborate in meaningful ways. Finding that right balance of expectations and empathy is key if you want to succeed as a leader in today’s workplace.
  5. Boldness and bravery. It is critical to lead and operate through this lens of being bold in all you do. Operating in a passive manner will not yield the results you desire. Whether it’s raising your hand to lead a project, adjusting your plans in the event something isn’t going right, or suggesting a new business proposal to help lead your organization to success, positioning yourself as someone who isn’t afraid to take risks and who yearns to lead with passion will put you on the path to true success.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

I would pick Rihanna, specifically the business mogul version of Rihanna. She mastered inclusivity right away. Her whole focal point was creating a brand that catered to every woman. It even evolved because it wasn’t just about women — it was anybody who wears makeup, anyone who wears clothes. I love how in her fashion shows you see everyone, from who you are used to seeing on fashion runways to people who have different abilities, different sizes, different genders. It’s wonderful. She’s winning in this world where there are some pockets of hatred. People are buying her brand. I love how she’s gotten that and made it a universal mission of her company to be a brand for everyone because everyone can be beautiful. I love that.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

Power Women: Sierra Hampton-Simmons of Project Management Institute On How To Successfully Navigate… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Self-Made Women: Lisa Johnson On How She Started With Very Little and Created A Million Dollar…

Self-Made Women: Lisa Johnson On How She Started With Very Little and Created A Million Dollar Business

An Interview With Candice Georgiadis

You’ll never feel ready to start your business, and this fear will continue every time you come to make the next big decision. Have faith in yourself, and embrace the challenges. As I often say, if I’d taken a look before I leapt every time I’d still be in the same place where I started!

Some people were born with the proverbial silver spoon in their mouth. Even then, becoming a millionaire is still quite an accomplishment. But people who start from nothing, and especially women who start from nothing, who make it to the top to become millionaires, despite the pay inequalities based on gender, the confidence gap, with nothing but grit, hustle, resilience, and “stick-to-itness”, are on a whole new level. We want to share those stories and inspire other women. In this interview series, we’re talking to “Self-Made” women leaders who started with nothing (i.e. started without investors or trust fund or capital or even people believing in them) and went on to create a million dollar business.

As a part of our series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Lisa Johnson.

Lisa Johnson is a multi-seven-figure Global Business Strategist who makes 90% of her money through passive or semi-passive income streams. Her business made over £10m in the first five years.

After a tough childhood spent in social housing, Lisa went on to have successful careers in law, banking and the entertainment industry. She took herself from £30,000 in debt to a successful entrepreneur making millions and helping thousands of people in just five years.

Lisa has over 50,000 followers across social media and a number one business podcast, Making Money Online which has been listened to across 119 countries and has over 150,000 downloads to date.

Lisa is a huge believer that everyone can become a success no matter their background, is an ambassador for the charity Bullies Out and is known for her anti-bullying campaigning online.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory” and how you grew up?

I grew up in social housing in Lincolnshire, being brought up by my dad after my parents divorced when I was 11. Money was tight, I was the daughter of an immigrant (my dad is from Malta) and I was not a confident child. These three things combined to place a target on my back for bullies at school.

This only worsened when I was awarded a scholarship to the private school, finally resulting in a knife to my throat and a move to another school where the bullying continued.

Unsurprisingly, I did not develop into a confident young woman, and was married at 17 in an attempt to make a new start.

The marriage was short lived, leaving me to stop, re-assess, and finally take control of my life. I moved to London, worked my way through a variety of jobs before working as a banker in the city, earning big bucks and working stupid hours.

The arrival of my twin sons hit me with a sledgehammer of realism and I knew immediately that I could not sustain this lifestyle and be a mother. So I got a job close to home with normal hours and stayed there for two years until I became bored an needed a new challenge!

So, I started my first business — as a wedding planner. I liked parties and organising things, so it seemed like a good idea. It also meant I had to work every weekend, which wasn’t such a good idea, but it did teach me loads about business. As my wedding planning peers saw me constantly fully booked, they started to ask me how I’d done it.

I’d advise them on strategy and ideal client and everything else I’d learnt, and then they too started to see great results.

It didn’t take me long to realise that I shouldn’t be giving this information away for free and that was the birth of my coaching business.

Five years later I make multi 6 figures annually, and with a product launch in the middle of a pandemic I made over £2m.

Growing up, what were your early experiences and perspectives about money? Or we could say, what was the “money consciousness” in which you were raised? Can you please give an example of what you mean?

I have had to work very hard over the last five years or so to reframe my money mindset. In my world as a kid, on my council estate with my hardworking but not overly ambitious family around me, money was what other people had. You made do and you were grateful for what you got.

I can clearly remember one time when I was probably 8 or 9, and a really lovely car came driving down our street. I think I was a Porsche.

Almost in unison, all my family said something like “Look at that flash so and so.”

And this mindset still prevails in so many people today. Especially in the UK where acknowledging you have done well and allowing yourself nice things is seen as vulgar.

Awesome! Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s talk about what you are doing now, and how you achieved the success that you currently enjoy. Can you tell our readers about the business you’ve created?

I’m a business strategist who helps ambitious people create passive and semi-passive income streams.

I specialise in teaching how to create online courses and memberships, moving away from the one to one model where time is limited, to the One to Many model.

I share my knowledge and experience to help entrepreneurs create business models that tick the boxes for creating a ton of income and impact, without having to spend their lives at their laptops.

What was your vision when you started this business? What’s the WHY behind the work that you do? (Please share a story about this if you can.)

I have to be honest, until recently I would have said simply “To make lots of money”. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with this ethos , and it is still a key driver for me. I am the main bread winner, and I want more than anything to give my children a chance to experience things that will make them into more rounded adults.

But I was at a retreat recently where the whole group was talking about their “Why.” I did my usual thing an almost rolled my eyes. My why will never a grand, humanitarian, philanthropic gesture. But it did make me think. And I realised that my why is this. I want to help people who want to change the world to change the world!

That is how I make my mark.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?

It’s hard to share “the most interesting” story, as every day is different, but one that springs to mind is based around perception, naivete, and the prevalence of smoke and mirrors in my industry.

Early on in the development of my business, I invested in a coach. This person was well known and very successful. They seemed to have all the knowledge that would help me get there too. I spent a lot, and I mean a lot, of money coaching with them.

To cut to the chase, they gave me nothing, they had no interest in me and their only passion was money. No ethics. No integrity. When I raised my dissatisfaction with them, I was told that I would never become anything in the industry because they would make it their mission to ensure everyone they knew would never work with me.

Suffice to say I proved them wrong, but this early encounter really paved the way for me in running my business in a way that is ethical above everything — including profit.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

It’s difficult to pinpoint one specific example. There have been plenty of laughs along the way, but I guess one that that sticks in the mind, and highlights the “do your research” mantra was when I first launched my own membership, it was called Get Sh*t Done, (Or GSD for short.)

What I hadn’t realised was that GSD is also the abbreviation for German Shepherd Dogs… I therefore was somewhat taken aback when I had hundred of people clicking into my group and then registering their sincere disappointment that they couldn’t find a single dog on my membership!

We’d love to explore the traits that help you achieve your success. What were the mindset obstacles that you had to overcome in order to reach the place of earning a million dollars? Can you tell us what you did to overcome them?

I mentioned money mindset earlier and this was a massive one, but there were many more. Often the phrase “imposter syndrome” is used, but I don’t subscribe to this. It is usually “They’ve been doing it longer than me so they know more than I do” syndrome.

Once you reframe it as this and realise that your knowledge is not common knowledge you can be confident in your ability.

Other traits that have helped me are stubbornness, self deprecation, a willingness to learn, enthusiasm, self belief and honesty.

What were the external obstacles that you had to overcome in reaching these milestones? And how specifically did you overcome them? (Please share a story or example.)

Was there ever a point where you wanted to give up on your journey to creating a million dollar business? How did you work through that panic point? Please share a story.

There have been plenty! The encounter with the coach being one. I would say that most are centred around the fact as an online business, being visible is massively important I my success.

However, what this also does, is open the door for trolls to attack me, not only my business, but my personal life and my appearance. This has happened on numerous occasions, and to begin with it really hurt me.

However, I was taught some excellent advice, which is simply this.

People will only target you out of jealousy. No one who is more successful than you will have the time, or the inclination, to be negative towards you.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I would have to say my husband Sam. We are that unusual combination that is able to work to together and still maintain a balanced, happy and fun filled relationship! He has been there with me for nearly ten years now, and it’s no coincidence that my life started to drastically change for the better the minute he walked into it.

Being a team of two makes none of it as scary as it could be.

What do you think is the greatest challenge for women and creating wealth/abundance? What advice would you have for someone that is feeling blocked by that obstacle?

I feel the greatest challenge is still the ingrained, patriarchal attitude of so many people, not just in the business world, but in society in general.

So often at a restaurant the bill is given to my husband without asking. (NB — this means they do not get a tip!) When I have applied for a mortgage, my husband’s name is used at the main applicant, despite him being employed by me!

Do not be scared of sharing your successes, and always be a cheerleader for other women who are doing well. Success is not like pizza, it does not run out! Being supportive of someone else has no effect on your own success.

And my advice? Be louder, be more visible, be more driven, be more confident — be more you!

Great! Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)

  1. You’ll never feel ready to start your business, and this fear will continue every time you come to make the next big decision. Have faith in yourself, and embrace the challenges. As I often say, if I’d taken a look before I leapt every time I’d still be in the same place where I started!
  2. Growing an audience is the most important factor in building a successful online business. If someone tells you otherwise, they’re lying! Prioritise this over everything else.
  3. Your mindset for hitting 6 figures will not get you to 7 figures. Grow and learn. Invest in yourself. Become a better leader. Only by developing yourself can you develop and grow your business.
  4. There will be people who don’t like you whatever you do. Never forget this. They are not your people. They are not your ideal client. Let them say what they want to say and be safe in the knowledge that by being yourself, you will attract those clients that you resonate with.
  5. You will not remember every big milestone. It’s the little steps in between that will stay with you, so breathe, keep going, and enjoy the journey.

We are sure that you are not done. What comes next? What’s your next big goal and why? What plan have you put in place to achieve it? Why is it a stretch for you? What will achieving it represent for you and for others?

Next for me is the publication of my first book “Make Money Online” which is released on the 19th January 2023 and is available for pre order now.

My next big goal is not a financial one. I have learnt that constantly aspiring to move from 6 to 7 figures, and then to multi 7 figures and so on is missing the point.

I want to see my business continue to grow, to see it impact on the lives of millions of entrepreneurs around the world and to be running in an ethical and efficient manner, meaning I have more time to do what is most important — spending time with my family.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Website : www.lisajohnson.com

Instagram : https://instagram.com/lisajohnsonstrategist

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/lisajohnsonstrategist/

Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us and our readers. We know that it will make a tremendous difference and impact thousands of lives. We are excited to connect further and we wish you so much joy in your next success.

Self-Made Women: Lisa Johnson On How She Started With Very Little and Created A Million Dollar… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Yolanda Nollie On How to Use LinkedIn To Dramatically Improve Your Business

An Interview With Candice Georgiadis

Utilize the search function to connect with potential clients or collaborators in your industry. Through the search tool, you can also follow companies and join relevant groups.

As part of our series of interviews about “How to Use LinkedIn To Dramatically Improve Your Business”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Yolanda Nollie.

Yolanda Nollie is a leader in entertainment, media, and business strategies. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing and business. She also has a minor in journalism and creates strategies to enhance the entertainment media business to gain higher multi-streams of income and generational wealth. She has since dedicated her life to helping others unleash their true genius and brainpower through her successful podcast show, Radio & TV Entertainment AmFm. She is the founder of Master Entertainment Workshops Corp 501c3, Master Entertainment Workshops Online Academy with students in 195 countries. Her mission: To Educate Entertainers on Passive Income in the Entertainment Industry as Entertainers.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

When I was just a teenager, I was hooked on entertainment and media. I understood the power it had to shape our culture. My passion only grew as I pursued my education and began working at major media companies. However, it wasn’t until I wrote my bestselling book, How to Profit in Entertainment: Social Media Guide, that I began to see the potential for creating a successful career as an Entertainment & Media Strategist. Now, as the CEO & Founder of Master Entertainment Workshops Online Academy and the host of Radio & TV Entertainment AmFm Podcast Show, I help others break into the industry and reach their full potential. As a passionate Journalist and independent Filmmaker, I am constantly striving to push boundaries and bring fresh perspectives to the ever-changing world of entertainment and media. This is my dream career, and every day is an exciting adventure. Thank you for asking about what brought me here; it’s a journey that I am grateful for every step of the way.

Here is the link to my bestseller

https://www.amazon.com/How-Profit-Entertainment-Social-Media-ebook/dp/B07KY3546R/ref=sr_1_1?crid=T0LXZAA9OVPT&keywords=how+to+profit+in+entertainment+social+media+guide&qid=1667425171&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjczIiwicXNhIjoiMC4wMCIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=how+to+profit+in+entertainment+social+media+guide%2Caps%2C440&sr=8-1

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?

As an Entertainment and Media Strategist, I’ve had the privilege to work with some of Hollywood’s biggest names and help them further their careers. However, one moment that really stands out to me was having the opportunity to interview actress Lark Voorhees, known for her role as Lisa Turtle on Saved by the Bell. Voorhees shared her struggles with mental illness and how she overcame it. It was a powerful moment that emphasized the impact entertainment can have on society by starting important conversations. As a passionate journalist, moments like this remind me why I love my career and continue to strive for excellence in everything I do. I am grateful for the amazing opportunities and experiences that have come from being a bestselling book author and entertainment and media strategist. Ultimately, my passion drives me towards creating impactful and thought-provoking content in all facets of my career.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

As an Entertainment and Media Strategist, I have made plenty of mistakes throughout my career. However, one mistake that sticks out to me as particularly funny was during a live podcast recording with a popular TV star. I had planned for the interview to be longer and didn’t realize until halfway through that I hadn’t hit the record button. While it was quite embarrassing at the time, I learned an important lesson about triple checking all technical aspects before hitting “go.” This mistake taught me to always be prepared and stay on top of my game to deliver the best possible product. As a bestselling book author and passionate journalist, it’s critical for me to continually learn from my mistakes and use them as valuable lessons moving forward. Without this sense of growth, improvement is impossible. It may not always be something as comical as forgetting to hit record.

Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader?

It is a valuable lesson for personal and professional development. In entertainment and media, mishaps will inevitably happen. It’s how we choose to handle them that sets us apart from the rest. In this industry, consistently delivering excellence is key and learning from mistakes is crucial in achieving success.

Another instance that stands out in my mind was when I was presented with two potential guests for my podcast show. Both were very well known and had the potential to bring in a large audience and boost ratings. However, upon further research, I discovered that one of the guests had a history of making offensive and derogatory comments. While it would have been easy to overlook this issue for the sake of increasing my audience, I ultimately made the difficult decision to not give them a platform on my show. It may have resulted in some backlash from fans, but I stand by my decision as a leader to not give hate a platform and amplify hateful voices. In the end, we were able to find another amazing guest who aligns with our values and morals. Making tough decisions like this is often challenging, but they are necessary as a successful leader.”

Which social media platform have you found to be most effective to use to increase business revenues? Can you share a story from your experience?

Out of all the social media platforms I’ve tried to increase business revenues, LinkedIn has been the most effective. As a Radio & TV Entertainment AM/FM Podcast Show Producer and Host, I am constantly networking and connecting with potential clients and collaborators. My LinkedIn profile showcases my skills and expertise, allowing me to attract high-quality leads.

I once received an exciting opportunity through a connection on LinkedIn. A well-known producer reached out to me about hosting a podcast for their company. This eventually led to multiple paid hosting gigs and increased my earnings significantly. Without LinkedIn, I may have never even known about this opportunity. It truly shows the power of networking on this platform. Overall, I highly recommend LinkedIn for any business looking to increase revenues.

Let’s talk about LinkedIn specifically, now. Can you share 5 ways to leverage LinkedIn to dramatically improve your business? Please share a story or example for each.

When it comes to networking and finding new business opportunities, LinkedIn is a valuable tool. Here are five ways to leverage LinkedIn in order to dramatically improve your business:

1) Utilize the search function to connect with potential clients or collaborators in your industry. Through the search tool, you can also follow companies and join relevant groups.

2) Join in on conversations and comment on posts in your industry to increase visibility and position yourself as a thought leader.

3) Update your profile regularly to showcase your skills and experience, and to ensure that it appears higher in search results.

4) Use the messaging feature to directly reach out to connections with personalized messages rather than generic invitations or requests.

5) Take advantage of LinkedIn’s publishing platform by writing long-form posts about your expertise or industry insights. These can be shared with your connections and potentially picked up by larger publications, leading to increased exposure for your business. By utilizing these strategies, LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for growing your business.

An important way to leverage LinkedIn for business is by utilizing the platform to showcase your personal brand. This can include sharing content, joining or starting relevant industry groups, and connecting with potential clients and collaborators.

Additionally, LinkedIn offers various paid advertising options that can be targeted to a specific audience.

Using LinkedIn as a networking tool is also important for business growth. By actively participating in group discussions and reaching out to connect with thought leaders in your industry, you can expand your professional network and open new opportunities.

Finally, LinkedIn can be a valuable resource for job searching and recruiting top talent for your own company.

By staying active on the platform and regularly updating your profile, you can increase your chances of catching the attention of hiring managers or attracting quality job candidates.

Overall, there are numerous ways to leverage LinkedIn for business success — it’s just a matter of knowing how to utilize the platform effectively.

Because of the position that you are in, you are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 😊

If I were to inspire a movement, it would be to encourage and support diverse representation in all forms of media. We are living in a time where representation matters more than ever, and yet we still see limitations on who is allowed to share their stories and experiences.

This not only limits the opportunities for marginalized communities, but it also restricts the perspectives and narratives available for consumption by society. By uplifting diverse voices and telling authentic, multifaceted stories, we can begin to break down harmful stereotypes and open minds to new ideas and experiences.

This movement would not only bring good to those directly affected by increased representation, but ultimately it would benefit society by promoting understanding and acceptance.

As a Radio & TV Entertainment Am/Fm Podcast Show Producer & Host, as well as a LinkedIn Influencer discussing diversity in media, I am dedicated to spreading this message and doing my part to make a positive impact.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them

If I had the chance to sit down with anyone for breakfast or lunch, it would definitely be Oprah Winfrey. As an Entertainment & Media Strategist, bestselling book author, and passionate journalist, I am extremely inspired by her journey in the entertainment industry.

From her humble beginnings as a news anchor and show host, she has become a media mogul and one of the most influential women in the world. I would love to pick her brain about how she turned failures into successes, her strategies for balancing business and philanthropy, and how she stays true to herself amidst constant scrutiny and criticism.

Not only is she a successful businesswoman, but also a humanitarian who uses her platform to empower and uplift others. That is truly inspiring to me, and I know that sitting down with Oprah for breakfast or lunch would surely be a memorable experience.

Thank you so much for these great insights. This was very enlightening!

Yolanda Nollie On How to Use LinkedIn To Dramatically Improve Your Business was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Inspirational Women Leaders Of Tech: Eynat Guez of Papaya Global On The Five Things You Need To…

Inspirational Women Leaders Of Tech: Eynat Guez of Papaya Global On The Five Things You Need To Know In Order To Create A Highly Successful Tech Company

An Interview With Candice Georgiadis

Make mistakes and grow. Humility is the most important trait of an entrepreneur and CEO and one that serves you well in building expertise in your field or industry. There is a huge difference between managers and leaders. True leaders are honest with themselves about what they know and what they don’t know and how they need to grow to become better leaders. That means making mistakes, learning, and having a mindset of continual improvement. I learned some stunning lessons early on in my efforts to find the right investors in Papaya and decided I needed to find partners who would share my vision and stand side by side with me, not in front.

As a part of my series about “Lessons From Inspirational Women Leaders in Tech”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Eynat Guez.

Eynat Guez, an entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, is a leading expert in global payroll and global workforce management in the remote work era. She co-founded Papaya Global after seeing the technology gap in global payroll. The company combines her three passions — technology, supporting the employee experience, and empowering finance leaders — to start a revolution in global payroll management. Papaya, now valued at over $3.7 billion under Eynat’s leadership, provides a nascent technology approach to how we pay people and how technology can provide real-time business intelligence around people data to finance, HR, and business leaders regardless of where companies employ workers. Within five years, Eynat became a female unicorn founder and CEO. Recently, Papaya, now the largest fintech company with a female founder/CEO, made the Forbes Cloud 100 (Eynat being only one of eight female CEOs on the list).

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit more about you. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

I started my career as an HR and operations manager heavily focused on global talent and relocation services — instilling the value of supporting the employee experience regardless of where an employee worked in the world. I was drawn to HR because I believe in taking care of your neighbors and investing in people to improve their quality of life. In my first CEO role, I headed up a global relocation company to assist employees with their transition to new geographies and all the challenges that business has in managing a global workforce. Seeing the lack of technology to support a global workforce motivated me to co-found Papaya Global.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began at your company?

While I don’t like being singled out as the rare female CEO of a tech company, I quickly realized the challenge of gaining traction as a startup company seeking investments in your idea. Obviously, I see the broader struggles of women in the workplace finding their own personal successes and figuring out how to prioritize their energies. But I have appreciated the privilege of showing other women entrepreneurs and executives that you can have it all — family, career, and success. But that’s only possible with great support at home, which I’m so fortunate to have. I don’t know that it is a singular story, but I’ve learned through interviews like this to set aside my discomfort on gender topics and embrace them and encourage women in general to invest in themselves without feeling regret or as though they are sacrificing something.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

It was a mistake for me to think that my background in global talent issues such as relocation services or payroll was boring. I laugh about it now. But I knew we had an innovative idea in consolidating global payroll and drawing data from what is typically a messy patchwork of multiple data systems. What I didn’t realize at the time was how forward-looking the idea was to simplify and bring outdated ways of paying employees into a modern era of consumer-like expectations of software. Think about it: Getting paid by an employer is one of the most important touch points between a company and its workers. From the employee perspective, people have been told how and when they will get their money for as long as organizations have been issuing paychecks. I learned that payroll is central to the employee experience and companies undervalue the data and insights that they have in workforce analytics. Now in the remote work and global talent environment, that idea is quite compelling.

Can you tell us a story about the hard times that you faced when you first started your journey? Did you ever consider giving up? Where did you get the drive to continue even though things were so hard?

During Papaya Global’s first two years, it felt like such a struggle to convince investors of our vision. I couldn’t give up because I had seen firsthand in my earlier career roles how terribly complex it can be to manage a global workforce, capture data about those workers, and create a consistently great experience for those employees regardless of the country where they worked. I knew employees were having bad experiences tied to payroll and that finance leaders just had no idea of their true labor costs when their employee base was so spread out across the world. I’m glad we persevered and found great investors. We grew. Our valuation rose (now exceeding $3.7 billion). And we’ve grown and opened offices around the world.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Twentieth-century painter Frida Kahlo said: “At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” I find this to be true in business and life. Entrepreneurs face endless challenges in building and growing a business, especially when it begins to scale globally. I have faced many frustrations in my career and as a co-founder, but I keep it in perspective, allow myself to fail, and move forward. I don’t believe in dwelling on the past. Instead, it’s important to always be looking forward.

OK super. Thank you for all that. Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview. We’d love to learn a bit about your company. What is the pain point that your company is helping to address?

Papaya Global is the first company to simplify and consolidate global payroll, whether a company has an entity in another country or they are just employing one or hundreds of contingent workers in another geography or multiple countries. You have to understand that most companies have no access to real-time payroll costs when they have a complex, multi-country workforce because they typically hire a different payroll provider for every country where they operate or hire people. That means all their people data is stored in disparate systems. What we’ve done is consolidate that information into a single platform and dashboard, empowering business decision-makers with real-time people insights. We’ve also innovated our solution to give employers new ways to make payments that are faster and can be made in any currency or when and how employees prefer to be paid. We do all that securely and follow every local compliance requirement regardless of geographical boundaries. And we’ve done all that while integrating with some of the world’s largest ERP systems used by finance, HR, and business leaders. Think of us as the Salesforce for global payroll technology.

What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?

I think our company’s growth really stands out. It is not only humbling how quickly we’ve raised money, invested it into our technology, and innovated the global payroll market, but we’ve tripled our company growth by adding new employees and clients while increasing revenue for three straight years. When you think about our vision of transforming payroll and payments across the globe regardless of geographic boundaries, I’m proud of the way our company has expanded our own footprint with employees in Tel Aviv, New York, London, Kyiv, Singapore, Melbourne, and Austin, Texas. The other compelling story about our company is our continued innovation and investment in innovation. We’ve put 40% to 50% of our revenue back into the solution to solve some of the most challenging business problems related to paying and managing global workforces.

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

We’re forging new partnerships in the financial sector to continue our company’s transformation to being a hybrid between payroll technology and a fintech solution. The partnerships are key collaborations that speed up payroll and payments to within a few days compared with transfers that take weeks, all while ensuring compliance regardless of where a company pays its workers. It is really hard to label where our company is headed because no one has offered such flexibility in delivering payments and delivering payroll for companies as well as creating a new relationship between employer and employee as it relates to payroll. We believe that technology will change the way employers support their people with payroll and that technology will play a key role in making that happen.

Let’s zoom out a bit and talk in more broad terms. Are you currently satisfied with the status quo regarding women in tech? What specific changes do you think are needed to change the status quo?

Again, not a topic I’m most comfortable with because I don’t see myself as a woman CEO — with emphasis on the adjective modifier. I am a CEO. I bring a perspective and have a responsibility to bring up women through the ranks to better opportunities for themselves and their families. The status quo is not going to change for women until we can achieve pay equity in work and central to solving that equation for finance and HR leaders is having better data around internal equity. Once companies have better data and can make fair decisions about equity, the market overall will begin to course-correct around external competitive salaries. At Papaya, we walk the walk with 50% of our workforce being women.

In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by women in tech that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts? What would you suggest to address this?

Have you heard lately someone ask how a man is going to work a job and still manage to raise a family? Even now, with paternity leave, there are more men that are working from home and many more women in the CEO chair. This question still arises only in women’s interviews. Only women seem to have to make a choice between their children and career. I think that it’s too often framed as a false choice. Certainly, there are difficult choices that many women have to make. Like I said before, I’m fortunate enough to have a great support system at home just like many men have a great support system at home, right? Certainly fostering more inclusive work environments that are focused on flexibility and putting the employee experience first will solve not only challenges for women but also reduce stress on workers facing an array of life’s obstacles.

What would you advise to another tech leader who initially went through years of successive growth, but has now reached a standstill? From your experience, do you have any general advice about how to boost growth or sales and “restart their engines”?

I suggest following these three things: be pragmatic, be brave and stand behind your people, and the last one I call the trolley exercise. It works like this: When you travel and start packing a suitcase, you take everything that is critical and essential that fits in your luggage and that you’re capable of carrying. What I mean by that is you have to make critical decisions that keep an eye on the future but reduce the cost of everything that is not critical to continue your growth.

Based on your experience, can you share three or four strategies to give your customers the best possible user experience and customer service?

Customer support in technology has evolved far beyond triaging user issues affected by features and functions of the software. The best strategy for customer support is for a point of contact to bring a level of strategic guidance to operations to help companies thrive and grow. At Papaya Global, our customers need legal services to deal with complex payroll compliance issues, and it is no longer enough to just offer templates to address issues. If you offer legal services, you need to be able to customize that guidance. It is also a good strategy to provide your users with a knowledge hub, or a library of information to answer questions. For example, if they have legal questions, the content should provide a level of expertise that businesses would normally seek out costly advice from a law office that could be easily answered with hypotheticals. From a global payroll perspective, another strategy is to have a center of excellence with experts on immigration, pay equity, and benefits all with a breadth and depth of knowledge to localize the expertise.

Here is the main question of our discussion. Based on your experience and success, what are the five most important things one should know in order to create a very successful tech company?

Make mistakes and grow. Humility is the most important trait of an entrepreneur and CEO and one that serves you well in building expertise in your field or industry. There is a huge difference between managers and leaders. True leaders are honest with themselves about what they know and what they don’t know and how they need to grow to become better leaders. That means making mistakes, learning, and having a mindset of continual improvement. I learned some stunning lessons early on in my efforts to find the right investors in Papaya and decided I needed to find partners who would share my vision and stand side by side with me, not in front.

Think fast. Leading a technology company requires evaluating the market needs in real time and having the ability to see where solutions are headed from a user experience and how they fit into a larger technology stack or ecosystem. That requires quick thinking and decision-making. A good example of that was how we thought about how to quickly scale our vision for employee payments and quickly seized the opportunity to acquire a global payments company (Azimo). If you think for too long in tech, you’re probably behind another competitor.

Solve a real problem. Far too often in the technology space, we see people develop applications and then look for someone to buy or people they need to convince need their solution. Know the problem you want to solve. Develop around the customer experience of the problem and in the context of their workflow, knowing how solving that one problem can also impact other areas of the business. I built on my experience in HR of seeing firsthand how complex the work experience is for people living in countries outside where their employer is headquartered — that was the problem I set out to address.

Center around data. User expectations for B2B technology have never been higher, driven in large part by the fantastic features and benefits of consumer applications on computers, phones, and other portable devices. While having nice functionality is great and will wow your customers, data is even more important. CFOs, finance departments, heads of HR, and the C-suite expect more from our digital systems, especially around data visualizations and real-time insights. Data will prove ROI, it supports business functions, and it can help serve other stakeholders within a business. From day one of launching Papaya, I knew putting data and insights around the workforce would be a huge differentiator because of how complex global workforce data can be.

Continuously innovate. Startups are born every day. While some signs point to venture capital cooling a tad in the technology industry, record levels of investment have led to countless startup ventures trying to solve today’s and tomorrow’s problems faster, more efficiently, and with more pizazz than ever. You cannot assume no one offers the same features and functions. Or, at least, some other company out there will claim that they have a better solution (even if it’s not true). Stay relevant. Talk to your customers and find out how their requirements or business use cases are evolving and do your best to stay ahead of the innovation curve. I push our team all the time to expand the definition of payroll — an evolution that one day will be unrecognizable by today’s standards.

We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the U.S., with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them 🙂

I would love to meet with Julie Bradshaw, who first swam the English Channel when she was 15, because I would love to discuss her open-water swimming experiences (something I do in my spare time as a form of meditation). I wonder how other prominent women meditate and become more mindful in their daily lives.

Thank you so much for this. This was very inspirational, and we wish you only continued success!

Inspirational Women Leaders Of Tech: Eynat Guez of Papaya Global On The Five Things You Need To… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.