Imagine making the right choice, the right decision every time. Every single time. Effortlessly. With ease. No more second-guessing yourself. No more confusion. No more slowing down. No more procrastination. No more fear. No more frustration. No more lack of clarity. No more stress. No more low energy level. No more being stuck.
As a part of our series about “dreamers who ignored the naysayers and did what others said was impossible”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr Marina Bruni.
Dr Marina Bruni, aka The Global Brain Activation Strategist, is a mentor, lawyer, an executive coach, business consultant and international speaker who specializes in brain integration strategies and energy. She gives her clients the keys to unlock creative solutions to the problems they’re facing.
Dr Marina is featured as one of the Global Thought Leaders in the movie How Thoughts Become Things, sequel to the hit movie The Secret, alongside many big names from The Secret’s original cast.
She is well-known for helping businesses identify additional revenue streams within their existing business through strategic relationships and delegation.
As dual qualified lawyer with over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Dr Marina has seen the destructive consequences of poor choices. She is on a mission to empower men and women to use her proven method to make the right choice with ease — consistently.
With the mindset of a lawyer and the skill-set of a coach, Dr Marina fast-tracks her private and corporate clients through shifts using innovative and proprietary methods from her Power of Choice: Brain Activation Mastery Program.
Dr Marina is a Master of Neuro-Linguistic and Energy; speaks 4 languages; loves dark chocolate and traveling the globe.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to ‘get to know you’ a bit better. Can you tell us your ‘backstory’?
Thank you for having me, it’s a delight being here.
Yes, of course.
So, I come from a family and generations of lawyers and I’ve been a lawyer myself for over twenty years, with a career in corporate and financial services. For us being a lawyer has always meant doing the right thing, helping people. That’s how I’ve been brought up.
I started my legal career, and went into my corporate career. You know how it is, very demanding job, very fast paced environment. My life was ruled by projects and deadlines. Leaving very little — or no room at all for anything else. That was what I had worked for, what I wanted. And I got it. And that was it. That was my life. Day in day out. From a meeting to another. From a project to another. From a deadline to another. Always on the case. Never missed a deadline. Always delivering the best possible result. Basically, I was an overachiever.
But, at some point, my body started to disagree with that lifestyle and started sending me some signal of intolerance. Which I either ignored or didn’t understand. And that’s when it hit me. And it hit me BIG. Enough was enough. And my immune system got shut. I ended up at the hospital. Intensive care for a couple of days. And when they discharged me they put me off work for one month.
That was the catalyst. That’s when my inner journey started. That’s when I started asking myself questions like what do I want? What do I really want? Am I happy with where I am at right now? Do I want to keep living like this? Is this the life I want? And who am I? Because, see until then I used to identify myself with my job title, my role in society and my family, my projects, my achievements. But now. What now? Who am I, if I’m not all those things…
So, I deep dived into the unknown, well what was unknown to me back then: meditation, mindfulness, yoga, neuro-linguistic, neuroscience, energy, quantum physics. And I started to make sense. Deeply. And I started to implement all of that. And I started, naturally, to teach all of that to others. And, to cut is short, the rest is history.
Fast forward to present day, I ended up in the movie sequel to The Secret, alongside some big names from The Secret’s original cast. I teach my students how to activate their brain to tap into their energetic DNA, create more powerful choices and shape your own outcome as you want it. And I make an impact.
Are you working on any new or exciting projects now? How do you think that will help people?
Yes. I’m about to launch my new workshop. And I’m so excited about it. It’s about how you can design your energetic morning blueprint. See, we are all made of energy and each one of us has their own unique energetic DNA. But very few of us are actually able to tap into that powerful force of creation. When you do it, when you tap into it that’s when you’re able to create more of what you want and more powerfully.
In your opinion, what do you think makes your company or organization stand out from the crowd?
We are committed to deliver premium quality services to our clients and students.
We have a deep understanding of our clients and students’ needs. And we are well known for delivering solid lasting results, fast.
And thanks to my unique background and experience I have a 360 degrees vision and approach. See, I’ve been on all sides of a transaction or service: as a lawyer, as a consultant, as a teacher, as a client and as a student. I have experienced all kind of flaws in receiving services and certainly don’t want any of my client and student to experience any of that.
And this is one of the core values, that we live by in my company, together with authenticity integrity and honesty. These pillars are all non-negotiable for us.
Ok, thank you for that. I’d like to jump to the main focus of this interview. Has there ever been a time that someone told you something was impossible, but you did it anyway? Can you share the story with us? What was your idea? What was the reaction of the naysayers? And how did you overcome that?
Oh yes. All the time. Since I was a kid. But it never stopped me.
And let me tell you, there was this time when one of my brothers even told me — in a funny(ish) way of course, I love my two brothers — well he told me not to share with the whole family every single idea, everything I do because … “too crazy”… hahaha can you imagine that?
But, I understand them: I’m a powerhouse of ideas and actions and, sometimes …well … often, this is overwhelming for those around you.
Now: story. I’ll give you this story.
There was this time when I was in law-school that even my professor said to me not to even think about it… because it would likely turn out to be a waste of time.
At that time, I was very much into international law and, of course, changing people’s live and make an impact in the world. And I wanted to get into some international organization to give my contribution. So, I found out that, back then, the UNO had an internship program. And that intrigued me. A lot! So, I decided I wanted to do it. Of course, it must not have been easy to get in and I didn’t really have any connection. But, hey — what if? …
I wanted that. I really really really wanted to do that internship. And so, I applied.
In all this, my prof kept saying to me not to get my hopes us because, you know, the selection process is tough and only very few exceptional people are awarded this type of acknowledgment. And so on.
To cut it short. The day arrived when I received my letter from the UNO. I had those mixed feelings of excitement and fear because I didn’t know what the outcome would be. I open the letter and … guess who was one of those very few people? Yes. I got my internship to the UNO Headquarters in New York City.
And not only that! When I came back to Italy after that experience, that same professor offered me a job on a special project at the university where I would be in charge of the international aspects of it.
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?
Yes, of course. A lot of people have helped me along the way. My family first of. They’re always there for me. My teachers and mentors.
And then, the amazing thing that happens all the time, is that whenever I feel stuck or seem not to be able to find the right solution. Well. The solution comes to me. It can be in the form of a person, situation or anything really anything.
So, I’m very grateful and blessed. And there is one person that I want to thank over everybody and anybody, and that’s me. Because without her, without me, without my persistence, without my intuition, without my trust, none of these would have happened. And we wouldn’t be having this amazing conversation right now.
And please note, this is not an act of arrogance on my part. On the contrary, it’s an act of love and respect. For myself.
It must not have been easy to ignore all the naysayers. Did you have any experiences growing up that have contributed to building your resiliency? Can you share the story with us?
You’re so right. Building resilience is not easy; most of the times is painful in fact. But really, there’s no other way.
I’ve always been different. Never fitted in. And I’ve always been ahead of my time, in some way. When I was a teen I left my family to go to high school at 750 km away from my home town — actually, my parents proposed it to me and I accepted.
I was 13. I didn’t have any friends in my new town. I had no idea whether I would have been welcomed in my new school. What kind of environment. What kind of people.
And in a way I was prepared to the worst. My aunt, I was going to live with her in Florence, had sort of prepped me that Florentines are not that open and can turn out to be quite unfriendly. Well, thank God that turned out not to be the case! And since my first day in my new school I got invited by my schoolmates to do homework at theirs, socialize, play etc. And that was amazing.
But, still, I had my own challenges. School was tough and most days I would finish my homework at about midnight or so. Yeah, school was really tough.
My family was far away. Yes, I was living with my aunt. But it’s not quite the same. And most of the time I felt like she and I were on two different planets. Not connecting. Like she didn’t get me. See, it kills your enthusiasm when you’re savoring all the things you’re going to tell your parents next time you talk to them on the phone. And then. When you’re there. With them. On the phone. It turns out they already know everything…
Or when you get subtle — or not that subtle — comments about your physicality and your body. Now, regardless of whether those were true or not, you don’t say that kind of stuff to a teenager. You just don’t. Period. Especially if you’re an educator yourself…
That would open an awful lot of questions that’s not the case to get into right now. And normally I wouldn’t mention that. The reason I did, is that there might be someone out there feeling exactly like I did back then, or behaving like my aunt, maybe without even realizing it. And my words here, my experience might offer them a different perspective or trigger some questioning.
Clearly, I had a lot on my plate. And, yes, I had difficult moments. Let’s just say it was no walk in the park.
But never, not one day, not one minute I’ve ever thought to give up. To go back and have an easier life. That was not an option. At all. I was going to make it through. Whatever it took.
And that’s what I did. One step at the time. When things were getting even tougher. One step at the time.
And let me tell you. I am very grateful for that experience and all other experiences I’ve had because those experiences, and the choices I’ve made, made me the person I am today.
Based on your experience, can you share 5 strategies that people can use to harness the sense of tenacity and do what naysayers think is impossible? (Please share a story or an example for each)
Absolutely! With pleasure
First of all, I want people to understand that this is a process. It requires practice. It requires consistency. Like yoga or when you go to the gym. The more you practice the better you get at it. You need to train that muscle.
And that’s the n.1, the foundation of the foundations.
Then, we need to build the foundation. You know, everything starts from the beginning. So, what’s the beginning? The start of your day is the beginning. And that’s when you can give a clear and powerful direction to your entire day. In Italy we have a say: a good day starts in the morning. And that’s why I’ve created a Guide on how you can Design Your Energetic Morning Blueprint and all your readers can get it downloaded for FREE from my website www.marinabruni.com
All the strategies I explain in the guide are all proven and highly effective. Here’s few of them
Setting your mood: The first thing you do in the morning is going to set your mood for the day. So. Smile as soon as you open your eyes. That will lift your mood instantly. And do this experiment (actually this is one of my practices): smile at all strangers who cross your path on your way to work, and whenever you go about. You’ll see they will all smile back at you. I do this all the time. And I love it.
Meditation is a great technique to clear your mind and ground yourself. And listen, you don’t have to meditate for hours and hours. Few minutes are enough. Even just five or ten minutes is a great start. And even just few slow breaths where you focus on your breathing.
I like what I call meditation-on-the-go. I talk about that in my guide as well. DO NOT do that when you’re driving please. But you can do it when you commute on the train or tube/subway. Just close your eyes or lower your gaze and listen to what’s around you. All the noise. And observe your thoughts as an external observer. Without engaging with them.
And then one of my favorites: the shower meditation. It’s on my guide too and is very powerful because it combines the power of the meditation with the power of water, which is a life force element. Water is life, nourishment, cleansing.
The last strategy I want to mention is: listening to your body. This is one of the foundations and yet very much neglected. Listen to the signals your body sends you, it does that all the time. But we have numbed ourselves to those. Listen for what feels right and what doesn’t, so you can pick exactly what you need and implement it. And also, on a more pragmatic perspective, if your body needs you to stretch your legs or go to the toilet, don’t force yourself to send this one (or more than one) last email first and then …
What is your favorite quote or personal philosophy that relates to the concept of resilience?
Great question!
What I put my mind to, I know I’m going to achieve it. I always truly and strongly believe that. And I do whatever it takes — legally — to achieve that goal. Because nobody can, and nobody is going to tell me when or if to stop or give up. I’m the one who calls the shot. I am the powerful creator of my own reality. Nobody else is, unless I let them. And I do not let anybody else to tell me what I should do, whether to give up, or how run my life or business. Of course, I have advisors, mentors and collaborators but I don’t allow them to make choices on my behalf. I’m the one in charge. I am the powerful creator of my reality.
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.
Yeah, you never know!
The reason I do what I do is to empower people to create their own reality as they want it. To make the right choice, every time. So, they can tap in the infinite flow of prosperity.
Now. Imagine. What would that be like? How would it feel like? If every single human being would become the powerful creator that they truly are.
Imagine making the right choice, the right decision every time. Every single time. Effortlessly. With ease. No more second-guessing yourself. No more confusion. No more slowing down. No more procrastination. No more fear. No more frustration. No more lack of clarity. No more stress. No more low energy level. No more being stuck.
And yes to time freedom. Yes to more success. Yes to abundant money flow. Yes to infinite prosperity.
And so, the movement would be: Become the Powerful Creator that You Are.
Can our readers follow you on social media?
Yes, that would be a pleasure
www.linkedin.com/in/dr-marina-bruni-jd
https://www.facebook.com/drmarinabruni/
https://www.instagram.com/drmarinabruni/
They can also join my mailing list at www.marinabruni.com where I share insights I don’t share anywhere else.
Thank you for these great stories. We wish you only continued success!
Dr Marina Bruni: “Dreamers; They Told Me It Was Impossible And I Did It Anyway” was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.