
Sometimes you just need to getaway! To rejuvenate, chill, relax and spend some me time.
Here’s Samantha’s tips to plan that perfect Day Trip. Don’t delay. Do it soon. Life’s too short to live stressed out.

Sometimes you just need to getaway! To rejuvenate, chill, relax and spend some me time.
Here’s Samantha’s tips to plan that perfect Day Trip. Don’t delay. Do it soon. Life’s too short to live stressed out.

This award for Excellence in Public Service took me by complete surprise! It’s such an honor to be recognized for the work done in our communities at home and abroad.
Hmmm… 🤔 as I wondered why, it caused deep reflect…
As an author of several books, the topic of leadership, success and its impact on America and the contribution of successful Caribbean American immigrants (eg Colin Powell) in media, politics, education, aviation, entertainment, intrigued me. As such I invested years interviewing top leaders in organizations. That research has been a valuable Coaching resource that helped inspire, motivate and empower aspiring leaders.
I reflect on my work within pharmaceuticals, healthcare and the hospitality industry with HR Leaders where I spent a decade contributing to bold initiatives that made a positive impact on organizational leaders through identifying speakers making vast change to society.
I also pondered my work with the Institute of CAribbean Studies in Washington, DC through the platform of White House champion of change Dr Claire and Dr Nsombi, I invested time to lead a team to find talented individuals under 30 years old, making outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, advocacy, entrepreneurship… essentially rising stars who at a young age have impacted our wider society in their communities. Over the years since the 30 Under 30 program’s inception, many have gone on to do great things.
Let me not forget my involvement in ministry, where I have also written books on encouragement, worked on health fairs, Coached career development, traveled globally to speak on personal development and its impact on leaders afar.
Yes, as I look back, I am pleased and humbly accept this distinguished award from the Writers of Color, South Florida. A Group led by Dr. Ralph Hogges, Dr. Benjamin Cowins and Dr. Delores Smiley.
Cheers to fellow colleagues Dr Susan Davis and Dr Thea White for your partnership.
Service is in my DNA. I will continue.
One love

Don’t get distracted. Never tell yourself that you need to be the biggest brand in the whole world. Start by working on what you need at the present moment and then what you need to do tomorrow. So, set yourself manageable targets.
Jas Bagniewski
20% of new startups fail within the first year of business. This can be scary for first time entrepreneurs. So, the more prepared small businesses are, the more they can survive especially as it concerns making bold marketing steps which require some upfront investment. That said, here are some ideas to counteract those costs for a new business owner on a tight budget:
2. Barter services – Exchange things like hosting an event or providing content in return for exposure from partnerships.
3.Get sponsorships – Seek sponsorships from vendors/partners to help fund events, ads, giveaways. Offer sponsor visibility.
4. Use DIY options – Design your own simple website, create your own flyers, give free talks at local libraries versus paid venues.
5. Offer packages – Offer bundles and multi-session discounts to incentive larger purchases to increase revenue.
6.Be guest instead of host – Guest blog, speak at other events instead of funding your own. Reduces costs.
7. Tap into your network – Ask connections to share content, provide referrals, submit testimonials, write guest posts.
8. Focus locally first – Start by promoting heavily just within your local community to establish proof of concept.
9. Only invest where needed – Don’t overspend on unnecessary items. Prioritize money only where it will derive direct value.
Essentially, the goal is to maximize existing free resources and opportunities where you can exchange services. The aim is to become creative in order to access cost-effective resources until you gain proof of return on investment, then you can increase spending.
Which of the methods have you used? Can you add another method that has proven helpful? Do share. We would love to hear.
Cheers!


Natalie, a frustrated high school graduate, had been in and out of jobs for four years after graduating high school. She was referred for coaching because she was annoyed at the way employers treated her and she refused to accept it. The lack of income did not help as she needed to meet her needs.
This situation is common among young adults who are in the early stages of their career and ‘waiting’ for their ideal job (and yessss among others with years of experience too). The 15 Strategies listed can be adapted to secure employment, gain valuable experience and bring you closer to your ideal career.
Attend job fairs, both virtual and in-person, to connect with employers and explore potential opportunities.
Remember, the job search process can take time, and being open to various opportunities can lead to unexpected but valuable experiences. Stay persistent, connect with a coach, maintain a positive attitude, and continuously refine your approach based on feedback and experiences.
Cheers to a revealing journey of learning!

Some sit in silence
Waiting for death
Then a day passes.
Then a week, month, a year
And before we know it,
A decade has passed by
In a flash
Young, old, sick, depressed
Sit silently, waiting
Time passes while we wait on life for the perfect life
Don’t wait I say.
Get out there
Do something
No matter your age, status or health
Just do something
Don’t wait
The perfect life doesn’t exist

Focus on The Future

Wander. Get lost on an intriguing Road Trip. Discover the new.
~Dr Shelly
Stone building designer Chrissy dreamt of getting away. She was exhausted. We connected. She was open to whatever plan I could come up with. It was awhile since she took a work break. Quickly I planned a getaway to Captiva Island, Florida. Here I share.
Day 1:
Road trip to Captiva
Lunch at Wicked Wings, a low-keyed hole in the wall pub that satisfies starving travelers before hitting the road to their final destination
Day 2:
Relax in the Sun, Sand, Sea engulfed in a delightful adventure riding the waves
Day 3:
Spa Day – Body massage, Facial, Mani and Pedi, a sure rejuvenation for the exhausted
Day 4
Shopping and Late dinner at the Harbor Side Bar and Grill
Day 5
Early morning beach wet. Late breakfast followed by reluctant afternoon drive back to the fast life.
Where’s your favorite getaway space? Do share. We would love to hear!
Cheers!

Focus on the Future
If you want the present to be different from the past, study the past.
Baruch Spinoza
The question was asked “Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?” Here I share.
To shape the future, it requires focus to navigate the journey ahead. Looking back on the past is important to assess how far you have come. To be more clear, it is important to keep score. Looking back on the past year(s) help you to analyze your successes as well as those areas requiring possible improvement. At times there may be the need to make a u-turn.
It’s like sitting an exam. You reflect on the theoretical steps applied combined with the practical to gain the learning. Then sit the exam and receive a pass or ‘fail’. You then analyze next steps. You may need to resit the exam or some persons may choose to do a total revamp to make that giant leap towards achieving their goal.
Here’s hoping you will understand the need to look back to get ahead.
Cheers!

Things change. Nothing remains forever
As a leadership coach who has help many transition their careers in business and entrepreneurship, I was curious when I came across MSN’s Andrew Herring’s story on careers that will disappear in the next decade. Here I share.
So, there you have it. Ensure that the job of your dreams still exists before you invest in it. Otherwise, are there any jobs missing from the list? Or should any be removed? Please share. We would love to hear!
Cheers!
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Manage the Overwhelm
Janet was elated when she was promoted for her exceptional skills and expertise in performing her job. Within a few weeks she called expressing her frustration as she felt like an imposter. She was finding it difficult to handle the challenges of her new role.
Here are some common problems and challenges new supervisors often face:
With proper mentoring, training, and experience over time, these common pitfalls can be overcome. Patience, self-awareness, and a learning mindset are key for successfully transitioning to supervisor.
Connect with a leadership coach who will help you confidentially maneuver the challenges of your new role.
Questions or need to add any missing challenge? Do share, we would be glad to hear.
Cheers!
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com
A photographer's view of the world - words and images to inspire your travels and your dreams
In this blog I'm attempting to answer wordpress daily prompts
Ellen Grace Olinger
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When God Says Go
Health, Reflection, and Poetry for the Journey of Life
Knowing every thing
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Your Focus. Our Lens.