New Year’s Wish…

Wishing you joy that springs from deep within Wishing you brave heart that’s infinite
Wishing you love beyond measure
Wishing you smiles that’s hard to dissolve
Wishing you peace even when things go wrong
Wishing you God’s divine direction in all you do

May God grant your heart’s desire, throughout the new year and beyond.

Cheers!

Goals. The Power Of The List…

Success Strategies

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal.

Henry Ford

Goals, write them down. Then work them. In a recent post Yendi shared her 10 Goals.
Years ago when I was expecting, I went to Lamaze class where my only child at the time would play with the instructor’s teen, Yendi.

Big Goals

Recently Yendi reflected how she wrote down her 10-year goals. Many reveal that they cannot even think that far. In Yendi’s case her dream was to enter and win the Miss Jamaica World contest. She worked it and yep, she did it! From the entry to the steps to win it … and that she did.

So make sure that your goals are BIG so you can’t miss them when they come through!

How old are you now? What dreams are you carrying. Take the time to write them…

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That Wretched Year…

My uncle sent me a New Years greeting that all my dreams will come through. Got me thinking about him. Retired, does he have a dream? Sure. We all have dreams. Then it took me back to a sports newscaster who retired the day before after decades in the business. It was his life. He loved it. And we love him.

But what’s next?

I thought about this wretched year as most people would describe it. Ravished by loss of life, hope, shame as most middle-class experienced wants and needs in a world rocked by a mysterious pandemic. Never before has cleanliness been so top of mind.

But what’s next?

Year Of Innovation & Creativity

Personally, 2020 was one of innovation. Creativity soared as mankind tried to survive. Children became computer wizards as they had to learn to use the tools that adults used in business to get things done. Seniors did the same. Those previously fearful of computer are now experts at zoom able to turn on or off their videos depending on whether or not they want to be seen during church services. Entertainment became virtual from tik Toc to Instagram and Facebook lives. Innovation Soared.

But what’s next?

There Is Hope

As we step into a new year, 2021, most are hopeful. They’re hoping that the wretched 2020 year will not repeat itself. For me hope is the most important thing. That being said:

I wish you health.
I wish your needs satisfied beyond what’s required
I wish you leftovers to share with others
I wish you smiles that goes deep within
I wish you a year filled with extravagant laughter
But most of all I wish you peace that only the spirit can provide.
I wish you solace that you will be able to stand firm holding onto the only one with strong support.

So as we wave this wretched year goodbye, we join together to welcome the new filled with renewed goals, dreams, aspirations. A future bright and beautiful beyond compare.

Cheers to you and yours as you cross over into a bright future.

Muah!

A Look Back On The Decade …

Wow what a decade! Amazing Achievements! Births, marriages, deaths, regrets. But that’s called life…right?

I’m a firm believer in looking back to forge ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance. Often it’s even mandated. Eons ago, I adopted the custom to apply the same principles to my own personal life. For that reason, as we approach the end of 2019, here are a few of my major points gleaned from the past decade.

Writings. Publishings.

Beyond beating the books I experienced a new phenomenon. A dream I never knew I had, but a dream that poof! became real! I published six books including an article in the JAABC Business Journal. My research on leadership and success paved the way to my journey. Success is a Phenomenon that has defied many. As I delved into the opportunity I had to explore a topic for my dissertation, I reflected on what I could research that would satisfy my desire to help others. And oops there it was!

I decided on leadership and success. Whether we like it or not, we all lead…if not others, we lead ourselves. I thought it fitting to use my research to publish books on Personal Development including Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs; Success Strategies which tell how to gain success in your Career, from preparing your own public profiles through acing those nerve-racking interviews, as well as what to do when you land that new job. All are points of focus.

Suffice it to say, it’s not enough to focus only on the tangibles. Our inner prowess is essential to our spiritual well-being. I concretized my thoughts in book GreenLight comprised of inspirational short stories and exhortations to drive your inner self-talk.

Over the years, I also chose to satisfy followers’ passion and post daily motivational Quotes on Instagram. Documentary video created on the campus of Nova Southeastern University is available on Facebook for engagement. It depicts the discussion on immigrant leaders sharing their views on Success and how they achieved it.

Accomplishments

I was almost floored when I learnt from an alumni (who I had never met), about the recognition I had received on Nova Southeastern’s website. The journey became real. A selfless person as I have been told, imagine my surprise when I clicked the link and saw my face. Wow! Satisfaction indeed.

Since then, I have coached many and helped doctoral candidates on their journey. Sharing how to publish their own research has been my joy. It’s also been a delight to have contributed to other authors realizing their own writing dream. Among them two famed figures including Reggae Music’s iconic founder, Pat Chin. Her book The Reggae Music Journey is set to be launched in 2020 memorializing her 40-year sojourn to the industry. Among labels she built are famed artists the likes of Sean Paul, Shaggy, Beres Hammond, and many others.

Recognition was also received from the South Florida Writers of Color for contribution to the community and organization.

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Community Service

It’s always a pleasure to lead the panel of judges at the annual 30 Under 30 Millennial leaders who are making distinct impact on leadership ventures across the United States and the Caribbean. Millennials are engaged in initiatives in film, engineering, educational development, farming, and more. The event is held annually by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington DC. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Washington DC, hosts the event.

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Serving on the board of the Hospitality and Human Resource Association of Broward County, over the past few years has been meaningful. As I sought to identify talented keynote speakers for developmental offerings to HR industry leaders, it has fostered my own 20+ year growth in the profession.

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Giving thanks for partnership with Writers of Color, that paved the way to various  community centers and library presentations throughout South Florida. Stay tuned for continued signings and community presentations in 2020, especially through new book Ditch it. Switch it“, to be launched early 2020. Other signings were held in New York and Washington DC. Listen out for book tour in the coming year.

On A Personal Note

As we all know, life happens. I lost my mom (one of society’s first female automobile mechanics) and my brother, a-day-apart. Then later I lost my sister due to the ravages of cancer. Nonetheless, I use their life’s journey as my motivation to climb to higher heights.

On a brighter note, I’ve experienced the delights of my daughter’s two lil ones during this decade. They’re now pushing me beyond my comfort zone with their quest for me to drive my YouTube presence (eyes rolled). One to never back down, I have accepted the challenge (though not for the reasons they assume ha ha).

As always the decade was filled with travels. My greatest personal memory was that shared with my girls when we visited New Orleans. Just leave it to my oldest who is a travel enthusiast with a thirst for new experiences. Tons of smiles as we went live at Essencefest with Queen Latifah and the cast of  ‘Girl’s Trip‘, which made the visit all the more funOh and let me not forget my quick getaway weekend in Paris! Short but amazing time. Thanks girls!

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Paris

This proud mom also watched her younger daughter accept double degrees in Forensic Science and Criminal Justice, while the older one continues to climb the corporate ladder. Yes my girls are growing …though I wish they’d stay my lil girls forever (smile).

Finally, looking back on the past decade, the memories made, the difficulties and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the Great expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and the hope that all will be well in 2020, and beyond.

Happy New Year to you!

Cheers!

 

A Look Back At 2018…

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Whew, another year! It’s like it flew by in a flash! I’m a firm believer in looking back to get ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance for the year. Often it’s even mandated. I have always maintained that we apply the same principles to our own personal life. Some don’t like to look back because they believe, they must focus on the future. If you’re driving and need to change lanes it’s important to look back then make the change. Only then will we able to know when it’s safe to do so…. or face the consequences.

For me I believe it’s important to look back to give thanks. To look back to see what worked and what didn’t. If we don’t look back we won’t know where we excelled or where we need to improve. So, here I share a few of my major points in 2018.

South Florida Writers Of Color Recognition

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I love to write and was thrilled to be recognized by the South Florida Writers of Color for my writings. If I can help someone through my writings, then my purpose is served.

Two New Books Released

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101+ Empowering Quotes For New Entrepreneurs

Do you know why some people succeed while others don’t? It’s simple. They never give up. Successful people press on when the going gets tough and they become discouraged. Why Motivational Quotes for New Entrepreneurs? Because Motivation is the key to Success. With over 25 Million Americans starting or running new businesses, entrepreneurship has become incredibly attractive, yet extremely difficult to sustain. Even with the traits of fearlessness, risk-taking, passion, resilience, and creativity, difficulties arise, and Entrepreneurs need to keep going. That’s where a boost of inspiration comes in. So, get this little book of Motivation. Offer it as a Corporate or personal Gift and sow seeds of encouragement today.

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GreenLight

GreenLight is a book of inspiration which we get step by step as we walk along the way. We cannot get green lights before we are on the road. At the lights, we are told what to do. When we get to life’s intersections whether it’s decision-making, career, business, or relationships, we find out what to do. In this book of Prayers, you will find: •Inspirational Short Stories and Exhortations to Uplift You •Prayers for Difficult Journeys •Devotions to Boost Your Prayer Life. So get your copy today

 

Pride in Other’s Publishing Achievement

I am pleased to have collaborated with others on their own publishing journey. Be intentional and Get a copy of these books for your own personal needs on Amazon.

          

Coming Soon

The Reggae Music Journey

The Reggae Music Journey which tells of the Iconic Patricia Chin’s contribution to the Globalization of Reggae Music.

 

 

 

 

 

I Speak. You Read.

Poetic words by Charmaine Allwood-Hanson

 

 

 

Community And Industry Work

Serving in Industry and the community is always a pleasure. Tons of hard work, but the results are satisfying.

Hospitality and Human Resource Association of Broward County, Florida (HHRABC)

 

30 Under 30 Millennials, Washington DC

It’s always a pleasure to serve as chief judge for the annual Ignite Caribbean’s 30 Under 30 Millenials making waves globally.

Book Signings and Interviews

Book signings and interviews remained a big part of my theme in 2018. Giving thanks for partnerships throughout South Florida’s libraries, Museums, and events. Deeper exploration continues in the New Year.

Jamaica’s Minister of Education, Senator the Hon Ruel Reid

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The Iconic & Hilarious Oliver Samuels

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The Best of the Best! Artist, Singer and Song-Writer Beres Hammond

 

 

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Interviews

Helping others develop and achieve their best potential through career and new entrepreneurship is a passion. Listen to this interview on How To Evaluate Your Career… done with Kerry-Ann of Carryon Friends.

Dreams Come Through

Trip To Paris

As always the year was filled with travels but my greatest personal memory was the surprise trip from my oldest of a Weekend in Paris. All the way to Paris for a weekend? I questioned. But it sure was a memorable event that has left me with the notion that our dreams can come sometimes in ways we think not.

The Journey Begins

The greatest joy a parent can have is seeing their child accomplish their own dreams. Congrats to my youngest on achieving her BSc Forensic Studies and Criminal Justice. Mom’s real proud.

 

Cheers to you!

Finally, looking back on the past 12 months, the memories made and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and hope that all will be well in 2019, and beyond!

How about you? What was your favorite experience in 2018? Do share. We would love to hear!

Happy New Year to you!

Cheers!

 

 

 

 

 

A Look Back on 2017…

Whew, what a year! I’m a firm believer in looking back to get ahead. In business we look back to assess our performance for the year. Often it’s even mandated. Why not apply the same principles to your own personal life. So, here are a few of my major points in 2017.

Nova Southeastern University Recognition

Amazed but as always, all things work together for good. Met some great people as I did the research to help others learn the traits and strategies of how leaders achieved success, and how the ambitious can also become successful. Looking forward to helping youths, ethnic minorities and those in need in the new year.

Book Signings

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Book signings, interviews, and giving back to our community were a big part of my theme in 2017. Giving thanks for partnership with Writers of Color, that paved the way to various  community centers and libraries in South Florida. Other signings were held in New York, and Washington DC. Deeper exploration continues in the new year.

New Book – GreenLight

Stay tuned for my new book titled GreenLight, slated for early release in 2018. It will include inspirational writings, exhortations, prayers, and the confidence needed when individuals are confronted with changes and transitions along life’s journey.

Documentary Video on Success

Documentary video created on the campus of Nova Southeastern University. It depicted the discussion on immigrants sharing their views on Success. Learn more in published book on Success Strategies of Immigrant Leaders in the United States. Kudos to KC Films & Media for creating video.

Live Interviews with Entrepreneurs on Success

Conducted a series of Live interviews with millennials and Entrepreneurs around the globe. They shared their stories on the steps they used to achieve success for the benefit of those who are afraid to make the leap to do what they have always wanted to do.

30 Under 30 Millennials

Always a pleasure to lead the panel of judges at the 30 Under 30 Millennials who are making distinctive leadership ventures across the United States and the Caribbean. Event is held by the Institute of Caribbean Studies in Washington DC. The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Washington DC, hosted the event.

Inaugural Goal-Setting Retreat

Inaugural Retreat held at Captiva Island in South Florida. Participants engaged in creating goals for 2018, as well as strategies to help achieve them progressively in the months to come.

Time with My Girls

As always the year was filled with travels but my greatest personal memory was that shared with my girls when we visited New Orleans. Just leave it to my oldest who is Almost an Extravagant lover of traveling and gaining new experiences. Tons of smiles as we went live at Essencefest with Queen Latifah and the Cozy cast of  ‘Girl’s Trip‘, made the visit all the more fun. How about you? What was your favorite experience in 2017?

Finally, looking back on the past 12 months, the memories made and the goals tackled, I am truly thankful. I now look forward to the future and the expectations ahead. Can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Here’s to you and your family as we wish you health, peace, and hope that all will be well in 2018, and beyond.

Happy New Year to you!

Success is Not Final. Failure Is Not Fatal…

Life is not easy. Everything can be taken from a man but one thing – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances …

Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the Courage to Continue that Counts – Winston Churchill

Why do so many go to the grave with their dreams? They ponder, wish, pine-away, and never get started. Some who do start, often pause, and come to an abrupt stop when the hardships come their way.

It’s not easy. So here I share some public responses to Brian Tracey ‘s question “If you could achieve any goal you’ve been working towards, what would it be?”

  • Becoming the second Turkish doctor with a Nobel Prize
  • Close soon on our farm acquisition
  • Develop my website
  • Become a well-known author
  • Be an investor
  • Start launching online courses on selling and strategies for customer attraction, retention, and growth
  • To be on the same stage with… (Brian Tracey)
  • General Manager of the best chain hotel in the world
  • Financial freedom. Working for myself
  • Painting on children’s murals around the world
  • Having a greater mind
  • Dream home
  • Being single
  • Become rich
  • The freedom to not worry about anything. No financial anxiety, no loneliness, no one who tells me what to do
  • Finishing my Masters
  • Becoming a Billionaire
  • Professional + Passion is my goal
  • A better paying job
  • Improve others lives and making a living from doing so
  • Famous singer/musician
  • Complete what I started

Viktor Frankl in his book “Man’s Search for Meaning” shared his Theory of success, which states that everything can be taken from a man but one thing – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances – to choose one’s own way. Life is not easy. Achieving our dreams prove difficult and often brings defeat, sadness, aches, and pain. But if you fail, be encouraged…it’s not the end of the world. Pick yourself up, and go try again.

For those reluctant to even start. Ask yourself this simple question…What would you do if you knew you would not fail? Think about it.  Now go do it.

Need help? Sign up for New Year, New You online workshop.

Cheers!

5 Ways To Boost Your Career in 2018…

Bored with your career and wondering how to make a change in the coming year? You’re not alone. Year-end does that to most of us. It creates that sense of longing to get our goals, dreams and aspirations done, or at the very least start the steps to get there.

That said, here are 5 Things To Do To Boost Your Career and take it to the next level in 2018:

1. Update your Public Profile. That includes social media profiles if you are actively seeking a career change. Remember that ‘s where most recruiters start to zone in on their search. So take a look at your LinkedIn and other profiles to identify areas where update is/are needed.

Oh yes, most important is the need to take the steps to update your Resume . Don’t wait until an opportunity presents itself for you to start updating.  If you have a personal website, you should also take the steps to update. By the way, if you are in the creative industry, having a personal website is absolutely essential. Hiring managers will set aside your application if they are not able to see examples of your work.

2. Speak with your manager. Reach out and chat with your manager/supervisor (and in some cases co-workers who work closely with you). Find out what you’re doing great, and ways you can improve. They are usually more than happy to oblige you with the information. Don’t leave this up to your company’s performance management process to get it done. These days companies at times lag with this process, which in itself is evolving.

3. Upgrade your knowledge and skills. Review industry trends. See what’s changing. Know when to let go and when to hold on. Upgrade your skills as needed.

4. Engage in Deep Reflections…are you doing what you always wanted to do? Or are you Vision bored?

5. Celebrate your Wins! No matter how small, celebrate! Go Dancing, or do whatever brings you fun! It will provide the boost to encourage you to climb higher.

So Faint not. These 5 steps will help you as you look beyond your current circumstances into the future. Be Bold! Take the next move in your career.

Need help? Let’s connect!

Cheers!

Why Retreat?

It gives you the time to focus on you, your goals, desires and what brings you complete satisfacton. It illuminates self care, letting go, and open things up to new possibilities.

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“Retreat is an act of moving back or withdrawing”.

Retreat is an act of moving back or withdrawing. Personally,  I consider it as an act of moving backwards to go forward. It is a purposeful act that brings meaning. It provides the opportunity to reflect on life, on our existence, identifying who we are, and where we want to be. In essence, taking stock.

Self-Retreat

A self-retreat is one where you go off by yourself. You take the time to re-discover yourself in light of what you do. It may involve shedding some things that you need to let go of in order to reconnect with yourself and build your self-awareness. You do this through reflection which can lead to self-discovery, self-development, as well as increased self-esteem, and self-love.  Renewal of the self is important.

Ways to Retreat

For years my company organized retreats. We would do it for all employees, departments, or at the managerial level in order to drive the year’s annual goals. It proved to be an exercise that I have valued throughout time.

That said, retreats can be elaborate or quite simple. It can be at a resort, at a conference or success symposium, in a cabin in the woods, or a simple retreat in your own home. At-home-retreats can be risky due to the distraction of everyday life. But if you are disciplined and create that ‘away’ space for the duration of your retreat, it can still be quite useful. Hey, better to do something than nothing.

Just as long as the purpose is being met a retreat can be a transformational experience. It gives you the time to focus on you, your goals, desires and what brings you complete satisfacton. It illuminates self care, letting go, and open things up to new possibilities.

Why not use today to plan your retreat? Once done return here and share your experience. Or if you have been doing retreats throughout time, what has been your most satisfying experience? Do share.

Cheers!

YOU CAN DO IT IF YOU REALLY WANT

I snuck away at the start of this year to a Cool place in DC to finish my Doctoral studies, and am thrilled to say that by mid-year…I did it!! But nothing I did compared with the greatest challenge I embraced when I faced my fears and jumped 12,000 ft. from a small aircraft in a tandem skydive!!! Yikes!! View it here http://youtu.be/KbaFsgRZJC0. It was the most exhilarating experience! Amidst a feeling of fear, and the desire to accomplish a planned feat, I embraced the challenge. It affirmed to me that we can do great things when we put our minds to it. Even when we’re afraid, we can do it with God’s divine help. So, what’s holding you back from achieving your dreams, your goals, and your desires? Make a decision today. Do what’s laid on your heart. Put your plans in place. Don’t worry about the resources because once you put the ‘key in the ignition’ everything else will fall into place.

Here are a few simplified tips adapted from the tried and proven PDCA problem-solving approach to get you started.

Plan. Nothing happens without a plan. So take some time out and reflect on what your problems or procrastinations are and what you would like to achieve. The New Year is a good time to start.

Do. Think about ways to solve. What can you do to accomplish your goals and aspirations? “Do” here means ‘try” or “test”. Whatever you do, think about ways that you can use to get to your dreams, then select a path and start the ignition.

Check. At regular intervals, check to make sure your plan is working. Let’s say for example you had decided on a career change. What are the things you need to put in place to accomplish this change? If it is to get a better job, define what a ‘better job’ looks like. Do you have the necessary skills to accomplish this goal? If not, can you acquire it through training? Do you even like the job you’re looking at or are you considering it because it pays more? Whatever you do, make sure it’s realistic.

Act. Finally, select and implement your plan. Review and repeat the steps at intervals to make sure you’re on track.

So, make a decision today.  Put your plans in place and Remember, you can do it if you really want!! Best wishes for the New Year, and beyond.

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