We all become fearful at one point or other. So when this Question was asked in a public forum: “What is your biggest fear?” I was in intrigued and quickly scanned the conversation. Here I share excerpts gleaned as the public chimed in.
Not being enough
Unhappiness
Financial stability
Being alone
Gaining weight
Losing myself
Marriage breaking up
My writing failing
Being list at my career
The vast ocean
Can’t help family financially
Not living up to expectations
Losing my dream
Fear of disappointing everyone
Failing exams
Abandonment
Adulthood
Being left alone
Taken for granted
Choosing the wrong career path
Not knowing how to make new friends
Fear is real. Sometimes it puts a limit on us. Like I have always said, don’t let fear stop you from achieving your goals and dreams. Do it afraid if you have to. Don’t let fear stop.
What are you afraid if? Share. We would love to hear.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. Indeed it was such a joy to lead this youth empowering passion project during Caribbean American Heritage Month as I joined with Dr. Claire A. Nelson White House champion of change, Maxine Barnett and team to lead the Recognition Ceremony of this year’s top 30 Under 30 honorees who travelled from different states and countries.
Thanks to our host Executive Director Mr. Robert Le Hunte and team, we converged at the Inter-American Development Bank on June 14th.
Personally, my heart bursts with joy as the youth ambassadors passionately presented their goals and innovative ideas.
These aspiring leaders shared projects ranging from Robotics, climate change vs youth inclusivity, carnival’s exciting cultural events amidst the impact on the environment, carwash waste management, foster care, homelessness, disability efforts. Other projects that came to light by this year’s Ignite Caribbean young leaders were on advocacy towards Banned Books, education, and more.
Thanks Miranda Caribbean Community in Philadelphia for presenting each honoree with gift packages including copies of my books on Success Strategies, leadership, immigrant women experiences etc
We appreciate the efforts of our co-chairs Bradley Downer and Stephanie Simon for their outstanding support! To our judges Abby Charles Maxine Barnett MSc BA CPC Janeala Morsby, PhD Dr. Lisa K. Soares Kimberly campbell Miranda Alexander.
Kudos to our Sponsors Trevor A Smith Dr. Roxanne Valies Authentic Caribbean Foundation Global Coaching Corner Jeanette and Janell Andrews
Imposter syndrome is a persistent unjustified feeling that one’s success is fraudulent. Imposter syndrome is characterized by doubt in one’s abilities—despite a record of achievement or respect from one’s peers—and a fear of having one’s unworthiness exposed.
Britannica
Congratulations on your promotion! Yet, as you step into your new role, you may find yourself grappling with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. This phenomenon, commonly known as imposter syndrome, can plague even the most accomplished individuals, especially when thrust into unfamiliar territory without proper training or support.
As a new manager, you may be questioning your abilities, second-guessing your decisions, and fearing that at any moment, someone will expose you as a fraud. These feelings are not uncommon, but they can hinder your performance and diminish your confidence.
But don’t be afraid, for there is a way forward. With the right guidance and coaching, you can forge your way through these periods of uncertainty and emerge as a confident and capable leader. Through targeted strategies and personalized support, you can learn to silence your inner critic, cultivate self-assurance, and embrace your newfound role with authenticity and resilience.
During coaching sessions, you explore the root causes of your imposter syndrome, identify limiting beliefs, and develop practical techniques to overcome them. From effective communication and decision-making skills to building strong relationships and managing expectations, you will be equipped with the tools and mindset needed to thrive in your leadership journey.
Remember, you were chosen for this role for a reason. You possess unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives that have prepared you for this moment. Let’s connect. Together, we will unlock your full potential and empower you to lead with confidence, integrity, and authenticity.
It’s time to banish the doubts, embrace your strengths, and step into your leadership with conviction. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together.
We’ve all been there. Work we must, yet doing so with difficult people makes it harder. Here’s an Harvard Business Review (HBR) perspective that can help to make it easier in 3 ways:
Leading When The Going Gets Tough
•Reflect on the cause of tension and how you are responding to it
•Work harder to understand the other person’s perspective
•Become a problem solver rather than a critic or competitor.
Some gifts are big. Others are small. But the ones that come from the heart are the best gifts of all.
Tinku Razoria
Celebrations, Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Selfcare Days…. no matter the occasion, it is always hard to find the ideal gift for the perfect mom, sister, co-worker, best friend to encourage or simply to say Thanks to one who did a kind deed. Here are 10 thoughtful and practical gift ideas for women leaders.
Gifts for Her
Professional Development Books: Gift a selection of books on leadership, personal development, or career advancement. Choose titles that align with the recipient’s interests and goals, such as “Ditch It, Switch It“, “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg or “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown.
Journal or Planner: A stylish journal or planner can help women leaders stay organized, set goals, and track their progress. Look for a high-quality notebook with inspirational quotes or customizable sections for reflection and planning.
Online Course or Workshop: Invest in an online course or workshop that aligns with the recipient’s professional development goals. Whether it’s leadership skills, negotiation tactics, or public speaking, there are plenty of options available to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Executive Coaching Sessions: Provide the gift of personalized coaching sessions with a professional executive coach. This one-on-one support can help women leaders overcome challenges, set strategic goals, and accelerate their career growth.
Membership to Professional Networks: Consider gifting a membership to a professional organization or networking group tailored to women leaders in their industry. This provides opportunities for networking, mentorship, and access to valuable resources and events.
Tech Gadgets or Accessories: Surprise her with a stylish and functional tech gadget or accessory that enhances productivity and efficiency, such as a smartwatch, wireless headphones, or a sleek laptop bag.
Self-Care Package: Put together a self-care package filled with pampering essentials like scented candles, bath salts, herbal teas, and skincare products. Encourage women leaders to prioritize their well-being and recharge their batteries.
Mindfulness or Meditation Tools: Help women leaders manage stress and promote mindfulness with gifts like a meditation app subscription, aromatherapy diffuser, or a set of meditation cushions.
Personalized Leadership Assessment: Invest in a personalized leadership assessment tool or 360-degree feedback survey to help women leaders gain valuable insights into their strengths, areas for improvement, and leadership style.
Inspiring Artwork or Decor: Choose a piece of artwork or decor that inspires and motivates women leaders in their workspace. Whether it’s a motivational quote print, a vibrant painting, or a decorative desk accessory, find something that resonates with their aspirations and values.
These gift ideas for women leaders combine practicality, inspiration, and personalization to support their professional growth and well-being.
Which gift pulls you in? Is there another or a few that you would like to add? Do share. We would love to hear.
Connect now to gift that personalized gift of Executive Coaching or personalized leadership assessment today. It is the gift that keeps on giving.
“Turn your midlife crisis to your own advantage by making it a time for renewal of your body and mind, rather than stand by helplessly and watch them decline.” – Jane Brody
Many fall into a state of wonder and shock as they approach midlife. Alas even before at age 30 changers are experiencing alarm. Questions reign as they look back. Am I where I want to be? What should I do to achieve? And many more.
Here are four (4) strategies that can prove valuable as you approach midlife:
1.Career Evaluation
Evaluate your career satisfaction and alignment with personal values
Consider whether a career change or advancement is necessary for fulfillment
2.Financial Planning
Reassess financial goals and create a long-term financial plan
Consider investments, savings and retirement accounts
3.Personal Relationships
Nurture and strengthen personal relationships
Evaluate the impact of relationships on overall happiness and well-being
Mid-life Learning
Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and personal growth
Explore new hobbies or interests that bring joy and fulfillment
A person whose personality has a balance of extrovert and introvert features.
In a world of entrepreneurs, networking is key to land those great opportunities. The introvert just wants to stand in a corner and watch others while waiting for the event to end. Extroverts go wild, walking around, meeting and greeting others and frown when the event ends. Then there are the Ambiverts who possess a unique blend of strengths that allow them to navigate a variety of social and professional situations with ease. Wow to the ideal.
Here are the top strengths of the Ambivert:
Adapt between Different Environments
One of their key strengths lies in their ability to adapt to different environments. Ambiverts are comfortable in both introverted and extroverted settings, enabling them to connect with a diverse range of individuals and build strong relationships.
Balanced Communication
Ambiverts exudes a balanced approach to communication. They are adept at both listening attentively and expressing themselves effectively, making them valuable collaborators and team members. This versatility allows ambiverts to excel in roles that require effective communication and interpersonal skills.
High Emotional Intelligence
Ambiverts possess a high degree of emotional intelligence. They are attuned to the needs and feelings of others, which enables them to navigate social dynamics with empathy and understanding. This makes them effective leaders, as they can inspire and motivate others while also fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
Weaknesses of an Ambivert
Ambiverts may also face certain challenges. Here are a few potential weaknesses:
Difficulty with Decision-Making: Ambiverts may struggle with decision-making due to their tendency to weigh both introverted and extroverted perspectives. This can lead to indecisiveness or hesitation in taking action.
Balancing Social Needs: Ambiverts may find it challenging to balance their need for social interaction with their need for solitude. They may feel torn between wanting to engage with others and seeking time alone to recharge, which can lead to feelings of inconsistency or restlessness.
Overwhelmed by Social Demands: Ambiverts may become overwhelmed by social demands if they are unable to establish clear boundaries. They may feel pressure to continuously switch between socializing and solitary activities, leading to exhaustion or burnout.
Difficulty Establishing Identity: Ambiverts may struggle with establishing a clear sense of identity, as they may not fully align with either introverted or extroverted traits. This ambiguity can sometimes lead to feelings of self-doubt or confusion about their place in social or professional settings.
Potential for Misunderstanding: Ambiverts’ ability to adapt to different social situations may sometimes be misinterpreted as inconsistency or unpredictability by others. This can lead to misunderstandings or difficulty forming deeper connections with others.
Tendency to Overextend: Due to their ability to engage in both introverted and extroverted activities, ambiverts may sometimes overextend themselves by taking on too many commitments. This can lead to feelings of overwhelm or difficulty maintaining work-life balance.
There you have it. Which trait do you identify with – introvert, extrovert, or ambivert? Do share, we would love to hear.
By the age of twenty, you know you’re not going to be a rock star. By twenty-five, you know you’re not going to be a dentist or any kind of professional. And by thirty, darkness starts moving in- you wonder if you’re ever going to be fulfilled, let alone wealthy and successful. By thirty-five, you know, basically, what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your life, and you become resigned to your fate…
Doug Couplan
Anthony felt like Doug’s quote when he cried out for help. It seems like doomsday to him. We began chatting with the goal to put some things in place because all is not lost.
For those turning age 30 and feel alone as if they’re fighting to achieve their dreams, this is the stage where you should be self-reflecting, skill evaluating, engaging in healthy habits and networking. Here each point is explained.
Self-Reflection:
Reflect on your achievements and experiences so far.
Identify personal and professional goals for the next decade.
Skill Enhancement:
Assess your skillset and consider acquiring new skills.
Explore educational opportunities or certifications that align with your career goals.
Healthy Habits:
Establish and prioritize healthy lifestyle habits.
Focus on physical and mental well-being to set a foundation for the future.
Networking:
Build and strengthen professional networks.
Seek mentorship and guidance from experienced individuals in your field.
Are you age 30 and experiencing any of these signs? You may also have already turned 30 and have lots to share about your journey. Do share. We would love to hear.
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:
Leverage free platforms – For example, start a free blog, post on LinkedIn, use free webinar services, publish a podcast using free hosting.
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.
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.
Career Goals: 15 Steps To Success
1. Apply For Entry-Level Positions
Target entry-level positions in your field of interest.
Look for internships, apprenticeships, or part-time positions to gain hands-on experience.
2. Enhance Your Resume
Highlight relevant skills, coursework, and any extracurricular activities.
Tailor your resume for each application to match the specific job requirements.
3. Networking
Attend industry events, workshops, and networking mixers.
Connect with professionals on LinkedIn and engage in conversations.
4. Online Job Platforms
Explore job search platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and company websites.
Set up job alerts to receive notifications for relevant positions.
5. Temporary Work or Freelancing
Consider taking temporary positions or freelancing opportunities to build your skills and network.
Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can be good for freelancing gigs.
6. Professional Development
Take online courses or certifications to enhance your skills.
Mention ongoing learning initiatives on your resume to showcase your commitment to personal and professional development.
7. Volunteer Work
Offer your time to non-profit organizations or community projects.
Volunteering can provide valuable experience and demonstrate your dedication.
8. Informational Interviews
Reach out to professionals in your field for informational interviews.
Gather insights, seek advice, and express your eagerness to learn from their experiences.
9. Create Online Portfolio
Build an online portfolio showcasing your projects, coursework, or any freelance work.
Include a link to your portfolio on your resume and LinkedIn profile
10. Skill Development
Identify skills in demand within your industry and work on acquiring them.
Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare offer a variety of courses.
11. Professional Social Media Presence
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional.
Share relevant content and engage with professionals in your field.
12. Industry Research
Stay informed about trends and changes in your desired industry.
Use this knowledge to tailor your applications and interviews.
13. Career Counseling Services
Seek guidance from career counseling services offered by educational institutions or career centers.
They can provide insights into job opportunities and help you refine your career goals.
14. Participate in Job Fairs
Attend job fairs, both virtual and in-person, to connect with employers and explore potential opportunities.
15. Soft Skills Development
Work on developing essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability.
These skills are often highly valued by employers.
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.
Joy was excited about launching her business and she did! Now six months later, she has been finding it difficult to survive financially. With rising debt and living expenses, she is unable to make ends meet. She reached out for coaching to tackle her inner stress while pondering if she had made a mistake.
This situation is common to many first-time entrepreneurs. Statistics show that many small businesses fail during the first year. Most ponder giving up or staying the course. The decision between working on their new business or getting a job often depends on various factors. Here are a few:
Financial Stability: If an entrepreneur’s financial situation is precarious and their business isn’t generating immediate income, getting a job might be necessary to cover living expenses and support the business financially.
Business Stage: Early-stage businesses might require time and effort before becoming profitable. In such cases, working on the business while having a part-time job or a source of stable income could be a feasible option.
Learning Curve: New entrepreneurs might benefit from working in the industry they’re entering. A job can offer insights, experience, and networking opportunities that can be invaluable for their business.
Time Commitment: Running a business demands a significant time commitment. If the business requires full-time attention to get off the ground, working solely on the business might be necessary initially.
Risk Tolerance: Some entrepreneurs prefer to dedicate all their time and energy to their business, even if it means financial strain initially, while others might opt for a more gradual approach to reduce financial risk.
In many cases, a hybrid approach—working part-time or freelancing while gradually growing the business—can strike a balance between financial stability and business development. It allows entrepreneurs to sustain themselves while dedicating time to their entrepreneurial venture.
Ultimately, it’s crucial to assess individual circumstances, weigh the pros and cons, and make a decision that aligns with both the financial needs and the growth potential of the business.
Are you a new entrepreneur experiencing first year growth pains? Which of the above will you adopt and apply to your situation? Are there any others that you have considered? Do share. We would love to hear.
The 12 warning signs you might need a coach a stellar Rachel Turner share. A list you would be mad to miss:
You feel stuck. You feel stuck in your personal or professional life, unable to move forward.
Lack of clarity. You’re unsure about your goals or next steps in life.
Recurring negative patterns. You notice repeating negative patterns in your behavior or relationships.
Balance issues. You’re struggling to balance work, life, and personal commitments.
Decision paralysis. Making decisions feels overwhelming or impossible.
Low confidence. You often doubt yourself and your abilities.
Communication challenges. You find it difficult to communicate effectively in personal or professional settings.
Leadership struggles. You’re in a leadership role but feel out of your depth.
Chronic stress. Managing stress has become increasingly challenging.
Transitioning phases. You’re going through a significant life or career transition.
Seeking growth. You’re eager for personal or professional growth but don’t know where to start.
Lack of accountability. You find it hard to hold yourself accountable.
Here’s what a coach can do:
✨ Provide clarity in your chaos. ✨ Offer unbiased feedback. ✨ Help you identify and break negative patterns. ✨ Guide you through life’s transitions. ✨ Boost your decision-making skills. ✨ Elevate your leadership abilities.
Because sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your goals is you.
