Before the New Year Begins: A Leadership Reflection

At a gathering, family and friends were asked to reflect. Sonia asked each to share one thing they were thankful for. Marriage, graduation, opportunities, sports achievement, divine protection, new car, life and the aged still living were among the thoughts shared.

But one thing stood out. As Stephan ended giving thanks collectively in prayer, shouts rang out at her thoughts that hit home. Many rushed with hugs and adoration, but one stood out. George turned to her mom and pointed at her. Without saying a word, his action said it all. Mom had passed the baton to Stephan and stood watching as the group embraced. Indeed mom felt pride that her labor was not in vain.

Before the New Year Begins

As the year comes to a close, leaders are already thinking about goals, plans, and next moves. But before we rush into the next chapter planning our dreams and aspirations, there’s value in pausing to reflect.

Personal growth doesn’t always show up as promotions, metrics, or public wins. Often, the most meaningful growth happens quietly.

This year, growth may have looked like:

  • Choosing courage when fear was familiar.
  • It may have meant staying committed when quitting felt easier.
  • Or letting go of roles, relationships, or expectations that no longer aligned with who you’re becoming.

Understand that Leadership begins within. Before we lead teams, organizations, families or communities forward, we must first acknowledge our own evolution.

As you prepare for the new year, consider these questions:

  • Who have I grown into this year?
  • What did this season teach me about myself?
  • What alignment (not perfection) do I want to carry forward?

Clarity comes after commitment

You don’t need every answer before January 1st. Clarity often comes after commitment.

As the calendar turns, may the next year be marked by your:

  • Intentional leadership
  • Purposeful growth
  • The courage to move forward aligned with who you truly are.

Reflection:

What is one lesson this year taught you about your leadership or personal growth? Think about it. Acknowledge it and Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

When Leaders Face Dementia: How Do You Tell The World?

What happens when dementia touches the life of a leader? The impact reaches far beyond the individual. It affects families, caregivers, colleagues, and even public perception.

The Past Prime Minister of Jamaica, Portia Simpson-Miller was diagnosed with Dementia. Actor and famed Die Hard acclaim, Bruce Willis was recently transferred for deeper care. I thought of these leaders and pondered. Then decided to host a conversation to bring light to this issue for those suffering the early stages and the impact on caregivers.

In this thought-provoking panel discussion, Rianna Patterson MBPS a PhD student and former caregiver, Dr. Romario R. Simpson, JP physician, Chris Daley, explores the complexities of communicating, coping, and caring when dementia enters the public eye.

Emotional Challenges

Together, we unpack important questions:

  • How should public figures communicate a diagnosis while maintaining dignity and legacy?
  • What emotional and professional challenges do caregivers face behind the scenes?
  • How can organizations protect an affected leader with empathy and integrity?

This conversation bridges leadership, ethics, and humanity, offering insights for:
•Healthcare and HR professionals
•Executives and communication leaders
•Caregivers and families
•Students and researchers in health and social sciences

Dementia is not just a medical condition, it’s a leadership, communication, and compassion challenge.

Time to Watch

Watch the full discussion on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/eaahEeqc

Join the conversation. Share your thoughts if you or someone you know is struggling with dementia.

Morning Rituals in Rural Mendez: Coffee and Nature

A walk in nature walks the soul back home. –Mary Davis

Meandering rural life—Mendez to be exact. All is quiet. Birds chirping as early morning risers stir. One waiting atop the yard’s fence. Scrolling, watching social media platforms, my guess. Others busy collecting water from tanks to prepare breakfast. Shower, get refreshed as each forge ahead getting ready for the day—whatever lies ahead.

Taxis, the main source of transportation, make haste on the soon to be busy road. They look, at times toot, to alert waiting passengers.

Coffee With a View

Coffee in hand, it was my chance to review the surroundings. The skeletons of a huge Mango tree await its next fruit-bearing season. Coconut tree sears high above the sky—as if saying to the others, “dare to rise above me.” Oh the power to see above and beyond everything. Banana leaves flicker against its stem. The Ackee tree buds promises of the country’s national dish and breakfast cravings. And Oh, the sways of the delicious avocado tree. A sure replica of island life in the land of wood and water–Jamaica to be exact.

I peer into the distance to see my grandpa’s grave—memories of decades gone by. I envision life as he too saw it.

Cheers as you too take time out to think about rural life.

50 Things I’ve Learned In The Last 50 Years

50 Lessons At 50

Wisdom deepens with age, and at 50, it’s a treasure.

Here are 50 things I have learnt as I traversed a life dedicated to learning, community and personal growth of myself and others. The excess have been included as a gift for those who are more curious and may choose to adopt a nugget or two as you transition at ages 30, 40, 60 or above.

May you be inspired to achieve.

  1. Let no one define what success means to you. Define it for yourself.
  2. Afraid? Do it anyway. Fear will fade.
  3. Life is just for living. Live it well.
  4. Care for others.
  5. Trust is important.
  6. Try new things. Keep learning. It helps you grow.
  7. Self-actualization stops at the top. When you get there, go higher or step back to something that you missed along the way.
  8. Be there for your loved ones. If not, you’ll miss the best things in life.
  9. Find meaning in the things that you do.
  10. Place Work in the right place.
  11. Spirituality is important.
  12. Some people are beautiful. Others are just searching. They Maybe sad or even lonely. Don’t hold it against them.
  13. When you’re at the top, stay true to who you are. You’ll see the same people on your way down.
  14. Be cordial. It contributes to your success.
  15. Smile often. It attracts.
  16. Read. It’s an action.
  17. Pray about everything.
  18. Give thanks in all things.
  19. Say thank you.
  20. Stay curious. Ask Questions.
  21. Find a mantra – a quote that drives you to achieve.
  22. Believe that all things are possible because they are.
  23. Get a dog.
  24. Don’t understand something? Ask. You may help someone in the same situation as yourself.
  25. Show up.
  26. Get involved in your community.
  27. Roll up your sleeves and work.
  28. Go to the beach. Be mesmerized by the waves, the sea and its natural beauty.
  29. Look up. Get inspired.
  30. Dream it. Then work it. You’ll achieve it.
  31. Embrace love. It’s beautiful.
  32. Fight for what you want.
  33. Don’t give up too easily.
  34. Be smart. Know when it’s time to let go.
  35. Move on when the time is right.
  36. Try something new.
  37. Get away often. Stress dissipates.
  38. Travel the world.
  39. Try a staycation.
  40. Bask in beautiful memories.
  41. Celebrate other’s success.
  42. Mourn with those who mourn.
  43. Appreciate depth.
  44. Be yourself… always.
  45. You’re never too old to try something new.
  46. Take care of yourself.
  47. Listen to your body. It speaks.
  48. Save for a rainy day.
  49. Age teaches wisdom but it also brings sighs when you watch others making the mistakes you did because they won’t listen. But remember everyone has to grow on their own path. Don’t be sad, they will learn and make their own U-turn.
  50. Pray with others.
  51. Listen to that still small voice.
  52. Don’t let life pass you by. Stop and smell the roses.
  53. Stay engaged. Learn.
  54. Relax. Watch a movie.
  55. Smell the rain. Embrace the sunshine.
  56. Plan a trip with extended family.
  57. Be there for someone who needs you.
  58. Dress up for no reason.
  59. Have dinner by yourself. Experience you.
  60. Surprise a friend.
  61. It’s time. Don’t put it off anymore.
  62. Go for a walk. Ease stress.
  63. Call a parent, grandparent or someone elderly.
  64. Volunteer to help a neighbor.
  65. Go on a solo retreat at least once in your lifetime. You’ll find out a lot about yourself.
  66. Keep your eye on that goal.
  67. Get an accountability partner or a coach if you need help.
  68. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
  69. Journal your thoughts. It’s great to look back and reflect on how far you have come. Besides, it helps build mental strength.
  70. Keep your mouth shut. Share only what needs to be said.
  71. You can count on me. Can others count on you?
  72. Take accountability for your actions.
  73. Stay focused on your future but don’t become so obsessed that you miss the journey.
  74. Life is what you make it. Make it great.
  75. You win some. You lose some. That’s life. Move on.
  76. Celebrate.
  77. Dance like nobody is watching.

11 Things You Must Delete From Your Life In Silent

When You Don’t Know What To Say…

When you don’t know what to say, listen to your heart.

José Micard Teixeira

“When you get tired of something, don’t sweep it out of your life without first understanding why you attracted it, otherwise you can be sure that it will return, even if it is in another form or in another context. When you stop feeling in love with someone, allow them to leave without thinking that a part of you leaves with them. In fact, nothing leaves. What leaves is only what came, now with more knowledge about who it was while it stayed here. When you feel disrespected, take back the power you gave that person over your life. Do not allow disrespect to turn to indifference and find yourself deposed from the place that was rightfully or lovingly yours in the beginning. When you feel uncomfortable somewhere, leave. All the moments you remain there will only contribute to bringing you even more suffering. Leave and if you have nowhere else to go, leave anyway, because at that moment no place is worse than this one for you. When you can’t say what you want to say, write it down. What is written speaks louder and remains longer in time. When you don’t know what to say, listen to your heart. Everything you need to know has always been there waiting for you. And when you think you have nothing to do, look at yourself and see yourself once more. It may be that this time you will understand everything you have forgotten to.”

~ José Micard Teixeira Excerpt from book “Between Many Truths and Some Secrets”

A lot Can Happen In A Year. 20 Things To Inspire You…

“Maybe” can become “definitely.”

The time of change is in full swing. But in many cases it’s the same old same old. Workaholics work; ‘bored’ business meetings continue; couples fight; children go asunder. But there are those who fall in love; travel and see the world; find that rewarding career; realize that fit body; dreams come through in those delightful home; spirituality soar; first time writers publish and make it big!

Amidst all that and the steady post-holiday covid scare, political upheavals, it was a warm breath of fresh air that we welcomed actress viola Davis as she shared Case 20 inspiring things under the title “A lot Can Happen in a year”. Here I share.

  1. You can meet the reason why you never settled
  2. You can finally hear NO turned to YES
  3. You can fall madly in love with yourself
  4. You can change completely and reintroduce yourself to the world
  5. A random encounter can become something life-changing
  6. You can take a big risk and see it pay off
  7. A streak of ‘luck’ can change your life
  8. You can finally receive the same love and energy you give to others
  9. You can say I deserve better and finally mean it
  10. A song can change your life
  11. You can receive the news you have been waiting for
  12. A solo trip can change your life
  13. You can forgive them and move on
  14. You can forgive yourself and move on
  15. You can make new weird and vibrant friends
  16. “Maybe” can become “definitely”
  17. “I am busy with work” can become “I can make time for you”
  18. You can fall in love with your body, your smile and your quirks
  19. You can decide you’re not lost
  20. You can decide you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be

A divine few gives me hope. Do you see any that sparks your interest? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

CNBC’s 10 Most Regretted College Majors…

Student loan debt is top of mind to many college grads these days. The promise of high paying jobs that would not only cover the debt but also provide a lifetime of satisfaction has left many regretting their majors. CNBC shared the 10 most regretted majors and the 10 majors grads wished they had pursued instead. Dive in to see which of your majors made the list.

10 Least Valued College Majors

10 Most Valued College Majors

Where did your major fall? Least regretted or most valued? What are your thoughts? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

Dance Out There Without Fear. An Anthropologist Speaks…

The body says what words cannot

~Martha Graham

Joelle Powe was recognized as one of the Institute of CAribbean Studies, Washington DC, 30 Under 30 honoree in 2021. Take a look at her documentary on Jamaica’s Dance as she studies Anthropology at the University.

Seep in and prepare to be inspired.

Poet’s Defining Moment. The Story Of A Mother As Told By A Daughter…

The Story of a Mother as told by a Daughter.
A Literary Conversation with Author & Poet Susan Lycett Davis (Dr Sue)

A Miami Book Fair annual Author Feature

Living a HIP Life is a Great inspirational stocking stuffer available from Dr Sue and on Amazon

Listen in https://bit.ly/3C1cQ76

Show Up. That’s All He Did.…

It’s through curiosity and looking at opportunities in new ways that we’ve always mapped our path. ~Michael Dell

Steve Harvey

Opportunity comes when we are ready for it. Comedian and entertainer Steve Harvey share his story about his writing jokes for a colleague for sometime in exchange for $10. One day the guy didn’t show and he was encouraged to go check out the venue himself. Curiosity got the better of him and he did. He subsequently put his name in the bag for a future show but was called on when another contestant didn’t show. Suffice it to say he won and the rest is history.

Steve Jobs

Steve Jobs showed up to classes out of curiosity after he was fired from the company he started. His curiosity led to one of the greatest innovations of all times. The iPhone which global users compete daily with its competitor, the android.

Les Brown

I also think of Les Brown who was yearning for an opportunity in radio though he didn’t have training or experience. One day the host didn’t show because he was sick or something and he was invited to fill in with just music on the radio. Les Brown proceeded to be the talk show host. And the rest is history.

Opportunity. It’s Your Turn

What opportunity do you need to show up to? Are you ready for it? What desire(s) do you have? Make sure you are ready because you never know when the opportunity will arise. If you are not prepared then you may miss it.

Always Show up is my mantra. Do it today. Is there any personal story that you can share of an opportunity gleaned just by being there? On the other hand, is there an opportunity you missed because you did not show up? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

What’s Life All About?

Life is what you make it

What’s your life all about? That’s the question i asked 10 year old Xavier. Seriously and Without hesitation he replied Video games, basketball, God, watching TV. Gotta give him credit, he knew exactly what he was about.

At that young age, life can be easy. But what about you and me? As we grow older it’s important for us to ‘get a life’ as the common saying goes. Mine is about and encouraging personal growth of anyone in my sphere of influence.

Today I encourage you to Reflect, start planning and take action.

What’s your life all about? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!

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