Exceptional People Magazine May/June 2020 by Atela Productions, Inc.

May/June 2020

HOW TO START A PROFITABLE BUSINESS IN A RECESSION WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A DYNAMIC LEADER, PART 3

Dr. Marceline

Catlett

Leading at the Speed of Change

Founder and Publisher Editor-in-Chief Monica Davis Writers & Editors Jon Crump Marla Gem Suzanne Harris Company Writers & Contributors Donna Carletta Kathy Kentty Pat Markel Other Contributors Andrew Horton Greg Williams Jack Canfield Annemarie Cross Art and Graphics Designer Jenette Antonio Sityar Exceptional People Magazine is published bi-monthly by Atela Productions, Inc. The opinions of the contributors are not necessarily those of Atela Productions, Inc. Exceptional People Magazine is a copyright of Atela Productions, Inc. The contents of this publication may not be printed, copied or distributed without the express written consent of the Publisher. Copyright © 2020 All rights reserved.

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LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Dear Friend, Often, when we find ourselves amid adversity and uncertain times, it’s hard to stay positive and see the good in what’s currently happening, especially when so many people are impacted. We tend to get anxious, fearful, and restless because we don’t know what the results will be. We know that life is not without challenges or adversity, but our resilience can genuinely be tested during such times. However, with faith, courage, and patience, we can overcome. Remaining steadfast in faith will keep you grounded during the most challenging times. Adversity is meant to empower us. Enduring through tough times strengthens our resolve. When everything around you seems like it’s falling apart, be grateful for what you do have and seek to serve others who may be less fortunate than you. Be the rainbow in someone else’s cloud. As we go through these challenging times, I encourage you to think about what lessons you are learning. Think about how those lessons be can become the foundation for teaching others how to be courageous and resilient. Wishing you a safe and healthy 2020.

Monica Davis

contents

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

DR. MARCELINE CATLETT Leading at The Speed of Change

MINDING MY BUSINESS

How to Become Influential

How to Start a Profitable Business in a Recession

ay Goodbye to S Your Boss and Start Your Own Business

hat It Means W to Be a Dynamic Leader Part 3

Defeating adversity requires faith, and consistently moving forward, believing and knowing that you will eventually see the light and overcome it.

Dr. Marceline

Catlett

Leading at the

Speed of Change

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

arceline Rollins Catlett hadn’t yet been born when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that separate schools for black and white students were “inherently unequal.” The next year, when the court required that schools desegregate “with all deliberate speed,” Catlett still wasn’t even a twinkle in her father’s eye. But when the all-white Maury Elementary School in Fredericksburg, Virginia, started to admit African American students, the little girl was one of the first to walk in. It was 1965, a time of turmoil, branded painfully with violent racism. The State of Virginia didn’t suffer as much firehose notoriety as Alabama and Mississippi. But its African American community ached equally under the cruel thumb of U.S. Senator Harry Byrd Sr. The Byrd Machine’s “massive resistance” strategy had delayed desegregation for nearly ten years by exploiting the meaning of the Supreme Court’s “all deliberate speed” ruling. But Byrd’s power was waning, the Civil Rights Movement was gaining, and Catlett was going to school with both white kids and black kids. There, and through her activist parents, she saw that people are people regardless of skin tone. She also discovered her love of service and leadership, taking on student council presidencies throughout middle and high school. Most of all, she learned that she loved people, children, and education. She headed to Virginia State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1981 — the same year she started teaching 6th grade at WalkerGrant Middle School, the school she’d attended as a child. Since then, Dr. Catlett has worked for Fredericksburg City Public Schools (FCPS). She moved into administration after 12 years in the classroom and was named deputy superintendent in 2012. She earned a master’s degree of education from the University of Virginia and a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech. She earned more accolades, certificates, awards, and board seats than can be listed here. But the most important accomplishment Dr. Catlett achieved was the love and care she’s given to every child she’s met — and many she hasn’t met. Through her 38+ years in Fredericksburg, Dr. Catlett has leveraged

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

her education, knowledge, experience, and intellect with her deep compassion for her fellow man, woman, and child. She combines this with kindness and a thorough understanding of the difficulties and realities facing families and children today, while she relentlessly pursues solutions that elevate the entire Fredericksburg community. When she was recently named the first-ever African American Superintendent of the Fredericksburg City Public Schools, the Walker-Grant Center meeting room erupted into cheers. It was packed with parents, students, teachers, administrators, and community members who had turned out in force to celebrate the woman who has supported them for the past four decades. In Dr. Catlett, the Fredericksburg City Public School community has an empathetic local, someone who knows them and their kids. She is the daughter, sister, wife, and mother who has lived Fredericksburg’s hard history since she herself was a first-grader, dressed in her Sunday best, walking nervously through the doors of a school that might not want her. In the state that years ago used the Supreme Court’s words “all deliberate speed” to hold an entire race back, Marceline

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

Rollins Catlett has been leading at the speed of change ever since. Monica: Can you talk about who you are and what was the impetus for you to become involved in education? Dr. Catlett: I grew up here in Fredericksburg, Virginia. My entire career has been here. I attended three of the schools that are still in existence, and then I went to Virginia State University. I'm the youngest of two sisters. I feel like a child of the civil rights movement. My mom and dad were both very active in civil rights, in equity and equality for all. As a young girl, I was involved in the NAACP. We'd go out and solicit memberships for my mom and my God-mom Eva. I always felt that I was living my mom’s dream to be a teacher. She had always wanted to be a teacher, but she never became one; she waited to educate herself so that my dad could go to college, work, and then the military. My mother had very innovative ideas about pre-K. She knew the importance of exposing children to education early — as early as in the womb. My sister and I attended kindergarten early, and developed a deep love of learning. As I got older, I had a natural desire to work with children. I view everything as a teachable moment and I love to share knowledge. I never thought I would be anything other than a teacher. I see it as an honorable and commendable profession.

I also wanted to lead, and my leadership style involved service. I helped integrate the elementary school before desegregation was nationally mandated. My mom sent us to Maury Elementary School. In first to fourth grade, I attended with both black and white students. We developed friendships, trust, and relationships. Then I'd go home to my all black neighborhood on Will Street, and to our all black church. I went to Walker-Grant School, where the African American children went. We had NAACP meetings. I was raised and nurtured in both environments. Integration finally took hold by the time I was in fifth grade. and in sixth grade, I was elected president of the Student Cooperative Association. I said, "I will not make promises I won't keep, but I will try to get chocolate milk for everyone!” And I won the election. That was my first opportunity to build bridges. It was a time of turmoil, mistrust, and misunderstanding. When I moved into middle school, I was involved in student council and other clubs, and I continued to help bridge relationships between all of my classmates. I always felt, "This is what is important to do." I knew that people were people, and if we understood each other better, it could be a much better world. In high school I was the senior class president for the Class of '77 and I was prom queen. I was still developing relationships, following through on my word, and using my leadership skills in the best interests for everybody.

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

I understood even then that you're not going to win everyone over, but if your intentions are from the heart and you believe in what's right and good for everyone, that's what stands on your character and your integrity. I've got a rule of thirds. One third of folks are with you all the time. You’ll have another third that you want to get in your camp, and then another that you probably can't ever win over. But that won't stop you from making change, doing great things, and moving an operation or an organization along. At Virginia State I was matriculated in elementary education. At one point, Fredericksburg schools were trying to increase their minority teaching staff. The Director of Instruction in Fredericksburg called Virginia State and they said, "The student with the highest grade point average in our department happens to be from Fredericksburg." During spring break, I went home and interviewed with Dr. Garnett and Ms. Young, who became one of my mentors.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

They offered me the job and I started working in the fall of 1981, teaching sixth grade at Walker-Grant, where I am right now. Monica: You were one of the first African Americans to attend Fredericksburg schools in the ‘60s. Now you are the first African American to head that same public school system as superintendent. Would you say that you have come full circle? Dr. Catlett: Yes, but the main thing about coming full circle is that you do exceptional work and that you make a difference. A lot comes with that responsibility and I don't take it lightly. My goal is to move us along. My theme is “Moving forward and upward, leading at the speed of change.” Monica: What were some of the challenges you encountered as a female educator on your journey to becoming superintendent, and how did you overcome them?

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

My three leadership styles are situational, servant, and visionary. You can't help nurture, cultivate and educate children unless you really love them and accept them for who they are, and have a deep-down desire in your soul to transform their lives for the better and treat them as your own. I've got one son. There's nothing I wouldn't do for him. As an educator, I honestly feel that same way about all the children that I have the blessing of influencing. Monica: What advice can you offer other women who are interested in education? Dr. Catlett: I consider teaching right next to preaching because it's a transformation of lives for the greater good of all. Never stop learning. Be a lifelong learner. Always take an opportunity. Dr. Catlett: The focus of my dissertation was, “What influences qualified women administrators in Virginia to remain in division level positions while others pursue the position of superintendent?” My research said that females aren't perceived as savvy in budgetary matters. So all eyes were on me to see whether or not I would select the correct chief financial officer. It worked out beautifully. She's wonderful. That was my first major challenge. Many others followed.

Most of all, seek out support, knowledge, and mentorship from everyone that you feel can help you grow. Do not work isolated in a bubble. I found nine female administrators; three sitting superintendents, three aspiring superintendents, and three administrators. The knowledge I have gained from them is phenomenal. I also have male superintendent and administrators that I call on because who knows better than they do?

It's all about the grace of God and my ability to lean on His faith, to move forward in faith, and not fear what I have to do every day. I empowered the team that was already here. I promoted lots of people and built what I hoped would be trust, unity, continuity, and collaboration to move us forward quickly. That's what I felt we needed to do. Monica: What is the greatest gift that you bring to the field of education and the Fredericksburg school system? Dr. Catlett: My love of people. I genuinely love students and I love people. I have an innate desire to lead and serve them.

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

I have so many people in this community that I care about and who care about me. They are in all types of professions throughout the city, state, and country. I don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and seek their support, insight, and expertise. I call preachers for prayer. I call community workers to help with our students. I call former educators who have mentored me. Monica: What are some qualities and skills that you believe are necessary to lead a school district? Which of those skills and qualities do you feel you are good at, or you could improve upon? Dr. Catlett: I’m an instructional leader and I have managerial skills as well. I am a problem solver with strong interpersonal and listening skills. An effective communicator, both oral and written. Creative, consistent, visible. A mediator. Caring, empathetic, resourceful. I have high personal integrity and honesty. A teacher, staff advocate, child-centered, approachable, assessable, a risk taker. I am a motivator. You can't lead if you don't have followers. You've got to always keep a strong pulse on how your team's feeling about doing their work. I have had to work with balance. Properly balancing my home, work, faith, and individual time — giving each component proper order and time.

Monica: How do you achieve work/life balance? Dr. Catlett: It fluctuates. There are times I do a good job at it. I can departmentalize and let go. And then there are times I don't. When I'm faced with a big project or a crisis — like we're going through now with COVID-19 — my balance gets out of control. Right now, we've got to figure how we're going to support teachers and communicate with parents. We've got to figure out how we're going to provide meals to children who don't have food, and how to provide technology to homes that don't have internet. With all that, I've been away from home more than I’ve been home. But then you worry about what you're taking back home. It's a very taxing and challenging situation. Monica: As superintendent, you are responsible for understanding the big picture and running daily operations as well as working closely with other departments and units within the district. How can the people of these units and departments help you perform better? Dr. Catlett: They are helping me by being patient. They're following the rules. They're offering assistance in other ways. We're small. There are about 3,700 children. Fredericksburg is only a 10-mile radius. But our food providers are serving 12,000 to 13,000 meals a day. We have three food trucks on the road every day to 18 sites, one school, two churches, the community center, and neighborhoods. We have over 80 volunteers to help in these sites at different times, always following the governor's order of no more than 10 people in an area. That's phenomenal. That's the kind of work that helps. Our teachers are using social media to engage with students and their families. We've had medication pickups in our buildings. We met with the hospital because they need our school sites to provide child care for the health providers’ and first responders’ children during school hours.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

Heed your calling and do your best. I’ve been called to serve children and to serve people and I will not let them down. I am here for them and I am going to give them my best every day.

I don't know how I'll ever thank everybody for the teamwork, the patience, the hours spent, the creative thinking, and for putting their lives on the line. Monica: What would you say are some of the biggest improvements that you've seen in education over the past five or 10 years? Dr. Catlett: The No Child Left Behind federal initiative, as an effort to make sure that all children were being taught at a competency level, did help even though it has a lot of challenges. It closed some gaps with subgroups of children. I don’t advocate for single test assessments to be the indicator for how we perceive or

address a child's academic career, but I did see it as a form of civil rights. When I started teaching in 1981, I could give a science test that would take one group of children 20 minutes to finish, and another group would need two days, open book, for the same test. That's the type of academic achievement gap that was evident, and it wasn’t only in Fredericksburg. We needed something to make sure that all children were being taught at a minimal competency level and better. Now we've moved beyond that. I’m so proud of Virginia. We are a K12 International Baccalaureate school division which aligns very neatly with the state profile of a graduate

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

program. We're moving toward teaching children in a holistic way, in tune to their social and emotional learning. This is key. And of course equity means personalized and individual instructional strategies to make sure we're meeting the needs and accelerating students to their fullest potential. Monica: What do you love most about the impact that you're having on thousands of students, the school district, and the community? Dr. Catlett: I'm an extrovert. I love people. My favorite work is being face to face with the children, the teachers, the staff, the parents, and the community. But that's only part of it. There's a lot of nitty gritty work including tough decisions, technology, hiring and retaining teachers. Relationship building is important for everything. Monica: What legacy would you like to leave for your school district, and for your family? Dr. Catlett: My legacy for the school division is to make it the best in the world; to educate all children to the best of their potential. That filters down to showing how competent

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

we all are, and how we built the capacity for teachers, principals, and administrators to give it their best. For my family — my mother, father, sister, my half brother, and my extended family, who have loved and supported me — I want them to be proud of what I've stood for, and to know that whatever happens I have no regrets. I've had a wonderful career. I've loved every moment. I've been given a lot of opportunity, and I can't think of any way it could have been any better. God granted me this opportunity and I'm going to do the best job I can do. Monica: You're living your purpose and helping others to fulfill their purpose by being a participant in the lives of others. You are playing a huge role in helping to mold them as they grow and learn. Would you mind ending with your last word? Dr. Catlett: Heed your calling and do your best. I’ve been called to serve children and to serve people and I will not let them down. I am here for them and I am going to give them my best every day. 

MINDING MY

BUSINESS One way to improve your financial position is to capitalize on your skillset. Start a business using your natural abilities and as little financial capital as possible. You know what you're good at, so why not apply your skillset and capitalize on prime earning opportunities?

HOW TO BECOME

Influential BY PAT MARKEL

MINDING MY BUSINESS

nfluence is one of the top motivating factors in decision making. When you have a significant decision to make, what are the forces that drive you to a final decision?

It's normal to base any significant decisions you make on how it will affect your loved ones. In essence, you could say that those closest to you have a lot of influence on the decisions you make in life. Influence is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. So, how do you become influential so you can produce your desired effects on the actions, behaviors and opinions of others? Below are some simple strategies to consider.

LEAD BY EXAMPLE The best way to influence someone is in your own behavior. This can go both ways—good or bad. If you want to influence someone to be positive and do well, you'll need to be a living example of the behavior you expect. At work, be someone that others would want to model. That means you should consistently arrive on time, work diligently, and avoid gossiping about others, and avoid constant complaining. Also, be aware of how you spend your time at work. Are you spending it wisely or are you wasting time? If you expect your co-workers or employees to make the most of their time at work, you should be doing the same. People who are lead by example, will likely do whatever others around them are doing. If you're a leader, then you're the example they'll follow. Remember, you can employ influence over others by becoming a positive example to model.

COMMUNICATION IS A KEY FACTOR IN INFLUENCING What you say and how you say it is of utmost importance when influencing others. If you're condescending or condemning in your speech, others will see you as arrogant and egotistical. Most likely, they won't follow your advice. However, when you're uplifting, encouraging and genuine, others tend to listen and pay attention what you say. One way to speak in an encouraging tone is to use your voice as if you're at dinner with your in-laws. You most likely wouldn't be harsh or rude when speaking to them; nor would you speak down to them with a condescending tone. You'd use a calm tone of voice and talk pleasantly. Think of it as using your "salt and pepper" voice. When you ask someone to pass the salt and pepper, are you rude, demanding or harsh? Not likely. You're probably soft spoken, which influences the person to immediately pass the salt and pepper to you.

BE AUTHORITATIVE, NOT AN AUTHORITARIAN Of course, this doesn't mean you should lack confidence when you speak, it means that you are authoritative and not an authoritarian. The difference is that you speak with confidence rather than arrogance. If you want to be an influence in the workplace, you'll want to lead by example and speak with an encouraging, yet confident tone. In doing so, becoming a powerful influence can prove to be a beneficial and successful experience. 

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

How to Start a Profitable Business in a Recession BY KATHY KENTTY

t first thought, you might think that a recession is the worst possible time to start a business; this certainly isn't the case! Some very profitable businesses were launched during times of recession because they took advantage of some critical factors. With some smart and creative thinking, you can have your business launched in no time. If you have a clear plan, you can make this happen regardless of the state of the economy. These tips can help you take advantage of the recession to get your business off to a great start:

Start-up costs can be lower.

It's less expensive to start a business during a recession than at other times because other companies are offering deals left and right. You might be able to get lower advertising rates as well as deals on supplies, inventory, services, and more.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

Take advantage of advertising.

In addition to lower ad costs, you may also find that competitors have their guard down. They may be counting on the fact that there aren't any new competitors, or maybe their financial situations warrant them eliminating advertising. This gives you an opportunity to connect with their customers.

Provide excellent customer service.

Superior customer service matters. Between two businesses, with all things equal, the company with better customer service wins. After all, people always desire to be treated well. • In a recession, it's possible that your competition has cut back on their customer service efforts. This allows you to come in with top-notch service.

MINDING MY BUSINESS

Offer bonuses.

In a recession, people are more likely to pay serious attention to the businesses that are giving better offers. You can open your new business with a bang by beating out your competitors with an excellent deal.

Excellent employees.

During a time of recession, you may find some excellent candidates when it comes time to do your hiring. Because of other companies' downsizing, you can hire some appreciative and loyal people that are knowledgeable and well qualified.

Getting a head start.

When you start your business during a recession, you'll get a good head start over other companies that may be

waiting for a "better" time to launch. This means that by the time they do launch, you'll be that much further ahead of the game.

Be frugal.

Starting in times of recession forces you to be prudent about your business activities. Because of the recession, you'll make it a point to search for the best prices and the most efficient ways of conducting business. • You may do it this way simply because you have to, but in the long run, you'll learn a fundamental lesson that can enable you to run a profitable business for years to come. If you can launch and operate a successful business during a recession, just think of what you can accomplish once the economy booms again! Instead of waiting for the "right" time, take action today. 

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

Say Goodbye to Your Boss and

Start Your Own Business BY KATHY KENTTY

o you ever feel like you're stuck in a rut? You wake up each morning and go to the same job, driving on the same roads, walking on the same streets, and doing the same thing day after day. Do you feel unappreciated or undervalued at work? You may be a hard worker but never get the real recognition you deserve from your boss and colleagues.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

Do you feel like you were meant to do something else – something that impacts more people in a much deeper way, or you simply want to utilize other skills and talents? It may be time to say goodbye to your boss and venture out on your own. Although doing "your own thing" may seem like an overwhelming move, it may not be as hard as you think!

MINDING MY BUSINESS

Consider taking advantage of opportunities like these:

DO YOU LIKE KEEPING OTHERS ORGANIZED? Become a Virtual Assistant. Being a Virtual Assistant allows you the flexibility of staying at home while managing tasks for other companies. • This is an excellent option if you enjoy computer work, managing tasks, paperwork, or customer service. • Though it may take a little time to get your business off the ground, virtual assistants can command a high price for their services, especially if they have valuable technical skills.

CONSIDER AN MLM (MULTI-LEVEL MARKETING) COMPANY. These businesses are popular, but they do have their pros and cons. If you think that perhaps an MLM company is the business for you, be sure to do your research. • Make sure the company you decide to partner with has an excellent track record. You can confirm this by speaking with other representatives of the company and checking the Better Business Bureau and similar websites for more information.

BECOME A LIFE COACH. This business opens up a realm of possibilities. If you enjoy listening to people and providing advice, becoming a life coach may intrigue you. A life coach provides good, solid advice to individuals relating to a particular area in their life. A life coach can specialize in many different areas. For example, some coaches only deal with stay-at-home moms, while others help those wanting to make more money or lose weight. The options are endless. • You can obtain training and become a certified coach at your local college or online. Before offering advice to anyone who is seeking to overcome a problem, you should ensure you have the right qualifications and experience. • You must promote and market yourself actively, and it may take a while to get your business off the ground. But if this is something that you genuinely hold a passion for, it can turn into an extremely lucrative endeavor.

BECOME A CATERER. Does everyone say that no one can cook as you do? Do you get ongoing requests for your recipes? Do you find spending time in the kitchen relaxing? Then starting a catering business may be something you'll want to explore further.

• Another fact you must be aware of is the signup fee that can range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars or more. Do some comparison shopping before you spend any money.

• As in any business, it may take a bit of patience and energy to get it started, but the benefits will be well worth the energy. Keep in mind, you may be a great cook, but you also need to understand the business aspect.

• Many people succeed in running multi-level marketing businesses, but many others fail miserably. Research the details of what you'll need to do to succeed in your chosen market and ask yourself if you can do what it takes.

• To quickly bring in new customers, make sure to call your friends and family and tell them to spread the word about your new catering business.

It would be in your best interest to become informed and educated about the business before you sign on the dotted line and hand over your hard-earned money.

MAKE AND SELL YOUR CRAFTS. Are your friends envious about the beautiful things you can make? Then this may be the business for you! With websites such as eBay and Etsy, as well as local arts and craft shows, many people are making a substantial living selling their homemade creations. Unique or one-of-a-kind items always sell at higher prices than the common ones.

• Once you can secure your first event, you'll have word-ofmouth recommendations for marketing your business. If cooking is your passion and you learn how to manage food costs and market your business, then you'll have no problem succeeding in the industry. These are just a few ways to say goodbye to your boss and start your own business. Your next step is to decide where your passion lies. Decide what you enjoy doing and go from there. Beginning your own business is not easy, but with a little hope, faith, dreams, patience, and hard work, you've just won half the battle!  Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A

DYNAMIC LEADER Part 3 BY JON CRUMP

hen we think of leaders, we might be tempted to think of courageous and heroic figures. The leader is the person at the vanguard of the army, leading the charge and taking the brunt of any enemy attacks.

Of course, this is not the reality for most of us. Most people will be managers, parents and leaders in their communities. But that doesn’t mean you can rest on your laurels. It is still very important to be courageous and heroic, but there are many other characteristics that comprise an effective leader. The best leaders are action-takers. When we lead through action, we set a positive example for our team and inspire them to similarly take action. In the previous issue, we identified six principles of highly effective leadership. In part three, we’ll explore five more principles that dynamic leaders possess. Let’s get started.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

THE EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT LEADER Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

MINDING MY BUSINESS

THE EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT LEADER Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage both your own emotions and the emotions of those around you. It’s the ability to understand why you’re feeling a certain way in a particular situation and to understand why others might be feeling a particular way. There will be many times when you find yourself in difficult, stressful, emotionally laden situations. In those moments, it’s essential that you be able to understand why you’re feeling a particular way and then respond appropriately. If you simply fly off the handle and explode emotionally, you’ll lose the respect and trust of those under you. You must be able to manage your emotions appropriately and handle emotionally difficult situations.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

In the same way, you must also be able to understand why others are feeling specific emotions. This skill, often called Emotional IQ, allows you to see things through the eyes of others. It enables you to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and experience the same emotions they are. If you’re unable to understand the emotions of others, you won’t be able to effectively navigate highly emotional situations. You’ll make decisions without considering the feelings of others, which can cause significant damage to your relationships. The best leaders are able to keep a close handle on their own emotions and to help others manage their own volatile emotions.

THE HUMBLE LEADER Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

MINDING MY BUSINESS

THE HUMBLE LEADER Many people think that leaders must be proud, brash, and always right. In fact, the opposite is true. The best leaders are humble, listen, and are willing to admit when they’re wrong.

• Asking for feedback. A humble leader asks those around him for constructive feedback. They realize that they don’t know everything and need the valuable advice of others.

Humility is one of the keys to great leadership.

• Admitting wrongs. Every leader makes mistakes. The best, most humble leaders admit when they’ve made mistakes. This creates an environment where others feel like they too can admit their mistakes.

A proud leader is in danger of blind spots. They are convinced that they are always right. They’re sure that their way is the best way. They feel like they don’t need to listen to the opinions of others. This is a recipe for disaster. A humble leader, on the other hand, is set up for success. What does humble leadership look like? • Listening. The humble leader listens to the opinions and feedback of others. They don’t assume that their ideas are always the best.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

• Respect. The truly humble leader is respectful of others. They value the insights and opinions of others and do everything they can to respect what others bring to the table. Humility is fundamental to success as a leader. Leaders who are humble thrive, while leaders who are proud ultimately falter.

THE VISIONARY LEADER Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

MINDING MY BUSINESS

THE VISIONARY LEADER A leader is someone who moves people to take action. A leader helps others get from point A to point B. A leader looks forward into the future, sees good outcomes, and then helps people move toward those good outcomes. In other words, a leader has vision. A leader doesn’t merely organize people, resources, and efforts, although that’s certainly necessary. A leader is able to peer into the future, see how certain actions will produce specific outcomes, and then motivate others to take those actions. A powerful vision has four specific elements: • It captures the heart and imagination. First and foremost, a leader’s vision is able to capture the hearts and imaginations of their followers. Those who hear a positive vision for the future very much want to be a part of it. • It must be vivid. A leader must be able to paint a vivid picture of where they want to go. They should be able to communicate the benefits of their vision in clear, concrete, and powerful ways. • It must be achievable. While it’s essential that the vision stretch others, it also must be achievable. If it’s clearly not achievable, then they won’t want to be a part of it. • It must be future-oriented. The leader looks into the future and sees what’s possible. They can see a future that’s better than the present and they can move others toward that future.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

It’s important to note that you won’t be able to get people on board with your vision if you don’t possess the qualities already mentioned. If you’re not confident in your vision, others won’t believe it’s possible. If you’re not passionate about your vision, they won’t be excited to be part of it. If you’re not emotionally intelligent, you won’t be able to effectively tap into people’s emotions. Whenever possible, communicate your vision to those around you. Theodore Hesburgh, the President of the University of Notre Dame, said: "The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It's got to be a vision you articulate clearly and forcefully on every occasion." If you want to get people on board with your vision, it’s important to communicate clearly and forcefully as much as possible. Paint a picture of the good life that others will experience if your vision becomes reality. Clearly, you don’t want those following you to be discouraged. How do you prevent this? By clearly articulating the why behind the actions you’re asking people to take.

THE DISCIPLINED LEADER Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

MINDING MY BUSINESS

THE DISCIPLINED LEADER When it comes to leadership, discipline does not mean punishing people. Rather, discipline refers to being in complete control of oneself. A highly effective leader must be self-disciplined in all areas. Discipline should encompass every area of the leader’s life. Consider these areas: 1. Health. A leader knows that they must be in good health if they’re going to effectively lead others. They discipline themselves to eat in healthy ways, exercise, and make other smart health-related choices. • Ask yourself these questions: Do you… Eat healthy foods? m Regularly exercise? m Get sufficient sleep? m

2. Time. Perhaps more than anything else, a leader must be disciplined with their time. They must be able to get things done efficiently, focusing on the job in front of them and making swift progress through their to-do list. It’s easy to get sidetracked during the day, but the best leaders are able to maintain focus. • Ask yourself these questions. Do you… Allow yourself to be easily distracted during the day?

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

Have specific goals you’re focused on achieving? m Have a system for ensuring that you make progress on your to-do list? m

3. Vision. The leader is disciplined to stay focused on their vision. They don’t let other “shiny” objects distract them from their ultimate purpose and vision. They ensure that they and those who follow them stay laser-focused on getting the right things done all the time. • Ask yourself these questions. Do you… Have a single-minded focus on your overall vision? m Become easily distracted from your most important tasks? m Consistently remind both yourself and your followers of your vision? m

Jim Rohn said, “Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” In other words, you’ll never achieve your highest and greatest goals if you’re not disciplined. If, on the other hand, you’re able to hold yourself to the highest standards, you’ll achieve success beyond your wildest dreams.

THE COMMUNICATING LEADER Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

MINDING MY BUSINESS

THE COMMUNICATING LEADER The greatest leaders, the ones who achieve the most, the ones who inspire the most people, are those who communicate clearly, powerfully, and effectively.

• Concise. Your sentences, paragraphs, and main points should all be appropriately concise.

Consider great leaders throughout history: Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela. What do they all have in common? The ability to communicate their vision with passion, zeal, clarity, and force. They all were able to inspire people to become bigger and better versions of themselves.

• Courteous. Your communications should be courteous to your audience, considering both their feelings and viewpoints.

The greatest leaders work exceptionally hard to ensure that all their communications are clear, concise, effective, and highly motivating. Consider the classic speech, The Gettysburg Address, by Abraham Lincoln. It is only 272 words long and it only took him a few minutes to deliver it. And yet, because he took a significant amount of time to shape and clarify it, it was one of the most powerful speeches ever given. Even to this day, it is still highly emotional and motivating. How can you ensure that your communications are both clear and powerful? Consider using the 7 “Cs” of communication: • Clear. Every aspect of your communications must be clear, both to you and to your audience. • Complete. Your communications should include as much relevant information as possible, so the listener can get a complete picture.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

• Concrete. Use concrete language rather than abstract.

• Correct. Each statement in your communications should be correct. • Considerate. Your communications are considerate of how the audience thinks and thus presents information in ways that are relevant and helpful. The greatest leaders take the necessary time to craft their communications so that they are as powerful and impactful as possible. They don’t rush things because they realize that few things are more powerful than their words. The Center For Creative Leadership puts it this way: “Communication is a core leadership function. Effective communication and effective leadership are closely intertwined. Leaders need to be skilled communicators in countless relationships at the organizational level, in communities and groups, and sometimes on a global scale. You need to think with clarity, express ideas, and share information with a multitude of audiences.” If you want to be a great leader, work hard to strengthen your communication skills. Without the ability to communicate clearly, you simply can’t move people from point A to point B. You won’t be able to paint a vivid picture of your vision or inspire others to take great action.

THE KNOW, GO & SHOW THE WAY LEADER Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

MINDING MY BUSINESS

KNOW, GO & SHOW THE WAY John C. Maxwell said, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” This is the essence of leadership. A leader has vision and can see the way to go. A leader is self-motivated, self-disciplined, passionate, and courageous enough to do the hard work necessary to make their vision a reality. And a leader constantly communicates their vision to others, showing them the way to go. We covered a lot of ground in this book. The 11 characteristics of an effective leader are: • Self-motivation • Confidence • Accountability • Passion

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

• Courage • Integrity • Emotional intelligence • Humility • Vision • Discipline • Communication The good news is that you can grow in all of these areas. You can become an effective leader. The more you focus on growing in these areas, the better you’ll become as a leader and the more people will want to follow you. As more people follow you, you’ll have more opportunities to grow as a leader. It’s a powerful cycle that can cause you to grow leaps and bounds. So, don’t wait any longer. Start leading today. Others are waiting to follow you.

MINDING MY BUSINESS

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

May/June 2020

Why You Should Re-plan Your Goals Every Six Months

Raising the Bar in the Dog Care Industry

Robin Bennett

Abundance Goes Well Beyond Money Greg Schwem

The King of Corporate Comedy

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES ROBIN BENNETT Raising the Bar in the Dog Care Industry

GREG SCHWEM The King of Corporate Comedy

contents

Progress is a nice word. But change is its motivator. And change has its enemies. Robert F. Kennedy

EMPOWER YOURSELF

bundance Goes Well A Beyond Money

An Effective Process to Deal with Extreme Financial Stress

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Why You Should Re-plan Your Goals Every Six Months

LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE

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Raising the Bar in the Dog Care Industry

Robin Bennett

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

obin Bennett was thrilled. Her new business had grown so fast in one year that she could now hire an employee.

Hiring an employee is a pretty standard event for most businesses. But Bennett’s business was different. It was 1995 and Bennett, a seasoned certified dog trainer, had just opened one of the country’s first dog daycares. Unlike overnight boarding which serves dog owners when they go away on vacation, dog daycare is like child daycare, serving people who love their dogs so much they are happy to pay someone to exercise and play with them. Owning a dog daycare means being responsible for a group of unleashed, energetic dogs for long stretches of time. These dogs usually like to run and play, but they don’t necessarily know each other very well or have canine social skills. So, you must watch, understand, and manage their interactions constantly. If you’re running a dog daycare by yourself, as Bennett did for her first year, you’re the only one watching the dogs. That means 10-12 hour days without any breaks. You can’t work on your website or balance the books during the day. You can’t check your email or talk on the phone very easily. You certainly can’t go out to the bank to make a deposit. You can’t even close the door when you go to the bathroom. That’s why Bennett welcomed her first new employee with such a big smile. She introduced the new staffer to her seven canine clients, talked about their personalities, and proudly showed her around the facility. And then Bennett realized that finally, after a year of long grueling days with no breaks and no freedom, she could go out for lunch. Which she did. She took a deep breath as she walked out the door, heading to the sub shop to pick up a sandwich. This was a major milestone, and Bennett was proud.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

But when she returned 20 minutes later, she was horrified with what she saw. Blood was on the floor, on her new employee, and on two of her daycare dogs. It turned out that it looked much worse than it actually was - a small ear puncture, easily healed. But Bennett suddenly understood that she possessed specialized skills, knowledge, and experience that most other people did not have. More important, she saw that there was more to growing her business than just hiring nice people who like dogs. These daunting realizations didn’t slow her down. Working with dogs was all she had ever dreamed of since she was a little girl, and even later when she served as a U.S. Marine Corp Colonel. So, she started looking for information, scouring the dog behavior boards, talking to trainers and pet sitters, and reading whatever she could find about group dog dynamics. But there wasn’t much information available. Dog daycare was virtually unknown in the 1990s, with no industry standards, regulations, or even basic business information available. By the early 2000s, dog daycares had started popping up all over the country. Bennet saw that the models, styles, and competencies of these well-intentioned businesses varied wildly. They did, however, have one thing in common: Nearly all the owners were working very long hours with slim to no profit margins — and no lives. Bennett continued to grow her own business into Virginia’s largest dog training company while helping other dog daycares and networking with other pioneers in the field at dog care and behavior conferences. When she published her book, All About Dog Daycare: A Blueprint For Success, she instantly became a sought-after speaker herself. It was at this time that she met Sue Briggs, another dog daycare owner dealing with the tricky business of dog daycare employee training.

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by showing them how to build a sustainable business with staffs that truly know how to read and manage dogs. They're also working to help set and raise standards in this still virtually unregulated industry. Bennett is still thrilled to be working with dogs and the people who love them. It was a pleasure to catch up with her recently. Monica: How did you become so passionate about dogs? Robin: It's kind of ironic. I didn't grow up with dogs but I have always loved dogs. I was the kid asking my parents for a dog every Christmas, every birthday, and every holiday. But my dad was often overseas with the military, and my mom had four kids. She had her hands full without having a dog. So, I used to dog sit for people. The dogs in the neighborhood would always be at my house. I just loved them. But I didn't own my first dog until I left home. I'm retired from the Marine Corp Reserve. At one point I requested leave to go to dog training school as a hobby. When I came back, I began doing dog training on the side and people started offering to pay me.

It wasn’t long before Bennett and Briggs partnered up to write a new book, Off Leash Dog Play, about group dog behavior and canine body language, complete with tools and techniques dog daycares could easily implement. Then they created a formal staff training program called “Knowing Dogs” whose goal was to make sure daycare dogs were emotionally happy, not only physically exhausted. Today Bennett and Briggs are known as The Dog Gurus, helping pet care professionals launch, grow, and profit

I had never thought about training dogs as a career but it turned into a lucrative one. I stayed in the Reserves but got out of the Marine Corps to start running my own dog training business. That grew into consulting, which I'm doing now. Monica: You pioneered one of the first dog daycare centers a couple of decades ago. Was there a need for dog daycare at the time, or were you guided more by your instinct that it would become something big? Robin: I had heard about daycares but it wasn't nearly as popular as it is now. I'm a certified professional dog trainer, and I had been giving dog training home lessons. After

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES about four years, I was tired of driving to people’s houses all the time and I said, "I want a facility where people can come to me." I leased an office space and opened my training studio, but most of my trainings were on weekends and evenings. I thought, "How can I generate revenue to pay for this facility using time during the day?” That was when I realized I should open a dog daycare even though very few people were doing it. It wasn't a well-known business model. I knew that dogs needed another outlet because so many of my training clients were busy. I thought I knew how to do it, but I had my eyes opened once I started. It's one of those things you learn on the job. When I opened my daycare, I was working by myself and I just offered daycare on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Within a year the daycare was so full I had to open five days a week — and then I had to hire staff to help me. None of that was in my plan. I was not expecting it to grow as big and as quickly as it did. I really just thought it would be a way to generate a little more revenue to cover the rent, so I was surprised when it took off as quickly as it did. A year later I had to move to a larger location. By then I saw the direction that the industry was going. Monica: As you know, many dog daycare-related businesses exist today. How do you continue to be the leader in that space? Robin: When I first started there was no information about dog daycare. Once I opened my own, people started asking

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

me, "How do you do daycare? " The irony was that I didn't have the time to talk to people because I was so busy running my own business. However, I had written down much of what I had done, like certain procedures and lessons learned. I just started giving this document to people for free. Later I started asking for $25 to cover my costs. The funny thing was that I was just trying to get people to stop asking me questions. It turns out that if you write a book, people want to talk to you more, not less. Then people really began coming to me to ask questions. I started getting requests to speak at some of the national conferences. That’s how I became known in the industry — from publishing that book. Then I partnered with Susan Briggs after meeting at conferences. We shared a common passion for keeping dogs safe, both physically and emotionally, in this uncharted industry. We became partners to help our own staff understand how to do things

I have always loved dogs and I honestly think that the better people understand dogs, the better relationships they'll have with them.

Exceptional People Magazineâ&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; May-June 2020

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better and ended up writing another book together. That book ultimately turned into our staff training program for daycare and boarding staff. Now we primarily do consulting and staff training products. We have been instrumental in pushing the industry into safer standards. So far, it's been an unregulated industry with many people doing it in a way that we don't consider safe. We promote the safety standards that we developed and the trade association has adopted, and we try to help others see that there's a right way of doing this. We are also trying to get our members and followers to use an enrichment-based daycare model. We put our hearts and souls into seeing the society and industry trends, and staying ahead of them. Monica: You've become a premier resource for dog daycare owners by helping them get their lives back and showing them how to create sustainable businesses. Does that include helping them to bring structure and balance to their business? Robin: It does. When Susan and I started out we focused primarily on getting them to operate their daycare safely for the dogs. That was our passion initially. But then we started to see that many pet industry business owners loved dogs but really didn't have the business background. Susan and I both became frustrated with a popular myth about this industry: “If I run a pet care resort, I’ll never take a vacation,” or “If I own a pet care resort, I'm not going to get rich.” We were really trying to say, "You should be making money and you should be able to take vacation if you're running your business properly." We can tell these people how they can put systems in place to grow their business. We look at how they price their products and services to make sure that they're making money. Some of these are basic business principles, but a lot of people don't know them; they only opened their businesses because they love dogs. Our focus is really to encompass all of that. We talk about how to operate a safe facility, but then we're also talking about how to operate a profitable business which doesn't burn the owner out.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

Monica: What mindset does a person need to successfully own a dog care facility? Robin: It is truly that love of animals. I think most of the people who get involved have that. They really want to do what is right but there's much more to it. If you’ve had multiple dogs in your life then you obviously know how much love they can give us. People need to realize that there are a lot of things that might never have affected their own pet that might be a problem for animals that come into their care. For example,

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understanding that they might be destructive, or that they'll sometimes try to get out, or they might have separation anxiety and try to jump the fence. It's a huge responsibility to take on multiple dogs from other people who are paying you; making sure that you have a safe enclosure for all those dogs, that you have a safe environment, that you're checking them to make sure they're eating, and making sure they aren't sick. It can be really emotional because you get attached to those animals. The great side is all the pets and pet parents that you meet. But we all know how hard it is to lose an animal. So, the other side is when you've owned a pet care facility for a long time and gotten to know the animals and the families so well. When a dog passes away it's emotionally hard for the staff. Monica: Does a dog daycare owner have to be able to read the dogs to have a better understanding of their personalities? Robin: Yes, absolutely. One of our biggest pet peeves is people who don't understand that. We have a whole training program called "Knowing Dogs" which is all canine body language; it is how dogs talk to us. They are so easy to read if you have an education and understanding about canine body language. You have to know how to keep the dog safe where he's happy and enjoying whatever situation he's in. If you don't know how to do that, you should become educated before you have dogs enter your facility. If you make a mistake the result is usually an injury and that's where we want to avoid making those mistakes. Monica: You’re a one-stop shop where people can get everything they need to start and run that type of business. Robin: Yes. We have staff trainings as well as business consulting programs. We help with finding the location and zoning which is often the hardest part of opening. We have an online consulting program called "Launch Formula"

to help people get their business up and running. We have business consulting programs to help grow businesses which are already open, and we have staff training programs as well. Monica: What are some of the common myths that people believe about this type of business? Robin: The biggest myth is that it's easy and it's quick money. In fact, it’s a lot of work. If you're doing lodging as well as the daycare, it's 24/7. The busiest times for a

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

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lodging facility are usually over the holidays. A lot of people forget about that. Many people don't realize the amount of staff that they will need, especially if they just like working for themselves. You usually get to a point where you have to hire others, so you have to be able to manage and lead people. Many people get into the pet industry because they love the dogs but they don't like people. That backfires eventually because you have to work with people too.

You should be making money and you should be able to take vacation if you're running your business properly.

A lot of people also underestimate how quickly they can open. Getting a facility and going through the zoning approval process in your community can take months, often a year or more. If you're building from the ground up, it can take two or three years. Even if you're leasing a property, getting the proper zoning and occupancy can take a while. Monica: What are some of the benefits of being in this type of business, not just from a financial standpoint but from the satisfaction of knowing that you're taking care of other people's pets? Robin: I always say that the first five years when you're your own boss, you're the worst boss possible. You would never work for somebody as demanding as you are of yourself. So, the first two years can be hard. But eventually, if you grow your business properly, you can get to the point where you have more freedom, flexibility, and a lifestyle that your business is supporting. Another huge benefit is working with the animals. You just fall in love with them. Every day you have 40 to 50 different animals that you can play with and love. You get your favorites.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

If you're offering boarding it might be cats, rabbits, birds, or whatever. I think that's a lot of fun. Every day you see different animals and different environments. You have a lot of variety in what you're doing from day to day and the dogs will just keep you laughing. Monica: What drives you to continue to do what you do day to day? How does your work fulfill you?

Robin: It goes back to my love of dogs. I have always loved dogs and I honestly think that the better people understand dogs, the better relationships they'll have with them. My passion ultimately is that I want the lives of our dogs to be better which in turn enriches our own lives. Every single business owner has hundreds of clients and an ability to impact all of those individuals — all through what they've learned through us. Monica: Would you do anything differently if you had the opportunity? Robin: I probably would have opened with a larger facility. That would have saved me from moving three different times. I also would have had a more formal staff training program as well. When I first started, when I hired my staff, we just trained on the job. It's not the greatest way to train, so I would do staff training differently as well. Monica: Thank you. Would you mind closing the interview with your last words? Robin: For those interested in getting started or already in the daycare industry, this is an industry that can be very profitable, very sustainable, and you can actually have a life as well; they are not mutually exclusive. 

g e r G m e w h c S

The King of

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

magine you’re sitting at a table in a typical comedy club. It’s late in the evening. The comics cavort, the waitresses refill cocktails, and the crowd roars louder. After all, they came here to have fun, to drink, and to laugh. Now imagine you’re seated in a folding chair at a corporate sales conference, squinting in the mid-morning light. Your company logo’d pullover is itchy. As the CEO drones on, your mind wanders to all the other things you’d rather be doing. Scanning the day’s agenda to see who’s up next, you notice: “Greg Schwem. Corporate Comedian.” Huh? Twenty minutes later, everyone’s rolling in the aisles. This guy is funny. Really funny. He’s nailing your company culture. He doesn’t swear. He doesn’t offend. And he’s getting everyone to laugh in a very unfunny setting. Crowned “King of the hill in the world of corporate comedy” by the Chicago Tribune, Greg Schwem started practicing his lines as a high school student. But the teen was just as fascinated by television news as he was by comedy. So, he set his sights on highly selective Northwestern University for his undergrad work. Prestigious journalism degree in hand, Schwem landed a plum job as a reporter at WPTV in West Palm Beach, Florida. But with 1980s media conglomeration came ratings grabs. The Murrow/Cronkite kid couldn’t stomach the news media’s increasing sensationalism. So, he quit and started doing standup full time.

His incisive, business-savvy humor was noticed by major corporations. Suddenly he was being hired to perform at company retreats, parties, and presentations. Having started a family, Schwem liked being able to work days rather than nights — and the pay was better. He became known for doing diligent homework about each company before each engagement. He provided motivation, wellness, and best of all, he was hilarious — and he still is. Technology provides Schwem with a good number of jokes; he’s both fascinated and irritated by it. He even wrote a book entitled Text Me If You’re Breathing about parenting his two daughters during the advent of the smartphone. Actor Ray Romano, of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “Ice Age,” loves the book, saying “Greg’s hilarious take on the frustrations of parenting in this age of technology made me LOL, ROFL and LMAO (my daughter helped me with those).” Schwem’s clients include Microsoft, IBM, McDonald's, Lenovo, United Airlines, and Verizon Wireless. He’s opened for major acts like Jay Leno, Celine Dion, and Keith Urban, and he can also be heard regularly on Sirius/XM Radio's LAUGH USA. Schwem’s first love, journalism, also plays a major role in his creativity. He’s a nationally syndicated columnist for the

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

I enjoy going to work. I have always had a job that I love. Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

his movements around the globe, Schwem reveals his love of humanity, history, and different cultures while getting his audience to chortle, chuckle and flat-out guffaw at the absurdities he finds. Ask Schwem if he considers himself a “disrupter” of the comedy niche and he’ll tell you well, he used to disrupt his 8th grade class, if that counts. He’s being modest, of course. The Onion, the iconic standard-bearer of satire, lauds Schwem for the way he masterfully “Mines comedy gold out of non-sensical corporate speak.”

Chicago Tribune, writing laugh-out-loud missives about everything from overuse of the phrase “thank you” to merch suggestions for the pope. He’s been honored by his peers from the National Society of Newspaper Columnists for outstanding humor writing, found in the Huffington Post, American Way Magazine, and the New York Daily News. His second book, The Road To Success Goes Through the Salad Bar: A Pile of BS From a Corporate Comedian, is an anthology of keen observations about his unique vocation. His TV series, “A Comedian Crashes Your Pad,” hilariously documents his travels and quirky homeshare experiences in side-splitting TV news-like travel segments. Spanning

We chatted with Greg Schwem recently, and frankly we hope we get invited to his next sales meeting. Monica: Can you talk a little bit about what led to you to become a journalist? Greg: I started thinking about that in high school. Things like math and the sciences were losing my interest, but I always liked to write. I was always fascinated with TV news, even very early on, when I was eight or nine. I used to enjoy watching the news, and I always thought it would be cool to be them. Then I realized I liked to write. I loved being in front of a camera and the performance aspect of it. So, I got accepted into Northwestern. But it's weird because the major that I chose was the wrong major, which was Radio Television Film, a major for aspiring filmmakers. I ended up transferring to a journalist program at the Medill School of Journalism. Eventually, I did get a job in television journalism. I had what I thought was my dream job. I think I was 23 at the time, thinking, "Okay, this is for me." But my hobby was always stand-up comedy. I started doing that at 16. While in college, I performed around the college campus and dorms. Then when I moved to Florida, I didn't know anyone, so I started going to clubs to meet people, just to have something to do. Little by little, the comedy boom began to explode in the mid to late-'80s. I took advantage of that and kept doing it for a while, and then it became a paid weekend job. After about a year and a half in TV journalism, I started to get a little disillusioned with the way TV news was going in terms of it being sensationalized. That's not what I wanted to do. My love of TV journalism was starting to dwindle at the same time that my love of comedy was beginning to increase.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

Eventually, around the age of 25, I thought that if I ever wanted to try comedy for a living, now was the time, so I quit and became a full-time comedian. It took my parents a while to come around. Monica: Speaking of sensationalism, what do you think of the way "news" is delivered today? Greg: What I thought was bad about it 30 years ago has just multiplied exponentially. I am very disillusioned with it. There is still a part of me that misses television journalism. I miss that thrill, that adrenalin rush of covering the breaking news story, which I always really enjoyed. The problem today is with the internet. People can pretty much write anything without fact-checking. I also get despondent when I hear journalists being spoken about so negatively.

Monica: You chose to exercise your comedy skills and talent within the corporate world. Why corporate America versus stand-up? Greg: That didn't happen right away. I was a club comedian when I started. I was the guy who thought that's how you did it because that's what I saw everybody else doing. You went from club to club. I thought that's what I was supposed to do, so I did it. I was spending much time on the road driving. I was usually the opener or the middle act on a three-person show. By the way, the first thing I did was move back to my hometown of Chicago because I wanted to be in a big city to practice my craft. I didn't want to go to New York or Los Angeles, because I knew I wasn't ready. I did a little

Monica: You walked away from a very successful career as a journalist to become a full-time comedian. What was your mindset at that time to make that decision? Greg: I was scared to death for sure. But I never wanted to look back and say, "I wish I had tried this." So, I thought, I'll see if I can make a living at it. If it doesn't work out in a year, then I'll reassess. But I was fortunate. The fact that I was a journalist helped me in my comedy career. It helped me cultivate sources and work the phones, go out and get work, and be proactive. Many comedians don’t do that. As a result, they had to leave the business because they didn’t understand how the industry works. They think it's all going to come to them, but if they had just a little bit of drive at business sense, who knows where they could have gone. Monica: Many people would love to take such a bold step that you did to start living what they believe is their true calling. From your perspective, what should a person who is at least contemplating leaving their job or career be considering before making that move? Greg: Well, the first thing you need is a little time. I started thinking about becoming a comedian, probably nine months before I did it. You also need to think with your brain as opposed to your heart. Have a plan for how you’re going to make money. Do you have a backup plan for when money is not coming in right away? You have to pay your bills and survive. You have to make money. How are you going to do that? Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

research, and I found there were many clubs in Chicago but not as much competition, so I didn't have to be on the road all the time. After a year, I started to realize that I could do this for the rest of my life and not get anywhere. While attending a trade show one day, I connected with a company that hired me as a writer and as a performer, and I learned from that. They wanted me to write entertaining presentations. Sometimes it was for a product,

or something high-tech and even a medical show or something related to manufacturing. Then they hired me also to be the spokesperson for a lot of those things. I was learning how to make people laugh about very technical subjects in a short amount of time. People came to me after shows and said, "You just described what's going on in our office. Would you like to do that for our company retreat, our office, our Christmas party?” I started to get hired by companies to do just that. That involved a lot of customized writing. I was good at it, and very few people were doing comedy or humor in the business environment. It came with better hours, better accommodations, better money. Then, before I knew it, I stopped doing clubs, and that was 20-some years ago. Monica: What kind of impact can humor have in the workplace? How can it improve productivity? Greg: I think just being able to laugh improves productivity. My goal is to have people leave the event feeling better than when they walked in. I want them thinking this is a pretty cool place to work because they hired that guy. They hired that guy to make us laugh about what we do. Everybody needs to laugh at some point during the day, even in times when things are not going so well. I just think that if you can leave work after eight hours and go home and somebody asks how your day was, included in that response can be, "Oh, the funniest thing happened at work today," and that's pretty cool. Monica: Many comedians feel they need to use profanity in their routines to come across as being funny, but you've chosen not to do that. Why? Greg: First, I've never had somebody say we can't hire you because you're too clean. The minute you insert profanity into your act, you have just eliminated a segment of places where you can work. Second, I think there's a lot of subject matter available that you can mine without having to resort to swearing. I think a lot of new comedians believe that's the way to get jokes. Some people can't ever get away from that. You start

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

EXTRAORDINARY PROFILES

by working clean, and you just say, "I'm not going to do it," and then you don't have that to fall back on. Monica: Every entrepreneur or business owner should continue to develop their skills to remain relevant within their field. What do you do to stay relevant as a comedian, so you give your best at every corporate event? Greg: I'm always trying to write, and I'm always listening and reading. I've added visual humor into my shows, including funny photos. We've become a very visuallybased audience these days. It's harder for people just to sit and listen now because we need to be stimulated all the time because we're on our phones all the time. Monica: In what ways has being a comedian for corporate America enhanced your life personally? Greg: I enjoy going to work. I have never said, "I don't want to do this," or, "I don't want to be here," and that's very rare. I think most people get up in the morning, and they go to work, not wanting to be there, and they don't love their job. I have always had a job that I love. Monica: How much of comedy would you say is a talent or a gift, and how much is skill?

Greg: I think you have to have some sort of talent to even go on stage the first time. I would say, after that, it becomes a learning process. I would say it's probably 40% talent and 60% learning. Monica: What advice would you give your 15- or 16-yearold self, knowing what you know today about comedy? Greg: I would say, watch as many different types of comedians as you can because you can learn from all of them. There's enough of them out there now where you can do that. Then try to figure out who you are, and figure out your voice. Don't try to imitate somebody else because everybody's different. Everybody has a unique personality. You can learn from everyone, but don't try to mimic what comedians do. Monica: Well, this has certainly been a pleasure. What’s your last word? Greg: To create. Always be creating. I think a word like that just encourages everybody to realize that every day is a new day. Every day you can do something that you didn't do yesterday.  Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

EMPOWER YOURSELF

What is your definition of personal success?

Some may define success as having a lot of money. Others feel successful if they are loved by many. Others define success as being healthy and giving back to the community, while others define success as having plenty of material things. Then again, there are some who define success in simply living and enjoying each day. But how do you define success? Take some time to ponder this question.

Abundance Goes Well

Beyond Money BY DONNA CARLETTA

any people associate financial success with abundance. Having enough money is a significant part of abundance, but there’s much more to it.

Abundance is a mindset and a belief system. It’s a way of viewing the world, the people in it, and yourself. It’s deciding to believe that your needs will be met regardless of what’s happening around you. You can be wealthy but yet be a very lonely person. You can have money and be in poor health. You can be financially successful and be miserable. You can be the wealthiest person in the world and still not experience abundance. Here are some ideas to consider for experiencing abundance in your life:

1. Abundance is an attitude. Money is money, but abundance is a mindset. It’s a decision to believe that you can have whatever you need, in the quantities you need it. It’s the belief that there is always enough.

2. A bundance is having an excess of essential resources. Real abundance isn’t just money. It’s also about having enough of the other necessary resources in your life to sustain you. This can include things like free time, love, 54

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

and happiness. Money is essential, but there’s much more to abundance than money.

3. A bundance is the belief that there is enough for everyone. Those obsessed with wealth are often competitive and believe that there’s only a finite amount of wealth to be divided among everyone.

4. A bundance has a more significant impact on happiness than wealth. Abundance dramatically increases the likelihood of happiness. Great wealth is no more likely to make you happy than a decent middle-class income. There’s research to support this idea. You can’t make yourself happier by accumulating great wealth.

5. Abundance avoids attachment. Abundance lacks attachment. There’s no reason to hold on tightly to what you have if you believe there will always be enough in the future. With an abundance mindset, you feel comfortable allowing everything to flow into and out of your life.

6. Abundance allows you to dream bigger. Abundance allows for your biggest dreams to become a possibility. Money provides opportunities, but only for those

EMPOWER YOURSELF

things, you can afford. Abundance takes the possibilities in your life to another level.

9. Abundance leads to positive expectations.

7. Abundance avoids resentment.

When you believe in abundance, you are positive about the future. You expect good things to happen and to continue happening.

With abundance, there’s no reason to be jealous or resentful of someone else’s success. The success of one person can’t negatively impact the success of someone else.

8. T hose with an abundant mindset are grateful. Gratitude is part of abundance. You can’t experience abundance unless you’re thankful for what you already have. Gratitude creates the possibility of receiving even more in the future. How grateful are you right now?

How much abundance do you have in your life? How would you measure abundance? What does abundance mean to you? You can’t acquire what you don’t identify. Resist the urge to believe that all of your challenges will be solved with money. Once your money issues are addressed, you’ll have a whole new set of problems to deal with, which you couldn’t see before. Abundance can solve far more challenges than money. Seek abundance because it is much more powerful than just a large bank account. 

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

An Effective Process to Deal with Extreme Financial Stress BY JON CRUMP

EMPOWER YOURSELF

here are varying degrees of financial stress. For example, consider the stress levels in these statements:

• “How will we pay for the trip to Hawaii this year?” • “We don’t have enough money to go out to Luigi’s, but we can have Pizza Palace deliver.” • “We can pay the electric bill or the gas bill, but we can’t pay both. Remember that the bank said we’d lose the car if we don’t make a payment by the 10th of the month.”

Some people are fortunate enough to have never been in the latter situation, but many people have. Desperate times are highly stressful times. The good news is that it is possible to get out of a financial crisis! Alleviating such financial pressure requires a cool head and a plan. Here’s a process you can adopt to help reduce your financial stress:

GATHER INFORMATION. Get an accurate picture of your situation. It’s easy to make yourself more upset than necessary. Ensure that you have a factual representation of what’s going on. • How much money are you making? • What are your bills? • How much debt do you have? • What resources are available to you?

FOCUS ON SOLUTIONS. Commit yourself to find answers. Most of us tend to focus on comfort, which is a big mistake. Nothing happens when you make yourself comfortable. You’re just distracted. Spend the vast majority of your time looking for, and working on, solutions.

ELIMINATE ALL UNNECESSARY EXPENSES. Most people have several expenses that provide little to no value. Do you have a gym membership you never use? Magazine subscriptions? An expensive cell phone plan? • Get rid of every expense you don’t genuinely need. Of course, you must pay for your housing, utilities, food, medicine, and insurance. However, everything else is optional.

DETERMINE WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT INFLUENCE. Most of us worry about things we can’t control. There’s very little you can control. You can manage your thoughts, attitude, and actions. Everything else is out of your hands. Focus on what you can influence and avoid worrying about the rest.

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KNOW HOW EVERY PENNY IS BEING SPENT. When you’re under severe financial stress, it’s essential to know where all of your money leaks are occurring. Discover where every cent is going each month. WORK ON A PLAN TO BOOST YOUR INCOME. If you had enough money, your financial stress would evaporate. There’s always a way to make more money if you’re committed to providing more value to the world. • You might want to consider a second job, or it might be time to start an online business or to look for a better-paying job.

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CREATE A BUDGET. Do you have a budget? Most people don’t. Choose where your money is going before you spend it. Make a spending plan and stick to it.

FIND WAYS TO RELAX. The solution to stress is to either remove the source of the stressor or to relax. Include relaxation time in your schedule each day. If you’re stressed for too long, it could add additional stressors such as illness. Too much stress reduces your ability to function optimally. • Experiment with various relaxation methods to find out what works best for you. Some healthy options include meditating, taking a warm bath, engaging in a hobby, playing with your kids or pets, or going for a walk.

SEEK ADVICE. It might be time to ask for help. Friends, family, your employer, your banker, or even your creditors can all be of assistance during financial challenges. Take time to figure out how each of them can effectively help you. Financial stress is a leading cause of divorce, suicide, and many health issues. It can be overwhelming for you and those around you. Scale back on your spending, find ways to boost your income, and, most of all, make a plan. Ask for help if you need it. There is a way out, although it might be challenging. You can do it!  Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

Be Your Own Success Coach and Skyrocket Your Results BY MARLA GEM

MINDING MY BUSINESS

personal trainer is not required for you to get in shape. You also don’t need a life coach to elevate your life to a new level. A lack of funds doesn’t have to stop you from being a coach. Many people use experts and coaches to help them improve, but you can become an expert in helping yourself. Just putting your attention on making positive changes in your life can make a big difference in the results you experience. If you want to take control and coach yourself to success, consider these practices. 1. Eliminate all the little things in your life that frustrate or annoy you. Get the rattle on your car fixed. Make that phone call you’ve been avoiding. All of these little annoyances take up valuable space in your mind. They’re distracting and drain your energy. • If you’re not sure where to start, this is a great place. Everyone can benefit from this critical step. Ask yourself what you’ve been tolerating in your life and get busy addressing and correcting those things. 2. Take care of yourself. You can’t be very successful if you don’t eat well, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Engage in activities that you enjoy. Use healthy methods of dealing with stress. Treat yourself the way you would treat someone you love. 3. Identify and rectify your mistakes. It doesn’t make sense to keep filling a bucket of water that has a big hole in it. You can set big goals and take bold action, but if you’re making many mistakes, you’re not going to succeed. • Take an objective and honest look at your life. How did you end up in your current situation? What are the biggest mistakes you’ve made? What are the mistakes you make over and over again that are impeding your success and progress? 4. Simplify. A complicated life is much harder to change. There’s too much going on, and a complicated life takes

up a lot of your time and energy. A simple life is more satisfying and easier to improve. • Eliminate personal items you don’t need. • Pay off unnecessary bills. • Minimize your social obligations. • Let go of friends who insist on being negative and add no value to your life. • Simplify every part of your life. 5. Pay off your debt. No one likes debt, but too often, people spend without considering the impact later on. Debt is expensive and can be a significant strain on your finances for years. Create a plan for dealing with your financial debt and take action on it. 6. Develop an optimistic outlook daily. Give yourself a bright spot to look forward to each day. It could be a coffee after work, a walk in the park, or possibly learning something new. Be grateful for each day. 7. Be clear on what you wish to accomplish. What changes do you want to make in your life? It’s one thing to know that you’re unhappy with your life. It’s another to have a clear picture of how you want to live your life. 8. Take action daily. Having a plan to improve your life is great, but a plan without action is useless. Take action toward creating the changes you desire. At the end of each day, you should be satisfied that you did something to make your life better. • You cannot fix everything a day. To improve upon anything in your life, you need to have patience and perseverance. One step at a time will lead you to miles of success. Have a plan and execute it as well as you can. You have the power to coach yourself to success. It takes faith, persistence and consistency. Start where you are, and determine the life you want to live. Address all the things that are not helpful or productive in your life and simplify as much as possible. Create a clear image of the life you want to live and take daily action toward making it a reality. 

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

Why You Should Re-plan Your Goals Every Six Months BY PAT MARKEL

t one time, five-year career plans were all the rage. They weren’t merely popular… they were expected.

But that was back when employees typically signed up for jobs for life. However, in the contemporary warp-speed world of technology, five years represents an eternity. So how is it possible to map out a five-year career plan when the business landscape is evolving at such a rapid rate? First, let’s get one thing straight: A plan is useless, but planning is essential. Instead of a five-year plan, try formulating a five-year vision. This provides you with a chance to chart the overall course you would like your career to follow. For example, let’s say you are currently a member of the team. Perhaps you could set yourself of transitioning to a team management role within the next two years. In three years, 60

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

you may wish to be given the responsibility to establish a new team in a new overseas market; and in five years, you could aim to be coordinating a group of international teams. This represents your holistic vision for where you want to go and how you will get there. However, remain mindful of the fact that the course will almost certainly change. Second, don’t confine your career projections to the framework of your current company. Jobs for life are a thing of the past. As such, you need to recognize that, while it is useful to set yourself the goal of becoming a supervisor in five years, it may be necessary to move to another company in another country to achieve that objective. When putting together your five-year vision, you should construct a portfolio of your accomplishments and market yourself by including your personal and professional career goals. It is important to include financial planning because you cannot rely on your employers’ plans to manage your money.

EMPOWER YOURSELF

Third, you should identify employment-related characteristics in isolation of other factors. The key to effective planning is to ensure you upgrade your skills to stay relevant and marketable in the job market. This is particularly important in the engineering profession.

Fourth, you should ensure that your plans are incremental and somewhat aggressive. This is very much the case in creative fields such as design and architecture. Creative people are expected to be proactive as opposed to waiting to be instructed what to do.

For the first four to five years, an engineer’s plan should be separated into two significant periods. The first two years will involve engaging in critical technical and skills training. After that, the next five years should be focused on gaining practical experience in the field.

But even the most innovative businesses remain businesses at heart. As such, a career plan for a designer or decorator should include delving into the business side of projects.

Engineers should take advantage of the opportunities that are available to try out different aspects of engineering during those five years. After this incubation period, engineers need to be flexible and able to chart their own course, even if this means venturing into overseas countries that offer the solid career growth opportunities that are not available in your home market.

You should start by deciding what specific path you wish to pursue, and then proceed down that road ambitiously, embracing opportunities when they appear. Long-term plans can be used as guides, but they become folly if they are followed rigidly and without reflection. Set your goals. Map out a plan. Create a vision. Then, six months later, be ready to rethink your goals and repeat the exercise.  Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

Lighter Side of

Life

Rules for Working from Home (and Maybe Anywhere) BY DOROTHY ROSBY

LIGHTER SIDE OF LIFE

hen I sat down at my desk this morning, I noticed a pencil needed sharpening. I don’t actually use pencils to write; I use a computer. Nevertheless it did need sharpening, and I’ve never been one to avoid doing a task that didn’t need doing if it meant I could put off doing one that did. Since I’d be using the sharpener anyway, I decided it would be efficient to sharpen all our pencils at once. So I made the rounds searching for pencils in every drawer, cupboard and pen holder in the house, hauled them downstairs to the sharpener and spent the better part of the morning sharpening pencils, which I never actually use. And there you have it; one of the dangers of working from a home office—dangerously sharp pencils. I don’t recall if there was a pencil sharpener in my previous place of employment, but I’m pretty sure someone would have noticed if I’d spent an entire morning using it. Without the structure of a workplace, I have to follow some rules to ensure that I’m not spending all my time sharpening pencils, playing solitaire and teaching the cat to fetch. Workplace computers aren’t normally loaded with solitaire, mainly because of what it would do to the gross domestic product. Still I think some of these may apply to those who work outside of home offices too.

1) Work when you’re awake. In other words, we’re more productive when we work with our biological clock. Some people are morning people, some people are night people, and some people are only people for a short time around suppertime. I happen to be a morning person, though I do cheer up considerably at the thought of supper. For me, mornings are best used for anything that requires brains. Evenings are for more mundane tasks, and I have no idea what afternoons are for, unless it’s napping.

May-June 2020 | Exceptional People Magazine

2) Plan. For me, planning is a fancy variation on the old-fashioned to-do list which I’ve always been particularly good at. My to-do lists are so effective I’m often able to use the same one three days in a row. Yes, there is one thing more important than planning, and that’s following through on the plan. If I don’t do both, my husband may ask what I’ve accomplished one day, and all I’ll have to point to is a cup of very sharp pencils.

3) Follow a routine. I’ve heard of people who crawl out of bed and dress up for a day at the office even though they work from home. That’s their routine and it helps them get in the groove for work. If your job takes you away from home, I definitely think you should get dressed before you go to work. But if I headed to my closet instead of my computer first thing, I may get distracted and start doing laundry. My routine is to wake up, get myself some caffeine, sit down at my computer and work until I get hungry, which is normally about ten minutes later. I don’t get dressed until after breakfast and I wouldn’t even do it then were it not for an occasional visit from the UPS man.

4) Be on guard against time leakage. Theoretically, we all have the same 168 hours in our weeks, but I consistently come up short by around 20 hours. There’s clearly some leakage somewhere. There are the usual suspects: email, junk mail and social media. But I also find a fair amount of time is taken up by well-meaning people who think I should socialize and volunteer more than I do. It’s as if they think that since I work at home, I don’t work at all. I can’t imagine why they think that, except that maybe they stopped by sometime when I was sharpening pencils. 

RECIPES

LEMON-GARLIC

Jumbo Shrimp This versatile main course goes from refrigerator to dinner table in less than 15 minutes. The classic flavors of this dish go with just about any side dish you choose. In addition to the serving suggestions noted here, it also makes a delicious low carb entrée when paired with steamed vegetables or a green side salad.

INGREDIENTS:

DIRECTIONS:

3 tbsp. unsalted butter 1 tbsp. garlic, finely minced 1 lb. Jumbo shrimp (10/15 ct.), peeled, deveined, and tail removed 1 large organic lemon, zest and juice 1 tbsp. ground cumin Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley leaves, chopped

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add shrimp to skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until shrimp starts to turn pink. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and ground cumin to the skillet and stir to combine thoroughly. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and remove from heat. Spoon shrimp mixture over a bed of cooked quinoa, brown rice, or your favorite gluten-free pasta. Drizzle pan juices over each serving and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Exceptional People Magazine | May-June 2020

RECIPES

Triple Play Fresh d la a S n e d r a G n a li Ita INGREDIENTS: 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp chopped fresh oregano 3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup chopped radicchio 1 cup chopped endive 2 cups chopped arugula 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts 66

May-June 2020â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; Exceptional People Magazine

DIRECTIONS: Start with the vinaigrette by whisking together in a small bowl the mustard, red wine vinegar, and chopped oregano. Keep whisking and drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is light and creamy; add salt and pepper, taste and adjust flavor; set aside. In a large salad bowl, toss together the radicchio, endive, and arugula, with the cheese and toasted pine nuts. Pour the vinaigrette over and toss to coat. Serve on chilled plates with a little more cheese for topping.

Profile Resources Profile Resources

DR. MARCELINE CATLETT http://www.cityschools.com/

ROBIN BENNETT www.TheDogGurus.com https://www.facebook.com/TheDogGurus/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinkbennett/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-briggs-a18b408/ https://www.instagram.com/thedoggurus/

GREG SCHWEM https://twitter.com/gregschwem https://www.instagram.com/gregschwem/ https://www.facebook.com/FansOfGregSchwem/ https://www.facebook.com/acomediancrashesyourpad https://www.youtube.com/acomediancrashesyourpad

Design and Graphics

Magazine Design and Graphics, and Cover Design by Jenette Antonio Sityar

Sometimes the best way to unwind is to enjoy the scenery that nature has to offer us.