SPOTLIGHT MAGAZINE JANUARY 2022 ISSUE 8 VOL 1

Welcome Welcome To To 2022 2022

REGULARS + FEATURES

EXPLORE 1-11

Explore our research based insights on what's happening at Ark & Brook, from worklife balance productivity hacks to PR and other thought leadership tips and doodle hacks for small business owners

DISCOVER 12-28

Our Discover section is a movement to take our readers to experts in relatively distant geographical locations that they wouldn't normally dream of. We find local Thought Leaders in spaces and places that help businesses to survive.

THRIVE 31-35

Our Thrive Section is where you'll find your takeaway self-care to live a healthy and sane life, from our Travel, entertainment recommendations to the Ignite events, jobs , Adventures and much more.

A NoteFromJen

Editor-In-Chief Jennifer Nash introduces the content in this Spotlight issue. Starting with acknowledgements of our fabulous team to whet your appetite. Using a drop of ink to make a million think, has been Jen's motto since she learned how to write professionally, together we can amplify our voices

Page 18

Page 37

35

UNVEILING THE MYSTERY WOMAN BEHIND HUBBLEIQ

SOUL CENTRED CEO

CURATED CHAOS & THE BOLD TYPE!

RETAIL THERAPY TOP PICKS FROM 2021

DISCOVER

THOUGHT LEADERSHIP 101: KEY NOTE SPEAKING

FIX MY PR! 4 TRAITS FOR CEO'S TO ADOPT IN 2022

CONTENT MARKETING

PAY EQUITY: GET THE RIGHT BUCK FOR YOU!

LUSH NEW NEW YEAR & YOU

WithBelindaBatdorf

WHAT MAKES HIGH QUALITY PROTEIN?

THE PROTÉGÉ EXPLAINED

THRIVE SPOTTED

'CLEVER GIRL FINANCE' VOTED TOP NOTCH

MAKE YOUR MOVE BY KATE NASH

42 THE UNSUNG HERO & CHANGEMAKER

Welcome to your first Spotlight Magazine edition of 2022! I’m super excited to usher in the new year on a high with the announcement that we’re now a monthly publication! This issue is jam packed with tips to stretch your buck from 3 financial advisers. Starting with investment resources, making your mark to avoiding the £1 m question - a reveal of the affective labour trap you've been exchanging your expertise in.

Our aim is to continue spotlighting every day heroes in our society doing social good and making an impact with newsworthy and human interest stories!

Also stoked to announce a new addition to the magazine will be 'The Snip & Clip' creative collective of research gathered from thought leaders globally who are sharing their insights and value on all things leadership, entrepreneurship and mostly importantly PR and thought leadership.

Editor'sNote TheSpotlight

I’m sure you will enjoy this edition with our traditional sections under Explore among others, the cover story featuring Belinda Batdorf the mystery woman behind HubbleIQ who scooped the GIVA2021 Most Innovative Digital Award! Also featured is the Pay Equity piece by Jill Kane and much more!

Under the Discover, we have the exclusive Spotted Section - this is where we go out into the global community to spot businesses that have not made the headlines in the news yetbut we think they are doing amazing work! In this issue we feature Clever Girl Finance, Kate Nash with Make Your Mark, and we caught up with Allen Kisira GIVA2021 Change maker award winner to see where she’s at as we hit the end of the first quarter since!

Finally, now that you’re inspired to hit the new year's ground running with some business insights and tips; we have the Thrive section to help you give and receive love and breath as you get to the end of your business first To-DoList! It’s only fair that you exhale and take some me-time with our self-care tips like packing up some protein nutrients!

I’m sure you will find this issue full of insightful tips from our research to keep you going in the first month of 2022!

As always, Together We Raise The Bar with excellence in thought leadership and expertise!

EXPLORE. DISCOVER. THRIVE!

Together we illuminate a spotlight on what matters to us and thrive

Acknowledgements

ForWelcome to our first 2022 edition of Spotlight magazine ( issue 8 Volume 1) At Spotlight, we don’t follow trends, We create them!

We're glad your're back in the Spotlight. Our gratitude as always goes out to you our clients, subscribers and small but mighty army of expert contributors Belinda Batdorf, Ceri-Jane Hackling, Kate Nash, Jill Kane and Michelle Markey for your support of supplying us with valuable content. A special and BIG thank you and welcome to our additional Spotlight team who have joined us in the last few months

Together we are happy to be navigating these uncharted waters, re-imagining and challenging the PR industry status quo. We do this with a Thought Leadership magazine founded and owned by a woman with female thought leaders writing for female entrepreneurs -this includes but is not limited to SMEs, Artisans, Freelancers and every type of small business that perhaps doesn't fit into the categories we have named above. [See list on left if you fit the bill - Click here to get featured as an expert contributor

It is with great pride and joy that we bring you this global phenomenon with exclusive content for you to Explore what it means to be a Thought Leader in this complex and cluttered digital space where everyone is a prosumer

We're confident you will Discover tools and insights that will help you to sustain and scale up your business, but much more so, amplify your voice as an expert in your industry.

More than anything else, we want to grow with you our readers, as we share and investigate what it means to be a Thought Leader. Our expert articles and advice will do just that. So take the front row seat enjoy the view as you Thrive.

THE COVERSTORY

Belinda Malwa Batdorf Featuring

HubbleIQreveals thedigital experienceofyour everywhere workforceand digitallearners, helpingyouidentify andresolve network,device,and application performanceissues fast,keepingyour organization productiveand happy.

ABOUTTHEMYSTERYWOMANBEHINDTHEMOST INNOVATIVEDIGITALENTERPRISE-

Belinda’s entrepreneurial journey began at the age of 20 in Lusaka, Zambia, Southern Africa, when she realized there was an opportunity to capitalize on imports due to a lack of industrialization She briefly worked in television and print advertising after moving to the United States before finding her niche in technology, specifically telecommunications, cloud computing, data center management, business, and SaaS application When she walked into a data center for the first time,

Belinda says “I knew I was home!” As much as she enjoyed her job, Belinda’s heart drew her back to entrepreneurship. She wanted to build a platform that not only helps businesses but everyone.

When Covid 19 hit Belinda and her business partner Keyvan Berenjian were working on an internet connectivity application helping people navigate internet issues It was about empowering people to solve their internet and wifi issues.

To achieve this, they knew they needed to simplify and consumerize technical instructions so a 6th grader or even grandma could understand them Belinda’s African background gave her a first-hand understanding of the impact of tech illiteracy. They knew that simplification would make solving technical problems less intimidating Belinda & Keyvan built a chrome extension and put it in the chrome store for anyone to download for free in early 2020

Three months later, the extension was downloaded over 10,000 times by people experiencing connectivity issues Entire schools were downloading it to help students and families struggling with internet issues after going remote Covid was showing the impact of the digital divide. Around the same time, a news article went viral It was of 2 young students sitting in the parking lot of a Taco Bell doing homework “It was heartbreaking!”. Schools couldn’t identify which students were having internet problems to help them, but Belinda and Keyvan knew they could. They decided to pivot into this issue, so they built a dashboard that provides visibility to remote internet issues Pretty soon schools started requesting help They’re most proud to serve Achievement First, one of the largest charter schools in the USA with 15,000 students and 2000 staff.

chievement First students are mostly black and brown and the first to graduate high school Their Director Marques Stewart wanted his students to focus on education, not technology issues He decided to add HubbleIQ to their IT tool kit to help identify and solve internet issues quickly.

Technical issues faced by remote students and workers go beyond the internet, so they added device and application monitoring to their capabilities, giving organizations the ability to manage the digital experience of remote endusers.

HubbleIQ’smissionistoenableeveryonetoaccesstheir digitalopportunitieswithautomated,intelligent,andeasyto-understandtechnicalsupport.Thisiswhypartoftheir solutionprovideson-demandself-servicetechsupport.

HubbleIQ’s mission is to enable everyone to access their digital opportunities with automated, intelligent, and easy-to-understand technical support. This is why part of their solution provides on-demand selfservice tech support

Besides achieving all of this, Belinda says it’s not easy to be a black woman immigrant founder in technology, but it’s also not an excuse. She hopes other young ladies can follow their dreams despite any challenges they face. She attributes her success to her husband and her village of supporters. Belinda is defined not only

by her work but also by her role as a mother of two daughters. When she is not working, she spends time in California with her family and friends, taking in new experiences, traveling, listening to music, and running

Digital Experience Management, the HubbleIQ way

HayleyHunterHines,CEOofSoulSparkleLivingandtheCreatoroftheSoulCenteredCEOCollective.

soulsparkleliving.com

BAKED BAKED FRESH FRESH FOR FOR 2022 2022

E X P L O R E

When I think about the things I want the most in my life, the first thing I think of are deeply connected, loving, supportive relationships. With everything we've been through this past year, I think we need to feel connected more than ever. So much has changed about how we do life, and I believe there's a new paradigm of how we can do business as well.

It begins with beautiful connections and deep relationships that create an amazing community of love, support, and collaboration. This is what we're creating in the Soul Centered CEO Collective, a community of soul-led and successful leaders who want to make an impact and leave a legacy.

Are you a heart-led CEO that desires to create a ripple effect of change in the world by giving back? Are you a six-figure earner ready to scale to seven figures and beyond? This is a carefully curated collective of bright minds with big visions and a heart for service. Our vision is to serve more so we can make more and together we can give more.

I'd like to invite you to join us in the Soul Centered CEO Collective, imagine having a mastermind experience based in real connection, community and contribution where you feel seen, known, connected and supported. Where, together, we can support organizations that are in alignment with our values and our vision.

If you've been dreaming of a community of like-minded and big hearted visionary leaders, this may be the perfect fit for you. We would love for you to join us on this journey of expansion and impact. If you are ready to amplify your revenue, amplify your visibility and amplify your impact, join us. This collective is for thought leaders and visionary business owners, ready to leave a legacy and live a life of service and impact.

THE BOLD TYPE SPOTLIGHT

BY JENNIFER NASH

CURATED CHAOS

JENNIFER NASH

I'd hazard a guess that this is true for the rest of the world not just Americans! Case-in-point; I have personally witnessed a seismic shift in people very close to me who not in a hundred years would have ever dreamed to be an entrepreneur and now - since the pandemic, they too are bravely warming up to the idea! Go figure!

There is no more appropriate time to introduce my newsletter aptly named the The Bold Type Spotlight! Full disclosure - the title was inspired by the 2017 Comedy-drama series and it absolutely made sense for me to add the Spotlight at the end as by extension, the newsletter is named after Spotlight Magazine. So here is to putting the Bold Type in The Spotlight. Voila!

Although my original intention was to launch this in the new year, I figured there is no better time than the present, right? Well, this eye candy curated content has always been my passion to illuminate a spotlight on people who are challenging the societal norms to do what is often referred to as 'the unthinkable.'

THOUGHT LEADERS WHO ARE RE-IMAGINING THE STATUS QUO & DISRUPTING THEIR INDUSTRIES

To kick this newsletter off - I started the first edition with my WHY! Which is plain and simple... I love reading and I love writing; most of all I love to share what I read through the written word! You guessed it...

Yes, this newsletter will be a combination of bothmy points-of-view and some Clip, Snip and Sneak Peek at thought leaders who are not making the headlines and yet they're disrupting their industries while re-imagining the status quo.

My passion as you already know - is to use a drop of ink to make a million think by spotlighting those people in our society who are marginalised and are often underrepresented in the mainstream media. The newsletter will go beyond amplifying women's voices; as it will touch on general societal issues, social justice with the view to amplifying voices of ALL people regardless of gender, ethnicity and background.

If you are interested in being featured or know someone else who is The Bold Type and you think they would be a great fit to be featured in this newsletter do please share this post or let me know [even if you're unsure] just send your inquiries anyway tlcsupport@arkandbrook.com.

Speaking of being the Bold Type and owning your truth, on the next page I have an exposé sharing 'The 1 Million Pounds Social Question Must-Have Knowledge any thought leader should have before sharing their expertise is my bid to curb the Affective Labour digital pandemic enslaving entrepreneurs globally. Continued on next page

The Must-Have Knowledge that any The Must-Have Knowledge that any thought leader should have before thought leader should have before sharing their expertise is my bid to curb sharing their expertise is my bid to curb the Affective Labour digital pandemic the Affective Labour digital pandemic

The 1 Million Pounds The 1 Million Pounds

Social Question! Social Question!

Are You Getting Paid As A Thought Leader?

This Must-Have Knowledge any thought leader should have before sharing their expertise has been kept under wraps for far too long. It all started with the revelation of the Cambridge Analytica exposé about how Facebook was collecting information from its users to manipulate and sell to the highest advertising bidders. While the jury is still out on what FB does with our data, the curated chaos problem you should know about now is a rise in affective labour! W H A T?

The Rise Of The TLC Movement

The Cambridge Analytica saga gave rise to my TLC movement; when in 2021 I got fed up of attending workshops, live launches and VIP events in search of the silver bullet! As a social justice activist with PR and Advertising expertise, I'm privy to using the Semiotics framework to elicit meaning from information, marketing copy and visual or audio texts, verbal and non-verbal behaviours using the neuroscientific reasoning

In short - I extensively used observational research - a qualitative research method where the target respondent/subject is observed and analysed in their natural/real-world setting. Therefore, I was quickly able to discern and pick apart the secret 'sauce' to this empire building strategy. For myself personally; more than anyone else - because I felt strongly that community should always be first over competition!.

After joining several communities over the last 24 months I began to see an emerging pattern of this strange strategy being replicated in most of these communities. I even had the privilege of hearing first-hand from those community managers that tried these methods and succeeded and those that tried and did not succeed. Eventually my critical thinking and analytical skills paid off! I had a rude awakening and was able to decipher what was going on...it's the Affective Labour Strategy [A.L.S.]! Yes!! People were being traded as the expertise commodity!

That's when I realised that a lot of unsuspecting coaches and entrepreneurs were being taken for a big ride with a cookie cutter strategy that was being sold for insane amounts of dollars - leading to a new breed of digital millionaires! BUSTED!

The Rude Awakening! The Rude Awakening!

Let's Raise The Bar Together

We can't beat the rigged system, right? And joining them is too shady! To this end, I have since spent the last 10 months investigating and observing the patterns that were being applied. Soon I discovered how the entire system was rigged to make people believe that there was nothing they could do in their power to get to the 6-7 digit income [that their own role models were making] except through practicing the rinse and repeat methods. That was my WHAT-IF-MOMENT! And so I have spent the rest of 2021 working on putting a counter strategy to A L S or at least I'll help you to do it on your own! Unless you know what they're REALLY doing, you cannot replicate it right? RIGHT!

I can of course give you a hand to navigate those steps...when you join my TLC [Free Forever] - I'll even PAY you £7-£10k per month to do just that! HUH?

Stuck between a rock and a hard place?

Are you stuck between a rock and a hard place? I've been there - done that and I came out the other side! So I do know first hand how it feels to be used or duped! That is why - YOU WILL NOT pay a cent to TLC. Ever heard of the saying - its better to own 10% of a £1,000,000 empire than to own 100% of a £1,000 value business? YUP! That's it.

That is why - YOU WILL NOT pay a cent to TLC Ever heard of the saying - its better to own 10% of a £1,000,000 empire than to own 100% of £1,000 business? YUP! That's it So relax - you won't lose any more bucks and time doing another VIP Event, a live launch, workshop. webinar or any of that for FREE, ever!

Are you tired of circling around like a plane that never lands? highly recommend you join the Thought Leadership Collective If You 're Ready To Dare-To-Be Unforgettable! It's The Only Place Where Experts Will Get Paid £1 million collectively to be Social!

Retail Therapy

TOP PICKS!

Women At Work

Customer experience is a form of communication It means how you engage with your customers or stakeholders from the moment they interact with your brand is going to be how you will be remembered whether selling a product or a service That is why we believe these female led brands with high customer reviews deserve to be the TOP RETAIL PICKS to help them close off 2021 and ring in the New Year with some Ka-ching Ka-ching!

Meet the Bossladiesbehindthe RetailBrandsofourTopPicksfrom2021

H E R E I S T H E S C O O P

Thought Leadership Quote!

The worst thing we can do as women is not stand up for each other

– Amal Clooney

Amandine Amp, Founder and owner Bloem & Moi creates custom, hemp-based tea blends for womxn entrepreneurs to help them prioritise their self-care, so they can achieve their deeper individual mission and be more aligned, effective leaders in their businesses Learn More

Rose Yombo Djema Founder & Director of Neema Foods

I have lived in London for almost 20 years now and noticed the lack of representation of African food in retail outlets. I sought to change this by introducing you to our family range of chilli sauces through our premium brand Neema Learn More

Crystal Whitmarsh Co-Founder of Trail Creek Coffee

Roaster, Micro batch, craft roasted specialty coffee delivered fresh to your door. We carefully source our coffee and roast it fresh daily Learn More

Anastasia Duggan, an accomplished interior designer has gravitated towards all things beautiful since she was a child. Anastasia has a never-ending curiosity and an exuberant spirit, all of which infuse her design approach and style Lean More

D I S C E R

content & useful tips shared by our awesome team of contributing editors

Jennifer Nash

Ceri-Jane Hackling

Muskan Samaria

Belinda Batdorf

Michelle Markey

Kate Nash

Allen Kisira

Jill Kane

Managing Director of award-winning PR agency, Cerub PR. Ceri-Jane has worked in PR for over 20 years working with global brands and started Cerub PR in 2003.

Ceri-Jane Hackling

OurMostPopularExclusiveFeature from2021

WRITTEN BY CERI-JANE HACKLING

There are a variety of ways to enhance your reputation as a Thought Leader. As we’ve already discussed, editorial coverage in the media to target your key audience is a great way to demonstrate your experience and expertise, however another effective way to reach your audience is by embarking on public speaking engagements.

Public speaking also allows you to engage with your audience in a way that you can’t necessarily through other mediums. For example, when your audience sees you speaking at an event, they start to feel like they know you which engenders trust. Your body language also helps to engage with them... Contd on page 25

Takingadvantageofpublicspeakingopportunitiesisavery effectivewaytoraiseyourprofileandtopositionyourselfan expertinyourfield.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

An audience can tell when a speaker is passionate about their subject and the body language you use communicates this Without even realising it, when you care about your topic and are keen to help your audience to understand it, it comes across in the way in which you communicate How you use your hands, your intonation, your manner and your enthusiasm tells your audience that you know and care about your subject and that they’re in safe hands.

Speaking live also allows interaction between you and your audience which you can’t get through other mediums. During lock-down I’ve done various presentations and webinars on Zoom which has been a solution to the immediate problem, but there’s nothing like standing in front of a group of people and getting that instant feedback

When you’re speaking directly to an audience, you know if they’re finding you interesting or entertaining and you can feed off their reactions to alter your approach. For example, if they’re a serious audience, it’s worth toning things down a bit but if they’re interacting with you, you can afford to ad lib a little more

As I explained in last issue's column, many people avoid undertaking PR because they don’t recognise themselves as an expert and are nervous about putting themselves front and centre but keep in mind that if people have turned up to see you speak, it’s because they don’t understand the topic or need to know more.

One thing that I find helpful both as a speaker and an audience member, is a Q&A session at the end of a presentation. This is valuable for a number of reasons. Firstly, from a research perspective, it helps you to identify the questions people still have so you can include them in your next presentation if you feel they’re relevant.

It can also lead to discussions that you wouldn’t have had otherwise When someone asks a question, it can often lead you to use examples which people can relate to and see how an approach can work in real life. Seeing you explain how a specific approach has worked for you, or how you dealt with a certain situation can really resonate with an audience.

Keynote speaking also offers other opportunities for PR exposure

Use your social media channels to tell your audience where you’ll be speaking next, ask them to submit questions that they’d like answered, even if they won’t be there. If possible, get someone to film the presentation so that you can use clips and images on social media which will demonstrate to people that you are an experienced public speaker and are available for other speaking opportunities The more you publicise them, the more opportunities you have to reach your target audience and potentially, encourage them to attend your events.

HEREARETHEMAINTAKEAWAYS FROMTLC101: KEYNOTESPEAKING

1

It can be daunting to speak in front of an audience so if you’re nervous about it, start small. There are plenty of networking groups which are looking for speakers to educate members about specific topics so contact them and find out whether they might be interested in hosting you.

7 7

There are hundreds of opportunities with conferences and exhibitions which are looking for people with expertise in certain areas so look at your target audience and see where you might find them and approach the events which might be interested in hosting you for workshops or speaking engagements.

THOUGHT THOUGHT LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP TIPS FOR 2022 TIPS FOR 2022

Cerub PR is a boutique agency which works across a variety of sectors including health, lifestyle, education and business. The company also works with entrepreneurs and authors to help them raise their profile nationally both through PR and social media support. Cerub PR’s clients regularly appear on national television and radio as well as in national newspapers and magazines.

2 3 SPOTLIGHT | ISSUE 7 VOL 1|

To Master The Art Of Crisis Comms Fix My PR ! Crisis Preparedness...

Traits That CEOs Would Be Wise to Adopt in 2022 Before Their Companies’Next Crisis

When It Comes to Managing a Crisis, Senior Leaders Need These 4 Traits...

Let’s face it, executives — even at a perfect organization, crises are unavoidable. From new COVID variants affecting reopening to supply chain issues to staff reductions, senior leaders must be able to tackle challenges head-on. Here are the four traits CEOs need to navigate a crisis.

1

They seek counsel and facts. When the stakes are high, going with your gut may not lead to the best results. Leaders should recognize the limits of their knowledge and turn to experts when developing a crisis management plan. That includes teammates in the organization and external consultants.

They take the heat. A company’s CEO — not its communications pros — should be the one to deliver critical information to staff, the media and the public. “Too many CEOs try to leave hard and dirty parts to subordinates. It never works,” says Rodney Ferguson, who spent 20 years as a communications consultant. “There really needs to be just one voice for the organization, and it has to be the CEO.”

3 4

They plan for the expected — and the unexpected. Scenario planning for a crisis involves more than discussing what could go wrong and how to react. Create a crisis plan that delineates responsibility, identifies spokespeople, lists the rules of engagement and establishes a chain of command. Creating a communication tree, complete with phone numbers, can help you move quickly once a crisis arises. management traits in action.

4 These 4 tips form the other part of the

They lead with empathy. Ferguson emphasizes the importance of prioritizing employee and customer wellness during moments of crisis. That can involve mental health counseling, time off or financial support. For example, when Upside Business Travel announced its closure, CEO Scott Case prioritized generous severance packages so employees had time to job hunt. Finding ways to lead with empathy can prevent you from making a bad situation worse.

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TOP TOP TOP

al Roster of the most disruptive, riven and innovative virtual mark

Content marketing is a strategic way to use your story or narrative to build a connection with your audience. It is engaging content that resonates with your audience and makes you memorable in an otherwise crowded space.

When done well, content marketing encourages audiences to share, and the ripple effect is audience growth and awareness. Content marketing includes infographics, podcasts, videos, articles, and webinars.

T E N T M A R K E T I N G

MICHELLE MARKEY

The most remarkable story you - or your brand- have to tell is uniquely your own.

I believe that the most remarkable story you - or your brand- have to tell is uniquely your own. When you show up authentically online and share your story in a thoughtful way, then you create points of connection. You never know who your story will resonate with, and that resonance makes you stand out. Intertwining your unique story into your brand and social media is the best way to elevate your message and be noticed. You can be memorable just by being you!

The content you share as part of your brand’s story needs to be relevant, engaging, and provide value. What unique parts of your story are worth sharing? Generally, most brands stick to three parts of the storyline and package them for strategic audience consumption When deciding what to share in your content, think about the pillars of your story and what aspects are most essential and provide interest.

The digital world is far past the days where sharing photos of your lunch is interesting; you need to open yourself up and share what makes you noteworthy.

Always be impactful with your messaging, and remember that the delivery is just as important.

The way that you present your story online can be just as important as what you actually say. Again, you want to stand out by honoring yourself in a noisy online environment. How can you present yourself in ways that others find relatable?

Some digital marketing experts will urge you to share content on every available platform. I don’t disagree with the approach, but I also believe in honoring yourself and doing what is best suited for you. If you aren’t someone that enjoys podcasts or podcasting, don’t participate!

Or, start with other forms of content marketing and try it out later. One of the best parts of the online world is that trends change, and you can effectively make your own rules. Do what works for you and be open to evolving courses as needed. If you aren’t comfortable, that’s ok!

After you decide on your three story pillars and the platforms you will use, decide on your brand’s voice and have fun making content! Your brand’s voice should match the messaging, and again, be true to you! If you are someone who speaks formally or your brand is for something serious, then showcase that. If your brand is a lifestyle brand, be light-hearted and fun!

Develop your story pillars, unlock your words, and start making waves with your social media and marketing content! Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to be open online; let your energy shine through and be authentic.

ABOUT MICHELLE MARKEY

Owner at Michelle Markey Unlock Your Words

Skilled

Experienced Social Media Manager specialized in brand growth and recognition through strategic use of social media and email campaigns. Let me help you unlock your words and spread your message.

in Copywriting, Web Content Writing, Blogging, and Social Media. Strong business development professional with a Bachelors focused in Human Services, General from University of Phoenix.

You want to walk away with a clear understanding of what you need to do to advance as well as where you fall in the company’s internal pay range and why.

The most important thing to do to be prepared to advocate for yourself is to come into the discussion prepared.

- PAY EQUITY-

As we enter 2022, the “Great Resignation” is upon us Now more than ever, it’s critical for women and organizations looking to hire and retain top talent, to understand the importance of pay equity. Burnout, stress, and pandemic exhaustion has many women looking to move up, move over or change up their careers That's why I created the workshop - Combatting Systemic Pay Inequity. G L O B A L C O M P E S A T I O N C O N S U L T A N

PAY EQUITY PAY EQUITY

How How To To Ensure You Get The Right Buck For Your Work In 2022 Ensure You Get The Right Buck For Your Work In 2022

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, in 2020, women’s annual earnings were 82 3% of men’s, and the gap is even wider for many women of color

The gender wage gap has been omnipresent for decades but since the global pandemic began the bridge to close it has become even more frail 62% of men received a bonus or pay raise for changes to their roles, as compared to only 50% of women in 2021.1 Many women left the workforce over the past two years, but those who remain are still fighting the battle for equal pay

The State Of The Work Place Today

PROMOTIONS

For every 100 men promoted to manager, only 86 women are promoted

60 % of women have never negotiated pay

The number of job openings in the US was 10.4 million in September of 2021

- remaining well above pre-pandemic levels amid ongoing labor shortage

There is a fierce competition to attract and retain top talent and this is good news for women seeking to make their next career move in 2022.

This labor market right now is completely favourable

– Luke Pardue ECONOMIST AT GUSTO

Whether you plan to find a new role or you just want to stay with your current employer but increase your compensation, women are well positioned to have both conversations. Businesses are struggling to keep high performers not just due to compensation but due to dissatisfaction with their overall employee experience. They want increased autonomy and flexibility to allow for work-life harmony. They want an employer who recognizes and rewards them for the value they bring to the table while enabling them to be successful at work and at home. If you are seeking a new role, here are some important factors to keep in mind:

alignment with your own personal values? Remember, you are interviewing the company too Does their culture seem like a fit based on what you know?

2

3.

Be confident about what you bring to the table – your knowledge, skills, and personal and professional experiences matter. Understand the total compensation package, not just the base salary. Some good questions to ask are: What is the target bonus opportunity for this role? Has the bonus paid out in the past 2 years? Can you share the benefits package, time off policy, and work schedule?

Insider Tip: The first offer is not the final offer! Recruiters expect you to negotiate. Want to know how? Download my Salary Negotiation Guide here

4 Be aware of the invisible job market So many new opportunities come from talking to your network They are often aware when there is a new role on the horizon before it’s even posted Always look to expand your new connections on LinkedIn and engage with them a few times a year Conversations lead to possibility! Your LinkedIn profile is such a powerful tool!

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics data, in 2020, women’s annual earnings were 82 3% of men’s, and the gap is even wider for many women of color The gender wage gap has been omnipresent for decades but since the global pandemic began the bridge to close it has become even more frail 62% of men received a bonus or pay raise for changes to their roles, as compared to only 50% of women in 2021 1 Many women left the workforce over the past two years, but those who remain are still fighting the battle for equal pay.

If you are interested in learning more about how to negotiate for fair and equitable pay, please join me in my upcoming webinar: “Combatting Systemic Pay Inequity” on January 20, 2022: Register here

to women dictating the terms of employment

WHEN

WANT WHERE YOU WANT

Being featured in publications, podcasts or awards is one of the best ways to build a strong trust, a credible reputation and being known, seen, and recognised as an expert by your potential clients. Our exclusive Spotlight platforms gives you unparalleled access to global audience, and unlimited exposure while simultaneously improving the visibility of your brand. We now have the Native Ad Features as seen on Hayley's Soul Centred CEO Ad!

lush new year

Usher in 2022 with new ways to get visible. They Say insanity is doing the same thing over and over but expecting a different result!

So! What are the 2022 visibility trends and why should you be ahead of your competition?

2.

The Writing Is On The Wall....

3 Visibility Trends For 2022

Guest Blogging: This is going to be huge in 2022. As Covid takes centre stage once more Journalists and Publishers are looking for more non pandemic related inspirational writers. This gives you 5x more weighty backlinks to skyrocket your SEO rankings. Learn more

Book Writing Competitions: This is still keeping its traditional popularity! As a thought leader publishing 1 - 10 books in your life time should stay front of your mind wherever your career or business takes you! But entering a competition will give you an extra edge! More Tips Here

3.

Awards Entry: By far the best and most important way to finish your year strong. Start searching for industry or category awards early to avoid disappointment as most awards require thorough research and a long process to enter! The Bragging rights are Always WORTH it though...Discover

1.

Wishing You A

THRIVE

WHAT MAKES A HIGH-QUALITY, COMPLETE PROTEIN?

NUTRITION 3 MIN READ

Many believe that all dietary proteins are the same, but in realitynot all proteins are created equal. The type of protein you select can have many varying benefits. Additionally, the type can also influence how it is used in the body. Remember, protein works beyond just muscle and has the potential to perform many different functions within the body after ingested. Therefore, it is important to provide your body with optimal types and amounts of high-quality protein each day.

When assessing protein quality we look at two key elements –one, its amino acid profile and two, digestibility. Firstproteins are extremely complex molecules made up of amino acids The level, combination and sequence in which the amino acids are arranged can help to determine how the protein will function in the body. A protein that contains all the essential amino acids in sufficient quantities is called a complete protein A protein that is low in one or more of the essential amino acids is called an incomplete protein. It’s imperative that we consume adequate amounts of essential acids on a daily basis as these types cannot be made in the body. Secondly, protein quality also depends on the ease and rate of digestion. Some proteins are more readily digested than others For example, our bodies are generally better able to pull all of the amino acids from animal sources, such as milk, eggs or chicken. On the flip side, the amino acids in chia seeds are not as readily digested and absorbed. Generally speaking, animal sources of protein are more readily digested, compared to plant sources.

So, what does this all mean from a dietary perspective? Well, complete proteins sources are generally derived from animalbased dietary sources such chicken, turkey, beef, fish, pork, dairy, and eggs. There are also a few select complete plant-based proteins, which include soy products (tofu, tempeh, soy milk), quinoa and pistachios. On the other hand, incomplete proteins generally tend to be most plant-based sources such as foods like beans, peas, lentils, nuts, and seeds. Beyond complete and incomplete, both animal and plant-based proteins have benefit, but supply varying amounts and ratios of amino acids. If you consume a variety of proteins, then you can increase the spectrum of amino acids in your diet. If you are on a strict plant-based diet, then it may take a bit more thought and effort to help ensure you are providing your body what it needs. Fortunately, you can still obtain all the essential amino acids. Interestingly, you can combine incomplete proteins throughout the day to help create a complete protein and build up the essential amino acids in the body.

In summary, protein should be consumed throughout the day as part of a healthy diet. Find what best for your body and goals. Here are three simple tips to help ensure you’re consuming high-quality protein sources each day -

Start the day with a protein-rich breakfast (eggs, yogurt, milk, cottage cheese)

Aim to include fish about two times per week (salmon, mackerel, tuna, trout, herring, cod)

Include variety of proteins both animal and plant (poultry, dairy, quinoa and tofu.

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The Protégé

You must be wondering why the Protégé? Here is why in every issue we feature an up and coming female entrepreneur who is finding their way into the business landscape. This can be a recent graduate, or someone leaving a 9-5 career or already running an existing business for under 3 years!

Perhaps they are your VA, PA or your subordinate at your business; they work under your leadership and you have been mentoring them to become an Intrapreneur within your business. They are the coffee maker, paper pusher anticipating everyone's needs!

Either way, if it's you or you know a smart, sharp, skilled young or older person who needs a hand being Seen, Heard, Known & Recognised as a budding entrepreneur; then they deserve the title of The Protégé

With your recommendation; together we can inspire another woman to become the best version of herself because according to Maya Angelou; there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story! Do your bit:-) Send their story to jennifer@arkandbrook com

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GOT TIME TO SPOTLIGHT SOMEONE? SEND US A SUCCESS STORY ABOUT A LOCAL HERO OR BRAND THAT IS INSPIRING CHANGE TO HELP US ALL RE-IMAGINE THE STATUS QUO IN THIS LIFE!

CleverGirlFinance!

Voted Top Notch in Empowering women to ditch debt, save money and build real wealth!

Kate Nash

Make Your Mark

"My beautiful coffee cup had never been marred by messy lipstick"

Allen Kisira

Is the GIVA Spotlight Change Maker Award Winner for 2021. Allen is a Consultant Trainer for Refugee youth in Kampala, Uganda

CLEVER GIRL FINANCE

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Join the ranks of thousands of smart and savvy women who have turned to money expert and author Bola Sokunbi for guidance on ditching debt, saving money, and building real wealth Sokunbi, the force behind the hugely popular Clever Girl Finance website, draws on her personal money mistakes and financial redemption to educate and empower a new generation of women on their journey to financial freedom Lighthearted and accessible,

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Clever Girl Finance: Learn How Investing Works, Grow Your Money

The leading guide for women who seek to learn the basic foundations of personal investing. In a nononsense and straightforward style, this book teaches readers: Clever Girl Finance teaches readers the irreplaceable value of investing for long-term financial gain, and the difference between making money and building wealth

KATE NASH

"God didn't create me to come and go without a trace. And He didn't create you for that either."

MAKEYOURMARK !

BY KATE NASH

Taking a sip of coffee, I was pleased to see no trace on my cup that my lips touched it. Trial and error paid off and I finally discovered that elusive Perfect Lipstick.

One of the first qualities of my Perfect Lipstick was the color. In this professional environment, I sought something that made it clear that I fit in. This was harder than just finding out if the red should have an orange tint or blue. I was looking for the right amount of color. A color that’s too bold might attract too much attention. After all, I thought, what does it say about a woman when she draws all that attention to herself?

In a few failed attempts, a daring, bolder color generated compliments, but these indicated that I was getting noticed.

BEAUTIFUL COFFEE CUP WOULD NEVER BE MARRED BY MESSY LIPSTICK.

MY

I threw those in the trash, reminding myself that I wanted to be known for the quality and quantity of my work and not my lip color. Rather than go without lipstick, I continued to seek out a softer color. I felt washed out and pale with just my naked lips. No one would take me seriously if I didn’t look nice. So I found a color that seemed to strike the balance between a woman who is “too much” and a woman who is “not enough.” The neutral color complimented my skin tone, deepened my natural lip color, and helped me fit in.

The second quality I loved about my Perfect Lipstick was that it was long lasting. And by long, I mean all day. I swiped it on in the morning and took it off at night. Technically, the Perfect Lipstick was a lip stain. This meant I didn’t have to take time away from my work to primp in the mirror before a meeting I could focus on work while I was at work Less time for me meant more time for my clients.

The last quality about the Perfect Lipstick was the one that brought a satisfied smile. There was no trace of my lipstick on my coffee mug. I didn’t make a mark. My beautiful coffee cup would never be marred by messy lipstick. But this Perfect Lipstick revealed a huge issue. And I remember where I was in the aisle between rows of cubicles at work when that revelation hit me.

PHOTO BY KELLY SIKKEMA

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Speaks a Thousand Words. By Wearing this Swag you embody the spirit of our collective social Impact tribe!

100% Proceeds benefit the HML Foundation

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47

This lipstick reflected my life. I was fitting in so well that I was nearly camouflaged at work.

I arranged my life to stay safe and Invisible. Some people have life pass before their eyes at a near death experience, but I felt it in that moment. It felt like I remembered everything.

All the hiding.

All the fitting in.

All keeping my head down and following the rules.

At the end of my life, there might be a few people who'd miss me but there would be NO sign I had ever visited this planet. It was like my life’s purpose was to be nice, believe the "right" things, and work hard. I had been measuring my worth using other people's yardsticks.

And though I felt God urging me to DARE to live differently -- to DARE to speak openly about my faith –in my fear of being noticed, I hid myself and looked to others for approval and advice before making decisions about my life.

It was at that moment I determined I would never again wear that "Perfect Lipstick.” I purchased a bold lipstick, instead. The messy kind you need to wipe off of the glass

THE PERFECT LILIPSTICK"

And now every time I put it on and every time I clean it off, I remember... God didn't create me to come and go without a trace and He didn't create you for that either.

Each of us is a unique, one-of-a-kind masterpiece that carries a portion of God's wisdom and testifies of His power in our personal experiences. There is something that you and I can do that no one else can. He designed you for a purpose. He invites you to stand out. He created you to Make Your Mark!

Kate Nash is a course and learning specialist. After 20 years of working in a corporate environment, she now makes her mark by working with Christian women who want to share their talent, message, or experience with others using online courses and learning events.

Connect with Kate on Facebook or watch her course creation content on YouTube and indeed do look for her podcast wherever you stream from - its called, Reluctant Christian Feminist.

"I DECIDED I WOULD NO LONGER WEAR

THE GIVA2021 CHANGEMAKER! ALLEN

KISIRA

Growing up, no one could think that one day I would end up in the spotlight, more less for being a change maker, impacting many lives. There wasn't any clue for sure because I was a timid, small girl always somewhere in the middle or lagging behind in school activities. Being invisible, doing little or nothing was my comfort zone, until I found out that I am a Queen. A queen mother to children from many nations Who are calling out to me, and relying on me for skills, for love and support which will help them to live up to their highest potential, and to have happy, successful and fulfilled lives contd on pg 43

CHANGEMAKER THE UNSUNG HERO

OF

BEYONDTHE DARKMATTER

m Allen Namaganda Kisira

I'm the founder of QMSM, a Professional Community Educator author Youth Mentor and mental health activist My turning point was when I finished high school and spent two years, unable to join university because of fees My dad who had always believed in my journey and had done his best to push me this far was on the verge of giving up I met Jesus during those challenging times and my life changed forever My dad miraculously got money for university(long story) and I also secured a scholarship there after I worked and engaged in ministry all through my university years

During those years I thought that getting a job was easy I got Married 1 year after graduation and for the next 8 years my work-life was very inconsistent and characterized with failure after failure I struggled to understand why, but now I know it was a set up into my purpose I thank God for those years because they pushed me into finding my life's purpose An experience that is so fulfilling and I am happy to share it with the world.

years of unemployment or misemployment failure in business helped me understand the hardship of finding a job and living without money Thank God for a loving and supportive husband, family and mentors who held me through those years Now, I help young people avoid or navigate through unemployment, stress and limiting beliefs

MEETTHEYOUTHSKEPTIC!

How, I help young people avoid or navigate through unemployment, stress and limiting beliefs I questioned why I existed and I found out that I existed to be a symbol of possibility to teach love and support others who typically would be left behind Just like I was growing up, always lagging behind, not shrewd enough to grab opportunities when they came This has prepared me to be able to help the disadvantaged ones whose path to success has obstacles like those I faced or even worse

After working on myself pushing through 8 years of disappointment, stress, depression and being broke and broken I was given another gift A son who is living with symptoms of autism He struggles to communicate, socialise, and learn At the age of three he was diagnosed and at that point we thought he would never amount to anything He's now 7 and has already challenged the odds he is on his way to being fully independent

When I think about him, two days stand out in my mind, the day he was diagnosed, and our hearts were shattered and the day the world will ask us how he's able to do what he does exceptionally

He will be a blessing to his generation. So glad to be his Mum. His story and experiences will inspire others who have similar challenges on their journey to finding success.

In order to reach and serve many people, I founded the Queen Mothers’ Success Movement (QMSM) to inspire and equip Africa for success and fulfilment

Last year, I was blessed be chosen to share my story in the Global GIVA Awards, and also to partner with a global organization as a Consultant to equip Refugee Youth with skills to become leaders, change makers and peace builders in their communities Allen went on to win the Changemaker Award this is what she had to say!

reminded me not to light a candle and put it under the table."

Continued on the next page

Kakooza (BACE HONs, MHR ongoing) 35 years old, born and raised in Uganda

"You

y highlight in that project was seeing young people, coming into the workshop with their faces down, just trying to survive and after 7 days leaving with high enthusiasm; only to go back and contribute to changing the world for the better In one of the workshops one of the youths said he had come to see what happens in that workshop, he wanted to see what magic we do - how we made his friends who couldn't even speak in public before - became so brilliant at it! He said that when his friends came back from the workshop, they were so confident and brilliant speaking with wisdom He couldn't believe it

This and many other testimonies of individuals who were just pushing through life, without a sense of purpose or hope for success encourage me to keep doing what I'm doing

This year 2022 as QMSM we have a plan and strategy targeting 1000 youth in every quarter to become clearer on their life's purpose and find fulfilling work to help them contribute to their families and communities for development

Thanks GIVA movement for spotting me into Spotlight Magazine and for appreciating what I do. This platform will help many people see QMSM and connect with us Without a doubt they will benefit from joining the movement Thank you very much

SPOTTED EXPERTS

Spotlighting Everyday S-heroes in our Society

“By giving another woman a chance to help you, you are also giving her an opportunity to feel valued, and whole.”

Jane Finette

SPOTLIGHT .

SPOTTED NGO SECTION - THIS IS WHERE WE GO OUT INTO THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY TO SPOT NON PROFITS THAT HAVE NOT MADE THE HEADLINES IN THE NEWS YET - BUT WE THINK THEY ARE DOING AMAZING WORK!

ON NEXT PAGE WE SPOTTED WORLDREADER.. READ ALL ABOUT THEM!

SPOTTED

Sudais

One of my favorite moments of 2021 was seeing pictures of children across the world light up as they returned back to classrooms. They were more ready than ever to get an education. I’d like to share some pictures we received from a classroom in New Town, Ghana:

"I like reading because it makes me happy. Zaliya >>>>

"My favourite book is The Missing P It's fun bec learned how good thin someon Arahma

"I like to read Andy because best teach

SAYYESTO SAYYESTO

TAKE A BREAK!

THE PAMPERED SHELF

BY CHEF JAMIE LEE

Dessert is a course that concludes a main meal. The course usually consists of sweet foods and beverages, such as dessert wine or liqueurs, but may include coffee, cheeses, nuts, or other savory items. In some parts of the world, such as much of central and western Africa, and most parts of China. That is why we're concluding this issue with a sweet spot! The Careers Plus Section.

Did you know about LinkedIn Non-Profits?

Hayley Hines Consultant, Executive Coach,

Ceri-Jane Hackling Managing Director Cerub PR Jennifer Nash Editor-in-Chief Spotlight Magazine

Rose Yondo-Djema Founder & CEO Neema Food

Ark & Brook

Michelle Markey Owner at Michelle Markey, Unlock Your Words

Arlen Kisira Founder QMSM, Author of " Impossible is Nothing", Mental Health Activist & Entrepreneur.

Kate Nash Reluctant Christian Feminist Course Genius Holding the mic for Christian women!

Jill Kane Global Compensation Consultant

Belinda M Batdorf Co-Founder @ HubbleIQ | Employee Digital Experience Management

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