PRESERVING THE HISTORICAL IMPACT OF WOMEN LEADERS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Visit the Global Women’s Journal here:
President of The Los Angeles Tribune
Moe Rock
Vice President of The Los Angeles Tribune
Michael Silvers
Director of Public Relations for The Women’s Journal of The Los Angeles Tribune
Mary Glorfield
Executive Director, Karen Hall
Editor-in-Chief, Karen Hall
Design Editor, Karen Hall for The Women’s Journal of The Los Angeles Tribune
Cover photo quiz:
Can you identify all the women on the Women’s Journal cover?
See answers on p. 20 and 41
Karen Hall
The Los Angeles Tribune
Authors
• Karen Hall
• Ai Ichii
• Crystal Chow
• Dr. Lisa Tan
• Lauren Fields
• Barbie Ray
• Debbie Prediger
• Jacqui Wilkinson
• Nicole Cowley
• Karla Butts
• Sheryll Mizell
• Rebecca Gold
• Denise Thomas
• Sheryl Lynn
• Nataliya Preiss
Graphics and Layout Design
Blessy Mae Pacot
TABLE OF
Welcome from Karen Hall, Executive Director of the global Women’s Journal
A Note from Mary Glorfield, Director of Public Relations
Mary Glorfield: The Woman Behind the Curtain, by Karen Hall
Lantern of Love: Leading with Light, Emotional Intelligence and Compassion, by Karen Hall
Tidying Up Your Finances: The Life-Changing Lessons from Motoko Hani, by Ai Ichii
The Dark Night of My Soul: From Struggle to Empowerment, by Crystal Chow
Metamorphosis, by Dr. Lisa Tan
The Power of Tenacity: Igniting the Spark Within, by Lauren Fields
Forget the Beauty Titles, Movies, World Tours, & Broadway - It’s Survival in the Face of Death that this Famous Grandma Taught her Granddaughter, by Barbie Ray
Embracing the Journey of Healing and Empowerment, by Debbie Prediger
Turning the Tables on Trauma: Vulnerability is a Strength, Not a Weakness, by Jacqui Wilkinson
From Heartbreak to Personal Transformation: How a Sisterhood of Women Helped Me Rebuild My Life, by Nicole Cowley
Where in the World Are the Women of the Global Women’s Journal?
Serving with Compassion: Ashley Lowery, CEO, Continues the Legacy of Rev. Otis and Barb Green, Founders of HEP, by Karen Hall
Women in Leadership: Navigating Uncharted Territory, by Karla Butts
WakeUP to Your W.O.W.!™ – The Gift of Resilience and Worthiness, by Sheryll Mizell
From Trials to Triumphs: Empowering Women to Shape Their Destinies, by Rebecca (BECS) Gold
The Cost of the Prize, by Denise Thomas
Barstools to Breakthroughs: A Journey to the Heart of Joy, by Sheryl Lynn
Breaking Free from Self-Betrayal: My Journey from People Pleasing to Authenticity After Divorce, by Nataliya Preiss
Dear Readers,
Executive Director, The Los Angeles Tribune - Women’s Journal
Karen Hall
Welcome to the inaugural issue of the global Los Angeles Tribune Women’s Journal! Several months ago, Moe Rock, CEO, Michael Silvers, Vice President and his partner, Mary Glorfield, of The Los Angeles Tribune, invited me to become the Executive Director of this worldwide initiative.
Moe’s vision of giving a voice to the voiceless and uplifting the world through positive media resonated deeply with my personal mission. I knew this would be a tremendous opportunity for women everywhere to be seen, heard, and understood.
This journal is a powerful movement, rooted in love, resilience, and the belief that every woman has a story worth sharing. It is a space dedicated to celebrating love over fear and the power of women to overcome challenges and become a force for good. Here, we can learn from one another, find hope, and strengthen our collective ability to uplift and bless the world.
Aligned with The Los Angeles Tribune’s mission of uplifting individuals at the intersection of personal growth and innovation, the Women’s Journal amplifies the voices of women across diverse backgrounds. With women occupying less than 30% of global speaking roles and just 22% of podcasting platforms, this journal seeks to change the narrative, celebrating women as thought leaders, storytellers, and changemakers.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Michael Silvers and Mary Glorfield for their unwavering support. I’m especially grateful to Moe Rock, whose passion and visionary leadership inspire us to bring his mission to life. His dedication to elevating women by creating more opportunities for them to speak on stages, host podcasts, and contribute to publications continues to empower and uplift us all.
With gratitude and love, Karen Hall
Director of Public Relations
The Los Angeles Tribune - Women’s Journal
Mary Glorfield
Dear Readers,
It is an absolute honor to welcome you to the inaugural issue of The Los Angeles Tribune Women’s Journal! This publication represents a bold step forward—a platform dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and contributions of women around the globe.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of producing events for some of the most recognized leaders in personal development and public service, including Tony Robbins, Brian Tracy, Les Brown, Jimmy Carter, Colin Powell, and many others. These experiences have taught me that greatness often begins with a story—one that reveals not only triumphs but also the struggles that shaped them.
The Women’s Journal embraces this idea by giving a voice to women whose stories have long gone untold. In my decades of producing events across 58 countries, I’ve seen firsthand how amplifying these voices can inspire transformation on both a personal and collective level. This journal is a place where women can share their journeys, connect through their experiences, and inspire a global audience to see the world differently.
What makes this endeavor so special is how it aligns with The Los Angeles Tribune’s mission of uplifting individuals at the intersection of personal growth and innovation. Together, we are creating a space that challenges the status quo and amplifies the voices of women as changemakers in a world that needs them now more than ever.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Moe Rock and Michael Silvers whose visionary leadership made this initiative possible, and to Karen Hall, whose dedication and heart have brought this journal to life. To our readers, thank you for joining us on this incredible journey. Together, we can create a movement of connection, courage, and compassion that will ripple across the globe.
With admiration and gratitude, Mary Glorfield
Mary Glorfield: The Woman Behind the Curtain
Written by Karen Hall, the Queen of Empathy, international bestselling author, and international inspirational speaker. Karen is an emotional intelligence expert, leadership coach, and host of The Empathy Advantage podcast and The Hero Within podcast. Karen is also the Executive Director of the global Women’s Journal of The Los Angeles Tribune.
In the world of high-profile events, where lights, cameras, and larger-than-life personalities take center stage, there is always someone working tirelessly behind the curtain. That person is often unseen, yet their influence is unmistakable. One such person, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the careers of some of the most well-known figures in personal development, entertainment, and politics, is Mary Glorfield.
Mary is an extraordinary woman whose legacy of dedication, creativity, and problem-solving has shaped the success of many from Tony Robbins and beyond.
Far from the glitz and glamor of the stage, Mary was born and raised in the Midwest. Mary initially majored in Art History at the University of Iowa, and hers was not a conventional path to the world of entertainment, but Mary’s life has been anything but common. A series of life events, including marriage and multiple relocations as a corporate wife, eventually led her to an unexpected yet defining career in the entertainment and personal development industry.
Mary began her early career working with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, where she quickly made a name for herself as a creative problem-solver where she came up with bold and innovative solutions, illustrating Mary’s ability to creatively execute complex plans under pressure.
When asked when she first saw her gift as a problem solver, Mary said that when she was a young child, about age 5, her mother was reading a story to her about a dog that was chasing a rabbit. Mary took the book, tore the page out of the book in which the dog chased the rabbit, and declared that she had solved the problem for the rabbit!
Of all of Mary’s inventive moments, it was her 18-year tenure as the Executive Vice President for Tony Robbins that truly showcased her unparalleled skills. Mary described her role with Tony Robbins as one of constant learning, growth, and stepping outside of her comfort zone. “I grew so much through my experiences, particularly with Tony,” she explained. “He just let me run with things. He’d say, ‘Here’s what I want’ and then he’d tell me to go figure out how to do it.’”
Whether it was organizing exclusive events in 82 countries or ensuring that a firewalk at a UPW event went off without a hitch, Mary was the person everyone relied on to get the job done.
When asked about her experience working with Tony Robbins, Mary’s humility shines through. “Tony is responsible for his own success,” she insists, but it’s clear that Mary’s contributions were significant. Her ability to see raw talent, to identify the next big thing, and to create a compelling and memorable experience for every participant in Tony’s programs has left a lasting impact on the industry. “I always felt that the production and everything that I did from each small piece helped contribute to supporting him on stage,” she added, highlighting her behind-the-scenes role in ensuring the success of Tony’s events.
Another fascinating talent Mary possesses is her ability to recognize potential in others before they even see it in themselves. From helping to elevate Gary Vaynerchuk, known as Gary Vee, to working with figures like Gene Simmons of KISS, Kevin O’Leary of Shark Tank, and even former U.S. President George Bush, Mary’s influence has been far-reaching.
Mary with friends
Mary with Gene Simmons of KISS
“I was always looking to make sure that [each speaker] fit within the content of the program,” Mary explained. Her keen eye for talent and her understanding of the importance of content alignment were critical in creating successful events.
Mary met Gary Vaynerchuk who was well-known in the wine industry, but unknown in the personal development world. Mary said, “I had watched videos on him… and I thought, ‘This guy is really interesting,’” Mary recalled. “He appeals to the young people, and that was one of the reasons I thought he would be so great on stage.”
Mary had the vision to propel him into international stages as the speaker and entrepreneur he is today. Gary Vaynerchuk, who is famous for entrepreneurship and social media marketing, was one of those whose career trajectory was significantly impacted by Mary’s foresight. Her ability to see beyond the present and recognize future potential is a hallmark of Mary’s career, and it has enabled her to work with diverse speakers and personalities.
Yet, despite her many accomplishments, Mary is modest about her role in these successes. She describes herself as “the woman behind the curtain,” always working to put others on stage and help them shine. But make no mistake, Mary’s work behind the scenes has been nothing short of extraordinary. Her meticulous attention to detail, her ability to anticipate challenges, and her relentless commitment to excellence have made her an invaluable asset to every organization she has worked with.
From beginning as an art history major in Iowa to one of the most influential women in the personal development industry, Mary exemplifies resilience, determination, and the belief that anything is possible when you put your mind and heart into it.
Her tenacity, creativity, and unwavering commitment to excellence showcases the power of perseverance, the importance of thinking outside the box, and the impact that one person can have on the world when they dedicate themselves to lifting others up.
Mary with family
Mary with Stedman Grahams
Mary attributes much of her success to the support she received from those around her.
“Each one of my bosses that I’ve had over the years has had more confidence in me than I had in myself at times,” she said.
Their encouragement pushed Mary to step outside her comfort zone and tackle challenges that she might not have otherwise taken on. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship and the impact that a supportive environment can have on one’s career.
Mary’s personal life has not been without its challenges, including the devastating loss of her husband of 23 years who passed away after a long illness. She describes her gratitude for the kindness she received from her boss.
“Tony was very instrumental in helping me through that period of time,” she shared. “He was there through the whole thing, so if I needed a shoulder to lean on, he was there.”
The strength and resilience that Mary displayed during this difficult time mirrors her character and her ability to persevere in the face of adversity.
Today, Mary continues to share her expertise with the Los Angeles Tribune, particularly with the Trainers, Events and Productions division, as well as the Women’s Journal. She continues to focus on empowering others. She is passionate about training the next generation of speakers and trainers, helping them to find their voice and to use it to make a difference in the world.
Reflecting on her leadership philosophy, Mary commented, “I always felt like my job, in addition to everything I did, was to train my team so that they could either take my job in the future, or move on to a better position within the company.”
This commitment to mentoring and developing others has been a consistent theme throughout her career, and it continues to guide her work today.
Mary Glorfield may have spent much of her career behind the curtain, but her influence has been front and center in the lives of so many. And for that, many are incredibly grateful.
As Mary herself said, “Success is about fulfillment. Are you happy, and is your family happy? It’s really happiness that is the measure of true success.”
By this yardstick, Mary’s life and her family–including 2 wonderful children and her grandchildren, as well as her legacy of unselfishly empowering others to achieve their own success, will undoubtedly continue for years to come.
Today, Mary is not just a mentor, but a source of wisdom for countless individuals who aspire to share their message and make a difference in the world.
In the words of Mary Glorfield, “Do what makes your heart sing, and live with no regrets.”
Mary Glorfield
Introducing Mary Glorfield, Many of the public figures you admire – personal transformation luminaries Tony Robbins, Brian Tracy, Les Brown, famous public servants Jimmy Carter, Colin Powell, President George W Bush groundbreaking mediapreneurs like Gene Simmons (KISS), Pitbull, Kevin O’Leary (Shark Tank) and many more have been placed on stage by Mary.
A lifelong learner, she’s been a full participant in the events she’s produced in her 30 years as an executive in the speaking industry. Her hunger for experience has found her walking on coals, riding camels, dining with the Sheik of Dubai, escorting elephants through the Lincoln Tunnel and journeying on the Orient Express along with speakers and attendees.
Mary has given a voice to experts who were working in relative obscurity and revealed alternative growth opportunities for famous speakers who seemed to be on top of their game in every way.
She has produced events that generated many millions of dollars across 58 countries. How does she do it? Mary’s answer is twofold. “I’m a consumer of ideas myself, so I know what will appeal to audiences. I can recognize the seed of something great in a speaker’s platform, help them enhance it on stage, and guide their product creation process. The other critical piece is my focus on adding value.”
Mary was Executive Vice President for 18 years with Robbins Research, Tony Robbins Event Company. She has served on several boards and is passionate about giving back.
Lantern of Love: LEADING with Light, Emotional Intelligence and Compassion
Written by: Karen Hall
A dim light casts a beam in the thick darkness of the hospital room. It comes from the lantern that a young woman, about thirty years old, with brown hair and green eyes carries with her to visit the sick. The woman bends down next to a dying man, caresses his forehead and speaks some last, comforting words to him. In the middle of the night, the wounded wait for her to pass, they call for her; they want her to provide them security, to assist them, to show them a human and compassionate face in the terrible tragedy during the combat of war.
Who was this young woman, and why was she on the battlefields during war? What lessons from her life could help others navigate their own challenges, including in business?
From the moment Karen Hall first read about this heroine, Florence Nightingale’s story resonated deeply. As a young girl, Karen curled up with Nightingale’s biography, utterly captivated by her courage and commitment to serve others. Karen devoured each word, which sunk deep into her soul and taught her to lead with heart, to persevere through challenges, and to unselfishly create meaningful change in the lives of others. Nightingale’s example would guide Karen’s own journey to understand emotions.
Karen Hall has long found inspiration in Florence Nightingale, but her own life’s journey offers equally powerful lessons. From a fragile beginning to becoming a leading voice for empathy and emotional intelligence, Karen’s story is one of resilience, faith, and transformation.
From a Fragile Start to Faithfully
Karen’s life began with a fight for survival. Born 2 ½ months premature, weighing a mere 1 lb. 13 oz. shortly after birth, she defied the odds and the bleak predictions from doctors who said she wouldn’t survive. Karen’s parents were told that if she did survive, she’d be “a vegetable.” Karen was a tiny but mighty fighter who, by the grace of God, grew into a vibrant and determined woman. Like Nightingale, her journey was marked by courage and an unwavering will to overcome adversity.
But survival came at a cost. Spending the first months of her life alone in an incubator, Karen was deprived of the nurturing touch of her mother. The isolation left an imprint on her, leaving her with emotional scars.
“I was left with fears and anxiety from that early deprivation,” Karen shares, “but by the grace of God, He blessed me to feel Him close, and reassured me that He will always be there for me. This gave me courage to face my fears.”
It wasn’t just physical survival that shaped Karen; it was the emotional challenges of navigating a world where sensitivity was often misunderstood. As a highly sensitive person (HSP), Karen felt emotions deeply, often carrying the weight of others’ pain.
“For years, I saw my sensitivity as a flaw,” she admits. “But now I see it as a gift that allows me to connect with others on a deeper level.”
Karen Hall with husband and Grandchildren
Finding Empathy Through Pain
Karen, like Nightingale, discovered that her calling lay in serving others through empathy. Her journey, however, was not straightforward. Life threw at Karen its share of battles: strained relationships, moments of profound loneliness, and seasons of self-doubt.
Karen reflects, “I’ve felt the pain of rejection and I have misinterpreted the unloving actions of others as a reflection of their feelings about me. I thought people didn’t love me when they were unkind. It took time for me to understand that they were feeling their own internal pain.”
Karen’s faith played a central role in her healing. She often turned to scripture for strength, finding comfort in verses that reminded her of God’s unwavering love. “My faith has been my anchor,” she says. “When I faced obstacles, and when I couldn’t see through the fog, it was God’s love for me that helped me navigate forward.”
Just as Nightingale tirelessly served the soldiers of the Crimean War, Karen found herself tirelessly serving her family and others in need, while also fighting chronic health problems.
Karen was in awe at the obstacles Nightingale overcame. Her service during the war marked the first time a woman was officially allowed to serve in the military. Nightingale faced horrifying conditions: patients sat in their own urine and feces, covered in mud, blood, and gunpowder stains, with huge lice crawling over them. Rats and vermin infested the area. The floors were over an inch thick in feces. The wounded lacked clean linens, clothes, or even basic hygiene with soap and water. Many more died from typhoid, cholera, and dysentery than from battle wounds.
Karen with Family
Yet,Nightingale remained, compassionately caring for the suffering soldiers in this barbaric environment. Karen’s compassion for others likewise motivated her to continue serving in challenging environments where she and her husband faced severe financial setbacks which strained their relationship and their health.
What compelled Nightingale, upon witnessing such atrocities, to stay rather than escape? Her passion and kindness was reflected in her zeal to serve the suffering, inspired by her faith and a quote she cherished by Jacob Abbott: “Upon the cornerstone of faith in Jesus Christ…is…a holy life…love to God…is occupied with doing good to man.”
Where did Nightingale’s compassion come from?
From her early years, Nightingale displayed tremendous empathy. She served the sick and poor in the village neighboring her family’s estate. She cared for her “sick” dolls and wanted to become a nurse, announcing at age 16 that she believed nursing was her holy calling. She related her willingness to submit to this divine role to Mary’s acceptance of her calling to be the mother of Jesus. Nightingale once stated, “Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord,’ and so have I said in my youth.”
Nightingale’s parents, however, opposed her vision, repeatedly denying her request to study nursing. Though they eventually allowed her to pursue a nursing certification in Germany, her sister Parthenope’s nervous breakdown prompted Nightingale to return home and care for her.
Karen also felt a deep spirituality and connection to the Lord guiding her own life. Similarly, Karen’s parents opposed her passion by forbidding her to follow her religious views and denying her request to become baptized.
Karen reflects that Nightingale’s relentless drive to relieve the suffering of others likely stemmed from her own pain. Nightingale herself admitted, “There is no part of my life upon which I can look back without pain.”
Dubbed “The Angel of Crimea” and “The Lady with the Lamp,” Nightingale’s compassion extended beyond physical care. She tenderly attended to the sick, wrote letters home for the wounded, and comforted the suffering. Karen notes that while we may not interact with those who have been scarred in battle, we are all surrounded by the ‘walking wounded.’ Each of us has emotional scars from pain in our lives.”
In her darkest hours, Nightingale drew strength from Jesus’ example of identifying with society’s poorest and weakest. She described His influence, saying, “Christ’s putting himself in the place of the sick, the infirm, the prisoner…is so true.”
Nightingale’s perspective inspired her to see the holiness in each person by imagining God in them, fostering a profound sense of compassion and connection.
In addition, Nightingale suffered physical and mental health problems, and some have suggested that Nightingale may have suffered a nervous breakdown, fueling her desire to serve others who were suffering. Although Karen hasn’t served in the military, she states, “I have faced my own battles–not the battles of war, but the battles of love and lack of love in all its many forms.”
She has seen barriers to unity and love cripple teams in both corporate settings and personal relationships. Through her own painful experiences, Karen has learned how to identify and remove barriers to loving relationships. She notes that it has taken years of practice and at times it has been draining. Just as Nightingale felt emotional and physical exhaustion after serving endlessly during the war, she also succumbed to moments of darkness, feeling the sorrow of failing many times and not being aligned with her truest self. Karen experienced postpartum depression and lengthy bouts of illness, with no one to care for her and her 4 kids while her husband traveled and worked extended hours.
With this deep emotional pain, Karen sought ways to return to love and studied neuroscience and how to regulate her nervous system. She learned to first have empathy for herself in this state and then she was able to tap into greater empathy for others.
Just as Nightingale understood that healing included spiritual, emotional and physical, Karen learned these same truths. She also taught this holistic view in her professional work.
Karen Hall and husband at Lake Louise, Canada
Karen Hall and husband at St. Maarten
This led to Karen coaching others, beginning with health and wellness. Karen found that in her own life, as she regulated her own nervous system, her calm state helped others regulate their nervous systems.
Constantly curious, she studied neuroscience, became certified as a spiritual coach with Marianne Williamson and began coaching entrepreneurs, where she trained leaders how to build trust in all relationships, especially in sales and marketing.
Karen found that the same principles applied both in professional as well as in personal relationships. She felt highly gratified helping leaders learn how to increase their emotional intelligence to courageously step up, regulate their nervous system, and be able to provide security and insight to their team during a crisis. She saw how leaders were empowered to help their team members co-regulate which enabled them to develop greater resilience.
Through her experiences, Karen developed the Empathy Advantage program to train leaders how to build relationships of trust, both professionally and personally, to form deeper connections and greater teamwork.
Karen also specializes in helping female leaders use emotional intelligence and better understand how to navigate a male dominated corporate world.
In addition to speaking to corporate leaders, Karen also talks about tapping into our spirituality to find greater peace and fulfillment. She recently spoke on “Faith in God’s Safety Net: Trusting That You Are Never Alone.” in New York at the Speak event, themed Faith, about how the Lord has sustained her during times of anxiety and feeling that she doesn’t belong. https://youtu.be/ykhYGMsD-I8
Just as Nightingale walked through the darkness with her lantern, Karen seeks to shine a light for others. Whether working with leaders, coaching teams, or guiding individuals, her mission remains the same: to help people gain clarity and confidence to use emotional intelligence to increase connection and trust.
Karen’s approach is deeply personal. She shares, “When I’ve felt doubt as a leader and disconnected from my team, I thought of Florence Nightingale. She too faced criticism, loneliness and resistance. Yet, she pressed on, thinking of how she could bless others, serving unselfishly, and relying on God to magnify her to exceed her limited strength. I thought if Florence could continue to compassionately serve in such horrific conditions, I could continue to use empathy to reflect the light and love of the Lord to others who were hurting, help bear their burdens and build relationships of trust.
Just as Nightingale walked through the darkness with her lantern, Karen seeks to shine a light for others. Whether working with leaders, coaching teams, or guiding individuals, her mission remains the same: to help people turn their pain into purpose and gain clarity to increase connection and trust.
Karen’s approach is deeply personal. She shares, “In my darkest hours–when doubts have crept in, when the weight of my burdens felt unbearable, I thought of Florence Nightingale. She too faced odds stacked against her, including criticism, loneliness and resistance. Yet, she pressed on, thinking of how she could bless others, serving unselfishly, and relying on God to magnify her to exceed her limited strength. I thought if Florence could continue to compassionately serve in such horrific conditions, I could continue to reflect the light and love of the Lord to others who were hurting and help bear their burdens.”
Karen spoke at SPEAK Faith in New York in July, 2024.
Karen Hall
Introducing Karen Hall, known as the Queen of Empathy, who is an international motivational speaker, bestselling author, and expert in emotional intelligence. She serves as Executive Producer, Trainer, Speaker and Host for The Los Angeles Tribune events, while also leading as Executive Director of the Tribune global Women’s and Spanish Journals. She trained under the renowned Marianne Williamson as a spiritual life coach and has been coaching, teaching and practicing the skills of managing her emotions for over 40 years.
Karen recently spoke on the SPEAK event on “Faith in God’s Safety Net; Trusting That You Are Never Alone,” in New York at the Speak event, themed Faith, about how the Lord has sustained her during times of anxiety and feeling that she doesn’t belong: https://youtu.be/ykhYGMsD-I8
She is also the host of The Empathy Advantage podcast ™ where she discusses emotional intelligence and leadership and she hosts The Hero Within Podcast™, where she features inspiring true stories of unsung heroes™ who use emotional intelligence while navigating adversity to find hope and healing to return to love™. The Hero Within Podcast™ is ranked among the top 2.5% globally.
Karen imparts the wisdom she has acquired through years of study and practice, by teaching leaders, entrepreneurs, and families the essential principles of emotional intelligence. Through Karen’s compelling message of hope and her unique style of connecting with others, she changes lives. Karen says of her life mission, “If I can inspire and help one person to remove blocks to love and not suffer as I have, my suffering will not have been in vain.”
Karen helps her clients to tap into their spirituality to remove resentment and feel closer to loved ones. Karen helps others use empathy to build relationships of trust to increase their “know, like and trust” factor in their professional life. She’s been married 39 years to her supportive husband, Joshua, and they have four remarkable married children along with five wonderful grandchildren.
Tidying Up Your Finances: The Life Changing Lessons from Motoko Hani
Written by: Ai Ichii
O
ne of the women who deeply inspired Ai Ichii and left a significant mark on history is Motoko Hani (1873–1957). She was Japan’s first female journalist and the creator of the country’s first Kakeibo, a household accounting book that has guided generations of women in managing their finances and welcoming abundance. Hani’s work was more than just a tool for financial management; it was a practical guide to bring harmony and balance into everyday life. Her teachings continue to resonate with many women today, including Ai, who discovered her wisdom at a pivotal moment in her life.
As an author and speaker, Ai Ichii has always been passionate about empowering women to achieve financial independence and live balanced, fulfilling lives. Drawing from her own experiences and the teachings of influential figures like Motoko Hani, Ai has written numerous books and her bestselling book, Tidying Up Your Money: The 7 Japanese Practices of Welcoming a Flow of Abundance, helps women around the world invite the energy of abundance into their lives and achieve their dreams. Yet, Ai’s own journey toward financial clarity and balance began during a time of personal hardship.
Ai first encountered Motoko Hani’s Kakeibo during one of the most challenging periods in her life. At that time, she was balancing the demands of raising a one-year-old child while battling Meniere’s disease, which forced her to leave her job. To make matters worse, her husband’s company suddenly went bankrupt, leaving both of them unemployed for six months.
The weight of financial uncertainty and fear of the future was overwhelming, and Ai felt as though her energy had become blocked. She would spend late nights pouring over her finances, trying to regain control. The topic of money was difficult to share with others, and with her husband also struggling, she found herself facing these fears alone. It was during this time that journaling became a powerful tool for her. By writing down her feelings, she was able to release the pent-up energy inside her and gradually find a sense of inner peace.
Ai Ichii, Japan
Motoko Hani’s Kakeibo is widely known in Japan as an effective financial tool, but her teachings extend beyond merely recording expenses. At the core of her philosophy is the belief that organizing the household and finances brings balance and harmony to life. Hani believed that by bringing order to the energy within a home, not only could the family achieve stability, but this harmony would also ripple outward into society. For Ai, this philosophy struck a deep chord. Hani’s principle that “tidying up your money helps restore balance in life” became the foundation for Ai’s approach to financial management.
Ai also developed her own methods along the way. She found it difficult to record every expense in her Kakeibo, so she simplified her approach. She limited her grocery shopping to twice a week and kept 9,000 yen in her wallet for weekly spending. Additionally, she reviewed her mortgage interest rates, canceled unnecessary insurance policies, and changed her mobile phone plan. These small yet practical steps helped Ai regain control of her finances and eliminate unnecessary spending. For her, this process was not just about money—it was about consciously managing the flow of energy in her life.
Through these efforts, Ai successfully tidied up seven key areas of her life: her wallet, bank accounts, refrigerator, home, debts, planner, and even her relationship with her husband. By organizing these “money pathways,” she was able to restore a smooth flow of energy and money into her life, bringing her a renewed sense of balance and peace. As her financial energy became more aligned, she noticed that her home life and the overall atmosphere of her household also began to shift in positive ways.
Ai also turned her attention to decluttering her physical space. She began by reducing the number of unnecessary items in her living room, removing anything that drained her energy. She believed that the objects surrounding us have a subtle, yet powerful, influence on our mental and emotional state. By clearing out items that didn’t serve her, she restored a sense of balance and calm to her environment. Through this process, she became more intentional about how she approached her finances and daily life, paying close attention to the flow of energy in her surroundings.
Ai also began an entrepreneurial journey which started with an insight she gained while attending baby massage classes for her one-year-old daughter. She felt called to start a business and founded Motherme, to offer parents and children a chance to bond and share positive energy. As she researched, Ai discovered that while baby massage was popular, most classes were held only in Tokyo.
Recognizing the need for accessibility, she developed a home-study baby massage course. This decision was not only a practical business move but also a way for Ai to improve the flow of positive energy in her own life and for others.
Ai Ichii, Japan
Hani’s contributions to women’s financial independence and household management are deeply ingrained in history. Her teachings on “planned living” and “simple organization” are just as relevant today as they were in her time. Motoko Hani’s teachings didn’t just transform Ai’s personal life—they gave Ai the confidence and inspiration to share her experiences with others through her book. Fifteen years later,
Hani’s teachings continue to guide Ai in both her personal life and her work. Motoko Hani’s legacy remains a powerful guide in Ai’s journey, and Ai travels all over the world, helping women restore balance, harmony, and abundance in their lives as they take control of their finances, simplify their lives and move forward with confidence and clarity.
At the time, Ai and her husband struggled to openly discuss money, and their unspoken worries created a gap in communication. However, Ai remained focused on what she could control and continued organizing her finances. This focus on balancing financial energy ultimately brought greater stability to their relationship and created positive changes in their home.
Ai Ichii, Japan
Ai Ichii, Japan
Ai Ichii
Introducing Ai Ichii, Japan’s bestselling author and Self Journey and Manifestation Guide.
At the age of 31, Ai Ichii encountered a major turning point in her life. The overwhelming stress of balancing work and raising children took a toll on her health, leading to a diagnosis of Ménière’s disease, while her husband’s company was going through bankruptcy. Confronted with immense financial anxiety, Ai began organizing both her finances and her thoughts. Through this process, she not only learned to manage money but also embarked on a profound journey of self-discovery, reevaluating her life’s purpose and how to align it with her values.
Inspired by this transformative experience, Ai authored “Tidying Up Your Money”, which became a bestseller and has been translated into four languages. Today, she leads self-discovery and healing retreats and workshops in Japan and around the world, and works as a speaker, guiding individuals to manifest their desires and align their inner world with lasting abundance and fulfillment. Through her teachings, Ai inspires people globally to find clarity, heal from within, and manifest their true potential.
Cover photo quiz answers, Part 1
Top Row (Left to Right):
1. Marie Curie 2. Emily Dickinson
3. Sacagawea 4. Amelia Earhart 5. Florence Nightingale 6. Rosa Parks
Second Row (Left to Right):
1.Sojourner Truth 2. Eleanor Roosevelt 3. Anne Frank 4. Mother Teresa 5. Joan of Arc 6. Queen Isabella I of Castile
From Struggle to Empowerment The Dark Night of My Soul Crystal Chow:
Written by: Crystal Chow
“Every
challenge, every adversity, contains within it the seeds of opportunity and growth.”
– Roy T. Bennett.
This understanding eventually changed the trajectory of Crystal Chow’s life. But before that shift, she faced one of the most challenging periods of her existence—what many call the “dark night of the soul.” To be honest, it felt as if she was losing herself entirely.
From the onset of her marriage in 2018, Crystal didn’t realize she was being abused. It began with constant accusations—her husband would tell her that she didn’t truly want to get married, that she thought she had better options and was just keeping her options open.
The truth is, Crystal was struggling with unhealed generational trauma and hadn’t fully figured out what marriage meant for her. Her vulnerabilities were buried deep because she never had the vocabulary or opportunity to express them growing up. As a child, she was never allowed to voice her overwhelming emotions. She grew up in a broken family, living with her parents and maternal grandmother.
By the time Crystal was 15, she was supporting her mother emotionally through her divorce. She felt she had to be the grown-up in the house, dealing with pain that was far beyond her years. Now, as an adult, Crystal found herself trapped in a cycle of silence once again.
She desperately sought answers, believing that her relationship would improve if she could communicate better. She felt guilty, convinced that her inability to express her fears made her husband feel insecure and misunderstood. The accusations began mildly, with weekly outbursts, but they intensified, especially after he’d been drinking two or three times a week.
Crystal immersed herself in audiobooks, courses, and hours of reflection and journaling, hoping to find a breakthrough. She remembers having to listen to audiobooks secretly, her bobbed hair cleverly hiding the wireless earpiece, fearing being caught in the act because her husband disapproved of her learning, accusing her of being selfish and insisting that self-help was just self-centered indulgence.
Yet, deep down, Crystal knew the truth: everything starts with her.
The more she tried to grow, the more resistance she faced. But she couldn’t silence the intuition that whispered to her—learning and healing were not selfish acts; they were her lifeline to reclaiming her power and breaking free. But no matter how hard she tried, things only spiraled further downhill, leaving her feeling more lost and trapped than ever.
As she started gaining clarity through all the inner work, Crystal was crushed to realize that her husband and her values were misaligned; and worse, she was living with a narcissist, a master of gaslighting, who was slowly draining the life out of her. The vibrant soul, cheerful woman, and successful banker she once was had faded, replaced by someone hopelessly jaded and broken. Crystal was trapped in a marriage that eroded her spirit. She felt as if she was dying inside, but the fear of letting go of the perfect couple facade and the looming shadow of social stigma kept her stuck. Just when she thought she had reached her breaking point, she found out she was pregnant.
Crystal was devastated because she knew, deep down, this marriage would not survive. The thought of bringing an innocent child into a dysfunctional family filled her with dread. She couldn’t bear the thought of her child going through the same pain she did. She even considered abortion, believing it might be the kindest option. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of protecting her child from the chaos she was living in. Her gynecologist’s words lingered—“You’re in your thirties; if you go through with this, you may never have another chance and might live in regret.”
Crystal with Hide the Pain Harold in Singapore
Crystal and Lisa Nichols
Desperate for answers, Crystal sought guidance from two mediums. Both pointed her toward keeping the pregnancy, emphasizing that this child had a purpose. She felt conflicted, her heart torn between fear and hope. Sitting alone, her body shaking, tears rolling down her face, Crystal realized she needed a plan. She mapped out every worst-case scenario, ensuring her daughter and she would be safe, secure, and have a home even if her husband didn’t financially support them. She audited her finances, calculating how to thrive independently without him if things didn’t change.
Crystal decided to give them one last chance, hoping the arrival of their daughter might awaken him to the truth and resurrect their marriage. Unfortunately, the abuse only intensified.
The final straw came when her daughter was just 10 months old. After a grueling day at work, Crystal rushed home, breasts painfully engorged, to feed her baby. Her husband sat in the dining room, drinking with friends. Without a word of concern, he scrutinized her and accused her of wearing revealing clothes to seduce other men. He blamed her for being late and letting their daughter go hungry.
Crystal retreated to her room, tears streaming down her face, feeling falsely accused, belittled, and humiliated. The accumulation of unspoken hurts and the sacrifices that went unnoticed weighed heavily on her. That night, with her daughter in her arms, she vowed that enough was enough. She deserved love and respect. Her daughter deserved a safe, loving home, and Crystal needed to be the example her daughter could look up to.
Crystal realized she wasn’t just fighting for herself—she was fighting for her daughter’s future. She couldn’t let her daughter grow up thinking that this was what love looked like. There came a point when it wasn’t just about Crystal anymore; it was about breaking the cycle for her daughter. She knew she had to embody the strength and courage she wanted her daughter to see in herself one day. Her daughter deserved a loving, safe environment and a strong role model, not the broken version of herself Crystal had become. At that moment, the fear of the unknown paled in comparison to the fear of the familiar suffering, which gave Crystal immense courage to finally throw in the towel.
Leaving wasn’t easy—far from it. But it felt like a leap of faith rather than a plunge into darkness. Crystal envisioned a different life for herself and her daughter, and for the first time, she truly believed she could create it. The road ahead was difficult, but it was hers. Each step she took toward independence brought her closer to herself. Crystal began redefining success— not just in terms of financial wealth, but also freedom and alignment with her highest self.
Crystal with Dr. Shefali
Over the years, Crystal has drawn strength and wisdom from many spiritual and mortal guides, who helped her rebuild her identity and believe that she deserved better. She expresses her gratitude to all of them, especially three incredible women whose stories resonated and were a beacon of hope for her.
Oprah Winfrey, Crystal’s greatest inspiration, faced unthinkable hardship. Yet, instead of being defeated, she transformed her life. Oprah’s work to uplift underprivileged women and children resonated deeply with Crystal, showing Crystal how reclaiming her power could change the trajectory of generations.
Lisa Nichols taught Crystal to embrace vulnerability, using her own story to empower Crystal to turn her pain into a message of hope.
Dr. Shefali guided Crystal in conscious parenting and inner healing, helping her break free from societal expectations and honor her true self.
Though this journey seemed grueling and painful, Crystal is grateful it led to a profound spiritual awakening. It taught her who she is and gave her a strong purpose and mission.
Crystal and her daughter
and her daughter
She believes that people can grow through pain to become better versions of themselves rather than merely going through it. When you’ve learned the lessons and look back, Crystal believes you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come, and you’ll serve as an inspiration for those struggling with the pain you once faced. Don’t ever let those lessons go to waste.
To those still in the storm, Crystal sees you. She knows the weight of feeling trapped in a life that no longer serves you. But she also knows that within you lies the strength to break free. Walking out of her darkness taught Crystal that true wealth isn’t just about money—it’s about living a life that honors who you are at your core.
Crystal thanks her guides for illuminating her path and strives to be a beacon for others, helping them break free from their pasts to step into lives of abundance, purpose, and freedom.
Crystal
Crystal Chow
Introducing Crystal Chow, a Money Consciousness Coach with a rich background in finance, having managed $250 million in assets during her 13-year career in the industry. As founder of Cosmique Group Private Limited, she combines her deep financial knowledge with personal experiences to empower individuals, especially women, toward financial independence.
Surviving an abusive marriage and overcoming personal despair, Crystal was driven to reclaim her life, highlighting the power of financial literacy as a vital lifeline. She now channels her passion into educating others, facilitating workshops, and coaching, focusing on financial empowerment as a means to personal freedom. Determined to inspire and equip others, Crystal is dedicated to extending financial literacy as a pathway to resilience and liberation, emphasizing that true financial independence is transformative.
Dr. Lisa Tan:
Metamorphosis
Written by: Dr. Lisa Tan
This year, as the world celebrates Dr. Jane Goodall’s 90th birthday, Dr. Lisa Tan reflects on the theme of transformation. Just as Dr. Goodall evolved into one of the world’s most respected voices in conservation, Lisa, too, has experienced a profound metamorphosis in her own life—one that required stepping away from old patterns and embracing a new way of being.
For years, Lisa had been living a life that seemed successful on the outside but felt unfulfilled within. Her professional life had become her identity, and in the process, she lost touch with who she really was. She had spent so much time trying to achieve external goals, focusing on work and checking boxes, that she ignored the growing sense of burnout. Lisa constantly strived for approval and success, but the more she achieved, the more disconnected she became from her inner truth.
The catalyst for her transformation came when her pharmacy closed, and her husband, Ocean, faced a rare financial disaster. This was a moment that could have broken her, but instead, it served as a wake-up call. Lisa realized something had to change—not just externally, but within her. She needed to rediscover who she truly was beneath the layers of responsibility, career ambition, and self-imposed expectations.
At first, the prospect of change terrified her. Lisa had spent so long pouring herself into her career and family that she wasn’t sure who she was without those roles. Yet, she knew she couldn’t keep going down the same path.
She started by listening to the quiet voice inside of her, the one she had silenced for so many years. It was difficult to slow down, to peel back the layers of who she had become, and to face the reality that she had been betraying herself for so long. But in that process, she found clarity.
One of the hardest lessons Lisa learned during this time was the impact of self-betrayal. For years, she had put the needs of others ahead of her own, said “yes” when she wanted to say “no,” and followed a path that wasn’t truly hers. Lisa had been living someone else’s version of success, and in the process, she had lost touch with what truly mattered to her.
Her son, Styrling’s, journey mirrored her own in many ways. Though his struggle was different, his experience with selective mutism reinforced the power of finding one’s voice. For him, it was literal; for her, it was metaphorical. As she watched him slowly emerge from his silence, gaining confidence with each step, Lisa realized how important it was for her to do the same. Just as she worked with him to scaffold his speech and create an environment where he felt safe enough to express himself, Lisa had to create a space within herself to do the same.
Her daughter, Skylar, also taught her about resilience during this period. After years of misdiagnoses, they finally discovered that Skylar was suffering from chronic Lyme disease.
Watching her battle the pain, and yet remain determined to recover, was both heartbreaking and inspiring. Skylar’s strength reminded Lisa that healing is possible even when the journey seems overwhelming. Skylar worked hard to reclaim her health, finishing a kids’ triathlon and regaining her sense of joy. Her determination fueled Lisa, as she realized that if Skylar could fight to restore her body, Lisa could restore her soul.
Ocean’s journey was equally transformative. After suffering a massive financial loss, he, too, had to reimagine his life. Instead of falling into despair, he found a new sense of purpose. Through this process, Ocean discovered a spiritual depth that had always been within him but had never fully emerged. He became a source of unwavering support, reminding Lisa that even in the most difficult times, they had the power to rebuild and recreate their lives. His presence grounded her, allowing Lisa to trust in the process of transformation, even when the future seemed uncertain.
Dr. Lisa Tan
As Lisa continued on her journey, she realized that transformation isn’t about becoming something new; it’s about shedding the layers that no longer serve you and revealing the truth that has always been there. She had to let go of the old versions of herself—the career woman who measured her worth by external success, the mother who felt guilty for needing time for herself, and the person who had been living a life that wasn’t truly hers.
A pivotal moment in Lisa’s metamorphosis came when her family made the decision to homeschool their children and travel through Asia. This bold decision was partly out of necessity—cutting back on expenses—but it also became an incredible opportunity for growth and healing for the entire family. They turned Asia into their mobile school. The kids learned to barter in local markets and adapt to new cultures with ease. They mastered exchange rates as easily as they mastered their lessons.
The family lived simply, volunteering on farms and exchanging their labor for room and board. One of the most transformative experiences for Lisa was their time spent at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. There, they cared for abused and rescued elephants. These gentle giants, with their expressive eyes and quiet grace, had endured so much pain, yet they exuded a kind of peaceful strength that resonated deeply within Lisa.
Dr. Lisa Tan in Thailand
During their travels, they also stayed with a Buddhist monk and his community, working on their farm and learning from their way of life. The simplicity of each day—gathering just enough vegetables for each meal, starting a fire with branches and leaves, cooking their meals mindfully—brought Lisa a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced in years.
Through this journey, Lisa was reminded that transformation requires stepping out of your comfort zone and into the unknown. She had to let go of the familiar roles and responsibilities that had once defined her and trust that something more aligned with her true self would emerge. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. She was shedding the cocoon of her old life, and like the elephants and the monk’s community, she was learning to live in harmony with herself and the world around her.
As Lisa reflected on this journey of self-discovery, she drew inspiration from Dr. Jane Goodall, whose life has been a testament to the power of following one’s calling, even in the face of skepticism and challenge. Goodall’s metamorphosis from a curious child into a world-renowned conservationist mirrored the transformation that many people go through in their own lives.
Just as Goodall ventured into the forests of Tanzania with little more than curiosity and determination, Lisa embarked on her own journey of self-discovery, not knowing where it would lead but trusting in the process.
And like Goodall, Lisa believes that every woman, every mother, has the capacity for her own metamorphosis. She believes that we each have within us the power to break free from the patterns of self-betrayal and rediscover the vibrant, authentic selves that we are meant to be.
In the end, transformation is not about becoming something new; it’s about returning to who you’ve always been. As Lisa continues this journey, she holds onto the lessons she’s learned: to honor her needs, to nurture her joy, and to live in alignment with her truth. And, in doing so, she hopes to inspire others to spread their wings and embrace their own metamorphosis.
Dr. Lisa Tan with her Family
Dr. Lisa Tan
Introducing Dr. Lisa Tan who mentors professionals to transform burnout into bliss. She personally broke free from burnout after a 15 year journey combining neuroscience, quantum physics, and clinical expertise. She offers the Red Carpet Inner Circle, immersive masterclasses, and wellness consultation. Dr. Lisa has been complemented as the Asian female persona of Tony Robbins. She is an Emmy Awards-endorsed author and international speaker. She has also been featured in the Los Angeles Tribune, Mindvalley University, Great American Speakoff, Fox News, and Apple TV. She co-authored “262 Women Entrepreneurs, Ultrapreneurs, Creatives, and Media Rock Legacy and Tell All” that was given at the Emmy Awards and Oscars VIP Lounge.
Dr. Lisa strives to impact a million professionals worldwide by 2030 so that they can embrace parenthood and career symbiotically. She believes that parents who reignite their clarity, confidence, and conviction can reconnect deeply with their children and highest purpose. This rekindled connection ripples into future generations and humanity.
Lauren Fields
The Power of Tenacity: Igniting the Spark Within
Written by: Lauren Fields
Amelia Earhart, the pioneering aviator and the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, has inspired Lauren Fields to live fearlessly and seize every opportunity. Ultimately, Lauren believes our purpose is to pursue greatness by following our calling, regardless of how impossible or foolish it may seem initially. Lauren read this quote of Amelia every day to keep herself inspired and on the path to a fulfilling life:
“The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life and the procedure. The process is its own reward.” - Amelia Earhart.
One thing Lauren knows for sure is that we all have dreams and aspirations for our future. The million-dollar question is: what enables some individuals to turn their dreams into reality while others remain stuck in the dreaming phase? If she were to list two key elements to actualize one’s vision, they would be believing in oneself and deciding to act, despite the unknown. Fear and uncertainty will keep us stagnant. It takes the same energy to think self-deprecating thoughts as envisioning the idyllic future you will create for yourself. The most important lesson she’s learned in her 30 years of life is that with perseverance and belief in yourself, you can achieve remarkable things, no matter the perceived obstacles.
For context, Lauren felt called to personal development because life’s challenges had dimmed her spark for life, and she was determined to reignite it. She was fortunate to discover one of her ultimate passions, horseback riding, at six years old. Soon, she rode countless horses daily and spent most weekends at show jumping competitions. At one point, she was homeschooled to devote more time and energy to the sport. Being an equestrian taught her the importance of resilience, training, and hard work in becoming a champion.
During one of her competitions, an unexpected event occurred. Flashback to 2008, when she was galloping towards the jump in the stadium arena at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. It was her first time showing in Junior Jumpers, and she was elated for this opportunity. She recalls being confident and completely in the zone. The clock was ticking until, suddenly, everything went dark. She had come around a tight turn and squeezed the horse to depart a bit too far away from the jump. He went for it, ended up falling, and Lauren went flying. This was her last memory.
Lauren woke up from a coma days later, diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. As she opened her eyes for the first time, she saw her father in the chair next to her hospital bed, holding her show jacket and competition number tight to his chest. Lauren glared at him to get the oxygen tube out of her throat. She soon found out that she had been life-flighted to the hospital and that doctors had limiting beliefs about her future due to the severity of her head injury and the blood spot on her brain. As she lay in the hospital bed, she overheard the doctors telling my parents, “Keep Lauren out of school—she may have to relearn how to speak, struggle with memory retention, have difficulty walking, and might become violent due to frustration with her circumstances.” Thankfully, Lauren never believed that would be her story. Disoriented and frail, she walked out of the hospital three days later with ash falling from the sky from a wildfire that was burning through San Diego. Lauren set out to defy the odds and challenge the grim predictions. The doctors clearly didn’t know the power of her mind.
Thankfully, her parents believed in her and put Lauren right back into school. After months of brain fog, she thought she had walked away unscathed, making it easy for her to sweep this event under the rug, which was precisely what she sought to do. Lauren was embarrassed by this life-threatening event that caused others to be concerned about her well-being. Growing up, Lauren had been the seemingly invincible one who was confident she could do it all on her own. Her recovery shed light on the fact that she did need the help of others. Being vulnerable softened her into a more loving and empathetic individual, something she can now see as a blessing. She was young to realize that life could be gone in an instant, and somehow, she had been the lucky one who was given a second chance. However, it wasn’t until years later that she could shift her perspective to see that this event happened FOR her, not TO her
The blood spot on Lauren’s brain eventually manifested as nerve damage, affecting her ability to lift her right foot, a neurological symptom known as drop foot. This made walking very painful. After years of hospital visits and surgeries, she realized she had been so focused on maintaining her outward appearance that she had neglected the girl on the inside who needed her the most, which is when she began the journey of personal development and self-improvement to stabilize herself during this challenging period that felt completely out of her control, something she was unfamiliar with. Lauren later read the book The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer and it changed her view on the human experience. Singer said, “You will not be able to solve anything outside until you own how the situation affects you inside.”
Lauren sees this often in humans, where we are so focused on proving we’re okay that we fail to accept that we’re hurting, resisting our reality. Instead of giving ourselves permission to surrender and heal, we put on a façade or a hero’s cape.
We care so much about the opinions of others that we sideline the relationship we have with ourself and avoid doing the inner work required in the healing process. Life has taught her that healing is an inside job, and it begins when we stop hiding behind masks and start embracing our authentic, imperfect selves.
During this period, Lauren was living in NYC and working as a Lifestyle Manager. While she loved this role and continues to be passionate about hospitality, she felt something was missing. She could ensure that her clients had beautiful lives on the surface, but she began to question how they were doing on the inside at a human level. This is where the dots began to connect, and she realized that her true passion was helping individuals elevate their being rather than merely enhancing their external realities.
Lauren came to believe that a deep relationship with self is the key to true fulfillment. She then spent years aspiring to be a transformational coach, podcast host, and speaker, hoping to help those suffering silently or with messages they were afraid to share.
However, she was dedicated to being a perpetual student, accumulating various health and wellness certifications and eventually studying for a master’s in psychology, believing that all the titles would help her become the woman she envisioned.
While they have undoubtedly propelled her, what she now realizes is that she was there all along, waiting for her to acknowledge herself, give her a voice, and the green light to take bold action. It wasn’t until she overcame her inner fear and striving for perfection that she witnessed a shift. Then, on one specific day, it all changed for her.
Heart racing, Lauren stood on the TEDx stage and shared a story she had kept locked inside her for some time. Her message was that we all experience falling through heartbreak, job loss, or a health crisis. People always tell us to get back up, and if we can focus inward on this space between falling and getting back on the horse, that’s where fundamental transformation happens. In those in-between moments, building the daily habits and planting the seeds, we lay the foundation for true success.
When you can take a challenging situation and use it as an opportunity to be grateful and serve others, you transform adversity into growth.
Lauren Fields, Rock Creek
Lauren in Del Mar, California
Lauren’s calling as a life design strategist and podcast host is focused on helping others own their desires and embrace the belief that it’s never too late to elevate their being and transform their lives. When we focus on this space instead of running from it, we enter the cocoon of metamorphosis. Just as you can’t rush a butterfly as it grows its wings, you should not rush yourself through the transformation process. Instead, dive fully into it and embrace each moment, despite the pain or discomfort you may initially feel. There is nothing like committing yourself to the process and the feeling of becoming a more liberated and awakened human being.
Regardless of previous setbacks or fears of the future, Lauren wants you to challenge yourself to be the one who, at the end of this road, gets to look back at their life and feel tremendous pride for being THE ONE who continued to step back into the arena and give it their all, rather than the one who wished they had listened to their heart and gone after their calling. Each dream is planted in you for a reason, and it is up to you to seek it. As Amelia Earhart said, “The most difficult thing is the decision to act. The rest is merely tenacity.”
Decide to act. Embrace the journey.
Lauren Fields
Introducing Lauren Fields who specializes in turning dreams into reality. As a Life Design Strategist, Podcast Host, and TEDx speaker, Lauren is passionate about helping individuals develop themselves and design their future. She founded the Fieldswell Method to empower clients to overcome challenges with resilience and grace in order to tap into their full potential. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Psychology, Lauren draws from her recovery from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) to provide high-level insights and strategies tailored to personal growth.
Lauren Fields delivering her TEDx talk.
Forget the Beauty Titles, Movies, World Tours, & BroadwayIt’s
Survival in the Face of Death that this Famous Grandma Taught her Granddaughter
Written by: Barbie Ray
Barbie was born an optimist. Her birthdate, March 20th, is the first day of spring, and her blood type is B+ (Be Positive!). Like her family, Barbie is a fighter and an entertainer. As a graduate of The Second City, Chicago, Barbie has both her nature and education in laughter and positivity to lean on. And being the “Grim Reaper’s Favorite Chew Toy,” ™ she needs it!
Barbie Ray is known for empowering others to break through their self-imposed barriers. She teaches people techniques to uncover inner perspective, understand the culmination of memories we store as baggage, and how to “Unleash their inner Dragon.”™. Her title as “The Grim Reaper’s Favorite Chew Toy” ™ developed after numerous confrontations with death, including being struck by lightning, attacked by a swarm of bees (where she learned she was allergic), and falling down a steep flight of stairs, which led to over a year-and-a-half of paralysis, two spinal surgeries, and a battle with opioids to name a few.
Although there is no such thing as a death gene, Barbie’s grandmother, Jeanne Bass, also had brushes with death, providing a source for Barbie’s resilience. A beauty queen who won multiple state titles and made her mark in the entertainment industry, Jeanne’s life was a testament to perseverance.
Jeanne Bass left home to be a star. Along the way, she won four titles: three as Miss Dallas, one as Miss Nevada, and placed third in the Miss Universe Contest. That notoriety (with the ensuing numerous public appearances) launched her career and the stage name Gay DeLys. Her fame continued to rise as an agency model and dancer. She was also a day player contracted to MGM, Universal, and Paramount Pictures. As a dancer, she performed on Broadway and worldwide, touring with famous performers like Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr (the Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz), Ethel Merman, Rudy Vallee, and Ruth Gordon in groups such as Ziegfeld’s Follies, George White’s Melody and George White’s Scandals.
Eventually, Jeanne settled down with a famous Chicago sax player and had two little girls. But about a decade later, she contracted TB, and her lung collapsed. She was told her condition was fatal and was committed to hospice. Her girls were sent to an orphanage. Soon after, Jeanne decided she had no intention of dying and abandoning her family. One morning, she rose, got dressed, and collected her things. When confronted by her doctor, she replied, “I’m leaving, and I will outlive you.” She did.
Despite all she’d accomplished, she was determined to attend college but only had a grade school education. She began taking classes at the Art Institute of Chicago and displaying her work in local art shows. Still seeking knowledge, she applied to Northeastern Illinois University through a life experience program where she was accepted and then graduated cum laude – all while losing her eyesight. Although legally blind, she obtained her master’s degree in psychology and became a member of the honor society - Psi Chi.
For years, Barbie would spend hours with Jeanne, learning her family recipes and hearing her amazing stories. However, it wasn’t the fame that impressed Barbie; it was her grit and determination, which, to this day, have proven to be an essential example of how to survive anything.
Barbie and her grandma, Jeanne, in their modeling days
But Jeanne wasn’t finished with the lesson. In the mid1980s, Jewel grocery stores in Illinois sold milk contaminated with salmonella. At least five people died, and many were sick. Jeanne was hospitalized, and it required most of her intestines to be removed to live through the ordeal – which, again, she did - Jeanne was used to fighting the odds.
Barbie took these lessons to heart in the face of traumatic events. As a child, Barbie was bullied and carried the mentality into adulthood and abusive treatment by partners. However, the lessons learned from brushes with death and her grandmother would help Barbie develop her strength, as well as a program to help others.
Are survival skills a byproduct of nature, nurture, or both? A premature birth with the umbilical cord strangling her was Barbie’s first of many events to test those skills. A sharp obstetrician saved her, and then the world unleashed a barrage of life-threatening incidents: pneumonia, lightning, bees, car accidents, stalkers, a suicide attempt, carbon monoxide poisoning, a devastating accident down a steep flight of stairs, and an opioid addiction.
The flight from the top stair to the bottom in the early spring set a horrific series of events into motion. By the autumn of 2006, Barbie’s back pain worsened, and paralysis began to set in. The inability to get out of bed gave way to arms and legs not responding. There were times that she was frozen from the chin down, but sadly, the pain never wavered and was always excruciating. What made matters worse was that no surgeon wanted to touch her because a giant spike had grown and lodged firmly in her sciatic nerve, bending it almost in half. They all saw the MRI, pulled out prescriptions (every drug under the sun), and said they hoped someone could eventually help her.
During that time, when her hands worked, Barbie wrote a young adult novel as well as the proforma, financials and business plan for the collision repair shop her family had been trying to purchase prior to her injury. It took over a year and a half before a specialist agreed to operate. Then, the long opioid withdrawal process started. On a positive note, the bank awarded the money to purchase the repair shop which was acquired during her opioid recovery. Another spinal surgery was necessary to cure her, but the internal damage created problems that persist even to this day. Leaning on the survival gene or learned behavior was a blessing, and staying positive while finding humor through the entire ordeal was the saving grace. It also made Barbie determined to help others.
Barbie’s grandma, Jeanne, traveled the world with some of the most famous names in entertainment
Barbie Ray graduated from The Second City in Chicago
In December 2023, Barbie was invited to share her paralysis story at the SPEAK event, themed Seasons, in New York. There, she shared her longest winter—over five seasons battling paralysis when no surgeon wanted to operate.
Barbie has been on both sides of caregiving: as a patient during that long episode and as a caregiver for her child, two family members with cancer, a friend who endured several vicious surgeries, and a brother with over twenty medical procedures and surgeries.
Barbie’s child was misdiagnosed for over ten years with Lyme coinfections and, during treatment, developed an autoimmune disorder. Barbie, after her battles and a giant stress load, fell victim to the same autoimmune disorder. Together, they fight daily for their health, but Barbie’s desire to help caregivers has led to tools and techniques to assist in the stress and difficulty of caring for others.
In February of 2024, Barbie saw a void in assistance for family caregivers struggling to keep their relationships.
With a growing number of divorces looming and very few programs designed for couples in crisis due to caregiving, she developed retreats, tools, and checklists to address the problem.
With several generations of her family losing their eyesight, Barbie is developing a course on surviving AMD with her mother, Beverly, who has also become legally blind. On National Women’s Day in 2024, Barbie spoke at the Voices of Women Summit and wrote a chapter for the compilation book: “Voices of Women 2024: (Volume 3)” which became an International Bestseller.
One of Barbie’s mantras is, “The only barriers we have in life are the ones we place in front of and above ourselves.” A mantra she not only teaches but lives, spending her life listening to others in pain, caring for them, and giving people the healing tools and techniques to help them become unstoppable. Trauma is a universal reality. Incorporating humor is more than a Band-Aid; it’s a survival technique. Barbie teaches the art of laughing one’s way to mental health, the skills to take physical and emotional pain and use it as a catalyst for personal growth, success, and empowerment, and how to Unleash your Inner Dragon for self-confidence.
Barbie in Chinatown in Chicago
Barbie Ray
Introducing Barbie Ray, a Keynote Speaker, a Resilience Expert, an Empowerment Coach, and a Health, Wellness, and Caregiver Advocate who has helped many people improve the quality of their lives and remove their self-imposed barriers.
Barbie teaches laughter as a survival technique. She honed her comedic skills, graduating from Chicago’s The Second City Training Center, where she wrote and performed improv and musical comedy on The Second City Chicago stages.
Her live musical performances have spanned everything from weddings, funerals, and special events to fronting rock bands.
In Seasons of Transformation: From Paralysis to Empowerment,” Barbie spoke in New York at the Speak event themed Seasons, about her struggles wth paralysis and ensuing opioid addiction : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4vSxdxRvGU.
She has hosted a cable television show and a video series, served as an on-air personality for a radio station, and created and performed commercial voiceovers for numerous projects.
In 2008, Barbie purchased a nonstandard auto body shop with her partner. Over the next sixteen years, they retooled, achieved the I-CAR Gold Class, and became certified by numerous manufacturers (including Ford, Subaru, Alfa Romeo, and GM, to name a few—one of the most accredited shops in Illinois). In 2022, Alfa Romeo and Genesis informed them that their collision repair facility was in the top 10 percent of all shops nationwide.
Cover photo quiz answers, Part 2
Third Row (Left to Right):
1. Elizabeth I 2. Sandra Day O’Connor 3. Clara Barton 4. Catherine the Great 5. Margaret Thatcher 6. Jane Goodall
Fourth Row (Left to Right): 1. Helen Keller 2. Susan B. Anthony 3. Marie Antoinette 4. Queen Christina of Sweden 5. Harriet Tubman 6. Queen Victoria
Debbie Prediger
Embracing the Journey of Healing and Empowerment
Written by: Debbie Prediger
Imagine being a young child, confined to a hospital bed miles away from family, surrounded by the sterile smell of antiseptics and the unfamiliar faces of strangers. The loneliness was crushing, and the uncertainty was terrifying. But there were moments of light in that darkness. Debbie Prediger still remembers sitting on the knee of a kind nurse at her desk as she charted, feeling seen and cared for. The doctor would often say, “Oh, aren’t you a lucky little girl,” and in those moments, she felt special and loved. This chapter of Debbie’s life is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, compassion, and the unyielding human spirit.
The seeds of compassion were planted in Debbie’s heart during those early years of isolation and fear. Hospitalized 3.5 hours away from home, she felt a profound loneliness that ignited a desire within her to become a nurse. Debbie wanted to heal not just physically but to offer comfort and reassurance to those who felt alone and scared. The thought of being a beacon of hope and a source of comfort to someone in need gave her a purpose. She envisioned a new style of nursing, one rooted in kindness and compassion, treating patients as more than just cases but as human beings deserving of care and empathy.
In her teenage years, Debbie faced another set of challenges that shaped her resilience and work ethic. She often felt like Cinderella, tasked with managing a household, including cooking, cleaning, and polishing trophies no one even looked at. All she wanted was to be outside with her horse, riding bareback and carefree through the pastures. Amidst these daily chores, she learned the value of perseverance and hard work.
Her horse, Red, bought with babysitting money, became her best friend. Debbie truly believes she wouldn’t be here today without her horse to talk to. Red was her confidant and her healer. Debbie recalls sitting in the field with Red standing over her, her head hanging low next to hers. Sometimes Red even lay down beside her for hours. The neighbors called her the horse whisperer, but Debbie knew that Red was whispering to her, calming her anxious mind and soothing her nervous system. She always felt so grounded with Red near.
Debbie loves horses
“The path to becoming a nurse was fraught with personal milestones and unexpected turns.”
As a young woman, Debbie juggled getting married, starting a new career, managing a new home, and building a new family. The fear of failure was overwhelming. She was terrified she would lose her babies or her job.
When she found out she was expecting not one but two babies, the fear of uncertainty and doubt about her capabilities loomed large, but she persevered. Debbie completed her education and practical training, all while raising twin boys and managing a family farm. Nursing became her passion for over a decade until her own body began to fail her.
“Having the babies brought immense joy but also overwhelming pressure.”
founder of Mastermind
Debbie got lost in the sea of people needing her—her children, her husband, her parents, her patients, and her community. She forgot who she really was. Was she a mom, a wife, a daughter, a caregiver, a rancher, a helper, a community volunteer, or a friend? No one asked how she was doing or if she needed help. The conventional healthcare system failed to provide answers as her body shut down, leaving her in constant pain and with limited mobility. Words like brain tumor, MS, and other neurological diseases were thrown around. It was a disease all right—her body was speaking, and no one was listening. The health crisis that followed was a turning point in Debbie’s life. The frustration and fear were immense, but they also led her to explore alternative healing methods.
Debbie with mentor, Dean Graziosi
Through energy work and holistic healing, she discovered the mind-gut-heart connection and realized that some of her physical pain was rooted in unresolved emotional trauma.
This revelation was empowering. Debbie delved into understanding the emotional body and the importance of energy flow, reclaiming her personal power and health. No longer did she have to accept the limitations and dismissals from medical professionals who couldn’t diagnose her condition. She found healing through new beliefs, practices, and habits, transforming her darkest hours into her greatest gift.
Today, Debbie uses her experiences to empower others, guiding them through their own journeys of healing and self-discovery. The determination and passion that fueled her recovery now help create ripples of positive change in the lives of those she touches. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of embracing one’s journey with resilience and compassion.
Debbie with her Family
Debbie Prediger
Introducing Debbie Prediger , an internationally recognized thought leader, speaker, and best-selling author who empowers heart-centered women to step into their authentic voices and create meaningful impact. As the founder of Empowering You Community and Be Extraordinary Women’s Network, Debbie has cultivated global spaces where women from all walks of life come together to share their stories, grow their confidence, and amplify their influence.
With a passion for helping others align their actions with their deepest values, Debbie has made it her mission to guide visionary women in building communities, launching projects, and making an extraordinary difference. Her work spans personal development, leadership, and community building, and she has been featured on stages and in publications worldwide. Debbie’s unique ability to bring together diverse voices, foster connection, and facilitate transformational experiences has made her a powerful catalyst for change.
Turning The Tables on Trauma: Jacqui Wilkinson
Written by: Jacqui Wilkinson
Vulnerability is a Strength, Not a Weakness
Be authentically you and never hide your true self.
This is the message Jacqui would tell her younger self. Being a survivor of 9 x Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) at her parents’ hands, shattered Jacqui’s self-belief and self-worth long into adulthood. And yet despite the adversity, Jacqui grew the resilience to believe in herself and found the courage to change. Abuse thrives on secrecy, which must be unsilenced if we are to open the door to hope and healing.
rowing up in a dysfunctional family where Jacqui consistently witnessed domestic violence is only part of her story. She was repeatedly sexually and physically abused by her father until twelve. The sexual abuse stopped when her father was arrested and pleaded guilty in a court of law, but he was never punished and walked away with a 2-year suspended custodial sentence in 1991. When the truth came out about her paedophile father, she witnessed her mother’s downward spiral of shame, guilt, and depression and her parents’ divorce was fueled with incredible hatred.
Her depressed alcoholic mother vented verbal and emotional abuse towards Jacqui when she was the angry drunk or neglected her whenever she was passed out drunk. It was during one of her mother’s binge-drinking sessions when she called the police to kick Jacqui out, making her homeless at seventeen. The bridges were burnt and with nowhere to turn for shelter from the storm, Jacqui hit rock bottom.
Being dealt a hand of 9 ACEs greatly affected Jacqui. She had so many insecurities, and her self-worth was so badly damaged that she attempted suicide at seventeen. The void in her life was self-love, so she tried to fill this void by overeating to stifle and push down her negative emotions that she simply couldn’t handle.
This created a damaging pattern of binge-eating and self-loathing. She always doubted her value and never believed she was good enough, belonged anywhere or measured up.
So, to fill these voids she super-achieved to make herself feel better on the outside because she felt so broken on the inside. Despite her outward accolades, she continued to grapple with an enduring sense of inadequacy, haunted by the shadows of self-loathing, doubt and shame because she was never truly fulfilled by her achievements. Scared of abandonment, she became a people pleaser, unable to say no, in unhealthy toxic relationships.
Twenty years after her suicide attempt, over a 12-month period, her mother went to prison, her aunt passed away, and her father died, which resulted in Jacqui’s complete breakdown. Behind the professional mask of success lay a battlefield of inner turmoil, a constant struggle to reconcile the scars of the past with the demands of the present. Her mind completely shattered because she had disconnected from her true authentic self. Having buried and hidden her painful past for many years, her unresolved trauma rose from her father’s ashes as her unhealed inner child unleashed her anger screaming to no longer be ignored. The silence was too loud.
As Jacqui began to repeat some of the volatile behaviours that she had witnessed as a child by shouting, screaming, and criticising her husband’s vulnerabilities, it became obvious that she was on course to fully self-destruct. The impact on her relationship was so severe it almost destroyed them. What sort of example would she be as a military leader, a wife, or a mother if she didn’t change?
Jacqui with her husband
Jacqui in uniform
Armed with an unwavering commitment to understand the roots of her trauma, she embarked on a path of self-discovery earning an MSc with distinction as she uncovered how primary socialisation impacts the way we narrate our adult behaviours, which provided the catalyst in understanding how to break the generational cycle of abuse. Brené Brown’s viral Ted Talk inspired Jacqui to be vulnerable and build shame resilience, which encouraged Jacqui to share her story.
In her book Turning the Tables on Trauma, Jacqui peels back the layers of her trauma with unflinching honesty and vulnerability, sharing her formidable journey as she reached for the stars and was promoted to the senior rank of Wing Commander in the British Royal Air Force. Her story shows how one woman chose to overcome the adversity of incestuous and intergenerational familial abuse. Jacqui invites readers into the depths of her soul, exploring the silenced struggles that were suppressed by fear and shame for far too long.
Her memoir is written by a survivor, for survivors and offers a roadmap of hope and healing for others who have been traumatised by child abuse. Drawing from her own lived experience
of survival, years of therapy, and academic research, Jacqui offers invaluable insights and healthy strategies for navigating the journey towards healing, happiness and transformation.
“There is no magic bullet to recovery, no one size fits all, each of us must do the hard self-work if we are to circumnavigate our fateful abuse.
The mind that holds the problem also holds the solution. If we don’t face our fears, they debilitate us and create an arsenal of negative thoughts and behavioural patterns, which strips our confidence and destroys our belief system. So, we must persevere to overcome and find happiness and success.” At its heart lies a powerful message of forgiveness, gratitude, self-love, and self-compassion.
Jacqui is the bestselling author of Turning the Tables on Trauma (#turningthetablesontrauma). All profits are donated to Axis Counselling: Supporting Survivors of Sexual Abuse. If Jacqui’s story can help survivors find their voice and take a step towards healing, her painful past will have found its purpose. “Through Adversity To The Stars - Per Ardua Ad Astra.”
Jacqui Wilkinson and family, UK
After a suicide attempt at seventeen and CPTSD diagnosis 20 years later, Jacqui decided to break the generational cycle of abuse for the sake of her children. No matter what hand of ACEs we are dealt in childhood, we get to reshuffle the deck for a brighter outcome. Our most challenging moments will determine our character, so we must learn to let go of what no longer serves us, because when we let go, we provide ourselves the necessary space to enable future growth and reach our true potential, which leads to deeper fulfilment.
A
leader, a champion, a survivor, a beacon of hope for all those striving for a brighter tomorrow.
Jacqui Wilkinson
Introducing Jacqui Wilkinson: a Wing Commander in the British Royal Air Force, logistics specialist, and passionate leader with over two decades of service, dedicated to leading and inspiring military personnel.
Jacqui’s impact extends beyond her professional achievements; she’s a gold medallist in the military heptathlon and led the RAF Athletics Ladies’ Team to four consecutive victories at the annual Inter-Service championships. Her academic prowess matches her athletic feats, with four post-graduate degrees and distinction for her MSc research, exploring the profound impact of adverse childhood experiences on adult behaviours.
Jacqui is a leader, athlete, fitness instructor, coach, certified hypnotherapist, international speaker, mentor to survivors and she sits on the UK Defence Mental Health and Wellbeing Committee, advocating the benefits of improving our mental fitness. She shares how fitness and mindset positively influence our mental wellbeing and how her trauma-informed leadership approach of leading with authenticity has enabled her to have courageous conversations. To the survivors hiding in plain sight, her mission is to break the chains of trauma and inspire a movement of courage and healing. If you need a speaker to light the path for others, ignite resilience, and create real change, Jacqui will stand on your stage and serve. Together, we can turn the tables on trauma and empower survivors to rise, speak, and heal.
Nicole Cowley
From Heartbreak to Personal Transformation: How Sisterhood of Women Helped Me Rebuild My Life
Written by: Nicole Cowley
Nine years ago, Nicole Cowley’s world was falling apart—not just in one area of her life, but in every possible way. She vividly recalls the exact room she was in when she begged her husband to stay. The nausea was overpowering, her limbs felt like they were no longer attached, and she was engulfed by a pain so deep that it felt physical. She had never experienced anything so consuming. In that moment, she was certain that things would never be okay again.
Her husband had made up his mind, and no amount of pleading would change it. Her marriage was over. Nicole had no income and had been out of the workforce for years, staying home to raise her two young children, Kenzie and Carson, who were just 3 and 7 at the time. Suddenly, she was faced with the daunting reality of having to provide for them on her own. She felt utterly helpless—discarded, irrelevant, and terrified of the future.
At the same time, Nicole’s father—her hero— was slipping away, slowly succumbing to illness. He had always been her source of strength, and now she was losing him too. Her heart ached not only for herself but for her mother, who was losing her best friend and husband. Nicole had to be strong for her, just as she had to be strong for her children, all while feeling like she had nothing left to give. It felt as if all her worlds were collapsing at once, and she didn’t know how to hold it together.
The grief Nicole experienced during this time was overwhelming. Her husband’s departure left her feeling rejected, unworthy, and broken, while her father’s slow decline brought a quieter, deeper sadness. Both losses were happening simultaneously, yet they required different forms of healing.
The end of Nicole’s marriage made her question everything about herself. She had poured her whole being into her family, and when it fell apart, so did her sense of identity. She felt discarded—like she wasn’t good enough as a wife, a partner, or even a woman. Each day was a battle to keep it together for her children as she fought through the darkest period of her life.
At the same time, she was watching her father, once so strong and vibrant, slowly slip away. His death left a deep void, but it didn’t shatter her sense of self the way her marriage had. Losing him hurt deeply, but it also gave her a sense of purpose. She wanted to live fully in his honor and show up for life in a way that would make him proud.
During this difficult period, something remarkable happened that Nicole would never forget. One evening, as her children were staying with their father for the first time, she sat alone in her empty house, feeling more isolated than ever. The silence was deafening. But then, there was a knock on the door.
Standing there was a woman from her neighborhood, one of the moms whose children went to school with hers. She handed Nicole a gift, and inside was something she could never have imagined—a brand-new iPad, surrounded by notes of encouragement from the women in her community. These incredible women knew that Nicole had just joined a direct marketing company and didn’t have anything to start her business with. They saw how hard she was trying to rebuild, and they came together to support her in a way she could never have expected.
Nicole broke down in tears, overwhelmed by their kindness. Their words, love, and belief in her came at a time when she was running on empty. They lifted her up when she couldn’t lift herself. She hadn’t asked for help, but they saw her, and they gave her the strength to begin rebuilding her life.
After her husband left, joining the direct marketing company became Nicole’s lifeline. It wasn’t just a business opportunity—it gave her hope when she had none. She had nothing, but this opportunity allowed her to imagine a future where she could provide for her children and rebuild her life. She threw herself into the business, and little by little, she started to succeed.
Nicole built a successful business, grew a large team, and achieved milestones she hadn’t thought possible. That company gave her a taste of success that she desperately needed. It reignited her belief in herself and helped her dream again. But after working in direct marketing for quite some time, something deeper began to stir inside her.
As she connected with more and more women— hearing their stories, their struggles, and their dreams—she realized that they needed more than what she was offering. She saw that these women, much like herself, were dealing with deeper emotional pain, insecurities, and unspoken challenges. It became clear to her that her true calling wasn’t just about helping women find financial success—it was about helping them heal and transform their lives on a much deeper level.
Nicole with her children
That’s when Nicole made a major decision: she would go back to school to become a personal trainer. She wanted to give women the tools to strengthen not just their bodies but their entire lives. For a year, she worked for free, training women while learning everything she could. But as she worked with her clients, she realized that fitness alone wasn’t enough—they needed more than physical health. They needed a holistic transformation.
Determined to offer more, Nicole continued her education, earning certifications in health coaching, life coaching, and eventually mastery in life coaching. But she wasn’t done yet. She wanted to help women transform at the deepest level, so she pursued two separate certifications in hypnotherapy. She knew that lasting change starts in the mind, and she was committed to giving women the best tools to rewrite their stories.
Now, Nicole uses all of these tools to help women rise. Together, she and her clients dive into the deepest parts of their stories—their struggles, their pain, and their dreams—and they weave together the narrative of what they want their lives to be. It’s a journey of transformation that goes beyond anything they ever thought possible.
It took time to rebuild her confidence and rediscover her value outside of being a wife. Every single job she accomplished when she thought it wasn’t possible helped remind her of her true strength. Day by day, her confidence started to return.
Looking back, Nicole sees that the two types of grief she faced—the loss of her marriage and the loss of her father— required different forms of healing. The end of her marriage shattered her self-worth and left her feeling rejected.
The grief from losing her father was different. It didn’t destroy her self-esteem, but it left her with a deep sadness and a sense of loss that took time to process. His passing also gave her a sense of purpose. She wanted to live fully, to honor him by building a life that would make him proud. The more she lived and didn’t give up, the more connected she felt to his heart.
Each grief was painful, but they taught Nicole valuable lessons about resilience, strength, and the importance of community. Healing is not a linear process, and it’s not something that can be done alone. Sometimes, strength must be borrowed from the people around until one can find their own again.
Today, Nicole has dedicated her life to helping women navigate their own transformations. As an empowerment coach, she works with ambitious women who feel stuck, exhausted, and uncertain about what’s next. Having been in that place of helplessness, Nicole knows what it feels like to doubt whether one will ever rise again.
Nicole and daughter in Alberta, Canada
What she knows for sure is this: she doesn’t just teach women how to rebuild their lives from a place of theory—she’s lived it. Nicole has had to rebuild her life from the ground up, starting with nothing and rising to a place of empowerment. She understands what it feels like to be broken, irrelevant, and lost. But she also knows it’s possible to rise stronger than ever before.
Nicole often reflects on the words of Oprah Winfrey: “What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. And I am especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to
The more people share their stories, the more they empower others to share theirs. One woman’s story of rising can become another’s road map to success. This sharing creates connection, reminding everyone that they don’t have to suffer alone. Though it’s never easy to open up about the darkest times, through that crack, a glimmer of light can begin to shine, guiding the way to a future never thought possible.
Grief may knock us down, but it doesn’t have to keep us there. Healing, rebuilding, and thriving are possible, and when they are achieved, those stories can become beacons of hope for others. Nicole’s journey is a testament to this belief: together, we can rise.
Nicole Cowley
Introducing Nicole Cowley, a catalyst for life-altering change! With certifications in hypnotherapy, life coaching, health coaching, personal training, and extensive study in the Law of Attraction, she is a transformational coach with unparalleled expertise. Nicole’s journey began less than a decade ago when she transitioned from being a stay-at-home mom to a single parent facing an uncertain future. Inspired by her love for people and a determination to set an example for her children, she rebuilt her life through relentless dedication and learning from top mentors like Maya Comerota, Marisa Peer, Bob Proctor, and Jim Fortin.
Today, Nicole is a founding member of the Los Angeles Tribune Women’s Journal and a speaker on stages around the world. As the visionary behind Next Step With Nicole Renee, she empowers individuals to chase their dreams fearlessly and unlock their mind’s potential. Nicole specializes in helping people transform their health, wealth, and relationships with tangible results. Recently, she has formed an exciting partnership with a leading Health and Wellness company, further enhancing her ability to support her clients’ transformational journeys. With Nicole’s guidance, you’ll discover what’s holding you back and take bold, empowered steps towards your goals. Your transformation starts the day you say yes to yourself!
Where in the World Are the Women of the global Women's Journal?
Mary Glorfield, Florida
Karen Hall, New York
Karen Hall with daughter and granddaughter in Norway
Ai Ichii, Japan
Karen Hall with husband at Lake Louise, Canada
Karen Hall and husband at St. Maarten
Crystal Chow with Hide the Pain in Singapore
Crystal Chow, Singapore
Lauren Fields, Rock Creek
Dr. Lisa Tan, Thailand
Barbie Ray, St. Thomas
Debbie Prediger in Canada
Mary Glorfield in Napa, CA
Karla Butts in Venice
Jacqui with family, Italy
Nicole Cowley in New Zealand
Nicole Cowley with family in Vancouver
Nicole and daughter in Alberta, Canada
Rebecca Gold in Lake Tahoe
Denise Thomas on the road again
Crystal Chow at a party with Lisa Nichols
Debbie Prediger and husband in Mexico
Jacqui Wilkinson and family, Sicily
Barbie Ray in Chicago
Karen Hall with family, Chicago
Lauren Fields in Del Mar
Dr. Lisa Tan with family in Puerto Rico
Rebecca Gold in an adventure
Denise Thomas and daughter in Florida
Sheryll Mizell in Mexico
Sheryll Mizell in New York
Ai Ichii, Japan
Karla Butts in Sydney, Australia
Ai Ichii, Japana
Denise and husband in Yosemite, CA
Nataliya Preiss in Egypt
Debbie Prediger and husband in Mexico
Debbie Prediger in Mexico
Denise Thomas and daughter in Florida
Denise Thomas at Leaning Tower of Pisa
Denise Thomas in Disneyland
Jacqui Wilkinson in uniform
Jacqui Wilkinson, Italy
Dr. Lisa Tan, Puerto Rico
Crystal Chow in Singapore
Debbie Prediger in Canada
Sheryl Lynn in Las Vegas
Jacqui Wilkinson and family, UK
Nataliya Preiss, Retreat
Denise Thomas and family, Disney World
Ashley Lowery and Barb Green
Serving with Compassion Ashley Lowery, CEO, Continues the Legacy of Rev. Otis and Barb Green, Founders of HEP.
Written by Karen Hall, the Queen of Empathy, international bestselling author, and international inspirational speaker. Karen is an emotional intelligence expert, leadership coach, and host of The Empathy Advantage podcast and The Hero Within podcast. Karen is also the Executive Director of the global Women’s Journal of The Los Angeles Tribune.
Otis and Barb Green bulding homes for the homeless.
The Homeless Empowerment Program (HEP) in Clearwater began with a simple desire to help. What started as Rev. Otis and Barb Green offering support to a struggling family in their church has grown into a community lifeline, offering hope to those who need it most.
Barb’s journey began long before HEP existed. Raised as one of 12 children on a cotton farm in Alabama, Barb said, “I learned to work hard and to serve from my mother. She taught me about grit and finding strength in faith.” Barb remembers the unity and love of her family. “We didn’t have much, but we shared everything. And whenever someone needed something, we all pitched in and helped,” Barb recalls.
Barb explained that she and her siblings learned to care for each other, and this sense of duty carried with her when she moved to Florida, seeking better opportunities. When she met her future husband, Otis, at a church barbecue in 1959, they discovered a common desire to serve. Their shared values of faith and service became the foundation of their new life together as husband and wife.
Reverend
When a family in their church was struggling after the father’s work injury, Barb and Otis didn’t hesitate; they did what came naturally, and what they would have done for their own family members—they stepped in and bought the family a house, helping them get back on their feet.
Word spread quickly, and soon they were helping others. “We were just trying to help, one family at a time,” Barb says matter of factly. Otis, who worked as a block mason, started buying more properties to support others in need, converting a small act of generosity into a larger mission. “We just kept building and helping more people,” Barb recalls. Unknowingly, they were laying the foundation for what would become HEP.
In 1986, HEP was officially formed, and it became more than just building a shelter—it became a place where people could rebuild their lives with dignity. “We always said, we wouldn’t give anyone a home, clothes or food that we wouldn’t want ourselves,” Barb explains. “People deserve respect, no matter their situation.”
Otis’s hands helped build much of HEP’s early housing, even as he quietly battled Parkinson’s disease and cancer. “You would never have known he was sick,” Barb remembers.
“He just kept going, building and working. He always had faith.” His determination became a cornerstone of HEP’s ethos: keep moving forward, always with hope. “He didn’t speak much about the work; he just did it,” Barb reflects. “He believed action was what mattered. He showed his love through building homes.”
As HEP continued to grow, Barb eventually stepped down as CEO and turned the reins over to the compassionate leadership of Ashley Lowery, under which HEP continues to flourish. Ashley started as a marketing assistant more than a decade ago, moving to Director of Marketing, then Director of Communications until taking the helm as CEO in 2017.
Ashley said, “It’s not just about providing housing. It’s about listening to people’s stories, understanding their struggles, and giving them the tools to move forward.” Ashley’s ability to listen and connect with people has made a profound difference at HEP, not only in how services are delivered but in how the organization continues to grow.
Ashley Lowery, CEO, HEP
Barb Green, founder HEP
HEP’s reach has expanded far beyond housing and basic needs. Ashley remembers that one of the most significant additions to HEP was dental services, which came from Dr. William “Doc” Johnston. After retiring, he enjoyed playing golf but one day he felt called to do more. He called Barb and stated, “I’m tired of golf.” He asked if there was anything he could do and Barb suggested he could start volunteering by answering phones, which he did for several years.
However, he soon saw a greater need and when Doc Johnston founded the HEP Dental Clinic in 1994, his vision was transforming lives and transforming smiles. “I’d rather be fixing teeth than swinging a golf club,” Doc would often joke.
Honored since his passing, today, the clinic has provided over $1.1 million in donated services. Similarly, Dr. Williams established the Vision Clinic, ensuring residents received vital eye care.
Volunteers are an essential part of HEP’s lifeblood. Last year alone, 2,153 volunteers donated 21,105 hours, saving the organization more than $671,000.
None of it’s too small,” Barb says, grateful for every contribution, whether it’s time, money, or simply a kind gesture.
“Service brings me a deeper sense of purpose,” Ashley says. “It’s not just about providing help; it’s about walking alongside someone in their darkest moment and letting them know they are not alone.”
Another way HEP offers a hand up is through the Workforce Development Center with job training and career counseling, and it’s not just for members of the Homeless Empowerment Program but to the community as well.
“We strive to get down to the root of the problem and provide as many services as possible on campus,” Ashley emphasizes.
Ronde Barber, Buccaneers legend and NFL Hall of Fame Cornerback, serves lunch in the HEP Dining Hall and Kitchen.
NY Giants Linebacker Micah McFadden served dinner to the residents of HEP.
Whether it’s providing medical care, job training, a beauty salon, dental care or housing, HEP’s goal is to lift people up, helping them reclaim their lives, maintain their dignity and find a new sense of purpose.
HEP’s comprehensive program is admired by many who are working to emulate it in other parts of the country. The veterans’ program is especially impactful—82% of veterans who complete the program do not return to homelessness, a testament to HEP’s comprehensive care. Furthermore, 87% of families in their permanent housing program transition to independent living, finding stability that once felt impossible.
“Every day, I’ve learned from them,” Barb says of those she serves. “I’ve learned about resilience, strength, and hope. They remind me that no one is ever too far gone to rebuild.”
Despite officially “retiring,” Barb remains an active presence at HEP, continuing to fundraise and connect with the community.
She’s received numerous accolades, including the Ellen Hardin Walworth Medal for Patriotism and the 2024 Amplify Clearwater Stellar Award for Community Spirit, but she’s quick to thank all who have served, “We didn’t do this alone.”
“There are so many people behind HEP,” Ashley added. “I’m also grateful for the opportunity to serve.”
Barb and Otis believed in the power of community, and that belief is what keeps HEP thriving.
Some of the past graduates of HEP have returned to visit, bringing their children and grandchildren, who have gone on to graduate from college. This is especially rewarding for Barb to see how their assistance didn’t just bless one person, but generations beyond.
As Barb reflects, “It takes a village. It was never just us.” Thanks to that village of dedicated staff and volunteers, Barb and Otis’s legacy lives on through people with big hearts like Ashley. HEP continues to bless lives because HEP is more than a shelter; it’s a place of hope, of second chances, and of transformation.
Ashley Lowery, CEO of HEP, carries on the Legacy of Rev. Otis and Barb Green, founders.
HEP congratulates Julie-Anh Vu, the very first recipient of the Doc Johnston Scholarship Fund, provided by Tim Brown and the ROI Corporation in memory and honor of the late William “Doc” Johnston, HEP’s Dental Clinic founder.
Women in Leadership:
Navigating Uncharted Territory Karla Butts
Written by: Karla Butts
In pursuit of leadership, women often find themselves navigating uncharted territory. As Karla Butts reflected on her journey, she recognized the significance of female leaders who have blazed trails before, navigating challenging waters to ease the way for the future generations. She’s wrestled and struggled through her own stories over the years which created her passion to help other women along the way. Her hope is to help bring reformation to the organizational structures to which she’s been very loyal. It’s been a long journey one situation at a time, while catalyzing movement along the way.
She was part of the generation that had to adapt, imitate, and watch what was said in all predominantly male meetings, so as not to “undermine” impact. She’s had to adjust to not upset the status quo.
Statements that replay in her mind include:
“You are just a little too aggressive.”
“Now that he reports to you, you will see he makes more than you.”
“You need to watch your emotions.”
Thankfully women in history have taught lessons on their trailblazing ways. One who has stood out in particular to Karla is Susan B. Anthony. More than the first female on a U.S. coin, she fought against slavery, promoted women’s rights, and encouraged equity in all things. When she was prevented from speaking or leading because she was a female, she formed the National Woman Suffrage Association ( NWSA), a women’s organization that paralleled a similar men’s group in 1890.
Reflecting on a time when Karla was an EMT (Emergency Medical Tech), she was one of six women on a crew of roughly 40. They were partnered with a male partner on each shift, and it struck her as odd that all had the same qualifications, education, and licenses, yet never partnered on a shift. She asked why she could not partner with a fellow female for a shift. She was just told- “we don’t partner women together.”
Not known for being someone to accept the status quo, but rather to challenge inequitable situations, she continued to push until a timely situation forced the hand of leadership to place her with another female partner. It proved what they knew all along, that gender had nothing to do with being capable or successful in this role.
Another time when she was fresh in her leadership journey she was in a room full of male leaders and teammates, when it was shared that there was an elevated position being posted. As she sat in the meeting around a long table, looking around at her colleagues, she quickly noticed only her male counterparts were being considered as evidenced by conversations about this pending opportunity. In her mind she recalled their credentials, education, and experience and knew she possessed equal or more.
Though she had questioned the male vs female abilities debate in the past, she was now in a leadership role and with that, she found herself suddenly apprehensive to speak up. She was concerned because as an entry level female leader, the rules of engagement had changed for her. She was concerned there would now be consequences for raising her hand and found herself shrinking into old school thoughts of “You should tow the line. Know your place,” etc. All of the usual stigmas sounded like nails on a chalkboard.
But there was something in the moment that day that made Karla just simply say“What about me; where am I in this conversation”?
And though heartbreaking but not unexpected, the leader asked in a colorful way “Why are you calling me out?” Karla simply said, “ Because you need to be.”
Karla on her health journey running a 5K
Karla presenting at LogiMed
Reflecting back on that moment, Karla was terrified that she had committed career suicide and immediately began writing her resume in her head.
Yet, it was actually that day that marked the day she found her voice, her confidence, and most importantly propelled her on to saying no more.
She got that position and more along the way. She did not know at that moment that in the future she would be writing about leadership, speaking at events, and mentoring women starting their journey, but she can see how that was the catalyst.
This is just some of the many experiences and observations along her journey where she pushed and challenged the status quo to be recognized and to prove her skills and abilities. Susan B. Anthony’s perseverance, grit, and refusal to step down inspired Karla as a female leader to encourage, mentor, and help other women navigate their leadership aspirations. In her current role as an AVP in supply chain, she’s positioned to have an influential voice at the table and have the privilege to mentor and develop women and students in the early stages of designing their careers.
She uses her experience and voice to present at professional conferences to not only highlight women in executive positions but also to teach men how they can be allies in elevating women within industries.
The legacy of female leaders before us serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness and shared purpose. Just as we have been inspired by those who came before us, we must aspire to inspire future generations of leaders.
This quote reflects a guiding principle which motivates Karla Butts to pay it forward.
“ The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to help the world.”
Karla in Sydney Australia
Karla in an immersive Van Gogh exhibit
Karla Butts
Introducing Karla Butts, MA, LSSGB I AVP Providence
Empowering Women to Lead at the C-Suite Level
Accomplished senior-level leader with 25+ years of healthcare experience that has a Mission heart and a passion for building and developing people. Recognized for developing high functioning and collaborative relationships and teams that lend way to consistently meeting strategic and financial goals. Believes effective communication is a key component to successful leadership to gain adoption of new strategies and processes. Respected for approachability, effectiveness, project design and delivery.
Sheryll Mizell
WakeUP to Your W.O.W!™
The Gift of Resilience and Worthiness
Written by: Sheryll Mizell
This is an extraordinary time to be a woman, and Sheryll Mizell believes that the gifts of resilience and worthiness are more essential than ever.
She acknowledges that the world is finally celebrating women’s accomplishments, not just because of the current emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion, but as a recognition of their incredible contributions.
From athletes to authors, entrepreneurs to educators, motivational speakers to moms, and celebrities to content creators, Sheryll has marveled at how women have overcome barriers and obstacles to achieve greatness. These women have made history while making a difference, serving as unintentional mentors and sources of inspiration for many, including Sheryll herself.
Young Sheryll with her mom
However, none have inspired her more profoundly than her own mother, Ophelia Mizell, affectionately known as “the dancing lady.”
Ophelia Mizell grew up during the Jim Crow era in the South, the youngest daughter of sharecropper parents. Her childhood was marked by hard work, discipline, and unwavering dedication to family. Alongside her siblings, she tended fields and animals and completed farm chores before heading to school. These values carried over into her adult life as she pursued her dream of becoming a teacher.
Despite facing significant challenges, including years of domestic violence from an alcoholic husband, Ophelia remained steadfast in her determination to create the life she envisioned. Even in the face of adversity, she refused to let her circumstances define her future. While working full-time, she attended college in the evenings. Through sheer resilience, she earned a bachelor’s degree and two master’s degrees, all while raising three daughters, one of whom is autistic.
After the loss of her husband, Ophelia embraced life with renewed vigor. She chose to live fully, inspiring others to savor each moment through her love of dancing. She became a beacon of joy and resilience, hosting weekly Friday fish fries with friends that often turned into evenings filled with dancing.
Ophelia was always the first on the dance floor and the last to leave. From her, Sheryll learned that dancing could heal and uplift any emotion, whether anger, grief, or celebration. Ophelia also instilled the importance of daily gratitude, teaching Sheryll that focusing on blessings diminishes the weight of negativity.
Sheryll credits her mother with passing down an incredible gift of resilience—a gift that has shaped her life and enabled her to make a difference in the world.
Sheryll credits her mother with passing down an incredible gift of resilience—a gift that has shaped her life and enabled her to make a difference in the world.
Her journey has been marked by a series of ups and downs, twists and turns, as if she were on a runaway roller coaster. Sheryll faced challenges from an early age, growing up in one of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in New York City with parents who were struggling with their own traumas.
As a child, she endured teasing and bullying for being different, and as a young woman, she found herself in an abusive relationship. Perhaps due to these experiences, she had premonitions of dying at the age of 25. But instead of succumbing to despair, Sheryll resolved to embrace life fully and have fun— just like her mother.
Sheryll in New York
Sheryll Mizell in New York
Her life took a transformative turn following her father’s death. Sheryll returned to college, earned a degree in accounting, and began a corporate career in the real estate division of one of the Big Six CPA firms. As the only Black woman in her professional sphere, she faced challenges but relied on her resilience to navigate her career successfully.
Sheryll learned early on that life’s chaos often lies beyond one’s control, and in such moments, choices must be made. She believes that individuals can either let the chaos break them or rise above it, reclaim their power, and create joyful, fulfilling lives. Like her mother, Sheryll has consistently chosen the latter path.
The gift of resilience Sheryll inherited from her mother ultimately became her purpose.
The lessons she learned through life’s trials now serve as the foundation for her work, helping others navigate chaos and discover their own paths to fulfillment..
Post-pandemic, Sheryll realized that she had lost her spark, her excitement—her mojo. The lockdown, remote work, and global uncertainty had left her feeling out of control. Determined to reclaim her power, she embarked on a journey to rediscover her joy, take risks, and inspire others.
Sheryll is passionate about empowering women to wake up to their WOW—their worthiness, optimism, and wonder. She encourages women to embrace self-love and authenticity, believing that every woman has the power to live her highest potential. Sheryll’s mission is to help women recognize their resilience, celebrate life’s moments, and understand that now is their time.
Through her work, Sheryll Mizell exemplifies the transformative power of resilience and worthiness, inspiring others to dance through life’s challenges and celebrate its victories. Her message is simple yet profound: always dance, always celebrate, and never forget that the time for women is now.
Sheryll’s mother, Ophelia
Sheryll in Mexico
Sheryll Mizell
Introducing Sheryll Mizell, who has a personal mission to help women wake up to their wow. and embrace life to the fullest by becoming fit for the business and busyness of their lives.
With 15+ years of experience in corporate america in Financial Services and Human Resources, she helps clients explore how their mindset and emotions impact their relationship with money. As a speaker, author, and coach, she is dedicated to the transformation of her clients so they can achieve their unique wealth and health goals so they can experience living at their highest possibility.
She does this by offering coaching and wellness programs through her business Fit For Biz Consulting, Inc. as well as through speaking events. When not helping clients, Mizell can be found walking through NYC enjoying conversations with new people.
From Trials to Triumphs: Empowering Women to Shape Their Destinies
Written by: Rebecca Gold
R
ebecca Gold hopes to touch hearts and minds by channeling real-life challenges into narratives of empowerment, not only for herself but for others.
Rebecca’s entry into this world was marked by the innocence and unfiltered joy of childhood. From her earliest days, she developed a love for dogs and four-legged companionship, which has brought her immense joy and turned her into an advocate for them. (She slept in the dog bed as soon as she could crawl!)
At the tender age of nine, Rebecca’s world was turned upside down by her mother’s cancer diagnosis, prolonged illness, and eventual passing. It was more than the disease—it was the ensuing isolation that confronted her, unveiling a harsh reality for which she was utterly unprepared. She was forced to grow up overnight. Thankfully, she found solace in her best fur buddy, Pepper, who kept her company through the difficult times.
In her early twenties, Rebecca met Norm. Together, they not only built a life but also a haven amidst the mountain peaks, where they could breathe in the clean mountain air. There, they built their quintessential log home with their own hands, and their dreams took flight. Rebecca and Norm lived in joy, with boundless love and ambition. They were able to spend a glorious 18 years together, which Rebecca considers the best years of her life.
Sadly, their ascent was met with turbulence. The descent came sharply—a misguided investment spiraled, their business was undone overnight and their shared empire collapsed as Norm succumbed to his own battle.
Norm’s passing from this world left a void within Rebecca—stripping away her home, her partner, and even her dog, who passed within months. She lost nearly all of her hope. From the depths of this void, she painstakingly reconstructed her existence, brick by brick, each layer infused with the lessons of her adversities.
Yet, it was in these valleys that Rebecca’s strength was forged. With resilience as her sustenance, she marched through adversity, emerging with renewed purpose, inspired by the majestic mountains that she loved and called home, that reminded her of the beauty and constancy in growth and renewal.
Rebecca’s quest for self-discovery meandered through the vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica and Mexico, tracing paths she and Norm once dreamed of exploring. Accompanied by the spirit of adventure and her own fearlessness, this journey was not solely for healing but for the rediscovery of joy and the refinement of her life’s mission.
Her rebirth brought Rebecca to an awakening as a life coach, which also became her gift. Armed with certifications and propelled by desire, she immersed herself in empowering others to be fearless and create their dream lives in both business and personal spheres. She recognized that her purpose extended beyond a mere vocation; it was her destiny.
Her pivot into the realm of business and life coaching was driven not by a quest for titles but by an impassioned desire to delve deep into the art of thriving amidst life’s unpredictable storms.
Rebecca and her boyfriend
Rebecca in Mexico
This exploration was deeply personal. She sought to decode joy—a joy as steadfast as a mountain, not fleeting, but a constant companion in life’s journey. She found that courage was not about the absence of fear but about embracing it, transforming it into a steppingstone toward a life defined not by what happens to us but how we rise.
Then life presented Rebecca with another difficult twist—a torn meniscus, followed by a failed total knee replacement that left her handicapped and once again robbed her of most everything she loved. Yet, after her first year of pain, 24/7, 365 days a year, she saw things differently. She found another layer of strength she did not know she had. Rebecca gained the gift of perspective that gave her an opportunity to soar and transform hurdles into new beginnings.
Today, Rebecca Gold’s heart overflows with gratitude and purpose. She shares her story, not as a reflection on the past, but as a guide for the road ahead. It is a celebration of resilience, the art of reinvention, and the boundless capacity for joy, regardless of circumstances.
Rebecca on an adventure
Rebecca Gold
Introducing Rebecca Gold, known as “The Gold Standard Coach who is an internationally recognized startup expert for new coaching professionals and a coaches’ coach. She is a certified life and business coach. She was a featured contributor of The Six-Figure Coach Magazine and Multi-Million Dollar Business Owner. She is a Los Angeles business of the year award recipient and was featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, NPR, The Los Angeles Times, and The Daily News.
Her goal is straightforward. She has a relentless passion to help business owners generate more clients, close more sales and increase their revenue and profits to quickly and inexpensively to get what they really want, by utilizing mastermind groups and coaching.
She has a special talent for helping business owners create competition-crushing marketing. In addition, her team has also developed numerous training programs for business owners who prefer a do-it-yourself model. Each enables any business to instantly produce more leads, close more sales, and see a dramatic increase in revenue and profits and find more joy.
Denise Thomas
The Cost of the Prize
Written by: Denise Thomas
Throughout history, it was assumed that women did not have the same intellectual capacity as men for advanced education. Accordingly, women were not allowed to earn a bachelor’s degree until the 19th century with few exceptions. This was still the case in Warsaw where Marie and her sister, Bonia, lived in the year 1883.
After high school, Marie and Bonia were barred from enrolling in a regular university, so they became involved with a secret, underground university that admitted women. But just because they could get in, didn’t mean they could afford it.
Sounds familiar, right? Attaining a college education has always been expensive. Those without wealthy parents relied on working, saving, and the odd grant or scholarship to afford it. Roughly ninety years after Marie and Bonia were struggling to afford college, Denise Thomas attended university on a grant for low-income families and worked 3 jobs to make ends meet.
Like Denise, Marie and Bonia were determined. They made a pact: Marie would work as a governess and tutor to assist Bonia financially with her education and Bonia would do the same for Marie in two years. After earning her degree, Bonia married a physician and in early 1890 invited her sister to join them in Paris so that Marie could attend the university there.
As much as Marie wanted to say “yes” right away, affording the tuition for the University of Paris would take another eighteen months to earn the necessary funds. It wasn’t until late 1891 she left Warsaw for France.
At the University of Paris, Marie made every penny count. She kept warm during cold winters by wearing all the clothes she had. She studied during the day and tutored evenings, barely earning enough to cover her costs.
Denise Thomas enjoying full-time RV living
Then finally, in 1893, she was awarded her first degree. With the aid of a fellowship, she continued studying and earned a second degree in 1894.
Jumping forward 115 years, Denise’s hard-won degree was in a folder in her office file cabinet, and then it was her daughter’s turn to pursue her degree. Remembering what she had gone through to pay for her degree, Denise knew she didn’t want that to be her daughter’s story. However, Denise’s husband had been laid off, followed quickly by a stock market crash, and a subsequent bankruptcy, which meant “getting a loan” wasn’t an option. But Denise was determined, much like Marie and Bonia had been. She discovered that a small percentage of students paid for college completely with scholarships.
She researched how they achieved it and applied those strategies to her daughter. Denise’s daughter attended college on multiple scholarships, covering her college costs, with excess funds at graduation. Five years later, the strategies also worked for Denise’s son.
But back to the sisters. Bonia went on to establish a school for girls in Warsaw, but she is perhaps best known for the memoirs she wrote of her sister. Marie went on to become the first woman professor at the University of Paris and the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two scientific fields, Physics and Chemistry, for pioneering research on radioactivity. You probably know her by her full name: Marie Curie.
Denise and husband celebrating in Disney World
Denise has always admired Marie Curie for her dedication to her education, how she afforded it, and her subsequent contributions to humanity.
Denise Thomas deeply hopes to honor Marie’s work by helping more young women to afford college and perhaps go on to become the next “Marie”
Denise Thomas
Introducing Denise Thomas, TEDx speaker, international best-selling author, and mentor to parents of college-bound teens. Denise Thomas inspires, educates, and equips parents to actively support their children to live a life of financial freedom. From bankruptcy to finding a way for her 2 homeschooled children to attend college on 17 scholarships totaling more than $199,000, she’s on a mission to change lives, leave legacies, and ‘flip’ the student debt statistic in the U.S.
Denise Thomas and family, Disney World
Lynn
Barstools to Breakthroughs: A Journey to the Heart of Joy Sheryl
Written by: Sheryl Lynn
L
ife has a way of leading people down paths they never anticipated, some winding through joy and others through disillusionment. Sheryl Lynn’s journey through these landscapes began as a young divorced mother of three, grappling with a lingering sense of failure and a burning question: What was next?
Real estate became her first answer. In this field, Sheryl thrived, connecting with people and discovering what made their hearts tick— whether it was a need for a craft room or a swing set for the kids. This career allowed her not only to hear stories but also to play a part in shaping them as she helped people find homes that matched their dreams.
In 2001, amidst the whirlwind success of selling houses, Sheryl stumbled upon an opportunity that seemed dipped in potential—a piece of real estate in the town center comprising eight rental units, a commercial space used by an accountant, and a bar and grill, now closed, with windows boarded up. The possibilities seemed endless. She did the numbers, and it all made sense. Soon, she recognized that this investment wasn’t just about business; it was about creating a community space. It was something she had always dreamed of: a place for people to gather and have fun–maybe in a bar and grill? It was all new to her, but exciting nonetheless. Could she learn to make burgers and jalapeño poppers?
She would, and she did.
Sheryl remembers the day she received the keys. Her heart swelled with excitement as she stepped into the dusty silence of the closed bar. Driven by a vision of what could be, she cleaned, renovated, and breathed life into every corner of that place. Within 45 days, gorgeous large signs, one for the front and one for the back, were put up by a crane, made out of solid wood and hand-painted. “Our Place Bar and Grill” was the name she settled on. A cool group of friends helped her open the doors to a buzzing crowd from all around the Midwest and beyond.
The air was electric with music from a dentistturned-one-man-band and the cheers of patrons reveling in a space that truly felt like theirs.
But the initial euphoria didn’t last. The challenges of managing a bar began to surface. Sheryl’s father was an alcoholic, and while she didn’t drink much herself, she was soon surrounded by the consequences of excess. The joy of community building gave way to disillusionment as she witnessed the destructive behaviors that alcohol could foster. People she had come to cherish as part of her extended family were now punching holes in the walls of beautifully remodeled bathrooms and littering the surroundings with garbage.
This slow realization saddened her deeply. It was more than just physical damage; it was a spiritual erosion caused by the spirits she was pouring. People were lost, unsure of their desires or how to chase their dreams without succumbing to self-destructive habits.
Sheryl was heavily invested in this community, yet she felt powerless to halt the creeping disillusionment. She found herself asking questions, and during the next few years, she would reflect on her upbringing and now learn firsthand what true sadness and depression felt like: mediocrity, anger, rage, and emotionless days.
After three years, maintaining relationships became too heavy a burden. The bar, once a dream, had become a drain on her soul. A customer died in a motorcycle crash, not at the hands of her bartenders, but it was too close for comfort. She felt a push and pull—how could something so good flip upside down? Sheryl was embarrassed that she, too, would fail at this endeavor, and she had no excuses when she nearly ran out of town.
After the initial shock of the bar’s closure, a shift occurred inside of her that is still hard to explain. Sheryl was driven to go on a soulsearching quest to understand why.
Why was this human condition of pain and striving now appearing to permeate all her relationships?
It wasn’t just in the bar scene; she saw this pattern of survival everywhere she turned, even in the family that raised her, in the people she worked with, and now in her own school-age children, all of which she thought was so “normal.” She had poured every ounce of herself into creating a life that was safe and different, and yet, it was now breaking apart.
It was an incredibly tough decision, but Sheryl chose to close down “Our Place” and begin what would become a lifelong quest to understand how to access joy and make it a priority in her life.
The end of her bar and grill era marked the beginning of a deeper exploration into what truly drives human happiness. Her quest took her through various careers and countless conversations with psychiatrists, neuroscientists, and psychologists. Sheryl was searching for the elusive joy she once felt running the bar and during playful times as a child while jumping rope, riding her banana bike, and playing in her sandbox.
After several career changes, countless moves to new homes, and even a walk across America—all in an effort to find the meaning of what everyone is after while alive on this planet. Sheryl struggled to keep going, yet she did. Through this journey, she discovered that joy is not something external that people chase; it is something internal that they nurture. It was not the laughter and the music of the bar that she missed, but the ability to know joy in the moment, in her family, community, and all her connections.
This realization led Sheryl to develop a concept for her to use which she calls, “Chair of Joy,” along with a physical space where she can sit, reflect, and reconnect with her inner joy. She now empowers others to do the same, realizing it’s always been there, waiting in the quiet moments, in the stillness.
Today, as Sheryl reflects on this path, from a bustling bar owner to now mentoring others, she often thinks of those who walked through the doors of “Our Place” so many years ago and hopes that they have found this inner happiness inside themselves too.
As Sheryl sits on a “barstool” now, it’s not in the dim light of a bar but in the sunshine of her own beautiful backyard each morning. When she closes her eyes, she remembers the amazing gifts life has given her, and for the ability to bounce out of sadness, to know that she is on her own relentless path that sets her up for success each day. That perseverance for the true meaning of life is what Sheryl depends on to heal her and to revive herself others— knowing it’s not about escaping life but living fully in it, chaos and all.
Sheryl has learned that each of us has the potential to find our way out of any darkness by remembering that sometimes, the best way to move forward is to sit still, reflect, and let joy rise from within.
Sheryl speaking in SHRM23
Sheryl Lynn
Introducing Sheryl Lynn, a visionary leader and champion of emotional well-being. Sheryl is renowned for her transformative endeavors in advocating joy and resilience. As the driving force behind JOYELY, LLC, she has committed herself to empowering individuals to prioritize enduring joy through daily mindfulness practices.
Drawing upon over three decades of entrepreneurial experience, including owning a restaurant, leading a food and beverage consulting company, and founding women’s organizations, Sheryl has cultivated the innovative “Chair of Joy® Experience” as a potent instrument for nurturing joy and self-empowerment.
Her overarching mission is to establish a world where joy is recognized as a fundamental life skill and celebrated as a universal language, fostering profound connections, holistic well-being, and everlasting JOYELY® Ever After for all.
In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Sheryl is also an accomplished author of a children’s book, a podcast host, sought-after speaker, and an experienced facilitator. Her multifaceted approach to promoting emotional wellness extends beyond traditional boundaries, encompassing diverse platforms to reach individuals of all ages and backgrounds.
Through her writing, speaking engagements, and facilitation, Sheryl shares her insights and wisdom, inspiring others to embrace joy, resilience, and personal empowerment.
Nataliya Preiss
Breaking Free from Self-Betrayal: My Journey from People-Pleasing to Authenticity After Divorce
Written by: Nataliya Preiss
O
ne day Nataliya realized she was not divorcing her man, “I was actually divorcing myself. I wanted to run away from the person I had become: the exhausted, “strong” woman who lost her feminine magnetism. I had dismissed my dreams, abandoned myself, and neglected my needs. I put business first, burning out in the process, losing touch with my truth.”
Truth.
When did she start self-betrayal? When did she say “yes” when she wanted to say “no”? Before she abandoned herself in a big way, it started with a little thing. It began with small betrayals that added up until she no longer recognized herself.
Why do women do this?
How often do we “fall in love.”? It is the “falling” part that’s the problem. Women often mold themselves into what their partner wants, putting their dreams on hold. This “pleaser” mask feels like a formula for a happy marriage, a default path many women take, not knowing it leads to self-destruction.
Nataliya felt like a fraud for many years. She smiled and pretended she was happily married, stuck in a vicious cycle of blaming him, feeling self-pity, and powerless to change the situation. She told herself she was staying “for the kids”, she worried about what others might think. But those were excuses to escape facing the truth, being honest with herself, and making the necessary changes.
It’s hard to love yourself when you lose respect for yourself, if you feel like a fraud. And not loving herself was the most brutal, the most cruel prison she lived inside.
Interestingly, most people live unaware of this prison; “people don’t change when they see the light - they change when they feel the heat.”
Nataliya’s wake-up call came when she learned about German studies linking breast cancer to emotional shocks like worry, fear, and separation. Her aunt’s diagnosis broke through her denial.
She had to face her fears and ask herself a hard question, “What is my truth?” After the divorce, she began her healing journey. Through the crisis, she found her strength. She learned to forgive herself, embrace gratitude, and rebuild her life with love and purpose.
Four years later, Nataliya found herself once again disconnected from her authenticity. As a burned-out tech entrepreneur, she was drunk on fears and blame; they were exhausting her soul. Chasing financial glory and seeking external validation to prove her worth, she cut herself from her truth and integrity. As a result, Nataliya did everything excessively: she was overworked, she was thinking and worrying too much, and to numb herself she overly indulged in food which was followed by extreme workouts. She even meditated too much. Nataliya could not rest on any activity long enough to enjoy it before she jumped to another one to distract herself from being with HERSELF.
Exhausted, Nataliya realized she needed to cut back on commitments and slow down. She had to decide what truly mattered to her soul. The process was intense. She turned herself inside out, dying a hundred deaths to be reborn a thousand times.
We need collective healing to change the way we live. We all possess the wisdom to walk our unique path; we just have to reclaim our power through self-love.
When Nataliya was a teenager, she was obsessed with Joan of Arc. Joan’s example served as a reminder that ordinary individuals, driven by extraordinary beliefs, could change the world.
The youngest general in recorded history, Joan d’Arc led the French army to victory but was later captured, enduring a lengthy unfair trial, accused of heresy, witchcraft, and wearing men’s clothes - dressing inappropriately for a woman was sinful.
Nataliya Preiss, retreat
Facing the threat of immediate execution by burning, terrified Joan signed a document essentially admitting to her supposed crimes. She avoided public execution and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Back in prison, Joan was wracked by guilt. She betrayed her truth, her integrity. Choosing death over prison, she withdrew her confession and was burned at the stake, tragically ending her life marked by courage and conviction.
(Despite the reversal of Joan’s sentence a few years later in 1449, it would be centuries before women could wear men’s clothes in public without causing a scandal. Interesting fact: a French law forbidding women from wearing pants remained on the books until 2013.)
Joan of Arc’s life and legacy continue to resonate across time, as a symbol of inspiration and resilience. It reminds us how powerful it is to stay true to ourselves. Yet, many women betray themselves daily in small ways. “Death by a thousand cuts.”
When we hold ourselves back in fear, anxiety, codependency, or constant people-pleasing, we hold ourselves back from our most authentic leadership. We rob others of the opportunity to see us in our greatness and rob ourselves of the inspiration and permission to be authentic. When we are addicted to fears of what others might think or say, we are not living in our authentic power. Most people avoid taking full responsibility for their sovereign creative force because it’s easier to hang out in victimhood.
Accessing our inner power requires inner work. It starts with being honest and asking ourselves the hard questions. It is not a comfortable process. Dishonesty begins with us; we tell ourselves so many lies.
As a co-founder of a successful tech company, Nataliya hit rock bottom, questioning everything she had built. She realized how hungry she was for meaning in her life, for something noble. And that moment marked the beginning of her transformation.
Nataliya and friends
There is so much power in detachment..
“Detachment doesn’t mean you own nothing. It means nothing owns you.”
Nataliya decided to quit her job as an executive. She walked away from the luxury lifestyleand from betraying herself every single day. She chose to burn the bridges of self-betrayal. She detached from what no longer aligned with her truth and found power.
The relief, when you are no longer consumed by maintaining something untrue for you, is liberating.
Once you become sober from fears, anything that is false and isn’t aligned with your highest good will fall away, leaving space for profound experiences because you know how to TRUST yourself and your own power.
Nataliya has experienced physical and emotional burnout, corporate exhaustion, loss, grief, divorce, and heartbreak. She’s been through it all.
Most people think it’s the fall that kills. It’s never the fall; it’s the landing. She had to land gracefully with gratitude. It was gratitude meditations that helped Nataliya find joy again, follow her dreams, and step into her authentic self to create a life she loved. She learned to embrace all of who she was, especially the parts she tried to stuff away and hide.
What we need is more than physical nutrition; we need to be energetically fed, cared for, and honored. Nataliya’s invitation for the clients she coaches is to dig deeper for nourishment that comes from within: “Magic happens when we own our needs and reconnect with our essence, our joy, our self-care, and we ask for help when needed. I am committed to: “Feed the Feminine First.” I fill my own cup up so much that it’s overflowing with joy, vibrant energy, and excitement. That’s what I teach women: reignite health and happiness, and reclaim joy.
Feel. Receive. Embody. Because how alive you feel matters. Uncovering what brings you joy and makes you feel alive — that is what makes your life phenomenal
Nataliya on the red carpet.
Nataliya Preiss
Introducing Nataliya Preiss, the head of Phenomenal Quantum Coaching, where she has worked with women and men from all over the world, helping them experience more freedom, calm, happiness, and connection in their everyday lives. Nataliya quit her fancy-pants job in the tech industry to study Hypnosis, Mindfulness, and Psychotherapy at the Masters level.
Specializing in reprogramming the subconscious mind, Nataliya is a dynamic transformation expert with a proven track record in helping clients achieve mental, emotional, and spiritual breakthroughs.
Nataliya is also the founder of Phenomenal Retreats. At exclusive retreats for women, Nataliya holds tender space for deep journeys from past traumas to self-love. She creates healing experiences for women to awaken, embody, and express their brilliance, overcome limiting beliefs, and attract high-quality relationships.
The Global Women’s Journal Leadership Team of the
Los
Angeles Tribune
Moe Rock, President of the Los Angeles Tribune with Karen Hall
Karen Hall, Mary Glorfield, and VP Michael Silvers
Women’s Journal ladies on the red carpet at Barnes and Noble, The Grove, Los Angeles, CA
Women’s Journal ladies speaking on a panel at Barnes and Noble, The Grove, Los Angeles, CA
