ISSUE 04 I DEC 2023
NEPAL! WHAT’S YOUR EVEREST?
JULES SCHROEDER
MUSTANG VALLEY
LIVING THE HELL-YES LIFE
WOMEN GONE WILD ANGEL INVESTORS
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LEARNING TO FLOAT
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RESET YOUR GOALS
The Wild Network At The Wild Network, we understand that women today are looking for more than just entertainment – they want to be inspired, empowered, and supported on their journey to becoming their best selves. That’s why we offer a wide range of shows that are designed to help women connect with themselves, each other, and the world around them.
MYWILDNETWORK.COM
VOLUME 4 / DEC 2023
WILD Magazine
UBA ISSUE 04 I DEC 2023
Founder
Chief Marketing Officer
Rhonda Swan
Brian Swan
Editor In Chief
Head Of Publishing
Jonas Muthoni
Annelise Sylta
Editor
Head of Sales
Nigel Simmonds
Ryan Lenett
Creative Director
Editorial Content Director
Stuart Sullivan
Tarryn Reeves
Graphic Design
Accounting
Adi Mika
Jelena Dakic
Writers
Senior Designer
NEPAL! WHAT’S YOUR EVEREST?
JULES SCHROEDER
MUSTANG VALLEY
LIVING THE HELL-YES LIFE
WOMEN GONE WILD ANGEL INVESTORS
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LEARNING TO FLOAT
//
RESET YOUR GOALS
FINAL MASTERWildmag4-240x305-Stu-05 2.indd 1
Antonia Stanton, Tarryn Reeves,
Dave Abejar
JULES SCHROEDER: UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE
Hanalei Swan Administrative Director
© No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.
Starrwyn
WILD Magazine is published by the
France, America, and more) in related
women everywhere. As a child, Rhonda
unleashing their voice is of paramount
Unstoppable Branding Agency, a
fields such as digital marketing,
grew up in a turbulent home and
importance in order to attain success.
forward-thinking public relations and
graphic design, UI/UX, and content
struggled with her self-image and an
branding company based in Bali with
production as well as publishing. For
eating disorder that lasted for almost
This is the fourth issue of WILD
influence and followers internationally.
its employees, degrees are not the
10 years.
Magazine, a publication which seeks
prerequisite – instead, it is experience,
to leverage the company’s faith in
UBA utilizes storytelling, SEO, and
knowledge, and skill which matter to
When she overcame her struggles,
empowered women and their partners
brand messaging to grow its clients’
the company.
Rhonda realized that she wanted
across all countries and nationalities.
to help other women achieve the
personal branding. It employs
6
16/11/2023 09:43
experts from all over the world (from
Unstoppable Branding Agency was
same success. The drive behind the
We feel privileged that you are taking
countries such as Malaysia, New
founded upon Rhonda Swan’s firm
Unstoppable Branding Agency is to
the time to read our publication, it
Zealand, Germany, the UK, Singapore,
belief in the importance of empowering
empower women by showing them that
makes what we do so worthwhile.
7
VOLUME 4 / DEC 2023
WELCOME Welcome to WILD Magazine Issue #4! This month we are coming to you live from the once forbidden kingdom of Mustang in Nepal, where we have joined forces with the truly awesome transformational organization Unconventional Life for a five-day life accelerator program. This retreat brings together some of the world’s most inspirational speakers in a bucket list destination that promises to enliven our souls and open our minds. I’m so honored to be among those speakers, and touched by the warmth of every single one of the entrepreneurs, thought leaders and participants on this amazing trip. Look out for more WILD collaborations with Unconventional Life, and do reach out if you too want to experience the miracle of collective change that happens on these retreats. I also wanted to give a big shout out to my immediate family, my rock Brian and my daughter Hanalei, both of whom are also speaking at the event. I am blessed to be supported by such a loving team, and I am filled with gratitude that I get to live this amazing laptop lifestyle with the two people who mean most to me in this world. Together we have lived in so many amazing countries since we decided to embark on our journey of discovery and adventure, one that continues to amaze and present endless possibilities. It’s also truly an honor to be able to help others find their path to freedom and to mix with so many incredible individuals who have inspired thousands in their specialist areas, whether it be finance, fitness, creativity or wellness. We live in such turbulent times that it is now more than ever so important for each of us to discover our individual calling, one that may be different in the details but which unites us in a common purpose of personal growth. Finally I am grateful for the chance to bring each of these stories to life through WILD magazine, which continues to reach and affect so many people around the world. If you want to join us on our journey to build sexy brands that make a real difference then don’t hesitate to get in touch. And, as ever, let’s be unstoppable! – Rhonda Swan.
8
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AUTHOR? Author applications for
2025 ARE BEING ACCEPTED NOW!
Share your story with the world & be one of the next Wild authors in 2025
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9
CONTENTS
30 26
BILL BENSLEY
KENYA ROBERSON
Bill Bensley talks to WILD
Standout architect and designer Magazine about his vision and
Kenya Roberson – head of
design execution for the Shinta
Elite Garment Distro – saw
Mani Mustang lodge in a former
a gap in the market for over-
forbidden kingdom in Nepal.
run luxury goods, and made
44 UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE Jules Schroeder heads up the transformative group Unconventional Life. She talks to WILD about what drives her, and
VERA KRETSCHMAR Angel investor Vera Kretschmar outlines her best strategies for investing, and points to what’s most important in life, from giving back to discovering there is more to money than chemical factories.
her latest inspirational gathering in
it her mission to distribute to
Nepal.
a world that wanted more.
72
66 MENTAL HEALTH/5
MENTAL HEALTH/1
60
RHONDA SWAN
The Greek hero Sisyphus was
MENTAL HEALTH/3
crises, we are faced with seemingly
Rhonda needs very little
boulder up a hill every day, only to
In the tapestry of human
uncertainty. Who should you trust?
have it fall to earth at the end of it.
relationships, we all tread
He should have been a woman.
the delicate path of seeking
24 introduction. As the publisher of WILD magazine and the Women
famously punished to push a
38 EVEREST! Antonia Stanton asks: What’s your personal Everest and how do you reach the top?
insurmountable collective
correspondent Kavi.
the Unstoppable force behind her successful agency UBA.
As we navigate multiple global
connection, writes our
Gone Wild book series, she remains
10
76
58 MENTAL HEALTH/2 Hanalei Swan shows us what lies beneath the surface with a compelling piece about the emotional tides that subsist within all of us.
42 86 MENTAL HEALTH/4 Making space outside of work returns the connection to your biggest fan – you.
NAMGYAL SHERPA Climbing is in Namgyal’s blood, as he tells us here in this moving tribute to his mother and his personal vision for lodges in Nepal.
Bali’s Leading Beauty Clinic Anaya Aesthetics provides high-end, world class procedures that enhance your natural assets and beauty.
Botox, Filler, Skinboosters, Exilis Ultra 360, Emsculpt, Facials
Anaya Aesthetics @anaya.aestheticsbali Jl. Raya Kerobokan No.10, Kerobokan Kelod. Bali 80361, Indonesia Contact us at +62 877-7611-1110 11
11
12
CONTENTS
50 LIFE OF BRIAN
91
62
JET STAR
LEARNING TO FLOAT
We uncover the story of a woman transitioned from the glitzy world of travel influencing to a passionate
Former robotics engineer Brian
advocate for empowerment.
Swan has embraced change as
Meet Marjet Van Wijk
part of life, today mixing big
82 REENA MERCHANT Forward-thinker Reena Merchant has integrated the personal with the problem solver to build human tech. And we love her for it.
wave surfing with his work in
It’s easy to stay afloat when the water is calm but the real challenge comes from learning to keep tranquil when life puts those big waves in your way.
Bali as an entrepreneur.
64 BAMBU FITNESS Meet the team behind Bambu Fitness in Bali where a sense of collective community is just as
48 HAERT FELT
52
Human behaviors expert Sascha
TAKE A BREATH
Crystal Jackson, one of the co-
Bali-based breathwork expert Brian
of Crystal Jackson – Intuitive
Kelly taps into the subconscious
Business Synergist, stands as
to help us reveal our true selves
a beacon of inspiration and
through a new technique for
guidance.
Haert writes on sensual intelligence and its effect on the natural female mentstrual cycle.
important as getting ripped.
UL FACILITATORS Meet the inspirational speakers at our Unconvetional Life collaboration at the Shinta Mani Mustang in Nepal!
CRYSTAL JACKSON
founders of Elevate Co & owner
meditation and transformation.
20 94
92
SET THOSE GOALS Sophie Zollmann writes on her experience with better goal setting, how to achieve those highs in life and business and how to hit the profit button on the way.
16 14 CUSTOM COLLAB The UNSTOPPABLE BRANDING AGENCY (yes that’s us) has opened a new division offering bespoke magazine print services to global clients. Hurrah!
EVENT HORIZON When Powerhouse Rhonda Swan plans an event, she does not do so lightly. The best-selling author, CEO and advocate for women empowerment recently put together the Wildest book launch of the year backed by a red carpet extravaganza.
13
NETWORK NEWS
UBA Launches New Publications Division MAKE A STATEMENT THAT SPEAKS VOLUMES WITH A BESPOKE MAGAZINE FOR YOUR EVENT. THE Unstoppable Branding Agency has
than 30 years and has worked as the editorial
launched a new publications division on the
leader at Tatler Magazine, as well as creating
back of its success with WILD magazine.
publications for the likes of American Express, Visa, and Mastercard, not to mention hotel
“It just made sense,” says UBA founder Rhonda
magazines for The Regent Beverly Wilshire,
Swan. “Everywhere we went with WILD, people
InterContinental Resorts and Bali’s respected
complemented us on the magazine. So we
luxury publication The Yak. Nigel is backed by a
decided to open a new publications division so
team of experienced writers, designers and web
we can make quality magazines for our clients
developers.
as well.”
ISSUE 03 I SEPT 2023
How does it work? UBA today specializes in the creation of one-off
- Do you have a Blue Chip client that needs a
magazines for high-level events, whether its for
magazine for their leadership event?
seminars, high-ticket coaching or Masterclass
- Do you need a magazine with Masterclass
retreats. Magazines are designed, curated and
content for your high-ticket coaching seminar?
produced for delivery anywhere in the world.
- Create a high-quality magazine for your successful company, curated at every step of the
“Our luxe publications combine high-level
way.
creative design and great photography with intelligent, focused editorial to create
Leave it to us!
compelling magazines that scream QUALITY,”
We walk you through the process, creating
says Rhonda. “We use only advanced printing
and consulting you on relevant, targeted
methods and exceptional paper stock and our
content and individual design that matches
team boasts some of the most experienced
your message. We handle all aspects of the
staffers in the business.”
publication, from design to production, printing and delivery.
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX
Editor In Chief Nigel Simmonds who has been
For more details please contact us at https://
creating award-winning publications for more
unstoppablebrandingagency.com
VERA KRETSCHMAR ANGEL INVESTOR
WINE TIME IN THE TROPICS
RIDING THE RED CARPET WOMEN GONE WILD
At the helm of the new division is British
14
MENTAL HEALTH
//
LEARNING TO FLOAT
//
RESET YOUR GOALS
A WORLD OF PUBLISHING POSSIBILITIES.
NETWORK NEWS
FEARLESS. 16
WILD WHEN POWERHOUSE RHONDA SWAN PLANS AN EVENT, SHE DOES NOT DO SO LIGHTLY. THE BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, CEO AND ADVOCATE FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT RECENTLY PUT TOGETHER THE WILDEST BOOK LAUNCH OF THE YEAR BACKED BY A RED CARPET EXTRAVAGANZA.
17
NETWORK NEWS
WOMEN Gone Wild: The Feminine Guide To
Read your way to success
Justine Siegal, an American baseball coach, sports educator and the founder of Baseball For
Fearless Living launched to acclaim at Barnes and Noble in Huntington Beach, California,
Women Gone Wild: Feminine Guide to Fearless
All offered her experience and knowledge from
with a gathering of authors and supporters
Living Wealth Edition is about redefining wealth
the stage. In 2009, Siegal became the first female
attending the book signing event and later a red
and encouraging women to build their own
coach of a professional men’s baseball team
carpet extravaganza in their honor.
financial success, says Swan. The book offers
when she worked for the Brockton Rox, in the
insights and strategies for wealth creation and
independent Canadian American Association of
The book is the first edition in a four-part series
management, with a focus on the meaning of
Professional Baseball.
covering Wealth, Intuition, Leadership and
W.I.L.D – Wealth, Intuition, Leadership and
Diversity (W.I.L.D) published by Rhonda Swan
Diversity.
Jen Welter, an American football coach who is currently linebackers coach for the Vegas
of the Unstoppable Branding Agency. “This powerful book involves 25 female authors
Vipers of the XFL, brought more sporting tales
Said Rhonda, a five-times best selling author,
from all walks of life, and their stories reflect a
of triumph. She was a defensive coaching intern
CEO and advocate for female empowerment:
wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and
for the National Football League’s Arizona
“Anyone reading this book will be moved by the
challenges,” she said. “Together, they create a
Cardinals during their training camp and the
transparency of the shared experiences and
strong message of resilience, empowerment,
2015 preseason, making her the first female
inspired by the vulnerability of the writers. I
and hope, providing a much-needed boost of
coaching intern in the NFL.
like to describe this edition as a Chicken Soup
inspiration and motivation.” Swan says: ‘Each of these powerful voices as
For The Soul-type book focussed on female The 25 authors in the book include Rhonda
well as our other incredible speakers ensured
Swan, Diana Wentworth, Jamie Anderson,
our message to uplift women everywhere came
The Wealth Edition is about redefining
Danette May, Danelle Delgado, Adriana Alvarez,
through loud and clear.‘’
wealth in every area of life, says Swan, and
Hanalei Swan, Camberly Gilmartin, April Ryan,
showing women the power of connection and
Michelle Beltran, Kortney Murray, Stefanie
Kamin Samuel, First female African-American
collaboration by sharing stories designed to
Bruns, Blair Kaplan Venables, Ania Halama,
Helicopter pilot for the Navy, also starred at
support each other.
Karen Whelan, Tarryn Reeves, Dana Kay, Ebony
the event. She began her professional career in
Swank, Barbie Layton, Genevieve Searle, Shar
the U.S. Navy as first female African-American
Moore, Michale Gabriel, and Robin Mullin.
helicopter pilot and holds a PhD in Positive
empowerment.
“Women Gone Wild is a safe space for women to
Neuropsychology, a Masters of Science in
share their WILD stories and what they have been through to get to where they are today,”
Swan explained why Women Gone Wild
Information Systems, a Masters of Arts in
she added. “These are stories of triumph, failure
partnered with She Talks for the launch: “It’s
Spiritual Psychology, and a Masters of Science
and ultimately inspiration.”
an important collaboration and partnership for
in Spiritual Science.
us. In the end, we both want the same thing: to Swan and her authors partnered with the
offer a platform for women to share their stories
Kamin’s unique background combines both
founder of She Talks, Julie Ducharme and
and knowledge. We want to break down gender
technical and soft skills, allowing her to assist
Combat Boots To High Heels [501c charity]
barriers and promote and empower women.’’
individuals in taking practical action in the real world that gets dramatic results.
supporting female veterans, for their official book launch and red carpet event, which
Speakers at the event included experienced
featured a host of high-profile female figures,
voices including Sharon Lechter, author, and
Said Swan: “We’re grateful to all our authors,
celebrities, renowned authors and inspirational
businesswoman. Lechter has worked on the
attendees and speakers and we look forward to
speakers.
President’s Advisory Council on Financial
our next edition of Women Gone Wild which we
Literacy.
know will add to the significant body of work we’re putting together to enhance and empower
The events included book signings and entertainment from American Idol’s
Also offering her experience and insight was
Jessica Meuse.
Diana Wentworth, author of seven best-selling and award-winning books and the co-author of two Chicken Soup for the Soul titles. Film rights to her romantic memoir, Send Me Someone, were purchased recently by the Lifetime Network.
18
the lives of women around the world.” www.wildmag.com
UPFRONT: GOALS
5 Steps to Better Goal Setting MAKE SURE YOUR PLANS GET YOU TO WHERE YOU WANT TO GO. BY SOPHIE ZOLLMANN
OWN GOALS.
WE often set goals without thinking a whole lot
business, the ones that get you out of bed
by brainstorming together and choosing the
about them. We might set a number for revenue,
each morning.
objectives that will be prosperous for every
customer acquisition or retention, or work/
member of your team.
life balance without considering whether it’s
When you take the time to really think about
reasonable, attainable, or if it’s even what you
what you want from your business, you can set
really want! Sometimes we set goals just because
goals that energize and motivate you. After all,
we feel like we should, but we don’t take the time
what’s the point of setting a goal if you don’t get
to map out the steps that will actually get us
REALLY excited about achieving it?
where we want to go. 2. What Can I Realistically Control? You’ve probably heard about setting SMART
Revenue and project-based goals are awesome-
goals, and you know that your plans for your
as long as they’re attainable. Things are kind
business should be:
of crazy in the post-pandemic world. We’re still struggling with supply chain issues, labor
5. Is This REALLY What I Want? We often set revenue-based goals without really thinking about it, but remember, money isn’t everything! Before you set your goals, think about what will truly make life better for you and your team. You might find that more flexibility or more free time matters more than a few extra dollars. Talk to your team and strategize on goals that will
• SPECIFIC
shortages, and a shaky economy, and you can’t
• MEASURABLE
control ANY of it.
make everyone happy.
• RELEVANT
Goals should not rely on external factors or
Asking yourself these questions helps you assess
• TIME SENSITIVE
people to be attainable, so build your goals for
what you really want for your business, your
your business around KPIs you CAN control.
team, and your lifestyle rather than just going
• ATTAINABLE
The SMART strategy is very effective, but it might
along for the ride. You’ve clearly defined the
not be enough to create the business AND the life
3. How Will My Goals Impact My Future?
outcomes you want to achieve, and now you can
you’ve been dreaming about. So, let’s take it a
Your business funds your lifestyle, and your goals
step further. Let’s dive in a little deeper and look
need to support both! You need to think about
start building strategies around them rather than
at how you can set goals that truly support your
what you want to achieve now, next year, and 5
vision for your business and your life.
years down the road. You’re creating a long-term plan that you achieve through a series of steps,
Before you sit down for your next planning
so set goals that benefit your business today and
and strategy session, ask yourself these
build the future of your dreams.
important questions: Whether it’s more money, more time, a bigger
just wishing and hoping. Start turning your goals into action plans and create the steps that map a clear path to your goals. You’ll need to set long-term objectives with lots of short-term milestones to ensure that you stay firmly on the path to your ultimate vision.
1. What am I Passionate About?
house, or a better car, the goals you set today will
Why did you start your business? Think back to
help you get there tomorrow.
You may not be able to control the future, but
fire and made you SO excited that you took an
4. How Will My Goals Benefit My Team?
you’ll be motivated, excited, and ready to conquer
enormous leap of faith and set out to forge your
You’re all in this together, and your team
any challenge that dares to get in your way!
own path and create the business of your dreams.
should reap as many benefits from your goals
Focus on the things that excite you about your
as you do. Turn goal setting into a team effort
that first spark of inspiration that fueled your
20
with clearly defined goals and an actionable plan,
www. sophiezo.com
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Dream a little. Travel a lot.
UPFRONT: FINANCE
Maximizing Working Capital WORKING CAPITAL LOANS ARE A VALUABLE TOOL FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED BUSINESSES BY KORTNEY MURRAY
DON’T DROP THE BALL.
A WORKING capital loan is a type of short-term
It helps keep the business running smoothly and
improve cash flow and help businesses meet their
loan that is designed to help businesses cover
ensures that essential expenses are met.
financial obligations.
their day-to-day operational expenses and
Marketing and Advertising: Small businesses
Flexibility: Working capital loans are often more
manage their cash flow. In this section, we’ll
often allocate a portion of their working capital
flexible than other types of loans. They can be
discuss why businesses might consider taking
to marketing and advertising efforts. This
used for a variety of purposes and do not require
a working capital loan and the benefits it can
can include promotional activities, online
collateral in most cases.
provide.
advertising, social media campaigns, or
Quick Approval: Working capital loans are
traditional marketing methods to attract new
typically approved more quickly than other types
Why Take a Working Capital Loan?
customers and increase sales.
of loans. This means that businesses can access
There are several reasons why a business might
Equipment and Technology: Working capital can
the funds they need in a timely manner, without
consider taking a working capital loan. These
be used to purchase or upgrade equipment,
lengthy delays.
include:
machinery, or technology necessary for
Short-Term Repayment: Working capital loans are
Managing Cash Flow: One of the most common
the business operations. This can improve
typically short-term loans, with repayment terms
reasons businesses take working capital loans is
productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.
ranging from a few months to a few years. This
to manage their cash flow. A working capital loan
Cash Flow Management: Working capital is crucial
means that businesses can quickly pay off their
can provide the funds needed to cover expenses
for managing cash flow gaps that may occur
debt and avoid long-term financial obligations.
during times of low cash flow, such as when
due to delayed payments from customers or
Credit Score Improvement: Taking out and repaying
waiting for payments from customers.
early payment demands from suppliers. It helps
a working capital loan can help businesses
Funding Growth: Businesses that are growing
bridge the gap between receivables and payables,
improve their credit score. This can make it
rapidly may need additional working capital to
ensuring the business can meet its financial
easier to obtain financing in the future and can
fund their expansion. A working capital loan can
obligations.
lead to better loan terms and interest rates.
provide the funds needed to hire additional staff,
Business Expansion: Working capital can be used
invest in new equipment, or expand into new
to fund business expansion initiatives, such as
Managing working capital efficiently is critical
markets.
opening new locations, launching new products
for small and medium-sized businesses to
Covering Unexpected Expenses: Sometimes,
or services, or entering new markets. It provides
maintain their financial health and achieve long-
unexpected expenses arise that businesses are
the necessary resources to support growth
term success. By implementing the strategies
not prepared for. A working capital loan can
opportunities.
discussed in this article, such as monitoring
provide the funds needed to cover unexpected
Debt Repayment: Small businesses may allocate
cash flow, optimizing payment terms, and using
expenses, such as repairs or emergency
working capital to repay existing debts, such
technology to manage finances, businesses
equipment purchases.
as loans or credit lines. It helps improve the
can improve their working capital efficiency
Inventory Management: Working capital is often
business’s financial health by reducing interest
and boost their financial performance. And, in
used to purchase inventory or raw materials
expenses and enhancing creditworthiness.
certain cases, taking a working capital loan can be a smart choice that provides immediate access
required for production. It ensures that businesses have enough stock to meet customer
Benefits of Taking a Working Capital Loan
to funds and helps businesses manage their cash
demands and maintain a smooth production
There are several benefits that businesses can
flow during times of need.
process.
gain by taking a working capital loan. These
Operational Expenses: Working capital is used to
include:
cover day-to-day operational expenses such as
Improved Cash Flow: By providing immediate
rent, utilities, salaries, and other overhead costs.
access to funds, a working capital loan can
22
www.coastalkapital.com
FEATURE
FROM THE “WOMEN GONE WILD” BOOK SERIES TO THE UNSTOPPABLE BRANDING AGENCY, RHONDA SWAN IS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH.
PHOTO BY COSTES PORTRAIT. 24
IN a world where entrepreneurship is the new
named by Forbes as being the top PR & Branding
“Intuition”, is set to launch in June 2024. This
black and women empowerment is at its peak,
firm for entrepreneurs.
eagerly anticipated book will delve into the power of intuition and its role in guiding women
Rhonda Swan stands as a beacon of inspiration for many. Not just an entrepreneur, but a
Women Gone Wild Book Series
towards their true purpose and passions. With a focus on intuitive decision-making and tapping
mother, author, speaker, and coach; Rhonda wears many hats with unmatched grace and
In addition to her work with the Unstoppable
into inner wisdom, “Intuition” promises to be
efficiency. As the founder of the Unstoppable
Branding Agency, Rhonda is also the author of
a game-changer for women seeking to achieve
Branding Agency, one of the top branding firms
the Women Gone Wild book series. This series
greatness in their personal and professional
dedicated to entrepreneurs, and the author
is a collection of real-life stories of women
lives.
of the Women Gone Wild book series, which
who broke free from the constraints of societal
includes a chapter from her daughter Hanalei
expectations and chased their dreams with
But the journey does not end there. The W.I.L.D.
Swan, Rhonda has dedicated her life to helping
unrelenting passion. It is a celebration of the
Series is slated to continue with subsequent
others find their voice, build their brand, and
wild, fearless, and unstoppable spirit of women
installments, including “Leadership” and
unleash their full potential.
all over the world.
“Diversity”. Each book will explore essential
Unstoppable Branding Agency
Rhonda’s intention with the Women Gone Wild
development, equipping women with the tools
aspects of personal and professional series is to inspire and empower women to
and insights they need to lead with confidence
The journey towards becoming ‘unstoppable’
break free from the chains of self-doubt, fear,
and embrace diversity in all aspects of life.
started when Rhonda and her family lost
and conformity, and to embrace their wild side.
everything during the 2008 economic and
It is a call to action for women to own their
The visionary authors behind the W.I.L.D.
financial crisis. Having transitioned from a
power, pursue their passions, and live life on
Series are not only passionate about
corporate role to entrepreneurship just three
their own terms.
sharing their wisdom in the pages of these transformative books but are also available
years prior, she came to the realization that the significance of establishing a personal brand is
As women discover the wisdom and experiences
for speaking engagements and interviews.
frequently underestimated by entrepreneurs.
shared within the pages of Women Gone Wild
As trailblazers in their respective fields,
This crucial insight was the catalyst for her
they’re inspired to chart their own paths
these authors are committed to inspiring and
remarkable recovery from financial ruin
towards financial freedom and success. The
empowering audiences worldwide. Whether
to reconstructing the Unstoppable Family
collective vision of these visionary authors
it’s on stages, virtual events, or through media
Empire in just a few short years. Through
frames a new era of women’s empowerment,
interviews, they are eager to share their
this experience, she not only learned but also
where financial literacy and entrepreneurial
experiences and insights to ignite positive
demonstrated that a robust personal brand is
spirit pave the way for limitless possibilities.
change and empower women to step into their greatness.
the cornerstone of any successful business. Consequently, Rhonda made it her life’s
Together, the authors have unleashed a
mission to assist others in comprehending and
powerful resource for women seeking to
With the upcoming launch of “Intuition” and
developing their own brands, culminating
embark on their own journeys of financial
the promise of “Leadership” and “Diversity” on
in the founding of the Unstoppable Branding
empowerment. With the book available in
the horizon, the W.I.L.D. Series is set to become
Agency.
bookstores across the USA, including Barnes
a powerful resource for women seeking growth,
and Noble, Target and Wal-Mart they are
empowerment, and transformation. These
The company is not just another branding
igniting a movement of empowered women who
books will serve as guiding lights, illuminating
firm; it is a powerhouse dedicated to helping
are fearlessly pursuing their dreams, making
the path towards success, authenticity, and
entrepreneurs, especially women, build a
significant waves in the women empowerment
purpose.
strong and authentic brand. Rhonda and her
space.
team work closely with clients to understand
www.rhondaswan.com
their vision, values, and target audience, and
The current book in the series is the first
then create a customized branding strategy
installment of the W.I.L.D. (WEALTH.
that aligns with their goals. From creating
INTUITION. LEADERSHIP. DIVERSITY) series,
captivating visuals to crafting compelling
and it is already making waves in the realm of
narratives, the Unstoppable Branding Agency
women’s empowerment and financial success.
www.unstoppablebrandingagency.com
ensures that every aspect of a brand is meticulously curated and resonates with its
Following the remarkable success of the Wealth
target audience. In 2021 her company UBA was
Edition, the next book in the series, titled
25
COVER FEATURE
sharing the love INNOVATIVE FASHION ENTREPRENEUR KENYA ROBERSON TAKES HIGH-BRAND OVERRUNS AND REDISTRIBUTES THEM TO NEW MARKETS, PICKING UP WASTEFUL SLACK IN THE PROCESS. BY NIGEL SIMMONDS
“I HAD a taste for fashion at a young age,” says entrepreneur Kenya
basis. My job is to lessen those statistics by creating a second and
Roberson, who today runs a fashion export company moving up
third life for textiles and garments.”
to half a million fashion items a month. “But it’s not as simple as it sounds.”
Her business melds two parts of her personality, one earned from a young age. “I was brought up by my grandmother as one of five
Kenya’s company Elite Garment Distro aims to bridge a yawning
girls and two adopted boys,” she says. “My grandmother was an
gap in the fashion markets by redistributing excess inventory
elementary school teacher by day, and she worked hard to instill
for some of the world’s biggest brands. “Our goal is to create less
good values within us while also setting an example of what it
textile waste on the planet by upcycling and creating a second and
means to be a strong and independent woman. I would not be who
third life for garments,” she says.
I am today without her example.”
It’s not just a redistribution of fashion items, she adds, but of
Her other passion is business. “I was previously in the fashion
wealth itself. “My clients consist of wholesalers, boutiques, and
Industry working for Herve Leger and freelance modeling. I
discount outlet stores from all countries in the world. We are
worked for a wholesale company which taught me some of the
typically supplying impoverished countries with designer apparel
tools I needed to understand the wholesale and export side of the
they could not otherwise afford.”
business. There was a eureka moment when I realized I could merge the two together and create what Elite Garment Distro is
Upcycling is one of the most important services companies
today.”
like Elite Garment Distro provide to the planet, says Kenya. “In
26
America alone, an estimated 11.3 million tons of textile waste –
Now that company embodies values crucial to doing business in
equivalent to 85% of all textiles – ends up in landfills on a yearly
the new world. “My stock is sourced from the USA and Europe. We
KENYA ROBERSON.
27
COVER FEATURE
A TASTE FOR FASHION.
28
“Linking our upcycling message to our business is very important because we don’t just buy and sell inventory, we track the goods after they are sold to ensure we are not creating excess waste.”
work with brands such as Zara, H&M, Shein, as well as contemporary
upcycling excess fast fashion and designer brands unusable or no
labels such as Joes Jeans, Free People, Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie
longer sellable goods. This provides our planet a service by keeping
and many more. Some of the countries we sell goods to include
our oceans and landfills cleaner, with less textile waste.”
Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Chile, Bolivia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Australia,” says Kenya.
Starting her own business was not without its challenges, and one of the most valuable lessons Roberson learned was the importance
Key to the business is connecting excess production with a demand
of balancing risk. As she says: “Knowing when to risk and when to
for fashion products in less developed countries, and at the same
hold back is crucial to any entrepreneurial journey. Intuition plays
time reducing waste. “Linking our upcycling message to our business
a significant role in this decision-making process, a skill I developed
is very important because we do not just buy and sell the inventory,”
over the years and one I attribute much of my success to.”
says Kenya. “We track the goods even after they are sold to ensure we are not creating excess waste. So our sales are also mission based.”
She continues to be connected to her roots. “I never lost the desire to work with high-end brands, as my experience in the LA fashion
Counterfeiting is an issue. “We only buy goods directly from the
industry was a large part of my history. After a few years, I decided to
brands. We are provided releases and sanitized invoices for the goods
open my own company where I could put my export, logistics, fashion
which authenticates the merchandise,” she says.
sense, and premier brand knowledge to best use. Elite Garment Distro was born, and has become a niche company that incorporates
Sourcing markets is also key. “In order to create new relationships in
not only wholesale and export logistics expertise, but a strong brand
terms of supply we are constantly cold calling new companies. Also,
awareness as well. Along my journey, my sense of philanthropy has
because we have a great reputation, we are always getting referrals. In
also grown, and I have been very active in giving back not only in
order to find new clients we typically go to trade shows where we can
my local community, but to various humanitarian projects across
meet international buyers from all over the world.”
the world. Elite Garment Distro frequently donates to charities and provides apparel and shoes to clothe the needy.”
At a time often dominated by industry giants and gender biases, there are stories that shine through, breaking barriers and creating
Kenya’s commitment to philanthropy is not a newfound passion but
new narratives. Kenya Roberson, CEO and founder of Elite Garment
a lifelong one. From beach cleanups to feeding the homeless, she
Distro, is a dynamic and determined entrepreneur, and a beacon
has always been involved in giving back. In her business, she found
of empowerment, authenticity, and pioneer for change in the toxic
a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on a larger scale.
world of fashion.
By rescuing and repurposing merchandise from factories and fast fashion brands, she aims to contribute to an eco-friendlier world.
“My position in the company is leadership,” says Kenya. “I hire men
“We’re making the world more eco-friendly just through what we do,”
and women from different backgrounds and push them to be the
says Kenya. “And we’re making money too.”
best they can be by offering the example that if you set your mind to any goal, you can achieve it,” she says. “What makes my company
www.elitegarmentdistro.com
impactful is that we provide jobs to people of all backgrounds, help
@ kenz_elite_lif3
brands get rid of their excess inventory and clean up the planet by
29
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE: NEPAL
ZEN & THE ART OF
mustang valley A BESPOKE ADVENTURE AWAITS TRAVELERS TO THE REMOTE KINGDOM OF MUSTANG IN NEPAL WHERE LIFE ACCELERATORS ARE CONVENING FOR THE SPECTACULAR TRIP OF A LIFETIME. BY NIGEL SIMMONDS
NEPAL DREAMING.
30
31
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE: NEPAL
“There are few places left in the world that have stayed as they were hundreds of years ago. This place, while raw, is such a place. Don’t hesitate. See it now.” THREE years ago, Bill Bensely’s longtime
The 29-room Shinta Mani Mustang Resort is
paintings, which today hang in my home in
friend and associate in all projects melding
managed by its owners, Sherpa Hospitality
Bangkok.
luxury, adventure and conservation, Jason
Group, with creative design touches from
M Friedman, started working with the
Bill Bensely and his team. Warm toned
What were your first impressions arriving
Sherpa family in Nepal. The family has
fabrics and materials reflect the colors of
on site?
lodges across the Everest and Annapurna
the surrounding landscape, visible from
Well, when I did finally get there it was with
routes, which Jason helped to consolidate
every window of the property. Huge fire
the aid of an airplane, and I was deeply
into the Mountain Lodges of Nepal Group.
pits on the outdoor terrace allow guests
impressed. I kicked myself for not having
These mountains truly run in their blood
to admire the stars in warmth as the
visited with Robert in our youth. Better late
– Namgyal Sherpa’s mother was the first
temperatures dip. Inside, every area is
than never.
Nepali woman to climb Everest. Now arrives
complemented by the artwork of the late
a new offering from the group, the Shinta
artist Robert Powell, a friend of Bill’s who
What were the logistical challenges of
Mani Mustang – Bill Bensley Collection.
drew the region’s vernacular architecture
working there?
in mind-boggling detail. We caught up
The new road winds its way around some
Perched high in the mountains, it offers a
with Bill to ask him about his experience of
very steep contours and during each of the
more comfortable alternative to the usual
designing such a remote retreat.
monsoons, the rains cause landslides and block the roads. This happened just three
circuit lodges of Nepal. Here lies the most
32
luxurious lodge in the country, offering
Bill, tell us about your design journey to
days before our grand opening, but the
a base camp for three-to-seven days of
Shinta Mani Mustang.
roads team worked through the night to
exploration. Guests experience the full
My design journey to Shinta Mani Mustang
open the passage and no one suspected a
gamut of adventure: trekking, horse riding,
began in 1986 on one of my first trips to
thing!
archery, rock climbing, mountain biking,
Kathmandu. I forget exactly how but I fell
hiking and yoga.
in with the design crowd there, as one did in
How did you approach a project like this
those days. Gertz and Ludmilla Hagmuller,
in a place like Mustang, given the local
“This is perhaps one of the most exciting
Eric Theophile, G2, and Robert Powell, to
culture and environment?
projects we have ever completed,” Bill
mention just a few. Robert had just come
With every new project we do at Bensley
told WILD magazine. “I have never seen
back from Mustang. He had walked into
Design, our goal is first to understand
such wildly dramatic landscapes as the
the valley which was a month’s trek each
the neighborhood or environment – or in
mountains and valleys of Mustang, and
way for a very fit young man. He came back
Mustang’s case, the valley – in which we
am thrilled that Shinta Mani can be the
with a ton of wonderful drawings which put
are creating. The south and north of the
first to introduce this forbidden kingdom to
him on the map as one of Asia’s most skilled
Mustang valley are so different. Where our
international adventurers. This will be their
artists. We spoke for hours and as the sun
site is located in the North, it’s really like
base camp for explorations all around these
went down the slides came out and I was
going back in time a thousand years. There
phenomenal mountains for the experience
smitten. Over the next 30 years I bought
are barely any TV antennas, few cars, little
of a lifetime.”
many of Robert’s wonderful watercolor
electricity. Every day, livestock walk back
DUMBA.
33
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE: NEPAL
SHINTA MANI MUSTANG.
34
BEAUTY, INSIDE AND OUT.
from the fields into villages, and even down
What was the inspiration behind the
prayer stones stacked one above the other
the stairs of some homes. The biggest town
interior concept; materials, finishings, and
outside atop stone walls, showing years of
has just four streets, which wrap around
furniture?
wintertime atonement. It is this unique way
the main fort.
The hotel is made from local stone and
of seeing the world which we want to carry
so appears to grow naturally out of the
throughout the experience.
My goal was to give our guests all the
landscape. The interiors follow a similar
comforts one expects at a Bensley
ethos, having been sourced locally. As
Upcycling also played an important part
Collection Hotel – electricity, internet,
a lover of the environment, I set about
as we scoured local antiques shops and
plush beds, gorgeous cocktails – but all
repurposing and upcycling existing
junk yards to turn discarded doors and all
the while keeping that intense feeling
materials and furniture in inventive ways.
kinds of materials into treasure with a bit
of authenticity and remoteness. What I
This was also a logical choice for a site
of ingenuity and TLC. A similar approach
find most interesting in this region is the
which is remote and therefore restricted in
applies to materials and finishings, which
symbolism one finds in the architecture,
terms of shipping.
were sourced locally for reasons of both sustainability and accessibility. Every area
and the way the people of Mustang use dirt. It sounds odd but bear with me.
An example is the mini bar in each suite.
is complemented by the artwork of the late
I went to see three local clay quarries,
There is locally and sustainably sourced
artist Robert Powell.
each with their own distinct colors: dove
yak fur draped over it, while the handles
gray, terracotta red and a yellowish beige.
to open the mini bar are in fact engraved
These are each bestowed with a different
Tibetan conch shells. On the wall above,
Walk us through the place…
meaning: prosperity, knowledge and
there are three big organic pieces of slate,
A long central courtyard leads to the
longevity. One can see these colors all
with Sanskrit poems engraved on them.
lobby, a warm and convivial sitting room
over the region, not just in the mountains
Traditionally in this northern region, when
that invites conversation between guests,
and cliffs and landscape, but in the
winter falls and it is bitterly cold, people
while overlooking an outdoor terrace with
architecture, so I made a deliberate effort
take refuge inside. It is a quiet time and
jaw-dropping views. Huge fire pits on the
to bring a very basic type of architecture to
so people set to carving these poems and
outdoor terrace allow guests to admire the
the fore.
prayers into slate as a form of penance.
night sky in warmth as the temperatures
Then in the summer one sees these
dip. The Lobby is flanked on either side
35
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE: LIFE NEPAL
WILD AND WONDERFUL MUSTANG.
by the Nilgiri Restaurant, and the Aara
What’s different about a Bensley Collection
What is your one lasting impression of
bar. Behind the Restaurant one can find
hotel, and in particular this property?
Mustang?
the back-of-house, along with a handful of
I say this with all the sincerity in the world.
It was about 5pm in Lo Manthang. I was
offices. Two wings run alongside the central
The Earth, for the most part, has enough
sitting on top of a mud corral wall sketching
courtyard: one encompasses 29 suites
hotels. The world does not need to build
a 1000-year-old village. An old lady was
which run over two floors, while the other
anything else. We need to manage better
herding her sheep back from the foothills
holds a multipurpose area, the spa and
what we have. Knowing this, going forward,
to place them in a tight corral under her
gym, including a stone jacuzzi, and a steam
a Bensley Collection must make the place in
house to heat her home. There was nobody
and sauna with views of the mountains.
which it sits into a better place.
else there. She smiled and greeted me and offered water. I thought to myself that this
Some suites are also located on the first Shinta Mani Wild Bensley Collection has,
same scenario could have played out in
for example, made the Cardomon a safer
exactly the same way centuries ago. There
What do we do when we’re not luxuriating
refuge for wildlife and has slowed down
are few places left in the world that are
in sustainably sourced yak fur in the
the devastating deforestation there. Shinta
as they were hundreds of years ago. This
suites?
Mani Bensley Collection in Siem Reap has
place, while raw, is such a place. Don’t
Most of the activities are held in the
changed thousands of lives for the better by
hesitate. See it now. Like everywhere else,
mountains surrounding the actual hotel as
way of education, clean water and housing.
Burger King is on the way.
this is very much intended as a base camp
Our goal in Mustang is to revitalize a fragile
for a week of adventure. There’s trekking,
society, as the World Bank defines Mustang.
horse riding, archery, rock climbing,
The young leave the valley as soon as they
mountain biking … and then return to
can. We want to give them a reason to stay.
floor of this wing.
the hotel for rejuvenating spa treatments
36
and warm, welcoming restaurants and
What defines Nepal for you?
public spaces that, through their design,
Rawness, colors, festivities, altitude, sacred
encourage guests to speak to each other and
places, and big smiles filled with white
share experiences.
teeth.
www. shintamanimustang.com
BILL BENSLEY.
37
INSPIRATIONS
WHAT’S YOUR EVEREST? WE ALL HAVE NOTIONS OF WHAT IS AND ISN’T POSSIBLE. UNTIL THE 1920S, EVEREST WAS CONSIDERED INSURMOUNTABLE. IN 1953, EDMUND HILLARY AND SHERPA TENZING NORGAY PROVED EVERYONE WRONG. BY ANTONIA STANTON
38
SPLITTING the atom, women in business … the entire concept
Everest should ignite your passion and raise you up, conquering
of handphones and computers … none of these ideas were
preconceived notions of yourself and the world around you. It’s
on the table when our grandmothers were born. Yet they’re
what makes us unique as humans; it’s what sets us apart from
commonplace now. What changed along the way? You did, or at
others. It’s our consensual drive to be better than we are.
least your belief system did. You recognised that the life around you was building artificial walls. You saw there was more.
The day to day
You thought to yourself: Who are we to limit our futures with
Everyday goals may seem important, but they are essentially
predetermined thinking?
futile, in a glorious way. Buddhists tell us that repetition is a mantra, that by repeating the same patterns we can get closer to
Your journey is what you make of it. Goal-setting is how you
God. This is true; it has always been true. But it’s also limiting.
get there. Recognising the self-imposed boundaries of your
We need to search for higher goals; it’s instinctive within all of us.
beliefs and intentions are what limit all of us. As Adidas says so succinctly: Impossible is Nothing. Nike says the same thing, in a
Posting your meal on Instagram may be gratifying, but when
different way: Just Do It.
you look at it an hour later, your food is already cold. Reality kicks in: maybe it’s better to let the wind fill your sails and push
Just do it
you towards weightlessness? It’s through higher achievements
Everyone has their own unique Everest, a goal that challenges us
and higher goal setting that we set the cut of our jib: reach for
to channel our higher selves. I can’t tell you exactly what yours
the stars, they say, and you too can defy gravity. You can be
is; that’s something for you to decide. Whatever it may be, your
weightless too.
AINT NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH.
39
INSPIRATIONS
EVEREST!
40
DON’T LOOK DOWN.
Weightlessness can be heavy
running through our veins like water in a spring, steady as snowfall atop a
Establishing a personal Everest requires discipline and introspection that
mountain. You’re closer than you think.
needs to be maintained. There is rarely ever one overarching goal that spans the entirety of our lives, and the beautiful human mind adapts and
What’s your oxygen?
recalibrates itself, fluidly, at every turn. To use this to your advantage is like
Altitudes are so high on Everest that the oxygen in the air is halved. The
a mountaineer strapping themselves to pitons in the rock face as an extra
higher you climb, the harder it is to breathe. The same is true in life. Figure
safety net. Remaining present and grounded in our reality allows us to strive
out what helps you breathe and keep it close. This could be your loved ones,
towards our goal steadily. Think of these pitons as checkpoints and micro-
your hobbies, or even self care; anything that keeps you calm and afloat,
achievements, checking in at every step and remaining focused in your
because neglecting yourself during the climb can only lead to burnout.
ascent towards your Everest. Every piton you pass is one step higher.
Community is a cornerstone of humanity. Never lose contact with your rescue team, as they are the ones that will catch you when you can’t catch
Different strokes for different folks
yourself.
There are 18 different routes up Mt. Everest. Each has its own set of unique benefits and drawbacks, exactly like the forks in the road you encounter
Regrouping
on your own journey. There is not one path that is right for everyone; we
Tragically, things in life often go wrong; businesses will lose money,
shouldn’t pressure ourselves into doing things the way they’re “supposed” to
pandemics will happen, and the world will stop. Things will sometimes
be done. Had Galileo succumbed to this, we would still believe the Earth to
go south, but that isn’t important. The real show of character is what you
be the center of the universe. Instead, we should compare ourselves to who
choose to do with your setbacks. If your piton falls out of the terrain, assess
we were yesterday; are you kinder, more vivacious, more intentional in your
your surroundings and calculate the best possible route for yourself. If one
actions? Do you feel more fulfilled? Go against the grain. When we do what
road to the summit doesn’t work out, consider one of the other 17. You
feels right to us, it allows our souls to run wild.
might be surprised at the life you find along the road.
You are already on the path
The path doesn’t end at the top
Mountaineers train for years to climb Everest, carrying weights in their
In the mountaineering community, many say that the descent is the most
packs while scaling smaller mountains. They build up their tolerance and
difficult part of the journey. The air grows thin, and you may find yourself
efficiency over time, just like you can in your own life. The longer you
growing restless. It sounds daunting, but consider this: you’ve worked
practice and refine your skills, the further you can go and the closer you
tirelessly to reach this part. The life that you were manifesting for so long
can get to reaching your summit. Some people call this manifestation,
is right in front of you. This is the chapter where you can pause, relish,
while others call it being prepared. Whatever you call it, visualizing the
adapt, and recalibrate. If it’s a business, how will you maintain quality after
summit and working like you’re already there will make the journey
meeting your expansion goal? If it’s health and wellness, what will you do to
smoother. Center yourself around your goal and make it a constant in your
maintain it or improve? This is an important part of your Everest; the path
life. Eventually, progress will become automatic and almost subconscious.
does not end at the top. You’ve conquered one mountain, the path long and
Advancement is natural for humans; it’s embedded in our very beings,
grueling. What’s one more?
41
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE: NEPAL
M NN AA M
SHERPA BY NAME, SHERPA BY NATURE.
42
GG YY AA LL
NAMGYAL SHERPA – CEO OF SHERPA HOSPITALITY, THE OWNERS OF SHINTA MANI MUSTANG – LOST HIS MOTHER TO EVEREST WHEN HE WAS JUST 11 YEARS OLD. HE TALKS TO WILD ABOUT HIS FAMILY’S CLIMBING HERITAGE, HOW IT HELPED RECONCILE HIS FATHER TO THE TRAGEDY, AND HIS HOPES THAT NEPAL CAN BECOME CENTRAL TO WORLDWIDE ENLIGHTENMENT.
NAMGYAL, tell us about your mother, the first Nepali woman to
rich cultural landscape of Cambodia, resonated with our ethos of
climb Everest, and what it was like growing up and losing her.
authentic and transformative travel experiences. It felt like the right match to shepherd our endeavor into existence. This alignment of
My mother, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, stands as a towering figure in
values and brand heritage is what makes our collective effort not just
my life and the history of Nepal. As the first Nepali woman to climb
a business venture, but a culturally synergistic movement poised to
Everest, she broke barriers and redefined what was possible for
redefine luxury tourism in Nepal.
women in our country. Her determination was boundless, her spirit indomitable, and her loss, when I was only eleven, left a void that
How will it change life in the Mustang Valley?
seemed insurmountable. Growing up without her was a challenge that took years to reconcile, as her aspirations and achievements cast
The Shinta Mani Mustang project aspires to bring positive change to
a long shadow. Yet, her legacy offered a path forward, one that led me
Mustang Valley by introducing it to discerning travelers. By unfolding
to embrace her dreams as my own guiding stars.”
the stories and the heritage of Mustang, we aim to inspire local communities, elevate their aspirations, and integrate the valley into
How deeply ingrained is climbing in your family, and what does it
the narrative of luxury travel, all while maintaining respect for its
represent to the Nepalese people?
natural beauty and cultural integrity.
Climbing is woven into our family’s fabric, with a personal
What other projects are your companies Sherpa Hospitality and
connection to the Sherpa community’s heart and soul. While not all
Thamserku Trekking involved with?
my family members are mountaineers, our lives are inherently linked to the mountains. My father’s trekking and expedition company,
Beyond the Shinta Mani Mustang, our group’s endeavors include
alongside his ascents, speak to a passion reignited after a period
the Mountain Lodges of Nepal, a network of boutique luxury lodges
of grief. Climbing, particularly for the Sherpa and mountainous
offering immersive experiences with comfort in Nepal’s rugged
communities, is both a livelihood and a legacy.
terrains. As the Managing Director of Thamserku Trekking, I oversee partnerships that provide comprehensive destination management
What are the central beliefs held dear by all Sherpas, and how come
services and organize expeditions, such as to Everest, for adventurers
you have the name Sherpa?
worldwide.
Sherpas, originating from Tibet centuries ago, settled in the
What does the future hold for the hospitality industry in Nepal?
Himalayas to pursue spirituality and Buddhism, which remain central to our way of life. The term ‘Sherpa’ – meaning ‘people from
I envision a bright future for Nepal’s hospitality sector, brimming with
the east’ – has evolved from denoting our community to becoming
opportunities for growth and innovation. The industry is gradually
synonymous with high-altitude porters due to historical interactions
shifting from traditional perceptions to showcasing Nepal as a
with early explorers. Despite this, it’s important to recognize Sherpa
versatile destination, capable of delivering world-class, experiential
as a distinct ethnicity with its rich cultural tapestry.
travel. As global interest grows in mindfulness and well-being, Nepal is strategically positioned to become a central hub for travelers
How did you become involved in the Shinta Mani Mustang project,
seeking adventure in a contemplative landscape.
and how long have you been working on it? www. mountainlodgesofnepal.com The Shinta Mani Mustang initiative began as a partnership formed
www.thamserkutrekking.com
in the midst of the pandemic with Jason Friedman, a connoisseur in
www. shintamanimustang.com
the luxury travel industry. Our collaboration has been a three-year
@mountainlodgesofnepal
journey of bringing to life a vision that marries cultural integrity with sustainable luxury. The Shinta Mani brand, with its roots in the
43
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE
JULES, what does an unconventional life mean to you?
podcast and call it ‘Unconventional Life’, to tell the stories of people following
Living an Unconventional Life means committing to bringing your soul’s
non-traditional paths. They offered to partner with me to have it be on Forbes
greatest gifts into form. It means believing you deserve a 10/10 “HELL
30U30 and embed the episodes in my Forbes articles.
YES” life, and are capable of achieving wealth in all areas: money, career,
I still remember the day in early 2016 when I was sitting outside of the Iceland
spirituality, relationships, health. I believe your life force is your most
hot springs on a portable wifi device with my then-boyfriend, and (thank God)
precious commodity, and you have the power to be the architect of your own
copywriter, who was with me when I hit send on my first ever blog post and
world.
podcast just three weeks later.
When you embody the Unconventional Life, you dive headfirst into a path
Since then I’ve built a global community of high-performing entrepreneurs,
in alignment with your deepest desires. It’s all about growth, expanding the
creatives, and thought leaders. People who say yes to living a life outside of
realm of what is predictable to possible to releasing and re-releasing old
what is conventional or predictable. People who realize, “so I can make money
patterns, and taking big leaps for the potential of what you don’t know that
in the world, but now what?” How do you also have great relationships,
you don’t know, living in the field of miracles to make it all happen.
lifestyle, health, travel, impact, and so much more? People who crave the ‘and’ reality – a holistic perspective of success.
You accept that you are capable of creating enormous impact. You are the source of transformation for others. You deserve a life that surpasses your
People, like myself, who have felt like they have been lone wolves in the
wildest dreams. You are courageous enough to bet on yourself and allow your
world. Like they have never really fit in. Where from the outside everything
wisdom to ripple through the world.
“looks” pretty good. Yet on the inside, there is this nagging feeling telling you there is more. It may even be nagging at you right now. You may feel it when
When did you first realize that there was a life outside of the box? Did you
you wake up in the morning or in the shower or on the way to work.
have a eureka moment? After suffering a near-death experience in 2015, everything changed for me.
For most of us, we have been conditioned to ignore that feeling or knowing.
I remember that morning like it was yesterday. It was a beautiful summer
To pretend it’s not there or to stuff it down. That you “should” be happy for
morning at Stanley Lake Reservoir in Colorado. I was out wakeboarding with
your job, or a stable income, or kids, or family, or what you have, and to not
the boys. We were all playing a game to see who could launch off the wake to
rock the boat. That is what I did for many years before I had my near-death
get the most air. As the oldest of five and a former competitive gymnast and
experience. I fixated on setting more goals, creating more companies, more
snowboarder, I became fixated on winning. Finally, after an hour of mis-
clients, and more money to avoid the inconvenience of feeling there may be
attempts, I succeeded. I hit the wake, launched higher than I ever had, and
another truth of why I am here. It took me almost dying and coming back for
immediately came down, caught an edge, and face-planted.
me to realize there is another way.
About an hour later I began to lose feeling in my arms and legs and
How many lives have you affected, unconventionally, to date?
immediately knew something wasn’t right. A few friends rushed me to
Unconventional Life has reached millions of people in over 75 different
the hospital and my next memory was coming out of the MRI and being
countries with 150+ Forbes articles and 300+ podcast episodes and has been
approached by a white figure and six black shadow council members. I
ranked the #1 event for entrepreneurs to attend by Inc Magazine. I have
remember having a conversation in this out-of-body experience where they
created sold-out retreats on six different continents, from castle towns in Italy
said, “Jules you have more work to do in the world, do you want to do it?”
to private islands in Madagascar, to a super yacht in Croatia, to tree houses in Nicaragua, Nile Cruises in Italy, private islands in Fiji, and now our Nepal
At the time the doctors thought my neck might have been broken or I might
event in December 2023. I have had the pleasure of coaching thousands
have been paralyzed, and I remember saying, “Yes, as long as I don’t come
of people through my various events, online coaching programs and
back as a vegetable”. In that next moment, I was zapped back into my body.
masterminds, and really believe in the business of transformation at scale.
I felt this energy forge my neck back together and shoot down my spine, and the moment I woke up everything shifted. It was the start of my life being
How important is the philosophy of freedom to what you do at UL?
created through me rather than being created by me.
Freedom is the core of living an Unconventional Life. I believe true freedom comes when you can master deep listening; the ability to release attachment
Weeks later I got a call from a friend who was partnering with the 17
to a specific outcome and discover the opportunities that show up in real-
Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations who asked me if I
time. It’s so easy to get fixated on achieving a result that you don’t hear the
wanted to be a global ambassador for the People & Planet Foundation for
signs that you need to pivot. Yet when you give yourself permission to course-
education. I remember being on the phone, laughing silently to myself, still
correct you can access greater alignment with your true desires and uncover
in a neck brace, being like, “this isn’t really the best time, having just had this
possibilities far beyond what you could have imagined. I love having the
accident,” and yet I heard this voice tell me to tell her about “Create U”, an
freedom to allow life to unfold in miraculous ways and work in tandem with
initiative to reimagine higher education.
the opportunities that show up all around me.
On the way to the UN, I got invited to Forbes 30U30 (30 Under 30) in Boston,
The more you practice this relationship to deep listening, the more consistent
and then months later they asked me if I wanted to start writing for them.
and reliable your intuition becomes. Then the more free you are to grow
I heard this ‘voice’ yet again guide me to share that I wanted to launch a
into the truth of who you are and uncover the gifts your soul wants to
44
JULES SCHROEDER CAME BACK FROM THE DEAD WITH A MISSION TO LIVE AN UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE. TODAY SHE CREATES EXPERIENCES AROUND THE WORLD TO TEACH ENTREPRENEURS & THOUGHT LEADERS HOW TO DO THE SAME. INSPIRED – AND INSPIRING.
45
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE
THE SONG NEVER REMAINS THE SAME. 46
express in this lifetime. I believe this can only happen in community and
I took the leap and invested thousands of dollars in high-level vocal
in the reflection of others. It is why I see such success in people having big
mentorship, devoting myself to the craft.
transformational moments at our events and that being the catalyst for big shifts, especially when they continue the work through our various coaching
Life surprised me in spectacular ways. A friend put me in touch with a music
programs and masterminds we offer as support in between the events. When
producer who turned out to be the manager of an artist I deeply admire,
we are in an environment where we are with people doing the impossible we
Lauren Daigle. I had to catch my breath when this guy said “YES” to managing
get to believe in ourselves and be the match for our most resonant and wild
and mentoring me! For the past year, I’ve been working in Nashville creating
expression for why we are here.
a non-denominational worship album under the name Jules King, my mom’s maiden name. I remember a moment in a song writing session a few months
How important is travel to you in your mission to offer people freedom?
ago, glancing over a piano to see a wall with 27 Grammys, surrounded by
It’s everything! It is the ultimate pattern-interrupt. Travel connects people
pros of the caliber I only ever dreamed to work with. It was a moment of
to life’s most extraordinary experiences. Seeing the world sparks a desire to
self-reckoning, where I embodied the current of transformation I teach at my
create a life you love, and breaks you out of habitual ways of being.
events. We have written 18 songs this year with some of the best names in the industry working with a strategic partnership with a major Christian label
Why does freedom always start with finances?
out of Nashville. We are launching early next year with an album and a series
Growing up my Dad used to say, “freedom is not freedom without economic
of singles. The most beautiful thing is that as I stretch and grow, I bring new
freedom.” It’s so true. Money is optionality. And when you can master money
facets of that evolution into my leadership. It’s like a crescendo of possibility
as an energetic currency, you learn to own the value you provide to the world.
that extends far beyond what I can see. I love bringing my soul’s gifts into
The world becomes an expansive place of opportunity. I truly believe that
form, and helping others do the same.
making money is about mindset because abundance is an experience. It’s not just about material wealth; it’s about being able to wake up every day and say
What makes UL different from other similar companies out there teaching
I get to choose a life where I thrive. My mission is to create abundance in all
financial and lifestyle freedom?
areas of my life: relationships, health, spirituality, career, and of course my
The community. Every single person at our events is playing a big game in the
bank account.
world: entrepreneurs, creatives, thought leaders, influencers, and visionaries. When you sit down for a meal, you’ll be blown away by the people around
What do you consider to be a successful UL trip?
you. And the events are designed to blaze past the superficial and create
I measure success by the f*uck yea feeling that gets created when you are
instant, authentic connections. We believe collaboration is everything, and
truly in aligned and resonant energy. The feeling where you look back and
strategically introduce people that can co-support each other. Each applicant
you’re like, that trip, that moment, it changed my life. It is all about the deep
is carefully reviewed to maintain a highly curated environment.
connections that are forged, the breakthroughs that are created, and the way people’s futures are altered in an instant. I like to say these events create the
Also, everything we do revolves around “pattern interrupt methodology”—
field of miracles. When you have resonant heart and brain coherence you
the process of creating strategic pattern interrupts that break people out of
can shortcut the time of creation by creating from the field and bringing it
habitual ways of thinking and being so they can experience a new version
into form. There aren’t really words to describe watching someone release
of themselves. We focus on “timeline hopping”— i.e., experiencing rapid
anything in their way of the life they truly desire, and at the same time meet
breakthroughs and life-changing downloads that hop you into new domains
key collaborators that will help them fulfill that vision. It’s breathtaking to
of success, faster than you ever thought possible. We help people return to the
collectively shed the weight of the past while being in a bucket list location.
core of who they are, so they can take radical ownership of the life they are creating. Every event is a catalyst for rapid clarity, soul renewal, and vision-
Where do you source the trainers you use in UL retreats?
activation.
The selection process is driven by my profound appreciation for the art of event facilitation, as I carefully choose leaders who exemplify mastery in
Furthermore, it’s unique to host retreats in bucket list locations around the
their respective domains, whether it be in life or business. These exceptional
world. It’s like one “pinch me” moment after another when you can network
individuals embody the true principles of living an unconventional life
at an Egyptian temple, or a yacht in Croatia, or a private island in Fiji, or in
and inspire and energize our event participants. I always have a personal
the Himalayas. Lastly, I’m a total geek about designing experiences. I consider
connection to the facilitators either through relationships I’ve formed
“event planning” to be “the art of experience design.” I have even created a
throughout my career, my podcast, or referrals from close friends of mine.
program called “The Art of Experience”, where I teach others how I do what I do to create their own events and additional revenue streams into their
What’s been the most satisfying aspect personally to what you do?
business. I also produce events for some of the biggest names in the world. I
I believe that your personal story is a mirror for the transformation you create
have done events on all 7+ continents including most recently taking Jimmy
for others. Without a doubt, the values of the Unconventional Life brand
Buffet, right before he passed away, to Antarctica. Every detail is a sensory
have transformed my life. Through this work, I’ve learned to channel the
opportunity for participants. Every variable contributes to the global current
core essence of my soul’s gifts. The best example of this in action is my music
of transformation. In this way, obsessive intentionality creates magic.
career. I always knew I wanted to sing, but had to conquer a lot of imposter syndrome to believe that I could reach the same heights of success in music
www.unconventionallifeshow.com
as in business. I did a lot of work to release the limiting beliefs about what
IG @liveunconventional
I was capable of as a vocal artist. In the same way I would coach my clients,
FB @unconventionallifeshow
I got present to the fact that this area of my expression was non-negotiable.
47
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE
IN our fast-paced world where high achievers are continually striving for
Ovulation mirrors summer when women are feeling sexy, vibrant, and
greatness, what if our greatest tool for optimized productivity is a woman’s
ready to be sociable. Time to tackle the big jobs, embrace negotiations, and
period? Amid the pursuit of success, we have found ourselves entangled in a
make the big sales. Wrapping it all up, what we call PMS, resembles autumn
web of expectations and roles, forgetting our intrinsic identities and unique
– the energy slows, and it’s a time to wrap up loose ends and refine ongoing
powers. In the journey toward the rediscovery of true empowerment emerges
projects.
the concept of Sensual Intelligence – a transformative coaching approach based on the natural female cycles that not only reconnects women with their
“I still don’t feel like this is a superpower. Wouldn’t it be better to just always
superpowers but also revolutionizes business and interpersonal interactions.
be in the ovulation phase for optimized productivity?” I wasn’t surprised by my client’s reaction. “If you’re open, I’d like to explain how this can be your
Unmasking the Iron Lady
superpower. Would you like to hear?” She nodded.
Picture this: my client, the sole woman in the male-dominated industry of national defense and military strategies. She works with world leaders and
Bedroom Symphony, Boardroom Mastery
military officials as a civilian contractor and is almost always the only woman
Although the evolution of these phases of a woman’s cycle is related to
in the room. When I first inquired with her about how her period impacted
reproduction, in the modern era, our society can utilize this Sensual
her work, she visibly recoiled, “That will NEVER impact my work. Ever.”
Intelligence in business. Menstruation is the time for strategic planning, solo
Her words were almost dripping with disdain as if annoyed that I had even
work and goal setting. This is when a woman’s intuition is at its most refined,
acknowledged such a frustrating part of her life. But, as the conversation
so directing the next month of activity, creating well-considered plans, and
continued, she realized that her aversion to her body’s natural cycle had led
laying the groundwork for what’s to come is best done during this time. Vice
her to leak power for many years.
versa, this is when you want to avoid scheduling a multitude of meetings or flying around the world to take care of business. The follicular phase of the cycle is when it’s time to start implementing systems and delegating tasks.
Code Red
The energy rises during the follicular phase and peaks next during ovulation.
The menstrual cycle – a feminine, natural rhythm that is often dismissed as
Ovulation is when a woman is in her most vibrant state, physically and
a mere inconvenience – truly holds the key to unlocking hidden potential.
energetically. This is the time to really deep dive into big tasks. Major sales
Sensual Intelligence encourages us to embrace all phases of a woman’s
or strategic meetings should be scheduled during this time for a woman to
menstrual cycle and understand it as a source of power, not inhibition.
truly shine at her best. Lastly, utilizing the luteal phase, a woman’s critical eye
Imagine a sales meeting or negotiation timed precisely when a woman is
during this time is best directed toward analyzing the details by reviewing and
ovulating – her skin is radiant, her boobs bigger, her hair lustrous, and
refining projects.
an aura of confidence envelops her. Even her pheromones play into the concoction of strength and appeal. These subtle physiological changes are
“Each phase has its own superpower, and trying to always stay in one part
subconsciously felt by all, leading to more favorable outcomes. Conversely,
of the cycle will unknowingly wreak havoc throughout the rest.” I finished
imagine a sales presentation during the premenstrual phase (also known as
speaking and watched as the Iron Lady connected the dots. I could see that
PMS or the luteal phase). Even without being conscious of where she is in
she finally understood. “I cannot believe I have been experiencing these
her cycle, everyone in the room would feel a vastly different energy in the
cycles my entire life and never realized how I can best utilize them. This
presentation or discussion.
makes so much sense!”
As I explained this to my client, the Iron Lady, she still looked skeptical but expressed an interest for me to continue. “I guess maybe there’s something for
Sensual Intelligence is the tool for aligning with the cycles and breaking
me to learn here. But how could being tired and cranky ever have a positive
through conformity and is a torchbearer of authentic connections. This
effect on my work?”
journey embraces the ‘chaos’ of hormones, transforms relationships from battlegrounds to flourishing gardens of understanding, and ignites a spark
Sync or Sink
of connection that defies societal norms. It’s a call to action, a wake-up slap
To understand the true power of syncing to this cycle, we need to first
that urges you to embrace your biological rhythms, decode your emotions,
understand each phase and its unique effectiveness (and yes, there’s more
and ride the waves of sensuality that ripple through existence. Sensual
than just PMS-ing and not PMS-ing). The four phases of the female cycle
Intelligence isn’t just a theory; it’s a provocative revolution that promises to
are menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. By understanding the
disrupt your notions of success, productivity, and power. Are you ready to dive
physiological changes, we can utilize each to its maximum potential.
into the uncharted waters of your sensuality? The choice is yours – to sync or
to sink.
Let’s start with the menstruation phase; you can think of it as a type of inner winter. It’s a time for introspection, planning, and goal setting. Following a
www.saschahaert.com
woman’s period is the follicular phase – it mimics springtime with the energy
of building, growth, and weeding out what’s not needed.
48
haertfelt HUMAN BEHAVIORS EXPERT SASCHA HAERT WRITES ON SENSUAL INTELLIGENCE AND ITS EFFECT ON DEALING WITH THE NATURAL FEMALE CYCLE.
SASCHA. 49
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE
the life of ROBOTICS ENGINEER, BIG WAVE SURFER, ENTREPRENEUR BRIAN SWAN EMBODIES CHANGE . . . AND SLAYS DRAGONS FOR FUN.
EYES FORWARD. 50
BRIAN, the first thing I noticed from your
boardroom. A small group of engineers occupied
taught me to open my mind to a plethora of
resume, and having known you for a while, is
four of the 50 chairs as we sat across from each
possibilities: from a Midwestern boy with limited
that you used to be a robotics engineer. Tell us
other with their backs to the ship. During our
understanding of what the world had on offer,
about that …
conversation I couldn’t help but gaze past them
to a world we have created years later, that quite
When I was a senior in high school I had a
through a huge window staring out at the soon-to-
frankly knows no boundaries.
10-minute meeting with my guidance counselor
be interstellar craft. When did you meet Rhonda?
and he asked me what I was good at … and I said math and science. He told me that engineering
Handing them our proposal for Thrust Actuators,
Around the same time I was at university I went
was one of the top professions post university, so
I went through the details over the next 30
to Australia in my third year for a study program,
I made a decision there and then to become an
minutes before shaking hands and heading out
which is where I learned to surf. Later I only
engineer. That dictated the next 14 years of my
the door. I hadn’t even left the parking lot when
accepted jobs if there was surf, which landed me
life. What followed was four years of university
my boss called and said, “Nice $60K order Brian.”
in California. That’s where I met my wife Rhonda,
and a decade in the corporate world working for
I was like, I’m just leaving the facility ... I don’t
and then in 2006 she literally retired me and I
Parker Hannifin as a robotics engineer living in
know who these people are, but they have a
entered the world of digital marketing.
San Diego.
freaking 100m rocket on their manufacturing floor. What an incredible experience that was.
In the years that followed we went from affiliate
I remember you once telling me a story about
This was the real deal and my new friend, Elon
marketing in the personal development industry
meeting Elon Musk at one of your places of
Musk, and I had been sitting in SpaceX.
to creating “Freedom-Preneur” programs that
work…
helped people make the jump from regular jobs
As a surfer living in San Diego covering the
What do you still carry with you from that time?
to running a laptop lifestyle anywhere around the
Western USA, I learned to schedule my sales calls
What’s interesting is that even though it took
world. We were out traveling since 2008, working
for Southern California around the surf reports.
place two decades ago, I still don’t relate much to
online as one of the first digital nomad families.
If I could get on the water either before or after
my time as a robotics engineer. I also see you at your home sometimes near the
my sales calls when I traveled it was a good day. I looked on Surfline and saw that a strong southerly
You’ve transformed yourself a few times over,
big waves in Bali … Surfing is such a deep and
swell was on the way for Wednesday, so I asked
then another thing I wondered about reading
difficult thing to do, how does it relate to your
for an 11am meet, giving me the opportunity to
your CV … how has change been a part of your
life’s thinking?
surf “Trestles” in San Clemente beforehand.
life so much?
I remember stepping off the plane in Australia
Change has been my whole existence, and it
and I went to the beach and saw a girl in a bikini
Passing by LAX I made my way to El Segundo.
all started from when my father died of Aids
and a guy catching a head-high barrel. At that
Usually my mind would be on the impending
when I was 16 years old. My world was turned
moment I made the decision to be a surfer. Fast
sales call but since I was deep in the projects,
upside down when he broke the news that he
forward 29 years and I’m still as excited by surfing
carjacking was more top of mind as I pulled into a
was unwell, terminal in fact. At the age of 11
as I was on that day.
very unassuming facility. “Really,” I thought. “You
years old, coming to terms with the knowledge
build rockets here?”
that my Dad wouldn’t be around forever was
Today I’m 49, and at this age what I have learned
unfathomable. The thought had never entered my
is that I have to keep my body in peak physical
mind.
condition in order to deal with the life or death
The receptionist ushered me into a room
situations that big waves can bring. This relates
where a waiting rocket man greeted me with an outstretched hand. He walked me down a
What he did next is the stuff of movies. In fact,
to my life thinking in all areas. I’ve taken this on
long corridor before turning the corner where
years after his passing, Morgan Freeman and
with my body, my relationship with my wife and
I couldn’t believe what I saw. I gazed out onto
Jack Nicholson brought a similar tale to the big
my daughter, my spirituality, and all my business
a 100m-long rocket sitting on the hangar floor.
screen in the movie The Bucket List. But my Dad
ventures.
Choosing my words more carefully, I said, “That’s
was different, he did it with his family in tow
a real rocket,” and he replied with, “Of course. I’m
and we began a journey of search and discovery
@unstoppablesurfer
a rocket scientist…” and we both chuckled.
during his final years, one that has left a lasting
www.unstoppablebrandingagency.com
impression on me. An impression that remains With the ice now broken we entered a huge
deep in my psyche today. That period in my life
51
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE
IN the burgeoning field of holistic healing, a
Similarly, Megan’s journey through 9D Breathwork
by language and cultural differences, there is a
revolutionary approach is reshaping how we view
brought light to the darkness of a decade-long
concerted effort to make these transformative
and address mental and physical health issues.
depression, granting her a renewed sense of hope
journeys accessible on a global scale. The strategy
This approach is 9D Breathwork, pioneered by
and motherhood.
includes translating the journeys into major world languages and integrating the practice into various
Brian Kelly, a methodology that is redefining the paradigm of well-being.
The effectiveness of 9D Breathwork is further
societal institutions, such as schools and programs
enhanced by its multidimensional sound
for veterans and those in addiction recovery.
Rooted in the belief that unresolved trauma and
experience, which includes 9D sound technology.
a dysregulated nervous system are at the heart of
This creates a vast and immersive auditory
The success of the initiative is already taking
many of our struggles, 9D Breathwork provides
landscape that enriches the somatic journey,
shape, with pilot programs slated to launch in UK
an immersive experience designed to tackle these
fostering deeper mental imagery and emotional
schools, underscoring a commitment to youth
issues at their core.
engagement. This auditory landscape is layered
wellness and the recognition of the importance
with guided vocal coaching, which provides a
of early intervention in mental health. The
The crux of this method lies in its departure from
narrative to navigate the inner workings of the
anticipated rollout of 9D Breathwork in these
conventional treatments that have dominated
mind, confronting fears and blocks that may
settings is a testament to the method’s adaptability
healthcare for decades. Where pharmaceuticals
otherwise remain hidden.
and relevance across different age groups and societal contexts.
and psychotherapy often fall short, addressing only the symptoms and not the cause, 9D
The inclusion of neuro-linguistic programming
Breathwork aims to heal the soma – the body –
(NLP) and hypnotherapy techniques adds another
Kelly’s assertive proclamation that “we’re just
which Kelly posits as the physical manifestation
layer to the process. By using specific language
getting started” encapsulates the ethos of the
of the subconscious mind. By engaging the
patterns and suggestions, these techniques work to
9D Breathwork movement. It’s a defiant stance
body through specific breathing techniques, the
subtly rewrite limiting beliefs and negative scripts
against the status quo of health treatment and a
practice releases trapped traumas and instigates a
that have been internalized over a lifetime. The
declaration of the transformative potential that
profound healing process.
result is not just a temporary relief but a potential
lies within this innovative approach. It stands as
long-term transformation of one’s outlook and
an invitation to reimagine the landscape of healing
psychological framework.
and personal growth, positioning 9D Breathwork
Central to the 9D Breathwork experience is its
as a catalyst for change not only for individuals but
direct engagement with the subconscious mind. Through a combination of breath, sound, and
Beyond personal anecdotes, the science behind
for communities and, potentially, for societies at
guided visualization, the method induces a
9D Breathwork is equally compelling. It suggests
large.
hypnotic state. It slows brainwave frequencies
that the root causes of addictions, mental health
to allow for an inward journey where the
issues, and various stress-related conditions are
In conclusion, 9D Breathwork represents a shift
subconscious becomes more receptive to change.
grounded in unprocessed trauma. By focusing on
towards an integrative approach to health and
This is achieved by employing cutting-edge audio
resolving these traumas in the body, the method
well-being, promising a pathway to holistic
technologies such as binaural beats, isochronic
offers a more effective and sustainable solution
healing that transcends traditional methodologies.
tones, and solfeggio frequencies, which guide
than the temporary fixes provided by medications
With its roots in both ancient wisdom and modern
the brain into alpha, gamma and theta states.
and traditional psychotherapy.
science, it offers a unique synergy of techniques that together foster a potent environment for
Here, in these deeply relaxed states, the conscious mind recedes, giving way to transformative
The list of benefits associated with 9D Breathwork
subconscious work.
is extensive and profound. Participants have
transformation.
reported outcomes that extend beyond the
As this method continues to gain traction, it holds
The transformative potential of this approach
alleviation of symptoms to include spiritual
the promise of reshaping the future of personal
is vividly illustrated by powerful testimonials.
awakenings and a deepened sense of connection
development and well-being, paving the way for a
Individuals like Cheri, whose traumatic
with something greater than themselves. This
global movement of healing and growth.
experiences in childhood cast a long shadow over
transformative effect underscores the method’s
her life, found healing and empowerment through
potential for fostering comprehensive well-being
www.yogilab.com
9D Breathwork. The method enabled her to forgive
and spiritual growth.
www.theistana.com/9-d
and find peace, an outcome so transformative that it propelled her to become a breath coach herself.
@ breathwork.journeys Kelly’s vision for 9D Breathwork is ambitious and inclusive. Recognizing the barriers posed
52
JUST A BREATH AWAY
BRIAN KELLY TAPS INTO THE
SUBCONSCIOUS TO HELP US REVEAL OUR TRUE SELVES.
DEPTH CHARGER. 53
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE
WHY VACATION SEX IS THE BEST SEX – AND HOW TO BRING IT HOME, WRITES ELITE MATCHMAKER STEPHANIE JAIE. YOU walk back to your room not-so-lightly buzzed from the three Mai Tai you drank together by the pool. You giggle as you both reach for the room key at the same time and have a moment of pure joy as you play together deciding who will open the door first. His lightly sandy arm brushes yours as he holds the door open for you to enter, sending a wave of pleasure and chills through your entire body. You can’t help but wonder, how did I get so lucky to land this smoke show of a man? Not even halfway through the door he impatiently grabs you and pulls you into the room letting the door shut with a not-so-discreet slam. As he caresses your neck with his lips, he takes in the smell of your coconut sun cream and lets out a light moan. There’s an unshakeable lightness in your step, a brightness in your eyes, a joy in your heart. You let out a satisfied smile that turns into a giggle as you fall back onto your plush, soft bed. And then it happens – he’s on top of you, licking every last piece of ocean salt off your sun-kissed body. What transpires next may have been minutes, may have been hours – but one thing is for certain: THIS is the best sex you’ve ever had.
54
SULTRY.
55
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE
Vacation sex is so well known to be more
2. Novelty and Excitement
On vacation, we can’t help but spend time
passionate, frequent, and intense than at-home
While routine is important for day-to-day energy
together! We have fewer distractions and often
sex that it’s become its own category. Often
optimization, it is also a gravitational pull that
are engaging in fun activities together. We are
couples can find themselves thinking the only
can ease us into a zombie-like slumber if we’re
spending dinner talking to each other instead of
way to access these states of pleasure is by
not careful. This can happen in our day-to-day
listening to the news, we are learning the salsa or
dropping thousands of dollars on an annual
lives as well as in the bedroom (you know those
taking a cooking class together. The combination
vacation. And while this can be a solution, who
times when you do the same three positions, in
of novelty and uninterrupted connection time is
wants to only have epic sex once a year?
the same order, because you know they work?
a sure-fire mixture for intimacy, bonding, and
Yep, that’s what we’re talking about here). It
epic sex.
Today we’ll dive into the top 3 reasons vacation
has its benefits, but can also lead to a state of
sex is better than regular sex, and how to bring it
boredom and lack of enthusiasm – not exactly
How to bring in quality time together
back home.
our sexiest traits!
Outside of scheduling dates, like above, start
When we’re on vacation we’re learning, growing,
bringing more presence into the times that you
1. Stress Reduction
and exploring together. We’re exposing ourselves
DO connect. Make mealtimes opportunities to
The biggest enemy of our libido is stress.
to new connections, new languages, new foods,
engage with each other instead of numbing out
When our cortisol spikes due to an angry boss,
and maybe even some new dance moves! This
while watching TV. Take an extra five minutes
miscommunication around the kids, or getting
novelty-seeking breathes fresh life into us as
before you get out of bed each morning to snuggle
cut off in traffic – our hormones take a hit.
individuals, making us more open to trying
and tell your partner you appreciate them. Turn
And while we might be aware of this influence
new things. This can have the effect of making
routine chores like grocery shopping or laundry
on estrogen; our testosterone-dominant
us more bold and willing to act upon our
into opportunities to connect instead of just a
counterparts are just as susceptible. Stress
attractions. And, learning new things together
task that needs to be done. Get creative and bring
puts us on edge, making us less patient and
has been scientifically proven to strengthen
presence into as many of your routine tasks as
communicative with our partners. Stress also
relationships!
possible!
– setting up for battle or running away from a
How to create novelty in your regular life
It’s no doubt that vacations create the perfect
predator are not exactly the best energies with
Try something new! When was the last time you
cocktail of relaxation, novelty, and quality
which to begin an intimate connection!
did something new and adventurous with your
time required to light your libido on fire! While
partner? Better yet – when was the last time you
scientific research sheds light on the hormonal
When on vacation, most (if not all) of these
went on a legitimate, full-fledged date at all? Take
and physiological factors affected by stress,
energies are released. We have a relaxed
this as your sign to get back into the dating phase
it’s the moments of connection, vulnerability,
schedule, no boss or angry drivers to worry
of your relationship, and make sure those dates
and pure enjoyment that truly make vacation
about, we don’t need to grab groceries, and
are fun, exciting, and embodied. Try a paint
sex an enticing prospect. So, the next time you
generally speaking, are in a much more relaxed
and sip, a new dance class, a hike somewhere
plan a getaway, remember to leave some room
and enjoyable state. This decreases cortisol and
romantic, a fun boat ride, or something else
for romance! And, when you’re in between your
brings us into the parasympathetic nervous
that will get you out of your heads and into your
annual escapes, remember that you have the
system; where we can rest, digest, and enjoy life’s
bodies – together.
power to create fun new experiences, reduce
activates our Fight/Flight/Freeze/Fawn response
stress, and engage in quality connection every
pleasures. 3. Uninterrupted Quality Time Together
single moment of the day. Pleasure is a choice my
How to bring more relaxation into your day-to-
How much quality time do you spend with your
friends – is it what you will choose?
day
partner regularly? And no, quality time does not
Schedule pre-connection timeouts for yourself
mean sitting next to each other silently while
www.stephaniejaie.com
when you know you’ll be connecting with your
watching the latest episode of Black Mirror. I’m
@stephaniejaie
partner. If you always share dinner, for example,
talking about full presence, enjoying each other’s
or have a scheduled date night, make sure to
company. When we first start dating we’re so
somatically release the energy of the day before
enamored with the human in front of us that we
you connect with them. Meditation, somatic
can’t HELP but spend quality time with them. As
shaking, rage dancing, and self-pleasure sessions
we become more familiar, and regular life kicks
are great ways to move energy through the body
up, this interest in each other tends to decrease.
and release any cortisol that may have built up during the day.
56
TAKE THE NEXT STEP.
57
MENTAL HEALTH
A SPOKEN WORD POEM
BY HANALEI SWAN
FIND YOUR FLOOR. 58
SOMETIMES, I forget how it all began. I
Will I ever be enough? Do enough? Feel enough?
think back to the moment when I could feel
Enough, enough, enough. Shame settled all
I’d tell her to release the pressure. You place
the wind flowing through my hair, and all
over me like the dust from a construction site,
bricks of worry on top of your body, building
I could hear was laughter in the air. Beams
making its home in the cracks and creases
your towers taller and taller, crushing you
of sun danced on my skin as I danced with
of my skin as these skyscrapers of worry
smaller and smaller until you feel like nobody.
my feet in the sea, completely carefree. Sand
continued to rise from my mind. Each floor
scattered across my face like a painting from
built with self-doubt and missed opportunities,
I’d reassure her that you are somebody. And
the ocean. I found my heart buried in the sand;
overshadowing the vibrant landscape of my
no matter the pressure you may feel from
on the beach, I was fully me, like raw light,
younger self, turning my aspirations into mere
the world around you, you still matter.
undisturbed by the pressures of life. I never
foundations for what could have been. I could
You are here not to die, not to just stay alive, but
thought anything would change, this infinite
no longer stand the person I was within.
to truly live. Promise me that you will truly live.
love for the world around me and for myself. I need a disclaimer plastered on my body
If I could see my younger self again, I would sit
Now, I often forget that little
for anyone who may dare talk to me, telling
her down and tell her I’m sorry. I’m sorry for all
kid is still inside of me.
them not to worry because I hated myself
the time I spent thinking I wasn’t good enough.
as much as they probably hated me. I’ll tell As you grow up, you realize the world is growing
them all the lies they thought about me are
I’m sorry for all the hopeless nights dwelling
faster than you. Things that once seemed
probably true, and I’ll wear their lies with
over the things I could never do right.
small when you were young suddenly become
pride because I have begun to believe they are
skyscrapers looming over you. The pressure
real. You don’t know how desperately I want to
I am sorry for pushing you to the side and
from the sky pushes down on you like bricks,
change the person I am within and swap into
leaving you to dry, like a flower starved of light.
becoming heavier and heavier the longer time
someone else’s skin. It’s easy to fall into this
I watched you slowly begin to wilt away, and
ticks. When I finally opened my eyes and looked
trap of losing yourself when you believe the
I never did anything about it because I found
up to the sky, I realized how small I actually was.
whole world wants you to be someone else.
comfort in the falling of your petals and my
One of the first times I felt small was under stage
I forget that little kid who found light in the
your petals still did not bloom, and I realized
lights. The moment my breath became short, and
darkest of places and painted with the ever-
how empty I was without you. Because you were
my voice became grand, bouncing off the walls
changing hues of the sunset is still within me,
the light in my eyes that always managed to find
and into the crowd of hundreds of people all
buried underneath towers and the concrete
the simple beauties held within life. Watching
waiting to hear what I had planned. Illuminated
rubble of lies I told myself, saying I would
the delicate beams of sunlight filtering through
underneath a microscope, the pressure set in. I
never be enough, like a bird in a cage trapped
tree leaves. The feeling of sand slipping through
could only wonder if I was doing enough for these
without a key, waiting to be let free. She is still
your hands. The ways the dust dances under the
people to be proud of me. I could only imagine
there, but over time her voice has become bare
light, like glitter thrown into the sky. No matter
what they thought of me. Who is this girl barely
as I have learned to ignore the tendency to
how faint, I can still see through your eyes. I
thirteen, telling me what to think? Look at the
listen, to put my ear up to the door of the cage.
would remind you that the stars in the sky are
way she walks, look at the way she talks. I bet
I had begun to silence the want to be free.
not as far as they seem, these buildings around
newfound solitude. But as the seasons changed,
you are so much smaller than you believe them
she can’t even come up with a coherent thought. Like a solitary star fading into twilight,
to be. You are so much bigger than you know.
sometimes I wish I could go back in time to
Let your roots grow through the concrete, in
As my years passed, these towns populated by
grasp that fading light before it slipped beyond
between the little cracks of the streets, and deep
the problems within my mind grew into cities.
the horizon, where memories and possibilities
into the soil beneath you. Watch as those cities
If you ever want to feel small, go to a city. While
intertwine like constellations in the night sky.
begin to dissipate as your roots spread, and
I could only imagine what they thought of me.
the love for yourself begins to regrow again.
you’re there, walking down the neverending streets, you’ll wonder if you really matter in
If I could, I would look that little girl in the eye
the grand scheme of things. If you were to
and show her all the things she could never see,
Those buildings with bricks made of the worries
leave this place would that change a thing, or
help her remember all the lessons she lost, lift
you gave yourself and the problems you’ve
would life continue on never to remember your
her up, and show her that the sky isn’t so scary.
collected that you’ve held on to so dearly are not structurally sound, remember who you
name? It probably would never remember my name. These thoughts corrupted my brain.
I’d tell her to never be afraid to cry. Let the tears
really are and knock those buildings down.
that pour from your eyes soak into your skin and release the emotions you’ve held within.
www.hanaleiswan.com
59
MENTAL HEALTH
bridging the gap IN THE TAPESTRY OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS, WE ALL TREAD THE DELICATE PATH OF SEEKING CONNECTION, WRITES KAVI WEBER.
HAVE you ever felt alone among friends? As if
connection is not reciprocated, but you’ll never
them feel guilty, but rather inspired to support
you were having a conversation, but nobody was
know if nobody addresses it. It’s about taking
you.
really listening to you. In this difficult situation,
responsibility for your role in the relationship by
when you reached out for support, they didn’t
expressing your desires. That is the only thing
They also have the right to say no to you. It would
show up. It seemed like your friends were
you have control over. When you communicate
be easy to take that personally. But in reality?
uncomfortable with moving beyond the surface
maturely and effectively, the way the other
There could be any reason they did not want to
level.
person responds will teach you exactly what you
be relied upon. If someone is not willing to fill
need to know.
that place in your life, you need to know. Some friends may have different desires and intentions
Maybe, in those moments, you asked yourself: “What would happen if I really needed support?
In order to do that, you first have to ask yourself
than you. And that’s okay, as long as it’s known
Will I feel comfortable the next time I ask for
what, exactly, you want? Do you want to feel
and communicated.
support from the people I trust?”
heard? Do you want people to respect your time?
It’s a scary feeling, and, unfortunately, a very
By making your desires specific, they become
This last part might bother a few people, but
achievable for the other person.
it’s important. On top of your responsibility to communicate, comes your responsibility to make
common one. This negative experience is necessary for your growth and evolution as a
Next, you want to ask the person if they’re open
the people who support you feel appreciated,
person, moving us away from unfulfilling or even
to having the conversation, rather than springing
and your responsibility to offer what you wish
toxic relationships.
it on the other person randomly – it’s all about
to receive. These tenets of reciprocity help the
timing. This will make them more likely to
people around you to feel good about being in
We all need support in different forms: some
hear you out, because it doesn’t feel like you are
your life. I think that’s what we all want. So if you
people lean on their families, while others
suddenly attacking them.
notice someone’s been showing up for you a lot, ask how you can show up for them and watch the
find friendships, mentorships and other
bond grow tighter.
affirmative relationships. Support is one of
Lastly, you want to own all your emotions. This
the fundamental aspects of human relation:
means that you speak in a way that does not
providing someone else with help, understanding
blame the other person. This means using the
In the tapestry of human relationships, we all
and empathy. Closeness in a relationship implies
phrase: “when you do X, I feel Y.” This keeps the
tread the delicate path of seeking understanding,
mutual support: being unsupported in a close
situation objective and focused on the topic at
connection, and support. The beauty of the
relationship is unbalanced.
hand.
human experience lies in the ability to bridge gaps, to mend what’s frayed, and to weave
Does this mean your relationship with this
For more insight, I recommend the book
stronger bonds of connection. Each vulnerable
person is toxic, and you should cut them off? Not
Authentic Relating by Ryel Kestano.
conversation becomes a step towards true
just yet! There is likely a gap in communication,
Now, if the other person is receptive and
authenticity. I hope that everyone can find
meaning they might not have any idea how
committed to meeting your requests, you work it
the people who treat them with honesty and
you feel. You could think that your desire for
out with them. Remember, the key is not to make
compassion.
60
MENTAL HEALTH
L E A R N I N G HOW T O
HANALEI SWAN DIVES INTO THE ART OF NAVIGATING THE ROUGH TIMES AND RISING ABOVE LIFE’S CHALLENGES.
WEIGHTLESS. 62
EVERYONE experiences moments of
underwater. Instinctively, you might want to
internal struggle – be it anxiety, self-doubt,
struggle against it, but you soon realize that
depression, excess stress, or other mental
resisting and trying to swim frantically only makes
health challenges. When going through these
you sink faster. In such a high-stress situation,
rough patches it can feel like sinking beneath
the best approach is to calm your mind and let
the surface or struggling to stay afloat.
the wave carry you, before going to take a breath again. This applies to managing your emotions
I often find myself submerging under the rough
too. Imagine stress as a wave crashing over you;
waters of my problems, and letting myself get
the more you fight it, the deeper you’ll sink.
pulled into a whirlpool of internal chaos. It is effortless to allow myself to sink into anxiety and
Even when you have found ways to float better,
become submerged by the stress. Since becoming
life can still get pretty rough. These could be
more aware of myself I’ve realized that when
brought on by major life changes, unexpected
life presents these challenges we get to make a
events, or relapses in mental health. It’s important
decision whether we want to sink, fight, or float.
to recognize that floating doesn’t mean avoiding challenges, but rather facing them with resilience
It’s easy to stay afloat when the water is calm but
and adaptability. Even when these challenges
the real challenge comes from learning to keep
may arise you can adapt to the waves by relying
tranquil when life puts new waves in the way.
on your life vest. These problems will just
Floating in the situations of rough water is about
become another wave that will pass you by.
finding balance within your mind and allowing yourself to rise above struggles, while still
The journey of learning to float is ongoing and
acknowledging their presence. Instead of ignoring
takes time to integrate into your life. However,
the things in your life that cause worry or distress,
your personal growth journey and the lessons
just like the feeling of sinking in rough water,
you learn about yourself are far more important
you can learn to manage these emotions more
than any final destination. Consider what in your
effectively, like calming yourself and your breath so
life causes stress and ask yourself: Is this where
you can begin to float above the surface once again.
I want to invest my energy? Does this weigh me down or lift me up? Is it worth the struggle? With
When learning how to float you can adopt different
simple questions like these, it becomes easier
techniques and tools to flow with life’s challenges.
to identify what you need to release or how you
Think of these techniques like your life vests and
may need to adjust in your response to the stress.
practices you can implement into your day to find
Decide whether you’d rather channel your energy
calm in the sea. This could include mindfulness
into fighting the current or riding the wave.
practices, self-care, creating art, journaling your thoughts, setting boundaries, and practicing
In the unpredictable seas of life, we all face
positive self-talk. Though they may sound simple,
moments of turmoil and turbulence. These
implementing small things like this can move your
challenges, like the crashing waves, can seem
energy into a better and less draining direction.
overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel like we’re sinking. However, our response to these challenges
When I begin to feel these waves and relapses of
is a choice we can all make. Learning to float
anxiety I find myself needing time alone and use
amidst the rough waters of our problems is a skill
this time to refocus my energy on creativity, giving
that requires practice, but it’s a skill that can be
me space to find calm when I would usually dwell
honed. By adopting mindfulness tools and practices
on my thoughts. Maintaining these practices and
as our life vests, we can navigate these challenges
tools of mindfulness when encountering a new
with greater resilience and clarity. Embracing
wave may initially feel challenging. However,
the current rather than battling it allows us to
when confronted with the choice of sinking,
conserve our energy and stay afloat. Remember,
struggling, or staying afloat, remembering to
even when the waves are relentless, the journey of
refocus your energy and anchor yourself to your
personal growth is the true destination. So, the next
life vest becomes crucial to float past the wave.
time you feel the undertow of stress, ask yourself where you want to invest your energy and whether
Embracing the current rather than battling it
it’s worth the struggle. Choose to float, adapt,
can save you from sinking. As a surfer, one of
and grow, for in doing so, you’ll find the strength
the first things you learn is how to stay calm
to weather any storm that life may bring.
when getting hit by a wave. While surfing, you’re bound to fall off your board and be tossed around
www.hanaleiswan.com 63
FITNESS
CARRIE AND WLL HENKE. 64
BAMBU FITNESS BALI
WHERE COMMUNITY AND FITNESS INTERTWINE IN PARADISE.
IN the Heart of Bali
Evolving with Integrity
Nestled among the scenic beauty of Bali, a unique fitness haven
As trends ebb and flow in the fitness industry, Bambu Fitness Bali
thrives. This is Bambu Fitness Bali, a creation born from the
remains anchored in simplicity and transparency. Their focus on
passions and experiences of Carrie and Will Henke. It’s more than a
clear, understandable fitness philosophies ensures that members
gym; it’s a community, a lifestyle, a testament to the transformative
are not just participating but are truly connected to their fitness
power of fitness and connection.
journey. This approach forms the unchanging core of their everevolving business model.
Forging a Path Will’s journey from the discipline and rigor of the US Military to
Building a Community
the world of fitness coaching laid the foundation for Bambu Fitness
Community isn’t just a buzzword at Bambu Fitness Bali; it’s the
Bali. His military tenure, demanding peak physical condition,
essence of their existence. The gym transcends the traditional
evolved into a passion for helping others achieve their best selves.
boundaries of a fitness center, creating a space where relationships
Meanwhile, Carrie brought her insight into the integral role of
are forged, support systems are built, and fitness journeys are
community and design in health and wellness. Their combined
shared. As they look to the future, their aim is to nurture this
vision for a space where fitness and travel intersect led to the
community, staying true to their core values.
creation of WanderFit Retreats, eventually culminating in the birth of Bambu Fitness Bali.
A Vision for the Future The road ahead for Bambu Fitness Bali is paved with exciting
A Name with Meaning
expansions. Envisioning a comprehensive health destination,
‘Bambu’, taking its cue from the Indonesian spelling of bamboo,
the team plans to add recovery facilities, a healthy meal service,
reflects the essence of their fitness philosophy. Bamboo is resilient,
and even accommodations and a co-working space. This isn’t just
flexible, and grows in close-knit clusters, mirroring the traits
growth; it’s a holistic enhancement of the community experience,
Bambu Fitness Bali embodies: strength, adaptability, and a sense
driven by feedback and a deep understanding of members’ needs.
of community. It’s a name that resonates with the values they hold dear and the environment they aim to create.
Bambu Fitness Bali is more than a destination; it’s a journey into the heart of what fitness can be when it’s intertwined with community
Standing Apart
and genuine care. Under Carrie and Will Henke’s guidance, it
In a world teeming with fitness options, Bambu Fitness Bali
stands as a sanctuary where fitness goals are pursued in unison,
distinguishes itself through its exceptional coaching and an
where every individual’s journey is valued, and where the spirit of
inclusive approach to workouts. Here, coaches are more than
community flourishes amidst the serene backdrop of Bali.
trainers; they are the pillars of the community, guiding, inspiring,
www.bambufitnessbali.com
and creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed
@bambufitnessbali
and valued. This emphasis on quality coaching and community
www.wanderfitretreats.com
engagement is the heartbeat of Bambu Fitness Bali.
@wanderfit.retreats
65
MENTAL HEALTH
BY REENA MERCHANT PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASTRID VERHOEF WWW.ASTRIDVERHOEF.NL
AS WE NAVIGATE MULTIPLE GLOBAL CRISES, WE ARE FACED WITH SEEMINGLY INSURMOUNTABLE COLLECTIVE UNCERTAINTY. WHO SHOULD YOU TRUST?
LISTEN. 66
“I SHOULD have listened to myself.”
and interdependent considerations, things get a bit trickier.
I can’t count the number of times I have said these words to myself in retrospecting on past “mistakes”
Endless possibilities can whirl through our minds.
in my life. Of course, there are no mistakes in life,
“Should I choose option A? But option B is easier.
so there really shouldn’t be any regret. Yet regret is
Option C seems the safest though!” <insert brain
something that we as humans can’t easily escape. And
exploding emoji here> We create pros and cons lists,
fear of future remorse paralyzes us in the present
flip coins, ask our friends and family for input. I’ve
when we are faced with difficult decisions.
even created complex weighted sum spreadsheets before. But the more we do this, the more confused
As we navigate multiple global crises, we are being
we can get. Because in the most turbulent of
faced with seemingly insurmountable collective
situations, there usually isn’t a clear winner. And
uncertainty. As humankind, we are navigating one
no amount of coin flipping or spreadsheet wizardry
of the most challenging times in history. In today’s
changes that fact. Ultimately, when left unchecked,
reality, we are both collectively and individually
this inner swirling leads to fear based decisions.
having to make decisions we are not accustomed or
When we can’t identify a clear logical winner, we
equipped to make. Decisions where the stakes are
choose the option that either feels least scary, or the
terrifyingly high.
one that appeases our biggest fear.
On an individual level, we are having to make
The problem is that a fear based choice isn’t always
decisions about our health, families, travel, jobs,
the best for our well-being. And although it may seem
homes — our survival. And we are being faced with
like the easiest way forward in the short term, it
these choices all at once and on short notice. These
doesn’t always lead to the best long term outcomes.
decisions are especially challenging because so much is variable, and there isn’t much we can pin down
The Answer Lies Within
or count on. Even the things that do seem relatively
Though seeking data and information externally is
constant are new as most of us haven’t navigated a
useful in informing our decision making process,
situation like this in our lifetimes.
the final answer always lies within. Once we’ve done our research and gathered external input, we have to
When no decision is easy, and fear of making the
make the final call. No one else can do that for us.
wrong choice can paralyze us, how can we lean into our inner knowing to guide us through ambiguity?
Fear and panic can cloud our ability to listen to
How can we listen to ourselves and step out of the
ourselves. If we are able to quiet our fear, the answer
fear of future regret?
is usually clear. When seeking answers within, it’s important to temporarily quiet the outer noise.
Fear-Based Decisions
When we can make decisions from a place of calm,
What makes listening to ourselves hard? When the
these usually end up being decisions we can trust.
choices are simple and there is less at risk, listening
And, trust based decisions yield positive
within is usually fairly easy. However, when the
outcomes that are likely to persist long
stakes are higher, and our options have convoluted
after the initial fear passes.
67
MENTAL HEALTH
FIND YOUR WAY.
Trust-Based Decision Making
The mind is extremely useful in helping us frame the problem at hand. What
In my life, trust based decisions have brought me the most confidence in the
are we trying to solve? What is the decision that needs to be made? What are
short term, while also delivering the strongest outcomes in the long term.
our options? And what are the factors we should consider? The mind helps us
As I’ve navigated turbulent times in my own life, I have realized however,
navigate life in this way.
that making trust based decisions isn’t always easy. Over time, I’ve formed a framework that I frequently lean on, and I’d like to share it in hopes that
Sometimes the answer is clear. If we are considering whether we can safely
it may help others. My ability to make trust based decisions always depends
walk into fast, oncoming traffic, the clear, mind-based answer is NO. This is
on how well I can hear my inner voice. The process I use to tap into this
a very logical decision and the answer is straightforward. In most cases, we
consists of three steps:
would not be torn in making this decision.
Step 1: Identifying my inner voice
But sometimes the answer isn’t as clear, and the decision is harder because
Step 2: Listening to my inner voice
we may be pulled between various options our mind is presenting. When
Step 3: Trusting my inner voice
this happens, it can be helpful to go a bit deeper.
Step 1: Identifying our inner voice The Heart What is our “inner voice” and how do we identify it? At any given moment,
In comparison to the mind, our heart-voice is feeling based. The dialogue in
we each have many threads of internal chatter running concurrently, and
the heart space is primarily focused around how things will make us feel.
this is one thing that makes listening to ourselves particularly challenging.
The chatter in our heart does shift, but less frenetically than the mind. It
How do we know which parts of our internal chatter to pay attention to,
feels more stable and slower moving.
while being able to ignore the noise? Separating out our internal dialogue
The heart helps us understand the emotional states various options will
into three layers can help with isolating the fear from the knowing.
evoke. How will option A make us feel versus option B? Which will make us feel happier? Will any of the options make us sad?
The Mind The mind houses our most frenetic, fastest shifting internal dialogue. This is
The key to truly hearing the heart is quieting the mind. If our mind is still
the space in which we weigh pros and cons. Our mind-voice is thought based
running a million miles a minute, it will immediately jump in and confuse
and is the most logical.
our ability to hear our feelings. For example, if determining
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SEE CLEARLY.
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MENTAL HEALTH
NAVIGATE THE MAZE.
70
whether a relationship is right for us, we may
Step 2: Listening to our inner voice
undoubtedly feel love for a partner, but our
Once we identify our inner voice, the next
ability to “hear” this may be hindered by our
step is to listen to it. Because our inner voice is
mind’s interference.
knowing-based, it usually won’t be yelling out
Quieting the mind can allow us to separate our
the answer with blaring sirens. That’s rather
mental logic from the feelings in our heart.
the mind’s technique.
And organizing the chatter in this way can
Our intuition speaks to us subtly, and usually
make things easier to navigate.
the way we know what it’s trying to say is via the peace we feel inside. Something simply
Sometimes, allowing ourselves to feel into our
feels right — and we just know the way
heart can effectively augment the thoughts in
forward.
our mind, and our decision can become clear at this point. Other times, fear can still get in
Step 3: Trusting our inner voice
the way and cloud our emotions. This is when
The final step is to fully trust our inner voice.
going even deeper can be helpful.
Many times we silence our inner knowing out of fear. We rationalize our way out of
The Gut
facing and accepting our knowing because
The voice in our gut is the most constant and
our mind or feelings can get in the way. But
stable. Of all our internal chatter, our gut-
having the courage to believe our inner voice is
based voice is most intuitive, consistent, and
foundational to making trust based decisions.
calm. This voice is knowing-based. If we can quiet our mind and quiet our heart, isolating
Final Thoughts
our various layers of internal chatter, we can
Listening to ourselves can be challenging,
then create the space necessary to hear our gut
especially in difficult times, but like exercising
— or our intuition.
a muscle, it is possible for us to strengthen this capability. When we can quiet the external
What we truly and intuitively sense at our
chaos and focus our attention within, we can
core isn’t just a thought or a feeling — it is a
bypass the fear that paralyzes us. In listening
knowing. It’s always there, and we can count
within ourselves and organizing our inner
on its stability.
chatter, we can clearly tap into our inner
It doesn’t feel frenetic, and it is never fear
knowing and trust our decisions, moving
based. The knowing in our gut can always
forward confidently and calmly no matter how
guide our decision making process when the
turbulent the outside world is.
choices are too complex for the mind and the heart to parse.
www.reenamerchant.com
The mind, the heart, and the gut are all important and none of them should be discounted. We need all three in harmony. But during challenging circumstances, our inner voices can panic and start chattering all at once, internally debating and making it impossible to clearly move forward. When this type of confusion or fear arises, organizing our inner dialogue can help us identify our inner voice.
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MENTAL HEALTH
IS A WORKING WOMAN
THE GREEK GOD SISYPHUS WAS FAMOUSLY PUNISHED TO PUSH A BOULDER UP A HILL EVERY DAY, ONLY TO HAVE IT FALL TO EARTH AT THE END OF IT. HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN A WOMAN, WRITES NICO SIMMONDS. PHOTOS: ARANPRINE
NO woman needs the concept of invisible labour explained to her. The pressure of choosing between motherhood and a career, the lack of appreciation for stay-at-home parents, the burden of sexual harassment, the onset of postpartum depression, the expectation to be a primary caregiver for children and adults alike; it’s a familiar yet frustrating pattern which never seems to end. For women in the workforce (and, let’s face it, everywhere else), these issues are gear-grinding – why are these issues still so prevalent in today’s relatively modern world? Surely we’ve come far enough since the fifties to solve them? When you step back from all-consuming, mega-progressive internet culture and look into the real-life professional world, it still feels like the corporate world is not built for women. Office culture is still mind-bendingly malecentric, and it leaves women in the position of fighting female-specific mental health issues. Sure, most women are working now – but are companies actually doing enough? Are women’s issues dismissed as a part of life? Should companies not accommodate their female workers just as well as their men? Most importantly, why are we hearing so much about mental illness in the workplace?
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TAKE IT IN YOUR STRIDE.
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MENTAL HEALTH
“There is a gender gap in the usage of mental health services, and it perpetuates the stereotype that women are more fragile than their male counterparts.” Are women really more susceptible
stable, linear relationship – when in reality,
A company’s employees are what keep the
to mental health issues?
they’re closer to being in a mid-20s on-and-
gears turning; you’d like them to be well-oiled.
off college situationship. Of course, this isn’t Women are diagnosed as mentally ill more
applicable to all types of work, but inflexible
Equipping young women (as well as our
often than men; for all intents and purposes,
work hours aren’t what keep a company
perennial ladies) with resources to stay
this would mean that women are more
running – that’s down to its employees being
afloat and build connections with each
vulnerable to mental health issues – except
happy, healthy, and ultimately productive.
other is better for a community’s collective good. If you ask us, it’s a no-brainer.
that statistics like this are rarely ever interpreted accurately. Only 12.1% of men in
Covid-19, in all of its turbulent glory, has
the United States sought out mental health
started a workplace revolution with its
Leading by example; eliminating
treatment in 2021 as opposed to 21.4% of
introduction of the flexible work day. So often,
misogyny from the top-down.
women. There is a gender gap in the usage
women are saddled with additional invisible
of mental health services, and it perpetuates
baggage; looking after children, running
Too often, we have seen films and media of
the stereotype that women are more fragile
households, keeping communities together
businessmen in suits as the golden standard
than their male counterparts. The world will
– why should workplaces make their lives
of success. The last forty years have shown us
continue to use the prevalence of mental
more complicated by adhering to unmoveable
a different path; one of successful, flourishing
health diagnoses in women as a weapon to
customs because “that’s how the world works”?
women in business and entrepreneurship. Yet still some industries remain stunted – the
undermine their ability unless the tenets of workplace culture are made anew.
People can finally be free to conquer
abuse of power, ever present in human nature,
the rest of their lives during the day
continues – for whom, exactly, is this better?
In the productivity-manic era of 2023,
as long as they get their work done
the idea that all of the responsibility of
productively. For many working women,
Privileged communities and parties in
personal wellbeing is dependent entirely on
this flexibility is well-appreciated;
power play an equally important role in
the individual and not their environment
communities are flourishing, peace is kept,
the movement against race and sex-based
permeates the atmosphere; but how can one
and houseplants are being watered.
discrimination. When they rise to the occasion, the rock of Sisyphus can be split;
learn to make the best of their situation when the situation is, for the most part, fixed?
Everyone needs a friend
the invisible labour that women and POC carry can be shared. As an example, men
How can women overcome the centuriesold rock of Sisyphus that is the journey to
Entering the workforce as a young woman
who are granted paternity leave may ease an
enrichment and financial freedom? Some
is intimidating, no matter how you look at
invisible workload that others in their lives
of the burden surely lies at the feet of the
it. Subtly misogynistic workplace culture,
might be carrying, just as bystanders who
companies and corporations employing them.
limited support systems, and a lack of
call out discrimination when they see it can
representation isn’t exactly encouraging
help eliminate negative influences in the
So, how can workplaces be
– but it is entirely solvable. Corporate DEI -
office. Collective effort is singularly the most
better to their women?
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policy comes
important factor in a healthy environment,
to mind, as well as the more traditional paths
and environments that encourage these
A strange side effect of our 21st century
of well-organised HR and health insurance
efforts are ones that will last.
uber-productive work culture is the idea
policies that companies and burgeoning
that productivity and work hours are in a
entrepreneurs can offer.
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CREATING BALANCE. 75
COVER STORY
FOR VERA KRETSCHMAR, BUILDING BUSINESSES WITH MEANING HAS TAKEN CENTRE STAGE IN LIFE. BY NIGEL SIMMONDS
VERA Kretschmar – angel investor, real estate developer, beauty clinic owner and global luxury business mind – figures it’s time for a few things to change. “I think I’m at a stage in my career where there’s a bit of a shift going on,” says the German-born Chinese-Indonesian, whose business interests span beauty care, tech start-ups and property investments. “I’m beginning to be more open about what I’m doing in terms of investing,” she says, “because typically I have always been very private. Whereas once I saw myself solely as an entrepreneur, now I am in a position to give something back.” To this end, Vera looks past her 24/7 commitment to wide-ranging projects – which literally span the globe – and tells me about her most exciting upcoming venture, a foundation planned for underprivileged girls that is currently under development. Called Anaya’s Angels, the non-profit organisation aims to support and sponsor 25-30 girls in Bali in a soon-to-be-built modern facility with a wellequipped library, computers, study hall, dance hall and gardens. “It’s given me so much joy to be in a position where I can mentor young women,” says Vera, whose early years in investment banking led her on a path of deal-making, real estate and venture finance from Europe to the US, China and lately Southeast Asia.
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PHOTO: ADAM RASYID. RETOUCH: DEO @CIAO.BALI 77
COVER STORY
“Whereas once I saw myself solely as an entrepreneur, now I am in a position to give something back.” “Being able to make some meaningful
and living in another country and always
hormone tests providing actionable insights
impact on the future education of these girls
working on her real estate developments.”
into hormonal health in minutes at home.
just makes me super happy,” she says. It was a work ethic she was inspired to emulate,
Her main focus however is as Managing
Prioritizing sustainability and health,
with a dream to work in investment banking
Director at a boutique investment banking
Anaya’s Angels plans to source its own eggs
and finance. “I always knew I wanted to go into
advisory firm called Ivory Capital Asia, which
and fresh fruit and vegetables from their
finance,” says Vera. “I grew up watching Wall
is based in Singapore and does mergers and
garden, as well as offering a modern home
Street and movies like that, so at a relatively
acquisations across the board. Vera’s role is to
and study facility in natural surroundings.
young age I knew I was going to leave Germany
bring in potential deals for the team to assess.
“Our ultimate goal is to support the local
and move to the US. But then when I got to
community and empower these girls,” says
New York I realised that I wasn’t so good at it.
“Mostly I assist in introductions for deals, and we work on both the buy and the sell
Vera, “equipping them with the fundamental and essential resources needed to pave
“I worked in corporate for a long time, which
side. I’m less involved in the financial
the way for a prosperous future.”
sometimes I liked, and sometimes I really
analysis, because we have a big team that
couldn’t care less. So when I got fired from my
does that, and everyone in the office has
Vera’s own upbringing was filled with
last corporate job I realised that there was a
an investment banking background.
privilege, she says, with horses and ballet
reason I didn’t fit in so well because I knew
and piano classes at a private school near
that I really didn’t care about the businesses
“So, in the beginning I was a little hesitant
Cologne, Germany, where her Indonesian
so much. Now that I run my own businesses, I
to get involved because I don’t have a
architect mother had moved to study
enjoy what I do because I care so much more.”
traditional investment background. But then I realised it didn’t matter so much,
and met her German husband. Today Vera is the founder of companies
because bringing in an introduction is so
“I had a very peaceful European upbringing,”
across sectors, including Anaya Aesthetics
important. You can hire analysts to run
says Vera, “and I had family in Asia that I
and Anaya Property Investments in Bali,
the numbers and do the forecasts and work
would visit in Singapore and Indonesia once
as well as a marketing agency called
out the details. But if you don’t have the
a year when we would see them,” she says.
Anaya Creative Agency, which handles
deal in the first place, there’s no deal.”
her public relations and social media. What does she look for in a potential business
Growing up, she watched her mother adapt to life in Germany and become the
She is also an investor in high-performance
investment? “There are several ways to look
family’s main breadwinner. “My mother
luxury ski wear brand Perfect Moment,
at it,” she says. “You can just straight up
was a huge influence on me,” she says, “and
and a Singapore-based health App called
look at the numbers, but for me I always
I grew up seeing her managing children
Prelude Health, which focusses on rapid
PHOTO: DEO @CIAO.BALI 78
THE ANGEL WITHIN. 79
COVER STORY
STARS AND STRIPES. 80
PHOTO: DEO @CIAO.BALI
“Anyone looking for VC money should be completely transparent about their business, and be real about its attributes.” look at the founder, and where the business
Another area of interest for Vera is crypto,
estate projects here in Bali, and I have also
can go. I typically tend to invest in things
and she is an investor in IX Swap, positioned
just purchased a villa on Lake Como that I am
that I actually like, because for me its
as a “Uniswap” for security tokens with
going to spend some time remodelling. That’s
disingenuous to try and promote a business
the world’s first automated market maker
always been a big dream of mine, so I’m very
that I have zero knowledge of or interest in.
for securities on the blockchain.
excited. And then I have a big project coming
“So I found that, for me, my niche is just things
“IX Swap is basically solving the crypto
in the Middle East. There are also a few tech
that I personally like. I have been investing in
liquidity problem,” says Vera. “It aims to
startups that I have invested in. And of course
women-run start-ups and businesses. I also
bridge the gap between traditional finance
there is the Anaya’s Angels foundation in Bali,
like consumer goods, and retail brands, where
by allowing tokenisation and trading of
which I know is going to be so fulfilling.”
I like the products. I can wear the product,
traditionally inaccessible private market
I can talk about it, my friends can wear the
assets. Essentially it eases the problem of
What’s most important to her in life? “Since
products. That may not be the best investment
turning your crypto assets into cash.”
2017 all I have done is work,” says Vera. “I
up in Dubai, so I will be spending more time
don’t take weekends off – I’m always on the go
strategy, because, you know, most of the time it’s the chemical plants that are very boring
Being an entrepreneur is what suits her, says
because this is what I find most interesting.
and unsexy that make the big money. But I just
Vera, and she’s learned the hard way that while
To me, building a meaningful business is
feel that this approach is what works for me.”
a good degree from a prestigious school may
the most important thing, probably to the
look great on paper, the reality of running your
neglect of other aspects of my life. To be
own show requires a specific set of skills.
in a position to be able to mentor young
“Having said that, you are still looking at the
women and run a business that supports 50
hard numbers. Anyone looking for VC money, I think, should be completely transparent
“I think there are a lot of aspects that
families is very fulfilling for me. At the end
about their business, and be real and
contribute to success in business which are
of the day, this is what makes me tick.”
authentic about its attributes. What’s your
not learned at university,” says Vera, adding:
go-to market strategy? How are you going
“I’ve learned more from other people than I
www. anaya-aesthetics.com
to make money with the product, what are
ever did studying at school. I have been lucky
www.anayapropertyinvestments.com
the next stages and who are your partners?
enough to have certain mentors and friends
www.ivorycapitalasia.com
I also need to see that the founder and the
in my life that I have always admired and who
www.prelude-health.com
team are really in tune with their brand and
have helped me on my business journey.”
www.perfectmoment.com
know the business inside out – who are your competitors, what is the market landscape?”
What’s next on her to-do list? “I’m involved in a restaurant-bar-lounge and some real
81
FEATURE
REENA MERCHANT INTEGRATED THE PERSONAL WITH THE PROBLEM SOLVER TO BUILD HUMAN TECH. BY TARRYN REEVES BY definition, the tech industry is all about bits and bytes. But is there an opportunity for tech to do more? How can we elevate our tech companies to their highest potential, to develop software that humans want to use, and also provide outstanding workplaces for our staff? Reena Merchant, a user experience leader at Google and Founder of OurVoice, shares her insights about making the tech industry more human-centric. Why Considering the Human in Tech is Important Elevating the human side of tech can be better both for business and for people. This includes considering human needs in software development, as well as within the workplace culture. “I was interested in joining the tech industry because I am a logical thinker and enjoy problem-solving. But, on the other hand, I am also a very sensing, feeling person, so I struggled a lot with deciding whether the tech industry was right for me as a career path,” reflects Merchant. Merchant decided to enter tech and was determined to integrate the two parts of herself into the data-focused industry.
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STAY REAL.
LEFT BRAIN, RIGHT BRAIN 83 83
FEATURE
A HUMAN APPROACH.
84
“There simply aren’t as many women in tech. And because of the cultural fabric, we are often expected to behave in a certain way.” Having risen through the ranks of various high-profile
importance of “authentic leadership.” Authentic leadership
tech giants, Merchant knows there is an opportunity
involves showing up honestly and transparently. It’s also about
to invite more humanity into the tech industry and
listening to everyone’s point of view and taking the time to
that doing so will benefit everyone involved.
understand different perspectives. By doing this, leaders can create a culture of collaboration and belonging that will help
Users of software products can provide a unique perspective into
foster innovation and drive better results for the company.
their workflows, pain points, and needs. Understanding these can help shape new solutions and tools that can revolutionize
Secondly, companies should ensure that they consider
technology and make human lives more meaningful. For
that humans will use the software they develop. “I believe
this reason, it is essential to prioritize investing in people-
building products on a core understanding of users is
centered innovation rather than relying solely on data-
absolutely critical to success,” says Merchant. “If we create
driven insights. The combination of the two is critical.
products or services that genuinely address an underlying human need, people will want to buy them. This not only
Additionally, we should ask ourselves: “How do we create
drives up sales revenue but also makes people’s lives better.”
diverse, inclusive cultures and environments where everyone
User experience research is a fantastic way to incorporate
can thrive? If we do that, it’s not only better for individuals and
human insights into the product development process.
teams, but we can also create better products,” says Merchant. Finally, companies need to redefine what product success As technology evolves and expands, it is important to remember
looks like. For example, there is an opportunity to expand
the human aspects of business. To do this, there are key
our traditional measures of financial success. By quantifying
considerations companies should look at when creating a
user sentiment in ways that can tangibly tie back to product
culture that emphasizes the importance of people within the
engagement and revenue, we can ensure our products positively
organization and the products that they are developing.
impact both users and the bottom line. Additionally, goals should include long-term product and brand viability, in
How Tech Companies Can Take a More
addition to focusing on short-term performance indicators.
Human Approach to Business Tech companies have a vast scale of reach and have the Firstly, companies must redefine good leadership. “There
ability to impact society and cultures. Therefore, they need
is a perception that to be a good leader, we must have a
to develop products that add value to the world and do not
louder demeanor. This is simply not true. It’s about driving
deduct from it. There is a responsibility for tech to deliver
successful outcomes, and this can happen no matter what
results that are great for business as well as humans.
our leadership style,” emphasizes Merchant. This inclusive approach will help create an environment where employees
www.reenamerchant.com
of all backgrounds can thrive. Merchant also stresses the
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MENTAL HEALTH
BRE-ATHE MAKING SPACE OUTSIDE OF WORK RETURNS THE CONNECTION TO YOUR BIGGEST FAN – YOU. BY NICO SIMMONDS
OHM. 86
IN a world that seems to have come so far in such a short span of time, our women are still suffering. Let’s face it, hard work is exactly that – hard work. Striving to make it in a competitive world, it can be difficult for women to find time to flourish. The lack of a work-play balance, as well as the isolating individualist culture that seems infused into the idea of “success” in the current climate seems to be leaving women alone, sequestered in their homes under a pile of “ToDo”’s and extreme this-or-that internet-borne ideals; recent labels like “THAT GIRL” and The Girlboss all spring to mind, each pedaling new and higher requirements than the last. In the thick of it, it may seem to women that they don’t have space to exist as themselves, and the pressure to keep it all instagrammable and aesthetic seems to make it worse. The concept of balance and moderation is difficult to come by both online and in real life for women, and mental illness is skyrocketing as a result.
87
“Mental illness can be genetic as well as environmental – it’s multi-faceted, and no one solution will work for everyone.” So how should women rebuild their
Nature and nurture
connection to themselves?
work to help the arduous crusade of meeting new people within a hectic life, as well as
Mental illness can be genetic as well as
finding a new hobby and a community.
A recent movement online seems, ironically,
environmental – it’s multi-faceted, and no one
to be encouraging women to take time off of
solution will work for everyone. Therefore, a
social media. The concept of the Dopamine
rounded approach should be used to combat
Detox is not new, but its main reach has,
such a complex problem; seeking professional
The all-too-familiar pattern of hammering
until now, been towards phone-addicted
counseling as well as conscious life changes
away for weeks on end for a seemingly
young adults rather than working women.
to improve the quality of your day-to-day life.
fleeting weekend or vacation is not a
The concept is simple; since social media
No woman on earth is as straightforward
particularly fulfilling one for most; the fuse
is designed to evoke such a high amount of
and simple as we’d like ourselves to be, and
does, eventually, have an end. Finding a
serotonin in order to keep you scrolling, to
it’s only right that we invest in ourselves the
healthy work-life balance and a routine that
take time off would allow your overstimulated,
regard that we’d treat others with. Being “high
doesn’t cause major burnout is particularly
overtired dopamine receptors to recover.
maintenance” isn’t exactly a crime, right?
challenging for women when they have more
The burnout
on their plate than work and sleep, as they
Men and women alike have reported feeling The death of the third place
usually do.
movement, and the trend is rapidly gaining
With the emergence of suburbia and a general
Erratic new year’s resolutions and sudden,
traction online. Perhaps it’s something to look
lack of the walkable communities that so many
shocking diets are usually thrown into the
into.
grew up with, the concept of a “Third place” –
mix – they never last though, do they? The key
somewhere that isn’t home (the First place) or
to avoiding burnout, however, is consistency
work (the Second place) where you can spend
and to know oneself. Instead of committing to
your time unwinding – has dwindled. Kids
going to the gym every morning at 5AM, try a
Working from home, although beautiful
have plenty; playgrounds, malls, and peers’
guided class twice a week – it’s likely to end up
in its flexibility, seems to have encouraged
houses come to mind, but adult playgrounds
being more consistent – and who knows, maybe
workplaces to disregard what was previously
are, despairingly, not quite as popular.
you’ll find your third place.
more mindful, grounded and connected to their surroundings since participating in the
The unattainable work-life balance
considered polite work-home boundaries. Your phone is always in your hand; why not answer
The third place is one that builds community,
the work call? The danger there, as many surely
fostering connection and optimism, usually a
know, is the slow and painful death of free
public setting that hosts frequent gatherings.
time.
Your gym, library, or local cafe could, essentially, function as a third place. It may
88
REBUILD.
89
INFLUENCE
MANY people dream of the luxury lifestyle of an
“When we receive positive feedback in the form
Empowerment Through
influencer, but not all as shiny as it may seem.
of likes or follows, our brain releases dopamine,
coaching Other Freelancers
Marjet Van Wijk, known by many as Jet, the CEO
a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and
and Founder of Laptop Lifestyle Master Program,
reward. This addiction to validation can lead
Today, Jet empowers others through her
successfully became a travel influencer and
to emotional highs and lows, impacting mental
coaching program, the Laptop Lifestyle Master
began traveling the world, living the life she had
health,” Jet explains. “The opposite is also true.
Program. She helps individuals achieve location
dreamed of for herself. But the more time she
Sometimes you post something, and it doesn’t
and time freedom by imparting valuable
spent in the influencer space Jet realized that
get likes, and it makes you feel less worthy of
freelancing skills. While her program is
there is a deeply dark side to the industry and
yourself as if somehow, you are not good enough.”
open to all, she has predominantly attracted women who resonate with her message
how much damage it can have on a person. The quest for validation on social media As we journey through her experiences,
can contribute to increased rates of
we uncover the story of a woman who has
depression and even suicide. The Pitfalls of the Comparison Game
calls to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Jet emphasizes the importance
empowerment, authenticity, and self-discovery. Empowering Dreams Through Travel Influencing
Her coaching program combines self-paced courses with group workshops and coaching
transitioned from the glitzy world of travel influencing into a passionate advocate for
of empowerment and self-discovery.
Jet also realized the detrimental effects of the
of coaching, helping her clients navigate the
comparison game, which plagues social media
challenges of freelancing and entrepreneurship.
platforms, “People often compare themselves to A Message of Empowerment and Authenticity
Jet dreamt of a life that allowed her to explore
edited and filtered images, leading to unrealistic
the world, work with tourism boards, hotels,
beauty standards. Young individuals, in
and airlines, and share her adventures with
particular, struggle to differentiate between
As we wrap up our conversation, Jet leaves
her audience. However, as her career in the
reality and the carefully curated content they
us with a powerful message. She cautions
space developed, she discovered the challenges
see online, leading to feelings of inadequacy.
against chasing after the influencer dream and
and complexities of the influencer world.
This constant comparison can be detrimental to
sacrificing mental health and authenticity for
mental health, making individuals feel like they
likes and followers. She encourages everyone
“When I started to realize that I had stopped
need to change themselves to fit an unrealistic
to explore alternative paths to achieving
posting what I liked and started posting what
mold. It can also drive a culture of materialism,
a lifestyle of freedom and fulfillment.
got the most likes instead of what I enjoyed, that
where people constantly crave what others have.” “There are so many other ways to gain time
was a real turning point for me,” Jet reflects. This is a common struggle among influencers
The Transition from Influencer
who often find themselves altering their content
to Digital Marketer
and location freedom,” she declares. Jet also highlights the dangers associated
to cater to their audience’s preferences. Jet’s journey took a significant turn when she
with platforms like OnlyFans, shedding light
The influencer lifestyle, often perceived as
decided to leave the influencer world behind.
on how they can inadvertently contribute to
glamorous, can have a darker side. Jet discovered
The pivotal moment came when she realized
harm and unrealistic ideals. She questions
that in the pursuit of likes and attention on
she was no longer being true to herself and
whether this is truly a form of feminism or
social media one can end up totally disconnected
was posting content solely for validation. She
if it perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
from the authentic self. It can cause individuals
transitioned into offering marketing services
to create a fake life, prioritizing validation
to businesses, leveraging the digital skills she
Jet’s journey is a testament to the power of self-
from others over personal happiness.
had acquired during her influencer years.
discovery and empowerment. Her transition from influencer to digital marketer and laptop
The Neuroscience Behind Social Media Validation
Jet’s journey into the world of digital marketing
lifestyle coach serves as an inspiring example
was not without its challenges. She had to
of finding authenticity and purpose beyond
Being an advocate for understanding the why
overcome the ego associated with her influencer
the confines of social media validation.
behind behavior, Jet dove deep into research. She
persona and rebrand herself as a marketing
realized the damaging and addictive effect that
freelancer. The transition was marked by
IG: @jetvanwijkx
social media was having on her, she dove deep
growth and personal development.
https://jetvanwijk.com/
into exploring the neuroscience behind social media validation and why likes and followers can become so addictive.
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From Influencer to Digital Marketer
and Women’s Empowerment Leader
M A R J E T
SITTING PRETTY. 91
EMPOWERMENT
IN the realm of women’s empowerment and
The Evolution of Purpose
self-discovery, Crystal Jackson, one of the
Crystal’s path took a significant turn when she
Empowering Women: A Personal Mission
co-founders of Elevate Co & owner of Crystal
ventured into direct sales, achieving remarkable
When asked why she is passionate about women’s
Jackson- Intuitive Business Synergist, stands
success by reaching the top 10% of her company’s
empowerment, Crystal emphasizes the need for
as a beacon of inspiration and guidance. Her
ranks. This experience provided her with
women to break free from societal conditioning
journey from a corporate career to becoming a
valuable insights into entrepreneurship and
and biases. She acknowledges the ancestral
passionate advocate for women’s empowerment
mentorship. Crystal’s focus shifted towards
wounds that continue to affect women today
through business mentorship is a testament to
helping women, particularly in addressing issues
and the societal expectations that limit their
her unwavering commitment to authenticity and
of self-worth and confidence.
potential.
Crystal shares her story, her vision, and the
“I really learned so much through that process,”
Crystal firmly believes that empowered women
driving force behind her mission.
says Jackson. “I learned so much about myself
can bring about a more balanced and equitable
but also about entrepreneurship and how to
world. She envisions a future where women’s
Early Beginnings: A Path to Entrepreneurship
mentor and guide others to help them reach
perspectives and contributions are valued
Straight out of high school, Crystal Jackson went
levels of success.”
equally, not only in business but in all aspects of
personal growth. In this exclusive interview,
life. Crystal’s commitment to this vision extends
into college, working full-time to pay her college tuition and completing two years of a law degree.
She then launched her style coaching venture,
to her role as a mother, where she seeks to set an
This early experience of paid work provided
recognizing the deep connection between outer
example for her daughter and the next generation
her with a keen insight into the inner workings
appearance and inner confidence. However,
of empowered women.
of organizations and the disconnect between
as she delved deeper into her work, Crystal
management and employees. Crystal’s intuitive
realized that transformational change required
“As women leaders and entrepreneurs we really
nature allowed her to see the issues plaguing the
a holistic approach that encompassed more than
are modeling what is possible for the next
corporate world, and she felt a calling to make a
just appearance. Her journey led her to explore
generation of women coming behind us,” says
difference in the way businesses operated.
spirituality, human design, Akashic records
Jackson. “It’s exciting to be doing what I do and
reading, and emotional clearing.
helping other women but also setting an example for my own daughter. It’s time for women to
“My first job was with the Department of Transportation whilst I was still at school,”
“What I also began to realize is that business was
really show their children that we can do more
reflects Jackson. “I very quickly saw that
still being done and taught in a very masculine
than what society has laid out for us.”
management had no pulse on what their people
way and that people were getting distracted
were doing on a daily basis and that business
by the outside noise of how they should and
Crystal’s dedication to empowering women
decisions were being made by people who didn’t
should not market and run their businesses. I
is manifested not only in her coaching but
really understand the inner workings. I could
understood that I wanted to help people build
also in her virtual admin agency, Elevate. She
just see the breakdowns within the company,
businesses that they were passionate about but
recognizes that women often juggle multiple
especially in terms of employee morale. I was
also one that felt good and authentic to them,”
roles and responsibilities, making it essential
only a year into law at that time but I realized
shares Jackson.
to provide support where needed. Elevate offers business owners the freedom to focus on their
that I wanted to go into management and make a difference.”
With her expanded knowledge and wisdom,
passions while outsourcing tasks that don’t align
Crystal embarked on a mission to empower
with their strengths.
Determined to create meaningful change, Crystal
women to create businesses aligned with
continued her education, earning a degree
their authentic selves. She believes in a more
“You don’t have to work a nine-to-five job if you
in business while gaining over two decades
holistic and personalized approach to business
don’t want to,” states Jackson. “You can build
of corporate experience. Her career spanned
coaching that considers not only external
a business that’s very successful while still
various fields, including human resources,
strategies but also internal alignment and self-
remaining inspiring and fulfilling.”
accounting and management. During this time,
discovery. Crystal’s approach enables her clients
she observed recurring challenges in businesses
to overcome personal blocks, harness their
and began to recognize common themes that
intuition, and build businesses that resonate with
hindered growth.
their unique essence.
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IG/FB: @crystal.gayle.j
C R Y S T A L H O L I S T I C
B U S I N E S S
E M P O W E R M E N T
CLEAR. 93
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE NEPAL: FACILITATORS
LISA THOMAS
MICHAEL DASH
Inherited Energy Expert & Intuitive Life Coach
Best-Selling Author, Founder of Live Life Activated
Lisa is a sought-after epigenetics expert, speaker, author, and
Michael is an acclaimed guide for entrepreneurs seeking
transformational leader. She’s helped thousands of people worldwide achieve their business and life goals by releasing Inherited Emotional DNA, such as fear of success, fear of failure, anxiety, procrastination, fear of public speaking, money and beliefs, and relationships.
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purpose, growth, authenticity, and connection. In his bestselling book Chasing The High, he shares his story of overcoming addiction and evolving from an empty pursuit of success to fulfillment and vitality. Michael specializes in helping leaders express their mission and create impact and legacy.
RHONDA SWAN
HANALEI SWAN
Best-Selling Author, CEO, Live Weekly Show Host
Fashion Designer, Speaker, Author, Artist
Rhonda is a dynamic business leader, women’s empowerment
Hanalei’s parents never asked her “What do you want to be when
advocate, and author. As the CEO of the Unstoppable Branding
you grow up?”— they asked her “What do you want to be, NOW?”
Agency, a woman-owned and 85% women-run company, Rhonda
At 16 years old, she’s spoken on stages in Australia, Hong Kong,
has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as a woman of diversity
India, London, USA, France & Indonesia – including a Ted Talk in
to watch in 2021, and her company was ranked among the top 10
Paris. At age 7 she started her career producing high-fashion life &
PRN branding firms for entrepreneurs in the same year.
earth conscious products out of her showroom in Bali, Indonesia.
UNCONVENTIONAL LIFE NEPAL: FACILITATORS
BRIAN KELLY
BRIAN SWAN
Co-Founder of YogiLab, Founder of Breath Masters
Entrepreneur, Journalist, Engineer, Author
Recognized internationally as a pioneer in the field of
Brian is a former robotics engineer turned entrepreneur while
breathwork, Brian developed a renowned, mind-bending signature method unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Brian will support you in shedding the weight of the past so you can experience self-love, liberation, acceptance, balance, and peace.
living in 50+ countries and building 7+ figure businesses. He is a semi-pro surfer, co-founder of the Unstoppable Branding Agency, speaker, author and founder of Unstoppable Beard men’s grooming line. He’s on a mission to guide men to live their perfect day every day.
SASCHA HAERT
STEPHANIE JAIE
Human Behaviors Expert, Mindset, and Performance Coach
Erotic Alchemist, Metaphysical Philosopher, and Ph. D Candidate.
Sascha empowers high-achieving individuals to unlock a new
As a certified somatic sexologist here to transform the way we
paradigm of love, confidence, and personal sovereignty. His
relate to sexuality, spirituality, and love in our lives, Stephanie
passion for inner game mastery and lifestyle design shines
Jaie has spoken on stages around the world, co-authored an
through his impactful work. With over a decade of experience,
internationally best selling book, and runs a variety of online
he guides leaders, entrepreneurs, and freedom seekers
and in-person programs and mentorships that offer a powerful
worldwide.
catalyst for transformation. 95