VMH Magazine - June/July 2017

MAGAZINE

VMH

In 201 te 7 An rn a Aw tio dre ar na w ds l L Yo Hi ead un g gh e lig rsh ht i s p

Vikki M. Hankins Lifestyle

Ambassador

Andrew Young At 85 #AJYLeads

Erik Wahl Disrupting Traditional Thinking

Diversity & Inclusion

MTV Movie & TV Awards 2017

Van Jones

Morehouse 133rd

Is There Enough Value Placed on Small Enterprises?

3 Secrets for Getting What You Want Out of Life

Commencement

TO GRIND YOUR SPARKS & SPARK YOUR GRIND - STAY FOOLISH June/July 2017

“You shouldn’t just dress for success, you should wear success through personality, and confidence. It’s empowering to wear your success versus just dress for it.”

Vincent Askins

Vincent Askins Model, Actor, Entrepreneur Photographed by Nathan Pearcy

"There are two types of people who will tell you that you cannot make a difference in this world: those who are afraid to try and those who are afraid you will succeed.�

-- Ray Goforth

8. True Potential of Your Children & Turning Them Into ‘Kid-Preneurs’ Discovering the true talents and abilities within our children will prepare them for this unpredictable world by teaching them how to adapt to any situation.

Instilling entrepreneurial ideas in children will help them become successful adults. Teaching them to be persistent requires that they will be definite in their decisions, and that requires courage.

by Peggy Caruso

MAKE IT SIMPLE BUT SIGNIFICANT DON DRAPER

VMHMAGAZINE.COM

12. Author Tamara Charles - A 11.

6 Steps to Successful Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship is very rewarding, in particular when your business makes a difference in the economy, improves communities and addresses social-related issues. The key is growing a successful business that it is capable of positive influence and makes a difference in the lives of others.

by Vikki Hankins

Champion for Women & ‘SelfLove’ "I'm not ashamed to tell my story….I never in a million years would have imagined being a victim of domestic violence. We (women) need to learn how to hold each other's hand and empower one another. It all starts within self-love. It shouldn't take a man to tell you how beautiful you are, or to make you feel worthwhile. You will never find peace and love in a relationship if you don't first love yourself.”

Interview Conducted by Vikki Hankins

18.

Artist, Erik Wahl Sparks the Grind and Transitions Traditional Thinking Says Erik Wahl: ‘The questions to ask yourself are:: What are my passions and my dreams?

Can my passion currently fully fund my dreams?

How can I shift my mindset from thinking of the job as an obstacle to my dreams into being the catalyst to help fund them?’ Bring out the ‘spark’ in you with Erik Wahl.

Interview Conducted by Vikki Hankins

28. Discover

the 3 Secrets for Getting What You Want Out of Life A problem many individuals face today is getting the most out of both their personal and professional lives.

As Dr. Alan Zimmerman points out, “Life is tough, work is challenging, relationships are demanding. And it takes an extraordinary amount of clarity, energy, and skill to bring it all come together in a positive and productive way.”

by Dr. Alan Zimmerman

32.

24.

Ambassador Andrew Young 2017 International Leadership Awards The Andrew J. Young Foundation recognized exceptional individuals whose activism, philanthropy and leadership are transforming lives throughout the global community.

by Vikki Hankins & Garry Jones

Kiwi Consumption May Be useful in Preventing the Development of Diseases Caused by Oxidative Stress Kiwifruit is one of nature's perfect foods: low in calories, high in energy and an excellent source of antioxidants. Each one delivers a world of nutrition benefits. Learn more about this healthy choice.

Photograph Credit: Pexels

Actor, Van Diesel Accepting Award

Publisher/Founder VMH Vikki M. Hankins Editor-in-Chief Vikki M. Hankins Journalist/Contributors Vikki M. Hankins Alisha Davis Garry L. Jones Dr. Alan Zimmerman (visiting)

By Peggy Caruso (visiting) Photography Vikki M. Hankins Garry Jones Alisha Davis

MTV Movie & TV Awards Highlights (Diversity & Inclusion Speeches)

Cover Photo Credits: Erik Wahl {Cover Feature): Courtesy of Erik Wahl Andrew Young (Insert): Vikki M. Hankins Martha Stewart (Insert): Courtesy MTV Van Jones (Insert): Garry L. Jones

Pg. 23 Photograph Courtesy of MTV

www.vmhmagazine.com

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Traditional Thinking vs. Innovative Thinking in Business

ARE YOU A STORY MAKER? A large number of businesses that have been around for decades, ranging from Macy’s and JCPenney to RadioShack and Office Depot, are closing at a record pace.

People are quickly losing jobs, with families panicking and retail workers understandably concerned about how they are going to pay their bills.

So, why are longstanding retail stores falling like dominoes? Some aggressively blame technology and its inhibitors, such Vikki Hankins Photography by Garry Jones as the internet, people like Mark Zucker- Publisher/Founder, VMH Magazine berg, entities like Amazon, and financial systems like PayPal. But the question has Time has brought about new ways of watching movies, become, are they to blame, or does the fault lie with communicating, and paying bills. Each of these daily traditional thinking and methods of conducting busirituals can be done online, and the same is true in the ness? business sector. Personally, I love some of the traditional practices in retail, but I also recognize the limitaThe internet has opened a wave of opportunity for options that it places on the average person. With that pressed thinkers that longed to have a hand in sales and said, I’ve embraced simple, easy, and less time-concreativity, often in the form of new inventions. Born suming ways of shopping and doing business, despite out of zealous ambition, Facebook, along with social those that felt it couldn’t be done. media platforms such as Twitter, Snapchat, and LinkedIn, connects the globe in ways that were once The economy is much more productive as a result of unheard of, and at record speed. Place these platforms new ways of doing business that further involve comat the fingertips of entrepreneurial spirits and it should munity improvement, social change, and small busicome as no surprise that competitors for brick and nesses. While it has had an impact on some of the largmortar stores have emerged, often on an entry-level er chain and brick and mortar stores, I wholeheartedly basis. With ideas no longer oppressed, gatekeepers are admire everyone who has an idea, works hard, puts it being pushed aside and the status quo centering on the into motion, and succeeds as a result of internet tools chief financial officer level of big businesses has like Facebook, Etsy, and personal websites. changed.

The old way of thinking that can often yield resentWhat we have here is the rise and fall of two very ment towards social media, technology, and e-compowerful forces—a modern day David and Goliath. merce practices has to become more open and inviting to everyday innovators. It can be difficult to accept that When you have an untouchable mindset, you begin to old habits or methods of thinking are being put on the fail. It may not be quite as evident at first, but as time back burner, but I’d rather let go of a thinking pattern progresses, onlookers are able to see the failure. In the than see those around me suffer the consequences. It’s sales department, general managers often can’t deternever too late to learn new things; it’s an integral part mine why the quota is not met and why their local of life. No matter one’s age, upbringing, or familiarity, store location is threatened with closure. when you open your mind, you are opening yourself to a world outside of yourself. Learning to accept the new Traditional thinking never wins in a rapidly evolving norms and let go of the old ways of doing things is imclimate. When an executive is stubbornly set on makportant, as it ultimately affects those around you, as ing an old system work in our modern-day, tech-savvy well as the economy. world, it sets everyone beneath them up for failure.

This can come in the form of low sales, job loss, and Vikki Hankins more.

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DISCOVER THE TRUE POTENTIAL OF YOUR CHILDREN AND TURN THEM INTO ‘KID-PRENEURS’

technology has limited our children in verbal communication. One area to enhance communication is to teach masterminding. This is very effective and utilized by many adults; therefore it can be effectively implemented with children.

By Peggy Caruso

It is placing a group of 5 or 6 like-minded children together to meet once bi-weekly for one hour. Meeting places can vary between houses. They begin by each taking one-minute to say their ‘win for the week’ and then they move on to challenges. Each child presents a challenge they are facing and the remainder of the group assists by providing feedback. Someone needs to be a time-keeper so the meeting does not exceed one hour and each child has their turn.

Discovering the true talents and abilities within our children will prepare them for this unpredictable world by teaching them how to adapt to any situation. Instilling entrepreneurial ideas in children will help them become successful adults and it will create independence within them.

They need to learn how to manage their own strengths and weaknesses. Many children are afraid to fail because they feel they are letting the parents down. Failure is good – encourage it. It is just feedback letting you know how to modify your plan.

It is stepping-stones to success. It can only be failure if you don’t get back up and try again. All of the successful people in history have had many failures before reaching success.

As children grow they need to learn how to deal with change. Changes in circumstances, cultures, and religions help our children to adapt in society. We can’t give our children a blueprint in life, but we can teach them coping skills. Your children’s skills and abilities will be their most valuable asset throughout their lives.

Skills are behaviors in which we increase our knowledge, and abilities are natural talents. Understanding what skills and abilities they have and what they need to reach their dreams is an important component in your child’s career development.

From childhood your child will develop skills that will be transferred as an adult. Emotional skills such as self esteem, sociability, integrity and empathy, integrated with the educational skills of reading, writing, mathematics, speaking, creativity and decision making will prepare them for adaptability within the corporate world. Many studies have supported the fact that the faster children develop skills, the better they do with testing.

Once you discover what their true talents and passions are it is easy to get them started on building a business.

There are many businesses suitable for children.

Educating children and teens about employment or entrepreneurship has astounding affects. It teaches them time management, assists them in learning how to follow directions, and provides team and leadership skills.

Studies show discouraged teens often grow up to become discouraged adults. This affects their confidence level in the workforce.

In teaching children entrepreneurial skills they need to learn effective ways to communicate. In today’s society

This assists the children with problem solving and holding one another accountable.

It reinforces communication and interpersonal relations.

Masterminding enhances friendships and helps them balance the highs and lows. It assists with creativity and establishes motivation and persistence. It also teaches them how to set and reach goals which is imperative in promoting entrepreneurism within children.

Teaching them to be persistent requires that they will be definite in their decisions, and that requires courage. It is a state of mind; therefore, it can be cultivated and with persistence comes success. When we talk of success, most people think of adults. But if you begin applying the success principles when your children are young and impressionable you teach them how to realize failure is good.

Persistent action comes from persistent vision. When you define your goal and your vision remains exact you will be more consistent and persistent in your actions. That consistent action will produce consistent results.

Remember to teach your children the difference between the person who fails and the one who succeeds is the perception they have. It is seizing an opportunity and acting upon it, unlike the person who allows fear to dominate his abilities.

In teaching your child how to become a ‘kid-preneur’ they learn: • Talents, abilities and passions; • Setting and reaching goals; • Gratitude and developing solid friendships; • Persistence and motivation; • Creativity and visualization; • Communication, problem solving and interpersonal relations; • Intuition; • Entrepreneurial skills; They learn their true potential!!

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Summer FoodÂ

Health Benefits: 1. Beneficial Antioxidants 2. Prevent Heart Disease 3. Weight Loss 4. Eye Health 5. Blood Pressure 6. Blood Sugar and Diabetes 7. Colon Health

Reference: Sun-World

Photo Credit: Pixabay

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Steps to Successful Entrepreneurship Written by Vikki Hankins|

Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. The workforce holds a multitude of employees that are unhappy on their job and dream of owning their own business. But does this mean you are cut out for the task? Or should you explore entrepreneurship while employed? Below are a few things I’ve found that make for successful entrepreneurship: Passion: Successful entrepreneurs are born out of passion. Whether there’s a problem to be solved, meeting a need or unexplained freedom associated with a certain work; entrepreneurs are fueled by passion. .

Tenacity: There are highs and lows with business ownership. One must have the ability to ‘hang in there’ through the lows just as they celebrate the highs. Until you reach ‘that place’ of success, you must have the ability to run your race. Throwing in the towel is not an option; that is if you find your choice of entrepreneurship actually works. .

Strategic/Critical Thinking: No matter your resources, business owners have to develop the art of strategic/critical thinking and implement plans with precision. Living in the moment is wonderful for family, friends, and fun, but successful entrepreneurship calls for thinking beyond today. It is imperative that you have a strategy to carry out your plan. At times entrepreneurship feels like chess; you have to know where to move and when to make your move. This requires strategic/critical thinking.

Competitive Marketing: Understanding your target market is critical to the success of a business. Before you can implement a marketing plan the business owner has to know how to direct their products or services

to a specific group of consumers. Figure out the answer to such questions as: Where is my target market? How do I reach my target market? Knowing the answer to these sample questions will save you a few headaches and dollars.

Fearless: Entrepreneurs are risk takers. Fear has no place in entrepreneurship. There are times that taking risks come at a loss, but you learn from this, swiftly recover and head in another direction. There are also times when you hit the ‘nail on the head’ (succeed) with a risk; when this happens, apply more pressure in that area. .

Flexible: Be open to embracing change, new ideas, and unfamiliar techniques. If you cannot change with the times, you will get left behind.

Entrepreneurship is very rewarding, in particular when your business makes a difference in the economy, improves communities and addresses social-related issues. The key is growing a successful business that it is capable of positive influence and makes a difference in the lives of others.

Vikki Hankins is a business leader who’s empowered markets, and assisted entrepreneurs in various aspects of digital marketing. Further, she has successfully mentored college graduates in the field of journalism, marketing, publishing & production. To learn more about Vikki Hankins visit: twitter, Facebook or her website.

“LOVE YOURSELF FIRST� - TAMARA CHARLES Interview Conducted by Vikki Hankins

After completely losing her right eyesight and a multiple sclerosis diagnosis, Tamara Charles knew it was time to leave her abusive relationship.

VMH: Your book entitled, Unbroken Still I Smile, what is the motivation behind your memoir?

TC: Unbroken, Still I Smile will empower, inspire, and will give you hope. I wrote this book to tell my story and share my testimony of survivorship. My hope and dream are to inspire all women who are going through or who have gone through domestic violence to let them know that survivorship is real.

This book will give you hope, courage, and strength to say to yourself, I am a queen, and I deserve to be loved and treated like the queen that I am." This book will give you the ability to regain your self-confidence and dignity.

Love yourself first! No man can love you the way you can love yourself.

VMH: Was it a challenge for you to revisit your past through writing? And how did writing impact your life?

TC: It wasn't a challenge for me to write this book at all. This book was written and published within six weeks. I was ready to break my silence, and the mental prison that I was living in.

My body started to deteriorate on me from all the pain, hurt that was it was tearing me inside and effecting my health. I knew once God gave me a second chance at life, I knew I wanted to change the negativity to positivity. I want women and men to know that abuse is not ok. I'm telling you, writing this book gave me life and peace of mind. It gave me the understanding not to ever feel ashamed sharing my story because I know my story have touched, inspired a lot of women and that to me keeps me going knowing I'm saving a life. I no longer live in silence and fear. I'm in love with me. I love me.

VMH: Your story is based on severe domestic violence; at what point did you know you need to leave the relationship?

TC: I knew I had to leave my last abusive relationship when I woke up on August 31, 2013 and I went completely loss the sight of my right vision and the Doctors diagnosing me with Multiple Sclerosis. I felt deep in my heart that it was God saying "if MS is not going to wake you up to leave your abusive relationship then I don't know what else will." I remember how I would talk to God and ask him to give me signs and help me to overcome the cycle of abuse. He did just that. God doesn't give you anything that you can't handle.

Since, I've left the abusive relationship, God has been opening doors for me left and right. He's replacing all the wrong people with the right ones. Trust in him!

VMH: Based on your experience, how would you advise other women and men that are involved in abusive relationships?

Photo Courtesy of Tamara Charles

TC: My advice to other women and men that are experiencing domestic violence relationship is if you're in a relationship and it doesn't feel right in the beginning or at any point, let it go before it's too late. My biggest mistake was being in the relationship just to be in one and not being in love with the relationship. You don't want to be like me living with Multiple

Sclerosis with days you can't even get up from your bed due to fatigue, muscle spasms, having memory loss, days that you can't even walk because you have no feeling at the bottom of your feet and legs, or knowing that you can end up being in a wheelchair or walking with a cane. There are resources out there that are ready to help you gain self-confidence and your dignity. If you or someone that you know are experiencing abuse, get help immediately by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Always remember that love is not supposed to hurt and learn how to love yourself and most importantly, put God first in your life.

VMH: Were there any indicators at the start of your relationship that you saw in hindsight?

TC: My last abuser, Mr. Auction played the tough guy in the street but, behind closed doors, he was an entirely different person. He hated the way his life was, and at times he tried to swallow a bottle of pills that I had laying around the house. He would fight in his sleep while he's sleep. He grew up without a father and his mother was in and out of his life. I was more of a mother to him then a girlfriend. He was so angry at the way his life had turned out that he reacted and used me as his punching bag. But, I should've known better when he had told that he had pulled out a gun to his son's mother's head. But, I was so blind and didn't want him to take my pills and overdose himself that I stayed thinking I could help him but, in reality I was the one getting my head banged across our bedroom walls and our living room hard wood floors. Now, as I faced these health challenges, I wish I would've done things differently but, it was a learning experience for me that I plan to make it into positive by sharing domestic violence awareness.

VMH: You've published your book and working on a second book, what are your goals regarding this subject of domestic violence?

TC: Yes, my second book is a collaboration of ten amazing women who've experienced all trials and tribulations and was able to put their story in a book. it's called The Purposed Women, How Pain Produced... it will be out in July of 2017 on Amazon. My goals are to be a voice, empower, inspire, and help spread domestic violence awareness to women that don't have the courage to be a voice for themselves.

VMH: You seem to have come out unscathed, how what is it that you do to heal and repair?

TC: I had to acknowledge the fact that I was facing these challenges and the effect that they had on my mind, body, and soul.

I had to take the first step in healing and restoring myself by putting God first in my life. I'm not ashamed of being judged.

I've gain a sense of freedom and learn to love myself all over again.

VMH: Is there anything further you’d like to share with our readers?

TC: I look at myself in the mirror all the time to keep reassuring myself that I am worthy of love. I love me, and I love you, my sisters. We are in this fight together, and together we can make a difference. Let go of all the hurt and pain and let God in. Once you let go of the abusive, harmful lifestyle, all the good that is meant for you will begin to manifest, and doors will start opening up. | "I'm not ashamed to tell my story. The more I talk about it, the stronger it makes me feel and the more I want to live.

I never in a million years would have imagined being a victim of domestic violence. I am proud that I made it comfortable enough for these women to reach out to me. We (women) need to learn how to hold each other's hand and empower one another. Let's teach one another how to love ourselves. It all starts within self-love. It shouldn't take a man to tell you how beautiful you are, or to make you feel worthwhile. You will never find peace and love in a relationship if you don't first love yourself.� ~Tamara Charles, (CEO Sisters in Charge)

AFTER LOSING HER EYESIGHT TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TAMARA CHARLES EMPOWERS OTHERS! R ORDE OPY C R YOU Y! A TOD

VMH: So now that you're free of an unhealthy relationship what is life like for you now?

TC: Oh wow. When I tell you so much have happened for me.

I've opened up a nonprofit organization for battered women with children, called Sisters In Charge. The Organization gives women a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. I chose to take my vision and make it a reality through sound strategy development. The mission of Sisters In Charge is to provide a safe shelter, and a variety of educational,

recreational and social services to address the essential and changing needs of the families in Georgia and surrounding communities. I'm In the process of filming my documentary of Unbroken, Still I Smile. Also, I do plan on taking acting classes and get into playing domestic violence roles, go on book tour, and continue to share story and testimony.

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"IT ALL STARTS WITH SELF LOVE." - TAMARA CHARLES AVAILABLE AT AMAZON.COM & ONLINE RETAIL BOOKSTORES

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Entrepreneurs Are A Driving Force For The Economy, But Are Small Enterprises Devalued?

by Vikki Hankins

It is important that you know your worth and the value of your company. Otherwise you could end up accepting business deals well below your value, in unhealthy relationships, develop low self-esteem or never reach your full potential.

As an entrepreneur, I’ve encountered a number of individuals that did not want to pay the fees associated with my services. Based on my experience and the experience of other skilled entrepreneurs, there are

those that try to convince the business owner to lower or alter their rates to meet their budgets. I have two opinions on this: If a business has established itself as providing quality services, meet deadlines, sells a great product, and has ethical characteristics, why lower the rates. Clearly, if rates/prices are set by a principled business; the product/ services are worth it’s due. Hence the rates.

My second thought on this is when a potential customer decides to go an inexpensive route, generally they receive a less quality return. The saying,‘you get what you pay for,’ has merit.

The above two opinions are applied not only in business, but as a basic principle in life. If that guy or that girl wants you to alter yourself in order to meet their wants, in my opinion this may not necessarily be the best match, in particular if they persist. Such scenarios places you in a position of ‘settling’ and boarders tampering with your worth, your value.

So how do you determine your worth? How do you know if your rates/prices are too high or too low? Below are a few things that stand in the way of determining your true worth: •

•

•

•

Fear: For a long time I was afraid no one would not want to use my services due to cost and I would end up with no clients. I had to move passed this fear.

Lack of Self-Confidence: As I continued to develop my skills and produce quality that measures up to my competitors, yet stands apart my self-confidence grew.

Surroundings: I found that when I surrounded myself with a different group of people, my outlook grew beyond the status quo and what I’d been accustomed to.

Mindset: As I researched and listened to other successful people in my field, my mind opened up to how it should be versus how it is.

“Your thoughts determine your value and outcome.”

It takes courage to move beyond familiarity and into unfamiliar territory where others are doing the same things you’re doing, but getting a whole lot more. When I attended business conferences and summits in New York City, I was baffled to see the mindset and success of these people. I’m sure they had their down days but overall they were way beyond what I considered to be success.

That first conference really opened my mind and pushed me to improve everything, including my target market.

Greater than this is understanding what I should be receiving.

When you surround yourself with people that are not limited in their thinking, who refuse to settle for mediocre or the status quo, you’ll be amazed at the impact this has on your life. Again this applies in all aspects of life. Sometimes we live by what we’re taught or by the things we are exposed to; there’s nothing like interacting with people that live their lives on a different level and/or by stronger principles.

When this happens, it helps in determining your worth.

Furthermore, it’s difficult to settle back into accepting what others want you do; you begin to replace fear with confidence and refuse to settle for anything less than your value.mediocre or the status quo, you’ll be amazed at the impact this has on your life. Again this applies in all aspects of life. Sometimes we live by what we’re taught or by the things we are exposed to; there’s nothing like interacting with people that live their lives on a different level and/or by stronger principles.

When this happens, it helps in determining your worth.

Furthermore, it’s difficult to settle back into accepting what others want you do; you begin to replace fear with confidence and refuse to settle for anything less than your value.

How to get the value for your small enterprise: • • • • • • •

Set your rates/standards and stick with them.

Do not allow others to alter you or convince you to lower your rates/standards.

Surround yourself with people that help you build confidence.

Do the research to learn and develop ‘true’ cost.

Determine your target market and promote your product or service to that market.

Learn as much as you can learn.

Read books that promote improvement; reflect and evaluate the material.

Information, understanding and execution are three instrumental components to moving forward. When you come into that knowledge, it’s best you use it; it’s a sad and at times a painful thing to know what you should be receiving yet, not have the courage to demand it.

Demanding your ‘due/worth’ should not be approached in an aggressive manner, but simply make it clear, this is who I am or this is what my service/product cost; earn your respect otherwise ‘you’ lower your self worth. Learn your worth, then know your worth and lastly embrace your worth! Now move forward!

For more information about Vikki Hankins and her business practices visit: www.vikkihankins.net

MOREHOUSE College 133rd Commencement Highlights

President William Taggart, Interim President Morehouse College

Morehouse College presented degrees to nearly 300 scholars representing the Class of 2017 at the 133rd Commencement Ceremony. The event featured a special appearance by alumnus and gold medal-winning Olympic hurdler Edwin Moses.

Two valedictorians were honored for achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average. The scholars were: Michael C. Scott, of Rockville, Md., an economics major and Chinese studies minor, and Douglas Bowen, an economics major, from Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“Being named valedictorian is an honor that I share with everyone who has helped me to get this far,” Scott said. “Since elementary school, I have been giving valedictory speeches; however, giving such a speech to my community at Morehouse College is humbling.”

Upon graduation, Scott will spend a month in Berlin serving as a Humanity In Action Program fellow. He will then relocate to New York to work as an analyst within the Global Investment Research division at Goldman Sachs.

Bowen is a first generation college student who was also the valedictorian of his high school in Jamaica. He received a full scholarship to Morehouse and maintained straight A’s throughout his years at Morehouse. He enrolled in challenging courses and surrounded himself with a circle of friends who shared his academic focus, including covaledictorian Michael Scott.

Bowen says that he is “elated” about being named as a valedictorian for the second time.“The College beckoned, and I answered, and have been grateful Douglas Bowen Photo Courtesy: Morehouse ever since and humbled by these last four years,” he said.

After graduation, Bowen will work full-time as a financial analyst for BDT Capital Partners in Chicago, a leading financial firm whose clientele includes former President Barack Obama.

Photography by Vikki Hankins

They will light the torch of Olympian Moses, who will then carry it onto campus at the beginning of the 133rd Commencement ceremony. Guest speaker for graduation was be Van Jones, a CNN political correspondent and former White House policy adviser to President Barack Obama.

With such a historical success and applaudable l o n g e v i t y, Morehouse C o l l e g e sesquicentennial celebration reiterated the importance of educating African American males, while paying homage to it’s significant mark on the world.

Michael C. Scott

Photo Courtesy Morehouse

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Van Jones Morehouse 133rd Commencement

Photography by Garry Jones

During the Reflections portion of the 150th year celebration, the panelists, which in included Candle Award Honorees, gave authentic, passionate transparent advice and experiences. Their heartfelt insight aided in driving the point home on respecting the vision of founder, William Jefferson White for African American males. Ranked America’s fifth “Most Entrepreneurial College” by Forbes Magazine in 2015, Morehouse College is the nation’s largest liberal arts college for men.

Garry Jones - Van Jones Morehouse 133rd Commencement 15

Erik Wahl “Art is not about producing a product. Art is about producing thinking.”

Interview Conducted by Vikki Hankins

"For me that was paramount; this performance, my involvement in this, my reason for being in this project is to pay homage to my mother, my grandmother, Penny; Ms. Hughes and the way they've went about things. They've all been very successful amidst quote unquote great wealth but they've done so with great integrity and a very principle manner.

Meaning there are certain lines that you don't cross.

Photos Courtesy of Erik Wahl VMHMAGAZINE.COM

Erik Wahl is an artist, entrepreneur and

bestselling author. After an eight-year career as a partner at a corporate firm, he became frustrated by the lack of innovative thought and corresponding profits he saw in business. So he set out to challenge companies to change their way of thinking while simultaneously pursuing his own individual passions. He rediscovered his love for art, and now plays in the business world by working through his artistic expression.His on-stage painting seamlessly becomes a visual metaphor that is the core of his message, encouraging organizations toward profitability through innovations and superior performance.

Wahl took a moment to speak with me, here at VMH Magazine. Here’s what he had to say: VMH: You electrify audiences around the globe, which clearly requires a lot of you, what is your personal formula to motivate yourself?

EW: I love performing, painting, writing – and even though those things are my actual day job, they are also my passion. I cannot NOT do them. So staying motivated has not been a challenge for me. I love the homework. I love the preparation. When I’m not performing, I’m preparing—it doesn’t matter if I am stuck in an airport, or sitting in my hotel room or reading at a local coffee hangout. I have always loved the preparation process. (cont. on next page)

pg. 19

(cont. from pg. 19)

I believe my ability to enjoy the preparation is what connects me to the audience in a way that a canned performance never could replicate. For every presentation, I become my audience, sort of how a method actor inhabits a character. I deeply enjoy this morphing of identity to better tune into my audience.

I also read, write and paint for two to four hours every single day to help me grow forward. When I read, I explore and expand ideas; when I write; I contract to focus and harness thoughts. It is all part the beautiful flowing cycle of inspiration integrated with hard work that allows creative execution.

VMH: Your experiences with creativity and art were not the best as a child. What compelled you to pick up the paints as an adult? And how did you feel when you discovered the true you?

EW: I was discouraged from doing art early on by my teacher, but that’s OK now. My story has made me what I am. My ignorance about art was not personal—it was conditional. I was a product of my environment. If I would have pursued art all my life I would not be able to understand why our academic system is so disconnected from art. But it opened up a revelation: Art is not about producing a product. Art is about producing thinking.

I didn’t understand this as a child. I was taught that art was a hobby to pursue once the “real work” was completed. I was encouraged to focus on academics and attain real-world skills. I was not affirmed for independent thinking. I was out of balance. Ultimately, I valued the outcome of grades far more than I valued the process of learning.

I placed a disproportionate amount of energy on financial success in my early adulthood. I pursued traditional formulaic work to achieve a traditional formulaic life.

Then the dot-com bomb blindsided me and I lost everything. It was a very painful but a very necessary chapter of my life.

Please know, my discovery process was not onetriumphant, “now I am an artist!” moment. It was a gut-wrenching loss of money and a disorienting erasure ofidentity that entailed many long, dark nights of suffering and emptiness.

Art became the very first channel of discovery that opened my mind to ease this loss. What I discovered was a porthole into a new way of thinking, a source of boundless energy to find new meaning.

I am still in the beginning stages of re-learning how to learn. I am a work in progress. But now I am hungry for new ways learn and grow on my own outside of traditional formats.

VMH: People are working on 9 to 5’s, seeing their dreams pass by. Some no longer dream or take actions. What is your advice for these folks?

EW: I lived this story. I am not theorist. I am a practitioner. I gave up on my dreams in exchange for a predictable life of financial security. But that need for security evolved into an addiction. Money was not energy to fuel my dreams, money became the dream itself. More money was never enough. Ultimately, I had to lose my money before I could win at life. But, it was that loss that opened up my mind to a new way of dreaming.

Nothing animates the human spirit more than the pursuit of a dream. Our dreams are like a fire that need to be nurtured into a blaze. We need kindling (financial security) and oxygen (shelter and safety) as we build our fire or we risk having our dreams extinguished.

My advice is simple: be patient. A dream is not a race to a specific destination but rather a lifelong journey of mystery and adventure.

I encourage young adults and early explorers to use their “day job” to provide the necessary security as they go in search of creative ways to fund their dreams. Our consumer culture has wrongly enslaved us to our job. Financial security is a necessary source of food and shelter, but we must be very careful to not let our job to become our life. It is, to be sure, a wonderful when our life and our job joyfully entwine. But If we pursue a passion before it can fund itself, it puts enormous pressure on us to commoditize our passion, and then we risk losing both our security and our dreams.

The questions to ask yourself are: • What are my passions and my dreams?

• Can my passion currently fully fund my dreams?

• How can I shift my mindset from thinking of the job as an obstacle to my dreams into being the catalyst to help fund them?

In my new book, THE SPARK AND THE GRIND: IGNITE THE POWER OF DISCIPLINED CREATIVITY, I devote an entire chapter to how creative spirits can thrive within the constructs of their day jobs. When you see your job as an enabler to fund your dreams, you change your relationship with it. Be patient. Expand your mind and transform your life.

VMH: How did you develop your talent?

EW: I became fascinated with art as a channel to communicate. This boundless curiosity created an inner drive that sparke the desire to learn to paint, write, perform, and build a business. I have a very disciplined routine of practice toward my art—and every day I love to practice more.

VMH: What motivates you and drives you the most?

EW: Magicians use the word “abracadabra,” which roughly translates to, “creating something from nothing.” I have a deep-seated passion to create something that has not yet been invented. When I make new art, create new writing, discover new channels of distribution on social media, crystallize new business opportunities and find new ways to authentically connect with an audience during live performances, I feel driven.

VMH: Do you feel there is a connection between purpose, creativity and societal improvements?

EW: Creativity provides energy that enables us to find new solutions to complex social problems. Creativity has the power to transcend a life about the self and the ego in which we accumulate personal power, prestige and possessions (the myth of scarcity) to become humility, empathy and love (the truth of abundance).

Creativity is a way to navigate ambiguity and master complexity in a rapidly changing world. As the rate of change increases, the need for creative-problem solving must increase at an equal level. And that is not currently happing in in our many of our schools and institutions— it’s critical to keep creativity and innovation as an organizational mission, or risk being pushed even further behind as communities, businesses and as a nation.

VMH: Your advice to creative geniuses in visual arts and graphics that aspire to motivate and set huge audiences ablaze?

EW: I have created an experience that opens the mind of my audience to see life from a different perspective. We shift between contraction and focus to expansion of possibility.Ultimately, what I am doing is holding up a mirror and reflecting the potential of every person in my audience—every one of us is capable of more than we have been conditioned to believe. Once I re-remind people about the heroism of their work, their parenting and their life, they realize (if even only for a moment) who they were meant to be. That is what the show experience is about.

Success in this area involves a recalibration of mindsets. It requires action and growth, which do not naturally coexist with comfort. You need to push past your perceived comfort zone, which was forged by the many hands of your family, your culture, your beliefs and countless other forces. We cannot change our beginnings, but we can take control of our story, our narrative and re-write a more compelling and exciting ending. Make your story fascinating.

I wrote a tiny art book about four years ago titled Unchain the Elephant. It is a parable about how an elephant is conditioned to play it safe. She feels like she’s chained to a post, but in fact, she is free to roam, chained only by her mind—she just must get past the psychological barrier. I love this little concept. It is profoundly liberating. www.theartofvision.com

MTV 2017 Movie & TV Awards Highlights

by Piya Sinha-Roy

Spirited speeches were front and center at the MTV Movie and TV awards, where the night’s top winners at the usually irreverent awards show took to the stage to champion diversity and inclusion.

A rare spell of wet weather in Los Angeles shut down the red carpet before the awards show, but inside, drinks were flowing as host Adam Devine literally set the stage on fire as he kicked off MTV’s first awards celebrating both television and films.

Streaming platform Netflix enjoyed the night’s biggest spotlight when its 1980s sci-fi series “Stranger Things” won the inaugural Show of the Year award.

Trevor Noah accepts the award for “Best Host.”

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

“Thank you to Netflix, where would we be without Netflix?

Like literally, when you’re having a bad day, what do you do when you go home?,” “Stranger Things” star Caleb McLaughlin said on stage, as the audience shouted back “Watch Netflix.”

Disney’s live-action fairytale “Beauty and the Beast” won Best Movie and director Bill Condon thanked the female audience, saying “women have proven that they are huge and powerful audience and it’s going to change the movie business.”

MTV did away with gender-specific acting categories this year for its fan-voted awards, where “Beauty and the Beast” star Emma Watson won best actor in a movie and “Stranger Things” newcomer Millie Bobby Brown, 13, won best actor in a show.

“Acting is about the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and that doesn’t need to be separated into two different categories,” Watson said on stage.

Milo Ventimiglia and Lonnie Chavis – Tearjerker Award for “This is Us”.

REUTERS/Danny Moloshok

MTV’s annual fan-voted, youth-orientated awards show is known for its irreverent moments, explicit jokes and unconventional award categories, which Devine played up in off-kilter quips about his genitals and smoking marijuana. But this year’s show saw presenters and winners get passionate about issues on stage.

The Best Kiss award went to a tender moment between two teenage boys played by Ashton Sanders and Jharrel Jerome in the Oscar-winning film “Moonlight,” and Sanders dedicated the win to “those who feel like the others, the misfits.”

U.S. Representative Maxine Waters presented the award for Best Fight Against the System and said each of the nominees “pushes back against the bullies and uses their platform to inspire us all.” The award went to “Hidden Figures,” the story of three black female NASA mathematicians.

“Logan” stars Hugh Jackman and newcomer Dafne Keen won Best Duo, “Get Out” star Daniel Kaluuya won the Next Generation award, while NBC family drama “This is Us” won Best Tearjerker. The MTV Generation Award went to the “Fast and Furious” action franchise and star Vin Diesel thanked “a generation that was willing to accept this multicultural

John Cena and Nikki Bella.

REUTERS/Danny Moloshok

franchise where it didn’t matter what color your skin was or what country you’re from – when you’re family, you’re family.”

(Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Michael Perry)

“Changing the world happens one step at a time, through acts of leadership and courage.”“It is the work of generations, with progress made possible by those who pass on the lessons learned from both successes and setbacks, and most importantly, the necessary knowledge that positive change is indeed possible.”

-Ambassador Andrew Young

HIGHLIGHTS ANDREW YOUNG 2017 INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP AWARDS & 85TH BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE

BY VIKKI HANKINS & GARRY JONES

Host Anthony Anderson Photography by Garry Jones

Larry Rehm & Guest Photography by Vikki Hankins

Miss Black Teen US Ambassador Photography by Garry Jones

The Braxtons Photography by Garry Jones

The Andrew J. Young Foundation recognized exceptional individuals whose activism, philanthropy and leadership are transforming lives throughout the global community. The awards presented at the Foundation’s gala at the Philips Arena in Atlanta

Martin & Bliss Savidge Photography by Vikki Hankins

Kieth David

was part of the 85th birthday celebration of its founder and chair, Ambassador Andrew Young.

Ermette Williams Photography by Garry Jones Garry Jones Photography by Vikki Hankins

Photography by Vikki Hankins

LaTavia Roberson Photography by Garry Jones

Wyclef Photography by Vikki Hankins Wyclef Photography by Garry Jones

Vikki Hankins Photography by Garry Jones

Frank Ski & Guest Photography by Vikki Hankins

Cristina Quinones Photography by Vikki Hankins

TECH: Apple to Expand Siri vs. Amazon’s Alexa

By Stephen Nellis

Apple Inc <AAPL.O>; is expected to announce plans next week to make its Siri voice assistant work with a larger variety of apps, as the technology company looks to counter the runaway success of Amazon.com Inc's <AMZN.O>; competing Alexa service.

But the Cupertino, California company is likely to stick to its tested method of focusing on a small amount of features and trying to perfect them, rather than casting as wide a net as possible, according to engineers and artificial intelligence industry insiders.

commands such as "ask" or "tell." For example, "Alexa, ask Uber for a ride," will start the process of summoning a car, but "Alexa, order me an Uber" will not, because Alexa does not make the connection that it should open the Uber “skill."

After some setup, Alexa can order a pizza from Domino's, while Siri cannot get a pie because food delivery is not - so far - one of the categories of apps that Apple has opened up to Siri.

Currently, Apple's Siri works with only six types of app: ride-hailing and sharing; messaging and calling; photo search; payments; fitness; and auto infotainment systems.

At the company's annual developer conference next week, it is expected to add to those categories.

"In typical Apple fashion, they've allowed for only a few use cases, but they do them very well," said Charles Jolley, chief executive of Ozlo, maker of an intelligent assistant app. Apple spokeswoman Trudy Muller said the company does not comment on its plans for developers.

Some industry-watchers have also predicted Apple will announce hardware similar to Amazon's Echo device for the home, which has been a hot-seller recently. Apple declined comment.

Amazon said in a statement: "Our goal is to make speaking with Alexa as natural and easy as possible, so we’re looking at ways to improve this over time.”

But even if Siri doubles its areas of expertise, it will be a far cry from the 12,000 or so tasks that Amazon.com's Alexa can handle.

The difference illustrates a strategic divide between the two tech rivals. Apple is betting that customers will not use voice commands without an experience similar to speaking with a human, and so it is limiting what Siri can do in order to make sure it works well.

Amazon puts no such restrictions on Alexa, wagering that the voice assistant with the most "skills," its term for apps on its Echo assistant devices, will gain a loyal following, even if it sometimes makes mistakes and takes more effort to use.

The clash of approaches is coming to a head as virtual assistants that respond to voice commands become a priority for the leading tech companies, which want to find new ways of engaging customers and make more money from shopping and online services.

SIDE DISH, NOT ENTREE Apple's narrower focus could become a problem, said Matt McIlwain, a venture capitalist with Seattle-based Madrona Venture Group.

The potential of Apple's original iPhone did not come to light until thousands of developers started building apps.

McIlwain said he expects Apple to add new categories at its Worldwide Developers Conference next week, but not nearly enough to match Alexa's number of skills.

"To attract developers in the modern world, you need a platform," McIlwain said. "If Apple does not launch a 'skills store,' that would be a mistake.”

Neither Siri nor Alexa has a clear path to making money.

Siri works as an additional tool for controlling traditional apps, and Apple pays money to owners of those apps.

Alexa's skills are free, and developers are not paid.

PATH TO THE MONEY

At the moment, because of their limits, voice apps are "a side dish, not the entree," according to Oren Etzioni, CEO of the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence.

Now, an iPhone user can say, "Hey Siri, I'd like a ride to the airport" or "Hey Siri, order me a car," and Siri will open the Uber or Lyft ride service app and start booking a trip.

Amazon was wise to not commit to an economic model at such an early state, Etzioni said. "Once a successful economic model for developers emerges, people are going to gravitate to it.”

Apart from some basic home and music functions, Alexa needs more specific directions, using a limited set of

(Reporting by Stephen Nellis; Editing by Peter Henderson and Bill Rigby)

Discover the 3 Secrets for Getting What You Want Out of Life

by Dr. Alan Zimmerman

A problem many individuals face today is getting the most out of both their personal and professional lives. In fact, you may wonder whether or not you can have a fulfilling career and a quality home life at the same time.

After all, as Dr. Alan Zimmerman points out, “Life is tough, work is challenging, relationships are demanding.

And it takes an extraordinary amount of clarity, energy, and skill to bring it all come together in a positive and productive way.”

The good news is you can have all the personal happiness and professional success you desire – as long as you are following the right formula. That formula is revealed in Dr. Zimmerman’s forthcoming title, The Payoff Principle: Discover the 3 Secrets for Getting What You Want Out of Life and Work. As a celebrated speaker to more than a million people over the last thirty years, with a variety of organizations from Fortune 500 companies to small and medium-sized businesses, from government and healthcare to education and professional associations, Dr. Zimmerman’s research says the formula for rampant success is: Purpose + Passion + Process = Payoff.

“When you find Purpose in what you do, exhibit Passion for the outcome, and master the Process to make it happen, you produce the Payoffs you want, need and deserve in every domain of your life,” says Dr. Zimmerman. “Of course, a few people achieve this through dumb luck. When you understand and implement the payoff principle, however, you eliminate the guesswork and gain a practical set of strategies that are guaranteed to deliver greater happiness and success.”

The Payoff Principle empowers you, the reader, to take responsibility for your own life and success instead of waiting for it to happen.

Further, The Payoff Principle reveals the skills and tactics you need to get extraordinary payoffs on and off the job. To be specific, you will learn how to: • •

Release the power of purpose into your personal and professional lives Create an unshakeable positive attitude

• • • • • •

Keep on going when you feel like quitting Guide your decisions and behaviors with a high level of character Program your mind for success so can you easily achieve your goals Continue your learning and development so you never get outdated Communicate so others are drawn to you Implement the process of compassionate listening to build teams and relationships

Alan Zimmerman, PhD has spoken to more than one million people across the United States and around the world, giving them the tools they need to achieve their goals on and off the job. As a prominent, sought-after author and speaker, Dr. Zimmerman works with a variety of organizations and professional associations. His clients universally characterize him as genuine, down-to-earth, practical, and powerful.

Dr. Zimmerman has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions in the fields of attitude, communication, leadership, and speaking. Most recently, the National Speakers Association awarded him its highest honor, the Council of Peers Award of Excellence.

Benefits of Making Time to Care for ‘You’ Controls Weight

activities help improve mood and mental functioning by keeping the mind active and serotonin levels balanced. Don’t isolate yourself.

Spend time with family or friends on a regular basis, if not every day. If there’s physical distance between you and loved ones, use technology to stay connected.

Pick up the phone or start a video chat.

Combats diseases

Eating right and exercising regularly can help you avoid excess weight gain and maintain a healthy weight. According to the Mayo Clinic, being physically active is essential to reaching your weight-loss goals. Even if you’re not trying to lose weight, regular exercise can improve cardiovascular health, boost your immune system, and increase your energy level.

Improves mood Doing right by your body pays off for your mind as well. The Mayo Clinic notes that physical activity stimulates the production of endorphins. Endorphins are brain chemicals that leave you feeling happier and more relaxed. Eating a healthy diet as well as exercising can lead to a better physique.

You’ll feel better about your appearance, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem. Shortterm benefits of exercise include decreased stress and improved cognitive function.

It’s not just diet and exercise that lead to improved mood. Another healthy habit that leads to better mental health is making social c o n n e c t i o n s . W h e t h e r i t ’s volunteering, joining a club, or attending a movie, communal

Healthy habits help prevent certain health conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. If you take care of yourself, you can keep your cholesterol and blood pressure within a safe range. This keeps your blood flowing smoothly, decreasing your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Teyxo Fashions

Regular physical activity and proper diet can also prevent or help you manage a wide range of health problems, including: • • • • •

metabolic syndrome diabetes depression certain types of cancer arthritis

Make sure you schedule a physical exam every year. Your doctor will check your weight, heartbeat, and blood pressure, as well as take a urine and blood sample. This appointment can reveal a lot about your health. It’s important to follow up with your doctor and listen to any recommendations to improve your health.

Boosts energy We’ve all experienced a lethargic feeling after eating too much unhealthy food. When you eat a balanced diet your body receives the fuel it needs to manage your energy level.

Custom Made Elegance www.teyxo.com

Oscar Bond, Global Stylist

LOVE WHAT YOU DO. DO WHAT YOU LOVE.

HEALTHY

CHOICE

KIWI

KIWI SMOOTHIES

FRUIT Vitamin A, K, E, B & Potassium

Kiwifruit is one of nature's perfect foods: low in calories, high in energy and an excellent source of antioxidants. Each one delivers a world of nutrition benefits, including: •

vitamin E (twice the amount found in avocados, with nearly half the calories), along with potassium to balance the body's electrolytes and limiting hypertension and high blood pressure. The copper in kiwi is especially good for children, supporting healthy development in infants, especially in the areas of bone growth and brain development, and also for the formation of healthy red blood cells and building immunity against disease.

Kiwi is also one of the few foods rich in vitamin B6, which supports the immune system. B6 is particularly important for healthy fetuses and pregnant or breastfeeding women. The folate in kiwi protects against birth defects, heart disease, and cancer; healthy amounts of fiber keep the system running smoothly, reducing the risk of diverticulitis and carcinogens in the body. Finally, the antioxidant power in kiwis delivers similar effects when it comes to neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells and cause inflammation and cancer.

Vitamin C: Each serving of kiwifruit has nearly two-and-a-half times the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, proven to boost the immune system and fight the effects of stress and aging.

• No fat: Kiwifruit is fat-free, an important consideration in today's healthy diets and a rarity among foods containing so many other nutritional benefits.

• Fiber: Two kiwifruit contain more fiber than a bowl of bran cereal, the tasty way to maintain heart health, Kiwi Fruit is rich in However, consume kiwi in moderation regular digestion and lower vitamin A, K, E and B, because it contains fructose, which may cholesterol. potassium, copper, folate, be harmful to your health in excessive • Potassium: A serving of amounts. and fiber. kiwifruit has more Studies on Kiwi potassium than a banana, ideal for maintaining fluid Kiwi seeds are an excellent source of and electrolyte balance and for releasing energy omega-3 fatty acids, which, research shows may reduce during exercise. coronary heart disease, the risk of stroke, and help in the prevention of ADHD, autism, and other developmental problems in children.

Known in ancient China as Yang Tao, the kiwi fruit earned its way in that culture not just for its flavor, but Research has also shown kiwi to have a notable also its medicinal properties, which science has today protective effect against asthma and respiratory substantiated in numerous areas. difficulties, such as wheezing. In fact, one report indicated that young children eating six to seven Kiwi is a surprising little fruit, and is unlike any other. servings of kiwi and other vitamin C-rich foods per First, it's small and light brown in color with a fuzzy week had a 44% lower incidence of wheezing. Even skin surface. Inside, the fruit is not only lime green and those eating these foods only once or twice a week had studded with tiny black seeds in an oval pattern when fewer symptoms, in comparative studies.1 sliced, but it's also delicious, rather like the flavor of a strawberry. Peeled, sliced, and chilled, kiwi is an Rich in polyphenols, which are recognized for their excellent addition to any fruit salad combination or by antioxidant properties, both the green and gold varieties itself. of kiwi fruit underwent research to compare their antioxidant strengths. Researchers found that not only Health Benefits of Kiwi were the kiwi antioxidants more potent than those in oranges and grapefruit, but the gold kiwi variety was The fruit provides 273% of the daily recommended also found to have more antioxidant strength. amount of vitamin C in every one-cup serving – five times that of an orange, and is a natural immune booster The conclusion: kiwi consumption may be useful in that staves off colds and flu? It's kiwi, of course! Its preventing the development and deterioration of diseases vitamin K amount is impressive, too – best known for its caused by oxidative stress. role in helping blood clot, or coagulation, properly and providing an 89% daily value.

Reference(s): Food Facts Kiwis contain good amounts of vitamin A (great for kiwiberry.com skin, bone, and tooth development, and protected vision, http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/kiwi-fruit.html including protection against macular degeneration), and

Can Givers Survive as Entrepreneurs?

By Vikki Hankins

‘Good guys finished last’. Does this apply to entrepreneurs as well? Does success only come to those that aggressively pursue clients? Wharton Professor, Adam Grant addresses these questions in his book entitled, Give and Take, Why Helping Others Drives Our Success.

By nature I believe myself to be a giver. However I’ve found that in business, those that get ahead faster oftentimes are takers. Givers are people with compassion that tend to place others before themselves. Takers place themselves first and care less about how another feels. In business, takers place their agenda before the clients, whereas givers tend to care more about the client and their results.

In a piece I recently read, New York Time Best Selling Author, Adam Grant paints clear pictures of the giver and the taker, yet introduces a third term to describe ‘even exchange’; the matcher. The matcher believes in tit-fortat, and relationship governed by even exchanges of favors.

PATIENT -VSDOCTOR MISDIAGNOSIS

Here are a few points that I took away from the abstract for the book: • …success depends heavily on how we approach our interacts with other people.

• Takers like to get more than they give, whereas givers like to give more than they get.

• Givers and takers differ in their attitude and actions towards other people.

• Matchers strive to preserve an equal balance of giving and getting.

As entrepreneurs, surely both categories need ‘results’ in order to become a success, but how one goes about it is what makes the difference. In my opinion there has to be a happy medium for both the giver and and the taker.

Due to countless episodes of Little House on The Prairie (their town store), I believe the exchange of merchandise for currency can still operate as it once did, with grace and dignity.

Within this abstract that I read, Grant shared the story of a giver who at first seem to end up with the short in of the stick, questioning his abilities as a business owner, but the tables turn - in his favor.

So it is possible to use true ‘keep the client first’ practices and run a successful business! Give and Take, Why Helping Others Drives Success help us figure out how.

Adam Grant is Wharton’s top-rated teacher. He has been recognized as one of HR’s most influential international thinkers, BusinessWeek’s favorite professors, the world’s 40 best business professors under 40, and Malcolm Gladwell’s favorite social science writers.

amazon.com

Aurea McGarry with Her Husband

VMHMAGAZINE.COM