Welcome to February's Issue of the Women Thrive Magazine. This month all around the world people are celebrating love - but at Women Thrive we are discovering self-love and healing because we believe that happiness begins inside of each and every one of us.
Truth is, most people in this world have suffered some kind of trauma in life, which then shapes us and our reality in the world It dictates our relationships, our behaviour and even our work. Without healing from the inside out it is almost impossible to have healthy and fulfilling relationships with others or with ourselves. So this month's special feature is about healing featuring the speakers from the Women Thrie Summit 2023 - which is our annual women empowerment event.
This month we are also celebrating the launch of our brand new Women Thrive book and hosting our pre-launch event on the 25th of February - so make sure to sign up for your spot!
Raimonda Jankunaite Founder & Editor-In-Chief
Credits Raimonda Jankunaite / Founder & Editor-in-Chief Olivia Marocco / Editor & Designer J Rachel West / Content Editor Photographer / @bazphotoman
Most people in this world have suffered some kind of trauma in life, which then shapes us and our reality in the world.
Without healing from the inside out it is almost impossible to have healthy and fulfilling relationships with others or with ourselves.
Editor's welcome note
Content
Book launch : Women Thrive
Special Feature: Healing Trauma
Women Thrive Annual Summit
Remade, remodelled The power of that woman
6 Signs your heart is healing
Mindfulness in business
What are your success beliefs?
Community advice on considering a mentor
Feeling accomplished after hitting rock bottom
Healing Trauma with our Women Thrive Summit Speakers. / P08
Tiffany Marshall
Earlene Camielle
Remade - remodelled. The power of that woman. / P18
P33
P34
P37
P39
P41
P42
New episodes: Women Thrive Podcast
Negotiating your salary: To do or not to do
Book Club
3 Keys to love your work again
Mobile apps
Stop putting out fires Lead with strategy
Laura Foster
3 Keys to love your work again. / P39
Mindfulness in business / P24
Angelic Ingram
"Realize that happiness is a survival tool that allows you to step away from trauma occasionally."
"Successful entrepreneurs are generally proactive leaders who focus on the bigger picture."
Do you have a topic you feel passionate about and have knowledge ? Would you like to write an article for the Women Thrive Magazine or Media platform to spread your message with our global audience of over 600k followers? Submit your article for our brand new Women Thrive Magazine Platform for a chance to be featured in our digital magazine. www.womenthrivemagazine.com
It has been 6 months since our amazing authors joined the collaborative book project to bring their inspiring stories to life. Our co-authored book 'Women Thrive - Inspiring True Stories of Women Overcoming Adversity' is now due to be released February 28th - just in time for Women's History month in March.
As a reader you will get to read 8 amazing and inspiring stories of women from all around the world. Each story is inspiring, unique and transformative. These women been through some of the toughest life's challenges, yet found the courage and purpose in their stories Join us for a special book launch celebration this month!
Trauma is a concept that so many women have faced, yet so few feel able to share their experiences. Many have lost their voice and no longer feel empowered to speak and tell their truth. Trauma is caused by a negative event that has happened in one’s life Because of this event, most trauma survivors experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, lack of confidence and selfesteem, losing their voice, and other, sometimes, debilitating symptoms
Trauma doesn’t always leave a visible scar and it can challenge survivors leaving questions like, ‘Why me?’ If you’re a trauma survivor, know that you are not alone. There are so many different resources that can help you heal and even get you out of your current situation.
Know this, your trauma does not define you. You can build a life of resilience and feel empowered once again.
Specialist Trauma Therapist
helenbferguson
helenbferguson.com
Helen, as a Trauma Specialist, what can you tell us is a big factor when trying to rise above trauma?
Trauma is unique to everyone in its emotional, psychological, and physiological impact, and therefore so is your response to healing and recovery
You can be walking through life holding on to the story of trauma; feeling a sense of shame and blame with feelings of fear, and unworthiness, and being on an emotional rollercoaster It shatters your sense of security, your sense of safety, and the connection you feel you have with yourself and the world around you. I have worked with many women over the last 24 years who either weren’t able to share how they were feeling or thought they had to avoid or hide what they were experiencing.
One of the first major factors in being able to move beyond this influence of trauma is in noticing and acknowledging the impact it has had on you.
When you notice and acknowledge what you feel in your mind and body, you empower yourself to accept bringing compassion and safety to all the parts of you that have been in pain. You give yourself the freedom and empowered choice of healing your pain and moving beyond the trauma to become your true self. >>
"One of the first major factors in being able to move beyond this influence of trauma is in noticing and acknowledging the impact it has had on you. "Helen Ferguson
strength to surrender msha ke/strengthtosurrender
Tami, can you share some tips for those looking to find their voice again after a traumatic incident?
1 Have a Strong Support System
Strong support systems are vital in finding your voice after trauma, because they hold space for you to be heard, and help provide emotional support Trained professionals are ideal, but family members, friends, and even other individuals who have gone through something similar are great resources to help support you.
2 Be Kind to Yourself
Healing from trauma has no timeline, and healing is not linear. Keep in mind that your healing journey will look different than others, and struggling is part of the recovery. When you're struggling, allow yourself to feel and validate those heavy emotions, and know it’s ok Showing kindness to yourself, allows you to have more empathy toward yourself and others.
3 Words Have Power
Use supporting words that provide a different context to your traumatic experience(s). This isn't to dismiss any pain. It’s simply applying words differently. For example, I am a victim of sexual abuse, but it doesn’t define or limit me
This practice allows you to use your voice, and start to look at your trauma from a different lens that brings empowerment and transformation.
Healing Trauma with the 2023 Women Thrive Summit Speakers
Intuitive Life Coach & Reiki Master Teacher
"Strong support systems are vital in finding your voice after trauma."
The subconscious mind is the invisible, reactive, and autonomic part of the brain that’s responsible for 95% of our physiological functioning, including our heartbeat, involuntary movements like yawning or blinking, the breath, and dreams. This also means that the subconscious realm is responsible for 95% of our life, manifesting as present-day thought patterns, emotions, physical dis-ease, dis-order, dysfunction, relational dynamics, outlook on life, and overall health. Trauma education often explores how trauma disrupts the nervous system, which is entirely true However, to take things a step further, the nervous system is also controlled by this dominant, subconscious part. By addressing the root system that controls these stored, unprocessed memories, we learn that we must also acknowledge the subconscious (perhaps in addition to more conventional and cognitive methods) in order to access, harmonize, and upgrade the cellular memory of our traumatic (both known and unknown) experiences Healing trauma subconsciously is the way in which recovery becomes and remains sustainable so that our senses eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and touch aren’t triggered into past memories so readily. By creating a new internal sensory environment, we can shift our external environment sustainably, into lasting, embodied safety, wellness, and wholeness. >>
Paige Frisone Health Practitioner & Professional Writer Subconscious"Healing trauma subconsciously is the way in which recovery becomes and remains sustainable."Caroline Bellenger
Trauma can have a very negative impact on a woman's self-esteem When someone experiences a traumatic event, it can cause them to doubt their own worth and abilities; leading to feelings of inadequacy, shame, and low self-esteem For example, if someone is the victim of childhood sexual abuse, they may feel that they are somehow to blame for the abuse and as such create limiting beliefs of not being good enough or viewing themselves as unlovable This undesirable perception of themselves leads to a decrease in confidence and self-esteem.
To improve self-esteem that has been adversely impacted by trauma, it is therefore important to work on the limiting beliefs that are subconsciously creating those negative thoughts and resultant behaviours. One of the most impactful statements for victims of trauma to understand is that “they were not responsible for the trauma that was inflicted on them ” By removing the self-blame women can start the journey by reframing their limiting beliefs to much more positive and powerful statements about themselves. In doing so they can begin to heal their self-esteem
Caroline Bellenger
Self-Esteem Coach, Business Coach, Speaker, Author & Founder of Be The Impossible carolinebellengerofficial carolinebellenger.com
"Itis importantto workonthelimiting beliefsthatare subconsciously creatingthose negativethoughts."Healing Trauma with the 2023 Women Thrive Summit Speakers
This gives you a FREE access to attend Global Women Empowerment Event –March 20-24th 2023
➡ With this ticket type you get live virtual access to the Women Thrive Summit as a general attendee. You will get to tune in to any of our 50 talks live.
No replay is available with this ticket type so if you miss a session you will not be able to go back and watch it again unless you have upgraded your ticket to a paid option.
$597
Upgrade your ticket and enjoy lifetime access to all of our summit replay and other amazing bonuses!
This ticket includes:
➡ Live virtual Women Thrive Summit Access x 5 days worth $999
➡ Lifetime Replay to all 50+ sessions video on demand worth $1490
➡ Convenient dedicated Audio Podcast with the summit replay access so you can listen on the go worth $697
➡ Replay access to the last 3 years’ summit replays and additional bonuses from speakers (approx 120 hours of content) worth $10,000
➡ Bonus 3 Hour Masterclass
‘How to position yourself as an authority in your niche and land more media and speaking opportunities’ on March 28th with the summit founder and serial entrepreneur Raimonda Jankunaite worth $997
Upgrade your Women Thrive ticket to a Mastermind Experience and enjoy 5 Days of intimate group coaching experience, access to exclusive VIP Breakout Sessions, a Digital Goodie Bag & Lifetime access to all of our summit replays and other amazing super bonuses!
This ticket includes:
➡ Get access to a 5-day intimate virtual group coaching experience where you get to work on elevating your business, creating practical strategies and working on your visibility and authority building
➡ This is an exclusive 5-day post-summit deep dive experience with 2hour daily coaching calls with our summit founder Raimonda Jankunaite
Upgrade your ticket to Super Pack and enjoy access to exclusive VIP Breakout Sessions, a Digital Goodie Bag & Lifetime access to all of our summit replays and other amazing super bonuses!
This ticket includes:
➡ VIP Breakout Group Mentoring sessions with our VIP Experts
➡ Ability to book 1-2-1 or small group coaching sessions with our speaker experts to get support for your business
➡ Digital Goodie Bag worth $10,000
➡ Live virtual Women Thrive Summit Access x 5 days worth $999
➡ Lifetime Replay to all 50+ sessions video on demand worth $1490
➡ Convenient dedicated Audio Podcast with the summit replay access so you can listen on the go worth $697
➡ Replay access to the last 3 years’ summit replays and additional bonuses from speakers (approx 120 hours of content) worth $10,000
➡ Bonus 3 Hour Masterclass ‘How to position yourself as an authority in your niche and land more media and speaking opportunities’ on March 28th with the summit founder and serial entrepreneur Raimonda Jankunaite worth $997
➡ Also access VIP Breakout Group Mentoring sessions with our VIP Experts during the week of the summit
➡ Ability to book 1-2-1 or small group coaching sessions with our speaker experts to get support for your business
➡ Digital Goodie Bag worth $10,000
➡ Live virtual Women Thrive Summit Access x 5 days worth $999
➡ Lifetime Replay to all 50+ sessions video on demand worth $1490
➡ Convenient dedicated Audio Podcast with the summit replay access so you can listen on the go worth $697
➡ Replay access to the last 3 years’ summit replays and additional bonuses from speakers (approx 120 hours of content) worth $10,000
➡ Bonus 3 Hour Masterclass ‘How to position yourself as an authority in your niche and land more media and speaking opportunities’ on March 28th with the summit founder and serial entrepreneur Raimonda Jankunaite worth $997
There’s something about a woman that knows herself inside and out. That woman that knows her power and knows the good and bad she can do with it but chooses good That woman takes control of her emotional, mental and spiritual well-being and is always the driver, never letting her actions be dictated by her emotions or circumstances. She nurtures people in the simplest waysthrough touch, an embrace, a smile, or a word That woman understands that she has to work on and stretch ‘her self’ in order to be a light to herself and this world. That is the power of that woman
Her energy is infectious. It will tell you exactly how to treat her and what to give her; it will light up your world and change you forever. This whole and holy woman is in you and in me and she is waiting to birth our biggest dreams out of our deepest fears and failures. She is calling for us to let go of our insecurities no more doubts, no more anxiety, and no more letting their words overpower ours because what we believe is our truth and carries way more value
I’ve been on a journey to renew, remake and remodel everything that is me in order to embrace the power of that woman
"This whole and holy woman is in you and in me and she is waiting to birth our biggest dreams out of our deepest fears and failures."
My first step was to get to fully know and learn myself My moods, my triggers, my stressors….what stimulated me, and what my responses were to those stimuli. We spend so much time learning from others but don’t truly know ourselves Do you know what you do when you’re happy what actions you display and the language you use? What about when you are confused or fearful?
I’ve learned over time to pay more attention to myself If I don’t know myself, how can I expect anyone else to? In doing this, I’ve discovered small but big things that tell me exactly how I’m feeling and why I’m feeling that way
Small things like, when I’m in a great mood I make a weird popping sound with my lips or I whistle. When I’m confused or perplexed, I fold my lips between my fingers and use my thumbs to rub themtoo much info I know but at least you know that I pay close attention to myself (lol).
I’ve discovered bigger things like when I’m overwhelmed or frustrated by someone or something I retreat in order to process During that period, I try my best not to focus on or overthink the situation. My approach is to take a small break from it and then process. Once I've processed it, I can then deal with the situation in the best way possible to represent that remade and remodeled woman.
See most people would never know or believe that I struggled with anger in the past It was one of my strongest emotions because of past trauma. I choose to retreat in order to process before dealing with certain situations because of this past issue.
Again, learning our moods and what we do when we go through them can alert us to our triggers and even help us communicate exactly how we are feeling to our partners and loved ones in a more effective way >>
In learning myself I celebrated my strengths but knew that I had to focus on my weaknesses My first step was to admit what they were. We should all be comfortable enough with ourselves, to be honest enough to admit where work needs to be done Self-awareness is extremely important and necessary for growth and true success.
Once I identified the areas of concern, the work began. I researched and got as much information as I could on each area (Google is definitely my best friend lol) I also studied people that were successful at overcoming these issues. I connected with those that I could speak to directly and questioned them about how they were able to accomplish what I was trying to achieve
Next, I emulated those around me that possessed the traits that I was trying to attain. I watched the movements in particular of a friend, that seemed to have what was an area of concern for me figured out. I saw how calm, cool, and collected he was when dealing with people and situations. I even witnessed him get into an accident one day, and he displayed the same steady, even-tempered behavior I was thoroughly impressed as I gazed in admiration from a distance. At that moment, I was sure that I wanted to be more like this
Further, I am a faith-driven woman so along with reaching out to others I turned to my Heavenly Father for answers and direction I prayed for restoration and once I was open to the process it began My actions lined up with what I was praying for and things started to unfold. It was not an easy process; I slipped many times but continued to be consistent with my efforts behind the goal of restoration
My next step was to stop overthinking and worrying about what others thought of me. We live in a place where it’s guaranteed that people will talk about you (it’s a favorite pastime) So I focused on this ‘forget em’ method because I know for sure that there are many that I will never please. Just an FYI - some people have already made up their minds about you and there’s nothing you can do to change their position. Remember, some people don’t need a reason not to like you, if that’s what they want to do they’ll just do it. This update was given to me in my early 20s by a dear friend and I was very grateful to receive it I can only promise to be true to myself and respectful to everyone (the talkers and non-talkers) because that is what I have been called to do Respect people no matter what and let their own convictions lead them. I’m only responsible for me.
"She didn't look shattered to me; she was breathtaking, mosaic of the battles she's won " Matt Baker."
Over the years I’ve found myself trying to connect with certain people because I’ve always chosen who I spend my time with In some cases, the interest was not reciprocated. I did not understand this but allowed things to play out naturally. In all cases, I found out later that those individuals were either negative, gossipy, and/or treated people poorly, and then it all made sense. These people were never supposed to be a part of my process. We have different beliefs and practices on many different things My process saved me from wasted time, bad connections, and in some cases bad people. I will trust my process every time. So....because there's so much more to share about this process, I've just decided to deem this part 1 of "Remade & Remodelled" Part 2 will be shared soon.
Until then, I encourage you to learn even more about YOU because YOU deserve your own time and attention, give that to yourself! And together, let's focus only on the 90% and forget the 10% because they are just not worth it and we just gotta keep it movin'!! Start to embrace the power of that woman! Talk soon
“Don’t focus on the people or things that represent the 10%, focus on the 90% and keep it moving”. This advice was offered to me by someone that affected me in a very positive way It was given after a live performance in a production that I was a part of. I received great feedback on my performance but instead of focusing on the supporters (the 90%), I allowed the comments of two people (the 10%) to sidetrack me and throw me off course. I was quickly brought back to reality by the director who gave me this great advice
We really don’t have time to allow ourselves to overthink or overplay what he, she or it thinks or said. It’s a waste of time and energy. The longer we think about it, the more we give passage to anxiety, doubt, and fear which leads to anger and anguish
Take this great advice that I received and keep it moving. Focus on the 90% (supporters) and not the 10% (nonsupporters) because there is always more good than bad
TV personality, entrepreneur, Producer & Actress, Earlene Camielle has evolved from playing it safe in the corporate world to living out purpose & passion daily Evolving many times over the past 42 years, this project manager, operations, and leadership expert spent most of her career in hospitality but has pivoted & successfully ventured into media and entrepreneurship
1. There’s a Shift in your Vibration.
From a victim-mindset to feeling empowered, this polar shift doesn’t happen overnight for most. It’s generally a slow unraveling of outdated thought forms and feelings, that frees up space in your inner and outer worlds - raising the frequency of your energy
You can tell that you’re not heavy energetically. Depression, Fear, and Grief are all very dense feelings. When you shift out of these feelings, you also naturally release the weight attached too. This is why/how you vibrate at a higher and lighter frequency and can literally feel it when you heal trauma.
To heal is to remember who you are. It’s your Divine Homecoming. Healing from the suffering of your trauma is a choice to become whole; to meet and embody all of who you are in your entiretyyour Self. You see when you choose to heal, you choose to love yourself enough (unconditionally) to navigate your way through the fire of your darkness, as well as your glory It’s the darkness that exposes the blessings of your light And although the experience of trauma is unique to everyone, there are a few common indicators that you’re on the mend.
2. You’re Softer.
You’re more vulnerable and transparent with your feelings, and you're open to allowing in and giving out more Love. It’s as if your heart has literally been cracked open! The way you feel and the way the energetic exchanges you share with others feel is clearly lighter than before You are also attracting new aligned relationships into your life– evidence of your imminent transformation.
3. You Have a NewFound Clarity.
You’re now able to see your trauma for the PURPOSE it holds. You understand that without these experiences you wouldn’t have the abundance of lessons and wisdom you now carry. You literally wouldn’t be WHO YOU ARE without your trauma You Know your experiences with suffering are your catalyst for wholeness and fulfilling your earthly mission now, rather than a crutch or wrong-doing
"Healing from the suffering of your trauma is a choice to become whole."
There’s no denying the healing journey is uncomfortable AF It’s raw and revealing. And it’s the greatest gift you can ever give yourself because the “rewards” your soul shall reap are truly infinite and evergiving. To dive deeper into your healing journey and uncover what’s next, follow me on social media and book a free connection call
4. You are no longer aligned with your former feelings of resentment or judgment. Because your energetic vibration is rising, you are aligning more and more with the energy of Divine Understanding. You literally don’t match the feelings you once felt while inside what I like to call your pain body because your consciousness is rising alongside your energy. This essentially wipes much of the lower frequency feelings out of your being and replaces them with Love and Compassion.
5. You’re in the Void. You’re lighter, you’re more optimistic andddd now what?! Feeling like you have no idea what comes next? Welcome to the VOID! I tell my clients the void is like the magical land of opportunities and abundance. Where anything and all things are possible. It can feel lonely, scary, exciting, and extremely creative while inside the void all at once. This is where you’ll hang out until you’ve fully “landed” This is where you hang out while your human Being is integrating with your soul Being.
6. You are Empowered. Ready to take on the world?! That’s because you’re in a space of healing or totally healed of a specific traumatic event! You feel safe to express yourself, are totally cool (and unapologetic) about creating boundaries for your best life, and view your experiences (traumatic or miraculously blessed) from a place of deep Compassion, Gratitude, and Purpose. You feel passionate and inspired to show up and serve others in some way for the better. You desire to impact others in a positive way through the POWER of your story
"The void is like the magical land of opportunities and abundance."
Idon’t have to tell you that our mental wellness affects everything we do, say and create in the world. It can drive us to become successful or unsuccessful It can also guide us into a state of happiness or unhappiness. It matters more than anything else we can imagine, including our work. The practice of mindfulness is a powerful tool that you can use to help you through life and help you create the balance, peace, and success that you desire. It’s a practice in which, if done consistently and effectively, will change your life dramatically.
I can reassure you that it’s not a religion nor does it follow any particular dogma or structured agenda It’s not sitting in a temple somewhere meditating for days on end. Mindfulness is simply a state of mind. It’s about embracing yourself for who you are, noticing yourself in a different light with love and compassion, and the intention of creating the person you truly want to be. Mindfulness will guide you to creating the balance and peace you wish to have in your heart so that you can exude that onto others and show up for those you love with more compassion and kindness. It’s about liberating yourself from what’s true in your heart and doing so without feelings of guilt, fear, disappointment, or judgment
Mindfulness is what already lives inside of you. It’s your own, innate power to succeed and thrive.
The power of your mindfulness practice can open you up to so much abundance not just in your personal life but in your professional life as well. You can create an environment where people are happy and trusting in what they do It can design a whole new sense of community where everyone works together in harmony and communicates more effectively and clearly.
Implementing mindfulness practices in the workplace can be beneficial in that it brings forth a new awareness of how you envision your goals and how you see it getting done, in turn opening the space for true innovation and communal balance. When people are happy and trusting of who they work for and feel safe as team players then the work gets done more efficiently and the team support becomes that much stronger
Not to say that everything will be sweet and always run smoothly, of course, business doesn’t work that way. There will be difficult periods, however when the business is held with mindful ideals and a team who works effectively together, then you will have the tools and power to move through it with a lot more grace and ease. Life is meant to challenge us, and mindfulness is there to back us up through the struggles
This power and liberation come from the leader, you. You are the one to lead with mindfulness and exercise the ideas around it through to your creations and ultimately your business Lead by example with confidence, honesty, and compassion. If you struggle to lead in such a way, then you know it’s time to tap into your inner power and resurface your motivation and passion to thrive
You can also make space for the dreams of your employees. Allow them to share their hopes and dreams whether it’s once a week or once a month Keeping this line of communication open to your team and being supportive will only improve the trust and power in which they give back to you through their work and dedication to your dream (your business) Team players will come and go, and that’s OK This is part of building your empire and creating the balance you wish to have.
Accepting the fact that your dream may not be another’s and that their time with you and your business may be cut short, for whatever reason, you will both learn what this time has meant to you and how it has changed your awareness. Holding gratitude for this learning process will propel you to move forward with more compassion and hold the space for even more abundance.
One way you can implement mindfulness in your business is to bring your awareness to what you truly want and how you see your business functioning and thriving through the future. When you revisit your passion and why you’re creating what’s in front of you, you will then be able to extend this passion and energy to those you bring on board to help you. Remember, your business is also personal and it’s important to allow your heart to guide you and keep you engaged with your professional endeavors. This will automatically show up to the people you work with, and it will create the holistic environment in which you want to create
Easier said than done? Perhaps! This is why mindfulness is called a practice. The most important thing to remember is that every moment, and new day, brings a new opportunity to set those intentions and invite more balance and clarity around how you see your business growing and nourishing your mental wellness at the same time. If you aren’t at peace within, then your business will suffer as well. If you would like to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact me I’m always happy to connect, listen to what your heart desires, and guide you to attaining what’s true in your heart! Be well
mindfuljourneys mindfuljourneytofreedom com
"Life is meant to challenge us, and mindfulness is there to back us up through the struggles.”Angelic Ingram is a holistic health practitioner, mindfulness coach, author, and thought leader from San Diego, Ca She is also a volunteer with the Myositis Support & Understanding organization where she leads mindfulness courses and helps advocate for autoimmune disease Angelic launched her business 'A Mindful Journey to Freedom' in London, UK Angelic Ingram
othing succeeds like success, and indeed it is a phrase that many ambitious women would love to live by, every day. A major challenge for many ambitious women is the struggle to define and live by their own brand of success, as many of us imbibe the rules of success from our families, societies, and immediate environment Success, however, is more individualistic and is best sustained when it truly aligns with one’s authentic values and energy. Success is a byproduct of self-belief, and for many women, our success beliefs may be rooted in fear, lack, scarcity, and comparison Unless, these sub-conscious belief patterns and addressed, there is always a chance that success may be short-lived or unsustainable. As we step into 2023, with a tank full of new energy, dreams, and goals, it is a wise idea to sit down and define what success means, feels, and looks like to us, minus the lens of conformity
1 - Examine your core success models: Take some time and do the deep-level selfreflection work This means examining the basic belief system that drives your success parameters in life. What is the successful environment that you grew up in? How do you deal with failures and mistakes? For most of us, money is the biggest success indicator, though many of us struggle with our relationship with money and how we value ourselves. Allowing yourself a nonjudgmental self-examination of your success references will help you know how you view success and how it is showing up in your life at present.
2 - Write down your success values: Success needs to be sustained on the rocksolid bed of one’s values It is hard to keep up with the definition of success that is not self-determined or defined. A pro tip is to jot down what success truly means to you, in terms of personal values Money is an important byproduct of success, yes; but how your wealth is aligned with your values is the cornerstone of it lasting in your life. Having value-driven success means it is easier to say no to things that can zap our energy As we step into 2023, it would be best to know what values drive our success.
For many women, career choices, ambition, and outlook is determined by social norms. It is okay to realise that sometimes, our choices may not have reflected our true selves. Take the lessons and the learning, and start making more defined choices in the present and for the future. It is easier to drop into extreme self-criticism in hindsight but knows that at times, you have done the best that you could. It is time to move forward with awareness and selfcompassion
4
Changing and stepping into new success is not an easy path Growth is always nonlinear, so make peace with the ups and downs that will come your way. There will be peaks and troughs, the only way is to keep moving consistently forward. Align yourself to small success steps, which will add to bigger compounded results Our belief systems are subconscious, and changing long-held belief systems take time, courage, and patience.
The best success is one that you can feel, and have results to account for As you begin aligning your new success beliefs, keep a track of your new actions. Having an action tracker helps to maintain consistency, keep overwhelmed at bay and celebrate small milestones
The best way to stay on course is to look around and get inspired by like-minded individuals. There are plenty of people who have managed to chart their own individual careers, successfully, so look around for those vibes to keep you on the course!
Matuli Madhusmita Swain is an actress, author, speaker, life coach, marketing and communications expert with over 14 years experience working with leading hospitality brands, advertising companies and social development sector in India Today, she helps business owners create simple and strategic marketing initiatives that help them scale up their business goals and find their individual media voices.
Matuli Madhusmita Swain
"Align yourself to small success steps, which will add to bigger compounded results.”
Women in Business Club is a supportive community for female entrepreneurs looking to build a successful business online. With over 70+ hours of training, accountability & support this is the best investment you will ever make.
Using hitting rock bottom as a catalyst is how to create your best life. It is human nature to feel safe, preferring to do what is easy with the least resistance Getting out of our comfort zone can be complicated and scary. Hitting rock bottom can be more frightening and therefore be the fuel to push you to do something more terrifying than change
I hit rock bottom twice, once in my late 40s, waking up wondering what my life's purpose is. I was childless with a loving partner, a promising career, and great friends, but I felt like I had made the wrong turn in life Being diagnosed with cancer 18 months ago could have kicked the wind out of my sails. Luckily after many years of self-development, I had many tools to help me through the scary changes
"Hitting rock bottom is like being woken by your alarm in the middle of a nightmare; it's scary, but you have had an awakening and an opportunity to level up. "
Hitting rock bottom produces emotional pain, which can be the motivation that has been missing Rock bottom provides an awakening where you realize that you can't deal with the pain. Pain is often the inspiration where we are inspired to push away from the pain, discovering things have to change After all, nothing changes if nothing changes.
Change means learning a new way of thinking which involves getting out of our comfort zone We must let go of the old so the new can appear. To be successful, we need to do a flip, run away from the negative and the pain, and run towards a new positive goal; otherwise, once we are no longer in pain, we will return to our comfort zone
One of the critical benefits of hitting rock bottom is that it forces us to confront our problems head-on We can no longer ignore the issues holding us back and take responsibility for our actions and choices, even if they are scary and uncomfortable Getting uncomfortable is where the magic happens.
Another advantage of hitting rock bottom is that it often inspires us to seek help and support from others Whether reaching out to friends, family, or professionals, seeking assistance and guidance can provide valuable perspective and insight into our problems. It can also give a sense of community and belonging, which can be incredibly beneficial during a difficult time
It is critical that once we have faced our problems and sought help, we must take action to create a better life for ourselves.
1 - Making difficult but necessary changes, such as leaving an unhealthy relationship.
2 - Quitting a job that makes us miserable.
3 - Seeking addiction treatment.
4 - It may also involve setting new goals and working towards them, such as going back to school, starting a new career, or pursuing a hobby or passion.
5 - Take responsibility, avoid blame mode, and leave the self-pity party. >>
"It is critical that once we have faced our problems and sought help, we must take action to create a better life for ourselves."
"To be successful, we need to do a flip, run away from the negative and the pain, and run towards a new positive goal."
Fear of failure, rejection, and the unknown can all hold us back from taking risks and trying new things. It is essential to recognize that these fears are normal and understandable, but they should not prevent us from taking action As long as you have taken the time to heal from traumas, pushing through those fears will be easier.
The key to using hitting rock bottom as a catalyst for change is to remember that it's not about dwelling on the past or feeling guilty about our mistakes. It's about taking responsibility for our actions, seeking help and support, and creating a better future for ourselves It's about turning a negative experience into a positive one by using it as an opportunity for growth and self-improvement.
By facing our problems head-on, seeking help and support, and taking action to create a better life, we can turn a negative experience into a positive one and make our best life. Remember, every obstacle is an opportunity for growth, and hitting rock bottom is no exception
Success is not only about achieving specific goals or milestones but also about learning and growing from our experiences. Failure is an integral part of this process; it can teach us valuable lessons that can help us to become more resilient and feel accomplished in the long run.
Karyn works with clients one-on-one in a program where she helps them confidently progress toward their goals Contact Karyn today if you are looking for a professional to help you. If you're interested in now learning more about this process, click here to schedule a call with Karyn
Karyn is a qualified CPA Accountant with an extensive corporate career and many therapeutic qualifications As an Empowerment Coach, Karyn founded GoodnessMeAlternative, finding her passion for empowering women to overcome the secret fears and beliefs that hold them back from finding balance in life and feeling peace in their hearts and minds.
" Success is not only about achieving specific goals or milestones but also about learning and growing from our experiences."
LISTEN TO THE PODCASTS HERE
WHEN IT COMES TO SALARIES, STUDIES SHOW THAT ON AVERAGE WOMEN EARN ABOUT 83 CENTS FOR EVERY DOLLAR MEN EARN. GENDER DIFFERENCES IN NEGOTIATING STARTING SALARIES ARE CONSIDERED ONE OF THE LARGEST CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE
In attempts to create a level playing field, the focus has been on encouraging women to be more assertive in negotiating salaries Workshops, summits, and conferences on the art of negotiation for women have become quite popular. However, research shows that the gender pay gap has nothing to do with skills and everything to do with the fear women have of backlash as a result of deeply engrained societal norms related to women being helpful, passive, and accommodating.
A 2020 Harvard Law School Report, Counteracting Negotiation Biases Like Race and Gender in the Workplace states, “Men, by contrast, generally can negotiate for higher pay without fearing a backlash because such behavior is consistent with the stereotype of men as assertive, bold and self-interested.”
by Sheba Wilson
In a Glassdoor Economic Research Report, 32% of women reported that they did not negotiate their salaries Here are the reasons they cited for not negotiating:
Fear of being denied - 34%
Fear of losing their job - 27%
Not having enough information about fair market compensation for their role -
25%
Not knowing how to negotiate - 25%
The potential for a negative impact on my future career opportunities (e g , not getting assigned to key accounts / projects) - 22%
The potential impact on my relationships with coworkers - 12%
In a recent Glassdoor Harris Survey of Employed Women, 63% revealed that they believe the great resignation provided more leverage for them to negotiate their compensation. 50% of women surveyed said they negotiated beyond pay for flexible work hours after their initial job offers
As employers face the challenge of talent retention, they are more inclined to offer great candidates higher salaries and benefits packages in order to attract the right people. Now is as good a time as any to strengthen your negotiation skills and ask for what you are worth in the job market Here are some negotiation tips to help you make that ask and get what you are worth!
Get to know the salary trends for your industry so that you are equipped to negotiate effectively. Research shows that women are more successful in negotiating salaries when they have adequate information on salary ranges for the role. Use sites like https://salary com or www salaryexpert com to research compensation for your industry or role
What is it that sets you apart from the competition? You must be able to clearly articulate the benefits you bring to your employer and how you solve their customers’ needs. Additionally, you must be able to give solid examples of your skills and expertise as well as the success you brought to your current role/organization in order to convince potential employers that you are worth the additional investment.
Carefully review them and find comparable roles in other organizations to evaluate how the offer stacks up against your current compensation and any other opportunities you are considering.
Be sure to consider other benefits like bonuses, job perks, flexible time, and investment in your development during your employment; these hold significant value also.
Know the key points you will use to negotiate and practice your pitch with a trusted mentor or friend who can offer valuable feedback Presenting yourself as calm and confident is key to a successful salary negotiation. >>
"Now is as good a time as any to strengthen your negotiation skills."
As a senior human resources executive, I have seen how negotiations can go wrong. In addition to the tips to properly prepare yourself for effective negotiation, it is equally important that you avoid these salary negotiation mistakes
1 - Accepting an offer too quickly Even the best job offers should be reviewed carefully when you are in the mental space to properly assess and determine if indeed it is the best option for you This should be done in private without the pressure of a human resources director or future employer staring at you intensely waiting for a response. Thank him or her for the offer and ask them to allow you a day or two to consider it and respond.
2 - Revealing what you are willing to accept and make a salary pitch too early. Ideally, you should wait until you are the final candidate or you’ve been offered the role to have the salary discussion. Telling an employer too early what you will accept leaves you no room for negotiation. This can sometimes be difficult to avoid as some employers may request salary history or requirements at the application submission stage or in preliminary interviews. Being prepared with your response is key. Try to be as non-committal as possible; giving a wide salary range or stating that you are expecting competitive or fair compensation for the role is a better option than sharing numbers too early.
3 - Don’t fall into the Need/Greed trap. A common negotiation pitfall is candidates focusing on what they believe they need or deserve as a salary rather than strengthening their UVP and pitching the value they bring to the organization or potential employer. Don’t make your salary negotiation about your personal expenses or needs, focus on your value, and what makes you worth the employer’s investment
4 - Making too many counteroffers. If you are offered the role and the employer and position are a great fit but you are unsatisfied with the compensation, making a counteroffer is wise However, be sure to properly assess the offer and pick out the one or two important elements you need to address. You shouldn’t counter every aspect of the job offer Be sure to make one solid counteroffer and not have a back-and-forth battle as this can lead to the offer being rescinded.
I hope this has been helpful to you. If you are struggling to negotiate your salary, I am here to help. Reach out and let’s get you on the path to successfully negotiating your worth
Sheba Wilson is the Bestselling Author of the book, Get Up & LEADLive Everyday Above Defeat She is also the CEO of Sheba Wilson Consultancy LLC and Sheba Wilson Training Ltd, providing human resources solutions, consultancy, leadership development, executive coaching, and corporate training services. She is also the founder of She LEAD HR Solutions, providing streamlined and automated applicant tracking software for recruitment and onboarding employees
shebalwilson
shebawilson com
Sheba Wilson
Nobody sits us down and teaches us how to love So we’re often thrown into relationships with nothing but romance movies and pop culture to help us muddle through Until now Instead of presenting love as an ethereal concept or a collection of cliches, Jay Shetty lays out specific, actionable steps to help you develop the skills to practice and nurture love better than ever before He shares insights on how to win or lose together, how to define love, and why you don’t break in a break-up
by Mel Robbins
Don't let the title fool you. This isn't a book about high fiving everyone else in your life You're already doing that Cheering for your favorite teams Celebrating your friends Supporting the people you love as they go after what they want in life Imagine if you gave that same love and encouragement to yourself. Or even better, you made it a daily habit.
Finding Me is the deeply personal, brutally honest account of Viola's inspiring life, from her coming of age in Rhode Island to her present-day career In her book, you will meet a little girl named Viola who ran from her past until she made a life-changing decision to stop running forever This is her story, from a crumbling apartment in Central Falls, Rhode Island, to the stage in New York City, and beyond. This is the path she took to finding her purpose and strength, but also to finding her voice in a world that didn't always see her
If you’re anything like me, you become an entrepreneur to have more freedom and flexibility, both with your calendar and with your finances. I see so many women who have built their businesses and figured out how to get clients, only to realize that their job as an entrepreneur is more constraining than the job they left for their “freedom.” And, if they love it, it becomes even more confusing because the body feels the results of overworking, even if the mind doesn’t.
In fact, if you’re reading this right now on your couch with your laptop, trying to relax and work at the same time, I see you. Know that you are not alone.
A May 2022 article in Forbes states that 92 percent of small business owners have experienced mental health problems over the last several years. Few took time off during the pandemic, and stress and financial pressures took a toll More here.
The core issues here, of course, extend beyond entrepreneurs. According to the latest Gallup polls, 67% of employees are not thriving in their overall well-being, with stress and anger topping the list of challenges in the workplace More here
Understanding this is important to those of us who are managing teams. It’s not just our satisfaction and balance that’s on the line; the way our employees engage is crucial to our success as well.
by Laura Foster"92 percent of small business owners have experienced mental health problems over the last several years. "
So, what can be done? Through my work with executive leaders and entrepreneurs, I’ve discovered three keys to finding more balance, satisfaction, and engagement, both in yourself and in your teams.
I’ve spoken with so many people who have never considered what their priorities are in life When questioned, many immediately put family in the number one spot. Work is usually in second or third place. Yet, when they look at how they spend their time, they find that work takes more time than all their other priorities combined.
Something else to consider is- where are YOU on the list? I argue that we should all be first on our own lists. If we don’t take care of ourselves, we can't be our best at work or with our families
Slowing down and deciding what is important in your life is essential Once this is established, you can start to make decisions that will support your priorities and your own well-being.
Take ownership of your thinking, behaviors, and actions at work.
One way we disempower ourselves at work is by blaming others for our circumstances. This could look like pointing a finger at a client who wasn’t clear with their scope of work or berating an employee who missed a deadline The key questions to ask yourself in situations like these are-
What do I get out of blaming someone else for this?
What is my responsibility in this scenario?
What could I have done differently to achieve the outcome I wanted?
In the examples above, your reflection and learning from these situations could look like
I see that I rushed the process with this client. I could have asked for more clarity.
I wasn’t clear with this employee about the hard stop on this deadline. I also didn’t check in on their work to confirm it would be done on time I could have communicated more thoroughly
When we slow down and start taking responsibility for the things that happen in our work, our work tends to become much easier and more satisfying. >>
"If we don’t take care of ourselves, we can't be our best at work or with our families."
One of the best investments you can make to ensure the success of you and your team is to invest in support. By support, I don’t just mean bringing in a motivational speaker or throwing a holiday party Hire a coach for yourself to support you in your leadership Take your team offsite and bring in a facilitator to work with you on communication skills and priorities.
A recent paper published by Emerald Insight states that 95% of people who had been coached in the workplace saw an improvement in psychological well-being and reported increases in general perceived efficacy and goal attainment.
I understand that slowing down to take these actions requires commitment In my experience, it will be time well spent If you’d like to learn more, connect with me on my website here. I’m diving more deeply into all of this in my talk at The Women Thrive Summit. Learn more and sign u h
As a Life and Leadership Coach for Entrepreneurs and Executives, Laura works with creative leaders who are eager to change their relationships with their work and their lives She spent over 25 years in corporations as a creative professional, and she founded several companies, including a nonprofit in Ethiopia Laura holds a Master’s Degree in Spiritual Psychology and has over 20 years of experience speaking, leading workshops, and facilitating groups inside and outside of organizations In addition to her private client work, Laura speaks and runs group coaching programs for women and leaders
"Hire a coach for yourself to support you in your leadership"
Chanty is both a business app and a team chat app that lets you communicate and collaborate with your team with ease Get in touch with them using text and voice messages or make audio and video calls Share your screen and communicate one-on-one or through public channels. Besides communication, you can manage your projects by turning messages into tasks. Assign those tasks to your team and set deadlines so you can manage your work from Chanty
Finally, you can see everything in one place: your Teambook This is your central communication hub that stores all of your contacts, messages, tasks, files, and much more.
The professional coaching platform to help you deliver transformational results for your clients and team members
It makes it incredibly easy to deliver coaching services and group programs in an easy-to-customise client dashboard, thus creating a seamless and engaging client experience This tool makes it easy to manage all of your deliverable content, help clients with their milestones, create tasks, and meetings schedule, add additional resources and ensure that your coaching clients are engaged in the process
10to8 has a feature, Meeting Scheduling Software, built to help remote teams connect and organize meetings, like daily calls, virtual coffees, crossdepartment meetings, and more. And if teams spread among many time zones, there is a timezone management feature so managers are not stuck calculating the differing hours. There is also a native Zoom Video integration that allows users to manage video calls easily
If this describes you, you're not alone. One of the biggest mistakes we can make as entrepreneurs is positioning ourselves to work reactively versus proactively Doing this makes our work harder, more stressful, and overwhelming. We create an unhealthy culture when we work reactively.
While we don't do it intentionally, it's easy to get caught up in a cycle that keeps us spinning in circles instead of being thoughtful and strategic to ensure our energy is focused on our business goals and growing our business
How many of you find yourself regularly putting out daily fires with shortterm bandaids that don't support your long-term goals?
Successful entrepreneurs are generally proactive leaders who focus on the bigger picture. They are 2-3 moves ahead, anticipating issues and actively seeking longterm solutions before those issues happen They plan for and adapt to all aspects of lifepositive and negative - no matter how or when they occur.
Reactive leaders are the exact opposite of proactive leaders They typically adopt more of a wait-and-see approach. They avoid anticipating problems until they have no choice but to address them because the problem is staring them in the face and causing issues. The reactive approach results in more time, struggling to put out fires with one-off short-term solutions that don't support the bigger picture or longer-term goals.
You run the business. Your business runs you.
Set boundaries, only saying yes to things you are passionate about, bringing you one step closer to your goals
You set SMART goals for yourself (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely)
Lack of boundaries, you often overbook and say yes to too many things that distract you from reaching your goals
You routinely have vague priorities and tasks
Your to-do list is thoughtful and deliberate. It focuses on a few key priorities. Your to-do list manages you.
You have a system that provides reminders, and designated priorities on your calendar to ensure you stay on track and hit your deadlines.
Regularly use a calendar to block time for key tasks to ensure time is allocated for important priorities
Careful use of time management to focus your time on things that are important but not urgent.
So, what's the difference between a proactive versus a reactive entrepreneur? The table identifies key traits for a proactive versus a reactive style Ask yourself, are you proactively working smarter or reactively working harder? >>
You choose to only check email, voicemail, and social media at designated times to focus on more important priorities.
You give your team autonomy
You trust that they will do the job they were hired to do, and you delegate as much as possible
You typically work from memory.
Regularly avoid setting deadlines for tasks
Constantly put out fires with short-term solutions that don’t support longer-term goals.
You tend to have too many distractions going on, which keep you from focusing on your priorities and goals.
You don’t know how and when to delegate. You often think you are the only one who can do certain tasks.
"Successful entrepreneurs are generally proactive leaders who focus on the bigger picture."
So, now that you know your style, let’s talk about what a more proactive style can do for you and your business. When you take a proactive approach to business, you lead from strategy.
1 - Stability: Instead of responding to things as they happen, you have an eye on the future and a plan to prepare for the unexpected.
2 - Less stress: When you are prepared and anticipate challenges, you’re more flexible and better positioned to adapt, which naturally creates less stress.
3 - Greater control: When you’re proactive, you can take charge of your business and life and forge the path you want for the future
4 - More prepared: You’re less likely to get caught off guard. When you’re more prepared, you’re better able to navigate risk and turn challenges into opportunities
5 - Cost and time savings: Finding a solution after the fact is always more costly in terms of resources and time. When you anticipate a problem and put solutions in place proactively, you avoid the excess cost of resources and time
6 - Innovation: Forward-thinking positions your organization to lead the way in innovation.
7 - Flexibility. When you’re open to and flexible enough to adapt to change, your business is better positioned to pivot when necessary
8 - More insight: When you focus on improvement and evolution, you have more data and insight into your strengths and weaknesses and how to improve the weak areas.
9 - Future planning: You’re in control of your destiny and the roadmap to get you there
10 - Employee engagement: When employees are less stressed and know what to expect and how they fit into the bigger picture, they are happier, more productive, and more engaged.
"When you’re more prepared, you’re better able to navigate risk and turn challenges into opportunities."
But, it’s not always easy to move from a reactive to a more proactive mindset. Tips to proactively lead with strategy
1 - Have a proactive mindset: When you're focused on the future, you can better identify reactive thinking patterns and replace them with more proactive thinking
2 - Be accountable for your success: While you can't control every aspect of your business and life, you can be responsible for the parts that you do Focus on what you can do versus what others can do for you.
3 - Keep your eye on the big picture: Always know your priorities and have a roadmap to achieve your goals
4 - Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can't: When you focus on what you can control, you free yourself up to look toward the future. Letting go of what you can't control is also letting go of the stress and overwhelm
5 - Know your priorities: There is ONLY one of you. Avoid trying to do too many things. Limit yourself to focusing on a few significant priorities at a time that help you achieve your most important goals
6 - Have a plan AND a backup plan: While you can't predict the future, you can anticipate how market, industry, technology, or other changes might impact your business When you consider likely scenarios and have a plan, you're one step ahead of the competition.
7 - Be the one that makes it happen: You will get nowhere being a wallflower Take the initiative You may fail, but failure is an opportunity to learn, grow, try again and succeed.
8 - Remain flexible and ready: Things that are unexpected and beyond your control happen. When you have a proactive mindset, you automatically position yourself to look at things objectively, identify new opportunities and reposition your brand
9 - Know when to pivot: When businesses fail to evolve as the market changes, they get left behind. Keep your eye on your competitors, the market, new technologies, and industry trends to stay ahead of the curve
10 - Work smarter: Streamline your business operations, align your business and brand strategy, and integrate your marketing and communications to directly support you in achieving your business goals
When you proactively lead with strategy, you automatically begin to work smarter When you get down to business, you get back to living. The stress and overwhelm is gone; you’re working less, you’re happier, and your business becomes more efficient
Let’s face it, change can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s important to know that you DON’T HAVE TO GO IT ALONE.
The Business360 Method® can help Book a FREE Business360 Strategy Session to get started.
thebusiness360method
tammydrost.com
With 20+ years as a Business and Brand Strategist, Marketing Executive, Creative Director, and Head of Operations in agency, corporate, and non-profit environments, Tammy recognized that regardless of industry and asset size, each organization faced similar challenges Through a 360° approach, she implemented award-winning solutions for large, complex corporations and realized they could be tailored to small businesses.
"Always know your priorities and have a roadmap to achieve your goals."
This month is always special to the Women Thrive Media & Women in Business Community. We are a community of female entrepreneurs who see no boundaries for any woman no matter their background, skin color, or experiences. Together, we will break any glass ceiling above us and help other women do the same.
It is time for us to unite, empower each other, and create a positive global impact. It's time to build partnerships, alliances, and collaborations globally and locally whilst embracing our differences and working towards one common goal - to be an all-inclusive society and follow positive business practices.
Because everyone deserves a seat at the table.
No matter where you have come from, or the experiences you had in your life, you have every right to be where you are and to continue to climb and reach all your dreams.
"You see, our glorious diversity – our diversity of faiths, and colours and creeds – that is not a threat to who we are, it makes us who we are. " – Michelle Obama
