Written by: Julia Akinyooye RN MSN, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
As a nurse entrepreneur, I know first-hand how important it is to keep yourself accountable to achieve your entrepreneurial goals and become more self-aware. Whether your goal is to scale your business or live a quality and balanced life, self-awareness is essential to seeing these goals come to fruition. I had the pleasure of sitting down with a seasoned Licensed Social Worker, Serial Entrepreneur, CEO, and professional colleague to learn more about accomplishing entrepreneurial and personal goals and creating and sustaining change through journaling.
Hi Noderea! Can you tell us briefly about you, your credentials, about your organization, its history, mission, success thus far.
I am Noderea John, a licensed clinical social worker and an entrepreneur with two decades of experience in the field of social work. I am the founder and owner of three organizations: Creating Change Coaching LLC, North Node Therapy, and Creating Change Guided Journal LLC. Each of these organizations are dedicated to helping others improve their quality of life by helping people learn how to foster a healthier relationship with themselves.
So, tell us, how did it all begin?
In 2017 I worked as a psychotherapist for a Jewish organization. Although the organization served various communities, it notably created a safe haven for the Jewish community to address their mental health needs. While working there my experiences made me understand the importance of coaching to support change and so Creating Change Coaching LLC, was established in 2017. Creating Change Coaching LLC is a coaching practice that specializes in empowering women to manifest the life they desire through both group and one-on-one coaching sessions.
During the years I worked for that organization, I observed the genuine satisfaction and organic connection of my BIPOC clients when working with me. They were very transparent about how grateful they were to have found a Black therapist and some of them mentioned feeling more comfortable to share their stories without fear of judgment or being misunderstood. This realization motivated me to establish Noderea John LCSW PLLC, operating as North Node Therapy, in 2019. North Node Therapy was founded with the sole mission of providing a safe space for the BIPOC community to address their emotional and mental health concerns. North Node Therapy swiftly evolved from a solo endeavor to a group practice, offering employment and internship opportunities to clinicians who represent the community we serve. Today, we proudly serve our community daily, reaching individuals across the tri-state area through our telehealth practices.
Listening to my clients' challenges, I recognized the difficulty they faced in implementing the work we discussed during their sessions outside of our meetings. They often expressed that they found it easier to engage in self-improvement within the session because of the support and guidance I provided.
Determined to offer ongoing support, I launched Creating Change Guided Journal LLC in 2020. During the height of the pandemic, I created my first guided journal, incorporating exercises and tools that my clients found profoundly beneficial—a true game changer. My guided journal is designed to help users overcome self-sabotage, foster self-love, and cultivate self-awareness. I have since rebranded it as "Creating Change: A Guided Wellness Journal," enriching it with features such as adult coloring pages, journal prompts, positive affirmations, customizable coping plans, and so much more.
Tell us about the journal and who and what does it help solve?
While many of us are aware of the benefits of journal writing, it's common for people to feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to get started. “Creating Change: A Guided Wellness Journal” offers a perfect solution for those who are eager to embark on a journey of self-improvement but are unsure of where to begin. This journal alleviates the stress of figuring out where to start and what to write about.
This journal is brimming with exercises, prompts, and activities designed to guide users beyond the superficial layers of their thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. It has been thoughtfully created for individuals seeking to enhance their self-care, self-love, and self-awareness.
What inspired you to write this journal?
As a psychotherapist, there's something I don't always have the chance to openly express but deeply believe: my clients, in their own way, inspire and assist me as well. Indirectly, it was my clients who served as the catalyst for the creation of "Creating Change: A Guided Wellness Journal." I listened to their frequent remarks about the challenges of applying what we discussed outside of our sessions, and it prompted me to actively seek a solution to this dilemma. My goal was to make it as realistically achievable as possible for my clients to truly enhance their quality of life, by being able to work on themselves, both in and outside of our sessions.
What is one important tip or critical skill in the journal that will help your audience?
While many of us are aware of the benefits of journal writing, it's common for people to feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to get started. “Creating Change: A Guided Wellness Journal” offers a perfect solution for those who are eager to embark on a journey of self-improvement but are unsure of where to begin. This journal alleviates the stress of figuring out where to start and what to write about.
This journal is brimming with exercises, prompts, and activities designed to guide users beyond the superficial layers of their thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. It has been thoughtfully created for individuals seeking to enhance their self-care, self-love, and self-awareness.
What are two or three pieces of advice you would offer to a prospective client or someone struggling with change?
I would provide three essential pieces of advice to individuals facing challenges with change:
Prioritize Self-Commitment: Understand that honoring the promises you make to yourself is a profound act of self-love and self-respect. When you create a life where your words align with your actions, you'll take yourself more seriously and pave the way for achieving your goals.
Embrace the Challenges: Recognize that change is a demanding process, and setbacks and failures are a natural part of growth. Practice patience and extend self-compassion during these moments. Each time you encounter a setback, use it as an opportunity for self-reflection, learning, and applying newfound knowledge to your journey. Armed with this wisdom, make another attempt with a stronger foundation.
Cultivate Discipline: Understand that motivation may not always be readily available when you're working on personal change. Therefore, discipline becomes crucial in your transformational journey. Discipline will help you stay consistent and committed, even when the initial enthusiasm wavers.
Who is Noderea other than a clinician and CEO?
Beyond my professional pursuits, I am a devoted wife and mother. I cherish moments spent with my family, extended relatives, and friends. I am a staunch advocate for self-care, dedicating time to relaxation, exercise, shopping, and other pleasurable activities that nurture my well-being.
Do you have a life motto or a favorite quote?
Yes, I have two quotes that resonate with me and are often a part of my conversations. The first is William Shakespeare's, "To thine own self be true." The second quote is by Arthur D. Hlavaty states, "the first secret to getting what you want is knowing what you want." Both of these quotes align with my personal belief system, emphasizing the importance of developing a healthy relationship with oneself to attain the life you genuinely desire. I firmly believe that to nurture your relationship with yourself, you must begin by being honest with yourself about your true desires.
What’s your “go to” song that always gets you in a good head space?
One of my favorite genres of music is Soca music. It really picks me up and fills me with great energy. “Cheers to Life” by Voice is one of my go to songs. Everything about the song from the rhythm to the lyrics is very upbeat and jovial. This song sings about being grateful for life just because I woke up another day, which is similar to how I choose to live my life. I take the time to express gratitude every chance I get.
Before we conclude this interview with two of my favorite questions, tell everyone where they can find you, and where they can purchase the journal.
Sure, you can connect with me and find daily motivation on Instagram by following @northnodetherapy and @ccgj on TikTok and to and purchase the guided journal: visit the website.
Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Youtube, or visit my website for more info!
Julia Akinyooye RN MSN, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Julia Akinyooye is the Chief Operating Officer at Emmanuel Consulting Agency Inc, a premium home care business consulting firm based in New York. Julia is a masters prepared professional Registered Nurse with over 15 years of experience serving the home care community as an operational consultant, former homecare business owner, & serial entrepreneur. Her mission is to provide homecare entrepreneurs, start-ups, & established businesses with premium training & education to ensure compliance with state regulations. She has developed & implemented frameworks & strategies to set owners up for success through hands-on execution of all necessary business tools to ensure a seamless & efficient run of business.
