Written by: Marli Luyt, 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. We no longer define success only by external, material evidence. These days, success is a quality, an aura that certain people seem to possess. It may seem that some people are naturally blessed with it, but it is a skill that everyone can develop. Redefining Success We have traditionally been taught that success comes from doing. But to truly become a leader in all aspects of our life, the focus should be on who we are being. Everything starts with our relationship with ourselves. Living our purpose and being who we were created to be. Changing our perspective on who we are ‒ and what we are capable of – allows us to create a whole new way of interacting with the world. One that gives us a solid foundation for our future and lets us set powerful goals. We are so used to doing things for external approval and validation. But the goals we set to fulfill others’ expectations will always leave us feeling empty. Instead, success becomes inevitable when we set goals for our own fulfillment. Because achieving success is all about fulfillment. No matter what our goals are, or who we are, all we want is to be happy. The ultimate aim is to reach the end of our life, feeling like we mattered, and that we fulfilled our potential. And to have some fun in the process! Your desires are your Divine GPS. It is your inner guidance system ‒ your job is to follow this guidance and release any self-doubt. How do you do that? Here are the 3 key traits that will change how you perceive success: 1. Authenticity Authentic people know exactly who they are and who they are not. We have been conditioned through our past to hold certain beliefs about ourselves. These usually stem from our childhood experiences, environment, and the people around us. But in 99% of circumstances, it does not reflect our true gifts and talents. Authenticity requires that we take off this false identity that we have been wearing. The mask that we put on to hide our insecurities. The little subconscious stories we told to keep ourselves safe. We get to release all the old coping mechanisms which helped us in the past but are limiting us now. As we uncover all these hidden beliefs and behaviours that are not our own, we discover our own truths. This alignment with our inner selves allows us to start making new choices that are in our best interest. In this, we develop self-trust, self-love, and self-confidence. It is the greatest gift you can give yourself, so if you need permission to start this journey, consider this your sign. “Be who you were created to be, and you will set the world on fire” – St Catherine of Sienna 2. Clarity There is a quiet certainty, a deep soul-level knowing when you are on the right path. When we see the bigger picture of where we are supposed to be going, we can recognize that the mistakes that we have made in the past are part of the process. We can learn from the experience and leave those issues in the past where they belong. Now you are free to act in alignment with where you are heading. It may include introducing new boundaries with people who devalue you, making better choices in how you look after yourself physically, or recognising and overcoming patterns where you self-sabotage. Incorporating these new practices is critical to our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. They allow us to remove anything that no longer serves us and to embody who we need to become. It also provides the energetic stillness required so that we can attune ourselves to the frequency of our goals. 3. Dedication Finally, success doesn’t come for free. Successful people know that they have to keep going in the direction of their goals, despite setbacks and roadblocks. They know these are just steps they have to move through and overcome to get where they want to be. Anything in us that is not a match to our goals will come up as obstacles to clear before we can move forward. However, most people see these roadblocks as denials and give up on their goals. We justify giving up by saying: "It is clearly not meant for me". Nothing is further from the truth! You can achieve anything that you can imagine. In fact, you would not even have the desire if your inner self knew it was not achievable. Any blockage is merely a sign of an alignment that needs to happen for you to match the outcome you seek. Forming a new perception All this may seem easier said than done. You have spent decades growing, nurturing, and developing your identity. It may seem impossible to break out of everything you know. But, your soul left many clues that can guide you on the path. The Universal Law of Response states: “Ask and you shall Receive”. All that is required is for you to be willing to be shown the answer. Who knows what you might learn about yourself? Who you might become? And who knows what you might achieve. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Marli! Marli Luyt, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Marli Luyt is a pioneer in energy healing, and she helps female changemakers to be happy, healthy, and wealthy. After a profound spiritual awakening 20 years ago, Marli dedicated her life to embodying unconditional love. This resulted in a journey of self-discovery, alignment and self-mastery, and she left behind her successful decades long banking career to pursue her soul purpose. Now she helps her clients heal from limiting patterns of thoughts and behaviour, using her intuitive gifts and cutting-edge spiritual techniques. Marli’s gift is her ability to identify her clients' unique talents, and to help them achieve their full potential by aligning to the frequencies of clarity, joy, peace, and abundance.

Written by: Amanda Whitehead, 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. Is your body in an acidic state or an alkaline state? Here is why I ask this question. In the society we live in, it’s quite a challenge to keep our body in an alkaline state, which helps our body and mind be balanced and aligned, as well as our gut health to be strong and healthy too. However over the Christmas period we tell ourselves it is ok to indulge in highly processed packaged foods or take aways, sweet treats like chocolate and cakes and there is usually lots of alcohol involved too. Throughout the year we often tell ourselves we are struggling for time or can’t be bothered, so don’t plan what we are going to choose to eat or drink or plan our day. When celebrations like Christmas come around, we give ourselves the excuse that “it’s Christmas” so it’s OK. We also stay up late and get up early and eat on the go or at least choose convenience foods like toast or cereal to start our day. For lunches and dinner the choices might be sandwiches, fast foods or take aways (which include ready meals from the supermarket) or chocolate bars, cakes, coffee and alcohol to soothe after a “hard day”. We don’t talk to ourselves in a very nice way and are far too judgemental. Stress levels are high and we don’t sleep properly. I have been here myself. Does this sound familiar to you too? All of the above factors put your body in to an acidic state, which feeds inflammation and breeds disease and illness. It keeps your blood sugars unstable and your hormones unbalanced too, which often has your body and mind screaming out for help by making you experience symptoms like: Anxiety Insomnia Weight gain or loss Mood swings Fatigue Brain Fog Digestive issues Heart burn Skin breakouts like Acne, psoriasis and eczema Aching muscles and joints Dr. Mark Hyman said: “The simple truth is that we are living in a sea of toxins and it is destroying our bodies and our brains”. Here are a few tips you can introduce today that will help to put your body and mind in an alkaline state that will help Balance your blood sugars Boost energy Help you sleep Improve your focus Regulate your hormones Improve your mood Lower stress levels Improve your digestion Start your day thinking of 5-10 things you are grateful for and write them down. Sit in silence for minutes and take a few deep breaths. Do some squats or lunges whilst cleaning your teeth. Start your day with a protein shake which is great on the go and add things like berries, Avacado, banana, spinach, nuts & seeds. Or a bowl of porridge with a sliced banana and a sprinkling of cinnamon powder. Include lots of fresh fruit and vegetables like citrus fruits (lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges) leafy greens like spinach, broccoli, carrots and avocado. Nuts, seeds, herbs and spices and healthy fats like fish in your daily eating routine with as much variety as possible. The more colours you are choosing the more nutrients you are flooding your body with. Swap your vegetable and seed oils for a good quality olive oil (which should look green in colour) and coconut oil. If you do enjoy chocolate, choose a good quality dark chocolate of at least 80%. This is a healthier option and contains antioxidants. Check the ingredients too. I always advise my clients that if there are more than seven ingredients on the list, you shouldn’t consume it, as it’s not real food, and anything you can’t pronounce is probably chemicals that preserve the product. Most chocolate bars don’t actually contain much chocolate at all and contribute to your body being in an acidic state. Focus on hydrating your body with water that is plain or infused with fresh fruit and herbs like mint or basil. Herbal teas, kombucha and if you enjoy coffee, choose a good quality one and have before noon. Did you know that caffeine can stay in your system for up to 12 hours after consuming it? This may Interrupt the quality of your sleep. Listen to postive podcasts or audiobooks whilst driving or doing chores. Think of one thing you are grateful for before going to sleep at the end of your day All of the above will help keep your stress levels healthy and your body in an alkaline state. As Hippocrates said... “All diseases begin in the gut. Let food be thy medicine” So what choices are you making right now? What food are you choosing to nourish your body inside, but who are you listening to and how do you speak to yourself. Is your environment negative or positive? Are they serving you and fuelling your body and mind in the right way? All of the above play a role in keeping you balanced in all areas of your being. Mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. The choices you make today don’t only contribute to how you feel now, they have a huge impact on your health and well-being in 10-15 years time. Take a look at my website and see how we can work together if you are struggling and just need some guidance and support. Amanda Whitehead ‒ The Wellness Network. www.purposefullynourished.com Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Amanda! Amanda Whitehead, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Amanda Whitehead is a Holistic Health and Nutrition Coach. After reversing her own lifestyle illnesses, which were irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid imbalances, and a sluggish liver, she has supported and educated hundreds of women to understand how their body functions, the importance of nutrition, and a healthy mindset. Creating a healthy and sustainable lifestyle and empowering them to become an expert in their unique selves. This has enabled them to heal from issues like anxiety and depression, gut health and digestive issues, reversing diabetes type two as well as helping to heal skin conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis too. Her mission is to change the way mental health is approached and see the person as a whole, mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual being. She is the proud founder of Purposefully Nourished, a system used to educate her clients on the mind, body, skin, and gut connection, a one-to-one program that achieves life-changing results and a sustainable way of living.

Kimberley Shamtally, Entrepreneur, author, and Physical therapist. Leader in identifying patterns of muscle behaviour, experienced through trauma. Kimberley’s son, diagnosed with a brain tumour, experienced Posterior Fossa Syndrome after surgery. She helped him to create new neural pathways to use all his muscles again. With life experience documenting the ongoing recovery came the vision to help heal others by launching Muscle Mechanics Balms. The cooperation of nature and self-healing. Giving up is not an option when young lives are depending on you, Kimberley strives to improve resilience against adversity through invention. Kimberley Shamtally, Entrepreneur, Author and Physical Therapist Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better. Hi, I am Kimberley Shamtally. A high energy Mother to three children, one of whom has a range of physical needs that require my one-to-one attention. I am also a business owner and creator of Muscle Mechanics Balms. When people say you are an entrepreneur, it does not really hit me until I realise the number of projects and ideas I am spinning at the same time. That, that is what an entrepreneur successfully manages to accomplish. Being a keen writer, I am about to publish my son’s recovery journey. This is the culmination of around five years of hard, punishing and at times, heartbreaking work. Throughout these difficult periods of my life with my children it has given me the confidence to find ways through the challenges we face. Life within my household is a complex combination of schedules, meetings football and dance shows. But we all manage to find time to be together in the evening. This may include having a digital break from my work to set the example to the children that we do have a life outside of social media and computers. I have a real love of nature and enjoy running in the woods, feeling that fresh air on my face and the smell of autumn leaves. There is something comforting about taking a walk around the country parks or going to the beach on those lazy weekends during the summer. Working out in the gym or at home gives me a sense of calmness when my days are full of meetings and spreadsheets. Enjoying my connection to nature formed the basis of my company Muscle Mechanics Balms. What is your business name and how do you help your clients? My business, Muscle Mechanics Balms, helps people find that inner peace during chaotic times, of recovery from a sporting injury or the sadness of grief. Each client can present as healthy, but they may have a reoccurring pain that never seems to go away. If this affects them physically, I enjoy investigating the root cause of this to establish a better way of moving so they can go on and enjoy the sport they love or a favourite hobby. Showing that clients can find another way to deal with pain helps them to move forward and change their lives to become more in tune with themselves then the outside world. With so many options and opinions of how we should live our lives, I take a different approach and ask them what do they want? What would make the biggest impact if they could move better? Then I listen and wait. This can take clients a while to understand that I am not here to enforce a way of living but to understand them. Giving them the chance to be listened to, is immensely powerful and sometimes tears will fall but this is all part of clearing the suppressed feelings we can all hold inside. Who inspires you to be the best that you can be? My inspiration to be the best person I can be comes from my children. When I see those faces every morning and before they go to bed, I am incredibly grateful to have them in my life. I remember at one point both of my boys’ lives were in danger and imagining a life without them, I just simply could not comprehend that. Without sounding like a cliché, every facet of my personality is under evaluation and assessed to the maximum with their needs and especially my son Jenson’s rehabilitation needs. If I did not have a clue about something, I made it my mission to find out all that I could. I listen to Tony Robbins and find his approach to working through the yukky stuff in life works for me. Sometimes you need to face those areas head on and break each problem down by visualising a solution. Allowing that creativity to flow. David Goggin’s incredible way of optimising his body through the hardest physical challenges he can find, inspires me to keep going and to not get comfortable when you know deep down you want to do more but find excuses not to. Making the impossible, possible is a saying we love in our house. What is your work inspired by? Inspired by the beauty of the human body. How one system relies on another and the harmony that occurs to keep us in the right rhythm with the activity we are involved in. When we run and it becomes effortless, each muscle, tendon and ligament form a perfect relationship to release that raw speed and power. The endurance that our skin takes when we prepare for motherhood. How we evolve as we train to become an athlete of our own life. Seeing food as our medicine to fuel for the day, clearing all that brain fog that comes with the relentless stress of our environment that we live in. Acknowledging a series of patterns that facilitate movement and how we programme ourselves on an individual basis, we can affect change anytime we want. This is the best part of my work, showing individuals that they can achieve what they desire so long as they know what it is that they want. Science and medicine are interests of mine and I like to read latest research and innovations projects to help my clients achieve a better outcomes. Tell us about your greatest career achievement so far. This year Muscle Mechanics has achieved a special recognition from The Federation of Holistic Therapists. This felt like we had finally arrived as a service that is valued for the volunteering and challenging work that goes into educating others about alternative therapies. We came runner-up at The Business Success Recognition Awards within the Overcoming Adversity category. As a full-time carer to my son, that continues to recover from a brain tumour diagnosis in 2017, this nomination gave me the chance to show that carers can have financial turmoil and restriction to how they earn but with the right team around them they can go on to build sustainable businesses that give their loved ones the support they need. Sometimes we must generate a new pathway to succeed and through the toughest challenges, we show of what we are capable. The biggest breakthrough achieving an editorial within Men’s Health Magazine. We wanted to build seriously as a family business, and with all our research into how our blends work and the sporting events that we had attended. This was a giant step in the right direction. My son’s use of all the balm products demonstrates how gentle and versatile the blend can be. He had a series of major operations and life-saving medical treatments, he was the right case study for this to become a go-to method of treating everyday aches and pains. Personally, I have achieved my running goals of completing a virtual London Marathon and seven half marathons using my blends within the recovery period. Assisting many more marathon runners at the national shows. Our aim is to help as many people as we can to feel better. Get a copy of my book ‒ click here. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Kimberley!

Mahji brings 20+ years of impactful Leadership and Transformational Change Experience. As a Certified Coach of Excellence, NLP practitioner, and Agile expert, she radiates empowerment, guiding individuals to break free from cycles, rewrite narratives, and reclaim personal power. Fuelled by her own journey, Mahji's "Inspire to Empower" philosophy leads people towards an energized, fearless, and purposeful life, while her empathic and impactful coaching style, coupled with practical tools, achieves transformative positive change within weeks. Through in-spirit teachings, she nurtures self-discovery, fostering growth, confidence, and resilience that balances your mindset, emotions, and overall existence. Whether navigating life's trials or seeking self-empowerment, Mahji's wisdom illuminates the path to personal liberation, authentic self-expression, and empowered living. Mahji Quadir, Holistic Empowerment Coach Introduce yourself … Hello there! In a world defined by its diversity and constant evolution, my name is Mahji, a Holistic Empowerment Coach and a Qualified Coach of Excellence. Born in the UK with roots extending to East Africa and India, I am blessed with a rich heritage of diverse influences shaping my unique approach. My parents built a remarkable network when they immigrated to the UK, connecting my brother and I with Aunts and Uncles from various faiths, cultures, professions and backgrounds, creating a tapestry of experiences that shape who we are. With over two decades of Leadership and Transformational Change Experience, my story is one of empowerment, deeply resonating with those who seek to navigate life's intricate pathways with courage, resilience, and authenticity. Throughout my journey, I have collaborated with multitude of individuals, teams, and leaders across diverse industries. My expertise lies in catalysing behavioural change and achieving remarkable transformations within just twelve weeks. With a diverse range of qualifications it equips me comprehensive toolkit of techniques and strategies to guide individuals through life’s challenges and cultivate healthy productive perspectives. I'm deeply involved in my community, serving as a School Governor and proudly associated with Copthall School, a place that holds a special place in my heart. During lockdown I created Conelicious – Cones for Every Occasion (@mconelicious on Instagram), a delightful venture aimed at infusing joy into any event. What is my business name and how do you help your clients? In 2021, I introduced Inspire to Empower, offering a holistic person-centred approach to help clients thrive in the modern world by transforming the way they think, feel, and be. My focus revolves around three pillars: Enhancing Confidence and Resilience, Reimagining Wellbeing, and Discovering Career Purpose. This is underpinned by the "Be You" Program, inspired by Dawn Breslin's teachings, guiding individuals through an enlightening journey of self-discovery focusing on four key elements. Awaken Passion: Ignite Inner Light Experience a shift from mind-centred goals to heart-centred living. Connect deeply with their true self, harness their passions, and infuse every corner of their life with fulfilment. Unlock Potential: Embrace Limitless Growth Nurture self-compassion, responsibility, and self-trust. Cultivate enduring habits that unlock true potential, unveiling new dimensions of themselves along the way. Discover Purpose: Align with Authentic Path Forge a profound connection with their innermost needs and desires. Realign choices with core values, embracing a life of purpose and significance. Embrace Prosperity: Thrive in Every Aspect of Life Elevate energy, motivation, health, career, relationships, wealth, and spirituality. This holistic transformation taps into their innate power, ushering abundance and success. As a recognized Coach of Excellence, clients who complete my program can request a CPD Certificate of Attendance, a testament to their professional growth. “I've been benchmarked against best practices across all areas of my business. I can guarantee that the coaching provision delivered will be the best that can be offered not only now but, in the future, too. This accreditation allows me to offer CPD points/certificates to those who need them and demonstrates my commitment to delivering a high-quality, reliable, and consistent learning experience.” An African proverb wisely reminds us, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." This resonates deeply with my commitment to guide you on this transformative journey toward lasting positive change. Read client’s experiences in full here. What fuels your inspiration to be your best self? I find inspiration in the delicate tapestry of connections, the depth of conversations, and the reflections that life offers. Gandhi's timeless words, "Be the change you want to see in the world," holds a deep truth. Yet, creating that change within us can be an intricate art. From my perspective, challenges are potent catalysts for growth, leading us to embrace both adversity and triumph. Each of us harbours facets that may lie dormant, awaiting the opportune moment for revelation. These instances prompt us to step back and take a look at ourselves, fostering not only growth but also the relentless drive to achieve our fullest potential. I firmly believe that inspiration isn't limited to positive circumstances; adversity itself possesses the power to spark inspiration, often by illuminating paths to avoid. As a coach, I'm entrusted with incredible narratives of triumph from clients who have overcome trials. The excitement in their voices when they say, "Mahji, I just wanted to tell you..." is pure magic. I'm right there in that moment with them, on the edge of my seat, fully immersed in their journey. Those close to me often highlight my unwavering faith. Faith is a wellspring of inspiration – believing in the greater good, even when logic wavers. This is where true magic resides. In my world, it's not about a singular influence; it's the collective energy of many. This sentiment is encapsulated in the very essence of my business, Inspire To Empower. What is your work inspired by? My work springs from life experiences, personal growth and the evolution of self-discovery. Growing up as a Female Muslim Asian in the 90s, meant navigating a world marked by societal biases and assumptions. Looking back, I’ve gained transformative knowledge and wisdom that I’m eager to share. Surrounded by individuals who saw potential in me even before I did, I’ve come to possess this unique gift: the ability to perceive the spark in others. This gift ignites my passion. It's reciprocal inspiration, a beautiful cycle of empowerment. Throughout our lives, we are shaped by a mosaic of influences – culture, upbringing, education, religion, and experiences. This complex web can leave us feeling misaligned, battling structures that don't resonate, and disconnected from our essence, our true self leading to inner struggle. In the pursuit of improvement, we encounter challenges like unmet expectations, rejections, personal losses, fractured relationships, health setbacks, and societal pressures. These experiences form a mosaic – a blend of The Past, The Present, and The Future – that fuels my work. From stories of success and resilience in the face of adversity to the dynamics of family, relationships to spiritual connection, embracing learning, and fostering authentic happiness. In a world often fixated on mental well-being alone, we sometimes overlook our holistic nature. Intelligence threads through our mind, heart, and gut and surrounds us. This journey guides us from unconsciousness to heightened awareness, from self-doubt to self-belief, from ourselves to our self and from darkness to light. This transformative journey is the very essence of my work. Tell us about your greatest achievement. "From Agile Transformation to Coach of Excellence: A Journey of Resilience and Empowerment" In early 2019, a new chapter opened before me. I embraced the role of an Agile Consultant in the dynamic realm of Digital and Transformation. Collaborating with 50+ stakeholders across 4 cross-functional teams, including one offshore, I embedded agile methodologies. The results were astounding. In just 3 months, we transformed end-to-end delivery from 37 to 25 weeks and within half a year, achieved an impressive 20-week timeline. This transformation brought swift value to our customers. Concurrently, I took on the role of Multicultural Networks Global Communications Lead—an entirely fresh endeavour. My mission was to steer a communications and strategy team for one of the largest employee-led networks, fostering a positive and inclusive culture through collaborating with up to 3 Co-Global Chairs, 10 Regions, 7 Business Areas, and Faith Strands, comprising over 40 Chairs to orchestrate purpose-driven communications and events that deeply resonated with colleagues. This journey wasn't confined to my professional corporate life alone. Amidst these roles, I concurrently embarked on a path of personal and professional growth. I pursued multiple certifications and licenses, expanding my horizons and achieved a Distinction in Personal Performance Coaching. The journey pressed onward, culminating in September 2020, when I pursued independent external accreditation through the CPD Standards Office. This was a testament to the unwavering commitment to excellence not only in my coaching practice, Inspire To Empower, but also across my entire business domain. The pinnacle of this effort was the prestigious Coach of Excellence accreditation from the Professional Development Consortium— a recognition which paved the way for me to successfully launch my practice. However, behind every achievement lies a tale of perseverance, discipline, and resilience. Amidst the unprecedented times of covid, I experienced personal losses, organizational shifts, and unforeseen twists. Life's tests may catch us off guard, but they can also lead to remarkable growth. My journey of accomplishment is a profound narrative of transforming challenges into stepping stones of - empowerment, transformation and resilience. Guided by a strong network, coupled with effective tools, techniques, and practices, I found my path illuminated. Today, my purpose revolves around sharing this light, inspiring and empowering individuals to embrace their true potential along their unique path of growth and self-discovery. With my unwavering belief in the power of collaboration and personal growth, let's embark on a journey to "Be You," armed with wisdom to thrive and the resilience to conquer. Remember, the steps you take today are the gifts your future self-will treasure. Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Mahji

Written by: Juan C. Olmedo, 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. Starting your own business can be a challenge. However, with a little research and planning, it can also be an opportunity of a lifetime. A paving contracting business offers you the opportunity to take care of people and make a positive impact on their lives. Paving Contracting is one of the most reliable businesses in the growing construction industry. With steady growth and increasing demand for contractors, this business niche has plenty of room to grow. In this article, we will discuss some of the key considerations before starting an independent Paving Contracting Business, as well as ideas on how you can establish one successfully. A local paving contractor Calistate Paving Inc has quite a journey to share. CEO Jesus Gutierrez, at the age of 21, made the decision to take on the challenge for his father, mother, and siblings were depending on him. Jesus and his father Eduardo set on a course to disrupt the paving contractor stereotype. Eduardo had at the time of starting the business, had 20-plus years experience and was ready to take on the entrepreneurship role, while his son Jesus was only 21 years old. California Paving Contractors License California paving contractor’s license with the State of California, Contractors State License Board (CSLB) is one of the most essential considerations when starting your own paving business. The licensing process can be a little difficult and time-consuming, but it’s worth the investment for peace of mind. To get licensed, you need to have four years experience as a journeyman level or higher in your perspective field; you will need to take and pass two exams. Building your business and making that initial investment of time, energy, and money will give you stability in the beginning stages of your business as well as credibility with potential customers. You also need to consider whether you want to do this on your own or hire someone else to do your work while you oversee it all. Calistate Paving Inc was started as a dream, and the contractors' license seemed too far of a dream to be a reality. Jesus and Eduardo heard of a non-profit program in Orange County, CA called Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where they help local aspiring entrepreneurs to reach these dreams. Through the help of SBDC Business Consultant Juan Olmedo, an expert with over 15 years experience in helping contractors in California, Jesus and his father/business partner Eduardo set on the road of becoming a professional licensed paving contractors. Mr. Olmedo guided Jesus in the entire process of setting up as a California Corporation, applying for the California contractor’s license, studying for the contractor’s exams, and steering them in the right path of becoming a successful paving contractor. Jesus passed his contractors license exams and was issued his paving contractors license on June 30, 2016. Juan Olmedo, known as a high-performance coach and business startup advisor, aside from the SBDC, has a private business advisory practice Nexera Business Advisors. Mr. Olmedo provides expert advice on how to start a business, as well as offering advice during each step of the process. With insight knowledge coming from becoming a licensed contractor at the age of 22 and building a $2M construction company leading into the 2008 recession. Mr. Olmedo faced the challenges of an economic recession and learned to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of laws, regulations, and trends. Now, Mr. Olmedo uses his over 15 year-experience to provide expert advisory, coaching, and first-hand relatable guidance. Nexera Business Advisors is located in Anaheim Hills, CA servicing clients throughout Southern California. Check out their website at: https://nexeraadvisors.com Starting a paving contractor business in California Starting a paving contractor business in California can be challenging. A high-quality license is important, but not the only factor to consider. Consider the following questions: Will you have enough free time to devote to this business? Do you know how to build and handle your own equipment? Can you keep up with the demand and maintain quality standards? Can you retain customers and grow your revenue consistently? Do you have a competitive product or service that is difficult for competitors to match in price and quality? While the idea of business may seem like no big deal, the reality is there is so many factors involved most people get overwhelmed and few make it through. Jesus and Eduardo faced the same challenges, getting licensed, accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, corporate taxes, insurance, workers comp, marketing, sales, and the list goes on. A great entrepreneur gets fueled by such challenges, and for Jesus and Eduardo they used the fuel to hit the ground running 100 MPH. California has much to offer licensed contractors. As a paving contractor you may work directly as a prime contractor for government projects, or as a sub-contractor for major developments. Calistate Paving Inc started by knocking on doors for such prime contractors. Becoming a government paving contractor Before you decide to start paving, there are many considerations and tasks that need to be taken care of. You should always make sure that the government has a current list of paving contractors in your area. If a contractor is already working on the job, they should notify the government and they may take over. If not, your next step is going to be contacting the state permitting agency and obtaining a license to pave. The application process can vary depending on your state, but typically it will involve responding to an online questionnaire with information about your company history as well as any completed projects that you’ve completed within the past 3 years. After you have received this license, you are then allowed to work for other contractors for hire or do contracts for yourself. After only a few months of getting their contractor’s license, Jesus and Eduardo had already been getting recognized as a quality and hard-working team. Calistate Paving Inc started as sub-contractor for some major General Engineering companies, that saw the great quality and potential Calistate Paving had to offer. For the next seven years, Calistate Paving Inc is now the go-to paving contractor for many prime contractors for local, state, and federal construction contractors. Community responsibility as a successful paving contracting business As a business grows, it establishes itself, and becomes a successful business, it is important to give back to the community. There are many ways to do this, such as charity work or non-profit assistance. By giving back, businesses can build a good reputation and make a positive impact on the community. Giving back to the community is important for businesses. When doing business in any industry, it is important to be conscious of the impact your company has on the community. There is some great paving contractors leading the way in Southern California. After 7 years of ups and downs, Calistate Paving Inc, located in Buena Park, CA has made a name for itself. Operated by a father and son duo business partners. Calistate Paving Inc has followed the right direction of a properly started, operated, and establishing a business, and now is paving the way to help local community organizations, as well as helping other people looking to start a business in the contracting industry. Here is what CEO Jesus Gutierrez says about their community promise: We are proud to be able to help others, and we will continue to do so as long as we can. If you know of a charity or organization that could use our help, please let us know. We would be happy to donate to them and make a difference in their lives. Calistate Paving Inc may be found at https://calistatepaving.com or can be reached at 714-757-8019. Follow me on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Juan! Juan C. Olmedo, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Juan C. Olmedo, is a Latino Tech Entrepreneur, High Performance Coach, & CEO of Nevtis Companies. Entrepreneur-minded since the age of 15, started first official business at 22 years of age and grew it to a $2 Million dollar a year company with 20 employees. Started subsequent business tech business at 25 and sold it just 5 years later. Have since started or invested in 6 other companies ranging from tech, telecom, construction, insurance, and digital marketing with a combined employment of 80 full time staff. Currently CEO at Nevtis Corp, a UCaaS Software provider. Being through virtually every stage of starting, and scaling million dollar companies, Mr. Olmedo uses his acquired knowledge of almost 20 years.

Written by: Cori Wamsley, 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. Your reputation depends on whether you hit the mark with your book. We’ve all heard how amazing a book can be for your business. It gives you credibility as a leader. It can be used as a lead magnet, free gift, or sellable item after your talks. It gives readers a taste of you, your energy, and your teaching style that will send them back to you for coaching (if you write something highly targeted that works as a marketing piece). That all sounds amazing, right? So how in the world could that be devastating? Writing a book takes a lot of time, so if it has one of these major faux pas, you are basically wasting time doing something that confuses your audience or makes you look bad. Make sure you aren’t making one of these major mistakes. Off-brand – Some people write a book for just the sake of a book. They slap something together that completely doesn’t work with their brand. Or they write a memoir and try to use it for credibility when it doesn’t cover the topic their business focuses on. If it’s not related to your business, then that may not be the book for you! I can’t tell you how many times people have told me excitedly that they want to tell their story, and when I ask about how it relates to their current business, they brush off my question or shrug. Don’t write a stray book, and don’t write a book that you don’t plan on incorporating into your business unless you want to create an entirely different business around that book, which may be what you want. And that’s ok! Think things through and decide if that topic is really on-brand. Different Audience – This is similar to the “off-brand” book, but it often happens with good intentions. The writer sits down to write a book for their audience and ends up skewing off to another audience because they really want to help people who started where they started. They pick up on the energy of their earlier self—sometimes pity or frustration—and end up writing for them instead of their current target audience. This is especially troublesome if you work with six-figure business owners and find yourself focusing on the person just starting out, for example. It’s going to be a long time before that book can turn the reader into someone in your ideal audience because it’s speaking to someone really far from where you bring people into your container. Do an exercise to help you pinpoint your audience first, and THEN start working on the book. And check in throughout the writing process to make sure you’re still on target. Content sucks – I mean, let’s be honest: we don’t all write New York Times bestsellers right off the bat. Let me rephrase that: NO ONE writes a New York Times bestseller right off the bat. Every book starts out messy, whether a little or a lot, but going through at least a good editor can make a huge difference. A good editor will tell you if you’ve missed something or if you’re confusing. If your content sucks, guess what your reputation is going to do. By the way, if you self-publish, don’t put out a book that hasn’t been edited by a professional. You not only make yourself look bad, but you also bring down the overall reputation of self-published authors when you do that. Looks unprofessional – People truly do judge books by their covers. That’s the first thing you see, after all. If the images look pixelated, the design doesn’t look appealing, the back-of-book text isn’t well-written, or the cover itself belongs in a different genre (among other offenses), then your book as a whole won’t look professional. You may be able to DIY the whole thing to save a little on production cost, but if it costs you in reputation later, it’s not worth it. How do you find professionals to help? Reach out to other business owners who are authors if you don’t personally know a good cover designer. I say “cover designer” and not “graphic designer” because not all designers can handle covers. I recently saw a book cover for a man’s business book that had a title and cover that looked like it belonged in the chick lit section of the bookstore. I can only imagine what his sales look like. Professional books that dovetail with your business and your current audience are the best way to boost your business without wasting your time on a vanity publication – the “checking the box” book for your biz. We all want to add “author” to our list of accomplishments, but it needs to be there for a good reason: because you put out a well-written book that helps your audience and works with your business, not against it. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Cori! Cori Wamsley, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Cori Wamsley, CEO of Aurora Corialis Publishing, works with business owners who have a transformational story to share. She helps them quickly and easily write and publish a book for their brand that helps them create a legacy and be seen as an expert while building a relationship with the reader. Cori has 17 years of experience as a professional writer and editor, including 10 years with the Departments of Energy and Justice and 4 years as the executive editor of Inspiring Lives Magazine. She also wrote eight fiction books and one nonfiction book, The SPARK Method: How to Write a Book for Your Business Fast, and contributed to two anthologies. Her newest book, Braving the Shore, was released in June 2022.

Written by: Dr. Sydney Ceruto, 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. Striving for work-life balance isn't a zero-sum game. Being fully present wherever you are, and whoever you are with, is what matters. Right up there with win-win in the office lexicon, you'll be familiar with the tired term, work-life balance. But, in truth, there is no such thing. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the very idea is an insidious lie. It implies that "work" and "life" are two different things. If "work" is not "life," then what is it? Death. Which, of course, it isn't. But even I agree that there is some reality behind the catchphrase. To manage being a devoted family member and spouse, plus a high-performing leader or business owner, sometimes is a balancing act – one everybody wants to master. And, good news, mastering it absolutely does not require you to be a slacker in either area. In fact, one study found that top performers in business are the people most likely to achieve happiness in all dimensions of their lives. What person, and what person's family, doesn't want that? If you'll forgive me, I'll call that a "win-win." Here are three steps to get you there. 1. Work harder at loving your whole life. If you think there should be a bright line separating "work" and "life," you are missing out on fulfillment. Consider the philosophy of one of our era's most successful entrepreneurs, Jeff Bezos of Amazon, who thinks the whole separate-existence idea is too limiting. "The reality is, if I am happy at home, I come into the office with tremendous energy," he said. "And if I am happy at work, I come home with tremendous energy." So, instead of thinking of this as a zero-sum tradeoff, try giving 100 percent to your work and 100 percent to your personal life. Both deserve the best from you. For us mid-career adults, that translates to: love your job with sincerity and conviction. But also love your home life, and commit to that as well, unequivocally, all the time. 2. View your life as a circle you complete, not a finish line to aim at. As Bezos describes it, and I agree, your life is not a railroad track that stops you at Point A in the morning and Point B in the evening. It's more of a circle that contains everything you do and care about, with you at its center. There's no doubt that being happy and satisfied with your life 200 percent of the time is not easy. It requires work to turn work into play. Rather than feel guilty that you're not home during the day, then guilty that you're enjoying yourself during your off hours, be truly present in whatever place you find yourself, and tune in fully to the people who are with you – whether employees, colleagues, customers, or your loved ones at home. That requires that you bring your best self, and that you recognize and accept there is "some assembly required" to maintain those relationships. To understand that concept, let's take a little trip to IKEA. 3. Appreciate what's great about doing the work. What has ready-to-assemble furniture got to do with balance in your life? Surprisingly, quite a bit. A Harvard Business School working paper explored the "IKEA Effect" – the idea that if personal labor is involved, satisfaction increases. If you go to IKEA and buy a piece of furniture and assemble it yourself, you are happier with the purchase than if it came already assembled, the report concluded. Needing to do a little labor doesn't take away from happiness; it adds to it. Let's substitute "love" for "labor." Doesn't it make sense that if you do the work of bonding and getting close to the people you work with, and experience strong feelings of commitment and attachment to your projects, your people, and your place of work, you will be more satisfied with the experience? And from there, doesn't it also make sense that employees will appreciate your deep commitment, customers will feel better taken care of, and you will be a better leader? And, to Bezos' observation, how can that experience not carry over to your relationships and activities at home too? Life is life. You live some of it at home and with friends and family and some of it in your work responsibilities with colleagues, customers, and, yes, friends. Do we have to balance our roles and responsibilities? Do we have to balance our relationships? Do we have to balance the things we do for a paycheck with the things we do strictly for fun? Yes, to all the above. But we don't balance "work" and "life." We live. And we need to maximize our life experience wherever we are, in whatever activity we're engaged in. So, I'm driving a stake through the phrase "work-life balance” and so have my clients. How about you? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Dr. Sydney! Dr. Sydney Ceruto, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dr. Sydney Ceruto has completed her doctoral education in the field of Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience & is a leading specialist in using your brains natural ability to change neuroplasticity to ensure you reach your desired goals. Her specialty is in helping clients recognize their faulty thinking patterns, change undesirable behaviors, developmental & emotional resiliency, & gain mental clarity. When Dr. Ceruto was a teenager, she tragically lost both parents. As an only child, the loss of family completely broke her. She became profoundly depressed & began suffering from chronic anxiety. Sydney felt lost, & any form of happiness, confidence, or clarity seemed a long way off. Soon after, she began to pursue her education in medicine at Yale & obtained three masters in psychology & two Ph.D.’s in both cognitive & behavioral neuroscience at NYU. Studying the mind-brain connection was indeed the paradigm for her healing & growth. Dr. Sydney Ceruto created MindLAB Neuroscience over two decades ago. She pioneered an integrative approach based on hard science that has genuinely changed the way people make positive &, more importantly, permanent changes in all areas of their lives. Her program is highly venerated & has debunked all the myths regarding the efficacy of “traditional therapy” & the sad misnomer that you need to be on a counselor’s couch for years or even decades. Several publications have Dr. Sydney Ceruto on staff as a senior writer. She is a proud member of the Forbes Executive Council, Positive Performance Alliance, Wharton Executive Education Program, and Executive Writer for Alternatives Watch and Brainz Magazine. She has an avid intellect, a keen understanding of human nature, & an uncanny ability to connect deeply with clients. Dr. Ceruto is hands-on, accessible, highly intuitive, compassionate & is told … pretty funny! One of her passions is traveling, which she has done extensively. Dr. Ceruto is an avid sports enthusiast and watches everything from football to Formula 1 racing. She plays golf whenever she can and enjoys exploring other cultures. Dr. Ceruto has one son who graduated from Princeton University and is studying to become a corporate attorney. She also has an affinity for animals and is an adoring mom to her 1.5-pound Micro Cuban Chihuahua, Lolita.

Written by: Alex Bravo, 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. This is my second article of the Mindfulness at the workplace saga. As it was explained on the first article, I’ll be elaborating on the benefits that disciplined meditators ‒ that have participated on “The 8 Week Mindfulness program”, which I facilitate ‒ have reported working on 7 competencies that Gallup has defined to be key for a successful leader. We’ll explore the behaviors, traits and results that leaders that operate on an “auto pilot” mode have versus the ones that "mindful leaders” have. Throughout the Mindfulness at the Workplace saga, I will consistently recall that meditation is the path to mindfulness. Even when there are very pragmatical mindfulness tools that leaders can use on a daily basis, it is the formal meditation practice that will allow leaders to almost automatically make a pause whenever they are experimenting a stressor or a difficult situation, take a breath, start recognizing the sensations, emotions, stories and ideas that are arriving to their minds so they can welcome them, accept them, investigate how those sensations, emotions, stories or ideas feel in the body and understand what is really happening in the present moment and finally, identify all the options that they have to proceed, shutting down the auto-pilot mode and it’s limited vision. It is also important to remember what Mindfulness is: The practice of maintaining a nonjudgemental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, ideas, stories and sensations on a moment-to-moment basis. The competence to be explored on this article is building relationships. As a departure point, it is worth to revise what does building relationships means. build /bild/ construct (something) by putting parts or materials together. make stronger or more intense. re·la·tion·ship /rəˈlāSH(ə)nˌSHip/ the way in which two or more concepts, objects, or people are connected, or the state of being connected. the way in which two or more people or groups regard and behave toward each other. I truly believe that everyone might understand how relevant is to build relationships within the corporate arena to thrive individually and collectively. The question is if everyone is having success doing so or not. I blame the “auto-pilot mode” for being a significant barrier to a lot of leaders. These are some of the behaviors that leaders working on an “auto-pilot mode” might experiment building relationships: They might understand that building relationship is important but they might not clearly understand who are the key contacts or groups to build relationships with losing visibility across the organization and the opportunity to gain promoters. They might not even realized how relevant is to build significant relationships within the team they are leading, ignoring basic information about them. They might even try to build relationships proactively but whenever they are having a difficult conversation with someone, they just over react and find themselves prey of the auto-pilot and their negative emotions without being able to build rapport. If they are going to have a meeting with key stakeholders, they might not take the time to think about how those stakeholders will react with the message that they will be delivering. If they receive any kind of feedback, they might not be able to shut down the autopilot and might be perceived as defensive losing an extraordinary opportunity to adjust some of their behaviors or develop new skills. Whenever they have to create commitment and agreement, they might be ignoring the agenda of the other party and might want to impose only theirs. Having an important meeting or just grabbing a coffee, they might not be fully present whenever they are interacting with someone else. Their minds could be wandering most of the time losing an extraordinary opportunity to really connect with the other person and show care. They might not understand what are the scenarios in which they should “fix” someone versus only “serve” them. It’s incredible how many times we only need someone to truly listen to us without wanting to fix something. They might not realize whenever they need to ask help, to be fixed or served. Leaders operating on the “auto-pilot mode” might forget the value of showing and expressing gratitude or asking forgiveness to build relationships. They might not ask with true curiosity, care and authenticity: “How are you?” Last but not least. It’s important to understand how do we build a relationship with ourselves. Leaders operating on the “auto-pilot mode” might not show self-compassion, self-regulation, curiosity about their emotions, thoughts and body sensations. They just keep going without making a pause having a limited relationship with themselves. On the other hand, these are the behaviors that leaders that have attended to The 8 Week Mindfulness Program have expressed to practice building relationships: Mindful leaders build healthy and meaningful relationships throughout the organization including the most relevant contacts and groups they need to build relationships with to thrive in their role and they have a clear understanding of whatever matters to them. This understanding is a bedrock towards an effective relationship. Before focusing on developing new relationships, mindful leaders understand their own strengths and weaknesses. They work on developing relationship skills like communication, active listening and conflict resolution. Whenever there is conflict, they can easily show patience, empathy and curiosity to understand what is the rational of the other party and how they can both arrive to a win-win situation. They work consistently on self-awareness, self-regulation and self-compassion. Even when they have relevant challenges, stressors and negative emotions, they realize whenever they are arriving to their minds and are able to observe them with curiosity, non-judging and to explore how they feel in the body and finally control them being more effective building relationships. They proactively schedule time to develop relationships and are present most of the time during the interaction. They ask questions, listen and ask with curiosity, care and authenticity: “How are you”? They offer assistance or even offer to fix whenever is appropriate but they also understand when they only need to listen and serve. They have the courage to ask for assistance or service whenever they need it. They understand that appreciation is a powerful relationship builder and show it authentically to their managers, peers, direct reports, etc. Mindful leaders keep their commitments. Whenever there’s difficulty to deliver them, they proactively communicate it. They practice authentic gratitude and offer forgiveness when appropriate and with ease. This is just a sample of a list of behaviors that disciplined meditators practice within the corporate arena when they build relationships. There might be more behaviors that could be included. Meditation benefits arrive to its practitioners in different ways but if there is something in common is the ability they have to shut down the “auto-pilot mode” to find that there’s always a set of options to consider before making a decision. Understanding this fact is a game changer. Follow me on LinkedIn for more info! Read more from Alex! Alex Bravo, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Alex Bravo combines 22 years' experience as Sr Director leading CX, Innovation, Transformation and large Operations teams mainly within the Financial Services Industry with 15 years' experience as Sr Executive Coach and Mindfulness Teacher. Given his struggle with anxiety and depression at some point of his career, his purpose is to instill the importance of assessing mental health in the corporate arena and recall to his colleagues that the way they deal with their inner world defines the way they show to themselves, how they interact with others, how they lead and how they love. He is a Harvard Business School Grad and holds a BSc in industrial and Systems Engineering and a MSc in Quality and Productivity.

Written by: Lisa Charles , 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. Our bodies have approximately 100,000 miles of blood vessels covering almost an entire soccer field and within each vessel, there is a lining (the endothelium) that produces nitric oxide. This gas molecule is responsible for communicating messages within the endothelium lining telling the blood vessels to relax and to allow more blood flow. Nitric oxide is called the “Miracle Molecule “as it is essential to assuring that there is adequate blood flowing to every organ within your body. When there is dysfunction in this process, there is dysfunction in your body. And an endothelium dysfunction can mean heart attack, high blood pressure, stroke, and vascular disease, as well as a worsening of diabetes and Dementia/Alzheimer’s. What if you had the ability to improve your N itric oxide levels and enhance your overall Health? Now, more than ever, it's time to understand how this incredible compound can benefit our vascular health. What is Nitric Oxide? Nitric oxide serves as a messenger molecule and helps regulate several key processes, including blood pressure, vascular tone, and blood vessel dilation. Nitric oxide is produced when your kidney converts L-citrulline into L-arginine. L-citrulline is an amino acid found in certain fruits and vegetables. It helps to reduce fatigue, improve exercise performance, and amplify your body's nitric oxide production. The reason our kidney converts it into L-arginine is that arginine is a precursor to nitric oxide. Once the kidney has converted citrulline into arginine, the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) produces nitric oxide. As mentioned earlier, it occurs mainly in the endothelium, the layer of cells that lines all blood vessels. Nitric oxide diffuses into the surrounding smooth muscle cells and causes them to relax. As a result, blood pressure decreases, and blood flow improves. Nitric oxide also has anti-inflammatory effects and helps protect against damage to the endothelium caused by oxidative stress. However, problems arise when the endothelium becomes sluggish and nitric oxide levels decrease which often occurs in the aging process. One study has nitric oxide levels declining 75% after the age of 70. What Roles Does Nitric Oxide in Improving Physiological Functions? The roles of nitric oxide in improving physiological functions are numerous. Here are some of the key ones: Improves Heart Health: Nitric oxide helps reduce blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health. It also reduces oxidative stress and supports healthy cholesterol levels. Improves Lung Health: This miracle molecule helps open the airways and increase oxygen delivery to the lungs. It means people with asthma or COPD can breathe easier. Mitochondria/Energy Production: Nitric oxide helps to stimulate mitochondrial production. Mitochondria are the "powerhouses" of our cells, and they help to generate energy and keep us healthy. So, having more mitochondria means we can stay energized and healthy longer. Enhances Brain Health: Nitric oxide helps to improve cognitive function and enhance communication between neurons. It can also reduce inflammation and protect against brain damage from stroke or head injury. Transports Calcium: Nitric oxide helps to regulate calcium levels in the body by transporting it into and out of cells. It is essential for muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and other bodily functions. Skeletal Muscle Repair: Nitric oxide helps to enhance skeletal muscle repair and recovery after an intense workout. It can also reduce fatigue during exercise, allowing you to push yourself further and get better results. What is Vascular Health? Why is it Important? Vascular health refers to the overall well-being of our blood vessels. It is critical to maintain a healthy vascular system to have good circulation, which is necessary for delivering vital nutrients and oxygen to our organs. Poor vascular health can lead to various cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack, blood clots, stroke, and high blood pressure. Other vascular conditions, such as varicose veins, can also develop due to poor vascular health. How Does Nitric Oxide Help with Vascular Health? When it comes to improving vascular health, nitric oxide is a miracle molecule. Below are some ways it helps: Vasodilation: Vasodilation is the dilation of the blood vessels, allowing for better circulation. Nitric oxide is a potent endogenous vasodilator. It helps to improve arterial vascular compliance by lowering arterial wall stiffness, which means there's less resistance to blood flow. It makes it easier for your heart and other organs to get the needed oxygen and nutrients. Vascular Repair: The endothelium is constantly exposed to damage from chemicals, insufficient blood flow, and other irritating agents. To help heal these injuries, the bone marrow produces endothelial stem and progenitor cells (EPCs) which then go on to normalize the function of the damaged tissue they came from. Nitric oxide has been shown to increase the functional ability of EPCs to participate in vascular repair. Inhibition of Platelet Activation: Platelets are cells in the blood with an important role in clot formation. When platelets become overly active, they can stick together and form clots that block blood flow in arteries. Nitric oxide helps to prevent this from happening by inhibiting platelet activation. It is good for people with compromised heart health and those at risk for stroke. Oxidative Stress: An abundance of free radicals in the body causes oxidative stress. These molecules damage healthy cells, including those that make up blood vessels. Nitric oxide helps to reduce oxidative stress by reacting with free radicals and neutralizing them. It means that your blood vessels are better protected from oxidative damage, which helps you maintain good vascular health. Ways to Naturally Increase Nitric Oxide Levels in the Body: Anyone who understands the benefits of nitric oxide should look to increase their levels naturally. Here are some of the best methods: Consume Nitrate Rich Foods: Foods high in nitrates, such as leafy greens and beets, have been found to increase nitric oxide production. So, toss a salad with some spinach and kale, and add a few slices of beetroot. Exercise Regularly: Regular aerobic exercise can help increase nitric oxide levels in the body. It is due to increased blood flow caused by exercise, which helps transport more oxygen and nitric oxide throughout the body. Take Supplements: Certain supplements, such as L-arginine and L-citrulline, can help increase nitric oxide production. These amino acids are readily available in most health stores. One possible supplement is Panoxol. In addition to L’Arginine, it has key plant-based ingredients such as Horse Chestnut that improves ankle/leg swelling; Cayenne that is an antioxidant improving stroke risk; Red Yeast Rice that assists in reducing plaque buildup and Gingko Biloba that has neuroprotective properties. Conclusion: Improved vascular health has a significant impact on your life expectancy, as well as your overall health. Nitric oxide is an essential molecule that helps improve our blood vessels' condition by dilating them, helping repair injuries, and reducing oxidative stress. So, include the essential nitrates and amino acids in your diet to increase nitric oxide production. Also, you should eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, practice deep diaphragmic breathing, avoid processed foods high in sodium and sugar, and exercise regularly. These steps, along with the right supplement can aid your body in becoming the greatest defense against disease. Remember, you have a vital role to play in your health. The time to take action is now. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lisa! Lisa Charles, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Lisa Charles is an Author Health and Life Transformational Trainer, Age Alignment Specialist, and Executive at Plant Based Science International (PBSI). Lisa helps corporate employees experience the brain-body connection by equipping them with the innovative tools to age gracefully, release stress, renew energy, restore sleep, and gain the mental clarity to live the life of their dreams. She is the CEO of Embrace Your Fitness, LLC and the Author of Yes! Commit. Do. Live.

Written by: Lainne Love, 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. Being a working parent is an opportunity to develop your skills in self-mastery. Many entrepreneurs and business professionals who come to me for coaching are also parents, and they have difficulty managing those two roles. I understand them because I have shared their challenges: A full-time job. Nurturing a successful business. Parenting (I am a single parent of a neurodivergent child). I tell my working parent clients that committing to the practice of self-mastery will make a meaningful impact for them in their work and parenting roles, just like it did for me. I would argue that self-mastery is the single most crucial skill in parenting—just like in any other aspect of life. Simply put, parenting is more manageable, enjoyable, and successful the more self-mastery you have. And when parenting is going well, you have more energy and creativity to devote to your professional life so you can make more money. I will give you an example. With time I realized that my young son and I have different social needs. My child is most comfortable with one-on-one interaction and does best in small groups. But I'm an extrovert—I get energy from being around many people. I would take us to busy social settings that wouldn't support his needs. He would have outbursts, and I would have trouble managing him. As a result, other people could not see my son's beauty because his behavior created discord. I would feel resentful of my son and drained of energy because I wasn't getting filled up in the way I longed to be. My son felt rejected and unwanted. Nobody was winning in those scenarios. I came to accept that the solution depended on me, not my son. I was the problem. The most important thing that needed to change so that my son and I would both have success was that I had to take 100% responsibility for how I was creating the disruption we experienced. I needed to look at my choices and master myself to show up as the loving parent and leader I chose to be. I realized it was selfish to try and fulfill my wants at his expense and the expense of others around us. It was necessary to take ownership, be a conscious parent, and fulfill my social desires in ways that were also respectful of him and our community. Moving through the simple steps below provided the space to do little experiments so that I could learn what would be most supportive for my son, myself, and others. My goal was to set us up for success. Step 1: Notice. Become willing to look at my actions and how they create disruption. As with any challenge, gain clarity on what the problem is. Step 2: Take responsibility for the role I am playing. Everything is my fault. Step 3: Start crafting dynamic solutions. Leave room to pivot. First, I noticed that the time of day mattered: in the mornings, my son tolerated more social input. And I saw that though smaller groups were generally better, my son could be in larger groups if the activity was outdoors or if we were with older children who could be mindful of his needs. With a bit of trial and error, I gained the information required to enjoy social settings and contribute to them. As a result, social events became invigorating for me instead of draining. By taking responsibility and growing myself, I crafted a solution that created a win-win. Focusing my attention on myself allowed me to heal what was in the way and open my heart more to my son, deepening our relationship. Self-mastery enabled me to show up to my coaching clients as an influential leader which led to more demand for my services, and for my son as a kind, loving parent which strengthened our bond. The experience was one of many that have taught me how important it is to take responsibility and take action to improve ourselves. We will always run into challenges—whether working parents or not—but we will approach those challenges as our best selves if we pursue a path of self-mastery. It’s an honor to be here with you to share whatever wisdom I have that will positively impact your journey and legacy. Who you choose to be creates ripples that last for generations. If you would like to go more in-depth or have any questions, I invite you to connect with me at lainne@lainne.com. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Lainne! Lainne Love, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Lainne Love, is an Award Winning Intuitive Business Coach & Author, Leading Edge Healer, CEO, Mystic, and Momma. Growing up in a toxic environment left her feeling broken, worthless, and powerless. To overcome her limited beliefs and create a new legacy, Lainne did a deep dive into healing and mastery to uncover how to restore her power that felt lost in the chaos of trauma. Now she inspires others to break free through self-mastery so they too can reclaim their power and birth the legacy they are here to deliver.

Written by: Hanna Hermanson, 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. Over the last few years, entrepreneurs have been through it all – sharp nose dives, steep inclines, sudden left turns… all while “chunky loafers” made an unexpected comeback, and Harry Styles appeared on the cover of Better Homes & Gardens (what?!?). Life has been UNPREDICTABLE, to say the least. Which is why I’m pulling out my trusty Magic 8 Ball…and giving you my top 10 marketing predictions for 2023! Want the inside scoop on what to expect in 2023, when it comes to growing and scaling your business? Ready to say to all your friends: “I told you so!!”...when your 2023 marketing plan starts falling into place? Want to know what’s coming next (just around the corner!), with social, email and website optimization? Read on! — and grab the entire pack of highlighters. 1. More entertainment, less pitching Social media is going retro…meaning, the “SOCIAL” part of social media will be making a comeback! Instagram and Facebook audiences are sicker than sick of sales pitches in their DMs, and there is significantly less tolerance for “bait and switch” posts. Which means social media will continue to become a “virtual business card” for entrepreneurs (a place to showcase personality and vibes) – while sales will primarily happen via referrals, networking, summits, and in-person events. 2. More simplicity, less complicated multi-step funnels Remember those nauseating sales pages that required you to scroll for days?!? – the kind of marketing that hit you over the head with “Problem-Agitate-Solve”...and brought you an entire movie-length journey, in order to find out what the offer was?!? In 2023, look for more concise, clear, and direct sales pages, with simple calls to action that don’t rely on psychological manipulation. It’s your energy that will do the selling, not your sneaky copywriting. Pull marketing > push marketing. All day. 3. More transparency, less gimmicky sales tactics We’ve all seen it – those obnoxious emails that threaten you with “only 3 spots left!” and “time is running out!” False scarcity is soooooo overdone. And people are ready for a new approach to selling! For years (decades, even!) bro-marketing was at the wheel. But these days, feminine energy is rising, and relationships are at the center of sales. Buyers are craving transparency. And an increasing number of sellers are responding! 4. More strategic podcasting, less throwing spaghetti By now, most entrepreneurs have at least dabbled in the podcast world. And many are realizing…without a strategic plan, a podcast is a BIG time/energy suck. More hosts will hit *pause* as they reevaluate how their shows can be monetized. And those with a clear sales funnel (listener > client) will rise to the top! Entrepreneurs are done with throwing spaghetti at the wall…and in 2023, we’ll see the emergence of 2 camps: podcasts heroes, and…everyone else. 5. More YouTube ads, less original content As YouTube continues to grow its audience, advertising is taking up more and more space. Free content is being infiltrated with frequent “commercial breaks” and entrepreneurs are starting to think less about creating original content/hosting their own channel…and more about hopping on the YouTube marketing bus. Is this the year you shell out some dollar billz for ad space – if the answer is YES, you’ll want to consider YouTube as a top priority. 6. More emails, less one-size-fits-all marketing Email marketing is hawter than HAWT, and if you show up with dedication, consistency, patience and hella-personality in your audience’s inbox…you’ve got yourself a direct line to more sales in 2023! Dare to build a relationship with your list! And build yourself a fan base (“your people”) – people are craving connection in a post-pandemic world. And email is intimate…compared to the one-size-fits-all marketing everywhere else! 7. More books published, less “one day” thinking As the consciousness of the world continues to rise (at breakneck speed these days!), more and more “thought leaders” are emerging, with something to SAY. In 2023, we’ll see an increase in the number of entrepreneurs who are becoming published authors, with the goal of defining THEIR unique value proposition, in a sea of “good ideas!” Add to the mix that self-publication is easier than ever…and you’ve got a formula for more book launch selfies in the year ahead. 8. More 90s references, less closeted Friends fans Have you seen cable TV lately? – everything is a remake. Same with Spotify – “new” music is all just a remix of what we grew up listening to! Even Bennifer is back! Middle-aged millennials are taking the world by storm, and their nostalgia for 90s EVERYTHING is speaking volumes. Want to jump on this bandwagon? Throw a Friends GIF into your next email, and watch your open rate sky-rocket. 9. More credible publications, less clickbait Believe it or not, Google now has a negative SEO metric…meaning blogs will be “punished” for using clickbait (and lose traffic!). Credible blogs (even if not well known) will gain more Google traffic, and be rewarded for consistent, valuable, well-written content. Yep…that blog you’ve been *thinking* about starting, should def be a GO in 2023. 10. More aspirational selling, less “I help” statements” Consumers are sick of hearing about their own problems, and how you can “fix them.” These days, it’s less about crafting the perfect promise (“I help frazzled moms lose 10 lbs in 6 weeks, without giving up carbs!”)...and more about showing people how you can help them on their journey of SELF-healing. Be honest about the strategies and tactics you use, and help people understand how you empower them with tools (rather than act as a fairy godmother). 2023 is bound to be an exciting year! – and hopefully, you’re feeling armed and ready with a long list of marketing dos (and don’ts) for the next 12 months! Want some help putting these strategies into action? Reach out! As the CEO of Done for You Copywriting, I help coaches organically grow, and soulfully sell to their email lists! – and I’d love nothing more than to help you make 2023 the year that you FULLY step into your zone of genius…and delegate the rest! Follow me on Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Hanna! Hanna Hermanson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Hanna Hermanson is the founder and CEO of Done for You Copywriting for Coaches. As a life and business coach for years, Hanna gained deep insights and intuitive knowledge about what motivates people to take action. Hanna and her team of expert copywriters combine these insights with creative copy strategies to scale coaching businesses and help transformational leaders get back into their zone of genius. Hanna's work can be found in Forbes, Thrive Global, and her book “Dream Life is Real Life” on Amazon. When she’s not writing or strategizing, she can be found carbo-loading for half marathons or frolicking on the beaches of Mexico with her husband and labradoodle.

Written by: Kamini Wood, 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. Transformations that happen in adolescence can be hard on both teens and their parents. Adolescence is known as one of the most stressful periods of a person’s development and growth. Teens face many changes and challenges. They change physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally. While some teenagers go through these changes smoothly, others experience a wide range of difficulties, from substance use and risk-taking behaviors to eating disorders, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. It is common for teenagers to be laughing and having fun one moment and falling into despair the next. In most cases, these radical and rapid mood swings are a normal part of adolescence. However, sometimes moodiness in teens can be a red flag that signals more serious problems. Keep in mind that your teen is going through a very specific and delicate stage of their development. Only with your support, will they thrive and develop into healthy adults. Here are some tips on how to support your moody teen and help them cope with adolescent challenges. Understand the Role of Hormones Keep in mind that your child is struggling to cope with the body and hormonal changes, along with pressures from school and friends, and developing independence and identity. Hormonal shifts that happen in your teen’s body during puberty strongly influence their thoughts and emotions. All of these changes may make your teen feel confused, sad, lonely, frustrated, or scared. These strong emotions can lead to mood swings. Also, your teen may mask their feelings with aggression or withdraw and become emotionally distanced. Strive to have open communication with your teen, letting them know that you are available and willing to listen and help when they need you. Keep in Mind that Your Teen’s Brain is Still Developing Neuroscientific research has shown that not all parts of the human brain develop at the same pace. The prefrontal lobe of the brain which is responsible for impulse control, decision-making, judgment, and problem-solving isn’t fully developed until our early 20s. Because this part of their brain is still developing, your teen may rely on the part of the brain known as the amygdala to make decisions and solve problems. The amygdala is connected with emotional life, impulses, intuition, instinctive behavior, and aggression. In other words, the amygdala matures sooner than the prefrontal cortex, which may explain your teen’s moodiness and impulsivity. Set Clear Boundaries It is important to set rules and boundaries for communication and behavior. Allow your teen to participate in developing these rules. Use rewards for positive behaviors and set consequences for poor behavior. While they may protest, setting boundaries helps teens feel safe. Offer Support Strive to understand the possible roots of your teens’ moody behavior. Be open and ready to listen and support them and show that you appreciate and understand them. Even if they don’t ask for it, your teen needs you to provide stability and support. In order to provide this support, you must move into more of a conscious parenting mindset. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or visit my website for more info! Read more from Kamini! Kamini Wood, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Kamini Wood is the founder and CEO of Live Joy Your Way and the AuthenticMe® RiseUp program. An international best-selling author Kamini is driven to support people of all ages to heal their relationship with themselves and to stop outsourcing their self-worth. As a result, her clients become their own confident, resilient self-leader with healthier relationships. Kamini is a certified life coach, board-certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, holds specialty certifications in Calling in the One®, Conscious Uncoupling®, NewMoney Story®, and teen life coaching. Also trained in conscious parenting, Kamini aims to meet her clients where they are, supporting and guiding them on their journey to where they want to be, both personally and professionally. Her mission: create space for each person to see the unique gifts they bring to this world.