Written by: Dani Green, 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 Brain Versus Our Mind. Our brain is the mechanical operating system of our body. Our brain, breath, and heart keep our bodies alive. Our brain and our gut are filled with chemicals and reactions that impact our day-to-day lives. Until the age of 7, our experiences are downloaded into our brain, body, and subconscious mind. After the age of 7, we grow in the capacity to reason and adjust. Our mind can be seen and understood as bigger than our brain and our body. Our mind is the energetic force that connects us to one another, to God, and the universe. It has been said that all knowledge is available to us in the sphere of our minds. Small And Alone? Considering you and the number of people on the planet, you might feel like you are just one of many. Do you feel small and alone? I ask you to consider yourself and your mind. Your mind can be felt and understood as being as big as the universe. As vast as all known and yet-to-be-revealed information and intuition. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and feel the expanse of the universe. When the deep knowing of your mind becomes clear, open your eyes. Do you feel instantly smarter, more important, and more connected to everyone and everything? You are smart! You are important! You are connected! How to Find Peace of Mind Consider the mind as containing Human consciousness and Divine consciousness. We can see more and more truth being revealed in nature, science, philosophy, and maybe even, in religion. At this present moment, you know all that you know. In the next moment, more will be revealed. Everything belongs. The miracle of Love is that the force of Love can miraculously create good in every circumstance. Love fills the cells of our body. Love surrounds us. Love is always for us all. We can have Peace of Mind when we allow ourselves to find the good or wait for the good to be revealed in every circumstance. Sometimes we cannot see the good right away which means we must continue to wait until the good can break through our pain and suffering. This healing and transformation can take months, years, or even, lifetimes. There is always a solution. Good will always prevail. Love always wins. Ivory Tower Sometimes I feel like I live in an ivory tower. I have not had to face the tragedy and suffering that so many others have faced. I wonder if the truths I speak of are true for those who have struggled to endure their lives. I think if we all knew we are infinite and powerful beings, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and energetically, it would make a difference, even in our suffering. For you, today, I hope so. Two Red Hearts I've been known to give out two red acrylic hearts at funerals, in network meetings, and to my friends and family. When I do, I say the most important I know. As a blessing and a prayer, I say, “Love is always with you.“ You are never alone! Love is always with you! Let Dani Be Your Guide to Finding Love! Dani offers a free 20-minute The Emotion Code session, which helps to remove an inherited or current emotion. Activate Your Soul Power! Live Your Infinite Greatness! Be Your Own Hero! Book a FREE Breakthrough phone call and find out about The Soul Power Experience! Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Dani! Dani Green, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dani Green is a certified hypnotherapist, speaker, author and spiritual activist. Dani’s core focus and passion is to guide clients to rewrite the past, present, and future Story they tell themselves at the subconscious level and to discover their own Inner Mantras. Dani has a 12-session course called The Soul Power Experience. The courses, Be Smoke Free and One & D.O.N.E. Weight Release are each six sessions. Dani also offers Intuitive sessions. Dani opened her hypnotherapy practice in 2015 and uses client-centered hypnotherapy, as well as The Emotion Code, PSYCH-K, and RIM.

Written by: Victoria Baylor, 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. There is a popular quote by Zig Ziglar that states "Failure is an event and not a person". Although we all rationally know that to be true it's sometimes hard to believe otherwise when faced with a major failure in our business, career, or even life. Seriously, when you've lost an account, messed up a pitch, or failed to land that ideal client it can be really hard to objectively deal with that defeat. And in most cases trying to make a comeback in the face of such calamity is the last thing on your mind. Where do you even begin to start to rebuild? Is it even possible? These are loaded questions and oftentimes harder to answer when you're emotionally impaired. When was the last time you've struggled through a major failure? If you’ve taken a massive hit and experienced some serious failure, then you may have been more concerned with licking your wounds or trying to do something to stop the bleeding of emotions— such as disappointment, hurt, disgust, or even shock. So even suggesting anything related to a comeback seems premature when your emotions are all tied up in knots. We all know it takes EXTRA effort to pull out of a “failure-related funk” and push forward to make a comeback. As with anything, this oftentimes is easier said than done. But it is possible to push through the funk of failure. I’ve personally always been inspired and amazed by people with the grit and determination to keep moving despite their setbacks and disappointments. I’ve witnessed some amazing people I know take big “L's” or losses and bounce back stronger than ever. I’m not talking about the mini little failures we all experience every day but the bigger ones—loss of a job, denied promotions, business failure, etc, and still pushing forward in search of the next opportunity. I’ve taken a few “L”’s myself and like many of you have the battle scars to prove it. I realized that "Resilient" people view failure differently than most which is why they are able to survive it. Having been there myself personally and witnessed other people do the same I offer the following wisdom on how to go from failure to comeback: 1. Own the failure Denial isn’t a river in Egypt and pretending what happened didn’t happen won’t get you any closer to closure. Forgo blaming other people and back peddling. This may sound harsh but sometimes you just have to rip the band-aid off (Trust me I've had to do this myself). Own what happened and all of the realities that come with it. If it was your fault, own that but choose to forgive yourself as well. 2. Mourn the failure Once you've accepted the loss it's time to mourn it. Funerals are important for a reason and aren’t just customary. They internally allow people to process their loss in a real tangible way. Ignoring the failure will only keep it bottled up within. Mourning allows you to release. Some great ways to “mourn” your personal failures are to cry them out, speak with a trusted friend, and journal them. One unique way is to write yourself a letter about the whole incident, put it in an envelope, and tear it up. It will help with the release. 3. Understand that defeat is a final destination whereas failure is a short rest stop When you realize that failures are just brief pauses you'll be more inclined to use them as a way to re-group and get the necessary feedback to come up with a better strategy to move forward. Don’t choose to stay in your failure—move on. 4. Refuse to internalize it Remember failures are what happens to you but they aren’t YOU. Let me repeat—YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE! When we’re emotionally processing sometimes, our wires get crossed and we start believing negatively about ourselves. You could fail 100X and you would never be a failure unless you think you are. 5. Focus more on learning versus the failure itself. I love the saying that goes "I've never failed, I just learned". Having such a positive attitude toward failure will normalize it and keep you from experiencing the hi's and lows of it. I love Sara Blakely's concept of Failure. As a kid, her Dad always asked her what she failed at and would celebrate it. He taught them to equate failure to not trying. She credits that lesson for helping her build the billion-dollar company we all know as Spanxtoday. Navigating failure isn't always easy but it's completely possible when you have the right thought process and a positive mindset. The question isn't so much what didn't work but how you can leverage the situation to grow. Following these aforementioned steps will ensure you seamlessly move from failure to come back in the strongest way possible. Want to learn more from Victoria? Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and visit her website. Read more from Victoria! Victoria Baylor, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Driven by a profound sense to help High-Performing Leaders excel and showcase their Brilliance, Victoria Baylor offers her expertise in the fields of leadership development, mindset growth, and personal branding to help entrepreneurs, professionals, & organizational leaders gain the Clarity + Confidence to get out of their heads and excel in leadership. She is a Certified Mindset & Clarity Coach, NLP Practitioner, TEDx Speaker & 1 Amazon Best Selling Author whose holistic approach to coaching, speaking, and writing helps others accelerate their growth and push past their limitations. After 15 years in research science, Victoria found her True Calling and purpose in behavioral science when she realized how easy it is for Women to lose their identities to the roles they serve in. She shares her insights & story in her TEDx talk, "You Are Who You Are, Not What You Do". This experience led her to focus on providing Coaching to help entrepreneurial & professionals (men and women) move beyond their mindset blocks and gain the personal brand clarity and strong mindset needed to operate as high-level leaders. She also offers organizational interventions in the form of trainings, seminars, and/or team building to polish brilliant leaders. She is a writer for multiple publications and a podcast host. She serves on several boards and non-profit organizations. For fun, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and reading. She lives in Savannah Georgia with her husband and 14-year-old daughter, Reilly.

Written by: Holly Smith, 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. Habits are the foundation for absolutely everything and can make or break your business success. It’s the little habits that are done consistently that allow you to create the type of discipline needed to achieve certain things. Whether it’s in your health, wealth, business or spiritual/personal development. Habits are the starting point of creating long-term success. If you want to build a business that lasts, there are four key habits you need to cultivate: Always be learning Surround yourself with people who challenge you Be open to change Manage your time If your business is not going in the direction you hoped it would, maybe it’s a YOU problem. How you manage your time, how you show up as a leader, the habits you have as a business owner, can make or break your business. The first habit is always being in a state of learning. Whether you're reading books, listening to podcasts, or taking courses, it's important to never stop growing and expanding your knowledge. You have to remember…You are the business. The world is constantly changing, and if you're not keeping up with the latest trends, you'll quickly fall behind. In addition, learning helps you to develop a growth mindset and see challenges as opportunities rather than roadblocks. The second habit is surrounding yourself with people who challenge you. It's easy to get comfortable in your own bubble, but it's important to seek out others who will push you outside of your comfort zone. These people will help you to question your assumptions and grow in unexpected ways. The third habit is being open to change. No matter how much you plan, things will always change along the way. The ability to adapt and pivot is what separates successful businesses from those that fail. If you're not open to making changes, you'll quickly get left behind. The fourth habit is to learn to manage your time. If your days are a mess and you are not structured & setting boundaries for yourself, then that's the first habit that needs to be fixed. How you show up and manage your time is how you will do everything. Manage your time before it manages you! Develop these four habits and you'll be well on your way to building a thriving business Stay Happy! P.S. Here are 3 ways I can help you right now Listen to the 30 Days To happiness Podcast Get your copy of 30 days to happiness Join the Free community Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Holly! Holly Smith, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Holly Smith is an entrepreneur, accountability coach & author of 30 days To Happiness. She coaches entrepreneurs who NEED the clarity, structure & discipline to reach their full potential. Also known as the CEO of Biz Fit, an online personal training platform for busy individuals. Feeling lost in her teenage years and amongst several mental health challenges, Holly had a miraculous healing which led her to now fulfil her mission: To change the world one habit at a time. Her purpose: To Help individuals wake up happier every single day.

Written by: Lisa Treasure, 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. The human mind is made up of three parts that usually work together like a well-oiled machine; each part having a unique role to play. You may have heard these parts being referred to as the conscious mind, the subconscious mind, and the instinctive mind. Many people mistakenly believe that our conscious mind is the one in charge because it’s responsible for important functions like thinking, analysing, and forward planning. It uses words and logic as a means of communication which today’s society places a great deal of importance on. However, research shows that the conscious mind only controls a small percentage of our total mental activity, which is surprising considering the amount of time and energy we all devout to our thoughts. It’s our subconscious mind that controls the majority of our mental activity, processing around forty million bits of information at once. The conscious mind on the other hand only processes around forty bits of information. Even today, we don’t really know the power of the subconscious mind. Your subconscious mind is running the show. What we do know is that it is able to store every belief, thought, emotion, and experience we’ve ever had from the moment of our conception, and possibly even from before we were born. The third part of the mind, or the instinctive mind, is primarily concerned with our basic survival. It is constantly scanning our environment for threats and will activate the flight, flight, and freeze response if it senses danger. Once this part of the mind takes over, it overrides every other part in order to keep us alive. Have you ever noticed your legs jumping or shaking when you were nervous or scared? That’s the work of the instinctive mind telling the body to send more blood to the legs in case you need to run. A great analogy for the mind is a monkey leading an elephant that has a meerkat on its back. The monkey represents the conscious mind that plans and plots the route and tells the elephant exactly which way to go. The elephant is the subconscious mind that blindly follows the instructions once the route has been programmed into its brain; it will not deviate even if the monkey wants it to. The meerkat is the instinctive mind that constantly pops its head up, and jumps up and down screaming whenever it sees danger. The Storehouse When there is no resistance, the subconscious mind obeys the commands it receives from the conscious mind without question. It doesn’t know the difference between what’s real or imagined, good or bad, right or wrong; it simply accepts everything at face value. We are programming our subconscious mind every moment of every day; entering huge amounts of data that is downloaded and stored indefinitely. Once something makes its way to the subconscious mind, it can be very difficult to delete because it has essentially been put on automatic pilot, and it will remain there until it is replaced by new information. When we first learn to drive, we have to consciously focus on the mechanics of driving, but eventually, after some repetition, our subconscious mind realises that this is something it can automate for us and it becomes second nature. Anything that is repeated enough times will be taken over by the subconscious in this way. Have you ever tried to really think about walking down a flight of stairs? Try it and see what happens. You’ll probably find that you trip or stumble because overriding a subconscious action is extremely difficult. All our present habits, mannerisms, and thought patterns are the result of past subconscious programming, and once our subconscious learns something, it resists change. The subconscious invariably wins whenever there is a conflict between the two parts of the mind. You might have experienced this yourself when you have tried to lose weight or stop smoking for example. Willpower alone might work for a short while, but unless you change the subconscious programs, you will revert back to old habits very quickly. The same thing is true of our beliefs. If we are told or tell ourselves enough times that we are intelligent, beautiful, or good at maths, we begin to identify with those things at a core level. Unfortunately, the same is true of our negative thoughts which the subconscious will accept just as easily. When we repeatedly tell ourselves that we are stupid, unattractive, or unlucky, the subconscious eventually accepts it as fact. A Picture Paints a Thousand Words As the subconscious mind is so powerful and controls so many aspects of our lives, it makes sense that we should try to understand it as much as possible. In particular, we need to understand the language it uses because it actually communicates in a very different way to the conscious mind. Where the conscious mind uses reason and logic, the subconscious mind uses creativity and imagination in the form of images, symbols, and metaphors. Reason is easily overruled by our imagination and we all experience this on a daily basis. Imagine being offered a million pounds to walk across a plank of wood lifted a few feet into the air; you wouldn’t even need to think about it. Now imagine being offered a million pounds to walk across a plank of wood suspended between two cliffs thousands of feet into the air. It’s the same task, but this time your subconscious mind sends vivid images of you falling to your death and no amount of self-talk can persuade you it’s a good idea. Of course, in dangerous situations like this, it’s clearly a good thing. However, the same thing can be true of two people sitting next to each other on a plane. One might be relaxed and calm imagining a beautiful sunny beach while the other might be anxiously imagining the plane bursting into flames and plunging to the ground. It all depends on their previous experiences, beliefs, and programming. In these situations, where we do want to override the subconscious, a different strategy is needed. Just think about all the times you tried to use words and logic to deal with certain situations. Don’t be scared, it’s just a spider. You’ll be fine if you don’t look down. You don’t need to eat that chocolate bar. I don’t care if they don’t like me. I am not scared about that presentation. It’s only a bit of turbulence, calm down. As your conscious mind says the words, your subconscious mind sends you vivid images of big, hairy spiders or delicious-looking chocolate bars, and your words are lost because a picture is worth a thousand words. Metaphors are another powerful communication tool for the subconscious as they engage all of the senses. It’s believed that we all use metaphors around five or six times a minute to help us understand and react to our surroundings. As a hypnotherapist, I am trained to pick up on the specific metaphors people use because they can be used effectively in hypnosis to communicate with the subconscious in order to make changes. There are seven main categories of metaphors that are universal, and these include representations of containers, control, connection, balance, journey, resource, and transformation. Some common examples that I hear regularly: I just box it away in my mind. I’m not in the driving seat. I’m not myself. I’m being pushed over the edge. There is a black cloud hanging over me. I can’t find my voice. I just want to come out the other side. I want this weight to be lifted from me. I can’t see straight It’s like I’ve got a devil on my shoulder How Can We Take Back the Reins? Luckily, this powerful language is extremely easy to learn. First of all, we have to bypass the watchman or gatekeeper of the subconscious mind. When the watchman is off guard, or when its judgment is suspended, then the subconscious mind is left open to suggestions from all sources. This is known as bypassing the critical factor, and once this has been achieved, massive changes can be made to the way that we think, feel, and behave. Have you ever cried or jumped in fear while watching a movie? If so, why do you think that happened? You know that it’s just a film made up of actors, a set, and some special effects, yet it’s possible to put all that to one side in your mind so that you can enjoy the movie. This is a perfect example of bypassing your critical factor and going into a trance. At this point, you have access to the subconscious, and anything that is put into your mind is accepted unconditionally. This can happen whenever we distract, occupy, relax or surprise the conscious mind which, as a hypnotherapist, are the techniques used to guide a client into hypnosis. The Swinging Watch In my opinion, hypnosis is the most powerful and effective way to access the subconscious mind and make deep, lasting changes. You can literally hack your mind with hypnosis. A qualified hypnotherapist uses various methods to induce hypnosis and knows how to re-program the subconscious mind once the gateway has been opened. Techniques such as regression, inner child work, parts therapy, and suggestion therapy are all highly effective in a state of hypnosis. However, real magic happens when we engage the imagination through imagery, symbols, and metaphors. Using literal language, for example, telling someone that they will feel less stressed, is likely to create resistance; it may even create more stress. However, using the imagery of stress draining away or being washed away is more readily accepted. Similarly, asking someone to regress to a traumatic event can cause what’s known as an abreaction, whereas finding something to symbolise that trauma can more comfortably facilitate the necessary healing. 8 Things That Can Improve Using Hypnosis Reduce or eliminate stress Reduce or eliminate anxiety Help with weight loss Reduce or eliminate fears and phobias Heal past trauma Reduce or eliminate limiting beliefs Change unwanted feelings Help you feel that you are enough See the Big Picture Changing the way we use our imagination can also be facilitated without hypnosis by the regular practice of creative visualisation. You can get what you want with creative visualisation. This cognitive process involves forming vivid mental images together with other modalities such as smells, sounds, tastes, and touch. Most of us do this regularly whether we’re aware of it or not. You might feel hungry and imagine what you would like to eat, or you might book a holiday and imagine lying on a sunny beach or sweeping down a ski slope. Unfortunately, if we are not careful, we can just as easily visualise the things that we don’t want and unwittingly manifest or maintain them in our lives. Creative visualisation is extremely powerful because it also speaks the language of the subconscious mind, which can’t distinguish between what’s real and what’s imagined. Top athletes have been using this technique for decades to improve their performance, overcome obstacles and focus their minds on the outcome they want. Perhaps you’ve heard the saying that what we can perceive, we can achieve. Everything that comes into reality must first be formed in our imagination. 8 Things That Can Improve Using Creative Visualisation Help you to bring love into your life Help you get pregnant Help you achieve your goals Help save your relationship Help you lose weight Help you create more abundance Help you create better health Help you to feel more positive and optimistic If you want to make positive changes in your life, and you believe that old subconscious programming could be causing you problems, it’s vital that you learn to communicate using images, symbols, and metaphors. If you need help, please visit my website or contact me to learn more about how you can speak the language of the subconscious mind. Lisa Treasure, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Lisa Treasure is a multi-award-winning therapist who has worked with clients worldwide. Her articles have appeared in various industry publications, and her teachings and methods are best sellers on platforms such as Udemy. Lisa is also a published children’s author, with her debut book for adults due to hit the shelves later this year.

Written by: Bronwen Sciortino, 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. I’m tired. I’m stressed. If I can just push through until that break. There has to be another way to live… but I’m too busy right now – I’ll work that out later. It’s all just too hard. If you’ve thought one, or more, of these things then you’re not alone. They’re common thoughts. Life spins rapidly, we move quickly and sometimes it can be hard to breathe. We’re all experiencing the same thing… But we don’t have to. It’s so easy to collapse back into the feeling that life is out of control. It can be intense, with every turn seeming to hit us with a new crisis to deal with. It seems like there’s nothing you can do about it, and you have to spend every day fighting to simply survive. Life spirals are so common. It’s like being caught in an ocean rip, where you use every ounce of energy simply trying to keep your head above water. You’re doing everything you can to fight, but the struggle everntually takes its toll and you find yourself with your head slipping below the water, because you have nothing left for you to fight. Spirals can be all-consuming and they can drag you to a place where there seems to be no way out. It doesn’t have to be this way. Just because you’ve been taught to do something in a particular way, or because you’ve always done something, doesn’t mean you have to keep on doing it. Stuff happens. It’s a natural part of life. What you do about the ‘stuff’ and how you let the ‘stuff’ impact your life defines what happens next. I know what it’s like to break completely. I know what it takes to rebuild your life from scratch. I know how exhausting and excruciating the process is. I also know that no matter how ‘stuck’ you feel right now, there is a simple solution to move your life in a different way. It’s the emotion of a situation that makes it difficult. When challenging situations occur in our life, they often come with an emotion (or emotions) for us to process. It might be that we feel fear or shock or grief while we’re experiencing something. Fright, depression, sorrow, guilt, shame … and the list goes on. They’re powerful emotions and if we let them take hold and become stored in our body, we invite them to wreak havoc in our lives. Over time, the more we store emotions in our system the bigger the role they play in our lives. If we want to step out of a life spiral, we need to detach from the emotion that’s running it. When we remove the emotion from the situation, we create a space where we can consciously connect with the facts. We feel a sense of relief at the release of the grip the emotion had over us and we can make a choice to feel better. There are so many simple and easy ways to change the emotion of the moment. Here are three ways that are easily accessible and either inexpensive or free: Physical movement. Often when you feel the weight of the world the best thing you can do is get outside and move. A walk in the fresh air, a swim at the beach, find your favourite tree. Stand up, shake your legs, move your arms, dance if that works for you. Shifting the energy within your system allows you to move forwards in a different way. Music. It’s long been associated with healing, both physically and emotionally. It’s been used for centuries to invoke emotion and connection through religious, ancient shamanic rituals and has long been a prescription for fear and anxiety. It’s used as a powerful tool to restore health and normalcy. Grounding in nature. Getting your bare feet into the earth is one of the most energising things you can do. Our bodies are invaded with stress constantly, and there is nothing more centering than recharging your system with negative ions by connecting yourself to the earth. Your choices will guide your direction. Your life is made up of a string of choices. When you get stuck in a life spiral, you find your life moving to the tune that everyone around you is singing – you’re choosing to be stuck in the same place. Make the decision to stop and consciously choose what is right for you. Suddenly you’ll be able to see that there are other options available to you. If you’re constantly tired, stressed, and living a life that is out of control, then it’s time to get smart with how you live your life. All it takes is one little step in a slightly different direction and the sprial won’t dominate your life anymore. If you want some help finding ways that you can easily step in a different direction, you can access tips in the articles and videos in my FREE email series – it’s a great way to help you begin your journey. Simply click here to start you on your way. Bronwen Sciortino is a Simplicity Expert, an internationally renowned author, and a professional speaker, and you can follow her on her website, Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn. Read more from Bronwen! Bronwen Sciortino, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Bronwen Sciortino is an International Author and Simplicity Expert who spent almost two decades as an award-winning executive before experiencing a life changing event that forced her to stop and ask the question ‘What if there’s a better way to live?’ Embarking on a journey to answer this question, Bronwen developed a whole new way of living – one that teaches you to challenge the status quo and include the power of questions in everyday life. Gaining international critical acclaim and 5-star awards for her books and online programs, Bronwen spends every day teaching people that there is an easy, practical and simple pathway to creating a healthy, happy AND highly successful life. Sourced globally for media comment as an expert and working with corporate programs, conference platforms, retreats, professional mentoring and in the online environment, Bronwen teaches people how easy it is to live life very differently.

Written by: Gary B. Doherty, 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. Everyone wants to know the inside secrets of what makes a TEDx Talk go viral and get millions of views. To explain properly in this article by the time you get to the end you will have insights into the deep diving and thinking into what made Marc Jacobson’s talk do just that, reach millions of people. Marc is a very special human being with an uncanny ability to connect with an audience whether it be live or virtually. His timing is impeccable and above all he intuitively knows what to say and when. This is extremely rare indeed’. Marc’s life changed forever in 2014, after being hit from behind by an older driver, traveling at just 10 miles per hour. He was rushed into an emergency nine-hour surgery to save his life. As he says himself: “Imagine lying on a cold metal table, in no pain, one hour after the doctor gives you a 50/50 chance to survive surgery – or a 50/50 chance you will never walk again.” A miracle occurred. Not only did Marc wake up, but he could walk. The doctor said Marc had a higher purpose, something he would never forget. Marc realized that it was time to live the life he wanted. Going forward, his life’s focus was creating connections with people he never had before in a way he never had before. Eight years later, Marc has unlocked the secret to connection, the four common words that kill it, and the four antidotes to create it. The first step is to replace the word “I” with “My”, “We”, or “Our”. Considering a scenario where an individual is having dinner with a partner who spends the entire meal talking about themselves. Using the word, I’ repeatedly. Such a person's ears are ringing, there isn't enough tequila to get through the pain, and they vow never to see them again. This predicament was brought about by a single word: "I." The more a person utilizes it, the poorer his or her relationship becomes! Marc’s antidotes bring people into the conversation and help them relate to an individual. As Marc says, when it comes to creating connection: “My is Good, We is Better, Our is Best.” The second step is to replace the word “Help” with “Support”. Many an individual has gone into a store and been asked: “Can I help you?” The employee means well, but the human brain automatically thinks: “I don’t need help!” This destroys the connection that individuals could have had with the employee, which could impact their sales. Marc had the idea that changing the word "help" with another will build connections with people much more successfully. So, he decided to put it to the test. He walked into a department shop and requested a clerk to assist him with some research. Marc enquired of the employee how many individuals answered to the query "Can I assist you?" and was told that it was 1 in 20 – if that. Marc set him a challenge – to change the word “help” to “support”, asking the question: “How can I support what you’re looking for?” This simple change led to 15 out of every 20 people responding. The third step is to replace the word “Success” with “Potential”. According to Marc, “success” is one of the most overused words of recent times. It means different things to different people, isn’t actionable, and just isn’t a useful way to build connections. Marc believes that “potential” is more powerful. Specifically, an individual’s potential. Every individual should stop thinking about success and start thinking about potential. As Marc says: “Your potential is what success never thought to ask for.” The fourth step is to replace the word “But” with “And”. Everyone has all had a conversation that feels positive until they hear one word... “But”. The impact this has is profound. People tend not to remember the positive things being said prior to the words that come after the word “but” is used. The key to improving creativity and collaboration is replacing this dreaded word with a simple alternative: “And” as this helps keep the conversation positive. Marc’s team recently worked with a large company to help improve the performance of their sales team, and they wanted to do something radical. He told the management team that he wanted to focus on the employees they were thinking about letting go. At first, they couldn’t understand it – but Marc wanted to demonstrate that the issue wasn’t the salesperson themselves, it was the training they were given. Marc wanted to focus on developing the potential of one of their worst performers and get them to the top of the leaderboard in 12 months. This person went from £1 million in sales to £18 million – an 18x increase during a global pandemic. Marc focused on how to communicate with these individuals to help them grow. Using “and” instead of “but” helped unlock their potential. The more every individual practices removing these connection killers and using the antidotes instead, the deeper connection they will build with those around them. Marc’s journey has been challenging, but now he uses his experience and passion to help others develop meaningful relationships with just a few simple changes to how they communicate. A truly remarkable TEDx Talk and one that has taken the world by storm. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin or visit my website. Read more from Gary! Gary B. Doherty, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Gary B. Doherty is an award-winning entrepreneur and philanthropist. Founder of personal development platform Think Network and pr agency BE SEEN Gary is most well known for being a 2 x TEDx Speaker and word-leading coach. Gary's mission is to support ambitious individuals to be the very best versions of themselves ensuring they are seen, heard, and very visible... In September 2022 Gary was awarded Businessman of the year in his home country of N Ireland.

Written by: Natalia Jansen, 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. Ancient Greeks built theatres near hospitals because they believed that while the hospitals helped mend your physical body, theatre performances helped heal the soul. Comedy brought laughter and joy, which create a high vibration and positive state of mind. We now know that laughter is medicine, it boosts your immune system and even supports longevity. Tragedy offered an emotional catharsis. Watching the hero struggle, make the wrong decision, and pay the ultimate price is a powerful teaching moment for those viewing the story. One has an opportunity to empathize, reflect, and let go of suffering, struggle, or resentment in their own life before it would be too late for one. That is the power of theatre and storytelling. It mirrors to us real life with its infinite variables and possibilities and offers an opportunity to self-reflect, revise, and choose what we create for ourselves. In other words, it is not just an art form that brings stories to life, but a powerful tool that can be used for dramatic transformation in helping anyone become the best version of themselves and unlock their unlimited potential. When an actor is cast in a role, they engage in the process of characterization. It’s a creative process that consists of two important phases, discovery and application. At first, the actor must analyze, study and understand the character. They investigate to get to know them. Often there are missing pieces that one can fill with creative imagination using the clues in the script and the knowledge of human behavior and psychology. The second phase is a translation of all this understanding into physical actions, gestures, and expressions that the audience can see in the actor’s performance as they embody the character they have come to know and understand. Spiritual transformation is like the characterization process, except the goal isn’t to study yourself as you are but imagine yourself as the successful, abundant, and empowered self you want to be. When you create a vision of a life you truly would love to live, the person living that life has certain characteristics, habits, feeling, and engages in certain specific behaviors. You must decide what they are and clearly state them in writing. Clarity is absolutely the key to any successful endeavor. You must know exactly what you want in order to have a clear plan of action on how to get it. Until this point, you may have been the person who lived by default, shaped by your genes, parents, schooling, community, and experiences. We all come into this world as a blank page with unlimited possibilities and as we live and grow each day what we see, hear, learn, and experience shapes us into the person we are now. But our past does not determine our future. It’s not all we can be, it’s simply a version we have become up until now. There are some amazing things about you that you love, and your family and friends cherish and appreciate, but there is also this other impulse, one that’s whispering in your mind and longs for more. There are things and results in this story that you want to change. You want more, be more, create more and you can. The person living the life you want is a different version of you living a different story. That’s the character you are creating in the life lived by design. Once your desired future self is clearly defined and you have the character you want to become, you begin practicing being this person right here and now. You simply “fake it, till you make it”, as the saying goes. What I mean by “fake it” is that you don’t wait for the circumstances in your life to change, before you can be the successful person in your vision of the future. You must be that person here and now, as best you can. In other words, you pretend being that future self as often and as best as you are able to in the present. If your future self is someone confident, you practice being a confident person as often and in any situation you find yourself in throughout the day. What does a confident person look like when they walk? What does a confident person say to someone they engage in a conversation with? How does a confident person sound? What thoughts does a confident person entertain? Wherever you are, be it in a grocery store,at the post office, in your kitchen, practice being the person you want to become. As often as you can, remind yourself who it is you want to be and take it on. It will feel awkward at first and you won’t do it perfectly, and that’s ok. The key is to notice when you are being doubtful, shy, or unsure and pause at that moment. Remind yourself who it is you want to be, and then simply be it. That is the key to transformation. It can only happen in the present moment when you are aware of the thing you want to transform. It’s about noticing, pausing, and making a different choice at that moment and then doing it, again and again, enough times until the new response becomes automatic and natural. You are transformed. The speed of one’s transformation is directly proportionate to the level of self-awareness, which can be slow and time-consuming on our own. It takes practice to recognize our own patterns and habits, but it can be easy, exponentially faster, and more effective with the right mentor and support. I love helping clients create a clear vision of their future self and like an acting coach, I hold a safe space for them and guide them through their dramatic transformation. To learn more about how to unlock your potential visit my website. Personal transformation requires a committed decision and both the right and the left brain approach. Art and creativity are just as important as the science behind these concepts. Imagining and visioning is the art and the practice of becoming the match for that vision is the science. Create a picture of who you want to become and embody that imagined person as often and as thoroughly as possible until you become them. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Natalia! Natalia Jansen, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Natalia combines her rigorous certification training with Brave Thinking Institute by Mary Morrissey, her 20 years of experience as an educator and theatre artist with her passion for personal development and spiritual transformation to her mission to teach women ‒ especially single moms ‒ to embrace their spiritual nature, re-ignite their dreams, take charge of their life, and design the life they truly love living.

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.