Written by: Victoria Hart, 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. Recently clients have found themselves asking, 'what's it all for?', as they come to realise that they have not been living according to their values. The things they really care about have been side-lined in pursuit of some reward they hope to gain. It seems they have been living someone else's dream, rather than their own. As a result, they feel unfulfilled, hopeless, perhaps even resentful, and like there is something more. Realising that you have not been living your passion can be quite a confrontation. The struggle you’ve endured to go after the things you thought you needed to be happy; that even when you have it, you still feel empty. And the fear of making the wrong decision keeps you stuck in the same old looping cycle; making excuses and creating stories in your mind. Yet, the more you resist the whisperings of your heart, the more painful life becomes. So how can you distinguish between your heart’s desire and the desires of your ego mind? The mind tends to desire material things, people, or experiences; which may lead us down a treacherous path battling to meet these desires. Whereas, when we’re in true alignment with the desires of the heart, our experience is often quite different from what we might have expected. Yes, it will be scary; yes, it will feel risky; yes, it will seem impossible; growth can be painful but if you can honor this calling, it is from this space of discomfort that you will transition from one state of awareness to the next. And so, rather than focusing on the short-term pain, focus on the long-term gain and the long-term game. Here are some tips for your personal freedom: List the thoughts, situations, people and habits that you no longer wish to experience. Pay attention and notice any moments where your words, feelings or actions do not align with your wishes Learn to recognise and express your truth These are powerful exercises to help you create a life that aligns with your heart’s wishes over the wishes of others and what you think you should do or say in order to fit in. Honouring the desire of the heart gives you a sense of well-being. It feels calm, peaceful and free, and at the same time you have an abundance of energy that magically attracts all the resources you require. If you’re looking for guidance and support, get in touch and let’s talk. Visit my website for more info! Read more from Victoria! Victoria Hart, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Victoria Hart, is a Visionary Coach, Energy Healer and New Earth Leader. She has been exploring the metaphysical and mystical world for as long as she can remember and has studied with some great masters in cutting edge and revolutionary therapies, inviting exponential breakthrough results. Victoria brings wisdom, inspiration and humility to empower people to break the looping cycles of programmed reality and consciously create a new life story. Her mission is to find freedom in self-mastery and teach others to do the same.

Written by: Deanna Goodson, 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. It’s January 2023. Many of my clients come to me with New Year’s Resolutions. I try to get them to look at the concept of resolutions in a kinder, gentler manner. A resolution, to me, is often an unrealistic promise we make to ourselves. Let me explain. For example, a common New Year’s Resolution is to work out more. People who make this resolution are well-intentioned, but their goal is often too lofty to maintain. Very few people do things by half measures. It’s either all or nothing. With a New Year’s resolution, a client may say to me that they want to work out for six days a week for an hour at a time. That’s a wonderful goal. However, if you spent the previous year not working out consistently or at this accelerated rate, then you may not be able to maintain or sustain the habit. Although it’s not sexy or exciting, habit-based change is made slowly, over time. If you hadn’t worked out the previous year at all or fell off the wagon in February like most New Year’s exercisers do, then it doesn’t make sense to upgrade this much. Wouldn’t it be easier and more sustainable to start at two sessions of cardio a week, lasting no more than twenty minutes? Yes, yes it would be. When I weighed over 400 pounds more than six years ago, I began exercising twice a week for five minutes at a time on a workout bike that I’ve since had to retire. You would’ve thought that I had run the Boston Marathon by how difficult even this little bit of activity was and the amount of sweat I generated from just this little bit of exertion. There was no way I could work out for an hour a day on this same bike at that point. Cut to today and I do work out for 45 minutes daily on the bike (I’m on my third one now) and alternate yoga and rowing for up to 60 minutes (or more) of daily activity. How did I achieve this? Well, I went up slowly and incrementally. Until I felt comfortable at a benchmark, I did not move up. I understand that this is not going to get major results right away and it’s not supposed to. Losing weight and exercising to improve health is an ongoing process. It doesn’t happen overnight. If you want to begin a habit that will lead you to a six day a week, one hour at a time workout regime, wouldn’t it make more sense to start slow and build up? By the end of 2023 you could be doing exactly what you set out to do in January and are more likely to stick with it. The same goes for dietary changes. I don’t recommend that my clients do anything drastic at once. Try by adding in an additional fruit or vegetable every day. Begin by drinking 8 ounces more of water a day for a week or two. When these changes become second nature, then increase difficulty by adding in more challenges. Today, I eat a gluten-free, reduced sugar, low dairy and no artificial sweeteners plan. I did not get that way overnight. I am proud of my accomplishments and realize that the way I eat is not the way that others should or even want to. I work with people all across the spectrum of health-promoting eating. We must meet you where you’re at and move along from there. It’s a process. Remember, as the old saying goes, “progress, not perfection.” You can achieve amazing results and lofty goals with time, patience, and discipline. I’m happy to help you build and navigate a strategy that works for you. Set up a 60-minute complimentary session with me today here. I can’t wait to help you achieve your goals. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Deanna! Deanna Goodson, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Deanna Goodson is a professional life and mental health coach, nutritional counselor, and writer. She received her coach training at Rhodes Wellness College in Canada and received an ACC credential from the International Coaching Federation in May of 2019, which was recently renewed. As a mental health coach, Deanna is well-versed in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Emotional Freedom Technique, aka Tapping. Deanna is also a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IIN) and has a certificate in Emotional Eating Psychology (EEP). She follows an intuitive eating approach for her clients and helps them repair their relationship with food.

Written by: Maxime Bonnasserre, 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 end & start of a new year resonate for many as a time for resolutions! They are discussed in our homes, at dinner parties or in our private journals. Where is this coming from anyways? I did not know where this originated, hence I did a quick google search. Thanks to History, I discovered that this tradition started as far as 4 000 years ago by the Babylonians. They used to do it to revere gods and make sure they would fall in their good grace, we do it to improve ourselves. In any case, it’s focused on us. Good or bad is not up for debate here for me, yet I sense that we can go deeper! How We See Resolution Now & What Should They Be Let’s start at the root so that we may level the playing field on what resolutions are. I always like to play with the etymology of words. Resolution comes from the Latin Resolutio which was the action to solve something. It later became a frame of mind often used as a pious or moral determination. Hence, New Year resolutions. Today we used them as an intention to put ourselves in a frame of mind in order to solve something about us, to better ourselves. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with resolutions and goals for the new year! There is in this process of self-examination and reflection and good intention to get better at something or achieve a desirable goal or outcome. The question becomes will you be able to follow through and how will this serve you? Furthermore, one could argue why is this an annual process? Should it be a daily one! I’m reminded of the Stoics here that would classify all actions as eudaimonic or hedonic. In the former, you operate from a virtuous stance. It’s a Greek word that has such a wonderful meaning, yet a simple translation does not render it justice. Your aim is joy, happiness, wisdom, benevolence. On the other hand, if your resolution has to do with hedonistic goals such as money, fame, possessions… I doubt that this will contribute to fulfilling your happiness reservoir for a long time! As I’ve shared in this video, you’ll end up wanting more and will ultimately remain unsatisfied. I believe that in such a case, we should all review our resolutions for ones that are eudaimonic. In this way, we might bring to our year and years to come something of substance to better off our character as opposed to our wallet. Or any other thing to satisfy our ego. The ultimate goal I’ve titled this article zerolution, because I believe we can zero in on something much more transcendent than a few resolutions whether they are eudaimonic or hedonic in nature! The question that came to me while reflecting on this subject and article was the following: “If I had only one intention to set for this year, not knowing if I’ll even finish the year alive, what would it be?” How does that change your resolutions? Seems like we are forced to up our game here with this question, don’t we! When we start to go for the roots of things, we get a different perspective on the matter! Why do we come up with resolutions? I think it’s safe to say that we do it because we believe that we’ll be better and happier if they materialize. Hence, something is off inside of us. We need something. We want something to be okay! And we might just be if what we aim for is attained. Ultimately, is there something higher than we can aim for? Something that, even if not attained will leave us, the people around us, our planet a little bit better? On our life journey, there are many paths that can lead us to awaken, to our peaceful place, our freedom. The highest form is to free ourselves from ourselves. When you study the scriptures and the ancient texts, they all point in that direction. Yet, it is not in the mere understanding and study of that wisdom that we get to live it! Our process is one of experimentation and experience. A daily one! So dear readers, let me invite you to search your soul and zero in on that intention that would allow you to open your heart, free your mind from yourself, and leave every moment a little bit better than how you found it! What intention comes forth for you? Follow me on LinkedIn, YouTube and visit my website for more info! Read more from Maxime! Maxime Bonnasserre, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Maxime (Max) Bonnasserre is a life coach, spiritual teacher, speaker and writer. Not a guru, nor a master, he’s a simple loving man that got to free himself from his own worst enemy … himself! His soul journey had him go through common themes: unworthiness, difficulties in relationships, financial struggles, pursuit of titles, money, possessions, a lack of meaning and faith. It is the hero's journey through healing, growing and trust that saved him and that can help you! Inspired by ancient wisdom and spirituality, his teaching and coaching are simple but transformative. Meant to inspire and guide you towards more inner peace, freedom and love. Find him here!

Written by: Patrick Brown, 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. Every business aspires to grow and succeed over time. As an executive, you aim to keep your company flourishing. You understand that your workforce is critical to your success. Employees are your most valuable assets because they take care of your business and customers. However, one problem you might encounter is a lack of staffing. With the global labor shortage in full swing, you'll likely struggle to find expert professionals to support your operations. One solution to this labor shortage is access to a global workforce through business process outsourcing (BPO). Explore how BPO service providers help companies solve their staffing problems. How Organizations Address Labor Shortages Labor scarcity has become a widespread issue worldwide. The ongoing pandemic has exacerbated the problem through what we call "The Great Resignation." In the United States alone, approximately 47 million employees quit their jobs in 2021 to pursue better work-life balance and flexibility, higher compensation, and improved workplace culture. Today, the country has more than 10 million job openings, but only six million unemployed workers are available to fill them. To combat labor shortage, companies turn to several recruitment strategies: Hire Local Talent. To effectively recruit potential candidates in the local area, companies should streamline their recruitment process by setting standard workflow, building networks, and simplifying hiring steps. Actively recruiting through aggressive recruitment approaches also helps fill open positions quickly and easily. Work With Recruiters. Recruitment firms typically have established networks of skilled professionals and experts in various industries, making it easier for them to find the right candidate for a given position. They also have streamlined recruitment processes, which expedite the hiring process and ensure that the most qualified candidates will apply. Implement Referral Programs. Setting referral strategies for hiring employees proves effective. Companies can have their recruiters get recommendations from other professionals or industry experts. They can also provide incentives or perks to employees for referring to successful applicants. Use Social Media and Online Job Platforms: Social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.) and job search websites (Indeed, Glassdoor, etc.) are powerful resources for attracting and hiring the best talent. Companies should consistently post job ads on these platforms for brand recognition and talent acquisition. Leverage Advanced Technologies: Harnessing the power of today's technology, such as applicant tracking systems and data analytics, can give businesses a competitive advantage in recruitment. These tools can help search for prospects, filter applicants, and automate screening processes. However, these strategies are not enough when the entire country faces a labor shortage, as is the case in the U.S. In this scenario, tapping into a global workforce is the most viable solution. Globalization can help connect businesses with a diverse pool of talent, providing a much-needed solution to the tight labor market. In the next section, explore how accessing a global workforce helps with tight labor. How Globalization Helps With Tight Labor Amid the pandemic, many U.S. and European companies faced labor shortages. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that most labor markets in advanced economies have become tighter than before COVID-19. Further, Grant Thornton's latest International Business Report (IBR) cited labor costs (57%) as a primary factor preventing business growth. One reason for tight labor is reduced workforce participation, which means the pool of available job seekers has declined. To circumvent this problem, companies can access a global workforce through outsourcing. To combat the issue of labor scarcity, countries such as Canada and Australia implement new immigration policies. In November 2022, Canada announced plans to accept 1.45 million immigrants by 2025, 60% of which trained in healthcare and other in-demand job skills. Similarly, Australia seeks to increase the number of permanent migrants to 195,000 until June 2023. The goal is to assist industries in addressing labor shortages and reducing reliance on short-term local workers. Both Canada and Australia compete to attract skilled immigrants. However, the United States has temporarily halted immigration legislation as they focus on securing the U.S.-Mexico border. Access to a global workforce is the best solution for addressing labor shortages. For one, outsourcing helps businesses expand, tap into a skilled workforce, and reduce operating costs. Learn more about the rise of outsourcing in the next section. The Rise of Outsourcing Marshall McLuhan first introduced this concept of a “global village” in 1964, claiming that people had become so interconnected worldwide due to technology. Fast forward to 2022, and we've seen how globalization has drastically impacted the world. Globalization does not only help people interact on a personal level; it also allows companies to do business on a global scale. In particular, outsourcing works by giving companies access to an international workforce, not to mention technology and resources. Outsourcing has become prevalent. The practice of outsourcing to service providers overseas, also called offshoring, has exploded in popularity. It allows companies to delegate tasks to a third-party service provider for business growth. The business process outsourcing (BPO) sector has exponentially grown over the years. The proof is in the numbers: The global BPO market is expected to reach $525.2 billion by 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.4%. According to Clutch, nine out of ten small businesses planned to outsource in 2022. They sought to collaborate with domestic and international partners to: Access flexible resources (33%); Improve efficiency and save time (27%); Work with experts (26%); and Scale and grow their business (19%). Thus, outsourced labor offers real value beyond addressing shortages and reducing costs. In the next section, learn how the BPO industry helps companies cope with tight labor. How Outsourcing Helps Countries With Tight Labor The outsourcing sector serves various businesses across different industries. Think of knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) or information technology-enabled services (ITES). But no matter the industry, it gives you access to a skilled workforce. Here are ways outsourcing helps companies in countries with tight labor: 1. Provide Front-office and Back-end Support Third-party vendors build a team of BPO agents. Before, they would establish contact centers and hire customer-facing employees such as customer service representatives and technical support specialists. But the BPO sector has gone beyond handling front-office functions. Today, they employ back-office agents for customer support and administrative work. According to Deloitte, IT is the most commonly outsourced business function at 54%, followed by finance (44%) and payroll (32%). Since these tasks require specialization and expertise, outsourcing has become the best method for tapping into skilled professionals. Statista even reported that the global IT outsourcing market might hit $587.3 billion by 2027 at an 8.07% CAGR. Case in point: We established an outsourced back-end team for a California-based IT and telecommunications company, providing a wide range of administrative and sales support tasks. In two months, the company’s customer satisfaction substantially increased by 92%, while productivity increased by 70%. That proves how a reliable BPO company can help build your back-end operations. 2. Hire and Train Skilled Professionals and Experts Most BPO companies strive to be globally competitive to serve clients better. They work hard to earn standard certifications for business optimization and regulatory compliance. They set up a stringent recruitment process, hire the right people through the global talent pool, and match them with client needs. They also provide new and old employees with proper training. The goal is to ensure technical expertise, language proficiency, and cultural integration. Additionally, outsourcing offers diverse talent, which leads to more creative and technical solutions. Global employees offer varied ideas because they all come from different backgrounds. Let's take the case of AT&T. This wireless management company has been delegating some of its business functions to offshore vendors. For one, our business helped establish a contact center for this company. Ultimately, its market share in Arizona rose to almost 5%, securing 15% of the local market. 3. Provide Access to Advanced Technology and Resources The outsourcing sector is known for investing in the latest technology. Deloitte identified the top digital enablers as follows: Robotic automation process (RPA) Single-instance enterprise resource planning (ERP) Cloud technology BPO companies leverage technology to help their clients reduce their labor headcount while gaining a competitive advantage. Conversely, they hire and employ technical experts to help manage technological resources. Here is how next-generation technology supports businesses: Automation reduces manual work and accelerates business processes, requiring fewer employees to handle certain tasks. Artificial intelligence (AI) helps with business forecasting, analysis, and reporting. Self-service options, such as AI-powered chatbots and interactive voice response (IVR) systems, empower customers. 4. Help Companies Save Money While Improving Performance U.S. businesses employ offshoring to save on labor costs. In fact, outsourcing can help you cut such expenses by up to 70%. First, hiring onshore employees is more expensive than hiring offshore workers. The salary of one American might be enough to cover ten qualified Asian employees. Building an in-house team also requires investments in infrastructure, technology, and resources. But while companies are looking to save money, they outsource to improve their business performance. BPO service providers help improve service efficiency, quality, and productivity. They can achieve this objective by tapping into skilled professionals and training them to be the best. Another case study on a wireless management company can validate the point above. We set up an IT help desk for this business. After two weeks, it handled 90% of the user requests and resolved issues promptly. In the end, user satisfaction increased by up to 92%, while the company saved up to 65% in labor costs. Five Best Practices for Outsourcing Outsourcing proves beneficial in many ways such as by giving access to a global workforce. However, it requires proper planning, critical thinking, and deliberate action. As the CEO, you're responsible for navigating your outsourcing journey in the right direction. Whether you employ business process outsourcing or people as a service, here are some best practices to implement: Examine Your Business Operations. Before outsourcing, ask yourself whether you lack staffing or need technical expertise. The goal is to identify improvement areas and your business needs. That will help you decide what processes, functions, or tasks to outsource. Choose the Right Third-party Vendor. Start by searching online or getting referrals from other professionals. With a list of prospects, narrow your options by focusing on their workforce. Also, consider their BPO track record, technology and resources, outsourcing costs, and business reputation. Create a Service-level Agreement (SLA). An SLA defines your relationship with your BPO partner. It primarily details your workforce's duties and responsibilities, not to mention your operational objectives and key metrics. This legally binding paper keeps your best interests in mind while protecting both parties. Foster Constant Collaboration. While you give your BPO partner the liberty to operate, provide them with the utmost support. Create open lines of communication with your BPO agents and coordinate with them regularly. After all, outsourcing means pursuing a business partnership. Monitor BPO Performance. Obtain and review monthly reports to see your outsourcing progress. If areas for improvement exist, help your BPO partner optimize your operations. For instance, provide your third-party agents with regular training programs and process updates to achieve success eventually. Final Words The workforce is the lifeblood of your company, keeping your business up and running. A lack of staffing won't only compromise your operations; it might escalate to a business shutdown. So when faced with a labor shortage, consider tapping into a global workforce. Take advantage of the outsourcing benefits and follow best practices recommended above. They will help build a robust workforce that will lead to your business success. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Patrick! Patrick Brown, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Patrick Brown is the founder and CEO of Unity Communications, an award-winning BPO service provider operating globally. As a leader, he has built an international organization that serves clients across the globe, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. With recognition on the Forbes Next 1000 list in 2021, Brown's vision and leadership have made his BPO company a force to be reckoned with in the industry. But Brown's journey to success didn't begin with Unity Communications. He kicked off his career in the U.S. Navy and eventually rose to the rank of IT director for USS John S. McCain DDG-56. After leaving the military, Brown worked with renowned telecommunications companies such as Cox Communications, Mitel, and XO Communications. His international exposure, interest in technology, and passion for entrepreneurship led him to start his own business in 2009. And he has since grown Unity Communications into the thriving BPO company it is today. Despite the demanding nature of running a business, Brown believes in fostering a work-life balance for his employees. He himself also dedicates time to his own family and personal hobbies. In fact, he often competes in sanctioned IRONMAN events throughout the world as a way to acquire goal orientation and develop mental fortitude. Patrick Brown believes that investing in people, leading a disciplined life, and not being afraid to fail are the keys to success.

Written by: Shona Hirons, 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 are a number of reasons why it has been decided that the third Monday in January should be named 'Blue Monday'. You may be dreading the arrival of that credit card statement any day now. You may have already broken your New Year’s Resolution. You may be participating in dry January, or Veganuary, and although the end is in sight, it’s at this point that you’re finding it a struggle. The mornings and nights are dark, and it’s generally gloomy outside. The summer holiday seems so far away. If you feel like this, you may have fallen victim to Blue Monday. If you think you’re going to feel depressed, you probably will be, so instead, choose to be happy. It’s usually Blue Monday for me because my favourite colour is blue. I choose for it to be a happy day. It's OK to have the odd bad day. Nothing is perfect after all, but it’s important to have support in place if that one bad day turns into seven bad days, thirty bad days, 100 bad days, or more. What you can do if you're feeling Blue? If you’re feeling particularly anxious or stressed, why don’t you think about doing one or two of the following: Get up and get moving. Exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment because it releases endorphins which relieve tension and stress, boost energy, and enhance your sense of well-being. Meditate. Meditation works by switching your focus from worrying about the future or dwelling on the past to what’s happening right now. Practice progressive muscle relaxation. This can help you break the endless loop of worrying by focusing your mind on your body instead of your thoughts. By alternately tensing and then releasing different muscle groups in your body, you release muscle tension in your body. And as your body relaxes, your mind will follow. Deep breathing. When you worry, you become anxious and breathe faster, often leading to further anxiety. But by practicing deep breathing exercises, you can calm your mind and quiet negative thoughts. Watch some comedy. Laughing is great for positive mental health and releases the ‘happy hormones’ to keep you happy. Listen to uplifting music. This is likely to get you smiling, singing, and moving. A favorite song can really lift your mood and reframe your mind. Speak to your negative thoughts. Being harsh on yourself won’t help you to achieve more. In fact, it can only make you feel worse. Keep a journal and jot down all the things that make you feel alive. You’d be amazed at how this simple act can switch your brain into feeling good. Switch off the news. News is full of negativity, so it’s no wonder you feel ‘blue’. Talk to someone. Just talking to someone you trust can really help to lift your mood. How Can I Support My Employees? The Access Group has some great affordable ways for employers to support their employees if they are feeling blue. Ultimately, employers should look at ways to create a supportive environment for their people. Have regular 1:1s, and make sure it’s a two-way conversation and not something your staff dread. Show that you understand, can listen, be transparent, because uncertainty breeds anxiety, and create a positive plan if there’s a problem. Next time you feel blue, instead of worrying about what’s going wrong, focus on what’s going right instead. Follow me on Facebook, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Shona! Shona Hirons, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Shona Hirons is an award-winning global Resilience and Burnout Coach. A breakdown from work-related stress, which led to a life-changing accident, requiring major facial reconstructive surgery and brain damage, gave her a big wake-up call. During her recovery, she went on a journey of self-discovery to rebuild her resilience, consider her values and achieve all the things she was told she couldn't do. Shona has developed strategies to boost her resilience, and now helps others to do the same. She is the CEO of Mindset in Motion, and a leader in corporate wellbeing, working with corporate clients in over 195 countries. Her mission: To improve the well-being of people and businesses throughout the world.

Written by: Dr. Romi Fung, 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. Type 3 Diabetes? Ever heard that Alzheimer’s disease has coined the term, ‘Type 3 Diabetes?’ There is a growing number of statistics that show this correlation. 40–60% of people who have been living with diabetes for 5 years or more were found to be diagnosed with dementia compared to those who do not have diabetes (Pal et al., 2018), as well as the use of oral hypoglycemic agents are linked to a lower risk of developing dementia (Pal et al., 2018). It is conventional practice in diabetics to monitor and manage high blood sugar levels using pharmaceuticals that involve hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effects. However, there is not enough consideration for insulin, the hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar levels and signals cells to take up glucose for energy. What is the difference between diabetes and insulin resistance? Aren’t they the same? Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both (American Diabetes Association, 2010). While diabetes is collectively defined as a disease that results in high blood sugar, insulin resistance refers to a specific contributing factor of the definition of diabetes. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas to facilitate glucose to enter cells in our muscles, fat, and liver and to be used for energy. Insulin resistance is what happens when these cells do not respond to insulin. As a result, the body would attempt to make this more efficient by producing more insulin to maintain blood sugar levels. Your blood sugar levels may be shown to be maintained, but your insulin levels may be very high. There is no exact timeframe from developing insulin resistance to being diagnosed with diabetes, as there are many factors; insulin resistance is not black and white. Over time, insulin may not be sensitive enough, leading to hyperglycemia. That is when one may be diagnosed with diabetes. Having insulin resistance does not mean you have diabetes. However, people with diabetes are insulin resistant. What effects does insulin resistance have on the brain? Insulin resistance is not only exclusive to muscle and fat tissue; the brains of insulin-resistant individuals also become insulin resistant. Brain insulin resistance can manifest as impaired central regulation of nutrient partitioning, cognitive and mood dysfunction, brain-specific neuropathology and neurodegeneration (Arnold et al., 2018). The hippocampus, a brain region key to memory and learning, was found to present particularly high levels of insulin receptors, suggesting that insulin could play a role in synaptic plasticity mechanisms and memory formation in rodents and humans (De Felice & Benedict, 2015). With insulin resistance, this process of connection building and memory becomes impaired. Insulin also plays a critical role in the formation of amyloid plaques, and insulin is also involved in the phosphorylation of tau, which leads to neurofibrillary tangles (van Oijen et al., 2008). Higher insulin levels were associated with a faster decline in the telephone interview for cognitive status (TICS) and verbal memory (van Oijen et al., 2008). This could signify that higher insulin levels can predispose one to form more plaques. What are the signs of early insulin resistance when blood sugar levels appear normal? A common symptom of insulin resistance is becoming extremely sleepy after eating. This is due to the effects of the sugar and insulin surge on the brain’s neurotransmitters and the high energy demand of converting sugar into fat. A blood test can be written by a physician, medical doctor, or naturopathic doctor to assess fasting insulin and insulin tolerance. Using the lab value of fasting insulin, an insulin resistance calculator called HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance) determines how insulin resistant one is. What if I was tested and have insulin resistance? There are strategies to make insulin more sensitive; the key here is to catch it and act upon it earlier for a better prognosis. Physical exercise remains important. Aim for 30-60 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity for at least 3-5 days a week. Incorporate both aerobic and anaerobic activities such as weights and resistance training. HIIT training is amazing! Sleep is also a cornerstone in health and insulin resistance. Ensure you are getting 7-9 hours of good quality sleep. If sleep is affected, part of the work will have to include sleep maintenance and hygiene interventions. You cannot out-supplement or out-exercise poor sleep. Keeping blood sugar levels maintained throughout the day. Ensure your meals have a good portion of protein, fat and/or fibre to prevent any blood sugar spikes that can contribute to insulin resistance. I get patients to try and get 5g of fibre at each meal and/or a couple of servings of protein (the size of a deck of cards is approximately a serving of protein). Avoid simple sugars and carbohydrates as much as possible! Some supplements and herbs can support insulin and blood sugar regulation. Some of my favourites include berberine, magnesium, and resveratrol. Consult with your medical professional for optimal dosages and potential interactions with current medications and other supplementation. Stress management is also underappreciated for blood sugar regulation. Cortisol is a stress hormone that facilitates glucose release and can exacerbate blood sugar maintenance. Cortisol has been found to contribute to the reduction in insulin sensitivity (Adam et al., 2010). Consider deep breathing, mindfulness, a brisk walk (physical exercise above!) and bodywork! As these are general guidelines, it is recommended that you seek a medical professional to work with you with specific interventions, supplementations and/or prescriptive medications. Making the simplest but consistent habit of working towards insulin sensitivity one step at a time builds up. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Dr. Romi! Dr. Romi Fung, ND, M.Sc, Ph.D (cand.), Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Dr. Romi Fung is a naturopathic physician practicing in Richmond, BC, Canada with a special focus in dementia and cognitive health. Dr. Fung works with patients living with cognitive decline and dementia by augmenting their brain's environment. He believes there is more to dementia than just working primarily with the brain; several metabolic and biochemical factors affecting our brain emerge from the body. Dr. Fung takes a comprehensive approach in working with his patients, from screening for inflammation, insulin resistance, and imbalanced hormones – all of which contribute significantly to our brain health, to interventions, including lifestyle coaching and clinical nutrition. References: Adam, T. C., Hasson, R. E., Ventura, E. E., Toledo-Corral, C., Le, K. A., Mahurkar, S., Lane, C. J., Weigensberg, M. J., & Goran, M. I. (2010). Cortisol is negatively associated with insulin sensitivity in overweight Latino youth. The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism, 95(10), 4729–4735. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-0322 American Diabetes Association (2010). Diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes care, 33 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), S62–S69. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc10-S062 Arnold, S. E., Arvanitakis, Z., Macauley-Rambach, S. L., Koenig, A. M., Wang, H. Y., Ahima, R. S., Craft, S., Gandy, S., Buettner, C., Stoeckel, L. E., Holtzman, D. M., & Nathan, D. M. (2018). Brain insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer disease: concepts and conundrums. Nature reviews. Neurology, 14(3), 168–181. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrneurol.2017.185 De Felice, F. & Benedict, C. (2015). A Key Role of Insulin Receptors in Memory. Diabetes 64 (11): 3653–3655. https://doi.org/10.2337/dbi15-0011 Pal, K., Mukadam, N., Petersen, I., & Cooper, C. (2018). Mild cognitive impairment and progression to dementia in people with diabetes, prediabetes and metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Social psychiatry and psychiatric epidemiology, 53(11), 1149–1160. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-018-1581-3

Written by: Sally Higoe, 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. All of us have issues to deal with. We have moments, days and for some, even weeks, where we may feel anxious or angry for various reasons. We reach times in our lives where the choices feel minimal, and the uncertainties feel insurmountable. At these times, the ability to be focused and have a positive mindset is essential for us to keep a healthy mental attitude... but how easy is it for you to extend this into all areas of life, including your relationships with others? How successful are you, at navigating these challenging times? Typically, what gives weight to these moments, are the negative experiences that are associated with them... Bad thinking typically leads to bad moments. And it is through these moments that most of us will make ‘the call’ and determine the level and quality of our lives. But what if you were able to improve ALL of the relationships in your life ‒ including the one you have with yourself? Would you like more quality experiences? Better connections with others, kinder conversations with self? We all have the strength to bounce back and pay more attention to situations and emotions if we want to. Knowing where to place the focus, is often the missing piece. This is what emotional fitness is about. We’ll go deeper below and share insights and tips to help you with your daily leading and personal living, as you read along. What is Emotional Fitness? To kick things off, let's discuss what emotional fitness is. It’s amplifying the quality of your experiences through deepening connections and enjoying great relationships. Through this, you’re able to significantly improve how you handle uncertainty and challenges with more grace and ease. Why? Because your hot buttons aren’t pressed so easily, your confidence in yourself is stronger and you simply don’t feel pressures as heavy as before. You’re more positively responsive and capable, and less egocentric, so you’re able to make the shift to where your mind focuses on constructive and creative tasks while drifting away from negative thoughts and ideas. Many of us have challenges or issues that haunt us, and no one can blame you for having those thoughts. But think about it, is it productive to dwell for hours thinking about unpleasant experiences? Definitely not. This is why it’s important to choose where you focus instead. The choice comes from a belief that success is defined by the value we bring to all that we cross paths with. This is the thinking behind an emotionally fit person. It could be easier said than done but being emotionally fit is the secret sauce to achieving the best version of yourself. All whilst empowering your surrounding relationships as you gracefully move into the meaning-driven space from the ambition-driven world. Let's Define Identity And Why It's Important Your Identity is your self-concept, who it is that you believe that you are; what you’re capable of and what you’re worthy of; also what you’re deserving of. All of our experiences are felt due to the view we have of ourselves, that is, our self-concept, and in a nutshell, it’s the way we see ourselves. There are 4 stages of identity that we all, universally go through. That means that each of us travels through these four stages of life. We do it unconsciously, it's not a choice that we make to move on to the next, but the move is something that needs to happen to become emotionally fit. And we want to align in a way where we can integrate all first 3 stages into the third, in a resourceful way that empowers our mind, body and soul. The fourth stage exists only in the subconscious state and can be likened to more of a ‘spirit’ level. We won’t be touching on that any further today... just know that if you were to reach that stage of Identity, the ultimate consciousness, you are well advanced and probably won’t be reading this J. So what makes knowing this about our identity, so important? At each of the stages we travel, our view of ourselves will change. No wonder people get lost in their thinking and confused about their behavioural changes at these times! The more we know about which identity stage we’re at in life, the greater strength of character we exhibit because it increases the understanding we have of why we act, say, and think the things we are currently doing. At these times, this helps establish your self-confidence and means you're better able to objectively view both your strengths and areas of self-improvement. Essential leadership states. In contrast, when we think one thing of ourselves and act another way (i.e. we’re unclear about which stage we’re living in or moving to), we typically feel discomfort. It doesn’t feel good, we’re confused and out of alignment. Like when someone says, “I just don’t feel myself lately”. These moments show us we need to increase the connection between who we are and where we’re at – we need to work more on our emotional fitness, and understanding of our stage of identity, in order to increase the level of certainty. When you grasp this, it’s a real superpower. Our identity is what makes each of us unique in our own beautiful way. 1. The Athlete In You Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Jung is a master in his field and is known for his decoding of codes in terms of human behaviour. He brings us insight into our stages of identity and has also discovered patterns you may know such as 'thinker versus feeler', 'introvert' versus 'extrovert', and 'detailed' versus 'big picture’. What’s most poignant about Jung though is his belief that the purpose of every person's existence is to tap into their soul – discover what it is that they are truly about. The first stage we go through as developing humans is the 'Athlete' stage and it’s an important one. Don't take the name literally, this doesn't have anything to do with being a professional basketballer or football player. The Athlete Stage is just a label, but it is, how some athletes would refer to themselves, defined purely by physicality. It’s the label though, that fuels the archetypes belief inside that says, “we are our body”, and this stage is 100% influenced by external forces – body, clothes, car, house, the way we walk, look, talk, and sound. Making sense? Remember that we don’t consciously go from one phase to another but knowing what each stage is like and the lessons we can learn from them is guaranteed to help us move through uncertainties and reduce feelings of stress and anxiousness. Each of the stages is driven by an over-arching question that lies in the mind. The core driving question for the Athlete is: What do you think of me? And the answer to this question is of utmost importance and is one that the Athlete is ultra-sensitive about. 2. The Warrior Archetype The next stage we go through in life is The Warrior Archetype or The Hunter. Again, these terms don't have to be taken seriously as we are using Jung’s terms that best describe each stage. This is where we start growing and moving away from life's earlier stage of Athlete. And here, we define ourselves by the results we deliver. Like a constant little internal mantra – first or last? quickest or slowest? Winning or losing? This is what's important here. Does the energy of the warrior now drive your experiences? Are you driven by the need to win? Excited by the prospect of a real challenge... and feel the tingling in your belly at the possibility? Because if that’s you, you’re likely in this stage of life... and more often than not, like many others here, your results are seen through your career (for some women, the stage of Warrior is expressed through full-time motherhood). The problem with this is that when the career goes, or the job is lost, or all the kids move out of home... the feeling that one is often left with is that they have lost their identity. Left with the constant nagging question of “Who am I?” can be all too consuming and even lead to depression. (HOT TIP; Don’t let that be you – find a hobby, a sport, something on the side that you can become a part of, and spread your interests and your drive to as many areas as you can, so your sole focus is not in one field J). There is a particular beauty in this psychological stage... sheer motivation, drive and courage. The Warrior is wonderful at stimulating their own senses to move forward, achieve and win... when used resourcefully, it’s a very suitable stage to be an amazing leader. These self-focusing traits within the Warrior Archetype will define your character at that time. Just like the Athlete stage, it is driven by external forces, so the esteem of this person relies very much on others. Score well? High self-esteem. Losing? Taking it personally. I trust you can see the challenges here. For people who have never heard of these stages, they can easily be lost in a downward spiral of confusion and stuck dwelling in the uncertainty that it brings. The core driving question of the Warrior, no surprise, is “What can I get?” 3. Statesperson The most important shift that we make in terms of our consciousness is the movement into 'Statesperson'. However, you must bring the first two Identity stages with you. In fact, you can’t stay in this stage, you cannot be in the stage of Statesperson without bringing the previous two along with you! Statesperson is defined by our personal legacy and here, we shift the driving force from an external to an internal focus, which ultimately shifts our awareness. What are you leaving behind? Will people remember you as the manager who brought meaning to the organisation's growth? Are you the person whom others depended on to lead their success? To simplify, what impact have you made on the lives of the people around you? And this brings rise to the question: 'How do you want people to remember you?' In Statesperson, your interests will change, and you’ll notice differences in what’s now important to you. You’ll also have a priority shift around where you believe you belong, and these changes will be felt with the heart – not noticed by the head. Ultimately, your values are shifting and this fuels the core driving question of “What can I give?” Key Takeaways As mentioned earlier, going through each stage is not expressed by a conscious jump from one to another. Let it happen organically and take lessons along the way. There are two key takeaways that you simply must take from this read The 3 different stages of psychological behaviour The 3 stages MUST be integrated into the third The Athlete stage is all about who we are externally. You can say “I must look amazing and have the best of everything” and this is ok and perfectly normal for when you’re here. Keeping this in mind helps you tackle any problems that may come your way both in your personal life or professional career. If you feel a shift towards hunter–prioritising results over physicality and material things, you’re moving away from Athlete. As you grow and integrate this stage into the next two, it’s about looking after your body – the temple that keeps us healthy and provides sustenance for growth. For the Warrior stage, we are defined by the results we generate. In this regard, we can say that we have full control of what we want to achieve... because we strive to make it happen. Most of the society of the Western World is stuck here – almost purely focused on self. When the winning, the results, the attention and the significance of winning don’t excite you or matter as much anymore, you can consider this a sign that you’re beginning to move into the next stage. You are beginning to experience the slow shift from external to internal and that is what it will look like. Transitioning out of the ambition-driven world and into the meaning-driven world is the point at which you’ll enter the Statesperson stage. Would you want to be remembered as the manager who pushes or lashes out at employees when the team faces challenges? Or are you the type who turns setbacks into opportunities to grow, achieve great things and inspire in your wake? No one else but you have the answer to this. And it will happen when you’re ready. But when it truly becomes about others, you know you’ve reached Statesperson. There is a catch here though; a potential time of back and forth between stages. You may find yourself moving back into a job you didn’t like or stuck in the questioning of why you’re in the role you’re currently in until you work it out. The ability to bring in a healthy, energised body with the resourceful desire to win and take on challenges, will be your sign of successful integration of all three stages. You’re now embracing and living the question of “what can I give” but it’s beautifully layered with a natural care of your physical health and nutrition and the courage to face challenges head-on, focusing where needed, to achieve results. That’s a beautiful place to be. But remember, no rush; be aware of where you’re at, lean into each moment and enjoy the growth and succession that’s needed to move comfortably and happily into the meaning-driven world. If you’re keen to unpack this further and see exactly where you fit and how you can personally move the needle, email me, mention this article in the topic line and let’s chat, I LOVE talking about Emotional Fitness and I’d love to chat with you. Follow me on LinkedIn, Facebook, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Sally! Sally Higoe, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Sally is uniquely world-experienced in building resilience, emotional fitness, and quality sustainable practices in leadership. Her experience across multiple countries leading high-performing teams in high-pressure outlying remote environments has amplified her ability to know what it takes to connect a conscious leader to their team, with outstanding results. Having spent decades on diverse projects in every climate imaginable, Sally discovered the critical aspects of authentic leadership and team alignment. She has now blended research-based, proven methodology with her pragmatic approach and ability to 'be herself' to create the transformative Align & Shine program. There, she guides formerly flustered, confused, and internally insecure leaders, to tap into their true classic selves, without the need to conform to outside pressures, helping them become bold, present, courageous, and energized leaders who genuinely connect with their team AND their business. Sally is co-author of Resilience in Leadership, Pt 1 of the book series, leader of both community and international hardship projects, and accredited in scientifically proven Human Behavioural Profiling and Meta Dynamics ' thinking-based methodology, adding to her Practitioner of Coaching credentials. Most importantly though, Sally, Founder of Team Resilience Method, is now on a mission to show striving leaders how to shine, gain clarity and create a ripple of positive change, from the inside out.

Written by: Amanda & John, 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. In our couple coaching role, we often meet couples who are ‘stuck’, each one not knowing how to move from where they are, to some possible yet often unexplored future. Will it be together or alone? Our personal experience with this is that, as eloquently described by David Schnarch in his book Passionate Marriage, each partner may know their own and each other’s ‘2 choice dilemma’, yet be unwilling to take responsibility for their part in the do-I-stay-or-do-I-go dance. Here’s a typical situation… One partner is unhappy in the relationship due to the lack of participation of their partner. Their 2-choice dilemma is: Do I continue to stay in this unfulfilling relationship in the belief that it will change (usually hoping their partner will change!), or Do I end the relationship and face the unknown, be single, independent and possibly lonely? For those with children, and especially women who might not have a career or sufficient income or funds behind them, this can be a daunting and significant challenge. The other’s 2-choice dilemma is: Do I continue to stay in a relationship where I know I need to step up, but that means I must start contributing, valuing my relationship and ‘doing the work’, or Keep my head down and just go through the motions, and ‘settle’ for a low-grade relationship, continue to be a ‘passenger’ and hope it’ll last. We’ve learned that situations like this abound in many unhappy relationships, as both partners invariably know each other’s 2-choice dilemma, yet don’t want to be the ‘first mover’, so just like two drivers speeding toward each other on a single lane road, they end up playing the game of ‘Chicken’. When this situation presents itself, you have 3 very clear choices: Do nothing, change nothing, so nothing changes, knowing you’ll be feeling the same or worse in 10 years from now Call it quits and discuss what a separated lifestyle would look like: kids, parenting, living arrangements, money – do your best to be civil and fair, and avoid lawyers! Be the circuit-breaker and initiate an honest, vulnerable and courageous conversation along the lines of, “It’s not working for me and this is what needs to change for me to stay in this relationship …” and, “What needs to change for you?” Then really listen! Options 2 & 3 will diffuse the Game of Chicken and create dialogue for potential resolution, opening the future to possibility, rather than feeling stuck in Groundhog Day. We also know that coaching can be a much better investment than the cost of a divorce! Relationship coaching can be an excellent way to navigate the 2-choice dilemma, as a 3rd party can be way more objective, reflective and hold balance for both partners, and stop the Game of Chicken! Visit my website for more info! Read more from Amanda & John! Amanda & John, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Amanda & John are known as 'The Couple Whisperers' and, as a couple themselves, know what it takes to maintain emotional connection, no matter what's happening in life. As coaches in their own right, Amanda & John decided to combine their skills to help couples reconnect, tune up their relationship and deepen their connection. Having delivered face-to-face workshops, webinars, 1:1 couple coaching, and as podcast guests, their approach of warmth, understanding, and empathy set them apart. Their mantra is 'Love Your Relationship', and if you don't know how they can show you the way!

Written by: Fiona 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. Do you find investing scary? If you said yes, then I have good news: You’re not alone. Investing may seem complex. But in reality, it isn’t. And in this post, you’ll learn 10 beginner-friendly investment strategies that will help you conquer your investing fears. Let’s dive right in. What is an Investment Strategy? An investment strategy is a step-by-step plan that clearly outlines how individual investors can accomplish their investment goals. There is no such thing as a “one investment strategy fits all” scenario. In fact, your investment strategy is based on your situation, age, debt, risk tolerance, financial goals, etc. 10 Best Investment Strategies for Beginners You don’t have to be an experienced investment banker or have a Master’s Degree to become a successful investor. In fact, most beginner investment strategies are also used for ultra-high-net-worth individuals. With that said, let’s kick things off with an investment strategy. 1. Lump Sum Investing Lump sum investing is when you take a lump sum – or a big chunk of cash ‒ and invest it in the stock market all at once. If you want to increase your chances of profit, then lump sum investing is one of the best investment strategies for beginners. With lump sum investing, you can make a much bigger profit when you invest all of your cash when the market drops. What’s the downside of lump sum investing? You have to remove your emotion. Believe me, it’s not easy to invest when the market is down and the media is calling the next stock market armageddon. In fact, your friends will probably think you’re crazy that you’re investing your money while the market is taking a nose dive. But that’s how you get rich off stocks. This is why you need to have an investment plan in place before the market tanks. 2. Buy and Hold The buy and hold strategy is one of my favorite investment strategies for beginners ‒ and for advanced investors. In fact, I do this myself. And Warren Buffett is another strong proponent of this investment strategy. How does it work? Simply identify an investment (for example, an individual stock, mutual fund, or ETF), buy it today, and don’t sell it. Those from the crypto world would call this strategy HODLor “Hold On for Dear Life.” Why does it work? People are emotional. That means people tend to sell their investments when the value is down(which isn’t a good strategy). And people often buy when investments are up (also not good). The buy-and-hold strategy takes the emotion out of the picture since you’re holding on for the long run. 3. Dollar Cost Averaging Dollar cost averaging (aka DCA) is one of the best investment strategies for beginners because it completely eliminates emotion from investing. How? With DCA, your investment strategy is completely automated. Here’s how it works: You preselect an investment (like an index fund) You preselect how many times you want to invest(for example, monthly,bi-monthly, etc.) You pre-select how much money you want to invest each occurrence (like$100, $50, etc.) And that’s it. When you determine the investment fund, the amount, and the number of times you invest before you actually invest, life gets much easier. Why? Because your investment strategy is now out of sight and out of mind. In other words, you don’t have to think about investing. You can do things that matter more, like spending time with your family. And the best part? Regardless of whether the markets are up or down, your dollar cost averaging strategy will make sure you’re still investing in the market. 4. Index Investing What do Warren Buffett and I have in common? We both love index investing. Index investing is when you invest in an index fund. Index funds simply track the stock market – so you’re probably never going to outperform the market with an index fund ‒ but that’s ok. Most investors don’t outperform the markets anyway – at least not over the long term. There are many different indices, like: The S&P500 The Russell2000 The Dow Jones Industrial Average I like to keep it simple, which is why I’m a big believer in investing in the S&P500 index fund. If you’re looking for one of the easiest and most straight forward investment strategies for beginners, then index fund investing could be for you. 5. Investing in Retirement Accounts One of the best places to start investing as a beginner is your retirement account. There are several different retirement accounts, such as: IRA 401(k) Roth IRA The list goes on, but these are the most common types of retirement accounts. And one of the best investment strategies for beginners is to simply start investing your money in a retirement account. Why? Most retirement accounts are tax-advantaged, which means your invested money gets some type of tax preferential treatment. Here’s a Pro Tip: If you have access to a 401(k) through your employer AND your employer is making a matching contribution (if you don’t know, then call your HR department), then start investing with your 401(k)account. 6. Active Investing Active investing could be an investment strategy for beginners, although I don’t recommend it. If you’re interested in the stock market and love tracking the latest stock information from online news sources like Seeking Alpha, then the active investing strategy could be for you. What is active investing? It’s when you’re day trading. You’re basically in and out of the stock market. Active investing can be stressful and typically, individual investors don’t outperform the market, so I’d stay away from this one for now. 7. Growth Investing Do you want to be an aggressive investor? Do you have a high tolerance for risk? If that sounds like you, then consider the growth investing strategy. The growth investing strategy is one of the more aggressive investment strategies where you: Put your money in high-risk investments Don’t care if you lose money on your investments There are such stocks called growth stocks. Some examples of growth stocks include: Tesla Google Amazon Many growth stocks can be found in volatile industries like technology. They’re called growth stocks because they have a high potential for growth ‒ but might also fall rapidly in value. The key is to make sure you can stomach the highs and the lows of growth stocks. 8. Value Investing Value investing is another one of my favorite investment strategies for beginners. Why? Because with value investing, you buy stocks that are undervalued and have MASSIVE future growth potential. Once again, Warren Buffett would agree with me on this. If you’re looking to build out your investment know-how, then the best way to find a value stock is by: Analyzing the company’s price-to-earnings ratio Analyzing the company’s market cap Comparing the company’s stock price to that of its peers Determining the volatility of that company’s stock As you can see, there are a lot of analytical factors that go into determining whether a stock is actually a value investment. Not for you? No problem. There are plenty of people or websites you can follow for more insight like Warren Buffett, Seeking Alpha, the Wall Street Journal, etc. 9. Income Investing If you’re a big believer in earning dividends, then income investing might be one of the best investment strategies for you. Income investing is when you invest in dividend-generating stocks. You’ll want to invest in companies with stocks that: Have low volatility Pay steady dividends Outperform their peers over time Regularly increase their dividend payouts Keep in mind that not every dividend-paying stock is equal. In fact, some failing companies know that dividends attract investors. So, to maintain a surface-level “good” reputation with investors, these failing companies may boost their dividend yields to attract investors. A typical dividend yield from average companies is somewhere between 3% to 4%. So if you spot a company offering a dividend yield of 9% or more… … Be cautious and do some extra research to make sure the company is legit and not failing in the background. 10. Socially Responsible Investing Socially responsible investing is oftentimes put in the same category as ESG investing. ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. ESG are 3 factors that many investors following the SRI investment strategy apply as part of their analysis to identify the top SRI stocks. Does SRI outperform the market? Honestly, it’s hard to say. Sometimes studies have found that SRI actually outperforms the market, while others have shown that it’s either in line with or underperforms markets. The main downsides of SRI and ESG are: Less diversification Fees are often higher ESG ratings are not standardized Some companies may be ranked as ESG/SRI yet you might disagree with a company’s policies While socially responsible investing can certainly be one of the top investment strategies for beginners, I would probably recommend first investing in index funds. Once you become more comfortable with investing, then you can always consider shifting your money into SRI/ESG initiatives. Principles of Investment Strategies While it’s important to know the best investment strategies for beginners, it’s also critical to understand the foundation of the strategies. Below are 3 important principles of investing to keep in mind before you put your money to work: 1. Long-Term Vs. Short-Term First, before you start investing, you must understand your short-term and long-term financial goals. Your short-term goals are typically those that you want to achieve in the next 1 month to 5 years. Short-term goals could include: Having a kid Buying a car Buying a house Going to college Going on a big vacation If you have any of these short-term goals, then it’s important to have enough cash saved in your emergency savings fund before you start investing in the rather volatile stock market. Long-term goals, on the other hand, include: Saving for retirement Saving for a long-term care event Saving for a 50th-anniversary travel These goals are typically far in the future – often times 3 to 5 decades from now. Because these goals are so far in the future, you can afford to take some risk in your investments and put your money in the market with higher risk. Why? Because if the value of your money does decrease due to volatile markets, then you still have plenty of time to recoup the losses. 2. Low-Risk Vs. High-Risk Once you understand your financial goals, the next step is understanding your risk tolerance. No one can tell you what’s best for you – other than you. If you are a high-risk investor, then you can: Invest in aggressive, high-risk stocks Not panic sell your investments at market lows Stomach the ups and downs of the stock market Sleep at night when you lost 50% of your portfolio While you can face major volatility, with high-risk investments, you can also see major profits ‒ over time. If you are a low-risk investor, then you can: Invest in low-volatility stocks Invest in conservative bond funds Invest in money market funds or cash equivalents Low-risk investors typically cannot stomach the market volatility and often resort to investing in a mixture of stocks and bonds. 3. Doing it Yourself Vs. Hiring a Professional The last principle is knowing how much you don’t know. If you want your money to be in the hands of an experienced, knowledgeable investor, then you should consider hiring professional help. The best investment professionals typically have designations such as: CFP(r) ‒ Certified Financial Planner CFA ‒ Chartered Financial Analyst You should also ask your professional if they are fiduciaries. Fiduciaries are people who are required – by law – to do what is in YOUR best interest, not the investment professional’s best interest. How much do investment professionals cost? The cost typically varies. Typically, they’ll make money via: Commission (they get paid a percentage of the products they sell you, like certain mutual funds) Fee (they charge a percent on your total assets under management) Flat Fee (they charge an upfront flat fee of $X,000in exchange for their professional insight) Personally, I’d stay away from professionals who earn money through just commission. Of course, if you’re comfortable dealing with investing, then you might skip hiring professional help and just do it yourself. Doing it yourself can be immensely rewarding if you get it right… … But it can also be very frustrating (and stressful!) if you get it wrong. Closing Thoughts As you can see, there are many investment strategies for beginners that are: Simple Straight-forward Easily implemented You don’t need to be an experienced investor to start investing. In fact, the most critical lesson with these investment strategies for beginners is this: Just start. Even if you invest $5, that’s better than waiting. Your bank accounts will thank me later. Want more actionable tips and strategies? Follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and check out my website. Read more from Fiona! Fiona Smith, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Fiona Smith is the founder of The Millennial Money Woman. She holds her Master of Science Degree in Personal Financial Planning and has co-founded a local non-profit community teaching financial literacy. She is the author of the personal finance book How to Get Rich from Nothing and her work is featured on Forbes, Oberlo, and FinCon.

Hello, I’m Mari and I’ve been a Brainz Magazine contributor for almost a year now. I write a lot from my experiences as an art and trauma therapist, along with my work as a teacher, healer, and coach. In my free time, I love to play with my kitty cat, hang with my loving husband, and go on walks in nature. To recharge my batteries, you’ll find me in meditation, practicing breathwork, or sipping oat straw tea. I spend a lot of time learning, reading or listening to books, and consulting with colleagues. I love to learn and am insatiably curious. However, I don’t consider myself scholarly because the best way I learn is through experience. This approach affects how I work and think. For instance, when I create a course or a workshop, I am sure to have experiential elements such as writing prompts, art-making prompts, movement, and guided meditations. I believe that learning needs to be alive, lived, and fun. Mari Grande, Educator | Coach | Therapist What is your business name and how do you help your clients? I have 2 businesses that are separate but complementary. My first is my therapy business: Mari Grande, LCSW. Here is where I meet with clients individually or in a group setting, all online. Many clients come to me to feel better, understand their nervous systems better, and address their trauma. More and more, the trauma I come across is what I call a complex trauma. Meaning, it is not a single incident, like a car accident or an assault. Complex trauma is when something has been done to you, usually from an early age, and repeatedly done to you in a variety of ways. Some people are not even aware they have this, only that they keep losing jobs, have failed or non-existent relationships, experience high levels of anxiety, or have low self-esteem even when their life is seemingly admirable and successful. My other business is called Creative Healing Integration, Inc. I call this one CHI for short. This is where I offer courses, workshops, newsletters, blogs, and resources like guided meditations, quizzes, and freebies. This is also where I run my signature program: Overcoming the Mother Wound. The program currently has 3 courses on Overcoming the Mother Wound (OCMW). An immersive 11- week all-inclusive program, an evergreen self-study, and a foundations course for those who want to join the online therapy group. I am also currently launching a new offering, a membership site to join after you have completed one of the courses. This is where you have a private online community, monthly live calls, and continued access to your course in case you want to refer back to any content. What kind of audience do you target your business towards? I love my audience. These are people who are open-minded, open-hearted, and genuinely want to heal themselves and this planet. Healing often has the shadow reputation of being selfish, self-serving, etc., yet to be able to help and heal, we must be whole. The light side of healing is that the more we have of ourselves the more we can give to others. That is my motto, my belief, and my experience. The OCMW program influences my therapy work because the healing of attachment wounds underlies therapy work, and my CHI programs are heavily influenced by my work as a therapist. The OCMW program was originally called DOCM (Daughters of Critical Mothers). The group developed out of a need with my therapy clients, predominantly women struggling with a maternal attachment figure. I have not yet opened the program to men, not sure yet if that is mine to do, but I have not closed that door as a possibility. What is your work inspired by? The work and wisdom of attachment. My work with men and women, and my own personal deep dives, have made me acutely aware of the harm attachment wounds create. This affects how we feel about ourselves, how we feel with others, how we view the world, and even our sense of efficacy and worthiness within a global environment. I’ve learned to call this the Mother Wound. It starts with our very first experience of the other and goes as deep as our connection to our internal soul. You mention attachment wounds and the mother wound. What is the mother wound? That is a great question! I write a lot about this in my Brainz articles and it’s the basis for many of my courses and workshops. A mother wound is an attachment wound but it is the “mother” of all wounds. It is the one we first experience. Our mother is usually our first relationship and usually our most enduring. The one who held us before we were in this world. That connection is so deep, so pure, so essential to being alive. What happens once we come into this world, as vulnerable, needy bundles of love depend greatly on who cares for us. That care is usually from a maternal figure, often a female, but not always. Often the mother, but not always. I refer to the mother wound as it is most commonly a mother figure that is caring, interacting, raising, and impacting the child’s well-being. The father figure may be impacting the mother, or the child, and the mother is usually present and/or aware of those interactions. The wound can occur at any age, usually there are indicators very early in life but it is often overlooked, depending on the type and severity of the wound. An example of a wound is when a child is very proud of something they did at school and is excited to share it at home but mom is too busy. She’s cooking dinner and changing the diapers of the twins and is annoyed that you are asking for her attention because she might otherwise burn dinner and dad will be furious. Here, the wound is one of being dismissed and you are left feeling unimportant or not valued. You might even pitch in prepping dinner or changing diapers and become mommy’s helper. At least you are near her and carry the hope of making her feel better so she will want to make you feel better too. Most often, your needs are missed, ignored, and devalued. If this happens once– or if it happens when mom is not so overwhelmed– and she comes to that child, thanks the child for helping, acknowledges she was not behaving as she would like to have been, then addresses the feelings the child might have, listens to them, and earnestly asks about what they did at school and pays attention to it… That wound can be repaired and a bond with mom is built. Instead, what may happen is that this gets repeated and the child learns that ‘to be with mom is not to be you,’ and you may be a very good helper yet you probably don’t even realize how angry this makes you. Until you reach adulthood and find yourself to be a raging alcoholic or perennial people pleaser, without imagination or a life of your own. There are many more types of wounds, depending on how you were treated, seen, and understood by your maternal figure. How would you know if you have one? Another great question! If you are wondering, I have a Mother Wound Quiz. This quiz gives you a sense of where you stand. However, the best guide is you. How are your relationships? Do they last? What is communication like? Are they satisfying? What about your self-confidence? Have trouble taking in compliments? Making decisions? Do you dread change? If these sorts of questions give you pause, there is a good chance there is a mother wound lurking beneath. What’s the difference between a mother wound and any other emotional wound? Love it! These are great questions. First, they are both emotional wounds. A mother wound is an internal wound, our emotional wounds are internal. Emotional wounds are created in relationship to one another. A hurt, a disappointment, a broken promise, a sense of being ignored or criticized– these are the makings of emotional wounds. When we have a mother wound, further emotional wounds dig deeper and cut harder because there is already a wound. When we have a feeling of not being seen or valued for who we really are it puts us in a very vulnerable, fragile state of being. To avoid feeling this way we often build walls, pick fights, or get so busy we don’t have to feel or see any of it. The best method to heal from attachment wounds Amazingly, the best way to heal from attachment wounds is to be NOT ALONE. Be with someone reliable, trustworthy, and emotionally present. This is a relationship wound and it needs to be healed in relationship to another. Initially with a safe other, then in time, being with a group of others in a safe space, sharing a similar concern. Maybe not at first, but eventually being with others who have experienced a similar wound can be extremely healing. Before that can happen its best to talk with someone. Someone who understands the development stages of childhood and the attachment needs at any age. This could be a therapist, coach, mentor, or pastor. In your Blogs you often mention “befriending” feelings. What does that do? Yes, and I think this comes from the framework of “Parts” (Internal Family Systems and Ego States). I think of feelings and beliefs as parts of us. Have you ever seen the animated movie “Inside Out”? That’s a great way to illustrate the framework. You see if we have all these thoughts and feelings rolling around inside of us, my stance is to find out what they want to say. I used to work with children, from PreK to High School. These kids could get loud, demanding, and insolent (depending on the age group). I could scream back at them to shut up, punish them and take their snacks away, lock them out and send them to the principal’s office. OR I could listen. Let them know I hear them, meet with them one at a time, and find out what they are wanting. This took time, patience, and support from my environment (in this case, my staff). Using the teacher’s metaphor, I start by listening to the loudest part and acknowledging its presence. That right there can make a huge shift. Even a critic often has an admirable agenda like making everyone happy, but did not realize their approach was not effective. Why would someone want to take one of your courses? My courses are an opportunity to learn more about yourself and your relationship with others. Depending on which course you choose, there is a group component. This is where you find more support and encouragement from your peers (and me, too). We start with a couple of assessments and quickly move into learning about ways to support ourselves, which I refer to as ‘resourcing the nervous system.’ The courses are quite in-depth and you can take them at your own pace, even though I suggest a rhythmic weekly lesson. There is no expiration date for the course as long as I’m still here, and I have no departure plans to date. The courses include art making, writing prompts, guided meditations, psychoeducation, modules on relational attachment, as well as types of mother wounds. It is a great foundation for learning more about yourself, your relationships, and how they may have been impacted by your early experiences. Who inspires you to be the best that you can be? Great minds, big hearts, and creative souls. People like Barack and Michelle Obama, Peter Levine, Stephen Porges, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Frida Kahlo to name a few. Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today. I suppose it was my near-death experience. I was on a path to becoming an artist, just completed my BFA with winning accolades, and took time off to visit family in Greece before going on for an MFA. What do they say? Make plans and God laughs? While on a vacation in Chios, riding on the back of a Vespa, going around a bend, a drunk driver mistook us for the road… Needless to say, I’ve had a full recovery, with lots of support and love from family, friends, and a multitude of healers and medical professionals. From that healing process, I moved from desiring to become an artist to becoming an art teacher, and eventually an art therapist, and trauma therapist. The culmination of all that is that I identify as a helper and healer that uses creativity and life’s force in her work. What would you like to achieve for yourself and your business in the future? My business is a holistic, health, and personal growth-oriented one. I combine traditional healing with the science of “woo” grounded in research, study, and experience. I’d love my offerings to be available for whoever needs them, wherever they need them. In particular, my signature program Overcoming the Mother Wound. The Mother Wounds touch us so deeply. Helping others reconnect to that essential part of ourselves that may have been misunderstood, ignored, or even abused is what I hope to help heal with my business. My programs are all online, whether I am live on Zoom or in a pre-recorded event. This allows my programs to grow and allows me to create, recharge, and be available more fully for my holistic healing business in meaningful ways. What would you recommend for someone just starting to reflect on their mother wound journey? You may want to take my Mother Wound Quiz There are a few books I recommend that can help orient you to whether you may have a mother wound. They are found here If you find you want more check out the offering here. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and visit my website for more info! Read more from Mari!

Written by: Cindy Saunders, 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. Have you ever felt like an imposter, a pretender, a fraud? You're not alone. A 2019 report from National Institutes for Health cites 62 studies on imposter syndrome, suggesting anywhere from 9 to 82 percent of people report having thoughts along these lines at some point. Despite evidence of their competence, people with imposter syndrome feel as though they are not as capable as others perceive them to be. This often leads to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and fear of being exposed... as a fraud. Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, but it is prevalent among individuals with an intense fear of failure. It may be tough on them when things do not go as planned. They may also compare themselves to others and feel they do not measure up. When experiencing imposter syndrome, you may often feel like you are a fraud who has somehow managed to deceive others into believing you are more capable than you are. As convincing as this feeling may be, this belief is not rooted in reality. The accomplishments and successes that you have achieved are not the results of luck or deception but the result of your hard work, experience, and skill. Many successful and accomplished people experience imposter syndrome. However, studies have shown that imposter syndrome is not related to actual ability or intelligence but to perceptions of ourselves and self-doubt. Read that again. Specific patterns of thinking contribute to our self-doubt and inaccurate perceptions. These patterns of internal mental filters or biases feed our anxiety. They make us feel bad about ourselves. They are referred to as cognitive distortions. We practice them over time, so these cognitive distortions can be deeply ingrained. Identifying and challenging these harmful thinking patterns is essential to improve our mental well-being. Some of the more common cognitive distortions are: Jumping to conclusions (assuming) Overgeneralization ("always," "never," drawing broad conclusions) All-or-nothing thinking (black or white, either-or) Filtering (using all negative information) Catastrophizing (the sky is always falling; everything is urgent) Disqualifying the positive (rejecting compliments, "oh, it's nothing…") Emotional Reasoning (believing your feelings are truth) Should Statements (listening to the critical and shaming inner critic) Personalization (taking events unrelated to you as personal) Here are a few suggestions to help you silence the internal, inaccurate perceptions that hold you hostage: Recognize and acknowledge your imposter syndrome. Understanding that imposter syndrome is a common experience can help you identify and label your feelings. Challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. When you experience imposter syndrome, your thoughts can be damaging and self-critical. Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself if there is evidence to support them. Keep a record of your successes. Keeping a file, sending yourself an email; any method of reminding yourself of both big and small wins can help. Review them to redirect your thoughts when you feel unsure of yourself. Reframe your failures. Failure is a natural part of the learning process and doesn't make you a fraud. Try to reframe your failures as opportunities for growth and learning. Share your feelings with someone you trust. Talking about your imposter syndrome with someone you trust can help you gain perspective and support. Practice self-compassion. Be kind and understanding with yourself. Remember that no one is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes. Seek out role models. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you and have succeeded in areas that interest you. Prioritize self-care. Engage in activities that promote your physical and emotional well-being, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation. Set realistic goals and celebrate small wins. Setting achievable goals for yourself and celebrating small successes can help build self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Remember, imposter syndrome is common, but it doesn't mean you are not competent. It's just a feeling that comes and goes and does not define who you are. By identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs and reframing them in a more positive light, you can work towards overcoming imposter syndrome and building self-confidence in your abilities and accomplishments. Additionally, seeking support from a therapist, or coach, talking to a mentor, or finding a support group can guide you in managing imposter syndrome. Remember: you are not a fraud! Connect with Cindy on Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, and visit her website. Read more from Cindy! Cindy Saunders, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Cindy Saunders is a Leadership Coach and HR Professional with over twenty years of experience working in the manufacturing, mining, finance, and staffing industries. She is the founder of Leaders Rise, a Leadership Coaching company. Her leadership and coaching style is characterized by her drive to develop informed and engaged work environments through leadership coaching. She combines Emotional Intelligence, Workplace Styles, and Leadership Principles in her Coaching and Leadership Development Programs. Cindy considers strong and authentic leadership throughout an organization as an essential key to success. Cindy is a published author, holds designations as Global Professional Human Resources (GPHR), Senior Professional Human Resources (SPHR), SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) Strategic Human Resources Business Partner (SHRBP), and is certified as an Executive Coach with the World Coach Institute (WCI).

Written by: Holly Jackson, Senior Level 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. You have a service or product that helps. You have a story worth sharing centered around your business, nonprofit, or movement. You find yourself thinking…”If I could just write that book, it will all come together.” You might even think, “Once I publish my book, I can retire.” I hate to break it to you. This isn’t reality. One of the biggest myths we need to bust today is as follows: Myth: If I write it, they will buy it. This is NOT true. Like anything else, it requires intentional, detailed marketing efforts. Success stems from strategy, intention and preparedness. Your book is the same deal. So what does a masterful book launch look like? The BluePrint to a Masterful Book Launch 1. Have a Pre Launch Strategy You need to begin your pre-launch strategy six to twelve months BEFORE your publication date. You heard me…you need at least six months to set yourself up for success. You need to begin by building your book launch team. What is a launch team? These are the people who agree to: Pre-read a copy of your book Buy a copy on publication day and Share a positive review within the first week of your publication How do you get people on your launch team? You use your personal and professional email lists to reach out to them. You text everyone you know. You post on social media. You attend networking events. And you ask them to join your launch team. You can set up a simple form for this or go old school and log it in an excel file. You want to make sure you continue to nurture your launch team in the weeks and months leading up to your launch. You want to keep them engaged and excited. Otherwise, they won’t take action on publication day. Leading up to your book publication you also want to schedule podcast interviews, talks and radio interviews to promote your prelaunch. If you’re able to, be sure to list your book on Amazon and other platforms as a presale. This will help show how your marketing efforts are coming along before launch. Last but not least, make sure your book has a lead magnet in it. This simply means you offer a tool or resource to your reader. They can get that tool or resource in exchange for their email address. This allows you to keep in touch with them. Continue to build the relationship. And invite them to new offerings and services in the future. 2. Develop a Solid Launch Day Strategy On launch day you want to be in close contact with your publisher if you are going the hybrid or traditional publication route. If you are self-publishing you want to keep close track of when everything goes live officially online. Sometimes the ebook will be ready and it will take some time for the paperback to go live. As soon as everything is ready to go, you want to email your launch team to take action. You also want to follow up with a text within an hour or two of the email going out. Only 10-20%of your launch team list will actually take action. This means that if you have 100 people on your launch team, you can expect 10-20 to take action. The better you do keeping them engaged and following up, the higher percentage you will experience. People are busy and we are constantly inundated with information. The easier you make this, the better. Share a video on how to buy a copy. Share with them how they can gift 15 e-books to friends and family members. Those will all count as individual purchases towards best-seller status. Have your press release ready. Pay extra to get it picked up on more outlets and newswires. Reach out to journalists and platforms for publicity and articles to showcase your book. Consider having a contest…for those who purchase 15 gift copies, you will mail them a signed copy of your book. Have a selfie contest. Have them post selfies of them with their book and whoever gets the most views gets a signed author copy of the book. Line up book signings and book events with local bookstores and aligned companies. Be sure to track bestsellers and best new releases in all your categories each hour. Take screenshots of when you hit rankings you are happy with. This will be your social proof for future marketing. Get really creative and fun with your launch strategy. There’s a lot you can do here to maximize your exposure and make this a fun experience. 3. Build a Solid Post Launch Strategy You’re published. You got bestseller status. Now what? Like anything else in marketing, you need an ongoing plan. Continue lining up podcast, speaking, radio, and tv show interviews to promote the book and your business. Showcase reviews in social posts from readers. Ask your launch team for selfies of them with the book. Post social media shares on what they think of the book with their selfie. Continue booking book signings and speaking gigs to promote the book. When negotiating speaking gigs, ask them to buy copies of the book for the audience. Meeting and conference planners love hiring speakers who have a book published. It adds a tremendous amount of credibility. Consider creating quarterly contests on social media for book selfies and reviews. Have a prize that gets folks excited. Build on that momentum. Get creative and have fun with this. This is a long game. You want consistent sales and book reviews over time. This will allow your book to come up at the top of searches. Invest in the long game. It’s worth it. 4. Get Your Book In Front of Potential Clients More important than book sales is getting new clients. If you’re in the holistic space, find holistic businesses. Gift them a copy or two of your book. Put a sticker on the front with a QR code for folks to buy their own copy and list it as an “office copy”. In doing so, you open the door for a conversation with the business owner as they will be grateful for this gift. I did this with my first book and got several clients from it. I was able to book customized workshops, leadership retreats, and consulting clients from positioning my book in the right places. Get creative with this. Have fun. There are no rules here. Play with what works. Track what is successful. Whatever works, replicate that. Need Help? I get it. Publishing your book is a lot of work. Writing it is also a tremendous effort. I want to make sure you are extremely successful and happy with the outcome of your launch. This is why I created my Author’s Ignited Mastermind. In it we will: Redefine what success look like for your book launch Ensure your book message is aligned with your business, movement or nonprofit Learn how to build your launch team Land podcasts, tv and radio show guesting gigs to market your launch Learn ninja trade secrets for becoming a best-selling author Discover how to best utilize your best-selling book after launch How to land high authority speaking gigs because you’re a best-selling author And much more! If you’re ready to ignite your message and your business, let’s chat. Book your complimentary chat here. Follow Holly on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. You can also visit her website to learn more. Read more from Holly! Holly Jackson, Senior Level Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Holly Jackson is a certified Holistic Business Coach. Through Holistic Business Coaching, Holly helps holistic entrepreneurs and business owners start, build or scale their business without burning out. Holly’s clients learn how to cope with stress, define their life priorities, and rediscover their passion for business. She helps them see blind spots that often cost them exposure, clients, and income. Having undertaken a thriving career as an executive in Silicon Valley, Holly chose the road less traveled. She decided to leave the corporate world. She has dedicated her life to helping individuals design the life and business of their dreams. For over 12 years, Holly has provided insights, strategies, and fresh perspectives across multiple industries. Holly states, “My clients can expect accountability, growth, and an individualized step-by-step game plan for success. I believe every professional must develop their internal compass and decide what their legacy will be. Holistic coaching goes beyond helping your business and helps the whole person.”