Birmingham, AL January 2021 by City Lifestyle

JA N UA RY 2 02 1

A Happy New Year

for the Whole Family WELLNESS

D O N'T J US T WAL K I T O U T — S T RE T C H I T O U T LI F E + C U LTU R E CAT O U T Z EN: A L I G H T FO R T H E J O U RN E Y

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JANUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

J Shay Langley | shay.langley@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Good Thoughts for the Year Ahead HAPPY NEW YEAR, BIRMINGHAM. All of us are hopeful for a better, brighter 2021, including the locals featured in this

Denise K. James | denise.james@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Matthew Endersbe L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Wick Oliver

issue. We can all agree that reading about things like businesses opening new locations, restaurants expanding their menu offerings and folks taking the time to help others will help us feel inspired about the next 12 months and beyond. In this issue, you'll learn why stretching is the secret to a better physique; how drinking craft kombucha at local fermenter Harvest Roots is good for gut health; what Children's Harbor CEO Cat Outzen is planning for the future; how to engage the whole family (even the kids) in new goals for 2021; plus so much more. As always, thanks for reading Birmingham Lifestyle Magazine. We hope you enjoy the January issue. Best wishes for 2021,

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

J. Shay Langley, Publisher

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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ON THE COVER Carly and Justin

Proverbs 3:5-6

Regan reside in Trussville with their three

Birmingham Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via

boys Callan (11), Quinn (8) and Crew (5).

and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WICK OLIVER 4

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

the US Postal Service to some of the Birmingham areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Birmingham Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE JANUARY 2021

FEATURES 10 A Light for the Journey Meet Cat Outzen, CEO of Children’s Harbor

14 Extra Pickles, Please A Chat with Harvest Roots Ferments

22 A Happy New Year for You AND Them Keeping the Family on Track in 2021

24 10

24 Fishing for Compliments at Supper? Try Chef Hassan Gooden’s Winter Salmon Salad

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Inspired By

Now Open

Food & Wine

Healthy Lifestyle

22 Locals Only 24 Culinary Creations 28 Giving Back 34 Lifestyle Calendar

Masters of the Outdoors

World Class Fire Arms

( 2 0 5 ) 9 1 7 -5 8 0 0 c a l ib er xl.com 2 8 2 2 C entr a l Avenu e i n Hom e wo o d

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WE WORK TOGETHER TO IMPROVE YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE

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Jesse

Investment Scroggins

Senior Vice President for the Jesse Scroggins Wealth Team. A graduate of University of Alabama, Scroggins has worked with the Birmingham metro more than a decade and anticipates building

client

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tionships as an Accredited Asset Management Specialist. His mentee, Evan Porter, looks forward to becoming a financial advisor and carrying on the tradition of service. Scroggins also credits Jessica Landy, executive assistant, and Jane Cormack, client operations assistant, for team success.

Jesse Scroggins, AAMS®

Senior Vice President

Financial Professional, RJFS

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Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

Investment advisory services offered through Southwestern Investment Advisory Services, Inc., an independent registered investment adviser. Southwestern Investment Group and Scroggins Wealth Team are not registered broker dealers, and are independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Representatives may not be registered to offer securities and advisory services in all states.

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

BirminghamAL using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

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INSPIRED BY PHOTOGRAPHY WICK OLIVER

CAT OUTZEN WAS DIAGNOSED WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AT AGE 18. At the cusp of childhood and adulthood, she felt pulled in two directions – after all, if her diagnosis had been three months sooner, her care would’ve been pediatric. Instead, Outzen found herself in aquatic therapy with mucholder ladies, feeling like a fish out of water. She was tasked with giving herself injections at college, which she described as “growing up in a hurry.” Through these experiences, Outzen developed curiosity about the difference between pediatric and adult medicine, an interest that would guide her career. After graduation, she accepted a marketing position at Appleyard Agency, and when Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital came onboard as a client, Outzen joined their marketing department, later taking the operations role at Studer Family Children’s

MEET CAT OUTZEN, CEO OF CHILDREN’S HARBOR

A Light for the Journey

Hospital. Today, Outzen is CEO of Children’s Harbor, a nonprofit organization offering support for children with serious illnesses and their families. Founded at Lake Martin in 1987 by Ben and Luanne Russell, what started as a waterfront retreat for kids with medical challenges evolved into a comprehensive program with Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Children’s Harbor handles anything non-medical, according to Outzen, whether emotional or spiritual. The Family Center offers numerous resources, including counseling clinics; career and school services such as test prep and job training; and even everyday care like salons, sports facilities and a kitchen. Clinics include cardiology, rheumatology, pulmonology, endocrinology, behavioral, physical rehab for concussions or TBI, plus others.

Cat Outzen divides her time between the Family Center and Lake Martin. 10

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

Cat Outzen is CEO of Children’s Harbor, a nonprofit organization offering support for children with serious illnesses

“Each counselor has a specialty and works with physicians to understand the illness,” Outzen noted. Typical weeks for Outzen are spent dividing time between the Family Center and the camp, which hosts numerous retreats. “We provide the space, but different groups run their camps,” she explained. “We make sure facilities are available, and we offer them without cost. We’re in the process of recruiting more camps as partners.” During the quieter days of the pandemic, Outzen focused on plans, including a new clinic offering counseling for parents or siblings struggling with a child’s mental illness. Because Children’s Harbor doesn’t take insurance, families can rely on the program as long or often as needed. Want to help? Though the Family Center is open to limited people during COVID, there’s always an opportunity to pick up pinecones — which hinder mobility — from 66 acres of land at Lake Martin. Donations are always welcome, as are gently used goods for the Children’s Harbor Treasures and Thrift Store.

“My mindset is, is it in the best interest of the child?” Outzen m u s e d . “T h a t ’ s h o w I a p p r o a c h e v e r y t h i n g .”

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

NOW OPEN BOOST Kids

Helping Children Reach for the Stars SHEA BESHARA ON BOOST KIDS' NEW HOMEWOOD LOCATION AND SPARKLING PLANS FOR 2021

SHARE THE BACKGROUND OF BOOST KIDS. I opened BOOST Kids in Spring 2018. I have a master’s degree in occupational therapy and had been working as a pediatric occupational therapist in outpatient clinics for more than four years at that point. My husband Brian and I had our first child, Acton, in October 2016. Following my maternity leave, we began to discuss opening our own clinic, a goal of mine since I was in graduate school. My husband was redeveloping the Thomas Jefferson Tower, which has commercial space on the ground level. We felt it was the perfect opportunity to dive in and open BOOST Kids. WHAT IS THE BOOST PHILOSOPHY? The purpose of BOOST Kids is to provide services to children who need assistance or “a boost” toward independence in a variety of areas, including self-care, school skills and play/social/leisure. We do that by evaluating and then improving developmental skills that are needed for kids to engage in age-appropriate activities. We also educate families and caregivers on how to engage with their children and help them progress toward their goals. Specialty areas include feeding therapy for picky eating or children with limited diets; handwriting help; sensory integration therapy; social skills and emotional regulation to improve engagement with others; and assistance with fine motor skills.

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

BOOST Kids

HOW HAS BOOST EVOLVED OVER

WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPLISH

THE LAST FEW YEARS?

IN THE NEW LOCATION?

When BOOST Kids opened in 2018, I was the only

The goal of the new location is to provide therapy

employee and therapist. As we grew and more families

services to more children and families in Birmingham,

began to learn of our services, I was able to bring on

Homewood and surrounding areas. We are hoping to

two part-time therapists. Prior to COVID-19, we could

add speech therapy services in 2021. With the larger

work with two children at a time in our current office

space, we are brainstorming ways to safely provide

space. The new office will have four treatment rooms

group programming to children, such as Social Skills

and a therapy gym so we can offer more appointment

groups, cooking groups to address feeding sensitiv-

times and provide services to more families. Also,

ities, Handwriting Camp and more. We hope to pro-

the new location on Oxmoor Road in Homewood is

vide these services in an after-school setting — for

in a wonderful, family-friendly location with off-street

example, every Monday in March from 4 until 5 p.m.

parking, which parents will love.

— and also as summer camps. We’re also hoping to add small group children’s yoga classes at the new

HOW DO PARENTS FIND OUT

location. We previously taught children’s yoga at day-

ABOUT SERVICES OFFERED?

cares and elementary schools as after-school pro-

Typically, parents hear about our services from their pediatrician if they recommend occupational ther-

gramming but would love to be able to offer it on-site so more children can register.

apy services for developmental delay, handwriting, sensory integration, feeding therapy, etc. We have

ANY GRAND OPENING PLANS?

also provided OT screenings at local preschools, and

We don’t have a date set, but all of the renovations

depending on the results of the screening we will rec-

of the space are complete. We plan to be fully moved

ommend an evaluation to parents. Now that we have

in and ready the first week in January. If anyone is

been open almost three years, we also have current

interested in joining the waiting list for an evaluation or

and previous clients refer us to family and friends,

applying for an occupational or speech therapy posi-

which is much appreciated!

tion, they can email office@boostbirmingham.com.

"We are hoping to add speech therapy services in 2021. With the larger space, we a r e b r a i n s t o r m i n g way s t o s a f e ly p r o v i d e g r o u p p r o g r a m m i n g t o c h i l d r e n . . ."

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

FOOD & WINE

extra pickles, please A CHAT WITH HARVEST ROOTS FERMENTS

Owners Pete Halupka and Lindsay Whiteaker

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

IF THE IDEA OF HEALTHY EATING AS YOUR 2021 PLAN SECRETLY MAKES YOU WRINKLE YOUR NOSE AT THE IMAGE OF BORING SALADS AND STEAMED VEGETABLES, TAKE

push the boundaries of fermentation as a culinary craft, eventu-

HEART: YOU CAN ENJOY SOMETHING TASTY THAT IS STILL

ally opening a full restaurant in our beautiful city.”

GOOD FOR YOUR BODY.

How did the couple get into this business? After a stint in Fiji

Harvest Roots Ferments, a Birmingham company owned by

studying food, culture and fermentation, Whiteaker came back to

husband-and-wife team Pete Halupka and Lindsay Whiteaker, has

the states feeling inspired to learn more about fermenting with

recently relocated their production facility and taproom to the bus-

the help of the book “Wild Fermentation” by Sandor Katz. The

tling Avondale neighborhood. Operating since 2012 with products in

couple agreed they were drawn to the art and science of ferment-

area shops, grocery stores and specialty markets, Harvest Roots is

ing for “the transformation of flavors and the method to preserve

looking forward to expanding beyond the Magic City.

seasonal abundance.” To that end, Harvest Roots makes it a pri-

“We hope to continue expanding our … kombucha distribution throughout the Southeast as well as expanding our menu selection in our taproom,” remarked Halupka. “We hope to continue to

ority to use local produce in their products. “We are beyond dedicated and inspired by sourcing thousands of pounds of local produce each year,” Halupka said.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

FOOD & WINE (CONTINUED)

“Our new taproom has been a joyous place of delicious drinks and foods,” Halupka shared. “We want folks to leave our space feeling multitudes better than when they came in.” Understanding the role of the gut is still a work in progress, but

In the taproom, an assortment of healthy items are available for

one thing is certain: gut health can be improved with ferments,

enjoyment, including 15 taps of their famous kombucha and an array

which according to Halupka, are created with yeast, bacteria and

of seasonal pickles, krauts and kimchis. Customers can also order

salt — vinegar is not involved.

small plates, with options like charcuterie and kimchi bowls. Most

“The probiotic benefits as well as beneficial acids and vitamins

items are gluten-free, paleo-friendly and vegan.

found in fermented foods are well studied. The study of the gut is

“Our new taproom has been a joyous place of delicious drinks and

becoming more prevalent and intentional, and it does seem that

foods,” Halupka shared. “We want folks to leave our space feeling

scientific literature suggests the more we learn, the more doors

multitudes better than when they came in.”

open for discovery,” Halupka said. “And of course, delicious food and drinks will always make you feel better. Our customers share their personal experiences regularly.”

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

D O N ' T W A L K

J U S T I T

O U T

—

WHY YOU SHOULD TOUCH THOSE TOES IN 2021 WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU GET UP IN THE MORNING? Many of us head for the coffee maker first thing, then plop down on the sofa with a cup of joe and some social media scrolling or email checking. But there’s a better way! Stretching: it’s not just for warming up before a jog any-

grandfather, who was confined to a walker. After a period

more. The truth is, stretching is actually more beneficial to

of time, he was able to see his grandfather dance at his

your health than many of us previously thought. Lori and

cousin’s wedding — hence his ‘eureka’ moment.

Kenny Gordon, owners of Stretch Zone in Birmingham,

Even athletes can improve their performance with

are tried-and-true believers who loved the experience of

regular stretching, according to the Gordons. Golfers

Stretch Zone so much themselves, they decided to buy the

have found that their swings improve, for example, and

business. Now they’re busily sharing the wonders of a great

young athletes are catching on, visiting Stretch Zone to

stretch with the Magic City. Here are their favorite reasons

enhance their seasons.

for making an appointment to see what the fuss is about. STRETCHING IS HEALTHY FOR MEN STRETCHING CAN IMPROVE MOBILITY AND PERFORMANCE.

AND WOMEN OF ALL AGES. Men and women of all ages can benefit from a nice

Mobility is important for everyone, and stretching can

stretch. In fact, the Gordons said they have no “typical” cli-

mean the difference between enjoying an evening of

ent at Stretch Zone. Clients range in age from about 15 to

dancing and staying put on the couch.

well over 65, and are split almost down the middle — 55%

“If you find it hard to perform normal daily activities —

men and 45% women.

especially if you could do them before — that is where

“Our clientele includes everyone from athletes and

we specialize,” said Kenny Gordon. “The whole Stretch

chronic pain sufferers to those who sit behind their desks or

Zone concept started with the founder stretching his

drive their cars a lot,” the couple explained.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

STRETCHING HELPS WITH CONDITIONS SUCH AS PLANTAR FASCIITIS AND SCIATICA. Here’s something you might not know about stretching: it can help with painful conditions in the body. Plantar fasciitis, a condition where the tissue along the bottom of the foot is frequently inflamed, is improved by stretching, as is sciatica, a condition that causes pain in the lower back. “I have plantar fasciitis, and stretching has helped more than anything,” Lori Gordon shared. “If you have any discomfort or pain, this could work for you. And when people feel the difference after being on the table, the Stretch Zone Method sells itself!” REGULAR STRETCHING CAN MAKE THE MOST OF OTHER HEALTH ROUTINES. For folks who already visit the chiropractor or massage therapist, take heart: regular stretching will only improve the results. The Gordons pointed out that chiropractic, which focuses on the body’s bones, will work in tandem with stretching, which works on muscles. Even massage therapy, meant for relaxation, will be better yet if muscles are already loosened. STRETCHING FEELS GOOD! Nervous that stretching from a professional might hurt? Don’t be. The Gordons and their trained practitioners understand each individual client’s needs. “Because people have different tolerances and range of motion, we strive to know how they feel,” said Lori. “The first stretch is a complimentary demo stretch. We assess how tight or flexible you are for different muscles. After the warmup, a protocol is selected, and the practitioner and client communicate about the scale. A seven is a deep yet painless stretch, which is ideal.”

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

LOCALS ONLY

A H A P PY N E W Y E A R F O R YO U A N D TH E M

KEEPING THE FAMILY ON TRACK IN 2021

AFTER THE LAST HOLIDAY PARTY HAS PETERED OUT AND THE LAST DECORATIONS HAVE COME DOWN, IT’S TIME TO SET OUR INTENTIONS FOR A FANTASTIC NEW YEAR. This year, with the challenges brought upon us by COVID-19, it’s more important than ever to stay pos-

semesters is always ideal for discussing new lifestyle goals.

l im

in reason.

tin e

without the current pandemic, the time between academic

til

, w i th

Rou

psychologist at Children’s of Alabama, pointed out that even

itive and teach the kids to do the same. Dr. Dan Marullo, a

nt rta po

Kids are perhaps out of the house less often, he noted, and virtual school, coupled with less social time, can mean wear and tear on both kids and parents. Fortunately, a little communication can go a long way. Here are a few tips.

STICK TO ROUTINES ( WITHIN RE A SON).

Routines are still an important part of life, even when both adults and kids are working from home. According to Dr. Marullo, small children equate a

PROMOTE SOCIAL CONNECTIONS.

routine with safety and stability, while older kids are

Kids need other kids; there’s no doubt about it.

likely to produce better work with a bit of structure.

Parents can help their own youngsters feel con-

While the routines don’t need to be militant, a family

nected with peers by encouraging face-to-face

schedule will yield better results for all.

conversations through Zoom and Skype — rather

“The key is to help kids maintain some sense of normality. That helps them cope, for one thing. So

than just texting and Instagram — and, when safe, real-life encounters in small groups.

set a time for virtual school. Set some parameters.

“Try to find ways to keep them engaged. There

By helping your kids stick to a schedule, you are

needs to be a balance with screen time and per-

helping yourself,” he explained.

sonal time. With COVID, you can loosen up a little bit, but that isn’t to say kids should have access to media all day long,” Dr. Marullo said. “Teach them to dial things back from a big party to one or two friends — connecting yet staying safe.”

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

DISCUSS THE BENEFITS OF CHANGE . be

ha n g e .

lifestyle is ideal for talking with your children about unexpected benefits. Reassure them that changing plans for

of c

Di s cu

kids for more modest gatherings, our recent scaled-back

Speaking of trading a football stadium brimming with

ts efi

the sake of everyone’s health and learning who our real friends are are invaluable lessons that perhaps only the pandemic could have given us. “Help them understand that sometimes you have to do things that make you sad or disappointed, and sometimes things aren’t ideal, but there are positives from making sac-

n on

w io n

ith Z

o o m a n d S k yp e .

rifices,” Dr. Marullo commented.

Encourage f

a ce

-to

-fa

MIRROR AN E X AMPLE .

Expecting your kids to implement positive changes in their lives but not illustrating those concepts yourself is not the way to meet family goals. Sure, everyone can have a bad day, but mirroring the behavior you want your kids to adopt will go a long way in forming their character. And if you slip up and lose your cool? Just talk

M ir

ro r

about it, advised Dr. Marullo.

p le

an uw

t children to see .

“Hiding our emotions won’t help kids learn,” he reiterated. “It’s OK to be angry and disappointed. But if you want your child to handle their own disappointment in a healthy way, how you manage your emotions has a lot to do with that. “Kids are always watching. Your resolutions should be for your kids too. If you want your child to set new goals, they should be realistic, and you should do them together,” he added.

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

CULINARY CREATIONS

f ish i n g for compl i ments at supper? TRY CHEF HASSAN GOODEN'S WINTER SALMON SALAD

“I CAME UP WITH THIS RECIPE BECAUSE WE WERE LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO WITH SALMON,” SAID CHEF HASSAN GOODEN OF FANCY’S ON FIFTH, A POPULAR AVONDALE RESTAURANT. “I love Asian flavors, so I wanted to use soy and brown sugar and capture that. I added sugar to balance the bitterness and salt.” “I use raw, marinated salmon on this salad. To do this, buy the freshest fish possible. However, if you’re squeamish about raw salmon, you can grill or pansear the marinated salmon instead,” he added.

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

Marinade for salmon: + 2 ounces soy sauce + 4 ounces Worcestershire sauce + 2 smashed garlic cloves + 1 tablespoon brown sugar + 5 ounces of salmon, thinly sliced Salmon needs to marinate 5-10 minutes.

Photo by Wick Oliver

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

Salad SERVES TWO.

+ 2 cups arugula + 1 cup mixed spicy greens + 1 carrot, shaved + 3 radishes, thinly sliced + cilantro leaves, picked Add oil and vinegar to taste as a simple dressing so the salmon shines.

Chef Hassan Gooden, Photo by Wick Oliver

“I love Asia n f lavors, so I wa nted to use soy a nd brow n suga r a nd capt u re that. I added suga r to ba la nce the bit ter ness a nd sa lt.” CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

GIVING BACK

C H

YO U A R E T H E C ATA LY S T F O R CHANGE

ARTICLE DR. JOHN C. MAXWELL IF SOMEONE WERE TO ASK YOU, “WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?” how would

you reply? Would you talk about your job or your family? Would you tell them about a dream you’re chasing or a goal you’re trying to meet? What we give our lives to says a lot about who we are. For forty years now, I’ve gotten out of bed in the morning with one single focus: adding value to leaders

I’ve spent decades learning what it takes to trans-

who will multiply value to others.

form communities and countries, and with my

Because of that focus, I’ve authored over 80 books

writing partner, Rob Hoskins, have produced a

on relationships, equipping people, attitude, and lead-

book that offers step by step instruction on how

ership, all with the purpose of expanding my reach to

leaders—people who care to make a difference—

add value to leaders.

can produce transformation in their own backyard.

Four decades, dedicated to making better leaders.

It’s a book written for everyone—including you.

But now, as I enter into my fifth decade, my purpose

You are a potential catalyst for change in your

has expanded. I still get of bed with the goal of adding

community, no matter where you live, no matter

value to leaders who will multiply value to others, but

what you do. All it takes is your willingness to

there’s an even greater purpose behind it all.

step up as a leader. Harriet Tubman once said,

Transformation. I want to see our world transformed

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always

into one where every human being is encouraged and

remember, you have within you the strength, the

allowed to live to their full potential. Imagine what it would

patience, and the passion to reach for the stars

be like to live in a world where everyone—men, women,

and change the world.”

children—were equipped and empowered to live a life of deep purpose. We would truly see a transformed world.

RENOWNED LEADERSHIP COACH DETAILS HOW CHANGE IN A COMMUNITY CAN START WITH ONE PERSON: YOU

If you dream of changing your community, or city, or country, you must not only dream, you must

That’s the message of my latest book, Change Your

also act. Many things in life just happen, but pos-

World: How Anyone, Anywhere Can Make a Difference.

itive change isn’t one of them. Changing anything

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

in our world requires someone to be the catalyst. Someone like you.

N Dr. John C. Maxwell

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

A 30

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

Leaders like you become catalysts for change when they do three things: pick a problem to address, invite others to join them, and do what they can where they are.

1. Pick a Problem to Address A leader can never become a catalyst until he or she first takes ownership of the problem they wish to solve. You cannot rally people to a cause that you aren’t willing to own, especially these days; people know when a leader is being half-hearted, and they don’t respect it. When you pick a problem to solve or a cause to rally around, you must have conviction in order to succeed. Over the years, I’ve learned that whenever I feel a sense of conviction about an issue, I need to start moving in the direction I believe I should go, even if I’m uncertain. Action creates ownership, and ownership creates credibility with people. And you need that credibility because transformation cannot be done by one person alone—we all need people to join us on the journey.

2. Invite Others to Join You When you’ve settled on the problem you want to tackle you should immediately begin looking for others to join you. In the book, Rob and I recommend starting with friends and family; you already have influence with them, and chances are you’re of like mind in many areas. Go to those family members who frequently ask you for advice or seek your opinion on personal matters, as you likely have greater influence with them. To move beyond family, however, you’ll need to take a leap of faith and begin sharing your passion for solving the problem with other people. Passion attracts, and when people come to you with interest, don’t be afraid to ask them what they think or invite them to improve your ideas. Empowering people to help you creates a bond, and once that bond is established, you will quickly discover who you can truly work with and invite them to take action with you. CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

3. Do What You Can Where You Are Action is the final step. It doesn’t have to be big or grand; it doesn’t even have to be guaranteed of success. Nothing happens in life until someone does something, and once you take your first step, the next step will come into focus. Remember that transformation is a process, not an event. It takes time and repeated action to bring about positive change. So focus on purpose, not perfection, and do what you know to do. These three steps may seem too simple, but I assure you they work. The goal of all transformational movements is making things better however

possible. Incremental change is better than the status quo; and when you’re truly committed to making your community a better place, you know that any improvement is a significant improvement.

C If you’d like to learn more about transformation

No matter what problems or challenges face your

and how to become a leader of transformation, then

community, you are the catalyst for change that can

I encourage you to pick up my book, Change Your

make all the difference. But you must choose to get

World, from your favorite bookstore or online retailer.

involved; transformation won’t choose you—you

If you’re concerned about making the world a better

must choose transformation.

place, then you know that now is the best time for leaders like us to make that dream a reality.

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

For the sake of your community and mine, I sincerely hope you do.

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JANUARY

LIFESTYLE CALENDAR

you’ll need to plan the biggest day of

ALABAMA DANCE FESTIVAL (VIRTUAL)

MLK DAY 5K DRUM RUN (VIRTUAL)

and giveaways. Expect lots of swag,

Virtual

can save you thousands of dollars

The 2021 Alabama Dance Festival

The 5th Annual race is scheduled for

and an incredible fashion show.

will take place virtually! As one of the

Saturday, January 16, 2021, (all day)

largest gatherings of dancers and

and will be a VIRTUAL RACE this year.

dance enthusiasts in the Southeast,

Race participants come from diverse

the Alabama Dance Festival will

populations that include all demo-

immerse you in master classes with

graphics, races, cultures, genders and

world-renowned teachers, audition

creed to celebrate the meaning of the

opportunities, teacher training, net-

holiday in a fun and fitness way. Visit

working, performances by regional

https://www.mlkday5kbham.com.

Virtual

BODYTRAFFIC. Visit http://www. alabamadancefestival.org/.

Birmingham Lifestyle | January 2021

phenomenal show-only specials that

28 TEACHER WEBINAR: THE VULCAN AS ART AND SCIENCE (VIRTUAL) Virtual

The Vulcan is an icon of ingenuity and

resources and human resourceful-

BIRMINGHAM PINK BRIDE WEDDING SHOW

lessons. Presenting is Taylor Eads,

ness. Here’s how teachers can make the iron man the focus of STEAM a 5th grade teacher at I-3 Academy.

Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Center

Visit https://visitvulcan.com/learn/

Formerly The Southern Bridal Show,

teacher-resources/ to register.

this event has literally everything

to breathtaking inspirational layouts

design — a product of both natural

dance groups, and a special presentation by this year’s guest company,

your life, from the area’s top vendors

CityLifestyle.com/BirminghamAL