the Magazine
Together, We All Rise PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
Vol.3, Ed.1 September 2019
In This Edition
On the Cover: From left to right - Christina Powers, Dr. Lynne Virant, Christine Briggs (current or past Executive Team board members)
6 OWNING YOUR
26 BECOMING
OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE POWERFUL CHANGE
POWERFUL WOMEN OF THE GULF COAST
Kolleen Edwards Chesley talks about forming PWGC.
Xiu Liu talks about her leadership challenges and how they are an opportunity to grow.
10 STRESS: TAMING A
30 OVERCOMING TRAUMA:
ACCEPTING VULNERABILITY TO DISCOVER OUR STRENGTH
NATURAL REACTION
Annetta Johnson reveals that stress can be a positive force that motivates.
Kristie Tobias is a force to be reckoned with and hopes to be a source of support to many.
14 WOMEN HELPING WOMEN:
36 LOVE YOURSELF:
IT HAPPENS IN PENSACOLA
ACT TO FIND ACCEPTANCE
Laticia “Action” Jackson, a health and fitness expert, explains her path to self acceptance.
Julie Still-Rolin discusses her experience with the Pursue Your Passion Conference and how she has never looked back.
18 SELF CARE:
40 SMALL GROUPS
A PRIORITY NOT A LUXURY
GET BIG RESULTS
Meghan McCarthy shares her vision that you should be “as generous to yourself as you are to others.”
Quint Studer gets to the bottom of the benefits of working with small groups and the large results it can manifest.
MAGAZINE TEAM Editor: Kolleen Edwards Chesley, PWGC Layout: Kimberly Foehringer Photographer: Kate Treick, Kate Treick Photography
Contributors/Writers: Emily K Elmore, The MotoDoll Mandy Fernandez, freelance writer Annetta Johnson, A Leader’s Edge Julie Still-Rolin, Still-Rolin Associates Quint Studer, Business Leader, Speaker and Author
Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast: P.O. Box 1125, Pensacola, FL 32591 (P) 850-529-0908 www.powerfulwomengulfcoast.com Email to: directors@powerfulwomengulfcoast.com
Published for PWGC by DLUX Printing & Mailing, Inc. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained within, however, PWGC is not responsible for any errors or omissions that might occur. PWGC does not endorse the advertisers and disclaims all liability for claims or damages that may result from transactions with PWGC, The Magazine advertisers or from the purchase or use of advertised products or services. No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or part in any way without written permission from PWGC. PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
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September 2019
LETTER FROM EDITOR Oh my, how we’ve changed! When three of us met for lunch to refocus our businesses in October 2004 after Hurricane Ivan, I had no idea that 15 years later I’d be running what has turned into a full-fledged community benefit organization with several programs and a membership of over 100. Our mission is to promote, advance and improve women in business. We focus on these key concepts: providing an arena for women to come together and grow, celebrating successes, providing actionable training and tools, and encouraging collaboration and charitable giving. We are excited to bring back our print magazine as a tool for anyone in business! Use this magazine as a guide and resource! Read the in-depth interview articles and thank those women for their contributions to the business world. Support our local economy by becoming familiar with our advertisers and considering using their goods or services. They are critical in the success of this magazine. Thank you to the writers, photographer, and designer for this edition, they contributed so much! Check out the members spotlighted in this edition. These are some of the women who contribute to our success by formally pledging their support. Look at their businesses and help them with their success as well. And, if you feel moved by our message, we would love you to join us to give women the tools they need to be successful. We believe it’s a given that women should support women in business, but we also feel it’s important that men support women in business too so you will see several men in this edition. Together we all rise!
Kolleen
Kolleen Edwards Chesley kolleen@powerfulwomengulfcoast.com 850-529-0908
September 2019
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PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
OWNING YOUR OPPORTUNITY
TO MAKE
POWERFUL CHANGE
By Emily K. Elmore As Interviewed by Kolleen Edwards Chesley Photography by Kate Treick
Xia Liu is a changemaker. As the
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Georgia Power Company, she routinely experiences leadership challenges. For her, challenges are an opportunity for growth. She admits that managing is easy most of the time. It gets harder when the heat is on and decisions become critical. As professionals we know that leadership requires ownership of our decisions. Not every decision is a homerun, but every choice can lead us to periods of growth as long as we have the courage to try. We must trust ourselves and own our opportunity if we hope to influence others and make powerful change. “I tell people that you can be a great leader 95 percent of the time,” says Xia. “When things are going well, it’s easy to be a great leader. But that other 5 percent, when we are under pressure, if we did something wrong, or we don’t have time- that’s when you really have to lead. Can you do a good job during that 5 percent?” Xia thrives in that 5 percent. Before she was Executive VP of Georgia Power, she was a local powerhouse as Gulf Power’s CFO, the functional head of finance at the company. Representing the finance division on the management council
thrilled her. When asked how the responsibility of this position made her feel she replied, “Very humbled and very excited.”
because at some point you know who you are.”
She relishes the opportunity to tackle new problems while leading her team. Although she considers herself a “people person,” she recognizes that she can be very tough and very competitive. Her high expectations can sometimes prevent candid discussion between team members, and she highlights the importance of self-awareness.
“Females in general share that selfdoubt, constantly checking if we are doing it right.” Often, she finds that the self-doubt harbored by women translates into “how good must we be in order to be good enough?”
“Am I sitting back and listening?” She acknowledges that she sometimes comes up short, but is always committed to improvement. “You are never perfect, but you can try to be better.” In fact, that’s Xia’s recipe for success: dedication to self-improvement. When asked about the common denominator to twenty years of corporate success she replied, “You could say vision, intelligence, communication, leadership. I think those are all important. For me, it’s the desire to self-improve. If you have the desire to self-improve, you want to improve your environment, you want to improve the people around you, you want to make a difference, and you want to be better. For me, all of that separates me from some other people.” She admits that it wasn’t always easy. She describes entering corporate America and being told that she was too timid and reserved. She owned that change but overcorrected; she was became too boisterous and was told to step back, slow down, and bring people into her vision. Over time, she adopted the right balance and became adept at reacting to feedback and implementing changes that benefitted her leadership style. “I think it’s a maturing process; I joke with people that it’s my aging process
Still, self-doubt can find even the most capable of leaders.
“There is no perfect answer to that,” Xia reveals. She suggests it’s a blend of capability and building relationships. “I think it’s about being as good as you can be, and letting the facts speak for themselves. People are willing to take a chance on you. It takes courage for people to put a female in a high leadership position.” She continues, “I’m very grateful. It takes more than one person to make someone successful and I’m not afraid of reaching out. I’m not afraid of unfamiliarity, getting out of my comfort zone, or building new relationships.” Xia’s success may be a personal blend of experience, feedback, and networking but she offers some additional advice for women looking to become influential members of their own professional community: 1. Be mindful of your reputation. Reputation always precedes you! If you’re mindful of your reputation from the beginning, opportunities will become available. 2. Play the hand that you are dealt. Focus on the opportunity you have and make the best of it. If you perform well – no matter how menial the task – you’ll have the chance to progress. 3. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Have some fun, life is too short. Your colleagues will appreciate it and your team will find you more approachable. 4. If something doesn’t work out,
move on. If it isn’t working, get out of your comfort zone. This may require you to find a new opportunity or take better advantage of what is working in your current role. “One thing I would remind female leaders,” Xia stresses, “is to be very confident… Sometimes we sell ourselves short, unintentionally, subconsciously.” For example, “If I say that you did a great job, your reply should be ‘thank you, I appreciate that, what can I do better?’” Don’t caveat your accomplishment or compare it to a colleague’s performance. Xia shares that owning success is hard for women, that more often we’re receptive to criticism. She emphasizes that it’s important to accept both, and that it can be easier to own our opportunities if we build a support network. “I want to have genuine relationships where I feel like I can support them and want them to be successful. They
can do the same for me,” she says. Xia admits that building support is a “constant challenge,” but it’s one that she embraces. Chasing new leadership opportunities can make it hard to nurture relationships, but each new opportunity is also a chance to build new friendships.
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“I’m open to whatever opportunities are out there,” Xia tells us. Her journey led her across the globe from China to corporate America, and she isn’t done yet. “My kids are almost ready for college. My husband and I have a lot of hobbies; we’d like to be better at golf, we love to travel, we’ve been to 40 of the 50 US states.” She enjoys settling into new communities and building friendships, and she’s ready to tackle whatever challenge comes next. “Let me be the one to decide my path, no one closes any doors for me. I want to keep all of the doors open! Who knows where life will lead you?” Xia Liu is a Chartered Financial Analyst and the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer for Georgia Power Company. In this role she leads accounting, financial planning, budgeting, and treasury matters for Georgia Power. Prior to this role Xia was the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Gulf Power, the former Florida subsidiary of Southern Company. Xia joined Southern Company in 1998 after earning degrees in finance from Renmin University in China and an MBA from Emory University. She is an International Woman’s Forum Leadership Foundation Fellow and attended executive programs at Harvard University and INSEAD School of France.
PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
Testimonials
“
One of my favorite member benefits is the 10-minute podcast spotlight. I was quickly made to feel comfortable and with the conversational nature, it didn't feel like just a question and answer session. The interview has helped me spread my message of the services that I provide to women further and wider than I could myself. I now have a powerful interview, with a shelf-life of forever, that I will always be able to share to help get my work out in the world.
“ “ “
”
- Kendra Woods, Life Coach
Attending the PWGC Pursue Your Passion conference is an opportunity to connect with other like minded business owners. Finding others that can offer insights and support as you grow a business is a tremendous asset.
”
– Jenny Muller, Franchise Studio Owner, Painting with a Twist-Pensacola
The Power Up classes have been invaluable for me! The Networking Classes taught me how to set goals BEFORE the event. I had never heard about that. I would usually just show up to networking events. Now I set goals and focus on hitting my goals at the event. It has transformed my business!
”
– Lizz Acosta-Pearson, Independent Norwex Consultant
I look forward to our monthly networking meetings for the opportunity to meet with like-minded women. Our meetings are focused on highlighting each of our passions through the fun introductions at each meeting as well as the networking before and after. One of the highlights of my month!
PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
”
– Michelle Salzman, Owner, Salz Studio
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September 2019
By Annetta Johnson
Stress is a natural reaction that can’t be avoided. Sometimes stress can be a positive force, motivating you to perform well on a sales call or on a job interview. But often—like when you’re stuck in traffic on the Bay Bridge or sitting in the dentist’s chair—it’s a negative force. According to WebMD, stress is any change in the environment that requires your body to react and adjust in response. The body reacts to these changes with physical, mental, and emotional responses. This automatic response was developed in our ancient ancestors to protect them from predators and other threats. When faced with perceived danger, the body kicks into gear, flooding the body with hormones that elevate your heart rate, increase your blood pressure, boost your energy and prepare you to deal with the problem. These days, you're not likely to face the threat of being eaten. But you probably do confront multiple challenges every day, such as meeting work demands, confronting financial obligations, and juggling childcare that make your body react the same way. As a result, your body's natural alarm system may be stuck in the “fight, flight, or freeze” response. And that can have serious consequences for your health.
skeletal disorders, depression and anxiety. As a result, it’s important to manage stress, prevent negative stress levels, and seek help if you are feeling overwhelmed. At the 2017 Annual Pursue Your Passion women’s conference hosted by Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast, nearly 100 ladies convened to energize, educate, and communicate with other professional women. During the conference, a learning exercise offered strategies to help women reduce or manage stress: Manage Your Time. Don’t let time manage you. Keep a written to-do list and prioritize the list to keep it consistent with your goals and values. Organize your work space, and keep it clear of clutter so your thinking is clear and your productivity is improved. Plan ahead and plan for disruptions because they always happen. Strive for Balance. Be fully present, whether you’re in a meeting at work or helping with homework. Use your commute time to reflect on the work day and plan for what awaits you at home. If you work at home, create a cue that the work day has ended. Ask for help from family, friends and co-workers; you don’t have to do this alone. Learn to say No. Practice saying, “I’m sorry, but I’m not going to be able to help you this time.”
Medical experts warn that chronic stress can lead to — or worsen — Keep a shared serious health problems, including Stay Organized. calendar for you and family members, high blood pressure, autoimmune so everyone knows where you are and illnesses, digestive issues, musculoSeptember 2019
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where you’re heading. Designate a place for important and frequently used items. Keep meal planning simple and repeatable each week for a month. Designate days for cleaning and enlist your children’s help. Stick to Your Budget. First create a budget. Know your income and be realistic about spending. Being in debt and overextended is extremely stressful. Use technology to simplify bill paying through online banking using your bank or credit union. Find a budget app that works for you and helps you track expenses. Save for a rainy day and plan for the unexpected expense. Know your stress triggers. Stress triggers are different for everyone. Certain people, places or situations might produce high levels of stress for you. Think about what causes you stress and brainstorm solutions. Exercise. All forms of exercise reduce stress hormones, flood the body with feel-good endorphins, improve mood, boost energy, and provide a healthy distraction from your dilemmas. Plus, exercise may make you less susceptible to stress in the long run. Find physical activities that you enjoy and try to devote about 30 minutes to them each day. Relax. While it’s impossible to eliminate all negative stress from your life, you can control the way you react to stress. Your body’s natural fightflight-freeze response can take its toll. PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
Relaxation techniques are a huge help in calming you down, boosting mood, and fighting illness. Try a variety of techniques like yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, and visualization to see what works for you. Healthy Eating. The food we eat either gives our bodies energy to do what we need to do or it provides toxic substances for our bodies to process and eliminate. Eat more plant-based foods and less processed foods. Reducing caffeine can improve sleep and makes you less anxious, tense, or jittery. Managing the stressors in your busy life is worth the effort. Identify an area of improvement and then adopt one or two strategies to improve that area. Once you successfully incorporate these new strategies, identify a couple more that you want to try. Your body, mind and emotional wellbeing will thank you! Annetta Johnson, ACC, SHRM-SCP is a Leadership Coach, HR Consultant, and owner of A Leader’s Edge. A Leader's Edge is a Coaching and Consulting practice based in Gulf Breeze, Florida, focused on strengthening leaders—from young and emerging to senior executives. Annetta supports small and mediumsized businesses with leadership development, coaching, and organization and team effectiveness to improve individual, team and business performance. PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
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September 2019
Conference Pictures
Do you want to find your dream home?
Call for a free market evaluation 850-776-3708 Sfg.realtor@gmail.com facebook.com/homesonthecoast 1957 Co Hwy 87 Navarre FL 32566 PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
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Shawnesty Geike
Real Estate Professional www.gogeike.com September 2019
Women Helping Women
It Happens in Pensacola By Julie Still-Rolin
In October 2017, I attended the annual Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Pursue Your Passion conference. The morning of the conference, I remember sitting in the parking lot on the phone with my wife, Alisa. I said, “I can’t go in here. I don’t even have a business yet. This is supposed to be for powerful women. I am not powerful.” I was being overtaken by my introverted nature. Alisa reminded
me that I did not have to stay if the women were overly competitive and condescending, so I forced myself out of the car and into the building. From the second I walked in the door, I was glad that I did. I fought back tears of joy to see so many genuine women helping each other. Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast was founded by a group of friends after Hurricane Ivan devastated the area. They helped
each other rebuild their businesses, and that same uplifting energy was in the room as I walked in. People were happy. I had not attended a conference like this before. The Pursue Your Passion Conference was encouraging and inclusive; I did not want to leave. As I found my way to the ballroom, I was greeted by vendors. I found a spot at a table near the front and was soon
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September 2019
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joined by others who openly shared their stories. One lady was in a similar place as me, finding a new place in business. Another was looking for ways to recruit clients to her counseling business. An accountant sat down and said she was just there for the inspiration. All of the women were nice and enthusiastic about the conference. The day progressed with empowering speeches and presentations. I didn’t even realize it was nearing the end because I was so impressed with ALL of the presenters. We participated in a structured learning session, sharing our business experiences, techniques, and strategies. We engaged in a networking exercise where we exchanged our business cards and pledged to stay in touch. Overall, the conference was extremely valuable to me as a new entrepreneur.
Julie Still-Rolin is a creative entrepreneur. She owns Still-Rolin Associates, where she does writing, speaking, and training and has also incorporated event planning in the mix under Picture It Events. She is also forming a nonprofit called Evolve ‘n Thrive Events, which is aimed at hosting fun and safe events for the LGBTQ community. She is the mother of two amazing young humans, and a wife to her best friend. She enjoys speaking and sharing her knowledge with others as well as painting, traveling, and of course having her toes in the sand.
That night, I cried as I explained all of this to Alisa. I cried tears of joy at finding a group of women genuinely helping other women in business and in life. I also cried tears of anger that I was just finding this group at the age of 35. Since then, I joined the Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast as a Premier member and go to every networking event I can. I am never disappointed; they always offer lunch and great opportunities to connect to others. As a guest on their business podcast I was able to spread the word about my business. I have made many connections with women in business who have hired me, supported me, and pointed me in the right direction for success. Only good things happen when we help others. When we lift each other up, we all rise. The Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast is an excellent model, and I vow to be even more conscious of helping others, especially women. We need each other.
PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
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September 2019
POWER UP CLASSES Sales people, Realtors, Direct marketing representatives, Small businesses, and Networking professionals! We specialize in teaching the stuff you wont find in your traditional workplace training. "These classes are AWESOME! I needed help after starting my business. I bought the whole series of 12 classes and even for the weeks I couldn't attend, the recorded audio was available so I didn't miss anything. I loved the experience and learned so much valuable information and will probably take the same classes over again as I continue to develop.!' -- Lizz “I started attending Power Up and the lessons, inspiration, and confidence that I received were invaluable to me. This class helped me take the giant leap to start my own business. I recommend you take the class -- you will not regret it. The information that you will get is worth way more than the cost of the class!” -- Amanda
Business Efficiency
Networking Class #4: Networking - Before
Class #1: Work Life Integration Organize your life so you can manage everything and not feel so insane!
Class #2: Toolbox - Technology
Creating networking plans; choosing effective events; setting goals; networking buddy systems
Class #7: Networking - During Part 1
Crafting effective elevator pitches; what to do at the event to maximize your networking return
Make sure you don't lose your data & organize it so you can actually find what you need
Class #8: Networking - During Part 2
Class #3: Toolbox - Organization
Body language while networking; value networking; introverts vs extroverts
Organized systems instead of piles of business cards; manageable to-do systems
Marketing Class #5: LinkedIn - Basic Teach, attract and engage with a compelling profile; learn how to connect with your target market; consistent activity
Class #6: LinkedIn - Intermediate Using templates to maximize your activity in less time; unique searching tips; using groups to position yourself as an expert
Class #9: Networking - After Effective follow up after the event to turn a connection into a center of influence
Sales Skills Class #10: Sales - Ready 4 must-do's to increase networking credibility; mind mapping for abundant mentality; setting up a one-to-one meeting
Class #11: Sales - Aim Creative and advanced techniques for maximizing the quality and quantity of referrals
Class #12: Sales - Fire Tips for holding effective one-to-one meetings to maximize business relationships
DETAILS AT POWERFULWOMENGULFCOAST.COM
Self Care: A Priority NOT
A Luxury
By Julie Still-Rolin As Interviewed by Kolleen Chesley Photography by Kate Treick
Women are caregivers by nature. Most of us care for our families, our friends, our pets, our co-workers, and even total strangers before we care for ourselves. However, selfcare is vital to our success.
Meghan McCarthy, MPH, MPH, MBA,
PeaceHealth System Director of Community Health urges us to “be as generous to yourself as you are to others.” Meghan has dedicated over 15 years to generating community health and wellness, helping people to manage stress and become the healthiest versions of themselves. Since women are especially busy maintaining their daily activities, stress management and well-being are often neglected . Meghan offers some fantastic advice on how to prioritize wellness without total disruption to personal and professional routines.
stress actually has many benefits. Instead, Meghan says that we should be more conscious of our stress level. We can assess our stress level using a “stress scale.” Similar to the pain scale used by doctors, it graduates from 1 to 10 where 1 is stress-free and 10 is debilitation. Meghan says that the daily goal should be to level out below a three on the scale. Those who hover between six and nine are likely to have health problems. Meghan challenges us to ask ourselves what our perceived stress level is and to be mindful of it. When it spikes, we must implement strategies that bring our stress level down so that we can avoid chronic stress that leads to poor health. These strategies should be added
is to use her phone to take a picture of an upcoming task. For example, she might take a picture of a friend to remind her to send a thank-you note. “This gives me a visual cue, and when I look at the pictures at night, I evaluate them.” She explains that visual cues can be less stressful than to-do lists, which often feel like they’re breathing down our neck. “That’s helped me to not stress about those things that I can’t get to during the day, and the visual adds emotion. When I see your face, I smile even if I didn’t get to send the note. I know that I will, and it makes me happy.” Introspection identifies our strengths and weaknesses and finds ways to balance them. Meghan says, “Stay ahead of the game; if
“Health is fundamental, but we don’t practice it enough,” Meghan tells us. “What we do every day is far more powerful than what we do every once in a while.” Meghan suggests that the key to health is to think of the long game and focus on setting smaller goals that can be accomplished more frequently. Instead of running a marathon or 5k on occasion, we would do better to walk a mile every other day. These goals become long-term habits that have a greater impact on long-term health. In addition to exercise, a nightly sleep routine is essential to improving health and managing stress. Meghan explains that she thinks of adults as older versions of our younger selves. “Kids have a whole bath time ritual, and adults should do the same,” she says. Developing a routine creates a healthy habit of preparing for sleep. Meghan continues, “Sleep is really underestimated and underrated as to how important it is to total health.” Unplugging, taking a walk, calling your mom, or taking a hot bath can all be a part of the routine, and it should start about an hour before bed. This gives the body time to unwind and helps to foster better sleeping habits. Having a routine leads to better health and stress management. The key, Meghan tells us, is management rather than complete removal of stress. She explains that attempting to eliminate stress completely is counterproductive because PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
to the daily routine. Other important tips that Meghan offers for stress management include finding balance, measuring daily success, and introspection. Finding balance is a continuation of being more mindful. Meghan tells us, “Take a break. Take deep breaths. Take a walk.” These steps can help us recognize and manage stress to help our bodies reset and re-energize. Finding ways to measure success daily can add “little pieces of joy that fight the stress.” One of Meghan’s favorite techniques 19
you have a really stressful event on Friday, ask yourself what you can do on Monday to prepare. Let others around you know.” Tell them that you expect a stressful week and describe how they can help you. Knowing what you can accomplish, and delegating tasks shows strength. Knowing yourself demonstrates that you are sensible with a reasonable game plan that mitigates limitations. In addition to taking care of ourselves, Meghan also discusses how supporting other women can be rewarding and help us grow. September 2019
When she lived in Pensacola, Meghan played a major role in the Junior League of Pensacola and Lean-in Group Development. Junior League is a community organization where women of all backgrounds come together to improve the area through fundraising and mentorship. Lean-in Groups are small groups of women who meet and support each other. These organizations fight loneliness and connect us to a support group. Meghan says that if someone doesn’t have the time or ability to join one of these groups, there are other ways to support women. She says, “Add on a layer of sponsorship.” This can be as simple as introducing someone to a potential business connection. Meghan remarks, “Those dominoes are incredible.”
When I moved to Pensacola in 2012, I arrived right as the sparks of an impressive health revolution had begun. Together we’ve stoked those sparks into a healthy fire. Thank you for embracing not only my mission, but me. To those that know me, it comes as no surprise that as I said my goodbyes I issued more challenges for the community that I love: Hear my voice in the grocery store. Bring clementines and trail mix to your office instead of donuts. Re-watch my Nutrition 101 video and quote me with a straight face. These days I’m happily serving PeaceHealth and their hospitals in Alaska, Washington and Oregon. However, I return to Pensacola multiple times a year to finish my doctoral studies at UAB. Please say hi, and come visit me on the west coast! Fuel the flames!
When it comes to finding motivation, Meghan says that her personal mantra evolves. “The mantra I had a year ago should not be the same one today.” However, one that sticks with her is to “Run the mile you’re in.” We often think so far ahead that we forget about living in the moment. Asking yourself, “What mile am I in?” can help you to focus and prioritize tasks better. She also finds inspiration in others. “We are all connected. We have different paths, but strength is contagious. To see someone else be strong, inspires you to be strong. It may not be my fight or my passion, but to see someone going like that is powerful.” Meghan emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing connections to others. “We all have challenges, just like stress. There is an inherent challenge in trying to be a one-woman army… We can get so much more done when collaborating. A good friend once told me there’s a big difference between composing and conducting. When we get to a point where we can conduct, a whole sea of instruments come together in harmony. The goal is not to be a one-woman army, but to find who can help. A onewoman army can be lonely, and that does not serve us well. It’s scary. An army should be a much larger force than just one person.” Applying these tools helps us to be more generous to ourselves. These tools also proactively address stress through daily routines that improve health. Meghan reinforces this. “It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, we all need to be healthier. If you’re overloading yourself, you’re going to get sick and be further behind.” We must prioritize self-care to improve health and wellness. When we are not healthy and happy, we cannot take care of others. So remember, take a moment to take care of yourself. For author bio, see page 15.
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FINDING THE
RIGHT FIT IS
HUMANLY POSSIBLE
Today, fit goes beyond resumes and requirements. At Manpower,® we connect the potential of people to the ambitions of business. We apply our leading expertise to create ideal employment matches – those that drive businesses success and accelerate personal success. Whether it’s a permanent placement or temporary assignment.
Contact us to explore what’s humanly possible.
manpower.com 185 D West Airport Blvd. Pensacola, FL 32505 850.473.8011
- Kendra Woods, Life Coach
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September 2019
Showcasing a Few of Our Members Dr. Lynne Virant, PT, DPT
Christina Powers CHRISTINA POWERS TAX
THE MOVEMENT CLINIC
Move Well. Live Brave. Love More!
We are a small firm that is geared to helping individuals and small businesses with their tax needs. We also offer bookkeeping, payroll and incorporation services. Our goal is to take the stress of the day to day accounting off of you so you can focus on your business growth.
Tel: 850-450-1118
Tel: 850-332-4432
Email: drlynne@getmovingpt.com www.getmovingpt.com
Email: christina@christinapowerstax.com www.christinapowerstax.com
We help active adults and athletes keep doing the activities they love at home, at work and at play, with the people they love... without medications, surgeries or injections.
Christine Briggs FNP-C
Denise Ables PACE Center for Girls
THE HORMONE RESTORATION CENTER
PACE Center for Girls is one of 21 schools in Florida dedicated to empowering young women to complete their education while promoting personal, social and family skills. PACE students take responsibility for their lives and blossom with self-esteem. Want to know more? Contact me!
We specialize in hormone optimization for women and men who are experiencing symptoms from perimenopause, menopause, and andropause usuing our Bioidentical Hormone pellet therapy. Tel: 850-333-3566
Tel: 850-816-8560 Email: beachywoman63@gmail.com www.pacecenter.org/locations/escambia-santa-rosa
Email: c.briggs@thehormonerestorationcenter.com www.thehormonerestorationcenter.com
Monica Mortara
Cheryl Weir
LEVIN RINKE REALTY
CHERYL WEIR AND ASSOCIATES Over the past 25 years Cheryl has been coaching individuals and facilitating leadership development workshops designed to produce results beyond what these leaders and teams could imagine. Take yourself to the next level!
Whether you are looking to buy and/or sell property in the Gulf Coast area, Monica is devoted to listening and learning about her clients’ needs. Her integrity, energy, hard work, and creative service will be reflected in all aspects of your real estate transaction.
Tel: 610-299-2360 Email: cheryl@cherylweir.com www.cherylweir.com
Tel: 850-565-7600 Email: monicagulfcoastrealtor@gmail.com www.monicamortara.com
We appreciate all our members! To see the rest of our members, please visit www.powerfulwomengulfcoast.com September 2019
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Showcasing a Few of Our Members Stacy Robello
Jenny Muller
HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE
PAINTING WITH A TWIST Painting with a Twist is an ADULT Playground! Join us for a great time out and uncork your inner artist!
Home Instead Senior Care employs CAREGivers, Home Health Aides and CNA’s that provide in-home care such as meal preparation, personal care, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care and 24 hour care to seniors where ever they call
4771 Bayou Blvd. Ste C-11 Target / Winn Dixie Shopping Center
home.
Tel: 850-471-1450
Tel: 850-477-1947
Email: pensacola@paintingwithatwist.com www.paintingwithatwist.com/pensacola
Email: stacy@homeinstead.com www. homeinstead.com/pensacolafl
Justine Lieving
Crystal Silins HEMPWORX
TUPPERWARE
Crystal left corporate America to pursue her passion and advocacy for the power of the cannabis plant, and to break the stigma associated with cannabis within her community (and beyond). Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the most studied and beneficial naturally occurring chemical compounds found in the Cannabis plant. Healthier, not high. Tel: 850-919-4CBD Email: cannalivingcrystal@gmail.com www.pensacolacbd.com
Justine is a proud Gulf Breeze resident for 17 years and has owned her Tupperware business for 8 years. She loves to share how Tupperware can save you money, time, waste, taste and space! She has never had too much money or too much fun! Tel: 850-449-4654 Email: tupperwarejustine@yahoo.com www.fun4kitchen.com
Sherry Smith
Dara Wilson
PREMIER DESIGNS
SAVVY SITE DESIGNS
Sherry has been a Jeweler with Premier Designs since March 2013. She loves helping women feel beautiful, confident and having a pulled together look with their outfits whether they are going to work, church, special occasions, or even the ball park.
Founded in 2009, Savvy Site Designs provides professional web development services to businesses and non-profit organizations. Our goal is to make you stand out with style and be remembered. Tel: 850-384-3677
Tel: 850-375-0037
Email: info@savvysitedesigns.com www.savvysitedesigns.com
www.premierdesigns.com/sherrysmith
For more information about membership in our organization, visit www.powerfulwomengulfcoast.com PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
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September 2019
Showcasing a Few of Our Members Monica Sanford, BC-ACNP Cardiology
Dianna Montoya REALITY CHECK COUNSELING SERVICES
NORTHWEST FLORIDA HEART GROUP
Community support specialist for Post 9/11 veterans with traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, office administration, services coordination, intake counseling services (court-mandated evaluation and mental health assessments), certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Intervention/Prevention Facilitator.
A Board Certified Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in Cardiology. Honor graduate of Georgetown University and Johns Hopkins University. Member of American College of Cardiology. At NWFL Heart Group we specialize in preventative care, education and treatments for overall heart health. My passion is awareness and advocacy for congenital heart disease lifelong care.
Email: dianna.montoya@gmail.com www.realitycheckcs.com
Tel: 850-612-2006
Adana Elder
Michele A. Kobielnik
MATHNASIUM OF PENSACOLA
AFFILIATED INSURANCE OF PENSACOLA, INC.
At Mathnasium, we make math make sense! Whether your child started out behind or ahead, we help them leap ahead because we know that any child can be successful in math—it’s a matter of teaching it in a way that makes sense to them. Our instructional approach goes beyond traditional tutoring to develop understanding and a love for math.
Over 30 years experience, member of FL Blue 10 Million Dollar Diamond Club, specializing in employee benefits market. Not only group health and life but also ancillary benefits which can be payroll deducted. No business too large or too small, quotes are ready quickly. Please give me a call.
Tel: 850-490-3606 Email: pensacola@mathnasium.com www.mathnasium.com/pensacola
Tel: 850-477-5840 Email: michelek@affiliatedins.net
Emily K. Elmore
Felicia Fortune Northcutt COLDWELL BANKER
THE MOTODOLL Increase traffic, leads, and sales with digital marketing and web design that converts brand recognition into revenue! Boost participation in an event, crowdfunding campaign, or fundraiser! Get into gear with The MotoDoll.
Your Northwest Florida real estate connection. A positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home and knowledgeable resource for Santa Rosa and Escambia Counties.
Tel: 334-625-9032 Tel: 850 637-5387 Email: info@themotodoll.com www.themotodoll.com
Email: felicia.northcutt@floridamoves.com www.feliciasellsfloridahomes.com
We appreciate all our members! To see the rest of our members, please visit www.powerfulwomengulfcoast.com September 2019
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Showcasing a Few of Our Members CC Milford
Lorie A. Weekley WEBER & WEEKLEY
3SIXTY MARKETING STUDIO We create award winning promotional materials from graphic design, logos, identity, content, direct mail, EDDM, brochures, reports and custom printing to video, photo, digital marketing including email campaigns, websites and SEO.
Skincare and Beauty routines don't have to be complicated, laborious or expensive. I can show you how to achieve an effective routine that gets you out the door each day looking and feeling your best.
With beautiful design, we help you put your business where it needs to be – in the spotlight.
Tel: 850-712-6195
Tel: 850-393-4605
Email: contact@lorieweekley.com www.lorieweekley.com
Email: cc@3sixtymktg.com www. 3sixtymktg.com
Marjorie M. Kalaluhi
Kendra Woods, MBA
HEART CENTERED WELLNESS
KENDRA WOODS, INTL, LLC Kendra is a Life + Mindset Coach who specializes in helping women become free of their limiting beliefs, emotional blocks and stories so that they can reconnect with the heart and essence of who they really are. She offers Private Client Packages, Workshops and Motivational Speaking.
Margie is a Life Coach, certified in the LifeLine Technique and in the release of symptoms caused by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She is able to help you release emotions which are no longer serving your highest good so that you can begin living an intentional, passionate and meaningful life. Tel: 850-291-0848 Email: mmkalaluhi@icloud.com www.heartcenteredwellness.com
Tel: 850-391-8830 Email: kendra@kendrakaywoods.com www.kendrakaywoods.com
Joan Irby
Deborah D. Viglione, MD LIVING WATERS REGENERATIVE MEDICINE
GUARDIAN AD LITEM Guardian ad Litem advocates for the best interest of children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected by using an attorney, Social Worker and a volunteer advocate. The advocate is the one that visits the child on a monthly basis and reports back to the team any needs or concerns. We need you to step up to volunteer!
Dr Viglione takes a unique approach searching for the root of the problem and correcting it rather than symptom management. She offers the latest in anti-aging treatments as well as bioidentical hormone therapy, stem cells, PRP, photo rejuvenation, liposuction, fat transfer, and Gainswave, Femiwave, and Viveve to improve sexual health.
Tel: 850.595.3746
Tel: 850-934-8138 Email: debviglione@gmail.com www.viglionemd.com
Email: joan.irby@gal.fl.gov www.guardianadlitem.org
For more information about membership in our organization, visit www.powerfulwomengulfcoast.com PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
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September 2019
BECOMING Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast By Emily Elmore
In 2004, Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast (PWGC) Founding Director Kolleen Chesley invited a small group of women to lunch. Hurricane Ivan tore through Pensacola just weeks before, and Kolleen found that her networking opportunities were unavailable as the community focused on recovery. What started as a lunch to commiserate over the storm’s impact quickly turned into a supportive business discussion. The women continued to meet monthly, even after the community recovered. “More and more women continued to show up,” Kolleen shares. “So we named it Women’s Business Lunch and we met in different restaurants, conference rooms, churches, even Pensacola Opera.” Before long, meetings were regularly hosted from the Gulf Coast Kids House. However, a single monthly meeting in Pensacola wasn’t enough. A second networking lunch was added in Gulf
September 2019
Breeze and informal membership continued to grow. The organization was raising money for charitable causes and continued to offer business networking and growth opportunities. By 2013 Women’s Business Lunch was ready to host a conference. Until that point, the women’s group was simply a “passion and prospecting opportunity,” designed as a mutually beneficial business network. Once it became clear that the community craved more than just lunch, Kolleen incorporated the organization as Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast. She also added two women to the leadership team to form a board of directors.
things: PWGC needed someone full-time focused on the organization, and we needed a larger leadership team. Not only to handle the workload, but to have bigger perspective and input on where we were going.”
In January 2018, Powerful Women radically restructured in order to sustain the needs of its membership. Kolleen controlled nearly every detail of the organization early on; as it grew, it could only be sustained with decentralized execution that was reviewed and approved by a larger leadership team. Incorporated as a not-for-profit, PWGC originally had no paid positions. To support a full-time member, they added a paid executive director position. The That first conference had some board was expanded from three direcunexpected setbacks, but it was a tors to nine, and an executive team of success. As the organization expanded, four directors was established. the conference became an annual event. Membership was formal- This new leadership structure is instruized, training seminars were added, mental to the continued growth of and the magazine was published. As PWGC. Many large projects are now services grew, it became clear that the executed with the direct oversight of leadership structure wasn’t enough to this team, and the strategic plan now includes multi-director input and sustain those programs. review. However, executive leader“In 2017 we had a paradigm shift. We ship isn’t the only critical component only had three directors and I had of running a not-for-profit organia part-time job outside of PWGC zation. Volunteers and dedicated that pulled me away from spending membership are instrumental in full-time energy on the organization,” organizational success. Kolleen says. Donated time and expertise are The other two directors also had required to effectively run the organiexternal commitments that forced zation and keep membership dues them to step back from the organi- low. Kolleen caveats that passionate zation that same year. As the year membership is important, but so are progressed, Kolleen largely absorbed the skills that those members bring to the burden of organizational manage- the table. Event planners, volunteer ment. She admits, “We needed two coordinators, marketers, website 26
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designers, and many more professionals are necessary to sustain PWGC indefinitely. Kolleen confesses, “That’s one of the downsides to grooming our membership. We give them the tools to be successful and it works. They get so busy they can’t commit as many of their resources to Powerful Women,” and the organization must find new members interested in administrative support. As they grow, so too must volunteer commitment. Despite the challenges, growth is exciting. PWGC grew from a single networking lunch to a multicity organization. They still offer networking bimonthly meetings, but now offer specialized skill-building workshops and 12-week Power Up courses focused on leadership and professional development. The annual Pursue Your Passion Conference hosts amazing speakers, activities, and vendors. The print magazine spreads the message beyond the in-person attendees. “Friendraisers,” Pay It Forward leadership/business book drives, and tiara sales are some of the fun ways PWGC continues to grow awareness about the organization while promoting, advancing, and improving women in business so that they can become Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast. Author bio: Captain (Retired) Emily Elmore served 9 years as a combat C-130J pilot before a catastrophic injury caused her to lose function of her right arm. She was medically retired in April 2019 and founded The MotoDoll LLC, a digital performance and brand management service using data-driven solutions to jumpstart brands and rev up sales through increased traffic and optimized content. Emily has a Master of Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics. She’s a married mother of two, committed to growing relationships and empowering others through their own obstacles to become influential leaders in their career and communities through high personal and professional performance.
PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
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– Michelle Salzman, Owner, Salz Studio
September 2019
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Programs Structured Monthly Networking Meetings
First Friday every month in Pensacola and the third Friday of every month in Gulf Breeze, free to attend and geared towards businesswomen of all career stages. They include open networking, educational segments, sponsor presentations, opportunities to hear about the businesses of all attendees, and a whole lot of fun. Meetings are chock full of value and a great way to build new relationships to help support business. Pensacola meetings include lunch paid for by our sponsors.
P WGC Magazine
We are excited to welcome back our magazine in 2019! Editions feature deep-dive interviews of local successful leaders sharing honest thoughts on leadership, success, obstacles, and inspiration as it relates to women in business. Also includes articles on leadership, networking, and skill development. Geared for business minded individuals looking for business motivation and tips. We look forward to this becoming a quarterly publication.
Pursue Your Passion Women's Conference
Celebrating National Business Women’s Week annually, we hold a full day conference during the third week of October. We feature a national keynote speaker, several local successful leaders in business, an Experience Hall vendor area, structured and unstructured networking and plenty of laughter and relationship building. Our attendees are motivated by the conference and they leave with tangible tips they can take back and implement in their businesses. For 2019, our conference will be held on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 at Sanders Beach with an additional bonus activity on Wednesday, October 16th.
Power Up Challenge
Our 12-week educational series focused around four main areas of business: Networking, Marketing, Business Efficiency, and Sales Skills. Open to anyone business-minded and all classmates receive the full audio recording of each class including class notes, expanded notes, and extra resources. Remote classes also available. Classes are affordable and chock full of valuable content. We offer the series several times a year.
Women in Leadership Podcast Show
Twice monthly shows feature our members, local community leaders and other men and women in business for conversational style in-depth interviews. Members are spotlighted to talk about their businesses and community leaders share their advice on topics such as mentoring, keys to success, time management tools, personal mantras and favorite inspirations, and what men can do to help support women in business. Available on all the typical podcast platforms under Women In Leadership.
Pay-It-Forward Leadership Book Program
To provide access to free tools on inspiration, mentoring, marketing, and other leadership or development topics, we are proud to have used leadership books available for attendees at our monthly meetings, our conference and other events. We encourage attendees to take a free book, read the book and then pass it onto another businesswoman to help inspire her along her business journey.
Membership
Membership is available for women and men, however not required to attend any of our events.
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OVERCOMING
TRAUMA Accepting Vulnerability to Discover Our Strength By Emily Elmore As Interviewed by Kolleen Edwards Chesley Photography by Kate Treick
Kristie Tobias is a beautiful, charismatic healthcare consultant, coach, and national speaker. Confident and outgo-
ing, it comes as little surprise that she was a success on the pageant circuit. At 12 years old she entered her first competition and won every category. By age 24 she was Miss North Carolina. Although her confidence and strength appear effortless, Kristie tells us they were cultivated over time. “When I was a young girl, I was so shy and introverted. I was worried all of the time and afraid to take risks. My mother encouraged us to believe in ourselves. She said ‘you are the only you’ and reminded us that we’re valuable. She was my cheerleader, coach, mentor, and best friend.”
Kristie’s mother also encouraged her to play sports. When her cheerleading coach suggested that she compete in pageants, her mother saw it as an opportunity to foster confidence. Still, being a young black woman competing in the south was unusual, and the expectation to win was low. “I was always the only black contestant; on occasion there might be one other,” she says. Despite the odds, Kristie won. “That first pageant I won every single category,” but she reveals that the categories aren’t just a beauty competition. She continues, “That’s what people see, but it’s only 10 percent. The majority of your score is your interview with the panel of judges.” Even as a preteen, interview questions could be complex. She remembers her first interview panel asking what she thought about the socialization of medicine in America. Already interested in healthcare, Kristie found that pageants complimented her other activities and enabled learning. “I didn’t feel like I missed out on anything,” she says. “In the pageant world you need to be well rounded so it all contributed to my success. I was on top of current affairs, education, and health care.” She describes a wonderful support network that helped her prepare for each pageant. Looking back, she sometimes felt embarrassed that she relied on the help of others, like when she needed to borrow items that other contestants could afford. Her mother, quick to encourage, reminded her that it was just another part of her story. Kristie embraced that; pageants helped her to accept and stand up for herself. She challenged conventional norms of beauty and her success built strength and confidence. Both of those PowerfulWomenGulfCoast.com
things would be dramatically tested at the height of Kristie’s pageant success. Four years before she won Miss North Carolina, Kristie found herself in the emergency room: raped, battered, and broken. For six years she’d been in an abusive on-again, off-again relationship with a man who was later revealed to be 20 years her senior. Their final night together erupted in physical and sexual violence. Although Kristie attempted to press charges, the reputation of her attacker made it difficult to proceed with the case. Ultimately, the charges were dropped. The helplessness of that situation coupled with the severity of the abuse resulted in posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. For nearly a decade after that terrible night she describes her life as “a hell, filled with rage, misplaced emotions, and self-harm.” She reveals that she was on suicide watch for nearly a year and suffered from terrible outbursts of emotion that pushed everyone away. She found it challenging to adopt the coping strategies that her rape and trauma therapists shared with her. Instead she says, “I disconnected. It was hard to heal because the flight response makes you want to run away from it. I had a lot of unhealthy coping mechanisms as I worked my way through this trauma.”
She elaborates, “When you go through something traumatic, often you don’t realize the changes that are happening mentally. One of the side effects of PTSD is memory loss. You forget who you are.” To rediscover herself she had to apply the techniques that her therapists suggested. “I had to go to the escape and let the ‘what ifs’ play out. Basically I had to face the trauma in my mind.” She also describes adopting mindfulness and purposeful breathing. She says she practices those techniques even today. Choosing to address her PTSD triggers allows her to “act instead of react” which she describes as a positive way to “own your calm, own your peace, and own your strength.” Finding that strength realigned her with the calm and confidence of her youth. She was able to see through her pain and shift her self-centric focus to empowering others who were also experiencing trauma. She emphasizes that she had a wonderful support network of friends and family that stuck with her through her journey.
Eventually she did learn to cope. It took time and honest conversations with the friends that she still had. Instead of running away from a trauma that was hard to acknowledge, she realized she needed to accept that it was hard and face the trauma head-on. “I asked myself, what do I need to do heal?” First, she had to recognize that her trauma made her vulnerable, but that ‘vulnerability’ was not the same thing as ‘weakness.’ 31
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She hopes that she can be a source of support for those that may not have support elsewhere, but are also on a journey of healing. Kristie admits that sharing her story is an integral piece of her own journey, but that it wasn’t a story she could tell when she still felt victimized by it. It wasn’t until she accepted her vulnerability that she was able to rediscover the confidence and strength that she spent so many years building as a teenager.
Kristie has served as a trusted advisor for over 30 national health systems, academic medical centers, community healthcare organizations, and rural hospitals. She consults clients on implementing and understanding change management principles, leadership evaluation systems, leadership institutes and conferences, service excellence programs, accountability tools, and revenue cycle optimization systems. Kristie is a former Miss North Carolina and enjoys partnering with her community by providing consultation and mentorship to drive organizational development for non-profit
organizations such as Gulf Coast Kid’s House and Powerful Women of Gulf Coast. She also serves on the board of directors for Ronald McDonald House, supports Studer Community Institute as a national speaker and provides leadership guidance as a strategic advisor on Mayor Grover Robinson’s Transition Team. During her free time, Kristie enjoys traveling everywhere from California to France in search of the best wineries and staying in shape through cycle classes and weight lifting.
“There’s power in holding onto trauma. People would say to me, ‘you poor thing you’re so strong’ and as long as I held onto the trauma, I could use it as an excuse.” When Kristie refused to accept that the events of that night excused negative behaviors, she was ready to share her story. “Sharing gives us strength. We realize we can still be accomplished and successful, that this terrible thing that happened to me doesn’t define me or the rest of my life.” Although our experiences are varied, many of us will suffer a traumatic event in our lifetime. When we allow ourselves to be only a victim and choose not to own our recovery from that trauma, it robs us of our strength. If we don’t have a support network, it can be even more challenging to overcome. Kristie recognizes that we often internalize these bad things as pain and even shame. She reminds us that vulnerability isn’t weakness, and that sharing our stories builds connection. Our pain is part of the human experience. Our greatest strength is facing it together. For author bio, see page 27.
MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS FOR
POWERFUL WOMEN OF THE GULF COAST Traditional Membership
Premier Membership
$50 Per Year
$15 Per Month
Pensacola Meetings
Pensacola Meetings
Gulf Breeze Meetings
Gulf Breeze Meetings
All PWGC Events
All PWGC Events
Listing on Mobile Member App
Listing on Mobile Member App
Listing on Website
Listing on Website
Personalized Name Tag
Personalized Name Tag
Eligible for Meeting Sponsorship
Eligible for Meeting Sponsorship Member Spotlight in Magazine Member Spotlight on Website 10 Minute Spotlight on Podcast Discounted Conference Ticket and Vendor Table
See page 29 for descriptions and our website for more details. www.powerfulwomengulfcoast.com
EMPLOYEE SOLUTIONS TO COME
Free Service
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Women supporting women is a given. We also believe it’s important for men to support women in business. There are also valid business reasons to us working together to be stronger.
"I’m proud that diversity and inclusion are a cornerstone of our culture at Cox, as it drives greater innovation, allows us to focus on the ever changing needs of our customers, and brings us closer to our neighbors we serve. Thank you to Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast for enhancing the experience of women who lead in impactful ways to better our community."
"I love the idea of an even playing field. In my industry, audio and podcast production, it seems to me there aren't as many women as men, and that’s surprising. As a board member, it’s my hope to help Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast provide that even playing field as we promote and advance women in every type of business. Businesswomen should have no limitations, no matter what she wants to accomplish."
– David Deliman Market Vice President, Cox Communications
6700 HIGHWAY 98 September 2019
– Paul Stadden Owner, Paul the Podcast Guy
850-455-8383 34
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"If we're going to be successful in developing our community, every business owner should do everything they can to maximize our human capital. We don’t have a chance to grow without cultivating the leadership skills and competitive drive of women in entrepreneurship."
"Always inspire and stand with women in business. Their strength and courage give them power beyond measure. Men’s support doesn’t endorse women to other women, it empowers women for the world."
– Quint Studer Business Leader, Speaker, Author
–Max Gutierrez General Manager, Pensacola Athletic Center
Thank you to our current PWGC Board: Christina Powers Max Gutierrez Margie Kalaluhi Sherry Smith Paul Stadden Cheryl Weir Kolleen Chesley
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September 2019
LOVE YOURSELF A C T toFIND AC C E P TA N C E
By Mandy B. Fernandez As Interviewed by Kolleen Edwards Chesley Photography by Kate Treick
Remaining determined in the face of adversity is a challenge that many females face. Laticia “Action” Jackson knows this dilemma well. Now a health and fitness expert, Fitness Olympian, author, motivational speaker, and owner of N-Powered Coaching Academy, she spent years going in opposing directions before she became a confident, comfortable woman in her own skin. She describes herself as determined, persistent, and change-driven. These same attributes also explain her path to self-acceptance. Women can become “so caught up in getting to a certain place, whatever that place may be. But loving yourself requires many places, multiple steps, and different destinations,” she tells us. Determination is different than motivation. Action explains, “Motivation can come and go…but determination can lead to real results that may lead to happiness.” She found her determination inside the gym at age 19. A colleague invited her to train after seeing potential in her strength. After six months of intense training, she competed in her first fitness challenge. In May of 2001 she won first place in her fitness class and took home the overall title. She was struck by the transformations that she witnessed in the fitness world, made possible only through hard work and determination. That determination serves Action well, and she shares it with the people she trains. As a fitness coach, Action found that clients, especially women, are in a “hurry to get to that endpoint, to get to that number on a scale.” She emphasizes that fitness isn’t a number and that weight and food aren’t
the root issues of health in a person. She tells us, “The cause is usually a past or current struggle that a person cannot overcome.” Action experienced this personally, blaming herself for her parents’ divorce and subsequent abandonment by her father. She channeled that pain into unhealthy relationships, poor choices and perfectionism. At age 27, an unhealthy relationship led to a life-threatening event. Action’s ex-husband, an abusive and controlling man, nearly choked her to death. She was forced to make the toughest admission of her life. “I was a survivor of domestic violence. I felt ashamed, embarrassed, stigmatized and labeled,” Action recalled. In time, Action took the first part of her name to turn her life around. She decided to ACT on the issue:
A = Acknowledge it C = Confront it T = Take Charge She remarks, “The more I hid my pain, the worse I felt. When I finally owned up to that part of me, I was free.” Action now sees that imperfection as beauty. She also takes the opportunity to share her story with other women to empower them to ACT too. She sought help, reached out to trusted friends and family, devoted herself to church, and took time off from dating. Action continues, “I now wake up knowing that I don’t have to be where I was yesterday or in my past. I keep going. I won’t give up. Consistency is key.” She rebuilt her inner foundation the same way she had built up her fitness routine over the years, with persistence and determination. Action knew that internal strength was worth the same effort as her external strength.
“Exercise helped build my skills of discipline, consistency, and followthrough.” Once she began to apply those to her attitude, she became a changemaker. Action developed a transformational skillset through fitness competitions, education, and desire to help others. She received national and international recognition as a Quest athlete and was featured in multiple international health and wellness publications, including Oxygen, Muscle, and Fitness Hers. She has degrees in public health and exercise physiology, and certifications in personal training, weight loss counseling, and as a lifestyle and weight management specialist. Action is the author of eight health and wellness books including “Goodbye Skinny” and “Hello Size Healthy.” She credits the latter as her healing process after suffering from domestic abuse. The book offers solutions for women to embrace their bodies and themselves. Action tells us that every person has emotional baggage to deal with. She jokes that it’s “a pile of poop” outside the front door, but tells us earnestly that people cannot transform into their best selves unless they “start digging through that pile of poop and figure out why it stinks.” In other words, Action encourages people to face their problems, sort through the real issues, then clear them so that they don’t end up “spiritually and emotionally constipated.” Change and transformation starts from within, according to Action. She believes others can nourish internal seeds, but that the kernel is ours to cultivate. “Everywhere you go, you’re going to be there. You better learn to love yourself.” When she realized this and accepted herself, she was at peace. Even today the journey isn’t always
easy. Action still encounters negative comments and hateful remarks. “People can be hurtful ” Action disclosed. “Sometimes I let other people’s insecurities affect me, cause me to shrink or think about changing who I am. Then I remind myself that I have a purpose. I can be confident without feeling apologetic. People may mistake my personality for arrogance, but I’m comfortable with that. I don’t want to give others power over my thoughts and it’s not my job to be a gatekeeper of confidence. It’s my job to love and encourage.” Action does not always agree with the current push for women to “lean-in” and overwork themselves. She advises, “Don’t lean in too much or you’ll burn out. Women don’t have to be like men, or have to always be strong. It’s okay if we need to lean on another person, re-energize and re-evaluate priorities.” Instead she suggests that women embrace their weaknesses or insecurities, and simply be themselves. Action embraces her own insecurities. She discloses that she has two big fears, including “not being a mother” and “not living a purposeful life that God created for her.” At the age of 40, Action says she feels healthy and confident that she has time to have children, but she wants to do it in a way that’s right for her. For now she showers her nieces with time, attention and love whenever she can. As for living a purpose-driven life, she reminds herself to “listen to my inner voice.” Action says, “I know that I’m made up of more than just muscle. I value myself and my place as a woman.” Laticia “Action” Jackson is indeed a powerful woman who puts strength into her words and actions. By being more determined, persistent and change-driven, we can love and accept ourselves even better.
She elaborates, “When you go through something traumatic, often you don’t realize the changes that are happening mentally. One of the side effects of PTSD is memory loss. You forget who you are.”
Just like our muscles, we only grow when we add resistance to our bodies. To ensure that I live my best life, I moved across the US to the Pacific NorthWest eight months ago. Although I knew no one, moving to another state was an opportunity to create resistance. Since that time, I launched N-Powered Coaching Academy, Courageous Xpressions product line for women, created a documentary, and initiated Yes Girls Lift Project for youth fitness. I encourage all women to get uncomfortable with being comfortable. Stretch beyond social and cultural norms and become what you were destined to become. Live your best life, being your best self. You’re worth it!
To rediscover herself she had to apply the techniques that her therapists suggested. “I had to go to the escape and let the ‘what ifs’ play out. Basically I had to face the trauma in my mind.” She also describes adopting mindfulness and purposeful breathing. She says she practices those techniques even today. Choosing to address her PTSD triggers allows her to “act instead of react” which she describes as a positive way to “own your calm, own your peace, and own your strength.”
Mandy B. Fernandez is a published author living in Pensacola, Florida with her husband and two children. She has a B.A. in English with a minor in Technical Writing. She writes creatively and professionally on topics such as business, education, creative arts, health, family life, parenting and natural foods. In addition, she loves sharing humorous stories, poetry and essays about womanhood and motherhood. Her first children's book, Kazoo Makes The Team, was released in 2016. You can learn more about her at www.writtenbymandy.com.
Finding that strength realigned her with the calm and confidence of her youth. She was able to see through her pain and shift her self-centric focus to empowering others who were also experiencing trauma. She emphasizes that she had a wonderful support network of friends and family that stuck with her through her journey.
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SMALL Groups Get BIG Results By Quint Studer
Small businesses are often limited with the number of people that can serve on project teams. Business owners may prefer unlimited resources, but there are many advantages to small teams. Here are a few benefits of smaller groups: Smaller groups move faster. Logistically it’s easier to get 5 people in one place than 15. Fewer people equates to fewer viewpoints and fewer arguments to consider. They’re better at getting specialized. The fewer people there are, the quicker they reach consensus. The more they understand about a subject and its challenges, the less likely they are to make costly mistakes.
People are highly engaged and motivated. The smaller the group is, the more likely individuals are to feel that their efforts are important. This makes smaller groups more entrepreneurial.
can easily see each other and make eye contact. People need to be physically comfortable before they can be emotionally comfortable enough to be good collaborators.
High performers are more likely to be noticed. Individuals are more exposed in a small group, which makes them more likely to be recognized and rewarded for high performance. This is great for morale.
Ask people to introduce themselves to the group. Have each person introduce themselves and describe their role. People are more likely to communicate and build strong relationships when there’s a good foundation from the start.
It’s easier to build trust and unity. The fewer people there are, the easier it is for them to get to know each other. The better they know each other, the more comfortable they are collaborating and sharing their ideas, which benefits the team and the project. Team members naturally coach and mentor each other. Mentoring not only strengthens a business, but a community. In small teams, this relationship occurs organically. More experienced people enjoy sharing their skills with the less experienced and new employees appreciate the personal attention.
Dig deeper into people’s answers with follow-up questions. Avoid asking yes/no questions or those that can be answered too simply. Ask, “Why do you think that?” or, “How do you think customers might react?” Be inclusive. If you’re not careful, a few extroverts will take over the meeting. Quieter people may have great ideas but get drowned out by louder voices. You might call out introverts specifically so they’ll have a chance to contribute.
Keep the meeting on track. Have clear expectations and be sure to communicate them with the team. Steer tangents Be sure to choose smart, hardworking, back to the subject at hand and passionate people for your small team. discourage side discussions: Everyone This is important, and so is being a needs to be focused on the same talking good facilitator. Your team may be points. overflowing with great ideas and raw energy, but a good facilitator will bring “Weight” discussion time in a way that them out, capture them, and direct matches the importance of the topic. them into the right channels. A few You have limited time. Don’t let a B tips for facilitating a great small group or C item take up time that should be devoted to A items. meeting: Show up armed with great questions. Get to solutions as quickly as possible. Come to the meeting well prepared. Use the bulk of time focused on solving We’ve all left a meeting and realized the problems, not just discussing them. that we forgot to address a critical issue. Breakout sessions (dividing up into When we prepare, we minimize the smaller groups tasked with coming back with answers) are a great way to chances of making this mistake. move the needle on this. Create the right environment. Seating Continued on page 42 should be arranged so that people September 2019
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Continued from page 40 End with a clear action plan. Remember, smaller groups can move things along more quickly so make sure everyone is well prepared to make that happen.
Quint Studer is the founder of the Studer Community Institute and a successful business leader, speaker and author. He is also the entrepreneur in residence at the University of West Florida and author of Building a Vibrant Community.
Life and business almost always reward action. The best teams are those that avoid “analysis paralysis” and show a strong bias toward rapid execution. When you apply this to every step of the process, you’ll increase value from your small groups. It’s amazing how much a well-facilitated small group can get done.
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