Rural Leader Magazine June 2014

June 2014

The Republican Healthcare Plan with a Twist Situational Leadership•Train Your Mind Daily• Leadership: The Secret Sauce 7 Leadership Strategies to Building An Inspiring Workplace

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Contents

4 New Republican Health Care Plan with a Twist 6 Reclaim Control of Your Credit and Identity 7 Cleaver tips and tricks to Save on Auto Insurance Publisher and Editor-in-Chief 8 Overcoming Great Odds Kuanita E. Murphy 10 New Beginnings Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital 13 Five Leadership Insights from Indra Nooyi publication highlighting rural leaders, 14 Situational Leadership real issues, and real solutions.

15 Will You Choose to be Successful Today 17 How to Make Your Elevator Speech Effective www.RuralLeaderMagazine.com 18 Manifesting 101: LOA Basics Marketing 19 Build An Inspiring Workplace Treasure Marketing, LLC 21 Ten Things Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Steve Jobs 24 Positive Responses to Stress Photographer 26 Greatness versus Goodness Tiesha Allen 29 Leading with Integrity TieFotos 30 Train Your Mind Daily Photographer 31 Leadership: The Secret Sauce Kristie Shivers 32 Overcome Adversity and Strengthen Your Character 36 Small & Mid-size Business Can Stay Competitive Guest Contributors 37 Flab to Fit: 5 Money Moves to Better Your Finances 38 Three Pillars of Leadership 39 Leadership, It's All About the Donut 43 Georgia Fashionista Goes Global Sara Lee Crumbs, Director, 51 Umbrella Insurance: Are You Covered Quitman County Family Connection 52 Small Business 101 53 Five Sure-fire Steps to a Memorable Vacation 56 Serve Your Country and Explore the World 60 Yvonne Williams Speaks 2 Inspire Carolyn McClanahan, M.D., CFPÂŽ 63 Lucky # 5: Communities Partner for Success Life Planning Partners, Inc. 64 Small Town America's 100 Most Influential 66 Ashley Kelly: All Things Global 68 Faith, Fun, and Fitness 73 Mind Over Matter 75 Snapshots by Kristie Shivers Jeannette Maw, Life Coach Good Vibe Coaching

Karen Pittman, Historian, Andrew College

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In Every Issue

33 Under 20 Honors 20 Best Small Town Restaurant 73 Classifieds Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent.

Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, Editor RuralLeaderMagazine@gmail.com

Photo Courtesy of TieFotos

Editor’s Note

Dear Reader, A lot has happened since the launch of the March 2014 edition. During the first few weeks, Rural Leader Magazine’s reach spanned around the globe throughout the U.S. and in over 25 countries. The response received was impressively positive. How exciting, huh?

I am pleased to inform you also that we received a number of nominations for Rural Leader 40 under 40. The forty selected nominees will be featured in the September edition and recognized at an awards luncheon Friday, September 5th in Americus, Georgia.

In this issue, we continue to highlight leadership development strategies and best practices; however, more importantly, we showcase stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things. Also, you’ll learn about our newest quest to find 100 Most Influential People in Small Town America. We are looking for exceptional individuals making a difference. However, we need your help to identify these individuals. Learn how on page 64.

I hope you enjoy this issue as we aim is to educate, to uplift, and to inspire readers about the great things happening in communities globally.

Happy Reading Publisher/Editor Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I want to be a reader of your print magazine regularly, and I am very interested by your magazine.

Abebe A. Dessie, Wollo, Ethiopia

Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Thank you for finally publishing a magazine with a focus on leadership and especially rural community. I can't wait until the next publication.

—Jessica W. Dothan, Alabama Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I really enjoyed the article on Building Your Professional Branding (March 2014). It reminded me of the value of making others aware of what you bring to the table.

Thanks again for the great article.

—Jeff M. Sugar Land, Texas Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I am writing in reference to the article, Baking Big Things in the City (March 2014). It was so refreshing to learn about Ms. Tonya Noel-Johnson's story.

She is truly talented. It proves that great people with exceptional gifts sometimes come from small towns. It's high time to share with the world.

—Mitchell Z. Mountain View, California Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Thanks for the article, Fundraising 101 in Small Communities (March 2014). I appreciate the inside perspective. It was extremely helpful as we approach raising funds for a project for our small nonprofit.

—Laura S. Columbia, South Carolina Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Congratulations on creating this impressive first edition.

Thank you for featuring Richland Rum in Richland, Georgia (High Spirits in High Cotton, March 2014) in your first edition!

—Karin V. Richland, Georgia Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I loved...I mean absolutely loved the Under 20 section!

Thank you for recognizing these exceptional young students and leaders! Great job!

—SaLinda D. Montverde, Florida Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Enjoyed learning new things about rural and small towns in North America.

—Lupe. J. Lima, Brazil Dear Rural Leader Magazine Great periodical. It shows depth and diversity of people and leadership views. Looking forward to great things from RL Magazine in the future.

—Aamir Y. Kabul, Afghanistan Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Thank you for sharing the article written by John Crowley, The Profound Lessons Plants Teach Us (March 2014). It was an ardent reminder of the basic needs of humans is feel valued and appreciated.

—Stephanie J. Englewood, Colorado Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Thanks for sharing the article on The Impact of Using Outdated Technology (March, 2104). The information help me to convince my brother, who is manager of the family business, to step it up a notch.

Thanks for helping him to realize that technology is a wonderful tool in today's society.

—Jeff C. Sterling, Virgina RuralLeaderMagazine.com 33

The New Republican Healthcare Plan With A Twist Carolyn McClanahan

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ith the election around the corthings. And most of the people in the 53% want ner, each party is digging their everyone to have at least food and a place to sleep. trenches and creating a plan for Since we are a wealthy, great nation, the 53% want the long hard battle. Democrats the other hard working people in this country to have are focusing on income inequal- good health too. The 53% knows a healthy workforce ity through a minimum wage increase. Republicans is important for productivity – try to find an econoare focusing on, yet again, repealing Obamacare. mist who disagrees with this statement.

Finally, instead of straight repeal, they are presenting Which gets us back to the Republican health a plan to replace Obamacare. As you’ll see shortly, care plan – the 53% knows the same tired Republithis is the same old song they sang in the past and it can plan will leave many hard working individuals is not enough. They could use fresh ideas. behind. Many of their ideas are good ideas, AND if Components of the “new” plan include – sell ininsurance is not guaranteed issue, and if there is not surance across state lines, limit medical malpractice assistance to help the working poor purchase coversuits and judgments, beef up high risk pools for those age, it will not work for the 47%. All the “messaging” with pre-existing conditions, and expand health in the world won’t get the majority on board. savings accounts. The new plan is titled “A Stronger Is it possible for the Republicans to win using Health Care System: The GOP Plan for Freedom, the same ideas? They could if they can show they Flexibility, & Peace care about the 47%, show of Mind” and the "Does the 47% want more money? They want they care about women, GOP establishment and show they care about what money will buy – safety. Food in their belly, immigrants. What “twist” will take their new a roof over their head, and their health." plan on the road in could they add to their April in a series of plan to show they care? town hall meetings. They want feedback, and I hope Provide a base of primary care to this entire nation people are unbridled in what they share. I’ll start the not tied to insurance. conversation now. Mitt Romney lost the last election Let me explain. mainly because of one big issue – the 47% he dispar- Insurance works on the law of large numbers – it aged because they don’t pay federal taxes. These are only “guarantees” stable long-term results for the our bakers, our cashiers, our landscapers, our care averages of random or catastrophic events. Basic takers, and everyone else who does the hard labor health care is not insurable. We all need preventive in our country. Americans are smart people. Many care, we all get minor colds, flus, sprains, and strains. in the 53% realize that most of the 47% are actually Hypertension or diabetes affect over a third of the hard working people and our country cannot thrive population. These problems are not insurable. What or survive without the role they play in society. is insurable? Catastrophic illness – you can only have Does the 47% want more money? They want what so many heart attacks or cancers in a life time. money will buy – safety. Food in their belly, a roof By providing a place anyone can go for basic care, over their head, and their health. We all want these we can keep people healthy. This will keep people 4 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

happy and improve worker productivity. The ques And where does our money go? One big problem tion – where can we provide this care and can it be we have is overhead. The overhead of our healthcare cost effective? system is 30% – which means of the $2.8 trillion We already have the answer in place – Commuwe spend on healthcare, $840 billion goes to overnity Health Centers. Right now, Community Health head. In other countries, average overhead is 5 to Centers provide 22 million people with primary care, 15%. Think, if we could cut our overhead to 15%, we mental health care, and dental care at a cost of $687 would save $420 billion. Remember that number. per person per year. In other primary care settings, We have 314 million people in the United States. the cost per person is $960 per year. Community If everyone went to Community Health Centers, it Health Centers are very efficient. would cost about $215 billion per year. That is about If Congress provides full funding to Community half our current WASTE in overhead and a tiny Health Centers, they could provide care regardless fraction of the $1.4 trillion TAXPAYERS pay into of income – hardworking landscapers, hair stylists, the system today. Think about it – we could provide cashiers, and even politicians could show up for care. primary care to everyone in this country.

If we remove the need for insurance or income veri We know many people would not use community fication as a prerequisite health centers. They have to be seen in a CommuProviding primary care to the 47% would plenty of money and will nity Health Center, they cost $100 billion. This is less than a quarter continue to see their pricould become even more vate doctors. So let’s say we of what we WASTE in overhead today. efficient than the $687 provide primary care to at per year per person they least the 47% – although this currently need to provide that care. number is reflective of taxpayers, let’s make it that What would it cost? First, let me address the cost much of the population – not quite 148 million peoof our current system. In the United States, we pay ple. Providing primary care to the 47% would cost $8,500 per person per year on health care. Of that, $100 billion. This is less than a quarter of what we taxpayers pay 48% of our healthcare costs. Almost WASTE in overhead today. If we could cut overhead half. So of that $8,500 per person we spend on from 30% to 26%, we could pay for this. Remember healthcare, taxpayers pay close to $4,100 per person overhead in other countries? Max 15% – we can do of the healthcare costs. this.

Other countries? If you look at all the OECD By providing this cost effective base of care, the countries – so most of the places where you would GOP can show they care AND they can implement a be okay living – they spend an average of $3,300 per free market plan. It is that simple.— person on all their health care TOTAL – including all private and public dollars.

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Caught in a data breach?

How to reclaim control of your credit and identity

y the end of the first quarter 2014, more than 200 data breaches compromised millions of consumer records, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, which keeps track of reported data breaches. Stunned? Data breach stats are even more staggering if you're among the millions of Americans caught up in one every year.

In addition to the potential monetary loss and identity theft risks, data breaches can also rob you of your sense of security and confidence. When you learn you've been involved in a data breach, it's important to take steps to help protect your identity and financial accounts, and to rebuild your sense of security.

Often, breached organizations will offer affected customers some form of credit monitoring for a set period of time (usually one year) after the breach. While such services may go a long way toward making you feel more secure, be sure you understand exactly what

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the offered product can - and can't - do to help you recover from the potential impact of a data breach.

Data breaches, credit monitoring and identity theft risks Consumers whose personal or financial information is compromised in a data breach may be at greater risk of experiencing identity theft. In 2013, more than 13 million Americans experienced identity fraud, according to a study by Javelin Strategy.

Credit monitoring products aim to help minimize identity theft risks by keeping an eye on your credit accounts, where evidence of potential fraud and identity theft may first appear. Identifying such signs early may help mitigate some of the damages associated with identity theft.

While it's true that consumers can do on their own virtually everything a credit monitoring product does, going it alone can sometimes be time-consuming and burdensome. Convenience is a significant benefit of a credit monitoring product. Not all credit monitoring products are alike,

however, and if a company offers you this product in the wake of a data breach, don't hesitate to carefully review the product and ask questions, including: * Does the product provide daily monitoring of credit files? * Will you receive timely alerts of key changes in your credit files? * Does the product monitor your credit file at all three of the major credit reporting agencies, or only one? For example, Equifax Complete monitors information from all three bureaus. * Are financial alerts included, and is it possible to link your bank and credit card accounts to the monitoring product? This allows you to be alerted when withdrawals from your bank account and/or charges to your credit card are processed, based on threshold amounts that you define. * Is Internet scanning for your Social Security Number and credit card numbers included? This may help detect unauthorized posting of your Social Security number and credit card numbers on certain suspicious trading sites.

If a breached company cannot answer these questions, or you're not satisfied that the credit monitoring product being offered is comprehensive enough for your needs, you may need to take additional steps. First, you should ask the breached company for a different product. Such companies are increasingly aware of the impact data breaches can have on their reputation, and may be more willing to engage with those customers who feel they're not receiving an appropriate response in the wake of a data breach. If a company refuses to respond to your request, consider also subscribing to a more suitable product of your choice on your own - it can be a key step toward regaining some confidence and peace of mind when you're a data breach victim.—BPT

Clever tips and tricks to save on auto insurance

Car insurance can take a bite out of your budget.

On average, consumers shelled out nearly $800 for auto insurance for each vehicle in 2011, according to a recent report from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. In some states, the annual cost to insure one car topped $1,100.

To cut insurance costs, the first thing to do is talk to your agent. Your agent can tell you about discounts and other painless ways to reduce your premiums, says Charles Valinotti, a senior vice president with insurer QBE North America.

"Insurance companies reward drivers for behaviors that reduce risk," Valinotti says. "But you have to ask your agent which discounts and savings apply to your situation. You may be surprised to learn the number of ways you can lower your premiums."

For example, if one of your teenage drivers earns As and Bs in school, you may be eligible for a good

student discount, Valinotti says. You may also be eligible for a discount if your son or daughter attends college more than 100 miles from home, and does not have a car at school.

Other ways to save include: * Owning two or more cars and covering them on one policy. * Owning a vehicle that's outfitted with safety equipment like anti-lock brakes, air bags or a security system. * Having a passive anti-theft device, such as a "smart" chip embedded within a car key. * Paying the full cost of the premium up front. * Safe driving. Keep your driving record accident-free for 36 months. * Buying your auto and homeowners, renters or condominium insurance from the same company.

Whatever you do, don't cut corners with coverage. While it may be tempting, it is best not to buy a policy that offers bare bones coverage. A savvier way to save money would be to increase your deductible, Valinotti advises.

"Rather than buying minimal coverage, think about increasing your potential out-of-pocket cost if you have an accident," Valinotti says. "If you can handle it, raising your deductible can lower your premium without reducing the amount of coverage on your vehicles. Your agent can tell you exactly how much you'll save in premiums by choosing a higher deductible policy."

Don't focus strictly on cost when choosing an insurer. A company that offers auto insurance at rock bottom prices may not be your friend if it takes forever to handle claims. Do your homework on a company's record of claims service before you buy coverage.—BPT

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Overcoming Great Odds

ewark, New Jersey native, Shavon Goodwin is no stranger to adversity. The thirty-two year old single mother of six discovered early that when life gives you lemons to make lemonade. Goodwin had her first child at the age the age of sixteen.

Being a young mother presented a number of challenges that she had to overcome. However, she managed to make a living to support her family.

Goodwin worked in the corporate world for a brief time. The demands and hectic schedule of motherhood was too much for the single mother. Despite the loss of a potential career, Goodwin was determined to make a life for her family and in the process she learned a lot about herself.

“I discovered being a single mom that I wanted to work for myself, which is why I decided to pursue cosmetology. Though I was good at cosmetology, it was not

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my dream. My heart wasn’t in it. I always knew, however, that I wanted to someday own a business,” Goodwin said.

A year later, pregnant with her fourth child, Goodwin graduated with a diploma in cosmetology.

At the age of 27, she began her venture into the world of cosmetology. Yet, the struggle had only begun.

“Gas prices has skyrocketed and everyone was in a complete panic…desperate trying to figure out how they were going to survive. Naturally, clients cut back on getting their hair done. I started being paid with rolled coins by a couple of clients. They started asking me how they could maintain their hair at home. Needless to say, money was tight,” she said.

Goodwin fell into a depression.

She did not have the desire to make her hair business thrive.

“I felt like my prayers were not being answered. I didn't want to

remove myself from my bed most days. I had given up. I was lost…I was tired of being broke and tired of trying to figure out how I was going to survive,” she said.

Through much prayer and God’s grace, Goodwin regained her resilience to continue.

“I went from not wanting to remove myself from my bed to searching for something better. I knew there had to be something out there,” she said.

Goodwin decided to pursue a lifelong dream to become a fashion designer.

“I always loved fashion, but when I became a teen mom I gave up that dream for a regular 9 to 5,” she said.

A call from the Art Institute of Atlanta would change the course of her life. Goodwin stepped out on faith and relocated from New Jersey with her four daughters to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue her dreams.

Photo Courtesy of Shavon Goodwin

Shavon Goodwin, mother of 6, author, and business woman, overcomes great odds.

"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."

“Everyone thought I was crazy…and maybe I was, but the desire to do better was a strong force within me. Eighty percent of my school days, I prayed to make it there, because I did not know if I would run out of gas,” she recalled.

Goodwin excelled in her course work. She devoted her free time to studying, which left little time for social activities.

“What many didn’t know was that I was truly having a hard time. My then 12 year old daughter helped me with completing homework most nights. What many didn’t know was that I couldn’t afford electricity for a little over a month so, my daughter held the flash light so that I could finish my assignments,” she said.

Despite a number of setbacks, Goodwin refused to allow them to distort her vision. She refused to lose focus.

“I was able to get my lights turned on just before winter. My kids were so excited, they all said that they only wanted electricity for Christmas,” she chuckled.

Just when things began looking up for the single mother, life threw yet another curve ball.

“It was two weeks before Christmas, December 14, 2010 to be exact, and I had every intension of giving my kids what they wanted most-electricity,” she recalled. “We were excited while we cleaned the house preparing to put up the Christmas tree. We were almost done decorating when I decided to take out the trash and to check the mailbox,” she said.

Goodwin drove to check the mail because the apartment complex was relatively large. As she checked her mail, she wondered how she would provide Christmas for her children. Things were still financially tight.

“At that very moment something came over me,”

she said. “I was frozen. All I could do was praise God saying, ‘Thank you Jesus’ repeatedly, with the feeling of gratitude over my entire body and tears running down my face” she said.

“Once I regained my composure, I returned back to my apartment. That’s when I saw people running.

I began to wonder what was happening. I saw smoke coming from my apartment,” she said.

For a brief moment, Goodwin thought that her kids were up to mischief or that they had left something in the microwave too long and had cracked the door to let the smoke out. As she exited her car and began walking towards her apartment, she then saw large orange flames and black smoke covering her door.

Thankfully, all of Goodwin’s children were unscathed. The apartment was a total loss, however, salvageable fragments of her portfolio remained.

She returned to design school the following spring semester but later dropped out due to financial hardship. Despite ridicule, little money, and the lack of faith others expressed in her abilities, Goodwin was determined to succeed. Failure was never an option.

“Sometime after I drop out of school, I was introduced to network marketing. I learned about the success of others with the company and decided to give it a try,” Goodwin said.

For several weeks, she participated in bi-weekly team sessions where she learned information about how to grow her business. She expanded her knowledge and it changed her life. Goodwin gained confidence and courage in sharing her story of survival with others. She discovered her ministry was to minister to others through her business, particularly single mothers.

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omeone once said that the key to happiness is to follow one’s dream and to do what you were created to do, such was the case for Tina Fleming Byrd, a native of Bainbridge, Georgia, who decided to start her own business-New Beginnings Community Counseling Program in 2012. The decision was relatively an easy one, however, the most difficult task was awaiting the right time.

“I’ve dreamed of owning my own business for years. Finally, God blessed me with opportunities in which circumstances aligned, so I stepped out in faith to pursue my dream,” she said.

Byrd, who is 45 and the mother of 6 children, worked diligently to acquire the necessary education and experience to build a successful career. In 2003, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Albany State University, Albany, Georgia, and in 2007, she earned a Master’s of Science degree in Community Counseling 10 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

from Thomas University in Thomasville, Georgia.

Consequently, she now has an impressive list of credentials, including Clinical Supervisor (CPCS), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). Byrd’s work experience includes working with substance abuse, mental health, and rehabilitation counseling. She works with children and their families, adolescents, and adults within both in-patient and out-patient settings.

“It was important for me to branch out and to start my business because of my God-given passion and vision to help others.

I wanted a counseling center designed to educate, uplift, empower and encourage disadvantage people,” she said.

Foremost, Byrd wanted to ensure that services provided were faith-based. When asked how she came up with the name for her business, Byrd attributes it to con-

necting with her spiritual side.

“My faith is a crucial component of my existence. God must be included in everything that I do, so I prayed on it and the name, New Beginnings Community Outreach Program, resonated in my spirit. It fit my vision perfectly because it encompassed hope,” she said.

New Beginnings Community Outreach Program provides not only faith-based counseling and guidance but also mental health, substance abuse and vocational counseling, parenting skills and character building classes, job readiness training, help groups, transitional assistance, and community resource linkages.

The road has not always been easy for Byrd. Being a single mother and balancing family and a career came with various challenges. However, faith and hope in a better future for her children kept her steadfast.

“There have been times when I needed encouragement to contin-

Photo Credit: Tina Byrd

“I hope that my story inspires others who are from small communities that they too can achieve their dreams. Through a strong work ethic, much prayer, and faith, one can do anything that he or she desires,” Byrd said.

Tina Byrd, Executive Director of New Beginnings Community Counseling Program ue. During those times of discouragement, I prayed In addition to running a business, she is also and reflected on the goodness of God and the wona members of several professional organizations derful things that he already has done in my life. It is including Georgia Addition Counselors Association during those times that I chose to be grateful and to (GACA) of Georgia, Licensed Professional Counselstand on God’s promises,” she said. ors Association (LPCA) of Georgia, National Asso In 2013, Byrd stepped out on faith to devote herciation for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), and self to the business full-time. the National Rehabilitation Association.

“It was a difficult year for me financially, but I “Being connected in the professional community made the decision to step out on faith completely to is a great way to network with like-minded and propursue my dream of private practice. With this deci- gressive individuals. I’m taking notes and learning sion came a lot of changes…For starters, I no longer from their success of others. I hope that I am inspirhad the security of a guaranteed salary. This caused ing others to achieve their dreams also,” Byrd said. changes in what I could do for my children finan Byrd also serves others in her community. She cially, however, I developed a budget and cut back provides supervision for Master’s level students. on expenses. It was tough, but worth it. I discovered She ministers to incarcerated women and provides God indeed provides for his children,” Byrd said. leadership to at risk youth through 2nd Chance The process of starting and running a successful Brotherhood Community Outreach. She also serves business had taught Byrd a number of valuable on several non-profit boards including Still Waters, a lessons. Those lessons enhanced her self-esteem and women’s homeless shelter and MMU Ministry, which provided the courage to strive to achieve greater consists of various community outreach projects. things.

As if that is not enough to keep her busy, Byrd is “Being a business owner is an awesome responsialso a doctoral candidate at DEDCP Argosy Univerbility, for one is literally married to it. Since staring sity -Sarasota Campus, Sarasota, FL, Supervision. She the business, I have learned several lessons: 1) set anticipates completion in 2015. manageable goals, 2) don’t be afraid to ask for help “I hope that my story inspires others who are from when needed, 3) believe in yourself, and most impor- small communities that they too can achieve their tantly 4) have faith in God to do the impossible” she dreams. Through a strong work ethic, much prayer, said. and faith, one can do anything that he or she so de “In the future, clinically, I want to focus on sires,” Byrd said. working to provide trauma supervision services to New Beginning Community Counseling Program train counselors. I also want to continue to expand is open six days per week, Monday through Friday my professional knowledge in therapy and trauma.

11 AM-7PM and Saturday 10 AM-2PM. The office is Overall, my ultimate desire is that through the busilocated at 617 S. West Street in Bainbridge, Georgia. ness I am able to spread the gospel, transform lives, For more information, call 229-246-9050 or write and to help others to achieve individual well-being,” to NewBeginningsPro@ymail.com. For specific she said. program offerings, visit http://www.NewBeginningsCommunityCounseling.com/.— RuralLeaderMagazine.com 11

Photo Courtesy of PepsiCo

Indra K. Nooyi

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, PepsiCo 12 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

5 Leadership Insights from

Indra Nooyi Padmaja Singh

Listed as one of the most powerful women across the globe, Indra Nooyi, CEO and chairperson of PepsiCo, is a proven leader. Under her stewardship, Pepsi has risen to be the second largest food and beverage company in the world. To achieve the remarkable feat of doubling the company’s revenues within a short span of time, there must be some substance in her leadership skills. So what is about her leadership skills which make her more effective than competitors? Read on to find useful insights about Indra Nooyi’s leadership. Five leadership insights from Indra Nooyi: 1. Global strategies, local action Pepsi is a multinational conglomerate whose product knows no boundaries. However, its drinks and other products have to adapt to the local taste and cultures of the target countries. This is because the success of product introduction depends on the local acceptance. Ms. Nooyi has adopted the concept of making global strategies, which can be easily implemented locally. The results speak for themselves.

2. Meaning of partnerships Partnerships in business are fragile. However, contrary to the usual practice of ignoring public, non-profit organizations, Pepsi has undertaken a role in active partnership with social organizations. A famous quip of Indra is, ‘Walk a mile in their shoes’, to understand the motivating factors of public organizations. She is an inspiration to other multinational

companies to treat such organizations with respect instead of forsaking them.

3. Goal balancing Often, top management of any company is driven and motivated by short term goals of profit making and market share. The long term goals of market goodwill and customer satisfaction are forgotten or kept aside. However, Indra Nooyi has inculcated the concept of goal balancing where you need to draw a fine line between long and short term goals. Because of this, Pepsi has managed to retain a special place in its consumers’ hearts while retaining a large market share. Many top leadership training programs teach you to strike right balance between your short and long term goal to thrive and flourish.

4. Leadership with head and heart Often management executives think with a purse.

However, it is vital to lead with both your head and heart. Excess focus on one of them may not give the satisfactory results. A synchronized balance between your mind and heart will give you the desired results.

You can train your employees and executives with the help of leadership training activities to let them strike the right balance between these vital components.

5. Adapt and change Adapt and change according to the scenarios is one of the cornerstones of business success. Many companies have gone to the ground because they failed to adapt themselves according to the latest consumer trends. Pepsi under the leadership of Indra Nooyi has adapted their products according to the latest consumer preferences and their increasing revenues are testimonies to their success. Many leadership training companies stress on the importance of adaptation and change for business success.

What Indra Nooyi has achieved is no small feat.

With the above leadership insights, you too can follow her footsteps and take your company to greater heights.— RuralLeaderMagazine.com 13

Blanchard India

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Situational Leadership

ifferent things need to be dealt in a totally different ways: different people should also be dealt in diverse ways as well.

Situational leadership theory states that a leader should not consider all the circumstances to be similar and apply the same methodology to deal with each one of them.

In fact completely different styles are recommended for to deal with new situations in order to get the desired outputs.

Hersey and Blanchard gave a model on situational leadership that is extremely acclaimed. They believed that the leaders should be very flexible and should be able to adjust themselves to the new situations and new circumstances very quickly. Leadership style and Development level are the two ideas on which their model is based.

Leadership vogue states that there are four classes of leaders viz. directive Leaders, coaching job leaders, supporting leaders and delegating leaders.

Directing leaders are those who lead from the front: they communicate the task to his subordinates and extremely closely examine the progress of the task. These leaders rarely discuss the ideas with their followers which are in contrast to Coaching Leaders.

Coaching leaders are substantially receptive suggestions from their subordinates and actually they even implement those ideas. This kind of two way communication helps the leader to develop a good rapport with their followers and is held in high esteem by their followers.

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Though such type of leaders may look very attractive, but it might not be applicable in all situations.

There are moments when the leader has to be tough: in fact different situations warrant different styles.

In case of supporting leaders it's the subordinates who have control over the decisions and the leaders just become a facilitator during the whole process.

On the opposite hand the delegating leaders entrust the work to their subordinates; though the leaders are the part of the decision making but it is the prerogative of the subordinates to allow the leaders in the decision making process or not.

The followers whom the leader leads too have totally different traits and they exhibit different organic process levels. These organic process levels are: Low competency, Low commitment; Some competency, Low Commitment; High competency, Variable commitment; High Competence, High commitment.

The followers have completely different levels of competency and their commitment for a given task too varies. Some followers could also be extremely masterful however might not exhibit nice commitment regarding their work whereas others could also be extremely committed however might not have the requisite ability. Some may fall in between i.e. they might exhibit moderate quantity of commitment and moderate amount of skill.

A leader should know when to adapt and how to adapt because it is the leaders who need to transform themselves as per the demand of the situation and not the followers.

Situational Leadership cont'd from page 7 Depending on the developmental stage of the followers a leader will have to make his move; before taking any step a leader need to also understand the psycho-physical nature of the follower. Overall, situational leadership demands that the leader to be versatile enough if he wants to get the desired results.

For more information on Situational Leadership, visit http://www.blanchardinternational.co.in/—

Will You Choose To be Successful Today Jeff Schuman

Will you choose to be successful today? Success is a choice you can make. Do you believe that statement? If you do not then you have chosen (yes chosen) a different route and success may not come to you! Success is about choosing what you want in life and taking the necessary steps to achieve that goal.

Success is not stopping until you get there!

Read the last two sentences again. Easy to say but how do you get there? What are the choices made by the successful? What are they doing differently from everyone else?

Choose to remove whatever is holding you back.

Has something happened in the past to affect your self esteem? Do you immediately have negative thoughts as soon as money and success come to mind? If you are not choosing success then it is likely that something is blocking your ability to change and follow a new path. To remove the block you must

have focus. To have focus you must first have an all consuming dream of where you want to be. Only when you have defined that dream can you start to focus on it. Focus so intently that everything you do is done with your dream in mind. Only then can you move toward that dream.

Choose to live your success. Live your life as if you were successful, as if you had already achieved the goal that you are focusing on. When you are at work, visualize what your workplace will be like when you have reached your goal, and place yourself there. Sit at your desk as if you were running the multi-million dollar business that you are focusing on. When you get into your car, visualize what your dream car will be like and see yourself sitting in it. Visualize yourself driving away from your dream house. When you are in your home - look around it and see your new surroundings. Get inside the feeling - really be there.

The more you do this, the more your subconscious will think that you are successful and move you towards these things. Live your success expecting to realize it. Living it now is a practice run for when it comes to you. After all, you want to be prepared, don't you?

Choose to believe in your success. What your conscious mind believes, your subconscious strives to achieve. Look around at your friends and acquaintances and ask yourself how many of them have unshakable belief in where they are going. Are they successful? Possibly not - they may be in a good job and have a nice life but they do not have the success factor. Perhaps you do know of someone with unshakable belief. They may not be successful now but they will be moving in the right direction. Watch that space....

Belief is the catalyst which takes the dream and turns the focus into a plan to get there. Never underestimate the power of belief.

Choose to be emotional about your success. Belief plus emotion are unstoppable. If you have utter belief then you will develop emotion. If you want something badly enough it is emotive. Maybe it is to get out of debt. If you have suffered the hardships of this situation you will feel everything to do with debt and money is charged with emotion. This is the reason behind so many 'rags to riches' stories. Sometimes only the most devastating of emotional circumstances are the catalyst for change and a move toward success instead of away from it.

You can choose success. Or you can choose to stay safe and do what you do now. Guess what - you will still be doing the same in ten years time. The question is - do you want to?— RuralLeaderMagazine.com 15

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How to Make Your Elevator Pitch Effective

Richard Weinberger

An elevator pitch is a concise, carefully planned, and well-practiced description of your business that you could pitch to someone you meet in an “elevator." Small business owners and managers should have an elevator pitch prepared to sell their products and services at any opportunity. A good elevator pitch should quickly grab the interest of the person you are talking to in the first couple of sentences. It should be short and show your passion and enthusiasm for what you are pitching. Typically, it should end by asking for an appointment or referral.

Follow these tips to develop a strong, successful elevator pitch to attract customers wherever you might meet them: Practice, practice, practice: To develop a strong elevator pitch, write it down and practice it over and over again so you can stay on point while keeping it brief. Revise and practice it again. Even record it on video so you can observe how you look, and then continuously improve it each time you practice.

Eye contact and body language: When the time comes to present your elevator pitch, it is essential that your body language is positive and you maintain eye contact with the person you are speaking to. This will demonstrate that you are relaxed, confident, and well prepared.

Opening your pitch: Even though your pitch is brief, open it with a short introduction about yourself. Immediately establish credibility and instill confidence with the person you are talking to.

Keep it short: An elevator pitch is a quick way to present your idea and attract interest rather than to close a sale or acquire a new customer. It has to be concise and to the point. Do not overwhelm your listener with too much information. The idea is to provide a high-level overview of your company that grabs interest and allows you to reach the next phase.

Highlight important information: Since an elevator pitch is short, be certain to highlight important and relevant information that shows why someone should be interested in your product or service. This might be pointing out business accomplishments, advantage over competitors, or uniqueness of your company’s products or services.

Request a follow up meeting: The whole point of an elevator pitch is to progress to the next phase with a prospective customer. Don’t be bashful – ask for a follow up meeting.

Make the pitch count! By following these six tips, you will be ready for a chance encounter with any potential customer – in an elevator or anywhere else!—

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Manifesting 101: Law of Attraction Basics

By Jeannette Maw

M

anifesting in 2 Easy Steps Using law of attraction to get what we want is way easier than it seems sometimes. Even just on this blog, it can seem overwhelming with all the talk about vibration and alignment, visualizing and affirmations, release techniques and proper focus.

It can be easy to walk away thinking, “wait, what do I do again?”

And lots of people just want it laid out in simple steps. Sometimes we actually appreciate being told what to do. I want conscious creation to be as easy as possible for everyone to engage.

Which is why I published the Manifesting 101 series in the LOA Basics department at Good Vibe University (GVU). It’s the boiled down basics of how to harness law of attraction to manifest what you want. I wanted to share it here, too, with a super short summary of the three calls (that are free for everyone to hear or read). In the first LOA Basics call, I share that you can get law of attraction working for you in two simple steps: 1) Focus on what you want, and then …

2) Do what feels good.

That’s another way of saying “get aligned and then take inspired action.”

All that means is we get pointed in the direction we want to go, and then honor whatever nudges or impulses we get. Simple, right? Anyone can do that!

When we do what feels good (i.e. engaging joy, happiness, inspiration, or even just relief) while holding in mind what we want, we’re home free. It’s a formula that will serve you extremely well.

The call at GVU includes the three questions I use to stay on track with these two easy steps, so pop over to hear more on that.

The second call on LOA Super Chargers is about three key vibrations that seriously grease the wheels 18 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

in bringing desires to fruition.

Those three super chargers are Appreciation, Enjoyment, and Allowing. Even if all you do is amp up one of those energies, you’ll see a major turn for the better in your life. Really.

The third call on Alignment Methods is a brief run down of some of the most common manifesting techniques and processes. (And I do mean brief.)

But for someone who’s new to LOA and deliberate creation, these are the essential tools to have in your LOA toolkit. It’s what we manifesters use day in and day out to make dreams come true.

Again, everyone can hear the calls for free (roughly 15-20 minutes each) or you can read instead if you’re like me and prefer to scan at your own pace.

(You’ll find all the audio and article links in the LOA Basics page here. Audio’s on top, articles are listed at the bottom.)

This isn’t the only way to think of and engage the power of deliberate creation, but it is an easy one that works. So the next time you’re feeling stumped about what to do when it comes to getting what you want, just remember: focus on what you want, and then do what feels good. Any inspirations you get once you’re dialed in on your true desire will serve you exceptionally well.

Yes, there is worthy discussion about some of the distinctions and fine tuning in the work (like how do I know if I’m focused right; or what if my inspiration goes against my belief; and all sorts of other things that this blog is devoted to exploring), but just using these simple steps can make you an exceptionally powerful creator. So don’t complicate it.— Jeannette Maw is the Law of Attraction (LOA) party host at Good Vibe U and co-founder of Good Vibe Astrology. Subscribe to her Good Vibe newsletter here. Connect on Google+. Visit http://GoodVibeblog.com/

7 Leadership Strategy Steps to Building An Inspiring Workplace Jody Urquhart

Change in an organization are usually created by higher-level leadership and are initiated for a very good reason. Leadership and Change supports the organization's mission, vision, and values, but by the time change reaches your department and affects your clients and staff it's usually presented as tactics.

In other words, we are very good at explaining how change will occur and how it will affect our jobs, but we forget to explain why. Interpersonal skills flourish when people feel included. The "why" embodies the purpose and

the meaning of any new activity. Once employees understand "why", the "how" often falls into more readily into place. Open the lines of communication. Employees should feel comfortable talking openly and informally in a setting where everyone's opinion is given equal consideration. When change occurs, employees should be included and involved. As a keynote speaker i find the 7 steps below crucial.

7 Leadership Strategy Steps to building an inspiring workplace: Step 1-Dialogue: The most critical interpersonal skill is com-

munication. Most importantly to your leadership strategy, focus on opening the lines of communication. Get people talking and make it a safe atmosphere for employees to share their honest opinions.

Discuss the importance of open communication with all leaders.

Leadership Keynote speaker Lance Secretan focuses on open dialogue to enhance productivity.

Step 2-Acknowledge the Unspeakable: Do people hate the overtime policy? Do you have conflict, stress and low morale at the office? Are several leaders abusing privileges? Touchy issues RuralLeaderMagazine.com 19

need to be resolved and openly discussed. Many employees will be quietly harboring ill feelings about such "unspeakables." It is essential to open the lines of communication. Be careful not to point fingers or place blame inappropriately. Stick to the facts: what's been happening, why, and what you intend to do about it.

Step 3-Secrecy Breeds Suspicion: When information or activity is kept secret, it is open to misinterpretation, so communication is essential. Develop tools that help communicate what's going on. Regular email, meetings, newsletters, leadership presentations,conference calls, or voicemail keep people in the know. Any new discussion or planning should be shared with all employees sooner than later. Activate your communication system to make information accessible.

Step 4-Keep Promises: Make fewer and better agreements. Don't commit to something that you can't follow through with. If you can't honor an undertaking or proposal, then say so right away and renegotiate. Keep people in the know (e.g.: we are not going to be able to...and here's why...). Express your regrets and talk about what you plan to do about the problem. Communicate that everyone should be accountable; every level of staff should keep promises. Involve the whole group and advocate everyone's accountability. Invest in commitments. Inspiration will follow.

Step 5-Eliminate Ambiguous Behavior: Anything that isn't necessary, or that you can't justify, eliminate. There should be a sound purpose for all activities.

Step 6-Managers Need to Model Trust: Is management consistent, predictable, and trustworthy? All managers should be evaluated along with staff. Any leadership stress management technique should start with modeling trust.

Step 7-Rules Should Be Treated as Guidelines, Not Solutions: Employee judgment should be valued to create trusting relationships.

Involve, Involve, Involve. If employees come to you with a concern, why not involve them in the solution? Let them gather a task force and come up with several possible solutions to present to management and other staff. The more involved the naysayers are, the more the problem becomes their own and they take responsibility for it (and the way they feel). Trust Enhancing Interpersonal skills require employee engagement.

Implement each of the above seven steps in phases.

The creation of an open trusting work environment that involves and includes employee input means 20 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

that all feelings need to be heard, including criticism.

Leadership must be prepared to welcome and handle employee criticism.— Motivational, Inspirational Keynote Speaker Jody Urquhart, http://www.idoinspire.com has been a professional speaker for over 13 years. She speaks on humor, wellness, and is a top generational speaker.

Best Small Town Restaurant

Jonah’s Fish and Grits, located in Thomasville, Georgia, is the recipient of Rural Leader Magazine’s June 2014 Best Small Town Restaurant Award. Jonah’s Fish and Grits offers an assortment of delicious seafood and more made fresh daily in an alcohol-free environment.

Owned by Caleb Brown and his wife, the restaurant is very special because their faith is the central theme. The name Jonah’s Fish and Grits was coined after God’s Prophet Jonah and embodies a story of forgiveness and renewal. The Browns hope that God will use Jonah’s to spread the Gospel and to share the hope of His Son, Jesus Christ, to its patrons.

The name also reflects their desire to espouse the English concept of fish and chips with their southern roots.

The establishment is a huge success with a massive expansion currently underway, but success did not come without challenges. In May 2008, the Browns stepped out on faith to lease the current space at 109 East Jackson Street. They leveraged their skills and assets, in addition to taking out a small loan; Caleb did most of the construction work. Today, with much prayer, faith, commitment, and hard work Jonah’s Fish and Grits is a local jewel worthy of sharing with the world!

Location and Hours

109 E. Jackson Street, Thomasville, Georgia 31792 Monday through Thursday 11am-2pm and 5pm-9pm Open all day Friday and Saturday 11am-9pm Closed on Sundays (229) 226-0508 or write to info@jonahsfish.com

Photo Credit: Apple

10 Things Entrepreneurs Can Learn From Josh Tyler RuralLeaderMagazine.com 21

T

he man, who had an estimated net worth of $8.3 million certainly had a wealth of experience and key attributes beneficial for successful enterprise. We'll run a few by

you...

1. Know your capabilities, delegating tasks accordingly. In Apple's early days of expansion, Jobs sought an experienced executive to serve as Apple's CEO. Having been described at the time as an erratic and temperamental manager, he wooed John Sculley from Pepsi-Cola, asking: "Do you want to sell sugar for the rest of your life, or do you want to come with me and change the world?"

2. Do not be too proud to collaborate with 'competitors' if it is in your best interest. Upon his return to Apple, Jobs made the decision to partner with their rivals, Microsoft. Under the deal, Microsoft agreed to produce software for the Macintosh, significantly aiding the launch of Apple's new products.

3. Be a perfectionist. After initially returning to Apple as interim chief executive, Jobs led the company through one of the most dramatic transformations in business history, increasing their stock almost a hundredfold. Known for his aggressive and demanding personality, Apple employees were said to be afraid of encounters with Jobs.

4. Maintain occasional personal interaction with your customers. As the news of Job' resignation transcends around the world and social media platforms, the majority of mentions are positive. In particular Apple customers are appreciative of the 'urban legend' of Jobs' personally replying to emails.

No doubt, as workload increases, not everyone will be able to do this, but the occasional interaction is well-received.

5. Do not get comfortable. Jobs' career has been a roller coaster, and he has never been afraid to move on or try his hand at a new venture. After being dismissed from Apple in 1985 he went on to start another company - NeXT. He then went on to buy the company which would later be known as Pixar, before becoming the largest single Disney shareholder when it bought Pixar. He returned to Apple in 1996.

6. Stay grounded. The cult image of Jobs in his trademark jeans, black shirt and trainers, created a down-to-earth perception of the inventor. His engaging and dynamic manner of exciting crowds during keynote speeches even led to them being renamed 'Stevenotes.'

7. Keep people guessing. An archetypal part of Jobs' Stevenotes was his trademark phrase at the end of presentations. After his concluding remarks, Jobs

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would turn to leave the stage and say: "But there's one more thing..." after which, he would unveil a new Apple product. Products unveiled at this stage include the MacBook Pro, iPod Touch and Facetime video calling for the iPhone 4.

8. Work relentlessly, maintaining a hands-on approach with your company or products. Jobs has been named as the inventor or co-inventor of over 230 patents and patent applications. The array of products he has worked on include: computer and portable user interfaces, speakers, keyboards and power adapters.

9. Aspire to position your company at the helm of your industry, anticipating emerging trends.

Apple has been known for their innovative and groundbreaking products, especially under Jobs leadership. This is due to the visionary approach the company takes towards design and usability. Jobs has summed up this sentiment stating: "There's an old Wayne Gretzky quote that I love. 'I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.' And we've always tried to do that at Apple. Since the very beginning. And we always will." Apply these sentiments to your field and you'll be onto a winner.

10. Know when to step down in the interest of your company. Jobs letter of resignation to Apple Inc. stated "I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO, I would be the first to let you know.

Unfortunately, that day has come."

Despite his shock resignation, Jobs remained involved with the company as Chairman at Apple and in his role in Disney's endeavors until his death October 5, 2011 at the age of 56.

About the Author Josh Tyler, Marketing is an executive at Easily.co.uk.

Readers’ Forum Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at RuralLeaderMagazine@gmail.com—

RuralLeaderMagazine.com 23

How Do You Focus on Positive Responses to Stress?

W

Sandy McMahon

hen we encounter stress, like financial, economic or business stress, we may respond positively and proactively or negatively.

Negative responses include drinking, smoking, and comfort eating which can damage our health.

How do you focus on positive responses to stress?

Notes from a conversation with Janis Pullen, Transformational Coach: There are two aspects to stress management - the ontological, being side and the facilitative, doing side. On the ontological side, when people experience stress they seek comfort in activities that they associate with relaxation. This includes alcohol, tobacco and eating. These reactions are automatic, habitual, and predictable and can lead to unhealthy consequences.

They disguise deeper issues.

The root of these behaviors is our real needs, for example the need to be comforted when we become fearful of the consequences of negative events or concerned that we are not good enough to prevail in a challenging environment. The alternative is becoming conscious of both our real needs and behaviors and to switch from automatic, unconscious negative reactions to conscious, proactive responses. When we become aware of a habitual response, we counter the habit with a conscious choice that is healthier and addresses our real needs.

Ontological techniques for countering automatic reactions and positively respond to stressors include recreating our relationship to time. In the U.S. we are 24 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

very deadline oriented and may multi-task and work to the last minute to produce the best result.

The alternative is to make time our ally, not our master. Plan work so that projects are 99% complete well before deadlines. Arrive at meetings 5 minutes early to get settled instead of entering in a rush. Plan time for nothing - even a 5-minute break with no pressure to "do" anything promotes ease and relaxation. Other techniques include: Becoming more aware of our needs and what we have to do to meet them. Often people are not in tune with their needs and operate on top of them. The positive alternative is to slow down, notice what is within and around us, and have the courage to fulfill our real, deeper needs.

Taking responsibility. When we look for external causes for current issues, such as blaming people or situations, we give up our power and become victim. This negatively impacts our physical and mental states. The alternative is to be "at cause" rather than "at effect" to produce a constructive result.

Realizing we are not alone.

Employ assistance/guidance/mentorship to lighten your load.

On the facilitative side, we can counter our automatic responses to stress with constructive alternatives. One simple positive action is taking deep breaths when we become aware of high stress. This increases the oxygen in our blood, helps us to relax, and cools down our reaction.

Exercise does wonders for shifting negative moods. Under stress, the body releases cortisol and adrenalin - the fight or flight hormones. Exercise increases endor-

phins, the "feel good" hormones, and reduces cortisol and adrenalin production. By changing our physical and hormonal balance, we positively adjust our mental state. A walk around the block is more effective for reducing stress than either drinking or grabbing a quick snack.

Consciously eating whole versus processed foods and drinking more water helps our bodies to function more efficiently and helps us to more effectively deal with stress. Processed foods compromise our immune systems, and too much sugar muddles thinking.

Eating berries and nuts is much healthier than sugar and other simple carbohydrates.

Sleep is critical to effective physical and mental function.

Alcohol consumption impairs sleep because it reduces the deep sleep cycles so we do not wake up refreshed and ready for a new day.

We can approach the world in two ways: We either take ownership of our own behaviors or perceive others as controlling us. By taking ownership of our behaviors, we see possibility and are more likely to connect with others who can help us along the way. We can view our world as a loving, friendly, and helpful place that evolves as it should. However, when we see ourselves as being controlled, we are likely to feel trapped or alone. Feeling alone increases fears and concerns. From this perspective our world can become a cold, dark, unfriendly, and frightening place.

The effective solution to stress is to focus on what is really happening and on our real needs, and to replace destructive behavior Continued from page 32

Rev. Eddie Watson is genuine, humble and sincere in his conviction that God works—works, not past tense—His miracles every day, everywhere and in every way. Are you aware that God is working all around you? He’s providing protection, answering prayers and offering guidance.

Excerpt “The road that God has for us to travel is seldom easy.

Many times we bring things on ourselves that cause us problems, but we have a promise from the Lord that no matter what we must go through, it will be for good.

He will use friends and family. He will use health issues and heartache. He will use people, problems and persecution. He will use kids, creditors and college examinations. He will use ministers, mishaps and mundane rituals. He will use loved ones, law officers and log chains. He will use doctors, deacons and even demons to get you to the point of true blessing. If you are not in a position to see God work in your life, you should probably change positions!

We should seek the Lord, but wait until we see where He is working before taking action. Most will use this as an excuse for not doing anything for the Lord. The problem is that they are not actually seeking, because then they must put their faith into action, and many times their faith is not strong enough to act.”

God Still Works is a loving yet direct message to both the increasingly complacent Christian church and the individual believer. Through testimonies of divine intervention, Rev. Watson proclaims the ever-presence, and the active hand, of God in the lives of believers today. —

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Greatness vs. Goodness:

Michael Skye

A "Mind-Shift" for Visionary Leaders

Today's visionary leaders who are making this shift in thinking, from "goodness" to "greatness" are inspiring themselves, their team and even their adversaries to greatness. These visionaries have the power to create a world that works for all of us, and they are who the world needs now.

Sadly many well-intentioned leaders, teachers and parents fail to grasp this distinction, and that failure costs them more than they know. Slowly they lose their power to effect real, lasting change in themselves, in others and in the world around them.

First grasping this distinction between goodness and greatness, and then making "the shift in one's thoughts, words and actions elevates and expands one's consciousness to a visionary level; thus giving one the power to effect lasting change.

Orientation So what's the difference between goodness and greatness? First let's make suggest some differences, and then we'll look at an example.

Approach To Resolving Conflict With Others Goodness: The quality of compromising your highest inner guidance, especially when it conflicts with the prevailing moral standards or societal norms.

Greatness: The quality of acting on your highest inner guidance, even when it conflicts with the prevailing moral standards or societal norms.

Approach To Resolving Conflict With Self Goodness: Compromising. The quality of compromising one's higher values in the face of fear.

Greatness: Standing. The quality of standing for one's higher values in the face of fear.

Guidance Orientation Goodness: External. Value the esteem of others OVER esteem of self.

Greatness: Internal. Value the esteem of self OVER esteem of others.

Inner Guidance Model Goodness: Position-based. Self = position = me.

Greatness: Stand-based. Self = stand = i.

I-Orientation Goodness: Protect me (self as position) and risk i (self as stand) in reaction to fear.

Greatness: Stand for i (self as stand) and risk me (self as position) in the face of any fear.

EXAMPLE: Jon and Steve have just been hired as executives of ACME Co. They quickly learn that in their new company being a good executive means following 26 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

the dictates of the CEO. Both Jon and Steve are hard workers who diligently carry out the orders of the boss. Jon, however is a graduate of an elite institution that included extensive character training. He's been taught what it means to be a good leader and a good follower.

Both soon hear a vague rumor that their new boss and others are likely cooking the books and stealing from the shareholders. Neither one knows for sure, but they start to sense that it might very well be true.

Jon thinks about prying, but would rather not know.

If he doesn't know, how can he possibly get in trouble? And questioning could get him fired. So Jon continues to work as usual, never asking too many questions, and dutifully carrying out his responsibilities.

When the CEO gets busted four months later, loyal Jon adamantly defends the character of his boss, confidently telling everyone that he never knew of any improprieties. He was right, and felt justified. He had stayed within the limits of the law, and within the limits of reasonable business ethics. On top of that, he knew inside that he was a good person and a good executive.

Steve, on the other hand, upon hearing the rumors, inquired into the rumor. Upon obtaining some more facts, he thought there was a good chance that his boss might be doing something unethical and

illegal. He thought about confronting his boss, and saw that it might very well lead to his getting fired, or at least being ostracized and passed over for promotion. He felt fear, a lot of fear. He took a stand and faced his fear the next morning, as he confronted his boss. In their meeting it would have been easy for Steve to turn away after his boss eloquently explained his actions, but Steve persisted. He kept facing his fear, and asking the questions that needed to be asked. He was fired the next week for "poor performance."

A KEY POINT: There's a huge yet subtle difference between goodness and greatness. We're going to dive deep into discovering the power, the skill and the subtleties of greatness inside this course.

VISIONARY ADVANTAGE: On paper, Jon looks like a good executive. Over the years he has kept his jobs longer and has proven to be a "good," loyal team player. Yet with every choice to compromise his conscience in order to avoid fear and take the easy path to "success," he loses power. He loses his power to trust himself, he loses the ability to hear the warnings of conscience and while he may win friends, he loses their trust in his leadership.

But it goes deeper than this. It doesn't matter how much Jon tries to be a good executive, or become "successful." The less he faces his fear, the less he can see the kind of vision that calls himself and others to greatness.

Steve on the other hand, builds his power with every choice to face his fear. With every choice, his vision, self trust and grip of reality strengthens. He is

quickly becoming the kind of leader any team trusts implicitly. Steve lives "greatness."

VISIONARY DYNAMIC: The more you stand and face your fear, the more powerful your vision grows.

VISIONARY CHALLENGE: What can you face in your life today that you've been avoiding? What feelings would you have to face to confront this issue or person head on? What would be worth standing for? Journal about this until you are inspired to take that stand. Then take it, and journal about your experience. The more you see yourself taking stands like this, the more you see what?

VISIONARY TRAINING: Anyone can muster the courage to face a tough situation now and again. It's another thing to have facing be a way of life. What would it be like to not just live courageously, but to always be facing, always standing?

How can you take a stand such that you feel called from deep within? Where can you go to get conditioning in facing and standing--not from a place of sheer guts--but from a deep inner feeling of being called to be "the one?"— About the Author As founder of the Vision Force Academy, Michael Skye works with a new breed of impassioned change agents around the world, who are giving their lives to stand for all of humanity. Michael is best known for his transformational leadership trainings, based on his proprietary iStand technology. He authored the Visionary Mind Shifts for VisionForce.com.

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Leading with Integrity Mark W. Shead

L

eadership is often defined as getting other people to do what you want. Using this definition it is no wonder that many people revert to using underhanded tactics to try to "trick" their followers into doing what they want.

This is a shortcut to leadership and doesn't result in long term value.

It is this type of "leadership by trickery" that makes people automatically suspicious of their leaders.

If you want to develop a long term foundation for leadership, these types of short cut tricks will only prevent you from achieving your goals. Once some of your followers realize that they have been tricked you will lose any credibility you started with.

If you want a solid leadership foundation you must take the long view and consider how every action will impact your ability to lead further down the road. To build trust with your followers you must act with integrity.

Leading with integrity means doing what you say you will do. Many leaders get themselves into trouble by making commitments off the cuff and then not following through on those commitments. If you are careful what you say, you will increase your integrity with your followers simply because you won't have to back out of commitments you made with out thinking.

When you do make commitments make sure they are tied to realistic time frames. If you tell someone you are going to give them a raise next year, you are making a commitment with many factors you can't control. Sometimes saying that you will give them a raise when sales reach $1,000,000 will be a better commitment because it is tied to a goal that will enable you to give the raise.

Sometimes leading with integrity means going through with something to keep your word even when you would rather not. Not keeping your word will often hurt you much more than any inconvenience that is caused by keeping your word. If you ever have to go back on a promise, don't hide it under the rug. Take the time to apologize to the people you made the promise to. Apologize and try to come up with some way to work things out even if you can't make the original commitment.

Another important part of leading with integrity is delegating responsibility. Many leaders fail by delegating responsibility and then taking back over when their delegate does something they don't want. When you delegate you need to be willing to part with the responsibility. If your delegate does something differently than you need to support their decision. That doesn't mean you can't steer them in a different direction, but always support their decision whenever possible. If you delegate responsibility and then pull it back, you will demotivate your followers and make it difficult to delegate other items in the future.

Leading with integrity is avoiding the shortcuts that many leaders take. By avoiding shortcuts you can build a strong foundation that will amplify your leadership skills as you develop trust with your team.— About the Author Mark W. Shead is owner of Leadership501, which is a website with resources for leaders and people in management positions. Visit www.leadership501. com to find out more about keeping a good relationship with people you lead and other leadership topics.

RuralLeaderMagazine.com 29

Train your Mind Daily

D

Hirini Reedy

o you have a daily mind power routine?

Many successful leaders, athletes, soldiers and even monks all have a daily mind power routine. Gandhi meditated. Napoleon visualized his battles. Nelson Mandela recited a special poem. Whether it is meditation, visualization or prayer the main thing is to have a daily discipline that strengthens your mind. Something you practice daily to sharpen your spirit.

To maintain your own inner clarity and serenity.

A daily mind power routine does not have to be overly complex or regimented. As long as you do it everyday. Small incremental actions performed over time add up to one huge result.

One minute of visualization performed every day strengthens your mental muscle more than one hour of visualization performed every month. Repetition builds success.

Here are some key things for you to include in your daily mind routine.

1. Build Up Your Energy First.

30 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

You must build up your energy level first. Being tired and wasted actually weakens your mind. I build up my energy levels using deep breathing. I use a special umbilical breathing method where I hold the breath at the navel. I then do body movements that help move this breath energy out to the limbs. Usually it takes 1-2 minutes to energize and mentally charge myself up. Deep breathing combined with strong isometric movements is great way to energize your body quickly.

2. Focus on A Key Intention.

I then focus on a key intention.

I picture it. I hear it. I think it. I speak it. I keep playing it over and over for a minute or two. Going over the key intention like a mental CD on automatic replay. Looping it around inside my head. So choose a key goal or intention that wish to achieve. Go over it in your mind. Imagine it happening right now.

3. Mix The Key Intention With Hot Energy.

I like to mix my key intention with the hot energy from my breathing. I also remember suc-

cessful memories from the past winning my class prize. Getting my Army officer commission.

Galloping my horse. I quickly mix these warm fuzzy feelings with my key intention. This "cooks" the key intention and makes it a lot sweeter and mouth-watering.

4. Let It Simmer On Subconscious.

Once I have cooked the key intention, I then just leave it to simmer on subconscious. I forget about it and go about my day. I trust that the creative power has been activated and bubbling away quietly without my conscious worrying.

It normally takes me 5-10 minutes to go through this whole mind menu. I also include parts of it in some of my other activities. When I am exercising and running up a hill, I use the hill to train my mind. I associate a goal or key intention with running up the hill. When I get over the hill, I connect its accomplishment to my goal. This helps me to keep my mind focused on the goal like a boxer training for a world championship bout.

So find ways you can use your daily life to strengthen your mind, body and spirit. Use your fitness workouts, morning walks or doing the ironing as ways to build strong attitude and mindfulness. You will see a marked improvement in the way you meet life's challenges.—

treat people just as “employees”. You need to identify and respect their ability to add value to your business. This can be done only by showing respect to their capabilities and recognizing their efforts and achievements. Effective and efficient leadership means seeing the true value of your team and making know that you care and appreciate their hard Leadership: The Secret Sauce them work. Leadership is bound to fail if you think that Harold Anderson you can trick or manipulate your employees to do One normally tends to associate leadership with an anything. This only leads to the leadership’s fall from ability to obtain greater productivity from employees. grace leading to loss of control, loss of time, fall in The fact is that some leaders are clueless about emquality of work and much more. While there may be ployee productivity. Does this mean that productivity different styles of leadership, an overbearing style will is some kind of magic? Not at all, in fact, it’s much certainly blow up in your face. simpler than one would think. There is no need for The answer to effective and efficient leadership is any advanced training or greater knowledge or great so simple and staring at you all the time. Show appresums of money. All it requires is a bit of common ciation to your employees and communicate that you sense. That’s all! appreciate the work done by them. Common sense, isn’t it? Such an approach will automatically result in greater positivism in attitude and hence greater employee productivity. Employees will be inspired to come to work than being forced to come to work.

As a leader, if you do not possess this simple quality, then it’s time that you enrolled in a course on self development and people sensitivity. It means you are not ready for the leadership role yet.

It is rather difficult to teach common sense. One either has it or not. So if your current leadership is showing negative results such as falling quality of work, missing deadlines, and high attrition rates then it might be worth your while to examine your attitude towards your employees. It’s time to show respect to your employees, communicate that you appreciate their work and recognize good work.

Know that your success lies in the success of your employees.—

In our search for answers we sometimes have a tendency to overlook the obvious. Of all the managements surveys that are done each year what is proven over and over again is that people like to be treated authentically and with respect. Great leaders appear to instinctively understand this.

It is important for leaders to realize that they were employees at one point in time. Remember how you felt when menial tasks were assigned to you or when you had to spend long hours just waiting for the senior management to turn in their reports, which were far behind schedule. Given that you are now in a position of responsibility and authority, how are you handling such situations? It is not enough to

About the Author Harald Anderson is the co-founder of ArtInspires. com one of the Internet's leading inspirational poster galleries. His goal in life is to become the kind of person his dog already thinks he is

@RuralLeaderMag RuralLeaderMagazine.com 31

Bret Bradshaw

H

Overcome Adversity And Strengthen Your Character During The Process

ow do you overcome adversity? How do you react to adversity?

Here are three common character traits with difficulty: 1. Quit early because it is hard.

2. Stick with it if it is easy but quit when it becomes hard.

3. Never quit Leaders say that most employees fall into the second category.

Many people do not overcome misfortune well. Challenges hold people up. Those who never quit welcome challenges, or at least are not put off from them. Troubles are not something that scares the never quitters into inactivity.

The first and second groups of people forget that most big things are much harder than you think.

It will most likely require more work and effort and take more time than you originally thought.

Difficulty and challenges in life is a given, nobody avoids it.

The following common reactions play a factor in how you overcome adversity, I call it the three E's of adversity; * Evade it * Endure it * Exploit it Evading troubles is avoiding it. Enduring has two elements.

You can endure it well or poorly.

Enduring troubles well is to have patience. Patience is not passive.

Enduring in patience is to work and move forward even if you don't see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Channeling adversity is using your challenges to generate energy. This is not easy to do, because your faith takes a hit when you don't succeed. Faith is the object 32 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

of every action. You wouldn't take on any objective unless you thought you could do it. When doubts and fear creep in your mind telling you that you can't do something your drive lessen and are tempted to quit.

Evaluate Your Life Do a self-evaluation of the important areas of your life such as family, school, work, relationships, etc. Ponder your goals for each one. Ponder what pains you the most in each area and use that as your goal to focus on. Ask yourself which conquered hardship would rejuvenate you the most.

Focus first on the problems that will improve yourself but also be a great benefit to mankind. Ponder the benefits you will have by achieving your main goal. Identify your excuses. Some of your excuses could have a level of merit to them and others will simply dissolve away through deep thinking.

Other excuses will require time and effort to overcome.

Increase Your Strengths Increase your current strengths and develop new ones. You have at least two types of strengths; the day to day strengths and then when you are in a position to make something big happen.

Increase Your Ability To Handle Adversity Paul G. Stoltz and Erik Weihenmayer the authors of The Adversity Advantage call your ability to handle hard times the adversity quotient (AQ). You can overcome adversity well with a high AQ. Attitude plays a key role in developing a high AQ. You may not feel you have much control over your problem but you can control your attitude. Increase the amount of

truth you know. The Bible says the truth will set you free. Your beliefs dictate how you feel and behave.

Relying on God more than yourself is the most effective way to increase your AQ. Prayer is powerful and it works.

Take responsibility and ownership of your own problems and challenges. The natural man tendency is to blame others. Don't let your trials overwhelm you. Have hope. Have faith that answers will come. Don't expect answers and help to come overnight. That doesn't do anything to build character. It may be a blessing in disguise if it takes a while for your problems to be resolved and achieving your goals.— Positive Responses to Stress, Continued from page 24 patterns with constructive alternatives.

About the Author Sandy McMahon is publisher of Ceo2Ceos (http://Ceo2Ceos.com), a non-commercial site for executives to share best practices. He is also President of Executive Forums of Silicon Valley. With over 20 years of executive experience, Sandy has a BA from Brown, an EdM from Harvard, and an MBA from Duke.—

@RuralLeaderMag

Honoring young individuals for exemplary academic achievement and service to community

Under 20

Nationally and Abroad

Rural Leader Magazine Under 20 Initiative was created to recognize outstanding youth in small rural communities nationally and abroad. In this edition, we've identified several who have demonstrated exemplary academic excellence and service to community. We need your help to identify other deserving youth for future editions. Visit RuralLeaderMagazine.com to nominate.

Arianna Archer

Hometown: Cuthbert, GA

Arianna is a 16 year old Randolph-Clay High school Senior.

She is the daughter of Santee Archer and the late Aristotle Archer.

She is phenomenal young lady who has a bright future. Despite tragically losing her father at age five, Arianna continues to strive for success. The honor student has been busy during her high school year. She was also dually enrolled at Andrew College in Cuthbert.

Excelling academically is one dimension of Arianna's success.

She was also extremely athletic and involved in school activities.

She ran varsity track team member, varsity cheer leader, a member of FFA and FCA; and she participated in the Randolph County Youth Leadership Program.

During her time at RCMHS, she won homecoming court twice.

She was also the youngest ever Junior Miss Randolph Clay, reigning at age 10.

Arianna also participated in the Black History Quiz Bowl and Math Fest Competition. She received 2nd and 3rd place Awards for Achievements at Albany State University's (Albany, Georgia) 29th Annual Black Youth and Entrepreneurship (BYE) Program Junior & Senior Class Presidential Advisor. She was voted Class School Spirit.

Arianna worked as a tutor and mentor to younger students over the years, helping students to pass the CRCT. She has also tutored her peers with the HSGT and EOCT. "I enjoy dancing and any opportunity to share with others. I feel joy whenever I am teaching and helping others with dance routines at church," she said.

Arianna helped several young girls in the area at cheer camp hosted by the Randolph Clay Varsity Cheerleaders. She also reached out to other students dealing with the death of an immediate loved one.

Arianna devoted numerous hours to community service projects. She volunteered at the

Second Harvest Food Bank, packing boxes to feed the hungry and homeless. She also helped with two Habitat for Humanity home reconstructions.

After graduation, Arianna plans to attend Georgia Southern University to become a nurse anesthetist. She hope to also become a U. S. Army Officer. —

Treyonna J. Bailey

Hometown: Cuthbert, GA Eighteen year old, Treyeonna is a high school senior at Randolph-Clay High School. She is the daughter of Thomas and LaBreshia Bailey, Jr. and Contrania Price. Treyonna was an A/B Honor Roll Student throughout her high school career. She participated in a variety of academic and extracurricular activities. As a varsity cheerleader, Treyonna knows the value of being a team player and having school spirit. In her spare time, she enjoys singing in the choir and spending time with family and friends. In the fall, she plans to attend Fort Valley State University and major in Biology. She desires to become an Orthodontist.

RuralLeaderMagazine.com 33

Darius Brown

Hometown: Columbia, SC Seventeen year old, Darius is a senior at Ridge View High School in Columbia, South Carolina. His proud parents are Sheryl and Leon Brown. He is an intelligent young man with a bright future. His family and friends speak highly of him, for he is a wonderful individual with integrity and character.

Darius is a natural leader, who strives for excellence in all that he does, especially in academics.

Darius maintained a 4.0 GPA and is in the top 20th percentile of his class. June 7, 2014, Darius will graduate as a Life Scholarship recipient.

He also received a number of awards for not only academic excellence but his creative genius.

Darius received the Scholastic Gold Key Award from Spring Valley High School for his film and animation, “Random,” which will advance to a national competition in the summer. He was also recognized by the Columbia Urban League at the 2014 Young and Gifted Awards program.

Though Darius encountered a

number of challenges as a military dependent, he always managed to adapt in a positive manner. He leads by example and has a strong work ethic. Darius is an assistant manager for a local fast food chain. What is more, he is always willing to lend a helping hand to others with various technological needs, such as fixing laptops and broken cell phone screens.

After high school, Darius plans to attend the University of South Carolina and major in computer engineering.

quality is her willingness to serve others.

"I enjoy being a servant for the Lord. My faith in God is extremely important to me and everything that I do, " she said.

Deanna volunteered for a number of community and charitable events. She was a volunteer for Groundwater festival for three years, a tour guide for Eufaula Pilgrimage Acteens, a participant in world hunger day, a church youth leader, teacher in children's Vacation Bible School for four years, and a volunteer for county food distribution and community events in neighboring counties.

In the fall, Deanna plans to attend Troy State University where she received a full paid scholarship. After which, she plans to attend Auburn University to become a Veterinarian.—

Deanna Cochran

Hometown: Baker Hill, AL Deanna , aka Nanner, is a senior at Eufaula High School and will graduate as the Valedictorian of her class in 2014. She has not only excelled academically but also is involved in social and community activities.

Deanna has been a member of the Eufaula High School band for four years and has been a member of the Eufaula High FFA String band for the last 2 years.

The self-described country girl loves animals and has an exceptional relationship with Jesus Christ. Her most important

Stephon Martin

Hometown: Cuthbert, GA Stephon is a 17 year old Randolph-Clay High School Senior is well on his way to something greater. Stephon is an exceptional student, scoring a 1720 on Continued on page 71

Honoring young individuals for exemplary academic achievement and service to community

Under 20

34 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

Nationally and Abroad

RuralLeaderMagazine.com 35

How small and medium-sized businesses can stay competitive with larger companies

Trends to help small businesses stay competitive with larger companies

Some of the latest changes in technology are making it easier for employees to connect with clients and conduct business both day and night, which makes it easier for small and medium-sized businesses to compete against larger companies.

Just a few years ago, unified communications (UC) systems were commonly found in large enterprises, however with the growth and wide-spread availability of the Internet, this technology is now becoming a competitive edge for small and medium-sized businesses. UC allow employees to interconnect anywhere at any time, helping to increase productivity and collaboration. From online messaging to Internet protocol telephony (IP telephony), businesses of all sizes can take advantage to connect with clients, partners and coworkers at all times of the day.

Since 2012, the actual and planned use of UC has risen 54 percent, according to a November 2013 poll commissioned by Plantronics. The company, in partnership with Spiceworks, released an infographic to visually show the growth in UC product usage. Two technologies experiencing the greatest increase are mobile extension integration - which allows a company to connect employee cellphones with the company's landline for purposes of forwarding calls when the employee is on the road, and for identifying calls made from the employee's cellphone as having come from the company line - and IP telephony - which allows companies to conduct voice, video or fax connections via the Internet. Companies are also planning to boost the usage of Web and video conferenc36 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

ing, instant messaging with presence and softphones - which allow employees to make telephone calls over the Internet.

The use of UC helps remote and mobile employees to stay connected with headquarters and can improve customer service, too, because it makes employees available when customers need them.

Plantronics identified the following five features as necessary parts of a UC system that employees will love: * Unified messaging - All messages from email, voicemail, video, text and all other forms of communication will be gathered in one inbox, making it easy for employees to check and review all messaging in one glance. The phone messages can be accessed with a mobile Bluetooth headset like the Voyager Legend UC, transcribed for reading, or even forwarded to a colleague. * Presence - With many workers now on the road or working remotely, it will be easy for employees and management to see if someone is available with this feature of UC. * Integrated conferencing - A blend of Web and audio conferencing, integrated conferencing allows all employees to participate in meetings, training activities and lectures without having to come into the office. * Instant messaging or chat - All employees can quickly connect and hold a discussion about the latest company news with IM or chat capability. These UC tools also allow for the sharing of video or a

desktop screen to enhance the communication. * One-number reach - This system gives clients direct access to employees, improving customer relations. One number is provided to clients. When called, this number is routed to all the telecommunications devices selected by the employee, such as their office number, mobile number and home phone, for example. The employee can set it to call all numbers at the same time or sequentially, and if the call is not answered, the system will deliver the caller to the employee's voicemail.

View the full how-to guide at www.plantronics. com/media/smb/how-to-guide/SMB_UnifiedCom. pdf. Employees at small and medium-sized businesses are busier than ever, which is why these unified communications technologies are so important.

Learn more from Plantronics about the latest technology with how-to guides, tools and resources that can help small and medium businesses stay competitive at www.plantronics.com/SMB.—BPT

Flab to fit: The five money moves that can whip your finances into better shape

By now you've abandoned your plan to eat a healthier breakfast and spend an hour at the gym every day. Across the country, self-improvement resolutions have fallen by the wayside. Instead of succumbing to guilt and frustration over what you might not do this year, why not focus your energy on a goal that's achievable at any time of year - financial fitness?

More Americans are concerned about their financial fitness rather than their personal health, and twice as many resolved to improve their financial health as their physical well-being, according to a recent online poll by American Consumer Credit Counseling. But taking control of your finances doesn't have to be limited to the first few months of the year - you can get started anytime.

"Many people know they should save more, spend less and cut debt, but they may be unsure of how to go about it," says Trey Loughran, president of the

Personal Solutions unit at Equifax. "Starting out with a detailed strategy is the first step toward improving financial fitness."

These five steps can help ensure this is the year you finally whip your finances into shape: Step 1 - Add up all your debt. You know you owe, but do you know how much? Americans tend to underestimate how much debt they really have on credit cards, mortgages and auto loans, according to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Knowing how much you owe will give you a starting point to begin planning how you will pay it off.

Step 2 - Add up all your monthly expenses. Here, too, many people don't have a firm grasp on how much they spend in a month. Gather all your monthly bills - utility bills, gas costs, insurance payments, grocery receipts, restaurant and coffee shop receipts, etc. Total them. Does the tally astonish you? Now separate the bills into those you must pay every month and those that are discretionary. You must pay your electricity bill, but do you really need coffee shop Joe every morning? The discretionary expenses will give you an idea of where you have room to make changes in your spending habits. Now compare how much you spend in a month against how much income you bring in. If you're spending less than you make, good for you - you can jump to Step 4. If you're spending more than you bring in, go directly to Step 3.

Step 3 - Cut expenses. Overspending can drive you into debt if you rely on credit to make up for a monthly shortfall. You can either try to increase your income by getting a second job or one that pays more, or you can cut unnecessary expenses. Evaluate your list of expenses from Step 2. What can you live without? Are there any "fixed" expenses that are actually flexible, such as your cable bill or cellphone bill?

Look for places where you can save money and bring your spending in line with your earning.

Step 4 - Set up a budget. Now that you know how much you owe, earn and spend each month, it's time to create a budget. A personal or household budget is the framework for your future financial fitness. A budget helps you anticipate and manage cash flow so that you can meet your monthly obligations, set aside money for your future and work to pay down credit card debt.

Step 5 - Keep an eye on your credit. Although everyone is entitled to view a copy of their credit report from each credit reporting agency for free at least once every year, not everyone does so. You can request your free credit reports annually Continued on page 41 RuralLeaderMagazine.com 37

Three Pillars Of Leadership Harald Anderson

T

he three pillars on which leadership thrives are actually three areas of personal mastery – focus, feedback, and leadership.

They will pay the greatest dividends for the time invested. With them, you'll lead effectively at the highest levels. Without them, your execution excellence potential and consistency is severely limited regardless of your role or station in life.

There are two categories of people in personal and professional development – the ‘green and growing’ and the ‘ripe and rotting’.

In other words, the people who need training and performance improvement the most want it the least; and the people who need training the least, want it the most.

Let’s study the three pillars intensively: Focus Everyone knows that focus is absolutely essential for success, but what everyone does not know is that focus is under attack from entropy, which is your constant enemy. It stands for ambiguity, 38 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

chaos and confusion. The devil everyone is fighting constantly. Entropy is the second law of thermodynamics and essentially states that in nature, everything goes from a state of order to a state of disorder - naturally, by itself. In other words, at this very moment dust is settling everywhere around you. Just as your car is decreasing in value; and mechanically getting worse, naturally, your teams and organizations also slacken naturally. They need constant light to grow and achieve their potential otherwise they quickly become more and more unproductive. So, you have to provide focus in the right manner with the right tools.

Without the right skills and tools, leadership is doomed to never realize the full potential of the team.

This may be your single greatest calling as a leader.

Feedback Leadership thrives on feedback, even if some of it might cause heartburn for some time. Execution is aided by the key competency of displaying meaningful metrics all the way to frontline people.

After all, it is the frontline that produces the bottom-line, so allow them the visual depiction of goal progress via a scoreboard. Just as you wouldn’t drive across the continent with black tape across your automobile's dashboard, you cannot lead without getting feedback.

You need to know how fast you're traveling and how much gas you have and so on and so forth.

Studies have revealed some astounding facts. A survey conducted by Harris Polling in 2004 revealed that out of 12,000 people in eight industries only 15% knew their organization's top goals and priorities, and only 16% said their organization provided a compelling scoreboard that depicted progress against their goals or organizational objectives.

Thus, this area is not the strength of most executives, managers or some coaches. The obvious reasons are lack of courage and incapability to make an improvement. After all, it is not comfortable to confront poor performance.

Continued on page 40

Bill Loyd

Leadership, It's all About the Donut!

  Some years ago, I was a general manager for a large restaurant chain. I and the other general mangers were in a restaurant that had just been newly remodeled. As we were getting ready for the meeting someone brought in a box of those powder-sugar covered donuts. The box was placed on a large round booth table and everyone began to take one. At that moment my boss asked me to speak to him for a moment and discuss a potential candidate for general manager out of the assistant managers available.   He knew how to do schedules, the food orders, sanitation, and staffing. But there was something about him that I did not feel comfortable with as a

general manager. He just did not have the leadership I felt was necessary for a general manager. My boss kept pressing me for a more suitable answer, because he couldn't hold someone back without a tangible reason to do so. However, I just couldn't put my finger on why I did not want him promoted.   Just then one of the powdered donuts was knocked off the table and we saw that it had hit the brand new carpet and rolled under the table leaving a powder sugar trail. As we watched this unfold one of the other GMs got down on his hands and knees and crawled under the table to get the donut.

Continued on page 41 RuralLeaderMagazine.com 39

3 Pillars of Leadership, continued from page 28 Delegation It's a well-known fact that delegation is not the strength of most managers. As Michael Gerber has written in his book The Entrepreneurial Myth that most managers, owners and executives are so busy working ‘in’ the business that they fail to work ‘on’ the business. You cannot work on the business when you are constantly in the business reacting to both urgent and important demands and fires to put out, to-do lists that are too long. Inability to delegate work springs from lack of clarity of goals. They can’t let go intelligently because they are not focused on developing people. To be able to delegate work to your employees, you need additional time to work on the business. Delegation is wrought with real risks. It takes real courage to let go. But, the dual benefits of increased personal time on your part and building and developing your key talent outweigh the associated risks.— About the Author Harald Anderson is the co-founder of Art Inspires a leading online gallery of motivational and inspirational posters, prints. "When Art Inspires, Dreams Become Realities."

10 Inspiring Leadership Quotes

1. A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves. —Lao Tzu 2. Where there is no vision, the people perish. — Proverbs 29:18 3. I must follow the people. Am I not their leader? — Benjamin Disraeli 4. You manage things; you lead people. —Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper 5. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant. —Max DePree 6. Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality. —Warren Bennis 7.Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way. — General George Patton 8. Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. —Jack Welch 9. A leader is a dealer in hope. —Napoleon Bonaparte 10. You don’t need a title to be a leader. –Multiple Attributions

From the Editor's Desk Twelve Tips To Live Your Best Life

1. Achievement is not always defined by victory.

Sometimes achievement lies in the honest endeavor to do your best under all circumstances, knowing that on any given day, intense personal effort may be the only thing that separates you from your competition. Unknown 2. Life does not always unfold as one may have planned. Sometimes this is a good thing. Go with it, for a detour sometimes leads to unexpected and hidden blessings.

3. Use what you have. Times there have been when I have wished for more of this or that to achieve a particular task. In the end, what I realized was that I already possessed that I which I sought.

4. Criticism is a part of life and sometimes beneficial.

Rule of thumb: accept that which is constructive and ignore that which is not.

5. In everything, do your best, for in the end that is all that is really required.

6. There is nothing wrong with friendly competition.

Competition makes the game interesting.

40 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

7. Cherish all that life has to offer. Appreciate and enjoy life in the now, for tomorrow is never promised.

8. Life is about innovation: forward movement. No reason there is to harbor bitterness and anger from the past. Harness the lesson. Amend, if necessary.

Move forward.

9. Believe. Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase in order to take the first step. -Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Despite uncertainty, keep believing.

10. Stand up for yourself and what you believe in. If you do not, then who will?

11. Sometimes things fall apart so that better things can fall together. Marilyn Monroe 12. You have one life to live. Live it!—

Leadership Donut, continued from page 39 There was no discussion no thought behind it, he just dropped down and got the donut.

Now this guy was no ordinary man. He must have weighed at least 350 and with a 55" waist. I mean he was big. He never seemed to walk right always kind of waddled around, but in spite of that he got he donut without even the slightest hesitation, even though there were others who would have done so much easier than he did. Any one of them would have not hesitated if he had asked one of them to get it.

It was then that I realized what the problem was that I had with this GM candidate. I exclaimed to my boss that I knew the answer. I told him this guy would not have gotten the donut. He would certainly have asked someone else to do it. If he was alone at the table he would walk back to the kitchen and get a dishwasher to do it if necessary. He very rarely helped the employees with their customers. He simply was not willing to do the things that he asked others to do.

Now you may be saying, isn't a good manager supposed to get others to do things so he can focus on the customers? Yes that is correct, however, in a fast paced restaurant there isn't always someone to do those things and I always expected my managers to be as involved in the operation as any other employee. If the cooks needed help, I expected them to cook, if the dishwashers needed help, I expected them to wash dishes.

The manager's role in this restaurant was far more than someone walking around carrying keys drinking coffee talking to customers. We expected them to work every job code as needed, not just find someone else to do things that were less desirable. Many times a late night dishwasher would not show up, I washed dishes until I could find a replacement. Was it pleasant, no it wasn't. But it was necessary.

After a couple minutes reflection my boss agreed and could not think of a single time this other manager took time to do something that was not very pleasant. And I believe he never got promoted because of his lack of action.

The story was so powerful that it became a hallmark of our managers' meetings for the rest of the time I was with the company.

So what do we learn from the donut. If you are looking to be a leader of people and not just a order giver, pick up the donut. If you want people to follow you, pick up the donut, if you want people to be inspired by your presence, pick up the donut. Humble yourself by doing the little things to be trusted to do

the big things.

The more time you spend working on the little things that help your employees work conditions the more they will do for you. I became so respected for this, I hardly ever failed to find someone to cover a shift of someone calling in sick on my shift. Often times, I would try to fill a call off and the person would ask me who was managing that shift.

If it was a manager that wasn't as respected for helping it was always more difficult. Often my boss would call and ask to send an employee to another restaurant. This was nearly impossible due to the poor leadership in the other stores.

The key is to be willing to do anything you would need to ask someone else to do. This isn't always practical but the more you implement it. The more people will respond to your leadership. When you keep in mind the true definition of a leader is someone with followers, you will soon find that others will willingly follow you. So get down there and pick up the DONUT!!!— About the Author Bill Loyd is the author of best selling book "The 6 Keys that Lie Within You to Live a Successful Life -Revealed." He is a highly sought after speaker and writer.

Flab to fit: The five money moves, Continued from page 37

at www.AnnualCreditReport.com. If you're working toward a specific financial fitness goal, such as paying down debt, building an emergency fund or saving toward a down payment on a house, it makes sense to monitor your credit regularly.

Review your credit report and credit score so you can better understand how your past credit behaviors affected your finances, and how future credit decisions may also impact your life (keep in mind: the credit score provided may differ from the actual credit score used by lenders). You may also want to consider signing up for a credit monitoring product, which can alert you to key changes in your credit file and also help in protecting you from identity theft.

"Financial fitness is an achievable goal, no matter when you start," Loughran says. "Fortunately, it's easy to find plenty of resources to help, from financial planners and investment advisors to online resources like the Equifax Finance Blog (www.blog.equifax. com). With some knowledge and perseverance, it's possible to make 2014 the year you finally get your finances in top shape."—BPT

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“I always knew I wanted to have my own business.

I enjoyed the idea of being my own boss and working towards my own goals..."

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A

Georgia Fashionista Goes Global

pril Smith, global business mogul and mother of three: Quanelius, 22, Amelia, 15, and Jakayla 14 is making a buzz in the fashion industry. The beautiful and talented Georgia Peach is from a small town, Buena Vista, located in the southwestern region of the state-population 2,191. Smith is CEO of not one but two corporations: Butterfly Cosmetics and Laschon Kouture.

These days Smith’s itinerary consists of conducting exclusive media tours and interviews with magazines, radio, podcasts, blogs, and talk shows. Smith’s story is an inspiring note of success and de-

termination to realize her dreams.

Before Smith launched her cosmetic and fashion businesses, she was founder and executive director of Our Future of Georgia. OFG is a nonprofit organization with an aim to educate teen moms.

Smith organized the organization in 2008-2009. A few years later, Smith began researching other business opportunities that aligned with her creative talents.

“I always knew I wanted to have my own business. I enjoyed the idea of being my own boss and working towards my own goals.

My first retail business was April’s Accessories, which retailed mostly urban wear,” she said.

The business venture was short

lived. However, Smith did not allow the setback to diminish her entrepreneurial spirit. In 2012, Smith launched Butterfly Cosmetics. The slogan for the company is “Looking Fabulous and Loving It.” The company name also has significance to Smith.

“I chose the name Butterfly Cosmetics because when I think of the metamorphosis process of the butterfly, it reminds me of my life. My life has not always been peaches and cream. Though I have been through a lot, I have grown and learned a lot through adversity. The experiences have made me the person that I am today” she said.

Butterfly Cosmetics, a light

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L to R The Georgia Fashionista featured with two of L to R: Robin Roberts, News Anchor, and April Smith her children: JaKayla, 14 and Amelia, 15 on the set of Good Morning America in New York coverage hypoallergenic mineral line, was founded with a two-fold purpose: to produce cosmetics that were non-harsh on the skin and to provide proper skincare and makeup application education for adult women and adolescent girls.

Butterfly Cosmetics has a range of clientele from A-list entertainers to colleges with fashion and beauty programs across the country. The paramount success of Butterfly Cosmetics, both domestically and internationally, inspired Smith to launch a line of couture swimwear fashion in 2013 called Laschon Kouture.

“I’ve always loved fashion. I am most creative during late nights or the wee hours of the morning. I have so many visions and ideas churning in my head sometimes, but somehow they all work together.

One night, I had an idea to design my own line and to name it Laschon, (which is play on her middle name), Kouture. I envisioned a line unique, sassy, and classy and appealing to the modern woman,” she said.

Smith attributes most of her success to her faith in God and hard work.

“My faith in God is a huge part of my life. My success has been largely because of God’s favor and purpose for my life. Each day, I strive to speak and to think positively, for I believe that there is power 44 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

in the tongue. How can we have expect a great future when we don’t speak those things daily over our lives?” she said. Smith's latest project is Pink Butterfly Kouture, which is line designed exclusively for breast cancer survivors.

“I originally got the idea when I heard from friends who are or knew breast cancer survivors who were not feeling so fabulous following their breast cancer surgery. Then, I began seeking out and interviewing breast cancer survivors to identify their concerns about clothing to insert prosthetics. Incorporating their concern and my creative ingenuity, I plan to begin designing the line late 2014 and launch in 2015.

In the meantime, Smith continues to stay extremely busy, for she will launch her brands in Kingston, Jamaica, Nassau, Bahamas, Barbados, Nigeria, Dubai, and the Virgin Islands. She will also design dresses for Ms. Black Georgia Pageant in Washington, D.C. in August 2014. Butterfly Cosmetics is the official makeup sponsor for Gospelfest de Croix in Lille France in October 2014.

“The one thing that I tell everyone is to never give up on your dreams…no matter how many tell you no…It is my prayer that my story inspires at least one person to keep striving…for after all dreams do come true,” she said.

  Smith currently resides in Douglasville, Georgia with her three children. For business opportunities, media, or future endorsements with Butterfly Cosmetics and/or Laschon Kouture contact: 404-8294072. For more information about Smith upcoming breast cancer survivor or cosmetic lines visit, http:// www.PinkButterflyKouture.com/ and www.ButterflyCosmetics.com.—

A Look Inside Laschon Kouture Designs Top Bottom and Lower Left Photo shoot with dDivine Photography of the latest resort wear designs Lower Right: Spring Fashion Show of LK Designs p.44-48 A few of the items including in the latest LK Design Spring/Summer collection.

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Photo Credit: dDivine Photography 2014

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Photo Credit: dDivine Photography 2014

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50 RuralLeaderMagazine.com Photo Credit: dDivine Photography

Umbrella insurance: Are you adequately covered?

If you have auto insurance, you probably think you have all the coverage you need for yourself, your spouse and your teenage drivers. Likewise, your homeowners insurance will take care of repair costs in case the pipes burst or there's fire. But what happens if you get sued?

If your 17-year-old son is involved in a car wreck that seriously injures a neighbor, or if a child gets hurt in the backyard swimming pool, you could face a mountain of medical and legal expenses. If those expenses exceed the coverage provided by your insurance policies, you would be responsible for covering the remaining costs.

In these situations, an umbrella policy can be a lifesaver. Umbrella insurance is a supplemental personal liability policy that provides coverage above and beyond the liability coverage provided in your

homeowners and auto policies.

An umbrella policy shields your existing and future assets including wages, an inheritance or other windfalls. It covers you for accidents on your property or car accidents caused by you or your dependents.

"Many people don't understand what an umbrella policy can offer," says Charles Valinotti, a senior vice president with insurer QBE North America. "You don't have to be wealthy or have a great deal of assets to benefit from umbrella coverage. It can protect you and your family from many different kinds of hazards.

After your auto or homeowners liability coverage is exhausted, an umbrella policy is applied to cover outstanding expenses, Valinotti says. For example, if you are liable for $400,000 worth of damage and your auto insurance pays a maximum $300,000 in medical ex-

penses per accident, the umbrella policy would pick up the remaining $100,000.

Umbrella insurance is similar to homeowners insurance, Valinotti says. If a guest winds up hospitalized after dining at your home due to your negligence and sues you for $350,000, though your homeowners policy only covers the first $300,000 in losses, the umbrella coverage would take care of the remaining $50,000.

Since it is a form of personal insurance, an umbrella policy will not protect you from lawsuits related to your business. It also will not cover accidents caused by high-risk activities like drag racing.

Umbrella policies typically provide from $1 million to $5 million of additional coverage. To purchase an umbrella policy, you must have insurance that provides a specific amount of maximum RuralLeaderMagazine.com 51

payout. So you may need to increase your auto or homeowners coverage to qualify for an umbrella plan.

In some locations, a policy providing $1 million in coverage will run about $350. The actual cost will depend on the value of the policy, your location and other factors. Your insurance agent can give you a quote.

When you consider what it offers, the cost is extremely reasonable," Valinotti says. "Be sure you speak with your agent to see if an umbrella policy makes sense for your personal situation."—BPT

Contact us today for details.

RuralLeaderMagazine@gmail.com

Small business 101: What you may not know about your credit card processor Small businesses comprise approximately 50 percent of the total working U.S. population. In 2011, non-employer small businesses alone generated $989.6 billion total revenues, according to Business Insider. Small businesses are vital to a thriving local community, a successful national economy and credited with establishing an overarching entrepreneurial spirit.

So is the American dream. Employer-based small 52 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

businesses include local restaurants, convenience stores, laundry mats, barber shops, and the list goes on. There are approximately 8 million of them in the U.S. today, Business Insider reports. What is one thing most of them have in common? They accept credit and debit cards as a means of payment.

The electronic payment processing industry is a critical component for small, mid-size and large businesses alike. Continued on page 54

Five sure-fire steps for planning the most Memorable family vacation of your life It's no secret that families are busy these days.

Between mom and dad's careers, the kids; school demands and extra-curricular activities, quality time together as a family is hard to come by. This busy lifestyle is inspiring a new travel movement, and 2014 is positioned for the grand rebirth of the family vacation.

If you want to take an unforgettable family vacation this year, the idea of planning might seem overwhelming. But travel experts agree that planning ahead and researching your options are important steps to ensure your trip is stress-free and full of fun.

Follow these five steps to plan a trip your entire family will love and remember for years to come: Step 1: Make a travel wish list. Kick off your travel planning by talking to all family members about what they'd like to see and do on vacation.

Keep it light-hearted and have some fun; chat with your 4-year-old over breakfast or text your teen after school. As you have these conversations, notice commonalities, such as location and experiences.

Step 2: Research, research, research. After your initial conversations with your family, it's time to do your research. The Internet has made selecting a travel destination that much easier or harder because there are so many options. Check out tourism organizations, such as a Chamber of Commerce or Convention and Visitor's Bureau (CVB). Look up online hotel and travel reviews; these sites can provide invaluable information for travelers. Many sites even have free online travel planners or (www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com/about/guide/) visitor's guides.

3: Choose a destination for everyone. Perhaps the most important consideration when planning a family vacation is to select a destination that has something for every person in your group. Myrtle Beach, S.C. is a great example of a location that is great for all ages. The 60 miles of pristine beaches are just one reason to visit; foodies can indulge on the best Southern and low-country cuisine; cultural enthusiasts can experience beautiful art museums and plantations; golfers tee off at a one of the many championship courses in the area. From water parks to natural wonders, Myrtle Beach is a true gem for family vacations. Visit www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com to learn more.

Step 4: Select your ideal accommodations.

Whether you're vacationing for a long weekend or multiple weeks, it's important to choose the right accommodations for your family. For example, if you know you'll be at the beach daily, stay at a shore-side resort. If you want to save on eating expenses, look into condos with kitchens. For big groups such as family reunions, consider a beach house that allows everyone to stay in their own room within one shared space.

Step 5: Create a fun-filled itinerary. This is a vacation, and while you should not plan out every hour of every day, having a basic itinerary gives direction to your trip and will help your group build excitement prior to your departure. Plus, planning ahead allows you to seek out deep discounts on tickets to shows and theme parks like the Alabama Theatre or Wild Water; Wheels in Myrtle Beach. You can even RuralLeaderMagazine.com 53

explore (www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com/things-to-do/ free-affordable/) free activities, like festivals and celebrations in the area that would be worthwhile to attend.

If you feel like it's time for your family to take a break from the stress of everyday life, a family vacation might be just what everyone needs. Follow these steps to select a family friendly destination such as

Myrtle Beach to ensure a vacation full of unforgettable memories.—

Business 101, continued from page 48 All merchants depend on reliable, affordable electronic payment services to grow their businesses; however, some credit and debit card processors take advantage of small businesses that do not have large accounting and auditing teams to protect their interests. Rates can be easily misrepresented, fees can be hidden or inflated and the numbers quickly add up.

Understanding credit and debit card payment systems.

Not many people know or realize the intricate workings of credit card processing. Electronic payment processors establish the link between businesses and the card issuers, enabling the rapid approval of payments after a credit or debit card is swiped. A day or two later, funds are transmitted from the issuer to the merchant. Easy enough.

So, what does a merchant pay for accepting cards?

Interchange fees are the largest piece of the puzzle.

This fee is paid by the merchant to the consumers card issuer. A second interchange cost is charged by the card networks (e.g., MasterCard and Visa). The final portion is paid to the payment processor, which actually handles the transaction and provides customer service.

Merchant/payment processor contracts can vary significantly, but in recent years most merchants prefer to be priced on an interchange-plus basis.

This provides much greater transparency for the merchant by separating interchange fees, which should be billed at cost; from processor fees, which are negotiable. Interchange rates are public information, and they are not negotiable. Everyone including businesses, governments, banks, utilities, etc. pays the established interchange rates published by Visa, MasterCard and Discover.

It should be a relatively transparent process. However, the complexity of the system allows opportunistic processors to misrepresent their charges to boost their profits. Misleading practices can include any of the following: * Hiding the processors markups by inflating the stated interchange fees. * Charging merchants for security fees that provide 54 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

no value, falsely claiming they are mandated. * Not passing on interchange fee reductions made by card brands. * Charging arbitrary fees such as re-underwriting fees, when no such action took place. * Charging merchants thousands of dollars to change the phone number in a point-of-sale (POS) system when merchants change processors to protect themselves from the scams. * Arbitrarily refusing to reset the phone number on POS devices when merchants decide to switch processors: the solution: education.

Unfortunately, payment processor pricing schemes are widespread. It is important to remember that these practices are not only unethical, but can often be illegal. While some credit card processing providers would do anything to make an extra buck at the expense of unaware small business owners, other companies put their clients first.

"Heartland Payment Systems has consistently advocated for fair, transparent and ethical credit, debit and prepaid card processing and billing procedures for small and mid-size businesses," says Robert O. Carr, chairman and CEO of Heartland. "The pricing practice of falsely inflating pass-through interchange fees not only constitutes unfair and illegal competition, it also costs even the smallest of merchants hundreds, or sometimes even thousands of their hardearned dollars each year without their awareness."

In fact, in 2006 Heartland introduced interchange plus pricing statements for merchant customers, highlighting all processing fees separately on a line-by-line basis. This transparent system became so popular with businesses that most of Heartlands competitors soon followed suit for many of their small and mid-sized merchants.

Credit and debit card processing is a complex and intricate business. The best defense for merchants who want to ensure they are paying fair payment processor fees is education and vigilance.

Learn more by visiting www.MerchantServicesDefense.com/—

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All gave some...Some gave all...

We Remember.

Memorial Day

Sailors on liberty in Marseille, France, study a map of tourist destinations to visit.

Serve your country and explore the world simultaneously

It’s no secret that world travel is one of the most exciting perks enjoyed by men and women in America’s Navy. With more than 100 ports of call around the globe and bases in multiple time zones, there’s a great chance you’ll see the world over the course of your Navy career.

On any given day, 600,000 Sailors and Navy civilians are working together around the globe to perform their mission of deterring aggression and, if deterrence fails,

winning our Nation’s wars. Even if that doesn’t satisfy your appetite for adventure, during your ample vacation time, you’ll be able to fly standby on military flights around the world for a small fee.

You can cross many international and domestic destinations off your travel bucket list during your time of service.

What’s more, you will often be eligible to stay in base lodging around the world. This includes lodging at any military facility that

has rooms available for military personnel and their families, and lodging is usually provided at a cost much lower than you would find at an off-base hotel.

These cost savings on travel are a great benefit that isn’t often found in post high-school or college careers. It all amounts to a lifetime of adventure, culture and memories that you and your family can enjoy throughout your time in the Navy and beyond.

Sailors serve around the world on a variety of missions and at many ports. One of the top port destinations is Sydney, Australia, which has an electric nightlife, plenty of beaches and great recreational activities. When on vacation, it’s just a short flight or bus trip to Brisbane or Cairns to explore the Great Barrier Reef, or take a trip along the Great Ocean Road between Melbourne and Adelaide.

Those who prefer a more European experience will love Rota, Spain, which is the gateway to Ensign Matias del Castillo, right, assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85), plays chess with a student at the Hyder the Mediterranean. This port is connected to the rest of Europe, Garden Matric School in Chennai, India, during a community service project.

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thanks to an extensive transportation system that gives Sailors plenty of options for their vacations.

Another great European port is Naples, Italy, which is just a short train ride from the beautiful and historic city of Pompeii. The city has been rebuilt, but exploring the unearthed ruins is a very educational experience. Sailors can also take the train up to Rome for a one-day visit or even for a long holiday.

While it’s not an international destination, another top port Sailors love to visit is Hawaii, with its rich history and tropical setting. Sailors don’t need to go far to find beautiful beaches and recreational activities in the water, and relaxing on shore is a perfect way to spend some holiday vacation time.

To see where Sailors are serving today, visit NavyLive.DodLive.mil/category/inside-the-navy/ your-navy-today.

For more information about opportunities to serve, visit www.Navy.com.—BPT

160 YEARS OF SERVICE

S

Karen Pittman outhwest Georgia has been fortunate to have in its midst an institution of higher education for 160 years. Andrew College, known as Andrew Female College when the doors opened in 1854, has served and molded the citizens of southwest Georgia and southeast Alabama. Andrew College has consistently promoted the concept of servant leadership since her inception. Those who graduate from as well as attend Andrew College usually return to their respective communities and contribute to religious, service, organizational and business leadership.

The story of Andrew College mirrors the story of southwest Georgia. Founded twenty-six years after Randolph County was formed, Andrew Female College was very much an institution of its time. The College filled an important need in southwest Georgia in that young women needed educational opportunities. Young women could attend the institution from grammar school through college. The arrival of the railroad in Cuthbert in 1859 provided a great asset to the college in that young women could use that mode of transportation.

Andrew College, affiliated with The United Methodist Church, was named for Bishop James Osgood

Andrew. The Bishop came to Cuthbert in 1856 to dedicate the college. Always ecumenical in nature, the first president, Augustus Alden, was a Presbyterian minister. Dr. Lovick Pierce and his son, George F. Pierce, preached the first Commencement sermon and gave the first literary address at the college during Commencement Week.

In 1864, the Confederate government commandeered Andrew Female College to be used as Hood Hospital. Two other hospitals were located in Cuthbert – Hill Hospital (Baptist Female College) and Lumpkin Hospital (on Depot Street now known as Blakely Street). The Civil War years were tumultuous times in Cuthbert. At one point, more than 20,000 citizens, soldiers and refugees lived within the city limits. Classes could not be held at the College during this time, but the young women received instruction in rooms above the stores on the Cuthbert Square.

Once the Civil War was over, the College resumed operations with a visionary president – Alexander L. Hamilton. This progressive gentleman instituted a physical culture program for young women – the first of its kind in the United States. Not only did President Hamilton institute what would become physical education, he also grew the arts and letters programs of the College.

Alexander Hamilton served two separate terms as president. His last term ended with his death in 1881. At this time, his wife, Eudora Moore Hamilton, assumed the presidency at the request of the Board of Trustees. Mrs. Hamilton served for one year and still has the distinction of being the only female president of the College.

The college experienced a crippling blow in April 1892 when all of its buildings were destroyed by fire.

The citizens of Cuthbert and Randolph County met the day after the fire to pledge money to rebuild the school. By September 1892, the school was rebuilt and ready to open.

The word “Female” was dropped in 1912 when the original charter of 1854 was amended. Andrew College became a junior college in 1917. The College continued to work to meet the needs of the young women in southwest Georgia, southeast Alabama and northwest Florida.

The 1930s were characterized by severe financial restraints as was the case throughout the United States. By 1938, the college was over the worst effects of the depression. The improvements in the public school system in Georgia made the academy lose popularity, so the academy classes were dropped by Continued on page 58 RuralLeaderMagazine.com 57

Historic Andrew College located in Cuthbert, Georgia Andrew College, continued from page 1935. By 1936, under the leadership of President S.C. Olliff, Andrew College became a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

The year 1956 proved pivotal for the college, as it became coeducational. A crisis faced the college near this time – the threat of a merger with Wesleyan College in Macon. Through the diligence of the alumni, the board, the faculty, the administration, the staff and the citizens of southwest Georgia, Andrew College was allowed to continue and to start serving both the young men and women of the area, training them to assume positions of leadership and service in their communities.

Approximately three hundred twenty young men and women currently attend Andrew College. Their homes are primarily in Georgia, Florida and Alabama. Many international students from various countries also attend the college. As a liberal arts college, Andrew prepares the students to attend a 58 RuralLeaderMagazine.com

four year institution. Once these students attain their degrees, they return to their communities and carry forth the ideals of service and leadership that they learned at Andrew College.

Throughout southwest Georgia, southeast Alabama and northern Florida, as well as other parts of the world, young men and women have left Andrew College to return or to move to communities where they become involved and productive citizens. The influence of Andrew College is felt throughout the southeast as well as throughout the world. —

Photo Credit: Speak2Inspire.com

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Yvonne Williams Kuanita E. Murphy

Speaks 2 Inspire

Yvonne Williams, CEO of Speak2Inspire LLC, author, and television personality, is inspiring millions across the nation. I first encountered Williams several years ago at a regional youth engagement.

I was mesmerized by her passion and courageous spirit as she engaged the audience with her life story.

Rated #1 speaker for six years, by Monster.com’s MIC programs, she continues to travel across the U.S. inspiring others to make better choices for their future.

The Patterson, New Jersey native attended Rosa Parks Performing Arts School and Eastside High School (as seen in the movie “Lean On Me”), which is noted for the impact Mr. Joe Clarke played by Morgan Freeman. Clarke changed the dynamic by eliminating destructive influences that inundated the school.

Williams began her career as a senior manager, who trained and recruited at a circulation firm for the New York Times. She served in this capacity for 11 years. Then she discovered the power in using her life experience of hardship as a platform to encourage others. Thus, she founded Emerged Greatness in 1999 and began to travel across the country conducting seminars and workshop for youth and adults.

Williams was inspired to by helping others to ignite vision and to impact lives through inspiration.

“My pain became my platform to encourage individuals to be all that they can be despite their current situations or present dilemmas. Empowering others was a therapeutic process for me...I realized that the things that tried to kill me made me unstoppable…“I-inspire” because it is the essence of what I was born to do,” Williams said.

Williams taught Prophetic Dance and Flag Ministry for more than 7 years and worshiped in dance and flags for 16 years. She learned about God’s love and the power within worship.

“Aside from God, my Husband, and my kids, encouraging, inspiring, impacting, and empowering people is my life. I’m mandated, commissioned, and determined to inspire as many people as I can until I take my last breath…I was created to worship,” Williams said.

Williams particularly enjoys speaking to youth of various ages in high schools and colleges across the country.

“I believe that every teen matters. I can’t even begin to convey in mere words the overwhelming feeling that floods my soul when I look in the eyes of a child, and I can literally see transformation occur as hope begins to spring forth in them…because words of life are being released to inspire them and to reassure them that it’s gonna be okay,” she said.

Williams’ strong faith in God is the core of her resilience to inspire and to encourage others.

“Reaching teens is not difficult... getting them to TRUST you is! I thank God every day for the ability, gifts and talents that he has given me. Most are derived from my past... simply treating others like I want to be treated or desired to be treated when I was young... makes a BIG difference,” she declared.

Williams inspiring message comes from a place of power and courage. Her message is simple but yet profound, for she encourages others to dare to dream of a bright future filled with hope.

“We have no idea how strong we really are until we are put in uncomfortable-tough-uncertain-overwhelming situation. When we are faced with obstacles our greatest ability to "stand" shows up and it's called determination,” Williams said.

In the face of great odds and her faith in God, Williams has achieved great things in her life. What she learned most was not to allow life distractions to get her off course. Williams spends many days and

“I believe that every teen matters. I can’t even begin to convey in mere words the overwhelming feeling that floods my soul when I look in the eyes of a child, and I can literally see transformation occur as hope begins to spring forth in them…because words of life are being released to inspire them and to reassure them that it’s gonna be okay,” she said.

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“I am grateful to God for every platform ...no matter the size, city, state or organization. The gratitude and appreciation these youth show me is honestly the fire that makes me inspire. Every time I close a session, ‘I say, I love you,’ and they always say it back.

I truly love what I do.” she said.

Photo Credit: Speak2Inspire.com

nights with little sleep or social life on a mission to inspire others. However, she believes that it is worth it.

“Purpose changes perspectives, so I encourage others to not allow distractions to rob them of their destiny. I tell young people to learn how to focus. You have to cut off those things that are counterproductive and designed to steal your joy and peace. I have learned that heartache and pain will either propel you into your purpose, push you to live your passion, or become the reason you remain physically stuck, mentally crippled and emotionally debilitated…Anyone or Anything that leaves your life makes room for someone or something better…but in order to do that, you have to free your heart from sadness to allow space for better,” Williams said.

Photo Credit: Speak2Inspire.com

Yvonne signs autographs for youth after an event.

Emerge for Greatness has an awesome brand of i-inspire products sold in several major retail stores nationally and internationally. In March 2014, a new and limited edition of i-inspire products, classic pieces, and an extensive youth/baby line were released in several additional retail stores. Products are also available at Speak2Inspire.com “It’s awesome to see i-inspire shirts seen all over the USA! It continually reminds me why I do this.

It reminds me also that if you are in the midst of a battle…keep fighting because when you win, you can absolutely expect the spoils of war that come with it…My God is awesome! I just can’t tell it all, “she said.

Williams is also the author of 4 books, 3 of which are currently sold in Barnes & Nobles, and she also hosted a TV talk show for community access television in Paterson New Jersey for the Division of Recreation highlighting community youth. In addition, she has been featured in various magazines, newspapers, news stories, and talk shows across the country sharing her passion and her purpose to reach youth and young adults introducing and leading them to better choices.

“I am grateful to God for every platform... no matter the size, city, state or organization. The gratitude and appreciation these youth show me is honestly the fire that makes me inspire. Every time I close a RuralLeaderMagazine.com 61

Photo Credit: Speak2Inspire.com

Yvonne Williams speaks to a group of high school students. session, ‘I say, I love you,’ and they always say it back.

I truly love what I do.” she said.

Williams is specializes in leadership training, team development, workshops, seminars, and keynote presentations for broad target audiences and sectors.

These days, Williams has a packed itinerary with no plans to slow down in the near future.

“My prayer is that God gets the glory form my life…all that I am is because of Him…so, I have a lot or work yet to do…my motto is not about your start; it’s all about your finish…so finish big!”

For booking information, visit www.Speak2Inspire. com or call (862) 823-1969. —

Photo Credit: Speak2Inspire.com

Yvonne inspires students all over the country with words of encouragement and wisdom.

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Lucky #5: Communities Partner for Success

Sara Lee Crumbs

Everyone knows that two heads are better than one. The members of a progressive group in Southwest Georgia are hoping that their luck will increase with the lucky number five.

“The Southwest Georgia Five is a group of volunteers that we put together primarily not to take the place of any of the appointed development authorities or regional development authorities,” member and one of the originators of the concept Walter Mattox of Randolph County said during an interview. “ We represent the five counties of Calhoun, Clay, Stewart, Randolph and Clay. Basically what we do is sell this region.”

The group came about because so many of the appointed development authorities and their like are also busy doing other things and have a full plate, according to Mattox. This group understands that if we have a job in Randolph County, it will help in Quitman, Stewart and Clay counties as well, Mattox continued. It is truly a regional approach to selling your assets to potential businesses, tourists and the world.

“Anything we can do to pro-

mote our area is good for us,” he said. “One of the first things we had to do in order to promote this was to create a website.”

Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) volunteered an intern to help with the creation of the SWGA 5 website. Featured on the website is a map of the region showing key sites such as industrial parks, roads and rail, pictures of some the interesting points in each county, a list of potential industries that are based upon raw materials available and contacts for additional information on each county.

“Andrew Serves agreed to let some of their students work with a representative from each county to help maintain current information on each county,” he said. “ We have recently talked with a professor from Albany Tech who teaches this kind of stuff and he wants to be a part of it, too.”

The core group meets in May with representatives from Albany Tech, Andrew Serves and the county representatives to discuss further partnerships in promoting Southwest Georgia.

“If somebody comes and they want to have something in this

part of the state, they know we exist,” Mattox continued. “We have found so many things that show that people at the state level just don't know that we are here.”

The advantages of having such a group actively promoting rural communities such as these are clear. In a region where the population is shown to be dwindling, the creation of jobs is very much needed to reverse the negative trend. Increased population leads to an upswing in the economic picture for Southwest Georgia counties of Calhoun, Clay.

“In 1930, the census showed a total population of 49,627,” Walter said. “Today we have right at 23,000. We have to reverse that lost. This group is working with a lot of different things, unusual things to make it work and the development authorities and anyone we can to try and make this happen.”

For the five counties, agriculture was the mainstay of the region. Today, agriculture is still a major player, however because of changes an improvements in the production of crops, the regional population has declined.

Continued on page 65

The Southwest Georgia Five consist of Calhoun, Clay, Quitman, Randolph, and Stewart counties.

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itizens of small towns and cities across the nation are truly unsung heroes. The level of involvement, commitment, and intense effort to improve their communities sometimes go unnoticed.

They serve in various capacities throughout our nation: some are doctors, lawyers, teachers, students, bankers, ministers, business owners, and the like.

The full scope of their individual contributions may never be fully realized by those who do not understand the small town dynamic. They are everyday people doing extraordinary things. Collectively, these exemplary individuals represent the heart and soul of small communities; and so, Rural Leader Magazine proudly presents our newest quest-to find Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential Citizens. We need your help to find these deserving individuals.

Here's a hint of who we're looking for: 1. Nominee must reside within the United States and live or work within a small town or city with a population of 80,000 or less; 2. Nominee must be at least 18; 3. An Individual may self-nominate or be nominated by an individual, group, or organization; 4. Must have made a significant contribution to their community.

5. A completed nomination form must be submitted between June 1st and July 31st via the SmallTownAmericas100.us Supporting documents may be emailed to SmallTownAmericas100@gmail.com. The 100 nominees selected will be featured in the December 2014 issue of Rural Leader Magazine as Small Town America’s Most Influential. Click Here to nominate!—

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Lucky # 5 continued from page 56.

The business of selling the assets of each county and as they relate to each other is pure genius. One county's tourist attraction can help another county from tourists driving through and spending money on fuel, food and possibly lodging. It is a truly symbiotic existence that smaller communities in Southwest Georgia has found to much more productive for increasing their standing against larger communities vying for business prospects.

“The purpose of this group is to promote our region with a group of interested citizens,” Mattox stated. “We have a big group of folks who are interested.” He displays a list several pages long who have expressed an interest in working with the Southwest GA 5 at local, state, regional and federal level.

“It's an interesting thing to do and it seems like it's working well,” he added. “We are targeting different people with different projects from this group.” He is looking for future impacts of their efforts to include an increase in population and improved tax rates for each county.

Mattox's goals future goals for the group and the results of their work include branding the region for future economic ventures at the state level.

“I want this region to reverse these population numbers,” Mattox emphasized. “If we don't reverse these numbers, most of these cities that you drive through will be ghost towns.”

For more information about the Southwest Georgia Five, visit www.swga5.com—

Overcoming Great Odds, continued from page 8 As a result of life’s adversities, Goodwin became a motivational speaker for women and teen girls across the country. What is more, she is also a published author of “A Princess in Me” that will be released in July 2014. The book helps young girls develop self-esteem. Goodwin is also the co-author of “Congratulations You Just Lost Your Job,” which will be released in June 2014. In addition, she is also affiliated with the HLIC, which stands for Network Head Lady In Charge. The HLIC is a documentary film project that showcases the stories, issues, and solutions that affect dynamic women who are reshaping communities.

Though Goodwin has not yet become a millionaire, she continues to make strides. More importantly, she has learned how to navigate life despite great odds. “…I have a story, a voice that allows others to see, you can do it with nothing in your hands. All you need is to decide that you are worth fighting for…. your dreams and life purpose are worth fighting for,” she said. “Through my struggles, I learned valuable lessons…I learned that to be a great leader, one must read to grow. I learned to live a life of gratitude, even when faced with adversity…and most importantly think positive and never, never ever, give up,” she said.

Goodwin currently lives in Powder Springs, Georgia with her six children De’Aira, 16, De’Asia, 11, De’Auna, 10, DaMaya, 6, Destiny, 3, and Divine, 1. Learn more about her business on her blog at ResilenTempress.EmpowerNetwork.com.—

RuralLeaderMagazine.com 65

Ashley Kelly: All Things Global

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shley Kelly is making his mark in the business world nationally and abroad.

The thirty-something husband and father of three, knows the importance of balancing mind, body, and spirit in the quest for success. Southern culture and a small-town up-bringing prepared him well in more ways than one for life abroad.

Ashley was born and reared in Columbus, Georgia to Charlie and Celeste Kelly. When he was 9 months old, the family moved to Albany, Georgia so that his father could run the family business. He learned early the value of hard work and commitment to family.

He excelled not only academically but also athletically.

“I played basketball under Coach Willie Boston at Westover High School. I was honored to be a part of two AAA Championship teams during my freshman and sophomore year,s” he said.

Kelly graduated from Westover High School in 1995 and decided to attend college at Georgia Tech.

“I also played basketball under Bobby Cremins for four years in college. During my college year, our team was co ACC Champs (1995/1996). Aside for athletics, I was also highly social and enjoyed every minute of the college experience,” he said.

Kelly pledged Phi Delta Theta fraternity while at Georgia Tech.

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Ashley Kelly, Global Solutions Manager at Silver Springs Network In 2000, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering.

Completing his education was foremost, however, in 2003, Kelley decided that it was time to tie the knot.

“I met my wife in undergraduate college. Her maiden name was Ashley Hatch…Yes, we have the same first same. She’s from Atlanta and attended the University of Georgia. We have three boys: Charles, 7, Hatch, 4, and Harrison, 18 months. Harrison was actually born in Malaysia and has a Malaysian birth certificate. I affectionately call him my “made in Malaysia Baby,” he said.

Balancing a family and career had its challenges. However, Ashley seized every opportunity during the early 00s when the Internet world of business was flourishing.

“I graduated from college during the Internet dotcom boom.

IT jobs paid well so, I took a job doing IT Project Management at ChoicePoint in Alpharetta, which was a spin-off of Equifax that is now defunct…I was actually laid off from ChoicePoint a few months after Sept 11th in a downsizing move. Being young, I quickly got a job doing the same thing at an Internet only bank called NetBank. While at NetBank, I decided I wanted to make a career change out of IT and started taking night classes at

Georgia State University,” he said.

Kelly left NetBank to focus more on his education. In December 2004, he graduated from GSU with an MBA. After which, Kelly worked in the family business for a year before taking a sales job with Power Industry Consultants (PIC) in 2006. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, PIC specializes in the unique needs of power generation facilities worldwide.

“Taking a job with PIC is what put me on my current trajectory to international business. PIC was involved in power plant construction and heavy industry…all of which captured my imagination.

It turned me on to the infrastructure sector and opened me up to the global market and how countries invest billions of dollars for power generation,” he said.

In 2010, Kelly was offered the opportunity to head up PIC’s Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia office.

“My friends and family were shocked considering Malaysia is quite literally ‘the other side of the world’ from Georgia. Living abroad and managing foreign nationals proved to be a great growth opportunity for me. Managing people and clients is difficult enough, but learning how to adapt your style to different cultures is the real challenge”, he said.

Kelly’s three year contract assignment in Malaysia climaxed in 2013. Subsequently, he returned to the States to work in the Atlanta

home office.

“During my tenure at PIC, the company went from a private company to being acquired by a large Japanese conglomerate. The culture shifted from what originally attracted me, so I started looking for other challenging opportunities. Kelly discovered his next challenge in Silicon Valley where he began work at Silver Spring Networks (SSN).

Silver Spring Networks is a provider of smart gridnetworks, communication devices, and software developer for utilities and customers to improve energy efficiency. SSN is based in California with offices in Australia, Singapore, and Brazil. Kelly is the Global Solutions Manager for the company.

“Silver Springs Networks was experiencing rapid growth and trying to expand internationally at the time I started with the company. The idea of working in one of the iconic areas of American business interested me so, my family and I moved to Palo Alto, California early 2013.” He said.

"Essentially my job entails being on the front line when the company is trying to enter a new country. I am involved in identifying the best partners for that market and determining how best to do business, i.e. setting up our own entity or going through channel partners or agents. I ensure that our technical solutions meet the need of the potential customers, and when necessary, I work with our product team to develop the right solution for the specific market or customer," Kelly said.

Throughout his career, determination and the willingness to try new things was essential to move forward. The hope for a better tomorrow for his fam-

ily motivated Kelly to make necessary sacrifices.

“My wife, Ashley, has been so supportive in my career pursuit. I am proud of us as a family for making that bold decision to leave Atlanta and live abroad. It has changed us in so many positive ways. We became closer as a family unit and now have a different perspective on the uniqueness of different cultures and people. While it hasn't always been easy, in the grand scheme of life it is only a small blip of our life’s journey. As a young family, we were fortunate to have the opportunity. I often tell my wife when we get older we will look back on this adventure fondly and know in our hearts that we did not settle but instead lived life to the fullest…, “he said.

Living life to the fullest, playing hard, and working hard were ingredients to a recipe for success. Kelley believes that his greatest achievements, however, are ahead.

“I still have this feeling that my greatest accomplishment is ahead of me. Yet, looking back, I would say that a success was my college years at Georgia Tech. I am proud of myself for successfully navigating a college sports career, engineering degree, and healthy social calendar. I wasn't unique because so many other talented individuals accomplished the same, but I am proud that I lived up to the ancient Greco/Roman philosophy of sound Mind, Body, and Spirit, he said.

“However, if I could do one thing different it would have been to learn a second language as a child. I have made attempts at learning new languages as an adult but it never seems to stick.

Continued on page 71 RuralLeaderMagazine.com 67

Faith, Fun, and Fitness

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Photo Credit: Tonya's Dancefit Studio

Tonya Gilbert is pictured above at her Dancefit Studio in Cuthbert, Georgia

taying physically active is a challenge for many in today’s hectic world.

Will, determination, and courage are required ingredients to healthy living. In addition, finding the time and activities of interest to motivate one to get the body moving does not always come easy. However, there is good news for the residents of southwest Georgia. Tonya Gilbert, single mother of two daughters, Ariel and Tiffany, stepped out on faith to pursue her life-long dream to help others improve their physical fitness goals.

April 26, 2014, in the quaint town of Cuthbert, Georgia, population 3, 669, Gilbert held the grand opening for Tonya’s Dancefit Studio. The venture is a great addition to the community. According to County Health Rankings, a site that measures the health of states and its counties within United States, Randolph County ranks 144th out of 159 counties in Georgia. Furthermore, 35% of Randolph County adults ages 20 and over 35% reported no leisure-time or physical activity in comparison to 25% overall in Georgia. The site also declares that

0% of the population have adequate access to locations for physical activities in Randolph County.

Adult and child obesity are also issues. Thirty-five percent of the adult population are obese.

Gilbert has been an International Fitness Association (IFA) Certified Personal Trainer/Group Fitness Instructor for fifteen years. She was motivated to improve her health when she encountered several challenges in early 2011 and mid-2012.

“I experienced the hardest time of my life with health issues. I was stressed daily with chronic

“The deepest pain often empowers you to grow into your highest self. I wake up every day better than yesterday, both physically and mentally,” Gilbert said.

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Photo Credit: Tonya's Dancefit Studio

Participants have fun during the Silver Sneakers class. lower back pain, sciatica nerve pain, muscle cramps, insomnia and irritability while still trying to live a normal life of work and home,” she said Gilbert learned a lot through her experience and it gave her the desire to make necessary changes in her life.

“The deepest pain often empowers you to grow into your highest self. I wake up every day better than yesterday, both physically and mentally,” she said.

There are three components to Gilbert’s wellness philosophy: faith, fun, and fitness. Faith is required to believe in self and that with daily effort and commitment things can improve. Fun in an essential ingredient to healthy lifestyle changes. Doing things that stimulates happiness improves the likely hood that one will stay the course. Fitness is the overall goal, but in order to achieve it, one must be consistent.

Since the studio’s grand opening, classes have been full. Several classes are offered at the studio including dance (for girls ages 3 to 16), yoga and meditation, Zumba, chair fitness, Silver Sneakers (dance movement therapy for participants 55 and older), and encouragement health sessions “I opened this center with the goal to motivate the entire Southwest GA Region to live a balanced and healthier lifestyle. In the process, we’re having fun doing it!” she said.

One client, who experienced severe back pain issues and limited balance ability, came to her first meditation and yoga class at the studio. The next day she reported that she felt better because she had no pain the night before. "Her exact words were, 'I feel energetic, zestful, bouncy, bubbly, and exuberant!’

It makes me feel great to know that I am making a difference in the lives of others,” Gilbert said.

“I opened this center with the goal to motivate the entire Southwest GA Region to live a balanced and healthier lifestyle. In the process, we’re having fun doing it!” she said.

RuralLeaderMagazine.com 69

Photo Credit: Tonya's Dancefit Studio

Participants learn basic Pilates and Yoga movements.

Tonya’s Dancefit Studio is open Monday through Friday from 5 pm to 9 pm and Saturday 11 am to 3 pm EST. The studio is located at 55 Pearl Street (Across the street from Georgia Power) in Cuthbert, Georgia. For more information or to register, call 229-308-5941 or write to tdancefitstudio@yahoo.com.—

Photo Credit: Tonya's Dancefit Studio

Grand Opening Day Tonya (Center) poses with her daughters. L to R: Tiffany, 14 and Ariel, 22.

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Ashley Kelly, Continued from page 64 We are fortunate that English is truly the international business language…because of that we American’s are not forced to become fluent in other languages.

Language is another way to stimulate the brain and also breaks down barriers allowing new relationships to grow. I know I am never too old to learn a new language, but I do wish the curriculum was pushed harder in the public schools of my generation,” Kelly said.

Though his work itinerary is exceptionally full, Kelly believes that family is foremost, in addition to giving back to community.

“The well-being of my family is the most important thing to me. I try to maximize my time with them when home because I travel for work so often.

I find more of my time being dedicated to the pursuits and interests of my children…As my boys get older, I am becoming more active in my community

as a coach,” he said.

As for what is next for the business mogul, Kelly says, “I do have a desire to move back to the South and raise my boys in the environment of a southern culture. There is something unique about the South that shaped my identify and enhanced my ability to become successful in international business. Growing up in a small southern town, I learned the value of patience and being respectful of personal relationships. Those skills transferred well to international business where trust and personal commitment are key to getting business deals done. I eventually want to bring back home many of the skills I have learned abroad and working in Silicon Valley. The world is definitely getting smaller and transferring that knowledge to the next generation is very important.” —

Honoring young individuals for exemplary academic achievement and service to community

Under 20

Nationally and Abroad

Martin, continued from page 34 the SAT and was named Salutatorian of his graduating class.

Stephon has not only excelled academically but also as a leader and servant within his community.

He worked with Swagga & Lace Initiative, a program that includes the BART (Becoming A Responsible Teen) curriculum. The eight sessions provide teens information about positive behaviors such as STD/ pregnancy prevention, problem-solving skills, and communication techniques.

As a Peer Advisor, Stephon helps recruit teens and presents at various community functions and locations such as Family Connection Days, health fairs, and the Randolph County Public Library. Even though most of the program participants are of a similar age, Stephon learned to maintain professionalism.

"Swagga & Lace has truly helped me become a more responsible teen and transition into more of an adult," he said.

Stephon's other community service activities include The Youth Empowerment Group, Feed the Valley, and S.O.S. Club. As a member of the Youth Empowerment Group, Stephon participated in community service projects such as a local coat drive, where over 40 coats were collected and donated to those in need in the community. Feed the Valley is a monthly food drive that serves different cities in Southwest Georgia. They specialize in giving food to those who need it in the community. Stephon participates in bagging food and loading it into people’s vehicles. In the S.O.S. Club, Stephon participated in a back-to-school event to help give students some tips, advice, and back to school supplies. Stephon also participated in a benefit concert in memory of a young girl named Jordan, who died on a bus accident from a local school. The event was held to help raise money for a scholarship in her name at her school.

In the fall, Stephon plans to attend Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He is undecided on a major to date.— RuralLeaderMagazine.com 71

Mind Over Matter

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Photo Credit: Maurice Brooks

“...Hypnotherapy is a safe, healthy and ecological way to make changes in your life. All experiences start and end in the mind, for it is your mind that determines how you experience life. So to effect change, one must change the mind."

Dr. Maurice Brooks, Sr. is a Master Clinical Hypnotherapist.

ife is literally mind over matter in the world of Dr. Maurice Brooks, who is a Master Clinical Hypnotherapist. He is a native of Seattle, Washington, who graduated from James A. Garfield High School in 1980. Later, he received a degree in business from the University of California San Francisco, while in the U.S. Navy. In 2005, Brooks completed his doctoral studies in Transpersonal Psychology with a focus in Clinical Hypnotherapy from American Pacific University in Kona, Hawaii. Currently, Dr. Brooks is the owner of Brooks Institute of Hypnosis in Austin, Texas. Brooks became interested in hypnotherapy at the age of 19.

“While in the Navy, I went to see a stage hypnotist at a club in San Diego. I was so impressed, I thought ‘wow, what a cool super power to have,’ to be able to make people do what you want simply by talking to them. He froze a woman's body stiff as a board, then suspended her between two chairs and sat upon her stiff body.

It was amazing to see. Though, I had no clue about how to gain these super powers, the experience resonated in my mind for some time after,” he said.

Many years later, while working for a chiropractor, Brooks was re-introduced to the world of hypnotherapy.

“He shared a VHS tape with

me produced by Master Hypnotherapist Richard Sutphen. I was amazed, at the changes provided on the tape. I watched that tape until I wore it out, hypnotizing myself over and over again. I quickly realized, if just a tape, could do this, what more was there to know,” he said.

“I discovered that Hypnotherapy is a safe, healthy and ecological way to make changes in your life.

All experiences start and end in the mind, for it is your mind that determines how you experience life. So to effect change, one must change the mind. Will power is seldom enough to break a habit.

The practice of hypnosis can make a change at a rate between 20-

Example of a full body catalepsy.

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Some Benefits of Clinical Hypnotherapy * Break Fear of Public Speaking * Pain Management * Fears and Phobia's * Anxiety Relief * Smoking Cessation * Stress Management * Body Imaging (Weight Management) * Executive Breakthrough Therapy * Bruxism (teeth grinding) * Stop Gambling * Sleep Management * Increased Libido * Anger Management * Panic Attacks * Accelerated Studying * Breaking Testing Fears * Breaking Wealth Boundaries

200 times faster or stronger that will power alone,” Brooks said.

Dr. Brooks employed his acquired skill in his personal life on several occasions, such as during the birth of his youngest son in 2000.

“My wife and I participated in Lamaze classes that included a section on hypnobirthing. The instructor was amazed at how well I administered the trance, and so was my wife. I assured them, I had no formal training. Or had I? Well, my wife went into labor, and while I was driving the 10 plus miles to the hospital, on the freeway at 85mph, I put her into a deep trance…I admit, I was a little tired of her yelling at me (he chuckled)…so deep that when we got to the hospital, and the nurses attempted to take her out of the car, she fell out. She had my son 20 minutes later, with no medications. Out he came, and about 5 minutes later, the trance wore off…Yes, she had to do the whole breathing and pushing, but no meds and no complications,” he said.

Three months thereafter, Dr. Brook’s wife encouraged him to go to school to become a professional Hypnotherapist.

“Now I know what a "full body catalepsy"(frozen stiff body) really is!” He exclaimed.

Later, Brooks started his own business, Brooks Institute of Hypnosis. The business has two primary objectives: to provide education and to provide therapy. The educational component includes providing online and seminar format instruction about Clinical Hypnosis, in addition to publishing. The Institute also provides therapy (TranceWave, LLC), which entails one on one and group therapy programs in clinical hypnotherapy.

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Dr. Brooks has employed his skill to help thousands overcome various habits in the quest for health and wellness throughout the community. For instance, he provided stress management training for First Responders during their annual regional Fire/ FEMA training.

“The department consisted of forty Brigade Commanders, Captains and Lieutenants, Fire Investigators, and the Captain of the Fire Department. This group is a very closed and private group, and is hard to be accepted into their inner circle. By the end of the 2 hours session, I had taken the group into deep trance twice, and had them completely relaxed and playing like little children. They collectively agreed that I was the best presentation in the 3 day seminar,” he said.

Dr. Brooks continues to help others reach their goals through hypnotherapy. He also plans to further develop an online and brick and mortar school for clinical hypnotherapist and NLP practitioners.

Currently, he is working to assist 3,000 central Texas smokers to make a change of state to become nicotine free before the end of the year.

“By using the TranceWave system that I developed, it is absolutely possible, and lasting,” he declares. “I help people make meaningful and positive changes in their lives. The power of Clinical Hypnosis is nearly unmatched in its ability to create lasting and powerful changes in your life,” Brooks said.

Dr. Brooks currently lives in Austin, Texas with his wife and children. — For more information, about the Trance Wave System visit TranceWave.org. or call 512-815-3161.

Or write to 2Hypnotize.me@gmail.com.

Snapshots by Kristie Enjoy the beautiful Snapshots by Kristie Shivers below. She is Rural Leader Magazine's newest photographer Intern. Shivers is a native of Shellman, Georgia, but currently resides in Fort Gaines, Georgia with her husband Locke and two children, Kinley and Austin.

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CLASSIFIEDS

WANTED Contributing Writers/ Journalists

Interested individuals must submit resume to Rural Leader Magazine via email.

Candidate must have a background Candidates will be notified in Journalism or creative writing promptly of application status.

WANTED Can work on tight deadGraphic Designers lines and on assignment; Internship Scope: 6 months to a year Candidate must have background Position is none paid. in graphic design and proficient Interested individuals must submit in a wide-range of design apa resume' and a writing sample to plications such as Adobe InDeRural Leader Magazine via email. sign, Illustrator, and Photoshop.

Candidates will be notified Be willing to work on assignpromptly of application status. ment and on tight deadline Position is none paid or may barter for free advertising WANTED Interested individuals must Photographers resume to Rural Candidate must have submit Leader Magazine via email. background in photography Be will willing to work on Candidates will be notified assignment and on tight deadline promptly of application status.

WANTED The Internship scope lasts Research Assistant 6 months to a year must be proPosition is none paid or may Candidate in research skills barter for free advertising ficient

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Candidate must be outgoing, personable, and a go-getter Must be willing to research targeted and/or prospective clients to sell advertising; Position is paid on commission. (Rate based on Experience) Interested individuals must submit resume to Rural Leader Magazine via email.

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77 Highlighting everydayRuralLeaderMagazine.com people doing extraordinary things