Editor’s Note It’s time for you to choose what direction your business and your life is going! Are you ready to commit to making it work? Are ready to put in the work? To do the hard work? Are you ready to choose to be successful? Ask yourself these questions: • • • •
What do I want? What does success mean to me? What am I willing to sacrifice to make it happen? Am I ready to start the journey to success?
When you have these answers, you can start your plan to make it happen. Have a daily plan, a weekly plan, a monthly plan and a yearly plan! Start NOW!!!!! You will not regret the choice to begin your journey!!!
Teresa Hawley-Howard CEO of WOM Enterprises Publisher, Author and Writing Coach
Teresa Hawley Howard is a best-selling author, blogger, empowerment coach, and radio host. She lives in Murchison Texas with her husband Rickey. She is a mom and a Mimi. www.WOMEnterprises.com
Coming 2020
Cover Spotlight Norma McLauchlin
I was born and raised on a farm in Reidsville, North Carolina, a small town north of Greensboro near the Virginia border, until turning eighteen years old and graduating from high school. I spent the next 2 ½ years in the US Army as a Communications Center specialist. The next six years were spent in Fayetteville, NC before relocating to the Navajo Indian Reservation in Dilkon, Arizona for almost three years before moving back to Fayetteville, NC where I still reside. I am founder and CEO of Chosen Pen Publishing, Norma McLauchlin Ministries, Lady Lifers Women’s Conferences, the Free to Choose book series, co-pastor of New Life Bible Church and New Life Christian Academy. In and around my community, I am known as one who inspires women to embrace spiritual change and live more fulfilling lives. Walking in my gifts and operating from the heart of my own experiences as a wife, mother, co-pastor, and administrator, I have the expertise to connect with women from all walks of life. I have accepted the call to help women develop their self-esteem and self-worth. Chosen Pen Publishing, Free to Choose books, and Spiritual Growth Journaling and Coaching are just three of the vehicles I use to encourage women to access the tools necessary to bring about the transformation that will help them realize their God-given gifts and potential. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Business from Fayetteville State University, Master of Leadership from Central Michigan University, Master of Business Administration from Virginia Technical and State University, and Doctor of Education from North Carolina State University, I embarked on a career in higher education where I was highly successful in impacting the lives of my students academically and spiritually.
In 1986, I entered into professional ministry at New Life Bible Church of America, Inc., where I currently serve as Chief Administrative Officer with my husband and partner in ministry, Pastor Allen S. McLauchlin. Since that time, I have further developed spiritually through biblical courses and study. I continue on a path of success, achievement, and faith-based empowerment.
Tell Me About Your Business Chosen Pen Publishing We are dedicated to helping you realize your full potential in Literary Art. Whether it's a poem collection, short story, novel, or any other written form, our goal is to help you share your work with the world. We publish books to inspire all, and can help you do the same. Our team of experienced editors are prepared to walk you through every step of the process, from novice to seasoned writer, and will ensure you produce a quality product. Writing is Our Passion
What Inspires You I’m inspired by a mandate from God to help heal the broken hearted through stories that others have overcome. I call them Job experiences. The Holy Spirit told me that “If Job can make it through, so can you!” So, that’s my mantra. No matter the situation, someone has overcome it, therefore, you can, too.
Plans for future My plan is to assist at least 1000 individuals to tell their God given stories through writing, poetry, song or whatever is their gift and share them with people who are so desperately waiting for them for spiritual, emotional, mental, or physical healing.
What do you want to be remembered for? I want to be remembered for helping those who are overcomers who assisted individuals who are experiencing difficulties of life to also become overcomers.
Social Media Contacts Readers can visit my website at www.chosenpen.com. They can email me at Firstladynorma@gmail.com or Firstladynorma@chosepen.com. Readers can follow me on social media as well: Facebook: chosenpublishing Twitter: @NormaMcLauchlin1 Instagram: normamclauchlin You Tube: Freetochoose LinkedIn: Norma McLauchlin G Suite: Norma McLauchlin Pinterest: McLauchlin Norma Below is information to order copies of my books or request workshop/seminar engagements: Dr. Norma McLauchlin, First Lady Chosen Pen Publishing 1420 Hoke Loop Fayetteville, NC 28314 Google Phone: 910-758-1811 Fax: 910-868-3300
SHARE YOUR STORY DISCOVER OUR SIMILIARITIES AND CELEBRATE OUR DIFFERENCES In the world we live in sharing our stories are more important than ever before in history. Throughout time storytelling has been important. The elders handed down tradition, folklore and legend to the next generation. It prepared them for life. It taught them lessons and how to handle life situations. But somewhere along the way this art form was lost. We no longer value this treasure. We no longer listen to stories in our busy fast paced life. This is the reason our society and world is in the current condition. When we share our stories we learn about each other. We learn the struggles and obstacles others have overcome. We are empowered and inspired by their words. We are touched by their honest and transparency! If we take the time to share our stories; we will change the world! We will discover the similarities in all people! We all love, we all cry, we all mourn, we all celebrate, we all bleed red! Once we realize our similarities; we can be more tolerable of our differences. We can learn from each other. We can appreciate the beauty in everyone. We can learn to celebrate what makes each of us unique and beautiful and not to hate or condemn. Every single person in the world has a story to share. Will you step out and be brave and share yours with the world?
Spotlight Tyrone Neal We only live once, but if we do it right, come on y'all once is enough. Live better! My name is Tyrone Neal and I'm founder and creator of the Bully Me To Sleep movement. I'm just an ordinary person who is fed up with the direction our youth is heading. I want us to be better, and for us to be better we have to do better. I've grew up in some of the toughest cities in America and I witnessed a lot. I don't like a lot of things that I have seen or heard about and I'm here to make my stance. My mission is to get an army of people like me to tackle this task with. I'm a new author, born and raised in the Bronx, New York. I also grew up in place I do call home as well in Newport R.I and Baltimore MD. I grew up in the inner cities of them states and I have been on both sides of the law. I'm on the lawful and good sides now and have been for some time but I would love to help change a lot of things I've witnessed in this cold world.
Tell us about your Business. I have a book and clothing line out. I also lead an anti-bullying movement which is building by the minute. ‘Bully Me To Sleep’ is the title to all three endeavors which I'm the sole proprietor for. The movement and stance is to get as many people on board as possible to help eliminate this disgusting bullying epidemic.
What Inspires You? Anything and anyone who makes a change for the better. I'm inspired by togetherness and equality. I'm inspired when I can change a negative into a positive in any aspect of life for me or someone else that inspires me.
What are Your Future Plans? My plans are to bring togetherness to our youth and young adults as much as I can. No matter how indifferent we may be, we are all one people. I want to teach the world and start community by community
that we can coexist. No matter race, age, gender, sexuality, preferences or style, we are all one.
What would you like to be remembered for? Making a change in the culture; Making it comfortable for our youth to go to school and come out in their communities without getting bullied or picked on. School is supposed to be a safe haven for our children; A place where they go to learn, network and make friends. Not a place where you dread to go because of bullying and humiliation. My life goal is to help bring bullying awareness to our youth.
What would you like to Spotlight? I want to spotlight my book which is an amazing read. There are a few typos because I was deceived by my publisher because it doesn't take away from the great story. I put my heart into that project and every reader so far confirms that. Not one negative review and so much praise, I admit I had to pat myself on the back. I also have ‘hoodies,’ ‘hats,’ and ‘t-shirts;’ which I sell to help spread and support the movement. Good comfortable quality and affordable prices. Also, I'm in talks with a couple of business men on turning the book into a movie or a series with a second book coming.
Tell us about something you overcame. Street life! I was never a bad guy I was always genuine and loyal. But as a young black man my opportunities were limited, especially as an ex con who was locked up at the young age of 17. It was easy to turn to the streets with very little opportunities. But I overcame them obstacles a long time ago and changed my life for the better, and I'm just starting to write my story.
What would you like to Achieve? Greatness, I want to be great at what I do. I want me and my movement to be remembered, remembered forever! When I'm dead and gone I want it to still go on. That's the type of mark I want to leave in this world. Bully Me To Sleep Tyroneneal1454@gmail.com Bullymetosleep@gmail.com Instagram: Bullymetosleep (M#) 718-503-8336 Bullymetosleep@gmail.com (#) 718-503-8336
Spotlight Connie Whitman “We all have blind spots and don’t know what we don’t know. Once we learn about our blind spots and alternative solutions to navigate them, we have a choice - to address and change them or ignore them.” “Choose wisely!” ~Connie Whitman My name is Connie Whitman. I’m a hockey mom of two grown sons and have been in the financial sales industry for 38 years. I started my business 20 years ago when my boys were 1 & 4. I was an SVP at the bank I worked for and in the 90’s banks were in constant merger/acquisition mode. Due to my senior level and tenor at the bank I requested to be fired so I could accept the 13-month package the company was offering and set off to open my business. I felt I needed stability and freedom to raise my boys (always a mom first) and be a hands-on mom. Over the 20 years I have grown my business steadily, building quality client relationships that utilize my services year after year. I have been with one client for 15 years and two years ago they were ranked the #1 bank in New Jersey by Money Magazine. I feel blessed that my clients respect, appreciate, trust and love me! For me business is personal, and my sales programs teach “how to” build relationships to serve client’s while creating a wonderful business along the way.
Tell us about your book My book is called ‘ESP’ (Easy Sales Process): 7-Steps to Sales Success Business: I am the CEO of my business is Whitman & Associates, LLC for the past 20 years. New Masterclass: Easy Sales Process Masterclass – Launching July 2020
All three spotlights listed above revolved around the topic of sales proficiency for small business owners, sales leaders, and sales representatives. The book is a step by step guide for anyone trying to improve his/her and/or teams sales skills using my proven 7-Step process. The book and my business are also all about improving sales and creating sales behaviors that drive profit, scale business, and serve client’s in the best way possible.
Tell us something you have overcome or success you have achieved. At 39 I was laid off due to a merger at the bank I was working for. I had two babies (1 & 4-year-old), a mortgage, and bills that I was responsible for. I chose to start a business since I had a huge network of people that knew me, trusted me, and could potentially hire me. Twenty years later, I have never looked back. During those 20 years I have had some lean years and financial duress. I have always shifted and pivoted my business as needed to grow and thrive over this time.
What would you like to achieve in 2020? To publish my book, become a #1 selling author so I get to meet even more people that I may be able to help grow profits and scale their business. I also, want to launch my first digital (online) Sales Masterclass to help a greater number of people achieve the financial success they desire and deserve.� Social Media Links LinkedIn Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conniewhitman/ Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/WhitmanAndAssociates/ Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/Connie_Whitman YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/salescoachconnie Podcast - Enlightenment of Change Link: https://whitmanassoc.com/ Website and Contact info Website: https://whitmanassoc.com/ Email: Connie@whitmanassoc.com
What is CBD OIL?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the resinous flower of cannabis, a plant with a rich history as a medicine going back thousands of years. Today the therapeutic properties of CBD are being tested and confirmed by scientists and doctors around the world. A safe, non-addictive substance, CBD is one of more than a hundred “Phyto=cannabinoids,” which are unique to cannabis and endow the plant with its robust therapeutic profile. CBD is closely related to another important medicinally active Phyto-cannabinoid: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the compound that causes the high that cannabis is famous for. These are the two components of cannabis that have been most studied by scientists. Both CBD and THC have significant therapeutic attributes. But unlike THC, CBD does not make a person feel “stoned” or intoxicated. That’s because CBD and THC act in different ways on different receptors in the brain and body. CBD can actually lessen or neutralize the psychoactive effects of THC, depending on how much of each compound is consumed. Many people want the health benefits of cannabis without the high – or with less of a high. The fact that CBD is therapeutically potent as well as non-intoxicating, and easy to take as a CBD oil, makes it an appealing treatment option for those who are cautious about trying cannabis for the first time.
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Spotligtht Dyesha and Triesha McCants Dyesha and Triesha McCants are educators with 17+ years of experience. The ladies are proud graduates of Morgan State University, located in Baltimore, MD, where they received their bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education. The ladies went on to receive their master’s degrees in Early Literacy from Cambridge College, Mass. They are currently working on their doctorate’s degrees in Educational Leadership at the University of MD Eastern Shore. After graduating from Morgan State Univ., Dyesha and Triesha went on to work in Baltimore City Public Schools for a couple of years, then went to work in Prince George’s County Public Schools where they have been for the past 15 years.
We are pleased to Spotlight Triesha and Dyesha who founded McCants Squared in 2018 and self-published their first book in the series, The Misadventures of Tarah and Darah: ‘The Switch.’ The Misadventures of Tarah and Darah was created to share their stories and inspire self-confidence and embrace individuality; Also, to put a spotlight on childhood differences and how to cope with them. They view their twinship as a unique way to get their stories across. That has also inspired them to vlog their experiences through their face book page Triesha and Dyesha Twins Tell All. They were and still are creating their own fun!
Success story One of our success stories are, us going to and completing college for our bachelor’s and master’s degrees. We were never encouraged to go past high school. We always felt like we were behind our peers when reaching significant milestones in life. We had to learn and realize we were “in the right place at the right
time.� Other people’s accomplishments and timelines did not define who we were or should be. God had his own plans for where we were and our next steps in life.
Goal for 2020 Continue to work on Misadventures of Tarah and Darah series and to get our non-profit, Twin Hearts Giving, up and running. Twin Hearts Giving, Inc. was created to provide services for families and youth with a focus on community engagement, youth programs, food and clothing giveaways, academic support, educational programs and life skills. Social Media and Contact info Facebook: @Tarah N Darah or @ Triesha and Dyesha Twins Tell All Twitter: @tarahanddarah IG: @tarahanddarah Website: www.tarahanddarah.com Email: tarahanddarah@gmail.com Phone: 301.399.9326 or 301.399.7686
Centering In Times of Chaos Sharon Gulley
Centering in times of chaos and uncertainty is an amazing way to revive the spirit. Meditation has been used since the days of old and is still used today in many practices across the world for centering and regaining balance in our daily lives. I have found that when I take even (if only) 5 minutes a day away from the noise of the world and meditate, it heals my Mind, Body and Spirit. It rebalances me to a better mood, better focus and even better health. If you just stop and recall a favorite memory and focus a moment there or pray or even speak a healing statement over yourself or a favorite bible verse and just breath fresh air in through the nose and out the mouth, and just take in the beauty of the moment; through this practice you are clearing your spirit for attunement to balance. I am going to share one of my favorite meditations with you today. With practice you can before long do it anywhere you are with ease and without people even noticing you; eventually without even realizing it when it is needed most, you will instinctively find your center. I wish you as much great success with it as I have had and more.
A Healing & Strengthening Meditation Close your eyes and be aware of your heart space with a soft, silver light glowing within. Imagine you can travel within your heart and within your sense of movement like the spinning of threads. Some are rough and broken, yet they hold a barrier in place so that within great silky threads of pure light can be woven into an endless stream. Feel the preciousness and wonder of these threads; they are like the meridians of your soul being spun in your heart. Allow yourself to journey along the threads of light into your heart where you eventually notice a spiral of many lights and colors representing the life time and situations that you have encountered in this lifetime and in your past and beyond. You become aware of the objects gently catching the threads of your soul and extracting them out of the rough cocoon, weaving them into an exquisite silk and say a loud; through the grace of God and my own free will, I now unconditionally forgive and release the pain, shame, blame or sickness that is holding me in the past energies and preventing me
from living my potential. I release this wholly and completely now through all time and space, and all dimensions of my being. Now send love to God & the angels for this healing and say aloud while weaving your soul light to beautiful expression; I now choose to claim all past life, talents, gifts, skills and healing based in unconditional love into my present life time. I ask of this by the grace and compassion of God and my own free will in unconditional love and divine mercy. Set this intention by sending love & acknowledgement to God for his greatness. When you are ready, feel the lightness in your heart & body. Accept your healing as your cocoon has been transformed into the most exquisite silk garment of light; imagine it resting on your body and feel the beauty and when you’re ready, open your eyes and move forward in knowing your healing has taken place and you are stronger and more centered in the spirit of knowledge and Christ love. Pray in oneness, God’s will is always for a greater expression of life. Spin the silken light divine. Namaste my beautiful friends. Sharon Gulley – CEO, Founder, Minister, Certified Life Coach, and Motivational Speaker@ Beautiful Expectations Of Faith (BE’OF) Jacksonville, Fl. Social Media Information https://www.facebook.com/BeautifulExpectationOfFaith/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-gulley https://www.amazon.com/Sharon-Gulley https://www.poetrysoup.com/poems_poets/poems_by_poet.aspx?ID=34959 Website: https://sharongulley.weebly.com/ P: 1-904-330-8773
Sharon Gulley is the CEO and Founder of ‘Beautiful Expectations of Faith’ (BE’OF) where she is an active Certified Life Coach, Minister of Faith, Spiritual Coach and Motivational Speaker. Sharon assists women in and with moving forward into their dreams at any stage of their personal or entrepreneurial life. Sharon coaches from a place of love and compassion as well as a lifetime of experience as a domestic violence survivor twice over. She is a great encourager of sharing your story to help others. Sharon ministers online to clients privately and coaches from a spiritual core about life, love, grief and writing to heal, and the entrepreneurial life style. She is a Multi-time Bestselling Co-Author in the U.S. and
Internationally. She has been featured by Penstra in ‘Every Author Has a Story’ she continues to write and share her Spiritual and Entrepreneurial magazine articles, and blogs to date’ that can be found on her website, and at Tribute Magazine.com and at LinkedIn.com.
Spotlight LaSandra Collins “Every day is an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others.”
~LaSandra Collins
LaSandra Collins is passionate about encouraging and inspiring others to see themselves as Christ sees them. Her mission is to build up and help others realized that they are everything our Heavenly Father says they are so that they can walk into their divine destiny. LaSandra’s motto is: “Every day is an opportunity to make a difference”. She believes this can be done through deeds and encouraging words. LaSandra resides in Spring, Texas with her husband and son. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and writing inspirational pieces. Some of her work has been featured in a play, “Faces in the Mirror” LaSandra has also written a book, “From A Christian Perspective Encouragement for Daily Living” which was published in February 2018. On June 22, 2019, LaSandra hosted her very first conference, “Free to Be Me”. On March 28, 2020, LaSandra will have The Power of Hope conference. At some point in our lives, each and everyone one of us will be faced with adversities and if we are not careful, we these challenges can cause us to question our faith and cause us to lose sight of God’s promises to us as believers. This conference is designed to encourage others to keep hope and faith in Lord regardless of what their life circumstances look like. It will illustrate how I myself was faced with adversity and how I maintain my faith, hope and trust in God and overcame that challenge. This conference will be at the Hilton Gardens 7979 Willow Chase, Houston, TX 77070. Come join us.
When we asked her to share with us something she overcome or all the success she had achieved; she shared this. “Back in 2006, I left my husband and my life as I knew it was in total chaos and turmoil. Little did I know that God had a plan for my husband and I. The first year of that separation, the Lord dealt with me individually, reveling to me where I went wrong in my relationship with Him and my husband. One day, while in church service, the Holy Spirit came upon me, while I was in communion with God, he told me my marriage would be okay. In 2008, my husband and I reconciled our and united back under one roof.
This past June, we celebrated our 23rd wedding
Anniversary. What I learned from that experience has been invaluable and I minister to married couples now encouraging them to put God in the mist or their relationship because they cannot maintain their marriage on their own strength.” In 2018 my goal was to publish my devotional book and I did. “From A Christian Perspective: Encouragement for Daily Living” can be downloaded for free by gong to Smashwords.com. In 2019, my goal was to host my first Conference and I accomplished that in June. It was a huge success to say I have no idea where to begin with even planning a conference.
God truly amazed me because I asked him to put the resources, I need in my path to help me with this conference and he did just that. I would have never imagined have a radio station air my conference live. I could have never imagined have 50 people in attendance, some who did not even know me or ever heard of me before me advertising this conference. All I can say is but God…
You can Find LaSandra Collins at the social media links listed below: Facebook – Sandy Wells (soon to be LaSandra Collins; From a Christian Perspective; JIL Designs) Instagram – From A Christian Perspective; JIL Designs Website – www.FromAChristianperspective.org Blog site - https://wordpress.com/view/fromachristianperspective.wordpress.com Shopify - https://j-i-l-designs-llc.myshopify.com website and contact info Contact email – fromachristianperspective.com
~DR. SYLVIA A. COLE, HOST~ ~DR. LORELLE STRONG RICH, CO-HOST~ I TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD 2020 CONFERENCE -THE AWAKENING
Dr. Sylvia A. Cole (affectionately referred to as Dr. Sylvia) is a woman after God’s own heart and a Kingdom supporter. She is a #1 Best-Selling Author, Teacher of the Word, captivating Motivational Speaker, Publisher/Book Writing Coach, and an Educational Consultant. Dr. Sylvia is the author of twelve published books including her #1 Best-Seller, FROM COMMOTION TO PROMOTION: HOW TO BELIEVE FOR A MIRACLE, released in January 2020. Dr. Sylvia also speaks to countless Intermediate, Middle, and High School students about “Finding Purpose” based on her book, A TEEN’S GPS FOR FINDING LIFE’S PURPOSE. Dr. Sylvia is also the host of a God-inspired vision, the I TAKE GOD AT HIS WORD CONFERENCETHE AWAKENING. She and her Co-Host, Prophetess Dr. Lorelle Strong Rich are fulfilling an assignment on their lives by taking this Conference across the nation in 2020. Dr. Lorelle Strong Rich is best known as a respected Prophet, Life Coach, Author, Personal Trainer, Certified Zumba Instructor and a Voice to push the Kingdom forward. She is a pioneer for women becoming the first woman to be ordained at the historical Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, TN; under the leadership of Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III.
Dr. Rich founded LSR Enterprises to bring Kingdom empowerment to individuals and cause them to tap into the potential that lies within them. She is known for her fiery, tenacious delivery that brings forth supernatural breakthroughs in the atmosphere. Dr. Rich is the author of, A MAXIMIZED WOMAN: ARMED AND DANGEROUS; KEYS TO BECOMING GOD’S PHENOMENAL WOMAN; Triple Threat Praise Workout DVD and a new Fit & Fab Workout DVD. (Dr. Sylvia): I am inspired when I see others living a purpose-driven life and going after all that God has for them and impacting the lives of others. I am also inspired by the resilience of others as we should never give up on ourselves and our dreams.
(Dr. Sylvia): I want my legacy to be that I inspired everyone I came in contact with and empowered them to live a life for God totally trusting in Him and fulfilling their God-given purpose. I want the deposit I have made in the earth to not just be remembered but continued long after I am gone. I want to hear God say, “Well Done, thy good and faithful servant.”
(Dr. Rich): I want my legacy to be that I served with excellence. Servitude is an attitude. I want it said that I did all God called me to do and I want to hear God say, “Well Done, thy good and faithful servant.”
Contact Info: DR. SYLVIA FACEBOOK: DrSylvia A. Cole INSTAGRAM: drsylviainspires EMAIL: called2inspire@yahoo.com Contact Info: DR. RICH FACEBOOK: Lorelle Strong Rich INSTAGRAM: Dr. Lorelle Rich EMAIL: lsrtalks@aol.com
Be Careful How You Speak to yourself!
You will speak the most to yourself! I know you are shocked by that statement. You are saying no I don’t! but yes you do! It may not be out loud but in your head, you are speaking volumes to yourself! Every thought and word you are speaking life and death to yourself! It sets the tone for your day, your week, your business, your family and your life. So, you need to pay more attention to those thoughts and prayers!!
Ask yourself do I build myself up? Am I my own cheerleader? Do I believe in me? In my dreams? In my abilities? Do I say I can do it? Or do I tear myself down? Am I always doubting myself? Am I always reliving my mistakes? Do I continuously tell myself I cannot do it? Take time to think about this. It is really important! If you are not uplifting yourself, it’s time to start! It’s time to stop all of that negative speak! It’s time to start building yourself up! You need to realize your words have power! They can elevate your life or they can take you to the depths of misery. It’s totally your choice! What you say to yourself is more important than what others say about you! You must learn to love you and your flaws and mistakes. You must learn to speak to yourself with grace and love and not with disdain. The words you speak to yourself today will determine your tomorrow! So, start today and change your tomorrow! Lift yourself up, be your own champion, be your own cheerleader and speak love to you! Here are some tips to get you started! 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Each morning before you do anything! Look in the mirror and say I love you and I’m going to start acting like it! List three things that you do well! Celebrate them! Everyday list one thing you are grateful for! Take time to Celebrate small victories! Begin each day with praise and uplifting! (listen to great music or spend time in the word) Forgive yourself and begin again!
Each day is a new chance to make changes and live a happy, positive, and loving life. So, take it and make it yours!
Spotlight Mark Steel My name is Mark Steel. Today, I am a sales keynote speaker, a TEDx speaker, and sales consultant. I am also the host of the Invincible Success podcast and the founder of Peak Potential Solutions. Prior to starting my own successful business, I spent 14 years in sales at Microsoft. In my first year I was so bad at sales that I almost lost my job, yet I did not give up. I developed strategies for success that helped me contribute over a billion dollars in sales during my career. I was fortunate to work with companies such as McDonalds, Abbott, United, Allstate, State Farm, Caterpillar, Northwestern Mutual, and many more. Eventually I went on to lead regional training programs for hundreds of highly skilled sales experts, which was tremendously fulfilling. When not speaking and consulting, I’m a married father of two living outside of Chicago. I am an avid rock climber and I enjoy hiking and most anything outdoors.
What would you like to spotlight? My Book, I have my first book coming out on August 18th called ‘Invincible Success: Sell with Confidence, Lead with Purpose, and Speak with Impact!’ Invincible Success is for anyone looking to be more inspired in their career while also inspiring and
serving others. We all can accomplish great things in our career and personal lives. We can beat our sales goals, empower our teams, and share our message in a powerful way. All we need is relentless determination and a proven process that achieves those results. I wrote Invincible Success to give you the process to make that happen. It outlines six principles, what I call the Invincible Principles. I developed them from what I used to be successful in my sales and leadership career as well as using insights I gained from over 90 top leaders I interviewed for the book. Invincible Success is filled with engaging stories and highly useful strategies to make certain you reach all your sales and leadership goals. I am passionate about helping professionals feel more energized and fulfilled. That happens when we feel connected to the work that we do and to our customers, as well as knowing we are having an impact on others. That is my goal for this book. I want to make you Invincible!
Tell me something you have overcome or success you have achieved.
For the first half of my corporate career, I struggled with Impostor Syndrome a great deal. Back then, I did not have much confidence in my abilities. I had gone to community college and did not have a degree. At Microsoft, I was surrounded by incredibly successful people. I felt like a fraud. I was ashamed and anxious much of the time. I was convinced this big secret would be found out and I would be fired. As it got worse, I started withdrawing from friends and family, which caused significant issues in my career, my marriage, and my family relationships. In 2013, I found a blog post that introduced me to impostor syndrome for the first time. This became a turning point for me. For the first time, I discovered what I had been feeling was common and something that I could overcome.
I started being very intentional with my thoughts. I wrote out a list of my strengths and my aspirations. I started seeking out mentors, reading books that inspired me, and creating deeper connection with the people in my life, including my customers and peers. As I took control over the negative talk in my head, my marriage and relationships became stronger than ever. My career took off in ways I could not have expected.
That success gave me the confidence to leave the corporate world in 2017 to start my own business. It was a dream, come true. I now get to work directly with sales teams, leaders, and speakers to ensure they achieve their own exceptional results while feeling more engaged and fulfilled.
What would you like to achieve in 2020? Many individuals and organizations are trying to figure out how to navigate their way through what is happening in today’s business landscape. I try to remind my clients that even though they may be struggling with uncertainty, so are their customers.” “This means that, their customers need them more than ever before. With that in mind, my goal for 2020 is to enable sales team, leaders, and anyone that speaks to others to not just survive in business today, but to put themselves in a position to thrive. I cannot wait to connect with those I can best serve and understand how I can make them -Invincible.
Social Media Links I can be found on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook at ‘steelspeaks.’ On Twitter, I am ‘steelspeaking.’ Website and contact info https://marksteel.com mark@marksteel.com
Spotlight Dr. James Reynolds Glenn
“What your mind believes, you can achieve.� ~Dr. James Reynolds Glenn
My name is Dr. James Reynolds Glenn. I grew up in the Washington DC metro area and attended American U. in DC; Where I earned a BSBA in 1979. Upon graduation, I went to work as a retail investment adviser in the brokerage industry working for large firms (Merrill Lynch & Prudential Bache) and regional firms (Ferris Baker Watts & Dominick and Dominick). I did this for 15 years and then decided I needed a change and went back to school (1997) and earned an MBA in finance and then a doctorate (2006) also in finance. From 1997 to 2006 I worked in Consumer banking as a financial specialist, and then in commercial banking as a commercial lender and underwriter. In 2004 I started teaching undergrads at UMUC (corporate finance/risk management/international business) and upon receiving my doctorate in 2006 began work as full-time business faculty at Education Management Corp. (EDMC). I also worked during this time as a business adjunct at U. of Mary Washington (UMW), Webster U., Florida Institute of Technology, Strayer U., DeVry, Walden U., and others. I have taught over 250 courses in finance, management, accounting, statistics, research, and international business at the doctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels since 2004.
Tell us about your book The book is about wealth inequality in America, and the growing gap between the rich and poor,
exacerbated and abetted by a corrupt central bank and financial services sector, a progressively regressive tax code, an unchecked Pentagon, and a Congress that pursues out of control spending year after year to stay in office. These factors along with union-busting and bad trade deals like NAFTA in the 80s & 90s, coupled with globalization and technology and outsourcing have hollowed out our economy and left the average American further and further behind financially speaking.
Tell us about something you have overcome or success you have achieved.
Earning a doctorate took a great deal of persistence, time, money and yes, brains, (and modesty:) and was a personal triumph. As noted above I did this while working full time. The book is another huge personal success, and something I have wanted to write for a very long time.
What would you like to achieve in 2020?
I would like to continue my work as a dissertation mentor and teacher which I find very satisfying and do speaking event about wealth inequality around the country. I would like to do more podcasts and I will also start a blog. Dr. James Reynolds Glenn’s Social media links are LinkedIn and Facebook