VMH Magazine - ISSUE 24

CES 2019: TECH TRENDS TO WATCH GOLDEN GLOBE 2019 HIGHLIGHTS MARK CUBAN ON WOMEN & DIVERSE FOUNDERS

BUSINESS . LIFESTYLE . ENTERTAINMENT

2019

BEST BUSINESS TIPS FROM LEADING EXECS Thinking of Podcasting?

Insights from Hall of Fame Inductee, Rob Greenlee

Urban One Honors Jermaine Dupri, Tom Joyner, Brandy

ISSUE 24 (Jan. 2019)

Sheri J. Michel Addresses Mental Health in New Book Entitled ‘Seasons of the Soul’

REAL. CONVERSATIONS. WITH VIKKI JONES

Las Vegas, Nevada

CTA Executive Vice President Karen Chupka takes the keynote stage at CES 2019

YubiKey for Lightning Passwordless Login

The next generation of innovation took center stage at CESÂŽ 2019, as companies large and small unveiled technologies that revolutionize the way we live, work and play. CES is the world's gathering place for all those who thrive on the business of consumer technologies.

Pharrelll w/ Sony

LG

Taking interior design photos - 3 CEO Gary Shapiro - New Book

It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years — the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. Owned and produced by the C o n s u m e r Te c h n o l o g y A s s o c i a t i o n ( C TA ) , i t attracts the world's business leaders and pioneering thinkers. consumer technology industry.

Unveiling CES 2019

Attendees Enter CES 2019

For a newsletter that people will look forward to receiving, align the look and feel of your design with your brand’s identity. Write quality content and add matching images. You might also want to reward users for signing up, or include polls and surveys to gather useful data.

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Hyundai MOBIS Lights a Path to Reducing Accidents Involving Autonomous Vehicles • MOBIS lighting technology communicates with nearby pedestrians and vehicles through multiple “Lighting Zones” that utilize LED, digital boards, headlamp projection and sound • Communication Lighting integrates with MOBIS’ AADB technology, making mobility safer today and tomorrow, as these innovations become more-widely adopted supplier’s focus on safety will help bring the benefits of autonomous Written Rianne Lipinsky • The globalby driving to market quicker by decreasing accidents involving the testing of autonomous technologyare easily sent online, you can weave all Because newsletters

of your important anduses latest services Lighting in one go.

Include daily Communication Lighting an “Indicating Zone” to indicate when an autonomous vehicle is operating in self-driving mode. The concept also includes a “Communication Lighting Zone” that uses LED, digital boards, headlamp projection and sound communicate nearby pedestrians and vehicles during information abouttothe nature ofwith your business.

Whether various driving scenarios—ensuring safer cohabitation.

updates or a weekly round-up that’s composed of concise

you're in tech or the entertainment industry, craft interesting

“Light has been usedcustomers as a conduit communication among vehicles and content that your willfor enjoy at first glance.

pedestrians for almost as long as the automobile has existed.., so we are excited to lead the evolution of this technology to save lives and offer peace of mind to all that use the road.” Hyundai MOBIS developed the concept to reduce the number of accidents related to the development and testing of autonomous vehicle technology….

Autonomous vehicles outfitted with Communication Lighting can detect a pedestrian from more than 450 feet away. Upon detection, headlamps being projecting a bright red warning symbol indicating that is unsafe to motion across the self-driving vehicle.

When the vehicle reaches a complete stop, headlamps project a crosswalk symbol onto the ground to indicate to nearby pedestrians that it is safe to proceed.

As pedestrians clear the path of the vehicle, LED boards begin signaling when the vehicle is about to resume motion by counting down—similar to traditional crossing signs used today—while showing directional arrows that indicate the direction the vehicle intends to move.

As OEMs, suppliers and technology companies race to edit it accordingly.

bring higher levels of autonomy to market, the conversation continues to be centered around the safety, complexity, infrastructure and governance required for full autonomy. Because Communication Lighting is solely focused on using intelligent lighting solutions to save lives the solution could be introduced in new vehicles across OEMs much more quickly and cost effectively.

“Light has been used as a conduit for communication among vehicles and pedestrians for almost as long as the automobile has existed, so we are excited to lead the evolution of this technology to save lives and offer peace of mind to all that use the road,” said Mirco Goetz, director of lamp engineering, Hyundai MOBIS. “Our primary focus on the safe progression to future mobility will enable our industry to continue the advancement of autonomous vehicle technology, while helping to keep pedestrians and drivers out of harm’s way.”

GOLDEN GLOBES 2019 Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA

Richard Gere attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards

“I’M GOING TO USE MY PLATFORM... TO MAKE SURE THAT EVERYTHING THATtoIuse “I’m going PRODUCE — THAT IS 50% WOMEN.” my platform..to make sure that everything I produce…is 50% women.”

Nominee Regina King attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards Andy Samberg and Sandra Oh, Host the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards

Golden Globe nominee Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban attend the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards

Actress Regina King

Nicole Kidman - Dress: Michael Kors, Watch: Omega, Earrings & Bracelet: Harry Winston, Clutch: Moynat, Shoes: Louboutin

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Golden Globe nominee Lady Gaga attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards Dress: Valentino Couture custom creation

Janelle Monae attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards Fashion: Whole look and Jewels: Chanel, Shoes: Le Silla

Jeff Bridges accepts the Cecil B. DeMille Award for his “outstanding contribution to the entertainment field�

Golden Globe presenter Jaime Lee Curtis attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA

Golden Globe nominee John David Washington (C) and parents Pauletta Washington and Denzel Washington Golden Globe nominee Emma Stone attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards Harrison Ford presents at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards

Golden Globe honoree Carol Burnett attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA

Taraji P. Hensen attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards

Golden Globe presenter Jaime Lee Curtis attends the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards

8

Show Off Your Sweet Side This Valentine’s Day

Treat family, friends and co-workers to something they will all love this Valentine’s Day by making easy and impressive cookies. Start with your favorite roll-out cookie recipe or simply dress up store-bought ones by adding some simple details with icing.

From the cupids at Wilton, here are three ways to leave them smitten with sweets this Valentine’s Day: • • •

Desserts with dimension. Triple your treats by stacking three decorated cookies in different sizes together and attach them with icing.

Complement with color. A simple piping technique looks stunning when piped in different colors on your cookies.

Get to gifting. Wrap your finished treats in a Valentine’s Day treat bag or box.

For more fun and delicious Valentine’s Day recipes, baking tips and inspiration, visit www.wilton.com.

Stackable Ombre Heart Cookies Each stacked cookie serves 1.

Favorite roll-out cookie recipe Royal icing (recipe on wilton.com) Rose Icing Color Heart Micro Mini Icing Decorations Prepare and roll out cookie dough following recipe directions. Use 3 smallest cutters from 4-piece heart nesting cookie cutter set to cut out shapes. Bake and cool cookies.

Divide royal icing into three equal portions, and tint 3 shades of rose. Thin a portion of each shade following recipe directions. Use tip 3 and full-strength tinted icing to outline cookies. Use thinned tinted icing in cut decorating bag to fill in cookies; gently tap to smooth icing. Let dry overnight.

Use icing to attach cookies, stacking largest to smallest; place icing decoration on top.

Scalloped Heart Cookies Each cookie serves 1.

Favorite roll-out cookie recipe Ready-To-Use White Creamy Decorator Icing Icing Colors: Burgundy, Red-Red and Christmas Red Prepare and roll out dough following recipe directions. Use largest cutter from the 4-piece heart nesting cookie cutter set to cut out shape. Bake and cool cookies.

Divide icing into four equal portions. Tint one of each portion light burgundy, dark burgundy and combination of red-red/ Christmas red. Reserve last portion white.

Starting from top edge of heart, use tip 102 and icing in dark burgundy, light burgundy, red and white to pipe V-shaped groups of two petals, one piped from left and one from right, to create row of petals in alternating colors. Repeat with second row between petals in first row. Continue to repeat pattern until cookies are covered.

Publisher Vikki Jones of VMH Media & Publishing Editor-in-Chief Vikki Jones

Tom Joyner Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

Journalist/Contributors Vikki Jones Garry Jones Alisha Davis

Inaugural Urban One Honors

Photography Vikki Jones Garry Jones

Contributors (Visiting) Jermaine Wright Family Features

Layout Vikki Jones

Pg. 31 “Just believe.�

- Vikki Jones, CEO/Publisher

Cover Photography: Van Sullivan Photography

Photo Credit; Antoine DeBrill

www.vmhmagazine.com

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#NABSHOWNYC

Wendy Williams Shares Tips on The Success of The Wendy Williams Show Written and Photographed by Vikki Jones

1. “When my show puts the ratings on the desk every

laugh and giggle. Our show is glamorous. It’s funny.

It’s unpredictable. I mean, if a celebrity wants to come by, that’s fine.”

morning, I gotta look at the ratings. I don’t anymore.”

2. ‘The problem with any TV show, whether it’s a sitcom or a talk show, is that people are not given the proper time to develop the show and connect with the audience and connect with their people.”

3. “The important thing I believe about having a successful…daytime talk show is the audience has to have patience and the staff and crew have to be on point.”

4. “I only asked for one hour a day, can we just get out of our skins and make each other laugh? We don’t do politics. I’m not here to hurt anybody. I’m here to

5. “My radio show already had it (Wendy). We were already doing celebrity gossip, but we didn’t call it ‘hot topics’. I needed a name. I’ll take it from the view… The Ask Wendy’s, these were lighter in the beginning. Now they are hardcore. That’s what comes from giving a show, time on TV….you become a household name and a friend in people’s heads and I honor that. Honestly, I do this show from a place of honesty.”

6. “A true conversationalist is actually born that way, you know, I come from Jersey, I come from a household where we were forced to have conversation without commercials.”

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

BUILD A BUSINESS Your Way

C

FAMILY FEATURES

reating a business from the ground up is no small endeavor. From planning to financing to putting standard business services in place, there’s a lot to tackle. All of that is in addition to operating the day-today business.

To overcome these obstacles, franchising is an ideal solution for many aspiring business owners. It provides the advantages of business ownership, but with the added support of a recognized brand and an established method of doing business. Partnering with a franchise like The UPS Store offers numerous benefits.

Flexibility. Opening a franchise allows you to enjoy the freedom and flexibility of making your own business decisions and being your own boss, while working toward your goals of personal and financial independence at your own pace.

Start-up resources. Getting a new business off the ground

requires a wide range of activity, from site selection and lease negotiation to hiring and training staff. A franchise can help you navigate these early decisions and needs with a deep pool of experience and knowledge to help overcome the hurdles you may encounter.

Training. Even a well-educated business owner has room to learn. With a franchise, you have the opportunity to receive in-depth training in areas such as business operations, technical systems, human resources, marketing and financial management.

Networking opportunities. Connecting with other franchisees at area meetings, regional conferences and national conventions helps you stay informed of industry trends, discover new tools and resources, and develop lasting relationships with fellow franchisees.

The result is a peer group that has intimate knowledge of your business model that can serve as a valuable resource as your business grows.

Product development. Part of developing your business is understanding your customers’ needs and introducing new products and solutions. As a franchise owner, you can contribute insight to the process but focus on running your business while development experts dedicate themselves to researching and innovating new products and services that can help you better serve your customers.

Marketing support. Many franchises conduct national advertising campaigns to build brand awareness, while regional efforts and local store marketing can build excitement in your market. A layered marketing plan extends the reach of your marketing budget and lends credibility to your business.

Financing assistance. Funding your franchise according to your unique goals and background can help eliminate many of the financial pitfalls that those without experience or industry expertise may encounter.

Learn more about franchising and the options available to aspiring small business owners at TheUPSStoreFranchise.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

A Milestone Accomplishment

5 Tips for Creating a Business Plan Once you’ve settled on a business model that meets your needs, developing a business plan is an essential next step. These five tips can help you get started: n Think

A focus on small business is driving big results for one national retailer. The nation’s largest franchise system of retail shipping, print and business service centers, The UPS Store, Inc., is now 5,000 locations strong.

“The UPS Store network is made up of dedicated individuals and families who are committed to serving small business owners, customers and their communities,” said Chris Adkins, vice president of franchise development for The UPS Store. “We look forward to welcoming more franchisees into our network as we continue to challenge ourselves to find new ways we can bring convenience and value to our customers.”

Over the years, the retail concept has expanded to include a range of solutions for small business owners, creating a one-stop shop for small-business support.

Small business owners can find resources such as notary services, shredding, mailbox and locker rental, and, in some cases, even inventory management solutions, as well as the packing and shipping services that business and non-business customers alike can utilize.

long-term. A solid business plan should account for your start-up, of course, but also the longer range future of your operations.

Consider how you want your business to look five years down the road. Create goals and build in milestones to chart your progress on that longterm path. n Write it yourself. No one can embrace your vision as completely as you can and developing the plan yourself gives you a deep understanding of every aspect of the business, which is essential for good management. Even if you hand over certain responsibilities down the road, being aware of each aspect of your business can make you a stronger, more successful leader. n Review the plan over time. Know that time brings change. The business climate and other variables that influenced your original plan will likely shift over the course of your ownership. That’s why it’s important to revisit your plan at least annually to ensure your original roadmap is still on the right track strategically. n Share your plan with others. Inviting input from an adviser or experienced friend or colleague is a great way to spur new ideas and identify potential problem areas. Be sure you’re prepared to accept constructive criticism to help shape the best possible business plan. n Stick to it. After all the sweat equity you invest in creating your business plan, the worst thing you can do is allow it to collect dust on a shelf. Use the plan to guide you in launching and growing your business. When business is booming and you’re too busy to think strategically, you’ll be grateful to have a well-conceived plan to rely upon.

by Jermaine Wright

Most people are fascinated with the business of entrepreneurship. It would be hard-pressed to go to a business seminar or be tuned in to the business media and not be inundated with talk of profit margins, annual earnings and the big market cap.

However, entrepreneurship is not all about business.

In fact, it is, in large part, about positively influencing and inspiring the community and the future generation to greater heights.

Entrepreneurs are resources in their own right. The weight of their importance cannot be measured in purely monetary terms. So are their responsibilities.

Entrepreneurs are responsible for everything pretty much, unlike the typical worker, who, in the typical 9-5 is just responsible for doing their jobs and collecting their paychecks.

Sure the business operation is paramount but a good entrepreneur’s responsibilities stretch beyond the business of the business.

Vikki Jones, who owns and operates a multimedia company, highlights three key responsibilities that entrepreneurs should take ownership of.

Inspire Success in today’s world is mostly measured solely in monetary terms which has contributed to the moral decay of the society. It would help if people who are looked up to in the public domain such as entrepreneurs have a strong character that can be a beacon of hope and a positive influence on the younger generation.

One particular entrepreneur sees positive influence as her biggest reward from entrepreneurship.

When she made the fateful leap into entrepreneurship almost a decade ago with a vision looking to bridge the gap she ran into some challenges as all entrepreneurs do. But she had some fulfilling rewards. One of which is the reward of inspiring others.

“The greatest thing for me is the reward. Obviously, I’m in business for profit but greater than that is putting smiles on my customers’ faces, the fulfillment, making dreams come through and inspiring people. There is no better feeling as an entrepreneur than seeing the positive influence I have on my clients and customers.

Like the caretaker who first has to take care of their self before they can properly take care of others, in order for entrepreneurs to inspire, they themselves have to be inspired.

“I inspire others but I too need to be inspired so in order for me to be happy and keep going I have to find ways to inspire myself. I make sure I exercise, listen to some good music or listen to other successful entrepreneurs for inspiration and to keep myself motivated.

Motivating your team Speaking of motivation, the workers need more motivation than business owners especially if they are not shareholders in the particular company.

In this society, no incentive can lead to little to no motivation which in most cases lead to little to no work and a lot of headaches for entrepreneurs.

Keeping your team motivated is quite but it has to be a major priority for your business to succeed.

People work harder and are more motivated when they are passionate about something. Thus it is the responsibility of the entrepreneur, yes not some manager or supervisor, to make sure the team is being led towards a common goal.

Operating in an honest and transparent way will go a far way in making them feel valued. Perhaps even more than honesty and transparency, providing incentives to your team members motivates them even more.

There are several other motivational techniques that typically work but these are the two main ones that do the trick for Jones.

“It is very important that an entrepreneur finds ways of keeping their team motivated through incentives and sharing with them some of the inside things that are happening.”

Evolving If you are an astute entrepreneur it’s likely you have seen or heard the cautionary tales of companies and entrepreneurs who ultimately failed because they failed to evolve.

Innovation has claimed its fair share of victims, who were either too slow to appreciate the magnitude of the oncoming change or too blinded by past successes to look to the future. Blockbuster, Kodak and MySpace are a few that stand out.

According to Charles Darwin: "In the struggle for survival, the fittest win out at the expense of their rivals because they succeed in adapting themselves best to their environment."

Darwin made that statement almost two hundred years ago when he observed how species evolve and it still applies to this day.

Technology will continue to change and set the pace for industries so companies face evolving with technology or going extinct.

Jones, an experienced entrepreneur is fully cognizant of that.

“Over the years what I’ve found is that as an entrepreneur you’ll constantly find yourself, especially if you are growing, developing more areas of your business and improving your systems. So keeping up with the trends, particularly with technology moving as fast as it is is crucial,” Hankins informed.

So what is the key to keeping up with the trends?

Research research research, according to Jones.

'Self-directed learning' is crucial for entrepreneurs especially those who run SMEs (Small or Medium Enterprise) and can’t afford R & D (Research and Developments) departments like the big Fortune 500 companies.

“Research should become your middle name. Keep doing test trials to see what works and what doesn’t work, what people want and don’t want. Finding gout which software, which cloud or payment service is best….whichever phase you are in your business it critical to keep abreast by doing extensive research.” ___________

2019 BEST BUSINESS TIPS FROM LEADING EXECS

BUSINESS INSIDER’S IGNITION HIGHLIGHTS Story by Vikki Jones

low-income Americans never get the legal help they need.

Paladin is building infrastructure to connect the lawyers who need to do pro bono work to the people who need the legal help.

Importance of CEO/businesses having a good social conscience: “CEO’s need to know that having a good social conscience is good for business. We see it on Shark Tank.

It shows you how people really are. CEOs need to realize that customers are paying attention to how you operate.” – Mark Cuban (Mark saw mistakes like this at the Mavericks. Worked to change it.)

Community involvement: • You want the company built by the people who live in the community it serves. There are not very colorful founders building these companies. Very few are black or Latino. Less than 5% of legal tech companies are focused on access-to-justice. People building these solutions should be the ones closest to the problem.

Need an ear to the ground and a foot in the door.

Mark Cuban - Owner, Dallas Mavericks, Co-Host Shark Tank In a recent interview at Business Insider IGNITION, the co-founders of Paladin, Felicity Conrad and Kristen Sonday, along with Paladin investor, Mark Cuban, explained the details behind this company. During the conversation Mark spoke of looking for organizations that make a difference, the importance of CEO/businesses having a good social conscience, and the face of entrepreneurship.

With the company (Paladin) Mark is investing in, every lawyer has an obligation to perform fifty hours of pro bono work every year. Mark was looking for organizations that make a difference. Below are topics and takeaways from the conversation: Background of the Paladin: Every lawyer has to do 50 hours of pro bono work each year. Kristen makes software that helps them do it. 86% of

• Mark said, ‘for the Mavericks it was the same thing.

Need people from the community. They have better ideas, and they understand better what the community needs. It’s the right thing to do, and it makes your company stronger.’

Entrepreneurship needs to change: More women and more diversity.

• Inviting diverse folks to speak on panels like this.

• Invest. Be aware that the issue exists. Need more women and diverse founders.

How Mark is helping advance this issue: Asking people to hire more people of diverse • backgrounds and more women. They are looking for opportunity. Smart companies are presenting these opportunities. Access to justice is critically important. It’s getting simpler to find these people.

As you get older you can accomplish different • goals. There are things that are more important. I wanted to take on different challenges. People in my situation need to help and have an impact on great companies and great entrepreneurs.

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Ray Dalio - Founder, Hedgewater Associates Ray had been investing in the stock market since the young age of 12 years old. When he became older, he got a job working for a company, but it didn’t quite work for him.

People decided to just pay him personally to invest for them.

From the space of his two-bedroom apartment, Ray launched his company, Bridgewater. He found success and was leading 8-10 employees. He thought the market was going in the direction he had predicted, but he was wrong.

He went on to successfully manage his own hedge fund.

With a reported net worth of over $16 Billion & $160 Billion, here are bullet points from Ray’s conversation:

Drew Hudson - Cofounder, Dropbox While riding the bus in New York City, Drew Hudson got out his laptop to do some work and realized he had forgotten his thumb drive at home. This was twelve years ago--before the iPhone and before Wi-Fi. He didn’t have any way to access his files. Drew was inspired right there to start coding a program that would someday be known as Dropbox. He took his idea and reached out for help from Paul Graham, leader of Y Combinator, and received support from this startup investor. With this support as well as Drew’s persistence, incredible determination, and superior programming skills, he co-founded Dropbox and has found continued success.

To be successful at a startup: • You need determination and intelligence. But mostly you need determination.

• Do things that are unscalable at the beginning: • Pay an inordinate amount of attention to your users in the beginning.

• i.e. At Dropbox, any user complaint emails were sent to everyone.

• Product development: Early adopters would be happy with something so we did it. Capture the early adopters, and it will spread from there.

• Even some AI startups began by using humans first. They needed it to work with natural intelligence first.

• Make an extraordinary effort at the start.

• If you can’t think of the unscalable thing to do for a start up, that’s a bad sign.

Next generation of entrepreneurs should be learning: • Computer science • Programming • Intersection between computer science and other fields (sectors), but many sectors are becoming technology sectors (even agriculture.)

• Two worlds that don’t originally collide but now they do.

Business ideas and reflections: • This early failure led him to always question, “How do I know what I am doing is right?”

• He asked, “How do I find the smartest people I can who will disagree with me?” Bring in people and argue with them to be more right and make changes.

• Best learning comes from failures. Reflect on it. You can learn principles to improve.

• Write down your principles when you’re in a situation.

Like a recipe. This will help chart what is working and what isn’t working.

There have been stories about Bridgewater and its working environment all meetings are taped? People get scored?

Credibility rating? Explain.

• It’s a tough environment. It’s not for everyone.

• An idea meritocracy in which the goals are meaningful work and meaningful relationships through radical truthfulness and radical transparency.

• How do we get at the truth? Transparency. Everyone gets to see everything.

• These principles apply much more broadly than just to building a successful hedge fund. Pick the principles that are right for you.

• Are we explicit in what matters to us?

• Write down your principles.

3 Steps to a Healthier You S

FAMILY FEATURES

tarting a diet or diving headfirst into a workout plan may be the first steps to enhancing your personal health, but once you’ve started down the path to better fitness and nutrition, it’s important to find ways to stay on track.

Instead of burning yourself out on a diet that’s too stringent or workouts that are too intense, moderate your healthy lifestyle and use simple tricks to avoid falling into bad habits. Consider these tips from celebrity trainer and food coach Valerie Waters, author of “Red Carpet Ready,” to help ensure you stick to your plan.

Bank your fitness. Interruptions in life happen frequently. Travel, for example, whether for business or pleasure, can disrupt workouts and access to nutritious food. To allow a little room for a missed workout or a special meal, put some fitness in the bank by tightening your diet a couple weeks ahead of your trip. You can also put some extra effort into workouts by

adding intervals, additional weight or simply going a little longer.

Strategy trumps willpower. While willpower is certainly part of maintaining a diligent healthy lifestyle, strategizing can be of even more importance.

Planning a full day or even week of meals can help you curb cravings and avoid indulging in extra, unnecessary calories. Instead of white-knuckling through afternoon cravings at work, try bringing a go-to snack like California Figs, which are filling, portable, rich in antioxidants and fat-free.

Eat simply. Eating foods as close to their natural state as possible can help you avoid consuming excess sugar and fat. Plus, by incorporating more natural foods and snacks into your routine, you’re less likely to eat items loaded with preservatives or ingredients you may not even recognize. Focus on lean protein, fruit, veggies and nuts available in recipes like this Farro and Fig Salad with Arugula and Feta.

Find more nutritional tips and information at californiafigs.com.

Farro and Fig Salad with Arugula and Feta Servings: 6 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1/2 1/4

cup semi-pearled farro cups water tablespoons lemon juice tablespoon red wine vinegar tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil medium shallot, minced (2 tablespoons) teaspoon Dijon mustard teaspoon kosher salt teaspoon black pepper

Make Working from Home Productive and Liberating Working from home is a reality for a fast-growing portion of American workers. It can add flexibility, drive higher productivity and reduce company costs related to maintaining physical facilities.

However, it also comes with challenges. If you have worked from home, you have most likely encountered issues collaborating and communicating with colleagues in multiple locations. While there are multiple technologies aimed at helping remote workers and increasing their productivity, they can at times thwart it.

All too familiar with productivity, remote working woes and how to address it, CyberLink created U, a collaboration tool that integrates online presentations, video meetings and instant messaging whether working remote or down the hall from one another.

1/4 teaspoon dried turmeric 3/4 cup California Dried Golden or Mission Figs, stemmed and chopped (6-8 figs) 2 cups arugula 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese (about 1/2 cup) In medium saucepan over high heat, bring farro and water to boil. Lower heat to simmer, cover with lid and cook until farro is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, 10 minutes.

In large bowl, whisk lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, shallot, mustard, salt, pepper and turmeric. Add farro, figs and arugula; toss well. Crumble feta over top and toss again.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

“It’s a place to hold online meetings, have presentations and chat with your colleagues that doesn’t come with the messy installation fuss and technical errors associated with other options out there,” said Richard Carriere, CyberLink’s general manager and senior vice president of global marketing. “It brings the best of social media, such as emojis, ease of use and the flexibility to have impromptu interactions, to a business environment, in a unique way that heightens communication and collaboration across users.”

According to commissioned research by polling firm YouGov, nearly half (43 percent) of U.S. office workers think it’s harder for remote workers to be seen in the workplace than non-remote workers. Office workers think it’s twice as difficult, when working remotely, to make strong relationships with bosses and coworkers while collaborating effectively. In fact, 1 in 6 think remote workers are less valued by the company, more than 1 in 3 think remote workers miss out on office culture and 1 in 5 think they get promoted less often.

Photo: Van Sullivan Photography

Surviving Sexual Assault

Through Practical Steps & New Book Entitled

Story by Vikki Jones

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•

Spring, summer, fall, and winter; these are the seasons of time. The breathtaking view of new flowers, the warmth of the sun, the smell of bonfires, and the freshness of the first snowfall all have some sort of significant meaning to all of us. There are also seasons of the soul. These are the seasons where we begin, where we stand still, and where we chose whether we take a path or set out on a journey.

Paths lead us in all directions, some straight and sure, some narrow and winding, some rocky and treacherous.

Journeys bring us the experiences of life and mold us into who or what we become.

‘PTSD is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. It is natural to feel afraid during and after a traumatic situation.’ – National Institute of Mental Health.

Sheri J. Sheri, an Army veteran and former law enforcement detective debuted, ‘Seasons of the Soul‘, addressing the critical subject of managing PTSD and the narrative of living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and firsthand experiences. According to NAMI & NCBI, ‘compared to the general population, law enforcement report much higher rates of depression, PTSD, burnout, and other anxiety related mental health conditions.’

Sheri used writing, along with farming, and Gunny – her service dog, to help manage PTSD. Says Sheri, “With Gunny, I feel more comfortable leaving the solitude of the farm. He helps to make me feel sturdier when I get up from sitting by allowing me to lean on him. He distracts me when I’m feeling anxious with his puppy antics, his Shepherd “talks” and brings me ”gifts” when I’m depressed.”

A preliminary study led University College of “veterans suffering from health and well-being on service dog, including: • • • •

by researchers in the Purdue Veterinary Medicine shows PTSD exhibited better mental several measures if they had a

Lower overall symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

Lower levels of depression.

Higher levels of life satisfaction.

Higher overall psychological well-being.

• • •

Lower levels of social isolation and greater ability to participate in social activities.

Higher levels of resilience.

Higher levels of companionship.

Less absenteeism from work due to health among those who were employed.”

“Being able to go out in public is a freedom people take for granted. Someone with a disability or disabilities and being anxious, fearful or partially immobile don’t have that luxury of just “going”. Having a service dog to assist in whatever manner deemed necessary allows those of us with disabilities a freedom that we don’t take for granted.”

Though not always obvious, it’s important to understand the purpose of service dogs in the general public.

Says Sheri, “When an individual comes into your place of business with a service dog and that dog is well mannered, calm and his or her handler is outwardly aware and responsible for their animal’s behavior; then that IS a service dog. Please don’t humiliate that individual with questions everyone can hear the answers to…if our animal is distributive, we know the law and we will leave on our own accord.” (continued on pg. 27)

TAKE CARE OF YOUR EMOTIONAL HEALTH Heal, restore, and maintain a beautiful life!

Available at online 22 book retailers!

Pain can impact nearly every aspect of your daily life from cleaning the house to going to work or playing with your kids. In fact, according to the Institute of Medicine, 100 million Americans, or more than 30 percent of the population of the United States, suffer from chronic pain, which is pain lasting 3-6 months or longer.

5 Tips for Coping with Chronic Pain

Most often, chronic pain is treated using prescription opioids.

However, the National Institutes of Health estimates 2 million people in the U.S. suffer from substance use disorders related to prescription pain relievers, while 60 people die every day as a result of opioid overdoses, according to the National Safety Council.

“The country is facing intertwined crises of opioid misuse and chronic pain management. Non-opioid, nonpharmacological treatments such as acupuncture and other similar interventions can be essential in handling patients’ pain management as a complement to lessen dependency on opioid prescriptions and serve as a more effective holistic therapy for chronic pain,” said Dr. Kory Ward-Cook, chief executive officer of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). “The care provided by NCCAOM National Board-Certified Acupuncturists is essential in continuing the movement toward greater integrative and complementary pain care, especially as a non-pharmaceutical alternative to harmful opioid prescriptions.”

To help treat your pain with a non-opioid solution, consider these tips: Set Goals for Yourself Setting realistic, measurable goals that focus on functional health and quality of life is essential to managing chronic pain. Outline specific, measurable goals you hope to achieve, such as exercising for 30 minutes three days a week or cleaning at least one room in the house twice a week and track your progress toward reaching them.

Use Relaxation Techniques

There are a variety of techniques, including meditation and deep breathing, that can help your body relax by slowing breathing, lowering blood pressure and instilling feelings of well-being. Giving your muscles a chance to relax can release tension, which may ease pain. Practicing yoga or tai chi, which involve a series of physical postures in addition to breathing and relaxation techniques, may also help reduce pain.

Consider NonPharmaceutical Treatment Options With concerns mounting about the prevalence of opioid use and abuse in the U.S., complementary, natural treatments such as acupuncture can help alleviate pain and reduce the number of opioids prescribed. Using practices derived from traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncturists stimulate specific points on the body, most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. For example, National Board-Certified Acupuncturists, whose credentials can be verified through the NCCAOM, are affirmed to have the education and training necessary to competently deliver acupuncture services. To learn more about how acupuncture can help with pain management or addiction, or to find a practitioner in your area, visit nccaom.org.

Focus on Nutrition A well-balanced diet is vital to overall health and wellbeing and can also influence chronic pain. As food choices can increase or decrease inflammation, which leads to many chronic diseases, consider a diet low in sugar and carbohydrates that includes fresh, organic fruits and vegetables; lean, grass-fed meats; legumes; nuts; whole grains; and organic dairy products.

Keep Track of Progress To effectively manage and treat your pain, consider keeping a journal to note your pain level on a scale of 110 each day. Also track your activity during the day – including time on your feet, exercise and even sitting at your desk – so you can identify patterns based on what you do and how you feel afterward. Then use the connections you’ve made to modify your environment and schedule as necessary.

Article (Family Features) Photo courtesy of Getty Images 23

READY TO START PODCASTING?

You’ll Want to Read Amazing Insights from Podcaster Hall of Fame Inductee

Rob Greenlee

Interview by Vikki Jones

Academy Inductee,

•It’s a level playing field for everybody to… build their brand, build their business, build revenue if that’s what they want.

The opportunity is ripe.

•It’s very similar to radio, but it’s very unique from radio too.

There’s no limits, there’s no limits on duration, Rob Greelenn, VP Podcaster Relations, Voxnest (Photo: Clarity PR) there’s no limits on what you can do and what kind of content you can of Podcasters Hall of Fame create. It’s all up to your imagination.

• Podcast is a broadcast type of medium. It’s a medium Rob Greenlee started out on

radio back in 1999.’ With a BBA in Business Adminis“Podcasting is a level playing field.” - R. Greenlee tration with a Marketing Concentration, Rob’s show WebTalk World Radio Show was heard on XM satellite that people request. It’s not a push medium like radio, radio and is recognized as the first broadcast radio program it’s more the listener comes in and chooses you. They in the world to begin podcasting on Sept 15th, 2004. Passionate about “85% of people who listen to podcasts, listen to the end.” - Edison Research communication, connectivity and building others, typically choose you because of maybe how they’ve Rob begin ‘helping people do the same’ and ‘helped people heard of you in the past. transition over to digital with what they were doing with • Podcast creates a very personal connection. The voice and radio’. medium is very personal and that’s how you have to

A weekly podcaster and Vice President, Podcaster Relations, Voxnest, Rob took a moment to speak with me during National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show NYC. Here are six takeaways from our conversation:

treat it. You’re creating friends.

• All sorts of people from all sorts of mediums are jumping on board from television to radio to magazines, etc….

People are seeing it as an opportunity to connect with audiences in a real and authentic ways. It’s an exciting time for podcasting.

• The smallest content creators – individuals – can create podcasts that are compelling and interesting to communities as well as the largest media companies in the world can do the same thing.

Rob Greenlee is still a weekly podcaster by co-hosting of The New Media Show audio & video podcast that airs LIVE every Saturday morning at 9am PST/Noon EST and Spreaker Live Show on Spreaker every Wednesday at 3pm PST Live.

Written by Vikki Jones

Sallie Krawcheck is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ellevest, a digital financial advisor for women. New York Magazine wrote a piece on Sallie entitled, ‘The Woman Who Made It on Wall Street’. According to the New York Magazine article, “no female has been as successful in scaling Wall Street as Sallie Krawcheck”.

According the Ellevate website, ‘Sallie’s professional mission is to help women reach their financial and professional goals (or, put more bluntly, to get more money into the hands of women)…’ ‘Before launching Ellevest, Krawcheck built a successful career on Wall Street: She was

the CEO of Merrill Lynch, Smith Barney, US Trust, the Citi Private Bank, and Sanford C. Bernstein. She was also Chief Financial Officer for Citigroup.’

Now that we have established a ‘portion’ of Sallie Krawcheck’s background, here are her responses to vital questions about Wall Street and women: Has anything changed in Wall Street in past 20-30 years?

• She doesn’t know. In her time it was the “Wild West” where men tried to run women out of the business.

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• Today, she hopes it has changed. But after #metoo and #timesup, she doesn’t think it has changed as much as she would’ve liked it to change.

Diversity on Wall Street?

• Very little has changed.

• Investment banking class is usually 30-40% women. For decades now. But women aren’t getting promoted.

• During the financial crisis, we went in white, middle-class, and male. And we came out even more white, middle-class, and male.

• She gives Wall Street a “D” grade in progress. Wouldn’t want her daughter to work on Wall Street.

Women: • She recommends groups of women head to Wall Street (versus individuals). One individual woman might have a tough fight.

• A group can make greater innovation. The industry needs you.

• This industry needs to reflect our cultures.

• Women and wealth is growing. 60% of college grads are women.

Advice was given for women entering the industry to watch sports every day. Thoughts?

• No! What they’re saying is conform to the industry as it is today and assume it’s not going to change.

• One woman on a board or two women on a board do not make a difference. You need at least three to make change.

• 95% of hedge fund managers are men.

The False Comfort of Agreement: • Everyone agrees because there isn’t enough diversity.

• Bringing in women to have them act like men, bringing in people of color and having them act like Caucasians, bringing in introverts and having them act like extroverts: this is a recipe for failure. #metoo on Wall Street: • Men are feeling uncertainty about how they should act with women. Maybe that’s a good thing.

• Women have felt this discomfort for years.

• Wall Street is on the top or near the top of the list for sexual harassment, but it can’t seem to get the movement going. Why? There are non-disclosure agreements; women are competing with each other.

• Whatever you weren’t allowed to do in fourth grade, don’t do at work (Keep your hands to yourself.) If you wouldn’t do it in front of your wife or partner, don’t do it. Common sense.

What big firms do you look to for innovation?

• They really are tech companies. Businesses are getting things done better with technology.

• Women do not invest as much as men. Women are losing money by not investing.

• Women are actually great at math and might be better investors. The industry tells a different story and tries to change women.

• Ellevest decided to question the underlying assumptions, get to know the customer, and use focus groups.

What advice are you giving for investing in this market?

• What works is to invest a bit out of every paycheck.

• Don’t look at your portfolios too much.

• Some of the best market performers are those who have been abandoned.

• Put your money in and let it ride.

(cont. from pg. 21)

Sheri eventually started a small farm in northern Georgia, where she spends time with her service dog, Gunny, quarter horse Major and two small goats, Jeorgia and Jazmin. She enjoys walking through her woods, hanging out with her animals and basking in the peacefulness of farm life. Sheri has two children and two grandchildren whom she cherishes most. Spending time with them brightens her days all the more. These are practical steps incorporated within Sheri's life. Readers can find comfort, relatability, and determine their best path through 'Seasons of the Soul.’

“I am working toward overcoming the boundaries that the traumas I have witnessed have bestowed upon me.

These are the seasons of spring and summer.” says Sheri J. Michel’s in ‘Seasons of the Soul.’ To learn more about Sheri Michel visit: www.sherijmichel.com 27

Should I Write A Book?

Yes, but be realist!

different things or enjoying certain stories, writer’s take themselves on a journey of enlightenment as well.

2. Therapeutic.

Depending on the topic a writer

chooses to talk about, writing can be quite soothing.

Ever consider writing a book? Based on reports and studies, most people feel they ‘have a book in them’. I believe this to be true. Think about it, everyone has a story to tell or something they want to talk about. I am a writer and a publisher; clearly I have lots to say and enjoy helping others publish their ‘voice’; their books. With realistic expectations, good decisions, a book helps both writer and reader.

Here are seven good reasons why you should write your book:

1. Enlightening:

Believe it or not writing

about specific topics can be very eye-opening.

Although readers travel through a book, learning

3. Revenue. A number of authors are famous and make plenty of money from their books. Granted the number of wealthy authors may be few, but selling any amount of books is another stream of income.

4. Increase Speakers Fee. Speakers are in a position to increase their speakers fee, if they are a published author.

Granted the book’s content has to be along the same line as the speech, but a good number of speakers increase their fee, simply because they are published authors.

5. New Ventures.

Books have the potential to open

doors to other ventures. I’ve seen a number of individuals (including myself), that started out with a written book that evolved into an entire business or other venture. Had it not been for the book, the new venture never would have crossed their mind.

6. Get Your Message Out.

If there’s something

you’d like people to know, feel or understand a book is an excellent way to detail your message and say all that you have to say without time restraints.

7. Creates Credibility.

Writing a book surrounding

your profession adds credibility to your work overall. This is especially true if you are an entrepreneur, consultant, or any other business person.

New York Times Best Seller list, sell roughly 5,000 to 10,000 copies within the first week .

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wisdom into a compact, focused guide that can ignite your desire for change.

The Seven SPHERES of Life: Social Take a look at your social life in terms of your communication skills and dive into how you feel in your own skin when interacting with others.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Family Features: Ask yourself ... are you truly who you want to be? Is this the life you really want? Are you living each day as your best self? What can you change today?

How to Become Your Best Self

How would you answer those questions? Think about your daily life. Are you thriving, or going through the motions? Are your days full of work, relationships and activities that are true to your authentic self or do you feel trapped on a treadmill of responsibility? If you dream of a better life, now is the time to turn your dream into reality.

The tools you need to design a life that is fulfilling on the deepest levels are within your grasp. Written by Mike Bayer, known to the thousands of clients whose lives he has changed as Coach Mike, "Best Self" can show you how.

Bayer has helped everyone from pop stars to business executives to people just like you discover the freedom to be their best selves. By asking them and leading them to ask themselves a series of important but tough questions, such as "What are your core values?," "Do you go to bed each day more knowledgeable than when you woke up?" and "Am I neglecting some aspect of my physical health out of fear or denial?," he helps them see what their Best Selves and AntiSelves really look like. As a mental health specialist, a personal development coach and an all-around change agent, Bayer has seen the amazing ways in which lives can improve with honesty and clarity. He understands the daily struggles people face intimately, because he's faced - and overcome - his own, and he knows that change is possible.

By working through each of the Seven SPHERES of Life Social, Personal, Health, Education, Relationships, Employment and Spiritual Development - "Best Self" is an accessible and interactive book that distills all of Bayer's

Personal In attempting to be your personal best self, work to have an abundance of respect and compassion for yourself. Take care of yourself by nurturing an authentic, positive self-image to see benefits reach other spheres of your life.

Health If you're unhealthy, it's difficult to be your best self in other areas. The goal should be to act in your own best interests when it comes to your physical health in order to feel your best and be at your best.

Education Even if you didn't enjoy school or believe you simply don't like the process of taking in new information, you may still be thirsty for knowledge in areas that interest you on a deeper level. Find what quenches your unique interests and explore the best methods to learn in those areas.

Relationships From time to time, relationships can get out of balance. However, you can be proactive about doing your part to get them back to equilibrium by determining ways to control your authenticity and what you can do when those around you aren't reflecting their own.

Employment Determine whether you're acting as your best self at work just as you are at home. If you can't be yourself at work, you may be wasting valuable time. Don't lose yourself in a fear of trying to be something you aren't while on the job.

Spiritual Development The place within you from which goodness radiates can be described as your spiritual self. It's where you form integrity, values and treatment of other people, so focus on aligning those traits with your vision of your best self.

Learn more about how to become your best self and take a self-assessment quiz at coachmikebayer.com/ 29 book.

FAMILY FEATURES

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iving a healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be a daunting task. There are many products available to help make the process easier. There is no time like the present to make your body a priority and it’s no secret that good health can have an undeniably positive impact on quality of life.

Whether you are looking for the perfect workout outfit, accessories or equipment, or revamping your kitchen appliances to accommodate a new diet, JCPenney has everything you need to refresh your diet and exercise regimen no matter your budget.

Find more products like these to aid you in your quest to live a healthier lifestyle at JCPenney and jcpenney.com.

Find Comfort in Every Situation

Snuggle up in softness whether you’re on the move or just relaxing with this Xersion Long Sleeve Cowlneck Hooded Fleece Pullover. Perfect for those trips to the gym or a jog around the block or neighborhood, the anti-pilling finish helps keep fleece smooth and comfortable, and thumbholes help keep the sleeves in place while you’re on the go. Available for $30 in three colors, the pullover also features a kangaroo pocket to warm your hands and protect your belongings.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Don’t Forget About Your Feet

Say Goodbye to Calorie Counting

Unlock Hidden Nutrition in Food

Keep Your Mind and Body Focused

Pick Portable Training Tools

Add Personality to Your Workouts

Whether running errands or working out at the gym, the right shoe can make all the difference. The Nike Flex Experience Run 4 Women’s Running Shoe offers lightweight flexibility, mid-foot support and plush comfort that can help make even the most mundane of tasks less stressful on your feet. Flex grooves provide a smooth, efficient ride and a mesh collar and tongue enhance breathability. Available for $75, these running shoes are the ideal trainer for everyday use.

A favorite of yoga studio owners because of its length and thickness, this Deluxe Yoga Mat features a gripping design to keep it in place while allowing you to keep your mind focused on the physical task at hand. Available in 18 colors and retailing for $24, the durable, one-quarter-inch foam provides added joint comfort and support and absorbs moisture, making it easy for you to take advantage of the physical benefits associated with yoga.

Say goodbye to exercise journals and calorie counting with the iFit Vue Fitness Tracker. The rechargeable active band is an all-day fitness tracker that takes the stress out of keeping up with your goals while motivating your climb toward fitness. Retailing for $140, the SmartSense technology automatically detects every movement, step and calorie burned. An easy-to-read touchscreen display with onscreen notifications allows you to track your progress and easily scroll through goals and activities.

Built for durability and comfort, this Stamina Doorway Trainer Plus is the ultimate training tool to strengthen and develop your shoulders, back and arms with five grip positions to help you build and tone upper body muscles with pull-ups, triceps dips, push-ups and sit-ups.

The trainer, which retails for $85 and holds up to 250 pounds, fits most sturdy, standard doorways with trim and attaches and removes easily from the doorframe so you can take your workout with you.

Now you can have the power to unlock food’s hidden nutrition in the comfort of your own home. The NutriBullet Blender, which retails for $135, is ideal for milling grains, grinding fresh herbs and chopping nuts with a flat stainless steel blade that never needs sharpening. Complete with a power base, both tall and short cups, an extractor blade and pocket nutritionist, the blender makes it easy to keep your healthy eating goals on track.

An allover print adds a pop of personality to workout wear, such as these performance-ready Xersion Print Capris. The tight compression fit provides added comfort during workouts while QuickDri moisture-wicking fabric helps keep you dry and won’t irritate your skin. Retailing for $44, the capris come in five vibrant color patterns and feature a credit card pocket in the waistband so you can easily take everything you need with you.

Tom Joyner (Honoree) - Photo Credit: Antoine DeBrill

Marvin Sapp Photo Credit: Antoine DeBrill

Urban One hosted the inaugural URBAN ONE HONORS Awards show at The Anthem in Washington, DC. The star-studded show, hosted by comedian and REACH Media personality D.L. Hughley, honored Jermaine Dupri, April Ryan, Brandy, Tom Joyner, Marvin Sapp, DJ Khaled, June Ambrose, Doc W a l k e r , S h a u n K i n g , B e n n y Pough, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Jade Novah, Dr. Nadia Lopez, Tracy Martin, Sybrina Fulton and Rotimi. Presented

by MGM National Harbor and Radio One’s Washington D.C. radio stations Majic 102.3 & 92.7, 93.9 WKYS, Praise 104.1, WOL 1450 & 95.9, Spirit 1340 and The Team 980, the event was developed to acknowledge and honor individuals or organizations that have made an extraordinary impact on society and culture.

Ray J., Cathy Hughes & Brandy (Honoree) Photo Credit: Antoine DeBrill

Marvin Sapp Photo Credit: Antoine DeBrill

Honoree Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton Photo Credit: Antoine DeBrill

Traci Braxton Poses with Cathy Hughes - Photo Credit: Antoine DeBrill

Tracey Martin Photo: Vickey Ford-Sneakshot Photography

Jermaine Dupri - Photo Credit: Antoine DeBrill

Oscar Bond, Global Stylist

'One of the hardest things in life is going from awareness to action.'

Unplug & Recharge Said Huffington, “After today you can no longer sleep with your phone. So we created this product and that is a charging station that looks like a phone bed. It has a little blanket and the idea is that you put your phone under the blanket, you tuck it in and you say goodnight.”

Arianna Huffington During WOBI NYC - Photo by Vikki Jones

“Taking time to unplug and recharge is going to make us more effective at our job and I became so passionate about it,” she shared.

Standing vs. Sitting in the Workplace – Benefits

Arianna Huffington’s Advice to Professionals Arianna Huffington's Advice to Professionals

by Vikki Jones

Human basics include adequate sleep, proper nutrients, along with gateways to mind health. When we fail to implement such requirements the body malfunctions. At times success, promotions, and leadership demand managing stress and anxiety, implementing comfortable workspaces and ‘putting phones to sleep’ according to a conversation during World Business Forum NY (WBFNY). Arianna Huffington (Founder of Thrive), and Jeff Lamb ( Ur, COO) addressed the subject, discussing practical steps to prevent burnout, redefine success and create healthy workplace environments.

Here are key takeaways from Arianna Huffington’s and Jeff Lamb’s conversation: The Beginning of Thrive

Shared Huffington, “We’re passionate about standing desks.”

According to healthline.com stand up desks allow you to work comfortable while standing; the website shares these health benefits about standing desks: 1. Standing Lowers Your Risk of Weight Gain and Obesity 2. Using a Standing Desk May Lower Blood Sugar Levels 3. Standing May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease 4. Standing Desks Appear to Reduce Back Pain 5. Standing Desks Help Improve Mood and Energy Levels “Sitting all the time, is one of the worst, most inflammatory things we can do for our hands and our brains. We have standing desks everywhere in our office. Create an environment that encourages healthy behavior. So for us it (standing desk) is absolutely key.” She shared.

Incompletions & Prioritizing “Prioritize and learn to be comfortable with incompletions.

Because if you’re relentlessly prioritize at least nothing that is existentially important for your job has fallen through the cracks,” said Huffington.

“I launched the Huffington post in 2005 and I bought into that delusion that in order to succeed to be an amazing company,… that burnout is the price we pay for success. I collapsed literally from exhaustion, burnout and sleep deprivation… lying on the floor of my office in a pool of blood, I broke my cheekbone. I almost lost my right eye. And as you come to and realize nobody has shot you….just nominated for TIME 100 Most Influential People..Really, you know, is this what success looks like?” shared Huffington.

“If you don’t learn to be comfortable with incompletions, you do what hundreds of millions of people are doing around the world, which is they go home after work and then they try to catch up with emails and unless they have zero in their email box., they can’t go back to sleep…It’s a completely futile exercise as you’re dying because more things come up,” explained Huffington.

“After many test, including MRI’s, echocardiograms, brain tumor testing… this very philosophical doctor who oversaw it all “said, ‘there is nothing that medical profession could do for you. You have to change the way you live your life,’” said Huffington.

Huffington says that, “One of the hardest things in life is going from awareness to action.” She adds, “A lot of people know that they need to lose weight, stand more or exercise more, sleep more, but they don’t do it not because they don’t want to. They don’t have the tools the behavior change tools to help them do it. Thrive is a behavior change company, both in the B2B, in the media platform and the digital product platform….Everything is about how do you change behavior.”

“Our philosophy is you want behavior change my first time, we call them too small to fail. Now there are so small, so incremental, but daily that you begin to create a new habit.”

Hence the beginning of Thrive. ‘Thrive Global’s mission is to end the stress and burnout epidemic by offering companies and individuals sustainable, science-based solutions to enhance well-being, performance, and purpose, and create a healthier relationship with technology.’

Behavior Change Micro-Steps

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Home Upgrades that Really Work

by Vikki Jones

Ideas and inspiration to create more functional spaces

FAMILY FEATURES

B

athroom and kitchen upgrades are among the most popular home renovations, but not just because the improvements are likely to increase the home’s value. Renovations to these high-use areas can enhance the practical enjoyment of your home while adding aesthetic appeal and style.

A Better Bathroom Bathroom makeovers can take many forms, from simple updates to total overhauls. Consider these common approaches, identified by the home experts at JCPenney Home Services, to determine the best match for your home and needs.

Tub-to-Shower Updates According to the National Association of Realtors, more than 60 percent of homeowners prefer a

stall shower without a tub. Whether you want to join the ranks of homeowners transforming their outdated tubs to modern showers, need a larger tub to soak away the day or simply want to update the look of your space, converting your tub or shower is a simple way to add functionality while transforming your bathroom.

Aging and Accessibility More than 200,000 injuries occur in the bathroom each year, according to the National Safety Council. Especially for those with mobility challenges, water and slippery surfaces can be a dangerous combination. If you’re taking on a bathroom upgrade with accessibility in mind, be sure to consider options like slip-resistant flooring, strong grab bars, shower seats and a practical walk-in tub or low-threshold shower base.

Complete Remodel If you’re looking for a substantial change, a complete remodel may be your best answer. This approach allows you to integrate a consistent look and style throughout the room and create a truly custom experience. However, a project of this scope often requires professional assistance.

There are companies like Re-Bath, a partner of JCPenney Home Services, that offer an exclusive remodeling process to remove old materials and fixtures and replace them with beautiful, new products in a wide variety of colors and styles. Partnerships with leading brands provide ample choices in cabinets, countertops, fixtures, hardware and more for a one-stop solution to upgrading your bathroom from floor to ceiling.

ways. It eliminates the need for expensive bottled water, produces cleaner, spot-free dishes, lets you save on soap and detergents, results in less build-up on fixtures and helps increase the life of appliances that use water.

Flooring Updating the floor of your kitchen is another easy way to upgrade the space, even if it’s the only enhancement you make. For example, JCPenney Home Services offers a broad line of hardwood, laminate and luxury vinyl, all of which are affordable and practical solutions for a high-use area like the kitchen.

Lighting If there’s one place in the home where task lighting really matters, it’s the kitchen. Proper lighting can help ensure you can see well for safe food handling. It also helps set the mood for the room, whether it’s a lively gathering with guests or a quiet candle-lit meal at your eat-in nook. You can create a focal point with exquisite fixture over a feature like an island then be sure to complement your standout fixtures with recessed lights on multiple switches with dimmers so you can customize the lighting as needed.

Find more ideas and inspiration for your kitchen or bathroom upgrade at jcpenney. myhomeprojectcenter.com.

Create a New Kitchen It’s the hub of the home, so it’s no surprise that many homeowners start with the kitchen when they’re planning functional upgrades.

New appliances, countertops and tilework all add to the style and function of a kitchen, but don’t overlook these highly functional features that can make your home more enjoyable.

Water Filtration Features like the faucet and sink, and even refrigerators with ice-makers and water dispensers, can take a real beating through basic everyday use. One way to minimize the wear and tear, and take your kitchen upgrade to the next level, is a water filtration system. Cleaner, clearer water can benefit your home in a number of

Planning Your Project Define your desires. Although obvious, many homeowners find this to be among the most challenging aspects of a renovation.

Start by determining the scope of your project. It may be just a new tub or shower, or it may be the entire kitchen. Some homeowners find it helpful to consider their project in terms of must-haves and nice-to-haves so it’s easier to make adjustments as obstacles or finances require.

Set a budget. The easiest way to overspend on a renovation is to go into it without an established budget. If you specify what you can afford from the outset and plan against that budget every step of the way, you’re more likely to feel satisfied with your investment in the long run.

Expect the unexpected. If possible, review a blueprint of your home (or have your contractor take a look) to identify details

behind the wall, like the layout of the plumbing and electric lines, which can be costly to relocate. It’s also a good idea to take a thorough inventory of your current space so you’re aware of any damage or wear that will need repaired before you begin.

Hire the help (or not). With some preliminary information on the complexity of the job and a better idea of exactly what you’re hoping to accomplish, you should be able to make a decision about whether the project is something you’re prepared to tackle on your own or if hiring professionals is more likely to provide the results you’re seeking.

Monitor progress. Even if you’re handling the project on your own, it’s a good idea to continually monitor the project in terms of budget, timeline and quality of work. It’s easier to make corrections as you go than to get to the end and discover a problem that needs reworking.

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WRITE, PUBLISH AND MARKET YOUR BOOK. VMH PUBLISHING