VMH Magazine - February 2016

MAGAZINE!

VMH Vikki M. Hankins!

Leonardo DiCaprio &

‘The Revenant’ Lessons on Turnarounds

Proven Steps to Successful Entrepreneurship

HOPE Global Forums Highlights In a Fast-Paced, Socially Charged, ‘Pay-Me-Now’ Society

Gratitude Marketing: How You Can Create Clients For Life February 2016

“The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.�

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Audrey Hepburn

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“The only way to do ! great work is to “Life 10% to us love whatisyou do.what If youhappens haven’t found

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and weDon’t reactsettle.” to it.” it yet,90% keep how looking.

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Steve P. Jobs – Dennis Kimbro

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8.

Six Steps to Successful Entrepreneurship There are almost 28 million small businesses in the US and over 22 million are self employed with no additional payroll or employees (these are called nonemployers).

Entrepreneurship is very rewarding, in particular when your business makes a difference in the economy, improves communities and addresses social-related issues. The key is growing a successful business that is capable of influence and makes a difference in the lives of others.

MAKE IT SIMPLE BUT SIGNIFICANT DON DRAPER

By Vikki Hankins

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11. Undeniable Behaviors of a Great Leader

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VMHMAGAZINE.COM

Can Giver’s Survive as Entrepreneurs?

For generations, we have focused on the individual drivers of success: passion, hard work, talent, and luck. But today, success is increasingly dependent on how we interact with others.

It doesn’t matter if you’re leading a country, a company, a department, a team, a church, or even a family … leadership has NOTHING to do with title or position. You could be the President of a country or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and NOT be a leader.

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In truth, leadership has EVERYTHING to do with behavior. If you BEHAVE in these 10 ways, you can and will be an effective leader.

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By Alan Zimmerman, PhD

It turns out that at work, most people operate as either takers, matchers, or givers. Whereas takers strive to get as much as possible from others and matchers aim to trade evenly, givers are the rare breed of people who contribute to others without expecting anything in return.!

By Vikki Hankins

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14. Recipe for Your Delight Pan Seared Scallops with Fresh Corn Relish to Grow

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By Rachel Blanks, M.Ed

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Mentoring Millennials in a Socially Charged Era

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Black Lives Matter / All Lives Matter? On which side is America?

Author Walker B. Morton, addresses racial discrimination in the workplace, Black Lives Matter/All Lives Matter and other social economic issues through this new book entitled, Tell It Like It Is. A Former Superintendent/Warden of a Correctional Institution and Retired Sergeant First Class of the U.S. Army, Mr. Morton uses practical, real-life insight which helps readers through community hardships.

Interview Conducted by Vikki Hankins

“Millennials, Kauffman researchers suggest, have the best shot at leading an entrepreneurial recovery, as they grew up in the digital age, have had more exposure to entrepreneurship and have higher levels of education than previous generations. By 2020, they will also represent the largest age segment of the U.S. population.

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My Super Bowl Experiences & What I’ve Come to Know “Going

…The rate of business formation by Americans ages 20 to 34 has fallen sharply since 2010…”

A look inside the world of today’s young adults and mentorship.

to the Super Bowl is like having an addiction: once you go the first time, you’ll crave going back. I’ll never forget when my brother Pete and I went to our first one, the 35th Super Bowl in Atlanta -- the Tennessee Titans versus the Saint Louis Rams…” Read a first hand account and must know tips for your next Super Bowl event!

By Vikki Hankins

By Garry Jones

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Gratitude Marketing - How to Create Clients For Life

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HOPE Global Forums Highlights: Reimagining The Future

"Mike Sciortino has written a terrific book about building and keeping a loyal clientele. 'Gratitude Marketing' is an easy read. Short -- but impactful -- the book offers the kind of common sense advice that is too often taken for granted. Using the methods Sciortino developed during his years as a professional in the financial services business will have a positive effect on your business," said Tilghman G. Pitts III, former chairman of Oppenheimer Funds Distributors, the sales and marketing subsidiary of Oppenheimer Funds.

A Book Review by Vikki Hankins

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Publisher!

Vikki M. Hankins Editor-in-Chief Vikki M. Hankins Assistant Director Garry Jones!

Leonardo DiCaprio’s Epic Performance in ‘The Revenant’ !

Lessons to Apply !

P. 20 Photo Credit; iStock

Journalist/Contributors Vikki Hankins Garry Jones

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Contributors (Visiting) Alan Zimmerman, PhD Rachel Blanks, M.Ed

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Photography Vikki Hankins Garry Jones Alisha Davis Sherman Hankins

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Media Assistant Alisha Davis

Cover Photographer: Garry Jones Cover Fashion: TEXYO (on Vikki Hankins)

! www.vmhmagazine.com

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“STYLE IS A WAY TO SAY WHO YOU ARE

WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEAK.” STYLISH MEN + WOMEN

RACHEL ZOE

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6 STEPS TO SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

By Vikki Hankins

Let me be clear, entrepreneurship is not for everyone.

The workforce holds a multitude of employees that are miserable on the job and dream of owning their own business. But does this mean you are cut out for the task? Or should you explore entrepreneurship while employed? Below are a few things I’ve found that make for successful entrepreneurship:

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1. Passion: Successful entrepreneurs are born out of passion. Whether there’s a problem to be solved, meeting a need or unexplained freedom associated with a certain work; entrepreneurs are fueled by passion.

2. Tenacity: There are highs and lows with business ownership. One must have the ability to ‘hang in there’ through the lows just as they celebrate the highs. Until you reach ‘that place’ of success, you must have the ability to run your race. Throwing in the towel is not an option; that is if you find your choice of entrepreneurship actually works.

3. Strategic/Critical Thinking: No matter your resources, business owners have to develop the art of strategic/critical thinking and implement plans with precision. Living in the moment is wonderful for family, friends, and fun, but successful entrepreneurship calls for thinking beyond today. It is imperative that you have a strategy to carry out your plan. At times entrepreneurship feels like chess; you have to know where to move and when to make your move. This requires strategic/critical thinking.

4. Competitive Marketing: Understanding your target market is critical to the success of a business. Before you can implement a marketing plan the business owner has to know how to direct their products or services to a specific group of consumers.

Figure out the answer to such questions as: Where is my target market? How do I reach my target market? Knowing the answer to these sample questions will save you a few headaches and dollars.

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5. Fearless: Entrepreneurs are risk takers. Fear has no place in entrepreneurship. There are times that taking risks come at a loss, but you learn from this, swiftly recover and head in another direction.

There are also times when you hit the ‘nail on the head’ (succeed) with a risk; when this happens, apply more pressure in that area.

6. Flexible: Be open to embracing change, new ideas, and unfamiliar techniques. If you cannot change with the times, you will get left behind.

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Entrepreneurship is very rewarding, in particular when your business makes a difference in the economy, improves communities and addresses social-related issues. The key is growing a successful business that is capable of influence and makes a difference in the lives of others.

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Vikki Hankins is a business leader who’s empowered markets, and assisted entrepreneurs in various aspects of digital marketing. Further, she has successfully mentored college graduates in the field of journalism, marketing, publishing & production. To learn more about Vikki Hankins visit: twitter, Facebook or her website.

Small Business Fast Facts

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• There are almost 28 million small businesses in the US and over 22 million are self employed with no additional payroll or employees (these are called nonemployers).

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• Approximately 543,000 new businesses get started each month (but more employer businesses shut down than start up each month)

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• 7 out of 10 new employer firms survive at least 2 years, half at least 5 years, a third at least 10 years and a quarter stay in business 15 years or more

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Reference: Forbes

Vikki Hankins

Vikki Hankins WWW.VMHMAGAZINE.COM 7

10 Undeniable Behaviors of a Great Leader

by Dr. Alan Zimmerman

!It doesn’t matter if you’re leading a country, a company, a department, a team, a church, or even a family … leadership has NOTHING to do with title or position.

You could be the President of a country or the CEO of a Fortune 500 company and NOT be a leader.

!In truth, leadership has EVERYTHING to do with

behavior. If you BEHAVE in these 10 ways, you can and will be an effective leader.

!1. A leader does the right thing. !A poor leader focuses his energy on “sounding good.”

And he spends a great deal of time on how he can spin a story so he comes out “looking good.”

!By contrast, a great leader not only knows what is right,

he also does what is right. He turns the courage of his convictions into action.

!2. A leader is more concerned with “we” than “me.” !Some “so-called” leaders are on an ego trip, seeking all the glory and hogging all the limelight. From their perspective, it’s all about me, me, me.

!It happens when a certain team develops a new product that becomes a huge financial success, but you only see the CEO on TV talking about her vision and how her vision allowed this product to be developed. Shame on her.

!By contrast, when Jill Blashack-Strahan, President and

CEO of Tastefully Simple, received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, she said, “I didn’t build this company. An amazing team of dedicated, passionate and loyal people did.”

!3. A leader demonstrates an unshakeable positive attitude. !In other words, he exudes energy. He displays enthusiasm. He projects cheerfulness. And it is nothing short of contagious.

I’m sure you’ve come across some leaders like that. No matter what is going on, you’ve noticed that leader’s department or company is filled with people who are pumped up, excited, and connected. You may have even wished you were a part of his organization … because it’s only natural to be drawn to such high levels of energy.

!Of course, the leader may not always feel positive.

That’s life. But as military genius Laz Tzu pointed out, “Leadership has been defined as the ability to hide your panic from others.” Or as we say today, “Fake it til you make it.”

!4. A leader accepts responsibility. !Unfortunately, it is all too common to see an ego-driven

leader take all the credit when one of her decisions works out well. But when one of her decisions proves to be wrong, she cannot be found, has nothing to say, or blames someone else for her failures.

!A real leader, on the other hand, accepts responsibility.

When necessary, she’s able to say, “I was wrong. I’m sorry.” As President Dwight Eisenhower said, “Leadership consists of nothing but taking responsibility for everything that goes wrong and giving your subordinates credit for everything that goes well.”

!5. A leader is a goal setter. !Invariably, great leaders are goal setters. In fact, you

would be hard pressed to point out any great leaders who simply wandered their way to success.

!Maury

Burgwin, the Chairman at the Institute for Management Studies, proclaims, “The best path to success is to script your desired outcome." And then, "To reach that desired outcome, script your tactical plan to get there. In my affairs I have a polished practiced script for everything I hope to achieve.”

!6. A leader has a passion for winning. !In other words, getting by is never good enough. A leader wants to win. He wants to be the best, produce the best, and bring out the best in others.

!That's why Daryl Flood, President and CEO of Daryl Flood, Inc., is recognized as running one of the best, most successful moving businesses in the country. As he says, "Successful leaders follow best practices that garner the loyalty and respect of their employees, and one of those best practices is seeing their leader have a passion for winning.”

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7. A leader has a passion for winning WITH others. century educator G. Arthur Keough knew that. He wrote, "Greatness is not standing above our fellows and ordering them around.

It is standing with them and helping them to be all they can be.”

!This winning with others may be the very reason that the Mayo Clinic is

considered to be one of the finest medical institutions in the world. They follow the philosophy of their founding leader, Dr. William W. Mayo who said, “No one is big enough to be independent of others.”

!8. A leader builds relationships. !That doesn't mean that she has to be buddies with everyone on the team or in the organization. That may not even be wise. But she has to build strong, positive, respectful, cooperative relationships with everyone possible.

!When I asked Ed Caldwell, the Vice President of Protective Life, what

accounted for his success, he answered, "I have been blessed with four mentors and bosses over the last 30 years who took the time to build a relationship with me, who gave me candid feedback on the differences between leadership and management, and provided specific guidance at key points in my career. Those relationships created what I consider to be the real turning points in my personal and professional development.”

!9. A leader celebrates. !A leader doesn't wait for the sale-of-a-lifetime or a miraculous business turnaround before he celebrates with the team. He knows that little things count. In fact, little celebrations can make a big difference.

!As psychologist Dr. Terry Paulson points out, "When people are asked to consider what works, too many look for the big things -- those things that get measured and reported. But many times, it is the consistent little things leaders do that mean the most to their teams.”

!Or as Jill Blashack Strahan adds, “When we're all stressed out, that’s when we need to take the time to celebrate what’s right with the world and our business.”

!10. A leader exhibits calmness in rough waters. !When Vaclav Havel became the first elected leader in the new country of

the Czech Republic, the citizens were uncertain of their future. So he told them, "Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense regardless of how it turns out.”

!And Larry Blakely, the Process and Improvement Director at Ernst and

Young, says, "When you're up to your eyeballs in alligators, it's hard to remember you're not there to drain the swamp. You're there to be a calming influence in the midst of the storms.”

!You may not be a born leader. But you can learn to be a leader. And a good leader … a great leader … an effective leader … exhibits these ten behaviors. Start using them now. You’ll be amazed at how well they work.

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digital

photography

About the Author: Alan Zimmerman, PhD has spoken to more than one million people around the world, giving them the tools they need to achieve their goals on and off the job. As a prominent, sought-after author and speaker, Dr. Zimmerman works with a variety of organizations and professional associations. Dr. Zimmerman has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions in the fields of attitude, communication, and leadership.

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Website: www.DrZimmerman.com

vikkihankins.net

Can Givers Survive as Entrepreneurs?

! !‘Good

By Vikki Hankins

guys finished last’. Does this apply to entrepreneurs as well? Does success only come to those that aggressively pursue clients? Wharton Professor, Adam Grant addresses these questions in his book entitled, Give and Take, Why Helping Others Drives Our Success.

!By nature I believe myself to be a giver. However I’ve found that in business, those that get ahead faster oftentimes are takers. Givers are people with compassion that tend to place others before themselves. Takers place themselves first and care less about how another feels. In business, takers place their agenda before the clients, whereas givers tend to care more about the client and their results.

!In a piece I recently read, New York Time Best Selling

Author, Adam Grant paints clear pictures of the giver and the taker, yet introduces a third term to describe ‘even exchange’; the matcher. The matcher believes in tit-fortat, and relationship governed by even exchanges of favors.

PATIENT -VSDOCTOR MISDIAGNOSIS

!Here are a few points that I took away from the abstract

for the book: • …success depends heavily on how we approach our interacts with other people.

Takers like to get more than they give, whereas givers • like to give more than they get.

• Givers and takers differ in their attitude and actions towards other people.

Matchers strive to preserve an equal balance of giving • and getting.

As entrepreneurs, surely both categories need ‘results’ in order to become a success, but how one goes about it is what makes the difference. In my opinion there has to be a happy medium for both the giver and and the taker.

!Due to countless episodes of Little House on The Prairie (their town store), I believe the exchange of merchandise for currency can still operate as it once did, with grace and dignity.

!Within this abstract that I read, Grant shared the story of a giver who at first seem to end up with the short in of the stick, questioning his abilities as a business owner, but the tables turn - in his favor.

!So it is possible to use true ‘keep the client first’ practices

and run a successful business! Give and Take, Why Helping Others Drives Success help us figure out how.

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Adam Grant is Wharton’s top-rated teacher. He has been recognized as one of HR’s most influential international thinkers, BusinessWeek’s favorite professors, the world’s 40 best business professors under 40, and Malcolm Gladwell’s favorite social science writers.

amazon.com 13

Recipe Delight Pan Seared Scallops with Fresh Corn Relish to Grow!

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by Rachel Blanks, M.Ed

Buttery, delicate, tender, and luxurious scallops star in this simple dish that brings the tastes of summer and the seaside right to your table. Scallops are often featured with pasta, garlic, risotto, and other grand accompaniments—but here, simplicity reigns and produces seared scallops that are fresh, clean, and flavorful. The fresh corn relish summons the essential character of summertime for your palate, complementing every bite. Remember, scallops must be completely dry in order to create the sear that makes these scallops the treat that they are.

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Corn Relish Ingredients

!3 ears fresh corn, kernels cut off 1 tablespoon sliced green onions ½ red bell pepper, diced 1 teaspoon granulated sugar ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon chopped parsley

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Preparation !

Heat oil in skillet. Add bell pepper, corn, and green onion. Sauté on medium high heat for 4-5 minutes. Add sugar, salt, and pepper, and sauté over medium high heat for one minute. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.

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Scallops Ingredients

!4 large DRY scallops Sea salt (Maldon works very well) Fresh cracked black pepper 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons butter ½ cup chicken stock Lemon

4 sprigs fresh herbs (tarragon or lemon thyme)

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Preparation !

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels. Ensure that the scallops are completely dry. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the scallops, being sure to season both sides. Heat olive oil in a frying pan, preferably cast iron, (but don’t use non-stick) over high heat.

!When oil is hot, place the scallops in the pan with at least

one inch between them to prevent crowding and subsequent steaming.

!After two minutes, the base should be browned nicely.

Flip the scallops and cook for another minute or until the second base is browned. Remove from heat and set on warmed serving dish.

!While still on high heat, add herbs and butter into the pan. Move the butter around the pan until melted completely. Pour in the chicken stock and use a whisk or spoon to scrape the browned bits from the pan and stir it into the liquid. Leave the heat on high and let the sauce boil until it reduces to desired consistency. Immediately remove the sauce from heat.

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To Serve: !Place a spoonful of the corn relish on each plate. Top

with a scallop and spoon the herbed butter sauce over each scallop and serve.

!! ©2016 Rachel Blanks, M.Ed

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Virginia Woolf

"ONE CANNOT THINK WELL, LOVE WELL, SLEEP WELL, IF ONE HAS NOT DINED WELL."

Alisha Davis, Actress/Singer, Enthusiast Pictured with Mentor, Vikki Hankins

Photographer: Garry Jones!

Fashion Designer: TEYO (Worn by Vikki Hankins)

Mentoring Millennials: In a Digital Age

by Vikki Hankins

What exactly is a millennial or Generation Y?

!Webster’s definition: the generation of Americans born in the 1980s and 1990s : the millennials !What is a mentor? !Webster’s definition: ‘someone who teaches or gives

Mentoring, Alisha Davis of the Millennial Generation

help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person.’

!Mentoring requires time, energy and skilled teaching abilities. We are in an age of advanced technology, expedited social access and a ‘right now’ mentality. With this in mind, millennials easily adopt the same mentality and a ‘what’s in it for me’ attitude when looking for mentors. Simply put, some want to get paid. On the flip side of this, mentoring can also be viewed as business consulting or life coaching; at which point the mentor receives a paycheck.

!In my opinion everyone needs guidance (mentorship) at

some point in their lives. Parents are mentors, educational institutions provide mentors, and at times employers act as mentors. As for myself, I’ve mentored a number of students, graduates, and adults looking to further their businesses and/or careers. As a result, I have a few tips on the subject.

!When mentoring a millennial (or anyone), keep in mind

the ‘responsibility’ associated with mentorship. When a millennial seeks your guidance ultimately they are looking for assistance in reaching a certain goal. The millennial respects and trusts your opinions, advice and success. With that said, it almost feels like you’ve ‘adopted’ someone for a certain period; at least to me it feels this way.

!This thought in itself requires

much of the mentor, but in all things, there must be balance.

Based on my experience and a recent poll, a strong number of millennials have the ‘get rich quick’ mentality; they don’t want the experience unless a paycheck comes along with it.

!Nothing built with durability is

communication and information access has incorporated a different mind set from the ‘Three Little Pigs’ folklore (three pigs built homes out of different materials, only one home was built to last).

!Such is the case with building a foundation for life, careers, and the likes. One cannot expect to achieve a lasting foundation on a quick fast remedy. This lesson seems to miss a number of millennials. On another note, a lot of young minds realize they have to gain as much experience as possible, at a certain pace and acquire adequate sustainable tools in order to reach their goals.

!I think millennials are ‘super minds’; coupled with

“Mentorship is very important to me, because it helps me learn from other people trials and errors. It helps me stay away from bad things. It also builds me for my future goals and paths in life.”

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-Alisha Davis

built over night, unless of course it is inherited. I think the digital era with accelerated socialization,

technology and applied properly millennials’ capabilities are unimaginable for their generation. I think it’s important for mentors to listen to the ideas and thought process of millennials; after all they were born into a digital era.

!In defense of millennials, I find this

generation to be more courageous than my generation when it comes to social improvements. Millennials take matters into their own hands and seem determined to change the status quo. Be it financial support (crowd funding), social media or challenging 17

political climates, they tend to be a take matters into my own hands group of people. Again this is based on my experience and interaction.

!Alisha Davis is one of several millennials that I’ve mentored. She’s in tuned with the direction of her career path; works hard towards her career goals and is very connected with ‘deeper’ social issues surrounding her. I might add she is quite ‘vocal’ (chuckle) in how she feels the world should be; she wants to bring change to the entertainment industry and impact social economics through film production and media.

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Says Davis on the importance of mentors, “Mentorship is very important to me, because it helps me learn from other people trials and errors. It helps me stay away from bad things. It also builds me for my future goals and paths in life. It gives me the opportunity to have someone to look up to and have someone that I can confide in.”

!Davis further adds, “It (mentorship) gives really helps

me with my goals and path in life.

Normally it helps you with your occupation but mentorship can also be a personal based… it’s good to have someone I can lean on or get their opinions on important matters; ‘words of wisdom’ that can emotionally and mentally prepare you for things, or builds self-confidence. It’s very comforting to know that I have someone in my corner that does not judge me and takes me for me for who I am.”

J. D. Harrison, a Reporter/Digital Editor for the Washington Post wrote an highlighting the decline of American entrepreneurship.

In this piece he brought out the following quote from Kauffman researchers:

!“ M i l l e n n i a l s ,

K a u f f m a n r esearchers suggest, have the best shot at leading an entrepreneurial recovery, as they grew up in the digital age, have had more exposure to entrepreneurship and have higher levels of education than previous generations. By 2020, they will also represent the largest age segment of the U.S. population.

!Here’s

the problem: they aren’t starting businesses. In fact, the rate of business formation by Americans ages 20 to 34 has fallen sharply since 2010, and millennials aren’t starting nearly as many new enterprises today as baby boomers were creating when they were the same age.”

!In

conclusion, I advise millennials to take your time to learn the lessons, determine exactly what your looking for in a mentor, i.e.

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money, guidance, opportunity (or all of the above). It is not wise to go into a mentorship looking to make a paycheck from someone giving of their time, resources and connections to aid in your growth. If you begin to feel you want money from a mentor, in my opinion it’s time to move on, because the nature of the relationship is off balance.

!Mentors be very selective of the one(s) you choose to mentor otherwise it’s a waste of time for both parties. Mentors do not be afraid to let the millennials know the good, bad and the ugly in their fields of interest; reality helps with development, prevention and direction. Last but not least be careful about allowing payments or exchange of funds and services in the relationship. You weren’t asked to employ, you were asked to help guide and develop.

!Monitorship

can be very rewarding when theirs a good teacher/student match. Much success to millennials and mentors!

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Millennial Statistics !(Source: Pew Research): !

Davis developing her skills in photography.

• 50 percent of Millennials consider themselves politically unaffiliated.

29 percent consider themselves religiously unaffiliated.

• • They have the highest average number of Facebook friends, with an average of 250 friends vs. Generations X's 200.

• 55 percent have posted a selfie or more to social media sites versus 20 percent of Generation X. • They send a median of 50 texts a day.

• As of 2012, only 19 percent of Millennials said that, generally, others can be trusted.

• There are about 76 million Millennials in the United States (based on research using the years 1978-2000).

• Millennials are the last generation born in the 20th century.

• Twenty percent have at least one immigrant parent.

!References: !Pew Research Center Washington Post

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Actor, Leonardo DiCaprio

Photo Credit: iStock

THE!

REVENANT \ˈre-və-ˌnäⁿ, -nənt\

one that returns after death or a long absence Based on the true story of Hunter and Frontiersman, Hugh Glass from the early 1800’s, The Revenant is a story that depicts the return of life; returning from a dead state; a comeback. Leonardo DiCaprio gave an phenomenal performance of Hugh Glass. The film added practical applications for those of us who need that extra push when we feel we can’t go on.

walk for him, his arms enabled him to move his body from one place to the next.

story. Irrelevant are the facts that his friends left him to die, or his near death experience after surviving a grizzlybear attack; the mauling this man withstood makes me shiver. Greater than the aforementioned is the survival spirit of the main actor, Leonardo DiCaprio (Hugh Glass).

Based on the research, Glass was so badly mutilated by the grizzly attack that “deep cuts on his back exposed his bare ribs.”

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!I could not resist sharing my opinions surrounding this

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In the film Glass (DiCaprio) wanted to die after surviving the bear attack; understandably so, as he suffered tremendously from the open wounds, torn skin and barely audible voice. The moment at which he asked to die, an intervention took place, forcing him to continue breathing. Too often, some of us hit very troubled periods in life and wish death or in other scenarios we are already living in a dead state. How does one navigate through this period and return from death? The Revenant shows us how.

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Although Glass was subjected to horrendous physical pain, his mind and spirit functioned very well, so much so that he remembered words spoken to him from the love of his life; willing him to move. When his legs could not

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Throughout The Revenant it was this man’s ‘will’ to live that kept him moving forward. Granted, his will to live was driven by a very powerful force - revenge - but in the end he refused to take matters into his own hands. With that said, I tend to believe a person’s ‘will’ to live coupled with their spirit and mind over matter has the ability to yield positive outcomes.

On another note, I further believe when one has purpose, intervention from a dead state will take place; something or someone will mysteriously help you along the way and your the soul of a man will lift him up out of fatal situations.

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The Revenant, though a relatively quiet yet brutal film, grips the viewer and gives one ‘heart’ to stand up, keep going and fight for life.

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Film Description: While exploring the uncharted wilderness in 1823, legendary frontiersman Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) sustains injuries from a brutal bear attack. When his hunting team leaves him for dead, Glass must utilize his survival skills to find a way back home to his beloved family. Grief-stricken and fueled by vengeance, Glass treks through the wintry terrain to track down John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy), the former confidant who betrayed and abandoned him.

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Review by Vikki Hankins

VMH MAGAZINE!

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VISIBILITY! BRANDING! MARKETING!

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WWW.VMHMAGAZINE.COM

Retain & Gain New Clients with ‘Gratitude Marketing’ Review by Vikki Hankins

Michael F. Sciortino is definitely true to his new book entitled, ‘Gratitude Marketing’; How to Create Clients for Life by Using 33 Simple Secrets from Successful Financial Advisors. I must share this welcoming account of receiving his book:

!Upon receiving his book, I felt the box a bit heavy for

one book. I opened the book and low and behold all type of gifts from New Orleans, Louisiana, including a invitation to the famed Mardi Gras, Beignet Mix French Doughnuts, Gumbo Mix and the ‘likes’ of New Orleans.

An autograph from Mr. Sciortini that included a much needed reminder of the platform I’ve created for others.

I must say from time to time it’s always good to be reminded why I started a magazine in the first place.

Thank you Sciortini.

!I won’t bore you with the details of my surprise, instead

I will jump right into a very notable part of ‘Gratitude Marketing’ - a percentage of the book proceeds are donated to Operation Gratitude. Operation Gratitude annually sends 150,000+ care packages with food, hygiene products, entertainment, letters of support and other comforting items for the military, veterans, new recruits, first responders and wounded warriors.

!Gratitude marketing is a handbook for maintaing and

gaining new clients. How often do we follow up with gratitude when a client uses our service or if we’re the recipient of a kind act. Expressing gratitude and appreciation to clients on a consistent basis is a huge differentiator for your business according to Sciortino.

!"My mission is to help others show gratitude more consistently to those they serve. However, the right kind of consistent communication is key. If you want your business to continue to grow, start by thanking the clients who are already doing business with you. The appetite for a sincere thank you is unlimited," Sciortino said.

!A Reminder from Gratitude Marketing: !“Abundance multiplies when you show regular and sincere appreciation.” !The magnitude of this reminder. As small business owners, oftentimes the primary focus is gaining new clients; at times failing to show ‘gratitude’ for our current clients. Surely, there is nothing wrong with new customers, but applying the above makes a difference, when practiced.

The 33 Secrets brought out in Gratitude Marketing provide practical examples and instructions on business improvements and increasing one’s clients roster.

!"Gratitude Marketing is a movement away from pushy sales tactics and toward engaging and connecting with people in a personal, authentic, humanto-human manner. It is a movement toward meaningful long-term relationships that positively impact clients' lives," he (Sciortino) said.

!Are you here to make a living or to make a difference in the lives of your clients? !The above is only one of many thought-provoking questions/phrases for readers. !"I've observed over the years that the most successful financial consultants are oftentimes the "greatest givers" to their clients and their communities. They realize that gratitude is often unexpected but is always welcomed.”

!Sciortino says financial advisors can stand out, stand apart and stand above if they commit to the following: ! When you give, many times you discount the enor•

mous impact of your gratitude on your clients that often outlives you. His book is full of many proven ideas to help you do this. One small act can make a big difference. Make this a daily habit.

When you express gratitude consistently, you receive • more that you would ever think possible. Your client's trust is earned through your integrity and consistency of your actions. As the old saying goes, "plan your work, and work your plan." Expressing gratitude is no different.

Plan it out day by day and week by week.

When you make gratitude a constant in your business, • you begin to see opportunities in the everyday events and occurrences of your life. This year, keep your eyes open to these possibilities that will allow you to have an even greater impact on your clients' lives.

!

_______________________________________________________________ Mike Sciortino is a keynote speaker, trainer and founder and CEO of Gratitude Marketing, a firm dedicated to sharing the most time-tested, proven and cost effective marketing strategies to help you grow your business through nurturing meaningful long-term relationships. For more information, visit GratitudeMarketingBook.com.

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Are ! You Powered by Purpose?

! !!

Funmi Osinubi|

If you’ve ever been disregarded during a presentationyou need to read Scott Deming’s Powered by Purpose. If you are wondering how to gain an online audience, you should read Powered By Purpose. If you are a business owner looking to leave a positive lasting impression on customers and employees, not reading this book could determine whether you succeed or fail at this goal.

New Album Release

Know Them by Their Fruits

By Angel Sessions

Also Available, 'Know Them by Their Fruits' T-Shirts. www.store.angelsessions.com

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Powered By Purpose is an important read for so many individuals in and outside of the business world because it teaches that self-awareness and a commitment to your value system is step one towards authenticity- that magical and instantly recognizable element that draws readers, customers, listeners and even friends.

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Scott Deming’s Powered By Purpose is really about selfexpression. It’s about realizing who you are, what values you silently live with daily and letting that inform every action and every choice. It’s a how to manual to making sure your message hits and lands. It gives you the map – Start with your values.

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Deming handles this book like a good teacher should, striking a balance between his roles as a pubic speaker, a businessman, and an author. He diligently delivers practical crash courses within each chapter. First you will learn how to take a hard look at yourself to identify your own values through key questions, critical thinking, and insightful quizzes. He follows with strategic examples that resulted in company cultures that either failed or succeeded. By the end of the book you will not only know how to identify your own values. You’ll also get instructions on how to turn your value system into a culture, how to maintain that culture, and how to get your message out to the right people in the right way to ultimately achieve your purpose.

What's Your Along the Way?

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Like any good teacher, Deming takes every opportunity to impart knowledge on his key topics as well as topics somewhat related. He sacrifices some clarity and brevity with his unwillingness to leave anything out so the book’s flow is at times inundated and long winded. But as we would for our beloved instructors, we can overlook this with a simple gratitude for the wealth of advice and pearls of savvy wisdom packed in this book. Deming puts forth his own value system even in the way he chose to craft it.

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So here’s what you do: Purchase Scott Deming’s ‘Powered by Purpose’. Read it with a stack of post it notes in hand. And when you are finished place it visibly on your bookshelf because you’re sure to be back to it again and again on your journey of self expression, sound decision making, and genuine fulfillment in the face of greed and distraction. To learn more about Scott Deming and his work visit: www.scottdeming.com

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Design By Grace, LLC

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EST. 2015

SOCIAL JUSTICE

BLACK LIVES MATTER OR

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Interview by Vikki Hankins

ALL LIVES MATTER

Author Walker B. Morton, addresses racial discrimination in the workplace, Black Lives Matter/All Lives Matter and other social economic issues through this new book entitled, Tell It Like It Is. A Former Superintendent/Warden of a Correctional Institution and Retired Sergeant First Class of the U.S. Army, Mr. Morton uses practical, real-life insight which helps readers through community hardships.

!Although as a country we’ve came a long way interns

of discrimination, hatred and civil rights abuse, as a nation we still have miles to go. Below are a few statistics I found surrounding topics addressed in Mr. Mortons’ book:

!Racial Discrimination in the Workplace !1. The raw gap between white employees and black

employees in the United States can be as high as 30%.

2. In a recent survey of over 5,200 newly employed workers, black job seekers were offered significantly less compensation than whites by potential new employers.

3. 35.3% of the total complaints received for any type of employment discrimination by the EEOC in the average year are based on racial discrimination.

4. The highest reward that was paid out was 4.4 million pounds in the UK.

! !Excessive or Deadly Force by Police !1. Young black males are 21 times more likely to be (References for the Above: Brandongaille.com)

from a culture that has existed for centuries. It's not just in the form of police brutality. The system (law enforcement, government, and corporate America, has turned a eye to the real issue of discrimination and prejudice. Some want to act as though hatred doesn't exists, but it does.

!We as a people (all races and ethnicity) have to hold

those accountable for their actions. Police brutality continues because the system is so closed that it is very hard to have police go against the bad police. They merely cover for one another. During my 40 plus years in law enforcement I have witnessed how this system continues to exists. You have a culture in place that allows for brutality/discrimination.

!When new staff join the organization they go along

with the norm of that organization. If they resist or disagree with the culture then they have put their career in jeopardy, especially being new to the organization.

Some might leave the organization and others will become a part of the system of discrimination and brutality. It's like a cancer. It continues to spread. Until the organization's take a stand against those that commit these acts, we will continue to have discussions about brutality, discrimination, inequality, and bad legislation (laws) that targets minorities.

!VMH Magazine: Based on your experience, what is your best advice for those currently employed that want to have a stronger voice on equality in their place of employment? How do they approach issues without retaliation?

shot by police than their white counterparts - ProPublica 2. Nearly two times a week in the United States, a white police officer killed a black person during a seven-year period ending in 2012, according to the most recent accounts of justifiable homicide reported to the FBI. 3. From 2003 to 2009, the Justice Department found that 4,813 people died while a member of law enforcement was trying to arrest or restrain them, or shortly thereafter.

!Mr. Walker took a moment to share his views with VMH Magazine. Below is a Q&A conducted by VMH Magazine, Publisher Vikki Hankins.

!VMH Magazine: In Tell It Like It Is, you share things

you witnessed as a child surrounding police brutality: why do you feel this continues to happen?

!W. Morton: What I witnessed as a child continues to

make news today. This abuse continues today because of it's origin. Hatred, discrimination and brutality stems

Walker B. Morton, Author/Retired Superintendent/Warden

!W. Morton: The best advice that I can give those that (continued from page 26)

want to have a stronger voice on equality in their place of employment is: • Never forget who you are as a person. You deserve to be treated fair and equal.

• Never forget where you came from. When you this then you have become a part of the "Good Old Boy/ Women System" that fosters discrimination and inequality for others.

!The best advice that I can give to anyone that feel the need to approach concerns is to: ! If you are member of a Bargaining Unit/Union, have •

and others that they should have access to. I believe the more exposure to people the better you will be equipped to effectively work and interact with others.

!VMH Magazine: Finally, what are your ultimate goals for sharing your experiences and advice through your book entitled, ‘Tell It Like It Is’?

!W. Morton: My goals for sharing my experiences and advice through my book titled "Tell It Like It Is" are; to inspire people to let them know that no matter where you come from you with hard work and determination you can be successful.

!To never forget who you are and where you come from.

Understand that you may not always be treated with rethem make the complaint for you. If you are not a spect and equality but you do not have to do what somemember of a Union, it one else have done. Life will may be scary or diffithrow you some curves and you cult but there are promay fall down. It's not the falltections (Attorneys ing, it's how you get up. and organizations) at Walker B. Morton their disposal.

Failure is Not an Option, Suc• I know some might cess is the Only Option. Failure say that it's frightenis easy, just don't plan and you Tell It ing to go up against will fail. My ultimate goal is to the powers to be, but get involved in my community Like It Is you have to stand as a mentor and to travel the up for what you becountry in pursuit of speaking to lieve. If not for audiences that are willing to hear Available Now you then for someone me, “Tell It Like It Is.” else. If you do not Amazon.com stand up for you then In a Facebook comment Mr. who will!

Morton had this to say regarding the Oscar Nominations, which VMH Magazine: We are living in a faster paced tech excluded African American Actors/Actresses: savvy world, where young people are exposed to more than let’s say 20 years ago; how do we address the grow“I had a conversation and saw a brief about the Oscars. ing frustration of impoverished young people that do not It is truly a shame that there are no African American's have foundations or role models? nominated for an award, yet there are two Caucasian's that are nominated for an Oscar and they are not actors.

W. Morton: The tech savvy world has placed our impovWhat is this country coming to. This is the second year in erished young people in a world of isolation. When I was a row. This is a systemic failure to recognize Black peogrowing up we were allowed to watch TV at a certain ple. time and when it was time to turn it off, we did.

In my book "Tell It Like It Is", I talk about how the system Now with all the computers, cell phones and video games has been set up to try to make sure we fail. Let me be young people isolate themselves. To taking away their clear that I am not saying that all people that do not look ability to deal with conflict and has limited their ability to like me are perpetuating this inequality but when you effectively communicate with others. I believe to address look at your government be it local or federal it's prevathe frustration of not having a solid foundation or role lent. This is one of the reasons I wrote my book. It's time model we must turn off the tech equipment's. We must for you to also to " Tell It Like It Is ". Read my book and have time for our children. join me no matter who you are as long as you believe in Justice and Equality for All. Black Lives Matters and so Not just time but quality time during the day. Invite them Does Yours!!” to gathers with other family members or social events with friends. As far as role models, there are organization Walker (Boys and Girls Clubs)

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All you need is

O L

VE VMH MAGAZINE

All-Time Tips from My Super Bowl Experiences

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by Author Garry L. Jones

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Garry Jones Meets Evander Holyfield

Going to the Super Bowl is like having an addiction: once you go the first time, you’ll crave going back. I’ll never forget when my brother Pete and I went to our first one, the 35th Super Bowl in Atlanta -- the Tennessee Titans versus the Saint Louis Rams.

I got a call from my cousin Ann one Saturday night; she was staying in Atlanta and asked if I wanted to go to the Super Bowl.

“Damn right I want to go, do you have tickets?”

I asked.

“I know someone who has tickets,” my cousin said. “I will meet you in Atlanta on Sunday morning.”

At the time I was working for the Department of Justice at the Federal Correctional Institution Tallahassee, Florida. My position at the time was Senior Lieutenant When I awaken Sunday morning, I called the captain to let her know I was sick, but she didn’t answer

the phone. When a lieutenant is sick, the proper protocol is to call your captain as soon as possible -- preferably eight hours before you’re scheduled to report to work, giving the captain enough time to find a replacement.

Next, I called the institution to speak with the lieutenant on duty and told him I wouldn’t be reporting to work that day because I was sick.

When he asked what was wrong, I said it was none of his business because I wasn’t obligated to reveal my health problems with anyone. I told him that I had a fever – and I did, the Super Bowl fever -- and it would last two days.

He didn’t have a clue that I was on my way to the game.

“Okay, Jones, hopefully you'll feel better and I will let the captain know that you called in sick,” was all he said.

My cousin Ann warned me to be careful when I get close to Atlanta, because they were experiencing an ice storm. I got in my Acura Legend and left Tallahassee. At the same time, my brother Pete was in Charlotte, N.C. driving through the local snow, also heading to the game.

We both arrived within minutes of one another at Ann’s house. We were supposed to get to the stadium around 3 that afternoon. My brother and I headed out for Campbellton Road Marta Station. When we got there, we hopped a bus and then caught the train to the Dome. The train was packed; I’ve never seen so many people in my life. When we reached the Dome, I suddenly heard someone say “Garry?”

I turned and said, “What’s up, Craig?”

“Are you ready to get in the game?” he asked.

“You damn right, Craig,” I said.

Me, my brother and Craig went somewhere

for cheap rates because if you don’t book your room, once you arrived to the city of the Super Bowl the hotel rates are ten times more and more than likely you will have to get a hotel two hours away from the hosting city.

2. Never buy a Super Bowl ticket from someone you don’t know. I used to witness people on the street selling bogus Super Bowl Tickets and the tickets looked identical to the real Super Bowl ticket.

When it was time to attend the big game I would see those same people being turned back from attending the Super Bowl because of the bogus tickets.

3. I encourage everyone who is attending the Super Bowl is to plan to stay in the city 2 days after the Super Bowl, the Super Bowl merchandise normally goes down 75 percent. Never buy Super Bowl items at the airport because the merchandise cost to damn much.

4. Last but not least please travel in groups because there are some people lurking to harm someone and they can tell when tourists are in town. ~

safe to take care of business. Ten minutes later we were in the Super Bowl. This wasn’t exactly my childhood dream – that had been to play in the Super Bowl. But considering I wasn’t good enough to play professional, I settled for just being there in the crowd. Celebrities were all around me, having a good time. My mind was

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now far off the things happening to me at work, and life was beautiful for 48 hours.

The game went down to the wire. Tennessee quarterback John McNair was two inches shy of getting that ball in the end zone with no seconds left on the clock. Everyone in the game was on their feet. The Saint Louis Rams won the game. I went on to attend four more Super Bowls and each time I learned a lot.

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Below are four tips I want to share with you:

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1. Plan in advance. Normally the city who is going to host the Super Bowl is planned five years in advance, meaning you can go on line and find out where the Super Bowl is going to be held for the next five years. After the Super Bowl me in the fellows would call the next city and book our hotels

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Chelsea Clinton - Vice Chair, The Clinton Foundation

Panel Discussion - Inclusive Economics: A Global Vision for a Digital Age. Photo by Vikki Hankins

HOPE Global Forums Highlights !

Photography by Vikki Hankins & Garry Jones

market for future generations. Operation HOPE founded by John Hope Bryant provides economic empowerment, and inspires innovation.

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Leaders come together at HOPE Forums to help America and the world discover sustainable solutions to our economic challenges.

Kasim Reed, Mayor of Atlanta, Benjamin Jealous - Kapor Center

The 2016 HOPE Global Forums Annual Meeting brought together extraordinary world leaders to discuss and enlighten attendees on the issue surrounding inclusion (and the lack thereof) and the impact of technology. Emphasized throughout the forum was the need to teach younger generation tech skills in order to improve communities versus narrowing the job

Van Jones, Political Activist, Commentator - CNN 33

Phillippe Bourguignon, Vice Chairman - Revolution, L.L.C.

Photo by Vikki Hankins

Chelsea Clinton John Hope Bryant, Founder Operation Hope

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