Personal Story/Journey

When Holly was born, we were living on a houseboat in London. Virgin Records was expanding and I worked from home with a desk crammed between the bilge pump and stairs. It’s hard to raise a family and build a business, but it’s incredibly rewarding https://virg.in/i22 …see more

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I have learned more about what it means to be human from those who volunteer to wear a uniform than from anyone else I’ve ever met. I’ve hugged more people in uniform than I’ve ever hugged in suits. I’ve cried with more people in uniform than anyone in business. To those who spend every single day thinking about and serving others, on this day, we think about you. I offer you deep love and gratitude for your service to each other and to us. …see more

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When Will Smith challenged me to get active, I pretended to do some pull-ups. But this time I did it for real – here’s the proof https://virg.in/iqv

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I started Virgin Atlantic because I was on my way to see my lovely girlfriend (now wonderful wife) in the BVI when I was bumped off a plane & thought there had to be a better way of doing things. I’ve shared my thoughts on my blog of how to turn frustrations into opportunities: https://virg.in/5JT …see more

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100k cycle and swim: completed! I’ve been looking forward to the 100km cycle because I knew it would be the most challenging stage of the Strive Challenge for me. That’s what the Strive Challenge is all about: having a growth mindset (and raising money for Big Change !) It can be really easy to stay in your comfort zone but that’s not where the magic happens. When you reach your limits and you push past them, there really is no other feeling like it. …see more

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I sometimes forget names. In a TV interview years ago Gay Byrne asked me: ‘What have you got written on your hand?’ I sheepishly turned it over to reveal I had 'Gay Byrne' penned on my skin. He was crestfallen! Despite my mishap, Gay is truly unforgettable …see more

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Downloaded Robinhood this morning, transferred $10k from my #BankofAmerica account. Also on @reddit and #wallstreetsbets so I now ride with the herd. I consider myself as an experienced investor so I'm taking it all for a spin. If you are going to pontificate, criticize & editorialize you should do the same. I'll keep you posted!

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One of the most amazing things about being dyslexic is the imagination it gives you. I started dreaming from a young age and then began trying to turn those dreams into reality https://virg.in/58P

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Back in Boston lock-down. COVID-19 second wave? Better to stay home but don't work all day, you will go crazy. Take a break and do something else! #lockdownstories

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A few years ago I traced my roots and was thrilled to discover that I’m actually part Indian. I loved finding out how some of my ancestors on my father’s side moved to India in search of fortune and started their own successful businesses. Wonderful to be joined by hundreds of today’s entrepreneurs to discuss why we should embrace failure: https://virg.in/iHg …see more

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Ever since I was a young boy I have made lists of goals and resolutions. It’s how I make sense of the ideas in my head, the suggestions I receive, and the progress we are making. https://virg.in/5ZS

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The last stage of the Strive Challenge was a triathlon, which pushed me a little harder as I had to swim 1k, then bike 20k and then run 10k (my legs felt a little heavy by the end!) https://virg.in/atr

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I took on the 10 mile hike this weekend for the Strive Challenge to raise money for Big Change . It was a great warm up for what comes next - the 100k cycle. https://virg.in/akJ

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So touched that the Virgin Orbit team chose to honour my mum by writing For Eve onto the nose cone of the rocket – yet another great adventure for mum! It was a wonderful surprise for all of our family, and I want to again thank everyone who has shared such touching tributes to her https://virg.in/j89 …see more

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I love the way the spacewear looks and I love the way it feels. I also love the fact that the next time I put it on, I will be on my way to space https://virg.in/iQw Virgin Galactic Under Armour

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I miss offices. I miss meetings. I miss random smiles in corridors. I miss energy. I miss brainstorms. I miss industry events. I miss snatched conversations. I miss walking around and feeling part of something. I miss team meals. I miss nurturing and being nurtured. I miss Friday feelings, I miss leaving the office. I miss vacations.I miss the richness of living. I miss seeing reactions. I miss it all. And I’m doing fine, but I wonder if in order to cope we’ve all just become rather numb. A little bit dazed. Feels totally nuts that were in this situation. Feels like the rules changed and we’re in a futile purgatory, no logic, no end, no plan. And to speak of this is considered wrong, because these are first world problems and most of us are doing really well considering. But it’s MANY other people I’m worried about, and seriously so. …see more

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In a society hooked on immediate gratification, it’s hard to remember that each of us is on our own timeline. Bruce Deel has the empathy to see the best in every person, and the patience to help them move closer to that ideal version of themselves, in their own time. The stories he shared about his life and his organization, City of Refuge, Inc. , on this week’s episode of A Bit of Optimism are equally gut-wrenching and heartwarming. I’m so thankful to be able to share his work and his wisdom with you. Find it at apple.co/simonsinek or wherever you like to listen to podcasts. …see more

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One of the most resounding lessons I learned from my father was the importance of dreaming https://virg.in/SDf

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My little brother passed away last week. He was 18. Three weeks ago he asked to work for me after he graduated high school. And I said yes & there was nothing I was looking forward to more. To everyone “hustling” out there, please remember this (because it’s way too easy to get lost in the work): - Hustling won’t make you happy. The people (or person) you’re hustling FOR will bring you happiness. Don’t forget that. - Likes, comments, shares, etc... will not help you live a happy life. You need to find meaning beyond that. - Make sure you’re not working so hard to appear happy on social & instead just work to BE happy. - Go home. See your friends/family (if you’re able). Even if they don’t understand why you’re working so hard. I wasted way too many years because I was “working.” There are no words to express this pain — I hope the above hits some of you. Be grateful for the people in your life. Show them love today. Show them love everyday. Because “someday” isn’t always guaranteed. Taking a break from social. 🖤 …see more

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2008 and 2018. I was 23 on the left and just starting my company, Zen Media. I’d just finished graduate school and writing my thesis on Twitter. No one believed social media would be a field. It was early (...very early) days. I could have never imagined the highs and lows which would follow. The following year, Business Week would name me to their 25 under 25 entrepreneurs list. Inc and Forbes would follow suit in the years to come...In the 10 years to follow, I’d write two best selling books. The Zen of Social Media Marketing (4th edition now) and Momentum. Zen Media would grow to be a globally known marketing firm with an enviable client list. I’d keynote at hundreds of events in front of thousands. I’d learn what it means to lead people and make a ton of mistakes in the process. I’d know great love and great loss. But, I’d find that in the depth of winter lay within me an invincible summer. And, I’d learn the most important lesson of all - be grateful for your highs and graceful in your lows. 💞 #10yearchallenge …see more

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These Virgin Galactic VMS Eve flights mean a lot to me. My mum always supported every idea of mine and she lives on in everything we do – after all, you can’t have a mothership without naming it after your mother. Great to see you flying high, VMS Eve. …see more

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25 years ago we thought it would be an exciting challenge to take on Coca-Cola. We eventually failed – but learned a lot along the way https://virg.in/5kV

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Spotted 11-year-old Abraham taking hand-written notes at my talk, and got chance to meet him afterwards to find out what he was writing down… https://virg.in/iLL

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A year ago last week, I graduated from college. That day, I united with my family after the ceremony and asked my dad, “Are you proud of me?” “Absolutely. You graduated from the school you wanted to. But you should never do something just to make me proud. As long as you are following what you want and benefiting you and those around you, I will be proud. You could have not gone to college at all, and I would still be proud” my dad responded. I feel incredibly lucky and privileged to have parents that support me in what I chose to do with my education and career. Support systems are vital. #university #graduation #studentoflinkedin …see more

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If you ask for the impossible you might simply find that it is possible! Most would hesitate to ask, this boy got a selfie with the two most powerful leaders in the world. This got me thinking, when was the last time, I stepped out of my comfort zone and reached for the impossible! I think it was when I decided to ask my family to move back to India after 22 years in the US. Love to hear your #ImpossibleMoments …see more

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When I was 7 my parents and teachers didn't think I'd ever be able to read or do basic math, because of my debilitating dyslexia. I was lucky enough to work with an amazing educator who convinced me that my dyslexia was a superpower. My confidence grew, and I realized that the problem wasn't that I couldn't learn - it was that the standardized resources and tools being thrown at me were useless. Once I was able to understand my dyslexia, I was able to master it and use it to my advantage. The same is true for ANY weakness. Get to know yourself. Get to know your faults. Then grab them by the horns, and use them to unleash your full potential. Interviewer: Bryan Elliott …see more

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An incredible act of compassion and a powerful image as Brant Jean forgives and embraces the woman who killed his brother: https://lnkd.in/dvsXkEU #ReadByRichard

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It’s great to see the world waking up to the amazing strengths #dyslexia can give you. Here’s my message for dyslexic children https://virg.in/E9T

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As millions in the US and around the world take to the streets to demand an end to racism and racial injustice against black people in the wake of George Floyd’s brutal killing in Minneapolis, I am reminded of an encounter I learned a lot from more than 50 years ago. In 1967, I was 17 years old and had just launched Student Magazine to protest against the Vietnam War and other issues where I felt young people’s voices were not being heard. I was fortunate to get the rare chance to listen to James Baldwin, the brilliant African American writer and leading public intellectual. I had heard he was staying in London for a few days, so I went to his hotel and managed to secure an interview in his room. The conversation we had feels more present than ever during these days of protest.   “White people do not listen and do not care,” he said at one point, voicing his frustration at the continuing oppression of black people. “What would happen if they did listen?” I asked. “It isn’t me that they have to listen to,” he replied. “It isn’t any black man they have to listen to. It’s their own hearts and conscience.” https://virg.in/psX …see more

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You can't do that, she told me. Cindy was a VP in the Marketing department. I was on my way to see the CEO of HBO, where I worked. You can't do that, she said. You can't just walk into his office! Jeff was my boss's boss's boss's boss's boss's boss. People say "can't" when they have no answer. --- I had an idea I wanted to tell him. If you can make original TV series on HBO, why not do original web series? This was 1995. He said, go for it. I used that first idea to launch my first company. My first clients were AmericanExpress.com and TimeWarner.com . If you can't "can't", then you won't. It reminds me of this amazing football play. This quarterback shouldn't. No he didn't. No he won't! But he did. …see more

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I was sixteen when I had my first steady job and earned my first buck. It was a brutal and humiliating job that truly taught me where power lies. I applied for a job at Magoo’s Ice Cream Parlor because it was located in the mall where the girls tended to gather after school. The first day went well. My scoop skills were sound, and I could say with pride that although it was a busy day and I was new, I kept the lineups short and the customers happy. My second day on the job even busier, but I was faster. During a lull, the boss came to the front of the store. I’ll admit I was hoping for a bit of praise, for being swift, efficient, and a fast learner. Instead, she said to me, “Kevin, there’s some gum in the grout on the floor. Get on your hands and knees and scrape it out before anybody comes back in.” This request stopped me in my tracks. The first thing that entered my mind was that if a pretty girl saw me doing that, she might not talk to me. The second thing that crossed my mind was that I didn’t get hired to scrape gum. “That’s not my job,” I said. “My job’s to scoop ice cream.” Her features twisted into the meanest expression I’d ever seen on a face. Next thing out of her mouth was “You’re fired. Get out of my store.” It was the best thing that ever happened to me. …see more

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I struggled at school, so I explored what I called the university of life. And I’ve never looked back.

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Meet Aria, the Indian flying icon who will be appearing on Virgin Atlantic 's planes soon (and is based on my great-great-great-great grandmother)

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I remember my first financial meltdown. I was 23. I’d invested my whole salary - $25,000 (half of it debt!)- in a mining company on a “hot tip.” It tanked within two days. Since then I’ve learned to be a little more scrutinizing about what I invest my money in, while also following my gut. People told me I was a mad man for “investing” in a $30,000 watch! But guess what - that watch was worth TWICE what I paid for it almost the second I walked out the store. And I looked good too. #sharktank #investmentadvice …see more

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The year was 1959. This is a story of #entrepreneurship , #courage , and self-reliance. The one which proves anything is possible once you decide to do something about the situation. The story of 7 women without any fancy #education , not only improved their own lives but gave livelihoods to many other women and built an empire worth Rs. 1600 crore …see more

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A moment I really enjoyed last year was surprising more than 800 start-up founders. I joined a Virgin StartUp Meet Up to chat to Simon Sinek Inc. about how we can stay optimistic even in the middle of uncertainty and challenges:

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The Boeing 747 is a plane that holds a special place in my heart – the Queen of the Skies started Virgin Atlantic and has taken us on so many adventures over the past 36 years https://virg.in/Dyu

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This #WorldDyslexiaDay I want to take a moment to share a message of hope and encouragement: https://virg.in/E9T Made By Dyslexia

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Lovely to speak to Jake, who has just found out he has dyslexia. We talked about how it feels as I really struggled with my dyslexia at school & I encouraged him to keep chasing his dreams and to use his imagination at every opportunity. https://lnkd.in/dxQQKyd @MadeByDyslexia …see more

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Meet Emily and Rupert – the founders of Roundwood Gin and Virgin StartUp alumni. During #COVID19 , Emily and Rupert quickly started producing hand sanitiser at their distillery to meet the needs of key workers. Holly Branson reached out to Emily to hear more about their journey, and here’s what she had to say: https://virg.in/G25 #BusinessAsUnusual …see more

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Screw up an order? Piss off a customer when you’re having a bad day? Shit happens. Every business makes mistakes! It’s how you handle them that makes or breaks a business. Thanks for the words of wisdom, Wicked Good Cupcakes !

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Abraham said he isn’t an entrepreneur yet – but he wants to be. I told him you’re never too young to start, and he let me add my own note in his notebook too

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My dyslexia has shaped Virgin right from the very beginning - it helped me think big, but keep our messages simple https://virg.in/iNo

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The simple daily practice that saved my life. #DailyPractice #Health #Life #Improvement #Career #WorkLifeBalance

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2020 has been a brutal year for the wine industry. I know I'm living it. Fires destroyed crops, smoke tainted juice and #covid shut down restaurants, bars, airlines and many points of distribution. Still many of us were able to grow our businesses by making the great digital pivot and selling direct from our wineries in #california to our customers in over 40 states, and maybe win a few awards along the way! #innovation #entrepreneurship #digital #marketing …see more

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Testing this morning for the #coronavirus Now I know the angst a #pregnancy test must invoke! I was freaking out waiting for the results. Outcome? No #covid19 and I'm not pregnant! We will not be able to go back to the new normal until these tests are available to everyone, everywhere, anytime! …see more

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I took this image from the center of #Greenland while working on the documentary series #ProjectEarth for Discovery Inc There was no life there, not even a single insect. We were completely dependent on helicopter food drops. Once it stormed for four days in a row and we were cut off. This picture happen an hour after the storm broke. The human guiding in the chopper looks so fragile and insignificant on the vast moonscape of ice. …see more

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In an attempt to better understand the feelings surrounding the events of the past week, I reached out to friends to have necessary and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. One call was to NFL Hall Of Famer Curtis Martin. We talked about the lessons he’s learned and shared insights that can help us get through this together. Listen at https://bit.ly/2Y98SaE …see more

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Twenty years ago my sister and our family suffered a tragedy that we don’t talk about very often. She wanted to talk about it with the hope that it helps someone. I think it will help a lot of people. This is… A Bit of Optimism: apple.co/simonsinek

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I was a bad boss. 😞 It’s true. ✖️I lost great team members. ✖️I didn’t realize everyone isn’t driven by the same things. ✖️I made a ton of mistakes. In my defense, I was 23 and had never been responsible for a team before. I was an entrepreneur - not a manager. My heart was in the right place but I didn’t know HOW to be a good boss. Contrary to what most people believe, good leadership ISN’T innate. It is LEARNED. Thankfully, I learned. ✔️I mended relationships with my team members. ✔️ I started to understand - and honor - that not everyone wants the same things. ✔️I started to listen. ✔️I showed my appreciation rather than assumed it was a given. ✔️I put the WE before ME. To every leader out there - it is YOUR job to make sure you are learning, growing, and being an inspiration to your team. You work for them, not the other way around. If you have issues, your team has issues. It is YOUR job to become a better leader every single day. You owe your team that because everyday they show up to fulfill YOUR vision. It’s the least you can do. …see more

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Very moved watching #JustMercy , which tells the true story of the brilliant human rights lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his effort to free Walter MacMillan who was wrongfully sentenced to die in 1988: https://virg.in/5pQ

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Our #heritage is who we are and what we are made of. We must protect it to protect our deepest core of self. Now more than ever, we need to #support our artisans. Be the guardians of the rich heritage; it is our responsibility to preserve it for our #future generations. One of my most cherished possession is a handwoven cotton Benarasi saree with a rich border. It is a simple saree but was very expensive, and I had bought it directly from the weaver. Over the years, it has given me so much inner #joy , each time I wear it, I smile, I feel the connection to the artist who put so much effort to make this. What is your most cherished heirloom for you? …see more

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I remember asking Dave what flying SpaceShipTwo was like as soon as he got out of the spaceship on his first spaceflight… “It is like nothing else in this world” https://virg.in/R44

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When we started Virgin life was all about hand-written letters, calling advertisers from phone booths, and running across town to speak with bands and banks… https://virg.in/isB

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My own journey in business and that of many others I’ve come to know over the years has made me wonder: if we could fall through the grid and succeed nonetheless, just how many other talented, driven and smart kids must have fallen through as well, but perhaps lacked the support and the right circumstances to ever live up to their true potential? https://virg.in/iDU Big Change …see more

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Holly shares the lessons she learnt from growing up with a serial entrepreneur for a dad https://virg.in/RNY

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Over the years I’ve had to make a conscious effort to put my health and fitness first (after all, you only have one body, so it makes sense to try and look after it!)

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Feeling alone: Saddened to read about the tragic death of CCD owner V. G. Siddhartha. I didn’t know him well, & like others, I too wondered how to make sense of this news. Who among us hasn’t felt lonely in our burdens & responsibilities at one time or the other? What stops us from giving in to despair, despondency & lose the will to live? Something snaps & you see no hope or future. Research shows that the majority of people are glad to be alive if they can get past those difficult moments. We don’t know what the soul suffers when a person dies. But we know that the people left behind are anguished for life with guilt, regret, & unresolved questions. V. G. Siddhartha, the founder of CCD, was a first-mover in the India coffee chain opportunity. But no matter how hard you work, the realities of building a successful business are soul crunching. Even with success, factors like changing markets, competition, profitability, debt, & investor pressures are ever-present. When the pressure gets too much, talk to a counselor; learn anxiety management tools; lean into your inner circle. Don’t take your life. Don’t leave behind a circle of grief. My heartfelt condolences to Siddhartha's family and friends. May his soul rest in peace. …see more

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Sindhu Gangadharan 's corporate journey is inspiring. Some women defy the notion of limits. Can women have it all? This is a perpetual question discussed at length through all ages. What do you think holds you back? For me, if I decide to pursue something, nothing holds me back. Our mindset is our biggest strength and biggest limitation too. #InspiringPeople #WomenLeaders #WomenInBusiness …see more

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The unforgettable Gay Byrne: my thoughts on the legendary presenter and our name-written-on-hand incident https://virg.in/ihf

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Just a little reminder for the UK. For some lockdowns mean a little more time with the kids, a bit more working from the spare room, a bit more cosying next to loved ones. Perhaps time to tidy the house or plant bulbs or start a new craft project in the workshop. Another box set to gorge on TV. For others they mean the removal from life of seemingly absolutely everything they live for, the destruction of their livelihoods, sudden removal of any hope for the future. The chance of feeling alive vanish until a time they can't imagine. They mean day after day spent alone, or trapped with abusive partners, time away from dying loved ones, or people they planned to marry trapped in other countries. They mean lost dreams, lost deposits, lost savings, people dying alone, and funerals where people never get to say goodbye. They mean unemployment for years to come, crippling anxiety, the need to give up on dreams. They mean suicide, mental health issues, substance abuse issues. They don't mean a lost year, they mean a widespread massive loss of ANY sense of meaning or purpose or routine or belief in the or their future. So if you're in the former, please think of the latter and spare your virtue signalling. If in the latter, hang on in there and feel free to DM me. …see more

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As part of Black History Month, Virgin Limited Edition 's Chuks Nwaobasi shares his powerful, personal story of experiencing racism in the UK https://virg.in/ahh

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I have a confession... Shark was never my first career choice. When I grew I wanted to be one thing. A rockstar...on the cover of the Rolling Stone, baby. This week I got a little closer to my dream, sitting down with Gus Wenner - CEO of Rolling Stone. We're talking about building brands, the music industry, and everything in between. On this week's episode: "How has digital media changed the music industry?" "Has COVID-19 killed the future of live music?" "How to play the guitar when you can't read music," and more! https://lnkd.in/ebRg2JP …see more

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I have been going to the office since July for about 2 days a week. Here is why: 1. I miss the office 2. I miss the snacks in the office 3. I miss the people in my office 4. I miss the ease of communicating ideas face-to-face 5. Most importantly, I don't want #covid19 fear to stop me from getting on with #life . How 'homesick' for the office are you? #WorkFromHome #India Image credit: WhatsApp/Source unknown …see more

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My little brother would have graduated high school today. A part of me feels so guilty. For being the older brother & for being alive. He was so much smarter and so much more talented than I am. I spent so much time working for a better life for myself and the people I cared about... and I neglected my relationship with one of the people I loved most. If you’re working right now — tell someone you love... that you love them. I promise that’s one thing you’ll never regret. I miss you every day little brother. I’ve become a better person because of you. I promise I’ll make you proud. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

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Lovely to meet the team behind Change Please and hear how Tom went from homeless in London to a head barista and trainer:

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I started saying “NO” to people who weren’t right for me. I started saying “NO” to everything I didn’t want to do. I started saying “NO” to mindless meetings, mindless events, mindless people who were bad for me, mindless food or alcohol, mindless anger and regret. Mindless TV and news. I started saying “NO” to colonoscopies and other things related to painful medical experiments. I listed all the things I could say “NO” to and I still do. When you have a tiny tiny piece of shit in the soup it doesn’t matter how much more water you pour in and how many more spices you put on top. There’s shit in the soup. I had been saying YES to the wrong things for 20 years... http://bit.ly/2id5A4r …see more

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I have many investments in the gifting and #wedding space. The #Covid19 pandemic has devastated these industries, cost billions of dollars and millions of jobs and now practically no weddings. It's not right. On Friday I became ordained and on Saturday held my first Virtual Wonder Wedding. Congratulations Ian and Erica. Love always finds a way! Thank-you Honeyfund.com, Inc. FairyTail Pet Care …see more

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Playboy wasn't part of her plan... She wanted to act. But they told her: "You're branded as playmate, so that's what you are." She didn't give up. In this interview  Amanda Cerny tells me her secrets to becoming a social media influencer and the #actor she's always wanted to be. She taught me how you can CHOOSE YOURSELF: http://apple.co/1ewcX8D …see more

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Years ago Mark Burnett hired my daughter Savannah O'Leary to be a production assistant on the set of Shark Tank set. I thought the brutal hours (wake up 3:30am and 12 hours days) would de-glorify the film and television production business for her and set her on a different career pursuit. I was wrong. She caught the bug and has been working in film ever since. Yesterday the New Yorker publisher her latest work, a short doc called #GoneViral about the Ken Bone phenomena that occurred in the last election. I hope you enjoy it, its so timely. I'm a proud dad! …see more

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Unemployment caused my disability and I desperately wish more people understood the debilitating consequences of burnout before it's too late... The stress of not knowing where your next meal will come from, how to keep the heat on, forgetting the taste of fresh produce living off of canned goods, and the other added pressures of caring for a newborn... When I lost my vision from severe optic neuritis I was scared, but when I lost my ability to walk I was absolutely hopeless. How would anyone want to hire me like this? Was my professional career completely over at 25?! Stress devoured my immune system. I'll never be the same... but I count my blessings habitually! Eternally grateful to have recovered my sight in one eye and humbled by the mobility challenges. But it's all a little too late and there's no cure. So if you're reading this, PROMISE me one thing... The next time you become overwhelmed by external pressures, pause and breathe. Prioritize yourself because we are delicate creatures. Remind yourself that there is ALWAYS a special place for you, regardless of endless obstacles in your way. If you can relate, please contact me. You are not alone. We are stronger together ❤ #careers #disability #burnout …see more

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Rather than wanting to go to university, I told a potential business partner as a teenager: “Let’s get out there, let’s get going!” Sounds about right

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From crashing bikes into rivers to childhood businesses selling budgies and Christmas trees, from rationing tea to running Virgin Records – remembering a wonderful lifetime of adventures with my dear friend Nik - https://virg.in/5fw

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Looking back at my earliest memory, my greatest ‘aha’ moment and most memorable meeting I’ve ever had: https://virg.in/5H3

♥ 2155 · Comments 78

I lost my little brother 4 months ago. Feels like yesterday. Also feels like years ago. Tomer Yogev explained grief to me in an interesting way. He said: Imagine a box. And in that box you have a huge ball. That ball is grief. Every time that ball hits a side of the box it will trigger something in you: anger, sadness, guilt, etc. And as time goes on, that ball will get smaller and smaller. Hitting the walls less and less. But it will never go away. I’ve been fascinated by grief lately. Because it’s changed the way that I view things. It’s changed a little part of every bit of me. 1). I care if people like me. For the longest time I said I didn’t. But now, I really don’t care to let the opinions of others effect me. 2). I’m more passionate. About everything. 3). I’m more cognizant of how others feel. 4). I realized that I got stuck in who I thought I was. And I kept myself from allowing myself to grow into who I am supposed to be. 5). I realized business doesn’t care about your feelings or your life. So if you’re able to, build (or work for) a business that does. Death is a weird thing. I don’t like talking about it. Tearing up about it as I’m writing this. Just want to say thank you. For the support. So much love for all of you. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 2031 · Comments 316

From a low income & immigrant background to UC Berkeley to tech to Forbes 30 Under 30. Fun to be back in Boston again this year! I can say hands down that higher education, relationship building, and hustling have been and still are catalysts for all my career growth thus far. This is what I call the American dream and social mobility at their fullest. I'm incredibly blessed for all the support from these amazing individuals in my life and career, Jenny Rooney Kevin Young Sonia Sng Doreet Jehassi Kyle Wong Kathryn Bader Debra Goldentyer Janet Balis Steve Olenski Zsolt Katona Maya Pope-Chappell Itamar Orgad Ashley Whitlatch ! …see more

♥ 1929 · Comments 62

#IrrfanKhan was one of the few actors who took risks and shaped alternative cinema. He was a master of his craft. I particularly loved his role in Hindi Medium. I haven't had a chance to watch English medium yet. His untimely death makes me realise how life is unpredictable. It makes me introspect,"Have I used the time given to me on this Earth wisely? Am I making choices that leave no regrets?" May your soul #RIP Irrfan. You will be remembered fondly through the life you have lived. …see more

♥ 1839 · Comments 63

Wonderful being back in Mumbai – really does feel like the city of dreams. Talked about the importance of embracing failure and bouncing back with Anand Mahindra at Virgin Atlantic ’s Business Is an Adventure event https://virg.in/iHg

♥ 1789 · Comments 47

It’s a Sin: What a moving, poignant depiction of what many gay men went through during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 80s. The scenes set in Heaven bring back so many memories of that time https://virg.in/9wG

♥ 1770 · Comments 134

#SharkTank season 12 premiers tonight on ABC. We filmed it in a "bubble" made possible by the incredible staff of the #LasVegas #VenetianHotel So what do you do when you are living in a lock down? You write country songs! I busted out my new song "Dagger" on Good Morning America …see more

♥ 1747 · Comments 92

A tribute to the epic Karl Lagerfeld who passed away yesterday. More than fashion, I believe he really understood branding. He revived Fendi in the 60’s and Chanel in the 80’s, and his best work was his own eponymous line which I was lucky enough to wear on camera and off. I’ll share my thoughts soon on what we can all learn from his life and work. #karllagerfeld #fashionicon #brandinggenius …see more

♥ 1725 · Comments 65

Our spacesuits include a special pocket over the heart to hold personal mementos - I will use mine to take photos of my family up into space https://virg.in/iQw Virgin Galactic Under Armour

♥ 1706 · Comments 85

The New York Times devoted an entire cover page to list names of 1000 #COVID19 victims. (1% of the current COVID death toll in the US). By putting names to a number we acknowledge their life. They are more than a statistic. They are people who are loved and mourned and will be missed. …see more

♥ 1699 · Comments 50

Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru devo Maheshwara, Guru sakshat, Param Brahma, Tasmai shri guravay namah. As kids, we repeated it because we were made to. Older now, I understand how much the many teachers and mentors take us under their wings and shape our life. I would be nothing without the people who gave me so much with the generosity of spirit. Acknowledging all the #Gurus in my life, thank you. I am grateful for my meditation practice that allows me to see myself more clearly each day and be a bit better daily. I will be forever grateful to Daaji ( Kamlesh Patel ), my Guru, for guiding me and many others in the #Heartfulness journey. #HappyGuruPurnima …see more

♥ 1695 · Comments 39

I went to a protest yesterday. I had to sit down because I had mixed feelings. Initially it was a bunch of people (not of color) taking photos of their signs and letting people know where they were. Which made me angry. And when everyone gathered it was a predominantly white crowd. And for the first time in a long time I realized how exhausting it is to be black. I never thought I'd live in a world like that where I would see people that didn't look like me... fighting for me. "Good" isn't the right word... but I felt hopeful. The amount of people that reached out to me to ask questions after my recent posts... the amount of people that shared... the amount of conversations. I'm hopeful. For the first time in a long time. I don't believe there should be a reward and I don't believe people are doing this for a reward. The reward is the change. But from this 26 year old kid from Minneapolis, MN... thank you to everyone that is stepping up. Thank you to everyone that is uncomfortable and figuring it out right now. Thank you for speaking up. Thank you for LISTENING. ILY, #justQ 🖤 #BlackLivesMatter …see more

♥ 1681 · Comments 123

I'm all about saving money, but I'll spend on the right item if it's a good investment. This is another piece of wisdom I learned from my mom, Georgette! What are YOU saving up for?

♥ 1657 · Comments 198

While cleaning out a shed on our cottage property I came across a box of old college memorabilia that had been sitting there since the 1970. Many generations of field mice had wintered in it and it was full of excrement. I was about to heave it into the dumpster when I noticed a roll of super 8mm film sitting at the bottom. It was my long lost first production I had made for my film101 class. It looked destroyed but I sent it to #digmypics to see if they could restore it. I remember the professor told us we needed to explore the topic of mental health for our first assignment. There was a lot of drinking and recreational drugs around my dorm and a fair amount of anxiety, depression and alcoholism to go with it. I don't think that has changed much on any college campus. In retrospect I wonder if this topic stayed with me because when I was approached to be an early investor in a start up that wanted to explore the use #psychedelics as medicine for mental health, I dug in deep and made it a core holding in my venture portfolio. As we approach the end of #2020 #MindMed $MMEDF has become my best performing investment for the year. Talk about foreshadowing! Enjoy the movie, I think my roommate did a good job in his first major role. #mentalhealth #venturecapital #psychedelicmedicine …see more

♥ 1598 · Comments 129

I've messed up. Because I haven't shown what it's really like owning a business. Here's "my" reality of being an entrepreneur. ✅ I've had two failed businesses. In 2018 my power was turned off multiple times because I wasn't making enough money. Early 2019, I slept on my office floor for 2 months while we got our company off the ground. ✅ My company has grown quickly. And it's been amazing. But 2019 was also a rough year. I skipped pay multiple times. ✅ I had to walk miles to meetings because I totaled my car and didn't have enough money for Lyft. ✅ I rented out two of my apartment rooms at $500 a month each. It allowed me to live rent free a lot of 2018 while I focused on building my company. ✅ I've been called a 'n***er'. Laughed at during the first pitch event I ever went to. Friends turn into enemies. Fellow creators turn on me. Don't become an entrepreneur because of what it looks like. This is the worst thing I've ever done in my life. But it's also the most rewarding thing I have ever done. And I can't imagine doing anything else. I'm a business owner because of the freedom. Because it fuels my curiosity. Because it allows me to empower others. Share this video with someone that needs to see this! 🎥 #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #entrepreneurship #business …see more

♥ 1584 · Comments 355

I told this story on QVC. I found some forgotten barrels of 2006 and 2007 of red Walla Walla Cabernet Sauvignon. 2006 and 2007 were near perfect growing years. We discovered the stash after acquiring the winery and blended this limited amount. If you have never tried a 2006-2007 Walla Walla  I doubt you will ever find it again. https://lnkd.in/es52raV …see more

♥ 1516 · Comments 97

Humble beginnings, high achievements. Makes you think hard about the importance of self-belief and hard work. What was your first #job ? Mine was a teaching assistantship for $700 a month and I somehow managed to still save money each month and I was happy. Didn’t think I lacked anything I needed. #Success #Entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 1500 · Comments 139

I met Gary Vaynerchuk tonight! 😍😍😍 3 Years ago I quit my job to do this entrepreneur thing. And I owe a lot of that to Gary and his content. I fell on my face over and over again. From: - Not having enough money to buy a $0.99 chocolate bar. - Renting out my spare bedrooms to make rent. - Struggling to get clients. And this past year has been absolutely amazing. From: - Signing a contract to be on an Amazon Prime TV show. - Speaking at large events. - And the growth of my company. - Getting to wake up and do what I love every single day. Stuff like this is totally surreal for me. Thank you for lighting the way. And thank you for the hug. Appreciate you dude! #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #GaryVee Quentin Allums …see more

♥ 1481 · Comments 302

My business partner was my old college roommate. Six years ago I wanted an internship that I was under qualified for. Izzy told me to apply. I did. And heard nothing back. Izzy was at a networking event that they hosted, he talked to the guy that was hiring, and the next day I got an interview. I ended up landing the internship. When we first started someone asked, “why are you two going into business together?” Aside from the fact that he crushes it, that’s why ☝🏽. Surround yourself with people that have your back. Happy birthday dude. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 1469 · Comments 133

They fired me. They fired me as CEO. Then they fired me as a board member. Then they took away my shares. And now none of them ever talk to me. I started the company, I had the initial idea, I raised $30 million for it from A+ investors (i.e. “rich people”), I bought two companies for it, I hired the first 50 employees, and then I was shown the door. The reason? I was a bad leader. . . . #leadership #writing #entrepreneurship #lifestyle …see more

♥ 1407 · Comments 117

"You're my best friend,"​ a client of my web agency once told me in 1996. "You're mine!"​ I said. But I was lying. I hated him. I hated every client. I was afraid the client would fire me if I wasn't his friend. I made every decision out of fear. I wish I hadn't cared what people thought. Getting respect is more important than being liked. #lessons #dondraper #entrepreneur #writing …see more

♥ 1402 · Comments 84

We all have different deal breakers when it comes to dating, but if there's one that everyone should have regardless of age, sex, or religion - it's DEBT.

♥ 1382 · Comments 121

When I was 20 a woman came into the gym that I was working at. Long story, but she ended up telling me things like: ✅ You will be making minimum wage for the rest of your life. ✅ You'll never be as successful as me. ✅ Colleges shouldn't waste scholarship money on people like you. ✅ Etc. I want to thank that woman. Because it was in that moment that I decided that if she is what "success" meant... then I didn't want it. If I had to put other people down to make myself feel big then I didn't want it. I quit that day and found a social media internship a few weeks later. The rest is history. Define your own success. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #StrangeOnPurposePodcast #Business 📸 Justin Jackson …see more

♥ 1366 · Comments 203

I met a girl in an elevator and asked her out on a date. This was between marriages. The first thing she asked me on our date was, “How much are you worth?” I had made and lost millions but nobody knew at that time what I had. I lied. I said, “a million dollars”. But I was worth less. “Not good enough,” she said. Still, we dated for awhile but then it ended. Like most things, it ended horribly. I had made and lost so many times at that point that I had to ask myself: “Why can’t I keep the money?” …see more

♥ 1342 · Comments 242

It took me quite a long time to develop my voice, now that I have it, I am not going to be silent" - Madeleine Albright. I can relate to this. In the early days of my #career , I was plagued with doubts or shyness to speak up for fear that others might not listen to me. In fact, it is surprising how many of us are afflicted with this. Over time I trained myself to speak and make my #voice heard. If you are one of those people who feel you are marginalized, don't be afraid to #speak up, it doesn't matter if you are heard or not, eventually, your voice will cut through the cacophony and you will be heard …see more

♥ 1339 · Comments 66

Most companies give 3-5 paid days off after a loss of a loved one.... My brother passed 4 months ago – I am my own boss & have a team of 7 not including myself... and it was hard going back to work. It was hard getting back in the swing of things. I can't imagine going through that as someone without the privilege that I had. I can't imagine not being able to explore my emotions and the changes that I've gone through. I've spent a lot of the past 3 years talking. Which I'm fine with, so long as it's helping people. I want to spend more time creating and exploring anything and everything that interests me. And right now the correlation between my recent success & grief is fascinating to me. So, I'm creating a short film around grief and the way that it changes people. If you want to be a part of it, shoot me a message. I start filming next week. I have mad love for all of you. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #business #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 1331 · Comments 265

I haven't been able to record any videos since my brother passed away. Not because I'm not capable. But because I've struggled with what it is that I truly want to create. And I guess through this I’m learning that I’ve been riding a wave. Nodding my head. Creating videos and content. Speaking to crowds about things that they want to hear. And somewhere along the line I stopped speaking my truth. I stopped having things to say. I’m done letting people in that I don’t care for. I’m done saying yes to things that go against my beliefs. I’m done going through the motions & dimming down so I don’t make other people uncomfortable. I have things to do. And things to say. We all do. Don’t wait for something like this to happen before you wake up. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #personalbranding #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 1321 · Comments 325

I am grateful for my education in India. First, college was fun not stress filled. The friendships I #education #success built then were simple and still sustain after all the ups and downs of life. And while there are many things to improve in Indian education system, a middle class student like me could have never afforded expensive college. For my 4 years of engineering in Osmania, i might have paid a total of INR.5000, that is less than $100. Our success depends on so many supporting dots, if i didn't have affordable education, where would I be today? …see more

♥ 1316 · Comments 70

Thank you, Riyadh, for the most thrilling and inspiring week - filled with entrepreneurship, innovation, and wonderful people. I have never in my life met so many entrepreneurs from so many different countries in one room! I wasn’t sure what to expect visiting Saudi Arabia for the first time, but I’m leaving feeling transformed by the brilliant and generous people I’ve met, the ideas they’ve shared, and the experiences we've had together in beautiful Riyadh. The future is bright if we continue to support young innovators and entrepreneurs across the world! 🌟 #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship #ewc #ewc2019 #globalbusiness …see more

♥ 1309 · Comments 45

My best friend is in a medically-induced coma, and today is his sixth day on a ventilator. He has a very small chance of survival. If he does survive, I’m told that he will never be the person he was before he was intubated. I am sharing this with you because my best friend from childhood, my true brother from another mother, was a complete coronavirus denier. He truly believed that the severity of the disease and the scope of the problem was being “hyped” for political reasons. My friend is not a stupid person; quite conversely -- he’s a brilliant doctor. What he had was a political ideology, and he chose political rhetoric over science. Please don’t make the same mistake. #coronavirus #science #covid19 …see more

♥ 1297 · Comments 173

As a young child, my imagination was fired up by reading about #EdmundHillary and his success in being the first to climb the #Everest . And since then, around 5,780 people have climbed Everest. People who achieve #extraordinary things also pave the way for others to follow in their path. …see more

♥ 1276 · Comments 23

From breaking world records to driving a tank down Times Square, Holly reflects on her teenage years with the #VirginFamily : https://virg.in/RNY

♥ 1276 · Comments 44

I have been a fan of M.S.Subbulakshmi. It is why I recently picked up the book. I highly recommend it if you are interested in the evolution of Carnatic music. In fact, I highly recommend it for anyone. She took extraordinary risks, excelled at her craft, remained untouched by fame and fortune. Ultimately, it is a #story of #triumph against odds because you #believe in your #instincts and pursue your #dreams . #WeekendMusings …see more

♥ 1275 · Comments 46

I recorded 500+ videos before anyone took notice. That's how it works. They won't notice the hours you put in right away. The pain. The struggle. The failure. The anxiety. Or all of the times that you contemplate quitting. They won't care. Not until you win them over. And that's the thing... no one owes you a view. No one owes you a like. No one owes you a share. No one owes you support or a follow. You have to earn that. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #business 🎥 Ken K. …see more

♥ 1268 · Comments 220

Things I explored in my 20s: • Learnt things that weren’t core to my career • Experienced different cultures • Polished my speaking skills • Outdoors, trekking, camping, backpacking • Personal finances • Learnt swimming • Lived in many places, learnt to make new friends • Gained confidence to speak up • Learnt to take risks • Learnt to start a company, an NGO • Spent hours at library immersed in reading #PersonalDevelopment #Motivation #Life …see more

♥ 1258 · Comments 41

Occasionally I get to meet someone whose story absolutely inspires me. Quilen Blackwell is one of those people. He was on the path set for him - good grades, good college, good job - but he decided to follow his own path and his journey was filled with far more difficulty than he imagined. Only through faith, conviction and the generosity of strangers was he able to rise up and become the successful social entrepreneur he is today - serving the community that took care of him. Listen at apple.co/simonsinek or anywhere you get your podcasts and learn more about the Chicago Eco House at chicagoecohouse.org …see more

♥ 1247 · Comments 39

My little brother would have turned 19 today. This is one of the only photos I will ever have of him & I as adults. The morning after everything happened I drove back to Minnesota. I stopped to get coffee early. The world just looked different that day (and has ever since). People looked different. Not better. Not worse. Just different. It was like every day up until that point was lived in black & white. And for the first time I was seeing color. The meaning behind the expression on the barista's face. The man sitting in the back corner typing profusely. The person in front of me impatiently waiting to order. They all had lives. I didn't know the context of theirs. And they didn't know the context of mine. But the signs were there. The body language was there. And neither of us said a thing about it. "Hey, how are you doing?" the barista muttered. "I'm doing okay. How are you?" I responded. "Good. What can I get you today?" __ I see the flaw in that now. It's okay to not be okay. It's okay to say it out loud. It's okay to say it to strangers. To friends and family. It's okay. Happy birthday buddy. Thank you for showing me what it's like to live in color & for pushing me to do something meaningful with my life. I miss you. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 1228 · Comments 172

Last week I linked up for a long chat with George the Poet. George and I met through Big Change, an organization working to do something we both care about: to transform the potential of education so that it's really about learning, not just school. #NewEducationStory Big Change …see more

♥ 1213 · Comments 51

Took on the TEDx stage. �� I also had the opportunity to thank several organizations who gave me a chance on stage, fueling my career from zero to infinity as an immigrant: Apple ( Kevin Young ), Forbes ( Jenny Rooney , Steve Olenski ), and LinkedIn Publishing ( Maya Pope-Chappell , Daniel Roth , Chip Cutter ). What a remarkable experience to share the designing of a purposeful personal brand from zero to infinity. �� Thanks for the amazing and memorable event, TEDxBerkeley! …see more

♥ 1197 · Comments 61

I have nostalgic memories of the Indian Railways from my childhood. At the end of the school year, we would go to our grandfather's village to spend the summer vacations and have carefree time on the farm. The simulation of this state-of-the-art sea bridge looks fabulous! Being built in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, its #construction would enable the trains to operate at higher speeds. If completed successfully, it will be an #engineering marvel. Kudos to Indian Railways! #India #WeekendMusings Piyush Goyal Video Credits: Ministry of Railways- India - https://lnkd.in/eK_b2Ss …see more

♥ 1178 · Comments 68

Rising early feels daunting to most people. In my 20's, not getting 8hrs of sleep used to be a crisis, but now I average 5-6 hrs. Rising early at 5:30am does help me focus better without distractions & gain control of the day. I can prioritize multiple tasks: some quiet time for meditation, yoga/exercise, setting up the day's agenda & addressing critical emails. Is rising early a secret to success? I am not sure. But what I do believe is that the course of our lives is determined by how efficiently we utilize our time. …see more

♥ 1177 · Comments 48

This is so poignantly written from the heart, and since I grew up in very similar circumstances, it was so relatable to me. Had to share it. #happyfathersday

♥ 1162 · Comments 33

I learned about #ChadwickBoseman ’s death at the end of a 17-hour day, after covering the 57th Anniversary of the #MarchOnWashington . It was also near the end of the longest August I’ve endured for some time. Not only has #COVID19 worn all of us down, but I spent the month mourning my oldest sister Julie, who would have turned 70 on August 17th. Colon cancer was the only thing strong enough to kill Julie. She was my “life mentor,” and also my superhero. So as I spent last weekend continuing to report for National Geographic , two powerful engines fueled my journey. I can’t wait for Julie to meet #TChalla . #WakandaForever #RIPChadwickBoseman #BlackPanther #hero #rolemodel #inspiration #globaldevelopment …see more

♥ 1162 · Comments 27

When Thanksgiving and Christmas come around, I think back at how a Bloomingdale's seasonal gig set me up to be an NYU professor. For those of you still working towards your careers and figuring it out, sometimes you must shift gears to gain perspective and skills. Happy Holidays! …see more

♥ 1143 · Comments 71

I started saying "No" to people who weren't right for me.  I started saying "No" to everything I didn't want to do. I started saying "No" to mindless meetings, mindless events, mindless people who were bad for me, mindless food or alcohol, mindless anger and regret, and mindless TV and news. I started saying "No" to colonoscopies and other things related to painful medical experiments.  When you have a tiny piece of shit in the soup it doesn't matter how much more water you pour in and how many more spices you put on top. There's shit in the soup. I had been saying YES to the wrong things for 20 years. I started saying "No" to the bad things, and the "Yes" started to compound every day. It compounded automatically, the way interest does in a non-US bank. Now I'm free. I dumped the old soup. Now I can finally drink from the soup I just cooked.  (Full article: http://ow.ly/GeZD30hcU28) …see more

♥ 1120 · Comments 137

2019 was the best & worst year of my life. - I lost my 18 year old brother. - We found our core team of 7 people at UMV that I hope to build upon in 2020. - Started dating my girlfriend. - Signed a contract to be a part of an Amazon Prime docuseries. - I spoke at Inbound 2019. - I launched my new Gaming/eSports podcast: Humans that Game. - Moved into a bigger office. It’s crazy how our years are just condensed into lists. 365 days turned into a few bullet points. Just want to say thank you to every human (and animal) that’s been there for me. I wouldn’t be able to do the things that I do without you. Thank you. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #business #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 1117 · Comments 126

What is the real India? On my recent trip to the US, I was surprised to get many questions about 'Made in Heaven'. I was surprised that people in the US had watched it on Amazon Prime. Questions were about marriages, gay rights, lifestyles. Is this the real India? Contrast with the movie 'Article 15', is that the real India? I think India is full of contrasts. We have to build bridges to understand the realities of the many Indias. My takeaways from the movie 'Article 15': 1. Bringing any change starts with tolerance and empathy. We can’t bring change, especially behavioral and cultural, by sitting comfortably in urban India. 2. The concept of the bottom of the pyramid gets quoted so often as a market opportunity. But to create solutions and impact, you have to experience the reality. Love to hear how you see the reality of India. #WeekendMusings …see more

♥ 1112 · Comments 76

I walked into my office yesterday to grab something. Before walking out I paused and looked back. It was the first time, since the day we moved in, that I took the time to feel grateful for everything we’ve built. My office. My employees. My conference room. My podcast studio. My new wood floors. A lot of us have gotten so lazy. So complacent. We call ourselves “entrepreneurs” and it’s times like these where we find out who and what we really are. What we’re really made of. I thrive in chaos. I was born in it. If you’re reading this, now is your time. I’ll see you on the other side. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 1105 · Comments 141

I don’t like getting all preachy on here but I still think the greatest possible advantage you can have in life is knowing your parents/parent believes in you. A distant second is knowing they care only about your happiness....Whatever that entails. Anyway. I just got this urge to say this. I meet a lot of people who make me realize that this isn’t a common background and that I’m very lucky. …see more

♥ 1092 · Comments 75

As a black entrepreneur, I shrugged off race for a long time. But, people like me do not have the privilege to “ignore” what is happening right now. I have a business to run. I have bills to pay. I have responsibility to the people that follow me… but it’s impossible to think about anything else right now. If I can use even a portion of my influence to bring some change, I know that I have to. I WILL NOT ignore the state of the world. If you have questions, ask. If you need resources, ask. If you want to help, ask. We are all in this together. Period. And if you don’t view it like that then I’m going to ask you to unfollow me. Because I’m tired of living in a world that values assimilation over diversity. I’m tired of living in a world that kills for differences. I’m tired of living in a world that would rather take comfort in privilege and division, than be uncomfortable while progressing. Ignoring is a privilege that I do not have (and many do not have). I don’t have all of the answers. I don’t speak for all black/brown people. But I do hope that social can be a place in which we can discuss and grow. I will do my best to continuously show up, educate, etc. in any way that I can. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #BlackLivesMatter …see more

♥ 1085 · Comments 126

Happy New Year! Instead of having resolutions, I recently encouraged friends and family to set themes for the New Year. Unlike resolutions, themes are purposeful in that they are not tied to an action or outcome. One of my themes for 2016 was knowledge building. In that capacity, I picked up reading. Instead of boxing myself to reading a number of books or pages a month, the theme of knowledge building allowed me to read for the purpose of enjoyment and development. Through this theme, I've read over 15 books in 2016. Here's the full list. �� What are your themes for 2017? And share this booklist with friends. Also like me on Facebook: https://lnkd.in/gHgtVMT …see more

♥ 1079 · Comments 81

Selina shares her experiences of being an #LGBTQ + person in the workplace and why she’s glad to work for a business that shares her values https://virg.in/Ga6

♥ 1064 · Comments 59

My company closed its doors this October. My little brother passed away last October. It's been a crappy year [for many of us]. But also a year of deep discovery. When our company closed down I decided to step away from our company podcast as well. It's been awesome to see Izzy make it his own and I'm excited to see where he goes with it. But, over the past few months I've been working on a podcast of my own. I’ve never given my all to anything creatively. My attention has always been split between trying to grow a company, clients, employees, etc. This is the first time where I am pouring everything that I have into a project. My entire life I have been taking in depth notes about the things going on around me. I was a big Kobe Bryant fan. As a kid I would watch his games, his moves, his style; take notes and go to the court and try to implement what I was studying. As an entrepreneur I was the same way. Obsessive. I dive deep into things that most people don’t even pay attention to. It’s just who I am. This show is a way for me to do that. I’m having conversations with people, dissecting those conversations, and turning those into a piece of art. Show just went live on iTunes! https://lnkd.in/gQ2mUWT #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 1049 · Comments 260

Looking back at my school years and how #StudentMagazine became my education: https://virg.in/itE

♥ 1049 · Comments 37

When I graduated high school, college was the expected next step. For the past four years, I have had friends attend classes with me. I’ve had friends drop out to start their own companies. And, I’ve had friends succeed and fail at turning their education into work opportunities. What I learned is that college isn’t for everyone, but the  University of Southern California was the best option for me. People have different paths to success, and each has its own unique pros and cons. I wouldn’t want my little brother to feel pressured to do something just because his friend, his brother, or older sister did it. You have to do what’s best for you. #education  #graduation …see more

♥ 1048 · Comments 96

Steve #Jobs parting note was a masterclass. This is how it is done even when others wrong you. I would wish any parting to be both amicable and dignified. #Management #Entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 1041 · Comments 40

I started my first company out of college. And I failed. Miserably. Burned through my savings, my relationships went to shit, my team fell apart. I was renting out my extra rooms in my apartment just to stay afloat. And now things are going well on attempt #3. Two years later I’ve spoken on large stages, I have my TEDx coming up, was named 25 under 25 in Wisconsin, and my company is growing quickly. It would be easy to say that the most rewarding moment was that when I look back I could say that I did it. Or that I proved people wrong. But that wouldn’t be true. I think the most rewarding moment for me was 1). when I realized that someone like me was capable of being successful and 2). when I realized that I’m nowhere near done yet. There is no such thing as “making it” and I don’t think there should be. As you grow and evolve so should your dreams. But if you haven’t already know this 1). someone like you CAN be successful and 2). you’re nowhere near done yet. Just keep working and putting yourself in positions to grow. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 📸 Justin Jackson …see more

♥ 1030 · Comments 143

I recorded 500+ videos before anyone took notice. That's how it works. They won't notice the hours you put in right away. The pain. The struggle. The failure. The anxiety. Or all of the times that you contemplate quitting. They won't care. Not until you win them over. And that's the thing... no one owes you a view. No one owes you a like. No one owes you a share. No one owes you support or a follow. You have to earn that. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #business 🎥 Ken K. …see more

♥ 1027 · Comments 149

The recent news of suicides due to financial stress, such as the one by the German finance minister and others, made me rethink the importance of putting problems in perspective. For e.g, it was reported that 'His main concern was whether he could manage to fulfil the huge expectations of the population, especially in terms of financial aid. He clearly couldn't see any way out. He was desperate, and so he left us.' But everyone who knew him thought he was brilliant and most capable of doing his job. So #perspective and getting help when we feel hopeless is very important. And #communicating openly, without self-judging ourselves harshly, is also an important life skill, saying what you feel & being open and vulnerable is a survival skill everyone should embrace. However, hopeless the situation seems, there is always something that can be done differently. The latest research suggests some people are having low self-esteem staying alone. Many fear layoff & salary cuts as well. Whatever the reason, there is a stigma when all of us face problems in life and need support from time to time. Glad to also see several mental health solutions, like Wysa, InnerHour, Cure.Fit ; growing in India to provide support in a caring, objective & anonymous way. #WeekendMusings …see more

♥ 1014 · Comments 66

A PERSONAL NOTE: Folks, after close to 12 years, I have left Mint, with which I had been associated from Day 1 as part of the core editorial team that founded the paper. I had the privilege of working with some of the best minds in journalism in India and overseas. My weekly column, Banker's Trust, first appeared on 5 February, 2007, the second edition of Mint. It ran till 30 September, 2018. During this period, only twice I took break --once in August/September 2007 when I had a serious, life-threatening accident and, the second time, in early 2012 when I took a two-month `book leave' to write my first book, "A Bank for the Buck". HT Media has been an amazing employer which had given me freedom to do a lots of things beside journalism -- writing books, public speaking, running a weekly episode on banking and finance on a TV Channel. Over the last 12 years, I have written at least 700 pieces of Banker's Trust, some of which have been compiled in the form of a book, "From Lehman to Demonitization", a Penguin Random House publication. I will continue to chronicle the enormous changes that Indian financial sector has been undergoing. Till such time you find my column in media, do look for it on my website www.bankerstrust.in Good Bye. Au Revoir …see more

♥ 1000 · Comments 116

I wish I had known these 12 rules to avoid going broke when I first made money. Or when I next made money after going broke. Or when I made money the time after that. Or the time after that. Many people say, "I learned the hard way" and they are proud of that. I am not proud. Maybe I can help someone learn the easy way. Many people say, "You have to pay your dues". No you don't. The dues are free. But they never tell us this. In any case, this brought back a lot of bad memories but hopefully it will help others create some good ones. #entrepreneurship #finance #economy #wealth #rich #broke #failure #investing …see more

♥ 995 · Comments 142

Artists are original, sometimes esoteric, but they have a vision, an idea. This is the story of a retired man with an idea to paint, but on excel. He started off with this small idea and now makes art masterpieces on excel. Also, it is truly inspiring to see, that #art can be a possible use case of a product as serious as Excel. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, "Every artist was first an amateur." #WeekendMusings Video Credits: https://lnkd.in/efDcmrd …see more

♥ 994 · Comments 42

This is how I landed my TEDx talk 👇 I didn't focus on TEDx. I became an entrepreneur instead. My first company failed, so did my second, but my third is thriving. Through all of that I documented everything and invested in my personal brand. - I told my story. - Built a community. - Established my own lane. If you're wanting to land things like TEDx, focus on building a brand. Because that's social proof that you will take with you throughout your entire life. I'm not saying you need to quit your job and start a business; rather take the time to invest in your brand and share your story. That's when the magic happens. Companies die. Industries change. But personal brands live forever. #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 979 · Comments 167

I have often spoken on the importance of other hobbies and interests, especially when you have a stressful #job , which is really all #startup founders and investors. I was always a city girl, but I have become an avid gardener over the last two decades. I get almost the same thrill when I grow something new as when one of my portfolio companies does well. At the core of both is enjoying the process of nurturing a seed and seeing it bloom. Gardening is an excellent hobby. 1. It reduces stress taking you closer to the roots of nature 2. It teaches you the value of patience and relationships in the most natural way 3. It requires you to problem solve, figure out the root cause, experiment constantly 4. When you get a big crop of produce, you get to #share and give it away Any others who share the passion for gardening? #WeekendMusings …see more

♥ 977 · Comments 87

I never wanted to be seen as a black entrepreneur. I never wanted race to be a part of my story. I just wanted to be an entrepreneur. I didn't want to be the best "black" entrepreneur. I wanted to be the best. The older I get... the more I see the flaw in that thinking. The more evil that comes to light... the more I change. The older I get, the more I realize that it is my responsibility to embrace everything that I am. For all of the others like me growing up with crap circumstances & hearing things like: "Odds are you'll be in jail." "You'll be making minimum wage your whole life." "Don't be angry... you might scare people." Growing up, seeing people cross the street when they see you coming. People refusing to shake your hand. Wondering if your life is in danger because of the color of your skin. I have been a full-time entrepreneur for coming on 4 years. I'm praised for doing cool things. For being an amazing person. And yet I've neglected this. I am so proud to be who I am. To be where I'm from. To be what I am. And I promise that I will use my platform to bring, to be, and to encourage change. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 960 · Comments 141

I’m 26 years old and I am not an expert. I’m not really sure how I could be at this point. Up until a few years ago I always had a chip on my shoulder. ✅ Prove to all my haters that I could build a successful company. ✅ Prove to the world that I was good enough. ✅ Prove to myself that I knew what I was doing. And so a lot of that took the form of creating content centered around tips, and how-to’s in business (even though I really didn’t understand the business that I was in yet). For young (and all) people: it’s okay to not be an expert. It’s actually quite liberating and frees you up to become one. Think like an artist. They create. And create. And create. Until someone notices. And then they share the how-to’s of their “business”. It’s why [for the most part] I stick to sharing what I’m doing. Not what I think others should do. Just something to think about. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #business …see more

♥ 959 · Comments 229

I want to be honest with you. 👇🏽 I quit my full time job when I was 22 to start my first company. I had no plan. And I guess long term that worked out for me. But where I wish I could go back and reframe my thinking is this: I thought it was wrong to build something on the side. I thought I would lose respect if I took a part-time job (even though I was struggling to keep the lights on). I looked down on people that didn’t jump all in. Which was SO naive of me. I thought building a business was easy. Because the people I followed kind of made it look easy. One of the things I struggle with most as a creator & entrepreneur is showing the reality. I don’t show: ✅ The boring stuff. ✅ Us getting ripped apart by our business coach every week 😅😭. ✅ How much work actually goes into this. ✅ The many mistakes we make. ✅ And I could go on and on. Thank you Cory Savage for prompting this thought. And thank you i.c stars for asking me to do the commencement speech this year. 2020 I want to spend more time talking about (and showing) the stuff that many of us tend to avoid. What do you wish you knew when you first started? #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #business #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 958 · Comments 166

I’ve made and lost millions several times. I didn’t do it just once, which might be luck or it might not be. I can tell you in each case how I went from scratch to millions. And I’ve interviewed hundreds of people who have made and lost millions and gone on to achieve peak performance in their lives. But I’m going to stick to my own story. Specifically: four times I started from $0 and made millions... http://bit.ly/2u1616A …see more

♥ 932 · Comments 49

It’s been rough jumping back into business/creating since my little brother passed away. I’ve been in this weird mode of rediscovering myself again. I woke up at 2am two weeks ago to record an episode of my new podcast. It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Something I want to create that would make my little brother proud. I miss him. Immensely. It’s been over a month since he passed and it still doesn’t feel real. The last time I saw him we played video games for 3 days straight. We were going to start a team together one day. He was going to work for me next year. A week back I got so caught up in my own thoughts. 💢“Everyone has a podcast now.” Hell, I already have one with my company. 💢“I don’t know enough about the space.” 💢“I’m starting from scratch.” 💢And so on. Then someone reminded me why I’m doing this. 1). To learn. 2). To have fun. 3). To do something my little brother would have been proud of. That “why” is everything. So here I am, flipping an aggressive middle finger to doubt and doing what I want to do. Humans that Game was just approved on iTunes (it’s also on Spotify & more). A review and rating would mean the world 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽. https://lnkd.in/dkDiqmy #justQ #entrepreneurship #esports …see more

♥ 922 · Comments 147

I had a lot of daydreams as a kid. I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to interview people. I wanted to call up my heroes and talk to them. I also wanted to be an astronaut. Be president. Be a football player. And be an eccentric billionaire who peed in jars and had super long fingernails. Some daydreams come true and some don’t. But I still have lots of daydreams. I want to write a novel. I want to continue calling my heroes and interview them. I want to make people laugh. I want to help a lot of people. I want to write every day. These things excite me. I write down my daydreams all of the time. Then I write down my 10 ideas of the day. “10 ways I can be an astronaut”. “10 ways I can help Amazon”. Etc. Combine your daydreams. “10 ways I can write about astronauts”.” Or…”ten ways I can make money writing about games I like to play.” Here’s how to start: http://bit.ly/2wI7wbT …see more

♥ 914 · Comments 51

I turned 25 today and I just wanted to say this. One of the things I’m most thankful for is my team. We are one of Milwaukee's fastest growing startups, completely bootstrapped, and less than a year old. A common thread that I notice in all of my team members is that everyone has a level of obsession for their craft. I used to be a collegiate track athlete. After every competition I would dissect my triple jump performance. And that's something that I have brought into entrepreneurship, content creation, and speaking as well. - I define my standards of success - I dissect the performance on camera/stage based off that criteria - Take notes, make tweaks, and then move onto the next performance. Just something to think about for those of you that are trying to improve on camera/stage/storytelling/etc. Thank you for all of the birthday wishes, messages, and thank you for existing! #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 913 · Comments 262

In 2016 I told myself that I would never work for anyone else again. Life has changed so much for me in the past year and a half. Lost my brother and decided to close down my company. Two things that were interwoven in my identity. And with that, I’ve changed quite a bit. I feel like every week for the past 4 years I’ve read a post about someone quitting their full time job to follow their dreams/become an entrepreneur/etc. I’ve always loved those. But, I’m doing the opposite. I just joined Lewis Howes & Greatness Media . It’s something I couldn’t have predicted but I’m deeply excited for. He’s someone that I’ve followed, studied, and learned from. I love the mission & vision for the team. For as much as I come from chaos and change — I’m learning that these “promises” that I’ve made to myself have been a way for me to maintain control. A way for me to stay in my comfort zone. So, this is me — “quitting” entrepreneurship to follow my dreams of being the most badass version of me. Thank you all for the support over the years. It's been a wild ride. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 907 · Comments 215

Yes. I'm differently-abled and a proud advocate. No, you usually can't tell unless you see me walk or read. Because of this, it can be challenging to push inclusion, awareness, acceptance and accessibility forward. Today I had the pleasure of joining representatives from the great state of Wisconsin as Governor Tony Evers signed an executive order to push diversity and inclusion forward. This is one step forward in the right direction to combat bias through education, support and training initiatives to come. The differently-abled community is an untapped market of adversity warriors that often have an outstanding EQ and issue resolution skills, overcoming challenges daily. If you're serious about inclusion and diversity or you have a personal story with discrimination and accessibility issues, connect with me today. Please connect with Deborah Davis for more thought leadership in the differently-abled community. #diversityandinclusion #inclusion #inspiration …see more

♥ 899 · Comments 178

I found a Sony MD Data disk that I recorded in my home office in Chestnut Hill Boston in 1989 on a #Steinberger graphite guitar. It freaked me out because I don't play like this anymore. This track has a 1970's #PinkFloyd vibe. Maybe I need to go back to the dark side! …see more

♥ 888 · Comments 84

The hardest thing I’ve ever done was speaking at my little brothers funeral. It’s something you never think you’ll have to do. I’m more focused now than I ever have been when it comes to my business. But getting back into the swing of things for content creation has been odd. I have so much content backed up: videos, photos, etc. And none of it sounds like me anymore. None of it feels like me. I can do so much better. And as I re-find myself, I just want to put this out there for other creators...👇🏽 Don’t let what you created yesterday get in the way of what you want to create today. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #content …see more

♥ 881 · Comments 152

For me, 2016- (the start of) 2020 was an epic story: ✅ Quit my full-time job to start a company. ✅ First company failed. Burned through funds, had to rent out my extra rooms just to pay rent, power was turned off a few times. ✅ Recorded videos documenting my thought process through everything. ✅ Eventually people took notice of my videos. I helped a lot of people grow in the same way that I did. ✅ I was homeless for a handful of months. Slept on my office floor. Sometimes Airbnb's or hotels. ✅ Launched a new company with a friend and two semi-strangers and we grew really quickly. Made a lot of mistakes. Make a lot of good decisions too. ✅ Spoke on stages like VidCon, TEDx, and INBOUND. ✅ I can now be tied back to the inception of a lot of LinkedIn influencers. This year has not been ideal. It wasn't a part of my plan. At the beginning of the year I felt like I was about to jump on a launch pad into a new universe. Now it feels like the next chapter... maybe even a new book. The more we linger on the old bullet points, the more we keep ourselves from creating new ones. I don't entirely know what the next chapter looks like. But I know it's going to be a good story. And that's all we really are anyway — stories. "Let's just make it a good one, eh?" #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 873 · Comments 131

"One year of experience at Amazon is like 3 years of experience anywhere else". It's true. The skills I learned there, including writing in a data-driven fashion, will serve me well for the rest of my career, and in life.

♥ 871 · Comments 20

I made over 500 videos before anyone noticed. And that's how I know I love it because I have always created regardless if anyone was watching or not. There was a time where I had nothing to my name. I wasn't eating. I wasn't taking care of myself. And video was the thing that got me out of that and I know it can be incredibly beneficial for others as well. For anyone on the fence about creating here's why I do it: I make videos for the following reason: ▪️ It propels my business forward. ▪️ It allows me to tell my story, build social proof and brand equity. ▪️ To leave a blueprint for anyone that follows in my footsteps. ▪️ Because I love it. Why do you create video? Let me know, #WhyVideo and nominate others to join the campaign. I'm nominating Fabio , Shay , "SAM LISTER" , Chantel . #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 864 · Comments 185

I used to suck on camera... like really bad! 😂 So I gave myself this rule: always finish the take. 🎥 Here's why: ✅ You don't get a redo when you're on stage. ✅ You don't get a redo when a stranger wants to shoot a video with you. ✅ You don't get a redo when you're pitching investors. It made me better on camera. But it also made me better on stage and better in conversations overall. Because you always have to find your way back to the point and finish the thought. If you want to improve, stop giving yourself redo's. Finish the take. You can always shoot the video again if you don't like it. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #business #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 859 · Comments 182

Did I ever tell you about the time I almost lost everything I had in Vegas?? Yep, even Mr. Wonderful has made major money mistakes.

♥ 854 · Comments 33

Staff Sergeants Ben Brednicki and Matt Macky are Pararescue Jumpers in the US Air Force. Considered a branch of special operations forces, PJs are an elite group whose entire mission is to save lives. Both Brednicki and Macky have seen multiple tours of combat and experienced the stress and horror of combat medicine. They were kind enough to sit down with me to share how they deal with the stress and stay mentally fit with the hope that some of their training and lessons will help a new breed of combat medic - those who have fought and are still fighting on the front lines of our civilian hospitals during this global pandemic. If someone you know is front-line worker, share this with them. Ask for help. Be there for each other. Never cry alone. …see more

♥ 853 · Comments 32

While at Microsoft , I had five personal encounters with Satya Nadella: 1) I accidentally ran into his office during a call with Wall Street analysts 2) Three months later, in an elevator, where he asked me if I was the person that ran in his office. He simply asked if it was important and whether I still needed his help 3) When I "mistakenly" parked in the Microsoft Giving Campaign spot that he bought for charity :) 4) At a HiPo luncheon, where we chatted for 30 minutes about an initiative I was leading 5) Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 10:46 AM, the day he became CEO of Microsoft. I sent him a congratulatory email that, among other things, had this direct ask: “Empower the engineers, enable us to deliver faster and better, break down the bureaucratic barriers that keep us from executing” On quite possibly the most consequential day of his professional life, Satya responded, a mere *six minutes later*: "Thank you…… and thanks for the feedback…. Also I would ask you to give yourself permission to lead/push as well…. thanks" Are leading with empathy/focusing on employee psychological safety effective? Look at Microsoft's stock price (congratulations on a stellar quarter!), innovation, and employee morale since Satya became CEO. The results speak for themselves #leadership …see more

♥ 850 · Comments 17

I just had my second TEDx curation meeting for the talk I'm giving next year. One of the first things I told them was, "I'm in a bit of an existential crisis right now." I don't want to be motivational. I don't want to have a traditional story. One of the curators told me, "even just listening to you just now I felt motivated. And hearing you talk about your subject I was inspired." And it made me realize that 1). it's okay to be motivational. 2). I was once a person that needed to someone to show them the way. And to neglect that would be to neglect the people that are walking in the same shoes I once was. It's not our job to decide what people take away from what we share. But it is our job to share. One of my favorite movies is 'Remember Me'. And there's an awesome quote that goes something like this: There will be times when we feel insignificant. Times when we are told we are insignificant. But it's still important that we take action, because we are always causing ripples in the universe whether we realize it or not. (with my own spin). Keep making ripples in the Universe. #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 842 · Comments 178

I just did my first TEDx talk! 😍 Which is crazy to me because I literally puked in the bathroom a few minutes before my first speaking engagement a little over a year ago. And now, nerves don't effect me because of this 👇🏽 I learned this from Kobe Bryant and people like Michael Phelps: When Kobe was still in the NBA he created this on court persona, the Black Mamba. Off the court, Kobe had to deal with everyday life issues. But on the court, Black Mamba's only focus was dominating on the court. And having that mental separation, and focus, is something that's helped me as an athlete, musician, and now as a speaker. 1). Having a routine that helps me get into my zone. 2). Creating a persona that reminds me that it's okay to be nervous. Because the minute that I step on stage the nerves will turn into focus. 3). When it's time to perform, just hit "play" on your tape. The tape being all the preparation you've had up until this point and the routine that you've perfected (Michael Phelps does this). That's why nerves no longer effect me. What's your prep look like? #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 840 · Comments 181

From several terrifying experiences on my record-breaking balloon expeditions, to a bumpy paraglide landing on the 2019 Strive Challenge last week - I still think you should never look down https://virg.in/iGd

♥ 837 · Comments 47

Yesterday was the first time I stepped on a stage since my little brother passed away in October. 🎤 🖤 This photo kind of explains how it felt. Like who I used to be finally faded away and gave way to who I’ve become. Someone came up to me after and said “you said more to me in 10 minutes than I heard all day.” And that is all that matters. That I speak to the people that I need to. That I impact the people that I need to. And not change for those that don’t like me. I’m in a good place. Weird place. But good place. Creating & doing what I want. Hopefully at the end of it all I’ll be someone my brother would be proud of. So if you’ve stuck around this far. Hey. It’s nice to [re]meet you. I’m just Q. And if you just started following me... hey. It’s nice to meet you. This is going to be fun. 🖖🏽🖤 #justQ #business #entrepreneurship 📸 Ken K. …see more

♥ 828 · Comments 117

It happened by accident. Dr. Seuss got annoyed. Very. Annoyed. Ted Geisel saw an article saying that kids were illiterate. Schools were failing to teach kids to read. #drseuss #lifestyle #writing #problemsolving …see more

♥ 827 · Comments 54

We are all very different, but what I miss most about the old normal is literally every .single. thing. Not for everyone but for many, it’s every part of life that is missing. The beauty of snatched random smiles from strangers, the energy of a packed tube train, the vignettes of life at train stations , the feeling of hopeful excitement in airports. The drama of those running late for the theatre. The Echos of laughter down alleyways in city centers , groups cheering on teams, awful parties, terrible experimental theatre, tantalizingly bad first dates where you wait forever for them to arrive , spontaneous dinner parties, nightclubs that won’t let you in, but you argue with, meetings that could have been emails , birthdays celebrated at work, random encounters backstage at events, jetlag , near constant jetlag, I miss it all. It was exhausting, expensive, inefficient, it wasn't perfect, but It was life, the life we all choose. And I miss it . Every part of it. The 4am wake up calls, the commutes, the stress, another hotel bed , another lost room key, another Uber , and the moments you’ve been more tired than ever , I miss them all …see more

♥ 824 · Comments 123

I used to tie my self-worth to the company that I worked for. Then I started my own business for the first time. What it showed me is this: I wasn’t useful yet. I didn’t deserve success. I had built my name and network on the backs of the companies that I worked for. And the minute I stopped working for those companies it was like starting all over. No one wanted anything to do with me. And when I go to events now, it’s always weird that people want to talk to me. That they get excited simply that I am present. Someone told me yesterday “the man in the black hat... anyone ever tell you that your hat is intimidating?” When did I become someone that people look up to? I built three companies... one of them happened to work. I understand my significance (and insignificance). But what blows my mind is how MUCH we idolize others and how poorly many of us treat ourselves. A gateway to doing great things is self-love. Because often times the only thing separating the people that do “great” things is the fact that they love themselves enough to give themselves permission to do those things. In other [totally unrelated] news... this is Sam Lister . Mad proud of this guy. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #business #startups …see more

♥ 815 · Comments 104

You were born for more... and if you still don't believe that, just look around. This world is absolutely overflowing with magic. With autumn leaves turning into firey shades of yellow, orange and red, the world we live in is magnificent! This weekend we said farewell to Grandma Soumis while the angels painted the forest in a rainbow of fire overnight. We were reminded of the legacy our family leaves behind and the gift of life we were handed. A gift of endless opportunity and the ability to do or be anything we set our hearts on... So... When you feel small, ❤ remember how special your story is. 🧡 embrace your struggles and adversity. 🤎 learn to love each twist and turn. You were built for more, and better yet, you DESERVE more... So go get it! And don't forget to enjoy the colorful ride along the way 😉 #success #growth #chantelshares …see more

♥ 808 · Comments 91

Having set the world record with Per for the first ever Transatlantic and Pacific crossings in a hot air balloon, I know only too well how challenging these attempts can be. Debbie and Mike are very brave taking on the exciting adventure of a transatlantic balloon flight and I’m sure their efforts will inspire people around the world. I wish them every success for their flight and are delighted that Virgin Atlantic is helping them https://lnkd.in/dvnHR_Q #Balloonthepond …see more

♥ 806 · Comments 27

I have one bag of clothes, one backpack with a computer, iPad, and phone. I have zero other possessions. Today I have no address. At this exact moment I am sitting in a restaurant and there’s no place for me to go to lie down. https://lnkd.in/exkuG9Z …see more

♥ 805 · Comments 185

I answered this question on 40. I hope nobody ever feels like a failure at 40. It's a horrible and sad feeling. The question was: "I feel like a failure at 40. How do I start over?" My answer: https://lnkd.in/eMPsZEB (teaching my daughter how to fly when I was age 40). …see more

♥ 798 · Comments 57

When I first started writing my book, Indistractable, I had trouble staying on task, and at first, I blamed technology for distracting me. But then I noticed that even when I got rid of the tech gadgets I thought were to blame, I would find other things to grab my attention. It wasn’t until I dove much deeper and began to ask myself why I was shifting my attention that I realized the root cause. I learned that all too often, the cause of distraction isn’t what’s happening outside of us but rather what is happening inside of us. Distraction and procrastination aren’t evidence of a character flaw or moral failing. They also aren’t caused by some evil plot by tech companies. Rather, they are caused by our inability to deal with uncomfortable sensations like boredom, stress, and anxiety. What do you think? How do you deal with uncomfortable feelings? Do you escape them with distractions? #Indistractable #EmotionalState #Tech #Distraction …see more

♥ 786 · Comments 88

Yesterday I shared an experience of mine that ruffled some feathers and I had absolutely NO idea until a stranger brought it to my attention. The issue? This person approached conflict by attacking me. It was completely inappropriate and reinforced the importance of eloquence and grace when delivering feedback. I wanted to take this opportunity to... ➡ Apologize if I caused any pain - that certainly was NOT my intent as someone who encourages inclusion, inspiration, and empowerment, living through adversity. ➡ Emphasize the importance of feedback and to step up with grace and heart when you see something that seems a bit off. 9x out of 10, when something offends you, it's out of IGNORANCE, not HATE. It's IMPERATIVE to keep this in mind when you approach someone who has offended you. Take the opportunity to EDUCATE them and GROW together. Remind yourself that we are ALL brothers and sisters of the human race, no matter what differentiates us. We have TOO MUCH HATE in this world. The moment we start to work together to SOLVE problems we'll grow as a community and combat negativity and mental illness. Be the difference and speak up - but do it with heart❤ #Inclusion #Feedback #Leadership #Storytelling #Success#ChantelShares #Management …see more

♥ 783 · Comments 297

I had a conversation with one of my employees last week that went something like this 👇🏽 Me: I am the lowest paid employee. Along with all of the other founders. I understand the game. I understand that from a business perspective it would be smart to let everyone go and to skate by until this is all over. I get that. But that would also defeat the purpose of why we did this in the first place. For you. And for people like you. I’m not going to pay myself. Founders aren’t going to pay themselves. Because you all mean everything to us. And we’re confident that together we will figure it out. But I need to know that you’re with us. I can’t promise that we will be a company three months from now. I can’t promise that paychecks will come in on time anymore. But I can promise that we got you and we will figure it out. Them: I am with you for as long as you'll have me. I'm here for a reason. I’ve never done this before. I’ve never lived through a pandemic. I’ve never had a business during a crisis like this. There is no rule-book. People may look at me like I’m an idiot. Hell, I might look back and think I was an idiot. But I know that I will never regret taking care of the people that matter to me. Because business is family. And family is everything. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 782 · Comments 148

People often say, “If I could tell my 30 year old one piece of advice I’d say nothing because I needed to learn all of those mistakes.” That’s fine. It’s beautiful and true. But if I had to tell my daughter advice, I don’t want her to make the same mistakes I did. I tell her:  http://bit.ly/2yUiCL5 …see more

♥ 782 · Comments 50

I wanted to raise some money. My neighbor said, “Meet my boss. He runs a hedge fund.” I met the boss. He gave me the tour of the office. Everyone was buying and selling stocks. Then we sat in the boss’s glass office. We could see all the employees and they could see us. He sat down. “So, tell me, James. What can I do for you?” . . . #writing #judging #lifestyle #billionaire #characters …see more

♥ 771 · Comments 29

‘Oops, I hired a wrong person!’ We all have that moment sometime or the other in our career. As a VC, it may also extend to investing in the wrong company. I feel responsible when I make a wrong hiring decision – for the employee as well as for the organization. I have come to realize that direct acknowledgment is the first step towards taking corrective actions. The next is salvaging the situation. Is the person - Competent? Motivated? And a good culture fit? What is the gap? I am usually willing to have a direct and honest discussion about my concerns. Sometimes they receive it poorly. Other times they may shed light on why they are struggling, that might point to a mutual solution. Generally, if they are not a culture fit, it is hard to fix. I typically want to resolve that quickly. If they are not motivated, it is important to understand what is holding back that might be helpful. In the case of incompetence, can they do a different role or learn on the job? If a person is highly motivated, I am willing to give more opportunities to see if I can help them succeed. …see more

♥ 761 · Comments 27

Woke up to the very sad news of the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. A brilliant jurist, a champion of equality, a warrior against injustice and an inspiration for so many, she leaves behind her a much-admired path of transformation that she, herself, stressed has more to go and must be pursued further. May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. #ruthbaderginsuburg #supremecourt #rip …see more

♥ 760 · Comments 48

Kevin Otiende , reading your story of humanity and selfless generosity has blessed my entire month of birthday celebrations. I vow to adopt your energy and willingness to go the extra mile to help those in need. Bless you. #compassion #leadership #education #youthdevelopment #Kenya …see more

♥ 755 · Comments 95

I spend 7-8 hours per day on Zoom meetings and it creates digital fatigue. I chuckled that Eric S. Yuan, CEO of Zoom, faced Zoom fatigue! 2020 has really made me realise the challenges of #WorkingAtHome . #MentalHealth …see more

♥ 751 · Comments 30

Days like this are the worst for creators. 👇🏽😥 We recorded 10 or so videos yesterday and I barely got through a single take. That hasn't happened to me in a while and I'm supposed to be a "professional". It's so easy to get in your own head. So easy to get frustrated. But regardless of where you are at in your life, you're going to have those "off days". This is what I do: 1). Breathe. Remind yourself your human. Most of the time "Done is better than best." 2). Remember why you create in the first place. 3). Get after it the next day. You don't have to be perfect. Just keep showing up. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 750 · Comments 187

If you’re subscribed to this newsletter you probably already know where I come from and what I’ve been up to over the past few years. Long story short: we grew quickly, failed a lot, learned a lot, and our team was crushing it pre-Covid. So coming to terms with the fact that it’s all coming to an end has been difficult for me to deal with because a lot of energy, sweat, tears, and hair loss (lol) went into that business. I’m not the type of person that dwells on things. I never really have been. But this has been hard for me to shake (hence my three month absence from writing these). I guess the beautiful thing is that I haven’t been sitting idle. I’ve just been quiet on social media. I’ve been thinking a lot about brand, what I want to do next, and who I want to be next. It's good to be back. I missed y'all. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 …see more

♥ 747 · Comments 263

Since the lockdown, I have been on habit #transformation mode of binge reading and experimenting. I wanted to test #IntermittentFasting since so much has been said about it these days. All I can say is it works! It worked far better than I expected. Like any #habit , when we make a positive difference in one aspect of our life, it has cascading benefits in several aspects of our lives. …see more

♥ 745 · Comments 62

My six year old daughter asked me, “What’s so great about the United States anyway?” And I didn’t know what to say to her. I’m from the US. But there’s many problems in how the US plays out its role both at home and in the world. How to answer about a country that engages in horrific wars, had slaves, has a 15% poverty rate, and yet has always called itself “the land of opportunity” and with reason. There are really two question: how do you define “world power” and is this a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe it’s better to be a small power and still have lots of wealth and conveniences (think: Luxembourg). First: are we a world power? Yes, the United States is by far the biggest world power and nobody is close... http://bit.ly/2vkUoca …see more

♥ 741 · Comments 329

“Playing with your kids will make you feel better,” my mother told me. My grandmother told me, “Play with your daughters. It will calm you down.” I had been depressed for precisely 19 months at this point. I couldn’t get out of bed in the morning. I was four months away from going broke. I would walk my daughter to the park after the market closed. Her tiny legs would get tired as the sun left one purple blister still in the sky. Can I reach back in time right now? #writing #lifestyle #relationships #regret …see more

♥ 737 · Comments 97

I was 22 when I posted my first video on LinkedIn. I'm now 26. 🤯 I have grey hair too... so time flies 😂. In all seriousness though, before I really got started I walked up to someone that was partly responsible for all of the attention LinkedIn was getting: Josh Fechter. I told him that I looked up to him and wanted to do something similar. The first thing he told me was, "unfollow me." And that's stuck with me. Here's why: ✅ You will never lead if you only follow. You will never innovate if you only imitate. And that goes for everything – content, speaking, business, etc. ✅ You can (and totally should support people). Josh wasn't telling me to unfollow everyone. He was telling me to tune out the noise and find my own voice. ✅ I was never going to beat Josh, at being Josh. Just like you won't beat me at being me... and no one else will beat you at being you. "It's good to be better, but it's better to be different." – Sally Hogshead. If you want to be great... be different. Create color television when everyone is still watching in black & white. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 …see more

♥ 732 · Comments 151

As a child I was taught to recite, "Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu, Guru Devo Maheshwara; Guru Sakshat Param Brahma, Tasmai Shri Guravay Namah" entirely from memory. My whole life has been shaped by #teachers who have offered me #support when I was floundering and encouraged me through it all. A teacher is not someone you meet just through formal education. Many people serve the role of teachers in our journey at various moments. I wanted to take this day to reflect and be grateful for the many teachers who have come into my life. #TeachersDay …see more

♥ 723 · Comments 35

As someone who grew up in a low income and immigrant household, being invited to speak at the Peninsula College Fund's Career Day at Visa was such an humbling experience. It's also refreshing and inspiring to see tech brands like Visa taking the lead in furthering this cause and in the process positively shaping the future of such a deserving, yet underserved group of determined and talented students. I entered Silicon Valley with no ties to tech—both of my parents never attended high school. Through personal branding and platforms like LinkedIn, I have been able to develop a meaningful network of mentors that has radically transformed my career and life. While low income students may not grow up being taught the importance of networking, college is the best time to change that for the better. tl;dr (too long; didn't read): Treat your personal brand as a tapestry of experiences and relationships, not a transactional tool. When done with purpose and authenticity, your personal brand will compound over time, and put you in the power position to be discovered and unlock disruptive opportunities. Thanks for the invite Sonia Sng ! Fantastic program Denise Villamil & C. Phillip Powell, MPA . …see more

♥ 715 · Comments 23

I met Shay ☀️ Rowbottom back in 2017 — we became friends. I helped her get started on LinkedIn. She’s been crushing it ever since. At the time, I felt like a dumb kid finally transitioning into doing what he wanted. I looked up to Shay and her partners because they were my age running a multi-million dollar company. Meeting them, changed my relationship with success. There are some of us that overestimate our significance. “Me, me, me.” I’ve always struggled with the opposite. “Am I significant? Does it matter if I am?” COVID has changed a lot for me. Forced me to ask myself questions that I hadn’t thought of asking. Forced me to feel things that I never thought I would feel. But most importantly it’s shown me that there are multiple sides to every story. Every encounter. I know that I’ve impacted lives. But I could never articulate the impact that so many of you have had on me. So thank you Shay — and so many others — for impacting me. I wouldn’t be who I am if things didn’t play out in the way that they did. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 712 · Comments 80

Guess who got her FIRST CLEAN MRI?! 👆This girl! When I began sharing my story in front of a few dozen people on LinkedIn, I would have never dreamed of hitting stages across the world spreading my message of hope and inclusion. In fact, the idea of the spotlight made my skin crawl. I still prefer being the wizard behind the curtain. But as I celebrate my first clean scan I remember my WHY which is to empower and inspire the world of incredible humans living with chronic illness and disability. Whether you're searching for your next role or you're struggling to level up your business, I hope my message touches your heart. You are in incredible human being, made for more. Don't slow down. Don't give up. There is always hope ♥ #Hope #Disability #ChronicIllness #Inclusion …see more

♥ 709 · Comments 254

Up until a few weeks ago, I thought I wanted a +500 person company. This entity that I could attach to my name that let everyone know I made it. I’ve reached this point of bliss (after what feels like years of tension), where I really just don’t care anymore. I don’t want that anymore. And for the first time in my life I feel like I’ve made it. I haven’t achieved all of my goals. But I’m good. With who I am, where I'm going, & what I actually want. My newsletter is about to hit 30k subscribers. It’s just me writing. No filter. Talking about the decisions that I’m making business, personal brand, and community wise. Just a journal. And I’ve been enjoying that so much more than anything else. Because I’m doing it because I want to. Not to hit a certain amount of likes. But simply because I have things that I need to say. And I say all this because I feel like clarity ebbs and flows. Sometimes we get it and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes what we wanted isn’t what we want anymore. Sometimes what we were isn’t what we are anymore. It’s not something we can prep for. It’s not something we can plan for. And that’s okay. I’m liking this new person I’m becoming. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 📸 Justin Jackson …see more

♥ 706 · Comments 111

Last year I met Gary Vaynerchuk . My legs were shaking before I grabbed the mic for Q&A (I don't get nervous for anyone 😂). To keep it short, basically I quickly told my story, thanked him, and went up on stage to give him a hug. I was creating a data point in that moment. A point in time where our stories intertwined. I've thought a lot about influence the past few years. I gave a talk on it a few weeks ago. The reason why my legs were shaking and the reason why that hug met so much is this: I can go back and pinpoint the moment where Gary impacted my life. I was in the weight room, in college, and my triple jump coach told me to check out a guy named "GaryVee." And from there I went down the rabbit hole of entrepreneurship and content. Failed with two companies but found a lot of success with the third. Gary is impacting others & creating those data points at scale for other people. I was supposed to give a talk on monetizing your personal brand... I talked about impact instead. Because the 💰will come if the impact is there. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #business #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 694 · Comments 122

#Nature regenerates itself if we don't interfere too much. I found this notion of life regenerating itself and natural beauty #healing . I went to #yellowstone national park in 1987. I was #inspired by its breathtaking beauty and have wanted to go back there all these years. #WeekendMusings …see more

♥ 691 · Comments 35

FIRST….THE THREAT! Her college sent this email to me and my daughter at the end of her second year. “Dear [XXXX], This in an IMPORTANT email reminding you of your debt to [ABCD College] in the amount of $16.92!...... #college #writing #lifestyle #debt …see more

♥ 691 · Comments 88

The earliest recollections I have of making new year resolutions are in my early 20s. Each year my resolutions were to exercise more, read more or achieve some other wishful goal. As I have grown older, I no longer think of career, financial or personal goals. As I now reflect on the year gone by, here are some highlights from my life from 2019 - books, travels, life lessons and my resolution for 2020. …see more

♥ 688 · Comments 37

Growing up it was my dream to live in NYC, overlook the city and write for a living. I never wanted to be an entrepreneur. I didn't even know what that word meant. I sold my services in video games when I was younger. I hustled for gigs as a musician. But "business" never really interested me. I'm 25. Black. And decided not to complete college. On paper no one would ever bet on me to succeed. Don't let anyone convince you that there is an ideal entrepreneur, or CEO, or professional (or fill in the blank with whatever you aspire to be). Success isn't about following someone else's path or fitting into the mold. It's about being who you are, making it work for you, & betting on yourself. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #business …see more

♥ 687 · Comments 134

I dropped out of college. I bought a car with the money instead. And then when I saw everyone walking around campus I got jealous, returned the car, cancelled the check, and re-enrolled in college. A day later, I met my first mentor (first of about 10 — and then 100s if I include the many wonderful people I have learned from along the way). My first mentor was a professor. His courses were useless. I never used them for anything. And then I had to take remedial classes when I had a job to re-learn all the things I failed to learn in school. But I learned from this professor things that were invaluable to later success: building businesses, helping others, writing books, giving talks, making an impact. [Our life worth is not our net worth but the impact we have on others. This is what I learned from him.] But let me reel it back a little. Because I studied this man and emulated him for decades.  http://ow.ly/4qbW30itiPu …see more

♥ 682 · Comments 33

Two weeks ago, I wrote a viral essay on LinkedIn, which said that due to the Coronavirus's devastating effect on the city, NYC as we know it is dead, forever. A few days later, I woke up to find that the piece had received intense criticism from the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, who penned an op-ed against me in the NYTimes, Mark Cuban , and even the mayor himself Bill DeBlasio—as well as millions of others. While I included lots of factual data to back up my proclamation, outlining everything from the city's current real-estate crisis to a rise in unemployment and loss of culture, many were quick to assume I merely had given up on New York City altogether. This is far from the truth! Watch this video to learn more about why I wrote this piece, what that crazy experience was like, and what I believe needs to happen to save the New York City I can assure you I love so dearly. Link to original piece: https://lnkd.in/gKPQCkm Link to Seinfeld's NYTimes Op-ed: https://lnkd.in/gZgpQhM My Seinfeld rebuttal: https://lnkd.in/gd-i4tV . #nycrealestate #nycjobs #nycbusiness #nyc #investing #lifestyle …see more

♥ 682 · Comments 140

Airbnb isn’t perfect. But after spending about 120 nights this year in them, probably in about 40 different beds, in many different countries, states, at different price points, it overwhelmingly feels like a good thing to exist. I’m met wonderful people, been cooked for many times, helped with dead chickens and medical emergencies, had out of this world views, seen crazy tastes, met the whole families of owners, and just been able to live in places not stay. The more the site can move back to owners who want a bit of extra income, people who love to host, quirky places you don’t typically get to see, getting a local flavor etc, the more it feels brilliant. I’ve also rented out my place a lot over the last 5 years and had 100% positive experiences and loved to let people enjoy special places …see more

♥ 673 · Comments 84

Clint Eastwood is one of my favourites. I watched his latest movie, 'Mule'. The movie is about a horticulturist who becomes a drug runner, wants to live life on his own terms, becomes self-centred, lets his family down, faces the consequences but also redeems himself in the end. Most poignant for me was: 1. While living a life for yourself, don't neglect your relationships with family and friends. It gets lonely and filled with regrets 2. Everyone makes mistakes. We can choose to make good and redeem ourselves no matter the past. 3. When someone disappoints us, we cast them and hold on to grudges. Some bad moments do not have to become the sum total of the relationship. Relationships can be nurtured positively despite the disappointments In the end, families need to work through personal limitations. Love and family is the anchor in our lives. …see more

♥ 671 · Comments 31

I quit corporate life 7 years ago with some cash in the bank...I thought I would travel around the world for a year or take a two year break. Instead, I've been learning about media and dabbling in creating content. I cover the serious topic of finance but I don't take myself too seriously. I have fun making the content. (Pic is from latest shoot in Goa!) I cover my costs such that I still have the original cash in the bank as my emergency cash fund. I say I am retired. People argue with me saying I still work...that's not retirement. Ok, call it what you will. Around the same time, someone coined financially independent, retire early (FIRE). Fine by me. What do you think - what is retirement anyway? Would you rather learn about retirement from someone who has retired (and has finance qualifications and experience) or someone who is struggling? #personalfinance …see more

♥ 669 · Comments 48

I was unemployed and unemployable, according to my health... I applied for over a hundred jobs in the area without a single call back... desperate for income. I hustled hard, selling clothing and furniture online just to fill our tummies and keep the lights on. It wasn't until I met two radiant recruiters that completely changed my life. They didn't ask a single question about my challenges. Instead, they asked me questions like... "What interests you in the creative field?" And I shared a love of fairytales and creating something from nothing to stimulate fascination! and "I hear a puppy! What kind?!" And I shared my love for animals and meaningful relationships! They took the time to learn my personality OUTSIDE of what is seen on a resume... And within one week I had a job offer from each rep, Completely skipping the EOE questions to disclose my disability status and the need for reasonable accommodation. THANK YOU. To all recruiters across the globe, Matchmaking beyond what is shown on paper. You're changing lives. And in some cases, You're even saving them. And to anyone facing the same battle, Keep holding onto hope. There is a place for you in the workforce. #recruiters #careers …see more

♥ 664 · Comments 172

Growing up in a low income family, I didn't get the chance to travel much when I was young. I grew up with the mindset that traveling and taking vacation was a waste of money and time. Last year, a few close mentors and managers pushed me to take time off to get away from work. I took my first solo trip to Japan last summer and learned the simple joy of learning about other cultures, especially the food! So glad to have the chance to come back to Japan for the second time this past week to celebrate my birthday (photo taken at the infamous Sushi Dai w/ Jessie and Benna )! Taking time off is now part of my process for self care and most importantly, to spend time with people who matter in my life. It's so easy to forget that the most important thing in your career is you yourself, not in just your goals and objectives. What do you do for self care? Comment below. …see more

♥ 664 · Comments 26

"What would you tell entrepreneurs that see your success and think you are too perfect to experience challenges?"🙄 Oh jeez. I had a fantastic call with best selling author of "Why Me First" and Mindset/Performance Coach, Kajal Khurana from Singapore. I had to contain my laughter on-air because I've been dealing with rejection a bit more than usual. Three opportunities fell apart over the past two weeks. A rejection from a local publication for the second time. Personal health issues. And more... But at this moment when I was supposed to mentor others, I was able to recenter and digest my own advice. ⬇ Lean into the rejection and understand that there is more out there for you. Your future holds greater things and losing these opportunities makes room for even BIGGER ones! Sometimes rejection is proof that you are going OUT there and doing MORE 👉 and that's a sign of effort on its own! Be proud of how far you've come, even if it isn't where you thought you should be. Agree? 👇 #Rejection …see more

♥ 662 · Comments 133

Like many, I too have been reflecting as we near the end of 2016. This year marks 10 years since discovering The Golden Circle. Here is the origin of where it began. I share it with you as we are all on this journey together - to help build a world where the vast majority of people go to work feeling inspired and come home at the end of the day feeling fulfilled. By no means has our journey come to an end. This is the tip of the iceberg. We have more people to reach and more people to inspire. Together, we can change our world. Thank you for standing by my side. …see more

♥ 661 · Comments 59

For #MondayMotivation , I’m remembering where I was five years ago today. My Voice of America editing contract in Nairobi had just ended, and other than the big blowout trip to Bangkok I’d planned, there was nothing on the horizon. No job, no contract, no prospects. I’d spent nearly a decade helping young East African journalists build their expertise, and all of a sudden it seemed like my own experience meant nothing. Five months later, I was convinced I’d never work as a journalist again. I was more depressed than I’d ever been in my whole life. And now I write for National Geographic . Hold on. Trust me. You’ll be glad you did. #NeverGiveUp #Believe #HaveFaith #HaveAGreatWeek #NeverthelessShePersisted #KeepGoing …see more

♥ 656 · Comments 15

I am going to produce my first podcast in 2018. And I don't need to wait until....I get a job. Or a funder. Or a "life." Because the life I've lived is all I need. It's rich, even when I'm broke. It's interesting, even when I'm bored. I'm very smart. I've been many places. I've seen many things. And I'm a member of the Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS) . Which means I have something important to say, and I'm not afraid to say it. #jaws17 #JAWS #women #journalism #mentoring #podcasting #JAWdessesRule …see more

♥ 653 · Comments 44

Will Smith desperately needed advice. He was terrified about something he was about to do. He said, “So I have to visit the master.” He called Dave Chappelle. His challenge: to do three minutes of standup comedy at a comedy club. I get it. When I had to do six minutes the first time, I thought I was going to DIE. . . . #writing #lifestyle #cancelculture #comedy …see more

♥ 652 · Comments 98

A few years back, I watched a professor ask a class "If there are two equally qualified 27-year old candidates and the only difference was their gender, who should you hire?" 10 minutes in, the whole class agreed that there was no "better" candidate. The professor proceeded to tell us that the woman may be thinking about kids and go on maternity leave at that age. He started to call the woman at one point "the risk" and the lesson was to mitigate risk in hiring. His argument was that women are inherently risky investments, even when all the data shows otherwise. This month, I kept thinking back to this one lesson in college, equating risk to women. And now with a female Vice President-elect, I can't help but be excited for a future when women are able to prove this lesson wrong. …see more

♥ 651 · Comments 23

My dad became a broken man. His business zeroed out, his life savings were gone, he stopped sleeping. He went on Lithium to stabilize the depression when nothing else worked. He cried in super markets, in parent teacher conferences, in front of me. . . . #honesty #writing #lifestyle #business …see more

♥ 649 · Comments 44

I was born in India. This is part of my story. ⁣ Here I am at 3 years old - curious, spunky, and clueless as to what the future would hold. When I was 9, my family immigrated to the United States. ⁣ ⁣ It was tough. My parents came to a foreign land and had no connections, no money, and two little kids to feed. ⁣ ⁣ As I looked around, I saw their struggles. I didn’t want to add to them, but I was struggling.⁣ I had no friends. I was often bullied and felt like a cultural misfit. ⁣ Enter Communities in School who had a special program for “kids like me” - and it’s one of those programs that you often hear about but don’t always fully understand the impact. ⁣ ⁣ Today, as a successful entrepreneur, I get to give back. I’ve partnered with Vibha and CIS to give back so hopefully other kids like me can find a ray of hope in their own darkness.⁣ ⁣ I’m matching every single donation AND for every comment left on this post, I’ll donate $10 on your behalf.⁣ Link is in the comment. ⁣ Whether you donate or not, all I ask for is your attention to this cause. Because, yes, it makes a difference. I’m proof. 🙏🏽 Update: Together, we raised over $80k for kids in need! Thank you!💗 …see more

♥ 647 · Comments 134

I used to have a terrible fear of public speaking. When I was a freshman in high school, I literally had a panic attack during one of my speeches and ran out of the room.  To be able to speak about #socialmedia, #mentalhealth, and #GenZ across America at 21 years-old is beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of.  If anything, I have found that if you really dedicate time to improving some of your weaknesses, they can turn into some of your biggest strengths.  Thank you to Richard YoungJun Kim  for giving me the opportunity to speak at the Gen Z Takeover in Seattle a couple weeks ago.  Shout out to some of the amazing speakers at the event: Sam Park , Natasha Takahashi , Gregg L. Witt , Joel Hansen , Abhisek Vyas , Ruvim Achapovskiy , and everyone else. …see more

♥ 642 · Comments 87

Audio fixed! I hope no one watches my videos from five or six years ago. I made such rookie mistakes. 🙈 But...I’m glad I didn’t let fear stop me. I’m glad because every video I did got better and better. When I first started keynoting, I would be shaking before I got on stage. Now, it’s second nature. Every video I made, every keynote I gave, every client strategy...it got better and better. 🙌🏽 It’s way too easy to wait until you’re perfect or the conditions are perfect. Don’t. In today’s digital age, you have to embrace your inner editor. Choose to be kind to yourself. 🙏🏽 Choose your inner editor over your inner perfectionist! It’s how you win. 💪🏽#marketing #branding #technology …see more

♥ 636 · Comments 37

Over the years, I’ve watched Shradha Sharma , with her smile & confidence, nurture an enterprising media establishment on the back of sheer hard work & dedication. The decision to join her and be a part of YourStory Media was a no-brainer, and I still look back at that moment in 2015 with pride and fondness. I look forward to soaring the peeks and crossing the valleys together with Shradha. …see more

♥ 632 · Comments 7

Thank you for all the messages of support. Been overwhelming. I really appreciate each message & I'm happy and excited with some slow future plans and a new website (I won't promote because that's a bit crass) I do want to reply to as many as possible. …see more

♥ 628 · Comments 88

We are in the midst of the holiday season! As we approach the new year, I want to reflect on all that has happened in the past twelve months. I had a chance to travel the world, visiting beautiful countries like The United Kingdom, Australia, Thailand, and others! I released my second book, Indistractable, to an outpouring of support from all over the world. I had the opportunity to serve and impact many people through my work, resulting in recognition as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Tech for 2019 and nominations for other accolades. Above all else, I began to take back control of my attention, my time, and my life, leading to countless memories made with my family, friends, and loved ones. Through it all, I have emerged endlessly grateful for all that I am able to do and enjoy on a daily basis. I will continue to approach my work and my relationships with the same optimism that I have in the past. 2019 has been great! I have a feeling that 2020 will be even better. To you, my digital community, I say thank you for an incredible year. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! I’ll see you in 2020! 👋 #Indistractable #HappyHolidays #Gratitude #Reflection …see more

♥ 621 · Comments 42

Right after my TEDx last year a guy walked up to me and said something that changed everything for me. 👇🏾 "Q, I'm like triple your age. But I just wanted to say that you are legit. You've impacted me." Somewhere along the lines speaking [for me] became about the money. About the opportunities. And it wasn't until that conversation that I realized this: ✅ Impact is everything. If you can scale the impact that you have on people, you're going to be more successful in the long run. ✅ Impacting others feels better than pursuing your own dreams sometimes. Seeing my employees excited to be working/building with us, is the most amazing feeling. ✅ I was doing the same thing as a singer songwriter. I used to walk up to everyone that I could after performing and thank them for coming. I still do this now after speeches. It's totally unscalable... but people remember the impact. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #business #entrepreneur …see more

♥ 617 · Comments 152

I stopped editing my own videos. Since letting go I’ve struggled with 👉🏽 establishing clarity on both sides & letting go of control. And now (5 or so months after outsourcing that part) I’ve found this: - Training someone to do it how you would is 1000% worth it. - Having clarity on your brand up front is crucial. - I have significantly more time. - My team is WAY better than I am 😅. - My content creates itself. Which allows me more brain power to create when I’m feeling it. Just something to think about for all you creators & entrepreneurs out there. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #content …see more

♥ 614 · Comments 147

It's been over 730 days since I jumped into entrepreneurship full-time. I was putting together something to talk about 2017-2018 but I realized nothing would have explained it better than this old video. I'm still crazy humbled that someone would take the time out of their day to make something about my life (up to the beginning of 2018). Thank you again Donovan for sending this to me last year. Here are a few things I'm focused on accomplishing this year: - Crushing my TEDx Talk in April. - Scaling our company to 7 Figures ARR in our first 18 months. - Having Sophia Amoruso or Jason Silva on my podcast. If you can help make this happen please shoot me a message! - Making collaboration a focus again on a personal level. Feel free to tag anyone you think I should collaborate with! What are you going to accomplish this year? #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 613 · Comments 157

‘If you really want to touch someone, send them a letter.’ When was the last time you received or sent a handwritten letter to someone? Even in my case, old as I am, it has been ages. Writing letters on #email , yes, but handwritten, been a long time. But I remember eagerly awaiting letters from home and the warm feeling of receiving them when I was a student in the US and so far away. I have saved them to this date. This awesome visual inspires me to pick up the pen and start writing again! #technology #digitaltransformation Image Source: Australia Postal Service …see more

♥ 613 · Comments 33

I was pissed at myself last week because I was hyper focused on a company that copied a few things that we were doing. And then I realized that was so unlike me. I’m obsessed with the Overview Effect. Which is a concept that a lot of astronauts explain when they go into outer space for the first time. The world looks so small & fragile; and you realize that a lot of the things we focus on don’t really matter. I always want to be relentless when it comes to achieving the MISSION that I’ve set out to achieve. And doing it with people I love. Collaborating instead of focusing on the competition. I know I’ll get more done that way. Collaboration > Competition. Agree? #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 606 · Comments 196

A couple weeks ago, I had to check my ego. I was telling myself that I was working harder than any of my peers and somehow deserved to be treated differently. I didn't deserve anything. I wasn't the most successful. I hadn't achieved my goals yet. I lost perspective. I think it's important to check our own ego. We sometimes look at goals like... "Well if I keep doing what I'm doing now, I'll get there" If you keep doing only what you are doing now, you'll stay where you are now.  #10tips10days …see more

♥ 602 · Comments 73

I left my first job last week. It’s made me realize how much of our identities we tie up in what we do. Lots of people have told me in this time period “you aren’t your job.” But I partially disagree. I am the intersection of my identities. I am a sister and a daughter and friend, BUT I am also the work I do and the impact I make on others. I am enjoying my break and travels around the country, but so excited to jump into my next position in a couple of weeks. …see more

♥ 602 · Comments 37

Very sweet and touching. I remember in the 80s Gates and microsoft. With time he has really become someone who deserves all round #respect . Not because he is a billionaire but for the human being he has become.

♥ 601 · Comments 12

I must have read almost all of #IsaacAsimov 's #books . I am a huge fan. I find it amazing that the real world is catching up to his imagination, #science catching up with science fiction.

♥ 601 · Comments 39

I'm sorry I write so much about my failures. So, for once I will tell you: when I stopped caring, I had more success than ever. Every time I cared about something, something would happen that would prevent me from getting what I cared about. I kept trying to force the universe to bend 13 billion years of effort into my meager effort. For a long time I cared too much. What he thought. What she thought. Why didn't they like me? Who would I have to beg next in order to "advance". Both you and me, we'll be dead before the universe blinks. So I totally gave up. I surrendered. Every day, I wake up and surrender first thing.  http://9nl.es/a23q …see more

♥ 600 · Comments 35

You can't tell from my picture... but I can't see out of my left eye and when I try to walk I limp and often trip from the neurological damage. I can't feel my feet but I still EXCEED sales quotas, month over month. I can't define colors but I design powerful brands and ADA accessible websites. Warriors in the differently-abled community have a magical perspective built on three pillars: 💙Innovation. 💜Intention. 💚Inspiration. It doesn't prevent me from creating content or building brands. It doesn't keep me from attending events or speaking on stage. I get INNOVATIVE with the HOW. I get INTENTIONAL with the WHY. and most of all, I get INSPIRED by others rocking it in my community! With reasonable accommodation, you can build an inclusive culture where employees THRIVE! Here's a little more about my struggle in finding work as a differently-abled powerhouse in light of National Disability Employment Awareness Month... #DifferentlyAbled #DiversityTraining #InclusionAndDiversity #Disability #HR #Leadership #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 591 · Comments 167

For #ThrowbackThursday , remembering that time at The African Union when I asked Former President of #Ghana Jerry John Rawlings a challenging question during a press conference, and then he wanted to continue the discussion afterward. I earned my #journalism wings in that moment. #RIPJerryRawlings #Africa #AfricanHistory #AfricanUnion #AfricanPolitics …see more

♥ 590 · Comments 27

When I first wanted to be an entrepreneur, I was running on the potent fuel made up of gut instinct & a dream. But there are a lot of other reasons why people take the entrepreneurship plunge. Here's the compilation of views from a poll I conducted. …see more

♥ 588 · Comments 18

Heartbreaking story. 70-year-old dies from Covid complications after coming out of retirement to teach nursing. Know it's tough to give up a holiday with family, but let's remember the sacrifices of people helping fight this virus. …see more

♥ 579 · Comments 45

2012: lost. homeless. 2013: musician. writer. lost. 2014: first social media internship. 2015: student. athlete. 2016: Social media manager for a VR startup. Social media manager for a wearable tech startup. 2017: Entrepreneur. Often had to choose between feeding my puppy or feeding myself. 2018: speaker. entrepreneur. community builder. Slept on my office floor for months before getting a place again. 2019: Entrepreneur. To appear on an Amazon docuseries. Podcaster. TEDx Speaker. 2020: Entrepreneur. Esports podcaster. Streamer. Figuring out business through COVID-19. The hardest thing for me was not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. And every time I thought I did know I would change my mind a few months later. But that was a part of my journey. Not knowing is just as important as knowing. Being lost is just as important as being found. Because looking back everything that I went through prepped me for what I’m facing. And everything that I’m facing is prepping me for what I’ll go through in the future. Just keep taking those steps. Keep inching forward. Because it only takes one thing to go your way for your life to be transformed. And the struggle you’re going through now will just make you stronger. This time is no different. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 📸 Justin Jackson …see more

♥ 576 · Comments 104

I messed up. I'm a big company culture geek. And we talked a lot about building a culture within our company that allowed everyone to be open and honest with one another. I pushed it every day and yet it still wasn’t happening for everyone. I read the culture code recently, which dissects some of the most successful teams, companies, and organizations across history and the globe. And one commonality that was found is that each culture had a sense of safety. And I realized that we were clear on the type of culture that we wanted to create. But we weren’t fostering an environment that allowed that open & honesty to happen. We were talking but we weren’t listening to everyone. And since making some adjustments it is no longer an issue. But that’s the thing about culture, you can’t just write down your values and expect things to happen. It’s living, breathing, and something that you have to be uber intentional about every single day. What are some of the best/worst teams you've been a part of and why? #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 572 · Comments 139

I threw out all my belongings. I was living in Airbnbs. I had one carry-on bag that had one or two outfits and a computer in it and a toothbrush. My rule was: if I buy anything I had to throw something from the bag out. I lived this way for three years. #writing #mariekondo #lifestyle #minimalist #entre …see more

♥ 570 · Comments 53

I started 2018 with NO JOB, NO DEGREE, and 200,000 followers on Linkedin. This year has been a complete 180 for me. Throughout 2018, I... - Doubled my follower count to 400,000 on Linkedin - Received my 3rd Linkedin Top Voice Award - Graduated from the University of Southern California - Joined the team at Studio71 - Was featured in Adweek, Inc, and more - Guest podcasted on 10+ shows - Spoke at 10+ events internationally - Hosted 5 events in San Francisco and LA - Helped launch Impact Mentality I learned 3 major things: 1) Your goals should constantly be changing. You can't predict in January what opportunities are going to come in the next 12 months. 2) Execution is more important than your age. People will listen to a 22 year-old if they have already proven results. 3) Don't think that because you aren't going to that party on Saturday that you are "missing out". If you want to spend all of your birthday, Christmas, and New Years Eve working at coffee shops, do it. #podcasts #studentsoflinkedin #hardwork #2018inReview …see more

♥ 567 · Comments 73

“He beat his wife to the point where her face was split open,” our friend told us at lunch. “Then they called a private doctor who came over to the house to sew up his wife’s face.” I was having a hard time picturing it. “How do you know?” I asked. “I spoke to the doctor. I spoke to the wife.” . . . #relationship #Iamfine #writing #lifestyle #friends …see more

♥ 562 · Comments 86

I have always LOVED the element of surprise and have been managing judgments my entire life. Strangers take one look at me and make their assumptions based on appearance. Add the fact that I'm a millennial to the mix and the entire world seems to judge me as a nobody or a moron. But I LOVE a challenge. That's why I decided to pick up the hockey stick as a teen and get tough, taking slapshot after slapshot to the stomach until the wind knocked me out cold in the goal... ...why I studied law until life pulled me in a different direction... ...why I obsess over neuroscience and quantum physics attending courses I'm definitely not qualified for... ...why I keep fighting for inclusion when my community of differently-abled warriors told me to "give up - nobody will ever want you." ...why I launched my business and speak all over the world, regardless of visual impairment and mobility issues. And I continue to prove them wrong through positivity and inspiration, encouraging them to rise up to THEIR greatest potential, too! Use those judgments as FUEL to be the best version of yourself. Prove them wrong. You're a somebody. You're incredible and you're worth it. Go Bruins! #inspire #motivation #inspiration #personalgrowth #stanleycup #mindset …see more

♥ 561 · Comments 125

A lot of people ask, what advice would you give your younger self? Like most of us, younger me didn't have a clue. I wasn't rich. And I certainly wasn't brave. Despite trials and tribulations in my adolescence, not a sliver of confidence sparked in my bones triggering social anxiety and a big, awkward personality 🙃 This was before my nervous system collapsed and life wasn't the gift it is today. So to the little girl that dreams of being more and doing more, all you need to do is believe in yourself like you believe in miracles and mermaids. Learn to LOVE learning and study for that LSAT because you will grow so much reading and writing... 💰 They can take away everything you ever earned with student loans and medical debt. 🌞They can take away your joy with bullying and bias. 🏡They can take away your home with late payments and unemployment... But they can NEVER take your wisdom, grit and grace.❤ So keep feeding that beautiful brain of yours with belief and compassion and ANYTHING is possible. #success #mindset …see more

♥ 556 · Comments 76

Last summer, Corey Lowe  took the initiative to reach out asking if we can grab lunch before entering his first year as a transfer student at University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business  (Go Bears!). During that lunch, he mentioned that networking was still a new territory for him. We later met again during one of my coffee roundtables at UC Berkeley (left). Corey's enthusiasm left an impression on me. A year later, I hired Corey for his first internship. He had the opportunity to present his summer work earlier this week (right). Excited to have him with us for the fall semester as well. I'm glad we got a chance to meet last summer. And for all the students and young professionals out there who might be shy at first with "networking" or just outreaching, I say: go for it. If time permits, people tend to be generous with their time and are very willing to help you. And yes, social marketing is like being a DJ. 😄 …see more

♥ 556 · Comments 15

For #ThrowbackThursday, always remember that you are someone else’s dream. My sister Julie Newell died of colon cancer in October of 2007. She was my second mother, the one who taught me love and good graces. Where my career was concerned, she was the wind beneath my wings. Julie would have been very impressed that I got to visit the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa in 2012. She would have marveled at so many of the adventures I had over the past decade. When I think that I am just one year younger than Julie was when she passed, and consider how many goals and adventures I am still determined to achieve,  I know Julie’s counting on me to keep chasing them. Thanks for the reminder, Angela Ford Nelson, M.Div., PMP , that we are never doing it just for ourselves. #inspiration #goals #dreams …see more

♥ 555 · Comments 39

Another example of why I love #Kenya so much. I could probably find a mask easier in #Nairobi than I can in Washington, DC. #Africa #globaldevelopment #coronavirus #COVID19 #globalhealth #HealthForAll #innovation #ingenuity #pandemicpreparedness #pandemicresponse …see more

♥ 555 · Comments 33

Earlier this week, a friend messaged me to let me know I had made a word choice mistake in my latest Forbes article. (Apparently, I had typed “plaque” when I meant to type “plague.”) My reaction? Gratitude. I want every piece of #content I create and share to be of the highest quality, so I appreciated my friend letting me know of my oversight. Contrast that with an experience I had yesterday on Twitter, where someone publicly called out a different error in the same Forbes piece. What was interesting was how he critiqued me, proclaiming in a comment—with a screenshot—that my mistake was so egregious that he “stopped reading this at this sentence” and that he couldn’t “take an article like this seriously, when attention [was] not given to it at the time of writing and production.” My sin? I used the word “is” instead of “if.” Despite feeling angry and embarrassed by what seemed to be an over-the-top reaction, I thanked him for giving me the heads up. Listen, I know I’m not perfect. I know trolls will always exist. But I also know that each of us has a choice in how we communicate on #socialmedia and elsewhere. A gentle reminder to praise in public; critique in private. #communication …see more

♥ 553 · Comments 143

Some years ago, I was in a situation where I was being yelled at by a senior executive. It was incredibly tense, stressful, and actually over something I wasn't even involved in - a complete case of bizarre mistaken identity. This wasn't the first time I had been disrespected in the workplace, but something about that day was different, because as soon as this person started yelling, I looked at them and said: "Please lower your voice". Stunned, they stopped for a second, then continued to yell for another several minutes. After they were out of breath, they waited for me to talk. When I said nothing, they asked what I had to say. My response was simply this: "I stopped paying attention when you started to raise your voice. The next conversation we'll have will be with HR in the room." And then I left. They didn't get fired, but they never yelled again. Not at me, anyway. The moral of the story: "You're only a victim as long as you allow yourself to be one" #leadership #dobetter #kindness #zerobullying …see more

♥ 553 · Comments 34

I used to love suits! First is in 2006 for a magazine story and second is in 2016 for the CFA career guide #TenYearChallenge

♥ 542 · Comments 21

Scary part about reaching out to someone? Rejection . . 😰 The best part about reaching out? They might actually respond! I recently received an email from Winson Truong , a current student at UC Berkeley, who wanted to chat.  Winson's email reminds me a lot of myself when I was still at Cal and wanted to break into tech. Every time I clicked "Send," I cringed slightly, worrying how the recipient on the other side of the email would think of me. Over time, I realize that the worst that can happen is that they don't respond. Oftentimes, not because they didn't like me, but because (1) they're busy or (2) my message didn't stand out. Instead of giving up or feeling ashamed, learn how to optimize. You can solve both of the above scenarios by (1) following up again to demonstrate persistence and (2) tailoring your email to create common grounds. In Winson's case, appealing to our commonality of attending UC Berkeley and how he found me. Given the amount of emails I get on a daily basis, I try my best to respond to as many of them, and offer chats when time permits. My one biggest advice is to always check in again at least once. I appreciate when people show the tenacity to follow up. 💯#BeInfinity So go ahead and send that cold email! …see more

♥ 542 · Comments 49

It's really hard for me to write a book. For one thing: it's super boring to sit in front of a computer for 3000 hours typing letters. And then everyone might hate what you write. But in this book I really wrote what I needed to read. Every decade of my life I've had to reinvent. Sometimes I got it right, sometimes wrong. I want to reinvent now. Maybe I have 3-5 reinventions left in me. 3-5 chances to get very good at new things in the limited time left... http://amzn.to/2iUI48H …see more

♥ 540 · Comments 43

When I first started down the path as an entrepreneur, I thought I had to be able to do it all. 🤦🏽‍♀️⁣ ⁣ Nothing could be further from the truth. True leadership is about knowing your strengths and your weaknesses. ↘️Knowing when to step up and when to step aside.↙️⁣ ⁣ I recently joined my friend Dave McKeown on his podcast - Lead Like You Give a Damn. Link to the full episode in comments.⁣ ⁣ #leadership #podcast #entrepreneurjourney #marketing #branding …see more

♥ 530 · Comments 17

Alex Berenson had the dream job. But he was unhappy. And perhaps it even scarred him in some ways. He switched it up. To his true dreams. To the dreams he had for himself since he was a child. (I want to do this). Alex has written 11 bestselling thriller novels. Alex knows how to get the reader to turn the page and ask, “What happens next?!” This is an unbelievably hard skill. But it’s not the most important skill when you are moving into your dream job. The most important skill is to have this weird sort of “active arrogance”. Here’s the gap: The best in your profession have skills, experience, and they know how to sit down and DO something every day. The beginners: they WANT to do something. They PLAN to do something. They SAY they will eventually do it. They THINK they have the skills they need. But they never do it. The ones who succeed. They have the arrogance to think they can just simply sit down and do it. Despite not having the skills. Despite being total amateurs. They simply sit down and DO IT. Listen to how Alex Berenson did it and how you can too: ( http://apple.co/1ewcX8D ) on Ep. 239 …see more

♥ 529 · Comments 33

I recorded 500+ videos before anyone took notice. That's how it works. They won't notice the hours you put in right away. The pain. The struggle. The failure. The anxiety. Or all of the times that you contemplate quitting. They won't care. Not until you win them over. And that's the thing... no one owes you a view. No one owes you a like. No one owes you a share. No one owes you support or a follow. You have to earn that. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #business 🎥 Ken K. …see more

♥ 528 · Comments 98

When I started my first company I would send out 10 emails, post something to social media, call it a day, and hop on my PlayStation. Then I would wonder why it wasn't working. 🤦🏽‍♂️ I had a conversation the other day about COVID-19. They said, "treat yourself like a business [because honestly you are one]. If you want a great output, you have to be willing to put in the necessary input." The harsh reality is this: you can't be anything you want to be. But you can be anything you put in the work to be. So work. Whatever that looks like for you & your goals. What are you working on while quarantined? #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #business …see more

♥ 527 · Comments 114

During my TEDx talk I wore a shirt designed by one of my business partners, Brema. It said “Genius from the hood.” The reason I wore it is this: All of us have an idea of what genius looks like. What smart looks like. What successful looks like. What pretty looks like. What powerful looks like. Etc. I grew up being told that I couldn’t. I wouldn’t. I shouldn’t. Because of the color of my skin. That I needed to be careful with how I approached things because people could take it the wrong way. That I would be making minimum wage my entire life. 👈🏽 literally. Genius comes in all shapes, colors, ages, sizes, etc. Period. The more voices we have out there, the better. The more people we have working together, the better. Something to think about. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #Diversity #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 526 · Comments 92

Out of college I had no idea where to start with my business. So I planned. So much that I had a plan for my plans. And none of it amounted to anything. I wish I did this instead: 1). Reverse engineer. What's the end goal? What steps can I take right now to get closer to my end goal? 2). How can I make money right now? Not how will I make money in the future, because that doesn't help you right now. A business needs cash flow to survive. 3). Take a look at my habits and be intentional about the habits that I was building. Humans are habitual beings. Focus on building a few good habits at a time that will help you get to that end goal. What advice would you give your younger self when you were just getting started in your career? Thank you for interviewing us Donovan ! #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 521 · Comments 116

Surrendering to change, embracing it, rolling with it, understanding it, loving it, hating it, experimenting with it, mastering it, is the key to loving it. Surrendering to change is the key that allows me to be immersed in a full life. Sometimes it’s really painful. Sometimes I hate change. It often gives me great anxiety. And I begin to miss my old life. But I won’t give up anything in exchange for immersing myself in the next steps in my life. Anyway…  http://bit.ly/2yD2aMW …see more

♥ 517 · Comments 23

It's weird having a job that's mainly based on thinking about the future. You feel really happy because it's pretty much the best job in the world. But it's also saddening because looking ahead there isn't ( to me) clearly a lot to be happy about.

♥ 516 · Comments 192

One time I had to speak at a TEDx conference and I was so scared I thought I was going to just walk out of the building and never come back. About ten minutes before I had to speak. I remembered this one technique: http://bit.ly/2zQ9UxX

♥ 516 · Comments 30

Wrapping up my Boston trip and second Forbes Under 30 Summit. Memorable sessions by Anne Wojcicki , Eliza Esquivel , Whitney Wolfe , Bozoma Saint John! Glad to catch up with the one and truly Jenny Rooney ! 🙂 #sfbound

♥ 511 · Comments 19

When I was suicidal, I was doing all of the below bad habits. When I was going broke, I was doing all of the below bad habits. I’ve gone from rich to dead broke so many times I’m like a one-man scientific experiment in what works and what doesn’t. Or I’m just an idiot. Either way. These things don’t work. Stop doing them. …see more

♥ 507 · Comments 42

I am an anxious person. #Anxiety leads to bad decisions leads to bad futures. In 60 seconds I try to describe how I deal with my anxiety. …see more

♥ 506 · Comments 38

Some of the most sustainable #memories we have are either harsh or kind words by somebody. The influence simple words have on someone's life is very high. Just a word can change your life. A kind word can inspire you and make you a better person while a harsh word can stay on like a thorn that you remember for a long time. Many decades ago when I was in 8th grade in school and struggling in Math, my teacher said, "You know you have potential to be first in school. Please come to me with any questions if you are struggling. I will help you, I want to see you reach your full potential." These three sentences and one person changed the trajectory of my life. From then on, I did extremely well in Math, loved the subject (I was doing poorly because I was not interested), and chose engineering because I loved math and problem solving so much. I didn’t know how 2020 would turn out when I chose this year’s resolution to practice kindness more mindfully. My belief that kindness can take us all a long way is only strengthened with current events. Each one of us is fighting our own battles, being kind costs nothing and it creates a positive ripple effect. It’s said, ‘ #Love & #kindness have far greater influence than #punishment upon the improvement of human character’ #SuccessHabits …see more

♥ 503 · Comments 35

I had a boss who would push his glasses down on his nose when I walked in and look at me above the glasses. Like I was not worth focusing on. Like I was half a human. He hated me. Your #boss hates you also. …see more

♥ 502 · Comments 79

I remember sitting in my dorm room Freshman year. My roommate never showed up so I had a double all to myself. One of the students down the hall was in my room. "Do you want to go to this party with us?" "I'm good dude. I'll be writing all night." I responded. "That's kind of cool. By the time you get out of this place you'll have a bunch of work to show." Looking back, I can't tell you why I wrote those stories. Or why I wrote music. Or why I played video games. I just did things because they interested me. I was obsessed with those things and I never concerned myself with things that didn't interest me. Last night I was in my old Google Drive and found some of those stories. And they inspired me a little bit. I left myself a note on the top of one of the books I was writing: "Just write. Edit later. Just get shit down. Understand it will suck. But the ideas are always good. There is no wrong. Write! It’s the only way to create something beautiful. It’s a lot easier to edit what’s already there." During this time, when people are learning new skills and jumping back into things that interest them... Just write (figuratively). Worry about editing later. Worry about the plan later. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 501 · Comments 119

I gave up careers, relationships, huge opportunities just so I could write. I've written every single day for 30 years. I was delusional for years. I sucked. Then I started writing articles, then books, then bestsellers, then speaking, then podcasts, then more books, screenplays, newsletters. This is a collection of some of the best advice I've ever gotten. …see more

♥ 501 · Comments 40

I realised long ago that I should find balance in the moment, focus on what I am doing now with a balanced state of mind. Trying to do equal ratio of work and life is impossible and unnecessary stress. The lines must blur between mingling work and life. …see more

♥ 500 · Comments 23

With one look at me, a guy in the front row wrote me off before I even had a chance to begin my presentation. He leaned back in his chair, started twirling his short hair and scanned me from root to petal with a condescending smile, shaking his head. And I loved it. #ChallengeAccepted When he started heckling me, he made the unconscious bias apparent to everyone else in the workshop. "Why should I listen to someone like you?" He said. The audience was humiliated on his behalf, smiling uncomfortably and speaking up to quiet him so I could take the floor. I love being challenged like this because it is a chance to discuss topics that seldom get surfaced. At the end of my workshop, many of the audience members kept asking how I got started speaking and what they should do to get more acquainted with public speaking and confrontation. What would you tell them? List it in the comments below! My suggestions?! Practice and create videos! Just get started and your already ahead of the game. Also, take advantage of having control. When you've got the stage, the room is yours. Make it count. #PublicSpeaking #Presentations #Leadership #Speaking #Success #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 498 · Comments 147

I've done several interviews in the past and this is hands down one of the most reflective of them all. Thanks to HuffPost and Kiron Chandy for giving me the platform to share and reflect on my immigrant story and personal journey in celebration of #ImmigrantHeritageMonth. I couldn't have done this without my LinkedIn community. And especially to all the teachers, friends, and mentors who supported me along this journey: Jenny Rooney Steve Olenski Kathryn Bader Debra Goldentyer Marney Randle Kevin Young Marisa Brown Joe Hines Daniel Roth Maya Pope-Chappell Itamar Orgad . Thank you for your support and thank you for giving immigrants like me a chance. Read about my story: https://goo.gl/lTNZZD …see more

♥ 497 · Comments 17

A Vietnamese father was discriminated against during his job search. Why? Simply because his potential employer assumed he couldn't speak English well enough to do the job. This incident touched close to home. As a fellow immigrant, my family also moved to the U.S. in the 1990s. They didn't speak English then. Today, they still rely on my siblings and I to help them translate every now and then. Their early employers saw beyond their language barrier and gave them a chance in America so that they can support their family, my family. It's heart breaking to see discrimination like this still prevalent in America. As a second language learner, English, especially writing has always been one of my biggest insecurities. Not because I didn't write well, but simply because I wasn't a native speaker. I've been blessed to have mentors and managers who provided the support and affirmation to help me get over this imposter syndrome. For immigrants and second language speakers out there, be confident in your command of the English language. But more importantly, always help out your parents. Super proud of Emily Huynh for helping her dad out throughout this ordeal! …see more

♥ 496 · Comments 86

On United Nations #WorldChildrensDay, a memory: I was born in poverty in America, the 9th of 10 children, in a town where people with my skin color were expected to stay in the shadows. But I could dream, and I managed to build the future of my dreams. I even dreamed my way to an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Northern #Uganda, on July 7, 2007, where I was helping radio journalists learn how to gather sound and interview residents to produce feature stories. I will never forget the joy and exuberance of children in those horrific settings. It was probably because the weird looking, funny talking brown lady from far away was trying to play along with them. Spending time with those kids lifted my spirits tremendously. I've often considered that day, 7/7/07, one of the luckiest of my life. To bear witness to the depth and strength of human will, in a way I could have never imagined a few months earlier, changed me forever. It made me vow to spend the rest of my days trying to leave something positive in my wake. On #WorldChildrensDay, let's take a moment to consider how our children view the world, and what we're doing help shape their vision. …see more

♥ 491 · Comments 37

“Honestly, I’ve been working a lot on myself and getting my mental health in check.” I asked a friend recently how she was doing in her business, and was a little taken back by this answer. There was almost an internal sigh of “me too” which she spoke about working on her own happiness. I didn't feel the same pressure to "show off" how much I work or how long my hours are. I actually found myself smiling more. The competitive #hustle mentality becomes unhealthy so quickly. Putting on events about mental health like Impact Mentality and talking more about it these past couple of months has made me realize how many people are struggling to just keep okay. When was the last time you thought about the state of your mental resilience? #mentalhealth #resiliency #entrepreneurship #hardwork …see more

♥ 491 · Comments 37

I thought I wanted a +500 person company. Something I could attach to my name. So that everyone would know I made it. Now? I don’t care anymore. I don’t want that anymore. And for the first time in my life, I feel like I’ve made it. I haven’t achieved all of my goals. But I’m good with who I am. With where I’m going. And with what I actually want. My ambition is still there. But the self-inflicted pressure is just gone. Clarity ebbs and flows. Sometimes we get it and sometimes we don’t. Sometimes what we wanted isn’t what we want anymore. Sometimes what we were isn’t what we are anymore. It’s not something we can prep for. And that’s okay. I like this new person I’m becoming. At this stage of my life, I just want to focus on creating things that I’m proud of. Sharing stories that need to be told. And bringing people together. What are you working on? I'd love to hear about it! #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 489 · Comments 109

In 2017, I got into a huge argument with my co-founders at the time. We ended up separating. Here's where I went wrong 👇🏾 ❌ I was a **** and said hurtful things that I didn't need to. ❌ I only cared that I believed that I was right. Not about their feelings. Not that they were human beings. Here is what I've learned and how I've adjusted since then: ✅ I don't manage teams anymore. I'm not good at it. I only step in when I need to. I am more aware of the kind of person I am. I'm blunt. I tell it how it is and I have a lot of passion. ✅ Everyone on the team (and I mean everyone) should feel safe. Safe to bring ideas to the table. Safe to fail. Safe to try new things. That's where innovation comes from. I used to be a tyrant of a leader. And now, I honestly learn more from watching and working with my team than they probably learn from me. ✅ It's not always about being right or being wrong. Sometimes it's just about being human. A great read if you're looking to grow a powerhouse team (in any industry) is the Culture Code by Daniel Coyle. That way you don't have to make the mistakes that I did. 😅 People are your greatest asset. Take care of them. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #business #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 488 · Comments 117

What a year 2020 has been. The industry I work in vanished in a week, I worked three times more than ever before, didn't travel at all for the first time in my life. I learned to live with all kinds of insecurities. Made many professional mistakes and got totally exhausted by the end of the year. This year has broken me a little bit. I lost some hope in humanity and myself too. But all my family members and friends are healthy. I spent a lot of time with my wife and daughter. I witnessed the rise of science in the era of fake news. I bought a studio and launched a new business. The Medical Futurist broke all records. I made new friends through sports and online gaming. I broke through some barriers in my chess journey. However, I cannot wait to start a new year. I don't expect it to be better because it's new. It's going to be better because we make it so. I'm ready to work, serve my community and continue to learn even more in 2021. And if I have to go through all that suffering again, let's get into it. Now I have some experience. :) The COVID era will end when we are all vaccinated. I cannot wait to get mine and as The Medical Futurist, I will keep on fighting against misinformation. That's my pledge for 2021. I wish you all the best for 2021 too! …see more

♥ 486 · Comments 34

Being a singer-songwriter for 6 years made me a better entrepreneur. I had a chat with Mike yesterday. And he referenced a video where a student said he was "having trouble making music because he was too busy watching Netflix." Mike went on to say that most musicians are obsessed with their craft. Creating rarely feels like a chore. And they understand: - No one owes you a view, follow, or subscription. - You have to work to build up a loyal fan base. - Your upbringing doesn't decide how good you are. The market does and your talent does. Entrepreneurship is the same way; which is why trolls have never really gotten to me personally. I understand that they don't owe me support nor is my success predicated on them. So long as my company can do what we say we can; and if I can deliver in the way I now I can, then that is all that matters. The market decides. Your level of talent decides. And your grit decides. So surround yourself with magical people & don't let the muggles get you down. If you want something, and if you believe you're good enough, go get it. #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 485 · Comments 119

On the 100th anniversary of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela’s birth, I must credit him with changing my life. When I wrote my 1979 high school senior paper about the injustice of Mandela’s imprisonment—expressing my outrage that he would probably die behind bars—I had no hope or expectation that I would ever meet Tata Madiba. So when I actually did meet him in 1994, I had no choice but to open my mind to the magic of the impossible. The privilege of shaking hands with the man who was willing to sacrifice his life for the cause of justice infused me with the responsibility to make a difference, however big or small, in this world. In these days of anxiety, fear and what too often feels like chaos, nothing else makes sense but to use whatever time we have on this Earth to do good. Stand up for what’s right. Express empathy and compassion often. And don’t let anyone or anything imprison your mind. When you are mentally strong and free, no chains or bars, figurative or real, can stop you. May the next 100 years yield at least a 1,000 women and men around the world whose contributions equal Mandela’s profound example of #truth, #justice and #love for #humanity. It might seem like a tall order, but then, nothing is impossible. #Mandela100 #WalkToFreedom …see more

♥ 481 · Comments 18

Born in 1996, I sit on the cusp of Millennials and Gen Z. I remember 9/11, but I can’t remember what it was like to have a cell phone without data. As a Gen Z-er, I focus on saving money as much as possible. But when I do spend, I spend it like a Millennial (i.e. on experiences). I am sitting at a WorldZ session led by Viacom, and I can’t help but think about how weird it is to hear people of another generation name and define my generation. As a marketer, I totally understand wanting to target audiences. But what I notice from these kinds of talks are the lack of Gen Z people in the room, contributing to the conversation about what they are like. I am so curious as to how the conversation about Gen Z will change once younger people start actively participating in the conversation. #marketing #genz #millennials #targetaudience #generationaldifferences …see more

♥ 478 · Comments 83

I almost moved to London a year ago — I started my company with my team instead. And then my life transformed. Don’t be afraid to pivot and change your plans. I’m not from here, but I’ll always be grateful to the city that I found myself in. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 📸 Brema …see more

♥ 476 · Comments 63

Startup life is like a roller coaster. You might experience great success after many failures or you may experience a devastating failure right after big successes. To successfully navigate the journey, between failures and success, one must discover their own motivations that keep them going. Living in the present along with a deep focus on creating and growing my business, works for me. I would love to learn from others, how they pick themselves up. #stepstosuccess …see more

♥ 475 · Comments 20

This resonates strongly with me. Having raised two girls, Love is not the same as giving in to what makes kids happy in the moment. Over the course of life do they draw from your example to make right choices.  Interestingly, when I work with startups and young founders, I go through the same mental process. How to be honest in feedback and take a position of long term perspective even if it is opposed or unpopular view in the moment.  My conclusion, if my intent is pure, and I am open to listening and base decisions on deep conviction, it is likely to be all right in the long run. …see more

♥ 474 · Comments 14

When I was a student I was afraid to produce content. I didn't think I had value to bring because I was just getting started in my career. I wish I had put myself out there earlier. Our marketing assistant Kiely Page just had her first speaking engagement and she crushed it. Know this 👇🏽 - It's never too early to start putting yourself out there. - Sharing is a great way to build confidence. - There is always someone out there that can learn from you regardless of where you are in your journey. What advice would you give students? #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 471 · Comments 147

COVID-19 has caused me to reevaluate my own ego. How could I complain when I still have my job? How could I not continue to accelerate my career when I have all this extra free time from my commute? Why am I not as productive when I have more time for self-care? When I’ve been faced with tough times in the past, I’ve always assumed that I’ll just “figure it out”. But if this experience has taught me anything personally, it’s that if I want to be a good future leader, colleague, sister, or friend, I have to be able to have sympathy not only for others, but also for myself and my own circumstances. …see more

♥ 471 · Comments 29

"When the lockdown was announced, we rushed to buy rice, wheat, milk & vegetables and shelter with our loved ones. Though this is a dire situation globally, it has forced all of us to remember what matters most in our life and how to reduce our conspicuous consumption." #COVID19 …see more

♥ 468 · Comments 28

I was never a salesman. So when I started my first company I struggled. I heard more "no's" than I ever had in my life. But I learned and I'm thankful for that period of my life, because no matter what I'm doing professionally I will always have to "sell" myself. I interviewed Nicholas Kirchner on the Strange on Purpose podcast. His agency was just acquired and he's now the President of Margle Media. His first job was a sales job. He made 50 - 60 calls a day selling fiber optic cables. So when he branched off on his own he had the grit needed to sell. His advice: Pick up a phone and make a call. You'll get your teeth kicked in but you will learn. What was your first job and what did it teach you? #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 462 · Comments 100

My first year out of college was not what I was promised. While I found myself dealing with issues that I was warned about, there were some unique challenges that I shared with my peers entering the full-time workforce in 2018/2019. Some of them include a redefining of financial literacy (including how almost all of my friends have student debt), entering the workforce in the #MeToo era, and more. Checkout the full article including stories from Julian Gamboa and Joel Hansen! #university #workforce #genz …see more

♥ 460 · Comments 59

I took a break from larger speaking events since my little brother's passing last October. The thought of stepping on stage again felt weird to me. Weeks before my speaking engagement, I started to break down. Felt anxious. Snappy. The event was only about 300 people but I still struggled with preparation. I actually wasn’t able to practice my speech all the way through because I felt weird talking about my brother. I just knew what I wanted to say. I knew what I wanted to leave the audience with. ✅ This newsletter I dive more into my speech, lessons after two years of speaking, and some things going on with my business. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 …see more

♥ 459 · Comments 75

"Just give up, nobody is going to want you anymore." My community of MS warriors told me applying for a job was a waste of time. Nobody wants you when you're *damaged* right? Seeing impaired. Immobile. Hard of hearing. These 3 things could have held me captive, but I decided to use each unfathomable symptom as FUEL and FIGHT 🔥 Some days are brutal, but learning that so many differently-abled warriors feel unwelcome because of insane healthcare costs, unconscious bias, and accessibility obstacles made me both devastated and furious! That's why I made the promise to raise my voice from a whisper to a roar and raise awareness for... ❤ Accessibility ❤ Unconscious Bias ❤ Mindset Magic ❤ Affordable Healthcare Can you imagine if we... ✂ cut social security dependency in HALF? ➕ add resourceful attitudes of gratitude and innovation to roundtable discussions? 🏥 Make healthcare affordable so patients can fight to heal rather than fight to afford food and prescriptions? Thank you Canadian Business Chicks for encouraging inspiration and empowerment! I'm honored that my voice has been heard ❤ See you October 9th, Toronto! #Inspire #Motivation #Leadership #Advocacy #Speaker #ChantelShares #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #Woi2019 #WOI2019DreamBig …see more

♥ 459 · Comments 93

This will be Nicole Black's first Christmas season without her daughter, Crystle. As she cares for her adorable grandbaby Jacob, Black must also struggle with memories from the early morning hours of July 4, 2018, when Crystle collapsed 6 days after giving birth. Black and her family members called 911, but they say EMTs with Hillsborough County, Florida questioned whether they could afford the $600 ambulance fee. Nicole Black drove Crystle to the emergency room herself, where she died five days later. #Reproductivejustice activists across America say stories like these happen every day, in rural areas and communities of color where medical facilities and transportation systems are limited or non-existent. No woman, regardless of her economic status or racial/ethnic background, should have to worry whether or not she might be refused medical care based on her zip-code. This is just one the issues affecting pregnant women in America that Lynsey Addario and I explored in our Jan. 2019 National Geographic Magazine feature about #maternalmortality . It's available on newstands now, and you can also read it here--> https://lnkd.in/ecUDk_X #Blackmamasmatter Women Deliver #reproductivehealth #birthequity #midwives #midwivesofcolor #midwivesmatter #doulas …see more

♥ 459 · Comments 27

A ton has changed in the past 6 months. My job. My home. My industry. And a lot of it was centered around me living more intentionally. I cut out unnecessary items taking up the physical space around me and my time. Check out my most recent article on how I learned to work and live more intentionally. I feel far more productive, efficient, and content than ever. #productivity #efficiency #careermove …see more

♥ 458 · Comments 40

I was 22 when I started my first company. That was three years ago, it's a big shift mentally going from zero employees to having a full-time team and people that depend on you. I've had a bunch of conversations recently with people that have scaled successfully and been in the same position that I am in now. "At a certain point it becomes bigger than you." - Shay ☀️ Rowbottom Here are some things that I'm loving about having a team: - Delegation. I get to focus on more of what I love. - We're super intentional about the culture we are building and it's incredible watching it come to life. - Watching employees come into their own, grow, and do things much better than I would. - It's a million times more fun building with the right people. Do you prefer working alone or with a team? #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 457 · Comments 95

Growing up it was my dream to live in NYC, overlook the city and write for a living. I never wanted to be an entrepreneur. I didn't even know what that word meant. I sold my services in video games when I was younger. I hustled for gigs as a musician. But "business" never really interested me. I'm 26. Black. And decided not to complete college. On paper no one would ever bet on me to succeed. Don't let anyone convince you that there is an ideal entrepreneur, or CEO, or professional (or fill in the blank with whatever you aspire to be). Success isn't about following someone else's path or fitting into the mold. It's about being who you are, making it work for you, & betting on yourself. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #business #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 457 · Comments 82

I never wanted to be known as a black entrepreneur. Race was always something that I wanted to be left out of my story. I didn't want to be the best "black" (fill in the blank)... I just wanted to be the best. I've come to see a major flaw in my thinking. Growing up we are told in our families and communities that blackness is power. But the world tells us that blackness is synonymous with being unintelligent, poor, angry, [fill in the blank]. And whether I wanted to believe that or not, there is a part of me that has accepted that as a reality as well. Hence, not wanting to be called a black entrepreneur. I've been thinking a lot about everyone that is going to come after me, the lack of role models I have had in my life, and how important representation really is across the board. So... to my fellow minority, and underrepresented, business owners: own it. Someone out there is counting on you to show up. Someone out there is counting on you to win so that they can know that they can win too. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 @Rich Cardona , I appreciate you having me on your show! …see more

♥ 456 · Comments 101

"What is a day in the life of a Venture Capitalist like? How do VCs allocate their time over a year?" These are questions that I hear often. So, I gathered my thoughts to share what a day in my life is like to help future #leaders get an insight into what a career in VC is like. If a career in VC sounds interesting, I encourage you to apply for the Kalaari Fellowship Program-> https://bit.ly/kcfellows03 #VentureCapital #Career …see more

♥ 455 · Comments 32

Is it just me or is now a rather strange time. I feel partly mentally exhausted, no idea what day it is, what normal life is like, feel so much uncertainty, rather lost, but also have this strong sense of optimism, this feeling will be over this sooner than we think, that normal will hit us fast, and this will just feel like a collective strange nightmarish blurry nightmare we disembody collectively ourselves from. That our greatest feeling in the future will be regret of what we didn't do. …see more

♥ 452 · Comments 60

10 THINGS I VALUE MORE THAN #MONEY: Money makes me anxious. I don't ever want to go broke again. The first time I went broke I lost all my friends, a house, and self-respect. The second time, I lost my friends, my house, and my family. I've had plenty of mini-brokes. I lost a lot of things during those times. But finally during those times I realized there are things more valuable. Actions > Words > Thoughts. In other words, if you value something more than money, take ACTIONS to improve those things in your life. Don't take actions om the things you value less than money. Money will be a side effect. Not a goal, or a wish, or a thought. Make your list of 10 things you value more than money. Then you will see also. I'm not trying to convince anyone. Just saying my list. Particularly #10... http://bit.ly/2zMTt6H …see more

♥ 452 · Comments 35

I was a salesman snob. Like many people, I always looked down on the concept of “#selling.” It seemed like something lower than me. To some extent, selling appears manipulative.  I was wrong. And for the past 25 years, all I have been doing is selling. Selling products, selling services, selling businesses, selling myself. Sometimes I have been manipulative. And sometimes I’ve sold things I’ve had such passion for that I practically gave them away just to get the message out. And often, it was very much in the middle: I needed to sell something because I had to pay my bills. I wanted to make sure my family got fed. But I can say that over the past 25 years, I’ve sold hundreds of millions of dollars of stuff. That stuff being everything in Pandora’s box that I had to sell just to stay alive.  When I thought of what worked for me, here’s what I came up with:  http://bit.ly/2B1moUT …see more

♥ 450 · Comments 46

A few years ago, I started waking up at three o’clock every morning. I’d toss and turn, disappointed that I wasn’t following through on my plan to get seven to eight hours of shut-eye. It was on my schedule, so why wasn’t I asleep? It turns out that sleeping wasn’t completely under my control. I couldn’t help the fact my body chose to wake me up, but I could control my response. At first, I’d lie in bed, thinking about how bad it was that I wasn’t sleeping enough. I’d stir over these thoughts until I could think of nothing else. Ironically, I wasn’t falling back asleep because I was worried about not falling back asleep. Once I realized my rumination was itself a distraction, I began to deal with it in a healthier manner. If I woke up, I’d repeat a simple mantra, “The body gets what the body needs.” That subtle mindset shift took the pressure off by no longer making sleep a requirement. My job was to provide my body with the proper time and place to rest, what happened next was out of my control. I let my mind relax without worry. Once my rumination stopped, so did my sleepless nights. I soon started regularly falling back asleep in minutes. We should stop worrying about outcomes we can’t control and instead focus on the inputs we can. #Indistractable …see more

♥ 446 · Comments 63

Almost 1 year ago, Joel Hansen and I met as college students on LinkedIn and just last week we were flying on a helicopter together over Vancouver. Joel and I graduated college last year and hosted a number of events together across the country. On our ride, we talked about the importance of creating great experiences through our events for every stakeholder of the topic covered. It’s only a week later that I feel immense gratitude for what this platform and its people has allowed me to accomplish.LinkedIn allows you to connect with people that enable your dreams to become reality, no matter when or if you graduated college. Joel and I were finishing our degrees when we met and now we host events and activations all over North America. What’s something that you accomplished in the last year that you would have never planned having the opportunity to do? Thanks again to Joel and SKY Helicopters Inc. for a great helicopter ride! #hardwork #conferences #studentvoices #studentsoflinkedin CC: Michelle Kwok , Jeremy Becker , Tiffany Parra …see more

♥ 445 · Comments 25

2019 is the year I lost my little brother. It will always be one of the worst years of my life. But, it's also a year that sparked a big change in me. Grief has a way of doing that. It's something I'm keen on exploring more — this altered state throughout grief. It's something that I'm developing an experiment/film around. Because it's something we've all been through, or will go through. And the world we live in is not set up for it. ❌ We don't like talking about it. ❌ We don't know how to talk about it. ❌ And typically (in the US) only 3-5 bereavement days are given. Currently, there are no federal laws that require employers to provide employees either paid or unpaid leave. COVID has definitely impacted our ability to film, talk with people, but if you're still interested in the subject, want to talk about loss, etc. I would love to chat. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 443 · Comments 106

What is #Art ? It is an expression of human imagination. I found Mary’s work beautiful and her story inspiring. Her entrepreneurial #mindset enabled her to overcome the hurdles she faced upon losing her #job . She began carving portraits of celebrities and frontline workers on leaves, thus creating a new income source for herself. Check out her amazing work. Reuters #WeekendMusings …see more

♥ 442 · Comments 18

I woke up at 3:42 this morning. Couldn’t sleep. So I read. And one thing that stuck with me this morning is this: creators used to want to make the world a better place and highlight others... not themselves. I’m at a place in my career where I have no desire to be an “influencer.” I just want to write, create films, and create experiences for other people. That excites me. And hopefully something I put out there will help someone else see the world a little differently. Tough times right now for most of us— I’m always a DM away if needed. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 Follow me on TikTok. I’m creating a bunch of “nonesense” there. 😌 …see more

♥ 441 · Comments 73

Did Gyles Brandreth and I almost go into business together as teenagers? Fun trip down memory lane on

♥ 440 · Comments 22

My grandfather was right: travel is the best education. I share four reasons why in learning about other people, places, and cultures, you'll also learn about yourself. #leadership #career #growth …see more

♥ 439 · Comments 87

Hiring someone full-time, for the first time, was the scariest and most exciting thing we've done as a team. Chandler was our first full-time hire. And before we brought him on he reached out over and over and over again. Not enough to be annoying but enough to show that he was serious; and that he fit our culture. And culture is the most important thing to us. We want people that we can grow with. - He made a video telling us why he'd be a good fit. - He didn't wait around for me to answer, he put in the work on his own and had something to show when we finally sat down. - And since bringing him on he's made us so much better, more creative, and so much more organized as a company. He fits our culture perfectly and he has made us so much better as a team. How did you land your last job? #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 439 · Comments 97

As the GlobalCitizen #Mandela100 Festival kicks off in #Johannesburg , I can’t help remembering the impact #NelsonMandela had on my life. Writing about his imprisonment for my high school Senior Thesis in 1979. Meeting Madiba in 1994. Touring #RobbenIsland in 2012. Living and working on the Continent when he made his transition in 2013. In his honor, I strive to join the millions of young people around the world who want to #BeTheGeneration that helps to end #extremepoverty . Or as the legend himself stated: “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like slavery and apartheid, #poverty is not natural. It is man-made, and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.” “Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. You can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.” - Nelson Mandela #GlobalCitizen #globaldevelopment #Endpoverty #socialjustice …see more

♥ 439 · Comments 19

Everyone is in their own fight club, but we don't talk about it... Because it's fight club! 💪 When I'm overwhelmed, I lean into a support system of badasses I have built since my health and career journeys collided. No, I'm not a health coach or fitness instructor and you'll never find me at a gym (introverts unite, at our homes, independently!) But health plays a serious role in my career because of incurable diseases and disability. Millions like me battle chronic illness while working full-time, running multiple businesses, and parenting - but these battles are hidden. From depression to cancer and everything in between... Please remember to be kind and supportive. And if you're struggling, Surround yourself with inspiring powerhouses that go through hell and back regularly just to get through the day! Start with the XXO community. Fuel your mindset & build your character with the company you keep. To this day, there is NO WAY I would be where I am in my health OR career journey without the incredible people I feel blessed to call connections and friends. Thank you for being supportive and kind during these intense phases of testing character! #motivation …see more

♥ 437 · Comments 87

Having a niche is a total game-changer. But don't force yourself to specialize in something just for the sake of having a niche. My favorite part of my speeches are the Q&A's. Someone asked me how they should go about finding their niche. And while it's not the popular answer it takes exploration and self-awareness. - In college I switched my major more times than I can count. - My career as a marketer I tried multiple industries and fields. - When I started my first company I pivoted over and over again until I found something that I enjoyed and something that worked. Exploration. Don't subscribe to the belief that you need to have everything figured out. I totally believe people should have a niche. And that it should be something that 1). You're great at and 2). you enjoy (it more than likely will be an intersection of multiple things you're good at/enjoy). And if you're having trouble figuring out yours, don't be afraid to make that a part of your story. You can always pivot later. That's the route I took. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 435 · Comments 78

Today, the number of people who follow me on LinkedIn passed 250,000. First, let me send mad love and honor to the African continent, where I suspect the bulk of my followers live. That’s because since I first touched down in Accra, Ghana in April of 2003, I’ve organized and/or participated in at least one journalism training workshop in 11 different African countries, and lived in two of them. Africa taught me how to be a strong leader. I learned how to be a Mama Hen there, too. I realized that the two personas can peacefully co-exist, especially when you’re nurturing young minds. To the rest of the folks around the world who clicked the little “Follow” box beside my name, you can’t begin to know what that small gesture means to me. Along my path of reinvention and renewal, I’m trying to find meaning by adding value. If you believe I’ve done that at some point, keep reading. To LinkedIn, what began as little more than an occasional online diary for my random thoughts has morphed into one of the biggest challenges/opportunities of my professional life. If I can just keep learning, writing and communicating relevant information in interesting ways, I know my career will soar. #Africa #journalism #inspiration #career #writing …see more

♥ 434 · Comments 32

If you are a parent - just like me - , you probably know the feeling when you agonize for a day about whether to take your child to the doctor or not... I had the opportunity to test a digital stethoscope that offers reassurance in such situations - find out whether it has fulfilled its promise in our review. #digitalhealth #kids #medicine #healthcare #technology #stethoscope …see more

♥ 433 · Comments 23

I spoke at my old college today. And I got on the topic of wishing that I starting sharing my story earlier. I held myself back for a long time because I thought I wasn't relatable. I used my age, my race, my lack of experience as a crutch. And I know a lot of people that are there as well. Eventually, I freed myself of that and just started documenting. And 500 or so videos later it started paying off. I asked Charlotte , our badass graphic design intern, her thoughts because she has expressed similar hesitations. And, this is totally applicable to everyone but I want to stress it for students or anyone just getting started in their career. 👇 1). You don't have to have everything figured out. 2). Don't force yourself to niche down just for the sake of niching down. Explore and figure out what you like. 3). You ARE relatable to someone out there even if there are times when it's hard to believe it. You have a story. You have value. Share it. #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 432 · Comments 146

For my TEDx talk I wore a shirt “Genius from the Hood.” Because genius comes in all shapes, colors, ages, and sizes. I was thinking about my life this morning and those that have walked up to me, sent me a message, etc. saying that I’ve impacted them. Then I thought about my blackness. About who I am. About where I come from. And about all of the others out there like me, that weren’t as fortunate as I have been. How many people are not impacted because others are written off because of reasons outside of their control? Genius is still genius, whether she’s black or white. Poor or rich. Think about it. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #diversity #blacklivesmatter …see more

♥ 427 · Comments 73

I started my ashtanga #yoga practice about 3 years ago. I was inspired by this video. When we see #excellence in any field we can be inspired by the persistence, #passion , #purpose behind it. And we can imbibe this #inspiration into our life’s to goals that are relevant to us. I never imagined when I saw this video that someday I will have a chance to be in a class with Laruga Glaser and learn from her. I joined in the class this weekend in Mumbai organised by True Bay India . At so many levels it was a humbling yet joyous practice. - No matter what we achieve there is more to #learn - #Mentors come along and share the knowledge when you are ready to receive - Taking time out to invest in expanding our life experiences enrich us to enhance #outcomes in all aspects of our life. #WeekendMusings …see more

♥ 426 · Comments 23

So a Gen X'er meets up with a Millennial for a coffee chat in Shanghai thanks to LinkedIn... Had the pleasure of finally meeting John Patrick Mullin  at my office today in Shanghai, after connecting through LinkedIn this year. John gave me a quick primer on why blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and bitcoin are going to change everything. I still don't understand what any of those things are, but at least I've found someone who can help make sense of it to me.  And I could care less that he's just a few years--ahem--younger than me. He's got a lot to teach me about that. I plan to binge read John's articles on these topics.  Make sure you follow this guy. He's got a lot of great ideas and pretty big plans. #fintech #blockchain #bitcoin #China #MillennialsRock …see more

♥ 425 · Comments 19

Happy New Year! Let 2019 be an amazing year to bring you all the personal and professional success and growth you wish for. Do you have a new year resolution? I have a few resolutions & goals. #1 in my list is to get back to daily meditation, the habit I built a few years ago, but lost it more recently due to being extremely busy. Wearing different hats every day as an executive, mom, wife, university lecturer, startup advisor & investor, public speaker, daughter, sister, and friend left me absolutely no time for myself. As someone who researched mental health and the benefits of meditation closely, I know that committing to do 5-10 minutes of meditation every day will bring me the focus, calm, and clearance of mind that I need and make me more effective in everything I do. So my new year resolution is to get back to daily meditation. I want to invite you all to join me in this journey and share your experiences with me throughout the year. These are some tips on how to get started: 1) Allocate the same time every day to meditate. Ideally you meditate after an existing routine (e.g. right after you wake up). That’s the best way to build a habit. 2) Set a reminder. 3) Use one of the meditation apps - Calm or Headspace. #health #wellness #meditation #newyearresolution …see more

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I've always struggled with just showing the highlight reel. I want everything I create to be honest, raw, and real. But even when you set out to do that it's hard as hell to actually show everything and what actually goes into building something of your own. I’m not saying don’t become an entrepreneur; I'm actually currently writing this at an entrepreneurship retreat. I love entrepreneurship. I love being in control, building a team, pushing people to grow, changing lives & businesses. But what I am saying is this – don’t believe the bullshit. The hustle porn. The idea that it doesn’t take work or sacrifice to build something of your own. Anyway, here's my truth. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 422 · Comments 139

Earlier this year I tried to find a female mentor and failed. I went on plenty of lunch and coffee sessions, was actively telling people of my search, but couldn’t find the right fit. For so many people early in their career, it can feel impossible to find a mentor. I thought that I didn’t have anything to offer in return for the mentorship. I was reading an article by Bumble the other day on “How To Ask a Mentor Out for Coffee and Create a Lasting Relationship” and could TOTALLY empathize. I made so many of the mistakes that the article called out like 1. Making the first meeting too long 2. Using the word “mentor” too early 3. Not nailing my elevator pitch I’ve been chatting with great people on BumbleBizz. Download and checkout Bumble so you can find your very own mentor or mentee. How have you been able to find mentors? #BumblePartner …see more

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I wore this 3D printed cast for days and the experience was far better than with plaster casts which I've had many times in my life. Light, easy to clean and I could even have a shower while having the cast on. It's not a real question whether you would choose a plaster cast or this one if you had a choice, right? #3dprinting #digitalhealth #technology #medicine …see more

♥ 420 · Comments 18

YOU HAVE WAY MORE CONTROL THAN YOU KNOW! Dealing with neurological deterioration, I found SO MUCH empowerment in neuroplasticity – you can, too! Stay with me here and learn more in the video below. To sum up my #10Tips10Days series on how to live a happier, more fulfilled life, regardless of whatever obstacles stand in your way… Tip 1️⃣ Be Present – Find your anchor to remind you. Tip 2️⃣ Reminisce – Don’t let happy memories go to waste! Tip 3️⃣ Acknowledge – Acknowledge the invisible. Action Steps: For every single little negative thought that crosses your mind, list as many 'silver linings' as you can. Do this for 30 straight days and it will become habitual, rewiring your brain. What helps you “see the bright side” of things? I'd love to nominate the following rockstars! Catherine (Cat) Daar Laci McDowell Shay ☀️ Rowbottom #Gratitude #Happiness #PersonalGrowth #Professionalism #CareerGoals #Adversity #Disability #DifferentlyAbled #ChantelShares #Neuroscience …see more

♥ 419 · Comments 117

I used to think I was absolutely bananas for having a fear of answering phone calls. I mean, it sounds crazy, doesn't it?! 🍌 I've had social anxiety since my teens but didn't realize what it was... I would enter the grocery store or pharmacy with eyes at the ground, safely avoiding any potential social interaction. I NEVER answer the phone unless it is a scheduled call... and even then it is uncomfortable. So when it came time to NETWORK, I was definitely out of my zone of comfort - but pushing myself was the best thing that ever happened to me. I still remember my first Skype call. A conversation with VIDEO!? What was I going to do?! Thankfully, it was with one of the most incredible women I have ever met and she eased my fears with genuine authenticity and kindness. Since then, I have taken two calls per day for the past two years and have seen the impact these calls have had on my bottom line and ultimately on my heart and soul. Don't let your fears hold you back. Pick up the darn phone! You never know who may just change your life... I'll see you next week for Tip 13 of my 20 Tips in 2020! #Sales #SocialSelling #PersonalBranding #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 419 · Comments 98

I’ve been very sad at points. I’ve been lonely. I’ve felt like I was no good at anything. I felt like I didn’t know what the rules were. For happiness. For living. How can I find out? And I felt that I was constantly trying to please others, just to survive, and nobody was trying to please me. These are the things that I’ve done that have directly helped me whenever I am feeling down. And in some cases, they have led to incredible success. …see more

♥ 419 · Comments 25

Can we have a moment of silence for all of the businesses that have been forced to shut down indefinitely these past few months? Many of our favorites have turned their signs to CLOSE forever... The cafe where I used to order a strong, black coffee and a gluten-free scone to type away my worries is now an empty building with plywood windows. Today I decided to check in on prospects that had connected with me a year ago with interest in hiring me. I wanted to see how they are doing during these challenging times... I wholeheartedly believe that if they had said "YES - I'm in!" we would have worked together on a plan. With that plan and a little bit of marketing magic, they wouldn't have a 404 error code on their website or a domain up for sale... When you have a plan and you are able to pivot with the spins and turns of a global economy, you CAN remain agile. If you keep putting off that expert support, You are shutting yourself and/or your business off to that growth. My heart truly hurts for those businesses that had to shut down during these challenging times... But there is hope. There will always be hope. I'm here for you and your marketing approach ♥ #Business #Strategy …see more

♥ 417 · Comments 123

Back from my Valley days, Don Valentine was someone who I deeply respected for developing a reputed VC firm and moreover making it a world-class institution. Heartfelt condolences to Don's family, friends and Team Sequoia. May his soul rest in peace! …see more

♥ 417 · Comments 9

We hear, "Life goes on" and it often feels cliched. Except it feels authentic in this narrative about the point of view of octogenarians from the partition era, who have seen wars, destruction and earthquakes, they have also seen peace and recovery, growth and rebuilding of nations. Their memories include the pain and fear but also the light at the end of the tunnel. They know life goes on. The younger lot is still to overcome fear and go through that tunnel. With #experience comes #resilience , #knowledge and #grit to face a #crisis but also wear and tear and rigidity in belief systems. LiveMint …see more

♥ 417 · Comments 10

Heading to Washington, DC today for a really exciting freelance meeting tomorrow. So much to think about....should I be preparing detailed notes, do I need to practice what I want to say, what should I wear...??? Naaaah. Here's my To Do List: #TooBlessedToBeStressed …see more

♥ 416 · Comments 10

Sometimes I can't believe I started my first company at 22 . A decade worth of lessons learned. Here are my Top 10 Lessons as an entrepreneur...in less than 3 minutes... …see more

♥ 414 · Comments 42

"You don't need a great first job post-college. We're Millennials. We probably will never have the same job for more than a couple of years." I was talking to an older friend about my anxiety around graduating this May.  The advice I got was a bit discouraging. While I understand my first full-time job won't make or break my career, I wondered why I, like many Millennials, was expected to probably never have a long career at a single company.  Everyone loves talking about Millennials, and many of us have been fed an idea of whom we are:  --> self-entitled --> tech-savvy --> job-hoppers I think some Millennials have accepted job-hopping as the only realistic option for our generation to like the work we do. I always hear: "I mean, would you actually enjoy working for the same company your whole life?" I don't know yet! But I do think we shouldn't just expect to job-hop. I hope I will, at the least, stay long enough to create real, sustainable value for the companies I serve and focus more on how much I contribute than the number of years I have spent at a company. Students: Have you heard similar advice? Do you think these ideas have shaped your approach and expectations post-college? Tim ,  Kate , Tiara , Naveen , Annette , Will , Hana , Joel , Mrittika …see more

♥ 414 · Comments 101

Awkward and nervous. I was asked to speak at the National Speakers Association of Wisconsin... And there was nothing more intimidating than presenting in a room filled with professional speakers! You see, at a recent keynote, I recieved my first negative review that said... "She's a bit too much." It hit me like a knife to the heart. This person didn't like the energy I brought. Would I have to pretend to be someone else? Dilute my essence? Quiet down and step back? After already committing to this engagement, I had to do something... So I hired a consultant to master the art of delivery and combat imposter syndrome. What an impact we made!!! Jacy "I-milk-cows-on-skis" Imilkowski (she/her) is IN-CRED-I-BLE! If you feel weak in one area, ask for help. Hire a professional or reach out to a mentor. What are you working on? Are you learning from the pros? Thank you Susan Young , Cheri Neal and Roger Wolkoff at the National Speakers Association for bringing me in to talk about the new era of social media! #professionalgrowth #education #socialmedia #chantelshares …see more

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Finally had time this weekend to sit down & begin reviewing for my TEDx Talk coming up in two weeks. I also officially finished my first week with SelfScore this past Friday. Thought it'd be a great time to do a brief reflection of the week so far on my transition from Fortune 500 to the startup space. Earlier this year, instead of coming up with NY's resolutions I developed themes to live by—two of those: embracing risks & creating impact. To this end, I decided to move away from blue chip companies to develop my experience with startups, an area I've been wanting to pursue for awhile (more in a future post). I also wanted to find a startup that is purposeful while also creating a meaningful impact. I ultimately found SelfScore, a fintech startup that's dedicated to helping young people gain access to credit & financial literacy. Pumped to be heading the charge in evangelizing & designing a world class financial literacy program for such a deserving, yet underserved population. Looking forward to all the great work ahead Kalpesh Kapadia Pat Nicholson ! It's incredibly fulfilling when your career is aligned with your values & ability to make a difference. Hoping to explore this topic further in the coming month with a long-form post. More updates on TEDx coming up soon as well! …see more

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I sure am glad I decided to work from the office this morning!! Guess who came up behind me, tapped me on the shoulder to introduce herself and congratulate me on my first National Geographic story???? None other than Ann Curry, veteran former NBC journalist/anchor/host and all around class act. (I really hope she won't tell anybody how I stammered like a high school intern before I finally pulled myself together!) #fangirl #journalism #media …see more

♥ 410 · Comments 21

Remembering those times back in March of 2019 when I hitched a ride on several World Food Programme helicopters while traveling between Goma and Butembo in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I was reporting on the #Ebola outbreak response for National Geographic , and I remember people thinking how brave or crazy it was of me to accept that assignment. But once you've borne witness to the astonishing effort and selflessness of the men and women who provide humanitarian support during the world's most profound crises, that's when you learn what true courage is. Sincerest congratulations to the United Nations #worldfoodprogramme for their well-deserved #NobelPrize for Peace. #NobelPrize2020 #NobelPeacePrize #humanitarianresponse #humanitarian #humanitarianaid #foodsecurity #foodaccess #hunger #hungerheroes #globalhealth #globaldevelopment …see more

♥ 410 · Comments 16

Curious about how I got my start with LinkedIn video? In honor of #TBT , I went through my archives to find my VERY FIRST #video on LinkedIn, which I published an eternity ago (July 28, 2017, to be exact). I’m sharing it* here. Why bother? Because its message is still relevant today. Even though somehow I had been granted early access to video, I procrastinated for three weeks(!) before publishing. I remember feeling so nervous about putting myself out there, worried that I needed the perfect message, the perfect lighting, the perfect WHATEVER. And then it occurred to me that none of us is perfect and that maybe, just maybe, THAT message would speak to people, and inspire THEM to try new things, whatever that meant to them. (Spoiler alert: It did, and it has. And I couldn’t be happier.) Here’s the thing: you can’t grow unless you’re willing to be (temporarily) uncomfortable. #Change is hard. And taking the first step is the hardest. If you wait for the “perfect” time, you’ll never do it. Instead, take a deep breath, muster up your courage to push past the fear, and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. You’ve got this. Now’s the time. Join me in being “perfectly imperfect.” #growth #career *A #captioned version that keeps the original shaky video. …see more

♥ 406 · Comments 180

Jamming to Chainsmoker's album at my favorite teashop in Berkeley while honing down on final talking points for my TEDx Talk. Biggest THANK YOU to everyone involved in the designing of this deck, especially to my dedicated supporters and peers on LinkedIn who helped shaped the direction and title of my talk. Special kudos to these folks for helping me flesh out my thoughts for this talk: Neil D'Souza Kevin Young Benna Iqbal Jessie Salas Epiphany Ryu Leah Cha . Show time in less than seven days! �� …see more

♥ 406 · Comments 17

I HAD A POLICY THAT RUINED MY LIFE: Always say “yes” to opportunity. If you GRAB enough opportunities, I thought, then one would work out and be a winner... http://bit.ly/2uOrnDX

♥ 406 · Comments 25

I wrote this on my flight back from NYC ✈️ I’m sitting in a chair, in the air, on my way back from New York. Thinking back to the time where I had nothing. Imagining it vividly. The creek in my door. The rotting 2x4’s. My dog waiting for me on the couch when I got home from the coffee shop I always worked out of. Trying to make it. Heart broken. Lonely. I never had money for groceries. I never had money for anything. I remember one of the times my power was off for weeks. My phone was turned off. Couldn’t pay the bills. And there was a back porch that I would always stand on. Summer, spring, fall, winter… didn’t matter. I stood there. Looking up at the buildings. Imagining a better life. Imagining the person that I would become. Imagining what that life would feel like. Sound like. Look like. Taste like. And here I am… sitting in a chair… in the air. Looking down on one of the most beautiful cities in the world. And I’m exactly the person I wished to be. I’m living the exact life I wished to live. It feels the same. Looks the same. Tastes the same. And as I look down on the world. Feeling small. Yet so powerful at the same time, I’m asking myself… “Where to next?” #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #business #entrepreneurship 📸 Eric Didier …see more

♥ 403 · Comments 93

Having my first face to face business meetings in the same city I had my last ones. Copenhagen. My goodness it’s great to be back in reality, meeting and working with people. Time for the world to spin again

♥ 402 · Comments 20

T-minus four days. Nerves are kicking in, but pumped to share my immigrant story at scale and how personal branding has transformed my career from zero to infinity! As a someone who has given numerous talks, I'll be the first to admit that I still get the jitters with every new talk, especially with this TEDx that is being delivered in front of a live audience of 1,500+ people. Nothing like a dose of nerves to jumpstart the adrenaline. �� That being said, I am very excited for the talk this Saturday! What's your favorite advice when it comes to public speaking? Share below in the comments! PC: TEDxBerkeley …see more

♥ 402 · Comments 25

Have you ever been stuck in quicksand? I got sucked into a mud trap last weekend and it was the ultimate stress test! Last weekend in southern Minnesota, we found a lake in the middle of nowhere without "NO CAMPING" signs posted so we set up camp! On the shore of a lake, we put on our muddin' boots and grabbed the metal detector in my son's favorite game, TREASURE HUNT! As we carefully trudged through mud scanning the ground I heard a scream just 10 feet away, "MOMMY! I'm dying! I'm DEAD! Help me! I'm DEAD!" I saw him slowly sink into the mud trap as he panicked, fighting, and squirming to get out. Seeing my fair share of Discovery Channel shows, I knew EXACTLY what had to be done 🤪 So I slowly and calmly made my way towards him until I was trapped too! 🤦🏼‍♀️ Calming him down and containing my giggles of the chaotic mess, I had to think fast which was nearly impossible with his blood-curdling scream. So the next time you are stress-tested, 👉 Don't panic or you'll sink deeper into the trap. 👉 Assess the situation to find your exit options. 👉 Brainstorm solutions and GO! Now we are prepared for the next disaster. Are you? I'll share how we got out in the comments! #strategy #innovation …see more

♥ 400 · Comments 65

One of my most successful posts on Linkedin was on how to deal with anxiety. It wasn’t the most liked. It wasn’t the most commented. But… ...it was the catalyst for so many DMs from people telling me how helpful I was in allowing them to recover from anxiety and panic attacks in the office. Talking about these more “controversial” issues sometimes lowers the vanity metrics we are used to. But, the impact they have on people FAR outweighs the reach.  Inspired by #MentalHealthAwareness month and the #LinkedinLocalMentalHealth happening in London today! …see more

♥ 400 · Comments 32

For the first time, I was able to speak in classes and conferences at both of universities I attended: the University of Southern California and UC Irvine Both times seemed really surreal to me these past couple of weeks. I graduated from USC last year and transferred from UCI to USC 3 years ago. Both times, I was able to speak on how I grew my Linkedin following, how students can leverage the platform, and how to make content that really stands out. Both times, the students taught me so much more than they know through conversations about their passions and aspirations. If only I knew as a student how much value it brings to the speaker to show gratitude. As a shy college student, I would have never guessed just how rewarding it is for the person on the receiving end. #publicspeaking #studentvoices #university #gratitude …see more

♥ 399 · Comments 40

Wishing a #HappyNew2020 to all. My new year resolutions have evolved over the years. I want to start 2020 with an open mind & welcome the new year with whatever it brings. One of my main resolutions for 2020 is to practice kindness more mindfully. …see more

♥ 394 · Comments 37

I interviewed Jordan Syatt today – Gary Vaynerchuk 's trainer. And as he was telling me his story he came around to how he became GaryVee's trainer. And the main thing was that 1). he had been putting in the work for years. 2). he was creating content. 3). A relationship that he fostered lead to something unexpected. And it reminded me of when I was just getting started. I worked out of my old apartment for 2 years and frequented the same coffee shop. That coffee shop later became a client. Before I started my new venture Brema , Eric , Israel and I wanted to test some things out and see how we worked together. They were the first company we approached for a brand collaboration. And today, they just sponsored our 'Strange on Purpose' podcast a few moments after I sent over a few sentence long email. So I want to reiterate what Jordan said today: 🖤 Build relationships. 🖤 Create cool content & deliver results. 🖤 And put in the work around whatever it is that you love. #justQ 🖖🏽 …see more

♥ 393 · Comments 90

What does THREE months mean to you?! It means everything to me - here's why: 👉 PML is a deadly brain infection and rare side effect of the treatment I am on, usually claiming lives in as little as 3 months following symptom onset. It's RARE... but here's the thing: You know those ⚠️WARNING⚠️ signs on prescription labels that say <1% experience the following side effects? Nearly every time I've been placed on a treatment, I experience those nasty items. I wish I was as lucky in the lottery! Being a "one-percenter" is a joke in my family... stemming from the motorcycle club life to my many medical mysteries! So every time I get lethargic and shaky, I fear the worst - but I let it propel me for the best. The possibility of this magical life cut short makes my goals more aggressive and my passion for the differently-abled community even stronger! What would I do with my last few months? 👑 Wear my favorite lipstick and tiara every day. 📷 Make memories and take photos so they last. 🗣 Advocate in front of policy makers on unconscious bias, workforce inclusion, social security and affordable healthcare. What would you do? Start living today. Life is too short to take any moment for granted. #inspiration #hope #motivation #inclusion #differentlyabled #chantelshares …see more

♥ 393 · Comments 155

When I was 22 years old and working as a summer intern at The New York Times , my main source of courage while navigating that intense newsroom was a battered old copy of Ralph Waldo Emerson's Essays. I can't explain why the pronouncements of a white male 19th century New England philosopher resonated so much with a young black female from an impoverished 20th century Midwestern background, except to say that even before I knew it, I was determined to be authentic. That pursuit has served me well, because at this point I can honestly say that my most valuable possession is the integrity of my own mind. It might not fill my bank account, but it pays my rent to our landlord, the Earth. …see more

♥ 393 · Comments 12

Edna Adan Ismail describes herself as a #midwife and a #nurse first and foremost. When she says she was one of the first fully-licensed #midwives on the African continent back in the 1950's, you have to believe her. Because she is a legend in #globalhealth and #reproductivejustice circles, and she will be featured in my Jan. 2019 National Geographic feature on #maternalmortality . From the moment I captured my first image of Madame Edna, and noticed the picture of her with U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson just over her left shoulder, I knew I was witnessing living history. From her childhood in 1940's Hargeisa to her education in #Djibouti to midwifery training in #London , Madame Edna seemed destined to return to #Somalilland to advocate for women and girls. She has been a Minister of Family Welfare and a Foreign Minister. She has been a World Health Organization Representative. After leaving WHO, Madame Edna decided to build a hospital for pregnant women in a region with one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Meeting Madame Edna changed my life. It taught me you're never too old to need #rolemodels , and that #passion and #purpose have no expiration date. #Africa #midwivesmatter #midwivessavelives #maternalhealth #reproductivehealth #childbirth …see more

♥ 393 · Comments 19

Do you eagerly open a fortune cookie? I do. This childish anticipation and eagerness to read the message is age defying! I learnt that though we associate fortune cookie as a ritual at the end of Chinese meal, the origins of fortune cookie originated in japan. I had a meal at #tajlandsend with my friend Bala Deshpande catching up. And this message I got “enjoy what you have never mind fame or fortune” seemed very apt and resonated with me. We have this moment and the memories we create, fame and power are fleeting. #weekendmusings …see more

♥ 392 · Comments 9

12 Feb 2008 is when we first announced Mercer’s Investments office in Mumbai. 10 years! What's changed? The GFC changed everything. Mercer pulled out Investment team from India. Different government, new hope. They made a bunch of changes to the NPS my team helped launch. Oh I grew older like everyone else : ) What's not changed? India’s Long-term story is getting a boost by technology. My commitment to financial education has only grown stronger...though I have to admit harder without a platform like Mercer. Thank you for all the love I've got on LinkedIn! Hope to get to next stage with all of you …see more

♥ 392 · Comments 16

Three years ago today. 😲 I hated my job, felt like I wasn't working towards my goals because I wasn't focused on my company full-time, and I had nowhere near the self-belief that I do now. But I remember this time of my life... vividly. And I am so thankful for that. Because it keeps me humble and grateful for the life that I'm living now. And I have mad respect for those that are doing what they HAVE to do, in order to do what they WANT to do. Remember where you came from. And if you're not in the position that you want to be, know that the law of attraction only works if you do. Thank you to everyone that's believed & supported me over the past three years. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

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When's the last time you had a Grandma Moment?! I'm talking about reflecting on your LEGACY! Lately, I've had quite a few check-ins with old friends, and it has been absolutely remarkable having the chance to celebrate the successes of my peers! For example, I wouldn't be where I am today without the nudge forward with LinkedIn video without Michaela Alexis ... Or the warm welcome from Goldie Chan who encouraged me to create! And Jaime Cohen and I have pushed through a LOT together in building our own businesses as she speaks all over the world! And recalling the many conversations with creators like Judi Fox , Carolyn (Carrie) Bohlig 🎤 and JARED J.Wiese who are all consistently reaching new levels of awesomeness! So tell me, what's the last thing you did to GIVE to your community? Time... advice... financial assistance? It'll all come back. Take a "Grandma Moment" and reflect on all those micro-moments that build your legacy! #Gratitude #Community #Encouragement #Success #Leadership #ChantelShares …see more

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You can’t do that, she told me. Cindy was a VP in the Marketing department. I was on my way to see the CEO of HBO. I was a “junior analyst programmer” in the IT department. A very exciting job. I made $40,700 per year. It was 1995. I lived on a foam futon and shared a room with a chess hustler from Washington Square Park. The toilet only worked randomly. I had one suit, which I kept in a garbage bag next to my futon and took it out every morning. I was very popular with the ladies. She said, You can’t just walk into his office! . . . . #lifestyle #permission #cantdothat #writing …see more

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TEDx was on my bucket list. But honestly, I didn't enjoy the overall experience because I didn't allow myself to. The process was rigorous, stressful, and took far more planning than I expected. So I made excuses: - "I'm an entrepreneur, this isn't how I do things." - "I am so much better off my feet." - etc. It wasn't until the last few weeks that I was really able to get organized and get out of my own way. And I wasn't officially approved to give my talk until the morning of. And thankfully it went awesome! But it very easily could have gone poorly because of the stress. As you're crossing off your goals, and achieving your dreams, don't allow the process to keep you from enjoying the journey getting there. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

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Jessie Salas and I along with Sonia Sng started SPARC (Non-Profit) to support young professionals who come from underprivileged communities. Growing up in first generation and low income families ourselves, it was inspiring and fun to spend time with this group of motivated young professionals, students, and interns at Stanford University . Jessie was able to take professional headshots free of cost for those who didn’t have the financial means for such service. And I had the opportunity to host a tight knit roundtable to share my own story of how I got started in tech and answered flurries of questions on personal growth. Can’t wait to formalize our efforts in mentorship and jumpstarting our nonprofit this summer! 😇 Thanks for joining us Kevin Viet Le Emily deGrandpré Annie J. Zhang Meghan Peterson Daniel Ramsey Gautam Mehta Gagan Shivananda Bharathi Gangothri Haden Wasserbaech Shiva Amrit Joshua Yue Jenny Jayeon Koo Medha Taldar Vineet Parikh Anita Popescu Shefali Agarwal . If I missed you, let me know! 9. Be a catalyst 11. Be kind 20. Pursue passion projects #beacatalyst …see more

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“You know what’s harder than being an entrepreneur.... being a mother. Being a parent.” — Daymond John #INBOUND19 #justQ 🖖🏽🖤

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Last night I did my first speaking gig in virtual reality. 🤯 Does my avatar look like me? 😅 I worked for a data visualization company back in the day, and my first startup was a VR education startup... it's super cool to see how far we've come since then. What are your thoughts on #VR ? Thank you for having me Zack & Roberto ! #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

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Another AMAZING day of media training activities under my belt as I supported Kathy Bonk in her work with the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Mecklenburg County Youth and Family Services Division. I’ve been reporting and writing about #socialpolicy affecting children and families for the past 3 decades, and unfortunately, I’ve produced far too many stories about tragedies and incompetence and mismanagement. Today was such an incredibly uplifting experience because I got to interact with the men and women behind the headlines, whose dedication and commitment saves scores of lives and supports hundreds of families every year—but we rarely see those “good stories.” Kathy and I will be helping YFS develop a set of consistent, authoritative messages that empower the department to change the narrative about child welfare in Mecklenburg County. I’m thrilled to have this chance to strengthen my Comms Strategy Development skills by partnering with one of the best in the field. Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS) #JAWS #mentoring #mediatraining #childwelfare #children #families #MecklenburgYFS …see more

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As a voice for inclusion, I've received a lot of criticism, but death threats on LinkedIn is a new one. When you disagree with someone, I beg you to take a step back and reflect on your thoughts and feelings. 🚫Don't react on impulse. 🚫Don't choose hate. We're all dealing with demons. Nobody is perfect. But please make the decision to choose love. Rise above and shine that light. What do you do in the heat of conflict? #chantelshares #riseandshine #inspiration #leadership #inclusion …see more

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This is beautiful beyond words. There are other worlds out there waiting to be discovered. I am never bored of watching images of space. So much more for us to comprehend. My interest in space started a long time ago, inspired by both fact and fiction. I received a book as a prize on Johannes Kepler and his discoveries in 9th grade, which opened my mind to astronomy. I was hooked to watch Star Trek in the '80s. Space the final frontier! #scienceandtechnology #science Image Credits: James O'Donoghue, Nasa …see more

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Our business coach made us do this exercise. 👇🏽 Well before quarantine I met up with a bunch of other business owners for "Growth Club." Basically it was all of my old business coaches clients meeting, working on their business, networking, etc. She had us all do an exercise: ✅ Create 80 boxes. That's around the average life span. ✅ Color in the amount of boxes that represent your age now. ✅ The boxes you have left are how many years you [could] have left. She then asked us a bunch of questions about what we wanted our life to be. A lot of people couldn't answer them. Time flies. Hell — it's halfway through the year already. We spend so much time on things we don't love. So much time on our businesses, growing our social media accounts, etc. We don't spend enough time asking ourselves what we actually want to do. How many boxes do you have left? What do you want to do with them? #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #business …see more

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I have always been interested in #trekking & being in #nature . The noises in the night don’t scare me or bother me. In fact, they feel comforting and soothing. I believe I inherited my interest in being in nature from my father. My first real hard trek was hiking down Grand Canyon from the south rim to the Colorado river. It has remained a fond memory. Since then, I have done many treks. The only big trek I have done in India is an extensive one in Geriwal mountains Uttaranchal. It was truly beautiful & my most touching experiences were from the open-hearted people that dwell along the way. So for me, “Wild Karnataka “ was a real treat. I have lived in Karnataka for 13 years now. But sadly, I have not experienced any of its nature treats. We all know that globally we are losing green cover very fast. Here are some facts: -We have had six ice ages so far. The next ice age will be because of human destruction. -1 million animal and plant species are now threatened with extinction, many within decades. Today we don’t know the full impact of what it means to lose a species. I hope this documentary by Amoghavarsha inspires more people to experience nature & commit to its protection. #Movie #WeekendMusings …see more

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This day, many years ago, I admitted my father to AIIMS the last time. I had no money for his medicines or my own food. I realised I had relied on him to 'take care of everything' even though I was already contributing with my meagre salary. That day, I started my journey to financial independence. And with that, I got freedom of mind. Happy independence day! #financialindependence …see more

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I’ve been talking about #mentalhealth a ton recently, and I want to make sure I am putting action to my words. That’s why I joined the 48 hour #beinghuman campaign to allow the minds of students around the world to be at their absolute best! I nominate Blessing Adogame and Jerry Lee to share a practice and prompt that has helped them with their own #mentalfitness On March 24th Kyō will curate all the prompts generated from this campaign and create a free reflective journaling tool to help guide you through your mental fitness. My go to practice that helps me calm down during a very busy work day is to… 🔆 Turn my phone grayscale and turn on airplane mode for 20 minute increments so I can really focus on my work and be mindful of what I am doing. One question I ask myself is… 🔆 “How far have I come from this time last year?” We are constantly growing and it’s so important that we take time to be proud of ourselves and our progress. #mentalhealth #mentalresilience …see more

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Girls, Women, Are People Too. ..And we own a large debt of gratitude to RBG for setting the (legal) record straight. When I was in grade school, girls were not allowed to wear pants—they had to wear dresses. Nor were girls allowed to be Team Captains for any games and we were not allowed to play certain sports. In college, I had heated discussions with my dad, an educated doctor, that it was infantilizing to call Women, girls. I would say to him that once a girl started to menstruate, she became a young woman. (This was the era of The Woman with educational books like ‘Our Bodies, Ourselves.’) And when I started my professional life, I was aware of how the men got better assignments, and how my male peers were never asked to ‘prep a room’ for an upcoming meeting, or to take notes (because ‘girls have neater handwriting’). For so long, the Working World has been slyly, perhaps unconsciously biased against women. It is much improved from where it was even 20 years ago. And it’s not because ‘opinions naturally evolve...’ Its because of hard work. Regardless of one’s political opinion, it is true nonetheless that all Americans—and businesses—have benefited from pushing equality and justice for those of all genders, races, beliefs. After all, what more American that that? …see more

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I spoke to high school students last month. 🎤 Legit, it was the most fun I've had for any speaking engagement. Here's why: ✅ It was an experience. I had walk out music, they gave me a tour, a student ran podcast, and so much more. ✅ The students wanted to learn. And I've been in their position before. ✅ It was engaging... they asked me questions. I asked them questions. ✅ Jeff Peterson is legit. For aspiring speakers, I've spoken at events like TEDx, INBOUND, VidCon, etc. But please remember this: Whether you're speaking on a huge stage or a small stage... you're speaking to people. It's the impact that matters, not just the numbers. #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #entrepreneurship #startups …see more

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I always say, “don’t attach your self worth to the work that you do.” And that’s easy to say when you’re ecstatic about what you do. But when things aren’t going so well it's very difficult to not attach your identity to your work. Because we are a big part of what we do. At least I am. It felt like overnight we went from having our best year to having our worst (financially). From a staff of 8 to a team of 4. From focusing on leads and revenue, to tackling racism. This feeling of being lost, that I've had up until a few weeks ago, has felt so foreign to me. One of our founders moved on to focus on his brand. It was a decision we all agreed with. And he is crushing it. Legit, I am so proud. I also got word that two of my former employees are working with an old client of ours (which is great and I’m happy for them). But on the flip side (and in all transparency) seeing things like that make you question yourself. What am I doing with my life? Am I doing the right thing? I thought I was more talented than this? I thought I was meant for more than this? Why am I not further along? I want to use this edition of the newsletter to dig into the next chapter of my life & how I found clarity. Hopefully it helps some of you on your journey as well. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship …see more

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Did you know? 4 key factors motivating people to choose a specific job: • Daily commute • The people • The role • Money Usually, all of them are marked as checked, in our case as people who live far (Jerusalem, Dganiya, Misgav-Dov) we have to give up on something. I knew I won't give up the role and the people so I had to compromise on the daily commute- and believe me it's damn hard!. But, at the end of the day I know I made the decision of my life and AppsFlyer did the right thing by accepting me and not rejecting me based on location (like a lot of companies I know). So what is the must-have factor for you? Shiri Grosbard Ari C. Applbaum Benjamin Figdor …see more

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GIVE AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE! Here’s what we’ve covered so far in my #10Tips10Days series on how to live a more fulfilled life by sharing my experience in transforming my life going from rock bottom to soaring high in opportunity while dealing with debilitating symptoms and incurable neurological disease… Tip 1️⃣ Be Present – Find your anchor to remind you. Tip 2️⃣ Reminisce – Don’t let happy memories go to waste! Tip 3️⃣ Acknowledge – Acknowledge the invisible. Tip 4️⃣ Neuroplasticity – Think positive thoughts for every negative one. TIP NUMBER 5: GIVE COMPLIMENTS OFTEN! Action Steps: Make it your mission to compliment everyone you have a conversation with – and remember, Tip 3 was about acknowledgment, so you should be having many more conversations now! Keep your compliments light and sincere. By lifting others up, you’re lifting yourself up. By the way, has anyone told you that you’re absolutely glowing today?! 😄😎 When was the last time you received a compliment? Too long ago, right?! Time to get giving and start receiving once again! #AttitudeOfGratitude #Gratitude #Positivity #Happiness #Success #Leadership #Opportunity #PersonalGrowth #Joy #ChantelShares …see more

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This has been a roller coaster of a week, and I’m so grateful to all of those who have helped me show up as my best self in every moment. On camera and off. Thank you. 🙏🏼

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Tracy Morgan stopped by the club. I said, “Want to go on up?” He said, “I got nothing. I got nothing…..Ahh, whatever. I’ll go up. I’M TRACY MORGAN!” He went up for 20 minutes just spewing jokes non stop. Everyone was laughing. He had this raw energy. He was shouting and laughing. And making faces. It was like there was no filter between his brain and the audience. …see more

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I went on an entrepreneurship retreat two weeks ago. One thing that really stuck with me was the idea of leaning into your strengths. It’s very easy to get caught up in what you don’t have but the magic happens in mastering the strengths that you do have. Here are mine (Clifton): ▪️ Strategic ▪️ Futuristic ▪️ Ideation ▪️ Achiever ▪️ Command What are your strengths and how are you leaning into them? #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #21Challenge …see more

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A major goal of mine 👇🏽 To own an esports organization. And as I'm building my company now (which I love) it has always irked me that I'm not learning as much as I can be about that industry. So, I've decided to start a solo podcast centered around everything esports. And as a storyteller I love the idea of taking my community along with me as I learn and get closer to that goal. What are some of your major goals for your life and how are you working towards them? #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 (also, what are your thoughts on Portrait [vertical] vs. Landscape video format?) …see more

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I’ve watched so many of my entrepreneur friends burnout. And real talk — I don’t think I would have made it through my first, or second, year of entrepreneurship without this pup 🐶. Burnout is real: 1). Have a solid support system in place. 2). Do all of the things you would do to take care of yourself BEFORE you need them. 3). Surround yourself with people that you love, but also people that love you. 4). What would you add? #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 📸 Eric Didier …see more

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My friend wanted to be a famous artist. But she said, "I can do it in Paris. I feel that will inspire me."​ She had unopened paintbrushes in her apartment. Waiting to be packed. 20 years later she's a computer programmer now at an accounting firm in California. Another friend of mine is divorced and thinks she will never meet another guy again. She wants to meet a guy. She is 50 and incredibly healthy and good looking. Every time I see her she insists "I will never meet anyone! I'm too old."​ She is very convincing. #writing #happiness …see more

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Darkness. Fears. What keeps you up at night? You know it's a GREAT podcast when the host catches you off guard with a question that hits like slapshot straight to the stomach in street hockey... I had an amazing conversation with Scott A. Weiss as we talked about our entrepreneurial parents and our hunger for success. He asked me about the darkness in my life. What keeps me up at night? And it's really the thought of NOT living in this LIFE. Living with an unpredictable, incurable disease is only half the fight... the other is dealing with the side effects of the medications such as heart attack, blindness and more that can loom over your head like a dark shadow of grief. But we ALL have fears that poke at us when the world grows quiet and we sit alone with our thoughts. It doesn't have to be illness or disability. It can be loneliness, insecurities, financial instability, and more! What are your career fears and what are you doing to work through them? Some incredible people I've met these past few days thanks to similar interests in business, health, and inclusion include Aleks Vorobets , Greg Steffine , Amy Temple , Brandi Kelley , and Alyssa Dichraff . Keep shining, Chantel #health #professionalgoals #entrepreneurship …see more

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“To me, the American Dream is being able to follow your own personal calling. To be able to do what you want to do is incredible freedom.” - Maya Lin Adding to Maya Lin's quote, the American Dream to me is about resilience, imagining the impossibility, and giving back. The resilience to keep pushing forward despite setbacks and challenges. The opportunity to imagine your wildest dream and actually making that dream a reality. Most importantly, it's about remembering your roots and paying it forward once you make it. My family and I first immigrated to America nearly two decades ago. Given my our financial situation and limited resources growing up, I could have never imagined myself attending a top public university like University of California, Berkeley or even starting my own company in the heart of Silicon Valley. Or even the audacity to envision myself making it to the Forbes list. From an immigrant to a college grad to a storyteller to an entrepreneur, community pollinator, and mentor today. That’s the definition of my ever evolving American Dream. Happy the 4th from the Blue App  and Elon the Corgi! I hope everyone had a restful day with family and enjoyed lots of fireworks! 🎆 …see more

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Women-to-Women: Life (and Career) Advice. My mom recently passed and I found a card from her which, honestly, I don't recall receiving...but reading it again, I think it is full of wisdom. Here it is: If I were your age again, I'd spend a lot less time examining what's wrong about me, and a lot more time enjoying what's right about me. Because you know what? You're already perfect enough. So, live life on your own terms. Be who you are and love what you love. Reserve the right to be wrong. If things take an occasional turn you hadn't planned on, don't be tempted to call it a mistake. Just call it life and tuck the experience in your back pocket for safe keeping. Pretty soon you can take it out, share it with someone else, and call it wisdom. I'm not kidding. That's how it works. So, hey--enjoy the life you're in. Be as happy as you can. And feel how deeply and completely you are loved.... …see more

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Today officially marks 3+ years as a full-time entrepreneur. 🤯 Four of the more important lessons I've learned so far: ✅ Your network is everything. It's like caring for plants. You have to make sure you're nurturing old relationships while you're building new ones. ✅ You can grow as fast as you're willing to struggle for. In year 1 I barely ate, was late on nearly every one of my bills, had my power turned off a couple of times, and rented out my extra rooms to make rent. Year 2 I won WI 25 under 25. Year 3 I gave a TEDx talk, spoke at INBOUND, launched my latest company, and signed a contract to be on an Amazon Prime Docuseries. Be aggressive, but more importantly be patient. ✅ Figuring out what makes you unique & valuable will take you far. "It's good to be better, but it's better to be different." Starbucks wasn't the first coffee shop. But they succeeded because they offered a different experience. ✅ Create around your passions. Brand is everything. I create a lot of content here. And just about every other platform. But I recently launched an esports and video games podcast. It's made everything else that I'm doing better. What lessons have you learned? #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #business #entrepreneurship 📸 Willie Morris …see more

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This is it! Tip 10 of 10! My FINAL tip of the #10Tips10Days series on LinkedIn. I’ve had a wonderful time sharing my story of hope, inspiration, and strength in managing debilitating illness and disability as a thriving, successful professional! Tip 10: GO LOVE YOURSELF! You are the only YOU in the ENTIRE UNIVERSE. That makes you pretty special. 1️⃣ Be Present – Find your anchor to remind you. 2️⃣ Reminisce – Don’t let happy memories go to waste! 3️⃣ Acknowledge – Acknowledge the invisible. 4️⃣ Neuroplasticity – Think positive thoughts for every negative one. 5️⃣ Compliment – Give kind notes often. 6️⃣ Pause – Practice deep breathing exercises. 7️⃣ Reflect – Remember how far you’ve come. 8️⃣ Smile – It does funny things to your brain! 9️⃣ Rest – Get those Z’s to recharge and refocus! Do you practice affirmations? What did I miss in my 10 Tips series?! #Inclusion #Diversity #ChronicIllness #Hope #Inspiration #Motivation #Leadership #Fulfillment #HealthandWellness #SelfCare #ChantelShares #Disability #Happiness …see more

♥ 359 · Comments 80

Networking used to feel like a wet blanket. It was uncomfortable and I had no idea what I was doing. Raised to be humble, the objective of you selling yourself to a stranger felt unnatural and slimy... Have you ever felt that way? Well, I've learned to MASTER the pitch and dazzle, ditching social anxiety, and nervous triggers. At first, I used the buddy system... But then I realized I was just hanging out with them the entire time and not meeting anyone new! Then I went in, guns blazing, like everyone in the room was an old buddy... And they quickly became just that. *** Ready to launch that new brand with everything you've learned in the past 13 tips? Get networking! There is no better time than NOW to get on virtual networking calls via zoom and build real relationships! Find your nearest LinkedIn Local chapter and get going. What are your favorite networking events and where are they at? Share below so we can encourage new members to join the mix! Happy Connecting! #Networking #Connection #ChantelShares …see more

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The skills I learned from chess can be applied to investing, business, writing, programming, public speaking, negotiating, relationships, etc. I think. I hope. I learned how to learn. I learned how to control my paranoia. I learned how to deal with loss. How to build a scene. How to compete. How to succeed. …see more

♥ 359 · Comments 37

For #ThrowbackThursday , it's only appropriate that I post this photo from April 2003, during my first trip to the African continent. It was at The W. E. B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Panafrican Culture in Accra, #Ghana . I was so awed during the tour that I almost forgot to ask someone to take a picture of me near the tomb of the legendary African American scholar, activist and intellectual giant. Right before we headed to the waiting van, I shoved my camera at the nearest person and captured this image. This is where it all began. That moment is why I'm sitting in a cafe in Nairobi, #Kenya at this moment, during the best #BlackHistoryMonth I've ever had. Read about the Du Bois Centre here--> https://lnkd.in/eb7JW_a #AfricanAmerican #Africa #Homecoming #panafricanism #AfricanCulture #BlackHistoryMonth2019 …see more

♥ 357 · Comments 14

🎤 I gave a commencement speech a few weeks back. 🎤 And one thought that held me back for the longest time when I was in their position was the thought that "You can be anything you want to be."​ I think that can be sound advice. But I also think it can be very dangerous advice. Because dreams don't work unless you do. So I just wanted to leave them with one thing. You can't be anything you want to be... but you can be anything that you put in the work to be. Here's a quick dive into the speech, a life changing meeting, and some social media changes I'm making! #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #business #entrepreneurship …see more

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4 is my fav number. 4 is the day I was born (thanks mum). 4 is 4th year I'm on the list of LinkedIn's Top Voices. Here are the key milestones for my brand on LinkedIn: 2017: Access to LinkedIn Video (beta) 2018: I doubled down on LinkedIn profile as a channel 2019: Launched LinkedIn series, String's Theory 2020: I helping other amazing minds be top voices on LinkedIn Here are another 4 key moments on my journey of getting to this point: 2001: I was 16 when I realised that art and creativity was a key value that drives me. 2005: I lost my brother, but he gave me the strength to walk my path. 2015: I explored video for the first time 2017: I went to SF and explored startups. The journey is fraught with ups and downs, but that's part of life - the choices we make. I'm going to pass good vibes to you and love for you to start making a conscious choice to be you. Find your voice on LinkedIn, be a creator. Use it to find and explore yourself. Congrats to others on the list, don't forget to follow them too: Mayur Gupta | Katie Mitchell | Steven Wolfe Pereira ⚡️ | Mita Mallick | Jabari Hearn | Matt Kerbel | Amy Kean | Noel Mack | ☕️Apolline Adiju Thanks for setting up the #marketing & #advertising list Callie Schweitzer #stringtheory #LinkedInTopVoices #personalbranding …see more

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I took a meeting the other day with a seasoned entrepreneur. "What was the moment that it all 'clicked' for you?" He asked me. And while things are going well and moving faster than they ever have, I don't think it will ever "click". Although a big moment for me was the moment people started paying attention. But not for the reason most people would think. I had created hundreds of videos and nobody really watched outside of on a platform that doesn't exist anymore (ask🐳). But I realized that I was the same person the day before anyone watched my stuff and the day they started to. And while I knew it – I finally felt it – you have to believe in you. And you have to work for you. And you have to have the discipline to invest in yourself every day. It's the small steps you take and the habits you build that will get you there. It's not often this magical moment. But when people start paying attention you have to be ready for it. When your dreams start coming true you have to be ready. And you have to be willing to earn it. #justQ 🖤 📸 Brema …see more

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I was very lucky today to see about 4 world class Speakers today. Like literally in years the best speakers I've ever seen. What connected them all was this idea of saying things that seemed so simple, so logical, so accessible, so non complex, so nearly within my knowledge, so "obvious", so "I could have thought of that" . Each one was both accessible, not challenging or unexpected, so deeply digestible, so profound. It was really amazing. Doing things well means making them look really easy. Connecting the dots first time around. …see more

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I'm putting together an audio limited series on grief & I'm looking for people that want to participate. I lost my brother last year and this has been on my heart for a while. Pre-Covid I was working on a film but had to put everything on hold. It now feels like audio is more appropriate. The series will be mostly narrative based with three goals: - Educate - Provide space for grief - Shed a light on people's stories If you want to participate, send me your story. I won't be able to get back to everyone but I will try to read them all. If you're a good fit for the series I will send back a message with details. And to clarify: this is any type of grief. Loss of a loved one, relationship, job, etc. If you want an example of my work, I'll link my new podcast in the comments. It won't be the same format but it should give you an idea of my style. Appreciate you in advance! Feel free to share this with anyone that may be a good fit. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

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After losing my vision, mobility, ability to feel my hands, feet, and legs, and traumatic seizures, 🧠neuroscience🧠 became an obsession of mine fueled by the desperation to recover and THRIVE. I thought I'd never be able to teach my son how to ice skate or dance with him on his wedding day. Walk the dogs? Swim? Keep dreaming! Treatments and medications, Nothing in western medicine seemed to help! So I started focusing on what I can CONTROL. Stress management, diet, sleep, and community. Your lifestyle has a SERIOUS impact on brain health. What you consume, Physical activity, Sleep habits, Stress management, Even the way you socialize is critical to your brain health! 🥗 Eat/Drink? Cut the crap! 😴Sleep? Enjoy eight hours. 🧘‍♀️Stress Management? Meditation, thought reframing and loads of gratitude. 👯‍♂️Socialization? I used to have social anxiety galore... but changing my perspective and letting strangers become friends was an absolute GAME CHANGER. Stop making up excuses! Start taking small steps to a healthy lifestyle. Some would give ANYTHING to have the ability to do what you can do... See Hear Run Swim Smell Taste FEEL Take advantage of it and be thankful. #Heal #PersonalGrowth #Neuroscience #Success #Leadership #Health #Disability #ChantelShares #Inspire …see more

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In my first year as an entrepreneur I couldn't afford a .99 cent chocolate bar. 🍫 I'm obsessed with pivotal moments. All of our favorite characters that we follow have a defining moment/time of their life. Here's mine: - I was a first time entrepreneur. I burned through all of my savings, totaled my car, girlfriend left me, and so on. - I got to a point where I had - $900 in my bank account & zero clients. Rent was due at the end of the week. - I promised myself that if I didn't have a client by the end of the week I was going to go get a job. I had three clients at the end of the week. What's the defining moment of your story arc? #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 343 · Comments 69

I would say my worst stresses in the past 10 years: - Going broke in 2002 - Worrying about my father’s stroke in 2003 - IRS in 2004 - Results of my fund in 2003 - Results of my fund of funds in 2005 - Whether or not Stockpickr.com would crash and burn in 2007 - Worrying about selling Stockpickr in 2007 -Getting separated in 2008 And I can list ten others and I’m sure I have in various posts. And there’s some I feel like I can’t list because as honest as I am in these posts, some things are just too close and some boundaries are still up.... http://ow.ly/cajv30hbLdF …see more

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Bono stepped into the elevator of the hotel with four of his friends. I stepped towards the back. Last night I spoke at Scribd about the habits of billionaires. I wonder if they eat breakfast. I imagined my next taste of bacon. Mmmm. The three of us already in the elevator moved over and made room. Bono stood right next to me.. He said, "Let's all hold hands together and it will all be all right."​ Everyone laughed. I like how he turned the elevator crowd into a performance. That's an art form. I said to him, "No it won't."​ He turned to me and laughed. . . . . #writing #bono #scribd #lifestyle …see more

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A couple months ago, I was speaking at an event that had a huge diversity in speakers' experience and was reminded of my imposter syndrome. When talking with some attendees before the event started, I sat and listened to one of the high-achieving attendees list out their accomplishments. It reminded me of when I first started and how much imposter syndrome I felt. I was constantly listing out my accomplishments to get a response from people and to feel like my invitation to speak was justified. It was one of the first times that I felt the impulse to compete on my accomplishments, and actively chose not to. It was a really interesting experience to be self-aware of how I was getting over my imposter syndrome. Have you dealt with imposter syndrome? If so, how did you find yourself getting out of it? #impostersyndrome #publicspeaking …see more

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Israel was my roommate in college. And today we run a company together and we work with organizations like the Milwaukee Admirals . Ever since I've known Izzy he's always been obsessed with sports. Coming out of college he was offered a job with multiple professional teams and he worked with a few before we decided to launch our company together. At the time we didn't know we would be where we are right now working with the clients that we have and building the community that we have today. So I wanted to know why he decided to make the leap into entrepreneurship and a pivotal moment in his life that lead him to where he is today: - He was confident that regardless of the resources we had that we could make it happen. - When he was young his mom was diagnosed with MS. Because of that he refuses to take the little things for granted and promised himself that he would live every day to the fullest. Take the time to get to know your people. Even if you feel like you know everything already, people are always changing and always evolving. Feel free to join our community on Shapr if you would like to get to know us better. Message me for details! #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 342 · Comments 61

Remember this: "Everybody is a Genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." 🌎 When we were first getting started as a company, one of our co-founders, Brema made a shirt "Genius from the Hood." And that always resonated with me and slowly became a part of our mission as a company. We want to show people it doesn't matter where you come from or what limitations you may have: Resourcefulness > Resources. And we always want to give back to whoever we can. "No matter where you're from, you're a genius. You just have to find your area of potential and let that light the way." — Brema Brema #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 342 · Comments 104

Has HOLIDAY STRESS taken a hit at you yet?! Q4 deadlines... Maxed schedules... Holiday treats... Mixers, parties, and more... Burnout and illness triggers are EVERYWHERE! For those living with chronic illness, Keeping a healthy immune system is CRITICAL in the fight to have a chance to spend time with family during the holidays. So what CAN YOU DO to stay healthy? ⛔ DO NOT go into the office, attend holiday parties, or visit with loved ones if you are fighting a bug. 🤓 Request to WORK REMOTE if you have a delicate immune system. ✅ CHECK IN with your team as a decompression opportunity to ensure their health. I've been working remote ALL MONTH to restore my immune system after my final infusions and I'm feeling terrific! May your holidays be filled with health, happiness, and prosperity! Warmest wishes! Chantel PS - I am the QUEEN of KETO desserts... let me know if you need a yummy recipe to steer clear of the holiday treats and stay the course of a healthy season! #Sales #HR #Leadership #Keto #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 342 · Comments 110

A couple months ago, I spoke at a conference where there were more speakers who were college dropouts than college graduates. I graduated earlier this year, and with so many of my friends being college dropouts, I really started to question the value of my degree. I put the question out to Linkedin on whether a college degree was really relevant in today’s economy. After reading all your comments, I decided to explore the value of my degree and answer the question, “Was it really worth it?” Check out my answer in my first Linkedin article in quite some time: "Defending My College Degree" (link in comments) Thank you to everyone who showed support for my article in my post from last month and pitched in to the conversation. #college #studentsoflinkedin #studentvoices #university …see more

♥ 341 · Comments 55

If October is as jam-packed as September was for me, I'm gonna need plenty of rest this weekend. After all, I head to Welches, Oregon next week for the Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS) Fall Camp and Mentoring Project. That annual dose of inspiration and career re-charging will give me the energy to keep moving forward. In the meantime, ponder this thought I've been thinking: Be proud of who you are and how much you've accomplished at every single step along the way. Don't wait for the "perfect moment" or the right amount of money or the pat on the back from a boss. You know what it took to get to where you are. You've earned the right to bask in your own glow. #JAWS #media #accomplishments #milestones …see more

♥ 340 · Comments 15

3 things I've learned from sharing my insecurities and professional struggles on LinkedIn: 1) Answers will arise. People will be there to help.  2) Some people will judge. That's okay.  3) There are WAY more people with the same insecurity than you expect.  Day 6 of #30DS …see more

♥ 340 · Comments 45

I launched my solo show and I am beyond geeked. Hands down, this is the thing in my life that I am most excited about. And then I was looking at analytics a few seconds after uploading my first two episodes. And then these thoughts entered my mind: - Damn, I’m starting from 0. This is going to be hard. - Everyone is starting a gaming podcast all of a sudden… - Why the hell do I think I can grow this show? - And so on... And I sat there. Sulking. And then my girlfriend asked me what was wrong. So I told her. And somewhere along the line I said this, “none of it matters because I’m just doing this to have fun & learn.” What’s the why? Write it down. And pull it out when you feel like I did. …see more

♥ 339 · Comments 44

Before I became the "bubbly and blessed, differently-abled advocate" I was simply a marketing professional with a serious health obstacle. At rock bottom in the diagnosis, I had zero hope of remission - that's the nasty side of an incurable, unpredictable disease. So when Western Medicine couldn't promise my life back, I took things into my own hands, relying on my community and the breakthroughs in neuroscience! Rewiring my brain to combat the neurological deterioration was a breakthrough in stress control, cutting inflammation and mental strength. I thought, if I can go from rock bottom to climbing mountains of happiness and success, so can you, right?! I'm excited to join the #10Tips10Days campaign challenge in sharing 10 tips to be a better, happier, healthier, more fulfilled person! In Tip 1 I talk about using an Anchor to stay present. Do you have an anchor? What is it/what will it be?! Thanks for relaunching the challenge, Kira , Jake , Bobby , and Lila ❤ #Success #Leadership #Happiness #MentalHealth #ChronicIllness #Disability #DifferentlyAbled #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 338 · Comments 95

I've always wanted to break the stereotype that my generation is lazy, self-centered, and entitled. Little did I know, I was far from the only one.  This past weekend at the #genztakeover in Seattle, I met so many incredible, ambitious, authentic, and intelligent people my age. We came together to host a FREE event that covered #socialmedia and #humanitarian causes.  What I Learned:  Many Gen Z-ers want to use social media for good. They want to raise the voices of those who have been disenfranchised and silenced.  Thank you to everyone who made this event possible.  Richard YoungJun Kim   Sam Park   Joel Hansen   Kenji Yukinaga-Paradis   Chad Oda   Natasha Takahashi   Kasim Siddiqui   Gregg L. Witt   Abhisek Vyas   Donnoven Nguyen   MoonSoo Kim   Emily Kwong  and so many more. …see more

♥ 337 · Comments 43

I always want to live my life intentionally. Something I think about a lot – kids will be able to look back on their parents (or anyone's) life. Their entire life. That is kind of awesome and kind of terrifying. I don't want kids any time soon, but if I get to that point I want them to see a human that was relentless. Made his mark. And used his voice. If you're reading this sometime around 2058 – I hope that is true. What's your Moral Code? #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 336 · Comments 87

I remember the nauseating despair I felt, faced with the idea of confessing the obstacles caused by my invisible illness... I had just recently been hired as a content creator and blog author and couldn't even read the standard computer screen due to my aggressive form of Optic Neuritis ignited by Multiple Sclerosis. I quickly searched for tools that could support my vision impairment, but when the neurological deterioration affected my mobility, this disability couldn't be hidden any longer. The perfection pressure in our society had me ashamed and hiding every detail of my unique situation... October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month as we shine a light on how to create a safe space for all ability levels to thrive. This article is based on a previous collaboration with inclusion expert and leadership consultant, Alissa Carpenter, M.Ed (She/Her/Hers) . Please share as we continue to shine a light on the differently-abled community having the utmost strength, not weakness. #Inclusion #Disability #DisabilityEmployment #HumanResources …see more

♥ 336 · Comments 72

I woke up at 2am to record an episode for my new #esports podcast I'm launching. I've missed feeling this level of excitement for the things that I create. When you build something: company/community/brand I've found that when you start it, it feels like it's yours. Then you start to let more people into your world, and somewhere along the line it stops feeling like yours. It becomes bigger than you. Which is awesome. But different. Lesson: Continuously take time to get to know yourself and find new passions. This newsletter is a part of my evolution. My new podcast as well. Hold onto that fire. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 335 · Comments 86

This article was prepared with many cups of ambition, love, purpose and I'll admit, a sprinkle of clickbait because you won't find any juicy details of infidelity or breakroom PDA's. I've cooked a flavourful story for you about how I fell in love with my job at a company most have never heard of based on a mixture of company culture, an extraordinary boss, and a supportive team. #Inclusion #Culture #LeadershipTraining #Leadership #Telecom #Diversity #DifferentlyAbled #Disability #HumanResources #HRTips #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 334 · Comments 72

Because I grew up ugly,I was always insecure about first impressions. "Ugly" was my boot camp for bleeding as fast as possible. Vulnerability buys freedom. Freedom to look how I want, to say what I want, to do what I want. I like to study first lines. They have to be powerful: a few simple words that compel us to read the next 300 pages. How do the authors do it? How can I do it? Here are 12 first lines from my favorite books and WHY they "bleed". . . #writing #lifestyle #fiction #nonfiction …see more

♥ 334 · Comments 48

Thank you, Dana Vickers Shelley, MPA . You "get" my spiritual struggle during this appallingly painful chapter of American history. But you've reminded me once again that I don't have the luxury of shrinking or hiding. I must find or make the way forward. …see more

♥ 333 · Comments 16

I got to hang with the legend Mark Metry while I was out in Boston. He started speaking a year ago and does a handful of speaking engagements a month now. His biggest tip 👇🏽 🎙 Build credibility in something first. He started a podcast, Humans 2.0 (which is now top 100 in the most competitive category in iTunes). Don’t tell people why you’re badass, show them. From there it will be significantly easier to land speaking gigs. Show > Tell. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #businessowner #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 331 · Comments 80

Feeling starstruck after my interview today with the legendary Diane Sawyer about my new book, Indistractable

♥ 331 · Comments 27

When I was suicidal, I was doing all of the below bad habits. When I was going broke, I was doing all of the below bad habits. I’ve gone from rich to dead broke so many times I’m like a one-man scientific experiment in what works and what doesn’t. Or I’m just an idiot. Either way. These things don’t work. Stop doing them. …see more

♥ 331 · Comments 23

I’ve been called “too” competitive. I like to win. I like to learn. And culturally that’s been a bad thing. But I’m learning that if I’m going to “win” I need to lean more into the person that I am and make my strengths (and weaknesses) work for me. And for me it’s simple: am I outworking the old me? Am I better than the old me? Am I working towards the me that I want to be? At the end of the day there is no one on the planet with the same goals + plans as you. No point in competing with someone that’s playing a different game with different rules. Your only [long term] competition is you. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 328 · Comments 71

Growing up it was my dream to live in NYC, overlook the city and write for a living. I never wanted to be an entrepreneur. I didn't even know what that word meant. I sold my services in video games when I was younger. I hustled for gigs as a musician. But "business" never really interested me. I'm 25. Black. And decided not to complete college. On paper no one would ever bet on me to succeed. Don't let anyone convince you that there is an ideal entrepreneur, or CEO, or professional (or fill in the blank with whatever you aspire to be). Success isn't about following someone else's path or fitting into the mold. It's about being who you are, making it work for you, & betting on yourself. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 326 · Comments 57

“What you don’t see is the years of crying myself to sleep. We go on stage and talk about how great we are, but never mention the pain it took to get here. We fail to talk about how many entrepreneurs, public speakers, and professionals have anxiety attacks on the regular. It sucks. You have to want it more than anything.” Years ago I was at an fireside chat and someone asked the entrepreneur how he gets through the times of doubt. That was his answer. While I love to share these moments on stage or with friends, let’s not forget that social media doesn’t show the nights of working and worrying. We’re all going through it. …see more

♥ 322 · Comments 28

Waiting on pins and needles, going crazy figuring out how to dress for the interview or how to wear your hair... Intimidated by body language and unexpected questions during the in-person interrogation, that makes your stomach flip... When I applied for a job as a Marketing Manager for an IT academy I was invited for an interview, One of the six people interviewing me started to pick on me for using the word "dazzled" in my cover letter. It was totally on brand, But this engineer didn't dig that flavor or my bubbly nature, regardless of skill. Right then I knew it wasn't a fit. Needless to say, I went from having dreams of working for a small IT academy to writing for Thrive Global, working for millionaires across the globe on how to amplify their personal brand and thought influence. A lot has changed over the years. And I still use the word "dazzled" wherever possible 😉 Never dull your flavors to fit into someone else's recipe, especially when seeking a fit in your career. If you're looking for ways to build a culture that attracts and retains top talent, read my love story... #Culture #Inclusion #Success …see more

♥ 320 · Comments 68

I haven't been this excited & yet terrified since the day that I quit my job full-time to become an entrepreneur. So here I am writing this at 5am 😂. I have 5 Twitch followers on the channel I just started. Which seems like nothing. But for me is everything and I'm totally geeked about it. I'm running an experiment [because I'm curious]. Seeing if I can build a completely separate personal brand from [justQ]. Think Childish Gambino vs. Donald Glover. Or Batman vs. Bruce Wayne. Business / artist / creator vs. Gaming & esports But also, it's me doing what I love just because I love it. No other motive. And I miss that. Creating for creations sake. What are you doing right now "just because?" #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #business #esports …see more

♥ 319 · Comments 88

“Yep, sewing course done. Now we need to figure if we can buy a sewing machine and get ongoing work...basically starting a business.” Great to hear enthusiasm of rural women at a vocational skills graduation ceremony. Happy to help with financial knowledge and skills. But need help funding the Hindi videos and train-the-trainer programs. Who is with me? #financialeducation #financialliteracy #womenempowerment …see more

♥ 319 · Comments 28

If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door! "Of all of us that started creating content, you seem to be having the most success!" I was catching up with a colleague that I met here in 2018. We became instant sisters in the climb to entrepreneurship with many others on the platform... Some have failed and had to start fresh... Alternatively, I had an exceptional year thanks to LinkedIn, including: ➡️ Paid ALL $XXX,XXX medical bills from a diagnosis and treatment without insurance ➡️ Sold the Camry and bought a Benz which was my dream for years ➡️ Devoted this year to supporting CHARITY and GIVING back to my community (LLS, Pro Bono Consulting) ➡️ And I'm buying my husband the RV he's always dreamt of for Father's Day! ⚠️MY POINT: The importance of QUALITY over quantity. I had a few 5k views per video which turned into 5 qualified leads and 3 clients.. week over week! Unlike MASSIVE creators that have 100k views, I STILL got results! And you can too... Create thought-provoking content and put your heart into everything you do 💘 If you need a push in the right direction, you know where to find me 😜 Who else is driving BIG results?! Let me know below! #entrepreneurship #success #chantelshares …see more

♥ 317 · Comments 86

I was a part-time ghost writer for two years before I launched my first company. Writing other people’s stories for a living. Pretending to be someone else forced me to get real with who I wanted to be. For a lot of my life I felt like a ghost. Always behind the scenes. Always quiet. Always thinking. Never really excellent at anything. And not all that memorable. Something about watching people find success with the words I wrote, showed me that I was capable of so much more in my own life. Someone much smarter than me said something along the lines of “excellence can be sparked from a mental expansion of what we believe to be capable.” ✅ Seeing people that we resonate with do something similar to what we want to do. ✅ Surprising ourselves and doing something we never thought we could do. Find people that are doing it that look like you or come from where you come from. Or go out and do it and see what happens. Ideally both. So much opportunity out there. Get after it. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 316 · Comments 62

I started speaking a little under a year and a half ago. 🎤 😬 And it’s been a journey figuring out everything: my style, how many speaking engagements are too many, how much time do I need to prep, should I prep, and so on. There are no rules for this stuff. I finished TEDx two months ago and it was 7 months of prep. I just did Disrupt Madison and I prepped for maybe a total of 5 hours over time. And I knew what I wanted to say... and then for the first time I walked on stage and everything went blank. I forgot everything that I wanted to say. So I winged it. And it went fine. But I hate not being THE BEST. And I’m really working to find my balance. On camera I don’t really prep. On the stage (personally) I’m learning that the more prep the better. Preparation is the best weapon. Kind of like when I was a musician. You play a song so much that it’s burned into your memory. You can go off script and still come back to the song because it’s become muscle memory. People have taken flights/driven from other cities/countries to come see me speak. And I feel an obligation to be the best. To make it worth it every time. Otherwise, what’s the point of speaking at all? From here on everything that I do, will be the best of me. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 315 · Comments 68

January 20, 2021 has been a day of reflection, release and even a bit of joy as I observed the Inauguration ceremony for President Joseph R. Biden and Vice President Kamala D. Harris. There’s so much to share, but a highlight of the day came from America’s National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman. Her brilliant poem, “The Hill We Climb,” inspired me to recommit to my own goals and to helping heal and preserve the soul of this great nation. That is a hill we must climb—together. #Inauguration2021 #TheHillWeClimb #AmericanDemocracy #poetry #poets …see more

♥ 312 · Comments 19

I remember the first time I used a stethoscope as a medical student and learned how many things we can get to know about the patient just by listening to cardiac and lung sounds. Later, I tested the first digital stethoscopes and always thought that such a technology should be available for the masses, not only medical professionals. StethoMe® is that kind of a device. It can monitor a child's respiratory system and send the data to a medical professional who can help remotely. We will test it and keep you updated on how it goes. #themedicalfuturist #digitalhealth #future #healthcare #medicine #technology #stethoscope #health #healthy #fromchancetochoice …see more

♥ 312 · Comments 26

Adding this to my file of previously-unlikely/unthinkable that has become reality: On a sunny July 4th weekend, Laguna Beach's Main Beach is completely empty except for life guards (whose job is to keep people off the beach) and lots of birds enjoying their near-monopoly position. #California #LagunaBeach #covid__19 #covid19 …see more

♥ 311 · Comments 32

2020 was an uncomfortable and difficult year for all of us sparing no one. I feel solidarity is just what the world needs right now, allowing our differences to make us think deeper and bring us closer. Here are my 2020 reflections and three wishes for 2021: #gettingthingsdone #Future #inspiration …see more

♥ 310 · Comments 14

Are you superstitious?!? I was... and it was holding me back BIG TIME! I didn't really even know it was a superstition... Like black cats, walking underneath ladders or opening an umbrella indoors. I don't want to take any chances with bad luck... So, of course, I make sure to avoid those things! I used to think that saying my goals aloud would JINX my success... 🙄🤨🤔 But two short years ago, I threw these superstitions aside and started talking the talk to walk the walk. How are you managing your goals to guarantee success?! What's the strangest superstition you've heard of?! 👟My Mother-in-Law insists that putting shoes on a table is BAD LUCK! (It's also kinda gross, right?!) 🎃Happy Halloween!🎃 #Success #GoalSetting #Entrepreneurship #Sales #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 308 · Comments 104

I was doing what I hated! Working a job. Listening to a boss yell at me when he had a bad day with his wife. Working with people that I wouldn't be friends with unless I had to sit next to them in a cubicle. Doing things that were the opposite of everything I dreamed about as a boy. But I didn't think anything else was possible. I didn’t know any better...I wish something like this had existed at the time. I assumed that being doomed was a normal part of life and only some people were lucky enough to get away with doing what they loved. I was ready to live a life of misery only for the sake of my kids. I guess so they could then grow up and live a life of misery. I was wrong. …see more

♥ 308 · Comments 10

When I was a little girl, it crossed my mind that maybe I should have been born a boy. Why? Because I wanted to be a CEO. There were very few female founders and CEOs in business and tech for me to look up to as a child. Now I’m two months away from graduating college, and I’m so happy that powerful, confident women have come into my life as role models and mentors. It’s these women who inspire little girls to one day become CEOs. This #InternationalWomensDay, I wanted to say thank you to the women in my life who have made me proud of my drive, hustle and femininity. #PressForProgress …see more

♥ 308 · Comments 18

I was a terrible student. And out of college I had no idea where to start with my business. So I planned. So much that I had a plan for my plans. And none of it amounted to anything. I wish I did this instead: 1). Reverse engineer. What's the end goal? What steps can I take right now to get closer to my end goal? 2). How can I make money right now? Not how will I make money in the future, because that doesn't help you right now. A business needs cash flow to survive. 3). Take a look at my habits and be intentional about the habits that I was building. Humans are habitual beings. Focus on building a few good habits at a time that will help you get to that end goal. What advice would you give your younger self when you were just getting started in your career? Thank you for interviewing us Donovan . #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 305 · Comments 86

The world recently celebrated #EarthDay on 22nd April. Nature Triumphs have been seen in many messages and images. Be it penguins wandering the main streets or clean canals in Venice or the cleaner Ganga, the clean air in polluted cites. We understand the negative impact of our large human footprint and lifestyle on other species and planet and everyone feels compelled and called to action for a better coexistence. Perhaps, despite the cost of #COVID19 in all our lives, it might help us grasp a movement towards sustainable lifestyles. I am sharing visitors in my garden right below my window. Most people tend to be afraid of snakes. I tend to like them. They play a key role in our ecology. I was glad for this rare sighting of two cobras not once but twice, in my garden and outside my house the other day. This was my Earth Day treat. #WeekendMusings …see more

♥ 304 · Comments 17

I couldn't leave the house for 3 months. I was depressed. I gained back all my weight and then another 30 lbs. Finally I had to either DIE or FEED my family. I was forced to choose myself. 👉 I started to exercise every day. Eat better. One item for breakfast. A healthy lunch. Tiny dinner. No snacks. 👉 I started to sleep 9 hours a day. 👉 I started to only be around people who loved and supported me. I broke off all ties with anyone who I felt bad to be around. 👉 I decided I wanted to help people every day and be honest every day. 👉 Every day I came up with ideas for new businesses. ...here's more …see more

♥ 304 · Comments 36

While many of my friends and I preach uplifting other women in business, I still find that we all deal with comparison and judgement. For some reason when I compare another woman against myself, I start to find myself comparing our awards, our looks, and so many other useless factors. I know it's wrong. I actively try not to. But sometimes you need to have people in your life who can call you out when your mind starts to wonder. Those reminders keep me in check. How do you keep yourself from comparing yourself to others? Big shoutout to Natasha Takahashi (pictured here with me) who is seriously one of the smartest people I know! …see more

♥ 303 · Comments 51

💥Happy New Year!💥 Each year, I pick a word to guide me and #focus my efforts. 🧭 For 2021, I’ve selected ILLUMINATE.✨ I love that this word is multi-layered in its meaning: to shine a light on something, clarify or make something understandable, make spectacular, and glow or light up.🌟 It’s about taking helpful, positive action by seeking knowledge and sharing wisdom, highlighting the brilliance all around us. It also refers to someone thought to have an unusual degree of enlightenment. 💡 This year, it’s time for me to unapologetically light a new path and shine even brighter, particularly fitting as we come out of what has arguably been a year of darkness for so many. 🔦 And as I become illuminated, I aspire to #illuminate others. 🕯 What’s your #wordfor2021 ? 💁🏼‍♀️ #clarity …see more

♥ 302 · Comments 162

Real talk: My first two companies failed. A big difference between those startups and my current company is this: there is now one person accountable for every major area of our business. 2019 was our best year. But it was also a very hard year because we spent the bulk of it working with our business coach [ Rebecca Heidepriem ]. We were getting organized, working on systems & processes, and just making our services better. It was painful 😅. In a good way. 2020 is already our best year in business and we're only in Q1. There should only be one person accountable for each part of the business. For smaller teams that one person can be accountable for multiple parts of the business, but you should never have two people accountable for the same area. Because nothing gets done that way. Someone has to be in charge. Sales is a HUGE part of my role. But I report to Izzy when it comes to sales because he's accountable for that part of the business. Whereas I'm accountable for the overall vision. It helps us stay organized and make more money. And who doesn't like more money... 😜 #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #startups #entrepreneurship …see more

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Aditya Sengupta 's journey from #coding at a young age to being the co-founder and CTO at Instamojo showcases the important of being curious and following your passion. #KalaariFamily #Startups …see more

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I'm pretty sure nothing breeds self doubt more than writing a book. It is agonizing. I spend days a week thinking it will be awful, 2 days thinking it may work, and one wondrous day of excitement that it could, somehow, be fantastic.

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All of these women were part of a gaggle of teenagers at the Detroit Free Press back in 1992, and they made me feel like a Resident Advisor in one big newsroom dorm. They were so young and smart and savvy and cool, and they actually BELIEVED I knew what I was doing, which made me feel (relatively) young, and smart and savvy and cool, too. I shared what I knew, listened a lot, cooked for them, and tried to help guide them through their career decisions. Twenty-seven years later, Kelley Carter is a Senior Entertainment Reporter for ESPN 's "The Undefeated." She's been on every Red Carpet in America, including at the Oscars, and she's one of the best entertainment reporters in the country. Maisha Maurant is Manager, Communication & Creative Services and Chief Corporate Editor for Health Alliance Plan -Michigan. And the third woman is a Force of Nature, the modern day #SojournerTruth , the #journalist and #writer and #podcaster and Authentically Amazing Jemele Hill . So proud to say I knew them all when. There are about eight other shining stars from my Detroit Free Press era, and I hope we'll all get together to complete this picture soon. #journalism #communications #mentoring , #womeninjournalism #womeninmedia #Detroit #blackexcellence …see more

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Today I'm doing my first talk at NED. ( and I hope people assume that’s a typo) Seriously though, it's a great line up and in Peru and I learn more at the edge than the center. …see more

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It was such a privilege to deliver the convocation address for Bentley University. This was my advice for the Class of 2018.  Dear Class of 2018.... https://lnkd.in/egtp7BP …see more

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INTERVIEW WITH TIM KENNEDY (Warrior Ambassador, MMA fighter and Super Peak Performer): Imagine this room is filling up with poisonous gas,” Tim said. “There’s two doors behind me, one window and one to either side.” “We have several choices,” he said, “I can pick the locks of one of the doors. I can break down the doors. I can smash one of the windows and we can climb out. We have three minutes until we die. What do we do?” Tim is aware of everything around him. Which is probably why I started off the podcast with: “We have nothing in common.” It’s a creative challenge to figure out how to relate with each person I meet. He’s a US Army Special Forces sniper. He’s been to Iraq and Afghanistan. He’s an MMA fighter. And has multiple black belts. I have zero black belts. I have negative black belts. I haven’t been to war. And I’m not trained to kill people. I can’t shove someone without looking funny. So we have different instincts. He told me about the decisions he had to make every day. I can’t imagine. And not being able to imagine, is what we have in common. It’s when you try to find the bridge where two people can meet that I learn the most about the people around me. Here’s what we ended up talking about: http://bit.ly/2tW22sq …see more

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After knowing each other for 3 years on LinkedIn as previous LinkedIn Campus Editors, I finally met Tim Salau, Mr. Future of Work yesterday! We chatted all about how modern day educators and influencers thrive when they earn people’s trust. Both of us grew communities on LinkedIn because we leveraged empathy and stories that made people feel more connected. We are working on some ideas right now in San Francisco, so get ready! #linkedincampuseditor #studentsoflinkedin …see more

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I used to compare my social media following to people in my circle every day. Literally every day. Which was [royally] stupid looking back. 👇🏽 ✅ 5 years ago I had less than 900 followers. I was nobody. The people that are big today may not be big tomorrow. And the people that are small today, could be huge tomorrow. One viral post can change everything for the better or for the worse. ✅ Those are actual people following you (unless you bought your followers 😅). So many people get worked up about not getting the numbers they want, instead of pouring time + love into the people that already support them. Retention is equally (if not more) important as acquisition. ✅ You're on your own clock. Comparing where you're at in your career is like comparing yourself to another runner out on a jog. You don't know how long they have been running, their background, etc. Run your own race. ✅ The amount of followers you have is nowhere near an accurate indicator of how great a person you are. Take a deep breath. Run your own race. And don't buy followers 😅. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

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What's your zone? 🖖🏽 For me it's when the camera is rolling. I enter a state of flow; that state of mind when everything makes sense and you're in the zone. When I was a kid it happened often when I was writing stories or songs. I would lose track of time and just work. Those flow states have always fascinated me. Some things that help me find that zone: - Doing what I love. - Consuming more content aligned with my growth goals. - Keeping a daily journal. - Exercise and adding meditation to my daily routine. - Removing myself from my usual environment (e.g. travel). Sarah Hauer enters that state when she's reporting. What does it for you? #justQ …see more

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Over 3 years ago I decided that I was going to create content. What I was really doing was creating a story. Commonalities I've found that people mention when they're retelling my story to me: 👉🏽 Created +500 videos before anyone watched 👉🏽 Totaled my car, girlfriend at the time left, burned through my savings, dog was hit by a car. 👉🏽 Two failed companies before one found success. And while those things are true. As content creators we get so attached to our stories (because others do). So here is my challenge to myself: ✅ To be aggressive [like I was] and focus on creating more of my story. And pay attention to the narratives that people share. ✅ On podcasts, stage, etc. to pull out new stories instead of the big 3. ✅ To build something outside of my company: e.g. my new esports podcast and a gaming community. Don't get so attached to your stories that it keeps you from creating more. #justQ 🖤 #business #entrepreneurship …see more

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Hemingway has undoubtedly influenced many writers and readers. Most of his work is a reminder of the hard times and how it shaped people in the world war era. His stories are still very apt, more so now perhaps in the times, we live in. His book 'The Old Man and the Sea' is a favourite, a story of overcoming defeat. But it's his book 'Winner Take Nothing' that made me think through. It is such a depressing book on what to do with life when no matter how much you try, you don't get where you want to. In fact, it then forces you to redefine the purpose of existence and how to reconcile to the vagaries of life. Sharing some of his best quotes. • Courage is grace under pressure. • The world breaks everyone, and afterward, many are strong at the broken places. • When people talk, listen completely. Most people never listen. • The first draft of anything is shit. • But man is not made for defeat. A man can be destroyed but not defeated. • There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. #Motivation #Creativity #WhatInspiresMe …see more

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Introspection and sunset on Mt. Tamalpais. Best way to celebrate my 25th! Thanks for all the kind birthday wishes everyone! ⛰ Here’s a sneak peek of 25 things I’ve learned turning 25 (longer version to be published soon on LinkedIn!) Any particular ones you agree with? Let me know in the comments! 1. Love unconditionally 2. Cherish friends 3. Become an ally 4. Prioritize family and friends 5. Fail fast forward 6. Embrace yourself 7. Be green 8. Learn to apologize first 9. Find mentors 10. Be a catalyst 11. Practice gratitude 12. Be kind 13. Be kind to yourself 14. Define your own success 15. Practice empathy 16. Be present 17. Stay curious 18. Ask for help 19. Cook more 20. Be around leaders you respect 21. Pursue passion projects 22. Do it 23. Have fun 24. Don’t settle 25. Take bold chances …see more

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I told our business coach to fire us if we didn't meet our sales goal by the end of January. 2019 was our best year but also a rough year. I was sick of feeling like our team was on a hamster wheel. If I’m being honest a part of me didn’t think we would hit it. But we did. And then a crazy thing happened. We past it. And we're still going. I'm focused AF (as the kids would say 😉) this year & I want to see more people in my networking getting after it as well. In this newsletter I cover: ✅ Sales changes ✅ Epic conversations ✅ How I'm holding myself accountable for my podcast goals ✅ My focus on YouTube #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #entrepreneurship #business #startups …see more

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Wrapping 2020 with reflections on our learnings and gratitude for everyone's good health and good spirits. #whatinspiresme #Future #Gratitude (PS: We all tested Covid negative and had regular checks to ensure it was safe for everyone to meet) …see more

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Humbling and grateful to attend my third Forbes Under 30 summit, and bumping into Jenny Rooney at the event last minute! I first met Jenny three years ago. Our first convo was supposed to be a strictly explorary call about me writing and adding value for the Forbes CMO Network through my thought leadership. However, by the end of our chat, Jenny made it a point to call out that my path to social storytelling at Apple as an immigrant and first generation graduate was pretty unconventional and admirable, and that I should be very proud of it. By that time, I had worked multiple work-study jobs, including running social for Samsung, UC Berkeley, and Haas School of Business while teaching two digital marketing courses. As a caring and thoughtful mentor, Jenny took the time to learn about my story and gave me an opportunity when many people might haven’t. Months later after our conversations, Jenny nominated me for the Marketing & Advertising list and in early 2016, I became the youngest Forbes 30 Under 30 that year. Thanks Jenny for all that you do and the support over the years! Sometimes the most remarkable and watershed moments happen because of serendipity and when you want to add value first. Part 1/2 📸 Full version and follow: https://lnkd.in/e5k9CTn …see more

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Mentorship has always been important to me. Beyond just receiving passively, I have always encouraged young leaders to pay it forward by mentoring others. You're never too young to help someone out. Thanks for the shout out, Steve Blakeman . Looking forward to what you'll do next, Víctor Hugo Herrera Colorado ! "We talked for over two hours about how he believes writing can help him achieve his aspirations. He spoke excitedly about how inspired he was by Tai Tran, who is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, LinkedIn Top Voice and TEDx speaker. He wants to emulate what Tai has achieved and, as a role model, he couldn't have chosen better. Given that Tai was such an inspiration to Victor, I asked him about his own personal reflections on how mentors have influenced his own journey: "It's incredibly surreal to hear that my story is inspiring other young leaders like Victor. I started this journey with a passion for marketing and helping others. I credit some of this success to my mentors from the likes of Forbes, LinkedIn & Apple." Tai went on to offer some sage counsel to other fledgling executives: "Ask for advice, not favors. Likewise, learn to give as much as you take by mentoring others and continuing the cycle of paying it forward."" https://lnkd.in/gNYGJrx …see more

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When is social media more important than a life?! Yesterday, on our way up north, we stopped to gas up and grab some grub at a tiny town, noticing a group of rambunctious teens hanging out in the empty parking lot parallel to us. We reminisced on our reckless teen years when my husband noticed in his side-view mirror that one of the teens flipped their four-wheeler and crashed HARD. Without thought, he zoomed over to help, applying his first response training learned as a Federal Officer. The teens were on their phones so we had assumed they were calling 911... Then the young girl said, "we just don't know what to do!" My husband responded while leaning over and caring for the young man, "well weren't you just on the phone with 911?" She responded... "no?" Surprised that nobody else had, a friend finally called with the Sherriff arriving moments later. I cannot imagine being 16 today, When 100 likes mean more than a friend's life. - SEE something? DO something! - This is the generation we are going to pass our world off to... Are you teaching your children to be leaders? - PS - I know this is a professional platform, but... it's moments like these that I fall in love with my husband a thousand times over again 🥰 #leadership …see more

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Who is Responsible For Our Old People? While riding public transit today I ran across this elderly man who was displaying clear signs of dementia and appeared disheveled. He posed no risk to himself or others. Not sure if he was on his way to or from somewhere. Not sure if anyone wondered when he’d arrive or worried if he didn’t show up. He seemed utterly alone, which seems painful given his senior years and confused state. Maybe we don’t (collectively) care...but somehow it struck a sad cord in my heart as I watched him point to no one and talk to no one. At one point in time, he was someone’s child and might be someone’s father. Where are people like this supposed to live? Who is supposed to help them. Where is our humanity—and even absent that—where is our infrastructure which should exist in a democratic society which holds that all people are created equal and deserves compassion? …see more

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I was supposed to have my first international speaking gig in Austria this year... I'm honestly thankful for this year. It kind of feels like I've spent a lot of my career talking but not saying anything. I have a lot that I need to say now. Looking forward to stepping on stage again. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

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Here's to a life well lived and one of my biggest inspirations to push equality and accessibility forward. Fighting chronic illness in the form of cancer multiple times without missing a seat on the bench... Approaching conflict with grace and dignity... And never backing down. Americans, especially women, would not be where we are today without you. Thank you Cheers 🥂 #inclusion #equality #idessent …see more

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A story on leadership about a giving tree. Thank you to Steve Sullivan for including me in your #StorySaturday ! This story hit close to home for me. It's easy to feel weak and broken when making simple mistakes... ESPECIALLY if they relate to your mental or physical health. I've had a few mix ups during this relapse. I accidentally purchased a MATTRESS with my company credit card thanks to Amazon's billing automation. 😬😒😢😲😬 Oops! What's an accident you had to work through based on health obstacles? Check out Steve's page for the full story! #Leadership #Professionalism #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalGrowth #ChronicIllness #Health #Chantelshares …see more

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I have just found the perfect quote to share with all my fellow LinkedIn sisters for #WomensHistoryMonth. It's from the sublime actress Tracee Ellis Ross, who was sharing her journey with body image and other life issues with People Magazine. “You know as a young girl, I had this woman that I dreamt of being, right? And I had her in my head and I would play around with being her in my bedroom and with certain people, but the gift of age is that you actually get to have the boldness and the courage to be that woman, to be that person and I’m experiencing it now and some of the things I’ve discovered in knowing myself is that I actually like myself,” she said. After reading her comments, it clicked. THIS is what it means to be a fully grown, proud, brave, confident woman. And I knew this former little girl who used to sit on the levee wall looking out over the Ohio River in Cairo, Illinois and dream about amazing adventures and making a difference in the world really is the woman she always dreamed she could be. Thank you, Tracee Ellis Ross, for reminding us that while it's important to honor our foremothers this month, we must always celebrate our own history. …see more

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For LinkedIn's 15th birthday, people have been sharing their hopes and dreams at 15. When I was 15, I wanted to be a video game developer. Besides playing lots of games, most of which were “shared” with me through my 1200 baud modem, I taught myself to code in a few languages on my Apple II+, which was given to me by my parents when I was 13. I even drove out to Apple’s headquarters in Cupertino from Reno, where I was visiting my sister for a few days, and was given a tour of their corporate office by one of their staff (seen standing with me in the photo). I’ll never forget seeing Steve Jobs’ BMW motorcycle (literally parked inside the front lobby, no less). #WhenIWas15 …see more

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I started my esports podcast late last year with no expectations. A few months later and I've had thousands of downloads, conversations with owners of teams, invited to events, played with pro players, etc. Just because I wanted to start something that interests me. Two platforms that I'm spending significantly more time on: Twitch & TikTok. Just because I get to spend more time doing things that interest me. Talking about esports, my business, video games, and life as I live it. People have this idea in their head that they need to create "content" and that content needs to look/feel/sound a certain way. And it doesn't. You can do whatever you want to do. And you'll find that when you're doing what you want, you'll also attract the opportunities that you want. Just like my podcast. Just like everything I post here. Make sure it's something you want to be creating. Not just something that might get you views, likes, shares, or wins in the short-term. Just something to think about. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

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I wrote this on my flight back from NY [video]. Right before COVID hit. As humans, we have this idea in our head of how things are supposed to be. Of how things ought to be. And [honestly] for me it worked out that way. I got there. And then the world fell apart. I knew 2020 was going to be big. But I never expected this. I've come to realize that if you're an entrepreneur: this is what we signed up for. Pain. Risk. Struggle. Uncertainty. Responsibility. Yes, COVID-19 sucks. But it doesn't matter if it's a good thing or a bad thing. It's a thing. Now we have to figure it out. That's what it means to be an entrepreneur. To figure it out. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #business …see more

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If you're looking for a mind at work, look no further. Between finishing up my next National Geographic feature on women's #globalhealth leadership during #COVID19 and working with two fellows with The Aspen Institute , I haven't even had time to catch #Hamilton on Disney Streaming Services ! But I'm grateful for the chance to support amazing women like Damaris Matoke-Muhia , the #AspenNewVoices fellow I met in Nairobi back in February. In her role as a researcher with the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) and the (PAMCA) Pan African Mosquito Control Association , she sees how women transform communities through their largely unremunerated work to keep their families and neighbors healthy and safe. And be on the lookout for #AspenHealthyCommunities fellow Emma Robbins upcoming OpEd. In her work as the Navajo Water Project director for DIGDEEP Water , Emma is fighting for access to clean water and sanitation on the Navajo Nation Reservation where she was born. She is also a brilliant artist and community activist, and it has been wonderful getting to know her. I'm so grateful to be supporting these incredible women during this moment when the world is turned upside down. …see more

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I first met Govind Rajan when he was at Freecharge. Whenever I had a question on a payments opportunity, he was my first call. Over the years whenever we met, we had freewheeling discussions on a variety of topics, and then we would suddenly realize how much time had gone by and neither of us had noticed. I always came away intellectually stimulated. I also realised how much Govind listened and his sensitive nature. He came over to the office to give me a gift. He didn’t owe me a thank you or a gift. It was simply for the joy of giving and sharing. He had remembered our conversation about the Salar Jung museum and miniature paintings and the lives of artists. So, Govind showed up with a framed miniature painting for me, just because he knew I would cherish it. Extremely saddened to hear about Govind's sudden passing. I am shocked that he is no more. He was always enthusiastic about #startups and always willing to give his time and support. We hadn’t spoken in 6 months atleast. In fact, it had crossed my mind I should check-in. It comes home to me, we should reach out to people and not procrastinate. Rest in Peace, Govind. Keeping your near and dear ones in my prayers. …see more

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Do you stay in a relationship because you are afraid you won't meet someone else, or you are afraid it will be bad for your kids, or you are afraid of hurting someone else?... Here's how to know if you are making a fear decision or growth decision. …see more

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#YangGang is intoxicating. I posted a video once jokingly making a connection between “The Addams Family” TV show and my interest in Andrew. It got over 100,000 views. People loved it. People loved ME! I really like Andrew. He seems like you and me. Someone we could hang out with in the living room and just talk about life and occasionally veer into issues. He has a sense of humor. He plays in the same sandboxes that I do. That we all do. And when I started making the smallest of hints that I might like him as a Presidential candidate, I got inundated with validation from the YangGang. His supporters love him. LOVE HIM. . . . . #politics #lifestyle #writing #andrewyang #yanggang …see more

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חשבון פשוט- לקום לעבודה בארבע בבוקר+לגור בדגניה+לעבוד בהרצליה=כתבה בחדשות. מסתבר שגרה בדגניה עובדת בהרצליה זה אחלה טייטל. מוזמנים לצפות בעצבים שלי על הנתיב המהיר אתמול בערוץ כאן 11. נ.ב אתם כבר יודעים שאני פעמיים בשבוע בחיפה. לינק לכתבה המלאה- https://lnkd.in/dVFSC4M …see more See translation

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This is the story of my journey with clinical obesity 👇 I’d also like to give a huge shoutout to Jacob Zangel for putting this together for me. How has your health been this year? Has the pandemic affected it at all? #Indistractable #Health #Growth …see more

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"How do I stop loving a girl who doesn’t love me,” someone asked me. I didn’t answer him correctly. I gave some bullshit answer. The correct answer is: there’s nothing you can do. You’re in pain. You’re wounded. Time heals all wounds. That’s where the economy is. I’m not a doom and gloom guy. I’m an optimist. And the firebomb is my optimistic view of where the economy is going." …see more

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Having written about silver linings for society as a whole of an otherwise horrid Covid year, some personal ones if I may: Spending more time with family; Seeing the best of people, including at Queens'​ College, Cambridge ; Witnessing and being inspired by great acts of courage and kindness; Being exposed to new analytical issues to think about and work on; A lot less travel; Discovering amazing walks in #Cambridge and #California ; And many more, including being so much more thankful for so much more in life. How about your list? #covid19 #covid__19 #inspiration #silverlining #silverlinings #covid19economy #covideconomy …see more

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It’s so funny as I reflect today on a crazy emotional year. This year was filled with hope and dreams and significant loss. I’ve watched my team survive and rally around each other and me through it all. I am so grateful for my team, customers, other colleagues and followers who have helped and supported us. Support that I could have never imagined. I always say people do business with people. It is with so much gratitude that I want to say #thankyou to all “my people”. Wishing you all a wonderful Thanksgiving! #radicalcpa #leadership #business #thanksgiving …see more

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Feels a bit like the things that are the very best in life are linked in some way to vulnerability. I've had one of the best weeks of my life, and been quite terrified for most of it.

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I write books only to later remind myself of the things that saved my life when I was at my lowest points financially, emotionally, creatively. From "Choose Yourself": I have this taped to my wall. “Only think about the people you enjoy. Only read the books you enjoy, that make you happy to be human. Only go to the events that actually make you laugh or fall in love. Only deal with the people who love you back, who are winners and want you to win too.” #business #entrepreneurship #growth #writing #thinking …see more

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I've noted a lot of debates over the past few years about how LinkedIn is becoming too much like Facebook , and how it should be a strictly professional platform that avoids personal, political or religious content. In one sense, I agree. I've been using this site primarily for my professional pursuits as a "global health brand strategist." I regularly share health and development information that drives home the point that we are all in this global maelstrom together. But today, I'm posting my conscience. I left a major mainstream newsroom 11 years ago because I got tired of the "objectivity" trope in journalism, which required reporters to keep their beliefs and opinions tightly confined. I moved to East Africa because I wanted to do work that mattered by empowering young African journalists to do a better job of communicating key issues in their communities. Nine years ago, I was living 7,500 miles away from America, and I saw hundreds of children enduring life in Kenyan refugee camps. Now, I would only need to travel to Texas to see something similar. But the difference is that the kids in Kenya weren't separated from their parents. #GodSaveAmerica  and  #immigrantchildren Share this post if you agree. …see more

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I puked in the bathroom before my first speaking engagement. 🤯 This conversation was one of my favorites on any podcast, and they were all in high school. There is so much comparison out there. Especially from aspiring speakers. Here's what I think is important for people to know: ✅ I dropped out of a public speaking class on the first day because I found out you had to give speeches... 🤷🏽‍♂️ When I started speaking about things that I was passionate about it was a lot more fun. ✅ I still get nervous. I've just reverse engineered my state of flow / mode that I go into when I'm speaking or on camera. So those nerves don't effect me anymore. ✅ I am not a good speaker naturally. I've worked at it. I'm still working at it and I don't ever think that journey will end. Doesn't matter how big or small the stages are. There is always more room for growth. What are some of you speaking tips? I'm going to include some of them in my next newsletter! 👇🏾 #justQ 🖖🏾🖤 #business #entrepreneurship …see more

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I thought I would be prepared to handle the blow of Ms. Cicely Tyson’s passing. After all, 96 years is a good long run of elegance, talent, grace, beauty and passion. I guess all I really wanted was a chance to personally thank her for making me feel like I could be beautiful, smart and adventurous even as a poor Black girl from Cairo, Illinois. When I first saw the movie “Sounder,” I saw myself in the character Rebecca Morgan. And though the poverty and struggle was there, I also saw the dignity and strength and determination. So thank you, #CicelyTyson , for helping me see the hero within myself as a young girl. Along with my foremothers, you laid the foundation for the woman I am today. #RIPCicelyTyson #Hollywood #BlackActors #AfricanAmericans #AfricanAmericanHistory #legends #legendsneverdie #BlackActresses #Acting …see more

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Despite graduating from UC Berkeley and having worked at top tech companies, I still experienced setbacks like impostor syndrome early in my career. The SPARC (Non-Profit) team ( Sonia Sng Jessie Salas Florence Kwok ) and I spent this weekend reflecting on our own experiences and hashing out SPARC’s mentors + mentees program and learning curriculum with a focus on growth mindset, social mentorship, developing good habits, and paying forward. SPARC will focus on empowering students from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, think low income and first generation! To do so, we’ll first partner with low income schools in the Bay Area and programs like AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination)! If you have contacts or connections with anyone from the above orgs or want to be involved as a mentor, please let me know 🙂💥 …see more

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I had millions of dollars from selling a business and then I lost it all. I lost my home. I had the IRS all over me. I built it back up. Built another business. Sold it. Bought another house. Then lost the money and lost the house. Lost my friends. I changed my definition of success. …see more

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Yesterday was my birthday, and I came into the office to find this book from my boss. This book showcases female leaders who have made their mark in their own fields: journalism, math, film, politics, science, activism, and the list goes on. The greatest gift was not the book. It was knowing that my drive and discipline as a woman in the workplace is embraced by others. Thank you Garima Sharma . #femaleleaders …see more

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New Year’s Eve 1994 I was completely lost. I was about to be fired. My girlfriend had broken up with me. I couldn’t get out of bed in the morning without pretending to be a human. I was 26 and I felt like I was faking being a real person who could smile and talk and connect. My job (HBO) was close to firing me because I hadn’t done anything there yet, and I owed some $70,000 for my education. I thought every day I would die and I was kind of ok with it. . . . #lifestyle #2020 #resolution #writing #newyear …see more

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I'll always be thankful to the pizza shop 5 minutes from home for giving me my first real job. (And yes, it is listed on my LinkedIn profile.) There I was able to see how classroom theories like competitive advantage, supply & demand, and the Pareto principle work in the real world. (Ex: Figuring out the quickest routes to various neighborhoods, the best times to work, and who the best tippers were helped me to earn more in one evening than my non-delivering peers did in a week.) I also learned how much more there is to people than meets the eye: -Like the guy who had won big bucks in the state lottery, but kept working anyway to maintain a solid work ethic and not forget where he came from. -Or the recovering drug addict, who turned out to be one of the smartest, most strategic thinkers I've ever met. As they shared their personal stories, I learned not to judge the book by its cover. And I benefited immensely from those relationships. Additionally, I learned how to properly mop a floor and how to get around the entire city--without the assistance of a smartphone or satellite aided navigation. (It was 1996.) And I earned the right, once and for all, to tell others that at 18 years old I began my career as a professional driver. What's your story? #FirstJobLessons …see more

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After 14 days on a ventilator, my best friend has been extubated and placed on a BiPAP machine. He is still in the ICU and his condition is still critical, but he is alive, and there is hope, and for this I am deeply thankful. I am sharing this with you because 14 days ago I was heartbroken to learn that my best friend from childhood, my true brother from another mother had willfully ignored the warnings from the WHO, CDC, and the “liberal” media. He was sure that the severity of the disease and the scope of the problem was being “hyped” for political reasons. He chose political rhetoric over science – if he lives, he will never be the same. Again, please don’t make the same mistake. On a personal note, thanks to those of you who reached out to offer support and prayers and positive thoughts. It meant the world to me. Stay safe. And, if you have a choice, please stay home! #coronavirus #science #covid19 …see more

♥ 268 · Comments 21

What does a morning routine look like when you're a multi-millionaire and locked in your condo during quarantine?

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We all have it. That thing that we fear the most. We don’t wanna open up about it. Don’t want to talk about it. Don’t want to share it. We’re afraid to. What will other people think of us? No one else has ever said anything like this. Or at least, "I don’t think anyone else has said anything like this." What will my parents think? What will my friends think? What will my job think? What will my employees think? We all have that thing. But that thing that we fear the most— often turns out to be the thing that people need to hear the most. And once we share it, we realize that was the thing that was holding us back all along. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

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Don’t get it twisted... #mentors don’t always have to be older than you. Got an email today from Amanda Eisenberg of POLITICO , who came running up to me last weekend at the Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS) Mt. Hood Camp with a hot tip about a book proposal idea she insisted I’d be perfect for. Amanda sat in the front row of my #globalhealth reporting session, right next to Betsy Wade. She insisted that I attend the panel by Jane Isay and Diana B. Henriques about writing your first book, and she’s cheering me on about my upcoming National Geographic feature. I never had a mentor young enough to be my daughter, so we’ve agreed that Amanda’s my “Hype Woman.” #JAWS #mentoring #mentoringmatters #journalism #womeninjournalism …see more

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Funny story...and a mutual fan girl moment. I love @oliviaburtonwatches and met co-founder Jemma Fennings today without realizing that it’s now part of the Movado Group...for whom I had the pleasure of keynoting today in Davos. #winwin #movadogroup #davos #womenfounders …see more

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Over a year and a half ago, Michelle Kwok (pictured right) helped me run a conference on mental health and entrepreneurship. I remember post-event, I could only think about all the things that went wrong. At dinner after, Michelle shared with the group just how much that event meant to her. Growing up in an environment that didn't support women entrepreneurship, she was just grateful to be a part of starting something new that was impact focused. Fast forward to today, her and her team at FLIK - Female Laboratory of Innovative Knowledge are launching a survey to analyze the future of female founders, and I am so grateful to support her as she co-creates her own impact initiative. All gender identities are welcome to fill out their survey and be among the first to see their report when it is released! Link in the comments. #femalefounder #femaleentrepreneurs #womenleaders …see more

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When you stop telling yourself what you can't do, you'd be astonished at what you can accomplish. I spent today confronting the untapped power of my Macbook Pro, and finally produced a slideshow of images from the June 30th graduation ceremony for 60 midwives at the Edna Adan Ismail University Hospital in Hargeisa, #Somaliland. I even managed to post it on YouTube . I'm so proud of those enthusiastic, committed young women I got to meet half way around the world, because I know they're making their communities better. Their dedication spurs me to keep learning and growing, and to stay determined to make a difference. Watch the slideshow at this link--> https://lnkd.in/eB7WN_x #maternalhealth #midwivesmatter #HealthForAll …see more

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There was a church across the street from where I lived. When my heart was pounding so bad I thought I would die, in the middle of a bad investing day, I would go to church. It was always empty. I’d get as close as possible to the statue of Jesus. I would touch his leg. I would pray. I would ask for a world that made sense. I would ask to be delivered from the non-stop pain of loss I was in. I would ask and ask and only a little bit would I offer to give. . . . . #investing #writing #lifestyle #fear #entrepr …see more

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I NEVER share this stuff on LinkedIn! You'll find it on Facebook which I also keep very private. "So what gives, Chantel? Why are you bringing this crap to a professional platform?" Well, because if it wasn't for arguably the BEST BOSS in the world, I would have NEVER dropped 100lbs, controlled my MS symptoms, and eliminated seizures. I would have NEVER had the confidence to take the stage and share my voice... I was fortunate enough to work for a BOSS that took time to understand my health challenges and coach me into wellness. ➡️ Exchanging KETO recipes ➡️ Celebrating weightloss goals ➡️ Trading supplement secrets Cheers to leadership across the world that goes the extra mile to push health and wellness forward! ❤ Health ❤ Hope ❤ Confidence ❤ Success Just be CONSISTENT and ANYTHING is possible! #weightloss #inspiration #motivation …see more

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How Gary Gulman survived his medication resistant depression, and went on to create one of the best comedy specials ever. He shares his #GulmanTips for comedy, and how they apply to all areas of life. He's been on my podcast four times and this last one was a game changer for me. …see more

♥ 259 · Comments 10

"She's a bit too much." When I first received that feedback on a piece of my content, I was absolutely devastated. I felt unloved and undervalued as a professional. But today I met my soul sister, Miranda VonFricken who is equal parts ambition and pizazz as she is sass and love! We talked about having an "extra" personality and how that razzmatazz filters into EXTRA effort and amplified results. The "extra" is a hidden superpower that has propelled our successes forward ✨ Go-getters by nature, here to be our true selves... Regardless of being a little too much at times 😜 Ya'll, if you are stuck in your career path, M will straighten you out and guide you on your way to what's next... I am SO thankful that she took me up on my request for a virtual cocktail! Who else is ready to talk career growth and leveling up?! Let's make it happen! #careergrowth #success #personalbranding …see more

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Have you ever felt INVISIBLE? Tip 3 in my #10Tips10Days series about living a fulfilled life of gratitude is all about acknowledgment. A lot of people don't know this, but I lost 75lbs following during my recovery and remission - but at my heaviest, I was invisible. Nobody wanted to call me or hang out. Nobody said "hi" in the halls or at the grocery store. During my diagnosis, friends distanced themselves and stopped inviting me out and calling me up. It's way too easy to feel invisible in this noisy world which is why it's SO important to acknowledge others! I DARE you to say "hello" to every stranger you come across, make eye contact and smile. It's hard with social anxiety or low self-esteem - trust me, I get it. I've been there. But believe me when I say that the smallest bit of acknowledgment will lift your heart up and spread like wildfire, making a huge shift in happiness, fulfillment, and gratitude... And before you know it, being social and sharing your presence with the world will become habitual! What do you have going on today where you can lift someone up with acknowledgment? Thank you Kira Day , Jake Jordan , Bobby Umar and Lila Smith for re-launching this challenge! #Gratitude #Leadership #Happiness #PersonalGrowth #ProfessionalGrowth #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 257 · Comments 69

For the United Nations #InternationalDayoftheMidwife , I will never forget the day that Chanel Porchia-Albert of ANCIENT SONG DOULA SERVICES in Brooklyn met internationally renowned #nurse and #midwife Edna Adan Ismail of #Hargeisa , #Somaliland . The incredible rush of emotion, of seeing a dedicated #reproductivejustice warrior meet the legend who literally inspired her work...it gives me chills to this day. Women like Chanel and Edna are the backbone of the global #maternalhealth movement. Their support and defense of pregnant women who are vulnerable and need information and advocacy has inspired every step of my past year exploring #reproductivehealth and #maternalmortality , courtesy of National Geographic Magazine. Edna Adan Hospital Foundation #BlackMamasMatterNational #BirthEquity SisterSong #midwives #midwifery #midwivessavelives #midwivesofcolor #doulas …see more

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Came back to Cal Day as an alum for the first time. Always love the excitement & energy from admitted students & their parents! My advice for high school seniors still deciding on their college? Pick the school that's going to push you out of your comfort zone. Major and ranking will play a secondary role when you're in the right environment that enables growth not just in professional skills, but also how you view the world. College is an opportunity meet people who are radically different from you, challenge your pre-existing world views, & form new ones. I picked Cal after attending Cal Day several years back because of how different Berkeley was compared to Orange County: people, ideas, and so much more. Despite the early challenges of transitioning, I've made and learned a ton from such a diverse group of friends, classmates, and mentors! These diverse perspectives, compounded over the years, have made a better thinker and leader. Go Bears! Also had a great time seeing Jessie Salas inspiring the next gen of data scientists! Ended the day with a thoughtful convo on personal branding with Manisha Sharma Aparna Dhinakaran Joshua Perline Genaro Hernandez Salgado . �� What's your advice for high school seniors still deciding on what college to pick? Comment below! …see more

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Is your CAREER your CURE? I sat criss-cross apple sauce in the infusion chair in a private space that must have been bigger than my kitchen. With my laptop open on the small table provided and piping hot hospital coffee in hand, I was determined to use work as a distraction over the following six-hour treatment... #Career #Leadership #Success #Health #HealthandWellness #ChronicIllness #WorkingRemote #WorkFlexibility …see more

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Want to live the life of your dreams? Here's how (advice from MY experience, not a life coach 🙄) ⬇️ I always dreamed of a day I'd be out of debt set on by bills galore and the debt that follows serious health complications without insurance... (My mom is still whispering "I told you you should have opted for COBRA" under her breath 😄) But low and behold, with a PLAN and ACTION, I went from unemployed, unemployable and broke to a sought-after professional living comfortably! Gifting my better half the Camper and Chevy he's always wanted without living paycheck to paycheck. 💪 All because if setting goals and making plans while working with some very helpful mentors and hiring (or INVESTING IN) help. By setting goals, you get a clear life direction and get closer to what you want. A goal is like a destination you want to reach 🏝 It tells you which direction to go, so you don’t get lost or run around in circles. Goals are a necessary tool of life planning. So how are you going to make the most out if your future? How can we help you? By commenting below, maybe we can introduce you to some resources to get you on the right path! Cheers! Chantel Soumis ⭐ #motivation #success …see more

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Broke the norms and taboos, and leaned in! Joining the stellar panel of healthcare movers and shakers at the Haas Healthcare Conference at UCSF Medical Center , while literally being 9 months pregnant was a compelling reason to challenge myself and hopefully inspire my students, my colleagues, my friends, and my daughter to be #unstoppable and constantly push the boundaries of what’s possible, expected, or “normal”. We are paving the path for the future generations. Happy International Women’s Day! #leanin #femaleledrelationship #beunstoppable #nevergiveup #womenempowerment #9monthspregnant #womeninhealthcare #digitalhealth #womensinternationalday Sheryl Sandberg & Dave Goldberg Family Foundation (LeanIn.Org + OptionB.Org) Haas Alumni Network (HAN) University of California, Berkeley University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business …see more

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From 2,000 to 82,000, I'm still shook every time that follower count goes up for this differently-abled advocate and momma bear from the middle of nowhere in Wisconsin... People actually want to listen, engage, and support the stories I share?! Since that 2,000, my career has absolutely transformed, getting hired for branding projects I never imagined would be accessible to me and speaking about personal branding, social media, marketing magic, and inclusion across the globe! I want EVERYONE to experience the same amount of opportunities available when you open up your heart and your mind, networking with others and engaging with strangers. The key to growth? ACE it! 🧡 Authenticity: don't pretend to be something you're not. 💚 Consistency: show up often and support your community. ❤ Engagement: likes don't do much, add value and join the conversation. Surrounding yourself with inspiring creators is a great start. Let me know what your industry focus is and I can recommend some top-notch creators for you to connect with! To get started make sure to follow Michaela Alexis who personally inspired me to start! More recommendations below! Who inspires you?! 👇 #socialmedia #personalbranding #inclusion #disability #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 253 · Comments 146

Pleasure to hear Anne-Marie Slaughter about why women still can't have it all...conversations I should have had

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I'm terrified of video. Secrets out. I haven't filmed and produced a video in months because it's extremely taxing and the trolling can sting. My last one? It was from last year! I've made excuse after excuse NOT to, despite 5M+ views and 100k reactions. Studdering, my thick midwestern accent, forehead wrinkles, you name it, it's been an excuse... NOT a valid reason. Video has generated over $100k in opportunities since 2018... So what's holding YOU back from a video strategy? Stop letting excuses STEAL opportunity from you. Take control. #socialmedia #videomarketing #digitalmarketing #chantelshares …see more

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Somebody videotaped me today without my permission!!! So before I consult with my attorneys 😆 I’ll just use it to share what my day was like. I am feeling so proud and grateful to be part of The Aspen Institute ’s 2020 New Voices Fellowship Program. #AspenNewVoices #globaldevelopment #advocacy #activism #socialjustice …see more

♥ 252 · Comments 9

I had been saying YES to the wrong things for 20 years... (Now I do. Now I’m free: http://bit.ly/2ok7AHs ) #PowerOfNo #Business #Life #Entrepreneur #CareerAdvice #Success …see more

♥ 252 · Comments 10

It's a remarkable feeling being able to inspire people across the world, let alone those walking the halls of my old high school! I was NOT the best student. I had a really difficult time learning... Test-taking? Forget it! I lived a pretty mediocre life as a C-student. I didn't get into an impressive college. I didn't score a single scholarship. And I worked my tail off throughout school to afford it all. But my high school teachers saw potential in every single student, regardless of test scores. Finding my fit in the world as a voice for a topic highly suppressed by social stigmas changed everything. I finally found my passion. Fueled by environmental triggers like unconscious bias and a broken application system, I am determined to change the world! Thank you for the years of education, building the skills I needed to accomplish what I have overcome, and for the recognition, Monona Grove School District ! I hope I make you proud and that my story inspires your students to experiment in the paths less traveled. #Diversity #Inclusion #Disability #InclusionTraining #DifferentlyAbled #InclusionWorkshop #DiversityandInclusion #Inspiration #Inspire #Motivate …see more

♥ 251 · Comments 41

With great power comes great responsibility, right? Well, as I continue to build my community beyond 50k, I'm realizing how powerful each word, review and image can be. I used to leave reviews EVERYWHERE. Exceptional experience? Google, Facebook & Yelp reviews. Terrible experience? Writing corporate HQ, Google, Facebook, Yelp, and more! Now... I second guess every word and action. For example, last week I had one of the worst experiences ever with a local restaurant. I could have put them out of business by publicly sharing the events that occured like I had previously done, But I thought, who am I to have such a power? If I share negativity, what does that make me? For the first time, I stepped back, reflected on the situation, and moved forward without a word. Your voice matters. But use it wisely... People are watching and listening. Make a difference and a change for GOOD, not evil. #gratitude #happiness #feedback #chantelshares …see more

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Umang Bedi , Co-founder of dailyhunt (Versé Innovation Pvt Ltd) , shares insights from his journey from being a corporate executive to taking the plunge into the startup world. He shares his perspective on handling crisis, finding true purpose, achieving hyper-focus, how he manages teams and goals with the traffic light assessment model & more When it comes to #startups , there is no fast track to #success . Almost all startup teams go through a variety of crises and challenges #BehindTheScenes . Having been a part of many startup journeys over the last decade at Kalaari Capital , we believe that there are valuable lessons to be gained from the journeys of others. These episodes from Kalaari come from our continued commitment to empower and encourage #entrepreneurs . If you have any suggestions, please reach out to us at [email protected] . We would love to hear from you. Virendra Gupta …see more

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Saddened to read the recent news about V. G. Siddhartha. Entrepreneurship is about passion and innovation and also risk and tenacity. But there are the personal costs of entrepreneurship, which form part of the darker shades of the startup journey. …see more

♥ 249 · Comments 3

Where are you today? Are you happy? Are you tired? Are you annoyed? As we finish off Q4 and have the opportunity to plan for 2021. Aside from a crazy Pandemic year, I had to deal with a lot of loss, my mom’s passing, the additional responsibilities of taking care of my dad, and the transition of owning my own company to becoming an employee. It seemed like 2020 never gave me an opportunity to rest. I had to #Growthruit ! Sometimes crying and throwing tantrums along the way. I am so glad as an experienced professional that I had the mental muscle to “swim thru” a lot because I had been here or seen the work before. I know the pandemic doesn’t have an end in sight, but I see #hope in creating, in building, in figuring out what’s next. A renaissance #community of sorts. As a leader/influencer with many thousands of followers 99% of my stuff is positive, I’m authentic, positive or impactful about creating change. Rarely, do you see me admit I don’t have all my sh*t together. Or that I struggle. We know the world has changed forever but only you can affect your attitude in how you approach the new year. Give yourself some grace, join me on figuring out what’s next. Who’s in for 2021?! #radicalcpa #accountantlove #cpalove #cpa #leadership …see more

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Women of all generations have something to learn from each other. Last night I had the opportunity to have dinner with three women who I have immense respect for. We discussed: 1️⃣ how the traditional career path has changed 2️⃣ how demanding work hours have affected personal relationships 3️⃣ how to create genuinely valuable experiences and spaces for female empowerment and entrepreneurship I feel incredibly grateful to be able to surround myself with women who want to uplift fellow women. Angela H. Chen (pictured below with me) and I are helping out with an event in SF feb 2nd on social entrepreneurship and mental health, Impact Mentality . Get tickets at the link in first comment. CC: Jessica Chou , Tamalin Srisook-Polo #femaleleaders #femaleempowerment #leadership #mentorship …see more

♥ 249 · Comments 11

I was in 6th grade when the world grew much darker, but I'll never forget the inspiring words of my middle school principal over the loud speaker that moved me. Mr. Van Winkle. It was rumored that he was the cousin of Vanilla Ice which seemed pretty rad at the time since it was an artist my older brothers followed. The quote passed via the morning intercom announcements through the halls that would be closed temporarily due to asbestos mold. "According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way that a bee should be able to fly. Its wings are too small to get its round body off the ground. The bee, of course, flies anyways." Isn't it something that a few words mentioned decades ago could stick with us all of this time? I discovered today that this was a myth perpetuated by popular culture. But perhaps this isn't a lesson about accuracy, but that what works for others may not work for us and vice versa. The bee doesn't fly like other insects. And we know how important they are to life, Could you imagine if they saw how other insects flew and gave up, knowing they were different?! Never give up. #Motivation #Inspiration #ChantelShares …see more

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A quick story - I started an ad agency because I'm really good at managing #LinkedInAds , but after starting B2Linked I quickly realized that you have to wear a lot of hats. Especially, playing the role of Sales was daunting. Sales is definitely not my forte. I felt uncomfortable "pitching" anyone - I couldn't shake the feeling of being a used-car salesman (and still can't). Realizing my weakness in outbound sales, I treated it as a marketer and, instead, made it my job to teach, share, and provide as much value as possible. Over the last 6 years this has become a superpower for us in producing inbound leads, and I don't have to pitch anyone. It's much more comfortable for me, and in-line with my passion. #CareerChallenges In your career, when did you get handed lemons and had to make lemonade? …see more

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I've been riding a wave of emotion ever since getting an advance copy of the February issue of Charlotte Magazine. That's because though I've had many stories and columns published in newspapers and magazines throughout my career, I've never been featured on a magazine contributors' page before. I'll share the link to my feature profile of the Number One Person on Charlotte's Top 50 Power List when it's posted on January 30th. But for now, just let me savor this wondrous reality that dreams can still come true, no matter how long you've lived or how much you've lived through …see more

♥ 246 · Comments 14

My first Thanksgiving that I spent alone was right after I separated from my wife. By the end of that day I experience: fear, loneliness, and I will lie to thousands of people and enjoy it. I woke up and I imagined my kids saying, “Is daddy going to be with us?” They were tiny still. They didn’t know. I was bottomless sad, thinking of them going to Thanksgiving at their aunt’s, asking, “Where’s daddy?” That’s when I put an ad on Craigslist. . . . . #writing #lifestyle #thanksgiving #appreication …see more

♥ 246 · Comments 25

I vividly remember what it felt like starting my last company. Back then I wasn’t really sure what I was capable of. Or what we were capable of. And now, I know it's different. It's another beginning for me. I’m SO thankful for those old beginnings. They’ve prepped me for what’s to come. What are you thankful for right now? Let me know in the comments below! #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 245 · Comments 70

With holiday pressures and Q4 quotas to meet, let's remind ourselves that the best GIFT you can give yourself is GROWTH 🌱 My obsession with neuroscience began shortly after diagnosed with an incurable neurodegenerative disease. Because our brains are designed to prune away unused synaptic connections, our cognitive skills take a DIP after graduating from college or retiring from work. To stay sharp as a whip, CONTINUE to challenge your brain DAILY! Each time you learn something new and practice it, your brain will either change the structure of its neurons (cells)... OR increase the number of synapses between your neurons, allowing them to send and receive information FASTER! You can harness your brain’s inherent plasticity to learn new skills, build a BETTER memory, or quicken your SPEED of processing abilities, which will help to keep you sharp as you age! The book I am holding in this image is one that likely saved my life. UnFu*K Yourself written by Gary John Bishop is an excellent first step into understanding how our body works with learning, diet, and exercise that I highly suggest. 👉 Who else is obsessed with learning? 👉 What are your favorite personal growth books?! Drop 'em below! Stay healthy! Chantel Soumis #Education …see more

♥ 245 · Comments 82

Three years ago I was working out of my apartment. Zero clients. And a few cents to my name. We now have a team of nine [with no intention of slowing down]. I just want to say thank you to everyone that's been a part of my journey (good or bad). I wouldn't be the person I am without all of you. Thank you all for existing. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

♥ 242 · Comments 68

Had an incredible retrospective on my immigrant story for an upcoming Huffington Post interview series, sharing the success stories of immigrants in tech and beyond. Thanks for shining a spotlight on such a deserving, yet underserved community, Kiron Chandy (a fellow Haas alum as well, Go Bears!). Diversity enables disruptive innovation in all industries. In tech, we need more immigrants and people from all walks of life more than ever before. Most importantly, immigrants who have found success in America should speak up and share their story at scale. Own your narrative and blaze the path for the next generation, whether that's volunteering or sharing your story. …see more

♥ 242 · Comments 2

Looking forward to sharing my immigrant story with Huffington Post in honor of Immigrant Heritage Month. Story coming soon.. Thanks for shining a spotlight on our stories, Kiron Chandy !

♥ 241 · Comments 4

I never had that Father figure growing up. And I’m not saying that to be down, I’ve just never had that. As kids we looked out for one another. We did what we had to do to survive. And for that I appreciate my dad. His absence taught us how to take care of ourselves. How to make shit happen on our own. How to survive. And I’m thankful for that. Because while we are building our new company some days I feel like I’m on top of the world. Some days I feel like I’m about to be laid out by a bus. Some days it feels like I was laid out by a bus. But it’s a survivors game. And I’ve been playing it my entire life. _ Sometimes your weaknesses turn out to be your greatest strengths. #justQ 🖤 …see more

♥ 240 · Comments 84

“This tube you see coming out of me is directly connected to my heart and pumps liquid into it, tricking my heart into thinking it’s ok.” I had asked the cab driver what that machine was. I saw the tube sticking out of his side. "Are you ok?"​ He looked at me through his mirror for an extra second or two and then started telling me. The answer was no. “I need a heart transplant,” he said. And then he explained the tube. #UFC #writing #lifestyle …see more

♥ 240 · Comments 16

If you reached the stage of burnout, it is difficult to find energy and motivation to power through your day. Burnout is a complete state of mental, emotional and physical exhaustion, due to prolonged and enduring stress.

♥ 239 · Comments 9

Had an incredible weekend at the School of Life Conference in New York this weekend. Learned so much about the world, and myself. One of the most obvious questions it raises is how on earth do we have 10-20 years of formal education without ever being asked to really learn about ourselves, to really ponder on how to really build relationships, to communicate clearly. How to be calm, how to derive meaning and purpose, how to be resilient, tolerant etc. Seems we expect these things to come from other classes or just by being alive, or to be passed to us innately as instinct. Turns out this course makes it very clear how wrong this is. If you'd ever consider going, I'd recommend it wholeheartedly. Not going to link to it as I never want people to think I link to things for some gain.. …see more

♥ 237 · Comments 28

I think for those without kids, one of the hard things about this year is that we've been banned from doing all the things that make us feel most ALIVE. Really living is so much about the energy of others, the feeling of being in a specific place and moment, a sense of true connection, of scarcity. I've been quite introverted mostly, never been a huge music festival lover, or theatre goer,, or clubber, but the idea of the energy of a gig, of something live, of something ephemeral, of something shared, or dancing ..... Get me some of that. (Just a realization, not a comment on strategy) …see more

♥ 237 · Comments 27

I wish I understood in college that learning doesn’t end when you graduate. I wish I understood that learning cam come from people who you report to and the people who report to you. You don’t have to run after people that have had careers longer than you for information. People have different experiences and everyone has something to share. I think I learned a lot more from the students that I spoke to at CSUN last week than they did from me. I am incredibly grateful. Thank you to ALPFA - California State University, Northridge for the invitation to speak. #publicspeaking #university …see more

♥ 237 · Comments 31

I cannot remember the last time I wore makeup and a dress to the airport.... Wait, have I EVER worn makeup and a dress to the airport??? But I’ve learned a very valuable lesson this morning, and feel compelled to share it with all my LinkedIn colleagues: "People treat you a lot differently when you don’t look like a bedraggled, middle-aged Muppet."  In other words, dress like how you want people to treat you. So I’ll be trying to sustain this professional energy going forward, even for those long haul flights when comfort and sleep are the main priorities. I mean it’s not like a little mascara would kill me, or anything. #DressForSuccess #professionalnetwork #networking   #smile …see more

♥ 235 · Comments 29

What is it actually like to be a #CEO and a mother? I'm not afraid to be honest about my experience - it took a while for me to fall in love with #parenting . The messages that women get about motherhood are so one-dimensional; we're so often made to feel like bad parents if we try to balance careers with raising a family. But you know what? I love what I do. And I'm a better parent when I have an outlet for my passions. It's fine to have help, and it's fine to keep doing your #business . Check out my appearance on the Startup Parent podcast! …see more

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I managed to totally screw things up for myself at the ages of 20, 22, 24, 29, 33, 37, and 40 so I decided to write everything I know about so-called “personal finance.” The words personal finance are a total scam but I’ll save that for another time. Let’s just say, this is about how to build wealth and preserve your wealth. …see more

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It's really important that you are able to see someone who you can relate to in your dream role. Seeing and meeting female entrepreneurs and leaders in media gave me hope that I could do the same. When people ask "Why should I share my story?", I usually respond that there may be viewer who needs assurance that they could do what you do. I really love the Young & D.U.M.B podcast and its mission to showcase young, driven individuals in hopes of inspiring others. You can check out my episode on their iTunes page. CC: Justin Nguyen , Tiffany Parra …see more

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I spent just about every day in 2016-2018 working, head down, in a 500 square foot apartment room. It got to the point where the days blended together. It wasn’t Monday or Tuesday, or Saturday. It was Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow. That was a terrible, and yet quite beautiful, time in my life. The state of the world right now reminds me of that 500 square foot room. In this newsletter I dive into: ✅ Personal brand growth strategy. ✅ Our business pivot. ✅ Meaningful work. ✅ A message to my team. ✅ Clients and friends going out of business. 😢 Don't forget to subscribe! #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #business #entrepreneurship …see more

♥ 234 · Comments 82

[What is the worst mistake you made?] ➞ Trusting a business partner when all the signs were there that he was trouble. ➞ Falling in love with someone who was abusive ➞ Spending years indulging in regret and anxiety while life tick-tocked away. ➞ Not playing every day, Not being creative every day. Not focusing on my nutrition, sleep and health since the body is our only temple. …see more

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When I first heard that schoolgirls in Western #Kenya were being required to undergo mandatory tests for female genital mutilation and pregnancy, I was reminded once again why my voice does not belong only to me. It belongs to women and girls everywhere, because so many of them have no say in what happens to them. I lived in Kenya for 8 years, so Kenyan schoolgirls aren't just exotic concepts to me. The fact that so many who've survived the incredible trauma of #FGM and sexual abuse will be forced to endure these invasive, humiliating examinations just breaks my heart. I acknowledge the stated attempt to measure the scope of the problems. But why isn't there more effort to investigate and humiliate the people who torture and exploit these young girls? Why aren't there stricter laws to punish people who support and perform FGM, and who rape young girls? Why do #womenandgirls always have to bear the brunt of the shame and ostracism that flows from the violence committed against them? While I have a voice, I'll keep asking these questions. UN Women Girls Not Brides: The Global Partnership to End Child Marriage #EndFGM #genderbasedviolence #EndGBV #HearMeToo #OrangeTheWorld #reproductivehealth #reproductivejustice …see more

♥ 231 · Comments 23

Tony Hsieh, the former CEO of Zappos, inspired a lot of people with his strong sense of conviction and direction. He was a brilliant, offbeat, and — to many people, often very directly — kind-hearted person who was regularly described as a visionary. RIP, Tony Hsieh I always looked up to him as an #entrepreneur and thoroughly enjoyed reading his book, Delivering Happiness, A Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose. One quote from it that stands out for me is: “Money alone isn't enough to bring happiness . . . happiness is when you're actually truly ok with losing everything you have.” Saddened to read about his passing. #Entrepreneurship #inspiration …see more

♥ 230 · Comments 17

How will you make it on your own? This world is awfully big, and girl this time you're all alone But it's time you started living It's time you let someone else do some giving Love is all around, no need to waste it You can have the town, why don't you take it You're gonna make it after all You're gonna make it after all RIP, Mary Tyler Moore. You helped teach me how to be a spunky career woman. …see more

♥ 229 · Comments 19

I received this email last night from a former attendee of one of my past coffee round tables. I'm proud of Eddy's perseverance to break into the tech scene despite the fear of only having international experience. Eddy's story reinforces my philosophy of mentorship and giving back at all levels, from young professionals to top execs. Today, I still have many mentors who I rely on for advice and guidance. These mentors have helped shape my career and who I am today. I'm excited to pay this mentorship and guidance forward through regular round tables and community driven initiatives to connect with current students and young professionals! #creatingripples�� …see more

♥ 229 · Comments 5

One of the greatest feelings is the moment the thing that used to make you uncomfortable becomes your comfort zone. Had a dope time speaking at #wewmke this week. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #21Challenge 📸 Brema Brema …see more

♥ 227 · Comments 31

I worked in a 9-5 job. I hated it. I was an interior designer. One morning, I felt like I didn’t want to rock up to work. That unmotivated feeling became a series of 5 days to 5 months. I eventually jumped the cliff and ventured out to do my own thing. I went back to the creative roots. I was an artist of the streets. That’s how String came to be. I gained recognition, exhibitions, grants…. But it wasn’t sustainable. 10 years later, my superpower is brand marketing. Using the power of video and social media, I amplify my voice. Here's why I help owners and experts increase their visibility and influence online: 1. To save you time and heartaches, Avoid repeating my (many) mistakes. 2. To grow faster The more you grow, the more you can focus on what you like (and be paid for it). 3. To grow effectively It's all about systems and following the steps. I had to manually set this alone. That’s why I set up a membership programme, The Trusted Circle. It’s to leverage those 3 key reasons. Be the trusted voice in your industry. Look at Darren Krakowiak He was a corporate warrior and is now a CRE leadership coach. Look at Diana Nguyen She's leveraged LinkedIn to build an audience. Gained $10k to publish her webseries. #stringtheory on #personalbranding …see more

♥ 227 · Comments 53

1 Cup Learning Disability 4 Tablespoons Mental Illness 3 1/2 Cups Auto-Immune Diseases Mix them together until well blended, adding a splash of Epilepsy and folding in Multiple Sclerosis. The perfect recipe for professional collapse, Or in my case, a delicious dish of ambition and hope! During this interview with Stuart B. Fields , we talk about some obstacles as a child with learning disabilities – and my supportive entrepreneurial parents that helped me grow past these challenges in a DIFFERENT way. I also mention my journey through unemployment with vision impairment and accessibility needs, determined to bounce back! Now, what did you do when faced with endless obstacles? How did you find hope and hold strong? Was it family? Faith? Hobbies? Did you prioritize health as I did? Have you tried KETO or Mindfulness? 👉 How did it work for you?! Link in the COMMENTS to the FULL interview! #Transformation #Healthcare #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 227 · Comments 37

One year ago, I moved to the City of Charlotte , North Carolina, after spending nearly nine years living in East #Africa training and mentoring young journalists. I expected to decompress while soaking up plenty of Southern charm and hospitality, at a less than hectic pace. A month later, Charlotte made national headlines following yet another police-related shooting death. A year later, I barely recognize the country I left in 2007. And I think a lot about what home meant to me a decade ago--and what it means now. I realize that I have spent a lot of my life and career fighting to be free, committing myself only to my career passions...writing, mentoring, communicating.  No postal code, mortgage, or relationship was strong enough to tie me down. After a year back in America, too often I still find myself looking back over my shoulder, longing for the adventure and broadened horizons of expat life. But now, I think it may be time to commit...to myself, to my writing, to this #QueenCity. I'll be posting more about Charlotte here and on my new Twitter account, @RJQueenCity, because I am committed to what is best for me. Being fully and authentically in the moment. #Charlotte #NorthCarolina #Career #Commitment #Focus …see more

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I'm back in the U.S., inspired, enthused and invigorated. So as I sit in the Atlanta airport awaiting one more flight, I’m reviewing my pre-trip To-Do List: Explored my 12th country on The Mamaland? Check. Interviewed a #maternalhealth Superhero and living legend? Check. Renewed my love affair with #Africa? Triple Check. And now that I’m back in the Land of Stable Internet, I’ll be posting more highlights and insights from my journey on Instagram at Rachella55, and here in LinkedIn . BTW, thanks SO MUCH, LinkedIn Fam, for all the kind support and compliments you shared about my posts while I was traveling. You keep me inspired, too! #natgeotraveller #globalhealth …see more

♥ 227 · Comments 16

My first signing?! �� All jokes aside, this photo was taken last weekend during my first Coffee Round Table at Berkeley with Corey , a transfer student. I first met Corey earlier this summer when he made the initiative to reach out and drove down to South Bay for a coffee chat with me. Glad he also made it to the evolved version of that same coffee chat last weekend where learning can be done at scale! Lesson of the day for millennials and all: forget the fear and never be afraid to reach out, especially to alums, and take control of your career by learning as much as you can. I continue to practice this philosophy today with mentors and people who inspire me. ☕️ …see more

♥ 227 · Comments 9

My journey to #Wakanda begins.... Ancestry #BlackPanther #AfricanAmerican #BlackHistory …see more

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I just had my annual check-up with the best primary care physician in the world. She not only supports me in using technologies to obtain data about lifestyle and improve it based on them (see askmeaboutdigital.com ), but she uses her knowledge and experience based on the newest studies to design a prevention plan that will allow me to board a spaceship to Mars at the age of 100. Yes, that's the plan, I'm not kidding. What do you plan to do for your own prevention in 2019? #design #technology #bigdata #health #healthcare #askmeaboutdigital …see more

♥ 226 · Comments 12

During the #socialdistancing , I was drawn to my best companion, books! I read 12 books in the last couple of months (thanks to my Audible) and walked for miles every day, another activity that makes me calm and gets me to my zone. I thought to share the list of these books with you to inspire you to use this #quarantine time to read, learn, and get into your performance and productivity zone. Out of these 12 books my favorites were: 1) Originals by Adam Grant 2) Trillion Dollar Coach - Bill Campbell's Leadership Style 3) Trailblazer by Marc Benioff 4) Power Up by Magdalena Yesil 5) The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg Anyone else read any of these books? What was your thought? Any other good books that you want to add to this list? Please share your thoughts. #inspiration #books #bookrecommendation #leadership #businessinsight #businessbooks #powerofmind #positivethinking …see more

♥ 226 · Comments 38

“I will kill you if you repeat this conversation,” Shlomo told me. “I think this web thing is going to be big.” This was 1995. “I want to undercut all of the stores on the street and sell diamonds direct to people at cheaper prices.” Shlomo was the wholesaler to all the retail shops in NYC’s diamond district. “But my name can’t be anywhere on the site at all or else these guys here,” and he waved his hand around his head, “will kill me” I had $0 in the bank. I knew nothing about diamonds. . . . . . #writing #programming #entrepreneur #lifestyle #money …see more

♥ 225 · Comments 21

Kamal went missing. Again. Kamal and I have been friends for over ten years now. It’s one of the greatest things about the Internet for me. No matter what the criticisms, the Internet has given me a family, close friends, great business partners. And, with Kamal, all of the above. But he was gone. I couldn’t get ahold of him. I called Brandon, “Have you seen him?” Nothing. I called Steve. Nothing. I sent a bunch of messages. I didn’t know how to find him. . . . #lifestyle #loveyourself #writing #selfpublishing #entr …see more

♥ 225 · Comments 14

When I told my friends I was working on a piece about preventing burnout, they were quick to point out the hypocrisy. This past year, I have dealt with burnout multiple times. As a recent college graduate, the transition to full-time has been a bit bumpy. So, I decided to ask some of my favorite founders, CEOs, strategists, and more how they try to prevent burnout. Thank you to Goldie Chan , Quentin Allums , Sarah Grosz , Sam Park , Germain Louie , and Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES (Career and Life Coach) for all your great advice! How do you prevent burnout? #hardwork #mentorship #mentalhealth *Note the pdf should say Germain Louie not Germain Louis …see more

♥ 225 · Comments 86

A local teacher in remission was told she should write her Last Will And Testament before the school year begins... The current economic and health climate can be terrifying, which is why I thought it was timely to share this story of when I wrote my own obituary last October during a terrifying fight against my nervous system... You're never too young or too healthy to make your own plans - take control and get it done! Do you have a plan and final delegations? Do you have a power of attorney for care should accidents or health incidents occur? What's keeping you from making these plans? I hope you enjoy the article... #health #covid19 #differentlyabled #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 224 · Comments 66

I’ve tried a digital detox before. When I was working on my second book, Indistractable, I got rid of all my gadgets. I thought that if I just got rid of my distracting devices, I’d be able to complete every task with ease. And it worked! ...who am I kidding? Of course it didn’t. When I got rid of my devices, I’d have other thoughts that would pop into my head 👇 • I’d look at my shelf and think, “Oh, there’s that book I’ve been meaning to finish” • I’d reorganize my desk over and over again • I’d find chores around the house that seemingly couldn’t wait I kept finding distractions. And this is when I realized something incredibly important: Distraction starts from within. If you can’t sit with your family for an hour without looking at your cell phone, I got a newsflash for you: It’s not a cell phone that’s the problem. The first step to dealing with distraction is to master internal triggers like loneliness, boredom, stress, and other uncomfortable emotions that can drive us to distraction. How we deal with uncomfortable internal triggers determines whether we pursue healthful acts of traction or self-defeating distractions. #Indistractble #Health #Productivity …see more

♥ 224 · Comments 17

I hope my daughter realizes that the average #multimillionaire has 7 different sources of #income and a #job is only 1 source. And I hope she realizes that this is the best way to make #money... …see more

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Firings forced me to look at my life situation, take a bigger picture than I was taking, and figure out the new slices of life I can now taste. Being rejected is an invitation to sample more from life. And having a checklist helped me ignore all the bad chemicals that were trying to bring me down. #Madoff forced me to look at my life with a bigger lens. I started new businesses. I channeled my frustration into more networking, into ideas, into experimenting with my creativity to try new careers. I do the items on this checklist almost every day. Thank you Bernie Madoff. You did very bad things. And I met you when I was lost in my life. This is not about you. Or about me. It's what you and I did together. Here they are... 10 things you need to do if you were #fired yesterday:  http://ow.ly/YhRN30iRjU6 …see more

♥ 223 · Comments 20

It feels like I worked on this article for 1000 hours! Last year, I invested over 1000 hours in understanding artificial intelligence through learning chess. Along this journey, I found surprising connections, acquired new skills and learned that we will never outsmart A.I. so we'd better join forces with it. #themedicalfuturist #digitalhealth #future #healthcare #medicine #technology #AI #artificialintelligence #chess #deeplearning #machinelearning #TMFchessjourney …see more

♥ 223 · Comments 33

Airbnb properties can be so unique and special that when the host cancels on your last minute it entirely screws you over. Happened last two times I’ve used the site. Special times ruined.

♥ 222 · Comments 103

Today’s graduation ceremony for 60 midwives at the hospital built by Edna Adan Ismail in Hargeisha, #Somaliland was one of the most beautiful I have ever attended. And I suspect it is because of the beauty of Madame Edna’s mission...to provide quality #maternalhealth care for as many women as possible. I’ll be posting more images from the event shortly on Instagram (Rachella55) and will also produce a Facebook album about the event. And, of course, I am writing about Madame Edna for the National Geographic 2019 Global Health issue. #midwivesmatter #midwifery #globalhealth #HealthForAll …see more

♥ 221 · Comments 14

In deciding on my #TopNine2020 , the pictures I chose encapsulate some of the key lessons I learnt this year . 1. Work / Life balance is a key part of being happy. Understand your priorities, make harder calls and focus on fewer things that make a real difference to you and those around you. 2. Culture is key to your organizational success - embrace purpose, collaboration and engagement as central components to assist your team and business in dealing with challenges 3. It’s not meant to be easy. When we reflect back on this time in our lives and careers, did we put in the extra effort to organize ourselves for success now and in future. Tough times require tough choices and not everyone will be happy with your choices - that’s okay. 4. How you think about trust has forever changed. Work from home has really challenged how we lead teams and how execute our work. We had to trust others more this year - consequently there is now an opportunity to reimagine how work happens by considering what worked this year on a permanent basis. 5. Vulnerability can be a strength. Surrounding yourself with a great team can help you deliver success. Not knowing is okay when you leverage the opportunity to partner and learn from those around you to achieve success. #business #innovation #2020 …see more

♥ 220 · Comments 16

“Hey, Amy, I’m curious: How did you become a social media ghostwriter?”🤔📲👻✍🏼 In my latest 🎥, I answer this question and share my non-linear path to helping leaders communicate and connect better. ❤️🔗 Stay tuned, and be sure to follow me so you won’t miss any of the videos in this series!✅ (🔗 to video in comments) #leadership #socialmedia #connection #communication #ghostwriting #career #personalbranding #thoughtleadership #IlluminateMe #captioned …see more

♥ 219 · Comments 79

I still have the cross-body travel bag that I bought in #Juba , #SouthSudan in January of 2011, while I was helping lead a reporter training workshop for Voice of America . I'm surprised by how sturdy it still is. It's a good thing, too. I used it on Saturday, June 6 to report about the Washington, DC protests related to the murder of #GeorgeFloyd . I wrote a story about the protests for National Geographic , and also posted on my Twitter and Instagram feeds too. (@RJConsults and Rachella55) Getting back to my journalistic roots by covering the DC demonstrations managed to challenge, inspire, and sustain me all at once. I knew #America could be better than what it has looked like to the rest of the world lately, and yesterday was the proof. I have hope again. And come to think of it, I’m surprised by how sturdy I still am, too. #DCProtests #GeorgeFloyd #BlackLivesMatter #BlackLivesMatterPlaza #racialinjustice #policebrutality #racism #journalism #journalismmatters …see more

♥ 219 · Comments 5

A throwback to 17 years ago, when Netflix went public. You can see in Reed's answer one of the many reasons I joined the company amidst the dot-com implosion just one year earlier - strategic thinking. You can also see me with slightly more hair. Thanks, Dr. Joel Mier for sharing this. Also, love the announcer deriding the free trial as if were a dumb idea. #netflix #ipo #leadership #ceo …see more

♥ 219 · Comments 30

When I first started as the Linkedin Campus Editor at USC, I didn't even attend the college yet.  
 I was about to transfer from UC Irvine, and spent hours after class driving back and forth between Irvine and South LA to meet with students about the platform and how they could create content on it. By my 3rd day as an official USC student, I was on the front page of the university newspaper. The Campus Editor Program was imperative in my career, but also in my self-image, teaching me to stretch myself beyond my "student" title and to express myself online. The community aspect made it one of my most rewarding experiences to date.  
 Being an alumni of the program, I have had the privilege working with  Joel Hansen and Annette H. , and I am proud that in August we are heading up the first Campus Editor Meetup at LinkedIn HQ in the San Fransisco Bay Area.  
 Thank you to Maya Pope-Chappell  and all the Campus Editors that I have had the privilege of meeting along the way: Hana J. , Tim Salau , Cornelius McGrath , Frederick Daso , Manu Goswami ,  Kate J. , Cheechee L. , Tiara Conley ,  Scarlett H. ,  Will Lawrence , Nathan Chiu , Leann Abad , Makenzee Frohlich , Casey Rosen , and so many more. …see more

♥ 218 · Comments 49

I’m finally doing what I love. I’ve started companies, worked as a consultant, and spent time in a number of roles that I wasn’t crazy about. And through this journey, I’ve finally found what I want to do for the rest of my life. As an author, I get to come with interesting questions, do research, and answer them. Writing has allowed me to dive into my own problems (and hopefully help others along the way). I’ll discuss my problems with my wife, my friends, and I’ll read up on them. Occasionally, I’ll come across a problem that hasn’t been explored with much depth. And that’s when I start writing about it. My problem a few years ago? Distraction. I’ve never been good with self-control -- and before I started working on Indistractable, there weren’t many great resources on managing distraction. Digital detoxes didn’t work and self-help books weren’t that helpful. The reason those things weren’t working was that the issue of distraction goes deeper than tech or self-control. Managing distraction and living with intent is about installing a system that helps you accomplish the things you set out to do. Getting to answer questions like these and help others struggling with the same issues are the reason why I love my work so much. …see more

♥ 217 · Comments 17

I took a microbiome test 2 years ago to 1) see how it works and 2) to learn about the kilograms of bacteria that live in my digestive system. They have an impact on my weight, diet and sleep, among others, so it makes sense to know them. Now I retake the test to see what has changed since I made a few corrections in my diet. For this, I have to provide fecal sample (minimal quantity is enough as written on the tube) and the lab will sequence the DNA of those bacteria. I'll share the results and what I learnt this time too. #themedicalfuturist #digitalhealth #future #healthcare #medicine #technology #health #healthy #fromchancetochoice #microbiome #dna #genetics …see more

♥ 217 · Comments 11

As I've been quite active physically since I was a kid, I've broken many limbs and had plaster casts for weeks. When I first tried the Exovite 3D printed cast, it was a vastly different experience.  I could have a shower while having the cast on, it was very light and my arm was not itchy at all. Also, they add a muscle stimulation device to the cast so patients can start rehabilitation still while having the cast. What technology has given you an upgraded experience in your care? #3dprinting #digitalhealth #fromchancetochoice #future #technology #healthcare …see more

♥ 216 · Comments 15

On my way back to #Nairobi, once again for one night only, sadly. Thank you so much, #Somaliland, for teaching me the true meaning of #Independence, and how to fight for your #freedom. #4thofJuly …see more

♥ 214 · Comments 29

For #ThrowbackThursday , this photo of me from eight years ago is a reminder that confidence is the best make-up a woman can own. It was taken at the Pumba Private Game Reserve and Lodge in the Eastern Cape Region of South Africa, back in the days when a bold lipstick and a kiss from the African Sun was all the foundation I needed most days. During those years, I was traveling around sub-Saharan Africa participating in conferences, organizing journalism workshops, slipping in the occasional adventure side trip--never imagining a time when just boarding an airplane could be a huge risk. These past six months of #workfromhome life during #COVID19 have forced me to reassess the meaning of "putting your best face forward." I've worn full make-up maybe twice since early April, and my sole concessions during Zoom calls are a swipe of lipgloss and a few strokes of an eyebrow pencil. These days, it's more important to be sure about what you know than to worry about how you look. That's why this picture makes me happy. It reminds me of a time when I felt strong and fearless. When the future looked bright and limitless. It still does...I just have a few more mascara free hours to spend chasing my dreams. #professionalimage #confidence #confidencebuilding #selfesteem #wfhstyle #Africa …see more

♥ 214 · Comments 11

Talk about Service Recovery! What we all can learn from this flight crew. Flying on Southwest to Seattle but got grounded before we could take off. The Captain—a woman(!) who is taking the photo—offered to let people sit in the cockpit with the First Officer, while we were waiting to be cleared for takeoff. What a treat. It made everyone on the plane feel happier about the delay because of the opportunity to do something special-get a picture inside the cockpit. Well done! What a great way to turn-around a disappointing situation. Kudos. …see more

♥ 214 · Comments 20

Let me tell you a story about Red as you check out this incredible cartoon drawing handmade by Aditya Nagar! He captured me in my warrior-essence with my service pup, Red. Our family adopted Red, not knowing how important he would be in my health monitoring and recovery. He never leaves my side and is cautious for my health, including communication with his paw on my lap when blood pressure/heart rates elevate or laying over my lap during relapse before I even know it's happening! During treatment, he couldn't get close enough, wrapping me up in love. Today, he's sitting at my feet while I work the day away. He is constantly on gaurd for ailments that sprinkle the air, ready to fight by my side. Red is, by far, my most loyal, honest, and dedicated employee... working only for love, hugs, belly rubs, and kisses. Do you have a service dog or a loyal employee in your life? If you're looking for a gift or a way to capture yourself and your relationships in a unique way, definitely connect with Aditya and request one of his custom designs! #EmployeeRecognition #DifferentlyAbled #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 212 · Comments 39

To all the moms at the park who scolded me for letting her climb too high, ride her bike too fast, wear boy clothes, cut her hair too short and make up new games with new rules...she turned out just fine. Go Navy! ⚓️ #leadership #womenleaders #militaryservice #unitedstatesnavalacademy #fearless …see more

♥ 212 · Comments 9

Last week, I've witnessed many amazing people including some friends and colleagues lost their jobs due to the recent events. It's heartbreaking and in ways hard to believe. You all are incredibly talented and capable people and soon you will find your next venture. Just stay calm, confident, and healthy (which is important these days). Many of you reached out for help. I'm more than happy to help anyone I could. For that reason, I decided to create a private list that I will share with my network of founders, executives, and investors, and recruiters in the venture firms to hopefully help you find your next move. If you are interested, please fill in this form with your information. If you are students and graduating this year, please feel free to add your name here as well: https://lnkd.in/g2tEfiW #jobopportunities #jobopportunity #gethired #getajob #recruitingtips #recruiting #findajob …see more

♥ 212 · Comments 25

A previous boss stole thousands of dollars from me. I joined in a marketing leadership role with a large amount of my income channeling through lead generation initiatives. I was happy following my first quarter, presenting 20, hard-earned sales qualified leads for my $10k+ bonus which was within the "average" scope of expectations. A LOT was riding on that bonus. Groceries from a STORE vs. a food pantry was one. I slid my report across my boss's desk with a smile. When I returned the next morning, I found the spreadsheet back on my desk. 17 leads were crossed out with a note saying he was delighted to present a $575 check to me for the three remaining leads. I was mortified. I felt betrayed and robbed. When I asked what was wrong with the other leads he said that he didn't want to work with those other 17 organizations. He wanted better fish in a different industry that he had never previously specified. Shocked, I began researching a change in my career, no matter how "nice of a guy" he was. He was dishonest and cruel. A legal pursuit wasn't even worth it. I learned to triple check facts, figures, and agreements following that situation, Ensuring that I never find myself taken advantage of again. #Leadership #JobSearch #Recruitment #ChantelShares …see more

♥ 211 · Comments 63

I was described as a “Mama Bear” CEO in regards to how I lead my team and firm. I wasn’t sure how to take it. Then I saw this! #radicalcpa #itstruelyacompliment #leadership Jeff McKay

♥ 211 · Comments 14

Spent the past few days exploring more of the apps and capabilities of the expensive Macbook Pro I treated myself to in late 2015, and which is now considered ancient. Basically, I've been using it as little more than a trendy word processor. But when I consider how much power I've had, literally at my fingertips, I realize I there's an important metaphor for life hidden in the mix. We often spend far more energy resisting change than considering how it just might be the best thing that ever happened to us. I'm already seeing how these new self-taught skills will help boost my brand, and that's giving me a jolt of positive energy. That's why I changed my cover photo. I've tried to live by this quote from Eleanor Roosevelt more often than not, and it has really come in handy over the past few days. "You must do the things you think you cannot do."  Fear of confronting my tech terrors through the years has been debilitating--until I discovered I had all the right stuff all along. What a game-changer. #Courage #persistence #learning …see more

♥ 211 · Comments 9

I almost quit speaking after my 2nd speech. A handful of others spoke that day and I compared myself to every single one of them — which only made things worse. It was terrible. I wanted to hide in the bathroom. Then someone that I looked up to immensely (and still do) told me that I was real & that she thought my speech was great. If I quit that day, I never would have: ✅Done a TEDx talk, spoke at INBOUND, VIDCon or any of the other speaking gigs that I used to dream about. ✅Given myself the space & patience to improve, known if I was good enough, or if I enjoyed it. ✅Met many of my friends. ✅Been able to capitalize on the opportunities that I have had because of speaking. 2020 is a fresh start for a lot of people. It doesn’t really matter what you’re doing… but sometimes you’re going to royally suck at things. Sometimes you will want to quit things because you don’t think you’re making the progress that you should be. Or worse, because you’re comparing yourself. Yes, be patient with yourself. But I think even more importantly, surround yourself with people that love you and have your back. Through the wins, the losses, and the mediocrity. Support system is everything. Especially in those initial months/years of picking something up. #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

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#WhenIWas15 I was regretting my decision to have appeared the class 10 board exams while still in class 8 because it meant I had to study art subjects for 11/12th in a Hindi medium all girls school in Unnao (small town in India in news for wrong reasons) - still the last time I studied in a class. So I decided to take the year 12 board exams for Physics/Chemistry/Biology as a private student again, while also studying Literature and Economics for my BA. Gosh I was one confused teenager. But the dots connected later - I chose finance! : ) …see more

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It’s been a year since the lockdown in Wuhan. At first, little did we realize the world was facing a generation-defining challenge. My own realization of the gravity--coming in part from my developing country experience-- came in late Jan, intensifying in early February (below from CNBC ). #wuhancoronavirus #wuhan #covid__19 #covid19 #covid …see more

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I found an old photo today 👇🏽 I was holding a jar of change and the text said, "all the money you have as of 2/4/17." I remember I used to walk along the river whenever things were bad and say to myself "things are going to get better". And now that they have gotten better (definitely still not perfect), it's fascinating looking back on those old videos and my mental state in those moments. 🖖🏽 You learn a lot about yourself and give others the opportunity to do the same. I get messages from people saying that they just "binge watched" the last three years of my life. 🖖🏽 Highlighting a path for others that have similar goals and challenges. It's also proof that you put in the work. 🖖🏽 Not only does it help you build a brand but it also humanizes that brand. Hands down the best decision I ever made when I was first getting started was the fact that I kept a video and written journal. Saying that it changed my life would be an understatement. If you're not already – document. And thank you Martin for being you and for being one of the first people to believe in me. I'm going to push myself to collaborate more like I used to. And give back to the people that were there for me when I first started. Who should I collab with? #justQ 🖤 …see more

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Interesting differences in negotiation styles. Having lived in India, Germany, Australia and Singapore, I guess my style is mixed

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The first person I bumped into at the Nation Media Group #NMGLeadershipForum was the first woman I mentored in #Kenya. 10 years have transformed the soft-spoken young @University of Nairobi graduate Joy Wanja into the utterly poised and FIERCE Joy Wanja Muraya . I couldn’t list all of the #healthjournalism awards and accomplishments she’s earned if I tried. All I know is that she is one #phenomenalwoman! #mentoring #journalism #healthreporting …see more

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Some people get advice from Gary Vee or Tim Ferris or Tony Robins and that's wonderful. If you don't like that sort of thing, try this absolute genius from Mr Bingo from a farm in Wales.

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How would you react if a drunk stranger suddenly rushed you at work? That's the situation singer Celine Dion had to deal with during a recent performance at Caesar's Palace. During the middle of her concert, an intoxicated fan rushed the stage and managed to get right next to the singer. The woman then resisted security guards' attempts to remove her. In the next few minutes, Dion demonstrates the remarkable power of emotional influence. #growth #emotionalintelligence #EI #EQ #MakeEmotionsWorkForYouNotAgainstYou #leadership #management …see more

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Like many others, I bought a cycle during the lockdown. But I didn’t get to ride much due to a shoulder problem, also caused by the lockdown. I finally started riding recently. This morning I attempted a hill...Mount Mary for those who know Mumbai. I managed to get two-thirds of the way up, then paused to catch my breath. I decided to turn back. I thought I knew how to change gears...turns out I hadn’t quite mastered it. Not good on a steep slope...So fell on my face! Luckily, the injury is minor. And my nose is intact. My lesson - master the cycle before attempting to use in a difficult situation. The same goes for investing, or even trading. All those people who started new brokerage accounts...pls practice and master the instrument. It’s ok to lose a little to learn the lesson. …see more

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When I got the email from Kira Zalan inviting me to participate on a panel about foreign reporting at the Journalism and Women Symposium (JAWS) fall camp, I didn't think I'd be able to attend. Kira was contacting me from Lamu, Kenya where she's been based as a freelancer the past year and a half. I was actually leaving Kenya just as she arrived. I was impressed that Kira was making the effort to attend the JAWS Fall camp from so far away, but still didn't think I'd be able to make it. Well, you just don't say "no" to a JAWdess. So here we are, in the Little Rock Airport, about to head to Hot Springs. I'm so psyched about this opportunity to reconnect with one of the most dynamic organizations I've ever belonged to. It's about mentoring. It's about women. It's about support. It's about space to discuss the issues we confront. It's JAWS. #jaws17 #JAWS #journalism #mentoring #women #JAWdessesRule …see more

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For #FlashbackFriday , that time back in July of 2007 when I had all the men in Northern #Uganda shook. Well, not all of them, and not for THAT reason. It was because I was a loud-mouthed black “Mzungu” woman who had the nerve to call herself the boss of the Internews Network Gulu radio #journalism training office. I called all the shots, I led meetings, I spoke without getting permission and I didn’t even serve tea! If I’d had even a minute to consider how much trouble that boldness could have gotten me into, I probably would have headed straight to Entebbe Airport and back to Washington, DC! But I’m proud to think that by sticking around, I showed young female journalists a new way of carrying themselves in the world. And maybe a few men looked past the funny hair and impudent attitude to see that women just might have something important to contribute after all. #Africa #gender #globaldevelopment #womenleaders #mediatraining …see more

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I am a big fan of Dr. Seuss. Did you know -- 1. He wrote more than 60 #books 2. His books have sold more than 600 million copies 3. He used no more than 50 words in his best-selling book - Green Eggs and Ham 4. He had a huge collection of whacky hats 5. The word 'nerd' was coined by him, though there are many theories of origin A favourite book I used to read for my kids, is 'I Am Sam-I-Am', 'That Sam-I-am'! That Sam-I-am! I do not like that Sam-I-am!' from Green Eggs and Ham. Do you have any favourites of Dr. Seuss? #Storytelling #Creativity …see more

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I don’t know why but I have this vivid memory of walking down the street as a kid with my older brother and my dad (who I saw once every couple of years). It had rained the night before and there were puddles in the gravel. I stomped in one and my dad told me to stop because I was making a mess. If I did it one more time I would be in trouble. I looked at him. I looked at the puddle. And then I jumped in anyway. And that’s been my life since. “Jumping in anyway.” Moral of the story? You decide. 😅 #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 …see more

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For #ThrowbackThursday, me, at an Internews Network journalism training workshop in Zaria, #Nigeria, back in 2006, I believe. During my several trips to Nigeria for Internews, people thought I looked like a member of the Fulani tribe. I was always surprised and delighted when this reclamation process occurred, when the journalists I mentored sought to usher me into their fold. It happened a lot during my decade on the Motherland. In #Kenya, I was given the Kikuyu name Nyaguthii, which means traveler. My Luo name is Atieno, one born at night (1:20 a.m., to be exact). My Kisii name is Nyaboke, or sweet as honey. My Luhya name is Vuyanzi, one who is joyful. My Maasai name was Naserian, one who brings peace. My Kamba name is Mwende, beloved. In Addis Ababa, #Ethiopia, I am Rahel, the ewe. In Juba, #SouthSudan, my Dinka name is Yar, or cow. In Kigali, #Rwanda I'm Mahirwe. That means I'm lucky. I've forgotten a few of the other names I was given during my travels in African nations, but I will never forget the way they all made me feel. Like I belonged. Like I had something important to contribute. Like I was home. #Africa …see more

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"I can't believe you got LinkedIn Campus Editor. You don't even have 500+ connections." When I first joined as a Linkedin Campus Editor in 2015, I was one of about 23 in total and the only one for my school. I remember having to fight to be taken seriously. But, things have definitely changed. USC alone now has 6 Campus Editors and 25+ people on teams expanding from this in Data & Analytics, Writing, and Multi-Media. Even only a couple years apart, #studentsonLinkedin have so many more opportunities to create content, connect with others, and thrive on the platform than I did. As a recent graduate, I already want to make sure that students know about their resources and are able to learn from the failures and successes I had in college. Huge props to the whole @SCampus Editing Team for all the work they do! They are learning from the student body what students want to read on Linkedin, creating content that helps better the campus culture, and honestly are just really intelligent and strategic students. Can’t wait to see what they create! #studentsoflinkedin #campuseditor #university …see more

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Always lead with positivity. A couple months back, I received some feedback and at first I couldn’t tell why it had such an effect on me. Before telling me how I could improve, he purposefully pointed out the things I did well. He made it a point to make me feel like I had potential and brought value. Although I needed to make iterations, the way he presented it made me want to push myself harder. Leaders understand not only what the company needs to grow, but also what the employee needs to be inspired. …see more

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“Hey, Amy, I’m curious: How did you become a social media ghostwriter?”🤔📲👻✍🏼 In my latest 🎥, I answer this question and share my non-linear path to helping leaders communicate and connect better. ❤️🔗 Stay tuned, and be sure to follow me so you won’t miss any of the videos in this series!✅ (🔗 to video in comments) #leadership #socialmedia #connection #communication #ghostwriting #career #personalbranding #thoughtleadership …see more

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I met with our business coach [ Rebecca Heidepriem ] alone yesterday. I usually go with Israel Lugo III . And she said, “think bigger. You’re thinking too small because you’re in the weeds.” Thinking ‘bigger’ has never been something that I’ve struggled with. I’m a dreamer. Always have been. This picture was taken before we started our company. I wasn’t able to communicate where I wanted to go completely, but well enough to convince three people to jump into this with me. I have some huge things to announce soon. But I’m also noticing that the bigger those “announcements” get, the smaller I feel. The more I want. The more I feel I haven’t really gotten anywhere at all. Because I’m in the weeds. Working. And this morning I woke up with clarity. With dreams bigger than I’ve ever dreamed. Dreams that I don’t know that I’m capable of achieving. And that’s what I want for everyone else — give yourself permission to dream again. To dream bigger. And then get after it 🚀 . #justQ 🖖🏽🖤 #entrepreneurship #business …see more

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I want to home-college my kids. I know they have passions and interests. I want them to explore those instead of wasting time on useless things they will forget. Because there are skills that they need to learn that are specifically NOT taught in college... …see more

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Have you heard of the #FrontPorchProject ? A friend of mine is a photographer and stopped by our house to capture a few memories. Memories of living in quarantine with a coffee-stained Aerosmith T-shirt and a little boy on my lap learning how to write, while I onboard a $30k client on a three-month retainer... There are dogs HOWLING in the background at the neighbor walking their pup outside... With slippers on our feet, we are pushing FORWARD. Smiles ON and love overflowing out of our hearts ❤ The first month was a mess. I'm sure you can relate. The adjustment was brutal. A lot of wine was consumed 🍷 We lost a loved one to COVID19, Directly impacting our family... But we can't let it stop us from living our own lives. ENJOY the little things within this mess. EXTRA puppy snuggles... COZY feet in fluff instead of high heels... YOGA pants and cartoons... If this is teaching us anything, it is that we are all brothers and sisters of the HUMAN race, In this TOGETHER... And life is the most precious treasure there is. Stay positive. What are you doing to stay strong and healthy? #WorkingMom #Entrepreneurship #COVID19 …see more

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The Washington Post is known and respected the world over and has won 69 Pulitzer Prizes! But when Katherine Graham took over The Washington Post in 1963, it was a struggling newspaper. She had no real-world experience in leading a company and the odds were not in her favour. Watch the #KalaariPodcast on Katherine Graham's inspirational story and read the transcript: #Inspiration #Entrepreneurship #Management …see more

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I have found that once you can figure out distraction in one area of your life, there is a ripple effect in all areas of your life. It took me about 5 years to write my recently-released book, Indistractable. During those five years, my life has changed tremendously. When it comes to my work, I love to write, but I kept putting off this work that I love because I constantly got distracted. After writing this book and learning about distraction on a deeper level, I am writing more than ever. I have also experienced improvements in my health and in my relationships with my wife and daughter. Watch below and share your thoughts! 👇👇👇 #Indistractable #HumanBehavior #Health #Writing #Distraction …see more

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A 2016 MIT study revealed that half of your friends probably don't even like you... how sad is that?! Another study on the benefits of social behavior found that... 💛 Socializing makes us happier. 💚 Brains work better when they work together. 💜 Diverse thoughts, opinions, and lifestyles help us grow. So how do you know who is REAL vs. smoke in mirrors? Does your community LIFT you up when you feel down? Or when you fall down, slipping on snow and ice?! 😂 Do they challenge you to become a stronger, brighter, more successful version of yourself? Do they lead with LOVE in everything they do? Be INTENTIONAL about who you spend your time with, because they'll likely shape the person you'll become! I'm so thankful that these INCREDIBLE Madison ladies drove through a snow storm for me last night to get together, support each other, and unwind. Most of us own our own businesses in addition to being mothers, wives, and working full-time, find it difficult to escape for a little decompression, but it's needed! 💝 Who are your favorite ladies that inspire growth and success?! 💝 Lots of love from snowy Madison! Chantel Soumis 🌟 #growth #inspiration #happiness #chantelshares …see more

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I’m loving this #ThrowbackThursday Part 2 pic from the very first Kenyan Alliance of Health and Science Reporters Workshop In Kilifi, 8 years ago this week! Through all the ups and downs of #KAHSR , we came out on the other end stronger! Special Shout-outs to my Second-in-Command Sarah Ooko, and Tabitha Mwangi and Ruth Wanjala ! We didn’t know it at the time, but we were “branding” health and science reporting in Kenya, and look at how far it has come! Some of the finest #health , #science and #research #reporting on the African continent is coming out of #Kenya these days, and I’m humbled to think I may have helped plant the seed. #Africa #journalism #media #healthjournalism #sciencejournalism #journalismtraining Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Knight Foundation International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) Wellcome Trust KEMRI - Wellcome Trust …see more

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Monday positivity: Things that have benefitted me during shelter-in-place/wfh: - Health and weight loss. I lost 15 lbs, starting with a 30 day cleanse, and now maintain healthy eating every day - Regular exercise. I walk for an hour, and started working out indoors with a pull-up bar and resistance bands, as well as online classes. Cost: $120 total for equipment - Wellness breaks. Every day, I step away from my computer to just relax, unplug, read - and strongly encourage everyone I work with to do the same!! - I sleep earlier and wake up earlier, and I'm not rushed in the morning - New hobbies. I'm learning to dance!! I started practicing last week and having a blast - thankfully in private. Cost of YouTube lessons: $0 - Renewed appreciation and gratitude for my family, my health, and the many conveniences of life that I used to take for granted COVID-19 has taken many things from us. Let's not let it take our spirit and positivity. While practicing #socialdistancing , wearing masks and observing proper hygiene are crucial to #flattenthecurve , maintaining a healthy mental state is just as important. So please stay positive, stay motivated - and most of all, stay healthy!! I would also love to know, what are things that have benefitted you during #shelterinplace /wfh? …see more

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Why I don’t believe in “fake it ‘til you make it.” 🙅🏽‍♀️ I wrote my graduate thesis on Twitter…when it had 2,000 users. It was VERY early days for social media and digital marketing at large. In fact, it was so new that there were no jobs in the industry. The “industry” barely existed so I started my own company, Zen Media, right out of school. I wrote one of the first books on the topic. I started my company when I was 22. I’m often still the youngest in a room. Today, my portfolio of work speaks for itself. There’s a proven track record so clients trust that I know what I am talking about. When I was more junior, it took a lot of self confidence and removing the risk for the client. I knew I could deliver so I’d make it a no-brainer for them to hire me. Basically, if they weren’t happy with what I was delivering, they’d be under no obligation to continue. And, it worked. I don’t believe in “fake it until you make it”. I DO believe in betting on yourself. Don’t expect others to take that risk. I always understood the burden was on ME to prove myself, and not on them to even give me the opportunity. In that way, I never took anything for granted.⁣ …see more

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A year ago, Brian Carroll got the shock of his life. After four years working as a salesman at a local car dealership, he walked in one morning to find out he was being let go. Carroll, a 51-year-old husband and father to three sons, said he cried his eyes out on the drive home. Carroll wasn't sure what to do next. But one day an acquaintance called, needing help finding a car. When Carroll told him he didn't work at the dealership anymore, the man said he didn't care. Suddenly, a light bulb went off in Carroll's head. Carroll's story is a great example of seeing a problem, providing a solution, and turning that into a thriving business. But it's also something more: a real-life case study of emotional intelligence, the ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions. Hat tip to Bob Kalison for directing me to the inspiration for this piece! #entrepreneurship #leadership #management #innovate #EmotionalIntelligence #MakeEmotionsWorkForYouNotAgainstYou …see more

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