empowering women Archives - Business RadioX ®

Empowering Women to Prioritize Themselves, with Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love

February 6, 2025 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Empowering Women to Prioritize Themselves, with Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love

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Empowering Women to Prioritize Themselves, with Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 842)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray interviews Cynthia Lyles, founder of The Tapestry of Love. Cynthia shares her journey from California Highway Patrol dispatcher to life coach, focusing on helping women who have neglected their own needs for the sake of others. She discusses the inspiration behind her work, her personal experiences with caregiving, and the cultural influences that lead women to sacrifice their own well-being. Cynthia offers insights into her coaching process, including the importance of individual assessments and understanding personal temperaments. She also highlights her free group sessions and upcoming events, aiming to create a supportive community for women striving to reconnect with their goals, needs, and self-worth.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced by the North Fulton affiliate of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Cynthia Lyles, The Tapestry of Love

Cynthia Lyles founded The Tapestry of Love, a transformative coaching platform that empowers women to navigate life’s most challenging transitions. With a robust background in communications and a profound passion for advocacy, Cynthia has built a powerful mission around helping women rediscover their strength, resilience, and personal purpose during times of crisis and significant life changes.

Through her personalized coaching approach, Cynthia provides women with the tools, support, and strategic guidance needed to move beyond survival and into a space of genuine thriving. Her work is deeply rooted in the belief that every woman has the inner capacity to rise with grace, rebuild her confidence, and craft a meaningful life narrative, even in the face of profound personal challenges.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Topics Discussed in this Episode

00:00 Introduction to North Fulton Business Radio
01:44 Guest Introduction: Cynthia Lyles
01:54 Cynthia’s Background and The Tapestry of Love
04:46 Challenges Faced by Women
06:38 Personal Stories and Client Successes
14:37 Coaching Approach and Techniques
24:30 Upcoming Events and Contact Information
27:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Renasant Bank supports North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $17 billion in assets and more than 180 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices throughout the region. All of Renasant’s success stems from each banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way to better understand the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 800 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show invites a diverse range of business, non-profit, and community leaders to share their significant contributions to their market, community, and profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media lean left. Some media lean right. We lean business.

John Ray, Business RadioX - North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors — **John Ray, Business RadioX – North Fulton, and Owner, Ray Business Advisors**

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, and many others.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John Ray also operates his own business advisory practice. John’s services include advising solopreneurs and small professional services firms on their value, their positioning and business development, and their pricing. His clients are professionals who are selling their expertise, such as consultants, coaches, attorneys, CPAs, accountants and bookkeepers, marketing professionals, and other professional services practitioners.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

From Homelessness to Hope at HomeStretch, with Cheryl Carter and Brittany Phillips

July 31, 2024 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

From Homelessness to Hope at HomeStretch, with Cheryl Carter and Brittany Phillips

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From Homelessness to Hope at HomeStretch, with Cheryl Carter and Brittany Phillips (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 791)

In this episode of North Fulton Business Radio, host John Ray introduces Cheryl Carter, Executive Director of HomeStretch, and Brittany Phillips, a HomeStretch client. Cheryl shares insights about HomeStretch, an organization dedicated to providing long-term housing solutions and support to families experiencing homelessness. Brittany provides a personal account of her journey from homelessness and addiction recovery to professional growth and family stability, highlighting the impact of HomeStretch’s comprehensive support programs. They discuss the critical importance of financial literacy, education, and community support in overcoming homelessness and achieving economic independence. The episode concludes with information on how listeners can support HomeStretch’s mission through donations, volunteering, and engaging with their community initiatives.

John Ray is the host of North Fulton Business Radio. The show is recorded and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

HomeStretch

HomeStretch originated in 1991 when volunteers at the local North Fulton Community Charities recognized the pressing need for affordable housing in the North Fulton area. As the number of at-risk families seeking housing assistance increased, the charities found themselves limited to providing only emergency, short-term aid.

Today, the agency oversees and maintains 39 single-family residences. With a team of trained human services professionals dedicated to supporting families and the commitment of over 400 compassionate HomeStretch Heroes (volunteers), it strives to ensure the success of its clients.

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Cheryl Carter, Executive Director, HomeStretch

Cheryl Carter is a results-oriented administrator with over 40 years of executive-level experience in the development, growth and leadership of not-for-profit organizations. Ms. Carter possesses solid capabilities in outcomes-based program development, fundraising, event production, media relations, market research, public/private partnership development, and public speaking. Cheryl’s passion lies in creating programs that empower individuals to overcome poverty.

Cheryl has served on the board of directors of various nonprofit organizations and has received prestigious awards for her community leadership and professional contributions. Before her nonprofit career, she served in the US Army’s 103rd Military Intelligence Division, earning recognition for her service.

Cheryl holds degrees in Business Administration Management and Human Services Management, and she resides in Grayson with her husband Drew, an entertainer. They have three successful adult children and a high school senior.

Topics Covered in this Episode

**Brittany Phillips and Cheryl Carter, HomeStretch**

00:00 Introduction and Welcome to North Fulton Business Radio
01:31 Introducing HomeStretch and Its Mission
02:27 Cheryl’s Journey to HomeStretch
05:07 Understanding Homelessness and Its Root Causes
06:59 Addressing Housing Affordability
10:07 Brittany’s Story of Recovery and Resilience
13:52 The Five Pillars of HomeStretch
22:54 Personal Challenges and Willingness to Change
23:51 The Importance of Savings
25:14 Understanding Executive Functioning
27:30 Brittany’s Journey and Achievements
30:06 Empowering Families and Making Tough Decisions
32:14 Future Goals and Financial Planning
39:11 Supporting HomeStretch and Volunteer Opportunities
42:59 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Renasant Bank and Casa Nuova Italian Restaurant support North Fulton Business Radio

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions, with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management, and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Casa Nuova is a proud family-owned and operated restaurant, serving classic, authentic and traditional Italian cuisine and top tier hospitality since 1998.

Casa Nuova is a cook-to-order kitchen, serving traditional fare including pasta, chicken, seafood, veal, vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus daily specials. They are a farm-to-table establishment, meaning that in the summertime, they cultivate their own vegetables in their garden, steps away from the restaurant, including tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, sunflowers and more!

Celebrating more than 25 years, Casa Nuova has become a true staple in the Alpharetta area, serving more than three generations of families, including friends old and new, visiting near and far from all over the metro Atlanta area and beyond.

Website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

About North Fulton Business Radio and host John Ray

With over 780 shows and having featured over 1,200 guests, North Fulton Business Radio is the longest-running podcast in the North Fulton area, covering business in our community like no one else. We are the undisputed “Voice of Business” in North Fulton!

The show welcomes a wide variety of business, non-profit, and community leaders to get the word out about the important work they’re doing to serve their market, their community, and their profession. There’s no discrimination based on company size, and there’s never any “pay to play.” North Fulton Business Radio supports and celebrates business by sharing positive business stories that traditional media ignore. Some media leans left. Some media leans right. We lean business.

The studio address is 275 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA 30009.

John is the national bestselling author of The Generosity Mindset: A Journey to Business Success by Raising Your Confidence, Value, and Prices.

Becky Berry, Becky Berry Career Coaching

December 14, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Becky Berry, Becky Berry Career Coaching

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Becky Berry, Becky Berry Career Coaching (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 589)

Becky Berry, Owner and Executive Coach at Becky Berry Career Coaching, joined host John Ray on this episode of North Fulton Business Radio. She spoke candidly on the pressing career issues her clients face, what’s really going on with “quiet quitting,” the post-Covid work environment, the availability of jobs, the idea of “safety” in employment today, and much more.

North Fulton Business Radio is produced and broadcast by the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Becky Berry Career Coaching

Becky Berry coaches women who are determined to have an impact through their work. Women come to her to identify their unique skills and hone their leadership. They also come to Becky to rid themselves of the noise from a society that says women need to work harder but be smaller to succeed.

Becky champions each client as they excavate and deploys their unique and powerful work experiences to position themself for increasingly influential and impactful work. Becky provides a framework that goes beyond support – it’s a safe space for women to claim the potential they’re afraid to admit that they have.

Her coaching strategies start with insight and discovery. She and her clients work through their past story about work and uncover new ways to see themselves and describe their skills.

They do a Work Visualization to home in on the ideal environment and people to work with. Then, with the Windowshop Your Way to Work™ Strategy, clients learn how to own their value (and talk about it fluently) and present that value to prospective employers.

Website | LinkedIn

Becky Berry, Owner/Executive Coach, Becky Berry Career Coaching

Becky Berry is the owner of Becky Berry Career Coaching and MAD! Workspace for Women, a boutique coworking space for women only. She lives in Alpharetta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta.

Becky is a career and executive coach who champions women as they excavate and deploy their unique and powerful experiences to position themselves for claiming their leadership and delivering increasingly influential and impactful work. Her specialty is creating outside-the-box strategies for helping clients jump their internal roadblocks to moving forward. Many clients come to her to learn how to re-frame their so-called problem traits—like ADD and dyslexia—into the powerful advantages they really are. Here’s how Becky describes her approach: “I get people. All kinds, sizes, and flavors of people. Crowds of people, or one-on-one. I get people because I love people and I live to champion them to themselves.”

Becky has experienced several crossroads in her life including careers as a magazine publisher, software entrepreneur, stay-at-home mom, special education teacher, social entrepreneur, and widowhood. Her experiences inform her coaching as she helps women create rich, meaningful work and home lives on their own terms.

Her rich background in startups and entrepreneurship allows her to provide uniquely powerful insights and strategies to clients as they pursue their business and life goals.

Becky also produces and cohosts two podcasts, Uniquely Brilliant and She’s Not Done Yet: Conversations with Women Over 50, available wherever you listen to podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Questions and Topics in this Interview

Why are people coming to you for career coaching and what do they get out of it?
What’s your take on quiet quitting?
How has the job market changed since COVID?
What type of environment are people looking for at work?
How can people be prepared for unexpected things like layoffs and re-assignments?

North Fulton Business Radio is hosted by John Ray and broadcast and produced from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta. You can find the full archive of shows by following this link. The show is available on all the major podcast apps, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeart Radio, Stitcher, TuneIn, and others.

Renasant Bank has humble roots, starting in 1904 as a $100,000 bank in a Lee County, Mississippi, bakery. Since then, Renasant has grown to become one of the Southeast’s strongest financial institutions with over $13 billion in assets and more than 190 banking, lending, wealth management and financial services offices in Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. All of Renasant’s success stems from each of their banker’s commitment to investing in their communities as a way of better understanding the people they serve. At Renasant Bank, they understand you because they work and live alongside you every day.

Since 2000, Office Angels® has been restoring joy to the life of small business owners, enabling them to focus on what they do best. At the same time, we honor and support at-home experts who wish to continue working on an as-needed basis. Not a temp firm or a placement service, Office Angels matches a business owner’s support needs with Angels who have the talent and experience necessary to handle work that is essential to creating and maintaining a successful small business. Need help with administrative tasks, bookkeeping, marketing, presentations, workshops, speaking engagements, and more? Visit us at https://officeangels.us/.

Susan Bonds-McCulloch, Dress For Success Atlanta

February 17, 2022 by John Ray

North Fulton Business Radio

Susan Bonds-McCulloch, Dress For Success Atlanta

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Susan Bonds-McCulloch, Dress For Success Atlanta (North Fulton Business Radio, Episode 434)

Much more than a clothes closet, Dress For Success Atlanta works to meet the deeper needs of the women they serve. Executive Director Susan Bonds-McCulloch joined host John Ray to detail the various programs they have and offer some of their success stories. Susan discussed Dressed For Success’s professional training, encouragement, Career Center, the annual Gala that helps keep the work going, and much more. North Fulton Business Radio is broadcast from the North Fulton studio of Business RadioX® inside Renasant Bank in Alpharetta.

Dress For Success Atlanta

The mission of Dress for Success Atlanta is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, career development tools, and professional attire to help women thrive in work and in life.

DFSA is not just a clothing closet, but also boasts a Career Center that is staffed with volunteer companies within our community. These professionals work with Dress for Success-Atlanta’s clients reviewing resumes, conducting mock interviews, helping with LinkedIn and other social media. The goal was for the business community to connect with the clients that Dress for Success serves in a meaningful way. There has been an overwhelming response to this corporate volunteer opportunity and the clients that Dress for Success serves continue to say how unexpected it is to work directly with a volunteer who has taken time out of their workday to help them achieve their goals!

Some of the companies that now work with Dress for Success-Atlanta include Delta Airlines, UPS, Masco, State Farm, Capital One, and many others. Dress for Success and its clients are truly overwhelmed by the desire of others in our community to help them succeed.

DFSA hosts several networking and educational programs such as Career KickStart, Inspire Success, Tools for Success, and Professional Workshops that are invaluable to the women they serve and the Atlanta Community as a whole.

The long-term goals for DFSA include a mobile unit and another Dress for Success location. DFSA’s desire is to help stem the cycle of poverty and to have a generational impact!

Company website | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram

Susan Bonds-McCulloch, President/Executive Director, Dress For Success Atlanta

Because of her passion to give back and help women, Susan Bonds-McCulloch joined Dress for Success-Atlanta (DFSA) as their Executive Director in October 2018. Prior to this Susan had a 20+ year career in the insurance industry as an Employee Benefit Broker working with companies to help them plan, design, and implement their benefit programs. Susan found that her passion was helping others when they needed it most…when they or a loved one needed care.

Since joining Dress for Success-Atlanta, Susan has implemented many changes with the goal to empower more women in our community. DFSA relocated and now boasts a bright welcoming location for the women they serve. DFSA held their very first Gala in November of 2019 and pivoted during 2020 to hold a virtual gala!! The 3rd annual event will be held on September 17th at the InterContinental Hotel in Buckhead. Without these signature events, DFSA could not continue to serve its community.

Susan loves to meet others who wish to be a part of and help with the mission of helping women in our community. This includes businesses that may wish to partner with DFSA along with individuals who may wish to work with DFSA on committees, through volunteerism, or by giving back monetarily.

In addition, Susan is a founding member of a women’s group the Women’s Introduction Group (WIG). WIG is a group designed by women for women to help them navigate their careers, network, and give back to our community. The goal is to always help another woman grow their career path.

Questions and Topics in this Interview:

Tell me about Dress for Success Atlanta? Who you are and the population you serve?
Have you always worked in a non-profit? What led you to Dress for Success?
It sounds like you do more than just dress women, can you tell me a bit more about the programs that you offer?
Can you tell me how the annual Gala event helps the women that Dress for Success Atlanta serves?
What is your 3 – 5 year plan for Dress for Success Atlanta?
What are some of your most urgent needs?

Special thanks to A&S Culinary Concepts for their support of this edition of North Fulton Business Radio. A&S Culinary Concepts, based in Johns Creek, is an award-winning culinary studio, celebrated for corporate catering, corporate team building, Big Green Egg Boot Camps, and private group events. They also provide oven-ready, cooked from scratch meals to go they call “Let Us Cook for You.” To see their menus and events, go to their website or call 678-336-9196.

Dayton Business Radio: Dr. Karen Townsend with KTownsend Consulting

May 3, 2020 by angishields

Dayton Business Radio

Dayton Business Radio: Dr. Karen Townsend with KTownsend Consulting

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Karen M.R. Townsend, Ph.D. is president of KTownsend Consulting—an organizational development firm that works with leaders to create inclusive environments and build strong teams so that they can effectively meet the needs of their diverse clients and customers. Dr. Karen’s goal is to equip professionals with the tools required to live and lead…confidently.

Dr. Karen is the founder of About My Sisters—an organization “on a mission to empower one million women and girls.” In 2018, her annual conference, Sister To Sister, celebrated its 25th Anniversary and was recognized as one of the longest-running women’s events in the United States. An author and advocate for women, Dr. Karen is the author of the best-selling book It All Started When I Stopped Using Lotion: One Woman’s Journey From Chaos to Calm. “The Lotion Book” encourages women to “Take their TiME: Time for ME!” and is being used by organizations across the globe to support the professional development and career advancement of high potential women leaders.

Dr. Karen holds degrees from Kentucky State University, The Ohio State University, the University of Dayton and completed specialized training in diversity education from the International MultiCultural Institute. She is a recognized subject matter expert whose articles on diversity and inclusion have been featured in local, regional and national publications and media outlets.

Dr. Karen is an active community volunteer and has served on the boards the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, YWCA Dayton and the Miami Valley Fair Housing Center. Most recently, Dr. Karen was appointed to serve on the advisory board for the WomenFuture Conference which is sponsored by the Stevie®Awards—an international association dedicated to recognizing outstanding business owners worldwide. In 2019, Dr. Karen was recognized by the Dayton Business Journal in the category of “Woman-owned Business of The Year.”

Connect with Dr. Karen on Facebook and Twitter.

Inspiring Women, Episode 7: Rehearsing Your Troubles

June 2, 2019 by John Ray

Inspiring Women PodCast with Betty Collins

Inspiring Women, Episode 7: Rehearsing Your Troubles

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Betty’s Show Notes

I think most people in life have a potentially harmful habit of rehearsing their troubles. If you constantly rehearse your troubles, what does that mean? You’re thinking, you’re talking, you’re laying awake at night, and you’re playing something over and over in your mind. It often starts with a simple comment from someone around you, and it consumes you.

Join me as I discuss how I learned to go through my troubles when they occur rather than rehearsing them over and over in my mind.

“Inspiring Women” Podcast Series

“Inspiring Women” is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. The show is hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and presented by Brady Ware and Company. Brady Ware is committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home. Past episodes of “Inspiring Women” can be found here.

Show Transcript

Betty Collins: [00:00:00] So today I’m probably going to hit on a little bit of a nerve because I think most people in life. Men, women, old, young do this. It’s just a habit and it’s a habit that really can be harmful. So we’re going to talk about rehearsing your troubles or going through them when they occur. And instead of rehearsing them over and over you’re going to be prepared for them and do it just one time instead of a thousand in your mind.

[00:00:32] So you have a choice. You can rehearse those troubles and then you get to experience it again and again. Or you can be ready when they show up and they actually occur. You know people that do this. They have these great conversations mentally right and they even have probably a full cast of characters. They all have roles and there’s a theme and they have built up this big play and wow. And you get to have fun being around those people. Your reality is maybe you’re one of those people and you don’t even realize it and you’re having all this fun mentally right? At the end of the day it’s very self-destructive habit. It can have some very adverse side effects that you don’t want in your life.

[00:01:16] I want to talk a little bit about that today. Just to be sure you understand what I’m referring to, rehearsing your troubles. What does that mean? If you constantly have conversations. I mean you’re at your desk you’re you’re thinking you’re talking you’re laying awake at night and you’re playing something over and over and it consumes you. That’s what I’m talking about. And it could be you know it can be any kind of trouble.

[00:01:39] Trouble is is what you and what you feel is you know something that’s causing stress or chaos in your life for it’s a problem or whatever it is. And so we do rehearse things a lot in our mind and we don’t tell people we don’t communicate that correctly or we don’t effectively get to the issue. And it may be troubled that isn’t even there. Right. You may never experience it except in your mind.

[00:02:04] And it probably starts with some simple comment right from the people around you the people that matter the most are going to have some comment to you. Your peer your spouse your significant other. Or maybe a circumstance just doesn’t go well and it triggers something for you. And so you’re like wow that just pushed my button that that trigger just starts the rehearsal.

[00:02:27] So you play this out reliving and reliving in it and it’s not a matter of if or when it happens. It probably isn’t even close to the reality. And then you’ve had all this time and energy wasted on you know fill in the blank. Energy instead that could be put towards being prepared for facing the IT OR THE FILL IN THE BLANK. OK. If something triggers you or someone doesn’t have a filter or a comment played it over in your mind probably isn’t going to solve it. Sometimes you do need to rehearse when you’re ready to go in you know and you’re going to but that’s only if you’re really going to go in and face the issue and have a conversation.

[00:03:04] You’d be amazed at how many many little chats I have all day. I have these things that go on and on and on and you probably if you really said you don’t get to see if I do that you would be surprised if you started keeping score. How many times you having some conversation in your head and then you’ll find out too it’s probably I just had that conversation in my head. Know you probably think I’m crazy right now but this is something that really people are consumed in. And statistics shows you. I kind of read a little bit about this. Chances are if you’re having these conversations in your head they’re probably not very positive. They’re probably something that’s really more negative. That’s why they’re you know kind of in your head and just your little world.

[00:03:44] I want to talk about this because I had I had to conquer this habit in my life. I’ve seen it in all aspects of my life in relationships and with my kids and my spouse where I work my clients and connections. And it really does have consequences and it hold you back from the fulfillment of those relationships and success and goals and contentment. So for me I really had to learn the hard way and I learned actually from a 27 year old counselor that I went to when I was 40 and she had such wisdom about it and she really helped me train change my mindset. The first thing that’s that she really taught me was you got to be aware that you’re rehearsing. You got to realize Why am I even having this conversation? And you’ve got to learn to identify.

[00:04:33] And on top of that you’ve got to learn what triggers it. And then you’ve got to shut it down. Those are the steps. Identify it. Be aware of it. Learn the triggers, and shut it down. What consumes it? What trouble consumes you.? You’ve got to look what fuels that gas on the fire. Social media. Garbage in garbage out. News. Toxic people. Surrounding yourself with people without filters probably get gonna really really fuel that. Or you can say I’m going to put good in good out not like garbage in this water on fire by books and positive stories and podcasts and music and positive people or just pure silence. And I really had to work on this because I would just really really go into these things.

[00:05:18] When I was in counseling with this person. I was in a pretty bad place at that time in my life. She was from Russia and she really loved the United States she had this great accent. So we just had a synergy from the beginning. But as soon as she said Hi how are you man I just I would tell her I was that day and we went through all my troubles and circumstances.

[00:05:39] The first couple of sessions you know she listened pretty well and then I was really caught off guard one day when she goes Hey hold on. And I said Yeah. And she said Did he really say this or is this just your perspective and I was like Well she wasn’t. Did he say it. Well no no. But I guess he didn’t. So is this real or is this your perception. And I was like I mean I’m 40 she’s 27 she’s totally put me in my place I’m like wow. But it took me a while to realize I did that a lot and it started with these conversations in my head right. And then I did start start going wow I’ve got a I’ve got to really stop this.

[00:06:24] She always challenged me to think what’s real and what’s perspective and then what really happened and then process right and then deal with it and your chances are you’re not going to deal with anything that’s bigger than than you just created it to be. So again you’ve got to be aware you’re rehearsing. Identify learn triggers and shut it down. But then you really have to go. Is this real. Did this really happen or is this just your perspective or this is your reaction right. She really taught me when I would be rehearsing internally and playing this over and then I would come and just you know of course tell her the whole thing.

[00:07:00] I realized these things weren’t happening. They were they were my responses to glances. They were my responses to the circumstances that maybe I just didn’t like.

[00:07:10] The third step is change the way, then you just deal with the trouble instead of all the conversations and all this stuff that you you play up to. And once you do that this habit will become something that is not a barrier to you any longer. You get a lot more sleep at night. You might have better relationships and you might learn to communicate instead of blow up. So how did I quit rehearsing with all these things how did I how did I stop it. So I just am doing with trouble and stress when it’s occurring and believe me it’s easier said than done.

[00:07:42] As I’ve just talked about I made a very conscious effort to identify that trigger in the rehearsal. And this is something I learned to do and you can laugh at me and you can you can just think I’m crazy but I would suggest to you in the privacy of your home that you look in the mirror and say your conversation out loud because you’re either going to go. This is true and you’re going to cry or you’re going to laugh at yourself hearing yourself and looking at yourself saying this.

[00:08:12] She had me do that a couple of times that I realized oh my gosh it just made me think differently. And over time I started having a lot less conversations and rehearsing of things that that I was really in a lot of ways making up.

[00:08:27] Another thing that I did during that time and I still do it. I journal. My life has had its ups and downs and challenges like everyone. It’s an effective tool. I would just tell you when that season of your life is over burn the book OK. Burn the journal. I really did do that honestly because I had gone through some pretty rocky things and man when I looked back at what I had written and had these conversations that got on paper at least I was like wow I can’t even think of the energy it took to think this stuff up let alone write it. And then I said let’s burn it and be done. Very very good therapy. There were times in life though when you have these things where they consume you and your troubles just get you. You got to go to. You’ve got to find a mentor counselor it’s OK.

[00:09:14] There books are everywhere on the subject matter. I was amazed when I Googled this subject matter what I found. So it must be a huge problem there’s a tremendous amount of information out there to help you start thinking different ways. But you really have to stop the following. When rehearsing stopped a lot in my mind where I just played this out was I realize I have to stop some toxic relationships and cannot be around people who don’t have an ability to filter. No one or circumstances worth robbing me of my peace of mind you know because that’s what that’s what they were taking.

[00:09:48] And instead I took energy when something did trigger me or someone didn’t filter that day I thought I’m going to be prepared when they when they can’t filter because you’re always gonna be around people that can’t filter you’re always gonna be around situations. And I learned to know let’s just deal with this in let’s make it simple. Believe me it’s a lifetime. It doesn’t just stop but preparation for it facing troubles and doing it head on without just you know I’m going have crucial conversations OK. Those might be part of the play but it’s a lifetime and it takes in some. Some of it depends on the on what the problem is and how big it is will depend on the strategy that you use which could be an entire podcast. But you still have to have some way of intentionally facing the issue besides the conversation in your head.

[00:10:36] But things that I have done when I get to that point where I’m seeing the consuming calm you know those things just get me all the time. I get away. I step back. I’m busy all the time. I will never have a day that isn’t full of something but sometimes when that consuming rehearsing is going on I just have to step back and step away.

[00:10:55] And I have to kind of get and look from the outside in the situation to get my perspective. Also what I do when I see myself getting to this point is I look in the past trouble that I’ve had in my life and I look at what did work and what didn’t. I’m not gonna repeat what didn’t work because it will probably have the same results. I learned to realize I need to look at other people that have you know they have some control on their life and they seem like they’re pretty level headed. By the way there’s very few of those out there and probably if you ask how they’re really doing and you get in there you’ll find out that you’re they’re experiencing the same thing you do. Tapping into their wisdom was something that was really things that helped me. And then there are just those times when you can’t get what you’re thinking about and consumed about you can’t get it out. So you’ve got to draw that line in the sand and say you know what we’re going to deal with this and sometimes that’s just comes in cycles and ebbs and flows. And then get a perspective on your trouble. Just ask someone how their day is and see what’s going on in their life and sometimes this little trouble thing you’re dealing with that’s consuming you will seem like nothing.

[00:12:02] And I think really the last thing that women don’t do well is we balance a lot in our lives and we have a lot of relationships in our lives. We have a lot of things that trigger these conversations because it’s very very much a habit of women in today. We don’t take the time for self care. Self care is OK. And when you don’t you can’t just rest and relax and sit back. You may not ever stop having all this stuff go on in your life. So it’s OK for self care. I’m a big spa person. I could go to the spa every week without hesitation but I don’t do that. But what I really do is I look at it. Well we all have to look at some point as some type of spiritual emotional mental physical and take care of those things and then you take care life because you can. You have the ability and that way you can face your fear and embrace with confidence in who you are. And then that again that’s another whole podcast. So trouble stress chaos those things. The situations that you’re rehearsing in your mind over and over. Learn to stop doing that and become consumed instead to prepare for them and be ready to face them when they actually occur. It’s your choice and I hope you make the right one.

Inspiring Women, Episode 5: The Journey Or The Destination

June 2, 2019 by John Ray

Inspiring Women PodCast with Betty Collins

Inspiring Women, Episode 5: The Journey Or The Destination

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Episode 5: The Journey or the Destination?

A lot of people don’t realize that the most important part of the destination is the journey you take to get there. All our lives, we’re thinking about the next “thing,” the next destination. We easily lose sight of the journey with all of life’s distractions, but we live the journey day-to-day, and we need to enjoy those moments as they come.

In this episode of “Inspiring Women,” I speak with Elise Mitchell, the author of Leading Through the Turn, a fresh take on leadership that offers simple yet impactful takeaways. It’s an “all in the trenches” handbook from a leader who has found far more success in her journey than her destination.

Elise Mitchell, Author of Leading Through the Turn

Elise’s experience encompasses both entrepreneurial and corporate life. She is the founder of three companies — two in leadership development, one in public relations. Most notably, she is founder and chairman of Mitchell Communications Group, one of the top 10 fastest-growing public relations firms globally and a two-time Inc. 500/5000 fastest growing company.

The firm has twice been named Agency of the Year by PR Week and The Holmes Report. Clients include Walmart, Procter & Gamble, Marriott, Mondelez and other well-known brands.

Under her leadership, the agency grew more than 500% in five years. At the end of 2012, Elise sold her firm to Dentsu, Inc., the world’s largest ad agency, based in Tokyo, Japan. She led the successful integration of her firm over a five-year period in a newly established global parent company, Dentsu Aegis Network.

Elise serves as CEO of the Dentsu Aegis Public Relations Network, leading M&A efforts and collaborating with colleagues in nine countries to leverage growth opportunities and position the collective internationally.

Today she also advises clients through her own leadership and business consultancy.

“Inspiring Women” Podcast Series

Show Transcript

Betty: [00:00:00] The journey or the destination. What’s your choice?

Betty: [00:00:05] Some people really, most people actually, look at here’s my destination. Here’s my goal. Here’s where I want to be. Very few people realize that the most important part of the destination is the journey you take to get there. So I want to talk about that today.

Betty: [00:00:21] You know all our lives we’re thinking about the next thing. We’re thinking about the next destination. Whether it’s “Hey, I can’t wait to drive.” “If only I can graduate.” “I’ve got to go to college.” “I want to get my MBA.” “I probably want to get married or have a significant relationship and yeah kids let’s get the kid thing going.” And then before you know you’re raising them and you’re ready for grandkids. And by all our lives we’re talking about retirement. Well is it the destination or is it the journey? Which one’s more important.

Betty: [00:00:55] Most of us would say “Oh the journey you know yeah the journey.” But in reality, our actions say the destination.

Betty: [00:01:03] Examples of easily where we lose sight about it. Biggest one probably feel relate to most losing weight. Again, but losing weight. Right. But if health becomes a lifestyle. And your diets are now over it’s probably because you realized there’s a journey and it’s every day when it comes to weight and health and making good decisions. You know I look at weight. I’m all over the place. I love to eat. I like fine dining. I like all that. But when I go with one meal at a time instead of I can only have 1200 calories today I do better.

Betty: [00:01:40] I enjoy the cooking piece a lot more when I’m just enjoying the journey. If it’s about dinner, that’s the destination right? But the journey of learning to cook and spices and fresh, all those things can be fun. When I focus on just fruits and vegetables are my side versus what I can eat. Those are things that just start happening and become a part of your life every day.

Betty: [00:02:07] We exercise, right? We’re either really extreme or we’re gonna go to the gym every day and because we’ve got to get to this destination of “I want to lose all this weight so I’m done.” Instead of you know run a 5K, learn how to run, learn how to build that up. It really is about the quiet time. It’s the music on the headsets. It’s being outside. It’s the progress that you make. And then you finally get to have the race. So it’s not about the race. It’s about leading up to the race.

Betty: [00:02:36] Here’s one we all understand. Holidays. It’s all about the big Christmas morning. It’s about the right gift, receiving and giving, when you could just say I am going to enjoy the Advent season. So advent calendars and a small simple reminders every day of Christmas. The Nutcracker. When’s the last time you enjoyed that? And the Rockettes. Netflix now makes it really easy to enjoy Christmas music all through the season. It’s all categorized, it’s all easy instead of waiting for that TV DVR thing.

Betty: [00:03:08] You can even go out to fine dining in the midst of the craziness. Dress up and enjoy a night out because it’s all part of the Advent season. Lights and decorations, red or green, gold or silver, blue tinsel, purple. Choose it all but enjoy it. The whole six weeks.

Betty: [00:03:29] And Christmas cards. You know it’s not about how many you get in the mail. It’s really you get to have a time where you’re writing a personal note to someone. That’s enjoying the journey.

Betty: [00:03:40] Cookie bake. My daughter and I started a cookie bake in fifth grade because I always had cookie bakes with my mom. I have the recipes from my grandmother. Who gave them to my mother who gave them to me and I started this process with my daughter in fifth grade. Sugar cookies only, decorating, two hours with their friends, I was done. She’s now 26 and we’re going to be doing cookie bake with her college friends, who probably are her lifetime friends. That’s enjoying the journey.

Betty: [00:04:06] It’s not about the big gift. It’s not about eating the cookie. It’s the process of generations of recipes. It’s the process of spending time and yeah your kitchen’s a mess for about five, eight hours and you’re exhausted but what a journey.

Betty: [00:04:23] And then of course Christmas Eve and Christmas day come and there’s not a big let down when you kind of just start enjoying it all along. And if the big gift didn’t work out you kind of missed the moment you thought was everything it was, right? The destination.

Betty: [00:04:37] Or hey it’s a new year. We set real unrealistic goals because we’re going to plan, we’re going to achieve things, and then it results in failure. So change that and look at what it was my journey going to look like in ’19 or ’20 or ’21 whatever it is.

Betty: [00:04:52] Here’s what I’ve done really well with the journey and I learned this the hard way through divorce. When I went through divorce my attorney was great but the destination was to be divorced. But I will tell you a counselor said to me if you continue to do all the good things the right things and the things that are normal and everyday stuff, you’re probably gonna end up in the same place. So I would change how you live day to day so you have different results.

Betty: [00:05:20] So I started taking that to heart. So my kids, I’m a single mom after the divorce, and it’s school time. You know how mornings are. But we always had breakfast once a week at Bob Evans. Part of the journey. Not getting to school, not just getting through the day, not just getting them out the door. It was just let’s go have some breakfast.

Betty: [00:05:37] Family traditions. I learned this from my parents really well. I still have all those traditions but I also buy new traditions with my kids. And it’s not about the holiday or it’s not about the event it’s about we do this every year and we add to it. We take away from when it works.

Betty: [00:05:55] I look at the Women’s Initiative at Brady Ware. I try to focus right now on what women are doing right now today. We’ve had women that have gotten involved with Habitat Humanity For Single Moms, raised all kinds of money. We’ve had women that raised money when Puerto Rico really went through two hurricanes back to back. And that woman today is going back to Puerto Rico to talk on a panel about women because we helped a school for girls during a really tough time. That’s the journey. It’s not what is the Women’s Initiative going to accomplish? What is it that we want to get out of it? Where are we today? I enjoy more watching the women of Brady Ware evolve.

Betty: [00:06:39] Another great example, and it was all really not intentional by any means, but when I merged into Brady Ware, it was about a 14 month courtship of negotiations and coming together and how are we going to take two businesses and make them one. I focused a lot on “I’m going to get to the big company.” “I’m going to get to the opportunity where there’s more.” “I’m going to have this new day with a new twist.” And what I didn’t realize was how much tough work it would be when I hit the destination, right? I got there, but I had arrived. So now what. And I will tell you once I figured out that I had arrived I learned that I had a whole new day and I wasn’t ready.

Betty: [00:07:17] But my growth and my opportunity and my success over these past six years have been two fold in comparison to the first 24 years of my career. The difference is that I finally realized I made it to the destination, but I wasn’t prepared to be there. So I had to really look at what is now the newest destination and I was going to make sure that I took the journey so I could get there successfully.

Betty: [00:07:41] Now what? And what would be the next destination? No idea. So I decided instead I was going to enjoy my moment. I remember the first day at Brady Ware when I was downtown and I had this beautiful office looking over The Scioto Mile, and the Capital and I had all my same computers and I had all my same staff and I had all my same clients and yet. I’ve arrived at this destination and I had no idea what to do. It was an “aha!” moment.

Betty: [00:08:11] So I did the one thing I always know what to do and that’s go have lunch. And I called my husband I said I’m completely lost and he said no you’ve arrived. It’s time to enjoy the moment and go to the next step. Go to the next destination but enjoy a little bit more and be ready. So I took that to heart and I did that.

Betty: [00:08:31] Instead I focused on building relationships within Brady Ware and outside of Brady Ware. I decided I was gonna improve my skill sets. I wasn’t going to go get a bunch of clients, I was going to go get a bunch of stuff. It was knowing an improved skill sets.

Betty: [00:08:46] I’m also going to be part of central Ohio. Here I am downtown in the heart of Columbus and I don’t even know a thing about it. I lived here my entire life.

Betty: [00:08:55] Please do not misunderstand me. You have to set goals. You have to have a plan. You do have to have that. But don’t let the destination consume you.

Betty: [00:09:04] Example. I always want more clients. We all do right? It generates revenue at the end of the day. So I turn my focus on the small business owner. I turn my focus on helping women who own their businesses. Because they struggled different than men who own their businesses.

Betty: [00:09:23] I joined an amazing group called NAWBO, the Columbus chapter, the National Association of Women Business Owners. I decided I was going to support an organization the one I chose was the Women’s Small Business Accelerator, the WSBA. Developing skills that were not related to accounting, changing my focus on who I was working with and in what they needed. Becoming part of organizations that support me and help me and help others all the sudden began changing me professionally. And before I know it, I was at another destination in another milestone. I enjoyed that journey and all of the outcome. And guess what. At the end of the day, I got more clients and I met my revenue goals. It just was done with a different mindset because it was focused on the journey and going along instead of the end result which was getting the client and that revenue.

Betty: [00:10:20] So the goal was met, right? I can look back and see the journey and the growth. There’s a lot of outcomes that come with focusing on the journey and not the destination. First is you don’t forfeit all the life lessons and experiences if you miss the journey. If you go through the journey you’re going to learn those lessons.

Betty: [00:10:42] You’re also trying to acquire different skills. And you’re going to achieve and maybe even refine who you are. We all need that.

Betty: [00:10:51] You’re going to make necessary changes along the way so that you don’t have regrets when you get to the destination, right? You’re going to work on things as you’re seeing them.

Betty: [00:11:01] You probably are going to learn to preserve, enhance your personal self, who you are. Keep redefining that.

Betty: [00:11:09] And you’re going to shape your character. Those are the outcomes of the journey and not just the destination. And someday you’re going to call upon all those outcomes and use them at the appropriate times. I know as I look back with my whole career and especially the last several years when I really developed and had some really really cool journey time. I’m now ready for the destination, when I got there. Unlike when I came here six years ago.

Betty: [00:11:38] If you’re fortunate you’ll be ready for the next part of your journey, that will lead you to the next destination and that’s really where I am right now.

Betty: [00:11:46] Reaching your destination. It’s just a moment in time. But travelling towards your destination is an every day thing, and you don’t want to miss it. Change your mindset. The journey or the destination. And I’m going to challenge you today. Let the journey become your focal point. It’s far more rewarding than the destination. One thing you could do is certainly read a book, Leading Through The Turn by Elise Mitchell. She’s a great woman and she’s a great read.

Betty: [00:12:17] So I’m going to challenge you today with a couple of questions and some things that hopefully will provoke some thought. What destination are you thinking about right now? You may not be thinking about any of them. Maybe you need a vision or a goal something that you can work towards. But mostly I want you to think about what is the journey going to look like. What’s it going to feel like. That’s the real question. So today hopefully I’ve made you come to some conclusions about the journeys more important than the destination. And hopefully today you’ll change your mindset and have much more fulfillment getting there. Take it to heart and start being intentional about the moment. The day to day. That journey along the way to your destination.

LADIES LEADERSHIP CIRCLE Arizona YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix

February 10, 2018 by Karen

Phoenix Business Radio

LADIES LEADERSHIP CIRCLE Arizona YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix

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LADIES LEADERSHIP CIRCLE Arizona YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix

In 1858, YWCA formed in the United States with women’s residences opening in New York and Boston. A long history providing social services and creating a platform of equality led the YWCA to Arizona in 1912. YWCA Maricopa County’s (YWCA) mission is dedicated to eliminating discrimination, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. Since 1912, YWCA programs have educated, advocated for, fed, and provided vital support to vulnerable members of our community. Our clients are low-income women and their families, seniors, and disabled adults in Maricopa County. The specific community issues YWCA programs address are elderly hunger in Glendale, financial instability, and empowering women.

Last year we served 612 unduplicated seniors through our congregate meals program, 588 unduplicated seniors through the YWCA Meals on Wheels program and 70 unduplicated seniors received rides through YWCA assistance to the Dial-A-Ride program. We provided over 10,870 rides to seniors and disabled. Each weekday, nearly 1,200 seniors receive a nutritious, hot meal through our services. Annually the YWCA serves over 100,000 meals to seniors and disabled. The YWCA also provides over 1,800 programs and activities to seniors and disabled.

In addition, more than 516 women and teens graduated from the YWCA financial education program, Own It. The graduates learned strategies and gained tools on how to increase their financial security and their family’s stability. We provided Own It free of charge to over 40 other non-profits and organizations. The YWCA works collaboratively with other non-profits and organizations to change the lives of financially disadvantaged women and the families in our community.

Each year the YWCA hosts the Tribute to Leadership. More than 350 guests attend annual the Tribute to Leadership Gala where 10 Community Leaders were honored. Last year, 550 people attended the YWCA Women’s Empowerment Series Luncheons, and 298 women attended the Young Women Forum events for emerging professionals. Total number of people touched through all YWCA programs for 2016-17 was 2,497. The YWCA is proud of our accomplishments and positive and lasting effect on the lives of so many in our community.

Dr. Regina Edwards has spent 25 years in higher education and non-profit service, including service at Arizona State University, University of Nebraska, Brown Mackie College, Paradise Valley Community College, Kapiolani Community College, and the University of Hawai`i. Her background includes research focused on middle managers, developing academic, professional and community programs, staffing, organizational structure, budgeting and program implementation. Her past experience includes work in the areas of institutional advancement, communications and grant writing.

A first generation college student, she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and her Doctoral degree from the University of Hawai`i, Manoa. Dr. Edwards spent several years working on the University of Nebraska’s Lincoln campus and in the NU system office focusing on outreach, external relations and strategic planning. She also served in the Nebraska Governor’s office evaluating legislation affecting higher education, revenue and gaming. She is a Founding Director and Board Member of Republic Bank of Arizona, Board Chair for the PV Emergency Food Bank and longtime community volunteer.

Dr. Janet G. Elsea is Founder and President of Communications Skills, formed in 1978. Consultant, public speaker and author, Janet Elsea is an international expert in communication, executive development and leadership skills. Recent clients include: Arizona Republic, BlueCross BlueShield of AZ., Copper Point Mutual Insurance, Cox Communications, Henkel, Honeywell, I/O Data and Qualcomm, as well as various government agencies and non-profit organizations. She also provides coaching in communication skills, leadership development, presentation and media skills to corporate executives and political leaders.

A renowned authority in the management of first impressions, Dr. Elsea is the author of First Impression, Best Impression (Simon & Schuster), translated into Dutch, French, Japanese and Spanish. Her work has been published in Personnel Journal, Chemical Laboratory Management Review, San Diego Business Journal, AZ Meetings and Events, Physician Assistant, Food Management Review, North Dakota Quarterly and the Washington Post.

Member of the American Society for Training and Development, she was named Professional of the Year and Consultant of the Year by the Phoenix Chapter. Dr. Elsea is past President of Charter 100 and served on the Governor’s Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women. She is a graduate of the FBI’s Citizens’ Academy. She was given a Spirit of Philanthropy award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals for her work with the AZ Animal Welfare League. Dr. Elsea received the YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix highest honor, the Dorothy Willey award. She chairs its Leadership Giving Council.

Janet Elsea received her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and her B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of California at Davis. She is a lifetime member of the National Communication Association.

ABOUT LADIES LEADERSHIP CIRCLE

Ladies Leadership Circle (LLC) is brought to you by the women who lived it, in partnership with Phoenix Business RadioX. LLC radio is an empowering program for any woman as any topic which affects women will be discussed and “brought to you by the women who lived it.” Since everything in today’s world affects women every topic is up for discussion such as health, family, faith, career, parenting, community, education, government, pets, cooking, shopping and the list goes on and on. The LLC mission is simple: we are women inspiring and thriving to celebrate and find a happy positive world while maneuvering and|or facing head on the challenges we face.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS

JoAnn Holland‘s experience in different business environments over the past 33 years both for profit and non-profit, including internationally, and in small, medium and fortune 500 companies in addition to her community engagement has given her a unique perspective on leadership-one that contradicts much of what is out there already on the subject-and is reflective of the kind of female leader we need in today’s, at times, unstable and unpredictable business environment, family life, community outreach and political arena. JoAnn is the curent President and CEO for Central Phoenix Women, Scottsdale Women, East Valley Women and North Valley Women – organizations for women who have established themselves professionally and demonstrated their commitment to the community. Members are individuals who wish to enhance their leadership by connecting with like-minded women to share information, ideas, contacts and opportunities. Members value relationships that enhance their business, social and community endeavors.

jchollandco@gmail.com
Linkedin.com/in/JoAnn-Holland/

For more than 25 years, Karen Nowicki has been helping organizations and the people who lead them drive their business strategies more effectively and as a result her clients move from success to significance. In 2008, she was awarded the “Mompreneur of the Year Award” for the Southwest. Karen is a published author, accomplished speaker, and trusted adviser to business owners, senior executives and educational leaders. In 2016, Karen and her partners sold $99 Social to Wired Investors, affording her the opportunity and time to become a Studio Partner for Business RadioX – serving Arizona-based businesses by increasing their visibility and helping to accelerate the right relationships.