We're under a lot of pressure to get things done. When we don't know what to do first, we get stuck. At times, we can even become paralyzed. Then we spiral like the buffering wheel on your computer or mobile device. Next comes judgement. Congratulations! You are now overwhelmed. In this episode, I talk a bit about overwhelm and what we can do about it.
The element of control is often grossly misunderstood and mishandled. There tends to be a lot of confusion with control. In many cases, control is actually manipulation; taking advantage of a situation that increases the likelihood of a certain outcome. But what do we REALLY control? It's been said we can only control ourselves. Some would argue we don't have the ability or wherewithal to do that either. What are your thoughts?
Karen Freeman has over 30 years of information technology experience in progressively demanding positions. In 2018, she retired from the Internal Revenue Service as the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Operations. Currently, she is an Executive Advisor to several companies that provide information technology products and services to varying agencies within the U.S. federal government. Karen loves to travel and has visited 5 continents and over 40 countries. Her passion for travel led her to establish KareFree Travel. As an independent travel consultant, she provides personalized travel advice and assistance to busy people who want to leave their vacation details to an expert. She's is a board member of two non-profit organizations focused on education and cooperative economics for the African-American community. Karen is also Director of Operations at The PEACES Collective, where I, along with other great panelists, have the pleasure of participating in the Wisdom, Wellness, and Wealth program that provides education and cultural seminars and workshops for community members.
Identifying as one of the world’s biggest tennis fans, Karen has attended all four Grand Slam events and most ATP/WTA 1000 tournaments.
When she is not traveling, she splits her time between her residence in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and with her family in Maryland.
You can find Karen on Facebook and Instagram.
Cherie Harris is a certified Life and Career Coach who helps people navigate career decisions and create the life they want for themselves. Cherie has overcome growing up in a really hard New York neighborhood during the Crack Era. She was raised by a single praying mother who kept them grounded amidst their surroundings. Through it all, they walked proudly, went to school, kept their noses clean, and became known as the family not to bother because they were different. One of the many downfalls was seeing past what she saw each day, poverty, filth, poor schooling, absent fathers, friends killed, and coming out of it successful. You can find Cherie on www.thecorpconcierge.net, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. Cherie has recently published a self-reflection journal for women "Girl You Better Shine Your Light" available on Amazon.
Ian Markauskas is a tech worker, photographer, poet, activist, comic, and artist all rolled into one handy package who is terrible at writing bios (his words, not mine).
As a physically disabled gay man with cerebral palsy, he has faced quite a bit of adversity in his lifetime. From learning to walk twice, to defying statistics and entering the workforce, he doesn't think he will ever get to a point where he can say "Yes, I have overcome all the obstacles, every adverse event is behind me!" Life is always changing. That said, as long as he is here, he isn't planning on giving up any time soon.
You can find Ian on www.ian.photos , Instagram, Twitter, and Tumblr. Given his wacky sense of humor, Ian is also an aspiring standup comic, so be sure to check him out on comedyian.ca, as well as his recently published parody new website Basically Gay.
Lucy Shenouda is the founder of Foster Essence Inc., a leadership and systemic team coach, coach supervisor and Master Certified Coach (MCC). With a deep understanding of business processes, Lucy fosters coaching conversations across a variety of business contexts such as leader development, operational excellence, team alignment, and resilient leadership. She's also the author of Tending the Garden (found on Amazon) and Leading in a Global Mosaic: A Minority Everywhere I Go. Lucy models resiliency in who she is and what she does, and shares her philosophy on life in a way that deeply resonates. Be sure to connect with Lucy on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.
Dr. Stephanie Brown is a Family Physician with over 25 years of clinical and leadership experience in academic medicine, primary care and urgent care settings. She’s also a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentialed by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and is recognized as a Top 1% Life Coach by Yahoo Finance. In addition to being a published author, she specializes in working with professional women who desire to show up as their best selves and are motivated to overcome whatever is holding them back in reaching their professional and personal goals. Her signature coaching membership is called Queens Realign Coaching and is a space for Black professional women to receive coaching, accountability in a supportive group as they learn techniques and tools to help them achieve their goals.
To find out more about Dr. Stephanie, her coaching, and upcoming events, visit her website. You can also follow her on Facebook and Instagram, as well as connect with her via LinkedIn. Her book, "Choose Purpose Over Fear…Win every-time” can be found on Amazon.
Rhonda Frederick-Stewart is a born-again Christian who embodies the essence of overcoming adversity. Our first conversation was a little over a year ago. I was blown away by her story and how she persevered despite the multiple medical issues she has battled over the years. December 2022 marks the first anniversary of her brain aneurysm surgery. This was the last of nine (9) separate conditions she has endured over the last several years. It's all captured in her new book "The Faith Fighter vs The Health Destroyer: Fighting for my Life Journey" - available on Amazon.
Chelese Perry is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credentialed by the International Coach Federation (ICF), the founder of Chelese Perry LLC, and the creator of her signature program, Aligned: Chakras for Business which is based on the work of Angela Raspass. Also a Reiki Master, she supports, empowers, and inspires busy entrepreneurs, senior executives, and women navigating midlife to live the life of their dreams, professionally, personally and spiritually. On a personal note, as many have experienced, Chelese had her turn with adversity, enduring a toxic marriage that ended in a tumultuous divorce. She navigated the end of an almost two-decade marriage while learning how to stand in her power, support her children, and manifest a life in alignment with her hopes and dreams. As a result, Chelese is now a thriving single mother and empty nester with two beautiful teenage children. Through all of that, it is her belief she has been called to find peace and grounding when it would be natural to live a very fearful, victimized, and bitter existence. You'll hear this and more during our conversation.
To connect with Chelese you can visit her website, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
Having gone through several bouts of cancer and chemo treatments, the diagnoses of multiple autoimmune diseases, and currently scheduled for surgery to address a brain aneurysm, to say Rhonda Stewart has faced adversity is putting it mildly! My time with her was an absolute joy. She is a blessing to the world and tells her story in such a way, you're guaranteed to be moved, touched, and inspired. Her faith in God, the support of her husband and loving family, the members of her church, coworkers, and surrounding community have all played a part in accompanying her on this incredible journey. Rhonda has been through more than most, but is quick to say that God has her in His more than capable hands. We recorded this conversation just a short time ago, with her pending surgery only a few weeks away. On 7 December, 2021 our prayers will be with her as she prepares to undergo yet another crucial operation. Rhonda's story is sure to inspire you to never be a victim of your circumstance, and to "never give up" and always "keep fighting".
Dee Bowden the founder of BCS Solutions has built her small business helping other businesses perform one of their most important functions - collecting (ageing) accounts receivable. Her success was born out of a similar adversity when the company she was employed by tasked her with collecting unpaid invoices to the tune of more than 8 million dollars. She captures this three step process in "Collect the Cash: The Sale In Not Complete Unless the Money Is In the Bank". Featured in Forbes magazine, and recognized as one of VIP Global magazine's Top 40 Most Influential Women, Dee is considered an expert in her field as a cash recovery consultant. These are just a few of many accolades. During our conversation, you get the benefit of her expertise, as well as the high vibration of her energy. What comes across when speaking with her is while tough times can knock you down, they don't have to take you out! Gratitude will always prevail.
As a highly sought after speaker and trainer, Dee is more than happy to share how gratitude is her "Secret Sauce". Her upcoming speaking engagements are at the Systems Summits October 27 & 28, and as the featured speaker at the Sister Leaders Conference Oct 29 & 30 (2021). Also be sure to follow her on Facebook and connect with her on LinkedIn.
Patrick Chapman wears many hats - all of them equally well. First of all, he is the founder and owner of Inward Action Coaching where he uses his coaching, conflict management, and mindfulness expertise to help professionals design a more fulfilled and balanced work-life. He is recognized by the International Coaching Federation as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC), credentialed as a Co-Active Coach from the Co-Active Training Institute, and a Certified Conflict Management Coach from Cinergy. In addition, Patrick has practiced law in the public and private sector and member of the state bar of Georgia. Patrick's calming nature and compassion for humanity makes him especially gifted to lead his clients to a deeper understanding of themselves and the capacity to embrace a fuller life.
Be sure to follow Patrick on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. He also welcomes you to email him at
patrickchapman@inwardactioncoaching.com
Ron Godfrey is no stranger to adversity and has even grappled with what he calls the "darkness of depression". In his autobiography, "Crying Out In The Dark", Ron walks you through the heartaches and struggles of how he broke through his own silence and found his voice. As the creator of Grind & Conquer Apparel, he has captured the essence of his triumph in a brand new clothing line. Another one of his accomplishments is a successful acting career. Many of his roles highlight a journey similar to his own. By using his experience with depression, he provides a safe haven for other men who may also find themselves faced with the same darkness. Ron has found a way to shine a light into that darkness, and helps to guide them toward better days. Make sure you follow him on Facebook, Instagram, as well as rongodfrey.com.
Jakeya Parker Ministries, LLC was founded by its namesake to help women clarify who they are so they can live the life they want. When you consider the hardships of separating from her daughter's father, being evicted from her home, and having her car repossessed, one can only imagine how tough that must have been. In spite of giving herself permission to have her own "pity parties", Jakeya chooses to 'keep it moving'. In the coming weeks, she'll be releasing her new book, "You Are Valuable". She credits her mentor, Natalie Fikes with giving her the tools to develop the mindset that now allows her to cultivate better relationships, become more patient, and enjoy the journey of life and growth. Jakeya is paying it forward as a life coach and speaker, empowering women to become better versions of themselves. You can find and follow her at www.jakeyajparker.com