From Trauma to Triumph: The Journey of a Mental Health Coach and Her Determination to make Mental Wellness Accessible - An Exclusive Conversion with Funmi Ayowole, Founder of TheVirtualSoulClinic
Ever heard the story of the elephant and the blind men? Each one felt a different part and insisted they knew what it was—only to miss the bigger picture. Just like them, our perspectives can be limited. But when we collaborate and share insights, monumental results happen. Here are 5 practical ways to foster team collaboration.
Studies suggest that focusing on customer retention rather than pure customer acquisition can reduce marketing costs by up to 30% while increasing customer lifetime value. Retention efforts not only cost less but also lead to long-term profitability. These 12 retention strategies can help small businesses achieve sustainable growth.
Studies suggest that focusing on customer retention rather than pure customer acquisition can reduce marketing costs by up to 30% while increasing customer lifetime value. Retention efforts not only cost less but also lead to long-term profitability. These 12 retention strategies can help small businesses achieve sustainable growth.
Madam VP, your journey is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Your unwavering commitment to public service has left an enduring legacy that will inspire generations to come.
From the historic announcement that shattered glass ceilings to the powerful debates that showcased your sharp intellect, your campaign was a whirlwind of inspiring moments. You connected with people from all walks of life, igniting a grassroots movement that defied expectations. Your ability to raise record-breaking funds and create viral moments demonstrated the power of authenticity and relatability.
Even in the face of adversity, you emerged stronger, uniting people from diverse backgrounds and inspiring hope. Your election night victory was a historic milestone, marking a new era of leadership and progress.
Thank you for showing us that with courage, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of justice, anything is possible.
In a world where stress and distractions often pull us in every direction, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff – and it’s all small stuff by Richard Carlson offers a refreshing perspective on finding peace amidst the chaos. With over 25 million copies sold worldwide, this self-help classic delivers simple, practical advice to help us let go of the little things that consume our energy. Carlson’s 100 short, insightful chapters invite readers to shift their mindset, embrace acceptance, and discover joy in life’s simplicity.
Do Something Nice for Someone Else - and Don't Tell Anyone About It
As long as you think more is better, you’ll never be satisfied. Learning to be satisfied doesn't mean you can't, don't, or shouldn't ever want more than you have, only that your happiness isn't contingent on it.
The key to a good life is this: If you’re not going to talk about something during the last hour of your life, then don’t make it a top priority during your lifetime. Ask yourself the question, ‘Will this matter a year from now?
Choose Being Kind over Being Right. When your goal is to build people up, to make them feel better, to share in their joy, you too reap the rewards of their positive feelings
When we judge or criticize another person, it says nothing about that person; it merely says something about our own need to be critical.
Humility and inner peace go hand in hand. The less compelled you are to try to prove yourself to others, the easier it is to feel peaceful inside.
Something wonderful begins to happen with the simple realization that life, like an automobile, is driven from the inside out, not the other way around. As you focus more on becoming more peaceful with where you are, rather than focusing on where you would rather be, you begin to find peace right now, in the present. Then, as you move around, try new things, and meet new people, you carry that sense of inner peace with you. It’s absolutely true that, ‘Wherever you go, there you are'.
We live our lives as if they were one big emergency! We often rush around looking busy, trying to solve problems, but in reality, we are often compounding them.
Effective listening is more than simply avoiding the bad habit of interrupting others while they are speaking or finishing their sentences. It’s being content to listen to the entire thought of someone rather than waiting impatiently for your chance to respond.
Be Grateful when You're Feeling Good and Graceful when You're Feeling Bad. Often the difference between a person who is happy and someone who is unhappy isn't how often they get low, or even how low they drop, but instead, it's what they do with their low moods.
If you’re ready to cultivate a more mindful, balanced, and joyful approach to life, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff is a perfect read to remind you of what truly matters. Dive in, and let Carlson’s gentle wisdom guide you towards a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
Quincy Jones, a titan of the American music industry, died at the age of 91. His career spanned decades, encompassing jazz, film scoring, and record production. As a producer, Jones revolutionized the music industry, particularly with his work on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” which remains the best-selling album of all time.
Beyond his production work, Jones was a gifted composer and arranger, contributing to iconic albums by artists like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Count Basie. His film scores, including those for “The Pawnbroker” and “The Color Purple,” showcased his ability to blend genres and create unforgettable soundtracks. Jones’ impact on popular culture is undeniable, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Born in Chicago in 1933, Quincy Jones’ childhood was marked by hardship and upheaval. Separated from his mother and raised by his grandmother, he developed a deep love for music. A defining moment at age 11, when he stumbled upon a piano in a recreation center, ignited his musical journey.
Jones’ early career was characterized by rapid growth and significant achievements. He studied music, mentored under renowned musicians like Clark Terry and Ray Charles, and joined Lionel Hampton’s band at the tender age of 15. His talent and ambition led him to New York, where he worked with legendary figures like Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie.
Simultaneously, Jones was pushing the boundaries of jazz-funk with albums like “Walking in Space.” However, a serious health scare in 1974 forced him to slow down. After recovering, he continued his prolific career, collaborating with iconic artists like Michael Jackson and producing groundbreaking albums. Jones’s influence extended beyond music, as he also ventured into film and television, contributing to projects like “Roots” and “The Wiz.”
See below our top 6 Favorite Quotes by Quincy Jones
I’ve found that every great book holds a unique key to growth. This one, Leading an Inspired Life, offers invaluable lessons for anyone seeking both personal and professional fulfillment.
If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.
Happiness doesn’t come from big pieces of great success but from small, daily achievements. We must be happy with what we’ve got in pursuit of what we really want.
The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.
What you do with what you have is more important than what you have.
If we keep doing a little less every day, we are also becoming a little less every day. Can you imagine what you’d end up being after ten years of doing a little less every day? It’s devastating! Think about it… doing less could ruin your life!
If you seek, you will find. But it’s very important to know that finding is reserved for the seekers. We don’t find what we need; we find what we search for.
When the record book on you is finished, let it show your wins and losses. But don't let it show you didn't try.
Don’t wish it were easier, wish you were better. Don’t wish for fewer problems, wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenge, wish for more wisdom.
Your life, my life, the life of each one of us is going to serve as either a warning or an example.
Words become food for thought. And when words are mixed with faith and inspiration, miracles can happen.
If you are looking for a true a gem, a book that contains practical advice that will resonate deeply, then Leading an Inspired Life by Jim Rohn is a must have! In this book, Jim Rohn’s emphasized personal responsibility and the power of small, consistent actions.
You’ve probably heard the story of the elephant and the blind men. Each one felt a different part of the elephant—one thought it was like a wall, another like a rope, and yet another like a spear. Each insisted the elephant was like whatever part they touched, and their argument was rooted in individual experiences. Because of this, they failed to see the bigger picture.
Now, imagine if they had come together to share what they felt. They’d likely have realized they were dealing with a giant animal—the elephant—and could have described each part more clearly.
The truth is, our perspectives are often limited. That’s why it’s so important to be open-minded. The purpose of intellectual discourse isn’t to argue or win but to advance knowledge. Teamwork leads to monumental results. Whether it’s in your family or as a business owner, collaboration is key.
Here are 5 practical ways to foster team collaboration:
Open communication – Encourage transparency and regular check-ins. Create a space where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and giving feedback without fear of judgment.
Clearly define roles and goals – Ensure each team member understands their responsibilities and how their work contributes to the overall objectives. This clarity prevents confusion and streamlines efforts.
Leverage diverse strengths – Recognize the unique skills and strengths each person brings. Assign tasks that align with those strengths, allowing team members to support each other with their expertise.
Use collaborative tools – Invest in tools that simplify collaboration. Even simple tools like a WhatsApp group chat or MS Teams that people already use can be helpful. These keep communication flowing and help everyone stay aligned.
Foster a supportive environment – Celebrate team successes and encourage learning from setbacks. A positive environment boosts morale and motivates everyone to work together for better outcomes.
Collaboration opens the door to bigger, clearer solutions. When people come together with their unique insights and experiences, just like the blind men could have, they can achieve monumental results.
The path to business success begins with a great product, but it’s secured through exceptional customer service and strategic retention efforts. When you create memorable experiences, customers don’t just buy—they return. Studies show that improving customer retention by just 5% can boost profits by 25% to 95%. Additionally, Research by PwC shows that businesses prioritizing customer experience report a 4-8% higher revenue growth compared to their peers. For small businesses, shifting focus from pure acquisition to retention strategies can reduce marketing costs by up to 30% while increasing customer lifetime value. Retention efforts not only cost less but also lead to long-term profitability.
Here are 12 practical strategies to improve your customer service and retention efforts:
Personalize Customer Interactions Tailor your communication to each customer’s preferences. For example, a local café could remember a regular’s favorite drink and serve it with a personalized note. Small gestures build big loyalty.
Provide Multi-Channel Support Make it easy for customers to reach you via phone, email, social media, and live chat. Instead of closing off Instagram DMs, use them for quick responses, style advice, or even community building.
Train Employees Regularly Regularly invest in staff training to keep them updated on customer service techniques and product knowledge. A simple training schedule for feedback, new strategies, and improved communication skills can work wonders for customer interactions.
Implement a Loyalty Program Encourage repeat business by rewarding loyal customers with discounts or special promotions. For instance, a local gym might offer a free month for every 11 months of membership—easy incentive, big return.
Solicit and Act on Customer Feedback Don’t just gather feedback—act on it! Use surveys or direct questions to understand what’s working and what’s not, and then make real changes. For example, adjust inventory or improve delivery based on feedback to keep customers happy.
Ensure Quick Response Times Set clear response time goals for customer inquiries and complaints. Timely responses can turn potentially negative situations into opportunities to impress and prevent those dreaded bad reviews.
Create a Customer-Centric Culture Build an environment where customers feel valued from the moment they step in. If you’ve got the budget, offer a complimentary drink. Even a warm, personalized greeting can set the tone for exceptional service.
Offer Exceptional Value Go beyond expectations. Include a free sample with each purchase, or offer a surprise bonus that delights customers. Over-delivering leaves a lasting impression.
Engage with Customers on Social Media Use your social platforms to connect meaningfully with customers. Regular contests, questions, and rewards can strengthen your community and build brand loyalty.
Follow-Up After Sales After a sale, follow up to ensure customer satisfaction. A small tech repair shop, for example, could call a week after service to check on how the device is performing—an extra touch that shows you care.
Simplify the Customer Experience Make your business easy to interact with, from navigating your website to making a purchase. Streamline your checkout process with fewer steps or use automated FAQ pages to help customers get what they need without hassle.
Empower Employees to Make Decisions Give your team the power to make quick decisions that benefit customers, like offering a discount to resolve an issue on the spot. This not only reduces wait times but also delights customers and makes employees feel trusted.
By combining a stellar product with excellent customer service and retention strategies, businesses can achieve sustainable growth in an ever-changing market.
THE 35-YEAR-OLD CEO BEHIND RED LOBSTER’S RESURGENCE!
At 35, Damola Adamolekun became the youngest CEO of Red Lobster. Born in Nigeria and raised in Zimbabwe and the Netherlands, he moved to the U.S. at age nine, where Red Lobster became a favorite family dining spot.
Despite its popularity, the seafood chain faced significant challenges in recent years, including heavy losses after launching the “Ultimate Endless Shrimp” promotion, which ledto operational chaos, restaurant closures, and layoffs. By 2024, the company filed for bankruptcy.
Damola, who took over as CEO in August, plans to revitalize the brand through “incremental changes,” including a refresh of restaurant layouts and the dining experience to attract a younger audience.
He emphasizes that leadership is about experience and character, not age. Damola’s path to CEO began after earning his MBA from Harvard in 2017 and joining Paulson & Co., where he helped expand P.F. Chang’s delivery business. He later became CEO of P.F. Chang’s during the pandemic in 2020 before transitioning to Red Lobster.
In a striking turn of events, a new chapter has been added to the basketball hall of fame. Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, stamped their names on the sands of time, at the Paris Olympics 2024. With an inspiring blend of skill, and the impeccable leadership of their coach, Rena Wakama, they delivered a world class performance.
For the first time, an African Basketball team advanced to the quarterfinals in Olympics history.
The Journey to greatness
The D’Tigress’ run at the Olympics women’s basketball tournament, though marked with successes, is a story birthed from losses. From adversity at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 to losing the FIBA World Cup in 2022, the team has had their share of downs. But things turned around at the Paris Olympics 2024. Under ingenious leadership and with the support of their passionate fans, the team demonstrated an extraordinary level of preparedness and resilience. Their journey to the Olympics was proof of their talent, sheer determination, and renewed commitment.
Outstanding Moves
From the opening ceremony, adversity seemed to mar their efforts. Due to both internal and external issues, they were nowhere to be found among their Nigerian counterparts during the boat parade. Notwithstanding, they made up for it with a 75-62 win against Australia. This sent a strong message to spectators and opponents.
Key players like Ezinne Kalu were instrumental in driving the team’s success, showing versatility, and excellence. All the players also proved their ability to outmaneuver and outpace some of the world’s best teams.
D’tigress leave a legacy
Although their rising prominence in the Paris Olympics 2024 was short lived following their defeat 74-88 at the hands of team USA, in the quarter finals, no one can undermine their impressive run. Their victory serves as a pointer to the importance of investing in, and betting on women’s sports.
The D’tigress team’s dedication during the Olympics journey will show young athletes across the African continent, and the globe at large, that hard work and persistence transcends even talent.
Additionally, the team’s triumph marks a significant moment for Nigerian basketball. The D’tigress have not only elevated their national team’s status but also contributed to the broader narrative of African excellence in global sports.
Going Forward
As the team moves undeterred, basking in their recent glory, the focus now shifts to the future. Their win has earned them global salutation, as well as appointments. Coach Rena Wakama, the first Nigerian female basketball coach has been named ‘the best coach’ at the 2024 Olympics for her unmatched leadership and guidance.
In summary, the D’Tigress’ performance at the Paris Olympics 2024 has been nothing short of historic. Their achievements have not only brought pride to Nigeria but have also elevated the profile of African basketball on the world stage. As the echoes of the D’tigress’ success reverberate across the globe, all eyes are turned to Nigeria, and Africa, as a birthplace of excellence.
‘Celine Dion’ has always been a household name. When we count the queens of pop, she ranks as high as the likes of Whitney Houston and Beyonce. However, this article seeks to explore a little of her background, while focusing majorly on her inspirational comeback to the music scene, as seen just days ago.
Celine’s Background
For most people, being part of a family of singers, might make it difficult to find your path, but not Celine Marie Claudette Dion. From her earliest childhood, this superstar carved a niche for herself; first in the hearts of her parents, and soon, the whole world.
Born on March 30, 1968, to Thérèse Tanguay and Adhémar Dion in Charlemagne, Québec, in a little town 50 kilometers from Montréal, Celine would perform with her parents and 13 older siblings at neighborhood concerts. Everywhere she went, people were awed by her exceptionally sonorous voice.
From TV appearances to movie soundtracks, Celine Dion always sang with a passion, as one made for global spotlight. As young as 14, she had already earned awards like the gold medal at the 13th Yamaha World Popular Song Festival in Tokyo.
With over 20 studio albums, and about 20 compilation albums, Dion also has 6 Grammy wins under her belt. She’s widely regarded as the ‘Queen of Power Ballads’.
Tragedy Strikes
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the music business, tragedy struck. Celine Dion was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome {SPS) in August 2022.
In a documentary “I Am: Celine Dion”, released in June, 2024, which chronicled the life and achievements of the singer, an intimate scene revealed her in a most vulnerable moment, wailing in pain as she experiences a seizure.
Stiff person syndrome (SPS) as the name implies, is a rare autoimmune neurological disease with symptoms like involuntary violent muscle stiffness and spasms, hyper-rigidity, shortness of breath, lack of coordination, among others.
Following the pop legend’s diagnosis, she halted her previously planned tour schedule. In an interview with Vogue France, she’s reported to have said “I haven’t beat the disease, as it’s still within me and always will be … for now, I have to learn to live with it.” Thereafter, most people thought she was down and out, until she resurfaced at the Olympic Games, Paris, 2024.
Celine’s astonishing return
Celine Dion’s appearance at the opening ceremony of the games in Paris, came as a surprise. It is notably her first public performance after almost two years of a well deserved hiatus.
The “I’m Alive” singer, dressed in a specifically designed Dior Couture outfit, gave a spectacular performance of of the French song “Edith piaf’s ’Hymne a L’mour’. It was a momentous occasion to all who beheld the 56-year-old legend atop the Eiffel tower.
Taking to her social media, the singer wrote “I’m honored to have performed tonight, for the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony, and so full of joy to be back in one of my very favorite cities!”
Though she still struggles with the disease, fans all over the world are inspired by her indefatigable spirit.
Summer is almost upon us. And for some of us that can mean two things: vacations or stay-cations. Either way, it is a time to prioritize rest and relaxation.
You probably just rolled your eyes if you work a 9-5, run a business, or are a stay-at-home parent whose children will be constantly at home soon. You’re thinking: “who has time for that?” Actually, you do.
Let’s dive into the easy ways you can incorporate rest & relaxation into your busy schedule.
A-Always make time: as daunting, and overwhelming as your schedule may seem, the truth remains that there will always be something to do. There will always be something that requires your specific attention or skill set, whether at home or work.
This is why you have to make time for rest. If you keep waiting for free time, it may never come.
How to get started:
Grab a pen and paper, or the notes app on your phone or computer, and draw out your schedule. Looking at a physical representation of what your daily activities look like can help you think and plan better.
Circle out the hours, days or even moments, where you have less work.
B-Believe that you deserve it: more often than not, we see rest as something that should be earned, and observed only after a heavy task has been ticked off our to-do list. But the challenge with that is we keep going even after the task has been accomplished, because we feel we haven’t achieved enough yet to be sleeping, taking a vacation, or taking time off to watch a movie. It’s almost like you’re on overdrive. Unfortunately, your body can only take so much. Eventually, it’ll break down.
So stop. Breathe and say to yourself: “I deserve rest so that I can come back better and stronger”. And no, you’re not selfish for thinking so.
C- Curate activities: this is the part that most folks find confusing. They wonder: “So what will I do with the free time?”. Anything! You can decide to take a nap, start a new TV series, read a book, try a new recipe (there are some who find this relaxing), or visit with friends and families. Even if you’re at work, maximize the 30 minute break.
You can also decide to treat yourself by visiting a spa for a well-deserved pampering session. Whatever you want is totally okay, provided your mind is at ease while at it.
D: Dedicate yourself to seeing it through: high productivity is valued in our society (which is a good thing), so even after the decision has been made to rest, guilt can slip in.However, like the biblical Lot’s wife, don’t look back. Everything and everyone will be fine. Think of it as a necessity. Even machines require time to rest so that they can function maximally. You need to intentionally refuel and rejuvenate, so that you can return to your activities feeling refreshed.
E: Explain to no one: the onus lies entirely on you what to do with the free time you have created. So feel free to not explain to anyone the reason you treat yourself to a bucket of ice-cream every two Saturdays in a month. Or why you take a power nap during the 30 minute lunch break at work. Or why you pay a certain amount for a facial or deep tissue massage every Sunday.
F: Fall in love with rest: Make rest a habit. Build a schedule that allows for time to unplug, and recharge.
“Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about 3 o’clock every afternoon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap.”
