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Patricia Love On How We Need To Redefine Success

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1 year ago

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Mindset. If you don’t think you’re going to make any impact, you won’t. The nonprofit sector is a work of heart. It’s thankless and faceless a lot of the time. But someone has to do it, and anyone has the power and capability to give back, in their own way, where they see value and feel they can be of use. Ultimately, you have to believe in the project and the importance of the work.

For someone who wants to set aside money to establish a Philanthropic Foundation or Fund, what does it take to make sure your resources are being impactful and truly effective? In this interview series, called “How To Create Philanthropy That Leaves a Lasting Legacy” we are visiting with founders of Philanthropic Foundations, Charitable Organizations, and Non Profit Organizations, to talk about the steps they took to create sustainable success.

As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Patricia Love.

Patricia Love is the author of the #1 best-selling book “Seen and (Un) Heard.” A life coach, who builds confidence in women, who struggle with being seen and heard in their own lives. Turning her own life around at 57, she has made it her mission to turn her “mess into her message.”

Thank you for making time to visit with us about a ‘top of mind’ topic. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?

Well what led me down this path in the first place was really hitting rock bottom: I was a successful realtor for many years, but found myself with no money in the bank, no income, and a terrifying amount of debt… about 140,000 dollars in debt actually. My Mom had passed away and my husband had left me for a younger woman.

I was 57-years-old, depressed, overweight, and utterly lost. Everything I’d worked so hard for and that I’d sacrificed so much for seemed to have had slipped away rather suddenly. It was at this point I knew I had to make a change and I did. I picked myself up off the floor — literally — and made carefully intentional decisions and steps from then on to better myself and my circumstances. In doing so, I gained a lot of hard earned experience and wisdom that I now use to help other women. I like to say I turned my mess into my message.

You are a successful leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? We would love to hear a few stories or examples.

I would say the 3 main tenets I live by are transparency, integrity, and FUN! With regards to transparency, I always try to bring an openness and honesty with me through every part of my life, even when it comes to being honest with myself; integrity I think everyone should have and value… you have to know what you stand for, your core values… it helps you feel grounded and confident in who you are deep down. Plus, people will see through you if not. If you don’t believe yourself, how can you expect others to believe you? Finally, FUN. Because everyone needs to live life with a dose of fun injected in it… otherwise, what the heck are we doing here? I want to strive to thrive, and not JUST survive.

What’s the most interesting discovery you’ve made since you started leading your organization?

I think just learning about what it truly takes to be a leader. Mainly, realizing that it’s not ALL about me; it’s about the people that work with me. “People are not islands,” I like to say. We all need people. Humans are not solitary beings and I think in all the things I’ve done in my life, through all my careers, and even in coaching, I learn so much from the people around me. Even when I’m helping women gain the confidence that I found really traveling the long way around to get here, I learn from their situations and perspectives as well. My organization may have my name on it, but what it really boils down to is the people I work with.

Can you please tell our readers more about how you or your organization intends to make a significant social impact?

One of the things I’ve got in the works right now, which I really believe has the power to make important, impactful social change for women, is an app I am developing and launching soon-ish. I don’t have all the release details to unveil just yet. But it’s going to incorporate my coaching, a new program with monthly podcasts, and an in-app interactive community so that women anywhere, using the app, can lean on one another for support along their journey. A hugely key factor in the development of this app is that it is also meant to be one of the ways I’m working to give back and pay it forward… when I needed something like this, this type of coaching even, it wasn’t available; and what was available certainly wasn’t affordable or easily accessible. SO, my plan with this app is to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the app downloads into charity and outreach organizations that help women.

What makes you feel passionate about this cause more than any other?

I think this one just hits closer to home for me more than anything I’ve done in the past. We all know the saying, “walk a mile in their shoes,” well I LITERALLY have. It was hard. I can’t tell you how hard it is to find resources that will help you grow and make you better off that does cost you an arm and a leg, especially when you don’t have it. I was broke. When I need these types of services and outlets and support, I either couldn’t find what I needed, or I couldn’t afford it. I have been in the place of these women that now I’m looking to help, and I know what they’re going through; for some of them, I know exactly what they’ve been through. Because I was there. It feels a lot more personal when you’ve been there before.

Without naming names, could you share a story about an individual who benefitted from your initiatives?

Well my coaching has deeply impacted the women who have worked with me. I’ve been approached in the past at different speaking events where women have told me I changed their lives: gave them the courage to leave bad situations; or that me telling them that I believed in them was the spark that lit the match they needed to get moving and start believing in themselves again. I truly believe that the right words, at the right time, even if said by a stranger, has the power to profoundly impact people. I’ve been blessed to be a person in these peoples’ lives offering some of those right words at the right time. That’s not to say I always have the right words. But I do try to be mindful of what I say to each and every person I encounter. You never know. Sometimes you can’t see from the outside the pain or struggle someone is carrying and masking. I, myself, used to be REALLY good at that.

I think with this next initiative, in particular: with the app, and the charitable proceeds it generates, it will be a big difference and a page turned to open a new chapter compared to what I’m used to. I think it’s sort of beautiful that it has the power to benefit and change the lives of so many women who will potentially remain strangers, or faceless to me. I won’t necessarily get to meet them all face-to-face but that doesn’t mean I won’t be helping, which is what I’m truly passionate about. I don’t need someone approaching me telling them I’ve helped them. I just want to continue helping people.

We all want to help and to live a life of purpose. What are three actions anyone could take to help address the root cause of the problem you’re trying to solve?

Here’s my list

  1. Stop and Pause
  2. Acknowledge your truth
  3. Forgive

The first one is pretty self-explanatory yet a lot of us forget how helpful it can be to just take a step back from the situation: like hitting the pause button on the remote. Whatever is going on in your life, stressing you, or making you feel like crap… sometimes you need to stop and allow yourself the time to consider it from a different angle, from all angles, and just give yourself some distance from it. Get some perspective and give yourself some grace. Nobody is perfect. Rather we’re perfectly imperfect. Stop and pause and give yourself a chance to see that.

Acknowledge your truth… this is about knowing truly what you want and looking at the facts. Sometimes we get wrapped up in whatever that little voice in our head is telling us, but let’s face it, that voice is a real downer sometimes. Remind yourself what is true. What are the facts, and ask yourself what you really want. You can’t achieve what you’re aiming for if you constantly focusing on the negatives or the things bringing you down. Manifest your destiny.

Forgiveness is a big one. A hard pill to swallow sometimes. But you’d be surprised how much better it feels to just let go and move on. Holding grudges, clinging to the past… it’s done, it’s over, you’re wasting energy. Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting. Like the saying, “fool me once: shame on you. Fool me twice: shame on me.” Sometimes people deserve second chances, sometimes they don’t. At the end of the day, holding onto all that anger, and pain, and sadness is doing you more detriment likely than that person or situation ever did. So just forgive. And that includes forgiving yourself.

Based on your experience, what are the “5 Things You Need To Create A Successful & Effective Nonprofit That Leaves A Lasting Legacy?” Please share a story or example for each.

I think the five things you need to create a successful and effective non-profit correlates well with my 5 Diamonds — 5 Diamonds is a program I developed. Generally, the 5 Diamond approach is meant to be applied to inner self-work, but in this manner, we can see these 5 facets of healing and progress, can be applied to many different things in life.

Starting with the first Diamond: Acknowledgement. You must acknowledge the facts. Where is there need? How can you help? Set aside all the other stuff out there, the things you can’t fix or can’t control. What can you do? How can you make an impact NOW?

The second Diamond is Forgiveness. You must forgive yourself for not doing more or starting sooner. We all give back in the ways we can, when we can. Forgive others with wealth or the means to give back, who don’t or choose not to, because it’s wasted energy to be upset about it. It’s something you can’t control. And to an extent you have to forgive some of the systems in place that have failed people, particularly women. Does there need to be more safeguards? More resources? Increased access? Yes. But again, ask yourself what you can do, start small, then grow big, and take the action you can NOW.

The third diamond is Mindset. If you don’t think you’re going to make any impact, you won’t. The nonprofit sector is a work of heart. It’s thankless and faceless a lot of the time. But someone has to do it, and anyone has the power and capability to give back, in their own way, where they see value and feel they can be of use. Ultimately, you have to believe in the project and the importance of the work.

The fourth diamond is Accountability. This one is a tough one but so important as a non-profit; you become accountable to so many people. When people at their lowest or with some type of need rely on you, you need to show up. As a person, as a company, or organization — you’ve made it your mission to help in whatever way you’ve chosen, and it’s important to see that through and continue to show up and put your best work forward for people who need you.

And finally, the fifth diamond is Perseverance. It’s so important in life no matter what your mission or goal. You’ll feel so good getting to the next step or whatever accomplishment if you know you had to walk through the mud, uphill both ways, just to get there. In non-profit work, people are counting on you, many of whom have given all their fight — they’ve struggled, they’re downtrodden, and now they’re reaching out to you. You have to be their advocate and fight the good fight for them now: whether that’s battling bureaucracy or other red tape. Whatever your mission, see it through to the end.

How has the pandemic changed your definition of success?

The pandemic has changed all our lives, I feel… it’s hard to narrow it down to one thing, but in terms of success specifically, it made me realize that my success and my ability to help people are directly linked. Ultimately, success is arbitrary. It means something different to every person. I’m successful I feel because I truly know my purpose and my passion. The pandemic made me more grateful, feel more at peace with myself, and it made me even more aware of others’ journeys around me. Hence, my mission to build people up, to support women, to help people… let people feel seen and heard. In doing so, that will be a job well-done; that will be success enough for me.

How do you get inspired after an inevitable setback?

The key word here is inevitability. We can all get peace of mind by acknowledging the things we can’t control, and knowing that we have immense power, but not power over EVERYTHING. How I refer to this is, “getting out of your own way.” Instead of stressing about not being able to control everything, look at what you CAN control, what you can improve on, and which of those things will help you to move forward from where you are now. The past is the past; learn from it, let it go, and then take that next step forward.

We are very blessed that very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world who you would like to talk to, to share the idea behind your non-profit? He, she, or they might just see this, especially if we tag them. ?

Yes! Karissa Bodnar, the owner of Thrive Causemetics…I would love to talk with her over coffee. I think she’s fantastic and I’d love to learn from her. I bet she’d have some great tips as well.

You’re doing important work. How can our readers follow your progress online?

Check out my website: Patricialove.com or get in touch through Instagram @coachpatricialove

Thank you for a meaningful conversation. We wish you continued success with your mission.

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New Study Reveals Majority of UK’s Young People Unaware of Careers Advice on Offer

Published

3 months ago

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July 3, 2023

By

Jack Parsons

3rd July 2023, London, United Kingdom:

  • A new study from Youth Group finds three fifths (63%) of 18–25-year-olds are unaware of the current career advice available to them.
  • Just under half (48%) feel they are limited when it came to accessing vital career guidance.
  • Findings revealed to coincide with the anticipated launch of Season 3 of ‘My Duvet Flip: The careers show for young people’ fronted by UK’s Chief Youth Officer Jack Parsons.
  • The latest season of My Duvet Flip is backed by returning Season Two partners Aviva & EY, who are now joined leading UK jobs platform Totaljobs.
  • Season 3 is available to watch on LinkedIn, Youth Space, TikTok, and YouTube, starting from July 1, 2023.

Youth Group, the nation’s leading youth employment company with over 1.7 million members, have published new figures underlining the extent to which young people are being left without the necessary access support and guidance needed to successfully start their careers and navigate the UK’s turbulent job market.

Figures released by Youth Group reveal a clear gap between the guidance currently provided and the needs of young job seekers. The majority of young people (16–24-year-olds) are simply unaware of the available career advice resources on offer. A further 48% also found that when trying to access these resources they have felt restricted in terms of the advice they were able to access.

It is response to clear gap in careers guidance that ‘My Duvet Flip: The Careers Show for Young People’ is returns this July for its highly anticipated third season.

Backed by returning Season 2 partners Aviva & EY, season three also introduces a brand new partnership with leading UK recruitment solutions provider Totaljobs, part of global digital recruitment platform, The StepStone Group.

Totaljobs is well-aware of the considerable challenges being faced by young people in the UK. Their own report in the nation’s future talent, released in October 2022 found that half (48%) of 16-18 year olds in the UK believed they were receiving a lack of career advice at school.

Totaljobs has over 20 years’ experience helping individuals find the best job that suits their life circumstances. Whether it’s the first step in their career or a job to cover their expenses, together, this partnership seeks the best guest line-ups, whilst providing educational and job advice to instil confidence in young people across the UK to achieve their employment goals.

By joining forces with ‘My Duvet Flip‘ Totaljobs aims to empower and inspire the youth of the UK. Season Three, presented UK’s Chief Youth Officer, Jack Parsons will continue to engage in up-front, candid conversations with global business leaders, entrepreneurs, and politicians. The show explores their career journeys and seeks to extract valuable tips and advice for viewers from their own experiences. The series also offers insights into what motivates these leaders to succeed and what inspires them to start their day with a positive mindset.

Season Two saw an incredible line-up of guests, such as UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Debbie Hewitt, FA Chairman, Sebastian Dettmers, Chief Executive Officer, of The Stepstone Group, and President of Google Europe; Matt Brittin.

The second season of ‘My Duvet Flip’ attracted an impressive 9 million views and generated over eight times more engagements compared to the previous season.

Jack Parsons, CEO of Youth Group and the UK’s Chief Youth Officer says:

“I’m excited to present the third season of ‘My Duvet Flip’ and share the motivational and honest conversations I’ve had the privilege to experience with some of Britain’s most successful business leaders, including Sebastian from The Stepstone Group,” shared Parsons. “The podcast is all about supporting the millions of young people across the UK and empowering them to achieve their goals.”

Sebastian Dettmers, Chief Executive Officer of The Stephone Group said:

“I am proud that Totaljobs will now be a partner of ‘The Duvet Flip’ for the 3rd season. Earlier this year, I guested on ‘My Duvet Flip’ and met Jack in person and was very excited by his mission: to be an inspiration and support to young people in the world of work. This fits very well with what we do at The Stepstone Group and at Totaljobs where we help to help find the right job for everyone.”

Jack Parsons, has already earned multiple accolades, including being recognised as LinkedIn’s ‘Top Voice for Young People’ and ‘Top 15 Young Entrepreneurs to Watch,’ hopes that the second season of ‘My Duvet Flip’ will inspire young individuals across the UK to realize and fulfil their potential.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

Survey conducted by Youth Group between February to April 2023. The total survey sample was 15,847 young people between the ages of 18-25.

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Brayan Jimenez talks about Maximizing Business Growth: Unleashing the Power of a Strategic Financial Controller in Fintech and Business Improvement

Published

3 months ago

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June 27, 2023

By

Fintech

In the fast-paced world of business and fintech, organizations face unique challenges that demand a strategic approach to financial management and operational enhancement. A skilled and experienced strategic financial controller proficient in implementing Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and optimizing processes is the catalyst for unlocking growth potential and mitigating risks.

This article delves into the significance of having a strategic financial controller, the risks associated with neglecting one, and the exceptional value they bring to businesses in the fintech sector.

What is a Strategic Financial Controller?

A strategic financial controller is a highly skilled professional who plays a crucial role in managing an organization’s financial operations and driving its financial success. They possess a deep understanding of financial management, accounting principles, and business analytics, allowing them to provide strategic insights and guidance. Unlike traditional financial controllers, they take a proactive and forward-thinking approach, aligning financial strategies with the organization’s overall objectives.

They work closely with key stakeholders to develop and execute financial plans, optimize profitability, and mitigate risks. A strategic financial controller also excels in identifying opportunities for operational improvement, implementing efficient processes, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.

Their expertise in ERP systems and data analysis enables them to provide accurate financial insights for informed decision-making. Overall, a strategic financial controller is an invaluable asset in driving financial stability, growth, and long-term success for businesses.

The Value a Strategic Financial Controller Brings to Businesses

A strategic financial controller brings immense value to fintech businesses, mitigating risks and driving growth through their expertise in various key areas.

  • Financial Strategy and Planning: A strategic financial controller aligns financial strategies with business objectives, providing guidance on capital allocation, funding strategies, and financial forecasting. This ensures businesses are well-positioned for growth and financial stability.
  • Operational Efficiency: By implementing ERP systems and optimizing business processes, a strategic financial controller enhances operational efficiency, minimizes costs, and maximizes resource allocation. This leads to improved productivity, reduced inefficiencies, and increased profitability.
  • Risk Management and Compliance: In the fintech sector, compliance with regulatory requirements is paramount. A strategic financial controller helps navigate complex regulations, ensuring compliance and mitigating legal and reputational risks. They also establish robust risk management frameworks, safeguarding against potential threats and strengthening data security measures.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: A strategic financial controller has extensive knowledge of financial management and data analysis. They empower executives to make informed decisions, spot market trends, and spur innovation by converting complex financial data into usable insights. This gives companies a competitive edge and encourages long-term growth.

The Risks of Ignoring the Role of a Strategic Financial Controller

Failure to employ a strategic financial controller exposes businesses in the fintech sector to numerous difficulties and risks. Without their expertise, organizations may encounter:

  • Inefficient Financial Operations: Inadequate streamlining of financial processes leads to errors, delays, and subpar financial reporting, hampering decision-making and compliance efforts.
  • Regulatory Non-Compliance: The highly regulated fintech landscape requires meticulous adherence to complex regulatory requirements. Without a strategic financial controller’s guidance, organizations may struggle to navigate these regulations, resulting in legal and reputational risks.
  • Inadequate Risk Management: Fintech companies handle sensitive financial data and are prone to cybersecurity threats. The absence of a strategic financial controller increases vulnerability to data breaches and financial fraud.
  • Missed Growth Opportunities: Absence of a dedicated professional overseeing financial strategies may result in missed growth opportunities, failure to optimize revenue streams, and suboptimal investment decisions.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving world of business and fintech, the role of a strategic financial controller is pivotal. Neglecting to employ one exposes businesses to inefficiencies, compliance risks, and missed growth opportunities. However, by harnessing the expertise of a strategic financial controller in ERP systems, financial management, and operational enhancement, fintech organizations can thrive, outpace their competitors, and achieve sustainable growth. Investing in a strategic financial controller is a strategic decision that ensures financial stability, streamlines operations, and propels businesses towards unprecedented success.

Contact:

Brayan Jimenez – LinkedIn

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Breast Cancer: Facts, Symptoms, Prevention and Latest Research

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3 months ago

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June 27, 2023

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Photo by Leeloo Thefirst: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-brassiere-cutout-on-a-pink-surface-7805693/

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers that affect women worldwide. While significant progress has been made in early detection and treatment options, it remains a serious health concern with potential life-altering consequences. This article provides an overview of breast cancer facts and statistics, symptoms to look out for, ways to lower risk factors, screening methods available for early detection, and the latest research developments in finding better prevention measures and treatments.

Facts and Statistics

Breast cancer is the most common cancer globally, accounting for 12.5% of all new annual cancer cases worldwide. In the U.S., an estimated 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed in women in 2022. About 13% of U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.

The risk factors for developing breast cancer include being a woman and getting older; however, some genetic mutations can also contribute to its development. While about 85% of breast cancers occur in women with no family history of the disease, Ashkenazi Jewish women have a higher risk due to a higher rate of BRCA mutations.

Breast cancer death rates have been decreasing since 1989 due to treatment advances and earlier detection through screening; however, persistent disparities exist among different racial or ethnic groups. Black women are more likely than any other group to die from breast cancer due partially to high rates of triple-negative breast cancer diagnosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer symptoms can vary from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any signs or symptoms at all. However, there are warning signs that people should be aware of.

These include the appearance of a new lump in the breast or underarm, thickening or swelling of part of the breast, irritation or dimpling of breast skin, redness or flaky skin in the nipple area or on the breast, pulling in of the nipple or pain in this area, nipple discharge other than milk (including blood), and any change in size/shape/pain experienced within any portion(s) of your breasts.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also occur due to non-cancerous conditions; thus it is recommended for an individual with such concerns to seek advice from their healthcare provider as soon as possible so they can determine if further testing is needed.

Ways to Lower the Risk of Breast Cancer

There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, but there are steps that can be taken which may help to reduce the risk. Some risk factors are beyond an individual’s control, such as age and gender; however, other factors like body weight and alcohol consumption can be modified.

For all women, maintaining a healthy weight throughout life by balancing food intake with physical activity is crucial in reducing the risk of developing breast cancer after menopause. Regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for at least 150-300 minutes per week (or any combination of these) is also recommended.

Alcohol should either be avoided or limited to one drink per day at most since even small amounts have been linked with an increase in breast cancer risk.

Breastfeeding for several months after childbirth might also lower the chances of developing breast cancer while using hormone therapy after menopause can increase the risk. In case hormonal treatment options are required post-menopause, non-hormonal options should be discussed with healthcare providers.

For women who are known to have an increased risk of developing breast cancer due to certain genetic mutations or family history etc., medical interventions like genetic counseling/testing and prescription medicines like tamoxifen and raloxifene could help lower their chances of getting it. Preventive surgery or close observation for early signs of this disease could also be considered based on individualized assessments made by healthcare professionals.

Screening for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer screening is used to detect the disease before symptoms appear. Tests like mammography, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used for screening. The primary goals of breast cancer screening are early detection and reduction or elimination of deaths from the disease. Mammography is currently considered to be the best tool available for breast cancer screening as it has been shown to reduce fatalities resulting from this type of cancer.

While digital mammography may be more effective at identifying cancers in dense breasts, 3D mammograms may improve sensitivity even further by reducing false-positive results that lead to additional testing and anxiety. However, overdiagnosis remains a potential issue with this method.

Other tests such as ultrasounds and MRIs are not routinely recommended unless there is a high risk of developing breast cancer due to genetic mutations or other factors.

The frequency and type of breast cancer screenings recommended depend on individual risk factors, age, health status, etc., so it’s important to discuss options with your doctor. Different organizations have varying recommendations regarding when women should start getting screened for breast cancer as well as how often they should receive these tests.

It’s worth noting that while clinical breast examinations (CBEs) are included in some guidelines along with mammography, others do not recommend them for women who are not at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Breast self-examination is also not proven to lower mortality rates but can help people become familiar with their bodies in order to better identify changes that could indicate a problem.

Latest Research on Breast Cancer

Researchers are studying various aspects of early-stage and locally advanced breast cancer to find ways to prevent the disease, provide better care, and improve treatments. This includes identifying causes such as environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and endocrine disruptors. Additionally, they are developing new methods for evaluating genes and proteins in order to determine the best treatment options for each individual patient.

Other areas of research include finding more effective ways to prevent breast cancer or detect it at an earlier stage; determining whether ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) should always be treated with surgery; identifying which molecular subtypes of cancer require chemotherapy; testing new drug therapies for different types of breast cancer; exploring approaches like targeted radiation therapy schedules and reconstructive surgery techniques; improving hormonal therapies for ER-positive breast cancer patients; managing symptoms associated with treatments that affect the quality of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, breast cancer is a serious disease that affects many women worldwide. While there are steps to reduce risk factors and early detection through screening, ongoing research is necessary to improve treatment options and overall outcomes for patients. Recommendations include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular screenings based on individualized assessments by healthcare professionals, and staying informed about the latest research developments in breast cancer. It’s important for individuals to discuss any concerns or questions with their doctor and follow recommended guidelines for prevention and care.

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