Category: Women - E B O N Y S P E A K E R S

Labor Day Special Pricing On The November 2nd Multicultural Conference

9/4/2017

By Carole Copeland Thomas, MBA, CDMP, CITM

You Are Cordially Invited To Register And Attend
The November 2nd Multicultural Conference
"Women, Work & Celebrating Self Worth"

Special Conference Labor Day Pricing Ends On September 5th More details at: http://bit.ly/2gx2EPD

Bring your managers, supervisors, staff, and colleagues to the premiere diversity conference of the region. This is the 11th conference since 2008 and will deliver the resources, toolkits, and answers you've been looking for. In addition, the networking opportunities will connect you to some of the movers and shakers who are committed to the advancement of multiculturalism throughout the marketplace.

Our theme is "Women Work & Celebrating Self Worth." It's an opportunity for BOTH women AND men to attend an exciting day long exchange of keynote addresses, roundtable discussions and panel presentations all focused on the value and opportunities of women in the workplace.

The Multicultural Symposium Series is the only African American led conference series in New England. Founded by African American social entrepreneur Carole Copeland Thomas, the initiative will deliver value, substance and new insights for you and your team.

Register during Labor Day Weekend and SAVE.

We'll See You On November 2nd!

-Carole Copeland Thomas
Complete Information at www.mssconnect.com.

The Power Of Women: National Women's March

2/5/2017

By Carole Copeland Thomas, MBA, CDMP, CITM

The weather couldn't have been better. The huge crowds operated like one big happy family - one million strong. And their enthusiasm was replicated throughout the country and the world.

I attended the January 21st National Women's March in Washington DC. This video highlights the essence of that historic day and why it will become the catalyst for change for women, elected officials and men everywhere.

How To Keep Your Life Balance

11/1/2016

By Debra W. Gould, MS

Balancing work and personal demands is more challenging today than ever. Organizations are constantly focusing on how to improve production, profits and performance, while at the same time working to maintain a high level of morale. With no definitive parameters for measuring balance, perhaps the real goal should be personal and professional separation-as we explain in this blog.

Why separation is so important:
As technology has revolutionized the business landscape, many professionals no longer just leave their work at the office. This causes many people to feel they spend all their time working or on call, regardless of location. At the same time, many parents are prioritizing attendance at their kids' events and family dinners using the same technology within the time frames of "normal business hours." As a result, many people are doing two things at once-and doing neither very well. How many times have you been at a restaurant with your family and all attention is devoted to your smartphone? When your personal and professional lives overlap in this manner, both of them suffer.

The Facts:
At the office: Jobs frequently require people to work late, to put in extra hours and spend days on the road away from the family. This is because the job needs to get done, and a true professional understands they may have to miss a child's event or be away from home at inopportune times. To be great in business a person must make sacrifices.

At home: Most professionals today work to provide for their family, and feel their family or personal life is the most important thing to them. Moms want to be moms, dads want to be dads, and people want to be who they are other than what their business card states.

So how do you do both?
Be present at work: When a person is at work they need to be at work, no matter their family dynamics or problems-they must learn to leave them at home. The one thing that can make any family problem even more difficult is for that person to lose their job because their personal issues are affecting their performance.
Be present at home: When a person is home with their family they need to be present there. They should leave their phone and suit jacket at the door. Just like the company that pays that employee deserves the employee's very best, their families deserve their very best too.

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Debra W. Gould, MS is the president of Debra Gould & Associates, Inc. based in New Orleans and provides management consulting and training services to commercial and government clients. Debra is one of the founders of The Ebony Speakers and co-author of the book, Real Women, Real Issues - Positive Collaborations For Business Success.
Debra can be reached at: (504) 244-6576
email: djgould@gouldassoc.com and
website: www:gouldassoc.com

Women and Leadership

8/7/2016

By Debra W. Gould, MS

It appears that more women than ever are stepping up to positions of leadership, but the path are still not as clear and unobstructed as one might hope. Alison Levine, who served on the faculty at the United States Military Academy at West Point, had a career on Wall Street and was team captain of the first American Women's Everest Expedition, said it's crucial to find the people, both men and women, who will help you gain access.

We share these tips for being (or supporting) a successful woman in leadership.

Heroism is a trait that is rarely associated with being female, but the acknowledgement that women leaders often behave heroically could move us closer to recognizing that women are natural leaders. If it sounds like we're making a connection between heroism and leadership-you're right. In a survey of people's beliefs about heroes and what heroism represents, eight traits were identified as predominant: smart, strong, resilient, selfless, caring, charismatic, reliable and inspiring.

Interestingly, when women executives were asked what qualities were present in women who have risen to the highest ranks in their organizations, many qualities echoed those heroic traits. They listed confidence, grace, diplomacy, tact, insight, listening with good eye contact, moral integrity, global intelligence, warmth, compassion, understanding, transparency, authenticity, passion for their work, competence, good communication skills, self-assurance, being welcoming, and seekers of the best outcome for all parties.

Women are entering the ranks of leadership in increasing numbers and are demonstrating that those qualities attributed to the female gender actually enhance productivity. If you are a woman who has gained access to a leadership position, hold on to those qualities that are the secret to your success. Here are a few more tips:

•Keep your eyes open for other talented people who may need a foot in the door. They may become an asset in your organization.

•Motivate others by showing personal appreciation and approval rather than neglect or disapproval.

•Continue to be sensitive to other people's feelings and be willing to provide interpersonal support. This can be as simple as a sympathetic look or a message of support.

•Communicate with staff so they know you are aware of the stress they are experiencing on the job.

•Clarify your ultimate goals and allow people on the day-to-day operational level the autonomy to work within those goals without micromanaging them.

•Monitor your staff as to their assignments and abilities. Match job assignments with workers allowing them to work at the top of their competency.

All of these qualities are attributes with which women leaders have excelled. You will find your supporters and your place.

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Debra W. Gould, MS is the president of Debra Gould & Associates, Inc. based in New Orleans and provides management consulting and training services to commercial and government clients. Debra is one of the founders of The Ebony Speakers and co-author of the book, Real Women, Real Issues - Positive Collaborations For Business Success.

Debra can be reached at: (504) 244-6576
email: djgould@gouldassoc.com and
website: www:gouldassoc.com

The Importance of Image – Or Not

5/15/2015

By Michelle Porchia

Beyonce arrived some two hours late to the Met Gala in New York

When I was growing up, I was taught that image is extremely important. How people see you starts how they treat you. I learned from a well-known speaker that a person is judged by the first glimpse that someone has of you and then the first 12 words out of your mouth. If that is the case, what image are we portraying and what image do we want others to judge us by?

The Met Gala* was the talk on all the news programs in early May 2015. What was interesting is that they didn’t really talk about the purpose or importance of the Gala; what they talked about was the seemingly new theme of who could show the most skin. Granted, the Gala is known for its outrageous costumes. It is, however, a fundraiser and I think a little decorum is needed. The theme was “China: Through the Looking Glass.” Interestingly, some of the costumes were Japanese and Korean themed, not even Chinese. Perhaps some people needed a lesson in the differences of Asian culture. Furthermore, I read several articles written by Chinese writers who thought the Gala showed racism and disrespect. One celebrity carried a purse in the shape of a china doll. “The blunt bangs, the round face, the rosy cheeks and monolids are so pronounced that the poor doll can't even open its eyes, apparently. Because a Chinese girl can't have big round eyes, huh? It's like the haute couture version of a politically incorrect Barbie doll.” The writer also pointed out, “the sexed up version of a qipao is that it perpetuates the stereotype that Chinese women are "exotic, subservient sluts.” (Fashionista - Fawnia Soo Hoo)

During the red carpet at the Oscars, the focus is all about “who are you wearing,” not that the actors, writers, directors, etc., are there to hopefully win an award for their hard work. There is a little more elegance at the Oscars but for a while, it was becoming a competition for showing skin as well.

Women in videos are called not-so-nice names because they are scantily clad and gyrate. Yet young girls watch these videos and unfortunately model the image they see because they think it gets them attention. It does, but is it the attention they want and deserve?

TV shows and movies have shown business women in suits with no blouses, skirts so short they never sit or are seated behind a desk and six inch heels. Why are we surprised that people actually dress like this when they come to work?

Bringing back the importance of image to the grass roots level, we need to reassess how we want women to be viewed. What image do we want our young girls to aspire to and project? I was working with a group of college girls and a few of them didn’t understand why they were getting feedback that they were inappropriately dressed for the office. Their supervisors felt that they were dressing for the club rather than for the corporate arena. One young lady said she needed to find a job in an environment that she felt she fit in. She was one of the young women that received feedback about inappropriate dress. Corporate America has also swung the other direction; many have very casual environments now.

When I started in the working world, I was told two things about dressing for Corporate America: 1) Dress for the position you aspire to attain; and 2) You don’t want people to focus on what you have on but what you bring to the table. I’m not saying that we should dress in sack cloths. I am saying we can be classy, elegant, and even sexy without being almost naked.

I think we need to reassess what message we are sending as women and what do we want to be remembered for…our skin showing through the little bit of material we wear or the value we bring to the workplace and to the world?

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*What Is The Met Gala??

The Met Gala, formally called the Costume Institute Gala and also known as the Met Ball, is an annual fundraising gala for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute in New York City. It marks the grand opening of the Costume Institute's annual fashion exhibit. Each year's event celebrates the theme of that year's Costume Institute exhibition, and the exhibition sets the tone for the formal dress of the night since guests are expected to choose their fashion to match the theme of the exhibit. Each year the event also has honorary celebrity event day chairpersons.

This year's theme was China.

The most recent event was held on May 4, 2015

Source: Wikipedia

The Women Who Mentored Me

4/17/2015

By Carole Copeland Thomas

Paying tribute to the women (and men) who raised me at my home church, St. Paul AME in Detroit Michigan. This video shows how important mentoring is between generations. Enjoy!

5 Steps To Positive Work Relationships

10/12/2014

By Debra W. Gould, MS

Building positive workplace relationships is vital for career success. Relationships can positively or negatively affect your satisfaction with the job, your ability to advance and to gain recognition for your achievements. When you build positive relationships, you feel more comfortable with your interactions and less intimidated by others. You feel a closer bond to the people with whom you spend the majority of your time working. We are sharing these tips that will help you lay the foundation for positive work relationships. The good news is they are easy to implement--so start today.

1. Share more of yourself at meetings. One of the best ways to build relationships is to let others know who you are. This can come by sharing your expertise, knowledge and personality at meetings. Other people will either get to know you, like you or want to hear more from you. They will find you more approachable and thus the chance of building relationships begins to occur. If you are fearful to share at meetings, think ahead of time what you want to say so that you are more prepared.

2. Speak positively about the people you work with, especially to your boss. Get in the habit of speaking positively to others and providing quality feedback about the people you work with; don't fall into the trap of bonding over misery. Many times the information that gets shared (whether positive or negative) comes back to the person who is being discussed. People will enjoy hearing that you have said supportive things about them and will know that you are on their side. That will build trust.

3. Be supportive of other people's work. Ask how you can get involved. This will form a closer connection because you are working directly with them to help them meet their goals. They will appreciate your support and get to know you better, which is vital to creating a more connected working relationship.

4. Ask others to become involved in your projects or activities. Don't be afraid to ask others for help and bring them onto your projects. The more they can participate in the activities you are working on, the better you get to know each other. You'll enjoy working with others in getting more things done.

5. Write thank-you notes. Write notes of appreciation to the people who are doing exemplary work, making positive contributions and going above the call of duty. These notes can be handwritten, sent via email or left on voicemail. Send them to people above you, below you or at the peer level. Colleagues like to be appreciated and will feel closer to you by having been noticed and thanked for their contributions.
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Debra W. Gould, MS is the president of Debra Gould & Associates, Inc. based in New Orleans and provides management consulting and training services to commercial and government clients. Debra is one of the founders of The Ebony Speakers and co-author of the book, Real Women, Real Issues - Positive Collaborations For Business Success. Debra can be reached at: (504) 244-6576,
email: djgould@gouldassoc.com and
website: www:gouldassoc.com
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Your Comments Are Welcome!

5 STEPS TO INNERGIZING

9/22/2014

by Michelle Porchia

The earth is preparing to rest from all the splendor (and turbulence) it gave us this year. It has been a year of extreme weather and extreme changes. Even more so, I encourage you to slow down and rest, relax, rejuvenate yourself.

"I just don't have time to do the personal things I want or need to do for myself."

Have you ever said that? If you have, it is time for you to take an Innergize Day. It is a day set aside for you. It is a time when you can devote some attention to your own personal endeavors—a "do anything you want to do for yourself" day!

My goal is to get people to start with one day per year, progress to one day per month, then one day per week, and eventually an hour per day. It is a time of "self-celebration" to be incorporated into one's daily lifestyle. Nowadays everyone is so busy going and doing instead of being. Below are five steps on how you can innergize. It is scheduled for the day after Autumn begins every year (this year September 23) because that is when the earth goes to rest. I want you to rest.

Step One: Give Yourself Permission (I've said this before). Give yourself permission to put yourself first and NOT feel guilty. When you take care of yourself, you are better able to take care of others. When you rest, relax, renew, rejuvenate, you have the energy and clarity to do what you want to do.

Step Two: Schedule an appointment with YOU. We put everyone else on the calendar. It is time to put YOU on the calendar. Start small; schedule 15-30 minutes a week to do something for yourself. Try to expand it to 15-30 minutes a day.

Step Three: Take Your Breaks. There is a tendency to skip lunch and breaks while we work or we eat while we work. It is important to take periodic breaks to rest your
body and mind. When you rest your mind, you are more productive
and creative. It is also important to eat properly (this does not mean eating at your desk and working through lunch).

Step Four: Entrepreneurs: You Are Your Business. Investing in taking care of your mind, body and spirit is investing in the foundation of your business. If you are not able to work, your business will suffer. It is crucial to make health and happiness a priority while developing your business. If you work 24/7, you will burn out. You need to schedule time for you in the same way you do for your clients. You can't give 110%, you don't have it to give.

Step Five: Celebrate. There were two very popular songs out this year, "Let It Go" from the movie Frozen and "Happy" from the movie Despicable Me 2. Both songs talk about being yourself and enjoying life. You need to celebrate yourself. Celebrate life. Celebrate the little things as well as the big things. You don't have to celebrate elaborately. You can do simple things like treat yourself to flowers, a new book (and allowing yourself to read it), buying a Pumpkin Spice Latte, going to bed early, watching a movie in bed, etc.

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Your Comments Are Welcome!!

Inspriation For Us All: "SHINE!" Rev. Katherine Brooks

9/22/2014

by Carole Copeland Thomas

Sometimes you just need a little inspiration. Described as a blue eyed soul sister, Rev. Katherine Brooks, a Harvard educated pastor and theologian of the African Methodist Episcopal Church delivered a spellbinding message entitled "Shine" at the Missionary Annual Day Service at Grant AME Church in Boston. Trained by Rev. Alvan Johnson (in the background of the video clip), she masterfully weaves the purpose of a lighthouse into the duties of missionaries, with rousing choruses of "Amen" shouted by the congregation.

Enjoy this short clip...and Let The Church Say Amen!!

Seven Steps For Developing A Better YOU!

9/3/2014

By Nancy J. Lewis, MS, PHR, RCC

In this fast paced, ever changing world where we must learn to do more with less, we must be grounded in who we are. To cope with the changing world of work, diverse customers and employees, the generational divide, rightsizing, downsizing, whatever the term used, we must have a strong sense of self.

Developing a better you requires recognizing that everything begins from within. We must remind ourselves of the unique gifts we possess that make us special. Too often, we focus on our failures and forget the successes we have had in life. Our failures help us grow because they challenge us to find a way to persevere until the victory is won. Our successes propel us forward to continue to run the race before us because we have what it takes to succeed.

1. Believe in yourself.

You must know that you are unique and decide to validate yourself. You must have positive self-talk and recognize that failure is not final, merely a steppingstone to greatness. Commit to measuring yourself with yourself and not someone else. I once read you can be a first rate you or a second rate somebody else. Affirm today, I am confident, courageous, and capable.

2. Surround yourself with positive people.

People with negative attitudes are energy draining and when your energy is zapped, you have to go and get recharged. Is it always easy to have positive people around? Absolutely not! We must continue to help others by suggesting sources of inspiration such as self-help books, motivational tapes, and spiritual literature. Then we must challenge individuals to be willing to take charge of their life and the things they can change. Often, you will find yourself spending less time with persons because you can see they really do not want to change. These negative people are often dream busters and if you let them, they will chatter your dreams. Be careful who you share your dreams with and do what you must do for yourself to remain focused and positive. Each you must decide to embrace life with an attitude of gratitude. Affirm today, I will focus on the positive things in life.

3. Visualize success.

In order to visualize success, you must see your dreams and goals with clarity and have a plan. Steven Covey states you must begin with the end in mind. The Bible states where there is no vision the people perish. Is it so important to have a blueprint to guide and direct your path as you work towards achieving your dreams and goals in life. Commit to developing a plan for the dreams and goals you have set for yourself in your personal and professional life. Affirm today, I will take one positive action that will lead me one step closer to reaching my goals.

4. Welcome and embrace change.

How many of you love change? Most of us resist change because of uncertainty and the risks it brings. The only constant in life is that things will change. Our ability to cope with change will help us reduce the stress change often brings. Many of us our currently facing some form of change in our lives, empty nesters, taking care of aging parents, family crisis, jobs being downsized or eliminated, mergers and acquisitions and the list goes on and on. It is vital we find ways to embrace and welcome changes that will take place on our personal and professional lives. Change allows us the opportunity to expand our boundaries and grow. Affirm today, I will welcome and embrace change.

5. Celebrate successes everyday in your life.

When you achieve a major milestone in your life, how do you reward yourself? Start a happy file, smile file, or success journal today. When someone sends you a note, an e-mail message, or a letter that lets you know they appreciate you, put it in that file. Start to focus on the nice things people say and do for you and help them begin their happy file by sharing with them in written form, a note of appreciation. When you start recognizing the successes and strengths of others, it is amazing how much more people start to recognize yours. What you send out to others returns to you. Begin the habit of rewarding yourself for the milestones that move you closer to your goals. These milestones may be big or small. It really doesn’t matter the size only that you recognize them. The important thing is to celebrate because small successes lead to big successes. Affirm today, I will start my happy file.

6. Love Yourself.

What kind of self-talk goes on in your head? What do you say about yourself to others? Learn how to look in the mirror and declare that you love the reflection you see. There is no one else like you in the universe. You are special and always remember that. Love you for the wonderful person you are. Affirm today, I value and love myself.

7. Maintain a winning attitude about life.

Life may not always deal you the hand you want, but learn how to play the hand you are dealt with a winning disposition. Maintaining a winning attitude means that when challenges come, you recognize there is a miracle in your struggle. When you are able to maintain a winning attitude about life, you draw people and circumstances that will be a blessing to you. In life nothing happens by chance, everything is divinely orchestrated. So go forward and keep your winning attitude about life and watch your garden of greatness grow. Affirm today, I will maintain a winning attitude about life.

Nancy J. Lewis is the president of Progressive Techniques, Inc. based in Fayetteville, Georgia where the theme of her company is
“Developing a Better YOU."
Nancy can be reached at (770) 964-5533 or email: nancy@progressivetechniquesinc.com or website: www.progressivetechniquesinc.com.

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Your Comments Are Welcome.