Jenny Huang is an award-winning concert pianist, brand marketer, DEI leader, and public speaker. She has been recognized as one of the most “Inspiring Women” by Campaign US. With a trailblazing career in marketing and communications, Jenny has worked extensively with Fortune 500 clients. She currently leads brand marketing and communications at Energy BBDO while also serving as the Global Culture Lead for Omnicom’s Asian Leaders Circle. Throughout her career, Jenny has distinguished herself through her unique combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and empathy.
FWM: Share your background.
Thank you for having me! My name is Jenny Huang. For the past decade, I dedicated countless hours to mastering the piano and performing internationally as a concert pianist. Music has been and will always be my passion, teaching me discipline, creativity, and emotional connection with audiences.
However, my journey as a successful chess player in my earlier years sparked a desire for business in my heart and honed my exceptional analytical skills. In the past few years, I made the transition into the marketing world and discovered that, like music, it’s about creating meaningful connections and evoking emotions. Brand marketing became the perfect platform for me to express creativity and strategic thinking.
With a background in music and a strong desire to innovate and connect with people, I bring a unique perspective to the marketing industry. I believe that the intersection of art and marketing allows me to deliver impactful campaigns. Additionally, I feel fortunate to have found a different stage to share my stories as a public speaker, connecting with and inspiring others along the way.
FWM: What excites you the most about advertising?
The aspect of advertising that excites me the most is the combination of creativity and strategy, the opportunity to tell compelling stories and create experiences that resonate with people. Through creative campaigns, we have the ability to shape perceptions, change behaviors, and even make a positive impact on society. It’s truly amazing to see how an idea can come to life and capture the hearts and minds of consumers.
At Energy BBDO, we strive to push the boundaries of creativity and create work that stands out. Whether it’s through breakthrough cultural activations, compelling content, or immersive brand experiences, our goal is to connect with people on a deeper level, leave a lasting impression, and generate business impact for our clients.
FWM: You are one of the best brand marketers in the business. Share a few of your successful campaigns with Energy BBDO.
I’ve worked on several successful and meaningful campaigns during my time at Energy BBDO. I am always driven by making authentic connections with target consumers, and creating a positive impact on the world by leveraging my superpower: strategic thinking, creativity, and empathy. With a background in different countries and languages, I understand diverse consumer identities and craft resonating campaigns.
One campaign that stands out is our collaboration with Kerrygold Butter, addressing the desire of millennial parents to involve their children in the kitchen. We designed an immersive experience called The Magical Pantry, seamlessly integrating kid-friendly recipes into children’s stories. With unique character customization, nearly 40 specially designed recipes, and 4 original fables, the Magical Pantry brings a multitude of recipe-story combinations to life.
Another notable campaign was our work with Bayer’s Claritin, combating botanical sexism in pollen reduction through the DiversiTree Project. We launched a campaign to counter decades-old practices of planting excessive male trees, which release pollen and cause allergies. By educating people about the importance of planting female trees that absorb pollen and promoting diverse tree planting and hosting female tree-planting events, we aim to reduce pollen levels. Without female trees to absorb it, pollen spreads widely and triggers allergies.
There are many more campaigns I am proud to be part of, such as work for Extra Gum, The General Insurance, Bayer Asprin, Sodastream, and Brown-Forman. You can learn more at my website.
FWM: As the Global Culture Lead for Asian Leaders Circle ERG with the Omnicom Group, what are your goals?
As the Global Culture Lead for Omnicom’s Asian Leaders Circle, my primary goal is to foster a supportive and inclusive environment for Asian professionals within the Omnicom Group. We provide growth opportunities, mentorship, and networking to help them excel in their careers.
One of our key objectives is to promote diversity and representation within the industry. I believe that diverse perspectives lead to more innovative and impactful work. By advocating for greater inclusion of Asian talent, I hope to break down barriers and ensure that their voices are heard and valued in the workplace.
Additionally, I strive to create initiatives that celebrate Asian culture and heritage by bridging my background and expertise in art and music. By organizing cultural celebrations, art shows, music salons, workshops, panels, and educational programs, we foster a sense of pride and belonging among our Asian employees, while also raising awareness and understanding among the broader Omnicom network.
FWM: How have you broken boundaries?
I moved from China to the US at the age of 17 by myself, becoming the first person from my hometown to be admitted to top music schools in the US. After a decade as a concert pianist, I transitioned to the advertising/marketing/media industry, constantly breaking boundaries and challenging conventional thinking.
Most recently, I blend creativity and music expertise into corporate and client-centric work, championing diverse thinking and representation for a more inclusive and equitable work environment and advertising industry. As a brand marketer, I push the limits of advertising/marketing by embracing emerging technologies and cultural shifts, delivering innovative and impactful campaigns for our clients. As the Global Culture Lead for Omnicom’s Asian Leaders Circle, I have worked to break down barriers and advocate for diversity and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for people from underrepresented communities to succeed and thrive.
FWM: You were recognized as one of the most “Inspiring Women” by Campaign US. What inspires you?
I find inspiration in many different aspects of life.
Firstly, the people around me – my team, friends, and even strangers I just met. Their uniqueness and collaboration inspire innovation and growth.
Secondly, the power of creativity and compelling storytelling. Marketing and communications offer opportunities to inspire and uplift people, spark conversations, and bring positive change.
Lastly, diversity and representation’s transformative power drive me to advocate for change and create opportunities for underrepresented voices.
Have you ever met someone that somewhat does it all? That’s Lady T’Mil Curtis for sure! She is a well-rounded expert in the areas of marketing, coaching, ministry, public speaking, event production, promotion, and the list goes on.
From the inner city of Chicago, born and raised, she is cultured and comes fashioned with impressive knowledge and education about a variety of things. She attended an Episcopalian Grammar School that started cultivating her entrepreneurial spirit at an early age. Being a fast learner and always loving a challenge, she graduated early at age 16 with a 3.5 GPA after dropping out her senior year. “School was boring, and I couldn’t express my creativity like I wanted, so I dropped out. But that was even more boring, so enrolling in an accelerated session proved to be the spark I needed to finish.”
Basically, you bring me what you’ve created, and I help navigate how that creation goes from concept to launch.
Be it in ministry or the mainstream marketplace, Lady T’Mil uses her dominant spiritual gifts of administration and teaching to propel individuals to higher levels in their respective arenas. On top of all the hands-on work that she does in these arenas, she’s also a marketing strategist, author, content creator, digital distribution specialist, public speaker, blogger, and a virtual operations trainer. Her writings provoke people to not only think, but to think at a higher level and from a fresher perspective, while her intellect ignites conversations that are significant and memorable.
She just launched her latest venture, The Ministry GPS, created to help churches, leaders and non-profits better navigate the virtual space. With so many areas and fields of interest under her belt, she enjoys coaching off the radar. Her ability to counsel and encourage clients is uncanny because she does it without you knowing what she’s doing. And she’s a unique coach because she’s able to combine her expertise along with her experience that helps Entrepreneurs, ARTrepreneurs and creatives reach their goals.
FWM: You are known as a well-rounded expert in marketing, coaching, ministry, and public speaking. Share your background.
There are so many facets to me, and it comes from my mom actually. She encouraged me to not just be good at one thing but to be good at being T’Mil. This means every gift that I’ve been blessed with is valuable. Every talent and skill I have is worth using. I’m a church baby, if you will, so, ministry is my foundation and I’m grateful I’ve learned how to marry it with the secular side of who I am.
FWM: Tell us about The Itsladytmil Agency and how you are helping entrepreneurs, ARTrepreneurs and Creatives.
The Itsladytmil Agency started as an answer. So many are gifted and talented but lack administration and/or accountability. I help to bring strategy to life in a comprehensive way that doesn’t make people feel like their creativity is being hindered when handling the business side of things. Basically, you bring me what you’ve created, and I help navigate how that creation goes from concept to launch.
FWM: How have you utilized your spiritual gifts of administration and teaching to propel individuals to higher levels?
I’m a bottom-line kind of person so I always want to know what your end goal and or purpose is. I then help organize and create strategies that someone can follow to achieve said goals. When it comes to teaching, that’s my first love. I enjoy expanding and edifying minds to see beyond what’s in front of them. I’m of the mind that when people leave my presence, they should be impacted for the better.
FWM: What has God taught you?
One thing I needed to understand was that as we try to find God, He is actively looking to find us. If you can’t find God, start to worship and He will find you. Hebrews 11:6 says it is impossible to please God without faith; we must believe that He exists and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Another key thing God taught me was every blessing and His favor is attached to who He created me to be. Being my authentic self; even when I’m unsure yet I trust Him, can and has opened so many doors for me. Lastly, I will highlight He has taught me the importance of community. He never created us to be an island of one so finding your tribe if you will and being intentionally about building relationships is success to me.
FWM: At the heart of every endeavor is your desire to serve and see people win! Explain.
I believe in servanthood. I think that’s one of the greatest ways we can show God in the earth. Using my gifts and callings to serve others is what yields success in my eys. So, it’s not about the “thank you” even though that’s good lol it’s more so sowing good seeds through my actions that keeps me going.
Rave Reviews from clients:
Lady T’Mil Curtis is a serial, gifted, and accomplished entrepreneur. A mentor to creatives, she is passionate about galvanizing others to operate at their highest level. She possesses an uncanny wealth of knowledge, providing you with advice and counsel that produces tangible results. Lady T’Mil has motivated me to keep moving forward even when the odds seem stacked against you. I highly recommend her services. If you are looking to take your business, ministry, brand, or creative endeavor to the next level, Lady T’Mil is the one for you.
Tia W. Cooke Cooke Consulting & Creations Brand Strategist
Lady T’Mil is an EXCEPTIONAL woman who is very knowledgeable of the ins and outs of her industry, and is a PIT BULL who continually breaks down barriers and barricades! Watching her continually shows me that if you do your part, God will take care of the rest! I remember when I was at one of the lowest points in my life, T’Mil gathered all of her friends to send videos to me which created an all out FB concert and I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT! Knowing that she bounced back from sickness and is now thriving let’s me know that my time isn’t complete and that I’m just at the beginning. I love T’Mil and I count it an honor to know such a woman.
Fulks Worship Leader/Indie Artist
FWM: Tell us about your latest venture, The Ministry GPS and how you are changing the world.
The Ministry GPS was birthed at the beginning of the pandemic. I’ve been doing virtual/digital operations since 2015 so, the pivot for me was easy. I took that knowledge along with my years in ministry and started helping pastors, churches and person ministries leverage or create their digital presence. I’ve always said the virtual space wasn’t going anywhere and now more than ever, it’s necessary.
FWM: Please share your upcoming projects.
The biggest is accepting the position of General Manager with VGNBae Music Group out of Houston, Texas. One of my goals is expanding the label and studio into television and film projects. Also looking into new collaborations that will cross various genres of music. I’m also getting back into management but with a more focused clientele than before. I have a heart for musicians and producers so working with them to help ensure their business acumen and administration is top tier like their creativity.
Photo Credit: Joshua Simmons
T’Mil and Vgnbae co-founders Dominique Side and Anthony Hall.
What will people notice when working with you?
I’m real. I don’t work with anyone or on any project I don’t believe in. So, you get 100% of T’Mil. I’m a provoker; I’m going to push you outside of your comfort zone into greater. I’m an encourager; I will motivate you until times get better. And I am the solution; If you work with me on any level, you’ll have the tools needed to navigate you towards the success your life/business/ministry deserves.
For more information or to contact Lady T’Mil, please visit www.itsladytmil.agency Social Media – Facebook: T’Mil Curtis, IG, Twitter, LinkedIn, Clubhouse & Wisdom: @itsladytmil
About VGNBae Music Group
VGNBae Music Group is a multi-genre label and the brainchild of two multi-talented creatives, Anthony Hall, and Dominique Side. With artists in gospel, pop, Latin and jazz who have seen billboard and radio success, their projects have industry appeal and has placed them on some of the hottest digital platform playlists like New Gospel Friday on Spotify, Hot Latin Tracks on Pandora, and major holiday playlists with the second release from The Collective; A VGNBAE Christmas.
Cover Girl Lisa Edelstein is an American actress and playwright. Edelstein is known for playing Dr. Lisa Cuddy on the Fox medical drama series House. Between 2014 and 2018, she starred as Abby McCarthy in the Bravo series Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce.
BEHIND THE WOMAN
FWM: You are known all over the world. People often confuse what we do with who we are. What is it that really makes you a formidable woman?
LE: I don’t think there is a woman in my business that hasn’t had to overcome an enormous amount of rejection and pressure and dismissive or abusive treatment. That includes me. And that, alone, makes one formidable. No matter what business a person is in, following one’s dreams is terrifying to most. Knowing what you want and going for it despite a million things that could or should work against you, that makes a woman formidable and I am that woman, too, to be sure. I am not, however, the ex-head of Princeton Plainsboro Hospital, nor am I a divorcee who writes inspirational books. I’m not an ex-hooker, I’m not a trans-woman, and I’m not the drug-addled daughter of a powerful agent, but I tend to get credit for all these things when I’m out and about, which is pretty hilarious. And maybe that makes me formidable as well.
My mind is always wanting to tell stories, even when I’m not working, and it doesn’t take a day off.
Formidable Woman Cover Girl Lisa Edelstein
FWM: People tend to see the glory but rarely know the story. Tell us about some of your pains and challenges along the way to landing your toughest roles.
LE: Any of the roles you have seen me play I landed after not getting roles that meant the world to me. It’s between the jobs that people don’t realize are the most difficult and challenging times in any creative artist’s life. For every role, there were five that didn’t happen. So the question is the wrong one, landing jobs is the victory lap. Waiting for those jobs, believing in yourself in the downtimes, insisting on having a place in this world – that is where the real glory lies.
FWM: In your industry, what do you feel has been the hardest hurdle to jump? How has it shaped you, if at all?
LE: Learning to be patient, to wait for the right job, to believe in yourself enough that it’s worth waiting for – those are some serious life skills one needs to develop. My mind is always wanting to tell stories, even when I’m not working, and it doesn’t take a day off. I’ve found that it’s deeply important to stay creative – whether it’s acting, writing, directing or even drawing, so that my brain doesn’t, metaphorically speaking, eat itself.
Knowing what you want and going for it despite a million things that could or should work against you, that makes a woman formidable and I am that woman, too, to be sure.
Photo credit: FOX
FWM: You are successful and wear many hats. What is your advice on balancing personal life and Hollywood?
LE: “Hollywood” is just an idea. This is my job, which I love enormously and am so grateful for. This is my family, who I also love and am grateful for. These are my friends, people I work with, or my husband works with, or that we met out in the world and enjoy. There is no separation between personal life and “Hollywood.”
FWM: What can women looking to enter your field work on now to prepare for the landscape?
LE: People should just work on themselves, on finding their own voice. This business relishes unique voices and ideas. In fact, that’s all one really has to offer, beyond an excellent work ethic, and it’s incredibly valuable. There is no one else like you, no one can bring what you bring, no one else has your brain. Learning to honor your own imagination is the best ticket you have into the world of entertainment.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 10: Lisa Edelstein and Michael Douglas attend the Los Angeles Premiere of ‘The Kominsky Method ‘ at AFI Fest at The Roosevelt Hotel on November 10, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Netflix)
FWM: If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
LE: I miss traveling so much! I want to go back to Japan, we promised our youngest who had a zoom bar-mitzvah during Covid, that in exchange for all that work we’d take him back there. He’s been obsessed with Japanese culture since we took him when he was 9. And my dad, who will be 85 this summer, would like to go back, too. He was stationed there in the early 60’s, my brother was born there on the base. So, it would be wonderful to take my parents along, too. And I want to go back to Thailand with my husband. I went alone the first time, and want to share it with him. I want to see New Zealand and Australia, Eastern Europe, Brazil, Chile, England, Scotland, Ireland, Amsterdam, Norway….I have such wonderful memories in BC, I want to be in those beautiful forests again. There are seriously very few places I don’t want to go, so the list will get too long for this article. If I haven’t mentioned a place already, just assume I want to go there, too.
Learning to honor your own imagination is the best ticket you have into the world of entertainment.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 08: Alan Arkin and Lisa Edelstein speak onstage at the Netflix “The Kominsky Method” FYSEE Event at Raleigh Studios on June 08, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix)
FWM: What has been your favorite role and why?
LE: I’ve had a lot of favorite roles. It was my favorite role to be on Seinfeld, it jump-started me in the business in LA and was particularly exciting to be on. It was my favorite role to be on Relativity, telling a meaningful story about an LGBTQ+ woman and getting to break barriers with the first ever lesbian make-out scene permitted on network TV. It was my favorite job to be on the West Wing, working with such talent both on and off the screen. And then House, of course, a life-changing experience to be on a show that was such a massive success and so smartly written. And to play my beloved Abby McCarthy on Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce – that was a dream come true. To be the lead of a well written dramady, to get to act my face off and wear such gorgeous clothes, to work a solid 14-hours a day for five seasons. I was in absolute heaven. And since then, working with Alan Arkin and Michael Douglas – that’s just an arm pincher (meaning I have to pinch my arm to remind myself it’s true.)
FWM’s Queen of Real Estate Issue (May/June print) Real Estate mogul and Covergirl Egypt Sherrod who is making serious boss moves in the real estate arena, an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Photo Credit: Mike Eaton
The name Egypt Sherrod speaks volumes. Speaker, author, radio personality, television host, philanthropist, wife, mother and Real Estate mogul. She is truly a Renaissance Woman. Known as the host of HGTV’s Property Virgins and Flipping Virgins, Egypt has come into our homes with her vibrant personality. It is her goal to inspire women and influence them to create the life they love. Egypt has shown us that our lives are only limited by our imaginations.
FWM: Egypt, I am so excited about this interview. Introduce yourself and your business?
ES: I am Egypt Sherrod, Mother, Wife, Real Estate Broker, Business Owner, TV & Radio Personality, Author and Speaker.
FWM: What first drew your interest to the real estate industry?
ES: I grew up with uncles who were in the real estate business, brokers, agents, investors. So it has been embedded in me from an early age that real estate was the foundation of wealth. My goal was never to work in real estate though. As a matter of fact, when I graduated from college, I majored in communications. That led me to a career in radio for almost two decades. But at some point, in my twenties a light bulb went off.
Once I started earning money from my radio career, I knew I had to invest it somewhere smart. Again, real estate was embedded in my brain. So, I started my real estate career as an investor, which eventually led me to becoming a licensed agent. Ultimately, I got bit by the real estate bug and became a broker, making real estate my full-time career.
FWM: As a woman in real estate, what do you feel has been the hardest obstacle to overcome?
ES: At this point in my career the main hurdle is balancing and juggling clients. I always want my clients to have an incredible personalized service experience, so I put alot of pressure on myself. Early in my career, the hurdle was just about digesting all the information, laws, rules, contracts etc. But once you have that under your belt, the hurdles become more about daily management of your business.
FWM: As a real estate mogul, author, television personality, wife and mother you wear many hats. What is your advice on balancing family and business?
ES: To be truthful, I am still figuring it out myself. LOLOL…. I have a new baby, Harper Skye, who is 3 months old. So, this will be a new lesson in balancing for me. Having a great support system, requiring my partner to be accountable as well, asking for help, and taking mental health breaks when needed, are all a part of successfully balancing my life.
Photo Credit: Mike Eaton
FWM: Please tell us about the Egypt Cares Family Foundation.
ES: It is a non-profit I founded 9 years ago to help bridge socio economical gaps in the community I serve. So, we provide free financial bootcamps, educating families on wealth building and management, credit restoration, and home ownership. We also provide fun programs for the kids. I love it!
It has been embedded in me from an early age that real estate was the foundation of wealth
FWM: What tools and/or strategic partnerships have you put in place to help women? And the community?
ES: This ties back to my non-profit. The reason I founded the organization is because I wanted to have an organization that directly addressed the needs of women and men in our community on a grassroots level. So many times we donate our money or our time to organizations, but we don’t know for sure if those funds ever trickle down to the people we intend to help. This was my way of ensuring I was making a profound difference and would leave a legacy.
FWM: What is next in the life of Egypt Sherrod?
ES: Well right now I am taking time to enjoy my new baby. I think it’s important to stop and smell the roses, and take inventory of how far we’ve come. So that is what I am doing at the moment, just taking time to refresh and renew. I do expect to have my 2nd book out at after first quarter of 2020 though, and I am traveling often and headlining at wealth and women’s empowerment conferences nationally. So, I will be coming to a city near you soon.
FWM: How can people connect to you outside of this interview?
ES: You can find me on Instagram and Facebook @EgyptSherrod
Cover Photo Credit: Mike Eaton Print Available for order on June 30
Niya Brown Matthews is a force to be reckoned with. She is a certified life coach, author, motivational speaker and so much more. It is her purpose in life to empower women through transparency and authenticity. Her “Soul Food Sessions with Niya” allow women to reconnect mind, body and soul. Let’s meet Niya.
FW: Good Morning Niya. I am so excited about this interview! Introduce yourself and your business?
NBM: I am a certified life coach, author, motivational speaker, mother, wife, two-time breast cancer survivor, Ambassador for Ford’s Warriors in Pink and have retired from 20 years in real estate to begin Chapter 2 of my life which is Women’s Empowerment.
FW: Tell me about Soul Food Sessions with Niya.
NBM: Soul Food Sessions with Niya is a women’s empowerment organization that’s geared around motivating and inspiring them to become better versions of themselves-mind, body and soul. Most of the time, we as women, career women, mothers and corporate executives are always on the go doing everything for everybody. I am concerned about our centering part, which is neglected. I wanted to design a platform to pour back into the women who are everything to everybody. Women’s empowerment is the core of who I am. I wanted to create something that was God led. God is my foundation.
FW: How do you handle stress in your business?
NBM: I am a praying woman and I do know the order of my household: God, family and then success. My prayer life is on 10. I learned to shut out all the ways of the world. I listen to inspirational music. I shut down for an hour every morning: prayer, music, worship mode and I read the Word.
Read more of this dynamic interview with Niya in our March print issue!
Making Boss Moves
A GREAT DAY IN HOLLYWOOD
As the interview ensued for this 3.5 octave, soprano, alto AND tenor vocalist, actor and activist, Antonique Smith was in her home state of East Orange, New Jersey preparing to speak and sing at The Confluence Gala, where corporate leaders who are in the 1% of the wealthy, gathered to hear about climate change; environmental justice, clean energy alternatives and health solutions for residents impacted by high rates of heart disease, asthma and cancer caused by neighborhood oil-drilling, corporate dumping and power plant emissions.
Smith is not some wild-child, tree-hugger in the pejorative sense. Known as the impassioned voice of the climate change movement, this Grammy-nominated vocal powerhouse is using her talents to speak for the voiceless and to chart her own path to success in film and TV, and the only way she knows how to execute it is to keep the process and delivery 100% R E A L.
SHE’S THE ONE
Most famous for her role in the 2009 hip/hop and R&B love story, Notorious, as the beloved lead female role of Faith Evans, Smith nabbed that role with a deep knowing that it was hers to begin with and a fighting determination to prove to the director and producer that she was thee perfect talent to portray Evans with grit, and sex appeal and to deliver a believable performance, where loyal fans and viewers who were holding a microscopic lense to her performance would embrace and herald her work with rave reviews.
RENAISSANCE WOMAN
Before crowdfunding became wildly popular, in 2012 Antonique became the first African-American soloist to raise $50K, in 30 days, using Kickstarter to finance her EP project, Love is Everything. As if raising this type of capital in such a short amount of time wasn’t enough of a boss move, her single, Hold Up Wait a Minute (Woo-Woo), went on to receive a Grammy nom.
Read the rest of the interview in our print issue here.
March, designated as National Women’s History Month since 1987, invites us to celebrate the incredible achievements of women worldwide. In the spirit of recognizing remarkable women, we delve into the inspiring story of Keisha Saunders-Waldron, a highly accomplished Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor, mental health advocate, and founder of Confidential Confessions Counseling Services. Featured on renowned platforms such as Forbes, Business Insider, and Essence’s Girls United, Keisha’s expertise in counseling and holistic approaches has left an indelible mark on the mental health landscape. As a licensed professional counselor supervisor, she empowers individuals and families to enhance their quality of life. Keisha’s academic journey is marked by a Master’s degree in Science and Service Agency Counseling from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Science in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
A Conversation with Keisha: Nurturing Passions, Advocating for Mental Health
Can you tell us about your journey and what inspired you to become a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor?
Keisha: Believe it or not, my journey began in my early years, with the animated shenanigans of Bugs Bunny and Elmer Fudd. There was this one comical episode where Bugs played the therapist and oddly enough, that hilarious episode stuck with me, becoming one of my earliest memories that sparked a tiny flame of intrigue. As I marched through the halls of academia, soaking up knowledge like a sponge, I stumbled upon an extraordinary psychology teacher. I found myself captivated, eventually deciding to pursue a degree in psychology. Little did I know, this choice would set the stage for an incredible journey. The mental health field welcomed me with open arms, from the beginning. It was a fascinating and eye-opening experience, delving into the intricacies and sometimes labyrinthine politics of this realm.
One thing became crystal clear during this time, the services and support available were not always easily understood, especially in marginalized communities. This realization fueled a fire within me. It lit up my path, urging me to delve deeper into education, to become a voice for those whose voices often went unheard. And here I am today, wearing the badge of a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor with pride. Now, my mission has expanded — I’m helping mold the next generation of counselors. I guide and mentor graduate students, honing their skills and nurturing their passion.
Together, we’re working to fill the voids within our field, ensuring that more compassionate, skilled counselors emerge to serve and uplift our communities. Every day is a chance to inspire, learn, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of countless individuals.
You’ve worked with a diverse range of clients, including R&B artists, NFL players, and corporate executives. What unique challenges do high-profile clients often face when seeking counseling, and how do you address them
Keisha: One of the foremost concerns high-profile clients bring to counseling is the need for absolute confidentiality. They rightfully worry about breaches of their privacy, which can have significant repercussions for their careers and personal lives. Maintaining confidentiality and trust is paramount. Additionally, managing their public image, balancing work-life demands, and coping with high levels of stress are common issues. To address these challenges, I prioritize confidentiality, offering secure and discreet counseling environments, and tailor my approach to their specific needs, recognizing the unique pressures they face.
Techniques such as stress management, time management, and communication skills are often incorporated to help them navigate their unique circumstances effectively. In these moments, we are helping them recognize these stressors and validate their humanness while cultivating a safe space for them to just “be”.
When it comes to romantic relationships, feeling safe and secure is paramount for women. Safety plays a crucial role in establishing trust, emotional well-being, and overall satisfaction within a relationship. While each individual’s definition of safety may vary, certain universal factors contribute to creating a secure space with male partners. Understanding these safety measures can empower women to navigate their relationships with confidence and clarity.
Require Communication Open and honest communication serves as the cornerstone of a healthy relationship. Feeling safe with a partner often begins with the ability to express thoughts, feelings, and concerns without the fear of judgment or reprisal. Men who actively listen, validate emotions, and engage in constructive dialogue foster an environment where women feel heard and understood. Effective communication promotes transparency, builds trust, and helps partners navigate challenges collaboratively. Not having this safety to communicate is a red flag.
Look for Respect Mutual respect is another non-negotiable. Having this mutual respect for each other forms the foundation of any successful relationship. Women feel safe in the presence of men who demonstrate respect for their boundaries, opinions, and autonomy. Respectful behavior includes honoring personal space, acknowledging individual differences, and valuing each other’s perspectives. When women feel respected by their partners, they are more likely to feel secure, valued, and appreciated in the relationship.
Expect Consistency Another safety factor is consistency. Consistency in both words and actions is essential for cultivating a sense of safety in a relationship. Women are more likely to feel secure with men who demonstrate reliability, honesty, and follow-through in their commitments. Predictable behavior and a stable emotional environment contribute to a sense of security and trust. Inconsistent or erratic behavior can trigger feelings of uncertainty and anxiety, undermining a woman’s sense of safety within the relationship.
Watch for Empathy and Emotional Support Empathy plays a vital role in creating emotional intimacy and connection between partners. Men who demonstrate empathy by understanding and validating their partner’s emotions contribute to a safe and supportive relationship environment. This may look like providing emotional support during times of distress, offering reassurance, or showing compassion. All of these foster a sense of security and closeness. Women tend to feel safe with men who offer a listening ear, show empathy, and provide comfort in moments of vulnerability.
Monitor Boundaries and Consent Not enough can be said for boundaries. Respecting boundaries and honoring consent are essential aspects of safety in any relationship. Women feel safe with men who prioritize their physical and emotional boundaries, seek consent in all interactions, and prioritize mutual respect in intimate situations. Clear communication about personal boundaries, consent, and mutual agreement on relationship dynamics contribute to a sense of safety, trust, and respect between partners.
In a nutshell, a sense of safety in relationships with men is multifaceted and encompasses various aspects of communication, respect, consistency, empathy, and boundaries. By understanding these safety triggers and advocating for their presence in their relationships, women can cultivate a sense of safety, security, and well-being with their male partners. Building a foundation of trust, respect, and emotional connection greatly enhances the quality of relationships and fosters a nurturing environment where both partners can thrive.
In celebration of Black History Month, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of Dr. Peggy Roberts, a trailblazing African American doctor who is transforming women’s healthcare in the New York tri-state area. With a profound commitment to addressing the unique needs of women, Dr. Roberts stands as a beacon of hope, empowering countless women whose voices have been overlooked for far too long. Dr. Roberts, a board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner, has dedicated over a decade to providing comprehensive care for women of all ages.
As the Founder and Operator of Trust Women’s Healthcare in the heart of Brooklyn’s Bedford Stuyvesant, she has made it her life’s mission to bridge healthcare gaps and provide the highest level of medical care to her patients. Armed with a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science degree from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, School of Public Health, Dr. Roberts is a pioneer in her field. Her expertise spans preventive medicine, high-risk pregnancies, and various gynecological conditions, making her a trusted figure in women’s health. Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Roberts has collaborated with Kingsborough Community College to develop a Maternal Health Certificate curriculum, aimed at enhancing maternal healthcare for new mothers.
As an Assistant Clinical Professor at Hofstra University and a proud member of the Board of LIFT-NY, she continues to inspire change and advocate for women’s health on multiple fronts. Join us in honoring Dr. Peggy Roberts during this Black History Month, recognizing her outstanding contributions to healthcare, her dedication to bridging gaps, and her commitment to empowering women across the community.
Vibha Sharma, Corporate Wellness Coach and Holistic Spiritual Life Coach, “Go Within! Start your inner journey
Vibha Sharma is the founder and a Holistic Spiritual Life Coach, Corporate Wellness Coach and Mindfulness Coach at Cosmicways Holistic Life Coaching and San Francisco Chapter Chairperson for Mindfulness, All Ladies League USA. In her powerful new book, “Turn Within” Vibha talks about one of the most prominent delusions of this modern world: that happiness and satisfaction come with a higher rank, fame, or money. “People are so blinded by the worldly pleasures that they spend their whole lives chasing materialistic stuff. They lose themselves in the race of achieving nothing but short-term happiness. To reconcile with inner happiness, we must believe in the real power of connection and magic of spiritual unfoldment.”- Vibha Sharma
“One of the most prominent delusions of this modern world is that happiness and satisfaction come with a higher rank, fame, or money. They can buy you temporary gratification in the name of joy, but these are the weakest of all sources if you are looking for true happiness. If this were true, we wouldn’t see celebrities attempting suicides. There is nothing wrong in aspiring for material success, but being discontent and too attached with worldly possessions leaves us feeling powerless and empty.”
On an everyday basis, Vibha Sharma offers, Holistic Spiritual Life Coaching, Corporate Wellness, Emotional Freedom Technique Sessions, Cognitive Behavior Therapy Coaching, Customized Guided Meditation Sessions and Mindfulness Workshops.
FWM: In this stressful time of the pandemic, how important is connecting ourselves with our source/divine self?
Every situation in our life has a purpose. There is a lesson to be learned, a message, an instruction for a new direction, and an action to take. In adverse situations like the COVID-19, we need to embrace acceptance, stay resilient, and extract the best out of them. Locked-down and disconnected, it is easy to feel alone and scared. However, we should consider it an opportunity to spend some quiet time – time to deepen our spiritual practices to nurture ourselves and our souls.
There are many good reasons to connect and strengthen our relationship with our higher self. You can also call it our soul, divine self, our access point to God, Spirit, Infinity, the source daily. When we connect with our higher selves, we experience greater clarity. We can quickly turn away from the distractions and disharmonious energies of the physical world, indulging in the bigger picture and meaning behind outside occurrences.
Developing our connection to the higher power/divine self within helps us overcome difficulties and understand the true essence of our being. It helps us make changes that might be scary and face uncertainty with faith, learn, and adapt to deal with the demands of life and perceive different challenges in a whole new way.
Many researchers have found a strong link between spirituality and medical health. Studies show that patients gained better self-control, faster recovery, improved mental, physical and emotional health, and the overall quality of life when they connected with their spiritual selves.
Establishing a relationship with our inner self and understanding consciousness helps us deal with the fear of medical lack or unrelenting viruses, panic, and stress, boldly being aware of our truth. Stepping into our divine identity helps us live a more peaceful, blissful life even among the outer chaos.
“A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you, for He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness, nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.”
Psalm 91
FWM: How important is regular spiritual practice/mediation?
Spirituality or having a spiritual connection holds significant importance in one’s life and serves as a coping mechanism in stressful situations.
With the practice of meditation when we center and align ourselves with the source/spirit-self inside, pressing into fear and moving closer to the truth, our outer problems seem less real, and irrational fears vanish. The number one reason people seek yoga and meditation is that they are known for reducing stress and anxiety and putting the mind and soul at peace.
In my own experience and work with the clients, I have observed that being mindful can help us manage certain emotions, replace negative thoughts with positive ones, and improve overall happiness and well-being.
Checking our emotions throughout your day, taking a few deep breaths, and understanding that fear is an emotion like any other emotion, we can learn to manage stress more positively.
Prayer is another powerful way to reduces anxiety. When we cannot go to a communal worship service or gathering, we can pray for others, if not with others. Reciting the following short phrases of Loving-kindness meditation helps us tremendously:
“May all beings be safe.
May all beings be content.
May all beings be healthy.
May all beings live with ease.”
Meditation practices help regulate mood and psychological well-being, reduce panic disorder symptoms, improve your focus and attention despite distractions, and the ability to work under stress.
FWM: Through your expert coaching, you work together with the clients to strip away the layers of conditioning, fear, doubt, guilt, and limitations from your soul. Share a few success stories.
Spiritual life coaching helps clients re-discover their strength. It helps them heal from past traumas and reconnect with their identity. It boosts self-confidence, enhances self-love, and helps them find the answers. It motivates them to live empowered, joyful, grateful, and peaceful lives without any preconceived notions, judgment, or bias.
The most common challenges people seek help with are about regaining lost confidence and self-esteem, develop self-compassion, emotional regulation, procrastination, lack of productivity, stress, relationships, conflicts, work-life imbalance, finding life’s purpose, among others.
One of my clients was struggling with anxiety, which was affecting her health and negatively influencing her work-life balance. She was taking various medications to combat her condition, but after a month of regular sessions, she was able to wean off the pills. With some initial handholding, during the session practice and homework, she started meditating regularly, changed her mindset, developed self-awareness, and became more conscious about her eating habits. Soon, she was back to normal. The change reflected in her work, as well as in her relationship with her colleagues and husband. She continues to be my client, even today.
Another client was suffering from low self-esteem, self-doubt, limiting beliefs, filled with negativity, and had a strained relationship with her boss. She liked her job and was good at it, yet growth was not happening for her. She didn’t seem to her boss suitable for a promotion yet. Although she loved the place and wanted to stay to gain promotion, she was considering resigning as the only way to progress in her career, which made her gloomy and a little uncertain of the future. I asked her to dig deep, find the reasons holding her back, work on getting rid of her own limiting beliefs and self-doubt, and shift her focus to her strengths, potential strengths, and skills. This allowed her to change her self-perception to a more positive one. Just after a few weeks of working with her, she found new confidence and perspective about her power to make essential changes in her life. Through the new ways and patterns she formed in her life, she soon availed new opportunities and also achieved the promotion.
In another case, the client was going through a problematic relationship with her mother for several years. My client was also expecting her first child and was concerned about her mother’s old-age and deteriorating health conditions. She wanted to repair the bridges and establish a healthier relationship with her mom, but all her exertions so far had gone in vain, and she was having a hard time staying optimistic. But due to her hectic schedule, she did not have enough time to work on her relationship with her mother. With her help, I identified the problem and urged her to draw a imagine how she wanted her new relationship with her mother to turn out. She wanted to try but was having a hard time imagining that, and was totally unable to come up with any ways she might move herself to that new goal state I helped her realize that the reason behind this is that she is still secretly carrying old grudges towards her mom and needs to work on forgiving her internally. This new perspective helped her let go of the hostility and anger which occupied this area of her life and she could finally think of a thousand methods to restructure a new relationship discovering that giving love without expecting something in return was a concrete option.
In coaching, with a collaborative process, clients report improved stress management, sleep, calmness, executive presence, being more centered, mitigation of self-doubt, more confidence, worthiness, and growing mindfulness. They develop more social intelligence and empathy to assist with navigating difficult but needed conversations on personal as well as professional fronts.
FWM: What changes have you seen as a result of the pandemic?
Due to the nature of my work, being mostly virtual, more and more clients are reaching out for help now through phone, online, and text. Virtual coaching is needed more than ever to help clients experiencing personal and professional challenges because of the shift to remote work. People are forced to live an isolated life and are looking for ways to deal with this situation. Coaching organizations are scheduling online virtual sessions for the members to connect and address the challenges and to bring our community closer together to support one another.
Online coaching is an excellent alternative to face to face sessions and means to work with clients during this time. Working with clients remotely strike an excellent balance and offers a way to continue coaching while minimizing the risk of infection.
Juggling with managing work and family, overworked, stressed, scared, and isolated, people are becoming more open to exploring their inner lives, start meditating, and find ways to feel better.
FWM: As a Corporate Wellness Coach and Mindfulness Coach at Cosmicways Holistic Life Coaching, what challenges you believe people are facing during this turbulent time?
During this uncertain time of extraordinary disruption and anxiety, everybody is experiencing an underlying sense of panic and fear. People are dealing with stress as a result of social isolation, health, and uncertainty.
Clients are going through significant changes at work and taking extra responsibilities due to lay-offs in their company. Some are worried about the possibility of getting laid off, and the clients with jobs are working long hours and find it hard to manage work and family life. I have clients telling me that it’s hard for them to discipline themselves and not overwork while others lack the motivation to work from home.
For clients with young children, this is an incredibly difficult time. Schools are closed, and kids are staying home. When both parents are working, it’s a challenge to take care of them. Due to social distancing, they are not able to get any support from extended family either. They need help to define a proper mix of work and parenting that works. Kids need activities and attention to maintain health and overall development.
Families are having a hard time and need support in addressing the pandemic with children and the elderly. Proper self-care is another issue many are facing.
FWM: How has your work as a Global Goodwill Ambassador’s nature reflected in your new book, “Turn Within?”
GGA’s mission is to unite and recognize individuals who are doing humanitarian work to make this world a better place and who do goodwill towards others.
An essential part of being in the Global Goodwill Ambassadors’ Family is a commitment to support their humanitarian mission. It has multiple groups working on different causes like a Group of universal thinkers and advocates volunteering and taking steps needed to advance a common goal of peace throughout the world.
I volunteer whenever I get a chance to teach guided meditation to kids, women, and seniors.
I believe seniors in retirement communities must learn and practice meditation to deal with emotional and physical issues they usually go through. They feel lonely and have different health challenges. Helping residents with many body and mind exercises and guided meditation sessions makes them feel more relaxed, peaceful, and sleep better.
As a Spiritual and Metaphysical life Coach, I use meditation to help my clients manage stress and get clarity to deal with everyday problems.
In my book, ‘Turn Within’ as the name implies, I have emphasized the benefits and importance of adapting meditation to live a more peaceful and fulfilled life.
My book will be available by mid-June 2020 and will be accessible on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and on my website.
FWM: In your book, you talk about one of the most prominent delusions of this modern world: that happiness and satisfaction come with a higher rank, fame, or money. Share your insight.
The answers to more happiness, peace, and greatness are not to be found in the goals you’re chasing but by fulfilling our soul’s mission to help others. You can live a fulfilled life you dream about, not through working harder and for longer, but by reconnecting to the divine wisdom within to strike a proper balance in making money, maintaining health, and nurturing relationships.
Our new journey of life begins the day we realize our self-worth and discover our inner self. Certainly, the human body is more than just flesh and bones. We recognize its actual value on our journey towards self-dependency and self-actualization, reclaiming the inner peace and joy and the healing of mind and body through meditation.
Like Jim Carrey says: “I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.” Likewise, you cannot buy peace of mind or inner satisfaction through worldly stuff. For that, you need to work on yourself, evaluate your inner self, and realize your actual worth.
The answers to more happiness, peace, and greatness are not to be found in the goals you’re chasing but by fulfilling our soul’s mission to help others. You can live a fulfilled life you dream about, not through working harder and for longer, but by reconnecting to the divine wisdom within to strike a proper balance in making money, maintaining health, and nurturing relationships.
Our new journey of life begins the day we realize our self-worth and discover our inner self. Certainly, the human body is more than just flesh and bones. We recognize its actual value on our journey towards self-dependency and self-actualization, reclaiming the inner peace and joy and the healing of mind and body through meditation.
You have helped clients to find the “missing link.” What is often the “missing link?”
Despite all the material success, sometimes people feel lost and miserable. Stress, depression, dissatisfaction all stem from a disconnection with your divine source, your life energy, and a loving Universe.
The sense of something missing that keeps you up at night is your guidance, indicating that its time to attune yourself to your powerful truth. People often mistake their yearning for peace and inner satisfaction with worldly pleasures and try to compensate for the empty void with materialism. They rely on objects and other people for their happiness, whereas true happiness comes from within.
Spirituality or inner connection is the ‘missing link’ that holds the answer to all the problems and not just solutions but their cures as well. The first step to achieving spiritual healing is self-actualization, and knowing your actual worth is that you are more than what you believe.
Spirituality is not just a practice. It’s a spiritual experience that takes us beyond human limitations. Through spiritual learning, we get to explore who we are and what our life is actually about. Spirituality often refers to as an experience of getting in touch with your honorable compass — a method of knowing what is right and what is wrong, rendering to your own beliefs and philosophies.
Once you connect yourself to God/the Higher Power, you will find new strengths, protection, and guidance every single day. Not only will you be able to take care of yourself better, but you will also be a source of strength and help to others – a beacon of hope and guidance.
With my clients, when we carry out a step-by-step plan based on their beliefs and background, it’s always gratifying to see the results they get to live a joyful, passionate life they deserve to be living.
Through various guided imagery and visualization techniques in the state of their deep mental relaxation, they connect to their center and find the peace that leads to multiple insights and answers.
Clients have breakthrough moments all the time as they find the key to solving their problems. I heard them say these things all the time: “That’s an absolute surprise…you have changed me for good….If somebody had told me a year ago that I would stop doing this…and do this, I would have not believed that it was possible.”
You are the San Francisco Chapter Chairperson for Mindfulness, ALL (All Ladies League) USA, the world’s biggest all-inclusive global women’s chamber and an international movement for the welfare, wealth, and well-being of all by endowing women leadership. What is your vision for 2020?
The purpose of this largest multinational chamber and network of inspiring and open-hearted women from ALL parts of the world is to come together in a spirit of “sisters beyond borders” to support one another for our greater friendship, entrepreneurship, and leadership in ALL walks of life.
The Founder and Global Chairperson of the All Ladies League (ALL) and Women Economic Forum (WEF), Dr. Harbeen Arora quotes, “The vision was to create a seamless space for women, a ‘country of women,’ an alter-family, a sisterhood, beyond caste, color, creed, ethnicity and even gender to empower ALL through the agency of women’s inclusive and inspired leadership.”.
My vision is to connect, invite, and support as many women as possible and provide them a safe, nurturing space to share, care, grow, and expand the circle of like-minded women. And create more self-help and support groups, fostering a caring, helpful, and engaged community where every person participates and contributes with inspiring thoughts. As a chair, I want to be there for all women who need support and networks, irrespective of their economic, social, cultural background.
www.vibhasharma.com
To learn more about Vibha’s work please visit https://cosmicways.com/.
Thanks, Jules!