After reading Maria’s biography which highlighted her extensive background in the field of mindfulness, I reached out to Maria and invited her to explain the Record Worthy Practice with all of us. Maria and I both have connections to the University of Toronto, where I did my Master’s in Human Development & Applied Psychology and where she teaches Mindful Leadership (Random?!). Maria is a wonderful leader to teach us all about mindfulness; she has both a deep knowledge of the topic, as well as the practical tools on how to apply it in our daily lives – perfect combination!

Ever wondered how writing and reflection can inspire you to excel in your life? I'm excited that today, Michelle Ward, is speaking from the heart and sharing her experiences with all of us. I am really inspired by Michelle's vision and passion, so I asked her to be part of this series; she is a mentor to me. I spent the early part of my twenties reflecting on what I wanted to be when I grew up.

Jen Saunders is the creator of Wild Sister Magazine  and the Wild Sisterhood . She’s a tie-dye wearing daydream believer, writer and spirit junkie. Jen's got so much love for women who own their power, smile at themselves and believe that happiness is a choice – so if that's you, give her a wave at any one of her online homes (Facebook, Twitter) so you can connect! I am really inspired by Jen's vision and the Wild Sister Community so I asked her to be part of this series as she is a mentor to me. 

Elizabeth McKenzie is a  twenty-something speech pathologist + life coach (and kinesiologist in training) from Australia. Her home on the interwebs is Your Highest Self  where she helps women rock their life with confidence, passion and purpose, showing them how to make that seemingly impossible dream life a reality. She is also the creator of Bringing Sexy Back Bootcamp, an ecourse to help women get their mojo back, speak their truth and learn the skills necessary to create a life they’ve chosen for themselves.

I'm really excited that today, Robyn Hussa Farrell is “Speaking From the Heart” and sharing her experiences with all of us. Robyn is the Founder and CEO of Mental Fitness, Inc. (formerly NORMAL), an award-winning arts and education organization that teaches about eating disorders, mental health, and healthy coping through arts and media programs.  When Robyn approached me in early August to tell me about her exciting news, I had to spread the message; I invited her to be part of this series.  I have known Robyn for a couple of years now, and I am a strong supporter of her work.  Even though we live in different countries, we have similar passions. You can read her full bio here or see her "Profile of Perseverance" interview. 

Rachel MacDonald is a Life and Blog Coach, Co-author of Spirited: Soulful Lessons on Clarity, Connection + Coming Home (to You), and creator of In Spaces Between from Australia. Problogger deemed her one of the "Top 15 Bloggers to Watch in 2013" and through one-on-one coaching, online programs and speaking events, Rachel is on a mission to move women into their magnificence by empowering them to dream bigger, slice through fears and limiting beliefs, connect back up to their true selves, and own their greatness. I am really inspired by Rachel's vision and passion, so I asked her to be part of this series.

Anna Runyan, MBA, is a Blogger, Career Coach, Professor, and Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton in San Diego. Anna started her blog, Classycareergirl.com, in March 2010 to document what she was learning during business school and on the job. She quickly found that what she was learning was helping other young professionals as well. After just a few months, Classycareergirl.com was named one of the top 50 up and coming HR blogs for career development. Anna writes her blog as her “passion project” and loves helping others nail interviews and find fulfilling careers. Her growing blog now receives over 200,000 page views/month and her Get Ahead Community has grown to over 30 professional women. I was introduced to Anna after finding out about a blogging teleseminar she hosted. I listened in and realized that we share similar stories so I had to reach out and connect with her.

Jac McNeil is a certified professional coach and a self-leadership expert for women solopreneurs. She completed her training and earned her credentials through The Coaches Training Institute (CTI) and International Coach Federation (PCC). Her work helps women unearth their own powerful business truths so they can do more of the work they love and feel called to do. Through the lens of self-leadership, she helps women bring their unique strengths, gifts and powerful potential more fully to their work and create thriving, integrity-based businesses. She created the transformational business-building program In Your Element and the digital program Your Personal Business Retreat Kit (to be released in April 2013). She lives in Fall River, Nova Scotia, with her husband Matt, little girls Sophie and Emilie, and their Bernese Mountain Dog Guinness. 

As some of you know, I was interviewed by Anne-Sophie for her podcast recently.  I was a little nervous as I had never done one before but it was amazing and so much fun. I love trying to new things and reaching out of my comfort zone.    We had such a fun discussion - the conversation is 45 minutes long. Thanks Anne-Sophie for the opportunity!  Click the image to hear the interview. I'd love to hear your feedback on it.

As you know, I love sharing inspiring stories to #fuelpersistence in jobseekers and new graduates. So, when a good friend of mine, Ruvini Godakandae, sent me this post I had to share it, as it holiday themed . I love how even though Ruvini has an obstacle in her path (being unemployed), she perseveres, reaches out, and inspires others! She now contiues to do so through being an employment educator (December, 2015). Thanks, Ruvini, for helping others shine! 

I know sometimes you can have frustrations with relationships, but sometimes you can have issues with organizations as well.  I know I’m not alone in this as this is not the first time this has happened to me.

I had a concern with an organization and was told to call a customer care representative to voice my concern.  These days, it seems if you want to speak to someone you have to call them up or email them.

I have dealt with this situation far too often in many organizations (school, work, sports, religious, etc., non-profit) and that I thought I would address the issue and see what your opinion is on the matter.

As many of you know organizations (as is society) are usually divided up in a hierarchy based on position of authority or experience. Individuals who have been there for a long time or of higher authority are usually esteemed over people of little experience in the area and/or people with less power.  That’s just the common norm in society.