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Radio Interview with Passioneer® Karen Drucker, Recording Artist

June 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

We recently had the honor to interview Karen Drucker, a gifted singer & songwriter who travels around the country performing and speaking at conferences, retreats, churches, concerts, workshops, and her own spiritual retreats. She has created 13 CDs and has worked with such inspirational authors as Joan Borysenko, Mary Manin Morrissey, Oriah Mountain Dreamer, Alan Cohen, SARK, and have been honored to receive an honorary doctorate from the United Centers for Spiritual Living.  You can reach her at http://www.karendrucker.com. If you or someone you know would make a great Passioneering guest, please let us know!

Below are the archived show and highlights:

Radio Interview Highlights

  • Taking action is critical: Having a “by” in front of your name is more important than having a BA (or other designation) after it, according to Karen.
  • What you gain from a mundane j.o.b. is what you need to do your dream career, especially if you do the j.ob. with passion.  Karen used to sing at weddings and gained valuable experience and lessons about singing and songwriting in the process.
  • From an early age, Karen learned the importance of making a difference in the world: she garnered support and financing to fix the broken Hollywood Hills sign.  If not her, then who?
  • A caller-in to the radio show expressed his gratitude for how Karen’s music touched him and his mother, who had gone through chemotherapy for cancer treatment.  His story brought Karen and me to tears.  (Thanks Mark!)
  • Karen performs at Seattle Unity this upcoming weekend, June 18-19, for a music symposium and Passions workshop.  More information, see Karen’s website.

Listen to internet radio with Sue Oliver on Blog Talk Radio

Thank you Karen, and Happy Passioneering!

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From Your Ugly Duckling Fairy Tale to A Swan’s Song

June 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

I love the fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling, written by Hans Christian Anderson in 1844.  Here’s the Cliff Notes version.  One spring day, a baby swan is born into a duck family and it’s immediately apparent that he just doesn’t belong: His egg is much larger than the others and after he’s born, he’s physically bigger, more gray, and gangly than his siblings.   His family members and the rest of his community shun and criticize this ugly duckling, so he leaves home in shame.  He then travels around the countryside looking for a home among a variety of other animals and humans, although they all shun and drive him away.  Finally, in the Fall, the ugly duckling arrives at a small pond, where he sees several swan flying across the sky and honking as they depart.  He feels a stirring inside himself as he watches these elegant creatures fly away, unaware that he himself is a swan.  So the ugly duckling remains in the pond throughout the winter, bearing the freezing ice and snow.  When Spring arrives the following year, the migrating swans return to the pond, and the ugly duckling, upon noticing them, bows his head in shame.   Suddenly, he sees his own reflection in the water and finally realizes that he is a swan!

The Ugly Duckling (w/Danny Kaye)

 

There are many interpretations of this story. To me, it is a calling for each of us to step into our “swanhood,” no matter how often we feel separate, different, ugly, and alone. You probably have had many ugly duckling incidents where you heard different versions of “You don’t belong!” from various characters in your life (e.g., a partner, family member, childhood crush, teacher). If you’re like me, you made those events mean something very negative about yourself (e.g., “I’m a big loser.”).   Perhaps you survived, as I did, by stuffing those ugly duckling stories into an overflowing recycling bin, where they played over and over again.  The situations and characters in my life may have differed, but my starring role never changed. Hmmm.

Take a moment to ask yourself this question:

Question: Where in your life’s journey have you felt rejected, criticized, shunned or alone?

Now ask yourself: What’s the real deal – the T.R.U.T.H.??

Instead of rejecting, resisting, or recycling your ugly duckling stories, there is tremendous power in bringing them to the surface and then releasing them.  Why?  Because they are fairy tales. Here’s the truth of who you are: You were born whole, complete, and perfect; nothing missing, nothing lacking, and nothing wrong.  You are a divine spark that is here to shine brightly and unleash your unique gifts, talents, and creativity in the world as your beautiful swan song.  Since you are a child of the most High, you’ve inherited the queendom and kingdom already, so there’s no waiting line.  There is absolutely nothing you need to be or do to receive your inheritance.  It is grace, and it is your divine nature.  Your purpose and passions came fully funded, orchestrated, and supported by the universe, as you entered this world.  Just as the acorn knows how to be an oak tree, and just as the baby swan has everything it needs to become a swan while in the shell, so too you are fully equipped to experience and express the magnificent you.

Breathe. Isn’t that awesome?

Now, you might be wondering, why, if you came into this world with everything that you need and more, you still feel like an ugly duckling who’s not living the life you love?

Question: “I’m not experiencing the life of my dreams? Why not?”

Answer: You’re buying into the myths that your ego and the world tell you are the truth.  You know, those stories of how you’re not being, doing, or having enough;  the myth that you are not worthy of living the life that you love. (More details on these myths in the next blog installment).

This week, I invite you to take on three ugly duckling antidotes, in order to remember the gorgeous swan that you are!

Ugly Duckling Antidotes

1)  Write down three qualities or values that are really important to you; not what you do, or what you have, or what you look like. Instead, list the aspects of who you are in the world.

2)   Complete this affirmation with those three aspects, and post it in a visible spot throughout your week: Who I Really Am Is _______________, __________________, and __________________.

3)  Ask three trusted friends to tell you what they love most about you.   Take a deep breath.  Allow their feedback to sink in.  Then ask yourself: What is possible for me, if what they say is true?

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched, they must be felt with the heart.” ~Helen Keller

Image: Tom Curtis / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Passioneering® Life Assessment: How Passionate and Possible Are You?

June 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The first step in creating a passionate and possible life is to assess where you’re at right now, without blame, shame, or discouragement.  If you’re like most individuals, you’re living large in a few areas of your life, and not so much in others.  Here’s the real deal:  you CAN live the life you want to live in ALL areas of your life.  How?  By simply declaring it to be true and then aligning your actions with that truth. Simple, if not easy, yes?

Below is a brief life assessment to download, print and review with your coach, accountability buddy, close friend or partner. Allow for at least 30 minutes for quality time and reflection in your answers. Simply completing the questions is a big step in creating your dream life. Why? Because you are becoming more awake and aware of what’s so right now in your life.

We do not collect your answers, however, you may send me your answers and receive a private, complimentary 30-minute coaching call to discuss them (details below).

Schedule Your Complimentary 30-Minute Session Today!

 

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Passioneer® Life Assessment

(Click here to download a PDF-version of the Life Assessment)

1. On a scale of 1 to 5, please rank your satisfaction in the following areas of your life (1 = Very Satisfied; 5= Very Unsatisfied)

  • Overall happiness _____
  • Overall energy level _____
  • Overall stress level _____
  • Health/fitness _____
  • Finances _____
  • Partnership/marriage _____
  • Family _____
  • Career _____
  • Friendships/social network _____
  • Spirituality/spiritual practices _____
  • Time management _____
  • Fun/play _____
  • Creative outlet/expression _____

2. What observations do you have about the areas above that you ranked high or low?

3. Assuming that you could not fail and could create the life of your dreams, what would it look like?

  • What is your life’s purpose or mission?
  • Who/what would be present?
  • Who/what would not be?
  • What would you be doing/being now if you were guaranteed this life?

4. What are the biggest barriers between you and this dream?

5. What are your biggest areas of procrastination lately?

6. What are you most passionate about?

7. What talents, gifts, or strengths do you have that are obvious? Not so obvious?

8. What are you most grateful for in your life?

9. What does your support network look like now?

10. What are your personal values? Which are the most important (place an asterisk next to them).

11. What’s the minimum annual income required to cover your expenses and survive? What’s the annual income you want to thrive?

Are You a Passioneer? (Select Yes or No)

1. Are you a big thinker with big ideas for your life and the planet? Yes/No

2. Do you believe that happiness involves a healthy mind, body, and spirit? Yes/No

3. Are you ready and willing to make courageous leaps in inspiring and serving in the world? Yes/No

4. Are you clear about your passions and your purpose? Yes/No

5. Does your definition of prosperity embrace much more than material gain but isn’t the “starving martyr syndrome”? Yes/No

6. Do you follow a path of regular self-reflection, self-development, and spirituality? Yes/No

7. Are you an open-minded, lifelong learner, and wisdom-seeker? Yes/No

8. Are you big-hearted and compassionate? Yes/No

9. Do you believe in the power of oneness, connection, and relationships? Yes/No

10. Are you a good steward of the earth, including resources, plants and animals? Yes/No

11. Do you actively and consistently walk your Passioneer talk throughout your day and with every being that you meet? Yes/No

If you circled “Yes” on 7 or more of the questions, you are a full-fledged Passioneer – Congratulations! If not, then you’re probably a budding Passioneer® J, woohoo!

Thank you for exploring. Feel free to send this to me at sue(at)passionsandpossibilities.com, if you’d like a complimentary 30-minute exploratory call.

Happy Passioneering,

Sue Zeal Oliver, Chief Passioneer

Powerleaps LLC Coaching for Passioneers

http://www.powerleaps.com

http://www.passionscoach.com

 

 

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Passioneering Moment #10: Step Away from the Hamster Wheel

May 19, 2011 By 2 Comments

I caught myself rushing today, from the get go.  One look at my To Do list, and I was on a roll, checking email, posting to Facebook, and returning to three open projects from the prior evening.  Had I stopped to eat?  No.  Meditate?  No.  Journal?  No.  Enjoy the glorious Northwest sunshine and singing birds?   Heck no.  I was on a mission to conquer my day, rather than to savor it.  It certainly was not going to be a mission of j.o.y.  So why the rush?  In truth, the rush was all in my head, since the activities I was doing were neither urgent nor important.

What if I had chosen instead to create a day of joy and delight?  What would my morning have looked like, and how much more would I have enjoyed the rest of the day?  What would it have required for me to stop, breathe, and chose peace over chaos?  It would have required my letting go of control, surrendering, and removing the unimportant tasks from my calendar.  Sounds simple, if not easy, yes?  Then why do I make it so complicated?

“Whys?” are killer questions that can tie up my time and mental energy.  I notice that they are also a strategy for me to procrastinate and stay stuck.  After all, if I can’t figure out why I’m doing something, how can I possibly figure out how to stop it, right?  This is so NOT right!  Instead, my days go much more smoothly when I focus on answering the most important  question: “WHAT do I want my day to look like?”.  Starting with the end in mind is a powerful, creative way to begin any day, especially if you load tons of stuff on your plate like I do.

My Invitation

Tomorrow morning, I invite you to create a mission of joy for your day, one where your sole To Do is To Be.  This approach entails your focusing on what you want to be, not how on you’re going to do it.  Simply remember that you truly have all of the time in the world, if you choose to believe it.  So there is no need for you to rush, strain, or struggle.  Instead, you can choose to relax, release, and enjoy.  Your body and soul will thank you, so will your household and the world around you.

Happy Passioneering!

I’m Sue Zeal Oliver, the Passions & Possibilities coach who supports individuals and groups to leap vibrantly and prosperously into their passions for paying it forward, as Passioneers®. I’m on a mission to prove that when you do what you love AND give back, the rest DOES follow. For more information about Passioneer coaching, consulting, and marketing services OR if you’d like to connect with the wisdom of over 350 Passioneers around the globe, check out www.passionsandpossibilities.com. Happy Passioneering!

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Marketing Guru Marsh Engle Interview on Passioneering Journeys

May 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

On May 4, 2011, we interviewed Marsh Engle on her passions, possibilities, and making a huge difference in the world. Below are some highlights and quotes from the interview:

Radio Interview Highlights

  • There’s power in shifting your story.  How can you tell it with deep wisdom?
  • When you share your journey through story, you’re creating something that will be history.
  • Marsh shares her own journey through a successful marketing & branding career, her dark night of the soul, and her current success as a marketing and entrepreneur coach, speaker, and author.
  • Her new book is Amazing Woman, What’s Your Story.
  • You’ve got to be passionate about what you do, and the world will receive that energy from you.

Marsh’s Bio

Marsh Engle is an international speaker, success coach and author who offers the Essential Feminine Principles of Success. For over a decade she’s facilitated hundreds of hours of coaching to transformational entrepreneurs, coaches, authors and experts helping them to reveal their purpose, empower their relationships, expand their platform and propel unparalleled success. The Marsh Engle Show broadcasts each Monday on Voice America Business. Her website is: http://www.marshengle.com.

The Passions and Possiblities Network Radio

During each show we interview inspired leaders and entrepreneurs who are paying it forward vibrantly and prosperously in the world (aka Passioneers®).  Each show, these amazing guests share their ups, downs, tips, and wisdom, as they stay committed to their Passioneering journeys, regardless.  Share your own journey and questions, and join the thriving Passioneer community on Facebook and Twitter where we connect, commune, and collaborate. When two or more Passioneers gather, there’s sizzle, synergy, and transformation!!   Join us live on Wednesdays at 9am PST, by phone (347) 205-9038 or via streaming internet.

Happy Passioneering!

 

 

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8-Minute Passioneer® Podblast, Karen Whittier, Founder, Embrace Activism

February 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

As a yoga instructor, Karen Whittier knows how valuable yoga can be in improving the practitioner’s health and wellness. She believes having good health translates to a high quality of life. She is passionate about extending yoga’s health & wellness for all and is commited to not only empowering people to take control over their own health, but make a difference in the health of others. She can be reached at www.EmbraceActivism.com.

Each week we offer a brief Passioneer® podblast on an aspect of thriving and giving back.  If you would like to share one or other wisdom, ideas, or comments, please let us know below.  Thanks and Happy Passioneering!

Karen’s PodBlast (downloadable version at bottom) and below is the transcript:

SZO:  What are the biggest barriers for budding Passioneers as they move into activism or philanthropy?

Fear of failure or not doing enough. When you’re fueled by passion for a cause you want to make an impact, not just participate. I participated in many events to raise funds/awareness for a variety of diseases—mostly to help in the fight against breast cancer.  Those were amazing experiences where I met people that’d gone through so much.  The admiration I have for  them knows no bounds.   I learned of others that also had gone through a lot, but whether their disease wasn’t found in time or they were under-insured—whatever the reason, the disease ended their life.  I saw the pain of that loss in their loved ones…and empathized, then got angry, and finally determined.  I wanted to empower people to take more control/responsibility over their own health AND contribute to making health better for others.

It can be a daunting, even overwhelming, task once you decide to take the risk to DO something.  Keeping realistic expectations and understanding this is the beginning of a journey can help keep things in perspective.  A quote of Helen Keller’s speaks to doing and doing what you can:  “I am only one, but still I am one.  I cannot do everything, but still I can do something;  and because I cannot do everything I will not refuse something that I can do.” And think of the ripples made from tossing a stone into a lake–that single act has discussions that expand and grow.  You may never know the extent of your actions, but they might be just the spark that sets aflame another’s passion.

SZO: What are your top three tips for these Passioneers to succeed and thrive as activists?

1.  Crystallize your vision–What are you trying to accomplish?  Who are/what are you wanting to benefit?  Setting your goals in clear and specific language will insure you don’t get sidetracked and avoid expending resources–often limited resources– needlessly/unnecessarily.

Typically Passioneers are caring individuals–caring about a lot of things.  But you need to be careful.  For example, if you’ve got products that are specifically suited to children, it wouldn’t make any sense to donate your products to an auction benefitting the environment.  Sure, there could be parents there, but more than likely your products just wouldn’t be on the radar screen of the environmentalists.  If you do want to get some product exposure AND help raise funds for an organization the more effective route would be to align yourself with a charity geared to helping children.

2. Form your support group, a group consisting of people who can advise on business matters  offering honest feedback/advice with individuals that are knowledgeable in their areas of expertise.

I saved myself a ton of headaches and probably a lot of money by using a company leader in importing.  They were more expensive than some, but the personal, customer service I received and the peace of mind knowing all the i’s were dotted and t’s crossed were invaluable.

3.  Recognize the path to success rarely goes straight forward

In addition to the business support group, have a personal support group; one that gives encouragement during those inevitable hiccups.  Posting inspirational quotes like the one above from Helen Keller can help keep your eyes on the goal and periodically reviewing the why(s) and for whom you started this passioneering will help you ride out the bumpy road to success.

I have 3 quotes that resonate for me and together with the Helen Keller quote that essentially sum up the how and why of me and what I’m doing:

  • “You create your own destiny.” Anonymous
  • “The greatest use of a life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” William James
  • “Yoga teaches us to cure what cannot be endured and endure what cannot be cured.” BKS Iyengar

SZO:  What three resources do you recommend for these Passioneers to check out in this area?

  1. Make use of groups that are in the business of supporting business such as the SBA, Chamber of Commerce.  Networking groups offer great opportunities to meet like-minded  people; get advice or recommendations; and make contact with potential customers/clients.  Similar to the donating product scenario above, checking on the networking group’s focus/interests will save you a lot of time and effort.  Sure the people could be fascinating and engaging, but if their businesses revolve around high fashion, how will that help you with your children’s products?  Also be wary of groups with members that thrust their business card in front of your face; give you their elevator speech and scan the room for their next conquest even before you’ve had time to give your name.  Again, in these situations they will NOT remember you or what you do.
  2. Get involved with social media.  Create a Facebook fan, Twitter and LinkedIn pages to name a few options.  This is another situation where you must evaluate the sincerity of the other person/business before liking or following.  You’ve got to weigh whether you clutter up your page with a non-stop pitches from a serial poster or think of it as a potential link to a possible consumer.
  3. Introduce yourself/company goals to the organizations you want to support.  I would recommend writing a letter as opposed to email and following up with phone call.

SZO:  Anything else?

Take time for yourself.  Indulge in something that brings you joy.  Passioneers have incredible amounts of energy, but even they can suffer burnout.  Don’t expect to be superhuman or selfless…take care of yourself so you’re able to take care of others.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Just Be It: Tips for Leaping Vibrantly into What You Really Love

January 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Two years ago, I wrote the blog post below, which summarizes the biggest tips for leaping vibrantly and prosperously into what you love.  Things haven’t changed one bit since then!  In fact, with the continuing challenges of the U.S. economy, these tips are even more important.  If I could distill the biggest key from the 300+ Passioneer interviews, it would be this:  JUST BE IT.  WHY WAIT?

Top Tips to Express What You Love

Often I ask individuals who have successfully leaped into their dreams if they have any regrets. Without exception, they have responded with a resounding “No”! Their most common tip for individuals who are considering the leap is to stop procrastinating and to just do it. Below are some easy, powerful steps to move forward today.

  • Clarify Your Dream. By tomorrow, spend at least 30 minutes exploring the life of your dreams. Write it. Paint it. Sing it. Create a vision board. Let it out!
  • Hang Out with Passionate People. When two or more individuals discuss together their passions, magic unfolds. So over the next week, find at least one social or professional group that shares your passion. Attend one of their events.
  • Explore a Career Change. Your dream life may require a career change. Write down at least five alternative ventures that would allow you to more fully express your passions. Consider hiring a career specialist.
  • Face Your Fears. Write down your ten biggest fears about fully leaping into your dreams. Then examine which of the fears are facts and which are really your interpretations.
  • Stake Your Claim. This week, when others ask you what you do, create a new sound track. Instead of describing an old role or job, declare your passion as your new occupation. “I now am a ___________________” (fill in the blank).
  • Create a 30-Second Elevator Speech. Know what target market you want to serve with your passions. Then use a simple, conversational approach to describe who you are. Here’s my blurb: “As a passions and possibilities coach, I support talented, driven, and successful individuals in taking the next big leap into their dreams”.
  • Order New Business Cards. You could have polished calling cards for your new venture by the end of the week. Several online vendors offer very low-cost choices, so order them today. There’s no excuse not to!
  • Spread the News. Tell at least ten people that you are pursuing the life of your dreams now. Ask them to tell at least ten people. Leverage new and existing venues, especially social networks on the internet.
  • Build a Cheerleading Team. Make a list of ten individuals who could be strong supporters of your dream. Meet with all of them over the next month, and make a specific request for their support.
  • Find a Mentor. Learn from the mistakes of others, to avoid unnecessary pitfalls along your journey. Use your connections to find five successful individuals who are already expressing a similar passion.
  • Hire a Professional Life Coach. A great coach will help you organize countless baby steps into a powerful game plan for your dream. Seek out someone who has solid experience, a successful track record, and with whom you have a strong connection.
  • Assess Your Finances. As you leap into your passions, take your financial pulse. Have you already saved at least one year’s worth of your expected expenses? If not, you will need additional income until your new venture is profitable. So don’t quit your day job right away!
  • Hire a Financial Expert. If you are facing major debt challenges or complicated finances, spend the time and money to hire an expert. You will avoid many headaches and be much more likely to prosper.
  • Take It Slow and Steady. Your progress towards your dreams, after taking many baby steps like these, will simply astound you. Consider Dick Miller, the man who ate a 2,800 pound car. How did he do it? One mouthful at a time.
  • Start Today. Take at least one step into your passions today, even if it’s a small one. Words without action are meaningless, so what do YOU commit to?

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Catching and Holding Bigget Vision for Your Life

January 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Vision = Clarity and Focus!

When you make the time to tune into the bigger vision for your life – to steep yourself in it with all of your senses, you can literally call it forth into your life.   Napoleon Hill said “What You can conceive and believe, you can achieve.”   Most folks don’t spend enough time in the conceiving part, so there’s no way they ever get to believing.   That’s where visioning comes in. The visioning exercise posted below was recorded during our first 2011 VisionCasting call, a monthly, free opportunity for you to tune into the vision for your life from the perspective of your Higher Power.

For more information on visioning, click here for the Visioning FAQ. To share your experience or wisdom with our Network or to sign-up for bi-monthly inspiration and tips, please contact us.

30-Minute Visioning Podcast (Facilitator, Sue Zeal Oliver)

(down-loadable version at the bottom of the page).

Transcript from the 1.6.2011 Visioning Exercise:

  • We’ll create a reflective, contemplative place for about 15 minutes and then will ask our Higher Power to share this vision with us. We’ll open up the phone lines at the end, for anyone who wants to share.
  • Please get at least 2 pieces of paper and pen, pencil, markers, or even crayons. Write the words “Vision” on one page, in small letters in the top part; then, “Be” on the back of that page (or use a new sheet); write “Release” on another side or sheet, and then “Anything Else” on the fourth side or sheet.
  • You can use these sheets to write down any images, sensations, words, etc., that come to you during the process, either as they come forth or at the end. I highly recommend doing so throughout.

Background of Visioning

  • Visioning is a tool for connecting with the realm infinite possibilities – your true nature. That which you do not know with your five senses.
  • It goes beyond visualization which is limited to what you have actually seen with your eyes (for example, imagining yourself successfully dunking a basketball through a hoop).
  • In visioning, you ask your Higher Power to share the biggest possible vision for your life. Or for a project, situation, venture – it can be used for any area of your life.
  • You can create time for visioning monthly, weekly, even daily…from a few minutes to several hours. I include it for about 10 minutes in my daily spiritual practice and for a few hours each month.
  • The technique here includes Rev. Dr. Michael Beckwith’s line of simple questioning. You can find out more about his programs by Googling Life Visioning or going to his website.
  • I’ll be sharing four simple questions that you can record on your IPOD, phone or other device and use during your own meditation and journaling practices.
  • Ground rules:
  • Ask your censor, left brain, and inner critics to take a break. There’s no right or wrong way to do visioning. It’s highly likely that some of what comes forth will not make sense. That’s OK!
  • Sometimes the answer will come later down the line, and other times, it may not.
  • Please honor the reflective space and the variety of spiritual traditions.
  • Allow each person to share AND be laser like, focused in your sharing.

Visioning Questions:

  • What is the Greatest Good for my life in 2011? What does it look like? Sound like? Feel like? Smell like? Taste Like?
  • What am I to be in order for this Greatest Good to unfold?
  • What am I to release in order for this Greatest Good to unfold?
  • Anything else for me to know about this Greatest Good for my life?

Giving great thanks for what has unfolded and for the truth that as we believe it, it is so. That we are indeed here for a Higher Purpose – spiritual beings having a human experience.

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Happy Passioneering!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

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Passioneering Moment #1: Catch the Highest Vision

January 10, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Each week, you’ll receive a brief, 3-minute Passioneering Video Moment on the month’s theme. January’s theme is Vision, and this week’s moment is on Visioning – how to use the powerful technique of visioning to catch and hold the highest good for your life.  For more on visioning, check out our 30-minute visioning meditation/exercise or our visioning FAQ.

Happy Passioneering!

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What’s Between You and Expressing Your Passions Fully?

January 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

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Huge Thank You to Our Passioneer® Supporters!

December 31, 2010 By Leave a Comment

An amazing group of advisors, contributors, and other Passioneers have blessed the Passions and Possibilities Network beyond measure.  Thanks to each and every one of you and anyone else who has supported us in any way.  Without you, we would be compass- and rudder-less. :)

Happy Passioneering and New Year!

Sue Zeal Oliver, Chief Passioneer

If I’ve missed anyone, please forgive me!

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HUGE thanks to:

  • Chief Connecting Officer, Kelly McConnell, for her tireless, loving, volunteer assistance in coordinating our radio show guests and interviews.
  • Louis Bryant, founder of Gym on the Go, for his love, partnership, and support.
  • Deborah Drake, publishing, writing, and marketing coach, and co-author of our upcoming book, for her insight, love, and wisdom.
  • Anne Oliver, my beloved mother and best friend, for her love and support
  • God, Spirit, the Divine, the Presence. Enuf said!

Board Members (of the new charitable non-profit, Make a Passion Possible)

Advisors/Colleagues:

  • Shonika Proctor, visionary and founder of Teen CEO Entrepreneur, and our 2009 Passioneer of the Year.
  • David Redman Johnson, musical artist, confidente, and dear friend, for his heart and compassion.
  • Gary Mantz and Suzanne Mitchell, radio show hosts of The Gary Mantz Show and Mantz & Mitchell in the Morning.
  • Michael Hartzell, in-bound marketing expert, creator of “Business Success Tips for Entrepreneurs”
  • Krystal Lechner, Founder of Smashing Divas, who’s been behind our Network from the very beginning!
  • Rev. Nirvana Gayle, founder of Guidance Church, for his longstanding wisdom and mentorship
  • Joanne Stone, for her friendship and support for so many years.
  • Sandy Fox, friend and colleague, for her passion, heart, and peace.
  • Froswa Booker-Drew, founder of Soulstice Consultancy, for her support as we create the MAPP charity.
  • Stephanie A. Jones, creator of GeekNerdWonk, for her passionate, for her wise guidance as we launch the MAPP charity.
  • Ken Ludwig, radio show host and founder of Making It Out Alive, for his consciousness and focus on spiritual practices.
  • Terence Murphy, Founder of Axxentor, for his wit and great questions.
  • Rev. Sharon Ramey, our prosperity coach and mentor and husband Paul Ramey, President and CEO, IPS/Joint Ventures, Inc., Seattle, who blend business and spirituality so beautifully!
  • Dr. Sage Bennet, balance mentor and coach, educator, minister, who keeps me centered and present.
  • Ron Warkentin, business coach and consultant, for his big heart and continual YES!
  • Chris Simonds, for his wisdom and business savvy.
  • Lee Anderson, Business Relationship Manager and Vice President, Umpqua Bank, for being willing to answer our banking/finance-related questions.
  • Bob Dunn, Founder of Cats Eye Marketing, who got our website up and running last year and helped us avoid major glitches this year.

Other 2010 Passioneers

  • Michelle Sedas, author and coach, www.michellesedas.com
  • Harriette Knight, master healer, psychic, author, and radio show host, www.HarrietteKnight.com.
  • Robbi Firestone, artist and philanthropist, www.RobbiFirestone.com.
  • Barbara Shaiman, non-profit founder and speaker on social change www.championsofcaring.org and www.embraceyourlegacynow.com).
  • Ryan Ray, television and radio show host, www.wakeuptv.com.
  • Dr. Melody Ivory, artist, poet, writer, www.melodyivory.com.
  • Sandra Boissier, gifted angel channel and spiritual activist, www.angelenergy.org.
  • C.J. Liu, coach and radio show host, www.mywholelife.net
  • Jim Wilkins, founder of Tiny Cabins
  • Passioneers to be featured in our 2011 book (in addition to those above):  Rev. Rainbow Johnson, Jordan Mallah, Amen Berjikly, Brooke Ellison, Dr. Laverne Adams, Rev. Susan Sparks, Ellen Whitehurst, Aimee Gallo, Elisabeth Manning, Chappale Burton, and Danielle Herb
  • Our Facebook, Twitter, and Linked in fans and supporters.  WOW!
  • The many Passioneers featured on our radio show, The Passions and Possibilities Project
  • The Seattle acting crew, including Eileen, Richard, Hana, Tom, Devin, Kevin, Devielle, Jenn, and so many others, for the fun and release of laughter!
  • My Amazing Grace contingent, including Eric, Colette, and the Board.
  • All of my UCSL homies for their prayers and consciousness!
  • My Landmark buds for their clarity and possibilities!



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13-Minute Passioneer® PodBlast: Beth Buelow, Introvert Entrepreneur Coach, Speaker, Blogger

December 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

We recently interviewed Beth Buelow, CEO and founder of The Introvert Entrepreneur.  She is a professional speaker and leadership coach who helps introverts understand, own and leverage their strengths. She challenges the introvert stereotypes and is on a mission to bridge the communication gap between the “strong, silent” types and the “loud and proud.” Her business, The Introvert Entrepreneur, provides products and services that are designed for introverts who want to be wildly successful while still being authentic.  Listen to her PodBlast at the bottom of this post.

Summary of Beth’s PodBlast:

Sue. What are the biggest challenges that budding Passioneers who are introverts face?

Beth:

  • Self-promotion. Introverts are usually more comfortable putting the spotlight on others, rather than themselves. This can be a huge asset; our self-effacing nature means we’re good at lifting up others. This tendency needs to be balanced with showing up confidently and being able to speak clearly about our own value.
  • Head games. Introverts are internal processors; the wheels are always quietly turning inside our heads, and this can lead to paralysis by analysis, as well as believing we have to think something through 110% before we can speak about it or act on it.
  • Being authentic. There is a lot of pressure to be out, social, on stage, “selling” yourself. Introverts are capable of doing all of these things, and finding a way to do it that honors our introverted personality and needs can be challenging.
  • Managing energy. This is related to authenticity; if we feel pressure to show up as extroverts (lots of events, being really “on,” constantly putting ourselves out there), our energy reserves can drain out rather quickly. It requires really owning our energy and needs and being able to set boundaries for ourselves (rather than “I should do this”). Staying in a place of choice is critical.

Sue:  What are your top three tips for these Passioneers to outrageously thrive as they give back?

Beth: All three of these are ways to protect your energy as your success becomes more present and pronounced.

  • Choose your commitments strategically and intentionally. As you become more successful, more people will want a piece of you. It can be tempting to say “yes” too often. Decide what types of opportunities best align with your vision, BEFORE you’re faced with saying yes or no.
  • Leverage your strengths. Seek challenges and situations that allow you to tap into your innate strengths: thoughtfulness; preference for depth over breadth; being calm, cool, collected; good listener.
  • Reach out. Whoever coined the phrase, “if you want it done right, do it yourself,” was probably an introvert! We tend to think we can handle everything on our own, because it might feel like it would be more work (and therefore, an energy drain) to bring other people into our processes. However, done strategically and intentionally (again, choosing partners or vendors in accordance to what aligns with your vision, rather than saying “yes!” to anyone who asks you), it can increase your capacity to accomplish your goals and provide you with some relief. Recognize when it’s time to ask for support or partnership.

Sue:  What three resources do you recommend for these Passioneers to check out?

Beth:

  • The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney: a great primer for anyone who wants to learn more about what it means to be an introvert.
  • Good to Great by Jim Collins: His chapter on Level 5 Leadership answers the question of whether or not introverts can make great leaders (the answer is yes!). I also appreciate the lessons that Passioneers can learn from applying the Hedgehog Concept and Flywheel analogy to their businesses.
  • Works by Carl Jung and in particular, about the shadow: for deeper understanding of being an introvert and why we sometimes disown that part of ourselves. A good starting point is Debbie Ford’s The Dark Side of the Light Chasers.

Sue:  Anything else?

Beth: I have a few resources designed specifically to support introverts and introvert entrepreneurs:

Blog, Podcast, Coaching, Workshops, Etc: www.TheIntrovertEntrepreneur.com

Facebook Community: www.Facebook.com/TheIntrovertEntrepreneur

Twitter: @coachbethb

Final Words (Beth):

Practice using a “beginner’s mind” approach to your work. Introverts are generally good at research and have a “need to know.” Practice spending some time in the “not knowing.” Experience things with a beginner’s mind and eye, allowing yourself to notice what’s happening not just with your mind, but with your body. Be open to the opportunities that arise when you remove the pressure to be perfect or to be an expert.

Thanks Beth and Happy Passioneering!

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