Power Of Why With Naomi Haile

Solange Zindzi was born and raised in Amsterdam and has roots in Curaçao, which is an island in the Caribbean. Solange started dancing at the age of 4, and at the age of 10, her mother enrolled her into dance classes to learn more about dance techniques and developing more in her craft. After years of training several times a week, in 2011, Solange graduated from the Lucia Marthas Institute of Performing Arts in Amsterdam, Netherlands as a dancer and dance teacher. This episode is for you if: You don’t want to be defined by labels and titles, but are still figuring out what this means to you practically You want to move to a new city or make a career leap, but you are sitting on the edge You struggle with living in the grey, but you see its immense value [aka fervently moving towards your dreams and also having the patience to let things flow] Solange Zindzi is a professional dancer who has worked with our favourite, internationally-recognized artists. She has worked with recording artists such as Irene

Christie Noua is the Founder and CEO of In Wholeness - a holistic nutrition and wellness company and brand where she works with people clients to help them construct nutrition and fitness programs that actually becomes a part of their lifestyle. Christie is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist and personal trainer who believes that we need practical ways to nurture our lives and health. She has a BSc with a major in Biology and minors in Chemistry and psychology. And in 2019, she graduated from the Natural Nutrition program of Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. You’ll learn: The difference between being interested and being committed to your wellness journey Helpful ways to integrate exercise, sleep and nutrition into your lifestyle How to create sustainable changes that *actually* acknowledge where you are right now Connect with Christie In Wholeness: https://www.in-wholeness.com/ Dietary & Fundamentals Lifestyle Course: https://www.in-wholeness.com/offers/Aee2sPkS/checkout Whole & Well P

Lola Plaku is the founder and CEO of Lola Media Group – a firm focused on artist management and brand development. And she is also the founder of Girl Connected - a mentorship program for women looking to build in the music and entertainment industry. You’ll learn: How Lola put on her first show in the music industry How to build rapport, relationships, and creative brands Knowing your shit and commanding a room – why is this important? What work in the music industry is really like when you are managing talent Why Lola worked for free when she was first starting out in the music business How Lola invested in herself earlier in her career (and how it looks slightly different from how she invests in herself today) How to come correct when pitching someone for a job position that is not advertised How to sell / pitch yourself for an opportunity Connect with Lola Website: lolamediagroup.com Website: beagirlconnected.com Twitter: @iluvlola Instagram: @iluvlola Instagram: @beagirlconnecte

Stephanie Harrison is the Founder and CEO of The New Happy – a platform that is focused on lasting happiness and how we can actually focus on changing the world for the better. Stephanie is focused on delivering the best content and does so every week, on Sundays. You can check out her newsletter here. You can expect writings and research where she will help you to redefine happiness (for yourself) so that you can flourish. You’ll learn: How to not get caught up in society’s definition of happiness A new definition of happiness (that may actually work better for you) Ways to show up for the people you love when they are in pain More ways to ease on rigid plans and lead with intention (if you are currently obsessed with your 10-year plan) Connect with Victoria Website: thenewhappy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newhappyco/ Newsletter: Subscribe here Email Stephanie: stephanie@thenewhappy.com Connect with Naomi Website – naomihaile.com Instagram – @naomiahaile Twitter – @naomiat

Victoria Klein is an Author, mindset-meets-business strategist, and systems nerd who helps 6-and-7-figure service providers become streamlined business owners with a business backend overhaul. Over the past 15 years, Victoria has exemplified what it means to “just start”. She started 5 difference business, build skills and is now focused on her zone of genius. What I appreciate about Victoria is that she strategizes with people so that they have more time to think and live their life. Currently, Victoria is focused on her one day intensives – where she helps people complete up to 3 months of work together in 6 hours. That’s right, 6 hours. She’s also writing her 3rd book: a memoir-meets-self-improvement-guide through 15 years of depression, anxiety, false starts, wrong turns, + getting the f*ck out of your own way. Keep up to date with Victoria on Instagram as she shares updates for her book launch! You’ll learn: How to think about your time strategically How to decide what to focus on and asking what is w

Seble Alemayehu is the Co-founder of Yenaé (Ye.Nay) - a modern jewelry brand that takes you on a journey inside Africa through its exquisite jewelry designs. Seble believes that “anyone can make jewelry and sell it. We’re telling a story. Doing our part in sharing the rich culture of African countries” and this is why you must listen to her story. She is building something bigger than just a product. She partners with historians and storytellers to offer something that is both curated and thoughtful.  You’ll learn: How Seble started a jewelry line with her co-founder How Seble integrated storytelling into her sales process Why it’s important to listen to your body (burnout is real!) Connect with Seble Website – Yenae.com Instagram – @yenaecollection Twitter -- @yenaecollection LinkedIn – Seble Alemayehu Connect with Naomi Website – naomihaile.com Instagram – @naomiahaile Twitter – @naomiathaile LinkedIn – Naomi Haile 

Rebecca Mazzara is the Founder and CEO of Calita Intimates - a sustainable women's underwear line made in Canada. I first heard Rebecca’s story at a live conversation at the Tease Tea HQ in Ottawa. I was inspired by her journey and the steps that she has taken to build her company from the ground up. Rebecca spent a couple of years at Shopify (in sales) – so she was very comfortable making cold calls, getting outside of her comfort zone and finding the answers to all of her questions. This was helpful when she ultimately decided to start her own business. And in this episode of the Power of Why, Rebecca gets REAL about what it was like starting a product-based business for the first time. Rebecca breaks down her experiences started an intimates line for women with no prior experience in the fashion space. The challenging search for beautiful, yet breathable underwear inspired Rebecca to start Calita Intimates. Her passion for women's health as well as sustainable fashion led her to discover a natural fabric t

Are you a life-long learner? Much of what we are seeing, hearing and experiencing in our world today is that while things are constantly changing around us, we have the agency to navigate what’s going on inside. Specifically, how we choose to invest in ourselves as humans… to grow in life and in our careers. Michaella’s story helps illustrate the power of charting your own path and saying yes to experiences bring you closer to the person that you want to be. In this episode, you will learn: How Michaella navigated living in 5+ cities throughout her childhood and adulthood What Michaella’s experience working in the technology space – at the intersection of product and sales was like What to consider when moving to another country for school The tech world for people with non-traditional degrees Delivering presentations to both C-level executives and business users to influence change. Michaella Munyuzangabo is a Global Solution Manager in the Telecommunications industry. She helps telecommunication c

How you spend your “down-time” matters to your well-being and creativity. Do we still partake in activities because we simply enjoy it? I have been fascinated by the growing allure of hobbies during quarantine - the “gentle pursuit of modest competence”. What happened to trying activities that are not directly related to your career? In this short episode, Alex talks about his podcast (Time for Your Hobby) and the why it’s important to have hobbies that you enjoy. In this episode, you will learn: The importance of picking up a hobby for your mental health & well-being. Why it feels like you’re listening to a broken record with the rhetoric: “just get started” on what you want to build or create What is the best part of podcasting? Alex has always enjoyed activities and projects that have an audio component to them. Alex started his journey as a rapper. Creating lyrics that uplifted people on their own personal path. And as he got older, he decided to play around with music production programs. Alex

So much is possible when you are clear about what you are working towards. In this episode, you will learn: How Victory strategically created opportunities to position herself as an asset in the technology industry, without prior experience What is possible when you work backwards from your goals Why it is important to speak directly to your potential customers about their problem BEFORE you launch a product or service The importance of having spaces within the corporate industry for Black professionals to connect and learn from each other Victory Omotayo is an entrepreneur and business coach on a mission to demystify entrepreneurship as a means of propelling women forward into business ownership. Since 2013, Victory has been exploring and learning in the e-commerce space. Victory has launched 3 businesses and after selling her business in 2018, she decided to take her expertise online. Victory wanted to teach others how they too can find success with business. She went back to school for her Master’s

In this episode, you will learn: Why understanding who you are when you are triggered is a part of your healing [13:30] Why self-acceptance is an important piece of authenticity [33:00] This week on the Power of Why I sat down with Meghan Wills. Meghan has 20 years of experience in diverse professions. Her experiences include Mindfulness Coaching and she also has a background in Human Resource Management. Through her work in the professional world and her responsibilities as a mother, Meghan emphasizes the importance of intersectional wellness & diversity. Her passion for inclusion and equity stems from her experience as a Biracial Black Canadian Woman with a Jamaican heritage. Connect with Meghan Wills Meghan's Website Meghan Wills on Instagram The “I’m Good Illusions” article  written by Meghan Connect with Naomi on Instagram and read the full show notes here.

In this episode, you will learn: The importance of asking “how can I be useful” instead of “how can I be successful” to achieve your goal How to communicate and pitch your ideas, products or services to people by outlining their pain points, instead of communicating features. How to get clear on the problem that you solve before you even talk about the product. Why building a solid business is not just about “out of the box thinking” but great execution. This week, on the Power of Why, I sat down with David Beckett. David is the creator of Best3Minutes Pitch Methodology a Pitch Coach, TEDx Speech Coach, Creator of The Pitch Canvas©, the Author of Pitch To Win, and named Freelancer of the Year (in 2019). He conducts pitch workshops for companies and startup accelerators – mainly across Europe and has also coached over 950 Startups to make outstanding pitches and raise over €270 Million investment. Bring Your Pitch to the Next Level and Connect w/ David Beckett Best3Minutes Website David Beckett on T

In this episode, you will learn: The types of empowered financial conversations you should be having with yourself and your peers Potential money stories that are getting in the way of your growth and An alternative view on retirement. This week, on the Power of Why, I sat down with Melissa Allen. Melissa is a financial advisor and impact investor. She is passionate about sharing what she knows about personal finance, investing, building generational wealth, and creating a legacy that will positively impact our families and communities for decades to come. Melissa strongly believes that mindset followed by action is the key to monetary abundance. With the belief that real, positive societal change happens with our dollars, Melissa is determined to inspire people everywhere, especially those in overlooked, underestimated, and at-risk communities, vote with those dollars. Connect with Melissa on Instagram or send her an email at Allen.melissa@gmail.com Connect with Naomi on Instagram and read the full sho

“You have to do what works for you at your own speed”. - Jay Sinha In this episode, you will learn how Jay built a thriving community of 120, 000+ plastic-free enthusiasts and advocates, wrote a book to share an important message and the highs and lows of running a business since the early 2000s. Jay is an accomplished entrepreneur, lawyer, scientist, researcher, writer and policy advisor – with this experience spanning the academic, governmental, and private sector. Most of Jay’s professional experience has thoughtfully been linked to the environment and sustainability in some way. He is so focused on being an educational resource around the health and environmental effects related to plastics. Jay Sinha and Chantal Plamondon are the co-founders of Life Without Plastic and have since built a global community of plastic-free living enthusiasts and advocates. They help decrease the world's dependence on plastic and educate people about the health and environmental problems associated with plastics. In 2017, Ja

"When burnout is present, it is impossible to experience well-being". – Richard Balon. How many times have you ignored what your body was saying to you in times of burnout or depletion? How often do you sacrifice your health or sanity for the sake of pleasing others? Whether we are aware or not, our body is constantly speaking to us. Our body is telling us what it needs to be healthy, conscious, and happy. Do we listen? Do we take these demands seriously? In this episode, Mallory Rowan indulges us in a conversation about energy and her personal experience understanding and navigating burnout. And walks us through how she built a thriving business without sacrificing her well-being. Mallory is a 26-year-old entrepreneur who is passionate about helping people create business systems, while respecting their lifestyle. Today, she inspires thousands online, works with entrepreneurs and creatives who want to build and grow their businesses without burnout. She speaks at events, partners with powerful brands, a

Fight. For. Your. Joy. What does it mean to fight for your joy? What does it mean to claim who you are and your identity? And do so, unapologetically. In a time where the media, news channels, and advertisers online are vying for your attention and moments of peace, it has become crucial to exercise your boundaries and clarify who you are. As Joan brilliantly put it: "You either become so entrenched in what is happening that you forget who you are or what is happening polarizes inside so much that you start to question who you are." Joan Rupram is a healer and educator focused on ushering wellness as the foundation of sustainable leadership. Bridging the gap between the spiritual and the practical, Joan’s mission is to build the inner caliber of Millennial change doers and new school thought leaders to be and build the change they seek in today's world. Joan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joan.rupram/ Have a meaningful conversation with Joan: https://joanrupram.as.me/claritycall Connect with Naomi: h

In this episode, Gwen Elliot, Online Course Producer, walks us through her journey in TV production and how she creatively made her way into the eLearning space. And what an incredible space to be in. According to Forbes, it is projected that the eLearning industry will grow to $325 billion by 2025. Today, Gwen has co-created more than 30 courses reaching over 450,000 learners. She currently works at Shopify, and runs a business helping authors and experts turn their books, workshops, and expertise into online education. Connect with Gwen: https://www.gwenelliot.ca/ Read the show notes at: https://powerofwhy.substack.com/ Connect with Naomi: https://naomihaile.com/

In this episode, Jesmine Onyeukwu, Organizing and Productivity Coach, talks about creating and intentional life through very simple principles. Jesmine believes that you CAN, in fact, "have it all" if you manage your priorities well. And that you can not afford to change the world at the expense of everything else in your life. Read the shownotes at: https://powerofwhy.substack.com/ Check out my website: https://naomihaile.com/

Fatuma's manifesto is that we each have a gift. That our souls are uniquely crafted to make the world a better and a more inclusive place. Her art is a way of self- expression and to call to attention the beauty in diversity. In 2019, I first came across Fatuma's art at the Women Who Work Gala held by The Embassy of Gabon and Gwen Madiba in Ottawa. Fatuma was showcasing her art in prime space - right at the entrance for people to admire and enjoy before they Gala started. It was through her art, that I felt that I had already met her. In 2018, Fatuma became a published author and even held her first book signing a year later in 2019. She continues to surprise and delight her audience and her work inspires the community to express themselves. Fatuma writes, draws, paints, and on her days off, spends time giving back to the community at the local shelter in Ottawa, Canada. Fatuma’s passion is to encourage people to embrace their own uniqueness. Every piece of art holds meaning and is a vessel to tell many stori

Do you feel that you truly belong at work? How about in your social circles? Sarah recounts her personal story and how this led her to building a purpose-driven company, Tribute. Sarah is on a personal mission to make the workplace more human centered, by helping individuals feel a greater sense of belonging and purpose at work. I wanted to bring Sarah on to speak about how we can be creative and the importance of belonging in the workplace and in your social circles. Sarah shares that her company, Tribute, is about paying tribute to who you are and that makeup of experiences and how you can pay that forward to other people. I can’t wait for you to hear more about Sarah's mission and her why.