Ayelet Kaznelson Is Ready to Dive Back Into Acting After Several Years of Hiatus

After many years of taking a break from her acting career, Ayelet Kaznelson is more than ready to jump back into the game and pick up where she left off. The 56-year-old Israeli beauty seems to not have aged a day since the last time she was on screen, and this attribute is her strongest asset as she takes pride in her all-natural beauty and phenomenal body shape despite her age. 

So what has Ayelet Kaznelson been up to these past several years? She has been diligently and dedicatedly working as a lactation consultant, helping mothers and families in their new journey of welcoming another member of the family. She is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and a Labor Support Doula. She started on this path in 1999 after giving birth to her beautiful daughter. Her first work experience in this area was at Elizabeth Seton Childbearing Center. 

Unfortunately, the center closed in 2003, and what she thought would be a massive bump along the road turned out to be a greater opportunity in disguise. Right after Elizabeth Seton Childbearing Center shut down, Ayelet Kaznelson was invited by her mentors to be a co-founder of a private practice, which later came to be known as The Manhattan Lactation Group. Additionally, she was invited by Erica Lyon to be one of the original staff of Realbirth, the first comprehensive childbirth education and postpartum center in New York City. 

In 2002, she received her Lactation Counseling Certification. In 2004, after giving birth to her son, the thriving lactation guru passed the International Board Certification exam. Determined to take her private practice further and be able to help more women and families embrace the many benefits of breastfeeding, Ayelet Kaznelson relocated to Los Angeles in 2006, where she established her very own private practice – The Los Angeles Lactation Group. She was a staff lactation consultant at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at the same time. The following year, she found her way back to New York, where she focused on her own private practice.

The past several years have proven to be very productive and satisfying for Ayelet as she provided occasional labor support to her family and friends, which eventually became a full-time endeavor in conjunction with her work as a lactation expert. She is now also a midwife assistant as well after completing her training at The Farm in Summertown, Tennessee. Apart from these, she also teaches and runs clinics at the Prenatal Yoga Center and Manhattan Valley Pediatrics. 

She has come to a point in her life when she hopes to see what else is in store for her, and her love for acting once again came to life. “I feel so much more ready now than when I was younger. A lot has happened in my life in the past 20 years. Some of it was amazing. Some of it was pretty rough. I find it all has informed my acting in a way that brings new depths to my work. Also, rare for women my age in the industry, I have never had any plastic surgeries or physical alterations of any kind and gave up coloring my hair three years ago.” 

Ayelet Kaznelson looks forward to going back to acting full-time in the next five years to rekindle one of her greatest passions in life. While she will always remain a lactation consultant, she aspires to explore new possibilities in the entertainment industry and create new paths for herself along the way. As she boldly embraces this new and exciting season in her life, she can be expected to pursue greater feats and new adventures. 

Find out more about Ayelet Kaznelson by visiting her website

7 Benefits of Outsourcing Your Business’s IT Support

Outsourcing specific tasks is an excellent way to drive the business forward without increasing overhead costs and handling the nuances of employee management.

Outsourcing IT services and support should be a top priority when looking for opportunities to streamline your company. Here are seven benefits of outsourcing IT services to drive the decision-making process. 

Better Access to Skilled IT Specialists

One of the limitations of hiring an in-house IT specialist is the geographical range from which you can pull talent. It’s difficult to attract top talent from other countries, as they’ll likely find a suitable position close to home. If you do find someone, you’ll either have to rethink your business model to hire a remote employee or incur relocation costs.

Outsourcing your services allows you to cast a wider net and draw from a larger talent pool. Also, when working with an established consultant or firm, you’ll be billed via invoice rather than dealing with additional payroll complexities.

Diverse Experience and Knowledge

When hiring an in-house IT support person, your service options are limited to the individual’s experience. To access a broader knowledge base, you would need to invest in additional training or hire additional staff.

When you outsource to an IT support service, you have access to a diverse experience and knowledge base by engaging the services of a team. According to EIRE Systems in Tokyo, working with an outsourced IT team allows you access to basic support, security services, and even project management and custom solutions based on your needs. As a business owner, you benefit from centralized, streamlined support from a company you trust.

Potential for Cost Savings

Hiring employees costs a significant amount of time and resources. The costs incurred during the recruitment process, the added perks and benefits, and the potential for turnover can all add up for a small- to medium-sized enterprise.

While outsourcing IT services will have costs associated, the cost savings of not managing the recruitment and retention process are worth the investment. Furthermore, you can adjust your services and spending based on your budget. Accessing a team with a diverse knowledge base will also be more affordable than hiring multiple consultants or employees who charge a premium for their experience.

Simplified Scaling

Over time, your IT support needs could fluctuate. If your company is undergoing a digital transformation, you may require additional support and services for a couple of months or years before scaling back to your original structure.

Outsourcing your IT services makes it simpler to scale your team to meet your current needs. If you have an existing relationship with an IT support team, you won’t need to navigate the hiring or vetting process to adjust your IT support levels. Instead, you can work with your vendor to adjust your service levels as required. 

If your current vendor doesn’t have the support options you need to scale, they will often bring someone else aboard or recommend a trusted alternative.

In Tune to Best Practices

Technology and cybersecurity needs are ever-evolving. When you hire an in-house IT support team, the onus on continued education will either be on them or your business. While offering continued education opportunities and financing additional courses is a great business incentive, it’s not always feasible.

When you outsource your IT services, you can rest assured that the company you work with will be up-to-date on industry best practices — their bottom line depends on it. Whether it’s changes to compliance and regulatory requirements or understanding the latest technology, working with an outsourced IT provider ensures you’re always ahead of the curve. 

Better Availability and Commitment 

Another limitation when hiring an in-house team is availability and commitment. If your business works with clients in different parts of the world, you may need someone who works outside your time zone. With an in-house team, you’ll either have set office hours or have to pay extra for overtime.

Another concern is commitment. At any time, an employee might decide to leave and explore new opportunities. With an outsourced team, you don’t run the risk of turnover or navigating the hiring process every few years.

In essence, an outsourced IT team will offer better hours and availability and won’t quit to move to the competitor.

The benefits of outsourcing IT support services far outweigh the cons. Consider these seven reasons for outsourcing, so you can meet your IT support needs and keep your business moving forward.

 

Keith Ross Nelson on Bringing Happiness and Building Relationship through Timeless Banter

There is nothing as irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor in all the world, effortless in its ability to brighten a dark day instantly. As a matter of fact, it is one of the most therapeutic activities recommended for its healing power. For this reason, standup comedian Keith Ross Nelson uses his good humor to put a smile on everyone’s face, making the world a happier place. 

For over twenty-five years, Keith Ross Nelson has been widely acknowledged in all fifty states in America as a top-rated comedian with a remarkable skill to fill a room with laughter. Moreover, the star has emerged as a well-respected connoisseur of comedy.

Determined to bring laughter to the next level this highly talented individual has appeared on “Entertainment Tonight,” “Hulu’s Comedy Time,” and has starred in the TV show Electives. More than a standup comedian, this multifaceted personality’s creative flair also revolves around writing, acting and directing. He has made on-screen appearances on Amazon Prime’s Not for Nothin, which he co-wrote, co-starred, and executive-produced. He even appeared in hit independent movies Mobsters and Mormons and The R.M.

Gaining recognition as a modern-day renaissance man, Keith was featured in “Who’s Who.” In addition, many popular publications such as L.A. Wire, New York Weekly, U.S. News, U.S. Reporter, LA Times, Entertainment Monthly News, Miami Wire and many more have written glowing articles about his outstanding skill as an art performer.

Away from the silver screens, Keith is also a very talented athlete who held the position as the esteemed champion of Masters High Jump record for seven years from 2000 to 2007. In 1998, he also finished second in the World Masters Nike Championships. His other accolades include three National Championships, two outdoors and one indoors. He was ranked number 1 in the world outdoors in 2000 and number 1 indoors in 2006. An athlete through and through, he also has a third-degree black belt in kung fu and is working on getting his. fourth.

Keith’s unique talents are timeless. His comedy material is intelligent and smooth, transcending generations. He is well-loved by all age groups and has been considered a son, a brother, and a father figure by his diverse audience. His accomplishments as a man with remarkable skills embracing authenticity with good humor have helped build solid connections and meaningful relationships.

Merging the universal language of sports and comedy, Keith Ross Nelson is a man dedicated to bringing happiness and joy to everyone. In the coming years, Keith hopes to continue his passion for bringing laughter, helping people forget their troubles by doing standup comedy nationally and internationally.

To learn more about Keith Ross Nelson, his comedy, acting and outstanding work, visit his official website. http://www.keithrossnelson.org/You can also stay updated with him and share moments of laughter with him by following him on Instagram @Keithrossnelson

Natasha Oates Impacts Families by Promoting Emotional Healing through The UP Company

Two-time award-winning therapist, relationship expert, and entrepreneur Natasha Oates is transforming families and healing leaders, which she believes will elevate communities in the long run. She advocates for individuals who are known to be the strong one in their family and on the job, knowing quite well that they are often the ones who carry the most burden and at times need support. Knowing from personal experiences that the strongest ones are often the most neglected and overlooked, she is making an effort to reach out to them. Reaching them to care for their emotional health also helps them better lift up their own families and make incredible moves in their careers.

One of Natasha Oates’ strongest attributes as a therapist is her ability to bring troubled couples closer to each other after teaching them to rediscover one another with respect, trust, and a deeper kind of love. She is the founder of The UP Company, which offers counseling services, coaching, and retreats that help with anyone’s need for inner healing. The UP Company has stood in the gap for numerous individuals in dire need of therapy but could not afford to pay. A partnership with local universities, including Liberty University, UNC Charlotte, and NC State University, has resulted in free and reduced-fee counseling services for those who need it the most.

Mostly, people are drawn to Natasha Oates because of her warm and easy-going demeanor, making them feel secure and comfortable to trust her with their greatest struggles in life. In addition to connecting with her clients, she also prioritizes her own needs and personal journey. In doing this, her clients can easily relate to her, seeing that she is also a normal person who is not exempt from life’s biggest blows. This kind of approach allows her to help her clients from the standpoint of someone who has had personal experience on the matter and the proper training to help them process their situation. And over the years, Natasha Oates has successfully employed unique strategies that help her clients heal themselves and their relationships.

Creating her personal brand as a committed therapist was inspired by her own personal struggles in life. Natasha Oates experienced the burden during the 2007 recession that caused her caseload to skyrocket. She reached an all-time high-stress level as she was drowning in her workload. She received very little support from her employer back then, and she eventually discovered she was pregnant.

“Enough was enough. I jumped back into school to pursue my passion for helping others through therapy,” Natasha Oates revealed. “Putting my helpless infant in daycare was not okay for me. This became the catalyst of my decision not to return from maternity leave as an employee but to be able to live and work on my own terms,” she added.

Natasha Oates finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from North Carolina Central University. She has a Master’s Degree from Gardner-Webb University and is a well-respected Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor.

With the momentum she has gained over the past years, Natasha Oates is confidently bringing her practice to the next level in the coming years by creating more meaningful experiences for couples and women. She is moving towards providing unforgettable retreats, invigorating conferences, and even date nights for couples who seek to reignite the fire within their marriages. She also looks forward to offering these services on a global scale.

Natasha Oates believes that there is so much work that still needs to be done as a result of the stress brought about by the pandemic. The good news is, people do not need to seek their emotional healing alone. Instead, they can be guided by her effective program and have a life-changing experience that will help them flourish. Ultimately, helping to create a resilient generation that is able to withstand crises is the end goal that Natasha hopes to achieve for numerous people who struggle with their life situations. All it takes is to teach them that it is okay to ask for help.

Learn more about Natasha Oates and The UP Company by visiting this website. Follow the company’s Instagram and Facebook.

4 Tips for College Students Starting a Business

Starting a business early in life is something that most people aspire for, especially college students. The urge to earn an extra buck and have a flourishing business is hard to resist. However, the entrepreneurial journey has an assortment of challenges that make these dreams almost impossible.

Launching a startup requires a person’s full attention and this is one of the major challenges that college students face. It is vital to have a plan that will guarantee the success of the business and one’s education. Luckily, there has been a shift from traditional brick and mortar stores to virtual ones that relieve the stress of finding and paying for a physical shop.

Most college students rely on social media and other resources on the internet to reach their target market. This option is ideal for some businesses but not all will thrive depending on the products or services that one is selling. The tips we discuss below will help college students make informed choices when starting a business.

  • Set up a website

Setting up a website may sound like rocket science but it is not hard to achieve. The other aspect that discourages college students is the financial implications of creating a website. Free web hosting services are offered by many different companies, so there are many options to choose from. Companies like Wix offer free website hosting that is great for people who are just starting out. However, there are some limitations with free hosting, and usually you won’t be able to make an online store and start selling products without paying, but it is very affordable if you use a website building platform. So, depending on the type of business you want to start, you can either start with a free plan or start by paying a small monthly fee.

  • Have a business plan

Most people overlook the need to have a solid business plan. At the ideation stage, things may be looking up until one begins to dive deep into the vital aspects of running the business. There are numerous templates on the internet that one can use to create a plan. The fine print should include the products or services to be sold, the target consumers, mode of delivery, and the budget among other details. From the plan, you can create a to-do list to help achieve the different milestones necessary in order to achieve your goals. Having clear timelines will make it more manageable for you to juggle school work and running a business. The details in the document also make work easier as you can be sure of what you are selling and what your target market is.

  • Use campus resources

Numerous resources are available on campus that you can use to reduce the cost of running your business. You need to look around for assets that will be valuable to your business. However, you need to be 100% sure that using those resources won’t end up getting you in trouble. For this reason, you should read through the college’s rules and regulations to confirm that it is safe to utilize campus resources for your business.

Online resources, copy and printing services, as well as free wifi are among the resources that a student can consider using to propel the growth of their business. Collaborating with student organizations in the writing and marketing classes will also help offset or reduce the cost of marketing. Discounts on student software is another realm that one can explore in a bid to reduce the money they put into the business. Also, the library is another resource that students should consider. Books available for business, marketing, and advertising can provide you with vital information for the growth of your company.

  • Discover funding options

Funding a business out of pocket in college is one of the top reasons why some businesses do not take off. The community in college and around it has investors looking to put their money on a feasible idea. The finance and scholarship offices have resources that can help students secure loans or grants. An email from such offices improves a student’s chance of getting financial assistance to pursue their business. Sharing the idea with friends and inviting them to be part of the business is another way to find the money required to start or boost the company.

Crowdsourcing events are possible in the campus setting due to the large community and it is one of the most straightforward ways that a student can raise money for their business.

Having a mentor is critical for the success of any business. College students have a large pool to select from. It is advisable for one to find a mentor to hold their hand as they venture into entrepreneurship.

Javid Javdani, a Fully Trained and Licensed Pharmacist, Explains How He Expanded His Professional Horizons by Opening a Series of Small Businesses

Javid Javdani is an American success story. Currently a professional pharmacist, small business owner, and entrepreneur based in San Diego, California, Javid worked hard to forge a life for himself after he escaped from Iran in the wake of the Islamic Revolution. Attempting to make the best of the situation, Javid moved to the United States as a teenager in 1982 to seek out new opportunities. Throughout high school, he took on various jobs to support himself and save for his post-secondary education. By working at a car wash, a gas station, and a few restaurants, he learned valuable lessons about hard work and self-reliance, as well as one or two things about how to run a business. Javid Javdani went on to earn a degree in chemistry from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona, then a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific. He became a licensed pharmacist in 1994.

 

Upon entering the professional world, Javid found work as a pharmacist rewarding, but he also nursed a burning desire to create his own enterprise. After a few years working at a hospital pharmacy, he learned that a small grocery store was up for sale in his neighbourhood, whereupon he decided to embrace his entrepreneurial spirit and buy the business. Success came quickly as Javid revamped the shop to appeal to many of the local ethnic communities by stocking a wide variety of international products previously unavailable in the neighbourhood. In the years since, Javid Javdani has expanded his holdings to include a restaurant and catering business. He now works only a few days each week as a pharmacist, dedicating the remainder of his time to operating his other businesses.

 

Why did you decide to create your own business?

I was already a pharmacist when I decided to try my hand at running a small business. To be honest, I just happened to drop by my local grocery store to pick up a few items one night when I learned the owners were putting it up for sale. I was immediately struck by a bolt of inspiration—why not buy the place? So, that’s what I did. It wasn’t quite what you’d call an ‘impulse purchase’, but it was pretty close. I thought about it for a few days and consulted with my family before putting in an offer. Luckily, it was accepted. After that, I never looked back.

What do you love most about the industry you are in?

There aren’t too many commonalities between being a pharmacist and running a grocery store, restaurant, and catering company, but one big one is that I get to interact with a wide variety of people from a very diverse set of circumstances. My neighbourhood in San Diego is populated with folks who hail from virtually every corner of the planet, and they all need medicine and food. I love meeting and talking to them. I love making their lives better. As a pharmacist, I do that by dispensing them the medicine they need to survive and make their lives manageable. As a grocer, caterer, and restaurateur, I do that by providing them with nourishment and playing host to the special moments in their lives. Countless couples have gotten engaged in our restaurant over dinner, and our catering company is often retained to cook feasts for anniversaries, birthday parties, graduations, and holidays.

What would you tell others looking to get into your industry?

With regards to the pharmaceutical industry, I would tell them to study as hard as you possibly can. It’s a tremendous responsibility dispensing medication to people. You hold their health—and many times, their very lives—in your hands. So, with that in mind, don’t coast through school. Learn everything you’re able to, even if it’s not on an exam. And stay on top of new developments in the industry.

With regards to running a small business, I would tell them to, if possible, retain the services of a trustworthy accountant, bookkeeper, and lawyer. The services these professionals provide will more than pay for themselves as the years pass. I realize that a large percentage of small businesses probably won’t have the budget for this kind of thing in the first few years of operations, but once it’s a viable option, it should be done right away. It will prevent a lot of headaches and save a lot of money.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned managing your business?

I’ve learned that it’s never bad business to be nice to people. That is to say, be civil and respectful to everyone. Engage them in affable conversation. Wave to people. Smile. Ask them about their families and friends. Share a joke. Besides the fact that it’s the right thing to do and that it will enrich your life as well as theirs, it also makes sense from a marketing standpoint. If people form an emotional attachment to you, they’re far more likely to become loyal customers and tell others to patronize the business. What I don’t mean by saying “be nice to people” is to  let people take advantage of you, financially or otherwise. That’s an entirely different matter altogether.

How have your businesses grown from their early days to now?

When I bought the grocery store, it only catered to the local Persian population. Because of its location—it’s smack dab in the middle of a slew of neighborhoods that include many ethnicities—I realized pretty quickly that we were missing out on some surefire business by not carrying certain specialty items. So, my first big decision was to stock foods from Eastern Europe, Russia, Korea, China, and Mexico, too. That widened our customer base significantly. Soon after that, all the increased business and food traffic prompted me to expand the square footage of the store. Since then, I’ve opened my restaurant and my catering company. In retrospect, my businesses have grown a lot more than I anticipated.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Earning my Doctor of Pharmacy was a big deal for me. It ushered in my professional life. I remember walking up and accepting that diploma all decked out in fancy academic robes. That was one of my happiest moments, for sure. But right up there with it was the day we re-opened the grocery store under my ownership. We spent weeks and months preparing for that. That first morning when I flipped the ‘closed’ sign on the interior of the front door over to ‘open’ was so exciting. It gave me a special feeling.

What has been the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome?

I kind of learned how to manage a small business on the fly. I have no formal training in that respect. So, I think I made some amateur errors, especially in the early days of the grocery store. My procedure for taking inventory, ordering supplies, and keeping track of everything was pretty sloppy until at least my second year as an owner. In order to overcome that, I sought out guidance from some more experienced shop owners, and they set me straight.

What is one piece of advice that you have never forgotten?

“Say what you mean, and do what you say.” A wise family member told me that one day when I was fairly young—though not so young as to not understand how important a statement it was. I have tried to abide by that advice every day since I first heard it. To me, it’s among the best ways to make sure that your words and deeds are honest and honorable.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to others?

I would wholeheartedly endorse the statement I used for the answer above: “Say what you mean, and do what you say.” In the business world, there is nothing quite so valuable as knowing you can trust someone’s word. As a peripheral benefit, if you consistently practice that wise piece of advice, you will inevitably cultivate a good reputation amongst the people you deal with, which is useful when asking for customer loyalty, employee loyalty, credit, or favors of any kind, really.

Where do you see you and your company in 5 years?

I have long-term plans for expansion and diversification. In 5 years, I hope to have a few more locations for the restaurant, and maybe to go regional with it. I’ve been thinking about increasing the square footage on the grocery store again, too. I’ll probably put another addition on it so we can carry more products and serve more customers at a time. I might eventually phase myself out of my role as a pharmacist, but in all likelihood, I’ll still be practicing in 5 years. I like it too much.

An Interview With Daniel Yomtobian About the Highs and Lows of His Career in the Online Advertising and Venture Capital Industries

Daniel Yomtobian’s first experience in the professional world was a job working at Von’s supermarket at the age of 17, while still in high school. At the time, his plan for a career was to work hard and earn promotions within that organization, eventually becoming a store manager, and later a district manager. However, this plan was disrupted when fate intervened and Daniel learned that a close family friend had become a professional web designer during the early days of the internet. He talked with the family friend and the resulting conversation inspired him to enroll in a two-day tutorial on web design. Daniel completed it and learned this exciting and—at the time—new trade, whereupon he began offering his services in web design professionally. As that was taking place, Daniel began buying and selling uniform resource locators (URLs) to companies and individuals seeking to stake their claim to specific online domain sites. This practice ignited his natural inclination for entrepreneurship.

 

Currently, Daniel Yomtobian spends most of his time overseeing daily operations at Bian Capital, his recently-founded private venture capital firm. Operating out of Los Angeles, California, Bian Capital invests in technology-oriented businesses all over the United States and prides itself on being a creative, dynamic, ‘roll-up-your-sleeves-and-get-involved’ kind of investment firm. Beyond that, Daniel is an avid philanthropist, always on the lookout for new and effective charities and nonprofits to support.

 

Why did you decide to create your own business?

As a teenager, my ambitions were modest to say the least. I worked at a grocery store and I was really content. I thought I would spend my career there. I thought I would work my way up through the ranks to eventually obtain a management position, and that would be my profession through adulthood. Luckily, thanks to the advice of one of my father’s friends, I took a course in web design in the early 90s, before it was a really popular thing to do. Basically, I got in on not quite the ground floor of the internet boom, but really close to the ground floor. After I realized there was some serious cash to be made in buying and selling web domains, I went into business for myself. Everything I’ve done as an entrepreneur since then has sprung from that one choice.

What do you love most about the industry you are in?

I love how fast-paced and exciting it is. I love how you constantly have to post up victories or close up shop. I realize that such conditions wouldn’t appeal to everyone, but in my case, it fuels me to excel.

What would you tell others looking to get into your industry?

If they were looking to break into online advertising, I might tell them to reconsider. It’s not like the old days where there was room in the market for brash startups. These days, four companies control the vast majority of online advertising. If you’re not associated with Amazon, Facebook, Microsoft, or Google, competing is next to impossible.

If they were looking to break into venture capital, I would say that there is no such thing as conducting too much research. The more you know about the companies that you’re considering for investment, the better. Get to know them intimately.

What keeps you motivated?

The idea of bettering humanity in some meaningful way keeps me motivated. Now that I’ve achieved a degree of personal success that provides more than adequately for my family and myself, the next logical thing for me to do with my money is use it to help heal society. I’m always on the lookout for new charities and nonprofits to support. One cause that holds a special place in my heart is working with the homeless and other financially disadvantaged people in order to get them three square meals a day, a sturdy roof over their head at night, and a genuine shot at finding a job and, hence, a way out of the poverty cycle. That means a lot to me because my family wasn’t very fortunate when I was young. I understand a little bit about that issue because, to some degree at least, I lived it.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned managing your business team?

The most fundamental thing I’ve learned is to hire trustworthy, honorable people to work for me. Everything else can be taught, but those two traits are essentially innate. So, the real trick becomes determining who’s trustworthy and honorable—but I found a bunch of wonderful people like that over the years, and I’ve  hung on to them for dear life! They’re worth their weight in gold.

How has your company grown from its early days to now?

It’s come a long way. Frankly, it started out as just myself, a computer, and a dial-up connection. Now, through Bian Capital, we literally use pools of millions of dollars to fund the development of new companies if we think that they hold promise.

If you could change 1 thing you did in the beginning of your career what would it be?

I would’ve dreamed larger dreams as a teenager than simply becoming a regional manager for a grocery store chain. It worked out in the end, but I still look back and marvel at my small-scale thinking.

How do you maintain a work life balance?

From time to time, that balance can tip a little too far over in favor of work. But I’m working on that problem! One step I’m trying to take right now is ignoring my phone after the supper hour and on the weekends. I won’t lie, I find it a bit difficult, but I’m making progress!

What traits do you possess that make you a successful leader?

I think one thing that differentiates me from other corporate leaders is that, sure, now I’m the boss, but I also have a personal history of being an employee pretty far down in the pecking order. I know how that feels. I can actually relate to that. As such, I think I have a special bond with all my employees, not just the high-flyers and the up-and-comers. On top of that, I’m a positive person and I motivate people to do their best. Those are both critical traits in a successful leader.

What has been the hardest obstacle you’ve overcome?

My parents divorced when I was fairly young. That affected me pretty deeply in a bunch of different ways that weren’t exactly positive. However, as I grew older, I realized it was for the best. Divorce was actually the preferable alternative to them both being miserable and arguing all the time, especially in the way that it affected the rest of the family. My mother and father get along much better with each other these days.

What is one piece of advice that you have never forgotten?

‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.’ The Golden Rule always applies.

What is one thing you would change in your industry today if you could?

If I had the power—which I obviously don’t—I would break up the big tech oligopoly of Microsoft, Facebook, Amazon, and Google. The fact that startups can’t compete effectively against them and are usually either bought up by one of those four companies or run out of business is not healthy for the industry, and it’s not, frankly speaking, how American capitalism is supposed to work.

Where do you see you and your company in 5 years?

By summer of 2026, I assume Bian Capital will be at least twice as large as it is today. As for me, I’m aiming to make philanthropy a bigger part of my professional role. By 2026, I hope to focus 70% of my work day on the business and the remaining 30% on charitable endeavors.

Cornell Bunting’s Escaping the Darkness Invites Readers on a Journey to Find Purpose Amid Adversity

Their impact immeasurable, words, whether thought of, written, or spoken, can be wielded to heal and hurt, encourage and demotivate, and more. Therefore, it comes as no surprise why books are held in high regard and considered as a go-to tool not only for those who wish to transfer knowledge but also for individuals aiming to make a difference in the lives of others. Cornell Bunting, a motivational speaker and the author of Escaping a Life Sentence, has long harnessed the power of the written word to send across messages of hope. Through his new book, Escaping the Darkness, he continues to capitalize on this age-old medium to uplift and inspire.

Born in Jamaica and raised in Bristol, England, Cornell Bunting is the mind behind twenty-seven children’s books and sixteen novels, including Lion with No Roar: Finding His Calling, Peedie Likes the Drip Drops: Understanding the Drip, Bunt Walk: A Collection of Poems, and Nostril Adventures. At the core of every creative piece from this passion-fueled figure is the goal to encourage children and adults to live their life to the fullest and trudge through any adversity.

Like millions of people across the globe, Cornell Bunting is no stranger to hardships. He had to overcome a seemingly endless string of challenges throughout his life, the worst of which was being framed and imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. While he did manage to escape this sentence, a feat that he detailed in his memoir, he would soon find himself in the face of another trial. In 2016, the Fort Myers resident was attending Next Level Church when, for 16 minutes, he died because of cardiac arrest. Needless to say, he survived to tell the tale.

Now, Cornell Bunting is set to touch more lives through the launch of Escaping the Darkness. In this sequel to Escaping a Life Sentence, the well-respected author describes the darkness he faced and the light that shone through to help him not only walk free from a jail cell but also break the chains limiting his spirit. On top of highlighting the road that led him to the forefront of the writing industry, the highly anticipated book features much-needed insights, as well, and expounds on one key message: it is when everything is taken away that people find out who they are and what they are meant to do. 

Escaping the Darkness, which invites readers to walk with Cornell Bunting on a quest to find their inner peace and attain the power to overcome adversities, was released on June 15. Shortly after it dropped, it was able to capture the interest of many for the extent to which it emphasizes that difficulties can be banked on to find purpose. In a time when countless are suffering because of the debilitating effect of the pandemic, a voice that reassures and encourages is much needed, and Cornell Bunting is providing exactly that through his latest brainchild.

Learn more about Cornell Bunting’s Escaping the Darkness by checking out his website.

Mary Britt Hamilton Speaks Out on Teaching and How to Cultivate A Learning Environment

Since her childhood in South Carolina, Mary Britt Hamilton has always known that she wanted to be a teacher. Her career goals came to fruition after she received her Batchelor of Science from the College of Charleston and became a kindergarten teacher. For the past 8 years, she has been working in her role as a teacher and now resides in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she strives to set up each child for success. 

What keeps you motivated?

A lot of days, the children are one of the only things that are keeping me going!  I love watching them have that light bulb got off when they grasp a new concept. That part of my job is so rewarding.  Young children are so impressionable, and that makes me want to be the best teacher I can be, and it also makes me want to serve as a role model for them.  

The amazing teachers around me are also a big part of my motivation.  They teach me a lot of practical skills that are not taught in college, so watching them excel at what they do inspires me to match their effort. 

What is the biggest lesson you have learned from teaching children?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned from teaching children is that I learn as much from them as they learn from me.  

What teaching technique do you suggest everyone use?

Oh my gosh, there are so many I think everyone should use! But if I had to pick just one, I’d probably say differentiated instruction.  Every single child in a classroom learns in a different way, and it’s up to the teacher to cater to all of those learning styles.  

What is your favorite part about being teaching children under 6?

Oh, that’s easy… it’s their love of learning.  They’re still young enough that the majority of them haven’t felt discouraged yet.  They haven’t had the chance to feel frustrated when they don’t understand something, and as a result, shut down. Plus, the ones who have experienced that sense of frustration are still open to teachers who make it their mission to get those discouraged students back on track. For me, teaching children under 6 has been a perfect match.

How do you deal with online learning – are you a fan of it or not?  Why or why not?

You mean online learning through virtual instruction because of the pandemic? I’m definitely not a fan of it.  There is no substitute for the in-person experience of going to school- socially, academically, etc.  They are just not equal experiences.  

How do you organize your classroom to be the best learning environment it can be?

I prefer a classroom arrangement that is open and organized.  I have a large rug in the front of the room to bring my students together for whole group lessons.  Students also work in small groups on the rug during literacy and math workstations.  My classroom is colorful and engaging without being too distracting or overstimulating.  In order to promote cooperative learning, I traded traditional student desks for large tables.  I am beginning to incorporate flexible seating to help transform my instruction style to become more student-centered.  My classroom library has hundreds of books for students to choose from.  I display a visual agenda for my students to reference throughout the day and a job chart that allows them to see their job for the week.  The smartboard is almost always being used to display lessons, directions, timers, etc.  Anchor charts and vocabulary charts are displayed upfront so they can be easily accessed and referenced.  I have a kidney-shaped table that is used for guided reading/small groups.  There are also cubbies for each child for their bookbag, coat, lunch box, etc.  I also always make sure the walls are displaying student work.  I change it frequently to show the students’ success.  

What is the hardest part about being a teacher?

For me, the hardest thing about being a teacher is maintaining a balance between work and home life.  The children are on my mind and heart all the time.  It’s not a job where you can just leave work at work.  When I go home, I never stop thinking about the kid that might not eat dinner or the kid that had to be put in foster care that day because of family issues.

In your opinion, what is the best way to calm down a rowdy classroom?

There are so many little ask-and-answer attention getters that I use to calm down a rowdy classroom in a heartbeat.  My classroom rarely gets “rowdy” but when it’s loud or when my students are in small groups, I get their attention by using these techniques that I teach at the beginning of the year.  For example, I say “1 2 3 eyes on me”… and they stop what they’re doing and respond with “1 2 eyes on you.” Then they’re silent with their hands on their head so they aren’t distracted by anything else.  I change them up sometimes according to the time of year.  Another example is around Halloween I use “Hocus Pocus!” and the students stop what they’re doing and say “EVERYBODY FOCUS!”, then they freeze and wait for me to give them further instructions.  They’re cute and catchy and the kids love them… and they work like a charm!

What is your favorite subject to teach and why?

I love teaching math.  There are so many different ways and strategies to teach kids to solve math problems.  I love all the math manipulatives that are available to help the children work out addition and subtraction problems.  I have taken tons of professional development courses on teaching math and feel very confident in my ability to teach math to my students.  

A Couple Of Things About The American Bulldog

The American Bulldog is an aggressive, vigorous working dog with an authoritative, strong, and athletic demeanor, strong muscles, and heavy boning. Whether guarding land or driving animals, it is known for its strength, bravery, and a lot of other qualities.

History

The generic bulldog type originated in England as a working dog that herded livestock and protected its master’s property. Before it was forbidden in England, the breed was employed for bull-baiting because of its toughness, bravery, and ease among animals. As a result of the ban, the species was substituted by the English Bulldog, which is less agile, smaller, and stockier.

Meanwhile, the immigrants brought the original bulldog breed to America to use them for their ranches and farms in the South. After WWII, the species was on the verge of extinction. Still, a returned military man called John D. Johnson, along with Alan Scott, tried their best to save it and succeeded in the process.

The Johnson and Scott breeds were developed from here, with the first being the “standard” (an athletic canine geared for performance). The latter being dubbed the “bully” (a heavier canine with more muscles). Regardless of their differences, Scott and Johnson were able to keep the breed’s general health and functioning ability.

The American Bulldog we know today is still a versatile working dog, brave guard dog, and devoted family friend. It was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1999. Read more on this link https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/american-bulldog/.

Temperament

The American Bulldog is a quick, assertive, and devoted protector of its human family and personal belongings. In addition, it is a sweet, attentive, and loyal companion. Still, it is also brave and ready to attack any intruder who crosses his way. This canine is an aggressive, vigorous working dog with an authoritative, strong, and athletic demeanor, with large muscles and heavy boning.

It gets along very well with young kids, dogs, and other pets if trained with them from the beginning. When left alone for long periods, the canine does not perform well. This dog is a wonderful friend and watchdog when properly socialized, trained, and exercised.

Upkeep

Because of its interesting history, the American Bulldog is used to being outside. Still, as with most dogs, it prefers to live with its owner indoors. As a result, he must be trained regularly with plenty of stimulating activity to burn away energy and fight boredom, preventing destructive conduct as a result.

On the other hand, it is a comparatively low-maintenance breed, demanding little more than regular drool and saliva cleaning and minimum brushing for its short, fine coat. Click here for more.

Other pets and children

Socialization training for American Bulldogs must start at a young age, as it should for most breeds. This breed is excellent with youngsters and are extremely devoted to all family members if properly educated. To avert an incident, children should be taught how to effectively manage and care for their animals.

Even if your dog has been adequately trained, you should constantly watch them when they are playing with youngsters to ensure that things do not get out of control. Because they are big dogs, the overintense play might result in injury.

Encounters with other pets are the same way. As long as American Bulldogs are properly socialized and trained, they are generally comfortable with other dogs. However, playing with a huge, powerful American Bulldog should be monitored, particularly with smaller dogs who can quickly get injured. This breed is generally friendly, but injuries can occur if they are very excited to play rough or unaware of their own strength.

Food and diet

It is critical to start feeding an American Bulldog nutritious food at a young age. They are prone to several health issues that you should be aware of. It’s especially critical that your American Bulldog maintains a healthy weight. This breed is prone to a variety of health issues, particularly when it becomes obese.

From an early age, providing your American Bulldog a high-protein, high-fat diet can assist a lot. Offer foods containing animal proteins, such as poultry, turkey, ducks, and deer. Avoid food with high carbohydrate content.

How Much Do American Bulldog Puppies Cost?

Bulldogs are widely regarded as among the costliest dog breeds. Puppies of the American Bulldog cost between $1,200 and $1,500. This dog is clearly on the costlier aspect of things, so you really shouldn’t choose it if you don’t have a lot of cash upfront.

The high cost of this canine can be attributed to two factors. To begin with, they are a well-liked breed. As a result, they’re in high demand. Greater demand means higher prices, according to capitalism’s laws.

Second, American Bulldogs are more expensive due to the difficulty of breeding them. Even though American Bulldogs are often healthier than French or English Bulldogs, breeding is costly and complicated. Because their heads are so enormous, giving birth usually necessitates a cesarean section, which is expensive and dangerous.

Last thoughts

If you’re looking for a gentle giant to play with, American Bulldogs are a terrific choice. Even though they will require early socialization and a great deal of attention to avoid becoming violent around most dogs, the effort could be well worth it in exchange for a devoted and playful giant.

If you own an American Bulldog, remember to give them plenty of exercise and playtime, but keep an eye on their respiration. Also, to keep them healthy for as long as humanly possible, be proactive in offering nutritional treats. Oh, and you can probably expect some drool, but that happens with all big canines.