Carolyn Kiel is based in New Jersey, where she designs and delivers  learning and development programs. She has helped people at several large companies develop their talents, navigate change and achieve their business goals. 

In 2018, Carolyn started a podcast called Beyond 6  Seconds. It features the extraordinary stories of everyday people who overcome challenges and make a positive impact on the world. You can find the podcast at www.beyond6seconds.com.

For me, it certainly was a wonderful talk about my favourite topic: learning. 

And what I’m taking with me is that yes, it may take six seconds for us to create first impressions, but that only means we can  choose to use the rest of the time to create long lasting impressions. Because slowing down to discover each other may also hold the key to re-discovering bits of ourselves. Until next time, good bye and again, please make it All Personal.

My second guest in the All Personal podcast series is  Jo-Ann Hamilton, and she’s a Rare Bird – both figuratively and literally  – as Jo-Ann is the Founder of Rare Birds Magazine, formerly  SecretBirds.

And I think I have an explanation for this – she sent  me her short description for this podcast and I found myself suddenly  taken into a journey of rare places and amazing cross-cultural  experiences! Hear me out, I’m sure you’ll agree with me! 

Jo-Ann was born  and raised in St. Croix, Virgin Islands to parents from St. Kitts and  Nevis. She is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C.,  Cass Business School in London and Kingston University also in London.  

It gets better: her professional and cultural experiences span  continents, having worked in North America, the Caribbean, Europe and  Asia. Prior to starting Rare Birds, she worked in the corporate world in  the property and construction industry for a decade. 

Alongside having a  full-time corporate career, she worked as a freelance writer and later  as an independent consultant to social enterprises. Jo-Ann is currently  teaching and guest lecturing at various academic institutions around the  globe and she is now in China! So there, was that a journey around the  world or what?

Enjoy this rare talk and let me know what it left  you with. As for me, it was clear that distance is in the heart, not in  the miles, and there's no stopping us in creating meaningful connections  once we've decided to. Until next time, good bye and, again, please  take it All Personal.

You can find Jo-Ann on secretbirdshq.com, at [email protected], or on LinkedIn, IG and Twitter (Jo-Ann Alexandra Hamilton).

My first guest in the All Personal podcast series is Diviya Lewis! And  what better way to celebrate this first episode than by discussing  gratitude and the role it plays, or could be playing, in our daily  lives. 

Before giving you her short bio, I have to say this. Diviya mentioned she made her website, www.choosegratitude.ca,  a bit more personal, which is just the phrase I needed to hear! And there, if you read the Founder’s Story, you find out many things about  her. What I found there was an answer to a question I had without realizing I did: where does her name come from. And I found the answer:  ‘My name, Diviya, is derived from diya, which is a lamp typically used in India and Nepal. They are lit during special occasions, such as the  Hindu Festival of Lights - Diwali - and the symbolic meaning encompasses  being a light in the darkness, or to illuminate.’ 

So let’s shed some light on where she comes from, before tuning in to what she has to say.

Previously, she worked at a  research firm (as a Project Manager and Research Associate), with a  wide range of industries (e.g. transportation, financial,  telecommunications, public affairs, and what we coin Custom - clients  range from universities, tourism organizations, to realty advisors). She  then transitioned to the wellness sector, but her work is heavily  informed by research, and she strives to take an evidence-based approach  to her work. 

She has completed a Master of Arts in Counselling  Psychology, currently working at York University as an intern  counsellor, and is training with Dr. Diana Brecher at Ryerson University  on her Five Factor Model of Resilience.

Listen in to a thoughtful, illuminating and warm conversation which, I’m sure,  will leave you with thoughts, questions and choices. For me, it was a  question: if gratitude is a choice, who would I be once I’ve made it my  choice?