Chasing Dreams with Aimee J.

Deesha Dyer is a speaker, writer, Creative Event and Strategy consultant, and is most notably known as the former Obama Administration Social Secretary. The Philadelphia native became a White House intern at the age of 30 and completed a seven-year tenure there that honed her expertise in event coordination, logistics, protocol, and statecraft. Her storied career is unconventional at best, with themes of reinvention, drive, and a commitment to community service integrated throughout.

An award-winning event producer, Deesha has been featured in national media outlets including TIME, The New York Times, Marie Claire, Essence, Vogue, Refinery29, Forbes, The Root and Washington Post. A charismatic speaker with unbridled optimism, she now shares her message of hope, hard work and living life on your own terms with audiences across the country, while running her private consulting firm.

Deesha’s Dreams:

How determined are you to “go for it” and accomplish your dreams, even when they are beyond your wildest imagination? Deesha is a testimony to perseverance and being a “regular person” with some very big dreams. She had never thought about a career related to politics until Barack Obama became president. She related to him and was determined to work for him somehow, even though it seemed absurd. She got an application for an internship, applied, and soon had a permanent job at THE WHITE HOUSE!

TWEET: When Obama became president, I was determined to work for him-- somehow, some way. @deeshadyer

Logistics and “Putting stuff together”:

How do you prepare for a job in the White House? Deesha had planned parties and events before, but she had to learn fast when she landed this job. She served as Special Assistant to the president, as hotel director who traveled with the president and first lady, and as the White House Social Secretary. “Who would have believed that there would be a black First Family and that I would get to work for them?” She admits that the 17-year-old Deesha would have never thought she was “good enough” to end up at the White House.

TWEET: I’m an ordinary person who does #extraordinary things. @deeshadyer

Be Girl World:

How can high school girls be elevated and empowered to gain confidence and find their voice? Deesha believes it can happen through the program she co-founded in 2014. The program takes 12 girls for a 2-year class, teaching them to express themselves and learn about their world by traveling and experiencing different surroundings. The girls obtained passports and took their first international trip to London and Paris recently. Some of these girls have gone on to study abroad and have learned about foreign service, diplomacy, and global jobs that are available to them. They can represent themselves well wherever they go, all because of this educational and empowerment program.

TWEET: My 17-year-old self would’ve never thought she was good enough for the White House. @deeshadyer

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take—“Be kind to yourself and extend grace to yourself. Allow yourself to change, because your dreams are going to change as you change—and that’s OK.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:56] How I heard about Deesha’s amazing journey
• [2:48] How regular folks end up at the White House
• [9:04] The White House application process
• [10:34] From hip-hop journalism in Philly to traveling with the President and First Lady
• [12:34] The logistics of working in the White House
• [15:09] The founding of Be Girl World in 2014
• [21:02] What’s in the future for Be Girl World
• [23:01] Why these kinds of programs are needed
• [25:06] Common struggles for girls in the program
• [29:04] What Deesha does today to pay the bills
• [29:58] What...

I’m honored to have four of the six women of End of the World Events with me today for an unusual show. I’ve never had this many guests before! Let’s learn more about these women and what they do.

Michaela Martin grew up in Papua New Guinea, and now lives in rural southeastern Arizona. She, Rachel, and Rory were roommates at a convention for The 100 earlier this year, and started discussing the possibility of creating a US-based event for the show. When she’s not nerding out over TV shows, she enjoys creating art, reading, and generally being creative.

Rachel Walker also grew up in rural Arizona. She recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in veterinary science, and her daytime job is microbiology research. Even though her future career goal is to become a doctor, she hasn’t let go of her passion for good literature and television. If she’s not doing lab work, she’s probably cuddling her German Shepherd or working on guest contracts for Con-Geda.

Jessie Suarez is a born-and-raised Floridian. She recently spent her final semester abroad in London, before graduating from Florida State University with a BA in Theatre. When she heard of a group of women trying to host a con for The 100 in the US, she jumped at the chance to join. When she's not studying or working, she’s watching TV, singing obnoxiously, or playing with her cat Lilly.

Rory is from Texas, but currently lives in the Los Angeles area. She got her start in the convention and festival circuit almost ten years ago. However, Con-Geda is the first con that she has been involved in since its inception. During their downtime Rory enjoys going to comedy shows, eating tacos, and taking naps.

Sam Makowski hails from Calgary, Canada and was the last member to join the Con-Geda team. Although she started watching The 100 in 2014, it wasn’t until 2016 that she became involved with fandom and developed friendships with others who enjoy the show. Sam’s other interests include chemistry, writing, traveling, and all outdoor activities.

Nicki Murphy, originally from Australia, is currently living in London. Nicki has volunteered at countless cons, and when she heard about Con-Geda, she knew she wanted in on the ground floor. When she’s not handling some of the Con-Geda social media duties or volunteer applications, she’s probably watching documentaries about how our food is killing us, dodging spoilers for her favorite shows, or attending other pop culture conventions.

A Hobby Gone Wild:

Have you ever loved a TV show so much that you HAD to be more than a regular viewer? That’s the way these women feel about The 100, a CW show based on the book series by Kass Morgan. They are hosting the Con-Geda fan convention in June 2018 in Los Angeles. They wanted to do this to honor the show and the cast, because they realize that TV and books can help people connect and relate. The response they have received through their Kickstarter campaign has been remarkable. The kicker to all that they have accomplished is that they do this in their “free time,” as a hobby dedicated to a show they all love. 

What the Money Goes For:

The ladies have raised this huge amount of money---for what? They share about the behind-the-scenes goings on, that most people aren’t even aware of. Most of the money raised goes to the venue for deposits, rooms, catering, and to pay guests of the convention. There are fees for everything, including ticket sales sites and the website. The unseen aspects of hosting a fan-based convention are unimaginable, but they are happy to undertake this challenge to further the impact of the show as it hits on real-life issues and connects with fans everywhere.

Charity Collaboration:

Don’t you want to involve yourself in endeavors that give back and have a deeper purpose? The Ladies of EOTW Events have chosen two...

Aundrea Cline-Thomas is an Emmy award-winning reporter for NBC10 News in Philadelphia. When Aundrea is not working, you can find her in the community, volunteering, moderating, or hosting many events for non-profit organizations. Aundrea joined NBC10 news in September of 2015. In 2017 she won a Regional Emmy award for team coverage of the Delaware Prison Standoff. The same year the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists named her Broadcast Journalist of the Year.

 Prior to joining NBC10, Aundrea worked as the lead education reporter for four years at WTVF, the CBS affiliate in Nashville, where she won a regional Emmy award for Spot News. She also worked at News 14 Carolina in Charlotte for two years as a reporter and photographer, and WMGT, the NBC affiliate in Macon, Georgia. Aundrea has also been an instructor at the Carolina School of Broadcasting. Aundrea received a bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Black Studies from Boston College, and a master’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Maryland. Raised in a Maryland suburb of Washington D.C., Aundrea is the youngest of three children whose parents are originally from Sierra Leone, West Africa.

Doing stuff scared:

Did your path involve some moments of fear or even stage fright? Aundrea knows how it feels! She wanted to be a teacher until the 8th grade, when she realized that she would have to discipline unruly kids. That was enough to squelch the teacher dream! As a senior, she participated in a program at American University that pushed her in the direction of broadcast journalism, which turned out to be life-changing. For the first time, she was excited about something and felt that her gifts were truly being used. She loved the creative process of photography and editing, but the “in front of the camera” part was another story, and it didn’t come naturally for this introvert. She learned to “do stuff scared,” battle the stage fright, embrace the scary process and keep going.

TWEET: “I feel like I’m still #teaching, but the classroom is different.” @AClineThomas

Facing challenges:

How do you respond when things are just unfair in your career? Aundrea faced many challenges, and she doesn’t know if they were more because of her gender or her race. She has always been determined to be a hard-worker---no matter what. She’s had to learn the hard lesson that she isn’t going to please everyone. Her best advice about these challenges is: “Go somewhere where what you have to offer is valued, and don’t take things personally. At the end of the day, it’s a business, and life experiences have shown that things usually work themselves out.”

TWEET: “I face challenges, and sometimes I don’t know if it’s gender or race.” @AClineThomas

“Eternal faith in myself and my ability”:

Do you know what it feels like to work in a toxic environment? When you aren’t valued or offered the same promotions as someone else, you need to walk away in order to do what’s best for you. Aundrea left a job not knowing what was next or what she would do. It took months to find a job, and it wasn’t even what she wanted to do! It was a time that tested her faith and put her ego in check as she woke up every day to go to a job that she didn’t want to do. She had to have eternal faith in herself and her ability to make it through. The important lesson she learned was: “This isn’t the end or even the beginning, but it’s a part of the process.”

TWEET: “I think of myself on a continuum, not at a destination.” @AClineThomas

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take—“Dreams are no good if they stay in your head; you have to put action to it. If you’re not in school and want to be a journalist, then start learning the journalism industry. Figure out what skills are your strengths and create something right...

Interdisciplinary ecologist Jame McCray explores the intersections between ecology, human behavior, and the performing arts. While working on her Ph.D. in ecology and conservation, she saw the need for interdisciplinary approaches when creating and implementing environmental policies. A dancer and choreographer as well, she realized the performing arts could bridge the gap between scientific facts and public consciousness. Jame is part of the interdisciplinary team assembled by Dance Exchange as part of the 2017-2018 LandLab residency at the Schuykill Center. She is also an environmental social scientist for Delaware Sea Grant.

Defining Dreams

How old were you when you clearly defined your dreams for your life? For Jame, that moment came back in 6th grade, when she wanted to be a marine biologist AND acquire her Ph.D. She was allergic to many things in everyday life but discovered that her allergies didn’t apply to sea life! Her degree allows her to ask the questions she wants about environmental topics. She loves studying nature and the linkages between the elements. Jame admits that her inherent stubbornness (aka “perseverance”) is what kept her going to achieve her dreams. Did she have a plan B to fall back on? You bet! Dancing! She has even found a way to combine her two loves!

TWEET: You have to get out of your own way in order to achieve your #dreams! #dreamchaser

Getting through the tough days

Do you have what it takes to make it through the hard times on the way to YOUR dreams? Jame had a lot of support from friends and family and invoked some spiritual help through lots of prayer. That support combined to keep her going during the ebbs and flows of her journey. Through it all, she was able to find work that satisfies her soul and allows her to do both the things she loves. She accesses creativity to figure out solutions to environmental problems. Her latest project involves vernal pools!

TWEET: Combining the 2 greatest passions in my life and making that my work is satisfying for my soul. #dreamchaser

Decisions, emotions, and Jame’s ULTIMATE dream

How do you make decisions? Does logic or emotion have the greater pull? Jame is learning how performing arts can tap into the emotional part of decision-making. About half of our decisions are based on logic and planned behavior, but what about the rest? Jame says that sustainable decisions CAN be influenced by performing arts. With this philosophy, Jame is close to achieving her 6th grade dreams. Ultimately, she wants to create an institute that brings together scientists and artists in collaboration to produce transdisciplinary works.

TWEET: Performing arts can tap into the emotional part of decision making. #dreamchaser

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take—“Work. Try to find clarity in what you want to do, and then put it out there in the universe.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [2:32] Why it took so long for Jame to come on the show
• [4:00] Jame’s Ph.D. topic: ecology and conservation
• [5:32] What led Jame to the world of sea turtles and why she HAD to get her Ph.D.
• [8:40] Jame’s dream: why she held on to it since 6th grade
• [9:45] Is there racial diversity in the environmental field?
• [11:59] Combining dance with marine biology (Is it even possible?)
• [17:58] Jame’s journey: Did she ever come close to quitting?
• [21:00] Putting in the work through difficult days
• [24:32] A job that combines her loves
• [27:17] Jame’s performance at the Philadelphia Flower Show on March 3-11
• [30:00] The 6th grade Jame is CLOSE to living her dream
• [31:42] Jame’s ultimate dream
• [34:00] Jame’s ONE action for a dream chaser

LINKS TO...

Marcus Garrett was born and raised in the great state of Texas. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration after surviving the mean streets of the inner suburbs. A decade of professional experience as a Certified Internal Auditor, combined with freelance writing on topics ranging from current events to love and relationships, helped Marcus develop a unique qualitative and quantitative writing style. His book and website, Debt Free or Die Trying, keep readers entertained with cautionary tales and helpful tips for living debt free. Marcus’ mission statement is: To make a difference in the lives of others by helping people develop sustainable plans for staying out of or getting out of debt.

No plan, no budget, and no ideas:

Can you imagine accruing $26,000 of debt in ONE weekend? Marcus can, because that’s really where his debt story really takes a turn for the worse. That few hours of free spending took him 7 years to pay off. He knows exactly how and why it happened: “I had a detached recognition of money because money just ‘happened’ around me.” He was a young man with no budget and no plan, so a consolidation loan check sent him on a drinking, partying, and shopping rampage. Marcus uses this part of his story to tell us all “what NOT to do.”

TWEET: If there is a hustle for a get-rich quick scheme out there, I probably did it, tried it, or tried to get a friend to do it to see if it works. #ChasingDreams

How Marcus ended up doing a podcast:

Are you holding yourself back, afraid to take that next step? Marcus and his podcast partner, Rich Jones, started their podcast, but were afraid to tackle personal finance and debt, so they started out talking about “everything else.” Marcus explains how they finally overcame “analysis paralysis” and jumped into the podcast. Marcus says, that with any new endeavor, you need to fail as quickly as possible so you can move on the “next great thing.”

TWEET: I thought I was OK since I was covering the minimum payments on my debt. #ChasingDreams

The Plan:

Do you find yourself too focused on the end—the championship? Marcus explains why so many people don’t realize that significant changes and decisions are made along the way of your journey. His advice is to acknowledge the problem, put a plan together, and then follow the plan. Marcus says, “Just do it and demonstrate the outcome!”

TWEET: I had no budget and no plan. Money was something that came in and went out. #ChasingDreams

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take—“It comes down to having a plan or creating a plan. Most people don’t know what the debt-free dream looks like. Put action items in place for your dream to happen. The plan will tell you how to get there.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [2:03] Marcus’ interesting story of his background in debt
• [2:46] “How I spent $26K in ONE weekend!”
• [8:39] Marcus’ “Aha” moment, several years later
• [13:22] Helping people through books and the podcast
• [18:30] What Marcus and Rich talked about on the podcast, tiptoeing around personal finance
• [24:02] The painful experience of debt reality
• [30:35] Applying “The Five Why’s”
• [31:47] Marcus’ recommendations for others
• [36:35] In our consumerist society, debt is “the new normal”
• [38:21] Marcus’ ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Marcus on LinkedIn 

Marcus on Twitter @PayBalances

Marcus on Instagram Pay Balances

Marcus on

Fanshen Cox DiGiovanni is an award-winning playwright, actor, producer, and educator. She is currently touring and performing her one-woman show, One Drop of Love. One Drop travels near and far, in the past and present to explore the intersections of race, class, and gender, in pursuit of truth, justice, and love. Ben Affleck and Matt Damon assist Fanshen in producing the show. She has been featured in the NY Times and on NPR as a spokesperson on using the arts to explore racial identity.

Declare your Dreams:

Did you “declare” your dreams at a young age? Fanshen did! She knew at the age of 9 that she wanted to be an actress. Even though she’s able to realize that dream today, she has taken a circuitous route, including majoring in theater, and being drawn to Spanish and education. She has worked in Africa with the Peace Corps and studied in graduate school in NYC. Fanshen says that she is glad her journey was not a direct route, because of all the wonderful things she has experienced along the way. 

TWEET: Sometimes it’s more beneficial to take an indirect route to your dreams so you can enjoy the experience! #ChasingDreams

Be Free, Let Go, and Tell the Truth:

How do you respond when you see the failure of your dream? Fanshen says the failing at one dream means being “freed” to try something else. The beauty is in trying something new and letting go of the fear and pressure of “what might happen.” Her advice is to tell the truth and accept the history of what you’ve done in the past as you move forward in the future!

TWEET: #Failing at one #dream sets yourself free to try something else. #chasingdreams

Confront the issues and Change:

How do you handle friction? Fanshen shares a personal experience in which she learned valuable lessons because the had to “speak out,” even though she risked losing support over social justice issues. She says that we must confront the issue if we want to change it. The time for turning a blind eye to what’s happening around us is over!

TWEET: In order to change an outcome, we have to confront the issues. #chasingdreams

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take—“Change your language and take the ‘NOT’ out. I am somebody who cares about social change and I have the power to do that.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:43] The younger Fanshen and her big plans
• [3:06] Maintaining your “grip” on your dreams
• [6:54] Giving up one thing for another
• [11:31] Being open-minded and embracing something new in moving on
• [12:10] Writing the play and letting go of expectations
• [15:22] The topic for the show: “the one drop rule”
• [19:02] Telling “my truth” in the show
• [20:56] Hearing audience feedback
• [23:40] Getting help from Ben Affleck and Matt Damon
• [28:40] Risks and chances in confronting issues
• [32:50] Working with the production company run by Affleck and Damon, Pearl Street Films
• [35:06] ONE action for a dream chaser 

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Fanshen’s Website

Fanshen on Facebook

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: “Telling my truth” was my pure goal in writing the show.

TWEET: Failing was the only time in this career when I thought about just quitting.

TWEET: I always believed in my heart that I was meant to be an actor.

TWEET: I created content that says something and has the goal of making change.

https://youtu.be/KVC4VO9ObtA

We are kicking off Black History month 2018 with a special friend of mine, Zemirah Scott. She is a philanthropist, branding marketing analyst, personal trainer, and business owner. She has a profound way of igniting lives, and we clicked immediately the very first time I met her. She is a former Temple University and Montgomery County Community College student, and her mission is to supply resources and tools for entrepreneurs and small businesses to gain economic stability. Since 2013, she has been the CEO of her marketing branding company, The Difference Development Group, better known as DDG-Philly in the City of Brotherly Love. Zemirah has truly impacted communities around her by her involvement in small business development, speaking at conferences, and mentoring youth. Her desire to give back has allowed her to amplify her knowledge, expertise, and professionalism. Her vision to propel and ignite the dream chaser inside each of us is everlasting, and that is what she is bringing to us in this episode.

Drop the Negativity

Who are the people that surround you? Zemirah says that this is an important thing to consider. We MUST surround ourselves with people who do amazing things! When she faced depression, she knew that it was necessary to “be the best me” and make changes. To excel at an optimal level, there may be people that you don’t need in your life, so drop them---and drop the negativity!

TWEET: Find ways to either change you or change your environment.

“It’s NOT really about you”

Have you made excuses as to why you CAN’T do something? We would all probably admit that we do. Zemirah shares her experience when she had promised to write a book, but then decided to put it on the back burner because she had internal battles and a lot going on in her life. Her coach said, “It’s not really about you,” and that comment gave her a new perspective and new motivation to follow through.

TWEET: We owe it to ourselves to uplift someone else.

Mentoring Success

Do you take the time to intentionally mentor others? Zemirah mentored her younger sister, age 11, who now has her own business! Her sister watched everything Zemirah has done, and she is learning what it means to be financially stable. Zemirah says, “I may not ever have a full-scale mentorship program, but I will always make room for mentees who want to learn.”

TWEET: Massive failure equals massive success.

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream chaser to take—“Watch The Secret, a documentary, by Rhonda Byrne, to unlock some things. That---and journaling.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [2:17] How Aimee met Zemirah at a talk by Cornell Thomas at the Art Sanctuary in Philadelphia
• [5:34] Intentionally seeking out people who do amazing things—and drop the negativity!
• [8:30] My escape: journaling and a new poetry book
• [10:37] The journey to the book that almost didn’t happen
• [13:49] Helping someone learn and grow from my experience
• [18:07] Learning from each other
• [19:28] Why Zemirah doesn’t have a road map
• [21:31] Zemirah’s mentoring success
• [27:13] What surprises her most about her journey
• [28:07] Upcoming from Zemirah—the scoop on Legendary Live!
• [32:03] Balancing her work with “side hustles”
• [36:12] Looking back on accomplishments
• [37:12] When Zemirah started her dream chase
• [40:40] Zemirah’s ONE action for a dream chaser to take

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Zemirah’s Website

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins

Aimee J. is a software developer, podcaster, speaker, and Chief Dream Chaser on the Chasing Dreams podcast. She began podcasting in 2013 and has launched multiple podcasts including Revisiting Haven, which discusses the TV show, Haven, and took her to Nova Scotia, Canada to interview the cast and crew on location. With her latest podcast, Chasing Dreams, Aimee is working to inspire and motivate people to chase their own dreams.

Aimee believes that it is important to live without regret, and as such, you need to make moves, take a chance, and chase your dreams!

From 2017 into 2018:

Do you feel that 2017 was a stressful year and a good one to leave behind? Aimee shares some of the positives from the year, like the Astros’ win in the World Series amid the hurricane disasters that were so prevalent and widespread. There were the successes of the Women’s March, the Me Too, and Time’s Up movements. There is still much work to be done! The gender equality struggle goes on, and we need to eradicate cyber-bullying, poverty, hunger, and homelessness. Mental illness, racism, and heterosexism still plague our society. Let’s look forward to what each of us can do in 2018!

TWEET: This isn’t a moment, but a movement. #chasingdreams

The World Needs YOU:

What do YOU think the world needs? You may think we need another Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, or Barack Obama, but the truth is----the world needs YOU! We need people who are inspired to help make the world a better place. YOU can change the future, if you just live your truth and are honest with the world!

TWEET: We’re all human, we’re all equal; we should be kind and be treated with respect. #chasingdreams

World-Changers:

Do you think normal people can’t change the world? Think again! Actor Chris Wood started the I Don’t Mind movement, which promotes mental health awareness, fighting stigma and shame. The ladies of the DCTV world are building a positive and inspirational space for women through SHETHORITY. Danica Roem is the first transgendered legislator, recently elected to the Virginia House of Delegates. These are just a few examples of people who are changing the world, proving that YOU can influence and affect those around you.

TWEET: The internet puts us all in the same “sandbox,” talking to one another. #chasingdreams

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [0:10] This unusual episode, taking a retrospective look at the year past and the new year ahead
• [1:30] Reflecting on the podcast and my amazing guests
• [2:40] No end in sight! Moving forward into 2018!
• [9:25] Wanting to “do something”—my themes of “Change Your Perspective and Representation Matters”
• [12:02] Others who are making a difference
• [15:20] What’s coming in 2018? Removing fences, focusing on monthly themes, “Ask Aimee,” the Patreon campaign and “Where are They Now”---AND, I’m writing a book!

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

www.aimeej21.com/askaimee

www.aimeej21.com/patreon

Email: [email protected] 

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: The world needs YOU. I need you to just be YOU. #chasingdreams

TWEET: Mental health has a stigma that makes people not want to talk about it. #chasingdreams

https://youtu.be/sITIsAZX_Cs

Jo Whittemore is the author of numerous middle-grade humor and fantasy novels. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) and is part of the Texas Sweethearts & Scoundrels. She writes from her secret lair in Austin, Texas, which she shares with her husband.

“I Can do it----Watch”:

Why are you afraid to fail? Jo shares some lessons learned through self-teaching and pushing through early mistakes. She says that trying something you’ve never done before means you don’t know that you can fail. It’s when others tell you that you can’t do it that the fear and uncertainty creep in. YOU must decide whether or not to believe them. Sometimes you just need to say, “I CAN do it—watch!”

TWEET: Until someone says you can’t do something, you don’t realize that you may fail. @JoWhittemore

Your Inspiration:

Where does your inspiration come from? Jo says that her inspiration for writing comes mostly from the “what-ifs” that she ponders. Observing the world around you will fill you with some curiosity. Your perspective comes from your assumptions, and often the best creativity is born when things don’t happen like you expect. 

TWEET: Your perspective comes from your assumptions, and often the best #creativity is born when things don’t happen like you expect. @JoWhittemore

Dealing with Expectations:

Do you fall into the trap of trying to please everyone? You know that it’s not possible, and you drive yourself crazy when you try. Jo explains how, as a writer, she balances her creativity with her expectations and the expectations of others. Have YOUR vision of how you want things to go, and move forward from there. 

TWEET: Don’t fall into the trap of trying to please everyone. Have your vision of how you want things to go and move forward. @JoWhittemore

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream-chaser to take—“Don’t set limitations for yourself. You are limitless and can do whatever you want.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [3:41] Jo’s characters and choreography
• [6:24] Jo’s dreams of writing
• [9:00] Figuring out the steps to take
• [14:12] Dealing with rejection as a writer
• [15:54] Making changes according to the feedback
• [17:58] Where the inspiration comes from
• [23:48] How long it takes to write a book
• [25:54] Balancing expectations from yourself and others
• [29:34] Overcoming writer’s block
• [34:39] Jo’s favorite literary character mash-up?
• [36:52] Jo’s ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Jo’s Website

Jo on Twitter

Jo on Facebook

Jo on Instagram

The Confidentially Yours series

The Silverskin Legacy fantasy trilogy

TWEETS YOU CAN USE:

TWEET: Don’t set #limitations for yourself because you think you can’t do something. @JoWhittemore

TWEET: Once you’ve been published, you still have problems, but they are better quality problems. @JoWhittemore

https://youtu.be/OuzcinMjNB4

Pat Iyer has worked with experts since she first began writing and editing books in 1985, all while she excelled in her chosen profession of nursing. In addition to helping people share their knowledge, she has written or edited over 800 chapters, books, case studies, articles, and online courses. She delights in assisting people to share their expertise by writing a book, and she serves others as a development editor and ghostwriter.

Pat built a service business assisting attorneys with cases involving medical issues. After growing that legal nursing consulting business for 25 years, she sold it in 2015 and now devotes her time to mentoring, writing, and editing.

Finding a career path:

Have you felt personal, family, or societal constraints in choosing YOUR career path? When Pat was choosing a career, back in 1969, the world was a very different place for women, and “accepted” careers were limited to just a few. Pat chose nursing, because she wanted to help people and wanted to maintain a long-lasting career. Although she adhered to those constraints, she dabbled in writing and teaching, and found in nursing a versatile career that also included other professions.

TWEET: It’s easy to be so caught up in what the business needs that you’re blinded to what your family needs. @patiyer

Fighting against limiting beliefs:

Are you an unsuspecting victim to limiting beliefs? One example that Pat shares is the belief that an MBA is essential for running a successful business. Pat—along with many others—proves this to be untrue. Her advice is to not let yourself fall into the trap of associating only with those who share the same knowledge base that you do. Welcome new opportunities, meet new people, and never stop learning!

TWEET: Once you become a #nurse, there’s no such thing as a “former nurse.” You remain a nurse in your interactions with people. @patiyer

Unexpected outcomes:

Do you need to change your mindset around the word failure? Pat doesn’t believe in failure, but chooses to call it an “unexpected outcome.” She shares a personal experience in which she was driven to share her knowledge with people, but found an unreceptive audience. As she struggled to connect and get the attention she desired for what she was offering, she realized that she was experiencing an unexpected outcome. Luckily for her, she was soon able to connect to the right person and turn that outcome around into success. The key? Don’t be afraid to try new things!

TWEET: The power of #podcasting is phenomenal. @patiyer

Guest Recommendation: ONE action for a dream-chaser to take—“Watch out for ‘dream stealers’. Be clear about why you want to do something and who you want to serve.”

OUTLINE OF THIS EPISODE:

• [1:10] Pat’s Legal Nurse podcast (also at Ep. 124)
• [1:54] Pat’s dream when she was growing up, which aligned with expectations for women at that time
• [4:50] “Once a nurse, always a nurse”
• [7:25] How Pat became a writer and editor and started legal nurse consulting
• [12:00] Success and passion, all without an MBA
• [15:06] Repurposing material: a real money-maker
• [18:47] Why a podcast?
• [21:38] Trying new things and not always finding success
• [26:29] Determining what people want and refocusing when necessary
• [28:15] Finding balance with work, free time, and family
• [32:10] Moving forward and sharing what you’ve learned
• [34:13] Pat’s ONE action for a dream chaser

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THE EPISODE:

Pat on Twitter

Pat on LinkedIn

Pat on