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This topic is timely, since March 20 is designated as International Day of Happiness,. The date is designed to  recognizes the relevance of happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of human  around our world. 

We have a tendency to run on auto pilot because of the neurological pathways in our brains that have been built from emotional activation (you might’ve heard this called triggers) and then behaviors that follow. This is similar to walking a path from a cabin through the woods and down to the lake.  We walked at same path each time because it’s much easier than forging a new path through the trees and the brush to get to that same location.  What do these neurological pathways have to do with happiness and how can they help us settle our minds and our lives ?

Without geeking out too much on the brain, my guest Juanita Rowley  helps figure this out.  She founder of Happiness Through Neuroscience that takes the understanding of the biological functions of the brain and the behaviors that are produced from that and harnesses the capability to change the patterns to create the designer brain.

Connect with Juanita Rowely

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In this interview,  Jessica Nunez and I have a great discussion on the Superwoman archetype and its impact on women's personal and professional lives. There are societal pressures for women to excel in every aspect of life without dropping any plates. This contributes to a  culture of busyness that is pervasive; however, being busy does not equal success.

• Key Takeaways:
  • Embrace vulnerability to establish trust and authenticity.
  • Set boundaries and communicate expectations to maintain balance. 
  • Practice self-accountability and say no when necessary. 
  • Strive for an integrated life to live authentically and without the need for a metaphorical cape.
  • Core Values and Authenticity: Knowing and living personal and professional values to maintain authenticity. This  simple exercise to ihelps to dentify core values and align actions accordingly.

Values Exercise
1.  Write down the names of 3-5 people that you send the most time with.
2. Write 3-5 things you love about each person. These are things you truly appreciate and  value about them.
3.  No, look for themes and look for common denominators. Different words can mean the same thing (ex. funny, joking, laughter, etc.)
4. Narrow down the list to 3 core values. These are the things you want to say yes to.

Book Reference
The Power of TED* (*The Empowerment Dynamic) by David Emerald
This book is aa simple, engaging story with life-changing insights. TED* offers you inspiration and practical tools to improve relationships at work and home.

Connect with Jessica Nunez

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Approximately 50 million Americans provide family care services to elderly and disabled people right now, and many of them find themselves sandwiched between this caregiving for an elderly family member and then caregiving for their own children.

Some stats show that more than 75% of eldery caregivers are women. And to be fair, some women are responsible for the caregiving while their spouse or their partner is responsible for the financial stability of the family. But that's not always the case. Some women give up careers or pause careers in order to do so. 

Caregiving is a layered experience, involving not only the physical care of the elderly but also navigating complex family dynamics and support systems.  Each caregiving situation is unique, presenting various challenges and demands on the caregiver. Recognizing and addressing the diverse challenges faced by caregivers is essential for providing effective support and ensuring the well-being of both caregivers and care recipients. Key points are below.

Diverse Needs of Care Recipients:  Individuals requiring care vary greatly in their needs, from minimal assistance with tasks like medication management to more intensive support due to chronic illness or cognitive decline.
Balancing Responsibilities:  Balancing physical, emotional, and mental energy becomes essential for caregivers to avoid burnout.
Navigating Support Systems:  Caregivers often feel overwhelmed and isolated, lacking knowledge of available resources and support systems.
Challenges in Caregiver-Elder Relationships:  Caregivers may face strained or complicated relationships with the individuals they care for, especially if there is a history of abuse or discord.
Family Dynamics and Sibling Rivalry:  Family dynamics can complicate caregiving arrangements, with issues such as sibling rivalry and disagreements over caregiving responsibilities arising.
Planning for Emergencies:  Develop emergency  plans for caregiving situations, especially when the primary caregiver is unable to fulfill their role temporarily is essential. Considerations include designating power of attorney, guardianship arrangements, and asset management in case of incapacity.
Understanding Caregiving Needs The specific needs of the elder, ranging from medication management to assistance with daily activities like bathing and mobility is critical and  home modifications for safety and accessibility are often needed.
Choosing Care Facilities:  There is criteria for selecting appropriate care facilities, including staffing and financial considerations such as Medicaid acceptance and affordability are crucial factors in decision-making.

National Resources:
The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care (advocates for quality long-term care)   Click on ‘Get Help’ for US map, then select state for local information
Eldercare Locator (federal agency for legal assistance, reporting elder abuse) 
Alzheimer's Association

Connect with Marianne Schmenk

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Do you want to find out  why you should stop  doing so many non-promotable tasks and how to do so?  That is the topic for this episode.

I am joined by Amy McGregor, Vice President of Banking Supervision for the  Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, to  discuss non-promotable tasks (NPTs).  Those are tasks such as offering to be the notetaker during a meeting, planning the office parties, cleaning the kitchen, or agreeing to onboard new employees; all of these being volunteer and outside your core work expectations.

Doing these task occasionally are helpful to the organization and your colleagues, but the research shows that women volunteer do these tasks more often than men.   Woman are  also asked to complete NPTs more often than men.  Sometimes the request as sneaky, like after a compliment.  For example, "Since you're such a rockstar here and can engage  so easily with colleagues, we wanted to nominate you for the social committee. You only need to  plan one social per month for your division. I know it is outside  of work hours, but think of it as a  great way to give  back to the community and giving back to your colleague."    You might be thinking wow I'm a rockstar, but you're probably not thinking of the hours she will put into this social committee.  Is this really a nomination?  Sounds better, right?

Where the problem lies is when you are completing too many of these tasks, which are not helping you get ahead in the company; they don't help your career trajectory at all. As a matter fact, they're probably detrimental to your career progression because you're spending time, and sometimes that equates to a lot of hours, just to get these done in addition to your own work.  As a result, your  core productivity definitely suffers.

Connect with Amy McGregor

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Today I am solo and sharing a story that had a real impact on a 16-year-old girl.   It's a story that left her without her own voice.  The voice I am referring to is deep within you – it is your inner guidance. I'm wondering what voice you're listening to from the past. Have you absorbed it as your own?  Does it impact you in a positive or negative way? Does it bolster you up or tear you down? Does it bring you joy or discomfort?   Exactly how is  it serving you, and is it time to let go?

Maybe it is time for some inner work and self discovery, which  can be a bit scary, but it can lead to new places, new careers and new adventures and...No Cape Required.

Author Margaret Atwood says it beautifully,” If you want to find your voice you have to listen for it.”   

Visit NoCape.Org
Download 10 Ways to Shed Your Superwoman Cape

Dr. Dara would love to connect.
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Ladies, I know you are out there working your tushes off sometime with your head just above water.  You are trying to navigate the intricate dance between work, life, and everything in between, fueled by the pervasive myth of the "Superwoman."  Who’s not? We are all on the journey together.  I’m Dara, a  leadership coach, and I am on a mission to unravel the Superwoman myth and enable women to live and lead authentically, breaking free from the constrains of unrealistic expectations, that either we or someone else puts on us.

No Cape Required with Dr. Dara Rossi, is where we will embark together on a journey of empowerment and inspiration, exploring the stories and strategies of remarkable women who have mastered a delicate balance. In each episode, I’ll bring you personal narratives of success, candid conversations about overcoming challenges, and practical tips to help you achieve a harmonious blend of career aspirations, personal fulfillment, and everyday responsibilities.  My guests are diverse, accomplished, and relatable women who have walked the tightrope of ambition, passion, and purpose. 

From career development insights and entrepreneurship adventures to self-care practices and care-giving, No Cape Required is a place where women empower women. 

Together, we'll explore topics ranging from breaking through the glass ceiling to fostering a supportive network, all with a focus on helping you create your best life with ”No Cape Required”! We tackle specific topics such as 

·      Embracing Imperfection 

·      Power of Delegation

·      Setting Boundaries 

·      Self-Care

·      Building Resilience

·      Secrets of Female Leadership

·      Mindset Matters

·      Emotional Intelligence and so much more!

Those of you who know me, know don’t hold back when I have something to say.  This is your go-to source for real talk on the highs and lows of the modern woman's journey. We are going to have straight, honest talk and frankly leave all the bullshit behind.  If you are ready to focus on creating a life you love without societal pressure to “do it all” and “have it all” by being everything to everyone, you are in good hands.

I will be here twice a month getting real and honest about everything women want and need to hear so they can be badasses without their cape. 

So, whether you're a seasoned professional, a budding entrepreneur, a working mom, or someone seeking inspiration for your unique journey, No Cape Required is here to empower you with the insights and encouragement you need to craft your own path to brilliance. Tune in to  connect with our vibrant community, and discover the keys to mastering the art of balance in a world that demands our brilliance on every front.   

Visit NoCape.Org
Download 10 Ways to Shed Your Superwoman Cape

Dr. Dara would love to connect.
http://www.linkedin.com/in/drdararossi
https://www.instagram.com/drdararossi
https://www.facebook.com/drdararossi