It is no doubt that a professional career can open opportunities that can propel one’s life in an upward trajectory. After all, everyone needs to make a living somehow to, well, live. However, what roles do work and labor embody in regards to your personal responsibilities, social life, or even greater, when it comes to your overall ambitions and the balance in your life?

The workplace holds a different value for everyone. Depending on your generation, personality, and even season of life, how you approach your work-life balance and workplace relationships can vary. Although, unanimously, it seems we have all succumbed to putting life on the back-burner due to the demands of the 40-hour week at one point or another.

Because we spend so much time in our week to make a living, are we making the most of the opportunity to actually live a meaningful life once we are finally “off”? How would life look like if the hours you put in your work week were directed elsewhere? Let’s discuss.

Please rate and review here or donate a cup of coffee. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed! Many, many thanks.


// PODCAST NOTES

• Workplace Socialization and Privacy – Are your workplace relationships shallow, and how do you approach individuals you work with? How much do you share with colleagues while still protecting your personal privacy?
• Work-Life Balance – The strive for stability for people to be able to be more present in the home setting with loved ones.
• Is there a “Dream” Lifestyle Available? – New opportunities in today’s society that present the “dream” lifestyle of not having traditional jobs of the past. Is there such a thing as a “dream” job, and when you have it, what does your lifestyle then consist of?
• Time is Money – Shifts in how one defines the workplace or the profession when metrics, such as time or finances, are involved. 

Finding people who will celebrate, challenge, and support you is key to instilling growth along the journey. What comes to mind when you hear “mentorship”, and to where in your life does this concept end and begin?

As an established administrator in the healthcare field and an executive board member of an employee mentorship group in his current organization, a good friend, LaNorris (also known as LA), helps to break down the concept, barriers, and impact of mentorship as he sees it today. He discusses his personal and professional experiences with mentors in his own circle, as well as the trending topics when it relates to finding, establishing, and beginning a fruitful mentorship relationship.

Can you also choose to see the areas in your life where mentorship is present, even in the simplest forms, such as your daily interactions?  Mentorship can extend to impact many areas of our lives, but only if we allow it to expand our vision of the overall journey.

Please rate and review here or donate a cup of coffee. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed! Many, many thanks.


// PODCAST NOTES

• Traits of Intentional Mentoring – What makes a mentorship relationship successful? How can an individual be intentional with his or herself first to then flourish and reap the maximum benefits of being mentored, or vice versa, being a mentor?
• Generational Differences and Stigmas with Mentorship – Where are the gaps, and how can one go about that? LA and I discuss common barriers that have been observed within the workplace.
• Organic Connections and Dialogue – Emphasis on organic mentorship relationships in order to cultivate depth and surround yourself with the support system to achieve your vision and goals professionally and personally.
• Breaking the “Mentor” Label – Seeing the benefit of daily interactions as a means to continue growth and personal introspection in and out of the workplace. 

Disclaimer: All comments, views, and opinions expressed by each individual’s perspective are their own, and do not represent entities that appear to be affiliated with individuals who are featured podcast. 

How do you define yourself a creative? Or, if not your forté, have you ever wondered what those creative processes have looked like from someone who sees one story with a plethora of narratives?  
 
 Asia Maurie, a good friend of mine and creator behind Fragments of Female Living, uses her altruistic lens to uncover the origins of her passion for writing and what it means to be a creative individual in modern society today. She openly discusses the story-telling and artistic experiences she encountered as a child, post-secondary workshop classes that challenged then later solidified her potential, and how all of these and more have contributed to each page of her own personal journey as a creative Millennial. 
 
Everybody has a story to tell. It’s important to paint the narrative that sparks and maintains that joy for whatever page in life you find yourself adventuring through next.  

Please rate and review here or donate a cup of coffee. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed! Many, many thanks.
 

// PODCAST NOTES 

• Childhood Development in the Arts – Asia discusses fond memories of her upbringing and early activities and exposure that showed her that anything is possible; it all begins with an idea.
• The Creative Process – Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Factors – Varying factors that contribute to either the process or the final outcome in creative a space conducive to foster ideas and rich writing experiences. Are these contingent on one another? Which one comes first?
• Production of Creative Content – Hustle Culture and Finding Joy – Reflections on how social media, digital content, and productivity apps have affected the creative process and expansion. In addition, Asia discusses the potential of monetization affecting current and long-term decisions for the creative, and how finding balance contributes to the overall fulfillment of the process.
• Validation for the Creative – Personal reflections on struggles for self-doubt and finding the meaningful moments to continue learning while creating, sharing, and highlighting other people’s stories, while also remembering to be an inspiration for her own self in the present day.

Are you an “Inbox Zero” fanatic, or do you tend shy away because it’s too much sometimes? What about when it comes to your social circle – how can you navigate the expectations when it comes to your threshold, or even when considering the threshold of others?
 
Asia Maurie from Fragments of Female Living co-hosts with me to discuss Merlin Mann’s concept of “Inbox Zero” in navigating post-COVID socialization. The integration of technology already makes for an intricate approach when it comes to building, maintaining, and cultivating a deeper connection, but now we find we are also embarking on a new societal landscape now halfway into 2021. How can we approach or socially plan or interact with one another to ensure new, redefined boundaries are respected, realistic, and resolute? Let’s discuss.

Please rate and review here or donate a cup of coffee. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed! Many, many thanks.

// PODCAST NOTES - THOUGHTS ON INBOX ZERO SOCIALLY

• Inbox Zero or the Opposite – Asia and I discuss personal reflections of how we inbox zero or not, why, and how we can approach inbox zero so it fits our life and others in our personal circle.
• Introverts vs Extroverts – What does this concept mean for both personalities, especially when it comes to specific personality needs and nuances?
• Social Anxiety – How do different personalities approach social anxiety when it comes to planning to eventually “connecting” with a friend (digitally or in-person)? Where does technology heighten satisfaction or contribute to the sense of nervous anticipation?

// OTHER NOTES

• The definition we relayed was via WhatIs.com. You can also read more about Merlin Mann’s “Inbox Zero” concept here.
• Disclaimer: All comments, views, and opinions expressed by each individual do not represent those that are or appear to be affiliated with this podcast. Any action that results from having listened to this episode solely relies on each individual’s discretion.  

One thing is for sure – a constant occurrence in life is the concept of change. Out of the changes that we get to experience, how many of these are meaningful enough to change our trajectory, outlook, or overall rhythm of life?
 
 In this virtual coffee chat, I had the opportunity to sit with Anthony Vitiello, health coach and owner of Absolute Vitality coffee, to discuss defining moments of change that have shaped his life story as it stands today. He takes us through personal challenges he has overcome regarding his physical and mental health, the early seeds that fortified his business, and present-day inspirational mantras surrounding his overall well-being. For Anthony, a coffee a day is more than coffee – it’s a chance to celebrate life and cherish the experiences and people that come along with it, no matter where he finds himself next.

Please rate and review here or donate a cup of coffee. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed! Many, many thanks.
 
// POCAST NOTES 

• The foundation, purpose, and background of Absolute Vitality – Anthony’s love for coffee and community
• Identity defined - the power of words and the role it plays in shaping the authentic self
• The mental, emotional, and physical struggles of a weight loss journey that later resulted in a newfound confidence and an opportunity to embrace self-love
• Celebrating a resolute vibe - favorite mantras, quotes, and learnings that drive him to create meaningful relationships in and out of his social circle

 Special thank you to Anthony Vitiello!. Support his business by visiting absolutevitalitycoffee.com and following @absolute.vitality via social media.

“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are while your reputation is merely what others think you are." - Dale Carnegie   

“No” is just as much of an answer as saying “yes”. If this is so, then why is there still such hesitancy in delivering this one-word sentence as your unwavering first or final answer?

Denying an opportunity, social obligation, or even a person can have varying levels of difficulty – let’s face it, this is not an easy feat all the time. I wanted to share some insight that I have learned from being and having declined commitments in three areas: the workplace, relationships, and friendships.

Every “no” is going to be dependent on each individual and situation at hand - there is no true way to ever really structure it. However, my hope is that instead of “no” being tainted with guilt or fear of rebuttal, we can shift our perspectives to view it as a powerful tool to help us establish more intentionality amongst our commitment to others, current and future ambitions, and most importantly, to individual well-being.

Please rate and review here or donate a cup of coffee. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed! Many, many thanks.

// POCAST NOTES 

• Workplace – framing responses so that you can provide alternatives in your declination
• Relationships – early dating stages versus established relationships: one area in each stage where "no" provides a benefit (even if it doesn't seem like it in the present)
• Friendships – set social boundaries to take care of your personal well-being as this transcends into then solidifying intentional connections amongst our circle

Disclaimer: All comments, views, and opinions expressed are my own, and do not represent any individuals that are or appear to be affiliated with this podcast. Any action that results from having listened to this episode solely relies on each individual’s own judgment and discretion.  

Struggle to get or stay organized? We've all been there, or are currently still there. Time is of the essence, and there never seems to be enough of it especially when your to-do list grows with each hour that passes.

Organization is something that varies from person to person but there is no denying that having productivity tools in place is something that we all utilize to get through a busy week.  While not an expert, I share some of my favorite tips on how you can effectively approach structuring your task list so that in doing so, the hope is that you "create" more time to enjoy the joys in life, big and small.

Please rate and review here or donate a cup of coffee. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed! Many, many thanks.

// 6 TIPS ON ORGANIZATION

1.  Get to know your personality type.
2.  Create a running Master Task List.
3.  Restructure and categorize (priority vs time-based).
4.  Use your calendar to transfer and reminders and tasks.
5.  Find digital applications that are simple and get the job done. 
6.  Write a few of your priority goals the night before.

// PODCAST REFERENCES

• Myer-Briggs Type Indicator - My all-time favorite personality assessment
• "Writing to Heal" by Bridget Murray - American Psychological Association

Exposure to different cultures outside of what we currently understand can be some of the most unforgettable experiences to encounter. How often do we stop to wonder about the world outside of our own? What types of rituals and practices are intact in other countries that are part of routine living? Or, even, vice versa when we're on the outside looking in?

In continuation of Asian American and Pacific Islander month, I spoke with Oliva Peters, blogger and current MPH graduate student, to discuss her experiences living and traveling abroad during her undergraduate tenure. She paints the picture of her upbringing as an adopted child, interactions with foreign exchange programs growing up, and then eventually venturing off in her own international endeavors in and out of college. Her resolute journey reveals how her personal joys of forming modest, human connections have ultimately lead her to pivot and strive after her passions so she can continue to make a difference in the world of global health.

Sometimes the path is non-linear. In these uncertain moments, we can be encouraged to believe that it might also be the golden walkway that leads us to find where we stand in the world, no matter where it is we call home.

Please rate and review here or donate a cup of coffee. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed! Many, many thanks.
 
 // PODCAST NOTES

• Childhood discussions that sparked a love for international travel
• Academic experiences with foreign exchange students, study abroad, and then eventually, a transition from a pre-medical undergraduate curriculum to ultimately focusing on global health
• Asian American stigmas – are there any correlations of clinically-based educational tracks when it comes to the AAPI community?
• Independence, intentional interactions, and insight into new foreign experiences that have left lasting impressions  

Special thank you to Olivia Peters! Continue to support and follow her journey by visiting oliviazpeters.com.

It’s undeniable that social media has exponentially increased its role of importance in regards to facilitating communication since the presence of COVID-19. However, despite it bringing a sense of comfort in cultivating that human connection, do you ever feel that social media is one never-ending black hole? Have you ever been intentional to ponder on how much power you actually allow it in your decision-making, mental health, or overall, your life on a day-to-day basis?

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to share my personal experience on overcoming my individual hesitations, challenges, and mindset shifts when it comes to navigating social media after being inactive for 8 years. Despite the variations of features and offerings that social media applications have morphed into over the past decade, those same questions around comparison, privacy, and boundaries still apply. Daily (even hourly) evaluations of the correlation of mental health and social media is healthy – remember, it’s not what you have, just how you choose to use it. Choose to be intentional and make a positive impact.

Please rate and review here or donate a cup of coffee. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed! Many, many thanks.

// PODCAST NOTES

• My personal challenges when it comes to three main areas of social media: comparison, privacy, and boundaries
• Social media is self-documentation – don’t miss the opportunity to document what’s happening in real-life in real-time
• Mental health and social media have strong correlations. Be mindful to unplug and be present in the moment

Rejection is not easy, no matter the situation - professionally, academically, relationally. Most of our emotions and feelings correlated with this type of vulnerability seem overwhelmingly negative. The process can be excruciating and leaves the majority of us in a place that seems like a dead end. If this is inevitable in life, how do we go through this and do it well, if we aren't really able to go around it?

To honor the concept of embracing vulnerability, I share two of my own experiences from the past year that have grown me to become more resolute in various areas of my life. For those who know me, these conversations rarely ever deviate outside of my personal inner circle. However, I figured, what better way to be open and intentional through my words and actions than by sharing some of my most recent pivotal points of this journey, and ultimately, strive to attempt to shine a light on the good that rejection and vulnerability can bring in due time?

Please rate and review here or donate a cup of coffee. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed! Many, many thanks.

// PODCAST NOTES

• Personal stories regarding my professional pivot and gaining relational clarity 
• Rejection feels tough, but don't cheat yourself of the refinement process and the potential closure it can bring forth
• Vulnerability is never something that becomes a "familiar" feeling but it can be the experience that changes your trajectory (in retrospect)