The Boundless Mindset Podcast

Welcome to this amazing episode,  I'm thrilled to have Sharon Nyangweso, the founder and CEO of QuakeLab, a dynamic force in the realm of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Sharon's journey from Kenya to Canada has been a testament to resilience and innovation, and today, we delve into her insights and experiences.

Interview Highlights:
- Origin Story: Sharon shares her journey from Kenya to Canada and how her experiences shaped her passion for equity and inclusion.
- QuakeLab's Mission:Exploring the core principles and unique approach of QuakeLab in promoting measurable diversity strategies.
- Design Thinking for Inclusivity: How Sharon integrates design thinking into her work, making inclusivity actionable and impactful.
- Community Engagement:Sharon's leadership in empathetic community engagement and the importance of moving from aspiration to action.
- Cross-Sector Collaboration: Insights from working with organizations across 11 countries and bridging diverse perspectives for inclusive outcomes.
- Ups and Downs: Reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of Sharon's entrepreneurial journey and the lessons learned along the way.
- Future Vision: Exciting developments and initiatives on the horizon for QuakeLab and Sharon's vision for advancing equity and justice.

Grateful to have Sharon Nyangweso at the Podcast, for sharing her wisdom and inspiring journey with us. 

Stay tuned for more episodes empowering conversations and share your thoughts on this episode:

• What stood out the most to you?
• What did you resonate with?
• What are your takeaways

Connect with Sharon:
Quakelab 

In this episode, we get to hear Drayton Mulindabiwi Jabo's remarkable journey as a young CEO blazing trails in the world of innovation! At just 22 years old, Drayton is not your average entrepreneur – he's a creative visionary with a passion for turning ideas into reality. 

Leading the charge at The Novas Group, a rapidly growing innovation firm, Drayton's unwavering optimism and keen eye for opportunities have propelled him to new heights. Join us as we dive deep into Drayton's story, exploring his relentless pursuit of creativity and his drive to tackle challenges head-on. From founding 20today20tomorrow, an ideation hub aimed at harnessing the potential of young talent for social change, to co-founding The Novas Group, Drayton's entrepreneurial journey is one marked by innovation, creativity, and boundless potential. 

Don't miss this episode of Hub Talks as we uncover the secrets to Drayton's success and learn how he's reshaping the landscape of venture creation one bold idea at a time. Tune in now for an inspiring conversation that will leave you motivated to chase your own dreams!

Hello Boundless Beings!

 Welcome to another episode of the Boundless Mindset Podcast! Thank you so much for tuning in and sharing this time with us :)

I'm thrilled to bring you today's conversation with the one and only Saunia Keddon, the Program Manager at the Chnge Mker Hub!

In this episode, Saunia and I dive deep into the journey of the Chnge Mker Hub, discussing its humble beginnings, the inspiration behind its creation, and the challenges and triumphs of bringing such a transformative initiative to life. We also share our personal experiences and reflections on the impact of the Chnge Mker Hub on individuals and communities as we celebrate our one year anniversary.

But that's not all! Saunia also gives us a sneak peek into the exciting things that are coming down the pipeline at the Chnge Mker Hub, promising even more opportunities for positive change and innovation.

Thank you for joining our conversation and sharing this time with us! As always, we encourage you to engage, stay connected, and share your thoughts with us. Let's continue to inspire each other and make a difference together.

Without further ado, let's jump right into the episode!

Welcome back, Boundless Beings! It's a brand new year, and I'm thrilled to be back with you on this journey of personal growth, empowerment, and community. I'm your host, Mona, and you're tuned in to another episode of  The Boundless Mindset Podcast.

In today's episode, we're going to dive deep into what I've been up to during my break from the podcast and my exciting new initiatives for the year ahead. But before we get into that, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your continuous support and encouragement. You, my dear listeners, are the reason I'm here, and I'm so excited to share this journey with you.

During my hiatus, I've been busy working on something that's incredibly close to my heart – the launch of the "Chnge Mker Innovation Hub." This is a space dedicated to empowering Black entrepreneurs to start and scale their businesses. I believe that when we support and uplift each other, we create a ripple effect of change and impact in our communities. This hub is a step towards that vision, and I can't wait to tell you more about it.

But that's not all! As we kick off the new year, I'm excited to bring you fresh, insightful content that will support you on your mindset journey. We'll be exchanging meaningful experiences, strategies, and stories that can truly bring about transformation and change in your life. I want this podcast to be a valuable resource for you as you work towards achieving personal and financial freedom.

And here's the thing, Boundless Beings– your feedback and input are invaluable to me. We're in this together, and I want to hear from you. Share your thoughts, your questions, and your suggestions. Let's continue to build a thriving community where we learn from one another and grow together.

Our shared goal is to achieve personal and financial freedom while making a positive impact in our communities. Recognizing that mastering our mindset is the key to unlocking our dreams and overcoming limitations, we'll explore powerful strategies and insights in the episodes to come.

So, get ready for an incredible year ahead, filled with inspiration, growth, and transformation. Together, we'll navigate the path to personal and financial freedom, and I can't wait to embark on this journey with you all.

Thank you for tuning in to today's episode! Let's connect, learn, and grow as a community.  Stay tuned for more exciting episodes, and until next time, always remember – your mindset is the key to your dreams. So, keep dreaming big and never stop believing in yourself, Stay Boundless!

Welcome back to another enlightening episode of The Boundless Mindset Podcast with your host, Mona Abow. In this episode, we're diving deep into the second crucial step of your Mindset Mastery journey – challenging your fixed mindset thinking.

But first, what exactly is a fixed mindset or thought? A fixed mindset is the belief that intelligence, talent, and other qualities are innate and unchangeable. It's the thought that if you're not good at something, you'll never be good at it. On the flip side, a growth mindset is the belief that intelligence and talent can be developed with practice and effort.

Mona explores various examples of fixed mindset thoughts that might sound familiar:

- "I can't make this any better; it is what it is."
- "I've always been told that I'm not good at ------."
- "I take feedback as a personal attack."
- "There's no point in trying if I'm going to fail anyway."
- "It's too late for me to start something."
- "Either I'm good at something, or I'm not."

Negative thinking often stems from our fixed mindset. Once we understand that we can challenge our fixed mindset, the next step is to become aware of how we can challenge it when it shows up.

In this episode, Mona guides you through the following steps:

 1) Understand Your Thought Patterns
There are various types of negative thinking patterns, such as black and white thinking, personalizing, filter thinking, and catastrophizing. By recognizing these patterns, you can replace them with more helpful and growth-oriented thinking patterns.

2) Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness, including meditation, can help you focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on past events or worrying about the future. Detaching yourself from negative thoughts allows you to view them as an outside observer, making them easier to challenge.

 3) Focus on Gratitude
Challenge negative thoughts by shifting your focus to gratitude. Even during challenging times, try to think about three things you're grateful for each day. Cultivating gratitude can lead to a more positive mindset.

 4) Commit to Continuous Growth and Development
The more you work on challenging your fixed and negative thoughts, the more you reprogram your mindset and gain confidence in yourself and your abilities.

And if you're curious to learn more about your own mindset, Mona invites you to take the mindset quiz and book a Discovery FREE Call for additional support on your mindset development HERE.

Don't miss this opportunity to unlock the power of your mindset and take the next step on your journey to Mindset Mastery.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of The Boundless Mindset Podcast. Stay tuned for more empowering content, and remember, your mindset is the key to unlocking your full potential. Keep challenging those fixed thoughts, and never stop believing in yourself.

Until next time, stay Boundless!

Meet Sara Sheikh! With more than 25 years of corporate experience, Sara started spending
days and nights, establishing her business, and working to scale it up. Within the first two years she grew her first business to multi six-figure revenue. Today Sara manages a successful
coaching business along with her modest fashion boutique.

In this episode, you get to hear about Sara's exciting entrepreneurial journey and the secret to her success that she now teaches to other entrepreneurs.

Connect with Sara Here:
http://www.sarasheikhllc.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sara.sheikh.92
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-sheikh
[email protected]

Please share your thoughts and let me know what you thought of this episode and your takeaways!

In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the foundational pillar of personal growth and mindset mastery: self-awareness.

Have you ever stopped to truly understand what self-awareness is and why it's the first crucial step towards unlocking your limitless potential? If not, you're in for a treat! Host Mona is here to guide you through the incredible benefits of nurturing self-awareness in your life.

Self-awareness is the art of paying attention to your own mind—your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It's about getting in tune with your inner self to become the best version of yourself.

Throughout this episode, Mona breaks down practical ways to cultivate and enhance your self-awareness. From identifying your emotional kryptonite to clarifying your values, you'll discover invaluable insights that can positively transform your life.

Here's a sneak peek of what you can expect:

1. Pay attention to what bothers you about other people:  Unravel the hidden messages your emotions are sending you.

2.  Meditate:  Explore the powerful practice of mindfulness meditation and its profound impact on self-awareness.

3.  Get into some good story telling:  How immersing yourself in compelling stories can illuminate your own narrative.

4.  Identify your emotional kryptonite:  Recognize your emotional triggers and gain control over your reactions.

5.  Draw a timeline of your life:  Reflect on your past to better understand your present and future.

6.  Uncover your blind spots:  Shine a light on the areas of your life that may be hiding in your subconscious.

7.  Invite new experiences:  Embrace the unknown to expand your self-awareness.

8.  Learn a new skill:  The process of learning can reveal surprising facets of yourself.

9.  Clarify your values:  Define what truly matters to you and align your actions accordingly.

But that's just the beginning! To delve even deeper into this enlightening topic and discover more tips, techniques, and personal insights, make sure to visit our website. There, you'll find a treasure trove of resources and exclusive content related to this episode.

So, how are you currently cultivating more self-awareness in your life? Tune in, learn, and let's embark on this enlightening journey together!

To explore additional resources and gain a deeper understanding of self-awareness, visit our website today and book a discovery call with Mona.

Until next time, stay Boundless! 

 Meghan Stewart - Wills is a Certified Mindfulness Coach based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

She was featured as one of 10 women in the Ottawa area building community by supporting and promoting wellness.  Meghan says that Mindfulness is accessible to harness in our emancipation of mental slavery; it empowers self-awareness, self-mastery and equanimity.

This was truly heartfelt and enriching conversation that I couldn't get enough of. 
Hope you enjoy it too. 

Connect with Meghan:

Website: Mindfulnessmeghan.com
Youtube: Mindfulness Meghan
Instagram: @mindfulnessmeghan

Some Historical Facts about BHM:

• The commemoration of Black History Month in North America dates back to 1926, when Harvard-educated African American historian Carter G. Woodson proposed setting aside a time devoted to honour the accomplishments of African Americans and to heighten awareness of Black history in the United States. 
•  This led to the establishment of Negro History Week in 1926. Celebrations of Black history began in Canada shortly thereafter. 
• During the early 1970s, the week became known as Black History Week. It was expanded into Black History Month in 1976.
• In December 1995, the House of Commons officially recognized February as Black History Month in Canada following a motion introduced by the first African Canadian woman elected to Parliament, the Honourable Jean Augustine. The House of Commons carried the motion unanimously.
• In February 2008, Senator Donald Oliver, the first Black man appointed to the Senate, introduced the Motion to Recognize Contributions of Black Canadians and February as Black History Month. It received unanimous approval and was adopted on March 4, 2008.

 As an immigrant teenager, I didn’t really grasp the whole meaning of BHM. In High School I felt that BHM was when we were allowed to be black or celebrate our blackness. it was upto the black kids to prepare something to present to the whole school.

School administration was not really part of supporting the student.  I got the feeling that they were saying to us – it’s your month so do what you want!

We did some performances and put together shows for the school.  But there were not many meaningful educational programs  developed by the school and the teachers for BHM. 

But now, I notice that BHM has evolved into something more significant and that’s a step in the right direction.

It's important that we create intentions and personalize what black history means to us to help to move the needle forward.  

I was invited to speak at the City of Ottawa as part of the BHM celebrations this week I I truly felt honoured and humbled to take part in the event and the celebrations. One of the things that I talked about is to be intentional of what we want to accomplish by the end of this month?

Ask yourself:
How would you like to experience BHM every year?

What can you do to me more intentional and in your BHM efforts?

What can we do to use BHM to create awareness and amplify our voices?

To advance our cause and advocate for ourselves? 

We can use our voices and capacity to show-up for ourselves and as a result we also show us for our community and those that come after us.

Sometimes, this means taking the initiative for BHM at your workplace, schools and in your community at large.

We can all do our part in our perspective spaces to inspire change, create awareness and hold others accountable to create safe and equitable environment for black people.

So this month, I ask yourself, how can I take advantage of BHM to move the needle in any way that you can

If you’re in the entrepreneurship space, talk about what it means to be a black entrepreneurs, the benefits and challenges and invite others to join you in this conversation. You can do the same in your prospective fields.

BHM is also a chance for others to celebrate with us and experience the diverse and vibrant black cultures in CANADA. Do what you can, make it inspirational, engaging and joyful

Happy Black History Month! 

I have to be honest…the concept of self-care is sometimes a bit foreign to me.

 As I gain more self awareness, I start to ask myself, why that is?

 Why it doesn’t come-up for me often?

 What I am starting to realize is that I have been conditioned to not care about my self-care

 Let me explain:

 There’s a Somali proverb that says “Nin lagu seexdow, has seexan”

 This translates to – If there’s someone sleeping on you, don’t sleep.  

 In other words, if you have people depending on you, you can’t afford to sleep.

 This proverb explains exactly how I feel about self-care

 As a young single mother, I often was busy doing everything that I could to meet my children’s needs. there was not much left to think about self-care and my own needs

 When I entered the workforce, I felt that I better make use of this opportunity!  I better work my butt off to go above and beyond to show my boss that they weren’t wrong in giving me a chance.

 And when I finally became the manager of my Centre, I had 20 bosses that I answered to.  I considered everyone in my team as my boss.  I felt that it was up to me to make sure they were happy. I was the go to person for all their issues at – I had that open door policy for real!

 But the problem with that was that I felt their needs were always more urgent than mine.

 I did that because I felt, I wanted to do a good job.  Support my people the best way that I could and at all cost.

 In the background tho, the story that was playing was, like me so that I can keep my job.  

 I felt if I talked about my needs, I wouldn’t be seen as a strong person. I would be dispensable.

Can a WOC afford to complain at work and run the risk of being seen LAZY! Or God forbid Difficult! Can you relate to this? 

 I felt so depleted at the end of the day, I had no energy left for my family and myself to enjoy life. I just came home and crashed! Only to repeat the same thing tomorrow.

 And now, As an entrepreneur I find myself at times this mindset showing up in different ways.

 The thing that I have to be mindful of is that If I don’t show-up for me and my needs, I can’t expect others to do it.

 One mistake that I made as a parent is that  I’ve always sheltered my children from the problems, struggles cause I wanted them to have worry free life.

 But what I realize is that even your kids need to understand that you’re human and that you have needs.This is why it’s important to allow kids to understand your needs as a parent and your challenges without traumatizing them.  

 That helps them understand and appreciate you and have compassion and empathy for you.

 As I become more aware of this, I realize that the mindset behind my thinking is the lack.

 It’s the belief that my needs are not important.  That I exist only to serve others

As you reflect on your feeling towards self-care, recognize what's coming up for you:

•  Do you feel comfortable to say no when something feels too much for you?
•  Do you feel like you need a strong reason to say no?
•  Do you resistance resistance expressing your needs?
•  Do you feel like you have to do it all by yourself?
•  Is the Strong Black Woman Syndrome showing up for you?
•  Are you unwilling to do fun things just for you?

 Remember, just because you have responsibilities does not mean that you don’t have to practice self-care.

 Self-care is a feeling that you matter, and that you’re a worthy of prioritizing your needs above all