Terrible twos, temper tantrums, and grocery store meltdowns are usually the first things that come to mind when people think of toddlers. But pediatric emergency medicine physician and researcher Dr. Hasan Merali has long thought toddlers are among the best people in our society and adults could do well to learn from them. These extraordinary youngsters can be impulsive, yes, but with this comes a remarkable ability to take risks and ask questions—two qualities that can help us enjoy life more. Toddlers act kindly toward strangers, are eager to work with others to solve problems, and demonstrate extraordinary dedication and perseverance. These are all traits that many of us aspire to have. In his new book, Sleep Well, Take Risks, Squish the Peas, Dr. Merali shows us the many ways in which acting like a toddler can help us improve both our personal and professional lives.

Hasan Merali, MD, MPH, is an associate professor in the Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University and a pediatric emergency medicine physician at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario. He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University. His research focuses on child injury prevention in low- and middle-income countries. He has published more than twenty-five peer-reviewed journal articles, and his work has been featured in The New York Times, BBC, Science, Medium, The Boston Globe, NBC, CBC, and Popular Science.

To learn more, visit:

https://caffestrategies.com/

To learn more about Hasan, visit:

https://hasanmerali.com/,
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasan-merali/,

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/15/well/live/tips-happiness-mental-health-well-being.html,
https://www.greatplacetowork.com/resources/blog/5-workplace-well-being-lessons-from-toddlers,
https://medium.com/authority-magazine/author-hasan-meral-five-things-business-leaders-can-do-to-create-a-fantastic-work-culture-784ba24b415e

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Do you need a story on how to defy gravity and find creative inspiration? 

Entering into the world of theatre in the middle of her high school career, Canyon High School senior Marley Garner surprised onlookers as she won gold at the Jerry Herman Awards last month at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. Marley Garner, who was nominated for “Best Actor,” competed against actors from 40 schools, even having the chance to perform on stage.

Marley has dealt with anxiety disorder and ADHD and felt that the arts were a way for her to better process her lived experience and direct her energy. She discusses how being in the arts was an avenue to find her strengths and abilities and learn how to understand her emotions. Genein and Marley discuss how the arts should be a communication method for all people, especially youth, who are still formulating their autobiographical memories and identity.

Taking on Hollywood, Garner traveled to New York City in the summer for the National High School Musical Theatre Jimmy Awards. Even though she didn’t win the event, she experienced the trip of a lifetime and found her calling…telling stories from the stage.

Join us as we talk arts, emotional intelligence and having a growth mindset for our youth and for adults.

 Garner joined Canyon’s theater program as a sophomore, and has performed in a variety of roles, such as “Bart” in “Mr. Burns: A Post-Electric Play,” “Squealer” in “Animal Farm,” “Kate” in “The Taming of the Shrew,” “Mimi” in Rent, and most recently, “Tony” in “West Side Story.” She is headed to Pepperdine University and majoring in musical theater to further her craft.

To learn more, visit:

https://caffestrategies.com/

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Want to add more artistry and creative thinking in your life? Josh and his team created a way to usher it in.

Josh founded Messier, a "Headspace for creativity" platform, to help people be their most creative selves. He came to the idea after two decades of working demanding jobs while striving to maintain a vibrant creative life. The Messier team includes some of the leading voices in creativity psychology, led by Dr. James C. Kaufman. While his day jobs have always been in renewable energy and climate, Josh is a songwriter, founder of the band Boy in the Bubble, father of two girls, and husband to a fiction writer.

To learn more about Messier, visit:

https://www.instagram.com/getmessier/

To learn more, visit:

https://caffestrategies.com/

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Jackie Mattox, who is the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer for Women in Electronics, believes women in tech fields need a place to connect, create, and uplift each other.

Jackie has always had a heart for people, especially for women’s issues along with a dedication to personal and professional leadership development. Jackie had a vision for women rising into leadership roles in the Electronics Industry and founded Women in Electronics in 2017, which is now a thriving global non-profit organization.

Jackie Mattox is the CEO and Founder of Women in Electronics, a 501C3 nonprofit, dedicated to expanding the opportunities for women in the electronics industry, industrial industry, and related markets. Women in Electronics, or WE as it is commonly known, is made up of 3 program pillars, (1) leadership development, (2) mentorship, and (3) community. Jackie was named in Start-Ups Magazine as one of the Top 21 Female Influencers in September 2021.

Join us as Jackie shares the journey of women, creative thinking, and the future of work for us all.

To learn more about Women in Electronics, visit:

https://www.womeninelectronics.com/

To learn more, visit:

https://caffestrategies.com/

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The only thing constant is change. Nicole Andrews is a thought leader whose personal philosophy is that life is a collection of our experiences and reflected by our service to others. She focuses on the culture, DEI and the intersections of the elements needed for a successful educational and life experiences. Though her expertise is early childhood development and brain health for developing brains, her expertise can be applied to all stages of life. Genein and Nicole discuss the effects of family culture, language, the arts and experiential learning in the classroom and workroom.

Nicole Andrews has dedicated  16+ years to serving as an educator, mental health professional, DEI consultant, and parent. As CEO and President of HomeGrown LLC, Nicole has developed programming and curriculum that amplified marginalized voices, partnered with E-12 schools, colleges, and business to provide skills training, and hosted community events that boosted visibility s an answer to the challenges of a changing business and education landscape that has a stronger focus on social emotional skills. Nicole was the recipient of Rochester, MN Mayor’s Excellence in Education Award. She continues to serve as a director on several non-profit organizations in her region. 

To learn more about Nicole, visit:

https://www.homegrownllc.org/
homegrownllc21@gmail.com

To learn more, visit:

Mahogany discusses the journey of fulfilling her design career and how she incorporated a growth mindset to navigate the ups and downs of high school and college life. She is a woman in the architecture field, so maintaining confidence and  grit while being an example for young artists all around her has been a challenge but rewarding as well. Join us as she drops some gems on how to enjoy the art of discovery!

Mahogany Angelina is a native of Charleston, South Carolina. Growing up in the lowcountry Mahogany has been an evolving artist taking on mediums such as paint, color pencil, pen and ink, and digital platforms. After graduating high school in 2019 her creativity had grown into the form of structure. Mahogany graduated from Clemson university in the Spring of 2023 with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Architecture, and is now continuing on in her 1st year of graduate school with the university.

To Learn more about Mahogany, visit:

Instagram:@prodigiousartsbym.a.c. 

Instagram: @mahogany.angelina

To learn more, visit:

https://caffestrategies.com/

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Who says you need to lay down your creative pen when retirement comes? Mike Dougherty has just published his first novel in the second act of life. It is a slice of life tail that has been called heartwarming, and real. His fiction day is a gentle story written with the wisdom that comes with the gift of age. Como flats delivers that through an authentic set of characters, navigating into their twilight, years with humor, acceptance, and a healthy amount of cynicism. Mike continues to contribute and challenge his mind, even as he enjoys the elderly years.

Mike Dougherty has been an attorney by profession, a beer hawker by trade, and now a writer out of love. His first novel, Como Flats, was written from the experiences of the colorful characters he got to know in the local tavern of his neighborhood, the south Como area of Saint Paul, where he first moved with his wife, Ann, 35 years ago to attend law school.

To learn more about Mike Dougherty,visit:

Website:

dortylaw@msn.com

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/mike.dougherty.7169

To learn more, visit:

https://caffestrategies.com/

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We know that the Power of the Pause is a creative skill but it is also a cultural competence and leadership skill. Knowing how to pause to get your executive function back online, ground yourself and assess the situation with clear observation is a key skill in this future of work. Kim, who has led many senior leaders and organizations to success, talks about this simple strategy that has profound effects. Listen in for gems to reset your focus, improve your creativity and strengthen your relationships. Just pause and listen!

Kim Groshek is an elite business strategist and mental health coach known as the “Pause Lady.” Kim works with high-achieving professionals to become more successful and happy through a simple pause that helps ignite more focused results. Kim's professional journey includes 35 years of leadership, innovation, and corporate transformation. She has excelled at project management, organizational design, and leadership coaching across diverse sectors, including healthcare, banking, credit unions, higher Education, manufacturing, government, and start-ups, showcasing her ability to drive impactful organizational changes and establish robust systems and processes.

To learn more about Kim Groshek, visit:

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Kim-Groshek/author/B00325XE44?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1704277617&sr=8-2&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true &

https://soundbits.simplecast.com

https://kimgroshek.com & https://journal.happyheartzone.com

To learn more, visit:

https://caffestrategies.com/

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For Women's History Month, we are asking the question, 'Why should you be like a pineapple?' Annie Meehan, an international speaker, eight time author and inspirational coach talks with Genein about the skills needed to thrive in an ever changing world. Thinking metaphorically is a creative skill so Annie brings in her metaphor of being a pineapple to encourage leaders, and our listeners, on how to bring their top game to the workforce. She gives insightful tips for becoming a national speaker as well. Join us for her gems of wisdom and be inspired to pineapple your way to the top.

OUR GUEST:

Annie Meehan, Professional Speaker CSP, Certified Coach and Award Winning Author. An author of eight personal development books, her work includes the award-winning ‘Be The Exception’ book. One of her books, The Pineapple Principle, offers hospitality and a sweet journey to an exceptional customer experience. Today, her passion is to share her "H3 Cultures" concept with companies to help them create a Hopeful, Healthy, and Happy workplace that retains an engaged workforce! Meehan has three adult children and lives in the Orlando, FL, area, with her husband Greg. She enjoys being an active member of her community by volunteering, going on adventures with her family, and taking Leo, her beloved pup, for strolls.

To learn more about Annie Meehan,visit:

https://www.anniemeehan.com/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Annie-Meehan/author/B018UWZAOU?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1705351345&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

To learn more, visit:

https://caffestrategies.com/

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Being able to build elements of your world is a part of being imaginative. Budsies is a company that allows children and adults to send in images or a selfie and create a 3 D plushie and bring their story to life! I talk with Scott Meier, the CEO of Budsies, about his creative adventures, social innovation methods and how he feels Budsies is a  perfect way to address the emotional and mental health challenges society is facing today. Listen in for great examples of what it means to ‘create the life you want;.

OUR GUEST:

Scott Meier, CEO of Budsies, Petsies, and Stuffed Animal Pros. As owner / CEO of the Budsies Companies, Scott Meier brings a forward-thinking perspective on creativity, content creation, and IP to the world of toys and customization. Scott Meier has directed, been a showrunner, produced, and marketed film and television projects including features, short films, music videos, and documentaries in Spanish and English-speaking markets for over 15 years.

To learn more about Scott, visit:

Website: Budsies.com 

Website: MyPetsies.com 

Website: StuffedAnimalPros.com 

Website: Waggables.com

To learn more, visit:

https://caffestrategies.com/

Listen to more episodes on Mission Matters:

https://missionmatters.com/author/genein-letford/