In 2018 I started working on a book: a collection of personal stories of some of my college classmates about their experiences of coming to America. Published in 2020, I think the book is ever-relevant: even if we are different, we have our humanity in common. No matter where we’re from, we are more alike than different, and diversity is an asset.
Continue reading “Book: Of One Blood”
Continue reading “2020”Begin where you are and such as you are, without aiming mainly to become of more worth, and with kindness aforethought, go about doing good.
Henry David Thoreau
There are so many inspirational quotes and articles written about leadership, and the difference between a boss and leader. And although many of these articles are great, I get the feeling that often times “leadership” is used as a sexy buzz word or concept, with little reality behind it. What actually happens in everyday life at work for most of us? Do we actually see inspirational leaders where we work, or are we experiencing a super-competitive and many times ruthless “get ahead or be stepped on” environment?
Continue reading “Is “Leadership” Just Another Pretty Word?”
Maybe it’s the Libra in her that craves balance: Kristina Shands is providing a balanced process for new product or business launches that is (as she describes it) both “organized and freeing, task-driven and allowing, controlling and surrendering.” For certain it’s her passion for empowering women in pursuing their dreams that has been fueling her business for the past eight years. She continues on her quest to make a change in the world through her writing and coaching, while expanding her knowledge of empowering women not only in business but also in the political arena.
Continue reading “Kristina Shands: Business Launch Strategist and Marketing Coach”
Dazzling on the dance floor, a whiz at writing, Wanita Niehaus is an innovator in the marketing and communications field, and now also in her own life. An accomplished journalist and cable professional working for Scripps Networks Interactive for many years, Wanita started her own consulting company in the Washington, D.C. area, and is enjoying following her life’s true passions towards fulfillment.
Continue reading “Wanita Niehaus: Founder and President, PowerHaus Consultants”
It is no secret that Keith McDaniel started and successfully organized the Secret City Film Festival in Oak Ridge for a number of years. He brought to light an important piece of American history: The Clinton 12. He brought his passion for film to Knoxville via the Knoxville Film Festival. Now, Keith is sharing his film and production knowledge with students at Carson-Newman, his alma mater, while serving as a marketing professional within the school’s University Relations.
Continue reading “Keith McDaniel: Filmmaker at Secret City Films and Executive Director, Knoxville Film Festival”
Joe Kyte found his inspiration in the topiary characters adorning Disney World. A character himself, he left his six-figure job to pursue his dreams and built a profitable business while playing with wire and turf. His works are now putting smiles on clients’ faces worldwide and are guaranteed to keep Topiary Joe smiling too.
Continue reading “Joe Kyte/”Topiary Joe”: Topiary Artist”
Creativity is one of her strong suits and she has used it to create her own reality. Kelly Fletcher is a free spirit and wanted to have a fulfilling personal life as a single mother while having a great professional life at the same time. Ten years ago, she opened her own PR and Marketing firm Kelly Fletcher PR and never looked back. Now she is sharing the lessons she learned with other women in a desire to motivate and inspire them to define their own success.
Continue reading “Kelly Fletcher: CEO, Kelly Fletcher PR”
If you “Google” the name Bobbie Dunn, you will see a top listing for Bobbie Dunn the comedic actor responsible for generating laughs in several Laurel and Hardy comedies and another listing for an award-winning interior designer. This is one of those serendipitous things since the Bobbie Dunn I interviewed – the owner of Alpha Omega Hair Design in downtown Knoxville – confessed that she both liked to make people laugh and would have loved to be an interior designer. But her true calling is cutting hair, and being around people is her forte. Her clients often become her friends and she is glad to count Pat Summitt among those special people. Read about Bobbie’s journey from a small town in Appalachia to finding success as a Knoxville entrepreneur.
Many have written about Larsen Jay and his now nationally-present charity Random Acts of Flowers. However, as it often happens with success, we only see the tip of the iceberg – the end-result, the success – but are not privy to the rest of the story. What happens before success is achieved and how does one get to it? I sat down one afternoon and asked Larsen about his paths and passions, understanding more about the man behind so many great production projects and great initiatives benefiting the Knoxville community.
Continue reading “Larsen Jay: Founder & CEO, Random Acts of Flowers”
Oana Write (Thoughtfulicious) 