#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Sky.

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

I go for an early morning walk and I really enjoy it. That 40 minutes really prepares me for my day – lots of endorphins, planning, visualising, meditating – it’s great.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

I truly honestly think it’s very time-consuming, but at the same time, I have connected with old friends and new friends, so I think it’s a bit of a paradox. It offers both things.

#4. Kindles or books?

Oh, books.

#5. Oh, us too. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

I think there are a lot of people out there who are ready to rip someone off. People who are in a rut and need support don’t realise there are cowboys in this industry. My advice would be to choose your mentor wisely.

#6. Hear hear. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I always wanted to work in the theatre and make my way, eventually, to work in the movies, via television. Unfortunately I lacked self-belief when I had my interview with the BBC and never made it past the theatre. I had a great time though 🙂

#7. What led you to your current career?

The death of my father; he committed suicide. I was saved by the principles that I teach, rather than a doctor or anti-depressants and medication. Things happen in our life that can turn it upside down on a hairpin. You need tools to deal with it and to be able to learn them quickly.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

For me sky means infinite possibilities. The sky is your limit.

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

The infinite potential of the sky can give you wings to fly.

#10. YES!! What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would say not to worry because it all turns out alright in the end.

#11. Amen. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

Broke my heart, because it allowed me to find the true me and my own true happiness. That’s the greatest gift of all.

#12. There’s a song there somewhere. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

I would say launching my book on International Day of Happiness this year.

#13. Go girl. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

My children – they’ve helped me and pushed me of my comfort zone.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

I leave all my dishes till the end of the day and I never iron.

#15. A woman after our own heart. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

I see it growing because more and more people are realising to lead a happy and fulfilling life, you can’t do it on your own, and that life can be better than it is.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

I was in my attic office writing my book. My nickname was Rapunzel.

#17. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

It’s got a really unique name. That was due to a Skype call with a friend in Canada, just after my divorce. I may have not have had a material fortune but I was a happiness millionaire.

#18. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

It would be my dad.

#19. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Inspiring.

#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Here you go.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

Richard Branson. I find his posts inspiring and full of possibilities. They make you feel uplifted and that you can do things.

#22. #ThisWomanCan. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

If you go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together.

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

My morning walk – so beautiful to see the sun rise – oh, and this phone call.

#24. Finally, anything to plug?

Click this link if you want to achieve a really fulfilling life in both your jobs and relationships.
www.thehappinessmillionairebook.com

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The post 24 questions with the Happiness Millionaire, Janet Jones appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Nefarious.

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

My dog, although I am a morning person anyway. I like to get up and get out with my pooch. It’s great to start the day with a stroll around the park, getting fresh air and meeting other dog walkers.

#3.  Walkies! What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

A necessary evil. Do I need to see what someone had for lunch?

#4. Depends on how good it looks, we suppose. Kindles or books?

Definitely books without question. I keep books, I re-read them. I like owning them and I like to browse through my shelves for a book as if I were in a bookshop… remember them?

#5. Yes indeedy. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your profession right now?

A lack of regulation. Hypnotherapy in common with other talking therapies has voluntary regulation. People can call themselves a hypnotherapist after attending a short course or doing an online course they got on a daily discount site! The Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) was set up to help members of the public find a suitably qualified therapist and only therapists who meet the National Occupational Standards for their profession are eligible to join.  

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to work in a nursery – plants, gardening. At the age of 10, I was an expert in house plants. I could name all of them! All the Latin names. A real full-on hobby of mine. I’ve actually got a C&G qualification in gardening, but I’m not so green-fingered now!

#7. It’s like riding a bike, we hear. What led you to your current career?

Over 20 years ago when I was a holistic therapist, I rented my clinic out to a hypnotherapist one day a week. When I talked to her and saw some of the results her clients had, I became convinced that hypnotherapy was the best way to help people change their mindset, thoughts and behaviour and was inspired to train.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

He’d lived a nefarious life.

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

He’d lived a nefarious life. On a boat with his lover and wife…

#10. Told you she was good. What advice would you give to your younger self?

“Just because they say, doesn’t make it true… just because you say it to yourself, doesn’t make it true either. No diet, dress, nor qualification is going to make you feel good about yourself…that’s your job. Get help to do that job, then do it well. Living well is the best revenge…”

#11. That’s what we’re talking ’bout. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

My Australian friend Caroline gave me a copy of ‘The Power Is Within You’ by Louise Hay. Reading it was a turning point in my life and was the catalyst for big changes. I’ve never looked back..

#12. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

Taking a lease to my hypnotherapy centre during the recession. I was already practising in the area and believed I could make a go of it. And I did. Seeing my name on the door was a very proud moment and gave me a lump in my throat. Having a shop was part of the life plan I made aged 16!

#13. Hi-5. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

My oldest and best friends, they’ve been with me every step of the way and have encouraged and supported me. Love you guys. You know who you are!

#14. Love. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

Keep your head up when you’re walking and don’t text on the hoof. You’ll miss out on what’s going on around you. And get a stiff neck.

#15. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

Hopefully more regulated. It’s more important with the advent of online training and YouTube videos – it’s convenient for people to learn things online, but I truly believe face to face training in a classroom is the best way to learn the skills of the profession. Learning to hypnotise someone is easy; the real art is building rapport with the client, knowing what to ask and say during hypnosis.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

Working from my practice (The Hypnotherapy Centre) in Wimbledon Park; seeing clients and training small groups of students. Now I’ve expanded, I run more courses, most of which are held in Central Wimbledon.

#17. What’s an interesting fact about you?

I write poetry. I like creative writing, I love conveying emotions through poems and creating characters and stories. That’s why I love writing hypnotherapy scripts. It’s my creative outlet.

#18. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Milton Erickson, the amazing US doctor, psychiatrist and hypnotist (the American term for hypnotherapist). He believed that everyone has the resources that they need within them and I believe that too. He focused on the desired solution rather than a client’s past experiences and was unconventional in many ways, setting clients tasks and using metaphors, rather than traditional methods. Erickson is now revered and his style of hypnosis, often ‘artfully vague’ and permissive, is taught all over the world.

#19. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Inspiring.

#20. Well, you’ve certainly inspired us. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Arrgh! I don’t do selfies, but I’ll send you a pic of me having a good chuckle.

#21. Lolz. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

Ooh, you’re asking the wrong person. I’m not big into social media really. I like to have real-life communication.

#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

“If you care about what you do and work hard at it, there isn’t anything you can’t do if you want to.”
Jim Henson, It’s Not Easy Being Green: And Other Things to Consider

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

So far, it’s my walk in the park. The river runs through it and it’s a very beautiful and peaceful spot.

#24. Finally, anything to plug?

If you fancy training for a new career or want to make some changes in your life, give me a call or book in for a free training session.

The post 24 questions with Lorraine McReight, founder of the London Hypnotherapy Academy first appeared on 24 fingers.

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So exactly how does Kevin help the yoof of today and what does he think the government *could do better*? Time to go back to school with our favourite Blades supporter…

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Unstoppable.

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

A dogged determination to make the world a better place. I feel that teenagers are often overlooked by political parties and under-represented largely because they have no voting power. In their adolescent years, young people are often demonised because they can start to rebel – but someone needs to stand up and fight for their rights. That someone is me. I want to help education reform and help our schools give students the skills they will need to experience a brilliant life in the modern world.

What will they need in 10 years’ time to lead a happy life? Yes, of course, they need to be able to read and write, but so much time and taxpayers’ money is wasted on irrelevant things they don’t need to know. That means there’s no time left in the curriculum or money left in the budget to give our youngsters what they actually need to know. Teenagers don’t lobby and they can’t vote. Someone has to be that voice. That’s where I come in.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

I truly, honestly hate it. Probably because I don’t know how to use it properly.

#4. Good thing we love it then. Kindles or books?

Books. I just like the feel, the smell, I like being able to see where I am in the book and reference the material later, like a visual marker. I don’t want to electrocute myself in the bath either.

#5. What do you think is the biggest challenge to the industry right now?

The traditionalists. Closed-minded people who are locked into an outdated education system and its predispositions. Policy makers who don’t have the vision to reinvent schools and bring them into the modern world.  Politicians who live in fear of unions and voters who won’t bring about the change that’s required in case they’re not re-elected. The information that kids need is out there – the adults are the ones stopping them from receiving it.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a footballer. I was in Sheffield United’s youth programme at 11, kicked out at 12, re-joined at 13, ended up getting a back injury at 17. I was quickly over the disappointment because I discovered a passion and a unique mission I wanted to fulfil that was over and above being a footballer.

#7. The Blades’ loss is our gain, Kevin. What led you to your current career?

There was an inner sense of purpose that I needed to contribute something and make a difference. I experienced a series of uncontrollable events that led me to that conclusion. My parents split up when I was a teenager.  That led them to seek ways to overcome the pain, heal the wounds and move forward with their lives. There were self-help materials scattered around the house – that got me interested in personal development and self-improvement.  My parents had big missions to fulfil themselves, which undoubtedly made me want to contribute something important too. 

Mum was a NHS health visitor; she wanted to have a job that helped people. She can be quite fiery and often spoke out against social injustices. Through her career she helped hundreds of young families in deprived communities. Her caring nature and desire to make a difference with people in need was an inspiration to me. Dad was a school teacher and then a brilliant sports coach who specialised in working with young people. Dozens of the teenagers he worked with went on to have successful pro careers competing on the international stage. So he inspired me too. Mix my parents’ genes, the caring nature, fighting against social injustice and the teacher, and you get me.

I also got lucky in my teen years because I was signed by a football club that had a holistic approach to improving performance. Sheffield United had the first full-time sports psychologist in the Premier League, a nutritionist, a sports scientist, video analysis and other systems in place that are now commonplace in pro sports. We weren’t just kicking a ball around. The manager and coaches realised there were many different ways to improve performance over and above just dong the obvious. That had a massive impact on me.

In fact, Tony Robbins came to Sheffield United and held one of his first ever UK seminars with the team as a free session in return for the PR and publicity to help promote his public seminars. That exposed me to something new again and helped me evolve my philosophy.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

Yes. Unstoppable Teen is on a mission to help one million young people experience a better quality of life.

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

Unstoppable dundoppable – that’s how you rhyme unstoppable!

#10. Kinda. What advice would you give to your younger self?

I think I would say have the faith that it’s all going to be ok. I had so much uncertainty in my teenage years; there was great chaos from the ages of 13 to 17. I would want to have said, “You’re OK, and you’re going to be alright. Trust yourself, have faith in yourself and the universe. It’s going to work out fine.”

#11. And so it has. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

Impossible to pick between my parents really because they both give me way more love, support, encouragement and wisdom that anyone could ever reasonably expect. Whatever I do, whether it’s good, bad or indifferent, is viewed without judgement and without prejudice. They genuinely provide the most unconditional love that I have experienced. Everything I do comes from that. Anything is possible for a young person who is given that foundation. You’re secure and feel free to pursue your goals without fear of being judged or belittled by those you care about most.

#12. May everyone experience that kind of support. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

Haven’t had it yet – that’s what keeps me motivated and keeps driving me forward.

#13. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

First up would be my parents and my family. They provided the values and foundations that stood me in good stead.

Then I would thank all of my teachers and my team members.  They helped me learn important lessons and provided the support I needed every step of the way.  You have to have a good team because all success is a team effort. Sometimes it feels wrong just for one person to receive an award – everyone has contributed to the results. The award would have to be for my family and Unstoppable Teen – not for me.

#14. Teamwork makes the dream work. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

Switch off social media.  Switch off auto-notifications for email. Only check them at the beginning, middle and the end of the day. Perhaps more importantly, when you go to bed, know what your top three priorities are for the next day, then when you wake up, pursue those priorities with gusto.

#15.  Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

I think the state education system will largely be the same, because it’s still being run by people who seem committed to implementing out-of-date policies. More teachers are likely to be stressed and leaving the industry. And of course, there’s the skills gap in terms of what the kids will leave education and transition into work with. 88% of businesses leaders already say school leavers are not ready for the world of work. If fundamental changes aren’t made to what we teach and how we teach the youth generation, our communities and economy are likely to deteriorate.

We know that communities and the economy are changing significantly. With the effects of globalisations, the rise of robots, AI, and other factors, the skills gap is likely to widen. With little innovation in the national curriculum, our economy and community outcomes will probably get worse before enough pain is experienced and real change is brought about.

On a more positive note, what’s happening in the world of online learning is very inspiring. As access to broadband spreads around the world, we’ll eventually arrive at a point where almost everyone on the planet will be able to learn almost anything, free of charge, without leaving their home. That has the potential to do great things for equality of opportunities and progression for humankind.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

I was living in Sheffield where I still am today, and I was just beginning to experiment with embedding essential life skills into the school curriculum. I was starting the first projects where I was training teachers, rather than working directly with students.  Since then, we’ve learned much about how schools can help their students master evidence-based strategies that scientists have discovered lead to better life outcomes. I want to create a self-sustaining model that schools can implement without us being there.

#17. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

We’re in our 20th year and to date, we’ve helped more than 300,000 young people through 250 schools colleges and universities.

#18. Hi-5 to that. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

The Secretary of State for Education. The Rt Hon Justine Greening MP. I’d ask her to do the right thing. Stop worrying about votes, modernise the education system. I’d ask her to consider what our young citizens will need to master in order to experience happy lives and re-establish our great nation in the modern world? Then I’d ask her to create an education system that helps young people master those competencies. If she needed help, I’ll gladly volunteer.

#19. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Integrity.

#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Here you go. 

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

I like campaigns that give followers a free educational series or challenge which is designed to help participants improve their results. This approach removes cost barriers, has the potential to build your following quickly, generates goodwill and helps the world become a better place.

#22. Another hi-5 to that. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

“Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions. And the actions which speak louder than the words. It is making the time when there is none. Coming through time after time after time, year after year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over scepticism.” ~ Abraham Lincoln

#23. Abraham, you rock. What’s been the best part of your day?

This conversation actually. It can be easy to get so caught up in the business of the day that I rarely get time to reflect. Every gap in the day can be filled with stuff on my smartphone. Your questions have prompted me to take time out and reflect.

#24. We aim to please. Finally, anything to plug?

If you are a teenager and you want a brilliant life, or if you want to help a teenager have a fantastic future, you’ll want to subscribe to our free newsletter and weekly podcast because they are packed with simple insights you can use to deal with common youth problems and achieve more than most people think is possible. We make it fun and inspirational – I think you’ll like it!

Or if you’re like me, and you’re more of a book person, you’ll want to check out my new book – the Ultimate Youth Lifestyle. It’s a quick read that outlines the 7 steps any teenager can use to experience more success and happiness.

How we wish we’d had a Kevin when we were 13 and ¾. If you’ve been as inspired as we have, Kevin can be contacted on (UK) 0845 834 0848 or email kevinmincher@unstoppableteen.com.

Kevin will also be hosting free webinars throughout the year for parents of teenagers, so if you’d like to know how to help your teen make the next twelve months their best yet, you can join in and sign up for free by clicking here.

The post 24 questions with Kevin Mincher, founder of Unstoppable Teen first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 questions with Kevin Mincher, founder of Unstoppable Teen appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Self-compassion.

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

I’m lucky to wake up to birds singing in the Dubai sunshine. My morning rituals start the day in a peaceful way; meditation, visualisations, exercising.

#3. Ommmm. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

For me, honestly, I’m only just starting to embrace it. I think I was slightly scared of it previously. Being of a certain age, I kept thinking, “Am I out of the loop?” I was more of a voyeur, I suppose. I have educated myself in social media now and see it as an amazing tool for my business. However, there is one caveat – in my business, I see lots of addiction to social media. It’s really important not to use it as validation. Be as authentic as possible and definitely don’t beat yourself up. Also, try to lose the FOMO*

#4. Kindles or books?

Books every day of the week. I like lining my books up and then going back to them. The way I see it, Kindles are the microwave and books, an oven. No comparison.

#5. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

From the coaching perspective, a lot of people don’t understand what it is. They think you might need to have something wrong with you. Actually, coaches help people move beyond stagnation to become better versions of themselves. There’s a lot of misunderstanding that needs to be addressed. With nutrition, social media has given people a lot of info but those coaches might not be qualified. It’s not about having a one size fits all programme. People need to know what to trust and what not to trust.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Oh. I loved making potions, creating carnage in the kitchen. I was a mad scientist really. I’ve kept a bit of that.

#7. What led you to your current career?

I was into sports and fitness. Growing up, I had bad acne, was fatigued and my staple diet consisted of chocolate and sweets. Finding out more about nutrition changed my energy and my skin. It was a complete turnaround.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

One of the most important things is to practice self-compassion.

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

Self-compassion is so in fashion.

#10. What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would say, don’t focus on what’s going wrong. Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want and then put some actions towards that. The unconscious mind is a powerful tool – use it positively. Also, show more gratitude.

#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

A lady in Dubai (Stephanie) became my mentor. She got me my first job. She is very experienced and very very good at what she did. She believes that you can’t take knowledge to the grave and that people should leave a legacy. I want to be a Stephanie when I grow up.

#12. So do we. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

I would say working on Fighting Fit Dubai, a reality TV boxing show. Such a cool thing to see so many transformations through better nutrition.

#13. So you wanna be a boxer…. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

My mum who is the person who, when I was growing up, was my biggest cheerleader. She pushes me on. She’s the rock.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

Schedule your internet time, don’t automatically respond to emails and social media. Do it in a block format instead, otherwise you can’t focus on other tasks. That’s a major factor of procrastination.

#15. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

Nutrition becoming more and more digital, with apps catering for individual meal plans, food intolerance and activity levels. Also apps that look at the role of your specific genes. And if anyone is thinking, oh, but it’s my genes’ fault – your genes are the bullet in a loaded gun, but your environment pulls the trigger.

#16. There’s hope for us yet. Where were you 24 months ago?

I’d just started working for a coaching company in Dubai. I was working for other people but starting to feel like I could do it on my own.

#17. And so you did. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

The company is a baby really; it’s taking its first steps.

#18. Mazel tov. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Definitely my Auntie Teresa who was a bit of a second mum to me. She’s the funniest woman I have ever met so the 24 mins would just be me, laughing.

#19. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Fun.

#20. Funny girl. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Here you go.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

Mind Body Green is one I like to look at.

#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

Do a job you love and you never have to work a day in your life

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

Just about to pick up a friend who’s flown over to Dubai for a girly weekend.

#24. Can we come? Finally, anything to plug?

Sure, book your Skype consultation at Victoria Tipper Nutrition & Life Coaching, follow me on Insta and you can like me on Facebook.

*Fear of missing out.

The post 24 questions with Victoria Tipper, life coach and nutritionist first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 questions with Victoria Tipper, life coach and nutritionist appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Love.

#2. Natch. What gets you up in the morning?

Coffee and my boyfriend.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

Ooooh. I have a love hate relationship actually. I don’t really understand it; it’s got its good and bad points. I feel you have to be confident to use it and not let yourself get upset by any negative comments. Plus, not everything poeple share is the truth.

#4. Kindles or books?

Books. Although my boyfriend keeps trying to persuade me that kindles are the way forward.

#5. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

It’s quite a saturated market and also it’s still not fully understood in terms of what it can help someone achieve.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A fashion designer, sweet shop lady and a teacher.

#7.  10p mix-up for us! What led you to your current career?

I started teaching yoga and then I’ve just been on a self-development journey really. After going through some experiences, I met a coach who really empowered me to trust and believe in myself. That led me to becoming a coach. I found myself helping more and more single people, and so The Love Life Agency was born.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

I love pugs and penny sweets.

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

True love is like a white dove. Pure and simple.

#10. Lolz. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t worry about anything (and stay away from bad boys).

#11. Cos every little thing’s gonna be alright. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

Probably my boyfriend who’s always been really supportive of me.

#12. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

I’m on my way. More to come.

#13. Ooh, exciting. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

My mum, my dad, my boyfriend. And the people who have hurt me along the way, they’ve helped me grow.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

Don’t keep checking emails all the time. Give yourself a two hour slot max.

#15. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

I’m not sure. I’m hoping it will be more awakened. More conscious.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

I’d just come back from India, after getting over a break-up. I got over him.

#17. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

I don’t think there’s anyone out there who’s doing what I’m doing, especially with my video coaching subscription. I want to give more support along the journey of finding and keeping love.

#18. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Leonardo di Caprio. He’s a fellow Scorpio, loves animals. And he’s single. I could help him discover what’s holding him back.

#19. Give him our number too. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Kind.

#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Done.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

Gabrielle Bernstein. She teaches from a book called The Course of Miracles which is a year-long personal development course. She’s always positive and inspiring.

#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

Work smarter, not harder.

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

Meeting you, in the fab Brentwood Kitchen. Us Essex girls have got to stick together.

#24. Totes. Finally, anything to plug?

If you’re single and looking for love, try my free ‘Find The Love Of Your Life in 7 Days‘ video programme. And then I can go buy a hat.

Know any other coaches we should be interviewing? We love recommendations and introductions of a platonic nature:

The post 24 questions with Charlotte Lewis of The Love Life Agency first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 questions with Charlotte Lewis of The Love Life Agency appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Fantastic.

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

Having a purpose, my family, my job. Knowing I can make a difference.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

It’s brilliant for businesses, allowing people to reach a massive audience but on the negative side, people are forgetting to talk, forgetting the art of real communication.

#4. Kindles or books?

Books definitely.

#5. We know of a good one. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

Making people realise they can change; there’s been a real lack of that in terms of what we’re taught as children, and adults actually. We need to educate people at a younger age before all that conditioning sets in.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I didn’t have a clue! As a teenager, I was really good at sport – a teacher told me I should become a PE teacher and so I did. That lead me to a career in the fitness industry but I always knew I wanted writing in there somewhere. I’ve always enjoyed it, plus having those kind of deep conversations you have.

#7. What led you to your current career?

I think working in the fitness industry; I became really interested in seeing the transformation of their bodies.On top of that, I started enjoying giving people my time, seeing them grow, being kind, listening to them. I gave them an outlet. This insight led me to being a life coach.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

Your life can always be fantastic.

#9. Hurrah for that. Now can you make it rhyme?

Your life can be fantastic, your brain is neuro-plastic

#10. Indeedy. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Believe in yourself and your abilities; you are enough just as you are.

#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

My husband has been there 100% of the way.

#12. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

Meeting Nick and Eva Speakman. I realised there are others out there who felt the same as me. They became my role models.

#13. If you won a big award of some kind, whom would you thank?

I’d probably thank my family for being there, all my coaching clients (I get so much back from them) and some of my oldest friends, my 80-90 year old wise owls.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

Limit your social media time – give yourself 30 minutes, twice a day. Have a curfew and be strict with yourself!

#15. Must we? Really? Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

I think it will just keep on growing. I’ve already seen a massive change. More schools, more businesses, more establishments are now taking this kind of thinking on board.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

I was still thinking about writing a book and coaching full-time. I was in a really amazing place, but I knew there was more.

#17. What’s an interesting fact about you?

I love to monofin.

#18. That’s swimming with a monofin for the non-water babies out there. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

It would probably be Barack Obama or Tony Robbins.

#19. We hear Barack’s got some time on his hands. Unfortunately. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Positive

#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Sure.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

I can’t choose! I like a little bit of everything!

#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

What happens to you, doesn’t define you, it finds you.

#23. BOOM. What’s been the best part of your day?

Having coffee and toast in Costa Coffee with my husband.

#24. Sweet. Finally, anything to plug?

My book came out in January; my aim is to open people’s eyes and hearts to live a truly happy and exceptional life.

The post 24 questions with Maria Hocking first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 questions with Maria Hocking appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Exquisite

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

The thought of a lovely breakfast.

#3. You’re our kind of girl. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

I really think it’s the Wild West; it’s a bit ungovernable at the moment. You really need pioneers out there to sort it. It’s a bit of the dark arts for me to be honest. Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook… it’s all so complicated and developing at such a pace,  you’d have to be full-time to be a master at it all. I’m being dragged along by the horse really. The way I see it, I’m not the cowboy, I’ve got the foot caught in the stirrup.

#4. You’ll just have to come and horse around with us *sorry, not sorry*. Kindles or books?

Books. I have a whole library downstairs. Nothing more comforting than being surrounded by books. Actually, I feel uneasy in a house without books.

#5. We’re hearing you. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

That it’s unregulated and there are many, undertrained coaches out there. Some of the coaching academies fail to teach coaches how to be commercial. These people are spending thousands on courses, workshops and leave without a single clue about how to get a client. Heartbreaking really. My academy helps coaches set up a business and helps them stand out from the crowd.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

It’s embarrassing, really. I wanted to be a princess or a Pan Am air stewardess, all very glam. I knew I wanted to be very rich.

#7. You and us both. What led you to your current career?

I was a journalist, interviewing the likes of Terence Stamp, Paloma Picasso, Melvyn Bragg. I was self-taught and ended up working on the Birmingham Post, The Sun, Daily Mirror, Daily Express, The Independent. I hired a life coach for myself 14 years ago and after being coached, found out I loved it and took the leap.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

I love exquisite jewellery, lingerie, I just love beautiful products. I gasp at the sight at gorgeous things.

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

Exquisite is a prerequisite for a fabulous existence.

#10. We don’t disagree. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Don’t worry so much that it’s all going to go horribly wrong. Don’t go to the dark place – it will always be all right. PS Bloody sort your anger out too.

#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

Believe in me. Given me a break. I respond very well to people who have bothered to know me and invest in me. Anyone who has given you a lift, be grateful, be respectful. Some people, of course, can do that naturally.

#12. Bless. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

Building my coaching academy. It’s the single most satisfying, biggest, hardest career stretch I’ve ever undertaken. I’m so proud.

#13. We’re proud of you too, Carole Ann. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

Again all those people who believed in me. Not all of them are family but every single person who has inspired me. It could be writers, novelists, unconventional people who approach life in a different way.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

I think in order to be effective, have three things on your list that are your absolute priorities. The rest of the day is playtime then. Also, don’t be a perfectionist. Don’t try to over-perfect.

#15. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

Regulated and more respected.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

Climbing the ladder, building my business. I didn’t have my two-seater Mercedes-Benz, and I didn’t think I could get one. I could and I did.

#17. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

It’s unconventional but powerful.

#18. If you could have a 24 minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

I would love to have spoken to Frank Sinatra.

#19. We like a bit of Ol’ Blue Eyes ourselves. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Glamorous

#20. Would you mind taking a (glamorous) selfie for us?

Here you go.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

@BrainPickings. They offer thought-provoking pieces from writers and authors. It’s relatable and intelligent.

#22. A bit like yourself then (Editor’s note: enough fangirling already). What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

I dedicate myself to creative loafing. Achieving that balance between hard work and relaxing. I give myself a lot of time off but I love working. And not working.

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

This morning’s bagel with Philly & Marmite. And a run.

#24. Go girl. Finally, anything to plug?

Sign up to my free newsletter, Wit and Wisdom and I’d recommend anyone to think about becoming a life coach. It’s one of the most rewarding and exciting professions. You get paid to be you.

And what could possibly be better than that? Carole Ann can be contacted on 020 8566 2862, email
bookings@realcoachingco.com.

The post 24 questions with Carole Ann Rice, life coach first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 questions with Carole Ann Rice, life coach appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. What’s your favourite word?

Onomatopoeia. I learnt it at school and just thought it was a very strange word. It means a word that sounds like what it describes, like ‘boing’, or ‘woosh’!

#2. Boom! What gets you up in the morning?

Porridge. With blueberries and honey.

#3. Mmmm. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

Honestly? I find it baffling and I don’t really understand it or how it works… so that’s why I think I need experts to help me!

#4. Kindles or books?

Books, definitely. The romance of having a paper book in your hand it lovely. Especially a nice, old, musty book that you’ve found in an ancient book shop.

#5. You work is around personal development and self-help. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

I think it is a very big industry and I think there are lots and lots of people who have got wonderful ideas to share. I think the challenge is making sure all those ideas are heard. Some real gems can sometimes be overlooked, because there’s just so much on offer.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be on TV! Actually – I was a huge fan of Doctor Who so to be honest I just wanted to be a Doctor Who assistant and just travel around the Universe, having fun.

#7. What led you to your current career?

Well, I was a teacher for a long time, teaching English and a foreign language and I loved working with adults. I love working with children, too, but I felt that I really wanted to work with adults and look at exploring ways you can just have a normal, lovely day each day of your life.

#8. Awww, what a lovely sentiment. Now – can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

Crash, bang, wallop! is a great example of onomatopoeia, I think.

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

Onomatopoeia could be used in Eretria.

#10. Very good! What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would say don’t miss out on anything, just be here for each day. Because if you don’t, if you let your mind just race off with all the worries and concerns that you can get caught up in each day, I think you tend to miss your life. You’ve not really been present for it. So I would say, be present for every single experience. Be fully present.

#11. What’s the best thing anyone has ever done for you?

Ask me to marry them. I think everyone should ask somebody else to marry them – we should have a National Ask Someone to Marry You Day!

#12. We’ll get it trending! What’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

When my book was published. First, I thought to myself ‘Phew, I’ve actually finished it’ and then I thought, ‘Wow, I am actually an author now’, so that’s been really exciting ever since.

#13. And if you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

I’d thank my lovely husband, Martin, and all of the wonderful people who have supported me on this journey so far. I’d probably be there for hours!

#14. Can you give us a time saver of the day?

This is going to sound strange but I think a good time saver is to slow down and to not look at the clock. I am a firm believer in that the slower you go, the slower everything else goes and you actually have more time to get everything done – if you slow down, time slows down.

#15. We’ll have try that one out. Where were you 24 months ago?

Physically? I was working for UNICEF on a wonderful programme called Rights Respecting Schools. It’s all about teaching children to understand how important it is to respect everybody else and to see themselves as all equal.

#16. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

I think it will move a lot more towards social media, so I suppose I need to find out how all of that works. I also think it’s growing so much and there are so many wonderful events that are happening now. You can go to something, somewhere throughout the year and I think that’s really great because I love meeting people and being with people. I think there will be a lot more events that are accessible to everybody, especially on social media.

#17. We’d agree with that ;). Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

Um, the old Swedish film star, Britt Ekland, kissed me when I was 18 months old! That’s my claim to fame. I also met the Queen Mother at my school; that was my royal moment.

#18. If you could have a 24 minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

I think I would choose somebody like Louise Hay. Just to have 24 seconds of inspiration from Louise Hay would be great, so 24 minutes would be even better!

#19. We’ll try and organise that for you, Moon. What is one word you’d like people to describe you with?

Open. Open to new ideas because I like to explore lots of different spiritual ideas and then mix them all up and see what comes out the other end.

#20. Like a virtual washing machine! Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Brilliant! Yes, I am a virtual washing machine. And a selfie? Absolutely! No problem.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

Well, All Identity Is Constructed was a great campaign which was all about everybody being able to choose how they wanted to present themselves to the world and I think that is really, really important. That has been an absolutely fantastic campaign, not only on social media but on billboards and out on the streets as well – I think it’s great when the virtual links up with the real.

#22. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

Relaxed, really. Coming back to the slowing down thing, I think it’s very easy to speed up and try and get through lots of things but I think the more relaxed you are the more you’ll get things done.

#23. Nice. What’s been the best part of your day?

Talking to you! 🙂

#24. Bless you! Finally, do you have anything to plug?

I do… check out my Facebook page: Moon Laramie Official.

The post With love to the Moon and back first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post With love to the Moon and back appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

What is my favourite word? Pungent. Use it people!

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

Without sounding clichéd, it’s got to be my passion for what I do. The passion for building a business and the passion to serve my clients, that’s what gets me up in the morning.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

Hmm. Social media is an amazing, necessary evil. We can’t live without it anymore. Gee. What did we do in those days we didn’t have social media, how did we communicate? But now it’s a must. If you want to come off it, you can’t! It’s become so much of our lives; we just can’t get away from it. Yesterday I attended a social media conference and I am completely amazed by not only how much is out there but also how important it is going to be in the years to come.

#4. Kindles or books?

Books, any day. I like to hold things, and I write books! I do listen to audio books but I’m still not into Kindle, all this clicking of things! It’s got to be tangible.

#5. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

Here’s the thing. I do strategy for coaches. There are a lot of great new coaches coming through. There are also a lot of sharks out there, they eat up the space and eat up the un-sharky, genuine coaches. Beware of the sharks. Good guys don’t always get to be seen which gives the industry a bad reputation. I think that also not enough coaches think strategically and unfortunately, they don’t last very long.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Can I let you in on a little secret?

Yes!

I really wanted to be like John Travolta. With a comb in the back pocket, a leather jacket and a quiff! As I grew up, I also wanted to be a wrestler and at one point I also wanted to be a semi-trailer truck driver. How things have changed!

#7. What led you to your current career?

The universe! I had a dance career and then I got injured. I ended up in a call centre, then moved into training, and then I wanted to be a better trainer so I studied coaching. I realised “Wow, I can have an impact on someone’s life.” From that I launched a coaching career, later a business. From the business I asked myself what I was passionate about and it’s really about helping coaches build their business.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

That was rather pungent do you think? But it’s not really a word I use very often!

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

No.

#10. OK then. We’ll move on. What advice would you give to your younger self?

The advice I would give to my younger self would be: don’t be limited by your perceived limitations.

#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you? 

Wow. A lot of people have done some great things. I think the greatest thing that anyone’s ever done for me, which was the beginning of me seeing the kindness in human beings, is when I was offered a scholarship for my dancing. When I had no money, was working all hours, they told me that I was being considered for a scholarship and it really changed everything for me. Once awarded, I felt that it was one of the kindest things that this whole group of people had somehow heard about me, supported and believed in me. It gave me the impetus to get to where I am now.

#12. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining moment’?

Well, getting injured, because it changed the course of everything. That’s a key moment. I went into a dark space. I attempted to come back, and then got injured again. I knew then that my dancing career was over. I know it’s not a happy one, but it was when everything changed.

#13. If you won a big award of some kind, whom would you thank?

It’s so clichéd, but I’d definitely thank my mum. 100%. I would also thank my wife, Emily.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

This is so old school; it’s grabbing my mobile and doing lists! I go through the list and I get it done. It keeps me focused.

#15. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

I see it starting to really having an impact; I can see lots of coaches starting to move towards being strategic, the business will have made a greater impact through giving strategic stability.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

In April 2014 I would have been getting ready for Power to Succeed, which is my old (paused) seminar. I would have been getting ready to deliver my advanced training, to about 100-150 people. I wasn’t married. I think I was happily almost-engaged, if I wasn’t engaged already! *checks memory bank quickly*

#17. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

I run it. I don’t have a quirk now, I used to have a quirk which was ‘The coach with the hat’. I have a special pair of socks called the strategy socks though. They come in all sizes, and can be used for multiple things!

#18. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

There are so many people I’d love to talk to. I’m going to go back to my original hero, I’d really love to talk to Rudolf Nureyev. He inspired me to become a dancer.

#19. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Pungent! No, I’m only joking. Focused.

#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Of course not.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

Can I be honest? I’m on Twitter, and I do stuff, but I’m not that engaged. I can share one that someone speaks highly of though – @tesco.com.

#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

Authentic. What you see is what you get, it’s authentic, it’s real. My persona off-stage is the same as onstage.

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

Having an interview with you, of course! I had a brilliant Skype call this morning, but I’m loving this!

#24. Too kind Elliot, too kind. Finally, anything to plug?

Our taster sessions. What I would suggest is to look out for our free taster, they’re three hour workshops around strategy. Come get to know me, and it’s no commitment on your behalf and if you like us, then we’ll talk about how we can work together. And of course, I’d like to plug 24 fingers!

The post 24 essential questions with Elliot Kay of Strategic Brilliance Services first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 essential questions with Elliot Kay of Strategic Brilliance Services appeared first on 24 fingers.