BAJAN FUSION: Pon de FLO will be Pon de ROCK

The 2012 Bajan Fusion will be a special experience featuring New York City based Heather Fay, Founder and CEO of Pon De FLO® from June 25th to June 30 th in Barbados.

Heather is a current Town Sports International (TSI) New York Sports Clubs Instructor and Trainer, as well as an Independent Fitness Instructor and Professional Choreographer.

‘Pon de FLO’ is a Caribbean/ Reggae based dance fitness class, which incorporates high energy, easy to follow choreography and intense body strengthening moves.

The essence of this class is to let the energy of the music and choreography release all self inflicted boundaries we create for ourselves and allow us to just ‘FLO’ with the music. What better way to feel energy than through the hottest Caribbean and Reggae music around?! Dance is both body empowerment as well as a form of freedom and Pon de FLO brings you just that!

Here are benefits of Pon de FLO:

·         *For all ages, shapes, sizes and all levels of dance;

·         *Incorporates easy to follow choreography;

·         *Core movements and intense calisthenics which define and tone muscle, builds core strength, increases  flexibility and burns fat;

·         *Increases metabolic rate, builds endurance and stamina;

·         * An experience where a participant can not only improve their well being, but also feel an increase in energy and let their body flow
with the music without correction or judgment.

Heather is currently studying to become a nutritionist, as she believes nutrition and exercise go hand and hand to the success of a healthy weight and wellness. Being Vegan and a full time Instructor, Heather is advertising the importance of healthy eating habits alongside her Pon de FLO classes to enhance energy, health and over all well-being.

For more info: http://www.heatherfaynyc.com andhttp://www.pondeflo.com/

 Live to Dance… Dance to be Free…

Friends Helping Friends

Three months ago, a colleague/friend and I were having a conversation, and out of the blue she asked me if I would be her mentor.

At first, I was a little taken back, but soon realized that this person trusted me, and believed that I had the ability to help her get where she wanted to be.

"Are you sure?” I asked.

“Yes,” she replied.

“You know that I will be taking this very seriously, so get ready,” I said.

Here’s the thing – we’ve known each other a few years and I always told her that she had choices, and I questioned what was holding her back from reaching out for her goals. In her, I saw potential.

But it took for her to ask, and for me to respond, to make what I call the ‘coaching alliance. At that moment where suddenly things are clearer and a person is ready to take the next step into the unknown, and have faith as their guide.

That day, my friend chose to move forward with her life, and I couldn’t have been happier to be there through her journey.

On that very day I gave my friend a few challenge questions to think about over the weekend.

Let’s talk strategy, I told her. Together, we both agreed upon a plan, including:

1. An agreement to work together for three months, with a meeting every Wednesday during our lunch time.

2. A Q&A about her life experiences, specifically, her concerns, fears, accomplishments, strengths and weaknesses.
3. Created short-term, mid-term and long term goals.
4. Provide her with books, articles and online resources.

5. Introduce her to the art of networking.

6. Focus on interview skills and self-presentation.

The result: As time went on, and we followed our strategy, I began to see subtle changes in her.

More confidence. A positive outlook. An emerging belief that she could achieve anything she put her mind to.

With increased confidence, my friend found herself mentoring relatives, changing her approach in conversation, thinking and acting differently.

The growth wasn’t just one-sided; I too grew in my abilities as a better person, coach and mentor.

This is her testimonial:

Celia,

I want to take the time to say thank you for coaching/mentoring me. You've taught me to set goals and to take steps to achieve them, to believe in myself, go after my dreams, take initiative for the things that matter most to me, and how to be fearless. You pushed me past my boundaries. You have truly shown me the meaning of professional development. You have a ‘take no prisoners’ attitude, and you gave me the kick in the pants that I needed to wake up and take my life and career seriously. Thank you again.

~Desiree

  

Image Source

Career Aspirations

There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Does it wrestle with your heart when you know someone who has so much potential but just can't seem to catch a break? What about yourself? Are the stars aligning in your favor? If not, what are you doing about it?

It's not easy when you've made great effort, but things are taking their time. At times, doubts can also creep in. You begin to question yourself, the process, the barriers, and the decision-makers involved. It is true that sometimes hiring organizations can overlook passionate and ambitious individuals simply because they lack in a specific area. Sometimes such organizations should make an effort to give people a chance to prove themselves, that's what taking risks is all about. That's how we grow and transform as companies. But it is a lot easier to work on ourselves and make changes in ourselves, than to change companies and organizations.

So if you are someone in need of that chance, don't let the doubts hold you back. Get back into the game, make some changes, acquire new skills or experiences, and wait for the results.

• Know that you are a work in progress. 
• Be diligent, be prepared, get the support and guidance you need.
• Live with patience knowing that it will get better. 
• Stay positive and keep moving forward.
   

What are your suggestions to someone who is having a tough time overcoming a challenge(s)?