Category Archives: Inspiration

Write it Down Before It’s Gone

Posted in Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Success by

Write it Down Before It’s Gone………

keep-calm-and-write-it-down

               “Writing it down” is exactly what I had to do when the inspiration struck me for this blog post. Ideas are fleeting and because we have many of them floating around in our minds every day, it benefits us to write down those glimpses of inspiration as they flash across our minds!

              I keep a brainstorming sheet next to my laptop at home and at work. I’m always being inspired by “flashes” of ideas for various projects I’m working on. Because the next flash of inspiration is likely not far behind, if I don’t write them down as they come to me, they may likely be gone forever.

Here are some tips that may help you:

❐ Keep a brainstorming sheet in your workspace, both at home and at work

❐ Create a Brainstorming list on your smart phone for those times you are not near your computer or creative space. Use an app such as the iPhone’s notepad or my favorite Smartphone app, Evernote!

❐ If you are one who receives inspiration at night, keep a pen and paper near your bed to transfer those thoughts

❐ If the inspiration requires immediate action, don’t hesitate. Act on it as soon as possible! Opportunities, just like ideas, can be fleeting. Don’t miss out on good opportunities because of procrastination!

❐ For kicks and giggles, keep some of these ideas in a journal (instead of crumbling up the brainstorming sheets and throwing them away) and a year from now, look back on the ideas you had. Some may be great and some may not be worth 2 cents. However, you may find yourself inspired again by ideas long forgotten.

What suggestions do you have for documenting and retaining “flashes of inspiration”?

Dr. Carmen April's Speaker Series

              Dr. Carmen April is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is a 2014 Graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute – Nashville Chapter.  She’s a Podiatrist and Owner of The Foot And Ankle Healthcare Center in the Nashville, TN area. She’s also the creator/owner of “Design Your Story Coaching & Consulting” and is available for speaking engagements on Small Business Entrepreneurship.

Most Acts of Leadership Happen Behind Closed Doors

Posted in Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Networking, Success, Uncategorized by

Most Acts of Leadership Happen Behind Closed

Doors

Leadership, Life coach, Nashville life coach

                We often think of Leadership as being front and center, and very visible. However, the truth is that most acts of Leadership occur out of the public eye. They include thinking strategically about important decisions, proper planning and attention to details.

❐ It involves having that difficult conversation with someone on your team about their performance.

❐ It involves networking with other leaders to bounce ideas off of one another or attending that After-work Happy Hour to build report with colleagues.

❐ It involves personal and business development like reading industry journals, magazines and blogs

❐ It involves conversations with individual team members to understand their goals on the team and within the company

❐ It involves putting out fires that happen when least expected

❐ It involves putting the pedal to the metal when approaching an important deadline

❐ It involves sometimes doing more than you are paid for – coming in early and leaving late or taking on extra responsibility to ensure the tasks are completed as desired

❐ It involves having compassion for those on your team or in the organization who may be facing personal difficulty

❐ It involves having the courage to make major decisions even though they may be unpopular

               So remember, most acts of Leadership happen outside of the limelight, where the ground work is laid and during the day-to-day operation of you with your team.

Dr. Carmen April's Speaker Series

               Dr. Carmen April is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is a 2014 Graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute – Nashville Chapter.  She’s a Podiatrist and Owner of The Foot And Ankle Healthcare Center in the Nashville, TN area. She’s also the creator/owner of “Design Your Story Coaching & Consulting” and is available for speaking engagements on Small Business Entrepreneurship.

An Untrained Mind Can Accomplish Little

Posted in Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Success, Uncategorized by

An Untrained Mind Can Accomplish Little

Mind

              Athletes train to accomplish an athletic goal. Doctors train to practice medicine. Teachers train to educate students.  Chefs train and learn how to create culinary masterpieces.

             Just as these tasks require training to perfect, our minds must be trained to think thoughts that ultimately reveal themselves in our outward actions, appearance, and interaction with others. As I’ve shared here on the blog before, the mind is an extremely powerful medium and what we think, we become (Tweet this).

What we think, we become.

          The chatter box runs rampant in the minds of most of us. All it takes is one negative thought to lead to another negative thought which leads to the “what if’s” and fear and worry and resentment and negativity.

Remember, an untrained mind can accomplish little!

“An untrained mind can accomplish Little”

               As a creative person and entrepreneur, the wheels are always spinning in my mind and when I’m not careful, fear of  ‘what’s next” easily creeps in and makes me nervous about the future. I’ve had to make a conscious decision to start silencing the chatterbox by meditating and centering myself daily. This is not easy, by any means. The first few minutes of my meditation usually involves me having to bring my thoughts back to center because concentration is not easy. No matter how many times my thoughts wander off into a different direction, I work hard to bring them back to center by repeating whatever mantra I choose to meditate on that day.

             I do my best to focus on the present because I can’t change the past and I have no idea what the future holds. In fact, worrying about tomorrow steals today of its sunshine! What I have to focus on is the “right now” and training my mind to release the fear.

          As leaders, mastering the practice of controlling your thoughts is so important because what you do comes from what you think (Tweet this)! Leaders are not born, they are made and they are made better by perfecting effective principles of Leadership such as unwavering courage, having the ability to establish and carry out a vision, paying attention to detail, and having strong decision-making skills. Many times, the best way to make important leadership decisions is by silencing the mind, removing the “ego-filter” and making decisions that will impact an entire team(s).

“What you do comes from what you think!”

-Dr. April

             Dr. Carmen April is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is a 2014 Graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute – Nashville Chapter.  She’s a Podiatrist and Owner of The Foot And Ankle Healthcare Center in the Nashville, TN area. She’s also the creator/owner of “Design Your Story Coaching & Consulting” and is available for speaking engagements on Small Business Entrepreneurship.

Is there a place for Compassion in Leadership?

Posted in Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Success, Uncategorized by

Is there a place for Compassion in Leadership ?

compassion

                     Sure there is! In fact, a mark of a great leader is one who has expressed sympathy, compassion and understanding for those they are leading.

                  In Napoleon Hill’s book, Think And Grow Rich, “Sympathy and Understanding” is one of the essential Leadership Principles he discusses.

                      Often times, the people who annoy us and make us angry are the first ones we are ready to cast aside and eliminate from our space. While I certainly don’t advocate keeping toxic people around you, there are times when good people are experiencing life difficulties and could benefit from your compassion and understanding instead of judgement.

                 As leaders in business and community organizations, you should understand that those on your team will experience any number of life’s challenges every now and then which may affect their disposition, enthusiasm and attention at work. While accepting sub-par performance is not what I mean here, it is important to have compassion for those who are going through significant personal life events such as going through a divorce, dealing with the loss of a parent, or having a sick child they must tend to. Remember that you will, inevitably, experience struggles of your own and may benefit from this same type of compassion of others. As my mother always says, “Treat others the way you want to be treated!”

Dr. Carmen April's Speaker Series

          Dr. Carmen April is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is a 2014 Graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute – Nashville Chapter.  She’s a Podiatrist and Owner of The Foot And Ankle Healthcare Center in the Nashville, TN area. She’s also the creator/owner of “Design Your Story Coaching & Consulting” and is available for speaking engagements on Small Business Entrepreneurship.

If You Confuse People, You Lose People

Posted in Branding, Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Success, Uncategorized by

If You Confuse People, You Lose People

              A while back, I was an audience member at a business pitching event. One gentleman got up to deliver his pitch and within the first 2 minutes, completely confused everyone in the room about his idea. He lost half the audience within the first couple minutes and these folks checked out for the rest of his presentation. The other couple of people who remained attentive did so only to rip his presentation to shreds with questions once he was done.

              I’m sure you’ve seen this before if you’re a fan of ABC’s hit program, Shark Tank. Individuals come forth to pitch their inventions to the millionaire sharks and either walk away with an investment from one of the sharks or go home empty-handed. Their fate depends on how well they deliver their pitch and get the sharks to believe in them. It doesn’t take long for the sharks to smell “blood in the water” if the person pitching doesn’t do a great job delivering.

               When crafting your message about who you are and why anyone should believe in you, be it your Leadership abilities, or product or services you are selling, you have to simplify your message. Simplifying your message will take some work, but is essential to communicating why you do what you do and why what you offer is beneficial.

                  In the early stages of working to craft my brand message, I realized I had to highlight the value I bring to both my clients and teams I am leading. It’s not enough for me to emphasize why I’m interested in doing what I love doing for myself. I have to convey the benefit of my passion to others.

Here are 5 tips to remember when working to clarify your brand message:

1.) Follow the KIS Method  – Keep It Simple! People love clear, simple messages that aren’t hard to digest

2.) Know you product or service well – better than anyone else!

3.) Be able to deliver your message to anyone in a 30 second pitch

4.) Remember your value proposition to your consumer

5.) Don’t confuse people because WHEN YOU CONFUSE THEM, YOU LOSE THEM!

Dr. Carmen April's Speaker Series

Dr. Carmen April’s Speaker Series

         Dr. Carmen April is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is a 2014 Graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute – Nashville Chapter.  Dr. April is available for speaking engagements on Entrepreneurship for College Students and Young Professionals.

Why It’s Important to Say “Yes” to that After Work Happy Hour

Posted in Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Networking, Success, Uncategorized by

Why It’s Important to Say “Yes” To That After Work

Happy Hour

Hapypy hr

                I recently had a discussion with someone who is frustrated that they are working really hard for their company, but seem to get passed up for bigger projects and promotions. They went on to tell me that this has happened more than a few times in the past couple of years. Upon further probing, I approached the topic of how much networking this person does within their organization and how well they know and interact with others in their work place environment.

           I’m glad I took the conversation in that direction because what it revealed is that this person works really hard for the company – comes in early and sometimes leaves late. However, they never really take out the time to engage in after-work happy hours with co-workers or participate in other “after-work” type events. They usually eat lunch by themselves at their desk. They really don’t go the extra mile to learn more about their co-workers beyond the work they do in the office. I totally understand how people don’t like sharing too much of their personal life in the office. Some would even say they don’t like to “mix business with pleasure”. If you are one of those people, I want you to consider this: Your non-participation in after hours work functions or willingness to get to know others in your office or on your teams, may be resulting in you being passed over for opportunities within the organization!

              Working hard is simply not enough anymore. You have to get to know people in your organization personally to even have your name considered in conversations for promotions and greater opportunities. I’m by no means suggesting you should go to an after-work Happy Hour, sling back 5 beers and talk about all the problems you and your significant other are having at home just so you can relate to your co-workers. What I am saying is that when people know more about you as a person and feel they can vibe with your personality, you become more than just an employee. You become part of the team.  You can often learn much more about people over dinner, coffee or lunch than you do in the traditional work environment! Go out and make those connections that matter!

               Even if you are not a “drinker”, per se, head to Happy Hour with your colleagues anyways and enjoy a mocktail, a soda, or appetizers. What’s important is that you are taking part in the conversation so that your name is considered during those major conversations that matter!

Dr. Carmen April's Speaker Series

Dr. Carmen April’s Speaker Series

            Dr. Carmen April is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is a 2014 Graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute – Nashville Chapter.  Dr. April is available for speaking engagements on Entrepreneurship for College Students and Young Professionals.

How to Create An Audience from Scratch

Posted in Branding, Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Networking, Success, Uncategorized by

How to Create An Audience From Scratch

Audience

For today’s post I’m sharing a question I was asked after a recent presentation I did on blogging and Personal Branding:

Question: If I’m not an established Blogger like you, how do I create an audience? How do I find people willing to let me interview them for my blog when I have no experience and I’m not well established?

My Answer: We all have to start somewhere! (Tweet this!) I had a “first blog post” on my Dinner With Nerds Food Blog (retired) and here on my life leadership blog just like every other, now established, blogger out here on the internet. I had a “first interview” for my blog because I wasn’t afraid to ask that person for the interview. I told her that I was getting my new Food Blog started and I would be honored if she would be my first interview! She said yes!

              One thing I believe works to my advantage quite often in life is the fact that I’m not afraid to ask for what I want. The worst someone can tell me is “NO” and if they do, I’m on to the next person who can help me out. Hearing “NO” is not comfortable by any means, but hearing “NO” simply means that I won’t be doing whatever it is I want to with that person, right now. There’s always a way to make things happen when you really want something. (Tweet this!)

                Have confidence in yourself, plan out how you will pitch your idea and simply ask. Often times when you are requesting to interview people who are influential or have something to share, they readily welcome the opportunity for any interview – that’s great exposure for them! The more you add to your blog, the bigger your audience will grow, the more experience you get under your belt and there presents your ripple effect. Just Get Started!

– Dr. April

Dr. Carmen April's Speaker Series

Dr. Carmen April’s Speaker Series

       Dr. Carmen April is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is a 2014 Graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute – Nashville Chapter.  Dr. April is available for speaking engagements on Entrepreneurship for College Students and Young Professionals.

Leaders Don’t Have All The Answers

Posted in Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Networking, Success, Uncategorized by

Leaders Don’t Have All the Answers

Keep Calm and Find Answers

              Leaders don’t have all the answers – no one does. However, great leaders know how to create power teams around them to fill in where they are weak. In his world-famous book, Think and Grow Rich, Napoleon Hill spends a lot of time talking about Mastermind Groups. He illustrates how each of the world’s most successful people he interviewed for his book, all understood the importance of participating in Mastermind Groups that met regularly. These Mastermind Groups consist of anywhere between 5-12 like-minded business people who meet REGULARLY to bounce ideas off of each other. They share ideas on how to get Results in their business ventures.

             Leaders are not born, they are made! It’s important to constantly sharpen your leadership skills through reading, continuing ed, attending conferences, meeting with mentors, and meeting regularly with Mastermind Groups, etc

Have you ever considered meeting with a Mastermind type group? If not, why don’t you join one or even start one yourself?

Dr. Carmen April's Speaker Series

Dr. Carmen April’s Speaker Series

            Dr. Carmen April is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is a 2014 Graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute – Nashville Chapter.  Dr. April is available for speaking engagements on Entrepreneurship for College Students and Young Professionals.

You can follow her daily #Leadership insights on Twitter @DrCarmenApril

The 2014 Kentucky College Women’s Leadership Conference

Posted in Branding, Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Networking, Success by

The 2014 Kentucky College Women’s Leadership

Conference

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

               I recently served as the Opening Keynote Speaker for the Kentucky College Women’s Leadership Conference held at the University of Louisville! It was my first time being at the University of Louisville and was actually the first time I had really visited Louisville. I always enjoy visiting new environments, meeting new people and taking in the culture of different cities while on business trips.

                 Of course, the highlight of the visit is that I was able to inspire young women through my Keynote Presentation. The young women were very receptive and asked great questions about my presentation that connected Leadership with Personal Branding and specifically using Blogging as a Platform to create that Brand.

               I’m very appreciative of all who came up to me afterward and expressed their excitement about what I discussed. I plan to turn some of the questions I was asked after my presentation into blog posts to share with you here. I also started gathering some help for a new “#Leadership Is...” project I’m working on. Check out the photos and the video below!

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

Here’s a preview of my new ‘LEADERSHIP IS’ Project…………

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

Passionate

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

Empowering

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

Authenticity

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

Action > Words

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

Empowering Others

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

Motivating & Appreciating others

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

The ability to pass the torch

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

Peace!!

Leadership is Peace

Inspiring Others

IMG_6993

Taking Initiative

Kentucky College Women's Leadership Conference

Practicing what you Preach!!

Leadership Is

you-tube-logo

What does Leadership Mean to you??? Follow the link below to watch the Leadership Video and stay tuned for more on my upcoming “Leadership Is…” Series!!

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E21bKpdwMQI

Dr. Carmen April's Speaker Series

Dr. Carmen April’s Speaker Series

           Dr. Carmen April is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is a 2014 Graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute – Nashville Chapter.  Dr. April is available for speaking engagements on Entrepreneurship for College Students and Young Professionals.

Developing Leadership Through Sharing Wisdom

Posted in Inspiration, Leadership, Motivation, Networking, Success, Uncategorized by

Developing Leadership Through Sharing Wisdom

wisdom

               Maya Angelou was such a wise woman – an inspiration for us all. I was so sad to learn of her passing a couple of weeks ago. She was definitely a woman who left her mark on this world and that is truly wonderful! I came across this quote of hers and couldn’t wait to create a blog post around it because I couldn’t agree more!

               There is so much wisdom that can be gained from listening to the stories of other people. Hearing the personal successes and struggles of others can give you the courage and the strength to overcome obstacles. It can be that extra “push” you need to take a big step or make a major decision. It call pull you out of feeling isolated when you are dealing with some of the heavy blows life sends our way sometimes.

                 On my Dinner With Nerds Food Blog (now retired), I created a series of interviews with people for this very reason! My “In The Kitchen” and “At The Table” series are interviews I conduct with professional, successful people over dinner/coffee/lunch. I believe we learn more about others in more laid back environments over dinner/coffee/lunch than we do in an office setting or stuffy board room. I know the value of learning from others – their mistakes, successes and journey’s along the way.

               Take the time to invite someone for coffee or lunch and invest in learning from their life experiences. We are more alike than we are different! There are common themes we all encounter in everyday life that can be used as inspiration for each other. Let the experience and wisdom of others help you to develop your Leadership skills today!

Dr. Carmen April's Speaker Series

Dr. Carmen April’s Speaker Series

              Dr. Carmen April is a young entrepreneur and community leader recognized as a 2013 Nashville Business Journal Top 40 Under Forty Award Recipient and is a 2014 Graduate of the New Leaders Council Institute – Nashville Chapter.  Dr. April is available for speaking engagements on Entrepreneurship for College Students and Young Professionals.