The Virtual Etiquette Series: Time Management by Felicia Shakespeare

We are definitely mindful and clear that out of every great trial comes a greater triumph. But not only that but also a greater sense of responsibility. I won’t go into all the many lessons I’ve already had and personally learned from COVID 19 (because we are literally still in the middle of all of this still unfolding). Reassured and keeping faith through it all, I would still call this a God-given moment undeniably so. This is now week three of the social distancing order that came down from my city’s leadership and ultimately now from the federal government in many parts of the country. I believe at this juncture, regardless of where you live, most of us are choosing to “self” quarantine for safety reasons whether the point is being hammered down to do so or not.  

Although I won’t go into them all, one of the greatest and most positive lesson takeaways from this entire pandemic that is self-evident to me is the time I’ve been given to be at home. Having been a remote worker years ago I always look back and remember the many advantages.  The deeper message is not just the time to work from home but many of us have been given access to something that we’ve wanted for such a long time and as Maxine Waters put it a little while ago (in another context) “I’m reclaiming my time.” The power and value of time are completely invaluable. Something that money can’t buy has been put back on the clock, in our treasure box, that sweet four-letter word, called time. This is how I would encourage you to spend yours. Don’t miss this moment because something like this is not expected to happen for another hundred years or so. These are some simple, suggestions as we continue to practice safety:

Complete the Project

I’m not sure what you have put off but it’s time to complete some things. Whether it’s writing that book (or blog), training for a marathon, working on your health and wellness goals, now is the time! 

Organize 

During this time you get to organize your whole life, literally! Closets, office spaces (working on mine today), the basement, you name it. You can paint, clear those thousands of emails that you have let pile up. Organize, organize, organize, let’s go!

Cherish the Moments

Spend time with your family, talk to your children, get to know your neighbors, most important reconnect with yourself and your soul. 

I will leave you with... If you don’t come out this quarantine with:

- A new skill

- A newfound purpose 

- A new side hustle -More knowledge

You never lacked time, you lacked discipline...And self-motivation Instagram Quote: #Bodybydevo

Be well!

Learn more about her at www.feliciashakespeare.com
 Twitter: @iamfelicias

BOSS Spotlight Feature: Glynn Pogue

Born and bred in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, Glynn Pogue tells stories from around-the-world, and around-the-way. A graduate of The New School’s MFA program, with a BA in Journalism from Howard University, Glynn has written for National Geographic Traveler, Vogue, Jezebel, and Essence, among others. Glynn is currently at work on a collection of essays on race, class, and traveling while black, topics she regularly sounds off about on her podcast #BlackGirlsTexting.

1. What were some obstacles that you faced in the beginning process of starting your business or career?

The media industry is tricky. Much of it is based on who you know. I was lucky to have a few internships under my belt and a strong network of mentors to support me. Still, as I reached out for staff writing positions, and publishing opportunities I was often met with rejection. I have a variety of interests and skills across media, and I’ve always wanted to have my hands on a lot of projects. There is no real blueprint for my dream job, which can sometimes make me feel lost. 

However, these challenges have made me flexible and open to opportunities and pushed me to constantly widen the vision I have for my career. 

2. What inspired you to break into your particular industry?

I’ve been telling stories for as long as I can remember. I knew early on that I was a writer, but I was fearful about how I’d make a secure living, so I pursued a career in marketing and PR instead. After graduating from Howard, I joined the Peace Corps and moved to Cambodia. My daily experiences were so inspiring. I couldn’t fight the urge to document them in writing. I couldn’t fight what I was born to do. I started pitching work about my time in Cambodia and landed my first major piece in Essence. Once I saw my name in print and understood that my voice really resonated with my readers, I was all in.  

3. How do you balance your personal and professional life or have you been able to find a balance?

My personal and professional lives are inextricably linked. Storytelling is my art, and I practice it daily. Being a writer is a part of my identity and it shifts the way I look at the world; I’m always thinking about stories to tell and making mental notes of moments that resonate with me and would someday make a great piece. The more logistical side of my work—emailing editors and brand partners—is another layer of my professional life, and I block out parts of my day to do those things, but the creativity is a constant. 

4. What is an inspirational quote that you live by?

“I am deliberate and afraid of nothing”-- Audre Lorde. 

5. Who were some influential people or mentors that helped or encouraged you along the way?

My parents are incredibly supportive, they are both brilliant creatives in their own rights, and I’ve always valued their opinions and insight. My mother, in particular, is the former editor of Essence magazine and she’s always been the first person to read anything I’ve written. I also really value George Stone. During my freshman year of college, I interned for him when he was the features editor of DC Magazine. We’ve stayed in touch over the years and he’s now the EIC of National Geographic Traveler. He’s always believed in my abilities, and when he took on his  role at Traveler, he was quick to offer me publishing opportunities at the magazine. Landing those bylines opened a lot of doors for me. 

6. What are your "must-haves" to keep your career or business going strong?

A supportive community and strong network, a curious mind, a notebook, and a pen. 

7. What is your definition of a BOSS?

A self-advocate who fearlessly pursues passion, knows their worth, dreams big and is willing to put the work in.  

8. Provide us with two words that describe you? Storyteller

Learn more about Glynn at Instagram: @bedstuybrat

Website: Glynnpogue.com 

Economic Empowerment for Youth/Young Adults Begins with Financial Literacy by Yvetta Gayle-Thompson

According to the Council for Economic Education survey, as of 2/5/20 there are only 21 states now require high school students to take a course in personal finance, this is only an increase of a few more states since the 2018 survey.

Okay, Yvetta, what are you trying to say?  I was one of those children who did not have any conversations about money when I was growing up.  Members of my family are entrepreneurs and own their homes.  There is a medical center in Buffalo named after my Aunt, I visited my uncles' barbershop and beauty supply store.

My grandparents were homeowners, worked on the same jobs until they retired, and owned their home along with the multi-family house next door.  My mom knew how to balance and budget what she had, but again there were no conversations with me and my siblings.  Can we talk about thi$!!

I knew I couldn't be the only one in this world who grew up simply not knowing that financial literacy could give you freedom, adventure, peace, more opportunity, and the ability to generate wealth while leaving a legacy for your loved ones!

Married and a mom of three at the age of 18, I knew how to work hard for what I wanted but clueless about how to grow my income.  I had great "jobs" that taught me stellar customer service, leadership development, networking, and amazing interviewing skills to select the crème de la crème.

It wasn't until the second marriage that I was taught about the importance of a great credit score, 401K, 529B, and the value of being a Small Business Owner while working my 9-5.  The transition and mindset change was not easy!  I purchased lots of material things, things that had little value outside of the aesthetics.  My tax return was a shopping spree versus using it to invest or build a Roth IRA or secondary education for the children.

I wanted to file bankruptcy because I thought I couldn't pay back a $5,000 loan!  At that time I had no guidance or leadership when dealing with finances.  My husband made an appointment for us to go see a lawyer so I could file bankruptcy.  I share this with you because the experience can feel like a catastrophe.  We negotiated the balance and a deadline.

So, what changed for me?  

I had to acknowledge my truth, what I did and didn't know.

I learned the mindset I had when it came to money/financial literacy.

Think about what you would like to accomplish, ask:

Am I honest with myself about what I want versus what I need?

What type of mindset do I have about being economically and financially literate?

Resources:

https://www.mint.com/vip-content/6-ways-to-instill-a-positive-money-mindset

https://www.forbes.com/sites/gingerdean/2017/12/31/4-ways-to-shift-your-money-mindset-from-scarcity-to-abundance/

Learn more about Yvetta at www.youthfulresources.com Twitter: @ygtresources