This morning I attended a breakfast for “Girls for a Change” where girls talked about their young lives and the issues they face and what really matters to them. Their issues are those that we all know about and yet when hearing from these very young people that the support given to “Girls for a Change” has given their lives renewed purpose and direction I wonder why is it that we are not doing more.

There was a direct appeal for funding, no gimmicks, no raffles, no expensive dinner, no internationally know speaker motivating us, just the beneficiaries, the young girls who need the help. Here is a link to a short video that makes the case for supporting this group better then I can.

The purpose of the event is for the empowerment of all women and the celebration of their accomplishments in ways that inspire others to live their dreams. The event is geared for entrepreneurial businesswomen, corporate executives, educators, trainers, homemakers, trainers, students and community-minded women.

Dr. Joel Martin, president of Triad West, Inc. will be the keynote presenter and workshop facilitator. She has worked with hundreds of thousands of individuals in Fortune 500 companies, non-profit and entrepreneurial organizations across many industries in the U.S. She has also worked internationally in South Africa, France, the UK, Latvia, Finland, Malaysia, Russia and China.

A powerful speaker, she uses behavioral science business applications and experiential education to inspire those who attend her workshops. She is the author of the book How to Be a Positively Powerful Person. She has been featured on the Today Show and in the NY Times, Essence, U.S. News and World Report, Black Enterprise, Working Women and Fortune magazine. She appears in the transformational film The Answer. She has earned a Masters degree in Psychology, a PhD. In Communications and is a Wharton Business School Fellow.

The May 16 program begins at 5:30 with a dinner sponsored by eWomen Network and presentation of the Positively Powerful Awards. At 9 am a continental breakfast with networking opportunities will kickoff the May 17 schedule which concludes at 6 pm. The program is highly interactive, fun and participatory.

Event sponsors include eWomen Network, Southwest Gas Corporation, Anheuser Busch Budweiser, APS, and Dial Corporation - A Henkel Company. When asked why he was sponsoring the inaugural event, Garry Walters, Administrator/Community & Consumer Affairs, Southwest Gas Corporation said,

Joel is an award winning diversity supplier, who is a member of the Southwest Gas Supplier Diversity network. Sponsoring this “Positively Powerful Women Celebrate! Retreat” is the right thing to do. We are recognizing our relationship with Triad West Inc. and the return on investment this provides Southwest Gas. We have a jewel in Joel Martin. Her expertise and resources need to be utilized for this and the greater good.”

Cybel Martin, award winning cinematographer and lecturer, will be filming the 2-day event for educational purposes.

For information, registration and scholarships contact www.triadwest.com or call 480-563-5585. The cost for the 2-day event is $250 before May 1 and $290 after. The cost includes the Friday evening dinner, and Saturday breakfast, lunch and reception featuring the sampling of new Budweiser Light With Lime.

from my Book

“How To Be A Positively Powerful Person” 

There is nothing more fulfilling for me than facilitating the breakthrough process for people as they make real what they previously thought and believed was impossible for them. The change is…amazing. They show passion. They exude energy, confidence, and self-esteem. I believe that the world would be a better place if everyone lived their dreams. A dream is a fantasy, a nice idea. A vision is a dream plus the commitment to do what it takes to achieve the vision. It requires action. How can you make your dreams come true – and your vision a reality? Knowing the ten steps is critical to becoming a positively powerful person. All the steps are necessary. They are sequential yet overlapping. Each step is a cornerstone in the foundation of your action plan. The ?It? is your vision. Step One: Imagine It. Step Two: Believe in It. Step Three: Talk about It. Step Four: Commit to It. Step Five: Plan It. Step Six: Enroll in It. Step Seven: Do It. Step Eight: Check It. Step Nine: Complete It. And Step Ten: Celebrate It! If you can dream It, you can achieve It. Believe It. If you don‘t think you have a vision, it is perfectly all right! We all have dreams that we would turn into a vision if we could. Your dreams still exist in your consciousness. All you need to do is awaken them. These few questions will assist you: If I had three wishes guaranteed to come true, I would _____ (Fill in the blank.) Or, my favorite: If I could devote my life to serving others and still have the money and lifestyle I needed, I would successfully be, do, or have__________ (Fill in the blank!)

Here is an over view of each of the steps.

Step One: Imagine It - All success begins with the imagination, which is ?the ability to confront and deal with reality by using the creative power of the mind.? Research indicates that the more details you can imagine and incorporate into your vision, the better. These pictures are part of your mental ?files‘ as you make-believe and see your goals.

Step Two: Believe in It - The most important person to believe in your ability to accomplish your vision is you. The founder of the modern automobile, Henry Ford, said, ?”If you think you can or you think you can‘t, you are probably right.” So believe.

Step Three: Talk about It - Communicate the internal meaning or direction of your vision in an external way. Let‘s say your dream is to have a new home. You deserve it and believe in it. You make it your vision. Using your imaginative power, you begin to see your home–what it looks like, what color it is, how many rooms it has, etc. When you talk about it, you look at blueprints, go online to identify builders, look in magazines to get pictures, share your vision with your family and friends, and visit model homes. By talking about it through language, actions, and other representational symbols of your vision, you sharpen your focus on your vision‘s goals.

Step Four: Commit to It - Commitment is not about thinking, wishing, hoping, trying, or self-sacrifice. Commitment is being bold and bound–mind, body, and spirit–to what matters to you, then declaring it into being. An example of one of the most powerful declarations I ever made was saying ?I do? to my husband on October 10, 1970 during our wedding ceremony. Life changed forever for me from that point on. Those two words were the declaration and demonstration of my commitment.

Step Five: Plan It - After you‘ve committed and declared, the next step is to set your short-term goals and make an action plan. Here you put your attention on your intentions.

Step Six: Enroll in It - You can’t create your vision by yourself. Success is created with and through others. There are three communication skills that will serve you well: Networking which involves creating connective relationships; enrollment, creating partnership in the vision; and alignment, building a harmonious synergistic team. Enrolling is creating value WIIFT — ?what‘s in it for them.? It is one of the highest forms of communication. When Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his speech in Washington, DC and spoke the words, ?I have a dream,? he enrolled men and women of all races in a stand for racial equality—so much so that his vision lived on to empower others. Your ability to enroll others in you/your vision directly influences your outcomes.

Step Seven: Do It - Imagine three birds sitting on a fence. Three decide to fly away. How many fly away? The answer? None. It takes more than deciding, it takes action. Have you ever had a great idea and done nothing about it? Very likely this was the step where you stopped pursuing your vision. All visions happen because of the actions of a positively powerful person with faith.

Step Eight: Check It - A useful mantra I use in speaking about results is that ?you either have the results you say you want, or the reasons, stories, and excuses why not.?

Step Nine: Complete It - Have all of the major success factors been accomplished? This is the time to ask whether there is anything else that you can do in the time you have allowed. If there is do it. Then relax.

Step Ten: Celebrate It! - Completion is not the final step. There needs to be time for celebration. Many people (workaholics, people who don‘t acknowledge themselves) neglect this step as they move on to their next project. Don‘t. You deserve to take time to give yourself positive reinforcement. Give back to yourself and the people that supported you so that there is no burnout from lack of appreciation. They will remember your gratitude…and you will get a burst of renewed energy as a result of celebrating. Congratulations!

Give yourself a pat on the back.While these steps won‘t guarantee success, you now have a plan for your progress. Let me know how I can support you in developing your vision and making your dreams come true faster. Imagine your world then.
Joel Martin, Ph.D. is a motivational speaker, coach, consultant, and training professional. Her newest productions are the Positively Powerful Women Celebrate! Dinner, Awards, And Workshops and Vision eLearning Program dedicated to assisting others with making their dreams come true. To learn how to receive her computer-based programs, books, CDs, The Answer DVD, speaking, or company‘s services, contact Triad West Inc. (480) 563-5585, 9616 East Southwind Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85262. www.triadwest.com

I interviewed Director Lee Daniels (Shadowboxer, Monster’s Ball, The Woodsman) who gave us the guerrilla film production background for his brilliant films and what it took to really get them produced. I found him to be upfront and candid, humorous and human. He’s a spiritual man. And spirited! The audience and I loved his verbatim’s. He directed the superstar Helen Mirren with grace, style and expletives deleted when needed he said. He shared his process for production and came prepared with audition tapes of a exceptionally gifted new actor starring in his upcoming film “Push” and out takes of her with Mo’nique. It was so real and raw, I asked (choked up) how it would end…but I won’t tell you here, you’ll have to see it for yourself in the theater. He also brought footage from “Tennessee” featuring Mariah Carey. Lee is amazing in how he casts his films and this songbird’s role is no exception. I’ll be there for anything attached to his name in the movies, you be there too. He deserves the Academy Award recognition and Cannes Film Festival wins.

Some distressing news though for Lee Daniels fans - he said only two more films, one of these would be a musical, and then he wants to teach. No more than two more films? Youch! He’s already involved with the Ghetto Film School.

When I interviewed Award winning actor Lynn Whitfield (Thin Line Between Love And Hate, Tyler Perry’s Madea, The Josephine Baker Story), she showed a humorous side that I have never seen before. She’s always a great and beautiful actress displaying a fine edge of intensity but this side of Lynn was fun. We saw her on the big screen in the video highlights of her career to date (check out “Kings of the Evening“!). Lynn shared some ‘for real’ remarks on the competition for roles, how she almost gave up in those early days before she became a star, and her love and appreciation of her beautiful daughter.

Lynn once again made history. She won Showcase Oscar Micheaux Award. This is the first time a woman actor has won the coveted honor in the seven years of its existence. Going back a bit, both Lynn and Lee have created successful productions that people in general want to see. Oscar would be pleased.

Oscar Micheaux, the first African-American to produce a feature-length film (The Homesteader (1919) in 1920) and a sound feature-length film (The Exile (1931) in 1931), is not a major figure in American film just for these milestones, but because his oeuvre is a window onto the American psyche as regards race and its deleterious effects on individuals and society. He also is a pioneer of independent cinema. Though the end products of his labors often were technically crude due to budgetary constraints, Micheaux the filmmaker is a symbol of the artist triumphing over long odds to bring his vision to the public at large while serving in the socially important role of critical spirit.

I also moderated a panel discussion with Hollywood insiders Felicia Bell, Jenean Glover, and actor Linara Washington. Felicia is a marketing and film distribution phenom. Jenean is a talent manager and consultant with her own company Screen Partners, Inc. and Linara, an actor in the film “Kings of the Evening” which had its Arizona premiere at the Showcase. What did the audience hear about what it takes to make it behind the camera where the office is and in front of the camera? Here are a few highlights: Never give up, learn how the money is made in films, and give yourself a time line. From a big money, big money perspective as Tyler Perry and others are proving, never underestimate the power of a cultural group’s desire to see a relevant, revealing, and reliable portrayal. Felicia and Jenean are making decisions for their organizations that are as green as dollars bills.

There was a dynamic Q and A with everyone. I asked tough questions and the audience did too. And like I said, “you should have been there!”

The mission of the Arizona Black Film Showcase is to become the premier, national media arts event dedicated to supporting Black film professionals through educational and networking opportunities. Founder Joanna De’Shay believes that “Black Film is American Film” and that Black Films have a significant impact on the broader Film and Television Industry and I share this vision with her. Her annual, competitive film showcase has supported, celebrated, and promoted the dynamic works of Black filmmakers locally and nationally for the past seven years.

My time and my company’s production efforts will be focused on women in May. Specifically, Scottsdale AZ, Chaparral Suites Resorts, the Positively Powerful Women Celebrate dinner, awards, and personal development workshop May 16 and 17. Another not to be missed event. And yes, we will be filming it for educational purposes. If you would like to become a sponsor, purchase the film, attend, register your Mom, receive a scholarship (we have a limited amount, first come first served) call Joel Martin, President Triad West Inc. Positively Powerful Events. For information call (480) 563-5585 or click here.

I’m creating a new kind of workshop for women called, “Positively Powerful Women Celebrate!” and Karen’s writing inspired me to keep going for my dream no matter what. My dream began when I spoke before a very influential group of women in business and law. I asked them, “How many of you give to yourself as much as you give to others?” Only one hand was raised. I decided then that it was necessary to create a celebratory event that would provide them and other women with bold, invigorating opportunities to fully unleash their dynamic selves. I design trainings, train and speak all over the world. I know the power of transformational experiential education where instead of sitting listening to someone else talk or teach in one-way communications (even though I am a motivational speaker), or reading a self-help book (even mine), people get involved and learn by doing in a safe environment through dynamically facilitated action modules that give them previously unknown possibilities and ways to accomplish their heart felt goals and objectives. I believe that women are ready for this and we’ll see… Now, back to Karen’s stories:

Walt Disney is remembered as an innovator, a creator, a folk hero and a legend. Walt Disney was a self-made success in the American tradition. But apparently it wasn’t always easy. Walt Disney was forced to file bankruptcy five times on his way to success. Many people would have given up and quit with the stress and failures of that many bankruptcies but not Disney. He pressed on and the rest is history. The world is a more magical and wonderful place for it. Aren’t you glad he didn’t give up?

Ray Croc, the founder of McDonalds was 52 years old when he came up with his idea to sell hamburgers. He was in need of some investors so he presented his plan to a few people who could help him out. These two men with their vast business acumen and years of practical experience reviewed his plan. On a Monday morning as the one came to his office, Ray was waiting for him and his answer. He took Ray into his office and he told him that they had run the numbers, they had reviewed the plan, and they knew what could work and what was not a good business decision. After much study they had determined that it was absolutely impossible for Ray to make any money selling hamburgers. Well, Ray disagreed. He pressed on and the rest is history….

Okay, there are people who have overcome obstacles on their way to success, but what about ordinary, everyday people? Well, here’s another story. Just a few short years ago Lori McKenna was an “everyday, 30-something” stay-at-home mom. She had married at a young age and she was busy raising five kids and taking care of a household and a husband. But she still dreamed. And she wrote down those dreams in the form of music. Lori is a songwriter. But she didn’t know how her dreams might come true or if they even could come true. It seemed impossible. Her family responsibilities seemed to have taken over her life and there were times I’m sure that she felt the pain of thinking that her dreams and aspirations were in vain. But a couple of years ago, some of her songs were brought to the attention of Faith Hill. Yeah, that would be Faith Hill the country music superstar. Faith is at the point in her career where she can pick and choose the songs that she records. Well on Faith’s last CD, Fireflies, she chose three of Lori McKenna’s songs- “Stealing Kisses” (a beautiful song but very haunting, haunting lyrics), “If you ask” and “Fireflies”. Now Lori McKenna is described as an “Acclaimed singer, songwriter” when just a few short years ago, Lori was just a stay-at-home mom trying to get all the laundry done and the house cleaned and only daydreaming of her songs being heard.

What is your dream?…Dreams are the high-octane fuel, the premium ice cream and the combustible electricity in the game of life. They keep you going, they sweeten it up, and they serve up the energy. Just having dreams makes life better, sweeter and more satisfying to the soul….Keep on dreaming because “Fairy tales can come true, they can happen to you, if you’re young at heart” Remember, Your Life is supposed to be Good! Joy and Blessings, Karen

My new Positively Powerful Women Celebrate! fabulous dinner and one day workshop will begin the evening of May 16th (5:30 to 9pm) with great food and awards to inspirational women who have founded some extra-ordinary organizations, then continue the next day with experiential (action learning ) workshops that I have designed in such a way that women leave with new thinking, possibilities, joy, action plans, and direction. I am an international training designer and facilitator and this is my passion. If you are a woman and in the area May 16 and 17, join me. The cost for everything and all meals is $250. The location is Scottsdale, AZ. For info/registration visit http://www.triadwest.com/events.htm

Here’s to the dreamers!

If you would like to attend, click here to register.

May 16: 5:30-9pm & May 17: 9am-6pm Scottsdale, AZ Chaparral Suites

Retreat Benefits:

• Give to yourself first without guilt.
• Improve your relationships.
• Increase your abundance and energy.
• Fem-networking with like-minded women
• Celebratory feast sponsored by eWomen Network.
• Business & corporate power development.
• Continental breakfast and lunch.
• You will leave inspired, connected to, and in action on your purpose and dreams.

Entrepreneurial business women, corporate employees, homemakers, coaches, educators, students, and/or community-minded women, if you answer “yes” to any of these questions, this event is designed for you:

• Drained and ready to recharge your energy?
• Want to celebrate accomplishments?
• Deserve a break?
• Want to “have it all?”
• Dedicated to personal and professional development?
• Will make a difference for self and community?
• Network?

Are you ready for an evening and a day filled with networking, merriment, inspiration, and training designed by and for women? If so, register here:http://www.triadwest.com/events.htm

Is there a wonderful woman in your life that you would like to have this as a gift? Register her by clicking here.
Apply now, early registration is $250 until May 1, 2008. Regular registration is $290. Gifts for the first 25 who register. Credit card or PayPal accounts online. By mail, send your check to Triad West Positively Powerful Events, 9616 East Southwind Lane, Scottsdale, AZ 85262

For information on attendance, sponsorships, vendor opportunities, and scholarships call (480) 563-5585. Triad West Inc. Positively Powerful Events http://www.triadwest.com/

What others have said about Positively Powerful Events:

Attend because “so many others are living their lives to only 10% of their potential and need to know that they too can break out of their boxes and live their vision!” JoAnna DeShay

“The Retreat brings out some of the most powerful and influential people in the world.” Saitia Faito

“This retreat was very powerful. It helped me find my true core and make up and helped me understand how that fits in to my vision.” Lisa Grayer

“It was very life changing. New relationships, concepts, and ideas. I was extremely Blessed. It has changed my life.” Leslie Kelly

“The strength of the experiential learning…the networking and support available…the opportunity to observe yourself in a new and more powerful way…all contribute to a defining transformative experience. “ Lillian Coury

“Joel’s format, presentation skills, ability to build community and enthusiasm are outstanding!” Jacqueline F. Garner

“Dr. Joel Martin is a genuine genius in her approach to personal transformation. I would recommend her to others without reservation.” Manuel V. Cisneros

“We are addressing issues among our pastoral staff relating to customer service in a much more expeditious and non-threatening manner which has increased the “team spirit” among us. We are beneficiaries of the wonderful work of Triad West.” Pastor Dr. Warren H. Stewart, Sr.

“Joel is very powerful and impactful. She has the ability to be challenging and supportive all at the same time. She is one of the best facilitators I’ve ever been exposed to.” Jon Furner

As one of the pre-eminent gospel choirs in the world, the Harlem Gospel Choir has performed for Nelson Mandela, the Pope, Paul McCarthy, U2, and Diana Ross …just to name a few! Sharing their message of love, peace, and harmony with thousands of people, the cultural ambassadors create a better understanding of the African-American culture and the inspirational music called Gospel as it relates to the Black Church. The Choir includes the finest singers and musicians from Harlem’s Black churches who perform songs of inspiration that touch the depths of the soul and raise to angelic heights.

To see a video of one of their many sold out concerts click here. To attend their concert in Phoenix call 623-935-6384 for tickets (VIP price includes admission and artist’s reception) or go online to www.westvalleyarts.org

America’s first conference focusing on minority business opportunities in the sustainability arena was time well spent. This day-long event was designed to bridge the gap between decision makers and the minority business community. Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore, did not attend but nevertheless it was an inspirational and educational day-long immersion into the value of being green. Building environmentally friendly homes, running business that cut down pollution, learning who is leading the charge in Arizona, and more. A day well-spent.Then Cybel, DP/cinematographer, urban visionary sent this link which I share with you. If you want to be inspired, love New York City and urban life in general, believe that we can create win-win-win environmentally safe cities along with reducing crime, creating jobs, and parks, please click on to TED where you can get access to the world’s greatest thinkers and teachers. This was a from-the-heart message from one such luminary Majora Carter: Activist for environment justice. (She is a powerful speaker.) Learn more about Majora’s organization and spread the word.

There is evidence that our normal way of reviewing and analyzing information has shifted significantly. Case in point, the current Presidential campaign, where there is a two thirds chance that the next President of the United States, will be someone, who as recently as six months ago, was seen as having “no chance”. The TV talking heads are now quick to say “we have no clue as to what going on”. Four years ago, Moveon.org was the the new thing that helped to form new societies. What will the new tool be in two or even fewer years from now?

The NYT Opinion Blog “Freakonomics” posed the question “Is Myspace Good for Society“? What seems to be certain is that with these new social networks there are both gains and losses. Eye to eye contact, deep friendships, intimacy and vulnerability are just some of what we stand to lose. (Try feeling a virtual hug.)

Seinfeld and Friends are gone forever

What may have been gained is acceptance based on other qualities. Issues like generation, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and geographic location don’t have the same relevance when communicating online. They may be important to the sender, but can be invisible to the recipient/viewer. In social networking you don’t need to have a photo, just a prescence. We are deciding that there are other things that are important in establishing a “friendship” and we are acting on these new rules. In truth, what is a friend, has changed.

Using tools like Second Life We can have an ideal individualized diverse network of friends.

The understanding of diversity is still important if we want to not only ‘get along’ but to achieve in the US and the world in general. We will still come in physical contact with one another….at least for a while.