Take a chance. Try out that new idea.

Jun 26, 2018 | Coaches Corner, collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, empowerment

Take a chance. Try out that new idea.

It was an awesome day to pivot to transformative leadership with joyful, vibrant, contributing women who are “paying it forward with intensity”. I “invented” a new way for women to connect, collaborate and be informed based on two models that inspired me. Yes, I was anxious since I’d never done this before. The vote is in. it worked! Truthfully, I am honored and delighted. 100% of the surveys said “Yes They would recommend attending the next Summit to others. When asked this question, here is what two of our guests said:

A million times yes! Raw conversations with real solutions, networking, breaking through the imposter syndrome. All ages and races – diversity. REMINDER THAT I ‘M NOT ALONE! Biggest ‘aha’ moment of the Summit, “To realize that the thing I’m being told is a pain is truly an asset to my development. It’s fine-tuning how I use it for good not evil.
(I) enjoyed the speakers and their diversity, the sub-groups and topics…(my aha was) that we are more alike than we are different. Every speaker was transparent.

Looking at this event “from a distance” here’s what I learned about taking a chance and trying out a new idea.

Just keep breathing!

Have the end result you want in mind.
Make it known – in public. Declare it.
Ask for what you need, want, to bring it to life. You have a 50/50 chance of getting it.
Let people know how important they are to you.
Say what you care about. Don’t lose heart. Keep going.
Trust that you are not alone in wanting to pass it forward with intensity.
No matter what the result is, be happy. You did it!

I appreciate the AZ Diamondbacks, Heritage Center, ASU Center for the Study Race and Democracy, Jason’s Deli and Pauline Sandell who made sure we had more than enough food to eat, Co-facilitator Ilana Ruber Lowery, Photographer Elena Thornton, the best speakers ever Deborah Cox, Choo Tay, Anna Maria Maldonado, Angela M. Allen, Debbie Castaldo and Linda Walton. We love all of the guests who attended, in the first “two-part format” Positively Powerful Women’s Leadership Summit. (We are looking fierce with our D’back caps!)

Hong Yee Mei, 2018 Positively Powerful Educator Says, “I Never Gave Up!”

Apr 3, 2018 | empowerment, leadership, positively powerful woman

Hong Yee Mei, 2018 Positively Powerful Educator Says, “I Never Gave Up!”

Hong Yee Mei, 2018 PPW Award Recipient

Positively powerful people are visionary leaders. They make their vision into reality without any evidence, permission, or authority from others that it will occur. Yee Mei is one of these leaders. She is a Positively Powerful Woman Award recipient of 2018 and this is how she brought her vision for an Asian woman’s empowerment training to life, and why.

The flame she never gave up.

Yee Mei says “I watched my Mother and learned from her. I wanted all women to know that life is more than just duty and obligation. Women want to do better, they just don’t know how. 10 years ago I wanted to have a women’s training but there was no one who could do this until Dr. Joel Martin came to work with Milestone. She’s a transformational trainer who focuses on women’s leadership and empowerment.”

Yee Mei watched her Mom die from cancer never having taken the trips that she wanted to take. Even when Yee Mei said she would take care of everything, her Mom said, “No, I will wait for your father.” Her Mother put family first as a dutiful wife and mother. Yee Mei continues, “When Mom passed away in 2004 I was shocked. It spread so quickly. I spent Mom’s final days with her in the hospital.”

This experience, as well as others having to do with women’s beliefs, became a flame within Yee Mei for a women’s empowerment training. Yee Mei is a single Mum who refused to let stereotypes stop her from having her baby, Caleigh. Most ordinary people, women especially, give up on their dreams and don’t think that they even deserve one because of the prevailing beliefs about women, marriage, family, values.

Don’t give up your dream!

Unlike too many who give up too soon, Yee Mei Hong never thought her dream for Women’s Empowerment was impossible. 10 years after she imagined it, talked it over with Milestone CEO Douglas Chee, she declared it. Then on 2016 October 28, 29 and 30th, 110 women joined Yee Mei and Dr. Joel Martin in the manifestation of both of their dreams and declarations. With Yee Mei Hong’s successful pioneering of the Women’s Empowerment Workshop in Malaysia, they have created “her-story”. She has produced two Women’s Empowerment Events for Asia.

Meet Hong Ye Mei, May 17, 2018.

Manager and Co-founder of Milestone Trainings in Malaysia, Yee Mei has had 20 years of experience in the transformational training industry. In the last 6 years, she has been instrumental in building Milestone Trainings from an idea to an organization that has seen 1368 new students in the transformational training program in 2017. This work which bears the hallmark of her role and contribution has changed the lives of the graduates and cascaded into their families, workplace, and communities.

Essence Ventures: The Power of Values and being Valued.

Jan 4, 2018 | Business, Coaching, collaboration, conference, Diversity & Inclusion, empowerment, Events, global, leadership, marketing, positively powerful woman, ppwa 2017, PPWA 2018, relationships, STEM, strength, techology, transformation, Women

Essence Ventures: The Power of Values and being Valued.

“Values are the morals that we live by. They reside deep within us, and they affect our emotions. They are tough to alter, and often reside in our unconsciousness” (Source: How To Be A Positively Powerful Person! The Spirit-Filled Edition. Dr. Joel Martin).

Values keep us healthy — emotionally, spiritually, and physically. They are the ones that we must unquestionably keep, and the ones that must direct our actions. Our values are our strengths. As a consultant, executive coach and facilitator, I’ve been called me ‘The Transformation Generator’ for a reason. My unwavering promise is that I make sure the people I work for achieve their ULTIMATE goals in life and business. I value what they value and their missions as my own. The value that keeps me motivated is commitment.

Dr. Joel P. Martin, now President of Positively Powerful / Triad West, Inc. and daughter, Cybel Martin, now ICG Local 600 Director of Photography.

So, I had an emotional response when I read that Essence magazine, a client of my ad agency years ago, is Black owned once again. The values Essence personified were acknowledgment, respect and commitment. They were committed to bringing equity and equality as “a marquee lifestyle brand for African American women.”

Congratulations to “@Essence Ventures LLC, a company launched in 2017 by Shea Moisture founder Richelieu Dennis. As a result, the Essence brand has returned to a 100% black-owned independent company, after 12 years of being owned by Time.….As part of the new deal, Essence President Michelle Ebanks will continue in her role and join its board of directors. In addition, Michelle Ebanks, along with a Black female-led executive team, will have an equity stake in the business….Said Ebanks in a statement. “In addition, it represents a critical recognition, centering and elevation of the Black women running the business from solely a leadership position to a co-ownership position.” Derek Dingle adds, “The “groundbreaking” transaction “demonstrates that a number of African American entrepreneurs can execute with vision and wherewithal to return valuable institutions to African American ownership – a rare event in contemporary Black business history.” @blackenterprise @Essence Read more here.

BOCA Advertisement created by JPMartin Associates for the Black Owned Communications Alliance. Photograph by John Pinderhughes.

Dr. Joel P. Martin is a marketing, coaching, training, and consulting professional. The former owner and operator of a full-service NYC-based advertising agency, she founded Triad West, Inc. more than 15 years ago to provide clients with expertise in developing leaders; diverse and inclusive cultures; and aligned high-performing teams. She specializes in transformative leadership development and empowerment programs for Women. Dr. Martin provides services across the U.S. and globally. She has earned an MA in Psychology, Ph.D. in Communications and admission as a Fellow of the Wharton Business School. She is the founder of the Positively Powerful Woman Awards & Programs celebrating its 11th year. Triad West, Inc. is a woman owned and operated WBENC certified corporation.

Positively Powerful Sponsors Are Stars!

Dec 27, 2017 | Business, empowerment, global, Joel Speaks, marketing, positively powerful woman, ppwa 2017, STEM, transformation, Women

I am honored to end the year with a huge “THANK YOU!!” to the Positively Powerful Sponsors. Our Sponsors are the stars for us…on center stage for their generosity. Join me in supporting, acknowledging, purchasing from, tweeting about and being fans of the 2017 Triad West Positively Powerful Sponsors.

“Above the cloud with its shadow is the star with its light.” Pythagoras

It was a big year and we made a Positively Powerful difference together. We celebrated the 10th Annual Awards at the Desert Botanical Garden where we spotlighted women business leaders Nona Lee, Arizona Diamondbacks, Lisa Loo, Arizona State University, Rhonda Peter-James, Intel and Jackie Wszalek, Splash Printing and Marketing.

Then in collaboration with ASU-CSRD and Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Ilana Lowery, editor-in-chief of the Phoenix Business Journal and I co-facilitated the Global Woman’s World Cafe. In the US, we designed and implemented the 3-Day Women’s Empowerment Workshop with ASU-CSRD; and in Mayalsia, with Milestone Training. Desert Botanical Garden was the site for the Positively Powerful Sponsorship Appreciation “Our Sponsors are Stars” Breakfast.

Positively Powerful Woman Awards Mission:”Acknowledge the accomplishments of women in ways that empower all people to live their dreams”. Join us for the 2018 11th Annual Positively Powerful Woman Awards celebration. It will be held Thursday evening, May 17, 2018, at the Desert Botanical Garden. If you would like to learn more about 2018 Sponsorship and Marketing Opportunities please contact Positively Powerful Triad West, Inc. Ms./Dr. Joel P. Martin, president at joel.martin@positivelypowerful.com or click here to send an online message. THANK YOU in advance for your interest.

2017 Positively Powerful Woman Awards Sponsors

Southwest Airlines: The Official Airline of the Positively Powerful Woman Awards and Positively Powerful Women.
Salt River Project: As one of Arizona’s largest utilities, Salt River Project has delivered low-cost, reliable power and water for more than 100 years.
Desert Botanical Garden: A living museum, the Southwest’s largest botanical garden, a dynamic membership opportunity and the Positively Powerful Woman Awards venue for 2017 and 2018.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Our great baseball team and “One Of The 10 Best Organizations To Work For In Sports” (Source: Forbes).
Care1st Health Plan Arizona: A customer-focused company dedicated to providing health and well being.
Splash: The woman-owned, woman-operated, printing, and marketing company.
Comfort Keepers, a Sodexo Brand: Elder-care provided under the leadership of Rev. Sheriolyn Curry-Lasley, Pastor, Greater Bethel AME Church.
Intel: Providing solutions powering the smart and connected digital world we live in. Recipient of a perfect score of 100 percent for the second consecutive year on the 2016 Corporate Equality Index (CEI).
KTO Enterprises: The company of educator, philanthropist, lecturer, and writer Kay T. Oliver who delivers a powerful message on the nuances of developing and sustaining meaningful relationships. Author of Winter’s Love and Princess Aisha and the Cave of Judgment.
ABC15: Media Partner making it possible to have television coverage and ABC Sonoran Living TV Host Susan Casper as the Positively Powerful Awards Emcee.
City of Scottsdale: Known for its spa resorts, golf courses, and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Molina Fine Jewelers: Internationally recognized jeweler and top gemological expert known worldwide, Alfredo J. Molina, is Chairman and CEO of Molina Fine Jewelers and Black, Starr & Frost, America’s first jeweler since 1810.
Cox: TV, Gigablast Internet, digital telephone, home security and tech solutions services for its residential and business customers.
Arizona State University: A public research university ranked #1 in the U.S. for innovation, dedicated to accessibility and excellence, and selected as the nation’s most innovative school for the third year in a row.
The Center for the Study of Race and Democracy (CSRD) at Arizona State University: A leading interdisciplinary, problem-solving venture committed to socially embedded scholarship, increasing awareness and informed dialogue involving the topics of race and democracy. A Positively Powerful collaborative partner.
Arizona Informant Newspaper: An important voice for the AZ Black community since 1971. The family-owned and operated newspaper continues to capture the attention of the Black community and others. It is the only African-American owned weekly newspaper in the state.
Milestone Training Center: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, co-producer of the Positively Powerful Woman 3-Day Empowerment Workshop in Kuala Lumpur.

Domestic Violence Prevention-75 Minutes to Empowerment

Nov 17, 2017 | Domestic Violence Prevention, empowerment, Women

Domestic Violence Prevention-75 Minutes to Empowerment

Estrella Mountain Community College, Dr. Olga Tsoudis Residential Faculty, Dr. Joel P. Martin Speaker and Laura A. Dulgar, Dean Student Affairs

Invited by Dr. Olga Tsoudis, Residential Faculty and Dean of Students, Laura A. Dulgar, I recently delivered a Workshop for Estrella Mountain Community College Students. I gave my presentation on Empowerment during this year’s Domestic Violence Prevention Month. Here are a few highlights of my 75 minutes to make my difference.

“How it has been for me.”

After creating the roadmap: “How it has been for me.” “How I want it to be.” “What it will take from me,” I asked them to close their eyes and raise their hands if they had experienced or witnessed domestic abuse. Many hands were raised. Then with examples, straight talk, some humor, and experiential simulations, I created the possibility that they could be the most empowered person they wanted to be regardless of any negative situation – including those of abuse. I chose not to delve too deeply into the horrific, but rather to give them tools to use to bust through to greater confidence, self-esteem, and personal power.

Create the experiences you want

I shared the “Seven Super Powers” that every person has. One is our ability to challenge the beliefs we have that don’t work to create our personal power. Because a belief is something that we hold to be true and act as if it is, it is changeable. By challenging our beliefs that don’t produce the results we want, like a bad habit, we can put a new belief in its place. We also have beliefs that work. Knowing and appreciating them gives us positive reinforcement and boosts our ability to produce the quality of life that we truly want. Another Super Power I demonstrated is our ability to use our words to create the experiences we want. For example, depending on whether we say “I have to…” or “I chose to” before a task will determine the feeling we create within ourselves.

Being empowered takes owning one’s power, saying “No!” and meaning it, knowing how you want to be treated and why, knowing how you want to treat others, taking actions that align with your personal value, and empowering others.

It was an honor to spend the 75 minutes with the students of Estrella Community College. I was inspired by the goals they shared about their futures and their attentive participation.

How do women in business find success? Collaboration may be the answer.

Mar 21, 2015 | Business, Coaching, collaboration, Diversity & Inclusion, empowerment, leadership, Women

How do women in business find success? Collaboration may be the answer.

The bipartisan Senate Women Power Workshop, co-hosted by Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D) and Sen. Susan Collins (R).

Regardless of when it is or what generation, women get together to get things done that matter. While there have been more recent disconnects, as Senator Liz A. Mundy detailed, “female senators have stood together since the ’90s when a tradition of periodic women-only dinners began.”

Collaboration, leadership, and inclusion are not mutually exclusive. Fortune’s Stephanie N. Mehta’s article about the Most Powerful Women Summit says for the CEOs at this Fortune’s Summit, inclusion and leadership can coexist. I suggest that they must. Women increase their success when they collaborate when they work with another woman to get something accomplished.

When you meet a woman who is intimidatingly witty, stylish, beautiful, and professionally accomplished, befriend her. (Source) Surrounding yourself with the best people doesn’t make you look worse by comparison. It makes you better. This tip and testimony is from Ann Friedman, who wrote about her “Shine Theory” in Why Powerful Women Make the Greatest Friends. Women don’t need to compete, they need to collaborate.

Be a woman’s champion and a vocal cheerleader. Let her know you are there for her. In the “Flawless” remix Nicki Minaj “Queen of Rap” and Beyonce “Queen Bey” reigned side by side. Reality televisionists would say that two powerful, glorious women standing together might signal a TV catfight when instead, it tells us they are belting it out together with their flawless parts. From the article, 2014: The Year That All-Female Collaborations Ruled the Radio: “Beyoncé reportedly tapped the Queens-bred rapper to write a verse shortly before kicking off her recent tour, then, when it came time to record, visited a studio in New York to serve as Minaj’s ringside trainer (Nicki recalls Bey’s advice: “Do your thing! Don’t hold back! Go in!”). This brought out the best in Minaj (Source).“[Tweet “Women don’t need to compete, they need to collaborate.”]

Learn from her: Queen Bey’s “Flawless” also includes Nigerian novelist and short story writer, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. View her entire TEDx presentation on Everybody Should Be A Feminist Below.

Excerpt: “We raise girls to see each other as competitors
Not for jobs or for accomplishments
Which I think can be a good thing
But for the attention of men
We teach girls that they cannot be sexual beings
In the way that boys are
Feminist: the person who believes in the social
Political, and economic equality of the sexes.”

The 1-day Positively Powerful Conference & Woman Awards theme for 2015 is COLLABORATION. The public is invited to attend. June 5th, 8:30 AM to 6 PM, Ritz-Carlton, Phoenix. Learn more by clicking here.

Women increase their success when they collaborate, when they work with another woman to get something accomplished.