“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.