Listen Now

“Experience is not the best teacher; evaluated experience is.”   ~ John C. Maxwell. In today’s episode we look at the “why and how” of a yearly review process. Intentional Optimism - a refresher [2:30]Optimistic - hopeful, positive, proactivePresent - having a sense of wonder, generous, kind/openCourageous - lead, adventure, resilientEnergetic - industrious, energetic and life-focusedWise - understanding, words, respectIntentional - sense of purpose, plan, growTopics discussed:Reflecting on the year in order to grow and plan for next year.My Process [4:08]Use a PlannerFrequent ReflectionDon’t take yourself so seriouslyMy Insights - what I look for [8:47]ThemesStrugglesDecisionsNow what? [16:02]You need to take the time to reflect. If you have a planner, great! Walk through it, week by week or month by month. If you don’t, look through what you do have - a journal, even social media will tell you where you’ve been and what you’ve been doing. All those memories will remind you of your own struggles and decisions, revealing a few themes. Look to see what major themes show up. For me, it was truly connection and clarity - what is it for you? It might be hard, but recognize your major struggles. I shared that mine were in the areas of my focus  and thoughts - which, by the way, included discouragement, grief and lots of anger and frustration.Did you make any major decisions in 2020? If so, are you sticking with them? Are they decisions that will carry you forward in ways you desire or hope?  Resources mentioned in this episode:  (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)High Performance Planner [4:12] (#CommissionsEarnedHigh Performance Habits - Brendan Burchard [4:54] (#CommissionsEarned)The Big Stretch, by Teneshia Jackson Warner  (#CommissionsEarned)Get involved!Gab your FREE “Ultimate DISC communication Cheat Sheet”Get your own DISC Assessment, and don't forget the 10% discount (code "PODCAST") at check out!Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com  so I can be your professional encourager!  ● Join the Intentional Optimists Facebook Group  ● Follow on Instagram @theintentionaloptimist  ●  Linked In Andrea Johnson

Gwen Cassady has had a global footprint in 64 countries, on all 7 continents, and has a passion for fighting homelessness in all of them. With degrees in Economics and Education from the University of Virginia, she is currently working toward her Masters in Sustainability at Harvard, or as she calls it, “Hardvard.” She plans to create Sustainable Cities and Communities to help disenfranchised members of her local community while assisting and facilitating projects and ventures globally.   Topics discussed in this episode: Empowering people [12:34]Leadership Principle: Finding strength in unconditional love[13:00]Habits: [14:12]Get up earlyMediateYogaFind balance between personal and professional using writingNow What?Gwen’s advice to those who would be interested in similar work: [22:42]Be passionateBe non-judgemental of allFollow your heart - your true essenceSurround yourself with people who are authenticFind your creative outletResources mentioned in this episode:  (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)Shop at the EcoChic Boutique and use the code “OPTIMIST” at checkout or in store for a $20 gift card to use on your purchase!Book: The Factory Man – Beth Macy Places to find Gwen:Gwen Cassady's Website Linked In Gwen CassadyFacebook Gwen CassadyInstagram  @ecochicboutique Find most of Gwen’s initiatives, including Lovelocks & International Villas at: ManagingProjects.org Vision Forward Media "If It Could Happen to Me, It Could Happen to You:  From Homeless to Harvard – Domestic Homelessness with a focus on the Currently Homeless Populations of Charlottesville, Roanoke, Washington DC, New York City, Boston" Get Growing and Get Involved!How can you make an impact in your world? Personal growth begins with awareness. So, start with your FREE “Ultimate DISC communication Cheat Sheet”, and start increasing your ability to communicate and connect.Or, get your own DISC Assessment, and don't forget the 10% discount (code "PODCAST") at check out!Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com  so I can be your professional encourager!  ● Join the Intentional Optimists Facebook Group  ● Follow on Instagram @theintentionaloptimist  ●  Linked In Andrea Johnson

In today’s episode we look at what it means to pursue WisdomIntentional Optimism - a refresher Optimistic - hopeful, positive, proactivePresent - having a sense of wonder, generous, kind/openCourageous - lead, adventure, resilientEnergetic - industrious, energetic and life-focusedWise - understanding, words, respectIntentional - sense of purpose, plan, growTopics discussed in this episode: How do you pursue wisdom?Understanding [2:58]SpiritualRealisticSee all the sidesWords [5:56]CarefulWorth Listening ToEncouragingRespect [9:10]Role model itBoundariesEarn itNow what?Do you want to pursue wisdom with me?What difficult lessons are you resisting or putting off?  Is it the Reality piece you need a better handle on?  Trust me, you’re only delaying the inevitable. There’s a saying in the personal growth world - “what we resist, persists.”  Maybe it’s your Words… How well does your “thought bubble to speech bubble” filter work? Perhaps - like me - you need to start drafting emails or social media responses prior to “going live.”  The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians suggested these “true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, of moral excellence and praiseworthy” - how’s THAT for a filter? It’s pretty easy to demand others Respect us, but how easy is it to model out the kind of behavior that promotes respect both ways? What do your boundaries look like? Do you recognize the boundaries of others? I always recommend the book Boundaries by Cloud and Townsend, we’ll put it in the show notes.Perhaps Understanding yourself is the place to start.  When you do, it’s easier to begin to understand others.Resources mentioned in this episode:  (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)Blog Post: When I grow up I want to be… [1:52]Philippians 4:8  [12:31]Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life by Cloud and Townsend (#CommissionsEarned) [13:03]Get involved!Gab your FREE “Ultimate DISC communication Cheat Sheet”Get your own DISC Assessment, and don't forget the 10% discount (code "PODCAST") at check out!Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com  so I can be your professional encourager!Join the Intentional Optimists Facebook GroupFollow on Instagram @theintentionaloptimistLinked In Andrea Johnson

Tenzi Chacha is the founder of the women’s empowerment program, Sewing Empowers Women (SEW), based in East Africa. She has leveraged her gift and talents in the area of fashion design and production, teaching women how to sew women’s clothing and accessories as a way for them to financially support themselves and their families. Some of them create special pieces for TENZI Design, where they are paid per piece they create and then the products are sold both in person and online to support the program.Topics discussed in this episode: The steps to accomplish your dream [13:50]Managing the BIG vision Leadership Principle: Faith: Placing it in God’s hands [29:55]Now what?Key Habit [34.55]Setting DeadlinesWrite it down on paperOrganize & PlanHow to expand the business into other countries and even global growth [32:00]Train more womenRaising moneyMarketing / Design / Funding City of Hope [10:56, 42:52]How we work with people How fashion can be more than the outward imageLeadership Program How to move forward for you [47:00]Daydream about itSupport and promoteGet Involved:Go shopping! Just in time for the holidays!TENZI Design City of Hope Gift CatalogDonate  - City of Hope and the S.E.W. program are built and sustained by donations. Sponsoring a child gives you and your family a tangible, and real way to exercise generosity, uplifting and empowering the next generation.Share your skills.  Tenzie is looking for someone who can teach hand embroidery to the women in the S.E.W. program.  There are other needs they have. Contact Tenzi for more information.Resources mentioned in this episode: (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)Kisses From Katie  [17:58](#CommissionsEarned)Teamwork City of Hope - Uplifting Communities [46:00]Glamour Magazine Article [44:57]Where to find Tenzi:Website: http://www.tenzidesign.com/Instagram: @tenzidesign Get involved!Grab your FREE “Ultimate DISC communication Cheat Sheet”Get your own DISC Assessment, and don't forget the 10% discount (code "PODCAST") at check out!Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com  so I can be your professional encourager!  ● Join the Intentional Optimists Facebook Group  ● Follow on Instagram @theintentionaloptimist  ●  Linked In Andrea Johnson

Kristin A. Sherry is a globally recognized career expert, winner of the 2020 Career Innovator Award by Career Directors International, and creator of the YouMap career profile, which uncovers the Four Pillars of Career Fit in teens and adults, and TalentStory, a process of self-discovery for elementary-aged children.  She is an international speaker and nine-time author,  and Your Team Loves Mondays… Right?, selected as a Top Business Book Read by Training Magazine. Topics discussed: ● Maximizing People [2:56]● Understanding your own “Big Why” [7:53]● Life is about serving others. [14:30]● Do the work - understand your values and go from there [17:30]● Default Principles: Purpose / Belief / Persistence / Desire or Passion / Intentional Action [22:36]● YouMap 4 Pillars [25:15]    HOW you work     WHY you do it     WHAT you work on     WHO you  are Now what? Productivity Habits [37:47]   Ruthless prioritization    Avoid fires and interruptions    Develop, manage and respect boundaries ● Advice for potential entrepreneurs: [45:35]   Know your Values   Get comfortable with a little risk    Be resourceful ●  Looking to make a BIG CHANGE? Create a list (or a few) [47:18]   What is your ideal day? What makes you happy    What MUST you have / what are your deal breakers    What MUST you AVOID Resources mentioned in this episode: Books by Kristin Sherry, including YouMap, Maximize 365, Your Team Loves Mondays, Right?, and You’ve Got Gifts!Please Understand Me: Character and Temperament Types by Kiersey and BatesDiscover YOU with YouMapWin a FREE BOOK: Kristin is generously giving one of her books to a lucky Intentional Optimists listener!  Will it be you? Be the FIRST person to...   1. Snap a screenshot of this episode (Episode #12),   2. Tell us your biggest takeaway, and    3.  Tag us, using #theintentionaloptimistAnd we'll be in touch! Where to find Kristin:  YouTube channel; LinkedIn; Twitter; InstagramGet involved!Gab your FREE “Ultimate DISC communication Cheat Sheet” Get your own DISC Assessment, and don't forget the 10% discount (code "PODCAST") at check out!Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com  so I can be your professional encourager!  ● Join the Intentional Optimists Facebook Group  ● Follow on Instagram @theintentionaloptimist  ●  Linked In Andrea Johnson

Episode 10 provided you with an overview of DISC, all the basics and general information. Today Andrea sits down with her best friend and podcast editor/producer, Kim Pate, to chat about how DISC has shown up in their long relationship, their families and their jobs, and how they now strategically use the information from their reports to make the world a better place - yep, teaming up to bring you this amazing podcast! Topics discussed in this episode: DISC Framework [6:40]the Quadrants [8:15]Don’t get trapped in a “word” [20:24]How to see how your personal styles make up your whole Power DISC [35:15]Leadership Principles / Habits [48:04]Under Promise and Over Deliver Be early and be preparedFigure out how YOU need to hear information - it helps you craft questions and give feedbackFind a mentor or a coach Be willing to hear the hard stuff - it’s the hard stuff that makes the biggest difference.Ask yourself, what will you do with the information you’ve learned today?Want to test out the principles and learn to communicate better? Then grab your FREE “Ultimate DISC communication Cheat Sheet” Are you ready to get started on your own personal growth journey? Then get your own DISC Assessment, and don't forget the 10% discount when you enter "PODCAST" at check out!Want to get more involved? Email me atandrea@theintentionaloptimist.comand let me know how I can be your professional encourager!Join the Intentional Optimists Facebook GroupFollow on Instagram@theintentionaloptimistLinked In Andrea Johnson - The Intentional Optimist 

In today’s episode I finally get to share what I love about DISC, why I use it, and how it can help you learn about yourself and better relate to others! We’ll take a quick look at the strengths of each style and point out some tips on how to improve your communication abilitiesIntentional Optimism - The Tenets Optimistic - hopeful, positive, proactivePresent - having a sense of wonder, generous, kind/openCourageous - lead, adventure, resilientEnergetic - industrious, energetic and life-focusedWise - understanding, words, respectIntentional - sense of purpose, plan, growWhat is DISC?  2 Main CategoriesReserved or OutgoingPeople Oriented or Task Oriented What shapes your personality?Heredity / Genetics - patterns you are born withEnvironment /  Life ExperiencesRole Models / People who teach us what is valuableMain Types and their details:D = Dominant - Direct, great leaders, move the project.    Motivated by: Results    Fear: Being taken advantage ofI = Influencing - very social and fun - persuaders, friendly, talkers Social, fun, spontaneous, in the spotlight, talkative, expressive, friendly    Motivated by: Recognition    Fear: Rejection and loss of approvalS = Steady - get things done, keep things friendly, loyal Team oriented, friendly, loyal, relied on to follow through, great listeners    Motivated by: Relationships    Fear: Loss of security or confrontationC = Compliant - accurate, organized, on time, analytical planners On time, organized, analytical, planners, accurate, self sacrificing    Motivated by: Reason    Fear: Criticism, getting it wrongHow to communicateD = Be brief, direct and to the point.  Ask WHAT, not HOW; focus on results; offer solutionsI =  Don’t ignore their ideas - Recognize their efforts. Allow time for socializing; Follow up in writing; Short meetings are more productive.S = Smile - cultivate a friendly atmosphere. Don't be aggressive; Define roles of team members; Find a common interest.  C = Give them the details. Offer validated facts; Be precise; Be patient - answer all the questions and follow up. Now what? Identify one thing you learned today - what will you do with it?Learn about the behavior plans AND implement and use them to connect with othersGrab your FREE “Ultimate DISC communication Cheat Sheet”Get a DISC Assessment  from me with 10% discount - enter "PODCAST" at check outResources mentioned in this episode: Prov. 31:10-31 “Ultimate DISC communication Cheat Sheet”DISC Assessment  10% discount - enter "PODCAST" at check outIf you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll see my daily posts from She Reads Truth. This is one of my Spiritual Disciplines - reading the Bible every day. Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com and let me know how I can be your professional encourager!&

Mariah Humphries is a bi-racial Mvskoke Native American and lives in Waco with her husband and three children. Mariah has a Masters of Theological Studies and is the Assistant Director of Campaign and Development Communications at Baylor University.  She considers herself an educator around Native American topics and racial reconciliation within Christianity as a Ministry Educator with Be the Bridge. You can find Mariah on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook under @MariahHumphries.Intentional Optimism - a refresher Optimistic - hopeful, positive, proactivePresent - having a sense of wonder, generous, kind/openCourageous - lead, adventure, resilientEnergetic - industrious, energetic and life-focusedWise - understanding, words, respectIntentional - sense of purpose, plan, growTopics discussed in this episode: Understanding and discovering your “WHY” [8:47]How to gain knowledge on Racial Reconciliation [15:00]Bringing the conversations into the Ministry space [17:15]Becoming a Leader [21:00]Now what? Step up as a leader!Discover your “WHY.” [8:47]Mariah’s Why is educating from The Native American and Christian voice. What is yours?Learn - where to start? [15:00]Be The BridgeUnderstanding Racial LiteracyHaving awareness of those around youServe, based on your unique skills. [17:15]Mariah is now educating church leaders because of her unique background and passion What are yours?See yourself as a leader.  [21:00]Stepping up even when it’s difficultGain knowledge / wisdom Be willing to share your experiences.Surround yourself with supportYour inner circleWho is encouraging, challenging and supporting you publicly?Resources mentioned in this episode: (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases)Books:Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation - Latasha Morrison(#CommissionsEarned)Websites: Be The BridgeWhere to find Mariah:Linked In:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahhumphries/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mariah.s.humphriesInstagram: @mariahhumphriesTwitter:  @MariahHumphriesWant to get more involved? Join the Intentional Optimists Facebook GroupFollow on Instagram @theintentionaloptimistIf you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll see my daily posts from She Reads Truth. This is one of my Spiritual Disciplines - reading the Bible every day. Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com and let me know how I can be your professional encourager!

In today’s episode we look at what it means to Courageous…Intentional Optimism - a refresher Optimistic - hopeful, positive, proactivePresent - having a sense of wonder, generous, kind/openCourageous - lead, adventure, resilientEnergetic - industrious, energetic and life-focusedWise - understanding, words, respectIntentional - sense of purpose, plan, growTopics discussed in this episode: What does it mean to be Courageous?Leading [1:42]Charisma - others are attracted to the fact that I value themServanthood - put others firstVision - believing in my vision to serve and inspireAdventurous [5:05]Try New Things - Be willing! Things, processes, experiencesUndaunted - not intimidated or discouraged by circumstancesFun - be a “challenge accepter” - all in the perspectiveResilience [8:05]Character - Who you are when no one’s lookingConsistency - I do the small things, daily, that make big things possible. My processes and methods are aligned with my "why."Focus - eye on the prizeNow what? Where do you lack Courage?  [11:33]Stepping into a leadership role : Do it with humility, valuing and serving others, and sharing your vision.Embrace an attitude of adventure: Tag me in a 30 day "New Things" Challenge. Decide what’s important: Focusing, and consistently practicing what we commit to will build up our resilience.Contact me!   Just #trynewthings! #theintentionaloptimistTell me how you’re having fun.  Tag me in your new adventures and tell me how you are being resilient and how you have decided to lead.    Resources mentioned in this episode: Prov. 31:10-31Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones, James Clear [9:40]“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.”  Clear, p 16.“A slight change in your daily habits can guide your life to a very different destination.” Clear, p 17.Blog post “Develop Quiet Courage - 12 Steps" [12:45] If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll see my daily posts from She Reads Truth. This is one of my Spiritual Disciplines - reading the Bible every day. Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com and let me know how I can be your professional encourager!Want to get more involved? Join the Intentional Optimists Facebook GroupFollow on Instagram @theintentionaloptimist

Julia Roberts is a 28 year veteran of the mortgage services industry. She’s from the Charlottesville area and the mother of 2 children and 3 grandchildren.  She’s passionate about helping people achieve their dream of home ownership, and uses her skills and experience to find “out of the box” solutions for them. A habitual volunteer, she strives to give back to her community by using her financial knowledge as an advocate for groups that need somebody to speak for them.Topics discussed in this episode: Encouraging others to find their gifts [10:51]The benefits of having a coach [11:20]Early identification of being a leader [13:45]Redefining what it means to be a leader [18:25]Now what? Leadership PrinciplesTrust in God’s Provision [20:20]Never give upHow to put your PLAN to work [22:07] Priorities - Put them in order & write them down so you can work towards them.Values - Identify your core values [24:20]Visualize - Put a list on the mirror - write down your affirmations and see them.See it, think it, know it, say it [24:56]What you hear is what you thinkFind your Passion [29:07]Look outside yourselfUse technology to your advantageFind a good mentor [32:04]Try, fail and try againResources mentioned in this episode:Charlottesville Economic Development Board Charlottesville Economic Development BoardGreene Care Clinic  Greene Care ClinicArc of the Piedmont Arc of the Piedmont“Failing Forward: Turning Mistakes Into Stepping Stones for Success.” by John C. Maxwell Where to find Julia:Website:  Fulton Bank - Julia RobertsFacebook:  Facebook - Julia RobertsLinkedIn  LinkedIn - Julia RobertsWant to get more involved? Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com and let me know how I can be your professional encourager!Join theIntentional Optimists Facebook GroupFollow on Instagram @theintentionaloptimist

In today’s episode we look at what it means to Be Present - an important tenet of Intentional Optimism, and an extremely relevant and timely topic.Intentional Optimism - a refresher Optimistic - hopeful, positive, proactivePresent - having a sense of wonder, generous, kind/openCourageous - lead, adventure, resilientEnergetic - industrious, energetic and life-focusedWise - understanding, words, respectIntentional - sense of purpose, plan, growTopics discussed in this episode: What does it mean to be PRESENT?Cultivating a sense of Wonder [3:39]Celebrate Beauty in all things and peopleSee things fresh and newDecide to get CuriousLearn how to be Generous [5:25]With your Time, learn to be open to interruptionsNurturing relationships Share your Expertise! Link arms and reach out.Be Kind & Open [7:25]Feeling all the feels! Emotions are our barometer.Don’t prejudge others' motivation. Be open to sharing with those in need. Embrace an abundance mindsetNow what? HABITS we practice and ACTIONS we take [10:32]Decide to look for wonder - in people, places & thingsHold things, like time, money and resources looselyDetermine to remind yourself that we are all made in the image of our creatorLearn to manage your feelings to help yourself think new thoughtsWhere do you need to become more PRESENT [13:26]Have you become cynical?Do you need to cultivate curiosity and wonderBe more open to sharing more timeFoster a broader sense of openness for othersResources mentioned in this episode: Prov. 31:10-31 [2:19]Franklin Planners [3:06]Blog post “Why it’s taken me so long to “be present” and how you can do it TODAY” [1:10]Atomic Habits: An Easy and Proven Way to Build Good Habits and Break Bad Ones, James Clear [10:46]Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Stephen R. Covey [11:13]High Performance Habits: How Extraordinary People Become That Way, Brendon Burchard [11:20]If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you’ll see my daily posts from She Reads Truth. This is one of my Spiritual Disciplines - reading the Bible every day. Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com and let me know how I can be your professional encourager!Want to get more involved? Join the Intentional Optimists Facebook GroupFollow on Instagram 

Monique Minnick is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel with a background in human resources, transformation, education, training and development.  As she embraces her need to serve by being active within the non-profit community her natural tendencies to lead focus on relationships and connections.  Monique is an information collector and believes that Leaders are Learners.  Monique’s purpose, supporting the betterment of other people, is highlighted here in her varied and interesting life. She is a constant learner, and what she learns, she immediately shares. Topics discussed in this episode: Asking good questions [10:25]The betterment of other people [17:45]Relationships & connecting [22:46]Intersection of preparation and opportunity [26:11]Leaders are learners [27:22]Now what?Establish two key habits [35:20], [54:20]Planning while leaving room for flex and flowSelf Care How to get started working with nonprofits [41:00], [55:36]Be willing to serve firstUse your skill set to help them improveSpend time doing the things that match your personal beliefsBe willing to say ‘yes’Remember that time is more important than the dollarResources mentioned in this episode: 21 Laws of Leadership  John C Maxwell.  [5:30]Nonprofits:IRON Lives  [32:39]Bedford Ride  [7:05], [13:40]Mustache for Kids / Grow For It! [29:04]The Listening [34:10] Personality Testing:Myers-Briggs Type Indicator [18:26]Maxwell Method of DISC - with Andrea JohnsonWhere to find Monique:Website:  https://minnickenterprises.com/LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniqueminnick/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MinnickEnterprisesLLCWant to get more involved? Are you interested in your own DISC assessment or certification in speaking, training or coaching? Get more information on at: Andrea Johnson - The John Maxwell Team Email me at andrea@theintentionaloptimist.com and let me know how I can be your professional encourager!Join the Intentional Optimists Facebook GroupFollow on IG @theintentionaloptimist