Empowerment

Empowerment

Mohammed Morsi’s Social Revolution Was Like a Flashmob for Change

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

Another official is sent packing! Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s first elected President was removed by the military after one year in office. It seems the Egyptian people lost their patience. Some say it was a coup while others see it as course correction. In our social media age, a flashmob is easier but change is hard.

It’s easier to be a witness than an agent of change. In Egypt we watch as the country makes change a reality. First they got past the fear of dictatorship. Then they moved beyond the doubt that change was even possible. But making change stick means getting past the bad habits of status-quo military rule.

Consider the gun violence situation in Chicago. People feel like they’re under siege in some neighborhoods. While Egypt’s revolution coverage was easier, the events in Chicago may need change coverage. Let others see life is like a boomerang. What you put out comes back without a doubt.

Social change is not just rallies and speeches. It’s about shifting the mindset that’s blocking change. That’s how 12-step programs work. Gil Scott-Heron once said that “the revolution will not be televised.” Let’s just say change happens more by kicking bad habits than by having an addiction to revolution.

The Arab Spring saw demonstrations in Egypt’s Tahrir Square. The Chinese protests in ‘89 happened in Tiananmen Square. Maybe these say something about the power to change. At times change is more ‘square than round.’ It takes one or more shifts to see a change in direction or course correction.

tahrir-square

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Another official sent packing! Egyptians think he was slacking. Mohammed Morsi got the pink slip. People lost patience, no longer seen as hip. Some say this was a military coup. Others see it as a course correction from old to new. In this the social media age. Flashmob is easier but change hard to stage.

Ready to be an eye-witness. Than to demonstrate change fitness. We watch as Egypt comes around. To a new reality that seems sound. Getting past the fear of dictatorship. And even past doubt by assuming ownership. What’s it gonna take for change to stick? Subtracting bad habits, that’s gotta be the trick.

Consider gun violence in Chicago central. Not simply by those gone mental. Some areas already under such stress. Feels worse than a living mess. While Egypt receives revolution coverage. Chicago needs to apply change leverage. Let peeps see life’s like a boomerang. What you put out comes back bang-bang.

Social change, a lot it teaches. Not just rallies and long speeches. Shifting the mindset to unblock change. That’s how 12-step programs flex your range. “The revolution will not be televised,” that’s what Scott-Heron said. You change by kicking bad habits and not letting revolution go to your head.

Arab Spring demonstrations in Tahrir Square. On TV it felt like you were there. Tiananmen Square and other places too. Some spots where social change began anew. At times change more ‘square than round.’ By shifts in direction and course correction from the hog pound.

Tip: Upping your game by embracing change means kicking bad habits and avoiding an addiction to revolution.

Talkback: From Flashmobs to Occupy Wall Street, how has social media changed the revolution game?

Has Paula Deen’s Food Franchise Gotten Lost in the Sauce?

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

It seems like Paula Deen’s ‘bread & butter’ franchise is in a tailspin. Reports surfaced that she used racial slurs in the past. One by one the big-box retailers began dropping her like a hot potato. Her public responses have been more ‘miss than hit.’ Has Paula Deen’s food franchise gotten lost in the sauce?

So she’s hired Judy Smith to help with crisis management. Smith is the inspiration behind the highly-rated TV show Scandal. To help make a comeback Deen has gone from PR to ER in handling the situation. Her public relation has been a disaster. Now things call for an emergency response to stop the bleeding.

Where did Deen go wrong, and can Smith make things right? She might help Deen see the difference between being closed versus locked. A door that is locked is also closed. But a door can be closed without being locked. Career or brand comebacks are possible before doors go from closed to locked.

R&B Music star Charlie Wilson is a good example of a comeback after being ‘down but not out.’ His career went from highs to lows. Sort of like Deen and others faced with a business setback or slow job market. But with the right support, focus and pure genius he found a way to go from zero to hero.

We tend to forget scandals after a while. The short-term pain can be difficult. But the long-term effects are lessons for a lifetime. Smith will coach Deen on putting her brand back on the block. It’s probably not too late since comebacks are a matter of leaving a mark so that when you’re gone you’re not forgotten.

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The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Seems like Paula Deen’s franchise is in a spin. Many lost opportunities to win. Reports surfaced of using racial slur. Saying her past was just a blur. Big-box stores dropped her one by one. Like a hot potato her biz put under the gun. Public responses haven’t been a hit. Will these troubles cause her to quit?

Added Judy Smith to her crisis team. A point of inspiration from a bad dream. With TV show Scandal based on Smith’s story. Deen hoping to strike-up new glory. Going from PR to ER in this situation. As an emergency response to bad public relation. To help stop the bleeding and personal frustration.

Where did Deen go wrong? This was like a bad song. With branding advice Smith is stocked. Knowing the difference between closed and locked. Door that is locked also closed. But doesn’t always mean your chances are hosed. Market comeback may still be doable. Closed, not locked says brand is renewable.

R&B Music star Charlie Wilson a good example. Of a ‘down but not out’ music gamble. Going from career highs to new low. Falling out the pop culture flow. Like Deen and other biz setbacks. A slow job market means a hard comeback. But with the right support and focus. Takes pure genius, ditch the hocus pocus.

Scandals are forgotten after a while. Short-term pain can affect your style. Long-term effects are lessons in forever. As the saying goes, “never say never.” Smith will coach Deen through the paces. To put her brand in good graces. Not too late to be back on the block. From leaving a mark while punching the clock.

Tip: Upping your game means seeing ‘down but not out’ as a preview for going from zero to hero.

Talkback: What do you think Paula Deen can do to get back in good graces?

Supreme Court’s Ruling Could Take Civil Rights Branding to Another Level

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

It was the news of the day as the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) gave its opinion. Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act would be struck down. Section 5 could also be affected by default. Not what many in the Civil Rights arena hoped to hear.  Maybe Civil Rights Branding needs to go to another level.

Some believe the ruling is like a dagger to the civil rights legacy. But what if it was really a trigger to reset our laws? The SCOTUS ruling in effect sent the case back to the lower court. The expectation is that Congress will have to rewrite sections of the Voting Rights Act to reflect the current day situation.

This should apply to other cases like the Mining Law of 1872. Yes, some things have changed, but some things remain the same. Maybe the SCOTUS ruling can be a trigger to reset our politics. It has become more “win-lose-draw,” where some politicians win, others lose but the citizens feel like nothing changed.

50 years later what would Dr. King think? Well, that’s hard to know. Maybe this is a trigger for us to reset our advocacy. Could this be a time for “I Have a Dream 2.0?” Our focus should be as much about what we’re doing to (or not doing for) ourselves as about what others are doing to us.

Most business leaders will tell you that every now and then you have to reinvent yourself or the business. What used to generate revenue no longer does. The SCOTUS ruling has unnerved many who know the struggle. But before all is said and done, this might just be a tune-up for how we reset our game.

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The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Twas the news of the day. Many tuned in to what SCOTUS had to say. Section 4 of Voting Rights struck down. Section 5 untouched but still others frown. Not what folks in the struggle were hoping for. Feels like SCOTUS kicked Civil Rights to the floor. Maybe Civil Rights Brand needs to go big even more.

Some believe ruling is like a dagger. But suppose it’s really like a trigger. Civil Rights legacy remains in tact. But other laws need to change, that’s a fact. Ruling, in effect, sends case back to square one. Congress will have to rewrite law to get it done. So that it applies to current day situation under the sun.

Mining Law of 1872. Another one that needs review. Yes, some things have changed even in name. But other things seem to remain the same. Maybe SCOTUS ruling will help reset our politics. To involve less dog-and-pony tricks. Enough of their win-lose and we draw. Leaving citizens grasping the straw.

50 years later what would King think? He’d probably pause and give a wink. Maybe he’d say it’s time to upgrade our advocacy. While the Fed tackles issues of foreign diplomacy. Could this be a time for “I Have a Dream 2.0?” Well, hard to say or even know. Our focus should be on how we shift and grow.

Most biz leaders would admit. To reinvent yourself you have to commit. What used to generate revenue no longer works. A healthy business means retooling the perks. SCOTUS ruling has upset many. No where near anything funny. Before all is said and done. Might just be a tune-up for Civil Rights’ next run.

Tip: Upping your game means resetting the way you process the good, the bad and the ugly.

Talkback: How do you think the SCOTUS ruling will affect Civil Rights past, present and future?

Breakout Star Henry Cavill Reboots Superman Sales at The Box Office

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

Had enough of Superman? Well Warner Bros. Pictures didn’t think so. They released the latest movie with a new market identity. “Man of Steel” as he’s being called, still has the same job to save the world from destruction. Breakout star Henry Cavill helps reboot Superman sales at the Box Office.

Why not do the same for our jobs, businesses, communities and country? Some might start by looking at the history of Abraham Lincoln or the legacy of Dr. King. It’s been 150 years since Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. August makes 50 years since King gave his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech.

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Rebooting the ideals of Lincoln and the passions of King calls-out for a new organizing identity in the community. How about Urban Change Now: Jobs, Brands and O-P-P? This might help set some untapped resources free. Lincoln was about slave freedom. King was about liberty and justice for all.

King’s famous speech gives us clues for urban change now. His “paper napkin” speech outline must have been drafted around economic evangelism, social activism and hope over skepticism. This is kinda like Superman’s own mandate. Taken together, their agenda was big-time stuff.

After lots of Superman films, the franchise is still making money. Even 50 years after King’s speech the O-P-Portunity model can still make history. Whether gun violence, missed-education, unemployment or financial decisions, let’s reboot the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in ways that say “There’s an App for That.”

superman

The Year of ‘Growmance’
Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Had enough Superman on the go? Warner Bros. Pictures didn’t think so. With the latest marvel comics movie. “Man of Steel” brings a new market identity. Mission to save the world from destruction. Story continues after a recent intermission. Henry Cavill the new breakout star. Box Office sales off the radar.

How about doing the same in biz with our 9 to 5? Communities and country sure to come alive. Some looking at Abraham Lincoln’s history. Others looking at Martin Luther King’s legacy. 150 years since Emancipation Proclamation. 50 years since King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ declaration.

Lincoln’s ideals ready for rebooting. King’s passions worthy of retelling. Calls for a new organizing identity. That works for business as well as the community. Let’s try something like Urban Change Now: Jobs, Brands and O-P-P know-how. Setting untapped resources free. With justice for all, add in liberty.

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King’s famous speech gives us clues. For urban change now to pay its dues. His “paper napkin” speech outline might have said. Let freedom reign to inspire your daily bread. Economic evangelism. Social activism. Hope over skepticism. Like Superman’s own mandate stuff. Getting to where enough is enough.

After lots of Superman flicks. Franchise still pulling money tricks. 50 years since King’s speech modeled O-P-Portunity. Still has the vision for making history. Whether it’s gun violence or missed-education. Unemployment or financial decision. Let’s reboot the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech for today’s generation.

Tip: Upping your game means rebooting a new market identity for work, play and the every day.

Talkback: Who’s your favorite Superman actor and what’s your favorite King speech?

Beyoncé Keep Growing Her Bank Account with Style & Wow Appeal!

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Theme:– “The Year of ‘Growmance’

Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (Old-School Flava)

 

Beyoncé is taking 2013 by storm! Her recent magazine photo spread is turning heads. She’s also set for an Inauguration appearance and Superbowl halftime performance. After taking a break to do some mothering, she’s turning up the heat and growing her bank account with style and wow appeal.

Her success comes through hard work. She keeps growing her brand, which puts more money in her hand. Listen closely and she’ll tell you it’s about growing your vision. It’s like buying that new HD or 3-D TV. You gotta grow your vision from 1-D to 2-D, 2-D to 3D or No-D to HD. That’s High-Def baby!

She can be seen on the sidelines with Jay-Z during Brooklyn Nets games. It’s not as if she needs to mix and mingle. She knows that growing your net worth is about growing your social network. Having a HD TV or the latest smart phone is cool. But it’s the network behind the device that gives it a global reach.

Some things these days go viral, others go global. Beyoncé has done both. With music, movies and the fashion runway under her belt, what else is there? Well, she took some time off to grow her purpose. This means upping your game is growing more use of your skills and talents to create more flow and mojo.

Beyoncé is showing us “love on top.” The love she brings has put her on top of the world. Some are not happy about her endorsement deal with Pepsi. Others are not happy about losing ground on their New Year’s resolutions. So, if true, Beyoncé might say “use love to beat fear and up your game this year.”

Beyonce

The Year of ‘Growmance’

Where Love Beats Fear in Upping Our Game This Year” (New-School Flava)

Beyoncé takes 2013 by storm. With a comeback that’s true to form. For a 2nd Inauguration appearance. And then Superbowl halftime performance. See her magazine photo that’s turning heads. No more baby-bump just curves instead. After taking a break for some mothering. Growing her wow appeal to top billing.

Success comes through building her brand. Which puts lots more money in her hand. Listen closely and she’ll tell you the reason. It’s about growing your vision this season. More like buying that new big screen TV. With a clearer picture for all to see. Move your vision from 1-D to 3-D or HD. That’s high-def baby!

Catch her on the sidelines with Jay-Z. Brooklyn Nets games in the place to be. Not that she needs to mix and mingle. She’s long done with being single. Growing your net worth by growing your social network. Don’t get caught being a lurk. Having a smart phone might be cool. But the network gives you global rule.

Some things tend to go viral. Others takeoff and go global. Beyoncé has had both dealt. With music, movies and the fashion runway under her belt. What next some might wonder? She took a break to grow her purpose with time to ponder. Upping her game, creating more flow. And getting a new lease of mojo.

Beyoncé shows us ‘love on top.” No time to flip or to flop. Puts her on top of the world stage. An example for boys and girls any age. Some want her to drop the Pepsi deal. While others say they’re not for real. So, if you’re losing ground on your resolutions. Use love to beat fear and up your game as the solution.

Tip: Upping your game means growing the flow of new skills and the mojo to reach new thrills.

Talkback: What do you think is the ‘it-factor’ that gives Beyoncé such mass appeal?

Where in The World is Dave Chappelle These Days?

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(Part XII) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 Stuck on stupid! That may be how some described Dave Chappelle when he left his Comedy Central gig six years ago. It was a shock to see him walk away from big money. But Chappelle was at a crossroads. He wanted to give his all to something that made him stand tall. So where is he now?

He’s been sighted on the West Coast circuit. It seems he’s returned to his stand-up roots. People leave jobs they hate and pursue new careers that make them great, all the time. For some it’s a sort of sabbatical where they get to reinvent themselves. Chappelle might be missing-in-action for a reason.

It’s almost as if he decided to man-up. No more selling his soul. He wanted to do his thing without feeling chained. Sometimes this happens during mid-life crisis. People go through a period where they decide to live their dreams to the best of their ideals. So what was the wake-up call for Chappelle?

Only he knows. But normally, a wake-up call is when you decide to be true to yourself. It might come before or after a period that made you wise-up. You no longer live just to get by. Your living has a renewed sense of purpose. Your life has greater value in self-worth and maybe even net worth.

That’s what happens as you reinvent yourself to CEO of Me Inc. Your livelihood is more than just a job. It is seen from the viewpoint of a business. Your skills are not just something you list on a résumé. Instead they’re packaged as a brand. This is when life’s journey becomes like a best-selling open book.   

 

(Part XII) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Believe it or not, it was six years ago. Dave Chappelle ditched his popular cable show. Leaving Comedy Central Gig. Some miss seeing him in a wig. Was it about being stuck on stupid? Or Did Chappelle get smitten by cupid? Walking away from big money. At a crossroads between milk and honey.

Preferring to give his all. To something that made him stand tall. Recently seen at a West Coast club. Doing comedy, not the rub-a-dub. Returning to his stand-up roots. Instead of wearing navy-blue suits. Taking a sabbatical to pave the way. Maybe to reinvent himself and live another day.

Looks like he decided to man-up. No more selling his soul, taking time to wake-up. He wanted to do his thing. Without feeling chained to corporate bling. This happens for some during mid-life. They leave home without telling the wife. Taking another shot to live their dream. Rising to the top like Irish cream.

So what was the wake-up call? His career wasn’t in a free-fall. It’s in choosing to be true. Living each day to become the best you. Deciding to wise-up now not later. No more living to get by, but be greater. Giving life a renewed sense of meaning. With more self-worth or net worth greening.

That’s how you reinvent your game. To reach CEO of Me Inc. fame. Your livelihood more than money as a clerk. It’s seen as a business or vocational work. Your skills no longer just a list. It’s more like a brand with a twist. Life’s journey deserves a second look. In order to become a best-selling open book.

Tip: Reinventing yourself means doing what it takes to be bold before you miss-out, grow old or go cold.

Talkback: Has Dave Chappelle missed-out like Arsenio Hall or do they still have time for a comeback?

Coming Soon: “Star Power Upload: Why Mentors, Role Models and a few Sidekicks Make You Shine!”

NBCs Ann Curry Gets to Sit in The Big Chair on Air

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(Part XI) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Meredith Vieira said bye-bye to the Today Show gang. After five years as co-anchor, she called it quits. Viera got the job when Katie Couric left for CBS News. At the time, Curry was a regular fill-in for Couric. But Vieira left ABCs The View to land the job. Was Curry disappointed for not getting the nod?

In the meantime Curry worked on reinventing herself. She sucked it up and focused on raising her game. Curry would take non-sexy International assignments. She would report from places not often seen in the mainstream. This was her way of re-creating and broadening her appeal.

Some say she developed a down-to-earth realness as a Journalist. This caused viewers to take another look at how she delivered news with a human touch. Her enthusiasm might have appeared over-done. But the way she began to relate and inter-relate gained her high marks among her peers.

Think of where she was five years ago as a fork in the road, maybe even a career do or die. She could have left NBC for new opportunities. Curry decided to work on herself. This helped to resuscitate her career. The result was like bringing the severely wounded back to life after an earthquake. 

Curry turned her disappointment into something good. She elevated her attitude in order to reach a new altitude. She has proven her skill in reporting. She has grown in stature among her peers. That’s why Curry is now the Today Show Co-anchor. But what really shines through is her sense of gratitude.

 

(Part XI) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Meredith Vieira said bye-bye. The Today Show gang wanted to cry. After five years as co-anchor. She left with little or no rancor. Vieira took over after Katie Couric said yes. For greener pastures with CBS. But Vieira beat-out Curry for the top job. She was so disappointed she could sob.

In the meantime Curry was reinventing. Spending as little time venting. Sucked it up to focus on her game. Taking non-sexy assignments not for the fame. As seen on an International story. That was not tied to mainstream glory. Re-creating and broadening her appeal. Reporting with lots of zeal.

She became down-to-earth real. As a Journalist you could feel. Others started to take another look. Curry was becoming like an open book. Delivering news with the human touch. Showing enthusiasm that appeared over-done as such. Better relating through the years. Gaining high marks with her peers.

Back then she hit a fork in the road. She did not panic and implode. Curry could have left NBC. For new opportunities with cable TV. But decided to settle down. Thinking smile not frown. This helped resuscitate her career. Putting herself in a new gear. Coming back from like the worst earthquake of the year.

Curry turned disappointment into something good. Many knew she could. She elevated her attitude. Reaching for a higher altitude. Proving her skill in reporting. With “best-in-class” audience supporting. That’s how Curry earned peer platitude. Shining through with a sense of gratitude. 

Tip: Reinventing yourself means turning a disappointment into something as miraculous as raising your career from the dead.

Talkback: How much will Vieira be missed or Curry be kissed now that the Big Chair has changed?

Coming Soon: “Star Power Upload: Why Mentors, Role Models and a few Sidekicks Make You Shine!”

Venus & Serena Williams Come to Win On and Off the Court.

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(Part X) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 This year’s French Tennis Open is history. The clay court extravaganza provided an exciting finish. International participation was high with Na Li from China and Rafael Nadal from Spain earning bragging rights. Where were the Williams sisters? After recent injuries their game has been put on ice.

Venus suffered a hip flexor strain earlier this year. Serena has been fighting depression after a foot injury, as well as lung artery blockage. Both ladies are on the comeback trail. In the meantime, they’re working on reinventing their game. This involves becoming “new and improved” in technique.

On a recent CNN interview Venus spoke about her love for the game. She discussed some of her passions off the court. There’s probably not a championship that she hasn’t played-in or won. But she has her sights set on the next goal she seeks. Reinventing your game is to align with new goals and roles.

Of-course, everybody loves the Williams sisters for their fashion statements. Their colorful play on the court comes with some sexy attire. When not playing tennis, Venus runs her fashion line. Serena is no slouch either in “After- Five” gear. I suppose both are keen on coming back looking sleek and chic.

When all is said and done, Venus & Serena know it’s going to take hard work. That’s what has made them so accomplished. They bring fire-power and confidence on and off the court. The sisters show what it means to have the heart and will of a champion. Watch as they return for a new round of success.

(Part X) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

This year’s French Open is done. Na Li and Rafael Nadal had some fun. Winning in exciting style. Adding to their money pile. For the Williams sisters there was no shout. Sadly, both have been out. Recovering from injuries that make you wanna pout. Their game has been put on ice. Career over?… think twice.

Venus had a hip strain. Not from playing in the rain. Serena fighting depression. After foot injury and near convulsion. Both on the comeback trail. Going at slow pace like a snail. Working on reinventing their game. With more championships to claim. Bigger and better in technique. That’s it for a sneak peek.

She discusses her love for tennis on CNN. And the chances of a romantic friend. With a few passions off the court. Like creating designer fashion skort. When not playing for wins. Keeps busy from life’s sins. Staying close to her clothing line. Maybe, every now and then a drink of wine.

Folks love their center court dress. The way they play is no mess. Feeling good, making a statement. With sexy attire for any “After-Five” engagement. Knowing what not to wear. Combining colorful play with fashion gear. Watch and see them looking sleek. With their reputation of being chic. 

When all is said and done. Venus and Serena have a swing like guns. Knowing it will take hard work. To achieve new goals and bigger perks. Bringing fire-power and confidence. Winning is no happen-stance. Showing heart and will of a champion. Rolling into the next success station.

Tip: Reinventing yourself means moving your game from being on ice to being on top at the right price.

Talkback: Is it time for Venus and Serena to retire or do they still have some game left?

Coming Soon: “Star Power Upload: Why Mentors, Role Models and a few Sidekicks Make You Shine!”

Ronald McDonald Got a Makeover and Restaurant Sales Got a Boost!

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(Part IX) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

The fast-food industry is one of stiff competition. You can tell by the new campaigns that pop-up often. They’re offering dollar menus and healthier choices. These spots are constantly competing to maintain or gain market share. What did McDonald’s do years ago? They gave Ronald McDonald a makeover.

This fun-loving clown has been criticized over the years. Company officials decided it was time to reinvent their mascot. They needed to take Ronald from “old-school fool” to “new-school cool.” So they reintroduced Ronald as a sort of fitness guru. This was to help emphasize the importance of being active.

They had Ronald upgrade his wardrobe as well. No more looking, “fat, dumb and happy.” He became a “unisex symbol.” His look and feel would better appeal to both boys and girls. He dressed in more sporty attire like that of men and women’s sports. Ronald became a “hot shot that’s hot to trot.”

The company took a leap of faith by adding healthier food options. You can still order a shake. But your order can also come with a salad instead of fries. Company officials did more than just spruce-up Ronald. They opted to respond to the social consciousness of the time.

And what has happened as a result? They’ve seen a spike in healthy-options sales. They’ve also seen a jump in customer spending per order. Some people want to “be like Mike.” Others are hoping to reinvent their game like Ronald. Whichever is true, this takes a makeover in your look, feel and conscious appeal.

 

(Part IX) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

Fast-food competition is stiff. Folks love to get a whiff. With new campaigns and a catchy promo. All trying to keep their mojo. Offering dollar menus and healthier choices. Listening to the people’s voices. Constantly competing for market share. McDonald’s made-over Ronald “the clown” with more flair.

Criticized over the years. The company showed it cares. Reinventing their famed mascot. Keeping it fun-loving without an ascot. Kinda like going from “old-school fool.” To being active and “new-school cool.” Looking like a fitness guru. Staying true to red, white and blue.

Yes, a change in wardrobe. That’s good for chains around the globe. No more looking “fat, dumb and happy.” But more about unisex-symbol savvy. Appealing to boys and girls. In the U.S. and across the world. Still popular with tiny tots. But also becoming a “hot shot that’s hot to trot.”

Executives took a leap of faith. With healthier options on the plate. Welcome to the McDonald’s shake. Served with fries or salad, it’s your take. Company did more than a spruce-up. They also did a makeover from the neck, up. Opting to respond with purpose and reason. To a new social consciousness season.

What happened as a result? You can call Ronald to consult. A spike in healthy-option sales. More from everyday folks, not the Prince of Whales. Some people want to “be like Mike.” Or like Ronald whose career has taken a spike. Whichever one is true. Reinventing yourself in consciousness starts with you.                   

Tip: Reinventing yourself means undergoing a makeover in your look, feel and conscious appeal.

Talkback: If fast-food chains were to disappear tomorrow, how would that affect your choices?

Oprah Turns-off The Lights to 25 Seasons of “Change-Your-Life” TV!

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(Part VIII) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (Old-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

 Chicago’s United Center was rocking. Oprah taped her final episodes. Thousands of friends and celebs gathered for the send-off. After 25 years, she’s decided to pack it up. But she’s not done. With the launch of her OWN channel, there’s another chapter yet to unfold. How did she stay #1 for so long?

In her words, it was because she kept reinventing herself. We sometimes saw it over the years with a change in style. She changed her hair from long to short. She lost weight and gained it back. At one time she wore clothes that looked outdated. Today she’s dressed by the best and hangs with the greatest.

Many remember her most watched episode. She showed what 67 pounds of fat look like. Oprah realized that reinventing herself also needed to occur in substance. So, she launched many “life makeover” campaigns. This added to her reputation of producing “change-your-life” TV.

She also found a way to reinvent herself in service. Oprah helped give book clubs broader appeal. She made many authors famous. She gave back to the community through her Angel Network. She expanded on her legacy by funding a school for girls in South Africa. These speak highly of her life’s work.

You might look back like she did to appreciate her grandeur. She started as a local TV personality. At some point Oprah was told she wouldn’t make it. Maybe it was at this time she made up her mind to go for it. There’s no denying, the “queen of media” has come a long way from Baltimore to the big leagues.

 

(Part VIII) Reinvent Your Game, Future-Proof Your Dreams: (New-School Flava)
How Celebs & Pros Go from Played-out to Poppin’ Again!

The United Center was rocking. The rich and famous were jockeying. As Oprah taped her final show. Daytime TV has been struck a blow. But Oprah’s not done yet. She’s already heard ‘on your mark, get set.’ With the launch of her TV network OWN. There’s no reason to bitch and moan.

How did she stay #1 this long? Will-i-am might answer in a song. She made it work by reinventing. Which is like a farmer who does replanting. Sometimes she did it in style. Looking better and better after a while. Going from outdated looking clothes. To being dressed by the fashion pros.

At one time she lost 67 pounds. Celebrating it all around. Using animal fat to prove. How to lose weight and find a new groove. Reinventing herself in substance. Just as important in style and romance. Promoting many “life makeover” campaigns. With “change-your-life” TV showing the sun and rain.

She gave book clubs broader appeal. Making authors famous for keeping it real. Reinventing herself in service. Helping many who were novice. Giving back to the community. Through her Angel Network property. Expanding on her life’s work and legacy. Funding a school to encourage academic supremacy.

You might look back to discover. Her larger-than-life grandeur. Starting out on local TV. Living her dreams to become the best she could be. Being told she wouldn’t make it. She decided that was bull*. Turning the show into a national bully-pulpit. So there’s no denying. The “queen of media” is not retiring.               

Tip: Reinventing yourself means going from good to better to best in between the times you take a rest.

Talkback: How has the Oprah Show impacted Daytime TV and the national conversation?