Beyond the Twang: Intelligence Knows No Accent

English is undeniably one of the main business languages that connects people from diverse backgrounds. As professionals, our ability to communicate effectively in English is key. However, it is essential for us to recognise and appreciate the rich linguistic diversity of accents that exists within our workplaces, especially when it comes to non-native speakers of English. You’ll be surprised at how often the topic of accents comes up with my coaching clients; from entry level professionals to high-level executives. Many feel judged or overlooked because they don’t have the “right” accent. In meetings where ideas and solutions are discussed, it is not uncommon to encounter colleagues who speak…

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Give Someone a Chance!

I have an ask, can you please make a conscious effort to pay it forward? Reflect on the moments when someone took a leap of faith on you and transformed your life. Now it’s your turn to put your faith in someone, recognizing that our success is intrinsically tied to those who took a chance on us. In your professional or personal sphere of influence, be deliberate in offering someone a chance. This isn’t about randomness; rather, it’s about identifying those persistent individuals knocking on your door, perhaps overlooked without reason or because you’ve been “too busy” with more important things. Practice due diligence – scrutinize backgrounds, check…

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7 things I Have Learnt About LinkedIn in 2023

1. Quality Comments Matter: Move beyond generic responses like “great share” or “congratulations.” Be the sprinkle of excitement in the conversation, say something interesting. Your chances of being memorable and attracting people to connect with you will significantly increase. 2. It’s Not Always About the Numbers: Having 500 connections actively engaged with your content is more valuable than having 1000 connections who ignore it. It’s not a popularity contest; it’s about having the right kind of tribe. Quality over quantity is key. Here comes an opposing truth that is equally true… 3. Silent Admiration Exists: Some followers may not actively engage by commenting, liking, or sharing, but they…

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Thank You My Business Partners!!

It’s a wrap! Can you believe it? 2023 has come and gone in the blink of an eye – was it the quickest year ever or what? I’m not alone in feeling that this year has been a sprint; many of my peers, friends, and business partners have mentioned being in a constant rush. I had a fascinating conversation with a breathwork teacher who explained that the cosmic speed is related to the positioning of the stars. A huge thank you to every single business partner (a.k.a client) I’ve had the privilege of working with! From one-on-one coaching sessions where people shared their deepest fears, and took massive…

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It’s Christmas Season, But Not For Everyone.

As the holiday season unfolds, many are immersed in the joy and warmth that Christmas brings. The twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the aroma of freshly baked cookies evoke a sense of nostalgia and happiness. However, amidst the merriment, it’s crucial to remember that not everyone celebrates Christmas. Christmas is a magical season filled with traditions, love, and togetherness. Families come together to share laughter, exchange gifts, and create cherished memories. The joy of giving, the spirit of generosity, and the sense of community make Christmas a truly wonderful time for many. While many revel in the magic of Christmas, it’s important to pause and reflect on those…

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Feminine Impact Coaching Programme

In a world dominated by patriarchal norms, women are too often encouraged to emulate masculine leadership styles. This pressure can leave women feeling like imposters, reluctant to fully embrace their authentic selves. Introducing Feminine Impact, an exclusive one-on-one coaching programme designed specifically for women ready to unleash their feminine energy in leadership. The programme empowers delegates to: Discover and harness their innate strengths Lead with authenticity and confidence Break free from the confines of societal expectations Join Feminine Impact and start your journey towards empowered, authentic leadership. For more information, email info@maiyofebi.com and embark on a transformative leadership experience.

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It’s Okay to Live a Simple Life

I recently posted on LinkedIn about how it’s okay to live a simple life, and I was surprised at how many people resonated with the message. In our society, there is a lot of pressure to conform to certain standards of living, but I believe that it’s important to find what works best for you and your individual values. We often put pressure on ourselves to impress others, but in doing so, we may end up going beyond our means and sacrificing our own happiness. It’s important to remember that true friends will love and accept us for who we are, regardless of our possessions. If you feel…

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Blaming Everyone Except You!

“They don’t give us enough opportunities to grow”, “they don’t value our contributions,” “they don’t care about us!” It’s easy to blame our employers for our lack of engagement at work and get stuck in a downward spiral. While there’s no doubt that companies play a MASSIVE role in employee engagement, it’s important to remember that we also have a responsibility to ourselves. If we’re not engaged at work, it’s not always because the company is doing or not doing something. Sometimes, we need to take a look at our own attitudes and behaviours and ask ourselves: Why am I so triggered by my work? What am I…

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Tools to Find a New Job!

Are you looking for a new job? Or are you thinking about making a career change? If so, there are a few essential tools you need to have in your arsenal. A growth mindset. This means believing that you can learn and grow, no matter what your age or experience level. When you have a growth mindset, you’re more likely to take risks, ask for help, and persevere in the face of challenges. Good communication skills. This includes being able to clearly articulate your ideas, listen effectively, and build relationships with others. In today’s workplace, communication is essential for success. Personal branding. This is the process of creating…

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Avoidance is Deadly!

The energy you use to avoid making mistakes is the same energy that blocks your creativity and growth. When you’re afraid of failing, you’re afraid of being judged, of being wrong, of being rejected. This fear can paralyze you, preventing you from taking risks and trying new things. If you’re too afraid to fail, you’ll never be able to maximise your creative potential. Creativity and growth require taking risks, being open to new possibilities, and being willing to fail.

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Hair Conversations

Strangers have stopped me on a few occasions to compliment my dreadlocks and how I just let them hang. I noticed that my “hanging” dreads seemed to be part of most compliments I get so it got me curious. I asked one of my complimenters (who also had dreads that were tightly styled up) why my hanging dreads seemed to be a thing. She replied “Because you are free. My manager would never let me wear my dreads down, he would fire me. Many women I know wear their dreads up because of work.” Then there are those that think my dreadlocks are totally inappropriate. One of them…

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Stop Wishing. Start Being!

“I wish I didn’t have to see any more,” said Mr. Eye.  “I just want to walk like Ms. Leg,” he concluded. “I’m tired of walking,” moaned Ms. Leg, I want to shrink and become like Dr. Liver” she said. Imagine if our body parts decided they no longer want to play their role and longed to be something else. They would probably feel inadequate all their lives because an eye can NEVER become a leg. A leg can NEVER become a liver.  The crazy part is some of us go through life wishing we were someone else, waiting for a magical day that is “just around a…

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Nature Speaks!

Nature is loaded with the mysteries of how life works. Think about it. Look at the trees, flowers, vegetation etc; everything has its season. Something critical we forget is that WE, humans, are a part of nature but we like to play a spectator role and LOOK AT nature. This makes us blind to the valuable lessons that are all around us. Nature tells us that the storms of life play a role; when trees face terrible winds, something remarkable happens, their roots go deeper. In winter, certain animals migrate to warmer climates. Autumn strips away plant life in preparation for something new. A seed is buried in…

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Make Intuition Your Friend!

Your intuition is always talking to you and if you are like most people, you probably ignore it. Why is this? For the most part, many don’t know when their intuition is speaking and ignore it unintentionally. This is largely because we’ve created/absorbed so many layers of feelings, concepts, perceptions, thoughts etc. that our intuition has to fight through before it gets to our knowing. Sadly the majority of intuitive messages die in the layers with a lucky few that do make it to our knowing; but that’s not the end of the battle. Once the message gets to our knowing mind, the layers resurface stronger than ever…

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The Balance of Life

“THANK GOD FOR WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR ME!!!” These are words we often say when we get a new job, land a big client or graduate. On the flip side, when we can’t find a job, loose a well-paying client or struggle with getting a qualification we may say “Why is the devil attacking me? The truth is “good things” are not always a miraculous manifestation of our heavenly father and “bad things” are not always the workings of a malevolent devil.  Perhaps you can’t find a job right now because the one that is meant for you is yet to come; or you lost your well-paying…

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The Value of Boundaries

 “Most of your problems would disappear if you had some solid personal boundaries.” Anonymous WHAT IS A BOUNDARY? A boundary is where you draw the line on how people treat or interact with you AND how you treat or interact with yourself. It is a limit that promotes integrity, preserves vitality and advances relationships. Boundaries consist of the limits of what we consider safe and appropriate, according to our unique set of feelings and reactions, individual perceptions, values, goals, concerns, roles we choose to play, etc. Boundaries also tend to vary according to culture, age, gender, race and so on. Boundaries can be set for any area of…

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Increasing Wisdom

Wisdom, a word we hardly hear in day-to-day conversations, is often thought of as philosophical or something bestowed on the old and experienced. More common related words we hear are clever, intelligent, smart. Loosely defined, wisdom is the ability to reflect on knowledge and experience and consequently have sound judgement to make good decisions. Interestingly, famed King Solomon of the bible asked Yahuah (God) for wisdom when he was struggling to govern his kingdom.  Yahuah was impressed that he didn’t ask for long life or riches; things most of us would probably ask for if we are honest. King Solomon proceeded to write the book of proverbs, a…

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Courage: An Enduring Quality

At some point in life, we all go through tough times that stretch our abilities and seem impossible to navigate.   To get through these often unpredictable times requires strength, perseverance and hope to name a few. A fundamental trait that creates a good foundation for all other traits is courage. Courage is often confused with bravery; while they’re similar concepts, there is a slight difference. The brave have guts and strength; there’s usually a level of calculation and confrontation with a great risk or feat. Bravery is typically short-lived, like rescuing someone in a burning building or tackling a criminal; there is a surge of emotion and energy…

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What’s Your Story?

We’re free to give whatever meaning we want to any situation we find ourselves in. In turn, the meaning we give a situation determines how we respond to it. Meaning is not to be confused with a statement of facts. For example if there is a minus zero balance in your bank account, it’s a fact. The meaning of an empty bank account though, will differ from person to person.  One might see it as the end of the world, a time to give up.  To another, it may be a wake-up call, a time to work harder. Our freedom to choose meaning or put differently ‘the story…

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Into the Mind of a Straight Talker

“It’s just the way I am, I’m a straight talker. If people get hurt it’s their problem” I used to say this often and I’m sure you know someone who proudly says this. I was so focused on speaking my truth and that was the most important thing. After working on myself, I identified what drove me to be that way and perhaps you can identify with some of them: Self-righteousness When I spotted something that was wrong or bad, it was a moment for me to demonstrate my rightness by strongly opposing. I justified my harsh directness in the name of righteousness. Desire to prove that I…

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Hope – A Super Power!

How can you hope for something better when everything is falling apart? Are you not removing yourself from reality? Are you not in denial of what IS? I once read somewhere that whatever you believe is what will happen. So I figured that if this theory is true (which I was skeptical about at the time) I may as well choose to believe in the good stuff because what would be the point in testing it with negative stuff? If it worked, I’d produce misery and suffering. If you’ve never chosen what your stance is when it comes to hope, I encourage you to ponder on it because…

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Personal Development: The Doorway to Fulfilment

When you hear personal development, what comes to mind? An MBA? Improving your emotional intelligence?  A time-management course? It is all of the above, plus more.  Personal development is the changes you make on the inside so you can better respond to the outside. It’s about working on yourself to become a realized, happier and balanced person in a chaotic and ever-changing world; Wisdom Times. You may be unaware that you already have a personal development plan in place when it comes to growing your business or taking care of your physical health. Generally, there are eight areas of personal development: Business/Career Physical health Family Finances Relationships Spiritual…

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Power In Calmness

Are you worried and scared? You are not alone. The corona virus has many of us in this state. Despite the situation, we still have the power to choose how we react. Despite the situation, we still have the power to choose how we react. Here are some tips to help keep you calm: Educate yourself with facts about the situation. Based on what you know, do what you can. Surround yourself with uplifting content. This doesn’t mean be naïve or ignorant; choose to be positive. Avoid negative people that will influence you with fear. Trust that we are going through this. Pray and have faith. Some choose…

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Self-Love in the Workplace

What comes to mind when you think of self-love? A day at the spa? A healthy meal? A bottle of your favourite cognac? While these certainly affirm self-love, at the core of self-love is the belief that you are a valuable and worthy person. A practical definition  is “To take care of yourself like you’d take care of a friend in distress. You treat yourself kindly. You don’t nitpick and criticize yourself. Self-love is a practice and it’s a skill that takes work.” Do you believe that you are a valuable and worthy person? Here are 10 ways you can demonstrate self-love in the workplace. Learn to say…

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Always Right is Wrong

Do you have a friend or family member that always thinks they are right? It doesn’t matter what the situation is or how obvious their errors are, they always have a way of justifying what they do, no matter how messed up it seems.  Is it possible that you could be that person that always thinks they are right? On the surface, the fixation with being right may look like selfishness, arrogance and a lack of self-awareness. Underneath it though, it’s usually; insecurity, self-doubt, fear, low self-esteem or a bruised ego.   Healthy relationships are made up of a good balance of being right and being wrong. Sometimes…

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Worry is not Your Friend!

Now that we are done with the festive season, it’s back to business as usual! Worry may be creeping in about bills, your on-going struggles or how you are going to achieve your 2020 goals. Big newsflash! Worry is not your friend! At first glance it may seem like it is as it gives you a false sense of showing concern for the future.  In actual fact, worry can deplete your ability to think creatively thus impeding on your chances of taking action and finding a solution. At best, worry makes you irritable, keeps you up night or pushes you to take decisive action. At worst excessive or…

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January Joy is Possible!

The anticipation for January salaries is probably driving most people insane. Family outings, social gatherings and shopping over the festive season have left people spent. What now? It’s time to reflect on what you could have done better (or limited) to make sure you don’t repeat the same cycle this December. If you don’t, you’ll be in the exact same position this time next year. Putting a savings plan together for the festive season can be off-putting; some even view it as   a sign of lack; it’s not. It’s a sign of financial maturity and taking responsibility for your spending. Decide now how much you are going to spend…

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Be You – Always!

One thing that I struggled to be earlier in life is MYSELF. I always wanted to behave in a way that would be likeable to the other person, especially when it came to work and business. I went to great lengths researching perceived important people that I was due to meet, and then performed in a way that I thought would impress; the intention was to get what I want. Approval.  We all have a desire to be accepted by friends, family and colleagues etc. and at times go to great lengths in our quest for approval. One of the key drivers is we want to belong and…

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Why is Change Tough?

Everything around us changes constantly, trees grow; new products enter the market; and, children become adults. In a way we have conditioned ourselves to accept these types of changes because we view them as the natural order of life. When it comes to relationships turning sour or retrenchment, we struggle. What is it about these kinds of changes that are so hard to accept? One of the major reasons is we pour so much of ourselves into relationships and jobs; we work at them daily and put in spiritual, physical and mental effort. We then expect to get our returns by things going the way we want them…

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Love Is So Much More Than a Good Feeling!

Did you know that you are at your best when you are filled with love? Human beings are wired for love and connection.  I’m referring to that deep sense of connection with others i.e. family, friends, an intimate partner, God; not just being in love. The most obvious thing about a person filled with love is their behaviour and energy; there’s an easiness and endearing quality about them; on a biological level, cells are vibrant and healthy. Love is not just a philosophical topic for religionists; it is a scientifically proven antidote to many of life’s challenges with benefits like less anxiety, increased energy and faster healing. An…

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5 things to Focus on to Achieve your New Year’s Resolutions

What’s your new year’s resolution? To lose weight?  Get a new job?  End a toxic relationship? Statistics show that most of us won’t achieve our goals because at some point it will get difficult and defeat will set in. What can you do to increase the chances of success? Here are 5 tips to help you along the way: BELEIVE. Do you believe and have faith that your goal can come true? Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. What evidence is there in the things you do and say to show your belief? If you know you don’t believe deep…

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Give, It’s Good For You!

Its a season of parties, gifts, monetary contributions, get-togethers; for some of us it may be a season of dread and avoidance because the pressure to give is unbearable.  Generally there are 4 types of givers: Theatrical giver – this type of person is typically a show off and they want to be applauded for giving. Conventional – this type gives because it is expected, so it must be done. Transactional ‐ this type gives because there is a guaranteed expected return. Moral giver – this type gives because God says so. People who struggle to give generally believe they don’t have enough and are insecure/fearful of what may…

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Follow Your Own Path

For many years of my life I lived up to what my environment expected of me. My parents taught me that education and a job equals happiness. Their template for the good life was get educated, married, have kids, buy a nice car, be a manager, buy a nice house and you are set for life.  So this is exactly what I did! When I ticked everything off my list, there was nothing at the top; no fulfilment, no contentment. I still wanted more! We all go through something similar at some point, right? We get fed up of what is, but don’t know what better looks like. …

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Believe, Even When Nobody Else Does

There are many firsts happening in Africa right now. Nigerian star, Yemi Alade became the first African female artist to reach one million subscribers on her YouTube channel. In just one day, a world record-breaking 350 million trees were planted in Ethiopia as part of efforts to tackle deforestation and climate change. In South Africa, 20 teenagers from vastly different backgrounds built an aircraft and successfully flew it from Cape Town to Cairo. I’m sure at some point, the individuals behind these accomplishments were called crazy, too daring, over the top; but look at them NOW! What are you working so hard on that people think you’re insane?…

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