#letslead

[evantzivanakis]

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SOME LEADERS THINK THAT LEADERSHIP IS ALL ABOUT THEMSELVES. GREAT LEADERS THOUGH FOCUS ON THE NEEDS AND WANTS OF THEIR PEOPLE AND THEY MAKE THEIR PEOPLE’S HOPES AND DREAMS A PRIORITY. THERE IS GREAT POWER WHEN THE VISION OF THE ORGANIZATION AND THE DREAMS OF ITS PEOPLE COME TO ALIGNMENT AND EVERYBODY WINS. #whatisleadership #letslead #leadme #followtheleader #evantzivanakis #hellomyleader #walkandtalk https://www.instagram.com/p/CCBhjbCn9Dk/?igshid=4ub4mbpk5a3f

[letsleadae-blog]

#WomenCrushWednesday - Serena Williams

For this week's #WomenCrushWednesday, we have Serena Williams, an American professional tennis player. who has earned the title of world number one ranking, with 23 Grand Slam champion titles and 4 Olympic medals. We admire her, not only for her strength to persevere and her strong determination to get back onto her feet after any loss or failure but because she continues to empower and represent women all over the world. She continues to make a difference in the world, even through the formation of the Serena Williams Fund, which has helped build schools in Jamaica so that girls could receive an education. "She turns her disappointment into triumph. Her grief into joy. Her rejections into approvals. If no one believes in her, it does not matter. She believes in herself. Nothing stops her. No one can touch her. She is woman."

Check out the article linked below to read an inspiring open letter by Serena Williams-

https://goo.gl/KcP5IK

[letsleadae-blog]

Valentine’s Day - Part 2!

What comes once a year covered in pink hearts and candy, with companies pushing their romantic, overpriced activities to couples (and singles)? Or rather, I should ask, what holiday doesn’t come once a year with commercialization taking a free reign over our lives? With the overwhelming advertisements, pressure to put yourself into a box about your relationship status and sometimes, even thoughts about how maybe we should just do away with the day altogether… … the cynic in me tended to agree with these views because let’s face it, Valentine’s day ever since Cupid shot his first arrow was intended to celebrate romantic love. But at some point I thought to myself.. wait a minute. “Love is a many splendored thing..” okay, okay, I didn’t think that right away — but it’s true. Love is a spectrum of so many types of love we’ve chosen to overlook celebrating, and maybe it’s time to stop taking them so much for granted. Maybe it’s time to fight back against commercialization and prove that true love really does conquer all — even 50% off on all pink items at Clothing Store XYZ. When we think of classic princess Disney stories, what always pops into our heads are the damsels in distress and the “true love’s kisses” that stem only from romantic relationships. Back in the 1960’s, Barbie had only one ethnicity and one body type (not to mention legs that simply wouldn’t stay upright without heels on).But the world is changing, and with it companies have no choice but to change the way they think too! Frozen depicted how sisterly love can break an evil curse. Disney’s live-action remake of Sleeping Beauty “Maleficent” showed how we take for granted a kind of love that is so close to us: the love of our parents and guardians.A time in which Barbie’s biggest companion was Ken, and her most promising career depended on her outer beauty is coming to a close only because people spoke up about their disdain for the narrow-minded representation of the dolls: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/jan/30/new-barbie-dolls-fashionistas-ripping-off-heads-femininity By all means, don’t miss the chance to celebrate this day with your significant other. But don’t miss out on the chance to celebrate love in a rainbow of ways either. Here are 3 ways you can beat the heat that will burn your pockets this valentine’s day:1. Do something special for your family — the only people who will definitely stand by your side no matter how much your mascara isn’t “on fleek”. But no, seriously. Plan an outing with your family, it doesn’t even have to cost any money:  http://traveltriangle.com/blog/free-things-to-do-in-dubai/. There’s nothing better than feeling like no matter what, you’re not alone in this world.2. Away from family? No problem. Take the time to appreciate yourself for all that you’ve done or make a list of all the things you’ve accomplished in life. Sing at the top of your lungs. Dance like nobody’s watching. Show yourself some love, for a change!3. Celebrate friendship. Remember Galentine’s Day that Leslie Knope celebrated on the TV show Parks & Recreation? There’s no rule that says you only have to send clichéd friendship messages on Whatsapp on the umpteen friendship days that exist. Being in the friend zone is sometimes way too underrated if you ask me.If you’re looking at all of this and going *cringe* “I’d rather pretend this day didn’t exist.. hey, that’s alright too! In the words of Rumi: ‘Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it”*mic drop*

[letsleadae-blog]

#SuperwomanSundays: UAE’s first female director!!

On our #SuperwomanSunday we are celebrating Nayla Al Khaja, She is UAE's first female director. According to the Arabian Business, Nayla has done five short films. She owns a production company D-SEVEN. Through her films, Nayal touches most on social issues and has won several awards for her work. In 2011 Canon Middle East announced Nayla Al Khaja as its brand ambassador in 2011. You can check more about her on the following link: https://goo.gl/vijVyh

[letsleadae-blog]

#DiscussionTuesdays: Does social media make us more antisocial than social?

All of us know and love at least some sort of social media weather it be Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat or hundreds of others. We have our own ways to stay connected with the rest of the world and we make sure we have our phones around us 24/7. But does this actually reduce the interactions that we have face-to-face? Some studies suggest that social media does in fact reduce the amount of conversations we have while others suggest that social media makes it easier to communicate with others despite them not being present in the same place. Let us know what your thoughts are on the matter.

Check out the article below to learn about how social media affects our interpersonal skills, the way we interact with those around us and for some tips on how to take a short break from our lives online. Voice your thoughts! We would love to hear from you x

-  www.facebook.com/letslead.ae/posts/1871529676425873

[letsleadae-blog]

Throwback Thursdays: Margaret Ekpo — The Lioness in Nigerian politics!

Chief Margaret Ekpo is a common name to the feminists in Nigeria. She single handedly captivated not only the women but also the imagination of the entire nation throughout her political career. Ekpo was not always keen on politics; in fact she only stepped into the world of politics purely by chance.Ekpo’s early passions were more along the line of teaching. However, fate at this point was not on her side and due to the sudden passing of her father she was forced to abandon her education with only her Grade 6 certificates. Since her education was incomplete her dreams of attending a teachers training college were done for. But she did not let this set back deter her from moving forward. She settled for smaller tutoring jobs in order to continue chasing her passions. Take notes ladies.In 1945, her husband, Dr. Ekpo, was miffed with the prejudiced practices of the colonial administrators at the Aba General Hospital. Due to his position as a civil servant, he was unable to attend the protest rallies against such practices and so he just sent his wife. These meetings and rallies are what invoked the lioness within Ekpo.Margaret Ekpo is known for being one of three women appointed to the House of Chiefs, in the 1950s. After attending a few of these rallies (kindly acknowledge that Margaret was the only woman at these events) Ekpo noticed that women were blissfully unaware and detached from the political and social aspects of the Nigerian society. Hence to increase women participation in the society Ekpo went on to form National Council of Nigerian Citizens women’s wing, in order to educate women. As Ekpo’s career in civil rights advanced Ekpo rightfully speculated that women abroad had more of a say in political and civil matters than their equivalents in Nigeria. And she thought to herself, “well that’s not right.” And this is where she started her movement to get more women involved and aware on political and social matters of the society.Ekpo was intensely shrewd and sharp. She proved this when the women in her community would not attend meetings and events because their husbands would forbid them. Being the insightful lady that she was she came up with an ingenious method. She bought all the salt from the local stores and only sold it back only to the women who attended her meetings. We all know that salt is essential to all recipes and so the men in the community had no other choice but to let their wives be a part of Ekpo’s posse.Ekpo particularly piqued my interest because the woman was a total badass. Margaret was strong willed and completely audacious in terms of the risks she took. Some of her moves were so down right daring that even politicians today (- yes, I’m hinting at Trump) would think twice before taking such bold steps.The one thing that I take away from Ekpo’s story is that hustle isn’t just working on the things you like or are passionate about, it means doing the things you don’t enjoy so you can do the things you love. Ekpo had a love for teaching and reaching out to people who were less knowledgeable than herself and she did so without having a degree or any background in politics. That’s what I call a real ace in the pack!

[letsleadae-blog]

#WomanCrushWedneday - Farewell Michelle Obama <3

As we bid farewell to one of the most elegant woman in known history, this week’s #WomanCrushWednesday is the now former first lady Michelle Obama.

We admire her for a number of reasons from her inspiring speeches about female role models and knowledge for her strong advocacy for woman’s right, education and health. She has achieved so much throughout her time as first lady like launching the let’s move initiative, a program that addresses the challenges of childhood obesity and developing ‘let girls learn’ which was an education initiative to help young girls get education and reach their full potential.

During her last speech she delivered a strong personal message on empowerment through education. “Lead by example with hope, never fear. And know that I will be with you, rooting for you and working to support you for the rest of my life”. This was a quote from her last speech as first lady.

Check out the article linked below to look at some facts about Michelle Obama and to see all that she has achieved through the years -  https://www.facebook.com/letslead.ae/posts/1868513200060854

[letsleadae-blog]

In the loving memory of a beautiful and inspiring soul.

This #superwomensunday we are remembering Ameera Bin Karam who was a great role model for women around UAE. She contributed immensely towards empowering and strengthening the economic position of women across the country and was an epitome of a driven citizen who wanted great things for the country. She was passionate about women leadership and continued to pave paths for creativeness, innovation and success for women.

Ameera Bin Karam was a successful businesswoman, unique leader, and rich personality who was bent on giving and sacrificing for the sake of the country. She will always be remembered as a pioneering change maker in the field of women’s empowerment.