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Introducing The Entrepreneur Behind The Cover Of The July 2022 Issue Of Global Elite Entrepreneur Magazine: Guruji Shrii Arnav

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In a major scoop, Global Elite Entrepreneur magazine was able to get in touch with the Grandmaster and Guru of Gurus- Guruji Shrii Arnav, for a no holds barred interview.

The revered and beloved Guruji Shrii Arnav is the father of Astro Gemology and an internationally acclaimed spiritual Guru who uses techniques based on spirituality, Astro Gemology, and modern management methods – he’s a mentor to statesmen and millionaires.

The author of the Magnum Opus” Secrets of Jyotish Gems” (translated into six languages), he is the mentor of the world’s largest E-commerce portal to buy natural Gemstones online (Gemstoneuniverse.com). The website has a mind-boggling reach of 4 million monthly users and has been around since the early days of the Internet in 1996.

From consultants to start-ups as well as superstars, we’re pretty confident our readers will enjoy straight-from-the-heart candid answers from the man who is in the business of changing lives for the better.

Guruji, congratulations on winning the Best Thailand Personality of the Year 2021 award! How does it feel? What was the process for you to find what you wanted to do?

I am very honoured, and a bit surprised in equal measure. To win an award of this magnitude and being the first foreigner and non-Thai person to win this award is very humbling.

I dedicate this award to all human beings who consciously think of their fellow men; yes, they still exist. Thank God for that.

As far as finding the process of what I wanted to do was fairly simple.

I did not want to do anything nor had a step-by-step plan. I just do what I like to do and by which I can make a difference.

Once I had complete confidence in my guru and absolute faith in his words, there was no confusion.

This was further cemented by the feedback I received from people who engaged and interacted with me. That I can positively contribute to their lives is an added reinforcement.

A Beautiful Poignant Moment from Guruji Shrii Arnav’s Birthday

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the Gemstone industry so far?

At Gemstoneuniverse and in my life in general, we are blessed with many memorable experiences every day, so singularly pointing out a single experience would be difficult.

However, last night I was recounting the experience of one man who was suffering from Psoriasis. It was both an uncomfortable and distressing situation for him.

After trying out conventional allopathic treatment with no measurable difference (No improvement – the Psoriasis was manageable) and not cured, he sought my advice.

I advised him to wear a Natural Pearl and Coral combination, massage with a specific herb-infused oil, and listen to a certain audio frequency for 6 minutes daily.

By the Grace of God, his situation improved by nearly 70% within eight weeks.

In addition to improving his condition, the remarkable change in his confidence and attitude was very satisfying.

I am also pleased that gracious people with their names and designations share their experience with Gem therapy and other combination therapies on video at Gemstoneuniverse. You can view them in our testimonial section or on social media pages.

The Grandmaster casts a Vedic Horoscope & Position of Planets as per date, place, and time of birth to reveal amazing details of a Person’s Life and Destiny

It was amazing to see that Global Personalities like Donald Trump Jr., Sporting superstars like Carl Lewis, and other celebrities wish you such warmth on your birthday. Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

Every person I meet is a superstar, a seed with the potential to be a giant, and I am blessed to meet people from all walks of life.

From a milkman to a conglomerate owning a major dairy operation, from a motorcycle mechanic to a conglomerate manufacturing engine for the latest cutting-edge aircraft – I meet all sorts of fascinating people.

That phenomenal people with rare accomplishments decided to surprise me for my birthday, and it was indeed a special gift.

However, as I said, I love and respect every individual who wishes to engage and interact with me, and I am nonjudgemental. I do not classify them with the tags that society gives them. That is the only way I can give them my best and bring out the best in them.

Guruji Shrii Arnav with Admiral Chanchai Charoensuwan of the Royal Armed Forces, Group Captain Prasong P of the Air force Academy Thailand & other senior officers.

What makes your company different than your competitors?

I actually like this question, so I am quite glad you asked me that.

From my standpoint, we are NOT a company.

We are an organization and a movement driven by excellence and values of compassion. Our motto is “Patron Benefit first, and profits are a by-product.”

We love Gem Therapy, we love and respect the ancient spiritual sciences, and we love our patrons. Those individuals from more than 70 nations actively engaging with us is a testimony to the impact of Gemstoneuniverse.

As far as competitors are concerned, I would like to believe and practice that we are our own competition and strive to be always in a state of Kaizen.

We are not cut, copy, and paste masters but inspired scientists and artists.

And till we stay in a constant state of relentless innovation and pursuit of knowledge, we will not have to bother about the so-called competition.


Guruji Shrii Arnav receiving the Best Thailand Personality of the year award 2021.

Your social media posts are quite good and they deliver so much value. People eagerly look forward to meeting you in the Humans of Gemstoneuniverse program. How does one seek your mentorship or be your disciple?

I feel happy that I can deliver some unique value to the amazing people who interact and like to assimilate my posts or the information I share.

This primarily shows two things:

The vast range of avenues available to us to lead a better life and find solutions to our problems, and second, there is no one size fits all solution to problems.

Unique DNA, unique people, and unique methods of life optimization.

Yesterday in my Facebook post, I said I had a problem with the word mindset.

How can a dynamic MIND be SET? That is an absurdity. I was asked to simulate an interview-like situation and to get hired by specifying five words or less about myself. That was a cathartic life-changing exercise for some.

I also said if you are still looking for some course or mindset, etc., as part of your vocabulary, then there is still time to seek me out.

Once the individual is ready, nature automatically connects us. That is the magic and miracle of life.

Latest Yellow Sapphire ring and Nine Gem Talisman collections 2022 designed by Guruji Shrii Arnav & offered by the House of Gemstoneuniverse.

You advise some of the biggest corporations and individuals on finance and investment. What is your take on bitcoin, cryptos, NFT, etc.?

Whatever the economic situation, one should stick to basic solid foundation rules that always deliver.

God’s currency is land, gold, silver, Gemstones, and knowledge – these will never give a negative return despite COVID, stagflation, recession, depression, or whatever fancy words so-called experts throw at you.

Be conservative rather than greedy, and let the power of compounding do wonders for you.

For young entrepreneurs and individuals, a good primary goal is to have extra funds for one whole year in case you won’t be doing anything.

If you can calculate your yearly burn and work towards having that in reserve, you will automatically have excellent learning and practice, which should be enough.

Guruji Shrii Arnav appointed as the Mentor and Head of Strategy of Udon Thani Football club.

Your life is a roller coaster with so many fascinating things happening. What are your big-ticket items for 2022?

I think the primary focus now is on the Gem Art, ensuring that Gem supply and pricing remain stable and cutting-edge alternative healing centres including working with sacred herbs including legalized Cannabis (Smiles). I cannot say more at his juncture, and my heartfelt regards and best wishes to your team and readers. Stay well and Stay Blessed.

You can follow the amazing Guruji Shrii Arnav on social media via the links below:

Website: www.gemstoneuniverse.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/gemstoneuniverse

Instagram: @gemstoneuniverse

You can also follow Guruji Shrii Arnav’s public updates on his Facebook for daily energy contemplations via the address below:

www.facebook.com/emeraldriverindia

Wearing Love on his Heart- Guruji Shrii Arnav on a Cannabis Plantation

Meet The Rising Star Behind The Cover Of The July 2022 Issue Of GEQ Magazine: Cleopatra Fitzgerald

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New York City powerhouse Cleopatra Fitzgerald is a philanthropist, experienced researcher, politician, writer, activist of causes, and celebrity/influencer. Fitzgerald is also an interfaith minister who can officiate weddings, funerals, and baptisms from all types of religions – she is able to work with the various ideas and beliefs of each religion.

Many will recognize the politician/influencer as an NYC Mayoral Candidate. She was awarded the Martin Luther King’s award for her leadership and fight against discrimination of all types. At first, she was a longtime Democrat; then for several years she became independent as a Republican, and then she eventually returned back to the Democratic Party in early 2021. Throughout the years, she’s been an active voice who has worked towards fixing broken systems. She has met with many of the city’s politicians, including the Manhattan Borough President, a U.S. representative, as well as a Senate candidate. She’s been featured on Twiplomacy’s Twitter accounts most followed by world leaders and has been invited to attend high-profile events such as George W. Bush’s Official President’s Dinner Invitation, Barack Obama’s World Leaders Forum/gathering at the Hilton Hotel, and President Trump’s inaugural celebration, opening of the campaign office for an Independence Party presidential candidate to name a few. If Fitzgerald ever decides to run for political office again, she will be doing so for the awareness campaign causes of global issues that matter to the populace.

Fitzgerald was born on February 16th, 1984 in Manhattan, New York City. As a teen, she took several theatre classes and spent time acting and playwriting while in college. She also graduated with a degree in political science. At one point Fitzgerald attended a music college and was invited to perform with her violin various times at the Lincoln Center. She wants to rescue preoccupied minds from doubts with compassion. Her passions are varied and dynamic. Fitzgerald has participated in art drawing, and her work has been featured in museums – in fact, at the age of 12, she drew and sculpted nude life models from both genders at the academy.

GEQ magazine recently caught up with Fitzgerald to discuss her journey in the industry and here’s what she said:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

Our families in general come from a variety of performing arts, arts, and diverse industries that value fashion in view of their hereditary traditions, aesthetics, social status, global ethnicity, and other components. Primarily, my participation in fashion was when I began studying a hobby “art and sculpture” at the academy and I started to design fashion sketches as a mode of art – my instructor was a fashion designer. I have studied the history of fashion and was accepted into a fashion institute but did not attend because I was already enrolled at another school with differing subjects. In high school, they offered designing classes and I took art classes. As a global celebrity and fashion model, I believe that fashion can be educational and anyone with devotion and inspiration can become a designer. In my fashion modeling, I have used fashion in diverse settings and for various front cover stories.

What do you like most about being a designer?

Designing is about mixing themes, historical eras, concepts, etc. The part I appreciate about fashion is that it is about the human senses to raise awareness, to resolve situations of the present and the future. Fashion gives shape and meaning to a design that can heal, and transform our globe with betterment and not as a world upside down with deficiencies and broken systems. We can see trending for instance: Fashion for the environment, political issues, charity, prevention of diseases and so much more.

Downside to being a designer?

The time can be somewhat of a downside for designers. Considering the time spent in putting together all elements of the design which are visual geometry, symbols, textures, and so forth that should be meticulously, and properly placed in order. Whatever the focus of the theme to be depicted it takes concentration and organization to produce a marketable product.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

I was in a Halloween pageantry and my topic was titled “The Masked Senorita Costume” -I did not have the sole thought that I was going to be selected. When the judges without even knowing who I was, rewarded me – that is how I increased my motivation by portraying with my fashion the multitude of cultures in the world.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I have met many distinguished people in my life including those dearly departed and those I had the pleasure of meeting during different events. In the fashion industry, while I was part of the art house the previous principal and art-house director Ms.Needler introduced me to fashion designer Norma Kamali. Additionally, on the street, Steven Kolb happened to be passing by and we spoke for a while. Among these are countless others I had the pleasure of meeting.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry? This can be about the industry or about yourself.

The important lesson is that women, men, and children models in the fashion industry should not be exploited. Sadly, many models are subjected to unfair wages, rape, sexual trafficking, child abuse, health problems like anorexia, and further types of abuse. Hopefully, human rights groups, organizations, law enforcement, and investigative journalists have made the planet alert and laws are being passed.

Is your family supportive of you being a designer?

Yes, they are supportive because my mission is not for my own benefit it is for the public wellbeing.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I am satisfied with my past – however, I believe that throughout my educational years up till now, we are still in need of school reform. When something was wrong in the schools, I contacted the principal, sergeant, and the educational authorities. Nonetheless, more should be done to prevent bias, discrimination, harassment, stereotyping, bullying, and crimes. The surveillance cameras, metal detectors, guards, and policies might solve a portion of the issue but there is an abundance of defects that keep on persisting.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

I do not forget the plenty of honest people whose words of advice were truly uplifting. I even give credit to and thank critics as everyone is entitled to their own opinions. One of the most important pieces of advice I received was from my math teacher Mr. Greco who said, “never change the way you are.” Optimistic affirmations really make a difference.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it?

Plans are continuous as long as there are causes to advocate for and learning from others is a lifelong process. “Cosmic Worlds” and “Causes” signifies that I am advocating for the world and cosmic issues which present new concerns as times keep on advancing. Thus, finding resolutions to recurring dilemmas.

Must-Watch: Miss Earth Australia 2022 Grand Launch & Fashion Show

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What: Stargazer Production Pty Ltd together with Hyatt Regency Sydney and Megaworld International cordially invites you to attend an afternoon to remember.

Miss Earth Australia is a national beauty pageant that promotes awareness of environmental issues and the steps that can be taken by everyone to reduce our environmental footprint.

Miss Earth Australia is part of Miss Earth International, which has organizations in 120 countries and is now one of the world’s top three international beauty pageants.

Miss Earth Australia aims to channel the beauty pageant entertainment industry as an effective tool to promote awareness. The Miss Earth Australia Gala and Grand Coronation will be celebrating the reign and passing of the crown of Miss Earth Australia 2021, Phoebe Soegiono to the new Miss Earth Australia 2022.

You can witness the crowning of the new Miss Earth Australia 2022 on Saturday, July 30 at Hyatt Regency Hotel. A red carpet event with Miss Earth Australia supporters, patrons, and sponsors will be held to mark the occasion. Tickets are very limited so please buy your tickets NOW before it’s too late.

PRE SHOW SOCIALS: Time to catch up! Get to mingle with everyone as we serve VIP guests welcome drinks as well as a selection of chef-recommended canapes.

PRE SHOW PRESENTATION: A parade of Miss Earth Australia 2021 Queens and Miss Little, Junior as well as Teen Earth Australia 2022 Queens.

FASHION SHOW: An intimate show presenting several of our up-and-coming Australian designers will showcase their new collections featuring Stargazer Models and the National Finalists of Miss Earth Australia 2022.

MISS EARTH AUSTRALIA 2022 GRAND LAUNCH: The official launch of this year’s Miss Earth Australia 2022 will introduce their National Finalists representing the states of New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia.

A truly exciting journey ahead – after two years of virtually selecting their winner to officially represent Australia in the month-long Miss Earth International competition, they are finally back for a week-long face-to-face competition in selecting the next Environmental Queen from Down Under.

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT MISS EARTH AUSTRALIA 2022???

Where: Hyatt Regency Sydney (161 Sussex Street, Sydney, NSW 2000)

When: Saturday, 30 July 2022 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm AEST

Tickets: Via this link

Meet The Rising Star Behind The Cover Of The June 2022 Issue Of GEQ Magazine: Jojo Almazora Sebastian

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Jojo Almazora Sebastian is a Filipino-American from Kapolei, Hawaii, based in Sydney, Australia – he’s a devoted and compassionate frontliner and nurse who works in the Operating Theatre at a busy Metropolitan Hospital in Sydney. However, on weekends, this orthopaedic nursing unit manager transforms into a charming and dashing tuxedo-attired singer-entertainer and master of ceremonies. A veteran of the United States Military Forces (USAF), he could be seen regularly in concerts where he performs as a front act for local and international artists. He has been a main staple in the local and International Pageants from the Philippines, Hawaii, and Australia in the last 17 years.

This former disc jockey of Brother Joe and Pinoy Love Crew 101.5 FM KPHI Honolulu has been named the Australian Best Pageant Host in the Australian Golden Sash Awards from 2019 through to 2021 and is due to represent Australia once more in the World Championship of Performing Arts (WCOPA 2023) to be held in California in July 2023 in the categories of singing, dancing, and modelling/spokesperson.

Jojo has been an awardee in Sydney’s Best Dressed for the last two years due to his excellent dressing sense and confident personality. For 2021, Sydney Best Dressed Organisation has awarded Jojo the Top Male Fashion Icon of the Year. This also landed him an award for the Inaugural Ceremony of World’s Best Dressed. Furthermore, he has been nominated for Manila’s Best Dressed for 2021 to represent Australia in the prestigious Annual Event in 2022. Moreover, he was given an award at the 2021 Australian Modelling and Fashion Awards. Jojo also is an Ambassador for Sassy and Co Clothing 2021 which endeavours to teach everyone in the community fashion sustainability and once more to breathe a new life to old clothes through recycling and repurposing. Jojo was also named the first brand ambassador for MADE FOR MEN – an organic skincare made for men.

Jojo has also been busy in the catwalk – he participated in the runway at the 2021 Australian Multicultural Fashion Festival, 2021 Sassy and Co Fashion Runway, 2021 Australian Modelling and Fashion Awards, 2021 Australian Fashion Preview, 2021 This Is Me Fashion Show and 2021 Miss Earth Australia Fashion Show amongst other. Jojo recently walked for Trinitiry Dawson – a Sydney Designer, in the New York Fashion Week last February 2022, and LAKME Fashion Show in June 2022. He has been invited back to grace New York Fashion Week this coming September 2022.

This year has been fruitful for Jojo, as he has been nominated and awarded numerous accolades such as Global Elite Achiever Awardee at the 2022 Global Awards Night (Utah, USA), International Pageant King of the Year at the 2022 Ganap Global Achiever Awards (Manila, Philippines), International Multi-Awarded Personality of the Year at the 2022 Ganap Global Achievers Awards (Manila, Philippines), Ambassador of Culture and Arts 2022 (Sydney, Australia), and representative of Sydney’s Best Dress at Manila’s Best Dress 2022.

In terms of his modelling career, 2021, and 2022 have been fruitful for Jojo. He has graced the cover of numerous magazines all over the world to date and there are still at least 6 in the works. He has appeared in the covers of GEQ magazine (February 2021 issue), Model and Mode (February 2021 issue), InLife International (March 2021 issue), Inside Pageant (4th Issue – USA – May 2021), Ganap Internation Magazine (2nd Issue – USA – 2nd Quarter 2021), StarCentral Magazine (June 2021 issue), Vous Magazine Men – Spain (June 2021 issue), Chicstilo Magazine (August 2021 issue), Vanity Philippines (October 2021 issue), Fashion Art Media Magazine (October – December 2021 Issue Scotland), Sash Magazine (January 2022 issue), Vanity Philippines (February 2022 issue), Ganap International Magazine (February 2022 issue), Fashion Arts Media Magazine – Scotland/United Kingdom (March 2022 issue, and Roidx Magazine – Paris, France (April 2022 issue). The list does not include radio, YouTube, and television interviews he has done in 2022 promoting his advocacies and charities.

Jojo has continued to expand his horizon by hosting a tv show in Australia TV1 with Mrs. Universe Australia Mary Rose Salubre under MS Production, where they feature interesting people, events, and places in Australia.

Overall, Jojo’s vision and purpose in this endeavor are to have a bigger platform to introduce and promote his advocacies.

GEQ recently caught up with Jojo to discuss his journey in the industry, and here’s what went down:

What is something that sets you apart or makes you unique?

Two things make me unique. My experience and passion sets me apart from my contemporaries. Passion drives me to be hungry to improve and try new things. That passion makes me look for adventures and journeys that I would not necessarily take. That passion provides me the niche and courage to run after things that people think would be out of my reach. That passion gets me that experience that made me the person that I am today.

What would you talk about if you could speak on national television for 30 minutes?

If I could speak on national TV for half an hour, I would take the opportunity to talk about my advocacies. My advocacies include the following: (1) children and (2) Volunteerism. For the Children, I continue to support various charitable institutions and fundraise for Sydney Children’s Hospital and Cerebral Palsy Foundation. Overall, I have raised, and helped raise over $38,000 AUD for various organisations and charities I support. For about ten years, I have provided scholarship for the less fortunate in the Philippines to continue their college education.

One of the projects I have concentrated on is Community Service by Volunteerism. Volunteering is generally considered an altruistic activity where an individual or group provides services for no financial gain. Volunteering is often intended to promote goodness or improve the human quality of life. Volunteering may have positive benefits for the volunteer, and the person or community served. I highly believe that if our community comes together and volunteers, even for just a couple of hours a month under any charitable institution and non-profit organisation – it will make a positive difference in the personal and professional aspects of all individuals involved, especially oneself. Furthermore, I would like for the community to realise that volunteering is a social responsibility of all its members, especially for the marginalised and disadvantaged.


Photographed By: George Azmy
Clothes: Zara
HMUA: Marilou Bautista
Skin Care: Chocolate Day Spa

What are three goals you want to accomplish in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to complete my Master’s in Nursing Education, establish a Scholarship Foundation to support students to continue their University Education in Australasia, and probably settle down in my own house in Australia.

What do you want your legacy to be?

I want to be remembered as a person of passion who has lived my life in the fullness of serving others.

Photographed By: Elegantography
Clothes: Zara
HMUA: Marilou Bautista
Skin Care: Chocolate Day Spa

How do you try to make a difference in your community?

I believe that being a role model in the community is what we can do. Encouraging others to come out and volunteer their time to various charitable institutions and non-profit organisations is how I try to make a difference. As we all know, there are so many charity and nonprofit institutions that would like to help our community, and what lacks is volunteers. So let us all get out there and volunteer. Let us also encourage others to volunteer.

How do you define failure?

Personally, I define FAILURE as a stepping stone to achieving the goal you set. It’s quite cliché; however, it’s true. I learned not to dwell on the negative feelings that a situation brings; instead, find the positive in it and try to make it work to my advantage – the least you could do is write it off as experience and move forward.

Photographed By: George Azmy
Clothes: Zara
HMUA: Marilou Bautista
Skin Care: Chocolate Day Spa

How would you describe yourself in 1 word?

One word to describe me is PASSIONATE.

What is one thing in your life you would go back and change?

I would not change anything I have been through; however, if I could spend more time with my family, especially with my father, before he passed away, I would.

If you could wish for anything, what would it be?

If I could wish for anything, it would have to be more go-getter when I was younger.

Photographed By: George Azmy
Clothes: Zara
HMUA: Marilou Bautista
Skin Care: Chocolate Day Spa

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Find Out More About Courtney B. Riley, The CEO Of Proximo Marketing Strategies

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Courtney B. Riley is the CEO and visionary behind Proximo Marketing Strategies, an international marketing firm based out of Hampton Roads, Virginia.

Driven by passion and a calling to serve, Courtney leverages her talent for innovative thinking with a genuine enthusiasm for seeing others succeed, to help her clients find and pursue their true purpose while also providing them with the necessary tools to successfully position their brands in the marketplace. She is an active and appreciated member of her community, serving as adjunct faculty at local colleges, educating students on best practices for marketing in the 21st century, and serving on the board of several non-profit organizations. A published author and recent recipient of the 40 Under 40 and Woman of Excellence award, Courtney Riley has been called “One to watch in the marketing world,” by Authority Magazine.

With a decade of success behind her, Courtney now focuses her efforts on helping other entrepreneurs, CEOs and visionaries employ the principles of the Love-Centric Business Model to not only achieve success and fulfillment for themselves, their employees, and their customers but to do it all on their own terms.

Of course, more important than any professional accomplishments are the blessings Courtney counts in her personal life – her husband, Matt, teenage son, Dominic, and toddler, Bella. Yes. You read that right – a teenager and a toddler! Needless to say, Courtney knows a thing or two about chaos and overwhelm and practices what she preaches not only on the job but also at home, recognizing that living a life of love has also meant loving herself enough to prioritize self-care. When she’s not helping entrepreneurs thrive and build love-centric businesses, Courtney can be found soaking up family time and sunshine in the backyard, relaxing with yoga or enjoying a quiet moment with God’s word.

Global Elite Media Group recently caught up with Gila to discuss her journey as an entrepreneur, and here’s what went down:

What are you currently doing to maintain/grow your business?

Nurturing relationships. Right now, as the world struggles to navigate a staffing crisis and heavy turnover, I’m investing time and energy into nurturing the relationships I have with my team and encouraging them to do the same with one another. Loving people that love our clients have a beautiful trickle-down effect! I’m also keeping the relationships we have with our current clients at the forefront of all we do, continuing to cultivate those relationships, and exploring how we can add even more value. 90% of our new business comes from happy clients that see what we can do, and share the impact with other business owners and leaders that they know. The best part about that? We get more clients like the ones we have (and love!). It’s a win-win!

What form of marketing has worked well for your business throughout the years?

Honestly, it’s pretty ironic, but I’ll always be a grassroots girl at heart. Cultivating relationships that already exist, and investing time and attention to those around me, has had the greatest ROI. I genuinely want the people around me to succeed, and I believe they feel that. Naturally, when people they know need to experience that same love and support, I’m the person they refer.

What social media platforms do you usually use to increase your brand’s awareness?

Facebook, Instagram, and (recently) TikTok.

What is the toughest decision you had to make in the last few months?

Declining work. Good work, with good prospects, We are BUSY. And if that busyness gets in the way of us delivering what a new client deserves, I refuse to take them on. It’s tough when you support a team financially, and even tougher when the prospect is someone that you’d genuinely WANT to work with. But no amount of money is worth your integrity (or quality of service) taking a back seat.

How has your business been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

I hate to say it, but it’s been a season of growth, in a big part from the impact of the pandemic. For years, businesses did things the same way they had always been done. Conservative entrepreneurs, who had once been innovative leaders, had become complacent. The pandemic shook the boat. It pushed people to embrace change that they had shied away from for decades. Suddenly, people that had watched my team and I help our clients take their business to new places, from the sidelines, needed and wanted us to help them navigate the changes they were forced to implement. In short, the pandemic shook the boat and made space for us to help people navigate the turbulent waters of marketing.

How have you adapted your business operations in response to COVID-19 and its associated impacts?

Fortunately, we were virtual prior to the pandemic, so we felt minimal hiccups in that regard. The unprecedented growth we experienced, however, took quite a bit of navigating. In fact, it’s still something we spend intentional time nurturing. We have weekly team meetings, quarterly (if not more frequent) team get-togethers, and even brought on a team member to help co-shepherd our team with me. She spends time in leadership development, and personal and spiritual growth, and acts as a safe-zone sounding board for our crew. Learning to love in a way that makes this team unique has been one of the most impactful adaptations our team has experienced!

What have been some of the most important lessons you have learned because of this pandemic?

If nothing else, the pandemic reminded me how little control we truly have, and how IN CONTROL our Heavenly Father is. I heard an analogy recently about a farmer that worked diligently on his land; tilling, planting, and watering his soon-to-be crops. Just like him, we are called to work with excellence in all things that we are given to steward, including our businesses, clients, and employees. We pour into them, invest into them, and nurture them with all that we have. But at the end of the day, whether the sun shines, rain falls and photosynthesis happens is not within the farmer’s hands. Similarly, after all of the hard work we put into our career tracks, God Himself has the final say on what sort of fruit they produce. The pandemic has increased both my faith and my resiliency!

What do you hope to see happen in the near future for small businesses all over the world?

I hope people let their boats shake. I hope they embrace change as gracefully as they can, and above all else, I hope that they prioritize the PEOPLE in their corner. Their clients, their employees, and their families deserve to be loved fiercely, at all costs.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up a new business in this pandemic?

Surround yourself with a tribe of people that are willing to pour into you. You need people that will be brutally honest and cheer you on, all at the same time. Find the ones that have been in the trenches and are living a life that you aspire to have, then humble yourself and ASK. FOR. HELP. We were ALL where you are right now, once!

The 2022 Sydney Film Festival Has Just Announced Its Full 2022 Lineup

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Sydney Film Festival’s full program is officially here! You can now explore over 200+ films from June 8-19, with cinema from around the world sure to captivate, delight, and shock.   

Catch Australian and International films and documentaries directed by and starring women across our entire program. Watch incredible Australian films such as THE SWEETNESS, nominated for a Documentary Australia award, and SERIOUSLY RED, directed by Gracie Otto in her feature-length debut. Don’t miss the Europe! Voices of Women in Film program strand, dedicated to women directors and their stories. Watch LOVING HIGHSMITH, BLUE MOON, and GIRL PICTURE, only in the cinema, only at SFF. 

You can explore the program and book your tickets via this link. 

Don’t miss the Europe! Voices of Women program via this link.

Entrepreneur Spotlight: Find Out More About Gila Kurtz, A #1 International Best-Selling Author & Serial Entrepreneur

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Gila Kurtz is a #1 international best-selling author and serial entrepreneur who found her deepest passion in working with dogs and their people. Following a career in education, she built a successful dog training business and then co-founded the award-winning, highly recognizable lifestyle brand for dog lovers, Dog is Good. Along with her husband, Jon, Gila took the Dog is Good brand from start-up to a seven-figure company.

She is the recipient of several business awards, including recognition as one of the top 25 women of influence in the pet industry, Woman of the Year by the Women in the Pet Industry Network, and was featured in Success Magazine, Forbes Magazine, and on the Grow Wire Show.

Author of Fur Covered Wisdom…A Dog Can Change the Way You See the World, Gila’s dog-centric approach to life, leadership, and relationships is authentic and immediately relatable. She utilizes her skills as a canine expert and compelling teacher to engage audiences in “muttnificent mastery” and inspires individuals to “fetch a life worth barking about.”

Global Elite Media Group recently caught up with Gila to discuss her journey as an entrepreneur, and here’s what went down:

When did your entrepreneurial flair first reveal itself?

After marrying an “officer and a gentleman”, I quickly realized that maintaining my chosen profession as a teacher would be challenged by the moves that occurred every two years. I decided to launch a business selling lingerie at home parties. As I experienced success, I began looking for other businesses that I could easily transport from move to move. As often happens, with every experience new doors open and those doors opened to the roads which paved the way to where I am today as an entrepreneur.

How did your life look like before being an entrepreneur?

My life did not look that much different. I am a lifelong learner and have always spent time focused on personal growth and development. I have always focused on delivering more than expected. I have always made my health and values a priority.

As an entrepreneur, what is it that motivates and drives you?

The desire to make a difference and have a positive impact on the world and community around me.

In one word, describe your life as an entrepreneur and explain why.

Magnetic: I attract what I focus on …and I focus on attracting only good people into my life, only good opportunities to align with, and I stay committed to my vision to change lives one dog at a time.

What were your top three motivations for starting your business?

Create something stylish and meaningful that highlights the dog-human bond.

Build a family business.

Make a difference.

What would you say are the key elements for starting and running a successful business?

– Take time to identify the bigger picture vision and get clear on why you want to create your business.

– Identify and focus on revenue-generating activities

– Align with people who share your core values

– Never worry about the “how”…Identify the “ who”

– Ask for help

What are the three biggest challenges you have faced growing the business and how did you overcome them?

– Costly manufacturing disasters: found new manufacturers, shifted strategy on growing sales.

– COVID: regrouped, assessed core verticals, and leaned in on what was working.

– Team: early on we did not have the right people in the right places…learned to hire for values and work ethic.

What form of marketing has worked well for your business throughout the years?

Word of mouth, b2c conversations, email marketing, and Facebook.

As you grew the business, what have been some of the most important leadership lessons you have learned?

I am a bottleneck for growth if I don’t empower others around me. Lead by example, empower others, trust but verify. I hold the vision – but I don’t know everything…learn from the experts I bring to the team.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Focus on where you are going…not on where you are at.

What advice would you give to a newbie Entrepreneur setting up their first business?

Know where you want to go and who you need to help get you there. Get a mentor, fast.

5 Tips To Manage Your Mental Health and Well-Being During The COVID-19 Outbreak

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The world has certainly been turned upside down over the last couple of months. These unprecedented times have tested people and the impact of the pandemic will be seen for a long time. This has, however, given people a good opportunity to get to grips with their physical and mental wellness. If you are someone who exercises regularly then you will understand how important it is to a human being’s stability. Our emotional status is often very closely linked with our physical state.

Think about it, if you have a stressful day at work it is compounded by any physical ailment you may be experiencing. Stress is exponentially increased when we are out of balance with our bodies and the current situation has led to a lot of stress going around. We need to make sure that we are keeping tabs on our physical and mental well-being. This article will give you 5 tips to maintaining yourself during a pandemic and hopefully teach you to deal with stress a lot easier.

Here are 5 steps to get you going throughout the day:

Step 1: Wake up and make your bed.

Step 2: Eat a well-balanced breakfast.

Step 3: Take a moment to plan your day (without using your phone or technology).

Step 4: Pick a time to put on your exercise shoes and do it.

Step 5: Put on your shoes.

You do not have to be lifting weight or going for 2 hour runs every day. Simple exercises with simple movements can have a massive impact on your health and mental state. A good rule of thumb is that you should aim for half an hour of exercise every day. Regular exercise has proven to increase your brains ability to process serotonin and norepinephrine. These are the hormones in your brain that manage your ability to deal with stress. Simple exercise and getting the blood flowing can have a tremendous impact on your mood and stress levels. Another vital impact of exercise is that it will give you more energy. It may seem like a contradiction but the more energy you use, the more you actually have. If you spend all day on the couch your body will become accustomed to that lifestyle and you will find it harder and harder to get up and get going. During a pandemic, it is absolutely crucial that you keep your energy levels up because it is hard enough to deal with lockdown in a normal state, doing it while feeling tired and lethargic is much harder. Give yourself the boost you need by training your body and your mind.

Maintaining a healthy mindset is so important at this time. Everyone is dealing with the pandemic in different ways and you will find that those who are able to cope with the hardships are probably those people who have regular exercise routines. Taking care of your body creates a positive atmosphere and you will find that your mental state improves with each day that you spend on the go. You do not have to become a world-class athlete; you just need to get your body moving. Even a simple walk around the block can have massive effects on your well-being.

How to Use Social Media for Small Business: 4 Surefire Tips

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Social media marketing has exploded into the online marketing industry within the last few years and has completely redefined it. With well over 3 billion active users, the figures are set only to rise, and many companies have already begun to capitalize on its valuable assets, influence, and connectivity.

We have outlined 4 secrets below to growing your business with social media and ultimately improving your revenue and audience.

 1. Promote your e-commerce store

This point may sound obvious at first, but it is critical that this is executed correctly. Ensure users can easily find your store by linking to it in your profile descriptions, posts, stories, and tweets; However, you must keep in mind that consumers do not want to be ‘sold’ to. Some businesses swear by certain ‘content to hard sell’ ratios, for example, 5 posts of purely unique content and inspiration that your followers will value, then 1 post with a hard sell and direct link to your online shop or service.

 2. Content is King

Little and often, an age-old saying, but one that reigns true in the world of social media. Your customers and followers do not want to be bombarded every hour, they can quickly grow tired of your content, no matter how unique or engaging it is. You have to leave them wanting more.

In terms of what your social media posts should contain. Content really is king. The videos, photos or text that you post cannot be repetitive or flat. Some of the most popular types of posts that have gone viral include humor and creativity. Ensure though that you keep your target audience in mind when creating content and keep it relevant.

3. Influencers and Bloggers

Once a very misunderstood industry. Businesses are now understanding the vast potential influencer marketing has for their business. Influencers are everyday people from all walks of life, who particularly inspire a group of individuals who idolize or respect their values and opinions. By expertly selecting influencers who match your product or service values you have the ability to reach a very niche but widespread target audience.

4. Communication

Social media is a means of communication after all. It is important to engage in conversation with not only your followers but other businesses and brands too. Being polite, witty and friendly when interacting with others on social media is key.

However, you must ensure that any awkward or abusive comments and interactions from users are dealt with professionally and calmly. If you have an employee who controls your business account, it is of paramount importance that they understand this too. The world is watching, and social media has the power to spread rude or abusive reactions from a business very quickly. In the past it has even helped to completely destroy the reputation of brands, so count to 10 and reply with consideration and respect.

 In conclusion, social media incorporates a huge number of target markets, although different platforms appeal to different types of users (for example Snapchat appeals to ages 18-25, and Facebook pre-dominantly ages 18-45), social media as a whole is used by almost every culture, age, and nationality on Earth. As long as you are providing enriching content and utilizing appropriate marketing techniques like influencers or adverts, you will begin to see positive growth in followers and engagement on your social accounts, which should transcend to sales and profit for your business.

5 Surefire Ways To Tame Food Cravings So You Can Avoid Weight Gain

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It’s always important to consider the ways in which you can improve on yourself. And a common goal for anyone is to want to lose weight. And it is equally as common to find that weight loss resolutions are easily broken. Some of this failure can be attributed to the common misconception around weight loss is that you have to forsake everything you love in order to achieve your goal. Not only is this notion untrue, but it is also actually the opposite of the truth.

Below five ways for you to shrink your waistline without having to sacrifice your food cravings.

Exercise

The key to losing weight is to burn calories, and a good way to burn calories is to participate in moderate exercise. The most effective exercise to burn calories and belly fat is a combination of weightlifting and aerobic exercises. Prior to beginning an exercise regimen, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to ensure that there are no underlying health risks for moderate exercise.

Keep Good Portions

There is a ring of truth to the phrase “all things in moderation.” Even if you’re eating what you want, smaller portions will have smaller amounts of calories and fats. But just because you eat smaller portions of your favorite things, that doesn’t mean you have a license to make that favorite food the only thing you eat. Instead, eat balanced portions of your favorite junk food, fruits, vegetables, and protein.

Eat Smaller Meals Throughout the Day

Conventional wisdom talks about eating three square meals each day, but conventional wisdom has more recently taken a back seat to the notion that light snacking throughout the day is the way to go. If you don’t eat throughout the day except for regular meal times, you may be inclined to eat more. But if you lightly snack throughout the day, you can avoid those big meal pig-out sessions.

Embrace Your Caffeine Habit

Coffee and other sources of caffeine can act as an appetite suppressant, making you want to eat less. If coffee or tea is one of the things you love, go ahead and have some. But remember to have it in moderation.

When you eat, Don’t Over Eat

This point goes right alongside the necessity of keeping good portions. Often times when we eat, especially bigger meals, we have the tendency to eat well past the point that we are full. Resist this temptation. If you only eat to the point that you are pleasantly full, you will have an easier time working off those calories.

A Final Word

Losing weight doesn’t have to mean losing your taste for the food and drink you love. And if you follow guidelines for responsible eating of all such tasty food, you will be able to go into next year with more than just a desire to stay thin, but a practical approach to making sure it happens.