Send us a text

What if your most valuable asset isn't listed anywhere on your balance sheet? As businesses struggle with burnout, retention, and ever-increasing demands, well-being strategist Anita Barbero offers a compelling vision for transforming workplace cultures through mindful, strategic wellness integration.

Drawing from her extensive experience with iconic brands including ESPN, Disney, and Chewy, Barbero dismantles the misconception that well-being is merely a nice-to-have perk. "It needs to be embedded into the very fabric of the organization," she explains, presenting a business case that's impossible to ignore: companies investing in mental health initiatives see up to four times return through reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, and lower healthcare costs.

The magic happens when wellness isn't treated as a disconnected event but woven seamlessly into the corporate rhythm. Rather than disruptive hour-long sessions, Barbero advocates for "mindful minutes" before meetings, short guided breaks, and accessible resources that employees can engage with on their own terms. These micro-interventions, when practiced consistently, create measurable momentum.

The pandemic marked a turning point, revealing what's possible when leaders show up with vulnerability and humanity. "Record numbers attended virtual well-being sessions," Barbero shares, "and executives appeared from their living rooms—not polished, but real." This crisis taught us that resilience isn't about pushing through; it's about pausing, connecting, and creating space for what's authentic.

By blending science (evidence-based tools), spirit (purpose and connection), and strategy (sustainable practices), Barbero offers a holistic approach to workplace wellness that transcends trendy programs. In a workforce that's "tired, burned out, and craving something real," these practices aren't luxuries—they're necessities for organizations that want to thrive.

Looking for practical strategies to transform your workplace culture? Connect with Anita Barbero at anitabarbero.com or find Renew Your Health on social media to discover how mindful moments can create measurable momentum in your organization.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

Send us a text

What happens when a million-mile corporate traveler trades global supply chains for hand-poured candles? Sherry Owens-Thompson's remarkable transformation from retail VP to founder of Wild Orchid Candle Company reveals how decades of strategic business experience can ignite an entrepreneurial flame.

After years of feeling like "just another asset" in corporate America, Sherry embraced her passion for candle-making—discovering that creating the perfect candle requires a delicate dance between science and art. She explains the crucial differences between mass-market candles that burn black, sooty smoke and her premium, sustainable creations using coconut, apricot, and soy waxes that burn cleaner and last longer.

Beyond building a thriving business with impressive customer retention, Sherry's story illuminates how entrepreneurship enables purpose-driven work. Through her WOW Academy, she brings STEAM education to young people, teaching emotional regulation and mindfulness alongside candle science. Her private labeling services help fellow small businesses create memorable branded products that outlast traditional promotional items.

The conversation delves into the intersection of business strategy and social impact, offering practical wisdom for anyone considering their entrepreneurial journey. As Sherry says, "You truly are the master of your own destiny," emphasizing the importance of surrounding yourself with people who help you level up rather than hold you back.

Ready to explore how your skills might fuel an unexpected business opportunity? Visit wildorchidcandles.com to discover how science, sustainability, and strategy come together in perfect harmony.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!

Send us a text

Solving the $10,000 Problem: Your Path from Personal Brand to Investment-Ready Business

What separates thriving businesses from struggling ones? According to Grant McGaugh, CEO of Five Star BDM, it's the ability to solve high-value problems while building a multi-dimensional business strategy. In this illuminating session, Grant shares his journey from corporate IT professional to business advisor, revealing how a layoff in 2019 became the catalyst for creating a comprehensive business framework that now serves entrepreneurs worldwide.

The cornerstone of Grant's approach is what he calls "the $10,000 problem" - identifying and addressing challenges that represent significant financial value to potential clients. This threshold matters because it's where prospects stop scrolling and start engaging. As Grant explains, "If what you're doing is not solving at least a $10,000 problem, most people will just keep scrolling past you." This insight forms the foundation of the BRAVE Blueprint - a methodology encompassing Brand identity, Research, Assets, Visibility, and Execution.

Grant reveals how his business operates across three interconnected dimensions. Personal branding serves as the entry point, creating the know-like-trust factor essential for attracting clients. Business development transforms individual expertise into scalable frameworks, recurring revenue models, and operational efficiencies. Finally, investment banking strategies position businesses for capital raises, strategic partnerships, or eventual exits - requiring demonstrable competitive advantages, protected intellectual property, and reliable financial forecasts.

For entrepreneurs feeling stuck, Grant offers a refreshing perspective on business growth: "Senior leaders typically aren't operating in the present, they're operating in the future. They're creating the future that we're going to experience." This forward-thinking approach includes developing specific milestones, building financial reserves, and sometimes considering acquisition rather than organic growth when time-to-market is critical.

Ready to transform your business from personality-dependent to investment-ready? Connect with the Black Business Network every Friday and Saturday from 8am to noon Eastern time to learn more about growing your business and accessing this global community of entrepreneurs.

Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Follow The Brand! We hope you enjoyed learning about the latest marketing trends and strategies in Personal Branding, Business and Career Development, Financial Empowerment, Technology Innovation, and Executive Presence. To keep up with the latest insights and updates from us, be sure to follow us at 5starbdm.com. See you next time on Follow The Brand!