YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids’ Post

Celebrating 2 years of making the marketing magic happen at Aha Media Group 💖 People often ask me how I went from owning a coffee shop and bakery to healthcare marketing. A lot of the things I do in life are strategic. But most of them (often the best of them) just sort of naturally evolve from the people I meet and interests I pursue. Story time! I started growing my coffee business the year Facebook first allowed non-college students to join. There were no business accounts back then. I built a social media strategy around The SweetSpot having a personal profile. First name: The SweetSpot Last name: Coffee Shop Relationship status: It’s complicated I became obsessed with social media marketing. Growing followers 100x and revenue 10x over 10 years. When I graphed it out, the correlation was uncanny. A few years into that, I started teaching other small business owners how to use social media to build their brands. I wanted to know everything I could about social and local SEO so I could share it with others. So I gobbled up every resource I could. In 2016 I took a class on content marketing from Andy Crestodina and it opened my eyes to a world beyond local SEO and social. I have a tendency to go all in on something I’m interested in so … hello, new obsession! Content marketing! ✨ When I sold my business 4 years later, I knew I wanted to focus solely on marketing. After a couple of years working as a consultant across almost every industry you can imagine (no, seriously, I did everything from Pinterest marketing for Gulf Shores Tourism to web copy for industrial saw blade sharpeners), I wanted to find a role where I could learn more and focus on growing a brand. I reached back out to Andy, who is as generous with his time as he is with his expertise. He put me in touch with his marketing director, Amanda Gant, who met with me and said … “I know just the role for you”. A few days later I was interviewing with Ahava Leibtag and felt immediately and inexplicably “at home”. That feeling of just clicking into place. The next month, I had a new job. And my new obsessions are patient experience, health literacy, and AI in healthcare. … There’s a lot more to that story. Like how I was sitting by the pool in a campground in Palm Springs, CA when I met with Andy… Or how I did my Aha Media onboarding from the back of my RV as we drove through Oklahoma… But today I am focusing the power of: 1. Pursuing interests obsessively 2. Reaching out and building connections Both take a growth mindset and a little bit of bravery. And I would not be here today without them. … P.S. Big thanks to Andy and Amanda for your help in guiding me here.

This past weekend, I had the privilege of attending a leadership boot camp organized by the Higherlife Foundation in collaboration with Young and Dynamic. As a representative of the University of Zimbabwe, actively engaged in leading community engagement projects, this experience provided a significant opportunity for personal and professional growth. The camp focused on team building and personal development, essential components of effective leadership. Through a variety of activities—both enjoyable and challenging—I gained valuable insights into the identity of a leader, as well as the necessary skills and roles associated with leadership. It is an honor to have take back some great lessons and scares. Key lessons learned include: The Importance of Leadership Hierarchies: I realized that even leaders require guidance. In a group of 21 individuals, it is not necessary for everyone to take on every task; a few skilled individuals can effectively represent the team. The Centrality of Teamwork: Effective collaboration is crucial. Understanding the skills and competencies of each team member ensures that we can leverage the right talents when needed. Our goal is unity in diversity, working together to achieve our objectives. Networking as a Relationship Builder: The camp provided an excellent platform for networking with peers from various universities and backgrounds. Engaging with coaches was particularly enriching, as it allowed me to learn from their experiences while also facilitating opportunities for others to gain knowledge. Stepping Outside Comfort Zones: One activity prompted me to confront my hesitations and participate despite my initial reluctance. This experience underscored the idea that excuses can hinder our growth and limit our opportunities for learning. Indeed, excuses make you seem so small Embracing the Present: This lesson speaks for itself and emphasizes the importance of being fully engaged in our experiences. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our patrons Mr and Mrs. Masiywa Tsitsi Masiyiwa, Mrs. Molobi Elizabeth Tanya Masiyiwa and the entire Higherlife Foundation leadership for granting us platforms like these to grow.

Thank you Jennifer Bardot, MS, MA! I am happy to become a subscriber! Embark on a transformative path towards personal and professional growth by becoming a subscriber with GRIT! 🚀 Our platform is dedicated to empowering women, providing them with the tools and resources needed to navigate and excel in their professional journeys. 💼 Unlock Professional Development Opportunities: As a GRIT subscriber, you gain exclusive access to a wealth of professional development opportunities. From skill-building workshops to in person luncheons, Jennifer Bardot, MS, MA tailors GRIT offerings to ensure that women can thrive in diverse industries. 🌐 Connect and Collaborate: Forge meaningful connections with like-minded individuals through our vibrant community. Networking is key, and at GRIT, we foster an environment where women can collaborate, share insights, and support each other on their paths to success. ✨ Exclusive Events and Conferences: Experience empowerment in action by attending our exclusive events and conferences. Engage with inspiring speakers, participate in interactive sessions, and immerse yourself in an environment dedicated to fostering your professional growth. 📈 Invest in Yourself: Your professional journey is an investment, and GRIT is here to help you maximize your returns. Subscribe today and take the first step towards a future where you not only succeed but thrive, breaking through barriers and reaching new pinnacles of success. Ready to embrace your journey with GRIT? Subscribe now and let's empower women together, shaping a future where every woman achieves the professional success she deserves! 💪 #GRITEmpowers #ProfessionalDevelopment #WomenInLeadership

Are you hiring for roles in Logistics, Cyber & Tech Support??!! Connect with Navy #Veteran Johnathan Cornelius, BS IFSM! Thank you for joining The KEY Community 14 day challenge, Johnathan! We are enjoying your content!! 👇👇👇 Are you #OpenToWork? Are you #Hiring? We host free monthly in-person networking meetups, career & employment focused workshops & virtual events - there is something for everyone on a #weekly basis. #Register for an upcoming in person or virtual workshops! 👉 Open to all #Jobseekers #Recruiters #Employers #Mentors #HR #EmploymentSupport #Hiring 👉 Tag us on your post & we will share it with our network! #Jobseekers 👉 - Tag us on posts for open positions at companies you are interested in - Engage & Share the roles we post that you or someone you know is interested in. - That way we can share content based on your engagement & interests!

This is allyship in action.

A truly outstanding achievement 🏆👏 Check out this insightful article to learn more about Dame Anne Richards DBE and why she feels that trust is one of the greatest gifts you can give 👇 https://bit.ly/3v3sh0I

Learn more about our President, Matt Young.

Calling organizations, management and leadership to hear what Michelle Williams had to say in her acceptance speech. Still as valid and important today. #HR #hrinsights #HumanPotential #Leadership #BusinessMindset #humanresources

Coach Calhoun and Dean Hoeft are two of our UConn champions! Learn more from them below and if you're interested in learning more about all we are doing at the Pat and Jim Calhoun Cardiology Center, let me know!

Check out the latest FOCUS Highlight of Maner's Jessica Fleet, CPA, CHFP on page 13!