Episode 19: Jacqueline Keuchler-Calveric - Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund

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Jacqueline, Elizabeth, and Carol M. Baldwin
Photo credit: Jacqueline Keuchler-Calveric

Jacqueline Keuchler-Calveric is the granddaughter of Carol M. Baldwin, the founder of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund. Jacqueline also serves as the organization's Associate Director and spokesperson. Alongside her grandmother and mom Elizabeth, Jacqueline works to raise critical funds to support breast cancer services.

Jacqueline didn't always know this was her path and she hopes her winding tale can provide comfort to others as they discover their passion. Take a listen to part 1 of our conversation where she talks being a member of the famous Baldwin family, health scares and moving back home.

Podcast Episode 16 : Eileen Doyon

Eileen's emotional journey can serve for anyone who has experienced profound loss. She believes there are signs that helped lead her to her calling, which is writing books. "The Unforgettable Faces & Stories" series. She was dealt a difficult hand as a young child and has suffered terrible loss but she serves as inspiration with her ability to help others find and share their voice. What an amazing interview. Please share.

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Miranda VonFricken: Faith, Family, and Flip Flops

When I conducted this interview with Miranda I had only met her a couple times. Since then we've shared many hours together dreaming, planning and working on our futures. We each have unique goals but a common bond to need to be around creatives who make things happen. Learn how a little girl from upstate NY made it big but found the biggest reward when she came back home. If you love this podcast leave me a great review!

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Guest Blog: Witnessing a Million Victories to Success by Erin Coufal

Each week I want to share a successful woman's story on this platform. This week Erin Coufal talks about redefining what success means to her and how helping people overcome homelessness has inspired her.   

If you are a successful woman who wants to share your story email me at jodeekenney@gmail.com 

Each day people struggle to maintain housing, get a job, or find their next meal. A big success is moving into their own apartment, but it takes a million small victories to get there. 

When your job is to witness these daily struggles and victories, it changes you. You gain perspective, as well as an appreciation for a much broader definition of success.    

Years ago I owned a condo in NYC, worked in an interesting job, enjoyed fun travel, and socialized with friends often -- life was very satisfying. Then my husband and I had our first child. Our sweet, blue-eyed boy embraced our adventures, and I was fortunate enough to stay home with him to enjoy every trip to the park, museum, and play date with new friends. Again, life was satisfying and more than good. However, I'm not sure I would have considered myself successful. At that moment, my definition of success included promotions, bonuses, and lavish vacations, but I struggled to define a successful life. 

When I got pregnant with my daughter, I longed for a yard and space to spread out. I convinced my husband to take a job transfer up to Albany so we could live near family. We bought and renovated a house, picked out paint colors and furniture, and stressed over the budget as we repaired foundation issues. This pregnancy wasn’t as smooth as the first -- two kids, new house, new town, new car, and new post-partum hormones. It took a while for life to settle in and despite all of these new wonders, I felt utterly unsuccessful. As any mom can tell you, the craziness and monotony of daily life can be taxing. You love your littles but lose yourself. 

I was restless, and when I realized that I needed more, I accepted a position as Communication Manager at a local non-profit organization. The guests we work with are homeless or from low-income families, and I appreciate the opportunity to tell the stories of those who are no longer sleeping in the park, who are overcoming addiction or domestic abuse, or working through mental illness. These individuals rejoice in their successes and share their triumphs with broad smiles. I delight in the opportunity to write and hear others’ success stories, and because of that, I appreciate the triumphs of everyday life. Success is easier to see when it is someone else’s narrative.

Today I don’t look far out into the future to define success, and I don’t look back into the past to stress over the failures. I count the smiles around the dinner table and delight in the snuggles as I tuck my children into bed. I feel happy, knowing that between my family and my work, I am able to make a difference in our community. Over the years my definition of success has evolved, and as a result, I fall asleep each night with a grateful heart. 

Guest Blog: Diary of a Self-Proclaimed Type B By Erin Musto

Each week I want to share a successful women's story on this platform. Last week Vanessa Richards inspired us with her brave story of her ability to succeed in spite of some painful obstacles.  If you are a successful women who wants to share her story email me at jodeekenney@gmail.com 

Today Erin Musto talks about being a successful Type B. I asked her to talk about this because I think there is a misconception that you have to be a certain type of person to be "successful". Well, we both agree that's a complete falsehood. Owning who you are is so important to being a success. We are all unique and have greatness within. Erin Musto is such a beautiful inspiration.  

I have to admit sometimes it is difficult for my brain to wrap itself around that fact that others are different to the core.  I walk into a room often times I forget that not everyone is a solid Type B.  When given the question of ‘big deal or little deal’ I am pretty much always a ‘little deal’ kind of person.  My perception of ‘big deal’ pretty much warrants a trip to the ER for something serious.  My life is littered with lots of ‘little deals’… my car needs tires, I sprained my ankle again, my daughter needs stitches or I spill my seltzer on my laptop.  My brain reminds me that all are fixable… ‘little deal’.

Only in recent years have I stopped to really ponder and appreciate all the different personality types- the ranges that people fit into.  I used to wander around thinking everyone was just.like.me.  Thank goodness, we are not all just alike.  The types of people that we are, the types of personalities we each have help draw us to what we are meant to do.  I will assure you- God did not make me to build bridges or engineer intricate systems.  He knew that who I would become would have a very different role in this world… and it would be far from anything that needed ultimate precision or even level shelving.  I am pretty darn grateful for the lover of accuracy, the one who are patient enough for precise… the builders of safe and sturdy bridges.  

I love being a bold and honest Type B person.  I might as well be accountable and proud of what I am building and what has been built in me.  I know that my personality makes it possible for me to embrace vulnerability, share openly and connect to people.  I think I was created to be a connector, to meet people and hear their story and connect them to another who fits into their journey.

It was a powerful time for me when I started to see and understand the differences in personalities.  It is amazing when we all work together to create and build.  Maddie’s Mark and all of the work I have done through this community has shown me how strong and positive melding personalities can be.  How we each need one another to do big things… working together to really assess when things are a ‘big deal or little deal’.  Recognizing and celebrating my part in all of this with my strong solid Type B right alongside others who organize trips and use tabs… those who keep paperwork and receipts neatly for the future… those who push me to pay attention to details.  I love how we all work together with all of our differences…

Being a self-proclaimed strong and solid Type B has some challenges.  I have so many nail holes hidden under my picture frames.  I like things in sets not pairs.  I never follow recipes- so when it is wicked tasty I can never know what exactly made it that way.  I travel with a backup plan of stopping at Target if we forget something.  I am always the one at the post office borrowing Priority Mail tape to close a package.  I always swear someday I will be one of those people who prepackages their boxes and just carries them in, ready to be shipped.  I long to be a good packer… someday I will fold compact and neatly.  I wish to be the person who doesn’t lose their coat every.single.place.they.go.  

I will someday be a version of me that takes extreme pride in a perfectly mowed lawn… 

Or maybe the gift is that I see all of the above and I just continue being this me and loving me just the way I am.  

Successfully living as a strong and solid Type B, or wishy washy Type A or extreme Type A, is embracing our own type and appreciating all the other ones.  Love the bits of ourselves that are different than others. Melding our personality types and see the fabric it creates- with VERY neatly woven and completely RANDOM all at the same time.  For me, as a Self-Proclaimed Type B, a solid and strong Type B… a bold sharer and a lover of all the vulnerable that makes me broken and healed and happy and messy.  I own it, I proclaim it and I work with it.  Embracing how we are built and working to build well with others is the key to successfully being any personality type.  

Guest Blog: If at First You Don’t Succeed by Vanessa Richards



Each week I want to highlight a successful woman's story here on this platform. Last week, Miranda VonFricken talked about Plan B. If you want to share your story email me at JoDeeKenney@gmail.com for more information.

Today Meteorologist Vanessa Richards talks about not allowing painful experiences define you. It's true that you never know what people truly go through in life, especially if they have a smile and personality as big as the sun. You know Vanessa as a dependable weather forecaster who gets you out the door with the proper gear on, a community volunteer and my friend and coworker who I talk with every morning on Spectrum news, but you may not know her whole story. Today she bravely shares her tale of perseverance and offers inspiration for you on your journey to success. I hope she inspires you as much as she does me- JoDee

Vanessa and her husband Matt

After a young girl saw the movie Twister in 1998, a dream was born. I was 10 years old and I discovered what my lifelong passion would be. Today, I have been a TV Meteorologist for 10 years and counting, teach part time at SUNY Oswego, married a fellow meteorologist, and have found much happiness and success. This is the Vanessa Richards most of my viewers know. What many people don’t know is the journey, trials and tribulations, and mountains climbed to get here today. However, it’s journeys like mine that many people can relate to and have found themselves faced with in one sense or another.

Many know me as the meteorologist with a lot to say and a big personality to go with it, but as a child I was quite the opposite. My elementary school years were filled with tumultuous home conditions including alcoholism and domestic violence. I hadn’t even begun to think of such concepts as success, I was thinking survival. Home life greatly impacted my performance in school as well as my personality. I became a withdrawn and painfully-shy child. I was content with staying in the middle of the pack, flying under the radar, and just getting by. This would all change by 5^{th grade.}

My 5th grade teacher took an interest to me. He asked me to join an after school program called Odyssey of the Mind which I stayed in until I graduated high school, called on me frequently in class, and worked with me on my studies. Before I knew it I was coming out of my shell and I started to see the potential in myself. I spent the rest of my early school career rising up through the ranks, discovering myself, and getting my stride.

Once it was time to choose a college to study weather, I had another mountain in the way of my passion; MATH. Oh, you mean I have to be good at math to be a meteorologist? A painful meeting with my school guidance counselor had me thinking I may never reach my dream. I was told to find a career that was better suited with my skill set; English, Public Speaking, Writing. I will never forget being told that day, ‘if you do this you are going to fail, you will be wasting your time pursuing this given how poor your math skills are’. After a day of crying, cursing, and searching my soul, I decided I would just have to fail then because I was going to college to study Meteorology.


My college years began by going to a local community college to get my math grades up. After 2 years and a lot of tough love from my math professors I was ready for the big leagues. I went to SUNY Oswego where I entered the Meteorology program with 60 other bright eyed students. It took me 3 more years, but I made it to graduation day. Out of those 60 students, only 12 of us made it through the program and only 2 people graduated with high honors. I am proud to say I was one of those students; and as they say in the movies, the rest is history.

I believe many people flight tremendous battles that, in the moment, seem unfair, painful, un-survivable, and pointless. I have had moments I felt like the world was against me. However, I believe it’s in these moments that we are given the fire and determination to overcome and our thirst for SUCCESS is greater than anyone could ever imagine. So if you find yourself in a bad situation you can’t control, a conversation with someone who doesn’t believe in you, or even come to doubt yourself; just like the change in the WEATHER, this too shall pass, you will overcome, and stay true to your heart!

Secrets of Successful Women Entrepreneurs

My brain AND heart were filled this weekend at an inspiring event organized by Albany First Ward Council Member the Honorable Dorcey Applyrs. She assembled some amazing women to headline the Secrets of Successful Women Entrepreneurs event. Above you see from left to right Liska Wilson- the President of She's a Boss, Ann Saile- President & CEO of The Saile Group, LLC. and Angela Beddoe- Publisher & Editor-in-Chief of Herlife Magazine. These were three of the dynamic women who talked about what to they do to be successful. Having women genuinely care for and encourage you to pursue your dream is motivating. We learned from these women that there is no room in our lives for those who seek to sabotage, derail or sway us from reaching our goals. They, in a sense, gave us permission to follow our dreams and think BIG!

The room was packed with people seeking this inspiration! Aside from inspiration we also learned about funding sources, the need for a business plan, watched funding pitches and learned practical tips to starting our businesses.  

With Ang. Morris-

Executive Director, Human Rights Commission in Schenectady County

& Shari Quinn- Publisher- Shari Quinn Publishing & Author  

Another great piece of advice we learned... surround yourself around people who want to see you succeed. I have recently learned to make that circle very small and know that will lead to great things!

I would like to thank all the women who offered their keys to success and the Honorable Dorcey Applyrs for inspiring my inner creative to continue to shine... and possibly shine a little brighter!

Inspires Me: Michelle

This weekend I had the honor of being there every step of the way for my friend as she accomplished a major goal. My girlfriend Michelle Cummings set out to change her life and get fit and healthy last year and she has been a rock star. I mean a true rock star and role model in her efforts. The fact that she tells me she still hasn't reached her goal makes me giddy with excitement to see what lies ahead for this lady.

Some time a couple months ago I suggested she train for a 5k. For me- it was a life changing experience. I learned that no goal is too big and that I am stronger than I may think. I wanted her to learn that valuable message as well. Her response was just like mine when it was first proposed to me. NO WAY! A whole 5k just seemed so HUGE.

Then- something happened. A day later- she said she would do it! She trained... much of it by herself. Hours and hours of work were put in! I remember that first day when she ran one minute and then walked 2 minutes. I knew she would succeed. She questioned it- but I just knew this woman would do it!  Week after week I saw her get stronger and more confident. She was becoming a runner!

Well, this weekend she did it and I was there to run with her in her first 5K! We ran the Vascular Birth Foundation 5K. It was a hard, very hilly course. She attacked those hills. She pushed her pace. She was amazing. She tells me I inspire her- but I want her to know.... She inspires me! I look at her and find strength to get up and put in the work because I know she is doing the same.  I am so honored to be her friend. 

10 Tips To Help Your Resolution Stick

Do you make New Years Resolutions? I have always tried to kind of buck the trend of following along with people who "Make A Resolution"-- and the way I do it is by saying "It's not a resolution, I'm setting some goals." So- really I guess I do follow along with the whole thing.

Last year I made several goals for myself. I was at the time in my life when I needed inspiration and focus and I was ready. A big goal on that list had to do with my health. I set a specific bench mark, achieved it, refined my goal to have monthly milestones and achieved them all! It was exhilarating I was focused on them like a laser.

But now what? For the last week I have felt lost. What do I do when I don't have a "Goal" to focus on. Well, obviously- wander around and eat cookies! NOOOOO--- that's not what you do JoDee! You set new goals and you focus on them and achieve them! So now I'm in the process of setting 2013 fitness goals.

Do you have something you really want to do or become? You CAN do it. It will be mind over matter. It will be setting yourself up for success. It will be hard work.... but you can succeed.

Here are some steps you can take to make lasting change and success:

1- Set S.M.A.R.T. goals

I lived by this motto last year. I made sure that my goals met each of these criteria and that helped tremendously.

2- Make meaningful goals. Are you really passionate about doing this or is it someone else's goal for you? You wont make the necessary decisions or sacrifices if it's not something that you really want.

3- Find a support network. You need to find people who will be there to support you through the good and bad of this- and know there will be good and bad.

4- Share your goals with that support network. If you want real change- you can't keep your intentions a secret.

5- Be on the lookout for sabotage. Even your most beloved can be a person who sabotages you. It could be persuading you not to go workout or asking you to forgo your time you allotted to work on your goals for time with them. They may become threatened by your success or fear that the changes you are making will change your relationship. Be aware this is their problem. You can assure them that you are the same person and that you love them but that you need them to be supportive.

6- Don't make your goals- someone else's goals. Your success is singular. It's your journey- and only yours.

7- Set yourself up for success- make your environment a place that will help you achieve your goal.

8- Don't try to achieve success blindly- get help! If that means getting a trainer, nutritionist, or a teacher to teach you that language you've been wanting to learn- find help!

9-Know there will be ups and downs in this process. If you loose focus- find it once again. If you fear your changes- run toward them. If you need help- ask.

10- Don't be afraid to refine your goals. If you find you are close to achieving your goal- think about a new milestone related to that goal. It will be motivating and empowering!

Make 2013 a year of transformation! You can do it!

Inspires Me: Lana Ortiz

Photo: Lana Ortiz Photography

What do you get when you combine a big personality, a sexy salsarita, a Ukrainian accent, a heart of gold and a creative mind? Let me introduce you to Mrs. Lana Ortiz. Lana and her husband are Owners of Albany Salsa Dance Studio. If you want to learn how to Salsa, Bachata, ballroom or burlesque dance-her laid back, yet information packed classes are for you.

Recently Lana embarked on a different journey, to become a photographer and start her business Lana Ortiz Photography. Her knowledge of the body and its lines quickly pointed her toward taking beautiful pictures and her boudoir sessions are now in high demand.  Many people will tell you Lana's loud, joyful laugh and quick wit help to bring out the beauty in anyone she's around. Women are now turning to Lana not only to learn how to move their bodies but also to take beautiful pictures of them. Lana's bravery to try a new project is why she "Inspires Me".

1. Lana, tell people about your background and family- you busy mom of 4 girls!

I came from Ukraine in August 29, 1992 with $1 in my pocket. Went to Sage JCA for accounting, worked in various brokerage firms as sales assistant, and always felt that I couldn't be an artist because I art didn't pay, and I had little children to feed. In 2006 I re-met my husband who told me to pursue my dreams. First I went to get a Bachelors in Management online at Empire State College, while caring for a newborn, 3 girls and one large boy (my husband), a dance studio and a salsa social where everyone did what they were passionate about - Latin dancing.

Photo: Lana Ortiz Photography

2. You have been teaching dance for 5 years now. You admitted to me recently that you enjoyed recent creative explosion so to speak. Tell us about that and how did you find your way to photography?

 One thing that was always put on a back burner is my love for drawing/painting. In 2011 for my birthday, I asked my husband for a camera, to "see where that will take me". Little did I know it'll become my passion.

3.As women we often worry about our flaws so how do you help the women take down their walls and embrace their body for your boudoir sessions? It must be a challenge.

Photo: Lana Ortiz Photography

I always say women are too critical of themselves, myself included. Men are way more forgiving than women are to themselves and each other. I see beauty in every woman I photograph, and remind her that most often she sees herself differently from within than outsiders. Outsiders see a woman's beauty comprising of her physical attributes as well as disposition, personality and aspirations. I want women to know that I want to convey all things - inner and outer - in her boudoir photography.

4. What other type of pictures do you take?

Photo: Lana Ortiz Photography

I love all kinds of pictures: landscapes, portraits, products photography (food shots) anything creative! I love it all. Group boudoir are scheduled every two-three months in the local hotels.  No challenge is big enough to scare me away.


Lana has a new boudoir session scheduled for November 9th. If you would like more information on that session or about her other types of photography click HERE to find her on Facebook or HERE.

Inspires Me: Kate White

I took the day off from tv work today to do a little bit of career building at the Desmond Hotel in Albany. Kate White would call it "Draining the swamp while slaying the alligators". In other words- you need to do a little career building while also focusing on the day to day of your job.

Remember I told you Kate was the 14 year Editor of Cosmo Mag and is now following her dreams to be an Inspirational Speaker. It takes a gutsy woman to make the bold decisions shes made in her career and the room was electric as we waited for her to offer some words of wisdom.

Kate was here as part of the Albany Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce event called "Bold In Business". Kate offered a sold out crowd three tips to a successful career.

1. Go big or go home- don't just do your job, go above and beyond. Ask yourself is this a bold idea.

2. Get in touch with your inner bitch- Agh- did I just write that? LOL- but really what she means is don't hate on that office "B" who gets on your nerves. It's probably because that person is better at something than you are. Figure out what it is and set out to improve yourself.

3. Drain the swamp while slaying the alligators- Take one hour a week to focus on the big picture in both your career and your personal life.

Kate inspires me in a special way and getting the chance to see her speak in person, sign my book (which is completely highlighted and filled with my scribbled notes) and tell her she inspires me- was a wonderful experience. She even gave me a compliment on my inventiveness in how I was able to pull off the interview without the traditional professional camera crew. I hope that by sharing this information with you- you are inspired to take a bold move! Please check out the below interview to see how she inspires me and her other pieces of advice- for the young start up girl, the working mom and also more on her BIG tip.

Not only was the event sold out they sold out of her books!

Meeting Kate Today

Remember when I told you earlier this week about having the honor of interviewing the wildly popular former Editor of Cosmo Magazine Kate White? Well, today she's in Albany speaking at a women's business council summit. I am heading there this morning and will blog about my experiences for you!  After 15 years at the top of the publishing world Kate decided to leave her post and pursue her passion to be a Motivational Speaker and Author. This Gutsy Girl has written a new book called "I Shouldn't Be Telling You This" and I highly recommend it to all women.

After my interview with her I received some wonderful feedback about the interview and my blog post about it. My most exciting feedback? An email from Kate herself!

The email was titled "Just read the blog!!!"

Jodee, you are so nice to write those things. You made MY day. Kate

I admit I got a little tingle when I realized that she read my blog! Little does she know how much of a wonderful turbo charge she has sparked in me! She inspires me. She inspired me to take the leap and start this blog (which I've been thinking about way too long) and I plan to tell her today! Wish me luck.

Inspires Me: Joleene DesRosiers

Many of you may recognize Joleene DesRosiers as a former Central New York television Reporter. I was honored to have her one as my colleagues at YNN Central New York. Joleene was known for being an accurate and fair reporter. After a lot of thought and consideration she decided to hang up her Reporter's microphone and follow her inner voice and become a Transformational Speaker/Author.

She is now following her passion and today I bring you this interview of a woman who inspires me.

1. You had what many people see as a dream job and was secure, but in your heart of hearts you felt it wasn't what you wanted to do any more. Tell us how you were able to step out of that security into the unknown.

I’m not going to lie, it wasn’t easy. But I believe in following my gut. I knew my passion was connecting with people and being on the stage (I’m a theatre geek, too!) I also knew that if I stayed in a job that didn’t make me happy, I certainly wasn’t going to make anyone around me happy. Before I left my news career of 10 years, I chose to “test drive” my fear first. So I decided to go skydiving and jumped out of an airplane! As I was freefalling, I felt more empowered then I ever have before. That jump gave me the courage to move forward into the unknown. As Wayne Dyer says, I turned my fear into curiosity.

2. Eating disorders are often a silent fight. I thought it was extremely brave of you to come out and tell people you suffered from one. Was that liberating and are you hoping to help others by sharing something so personal?

It was raw, I’ll tell you that. The liberating part came months later. A local magazine did a cover story on me about the eating disorder, and the night before it hit the stands I couldn’t sleep. I thought, “What have I done??” But I chose to be open about it because, yes, I was hoping to help others. How? Millions of people hide behind addictions and eating disorders and family secrets and whatever else they may find shameful every day. (I hid my eating disorder for 26 years.) I wanted to let those people know they weren’t alone – and that they were just as normal as the next person, despite the skeletons in their closet.

3. You have written a book, "Memoirs of Normalcy: Journey from Sedentary to Extraordinary", and mow you have started your own public speaking workshops. Talk about this exciting new chapter in your life.

The book is a self-improvement book for anyone looking to “take the leap” and make change, no matter who they are, where they are in life, how old they are, or what they’ve done or not done in the past. Our past does not define us. Nor do the people around us. We have a bad habit of thinking we have to conform to what society says is right and wrong. I challenge all of us to rethink that. This is YOUR life to mold, just the way you want. I do the workshops so that people that feel “stuck” have an opportunity to forge a new path and think for themselves. I give them the tools the need to rethink life and change their state of mind. It’s a fantastic way to start over. And I LOVE this kind of work. I’m still learning everyday, too. Right now I’m completing my Robbins-Madanes Strategic Intervention life coach certification. (A mouthful, I know!) I’m going to see Tony Robbins in November for a 4-day intense seminar, too. I will never stop learning – because someone, somewhere, will benefit.

4. Tell us about about your new workshop "Getting Unstuck".

“Getting Unstuck” is for people that wake up every morning really disliking the path their taking - whether it be their job, their relationships, their choices or addictions. Its easy to remain sedentary and do nothing about it, but the truth of the matter is you’ll suffer in misery for the rest of your days if you don’t do something about it. I saw it with my mother. I’ve seen it with friends and family, too. They say, “Well, this is the hand I’ve been dealt.” Clearly they’ve never played poker! Just because you were dealt what you call a bad hand, doesn’t mean you have to live with it. The course is meant to help people take those brave, first steps to move toward the passions and goals they’ve only dreamed of. Really, anything is possible. I remind them of that and make them believe it. Before the course is even over, they will be taking steps to a new life and become very excited about it.

The course is a total of 6 hours, broken down over three days: M W F, 6 – 8 p.m. at Onondaga Community College, October 22, 24, 26. Tuition is $129. Course materials provided.

I asked Joleene to give us a video blog about "Getting Unstuck" and here it is. Wow- this sounds like an interesting workshop. If you are available you should check it out.


If you would like to learn more about Joleene and her new workshop "Getting Unstuck" click HERE.

Competing Against The Boys

Photo: Lindsey Vonn

In an attempt to bring attention to the women's ski circuit Skier Lindsey Vonn is petitioning to compete against male opponents at a World Cup event on November 21st. Vonn is the #1 women skier in the world. She trains with men- but compete? One Yahoo writer is calling her efforts "Audacious".

Click HERE to find out more. Do you think women can compete with men athletically? Do you think her efforts are brave and will bring positive attention to women skiers or reckless and possibly set women back?

Inspires Me: Iyanla Vanzant

photo source: www.eurweb.com

A new show recently debuted on OWN called Iyanla Fix My Life. She spends time with a person or family in crisis and helps them do some self evaluation to find the root of the problem and helps them... fix their life.

This show becomes even more interesting and inspiring when you know the history behind Iyanla and Oprah and how this show is proving to be a healing process for them as well as the others that Iyanla travels to help. Iyanla used to be a regular on Oprah's show in the 90s. So much so that Oprah used to sit in the audience and allow Iyanla take over the show. Oprah expressed interest in producing a show for Iyanla but she wasn't ready and wanted her to develop more. Well, Iyanla was wooed away by another media powerhouse. Barbara Walters offered her a show. Iyanla went back to Oprah and said she didn't want to wait and that now was the time for her to get her show. Oprah wasn't ready and let her go. Iyanla saw that as Oprah really didn't want her. HUGE miscommunication. Iyanla's show (produced by Barbara Walters) was soon cancelled and Iyanla and Oprah stayed estranged for years.

Recently they came back together on-camera and discussed the situation and made peace. For most- that would be the end of the story. Well, now many years later Oprah is producing Iyanla's new show. This is a true display of women supporting women. I love it. It "Inspires Me". Oprah was able to see past the clutter of egos and view the need for this show. Iyanla heels herself in the process and opens her heart to help others. Be ready for the deep topics- and if you are- you may just heel some of your own wounds.

Inspires Me- Nicole Das

At the Guilderland YMCA I recently witnessed 17-year-old Nicole Das quietly swim 187 laps to represent the number of people diagnosed with cancer in New York every day. She raised $2,132 in her "Laps For Love" project for the Latham Branch of the American Cancer Society (Hope Club). She did this on her own, with no cameras, no cheering crowds- just a determination to make a difference in people's lives. If you'd like to donate- do so in her name to the local branch. Please click HERE to learn more.  "Inspires Me".

Most Inspirational Companies

Before I had an I-phone,  just a couple years ago, I really didn't understand the need for one. I have to admit-the day I got my hands on one it was as if rainbows and stars appeared in front of my eyes and everything was in technicolor. Ok- maybe not that crazy- but I do have to admit- the moment I got one I wondered how I functioned so long with my pay-as-you-go phone. So, when I saw this study of America's 25 Most Inspiring companies I wasn't surprised at #1. Looking at the list I would say 20 of the companies are on my list of "likes". Would I call them all inspiring? MMM- not so sure. Would you agree Apple is the most inspiring? How many of the 25 are on your list? Click HERE for the list.