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Karen Bass Sworn in as the First Woman Mayor of Los Angeles
At 69 years old, Karen Bass started a new chapter in her life, and the life of the city of Los Angeles, as she assumes the role of the city’s 43rd chief executive. Not only has she made history as the first woman to become mayor in Los Angeles, she is also the second Black person to have ever been elected to this office. In our review of this remarkable feat, we took some time to reflect on a few universal core competencies that Mayor Bass has displayed throughout her career, and that are of high visibility and significance today.
When life is hard for some Angelenos, it affects all Angelenos.
On Sunday, December 11, 2022, Karen Bass was officially sworn in as the first woman elected to the office of mayor in the city of Los Angeles, California. The swearing in ceremony was led by none other than Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the first woman to serve as Vice President of the United States of America.
During her speech, Mayor Bass announced that her first act as the city’s new mayor would be to pay a visit to the emergency operations centres of Los Angeles and declare a state of emergency on homelessness in Los Angeles. “When life is hard for some Angelenos,” she said, “it affects all Angelenos.”
“My emergency declaration will recognise the severity of our crisis, and break new ground to maximise our ability to urgently move people inside, and to do so for good.”
Mayor Bass is intent on navigating the city out of the extreme challenges of homelessness that it has been facing for years on end. According to the New York Times, out of the approximately 69,000 homeless people living in Los Angeles, 17,000 of them are to be housed within the first year of Mayor Bass’s term.
Another promise made by the mayor was to increase the presence of law enforcement throughout the city. In September of this year, the Los Angeles Times reported that two men were arrested and charged with burglary after breaking into the politician’s home.
It was a hard fought race won by Bass, who has been in politics for nearly 20 years, starting with the California State Assembly in 2005, serving on various different law making committees from 2011 to 2022, and as a congresswoman representing California’s 37th district since 2013. She won against billionaire real estate developer, Rick Caruso in a race so close to call that uncertainty loomed for a week after the election took place as each ballot was being accounted for.
At 69 years old, Karen Bass started a new chapter in her life, and the life of the city of Los Angeles, as she assumes the role of the city’s 43rd chief executive. Not only has she made history as the first woman to become mayor in Los Angeles, she is also the second Black person to have ever been elected to this office. In our review of this remarkable feat, we took some time to reflect on a few universal core competencies that Mayor Bass has displayed throughout her career, and that are of high visibility and significance today.
Mayor Karen Bass x Universal Core Competencies
Empathy – One's capacity for observing, understanding and actively sharing the feelings and perspectives of others. (The Academic Glossary)
“When life is hard for some Angelenos, it affects all Angelenos.” Mayor Bass has been very vocal and very clear about her position on the issue of homelessness. In her statement, she demonstrates an awareness of how the plight of the homeless is not merely isolated to those who are without homes, but that it actually impacts the lives of all citizens living in Los Angeles.
Competitiveness – One's capacity for developing and maintaining skills and competencies that are objectively superior to those of one's peers. (The Academic Glossary)
It was a narrow race for many reasons. The city’s population alone (more than three million) sheds light on just how big the audience of Los Angeles really is, and paints a picture of how strong the conviction of one’s message must be in order to produce a winning vote in the end. Until a week after the election, it was still deemed as too close to call.
Urgency – One's capacity for taking immediate action. (The Academic Glossary)
Just after she was sworn in as the city’s 43rd chief executive, Mayor Bass vowed her first act as mayor would be to declare homelessness in the city of Los Angeles as a state of emergency. Citizens have felt hopeless and unsure on whether or not real action would ever be taken to address this issue, and if Mayor Bass comes through on her promise, the city is bound to see a dramatic and very real sense of change.
Watch the swearing in of Mayor Karen Bass, led by US Vice President Kamala Harris below.
KH: “I, Karen Ruth Bass”
KB: I, Karen Ruth Bass
KH: “Do solemnly swear”
KB: Do solemnly swear
KH: “That I will support the Constitution of the United States.”
KB: That I will support the Constitution of the United States.
KH: “The Constitution of the State of California.”
KB: The Constitution of the State of California.
KH: “And the Charter of the City of Los Angeles.”
KB: And the Charter of the City of Los Angeles.
KH: “And that I will faithfully discharge the duties”
KB: And that I will faithfully discharge the duties
KH: “Of the office of Mayor.
KB: Of the office of Mayor.
KH: “According to my best ability.”
KB: According to my best ability.
KH: Madam Mayor *reaches out to initiate handshake*
KB: *Shakes hand of the United States Vice President*
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Emmanuel Tarpin: Parisian High Jeweller and Environmentalist
Emmanuel Tarpin, a Paris-based jeweller who launched his eponymous jewellery brand in 2017 at the age of 25, has been a major player in the world of high jewellery from very early into his career. Inspired by nature, he is known for his “exquisite bijoux that break free from convention with bold silhouettes, layered textures, and unexpected stone compositions.” (Galerie Magazine, 2019)
More recently, he has been in the news for his inspiring acts of goodwill—using his work to support the coral reef organisation in French Polynesia.
Let’s preserve our oceans, our planet.
Emmanuel Tarpin, a Paris-based jeweller who launched his eponymous jewellery brand in 2017 at the age of 25, has been a major player in the world of high jewellery from very early into his career. Inspired by nature, he is known for his “exquisite bijoux that break free from convention with bold silhouettes, layered textures, and unexpected stone compositions.” (Galerie Magazine, 2019) More recently, he has been in the news for his inspiring acts of goodwill—using his work to support the coral reef organisation in French Polynesia.
Reported in the New York Times as his first philanthropic partnership, Emmanuel “has committed to selling several of his one-of-a-kind jewels to support the work of Coral Gardeners, a nongovernmental organization based in Moorea, French Polynesia, whose mission is to create a global movement to save coral reefs. An avid diver, he first heard of the organization from an instructor about a year ago.” (New York Times, 2022)
In a post published to his Instagram account on September 10, 2022, the artist himself announced:
“Thrilled to announce my collaboration with @coralgardeners organization
Nature is my source of inspiration and fighting for its preservation has always been obvious for me.
Spending a month with the team, learning from them and understanding their cause affected me.
I decided to create one of a kind high jewelry pieces inspired by sea world and offer benefits to help them in their actions to replant and rebuild coral reefs.
Let’s preserve our oceans, our planet.” – Emmanuel Tarpin (via Instagram)
True to form, we took a moment to admire some of the universal core competencies we saw on display as we learned of Emmanuel Tarpin and his work this week. Here are three things that came to mind:
Emmanuel Tarpin x Universal Core Competencies
Accurate Listening – One's capacity for exercising a willingness to hear what others are actually saying instead of what one believes others will or should say, or what one believes others may have meant. (The Academic Glossary)
In his announcement (mentioned above), Emmanuel shared that he had taken the time to learn and understand the cause of the Coral Gardners, and that this is what moved him to take action and partner with them to help support the health and preservation of the oceans of the world.
Awareness of Others – One's capacity for seeing beyond one's self to observe and understand the existence, the objective qualities, the needs and the interests of others. (The Academic Glossary)
Most often, we view this universal core competency as something that should be directed towards a person’s awareness of other people. Here though, we see an expanded use case of the term. In order for Emmanuel to see the significance of his participation in this philanthropic partnership, he had to come into the awareness of the objective qualities, the needs and the interests of ocean life, and the health of the world we live in.
It’s one thing to find your source of inspiration. It’s an entirely different thing to build a relationship with that source.
Conceptual Thinking – One's capacity for successfully evaluating abstract and nonlinear ideas, processes and organisations in an accurate and dependable manner. (The Academic Glossary)
Emmanuel Tarpin took his love for creating pieces shaped by inspiration from the world around him – he’s an experienced diver with an affinity for the ocean – and created an opportunity for others to help make a calculable positive change in the world.
As reported in the New York Times, Emmanuel, in partnership with Coral Gardners, will sell “several of his one-of-a-kind jewels,” donating 80% of the proceeds to the organisation to help preserve the oceans. (New York Times, 2022)
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Jennifer Weber and the Power of Authenticity, Ownership and Understanding
Jennifer Weber is an Emmy Award winning and Olivier award nominated choreographic artist based in New York City and Los Angeles. At 44 years of age, she has racked up quite the list of accomplishments, and enjoys the privilege of finding success in a dream that was born in her heart more than three decades ago.
I can only take from my own experiences and hope that feels authentic onstage because it is coming from my authenticity.
Jennifer Weber is an Emmy Award winning and Olivier award nominated choreographic artist based in New York City and Los Angeles. At 44 years of age, she has racked up quite the list of accomplishments, and enjoys the privilege of finding success in a dream that was born in her heart more than three decades ago.
Currently, she’s making headlines left and right for her contributions to not one, but two Broadway shows that opened earlier this month. And with all the buzz surrounding her and her work, we were most inspired by her display of some universal core competencies as it pertains to authenticity, ownership and understanding in a strong work ethic and the advent of chasing your dreams.
Jennifer Weber x Universal Core Competencies
From what we’ve been seeing and reading lately, we understand that Jennifer is a hard and consistent worker, with a collaborative heart and a true love for what she does. Here are some of the core competencies that we see on display from her work:
Self Esteem – One’s capacity for perceiving and respecting one’s own inherent value. (The Academic Glossary)
In an Instagram post, Jennifer shared a childhood photo of herself with an “Oscar” award that her parents had gotten her alongside a photo of her as an adult with an Emmy Award that she won for her choreographic contributions to “Hip Hop Nutcracker featuring Kurtis Blow” in 2019. With a bright smile painted across her face in both images, Jennifer concluded her caption by saying “I think I basically look the same.”
The post inspires the thought that Ms. Weber has long known that she is worthy of support and celebration, and that she is worth believing in. It inspires the thought that she has long understood and embraced the idea that her dreams are worth chasing.
Self-Expression – One's capacity for sharing one's own thoughts, feelings and ideas with others, especially in writing, art, music or dance. (The Academic Glossary)
According to a recent article, published in The New York Times, it was seeing “A Chorus Line” in New York at nine years of age that precipitated Weber’s dreams of Broadway. As the author of the article puts it, “once back home in Amherst, Mass., she just started doing it, choreographing a dance for herself and her younger brother and recording it on a video camera borrowed from the library. She had never taken a dance class.” (New York Times, 2022)
Positive Attitude – One's capacity for consciously employing a thought process that encourages the production of confidence and clarity in real life experiences through words and actions. (The Academic Glossary)
In the same article referenced earlier, there were significant notes pointing towards the positive energy that Jennifer Weber has exude. “When she comes into the room, the room lights up,” Kurtis Blow says of her. Kurtis was featured in the Emmy Award Winning production of Hip Hop Nutcracker, a project on which Weber was the choreographer.
Awareness of Motivational Needs – One's capacity for perceiving, understanding and communicating that which drives a person to take action towards a goal or a directive. (The Academic Glossary)
We chose to highlight this universal core competency because it often speaks to a certain level of leadership in a person, and that’s what we’ve gleaned from all the things we’ve learned about Jennifer Weber so far. As a hardworking and critically accomplished choreographer, she is respected as someone who understands the profession both technically and personally in that she is a strong director who carries authority while also creating a safe space for dancers to feel free and in charge of their own contribution to a collaborative body of work.
Today, you can see her two shows, &Juliet and KPOP on Broadway in New York. You can also stream The Hip Hop Nutcrakcer on Disney+, or catch the live performance on which the film is based by visiting The Hip Hop Nutcracker on Tour.
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Thierry Mugler: An Architect of Extreme Glamour and Serious Strength
The Mugler-impact was undeniable, as we would certainly live to see well into the decades to come. Since the late 2000s, Mugler’s work has been introduced to generations of young people, especially through such cultural influencers as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Cardi B. His commitment to presenting the female as powerful and self-determined is one that has resonated with many, and has certainly helped to keep the name “Mugler” alive and on fire.
“In my work I’ve always tried to make people look stronger than they really are.”
Bigger than Big
Thierry Mugler is an eternal staple at the intersection of fashion, beauty and design. Emerging as a major player in the fashion scene of the 1980s and 1990s, he became quite popular for his larger than life concepts, and maintained a high level of respect among luminaries in style and pop culture for decades to come.
In an article published by The New York Times, Vanessa Friedman pulls a quote from Montreal Museum of Arts curator, Thierry-Maxime Loriot, who described Mugler as a “pioneer when it came to women’s empowerment and diversity, starting in the 1970s.” (The New York Times, 2022) She later goes on herself to describe his followup work as “kitsch razzle-dazzle,” suggesting that what he produced after the sale of his brand to Clarins in 1997 was a bit off compared to what people had come to know and love of him.
Still, the Mugler-impact was undeniable, as we would certainly live to see well into the decades to come. Since the late 2000s, Mugler’s work has been introduced to generations of young people, especially through such cultural influencers as Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Cardi B.
“In my work I’ve always tried to make people look stronger than they really are.” – Thierry Mugler
His commitment to presenting the female as powerful and self-determined is one that has resonated with many, and has certainly helped to keep the name “Mugler” alive and on fire.
A Relentless Pioneer
There are many notable takeaways from the overview of his career, as referenced in the New York Times. For one, there’s the embrace of faux fur and printed leather well before the fashion world adhered to a campaign of minimising animal cruelty for the sake of style. Another example of Mugler’s pioneerism is the experimentation with exposing the rear end of the model – this is something Vanessa notes Mugler did before McQueen “introduced the bumster.” In another lens of channelling his inner pioneer, Thierry cast drag queens in his shows, right alongside the most respected and prominent female models who also walked in his runway shows.
The list of acts that made Mugler a pioneer in the worlds of fashion, art and style go on. He was one of the select designers featured in famed photographer of the 1980s, Lucille Khornak’s first book, Fashion 2001.
Challenger of the Impossible
One of the biggest things people admire about Thierry Mugler and his work was his commitment to the curious and the unexpected. One of his most iconic pieces, a dress called “La Chimère,” reportedly took “thousands of hours to create,” featuring “a rainbow of exactingly beaded scales that form the iridescent carapace of a mythic creature.” It presented such complications for the advent of getting it on the body that it is said to have always travelled on a mannequin. Attempting to walk down the runway apparently proved to be an even greater source of difficulty in fashion.
“Though the idea of trading freedom for effect may seem the literal antithesis of empowerment, that imagery helped clear a path in the collective imagination.” (The New York Times, 2022)
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A Resplendent Display of Role Awareness with YSL Creative Director, Anthony Vaccarello
As we transition out of the spooky season and into a season of gratitude, we want to take time to give thanks for the stories that remind us to explore, embrace and express the truth of who we are with confidence and courage. Building a three billion dollar brand is very cool, but you know what else is cool? Knowing who you are and what you bring to the table.
“He adapts everything to the modern world. It is more than fashion, it is history.”
Catching up on some of the amazing things that have been happening so far this season, we came across this inspiring article, published to the Wall Street Journal on Monday morning, October 31, 2022.
“Anthony Vaccarello Takes Saint Laurent to the Next Level” by Rory Satran (Fashion Director at WSJ).
The piece itself is designed to highlight the massive success of YSL with Vaccarello at the helm. Since his joining the team in 2017, YSL has nearly become a $3 billion brand. What stood out the most to us while reading though, is the calm, the cool and the consistency he appears to convey as a well-respected individual who has achieved such critical success in his industry. A Resplendent Display of Role Awareness with YSL Creative Director, Anthony Vaccarello.
What is role awareness?
Role awareness is a universal core competency that refers to one’s capacity for observing and understanding one's own position, potential and performance in the world or the environment they currently occupy, including any expectations one may be responsible for meeting.
Of course, we don’t know him personally, however, we can deduce from the article, as well what his colleagues and friends have had to say about him, that he has found clarity with what his unique value proposition is within the industry, and perhaps even his overall contribution to the world.
How does Anthony Vaccarello convey role awareness in his role as creative director?
Here are some examples of the things people are saying (Vaccarello included) in reference to Vaccarello and his work:
“I never think it has to be global… Everyone is intrigued by Saint Laurent because [it] has that Parisian French image. And you like it or you don’t like it.” – Anthony Vaccarello’s response to curiosity that he might feel pressured to produce fashions that are less specific to the Parisian French image, and more global. (Wall Street Journal, 2022)
“Anthony is like Yves… He adapts everything to the modern world, which is exactly what Yves did for his time. It is more than fashion, it is history.” – Betty Catroux via email. (Wall Street Journal, 2022) Betty is a former model of critical acclaim, and is known to have served as a muse for both Tom Ford and Yves Saint Laurent himself.
“He’s very resistant to any sort of pressure from the outside world when it comes to trends or what he should be doing…. He hates hypocrisy—that’s, like, his main thing. So, when he does something, it’s really because he believes in it. He’ll never do something because it’s easy to get attention.” – Anja Rubik, supermodel, muse and friend of Anthony Vaccarello (Wall Street Journal, 2022)
As we transition out of the spooky season and into a season of gratitude, we want to take time to give thanks for the stories that remind us to explore, embrace and express the truth of who we are with confidence and courage. Building a three billion dollar brand is very cool, but you know what else is cool? Knowing who you are and what you bring to the table.
Thanks Rory for this gem of an article, capturing the inspiration of the one and only, Anthony Vaccarello.
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Ketanji Brown Jackson Introduces Herself as A Force to Be Reckoned With
Insights from her first week as a Supreme Court Justice position Jackson as a powerful player in the Judicial Branch of the United States.
Insights from her first week as a Supreme Court Justice position Jackson as a powerful player in the Judicial Branch of the United States.
SCOTUS Significance
Today’s post is all about the powerful entry of one Ketanji Brown Jackson as the newest Supreme Court Justice. For that reason, we are going to pause for a moment to provide context in case any of our readers are unfamiliar with the Supreme Court of the United States, or why it is such a “big deal” to many people throughout the country and around the world.
The Supreme Court, established on September 24, 1789 is the “the highest court in the land and the only part of the federal judiciary (the judicial authorities of a country) specifically required by the Constitution.” (The White House) At present, there are nine Supreme Court Justices, including John G. Roberts Jr. (Chief Justice of the United States), Clarence Thomas (Associate Justice), Samuel A. Alito Jr. (Associate Justice), Sonia Sotomayor (Associate Justice), Elena Kagan (Associate Justice), Neil M. Gorsuch (Associate Justice), Brett M. Kavanaugh (Associate Justice), Amy Coney Barrett (Associate Justice), and Ketanji Brown Jackson (Associate Justice).
In order to become a Supreme Court Justice, you must be appointed by the President of the United States, and confirmed by Congress. Supreme Court Justices are granted a life term, and are expected to serve until they die, retire, or find themselves impeached and convicted.
Merrill vs. Milligan//Voting Rights
Just last week, the Supreme Court took a moment to hear the Merrill vs. Milligan case, which narrows its focus on “how much those who draw electoral districts should be required to consider race.” (The Guardian)
During the hearing, the solicitor general for Alabama, Edmund LaCour argued that the layout of his state’s congressional map was not in discrimination against voting citizens who are Black. And when the plaintiffs of the case illustrated the feasibility of redrawing the map to include two majority-Black districts instead of one, LaCour insisted that doing so would require the mapmaker to go to dramatic lengths to consider race – which he believed to be at conflict with the provision of the 14th amendment of the US Constitution.
In response to LaCour’s argument, Ketanji Brown Jackson took about five minutes to refocus the court’s understanding of the 14th amendment, which was created to protect each citizen’s right to fair treatment under the law, regardless of the colour of their skin. An article published to The Guardian captured the perspective of court observers on this interaction:
““I think it’s really clear she’s just going to be a force to be reckoned with,” said Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan. “Both in questioning positions that she’s skeptical of, but also in providing support for lawyers when they’re being subject to hostile questioning.”” (The Guardian)
“I don’t think that the historical record establishes that the founders believed race neutrality or race blindness was required,” said Jackson, in response to LaCour. “It was drafted to give a foundational, a constitutional foundation for a piece of legislation that was designed to make people who had less opportunity and less rights equal to white citizens… I’m trying to understand why that violates the 14th amendment given the history and background of the 14th amendment.”
Universal Core Competencies on Display
Our takeaways from what we’ve seen and read in the last week as Ketanji Brown Jackson has officially taken her seat and gotten to work as the newest Associate Justice for the Supreme Court of the United States are many. Still, we are compelled to examine the resolve and the authority displayed by Jackson in her response to the solicitor general. Here are three universal core competencies we saw on display from the Associate Justice, accompanied by their definitions.
Respect for Policies
One's capacity for honouring an established set of rules and guidelines, especially in a professional, academic, religious or governmental setting.
Jackson’s response was one that brought attention to the 14th amendment, which was pushed in LaCour’s argument as being dismissed at the notion of restructuring Alabama’s congressional map in the way that was illustrated by the plaintiffs in the Merrill vs. Milligan case. She focused on bringing attention to the context and the intention of the amendment, which was introduced in the 19th century.
Traditional/Regulatory Drive
One's capacity for feeling and adhering to a compulsion to achieve or accomplish something related to principle.
Again, Jackson’s response illustrated that she is focused on honouring the principle of the laws and the US Constitution. Inasmuch, her aim to find clarity in LaCour’s argument was presented through this lens.
Balanced Decision Making
One's capacity for objectively evaluating available options against desired objectives and potential outcomes, and selecting a course of action with confidence and resolve.
During the course of the hearing of this case, there were many notes and perspectives introduced and addressed. In the moments where Justice Jackson chose to speak, she was very intentional with the direction she chose, carefully considering the desired outcome of what she was presented to work with.
Who is someone who has inspired you recently? What was it that they said or did that you found encouraging or otherwise noteworthy? What are some of the universal core competencies that they displayed with their words or actions? Hopefully you can continue to identify the north stars in your everyday life, and use them to propel you towards your purpose, your passions and your dreams.
Until next time…
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How Tommy Hilfiger Taught the Power of A Passion
From its launch in 1985, the Hilfiger name has been a strong contender in the fashion industry… Here are a few notes he shared that shed a light on the power of a passion.
Tommy shares his thoughts on a number of topics, from fashion to business and everything in between.
Tommy Hilfiger is one of the top ten designer brands in America. From its launch in 1985, the Hilfiger name has been a strong contender in the fashion industry, closing out with an estimated $4.7 billion in revenue just last year.
In a recent article written by Chris Black for HIGHSNOBIETY, beloved designer Tommy shares his thoughts on a number of topics, from fashion to business and everything in between. Here are a few notes he shared that shed a light on the power of a passion.
Inspiration
Tommy was first inspired by a shift he saw in the world around him in his youth. “...It was a dramatic revolution in politics and fashion. That’s what prompted me to go into business... It was about making cool clothes for people who wanted to be in the groove or part of the scene.”
Balance
He survived a period of time where his passion led to an imbalance of creativity and business. He had to learn the hard way, navigating financial struggles earlier on in his career.
The key takeaway he shares from this is simple. “...If you’re very creative, but you don’t have a business head or a great partner, you won’t make it. And if you’re a good business person, but you have no creativity, you’ll fail. You need both.”
Adaptability
The Tommy Hilfiger brand rose to prominence in a time where the world worked a lot differently than today. Back in the earlier stages of the business, which was almost four decades ago, they would send a sketch of a design to the factory and wait for the prototype to be sent back to them. As Tommy recalls, this process was usually back and forth because it was very common for the factory to send the garment back with errors the first five times or so.
Today, with the power of 3D design, they are able to send a more technologically advanced rendering of the concept to the factory, which then allows for a quicker turnaround time on the prototype which is pretty much perfect on its first delivery from the factory these days.
Tommy is very keen on keeping up with the evolution of technology. “If you don’t keep up with it or stay a step ahead of it, if you fall behind, catching up is very difficult to do” he says.
Passion
The journey to success was hardly a straight and narrow for this designer, who came from a humble and largely unknown town in upstate New York. But all things are possible for those who believe. “If you follow your passion, whether you’re a musician or an actor or an athlete, you can be successful.” — Tommy Hilfiger (HIGHSNOBIETY)
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There’s a Lesson in the Dream Face Reveal
It’s not easy, being transparent and vulnerable. Society plays a huge role in the build up of the challenge. Still, no matter what people say or think of you, only you get to determine who you will be and how you will share yourself with the world.
It’s not easy, being transparent and vulnerable.
This past weekend, 23 year old Clay, the Youtuber and Twitch streamer known as Dream, took to the internet to reveal his face for the first time.
“Just met Dream!! :)” — George, another popular gaming streamer who has been internet friends with Dream for years without ever meeting him in person.
On Sunday evening, Dream took to Twitter, where every single one of his tweets tend to go viral, to give the world a two-hour heads up that he would be premiering his face reveal on YouTube. He also shared that he would be posting a picture of him and his “best friends finally being together.”
The reason we chose this as our north star inspiration this week is not because we’re obsessed, happy, disturbed or unimpressed, but because we believe there’s a lesson in Dream’s face reveal.
Have you ever felt like you wish you could share a part of yourself with a certain person or group of people in your life, but you didn’t know how to share it or how it might be received? That’s sort of the big deal around Dream revealing his face to the world, especially after keeping it strategically hidden for so long.
There’s something freeing about being yourself fully in every space you occupy and being able to share yourself freely with others. Of course, that doesn’t mean that everyone needs to know everything about you and your personal business. You can be yourself and still practise healthy boundaries in your life while being careful to ensure you don’t slip into the dark side of compartmentalisation.
This week, we are celebrating Dream’s decision to share his face with the world. It’s not easy, being transparent and vulnerable. Society plays a huge role in the build up of the challenge. Still, no matter what people say or think of you, only you get to determine who you will be and how you will share yourself with the world.
Watch the official face reveal video Dream posted to his YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtpdMkKvB6U
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Helena Christensen’s Inspiring Body Positivity
This week, we are leaning into the power of getting real about how we feel about ourselves, and about the lives we lead.
The supermodel will be shining bright and inspiring us all week long.
Danish model and photographer, and former Victoria's Secret model, Helena Christensen was in the news last week for her stunning looks and some inspiring statements she made about the female body.
The 53 year old supermodel, who became a globally famous breakout star for her leading role in the official music video for “Wicked Game” by Chris Isaak almost 30 years ago, made headlines last week for many things from her reunion with Eva Herzigova at the front row of Dolce & Gabbana's Autumn/Winter 2022 runway show for Milan Fashion Week (the show was curated by Kim Kardashian), to her jaw-dropping appearance as the face of the newest Coco de Mer Icons Collection campaign. And as amazing as each of these headlines are, nothing caught our attention like the ones we’re about to speak on.
A recent article published to Body+Soul illustrated the perspective of one journalist, Angela Mollard on fashion freedom and body positivity for middle aged women. Angela wrote her thoughts after reading the harsh criticisms of a former fashion publicist regarding Helena Chrstensen’s outfit choice for Gigi Hadid’s 24th birthday party.
“I refuse to be shamed into covering my arms,” Mollard says in the article. And fortunately, it seems the same is true for Helena, as we’ve seen in both her personal photos and professional work since that party in 2019.
Another statement that caught our attention in the press last week was one where Helena speaks on body confidence in a woman. In an article published to The Telegraph, Christensen is quoted saying “no woman feels confident about her body all the time – it’s just not possible.”
Reading this statement felt very freeing and inspiring for us, because we believe there is power in vulnerability and transparency, although it is not something we always display towards or receive from others.
This week, we are leaning into the power of getting real about how we feel about ourselves, and about the lives we lead. It’s not that we have to focus on being dissatisfied with ourselves or our lives – it’s about being freed from the dishonesty that societal pressures often trap us in when it comes to our image and who we really are.
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Queen Consistency
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was many things to many people. She was a traditionalist—a ruler and a servant. May she rest eternally, and may we be inspired to build a better future.
70 years is a long time in any job.
As you probably know by now, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II drew her last breath on Thursday, September 08, 2022. The details of her life and legacy have been the main focus of many writers and publications ever since the day, and as is usually the case, there have been many people who sit on either side of the conversation.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was many things to many people. She was a traditionalist—a ruler and a servant. A privileged and dutiful woman. Her choices created change in the lives of everyday people, some of those changes more pleasant than others. Regardless of the opinions and the feelings of the people whose lives were impacted under her rulership, there is one lesson for us all to learn of her life and her legacy…
Consistency.
There is power in consistency. In fact Alex Dimitriu, M.D. once wrote in an article for Psychology Today that our good health relies on it. And as the world pauses to reflect on the life and legacy of the one, Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, we pause to admire the power of consistency she leveraged to create during her time. We won’t go into many details of her work (you can read about it here), however, we will note that 70 years is a long time in any job, and we are inspired by the level of resolve with which the Queen appeared to have made her decisions while on the throne.
May she rest eternally, and may we be inspired to build a better future.
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Don’t Worry, Everything Will Be Alright
I still don’t know the answers, but I believe everything will be alright, and so far it’s made a huge impact on my life and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
I had to stop worrying before worrying stopped me.
I used to think that a positive mindset meant you were always happy. I thought it meant you just went through life pretending that bad things didn’t happen, and cloudy days were simply not real. For years, I was convinced that in order to have a positive mindset, you could never admit that you were sad or in trouble. Thank God I discovered the truth before it was too late.
A lot of my life has been spent worrying that if I didn’t figure out how to be more positive, I would die without ever having truly lived. I worried about not understanding my dreams or fully knowing my purpose. I worried about feeling alone, especially when I was surrounded by people who said they loved me but never really took the time to get to know me. I was worried that even if I had a vision for my life, I wouldn’t know where to begin, and I probably wouldn’t have enough time to make my dreams come true.
This is going to sound so silly, but please believe me when I say this.
One day, a short while ago, I thought to myself, “what would happen if I just stopped worrying?” I really wanted to know what my life would be like if I just let go of the anxieties and the fears that have served as the majority of my thoughts for such a long time. I actually began to look up some quotes for inspiration and I’ll be honest – I don’t really know who all these people are, but here’s what I found:
“Don't carry worries around," she always says. "They're heavy.” ― Sona Charaipotra
“Don't spend your life wondering "what if" and worrying over something you have no control. What's done is done. Looking backwards will cause you to miss out on new blessings ahead. Move on.” ― Germany Kent
“Don't worry about not doing "it" perfectly right now. It's ok, just keep at it, you will soon settle in it and then you'll be glad you didn't give up.” ― TemitOpe Ibrahim
“Don’t feel guilty about what you didn’t know before; feel proud about the small step you already took by joining this great project.” ― Raad Ammari
“Release the burden. Letting go has all the answers.” ― Hiral Nagda
“Do not come into agreement with fear. Activate your faith, live in victory, speak over your life and expect great things to come your way.” ― Germany Kent
“Fear is nothing but an opportunity to practice Faith.” ― Jeanette Coron
Some of these things sounded faintly familiar, but then again some of these quotes were things I had never heard before. I chose my favorite seven and put them down in my notes app, so I can look at them throughout the week and be reminded that I don’t have to worry anymore. I still don’t know the answers, but I believe everything will be alright, and so far it’s made a huge impact on my life and I wouldn’t change it for anything.
About the Author
Bobby Pogue is a writer who describes theirself as a revisionist recluse and a dreamer in a daze. They recently picked up a love for writing, which led them to join the writers’ room at RFO Collective.
Three Ways Serena Williams Impacted GOAT Culture
You don’t become the most valuable player by happenstance.
You don’t become the most valuable player by happenstance.
Over the last couple of days, we’ve seen publication after publication calling attention to Serena Williams—a brilliant athlete with a tennis career consistent of 23 Grand Slams and spanning nearly three decades. From photo posts, to video features, collected words of admiration and even some pointed criticism, it seems like everyone had something to say. Over here, we’ve just been taking it all in. The massive career. The oxymoronic reality of being the GOAT and also being eliminated in your final match. The undeniable influence of a real life champion.
Ultimately there are three key takeaways that we’ve been able to see through it all—three major ways in which Serena Williams impacted GOAT culture.
GOAT = Greatest Of All Time (Urban Dictionary, 2004)
01 – Clarity
Repetition Compulsion is a condition where someone feels the need to constantly return to an experience from the past. It is often brought up to explain the behaviour of someone who appears to inexplicably reinvite previously endured pains or traumas into their lives, however, it is best understood as a byproduct of the human tendency to dwell in familiarity. One of the unique qualities of this condition is the particular cloud of confusion that tends to settle in the minds of those impacted by it.
When it comes to GOAT culture, we’ve seen repetition compulsion play out in many different ways. Certainly in entertainment, and certainly in sports. But as country music star Eric Church would say, “it’s over when it’s over.” And as Serena made the announcement in her Vogue essay that she was “evolving away from tennis,” we got to see the kind of clarity that we don’t often see with stars of her magnitude let alone within ourselves. She was sad, but she was certain of what was good and right for her and her family.
02 – Confidence
Many notable figures including Jelena Ostapenko, President Joe Biden and Tiger Woods have made public remarks for Serena Williams since the close of what would be her final match.
"Serena Williams, what an amazing champion you are and what an amazing athlete and person! Role model for so many of us. Tennis is gonna miss you so much! Wishing you all the best in your next chapter of life," — Jelena Ostapenko
“.@SerenaWilliams, you’re an inspiration, a champion of all time.
Thank you for dreaming, daring, and proving that anything is possible.” — President Joe Biden
“@serenawilliams you're literally the greatest on and off the court. Thank you for inspiring all of us to pursue our dreams. I love you little sis!!!!!!” — Tiger Woods
The key takeaway for us in these remarks, and the articles that surround them, is that even though she was eliminated after losing her final match, the win within seemed bigger than everything else. The amount of gratitude Serena has expressed. The amount of resolve she is conveyed. The amount of love poured out from the greats in various different industries and professions. Serena Williams has influenced millions of people to embrace confidence; to believe in themselves and trust that they are capable of making the right decisions in their lives.
“Serena, THANK YOU. It is because of you I believe in this dream. The impact you’ve had on me goes beyond any words that can be put together and for that I say thank you, thank you, thank you, GOAT!” — Coco Gauff
“Congratulations, Serena, for your heart, skill, intelligence, dedication, and grace. Few athletes have inspired more people both in and beyond their sport!” — President Barack Obama
03 – Consistency
Last and certainly not least, another way in which Serena Williams has impacted GOAT culture is with her consistency. Two core values that have remained very close to her heart throughout her life are family and faith. Serena has mentioned on many occasions how important it is to spend time with her loved ones, and make space to continually build her faith and grow spiritually.
As a number of people cited her impact, influence and inspiration being just as meaningful off court as on, perhaps this is something that’s come to mind.
However you put it, Serena Williams is one of the greatest champions we’ve seen in many years. May she continue to pursue her dreams with clarity, confidence and consistency, and in all the ups and downs this life has to offer, may she continue to rise.
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Waking Up In the Morning, Thinking About How Grateful I Am to Still be Alive
I hope this story will inspire you to rethink the way you start your day, whatever time your day begins. Choose gratitude and see how the universe responds.
I changed my morning routine and it changed my life.
A wise woman once told me that “everyday above ground is a blessing,” and I really felt that. You know, it’s not always easy trying to get through everyday life. Time moves way too fast, most people let you down, and I never seem to have enough money. Still, I must say I’m grateful.
I’m grateful that even though time moves way too fast, if I make up my mind, I can be present in each moment it brings. I’m grateful that even though most people have let me down or left me behind, there are a few who haven’t. Those people who stand by you through thick and thin are worth more than any number of people who choose to stand against you. I’m also grateful that even though I never seem to have enough money for all the things I want, I know that at the end of the day I will at least have access to the things I really need.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the things we dislike about our lives that we forget about all the goodness that surrounds us. I’m not writing this to say that you should just go about your day pretending bad things aren’t real, that they don’t happen or that they don’t have meaning. I’m simply saying that if we’re not careful we’ll begin to give them too much attention, significance and power in our lives.
Waking up in the morning, thinking about how I’m grateful to still be alive gives me the courage to face each day as a new beginning full of positive potential. I already know that there will be things I like and dislike about the day ahead, so it sort of gives me the heads up so I can game plan and be intentional with my time and my energy.
Starting each day with gratitude has been wonderful, but it wasn’t always this way. I used to get up (super late) every morning with nothing but sadness in my heart, because I just felt like life was too hard to handle. It wasn’t until mid-2020, when Beyoncé released “MOOD 4 EVA” from The Lion King: The Gift [Deluxe Edition], proclaiming that “everyday above ground is a blessing,” that I was released from the shackles of this miserable routine.
I hope this story will inspire you to rethink the way you start your day, whatever time your day begins. Choose gratitude and see how the universe responds.
About the Author
Emily Ginsenburg is a young author, obsessive journalist and meme enthusiast. Follow her on Instagram @emilyginsenburg.
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Nicki Minaj Advocates For Mental Health During 2022 Video Music Awards Show
The “Super Freaky Girl” rapper urged people to “take mental health seriously.”
On Sunday Night August 28, 2022, the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award was presented to its 34th recipient; rap superstar Nicki Minaj. Minaj has a career spanning more than a decade, and currently reigns as the highest selling female rapper of all time.
During her speech on Sunday, where she stood on stage surrounded by adoring fans, Nicki shared a message from her heart, that she wishes people “would take mental health seriously.” In and of itself at that moment, the message was well received. The crowd broke out into a roarous approval at once, but what stood out to me and I really appreciated was that she didn’t stop there.
“I wish that people took mental health seriously — even for the people that you think have the perfect lives.”
Even for the people that you think have the perfect lives.
Wow.
Sometimes, when we discuss the topic of mental health, if we’re not careful we begin to judge others who don’t appear to be dealing with the same mental health challenges as us in a way that we understand or accept. Some people are of the mind that rich people and celebrities have a certain privilege that precludes them from the experience of mental health challenges, disorders and illnesses, when that is simply untrue.
Perhaps one day we will accept that in order to understand the experience of another human being, regardless of who they are or where they come from, we must give them space. Space where they will feel free to communicate the truth of their experiences, feelings and beliefs without fear or retaliation or shame.
Thank you, Nicki Minaj, for using your platform to remind us all how important it is that we exercise accurate listening skills, empathy and sensitivity instead of prejudging or excluding others because of our unwillingness to take mental health seriously.
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At 69 years old, Karen Bass started a new chapter in her life, and the life of the city of Los Angeles, as she assumes the role of the city’s 43rd chief executive. Not only has she made history as the first woman to become mayor in Los Angeles, she is also the second Black person to have ever been elected to this office. In our review of this remarkable feat, we took some time to reflect on a few universal core competencies that Mayor Bass has displayed throughout her career, and that are of high visibility and significance today.