Issuu

JA N UA RY 2 02 1

Health + Wellness LI F E + C U LTU R E SI M O N E B I L ES FOOD + DRINK REC I P E FO R S U C C ES S TR AV E L REL A X I N G RE T RE AT I N H O T SPRI N GS

LIFESTYLE LETTER

JANUARY 2021 PUBLISHER

Kamilla Batchelor | kamilla.batchelor@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Wishing You a Happy & Healthy 2021

Gabi De la Rosa | gabi.delarosa@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall

WELL, FOLKS, 2021 HAS ARRIVED! This past year felt both like it went by in a blur

L AYO UT DESIGNER

and like it was 85 months long. But one thing is certain—we wouldn’t have made it

Jayme Emery

through this year without the support of our incredible community. That’s you!

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Chris Spicks Photography

If there is anything that we learned in 2020 it is that our health is wealth and without it, we literally have nothing. Make a point to check on your friends more often this month. Maybe instead of doing happy hour, offer to meet up for a fitness class. Maybe ask for your family’s support as you begin the search for a therapist for the first time. Self-care isn’t just for Sundays, now is a great time to make your mental and physical healthy a priority. Speaking of priorities, we hope you will read the article featuring Simone Biles whose number one priority right now is training for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. She opens up about training and how the past year has affected her both mentally and physically. We also have great articles covering all aspects of wellness from boxing workouts at Spar Houston to relaxing weekend getaways, and everything in between. We want to stay connected this year, so share your January goals with us on social media. Send us a DM or an email to let us know about the exciting things happening in our community. We can’t wait to embark on a fantastic 2021 with you, River Oaks!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

Gabi De la Rosa, Editor

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

ON THE COVER Location: World Championship Centre Makeup: Moni Pradier

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS SPICKS PHOTOGRAPHY 4

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

Proverbs 3:5-6 River Oaks Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the River Oaks area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in River Oaks Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

INSIDE THE ISSUE JANUARY 2021 FEATURES 12 Relaxing Retreat Track down beauty and bliss in historic Hot Springs, Arkansas.

16 Wellness Within Reach Dr. Brooke Goldner helps patients live healthier lives using food as their medicine.

18 Simone Biles on Strength & Motivation Heading into the Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles shares how she stays on top of her game despite a challenging 2020.

28 Level Up Spar Houston focuses on boxing

18 16

to offer clients an all encompassing mind and body workout.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Locals Only

Travel Destination

Local Limelight

Hometown Hero

24 Healthy Lifestyle 28 Local’s Choice 30 Inspired By 34 Locally Owned

When Others See a House, We See a Work of Art

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GOOD TIMES 1.

Dream On: Houston-Based, Longoria Collection Launches Luxury Linens Sylvia Longoria Dorsey and Elizabeth Dorsey Fertitta, the mother-daughter design duo and co-owners of Houston’s wildly successful, Longoria Collection, are pleased to announce the launch of LOOK Lifestyle, their first direct-to-consumer collection of high-design luxury linens. The collection can now be sourced at Longoria Collection and online at www.looklifestyle.com,and features exquisitely soft sheet sets, quilts, shams and the line’s exclusive Boobie Pillow™. PHOTO CREDIT: TRACI LING

1. LOOK Lifestyle is an Italian-made, luxury linen collection, founded by Sylvia Longoria Dorsey and Elizabeth Dorsey Fertitta. | 2. LOOK Lifestyle linens are made exclusively in an esteemed Italian factory, where many of the artisans have worked for more than 30 years. | 3. All down products are produced in the USA . | 4. Luxury sheeting, Angelina, is made from 100 percent cotton percale that is satin stitched in complementing colors. | 5. The fun and practical Boobie Pillow™ was designed to minimize vertical peach-pit creases on the décolletage for side sleepers. | 6. Co-founders and mother-daughter duo, Sylvia Dorsey and Elizabeth Fertitta.

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

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LOCALS ONLY TUTOR DOCTOR OF CENTRAL HOUSTON SHARES FOUR SUGGESTION FOR WHEN TUTORING MIGHT BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD.

When is Tutoring Right for Your Child? ARTICLE RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF

when your child has lost enthusiasm.

HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM ED

Many parents deal with students that are doing fine academically but lack the motiva-

FU AND EMILY WANG, OWNERS

tion or drive to do well in school. Tutors can be an incredible resource for students that

OF TUTOR DOCTOR OF CENTRAL

have lost interest in their assignments. The tutors we work with aim to help students find

HOUSTON OPENED THEIR TUTOR-

a personal connection with the material they are learning. If a student is able to see why

ING SERVICE TO HELP STUDENTS

a concept is relevant, they are more likely to understand and appreciate its importance.

ALLEVIATE EDUCATIONAL STRESS AND BUILD CONFIDENCE AROUND

when your child is excelling in school.

LEARNING. They strive to improve

Although tutoring is often associated with helping students who face challenges,

cation by providing at-home, one-to-

many of the students we work with are already achieving academic success. Tutoring is

one, personalized tutoring specifically

an incredible resource for students already ahead of their game – a private tutor can help

suited for the student.

these students continue to thrive, as well as introduce advanced topics that may not be covered in their class or grade.

grades and relieve worries about edu-

The duo knows that it is sometimes hard for parents to know if tutoring will be beneficial for their

when your child is beginning the college application process. Tutors can be an asset for high school seniors wading through the college application process. As many students know, standardized scores on important tests like the SAT and ACT can be a large determining factor when selecting a university.

when your child is struggling with school. This is the most common reason parents consider getting a private tutor, but the cause is not always due to academic difficulties. Many students lack organization or time management skills, which is why the tutors we work with specialize in building executive function abilities through our X-Skills Program. Other students simply aren’t understanding material because it isn’t being taught in their learning style. We believe each private tutoring session should be built around a customized learning plan that has been tailored to the student’s unique learning style and academic needs. Schedule a free in-home consultation to help assess the situation and develop a tutoring plan by calling or visiting tutordoctor.com or 281.771.0989.

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

child, so they have created a list of four suggestions to help

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TRAVEL DESTINATION

relaxing retreat

ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA

TRACK DOWN BEAUTY AND BLISS IN HISTORIC HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS.

WHETHER YOU WANT TO TAKE A THERMAL SOAK,

atmosphere. Located less than seven hours by car or two

EXPERIENCE NATURE ON TWO WHEELS, OR ENJOY

hours by plane, it is a great weekend getaway destination

BEAUTIFUL VIEWS, THERE ARE SO MANY WAYS

for Houstonians.

TO RELAX AND UNWIND WHILE VISITING HOT

Accommodations are plentiful in Hot Springs and range

SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. The southern city is nestled

from luxury boutique hotels like The Waters and Hotel

in the Ouachita Mountains foothills and has a rich his-

Hale to more mainstream chain hotels or rental cottages.

tory, great food, a bustling downtown, and a laid-back

But first things first, a weekend of relaxation is waiting.

Hot Springs, Arkansas is a great weekend getaway for relaxing fun. Photo credit Hot Springs CVB

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

FRIDAY

After working up an appetite, stop in at Deluca's Pizzeria. Owner

Get Outside

Anthony Valinoti, a New York transplant, has made a name for him-

Take a hike in Hot Springs National Park and don't worry about

self with his delicious house-made pizzas and pasta. Valinoti and his

an entrance fee because it is one of the country's only free national

crew make their pizza dough fresh daily and were recently named

parks. There are several hikes at all experience levels to enjoy, and

"Top 101 Best Pizzas in America" by The Daily Meal.

make sure to stop at any one of the thermal-fed fountains (hot and cold) to fill up your water bottle. Mountain bike enthusiasts will

SATURDAY

enjoy an abundance of trails in this International Mountain Bike

Soak in Local History

Association (IMBA) Bronze-level Ride Center location. Multiple trails

Start your day with a pancake breakfast at local favorite The

for every skill level wind their way through the area, making it easy to

Pancake Shop. Their delicious pancakes will fill you up for a day of

take in picturesque views.

walking along historic Central Avenue in downtown Hot Springs.

Located just a short drive from Hot Springs are Lake Hamilton

Stop in at the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center and request a

and Lake Catherine, two of the five Diamond Lakes in the state's

tour of Bathhouse Row, where you will hear about the area's history

southwestern region. Perfect for fishing, boating, standup paddle

dating back to the 1800s. Beginning with the Native Americans, the

boarding, or just enjoying the water, you will want to spend some

thermal water, which is a scalding 143-degrees, has been known

time lakeside. Don't worry about bringing your own gear; there are

for its healing powers. Lore of the healing water spread and peo-

several local outfitters for your equipment rental needs.

ple traveled from all over to "take the waters," eventually settling in

Local favorite Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery. Photo credit Hot Springs CVB

Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens. Photo credit Dero Sanford

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

TRAVEL DESTINATION (CONTINUED) Historic Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs. Photo credit Hot Springs CVB

The southern city is nestled in the Ouachita Mountains foothills and has a rich history, great food, a bustling downtown, and a laid-back atmosphere. what is now downtown Hot Springs. Originating with crude wooden structures that evolved into elaborate destinations catering to the

SUNDAY Relax in Nature

elite, Hot Springs became known as America's first "spa city." Tour

A trip to Hot Springs would not be complete without a stop

Fordyce Bathhouse to see the detailed stained glass and art com-

at Garvan Woodland Gardens. But before you go, fuel up with a

mon of that era, and if you are looking for a modern way to enjoy the

homemade cinnamon roll and coffee at Will's Cinnamon Shop,

mineral-rich waters, make a reservation at Quapaw Baths & Spa for

where you can customize one of their fresh baked rolls with an

a thermal soak or spa service.

assortment of delicious toppings. With coffee and cinnamon

Keep the relaxing day going with lunch or dinner at Superior

roll in hand, enjoy a stroll through 219 acres of the lush wood-

Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery – the only brewery in the world

land landscape. Highlights of the gardens included the famed

using thermal water to brew beer. Located in a historically renovated

Anthony Chapel, Bob and Sunny Evans Tree House, as well as

bathhouse from 1916, Superior Brewery prides themselves on their

the Garden of the Pine Wind, which is recognized as the fifth-

tasty beer and menu full of scratch-made and locally sourced fare.

best Japanese garden in North America.

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

NOW OPEN...

3600 Kirby Drive Houston, TX 77098

Call (713) 492-2340 or visit breathemd.org to schedule your appointment.

LOCAL LIMELIGHT

WELLNESS WITHIN

DR. BROOKE GOLDNER HELPS PATIENTS ALL OVER THE WORLD LIVE HEALTHIER LIVES USING FOOD AS THEIR MEDICINE.

REACH

DR. BROOKE GOLDNER, A BESTSELLING AUTHOR AND HOUSTONIAN HAS SPENT THE LAST TWENTY YEARS TEACHING PEOPLE HOW TO CHANGE THEIR LIVES THROUGH NUTRITION. She advocates for hyper-nourishing nutrition protocols that not only help people look and feel better but are proven to help fight off infection and reverse autoimmune issues. Dr. Goldner is intimately aware of how autoimmune issues can affect the body; she struggled with her battle against Systemic Lupus Nephritis for over a decade. Shortly after completing her medical residency at Harbor-UCLA, Dr. Goldner began living a vegan lifestyle. Once she made the dietary shift, she saw the benefits of increased energy and began to feel her lupus symptoms dissipate. Eventually, the symptoms she had been living with for years began to ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY LEO LOPEZ

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

who Dr. Brooke Goldner

where goodbyelupus.com and smoothieshred.com

advice A new year is the ultimate symbol of new beginnings, new chances to change our lives, a fresh start. So many people feel beat up by their experiences in 2020 and are ready to feel happier, healthier and hopeful again. I recommend we all start with a renewed focus on our own health and happiness by creating routines around these goals.

disappear altogether. She tested negative for lupus and was able to stop taking medication. Now with three best-selling books and thriving medical practice, Dr. Goldner helps people worldwide use food as medicine. She believes the easiest forms of medication can be found in your local grocery aisle. At the top of her recommended grocery list are dark leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, and anti-inflammatory foods full of Omega-3 fatty acids like chia and flax seeds. She encourages all her patients to consume their vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients in the form of smoothies. According to Goldner, this is especially beneficial for those who aren’t used to eating so many vegetables every day. “Smoothies are the easiest and the tastiest way to get in all of your vegetables for the day,” says Dr. Goldner. “Fill up your blender 75% full of dark leafy greens, add chia or flax seeds, water, and then fill up the rest with Dr. Brooke Goldner

fruit like banana, pineapple, or mangos.” CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

HOMETOWN HERO

simone biles on streng th & motivation

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

ARTICLE GABI DE LA ROSA | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRIS SPICKS PHOTOGRAPHY

SIMONE 18

HEADING INTO THE TOKYO OLYMPICS, SIMONE BILES SHARES HOW SHE STAYS ON TOP OF HER GAME DESPITE A CHALLENGING 2020.

ON A RAINY SATURDAY MORNING, SIMONE BILES WALKED INTO HER GYM, WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CENTRE, OFFERED EVERYONE A SMILE, AND DID A QUICK TWIRL. Watching her talk to her mom about her schedule for the morning, it is easy to forget that the petite 23-year-old is a household name, an icon in her However just like the rest of us, Biles, who has

knowing how long the postponement would last.

dominated her sport for decades, has been grap-

“It has been hard both mentally and physically,”

pling with all the issues that have plagued 2020.

said Biles. “It has been a little bit harder men-

Poised to go to Tokyo for the summer Olympics

tally, because I was ramping up my body and my

last year, she was favored to win the second

mind to compete in the Olympics last summer.

consecutive Olympic all-around title. Biles was

Everyone was gearing up to be at the top of their

devastated, however, when the games were

game, and then we just got shut down and had to

postponed because of the coronavirus. She was

start that process all over again. Everyone thinks

very open with the media in the spring of last year

it is a one-year process, but it is a four-year pro-

regarding her indecision about returning to train-

cess, so to add one more year to that is difficult.”

ing after the announcement. She said the biggest

Once the International Olympic Committee

challenge was walking into the gym each day, not

announced that the games would resume on the same dates in 2021, Biles felt more assured. They have since stated that the games will occur even if there isn’t an audience in attendance. After watching the NFL, NBA, MLB, and other professional sports resume their seasons, Biles has settled in with the knowledge that even if things look a little different, she will be competing. “We will have to be secluded in a bubble, which is hard mentally, but we have to make it happen because the Olympics only happens every four years,” she says. “Everyone around the world has trained for these moments since they were little, and this is how some people make their living. We just have to go on with it even if there is no audience.” When Texas opened back up after a seven-week mandatory shut down of all non-essential business due to coronavirus, Biles got to work and ramped up her training once again. Six days per week for six to seven hours per day, CONTINUED >

B I LE S

sport, and the most decorated gymnast of all time.

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

HOMETOWN HERO (CONTINUED)

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

Biles works with her coaches at her self-proclaimed “home away from home” World Championship Centre gym. Biles, who has been training this way since she was 13 years old, has a strong support system both in and outside the gym. The 52,000 square foot training facility is a family business run by Biles’ parents Ron and Nellie Biles. Her brother Adam is the general manager and says Simone is treated just like any other gymnast there. Working with athletes from all over the country, Nellie Biles firmly believes that education is a large part of the training process and is currently working on getting the homeschooling portion of the gym certified as a private school. She guided Simone through her educational decisions and knows how important it is for elite athletes to have a good scholastic foundation. “We are helping them realize two dreams at

on Tokyo 2021. She self-motivates by testing her

once,” she says of her academic programming.

limits in the gym. “Yeah, I have all the medals,

Although Simone hasn’t had to deal with aca-

but just seeing how far I can go is what keeps

demic issues for quite some time, she has had to

me motivated and keeps me going.” When asked

deal with the political and racial tensions that trou-

about retirement, which she has hinted at sev-

bled the country in 2020. As an African American

eral times over the past few years, Simone just

athlete, Biles knows many turn to her as a role

smiles and says no firm plan is in place. Thanks

model, and she is often looked to as the spokes-

to COVID-19, there is only a three-year gap until

person for her sport. Although many professional

the next Olympics in Paris 2024, so she is leaving

athletes see being a role model as a disadvantage,

the door open for future competition. “I actually

Biles says she is grateful for the platform she has

feel like I am aging like a fine wine – it is so crazy,”

been given and uses it to be a voice for the voice-

says the gymnast. “I really feel like each year I get

less. While she didn’t participate in any in-person

physically better and mentally stronger, so I am

protests because of the pandemic, she did partici-

excited to see what I can do this year. I have to

pate in peaceful protests through social media. “To

go into each competition like it might be my last

see everything that has happened has deeply sad-

though, because you never know – it might be.”

dened me,” says Biles. “It has been hard because I am African American, so this sort of injustice could happen to me, or my boyfriend, or my brothers. It is really sad, and it just hits on a different level.” With only six months left for training, Biles has put all distractions aside and has her sights set

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

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River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

E L

C A 24

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

EAT LOCALLY HARVESTED PRODUCE AND HELP THE COMMUNITY AT THE SAME TIME AT HOUSTON’S HOPE FARMS.

HARVEST HOUSTON’S BOUNTY ARTICLE RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF

EAT LOCAL IN 2021 AT HOUSTON’S HOPE

Foundation to help the non-profit continue

FARMS. The project of Recipe for Success

to serve as a critical Houston resource.

Foundation on seven-acres just minutes from

Founded in 2005, Recipe for Success

downtown, grows affordable, fresh produce

Foundation works to combat childhood

for Houstonians. Saturdays, you can visit the

obesity by changing the way children

on-site Farms Store (presently operated as a

understand, appreciate and eat their food

drive through market) for seasonal, just-har-

and to educate and mobilize the community

vested produce. Chances are you will find

to provide them with healthier diets. Long-

Founder, Gracie Cavnar or Tyler Froberg,

known for its school-based nutrition educa-

Farm Manager also sharing their latest har-

tion, the Foundation has pivoted to virtual

vest and gardening tips.

programming with EatItfoodadventures.org

Can’t make it to the farm? Then swing

online learning platform for children and

by a weekly Rolling Green Market pop

their families, featuring cooking and garden-

between noon and 2:00—Thursdays at

ing classes and more. Their VegOutwithrfs.

Berings on Westheimer and Fridays at

org website and mobile app have gamified

Tootsies in Upper Kirby. Or become a Farm

healthy eating for thousands. Recipe for

Share subscriber and get weekly bags

Success Foundation principally rely on

of fresh, organic just-harvested produce

donations, special events and grants to

delivered directly to your home or office. By

continue operations. Especially critical in

shopping Hope Farms’ produce you are

these uncertain times, produce purchases

choosing

supplement dwindling philanthropic gifts

local,

sustainable

produce,

and contributing to Recipe for Success

and cancelled fundraisers.

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

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LOCAL’S CHOICE

E LE V L

SPAR HOUSTON FOCUSES ON BOXING AS FUNCTIONAL FITNESS TO OFFER CLIENTS AN ALL ENCOMPASSING MIND AND BODY WORKOUT. ARTICLE RIVER OAKS LIFESTYLE STAFF

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

IERRE RUSSELL OF SPAR HOUSTON KNEW THAT FIT-

NESS WAS HIS CALLING. A competitive college athlete, he spent most of his life perfecting bodybuilding, sports performance, rehabilitation, and boxing. Although boxing might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about getting in shape, as a high-intensity training method it has proven to be a great form of exercise. Short bursts of high-intensity exercise have shown the same improvements in lung and heart health as 45 minutes of lower-to-moderate intensity exercise. With this knowledge in-hand, Russell decided to put his kinesiology and entrepreneurship degree to work and opened Spar Houston.

“I recommend finding something you genuinely enjoy, and you’ll never have a problem doing it every single day. For a lot of my members, boxing is fun but also mentally and physically challenging.”

Russell's focus for the past year has been to create a fitness community in around the sport. WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO OPEN SPAR HOUSTON? After selling my previous fitness facility, I opened Spar Houston to provide a much more versatile opportunity for people to train. HOW IS SPAR HOUSTON DIFFERENT FROM OTHER GYMS? At Spar Houston we integrate the sport of boxing into functional fitness. Our goal is to not only make our clients move better but also to become better boxers.

PIE RRE RUSSELL

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO FOCUS ON BOXING AS YOUR MAIN FORM OF TRAINING? Boxing requires minimal equipment and is something anyone at any age can do. It is also a form of self-defense, and the impact on the body is low. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION PEOPLE WITH NO BOXING EXPERIENCE HAVE ABOUT THE SPORT? People think the sport is a lot easier than they see on TV. Boxing is more skillful, and it is about establishing a rhythm. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE TO PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO STICK WITH THEIR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION? I recommend finding something you genuinely enjoy, and you'll never have a problem doing it every single day. For a lot of my members, boxing is fun but also mentally and physically challenging. CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

INSPIRED BY

C H

YO U A R E T H E C ATA LY S T F O R CHANGE

ARTICLE DR. JOHN C. MAXWELL IF SOMEONE WERE TO ASK YOU, “WHAT GETS YOU OUT OF BED IN THE MORNING?” how would

you reply? Would you talk about your job or your family? Would you tell them about a dream you’re chasing or a goal you’re trying to meet? What we give our lives to says a lot about who we are. For forty years now, I’ve gotten out of bed in the morning with one single focus: adding value to leaders

I’ve spent decades learning what it takes to trans-

who will multiply value to others.

form communities and countries, and with my

Because of that focus, I’ve authored over 80 books

writing partner, Rob Hoskins, have produced a

on relationships, equipping people, attitude, and lead-

book that offers step by step instruction on how

ership, all with the purpose of expanding my reach to

leaders—people who care to make a difference—

add value to leaders.

can produce transformation in their own backyard.

Four decades, dedicated to making better leaders.

It’s a book written for everyone—including you.

But now, as I enter into my fifth decade, my purpose

You are a potential catalyst for change in your

has expanded. I still get of bed with the goal of adding

community, no matter where you live, no matter

value to leaders who will multiply value to others, but

what you do. All it takes is your willingness to

there’s an even greater purpose behind it all.

step up as a leader. Harriet Tubman once said,

Transformation. I want to see our world transformed

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always

into one where every human being is encouraged and

remember, you have within you the strength, the

allowed to live to their full potential. Imagine what it would

patience, and the passion to reach for the stars

be like to live in a world where everyone—men, women,

and change the world.”

children—were equipped and empowered to live a life of deep purpose. We would truly see a transformed world.

RENOWNED LEADERSHIP COACH DETAILS HOW CHANGE IN A COMMUNITY CAN START WITH ONE PERSON: YOU

If you dream of changing your community, or city, or country, you must not only dream, you must

That’s the message of my latest book, Change Your

also act. Many things in life just happen, but pos-

World: How Anyone, Anywhere Can Make a Difference.

itive change isn’t one of them. Changing anything

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

in our world requires someone to be the catalyst. Someone like you.

Leaders like you become catalysts for change when they do three things: pick a problem to address, invite others to join them, and do what they can where they are. Dr. John C. Maxwell

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED)

1. Pick a Problem to Address A leader can never become a catalyst until he or she first takes ownership of the problem they wish to solve. You cannot rally people to a cause that you aren’t willing to own, especially these days; people know when a leader is being half-hearted, and they don’t respect it. When you pick a problem to solve or a cause to rally around, you must have conviction in order to succeed. Over the years, I’ve learned that whenever I feel a sense of conviction about an issue, I need to start moving in the direction I believe I should go, even if I’m uncertain. Action creates ownership, and ownership creates credibility with people. And you need that

credibility because transformation cannot be done by one person alone—we all need people to join us on the journey.

A 32

River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

2. Invite Others to Join You When you’ve settled on the problem you want to tackle you should immediately begin looking for others to join you. In the book, Rob and I recommend starting with friends and family; you already have influence with them, and chances are you’re of like mind in many areas. Go to those family members who frequently ask you for advice or seek your opinion on personal matters, as you likely have greater influence with them. To move beyond family, however, you’ll need to take a leap of faith and

2. to the Join You beginInvite sharing yourOthers passion for solving problem with other people. Passion

attracts, and when people come to you with interest, don’t be afraid to ask

When them you’ve settled the you to your tackle you Empowering people what they on think or problem invite them to want improve ideas. should immediately begin looking to join you. In the to help you creates a bond, for andothers once that bond is established, you will quickly book, Rob and I recommend withwith friends you discover who you canstarting truly work and and invitefamily; them to take action with you. already have influence with them, and chances are you’re of like

3. Do What You Can Where You Are

mind in many areas. Go to those family members who frequently

ask you for advice or seek your opinion on personal matters, as you likely have greater influence with them.

the final step. It you’ll doesn’t have be abig or grand; it doesn’t even To moveAction beyondis family, however, need to to take leap of be guaranteed of success. Nothing happens faith andhave begintosharing your passion for solving the problem within life until someone does Passion something, and once you take yourcome first step, thewith next step will come into other people. attracts, and when people to you focus.be Remember thatthem transformation is a process, an event. It takes time interest, don’t afraid to ask what they think or invite not them andyour repeated to bringpeople about positive change. So focus on purpose, not to improve ideas. action Empowering to help you creates a perfection, doiswhat you know to will do. quickly discover bond, and once thatand bond established, you These threewith steps may seem too but with I assure who you can truly work and invite them to simple, take action you. you they work. The goal of all transformational movements is making things better however possible. Incremental change is better than the status quo; and when you’re truly committed to making your community a better place, you know that any improvement is a significant improvement.

If you’d like to learn more about transformation

No matter what problems or challenges face your

and how to become a leader of transformation, then

community, you are the catalyst for change that can

I encourage you to pick up my book, Change Your

make all the difference. But you must choose to get

World, from your favorite bookstore or online retailer.

involved; transformation won’t choose you—you

If you’re concerned about making the world a better

must choose transformation.

place, then you know that now is the best time for leaders like us to make that dream a reality.

For the sake of your community and mine, I sincerely hope you do. CityLifestyle.com/RiverOaks

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NADIA FORTE DREAMED ABOUT TRAVEL SINCE SHE WAS A YOUNG GIRL GROWING UP IN BARBADOS. She kept up with the latest travel destinations and eventually moved to the United States, where she received a degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management from Temple University. Forte went on to work with luxury hotels and corporate travel for destinations all over the world. After deciding that she needed a change of pace, she opened Nadia Forte Travel & Events specializing in leisure, corporate group travel, and destination events. Since opening her business in Houston, Forte has partnered with Protravel International – an elite invitation-only network of the world’s top 1 % of travel providers. This affiliation allows Forte to have direct access to an expanded network of luxury travel experiences including cruises, spas, and destination

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River Oaks Lifestyle | January 2021

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