Pg.28
Dextrocardia: What It Means When Your Heart is on the Right Side
Pg.40 How Smart Women Leaders StayVisible Without Burning Out
Pg.52 How the Human Brain Works: 5 New Neuroscience Findings
Rewiring the Future, Restoring the Human.
DearReaders,
Thehumanbrainisourmostcomplexfrontier,andfordecades,itsinjuriesandmysterieswere treatedthroughdeeplyfragmentedsystems.Progresswasoftenmeasuredinisolatedclinical milestonesthatcompletelyignoredapatient’sinnerreality—thefear,theconfusion,andthelossof identity.Buttoday,thelandscapeofneurologicalcareisfundamentallyshifting.Wearenolonger justobservingthemind;weareactivelypartneringwithittoheal,adapt,andovercomewhatwas onceconsideredimpossible.Itisaprofoundprivilegetopresent“NeuroTechPioneers:Top BusinessWomenLeaders2026.”Thiseditioncelebratesthefearlessvisionarieswhoare dismantlingthewallsbetweenbiology,digitalinnovation,andlivedhumanexperiencetoredefine cognitivehealth.
OurcoverstoryfeaturesShawneeHarkins,FounderandCEOofTheHarkinsMethod,aleader whoserevolutionaryworkinneurorecoverywasborndirectlyfromsurvivingmultiplesevere traumaticbraininjuries.Refusingtoacceptatraditionalrehabilitationmodelthattreatsthemind, brain,andbodyinparallel,disconnectedlanes,shebuiltanintegrated,drug-freeframework.Her approachrespectsafundamentaltruth:thenervoussystemmustfeelsafebeforetrueneuroplastic learningcanoccur.Bytranslatingherhard-wonpersonalinsightsintoscalable,tech-enabled solutions—liketheAIandVR-drivenHarkinsProject,VRx—Shawneeprovesthatlastingrecovery requiresabsolutecontinuity.Hermethodisnotbuiltforquickclinicaldischarges,butforrebuilding apatient’sidentity,trust,andfunctionovertime.Whetherhelpingachildwithcerebralpalsygain bilateralcoordinationorguidingasevereTBIsurvivoroutofawheelchair,herfocusremains unshakeable:realchangeonlystickswhenthenervoussystemisreadytoreceiveit.
Alongsidethisincrediblecoverfeature,wearethrilledtospotlightaphenomenalgroupofexperts whoareequallydedicatedtotransformingcognitivecareandneuro-wellness.Thisissueproudly recognizesthevital,ground-breakingcontributionsofLisaSkinner,AishaPurvis,LisaCramer, andDr.NicoleFord-Francis
Theseleadersremindusthatthetruepromiseofneurotechnologydoesnotlieincolddata,isolated protocols,orfasterprocessors.Itliesinusinginnovationasabridgetoprotectandpreservehuman connection.Aswelookforward,theircombinedworkguaranteesthathopeandhealingwillnotbe limitedbygeographyortime,butwillremainaccessible,measurable,anddeeplydignified foreveryone.
Sincerely,
Simran Khan Project Editor
POONAM
52.
Aisha
Dextrocardia: What It Means WhenYour HeartIs on the Right Side
How Smart Women Leaders Stay Visible Without Burning Out
How the Human Brain Works: 5 New Neuroscience Findings
Cover Story
Building Recovery from the Inside Out
“
My mission is to ensure that hope and healing are not limited by geography, resources, or time—and to leverage technology in a way that honors the human nervous system, the human spirit, and the dignity of recovery.
Cover Story
Recoveryisoftendescribedasa process,butformanypeople navigatingneurologicalinjury,it feelsmorelikeaseriesofdisconnectedsteps. Appointmentsfocusonisolatedsymptoms. Progressismeasuredinnarrowmilestones.The innerexperienceofconfusion,fear,andidentity lossrarelyfindsaplaceintheroom.Whatgets missedisnoteffortorintention,butcontinuity.
Inneurorehabilitation,thebodyoftenreceives onesetofinstructions,thebrainanother,and themindislefttofigurethingsoutonitsown. Movementistrainedwithoutaddressing readiness.Learningisintroducedbeforethe nervoussystemcansupportit.Whenprogress stalls,theassumptiontendstobelimitation ratherthanmisalignment.
Thisgapbecomesespeciallyvisibleincasesof severebraininjury,whererecoveryisnotonly physicalbutdeeplypersonal.Thework involvesmorethanrestoringfunction.It requiresrebuildingtrustinthebody,clarityin themind,andasenseofselfthatinjuryhas interrupted.Fewpeopleunderstandthisfrom theinside,andShawneeHarkinsisamong thosefew
Shawnee’sworkinneurorecoverygrewoutof livedexperienceratherthanformaltheory.By theageoftwenty-four,shehadsurvived multipleseveretraumaticbraininjuriesthatleft herunabletowalk,speakclearly,orwrite,with significantcognitiveimpairmentshapingevery momentofdailylife.Recoverydemandedmore thanregaininglostskills.Itrequiredrelearning howtomove,communicate,andthink,while alsoredefiningwhoshewasintheaftermath.
Assheprogressedthroughrehabilitation, Shawneebegantonoticewhatwasmissing. Careexisted.Expertiseexisted.Whatdidnot existwasintegration.Themindwastreated separatelyfromthebrain,thebrainfromthe body,andthehumanexperiencewasoften overlookedaltogether.Sherecognizedearly thatbeforemovementorlearningcouldtake hold,thestateofthenervoussystemhadto changefirst.
Longbeforeneuroplasticitybecamepartof everydayconversation,Shawneebegantrainingher mindthroughvisualization,breathwork,mental imagery,andintentionallanguage.Shepracticed movementinternallybeforeherbodycouldproduce it.Overtime,herbrainadapted.Shewalkedagain. Shespokeagain.Sherebuiltherlife.Thatpersonal processbecamethefoundationofabodyofwork shapedbypatience,awareness,andadeeprespect forhowrecoveryactuallyunfolds.
FromLivedInsighttoaScalableSystem
AsShawneemovedfrompersonalrecoveryinto workingalongsideothersurvivors,apatternbecame difficulttoignore.Individualswereoften dischargedwhileprogresswasstillfragile. Caregiverswereexpectedtomanagecomplexneeds withlittlesupport.Outcomeswereevaluated quickly,longbeforemeaningfulneurological changehadtimetotakehold.
Neuroplasticrecoverydoesnotoperateonshort timelines.Itrequiresconsistency,internalsafety, andagradualreconstructionofidentity.Whenthose elementsaremissing,improvementtendstostall. Shawneesawthisgaprepeatedlyinsurvivorsof traumaticbraininjury,stroke,andconcussion,andit becamethecatalystforwhatwouldlaterbe formalizedasTheHarkinsMethod™
Overyearsofreal-worldapplication,herapproach evolvedintoastructured,repeatablesystem.The workemphasizedpreparingthenervoussystem beforeintroducinglearningormovement,allowing recoverytobuildinawaythatcouldlastbeyond clinicaldischarge.Asoutcomescompounded,the limitsofone-to-onedeliverybecameclear
“At some point, it became obvious that this kind of recovery couldn’t be confined to individual sessions,” Shawneeexplains.
ThatrealizationledtoTheHarkinsProject,VRx Designedasaneurotechnologyplatform,it leveragesAI,augmentedreality,andvirtualreality toextendneuroplasticity-drivenrecoverywhile preservingthehumanessenceofhealing.Theresult isamodelbuiltnotforspeed,butforcontinuityand long-termimpact.
Cover Story
Programs,Platforms,andWhatSetsthe WorkApart
AsShawnee’sworkexpanded,sodidtheneed forstructure.Whatbeganasanapproachshaped throughpracticehadtobecomesomething otherscouldunderstand,apply,andsustainover time.Thechallengewasnotaddingcomplexity, butmaintainingintegration.Cognitive,physical, andbehavioralrecoverycouldnotexistin parallellanes.Theyhadtofunctionasasingle system.
ThatsystembecameTheHarkins Method™–NeuralNetworkofChange™,a neuroscience-backed,drug-freetraining frameworkdesignedtosupportneuroplastic changethroughanintegratedmind,brain,and bodyprocess.Themethodfocusesonrebuilding neuralpathwaysbyaddressinghowaperson thinks,moves,andresponds,ratherthan isolatingthosefunctionsintoseparate interventions.
Theworkreachespeoplethroughseveraldistinct programs.NeuroStateofMind™provides personalizedneurorehabilitationand performancetraining,adaptingtoindividual capacityandprogression.
NeuroFitTrainingClub™extendsthemethod intoeducationandprevention,offeringscalable brainhealthtrainingforlong-termsupport.The HarkinsProject,VRxbringsthemethodinto immersiveenvironments,usingAI,augmented reality,andvirtualrealitytotranslatethework beyondtraditionalsettings.
Whatdifferentiatesthisworkfromconventional rehabilitationiswhereitplacesitsattention. Progressisnotdrivenbyrepetitionalone,butby thestateofthenervoussystem,therebuildingof identity,andcontinuedengagementovertime. AsShawneeoftenemphasizes, “Change does not stick unless the nervous system is ready to receive it.”
Inthismodel,recoveryisnottreatedasaseries oftaskstocomplete.Itistreatedasaprocess thatunfoldswhentheinternalconditionsfor changeareconsistentlysupported.
CultivatingHope,Resilience,andTrust
Manypeoplearriveatthisworkbelievingtheyhavereached theendoftheroad.Theyhavefollowedprotocols,attended appointments,andcompliedwitheveryrecommendation placedinfrontofthem.Whattheyoftencarrywiththemis notresistance,butfatigue.Trusthaserodedafteryearsof beingtoldprogresshasplateaued.
Shawneeapproachesthismomentcarefully.Rebuilding trustbeginsbyhonoringthefullhumanexperience. Recovery,inherview,extendsbeyondphysicalfunctionto includemental,emotional,relational,andspiritual dimensions.Whenthoselayersareacknowledged,people begintore-engagewiththeprocessratherthanbraceagainst it.
Onelong-termexampleisKyleAlexander,asurvivorof severetraumaticbraininjurywhomHarkinshasworked withforsevenyears.Earlyinhisrecovery,Kylewastoldhe mightneverwalkagain.Today,hewalksindependently, speakswithconfidence,andispreparingtoreturnto ministry.Hisprogressunfoldedgradually,shapedby consistencyratherthanurgency.
Kyle’smother,Donna,recallshowdifferentlifefeltatthe beginning. “When Kyle first had his accident, I had to be put on antidepressants. I couldn’t talk about it without crying. Now, I still cry, but it's because of the progress he’s making. Without The Harkins Method, Kyle would still be in a wheelchair. He wouldn’t be speaking as fluently or thinking as clearly. We’ve learned there's more to recovery than just PT and OT.”
Alongsidephysicalgains,Kylelearnedtoregulatehis nervoussystem.Throughbreathworkandfocusedattention, hedevelopedtheabilitytointerruptspasticityepisodes, auras,andseizures.Whatoncesidelinedhisrecoveryfor weeksbecamesomethinghecouldnavigateinrealtime, allowinghimtoreturntotraininginsteadofstartingover.
Theworkextendsbeyondbraininjuryrecoveryintostroke rehabilitationandperformancerebuilding.JohnCothrine Jr.,abusinessownerandstrokesurvivor,seesthebroader implications.
“If The Harkins Method can be duplicated through technology, it can help many more people. Shawnee can’t train everyone one-on-one, but technology allows this method to reach and heal more lives through neuroplasticity.”
Shawneealsoworkswithchildren,including Jude,afive-year-oldlivingwithcerebralpalsy. Hisparents,Dr.andMrs.Mathew,noticed changesthatreachedbeyondphysical milestones.
“Before starting The Harkins Method, Jude struggled with weakness and coordination between both sides of his body. Since beginning this work, his strength, hand-eye coordination, confidence, and willingness to try new challenges have all improved. We are watching neuroplasticity happen right in front of us.”
Acrossagesanddiagnoses,thepatternremains consistent.Neuroplasticitydoesnotdisappear withtime.Whenthenervoussystemis supported,andthepersonisseenasawhole, recoveryremainspossibleateverystageof life.
LeadershipandMeasuringImpact
Asfounderandchiefexecutiveofficer, Shawneeleadswithacleardivisionof responsibilityandasteadysenseofdirection. Herrolespansvision,productstrategy, researchalignment,andthedevelopmentofan ecosystemthatcansupportlong-termrecovery ratherthanshort-termintervention.Each decisiontiesbacktoasinglequestion:whether theworkcancontinuetoservepeoplewell overtime.
Impact,inthismodel,isnotmeasuredbyspeed orscalealone.Shawneeevaluatessuccess throughfunctionaloutcomes,sustained engagement,caregiverfeedback,andrestored independence.Whenindividualsremain involvedforyearsandcontinuetomake progress,itsignalsthatthesystemis supportingrealchangeratherthantemporary gains.
Herleadershiphasbeenshapedbyrestraintas muchasambition.Ratherthanpursuerapid expansion,shehaschosendeliberategrowth, allowingtheworktomaturewithoutdilution.
“Protecting the integrity of the work has been the most important decision of my career,” Shawneesays.
Thatchoicereflectsaleadershipstylegroundedinresponsibilityto thosewhorelyonthework.Growth,inherview,onlymatterswhen itstrengthensoutcomesandpreservesthetrustplacedinthesystem.
TheRoadAhead
Shawneeseesthenextphaseofneurorecoverytakingshapeatthe intersectionofneuroscienceandtechnology.Forher,AI,augmented reality,andvirtualrealityarenotendsinthemselves,buttoolsthat makeneuroplastictrainingmoreaccessibleandconsistentacross environments.Usedresponsibly,theyofferawaytoextend recoverybeyondtraditionalsettingswhilemaintainingcontinuityof care.
Hervisioncentersonbuildinginfrastructurethatsupportsrecovery atscalewithoutreducingittodatapointsorprotocolsalone. Accessibility,measurability,anddignityremaintheguiding principles.Thegoalisnottoreplacehumanconnection,butto protectitastheworkreachesmorepeople.
Inthisfuture,technologyservesasabridgeratherthanabarrier.By preservingthehumanityatthecoreofhealing,Shawneeaimsto createsystemsthatallowneurorecoverytoremainpersonal,even asitbecomesglobal.
ConnectwithShawneeandTheHarkinsMethod™
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnee-harkins/
PersonalWebsite:https://shawneeharkins.com
NeuroStateofMind:https://NeuroStateOfMind.com
NeuroFitTrainingClub(sign-up): https://www.skool.com/neurofit-training-club-join/about
Foranyinquiriesorfollow-up,Shawneecanbereached directlyatshawnee@shawneeharkins.com.
Recoveryhasawayofrevealingstrengththatoftengoesunnoticeduntilitistested.InShawnee’swork,thatstrengthisnot somethingimposedfromtheoutside.Itissomethinguncovered,trained,andgraduallytrustedagainbytheindividual.
Herintentionhasremainedconsistentthroughouttheevolutionofherwork.Sheaimstosupportpeopleastheyreconnect withtheirowncapacityforchange,evenwhenprogressfeelsuncertain.Havingmovedthroughherownhealingjourney,she nowworksfromaplaceofperspectiveratherthanurgency.
“I cannot imagine spending my life any other way than in service,” Shawneesays. “Helping people recover is not just what I do. It's how I choose to contribute.”
Thatcommitmentshapesherbroadermission.Sheseekstoensurethathopeandhealingarenotlimitedbygeography, resources,ortime.Byusingtechnologythoughtfullyandresponsibly,shecontinuestobuildsystemsthatrespectthehuman nervoussystem,thehumanspirit,andthedignityofrecoveryitself.
Cover Story
The Nurse Who Gave a Voice to the Voiceless
Thesimpleactofchoosingamealisaquiet
declarationofself.Itisamomentofpleasure,of autonomy,ofexpressingafundamentalhuman desire.Butformillionsofpeoplelivingwithdementia, neurologicaldisorders,orprofoundlearningdisabilities,this simplechoiceisadailyimpossibility Theprintedwordsona traditionalmenucanbeameaninglessjumble,averbal question,oraconfusingsound.Inthissilentspace,choice giveswaytoassumption,anddignitycanquietlyerode,often leadingtoadevastatingcascadeofmalnutrition,dehydration, andalossofindependence.AishaPurvis,aspecialised MentalHealthNurseandahealthtechfounder,hasspent herlifestandinginthissilentspace,andshehasmadeither missiontofillitwithanewlanguage,onethatisspokennot withwords,butwiththesenses.
Hercompany,SensmartLtd.,isbuiltonarevolutionary ideathatwasbornnotinaboardroom,butattheintersection oftwodeeplypersonalworlds:thesterile,methodicalreality ofthehospitalward,andthewarm,lovingchaosofherown kitchentable.Sheisawomanwhohaswitnessedtheclinical consequencesofmalnutritionandhasfeltthepersonalache oftryingtonourishalovedonewhocannotspeak.Fromthis ® dualperspective,shehascreatedNumenyu ,amulti-sensory menuthatismorethanjustaninnovativeproduct.Itisa bridge,atranslator,atoolthatisrestoringthesimple, profound,andessentialhumanrighttochoose.
TheTwoTables
Aisha’sjourneyintohealthcarebeganattheageof18,asa careassistantsupportingpeoplewithdementia.Itwasa worldofhands-oncare,oflearningtoanticipateneedsandto findconnectionbeyondconversation.By21,withaLevel5 LeadershipandManagementqualification,shewasacare homemanager,responsibleforindividualswithcomplexand degenerativeconditions.Itwasanearlyandintense educationinadvocacy,inserviceimprovement,andinthe immenseresponsibilityofcaringforthevulnerable.
ThispathledAishatotrainasaMentalHealthNurse,arole thattookhertothefrontlinesofastrugglingsystem.Shesaw firsthandhowpatientsandtheirfamiliesgrappledwith challengesaroundcommunication,dignity,andnutrition. Whilestudying,sheworkedarangeofjobs,fromagency supportworkertoseniornursingassistant,gainingbroad exposuretoavarietyofcaresettings.Today,sheworksasa specialisedNursewithineatingdisorderservicesatthe RoyalVictoriaInfirmary,arolethatgivesheraunique insightintothecomplexrelationshipbetweenmentalhealth andnutrition.
Photo by Chris Owens
Paralleltothisprofessionaljourneywasadeeplypersonal one.Athome,Aishawasacarerforherstepdaughter,Millie, whohasRettsyndromeandisnon-verbal.Atonestage, Millie’snutritionalintakewasdangerouslypoor,andshewas sufferingfrommalnutrition.ItwastheverysamecrisisAisha hadwitnessedsomanytimesinherclinicalpractice.Thetwo tables,theoneinthecarehomeandtheoneinherownhome, hadbecomeone.Theprofessionalandthepersonalhad converged,strengtheningherresolvetofindasolutiontoa problemthatwascausingsomuchsilentsuffering.
AnIdeaBornoftheSenses
TheoriginofSensmartLtd.,foundedinMarch2021in NewcastleUponTyne,wasadirectresponsetothisdual experience.Aishahadseenthedevastatingimpactof malnutrition,whichcansometimesevenleadtodeath,when individualscouldnotcommunicatetheirfoodpreferences. Thegapinthesystemwaspainfullyclear:therewereno accessible,inclusivetoolstosupportchoiceandindependence aroundfood.
® Fromthisneed,Numenyu wasborn.ItistheUK’sfirst multi-sensorymenu,agroundbreakingtooldesignedto empowerindividualswithcognitiveorphysicalimpairments. Whatmakesituniqueisthatitisthefirstmenutoincorporate olfactorystimulationalongsidevisual,tactile,andother sensorycues.Forsomeonelivingwithdementia,thescentof amealcantriggeramemoryoranappetiteinawaythata writtenwordnevercould.Forsomeonewithalearning disability,tactilecuescanmakeoptionseasiertorecognize andunderstand.Itisaproductbuiltonaprofoundempathy forthelivedexperienceofitsusers,atoolthattransformsthe diningexperiencefromamomentofpotentialconfusionand frustrationintooneofjoy,inclusion,andindependence.
TheRippleEffectofaSimpleChoice
TheproblemAishaistacklingisnotasmallone.Malnutrition isestimatedtocosttheUKhealthcaresystemover£7.7 billioneachyear,withtheextracarecostsforasinglepatient rangingfrom£1,400to£5,000.Thesearethestaggering financialconsequencesofskippedmeals,poorhydration,and theresultinghospitaladmissions.
®Numenyu offersasimple,elegant,anddeeplyhuman solution.ForSensmart’sclients,whoincludecarehomes, healthcareteams,andfamilies,thetoolisawaytoprevent thiscrisisbeforeitbegins.Byallowingindividualstoexpress theirfoodchoicesmoreeasily,itdirectlyimprovesnutrition andreducestheriskofavoidablehospitalstays.
ClaireRobinsonfromNICA, highlightingourcollaborationwithHINENC.
Theimpactisapowerfulrippleeffect:thedailyquality oflifefortheindividualisimproved,theemotional andpracticalstrainoncarersiseased,andtheimmense financialburdenonthehealthcaresystemislessened. Itallbeginswithrestoringthesimplepowerofa choice.
FromKitchenTabletoClinicalTrial
OneofAisha sproudestmomentswasseeing ’ Numenyu movefromanideaconceivedatherkitchen ® tabletoaproductbeingpilotedinrealcaresettings. Thisjourneyfromconcepttoacredible,scientifically backedventurehasbeenmarkedbyaseriesof strategicpartnershipsandprestigiousrecognitions.
AtSensmart,innovationandsafetyareseenas inseparable.Shecreditsthevitalsupportofnetworks liketheSuperInnovationNetworkpoweredbyUMI, theAHSN/HINENC,andmentorssuchasClaire RobinsonandSarahCoxforhelpingguideherjourney AishahasworkedcloselywiththeNorthofTyne LocalAuthority NationalInnovationCentrefor ,the Ageing InternetofCaringThings ,andthe programme NHSreal-world .Shehassecured evaluations Dr.Anthony andcollaborateswith WatsonatNewcastleUniversity Nutrition andthe andExerciseCentretoensurethatallofherworkhas astrongscientificfoundation.
Thiscommitmenttoexcellencehasnotgone unnoticed.ShewasfeaturedbytheBBCwithDr. Ranj,amomentthatbroughthermissiontoanational audience.Shehassecuredherfirstintellectual propertypatent,acriticalstepinprotectingher innovation.OnInternationalWomen sDay,herwork ’ washonoredby withanawardforher BarclaysBank outstandingcontributiontoentrepreneurship.Andina testamenttohergrowinginfluence,shewasinvitedto aroundtablediscussionwiththeDepartmentof HealthandSocialCare.
TheHeartofaLeader
Aisha sleadershipjourneyhasbeenaprofoundtestof ’ resilience.Bootstrappingastart-upwhile simultaneouslyworkingasanurse,continuingher studies,andcaringforherfamilywasanimmense challenge.Thatchallengebecamealmost insurmountableinMay2024,whenshelostherbrother tosuicide.
“Balancing grief with responsibility forced me to dig deep, lean on resilience, and be honest about my limits,” Aisha reflects. “What I learned is that leadership isn’t about pretending to have it all together, it’s about showing up authentically, asking for support when needed, and staying committed to the mission even in the hardest times.” This devastatingpersonallossstrengthenedherresolvetolead Sensmartwithanunshakablecommitmenttoempathyand transparency.
TheNextCourse
ThefutureforSensmartisfocusedonscalingitsimpact.The ® nextmajormilestoneisdigitisingNumenyu withanapp thatwillrunalongsidethephysicalmenu.Thisappwill providenutritionalguidance,createcompliancerecords,and allowpatientstochoosetheirmealsdirectly.Itwillalso supportmonitoringandauditingsystemstotrackfoodwaste andreducecosts,deliveringmeasurablebenefitsacrossthe healthcaresystem.Atthesametime,herteamisexploring howAI,sensorydesign,andnutritionalsciencecanshape futuretoolstailoredtoindividualneeds.
Aishaisparticularlyexcitedaboutherongoingcollaborations withtheNationalInnovationCentreforAgeing,the InternetofCaringThingsprogramme,LeedsUniversity, andNewcastleUniversity Thesepartnershipsensurethatas Sensmartgrows,itsworkremainsscientificallygroundedand readyforwidermarketexpansion.Hervisionisclearand powerful: “to make mealtimes more inclusive worldwide and ensure no one is left unheard at the table.”
TheHabitofExcellence
Whenaskedaboutwork-lifebalance,Aishacallsita “constant juggle.” Shefindsherequilibriuminthesmall moments:timewithherfamily,beingoutdoors,cooking, reading,andplayingthepiano.Thesearethepausesthatkeep hergroundedandgivehertheenergytolead,tocare,andto create.
Herleadershipphilosophyisencapsulatedinabeliefthathas guidedherthrougheverystageofherjourney:Anyonecan beanythingtheywanttobewiththerightmotivation.Itis abeliefthatechoesthewisdomofAristotle,aquoteshelives by:“Wearewhatwerepeatedlydo—excellence,then,is notanactbutahabit.”ForAishaPurvis,leadershipisnota singleactofinspiration,butadailyhabitofshowingupwith persistence,empathy,andauthenticity.Herremarkable journeyshowsthatyoudonotneedtohavealltheanswersto start.Youjustneedthecouragetobegin.
Dextrocardia What It Means WhenYour Heart Is on the Right Side
Mostpeoplehavetheirheartpositionedonthe leftsideofthechest.Butinrarecases,aperson isbornwiththeheartontherightside,a conditionknownasdextrocardia.Youmusthavecome acrossatleastasinglepersonwiththiscondition.
Eventhoughdextrocardiaisextremelyrare,itoccursin about1in12,000peopleglobally.Itoccurswhentheheart's apex(thepointedlowertip)facestherightinsteadofthe left.
ItsnamecomesfromLatinwords dextro (right)and cardia (heart). Althoughsomepeoplewithdextrocardialive healthyliveswithoutsymptoms,othersmayexperience complicationsdependingonhowtheirorgansandheart structuresdeveloped.Mostcasesareidentifiedatbirthor duringachestX-raylaterinlife.
Thisarticlebreaksdownwhatdextrocardiais,itscauses, complications,diagnosis,andtreatment.
(Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalised advice.)
Let’sUnderstandDextrocardiaMore
FormsofDextrocardia
1.DextrocardiaSitusInversus
Inthistype,theheartisontherightside,andotherinternal organs,suchastheliver,spleen,andstomach,arealso reversedlikeamirrorimage.Thisiscalledsitusinversus,a completeorganreversalthatoftencausesnosymptoms.
2.IsolatedDextrocardia(SitusSolitus)
Here,onlytheheartisreversed,whileotherorgans remainintheirusualpositions.Thistypehasahigher chanceofbeingassociatedwithheartdefects.
3.Dextroposition
Thisisnottruedextrocardia.Instead,theheartistothe rightduetoanothercondition,suchaslungdiseaseor abnormalitiesinthechestcavity.
WhyDoesDextrocardiaHappen
Dextrocardiadevelopsveryearlyinfetalgrowth,within thefirstfewweeksofpregnancy.Duringthisperiod,the hearttubeloopsandrotatestotheleft.Indextrocardia, thislooprotatesabnormallytowardtheright.
Theexactcauseisnotalwaysknown,butidentified factorsinclude:
1.GeneticCauses
Somecasesoccurduetogeneticmutationsaffecting earlyorgandevelopment.Forexample,defectsingenes thatguideorganplacement(left–rightpatterning)can leadtoorganreversal.
2.AssociatedGeneticSyndromes
Somepeoplewithdextrocardiahaverelatedsyndromes suchas:
●Kartagenersyndrome,whichincludeschroniclung infectionsandsinusproblems.
●Primaryciliarydyskinesia(PCD),where malfunctioningciliaaffectorgandevelopment.
3.UnknownCauses
Inmanycases,noclearcauseisidentified,andthe conditionisconsideredsporadic.
WhataretheSymptomsofDextrocardia
Noteveryonewithdextrocardiaexperiencessymptoms. Peoplewithdextrocardiasitusinversusoftenlive normalliveswithoutknowingtheyhave thecondition.
However,othersmayexperience:
●Breathingproblems
●Chronicsinusinfections
●Heartmurmurs
●Fatigue
●Cyanosis(bluishskin),incaseswithcongenitalheart defects
●Digestiveissues(rare)
Thepresenceandseverityofsymptomsdependonwhether theheartandotherorgansdevelopednormally.
HowDextrocardiaIsDiagnosed
Diagnosisusuallyhappensthroughroutineimaging,often whenahealthcareprovidernoticesheartsoundsontheright side.
Testsinclude:
1.ChestX-Ray
X-rayshelpidentifythiscondition,showingtheheart shadowontherightside.
2.Electrocardiogram(ECG)
Here,theelectricalpatternsappear“reversed,”akeyclueto thiscondition.
3.Echocardiogram(HeartUltrasound)
Inthistest,heartstructuresandbloodflowcanindicate abnormalities.
4.CTorMRIScans
ToolslikeCTorMRIscansprovidedetailedimagesof organplacement.
5.GeneticTesting
ItisusedwhensyndromeslikePCDorKartagener syndromearesuspected.
CanDextrocardiaCauseComplications
Onitsown,dextrocardiaisnotalwaysdangerous.Many individuals,especiallythosewithdextrocardiasitus inversus,haveanormallifeexpectancy.
However,whenassociatedwithcongenitaldefects,itmay increasetheriskof:
●Heartvalveabnormalities
●Holesintheheart(septaldefects)
●Complexstructuralheartissues
●Respiratoryproblemsduetociliarydisorders
Amongpeoplewithcompletesitusinversus,only5–10% developcongenitalheartdefects,muchlowerthanin dextrocardiawithoutorganreversal.
Childrenwithdextrocardiahaveahigher-than-average chanceofcongenitalheartdisease,especiallyifsitus inversusisabsent.
WhatIstheTreatment&Management
Thereisnocureforrepositioningthehearttotheleftside, andthisconditionitselfusuallydoesnotneedtreatment.
Instead,treatmentfocusesonassociatedconditions:
1.ManagingHeartDefects
Childrenwithstructuraldefectsmayneedtreatmentsinthe formofmedication,catheter-basedprocedures,andsurgery.
2.TreatingRespiratoryProblems
ThosewithKartagenersyndromeorPCDmayrequire treatmentssuchasairwayclearancetherapy,antibioticsfor infections,andregularlungmonitoring.
3.PreventiveCare
Theavailablepreventivecareincludesroutineheart evaluations,screeningfororgan-relatedissues,and monitoringduringsurgeryoremergencycare(asorgan positionsdiffer).
LivingWithDextrocardia
Peoplewithdextrocardiacanlivenormal,healthylives, especiallyifnosignificantdefectsarepresent.
However,it’simportantto:
●Informhealthcareproviders,especiallyintimesof surgeriesandemergencies.
●Stayupdatedwithcardiaccheck-ups
●Monitorforrespiratorysymptoms
Conclusion
Dextrocardiaisararebutfascinatingconditionwhere theheartsitsontherightsideofthechest.While manyindividualsexperiencenocomplications,others mayfacechallengesdependingonheartstructureand organdevelopment.Withmodernimaging,early diagnosis,andspecialisedcare,peoplewith dextrocardiacanenjoyfull,healthylives.
Ifyoufoundthisarticlehelpful,shareitwithothers; youmighthelpsomeoneunderstandararecondition betterandfindthissecretabouttheirheart.
Dr. Nicole
Writing the Codes of Success for Business, Government, and the Soul
IntherarefiedairoftheC-Suite,whereleadersareforgedinthe crucibleofmetrics,margins,andmarketshare,theconversationsare typicallyaboutstrategyandscale.Thelanguageisoneofcompliance matrices,keyperformanceindicators,andshareholdervalue.Butwhen Dr.NicoleFord-Francisenterstheroom,theconversationshifts.ThePresidentof VisionariesinPartnership(VIP),Inc.,awomanwitharesumesteepedinthe exactingworldsofaerospace,defense,andNASAprogrammanagement,beginsher high-levelleadershipconsultationsnotwithaquestionaboutprofitability,butwithone ofprofoundanddisarmingsimplicity: “Who are you, and what is your STORY?”
ThisisthecentralparadoxandthequietgeniusofDr.NicoleFord-Francis.SheisaSix SigmaMasterBlackBeltwhospeaksthelanguageofenergyhealing.Sheisaformer ProgramManagerfora$149.5millionNASAcontractwhonowconsultsonthe powerofplant-basedmedicine.Shehasbuiltacareeronaradicalandtransformative idea:thatthevulnerabilities,traumas,anddeeppersonalnarrativesofaleaderarenot separatefromtheirprofessionaleffectiveness,butare,infact,inextricablylinkedtoit.
Inaworldthatdemandsleaderssegmenttheirlives,she teachesthemthattruepowerliesinintegration.Sheisan architectofbothimpeccablebusinesssystemsandprofound humanhealing,andshehasbuiltaformidableenterpriseatthe intersectionofthetwo.
FromSpaceShuttlestoStrategicSystem
TounderstandthedepthofDr.Ford-Francis’swork,onemust firstappreciatetherigorofherfoundation.Formorethan25 years,shemovedthroughthemostdemandingandtechnically complexenvironmentsinthecountry:aerospace,theArmy, theAirForce,theDepartmentofDefense,andcorporate America.Thiswasaworldofprecision,aplacewherethere wasnomarginforerror AsaProgramManagerandBoard MemberfortheNASAHeadquartersResearchand EducationSupportService(NRESS)OMNIBUSContract inWashington,D.C.,andArlington,VA,sheoversawa massive8(a)/GSAMinorityBusinessContactproviding scientific,peer-review,andeducationaltechnicalsupport acrossNASA’smissiondirectorates.Herworktouchedthe InternationalSpaceStation(ISS)Education/Science laboratories,theiconicNASASpaceShuttleProgram, NASA’sEducatorAstronautProgram,andNASA’sEarth andSpaceScience,SpaceTechnology,Educationand AeronauticsandResearchMissionDirectorates.
Herexpertiseinprocessandqualityisnotjust anecdotal;itiscertified.In2016,sheearnedher SixSigmaMasterBlackBelt(SSMBB) Certificationfromthe International Six Sigma Institute,signifyingthehighestlevelofmastery indata-drivenprocessimprovement.This followedher2011CapabilityMaturityModel Integration(CMMI)Level2forServices CertificationfromtheprestigiousCarnegie MellonUniversity:ITInstitute.This background,combinedwithherexperienceasa Sr.VicePresidentofBusinessDevelopment foraService-DisabledVeteran-OwnedSmall Business(SDVOSB)DefenseContractor, makesheraformidableproposalmanagerand writer,ahighlysought-afterstrategistwho knowshowtonavigatethelabyrinthineworldof governmentcontracting.
Herapproachismeticulous. “My first goal is to read the requirement completely and to create a compliance matrix,” sheexplains,anodtoher systematictraining.Thisensureseverydetailof acomplexproposalisaddressed.Fromthere,she buildsaplanwiththeprecisionofamission launch:assessingtheneedforteamingpartners, executingNon-DisclosureandTeaming Agreements,andorchestratingadisciplined writingprocesswithscheduledkick-offs,draft deadlines,andthedeploymentofSubjectMatter Experts(SMEs)toensureeverytechnical requirementismetwithunimpeachable expertise.Thisistheworldshemastered,a worldoflogic,systems,andunimpeachable results.
TheBio-SociologyoftheBoardroom
Whilemasteringthetechnicalsystemsof governmentandindustry,anotherpartofDr. Ford-Francis’sjourneywasunfolding.Earlyin hercareer,shebeganworkingwithnon-profits andfaith-basedorganizations,including churchesandtheNAACPHQ.Itwashereshe honedherskillsasagrantwriter,learningto translatetheneedsofacommunityinto compellingproposalsthatsecuredvitalfunding. Shefoundherselfwritingeducationalandyouthbasedprograms,recognizingthatastrong narrativeandaclearmissionwerejustascritical tosuccessasabalancedbudget.
Thisworkwithcommunitiessparkedadeeperinquiry intothehumansystemsthatunderpinallorganizations. Shebeganworkingcloselywiththeleadershipofthe NationalMedicalAssociation(NMA)oncritical projectsrelatedtominorityhealthdisparitiesand regenerative(stemcell)medicine.Thisexperience bridgedherstrategicskillswithpressingcommunity healthissues.Italsoilluminatedapathtowardamore holisticunderstandingofwell-being,leadingherto pursuecertificationsasaCertifiedSpiritualLife Coach,EnergyHealer,andHolisticPain ManagementSpecialist.Shebecameanexperienced HerbalistandPlant-basedMedicinePractitioner, delvingintoancienttraditionsofhealing.Toan outsider,thismighthaveseemedlikeapivot.Butfor Dr.Ford-Francis,itwasanevolution.Shewasmoving fromunderstandingthemechanicsofanorganization tounderstandingthewell-beingofthepeoplewho powerit.
What’sYourSTORY?TheStrategicMindfulness™ Method
Thissynthesisofthetechnicalandtheholisticisthe heartofhersignatureleadershipdesign:Strategic Mindfulness™.ItisaBio-Sociologicalmethodology thatacknowledgesafundamentaltruth:aleaderis,first andforemost,ahumanbeing. “All humans have a physiological condition that is often due to the environment that they reside in,” shesays. “This business model acknowledges and supports the Mind, Body, and Spirit of the leader as a Human-being that is made of those foundational components.”
Togettothecoreofaleader’sstrengthsand vulnerabilities,shecreatedtheSTORYacronym,a frameworkforaguidedjourneyintoself-awareness. SheaskstheC-Suiteexecutives,BoardMembers,and otherhigh-rankingstaffsheworkswith exclusively—insmall,confidentialgroupsor individually—toreflectontheir:
● Stress:Whatarethepersistentpressuresyouface?
● Trauma:Whatpastexperiencesshapeyour presentreactions?
● Obligations:Whatresponsibilities,seenand unseen,doyoucarry?
● Reality:Whatistheunvarnishedtruthofyour currentsituation?
● Younger-Selfmessage:Whatwisdomwouldyou offerthepersonyouoncewere?
Thisisnottherapyinaconventionalsense;itisastrategic interventionthatbeginsthecreationofaStrategicLifePlan. Theprocessisdesignedtocreatewhatshecalls “a moment of enlightenment,” aflashofself-awarenessthatallowsaleaderto seetheinvisibleforcesdrivingtheirdecisions.Byestablishing adeepsenseoftrustandcredibility,sheguidesthemthrough thisoftenemotionaljourney “The resilience comes after they have identified their stressors and trauma,” sheexplains, “and they are able to forgive themselves and to move forward in a positive direction.” Theresultisnotjustabetterleader,buta transformedperson,onewhocanleadthemselves,their families,andtheirorganizationswithanewfoundsenseof clarityandpurpose.
FromGhanatoGeorgeWashingtonUniversity:AGlobal Impact
ThepowerofDr.Ford-Francis’sapproachisevidentinthe breadthofitsapplication.ShehasservedasaGovernance andLeadershipConsultantfortheNationalHealth InsuranceAuthority(NHIA)ofGhana,providingspecialized trainingtoitsBoardofDirectorsandleadershipdelegates focusedonbestpracticesandcontinuousimprovementforthe country’shealthcaresystem.AsaLeadershipCoachforthe prestigiousYoungAfricanLeadersInitiative(YALI) MandelaWashingtonProgramattheUniversityof Maryland-BaltimoreCounty(UMBC),shehelpsshapethe nextgenerationofAfricanleaders.
SheservesasChairpersonfortheBoardofAdvisorsforPopya International,IncofNamibia,anorganizationthatisaleadingvoice formentalhealthandgender-basedviolence(GBV)awarenessacross Africa,foundedbyamanwhosurvivedseveredepressionandasuicide attempt.
Backhome,herinfluenceisjustasprofound.AsanAdvisoryBoard memberfortheTransformativeLeadershipinDisruptiveTimes
CertificateProgramattheGeorgeWashingtonUniversitySchoolof Business,inpartnershipwiththeZ-School,shebringsherunique perspectivetobearonthemostpressingchallengesfacingleaderstoday Herroleistoaddresstheneedsofleadersnavigatingthetraumaofa globalpandemic,thepoliticalturmoilofeventsliketheJanuary6th insurrection,andtheeconomicandsocialfalloutfromcorporateDEI cutsthathaveleftover300,000womenofcolorunemployed
“Leaders are lost and fearful because our Democracy is being challenged,” shenotes,observingthatsmallbusinessesarehaving contractscancelledforreasons “clearly linked to racism.” Strategic Mindfulness™isheranswer,atoolforbuildingresiliencewhenthe veryfoundationsofbusinessfeelunstable.
FundingDreams,WritingTruths,and Earning
Honors
Dr.Ford-Francis’smissiontoempower extendstothepractical,financialrealitiesof buildingabusiness.AsaBusinessLoan BrokerwithVIP/ROKFinancial,sheworks tosecurecriticalfundingforsmalland medium-sizedbusinesses,procuringloans from$10kto$5millionbasedonrevenue alone.Shespeakswithempathyaboutthe frustrationsherclientsface,particularlythe challengeofbeingdeniedloansbecausetheir post-expenseincomeistoolow,evenwhen theirbusinessesaresolvent.
Amidstthisdynamicportfolio,sheremainsa prolificcreatorandarecognizedleader. Sheistheauthorof“AJourneyto Womanhood:PoemsfromaGirl Grown-UptooSoon,”publishedinOctober 2013byXlibrisPublishers,whichsheis currentlypreparingtorepublish.Sheisalso writinganewbiographicalwork,“BigGirls Don’tCry:ABiographicalStory,by Dr.NicoleFord-Francis.”
Hercommitmenthasbeenrecognizedthrough acascadeofhonors,fromNASAEducation EnterpriseLeadershipWorkshop
Certificatesin2003and2004toa2012 CertificateofAppreciationfromNASA HeadquartersforhersupportoftheSpace ShuttleProgram.In2015and2018,shewas honoredbytheNAACP’sSaltLakeCity, UtahBranchforhercommitmentto educationandexcellence,andin2016,shewas includedintheRosterofTopFemale ExecutivesbyTheInternationalWomen’s LeadershipAssociation.
Herpersonallifeisheranchor.Asamother andgrandmotherandanativeofBaltimore, MD,shefindsbalancebystayinggroundedin prayer,meditation,andnature.Sheactively combatswhatshecalls“leaderloneliness”by spendingcherishedtimewithherchildren, closefriends,andlovedones.Forher,personal successisnottheworld’sdefinition.Itis “peace, prosperity, physical health, spiritual health and lots of laughter.”
WhenaskedwhatadviceshewouldgivetoyoungBlackwomenaspiringtolead,her counselisapowerfulblendofspiritualguidanceandpragmaticsteel. “Pray in the beginning, in the middle, at the end and always,” shebegins. “Understand that you must still be 10 times better than your white counterparts to even be recognized as present.” Sheadvisesthemtoworkwithblinderson,todevelopatoughskin,andto neverbasetheirsuccessonexternalrecognition.Butthistoughadviceiswrappedin amessageofprofoundself-love.
“Realize that you are a beautiful creation and you are intelligent. BE BRAVE and be ok with your femininity… Never cry at work and be ok with your vulnerability Now, work hard, study and become the Subject Matter Expert (SME). Love your skin, your hair and your style. Create your own standard… Be confident, be comfortable in any room… You were trained to succeed wherever you go, Thrive!”
Itisthedistilledwisdomofawomanwhohasnavigatedthehighestechelonsof powernotbyconforming,butbyintegratingherfull,authenticself.Itistheultimate lessonofStrategicMindfulness™:knowyourstory,healyourstory,andthenuseit tochangetheworld.
You Don’t Have to Be Online to Be On Point
Let’sstarthere:Therealprosdon’tsprinteveryday.Theypacethemselveslikemarathonerswitha warplan.
That’ssomethingmostpeopledon’ttellwomenleadersbuildingapersonalbrand:Visibilitydoesn’t meanvolume.
Somewherebetweenthelatestwebinaron“consistency”andthesocialpostthatsays,“Justshowup daily,”manywomeninbusinessconfuse constant availability with strategic visibility.That confusionisexpensive.Itcostspeace.Itcostshealth.Itburnsoutyourcreativity.
Thegoodnews?Youdon’tneedtochoosebetweengrowthandyournervoussystem.
Youjustneedashield.
YouAretheBrand—ButYou’reAlsotheOperator
Therearetwoversionsofyou:
1.Theonethatshowsuponline.
2.Theonethatrunsthewholeoperationbehindthescenes.
Toomanywomenthinktheirbusinesswillstopiftheirfacedoesn’tappearoneverytimeline.But whenyou’rethestrategist,thecreativedirector,theCEO,andsometimestheassistant…it’snotjust okaytopause—it’sessential.
Let’sbeblunt:Youcan’tbuildabrandworthfollowingifyou’rerunningonfumes.
Thinkofitthisway.Ifyouarethelight,yourvisibilityistheswitch.Youcontrolit—notthe algorithm.Thegoalisnottobe seen allthetime.Thegoalistobe remembered whenitcounts.
AthenaDidn’tPostDaily
TheGreekgoddessAthenadidn’t marchintoeverywar.Shepickedher battles.Shecarriedashield,notjust todefend—buttosignalpower Presencewithoutchaos.
Youdon’tneedtoexplainyour silenceorjustifyyourbreak.If you’reinaseasonwheretheenergy’s low,that’sdata.Useit.Adjust.
Youcanstilllead,stillsell,still inspire—withoutlive-streamingyour entireemotionalcycle.
Infact,alotofpeopletrustyoumore whenyoushowrestraint.
ThePowerPause:AReset,Nota Retreat
There’ssomethingmost high-performingwomenavoid talkingabout:theoff-switch.
Nottheglamoroussabbaticalorthe post-hustleBalitrip.I’mtalking aboutaquietTuesdaywhereyou just…don’tshowup.Nopost.No launch.No“I’llbebacksoon”note.
Youjustpause. Strategically
Likeawomanwhoknowshervalue doesn’tdisappearwhenshelogsoff.
Youknowwhatthatdoes?Itbuilds intrigue.Itcommandsrespect.Andit makesspace—fornewideas,sharper offers,andbetterboundaries.
Don’tFeartheAlgorithm TrainIt
Let’sgetpractical.Youdon’thaveto abandonyourbrandtotakea breather Youjustneedtosetitup likeabusiness,notamoodboard.
Here’showtoprepfora“quietpowerseason”:
1.Batchyourbrilliance
Spendonefocusedmorningrecordingorwriting2–3pieces ofcontentthatreflectyourvalues,notjustyourvoice. Schedulethem.Letthemrunwhileyourest.
2.Pinyourpresence
Craftoneclearmessagethatlivesatthetopofyourprofiles. Alinethatsays:
“Operatingatfullclaritybehindthescenes.Staytuned.” That’snotgoingdark.That’sgoingdeep.
3.Defineyourred-linerituals
Chooseyournon-negotiables.Maybeit’samonthlyemail. Abi-weeklystory.Orjustavisualpostwithnocaption. Makeityour minimum visible dose.
4.Protectyourcreativeprimetime
Areyoumostfocusedat6amorafterdinner?Reserve thattimefornon-publicwork—offers,strategy,reading, thinking.Visibilitystartsintheshadows.
RedLipstickVisibility(andWhatItReallyMeans)
Somewomenuseloudbranding.Someuselogos.Someofus useredlipstick.
It’snotaboutthemakeup.It’saboutthemessage: “I’m here. But on my terms.”
Thattinysymbolofcontrolmatters.Itcanbeawalkatnoon. Apost-itnotethatsays“nomeetingstoday.”Ora3-week breakfromLinkedInwithoutfeelingguilty.
Yousettheterms.Nothustleculture.Notsome10-step contentfunnel.Anddefinitelynotthewomanyouadmirewho postseverydaybutsecretlywantstodisappearforaweek.
Visibility≠Access
Let’sclearthisup.Youdon’toweyouraudience 24/7energy.
Beingvisibledoesn’tmeanbeingaccessible. Beingtrustworthydoesn’tmeanbeingon-call. Beingaleaderdoesn’tmeanbeingloud.
Sometimes,thestrongestpersonalbrandistheonethatquietly says:
“I’mbuildingsomethingbiggerthanthismoment.”
That’swhatyourpausecansignal. Stability.Strategy.Self-leadership.
Here’sWhatI’mDoingThisSummer(FeelFree toStealIt)
Nograndexitpost.
No“here’swhyI’mtakingabreak”carousel. Justaquietplanthatkeepsmealigned and alive.
· I’mshowinguponceaweekwithvalue-ledcontentI createdweeksago.
· I’msayingnotoallreal-timespeakingunlessitdeeply energizesme.
· I’mschedulingdeepworkblockswherenoone—not evenmyteam—canreachme.
· I’mlettinginspirationarrivenaturally,notondeadline.
Andifagreatideahitsatthepool?I’lljotitdown. ButIwon’tstopswimming.
FinalWord:RestIsaStrategy
Mostpeopletreatrestlikeareward.Somethingyouearn afterburnout.
Smartwomenleaders—realpowerplayers—theytreat restlikeapillar.Somethingthat enables output,not delaysit.
Sono,you’renot“losingmomentum”bytakingafew weeksoffsocial.
You’rebuildingbrandintegrity You’reinvestinginyour long-game.
Andwhenyoureturn?Youwon’tjustbevisible.
You’llbeunstoppable.
OneActionStep(Don’tSkipThis)
Openyourcalendar
Picka10-daywindow.
Markit:“StrategicBrandRest.”
Prep2posts.Pin1brandmessage. Thenlogoff.
Leavethedooropenjustacrack.Lettheaudiencefeel yourpresencewithoutgettingaccesstoit.That’s influence.
Andifsomeonedoesn’tunderstand?
Theywereneveryouridealaudienceanyway
Mapping a New Route through the Mental Health Maze
Owner and Clinical Director | Mind Body Neuro Colorado
“ Mindset is what gets you there. ”
Thereisaspecifickindofexhaustionthat settlesintoafamilywhentheyhavetried everything.Itisafatiguethatcomesnot justfromthesleeplessnightsorthebehavioral outbursts,butfromtherelentless,grindingfriction ofuncertainty Theyhavesatinbeigewaiting rooms.Theyhaverecountedtheirtraumato strangerswithclipboards.Theyhavefilled prescriptionsthatpromisedclaritybutdelivered fog,orperhapsnothingatall.Theyhaveengaged intalktherapyuntiltheyhaverunoutofwords,yet theanxietyremains,alowhuminthefloorboards oftheirlives.
Itisusuallyatthispoint,whenthemaptheywere givenhasledthemtoadeadend,thattheyfind theirwaytoLisaCramer.
LisaistheownerandClinicalDirectorofMind BodyNeuroColorado,aswellasitssisterpractice inIllinois.SheisaLicensedClinicalProfessional Counselor(LCPC)andaneurotherapist,butthose titles,whileaccurate,donotquitecapturethe textureofwhatsheactuallydoes.Inamental healthlandscapethatisoftendefinedbytrialand error,Lisahasdedicatedhercareertothe eliminationoftheguess.
Sheoperatesinthequiet,data-richintersection wherehumanempathymeetshardscience.Her workispredicatedonasimple,somewhatradical idea:thatifapersonisstuck,itisnotbecausethey aren’ttryinghardenoughtogetbetter.Itisbecause theirbrainisphysicallyrehearsingapatternthatno amountoftalkingcaninterrupt.Tofixthepattern, youfirsthavetoseeit.
TheListenerandthePattern
Lisahasalwaysbeenacollectorofstories.Even backinhighschool,longbeforesheknewwhata QEEGwas,sheknewshewantedtoworkinmental health.Shewasthepersonothersdriftedtoward, thenaturalconfidante. “I love listening to people's stories,” shesays.Itwasn’tjustthedramaofthe narrativethatdrewherin;itwasthestructure beneathit.Shefoundshewasskilledatseeing patterns,theinvisiblethreadsthatconnecteda childhoodeventtoacurrentbehavior,oraspecific stressortoarecurringoutcome.
Shepossessedtherequisitetemperamentforthejob.Sheis,byher ownadmission,a “people person.” Butasshemovedintoher professionallife,shebegantonoticethelimitationsofthe traditionaltoolkit.Youcanlistentoaclient’sstoryforhours,butif theirbrainisstuckinastateofhyper-arousal,thestorydoesn't change.
Thenshefoundneurofeedback.
Itwasadiscoverythatsatisfiedboththeempatheticlistenerandthe pattern-seekinganalystwithinher “I immediately loved the science-backed approach,” Lisarecalls. “It is driven by each person’s unique data to help them find change.”
Itfeltlikefindingamissingkey.Suddenly,shehadawaytohelp thepeoplewhoweretrulystuck,theoneswhohadcycledthrough medicationsandtherapistswithlittletoshowforit.
In2018,shefoundedMindBodyNeuroofIllinois(headquartered inLombard),integratingthisbrain-basedworkintohercounseling practice.Shedidn'thoardtheknowledge;shegraduallytrainedher staff,wideningthecircleofwhocouldbehelped.
TheAccidentalExpansion
ThestoryofhowLisacametoownapracticeinLakewood, Colorado,isalessoninserendipityandsharedvalues.Ithappened thewaymanysignificantlifechangesdo:ataconference.
LisawasinCaliforniaattendingaprofessionalgatheringwhenshe metShariJohansson.Inthenicheworldofneurotherapy,the communityistight-knit,buttheconnectionwithShariwas immediate.Astheygottoknowoneanother,ararealignment emerged.ShariwastheownerofGreyMattersNeurofeedback& CounselinginColorado,andshewasthinkingofselling.Lisa,who wasalreadylookingtoexpandherfootprint,wasthinkingof openingalocationintheWest.
“The very niche fit of our skillsets doesn’t happen often,” Lisa notes.Itwasn'tahostiletakeoveroracoldcorporateacquisition.It wasameetingofminds.Thenegotiationswerespurredbyamutual desiretoseethepatientscaredfor.Lisapurchasedthepractice,took itunderherwing,andrebrandeditasMindBodyNeuro Colorado
Thisexpansionwasn’tjustaboutgeography.Itwasaboutproving thatthemodelworkedacrossstatelines,thattheneedfordatadrivenmentalhealthcarewasuniversal.Whetherinthesuburbsof ChicagoorthefoothillsoftheRockies,thehumanbrainstruggles inthesamefundamentalways.
TheEndofGuesswork
TounderstandwhyLisa’swaitingroomisfull,youhave tounderstandthefrustrationofthemodernmental healthconsumer.Intraditionalpsychiatry,apatient describesasymptom,say,troublesleepingandracing thoughts.Theprovidermakesaneducatedguessand prescribesamedication.Maybeitworks.Maybeit makesthepatientgaintwentypoundsandfeelnumb. So,theytryanotherone.Itisagameofbattleships playedinthedark.
“In mental health, most approaches are guessing, especially prescribing medication,” Lisasayswiththe candorofsomeonewhohaswatchedpatientssuffer throughthesideeffectsofthoseguesses. “With our method, we have a road map to guide us without guesses.”
ThatroadmapistheQEEG,theQuantitative Electroencephalogram.Itisabrainmap.Whenaclient comestoMindBodyNeuro,theydon'tjusttalkabout theirfeelings;theygettheirbrainwavesmeasured.Lisa andherteamcansee,onascreen,theelectricalpatterns thataredrivingtheemotions.Theycanseetheanxiety. Theycanseethetrauma.
“Brain-based healing means we are following the activity patterns and levels in that specific individual's brain to perfectly tailor their training plan,” she explains.
“It is essential because sometimes we can want change very badly, but talking is not enough when we have entrenched, stuck brain patterns that are beyond our conscious control.”
Theofferingsatherclinicsarediverse,designedto addressthespecificterrainofeachclient’smind.They utilizeredlighttherapy,microcurrentneurofeedback, andamplitudetraining.Itishigh-tech,yes,butthegoal isdeeplybiological:tocalmoverarousal.
Whenthebrainisconstantlyscreaming“danger,”it cannotprocesstherapy.Byusingthesetoolstolowerthe volumeofthatneuralnoise,Lisa'steamcreatesa windowofopportunity
“Traditional talk therapy or medications can then gain traction and really help,” shesays.Andinsomecases, theinterventionissosuccessfulthattheexternalaids becomeunnecessary
“Some clients come off their medications entirely, as they are supported by the neurotherapies.”
CultivatingSafetyinaHigh-TechWorld
Walkingintoaclinicfilledwithwiresandmonitorscanbe intimidating,especiallyforachildorforanadultwhohasalready beentraumatizedbythemedicalsystem.Lisaisacutelyawareof this.Sheknowsthatdatameansnothingwithouttrust.
“Listening to their story is the first step,” shesays.Beforethe sensorsareapplied,thehumanconnectionmustbeestablished.She wantstoknowwhattheyhavetried,whatfailed,andwhathurts. TheteamatMindBodyNeurotakesthetimetoeducateclients, translatingthecomplexneuroscienceintolanguagethataparent,or evenachild,canunderstand.Theydemonstratehowtheequipment workstodemystifytheprocess.Theytalkaboutsafety.Theyshare successstories,nottoboast,buttoplantaseedofhopeinapatchof soilthathasbeenbarrenforalongtime.
Thisisthe“peopleperson”sideofLisaactingasthebridgetothe scientistside.Sheunderstandsthatpsychologicalsafetyisthe precursortoneurologicalchange.
TheWeightoftheHelm
Runningtwopracticesintwodifferenttimezonesisalogisticalfeat thatrequiresmorethanjustclinicalskill;itrequiresadistinctkind ofleadership.Lisaiscandidaboutthechallenge. “This is a lot to balance!” sheadmits.
Herstrategyisrootedinaformofhumbledelegation.Sheknows shecannotbeineveryroomateverymoment. “There are a couple of key people in each office that help this run smoothly and whom I trust for honest input and ideas,” shesays.Shehassurrounded herselfwithstaffwhoarenotjustemployeesbutexpertsintheir ownright,highlytrainedprofessionals,somewithadvancedboard certifications.
Lisa’sleadershipstyleisnotaboutmicromanagement;itisabout stewardship.Sheviewsherroleasprotectingthestandardofcare whilenavigatingthegrowthofthebusiness.Sheisservingthe patients,yes,butsheisalsoservingtheclinicianswhotreatthem, ensuringtheyhavethetoolsandtheenvironmenttodotheirbest work.
Butleadershipisrarelyastraightline.Theyear2024wasacrucible forLisa.Itwasayearthattestedherperseverancefromeveryangle. Therewerestaffchangesthatrequireddifficultconversations,and thelettinggooftherapists.Thencametheexternalshocks,most notablytheChangeHealthcareransomwareattack.
Thehackwasamassivedisruptiontothe healthcaresystem,freezingpaymentsand creatingchaosforprovidersacrossthe country.Foraprivatepracticeowner,itwas anightmareofoperationaluncertainty.
“That year really challenged my perseverance and operation methods to get us back on track and thriving again,” Lisa says.
Shedidn’ttrytowhite-knuckleitalone.She leanedintohersupportnetworkand engagedinbusinesscoachingtohelp navigatethestorm.Itwasatestamenttoher beliefthatthereisalwaysawaythrough,a philosophysheappliestoherbusinessjust assheappliesittoherpatients’brains.
“There is almost always an answer to health issues, and to keep looking into things outside the traditional path if you are still struggling.”
MeasuringtheInvisible
Howdoyoumeasuresuccesswhenyourproductis peaceful?Forabusinessmagazine,thetemptationis tolookatrevenuesheetsorprofitmargins.Lisalooks atstories.
“The biggest measure of success are our client's improvement stories,” shesays.Themetricsthat mattertoherarethewomanwhocanfinallysleep throughthenight,thechildwhocansitthrougha classwithoutameltdown,andtheexecutivewhohas regainedtheirfocus.
Thereal-worldimpactisvisibleinthereferral network.ClientswhohavefoundreliefatMindBody Neurobecomeevangelists.Theytelltheirfriends, theirfamily,theircoworkers. “It is a huge win to have a client come to us because someone else told them how it changed their life,” Lisasays.
Perhapsevenmorevalidatingistheshiftingattitude ofthemedicalestablishment.Physiciansare beginningtosuggestherservices.Theyaretrusting Lisaandherteamtohandlecomplexcaseswith diligence.Thisisasignificantshift.Itsignalsamove fromneurotherapybeingseenas“alternative”toit beingseenas“integrative.”
OneoftheachievementsLisapointstowiththemost prideistheboardcertificationofherstaff.Inafield thatissometimesunregulated,shehasinsistedon rigor.Beingboard-certifiedinneurofeedbackor QEEGinvolvesmentorship,examinations,anddeep study.Itisamarkofdistinction.Ittellstheworld: We take this seriously
TheViewfromtheSummit
Lisaisnotdone.Hervisionextendsbeyondthewalls ofhercurrentclinics.Shewantstochangethe conversation.
“The goal is to get the word out about neurofeedback!” shedeclares.Sheisdrivenbythe knowledgethattherearepeoplesufferingrightnow whobelievetheironlyoptionsarepillsortalk therapy,unawarethatathirdpathexists.Shewantsto addmorelocationsinbothIllinoisandColorado,not justforthesakeofscale,butforthesakeofaccess.
Sheenvisionsafuturewhereneurofeedbackis consideredafront-linetreatment,wherephysicians learnaboutitinmedicalschoolratherthan discoveringitbyaccidentyearsintotheirpractice. Shewantstolegitimizethescienceintheeyesof thebroaderhealthcarecommunity
Andyet,amidstthisambition,sheremains grounded.Sheknowsthattobeahealer,shemust alsobewhole.
“Is anyone's work-life balance perfect?” sheasksa rhetoricalquestionthatanybusinessownerwould answerwithalaugh.Shemakesaconsciouseffort todisconnect.Sheplansfunweekends.She monitorsherownenergylevelswiththesame vigilanceshemonitorsherclients'brainwaves.
YoumightfindherskiingdownaColoradoslope, hikingatrail,golfing,orsimplyreadingbythepool. Shespendstimewithfriendsandlovedones, rejuvenatingthespiritthatshepourssogenerously intoherwork.
TheAnswerExists
IfthereisacentralthesistoLisaCramer’slifeand work,itisarejectionofhopelessness.
“My personal belief is that there is almost always an answer to health issues,” shesays.Sheurges peopletokeeplooking,tostepoffthetraditional pathifithasledthemnowhere.
Itisaphilosophythatappliestoleadershipasmuch asitdoestoneurotherapy.Obstacles,whetherthey arearesistantbrainpatternoracorporate ransomwareattack,arejustthingstobenavigated. Youcangoaroundthem,overthem,orthrough them.
“Mindset is what gets you there,” shesays.
Lisaistheguidewhohaslearnedtoreadthemap. Shehasseentheterrain.Sheknowsthatthebrainis capableofprofoundchange,providedyoustop guessingandstartlookingattherealityofwhatis happeninginside.Sheisservingthestuck,thetired, andthehopeless,offeringthemnotjustaservice, butawaybacktothemselves.
HUMAN BRAIN WORKS
Ifyou’veeverwonderedhow thehumanbrainworks, you’renotalone.Scientists aroundtheworldarealways lookingfornewneuroscience findings.Theyareconstantly studyingthebraintounderstand whywefeel,think,react,and connectthewaywedo.
Andinthepastyearof2025, severaldiscoverieshavebroughtus closerthanevertounderstanding whatshapesourdecisions, emotions,andbehaviours.
Inthisarticle,we’llwalkthrough fiveofthenewest,mostfascinating neurosciencefindingsthatyouwill findinterestingandhelpyou understandthehumanbrainmore.
Theseinsightshelpyoubetter understandmentalhealth,human connection,decision-making,and theevolutionofourmind.
Let’sUnderstandHowthe HumanBrainWorks
1. WhyWe“Feel”PainWhen WeSeeSomeoneGetHurt
Haveyoueverwatchedsomeone stubtheirtoeandinstantlyfelta “shock”inyourownbody?Well, there’sascientificreasonbehind thatreaction.Thenewresearch explainswhywatchingsomeone getinjuredcanmakeuscringeor feelasharppullinourownbody
Thestudyrevealsthatthebrainareas responsibleforprocessingphysicalpain overlapwiththoseinvolvedinempathy Insimpleterms,yourbrainmirrorswhat yousee.
Researchersfoundthatabout20–30%of yourpain-processingnetworkactivates whenyouwatchsomeoneelsegethurt. Thisbuilt-inmechanismhelpshumans formemotionalbondsandbehave compassionately.Itisastrengththathas supportedoursurvivalforthousandsof years.
Thisgivesusaclearerviewofhowthe humanbrainworkswhenitcomesto empathyandemotionalunderstanding.
2. OurBrainsSynchroniseWhenWe WorkTogether
Afascinatingstudyfoundthatwhen peoplecollaborate,theirbrainwaves actuallysynchronise.Thismeans teamworkdoesn’tonlyworksocially,it worksneurologically
Researchersusedbrain-scanning technologyandfoundthatsynchronised brainactivityimprovesproblem-solving, communication,andemotional understanding.Infact,teamswithhigher neuralsynchronisationwere25%more successfulincompletingtasks.
Thisbreakthroughgivesusdeeper insightintohowthehumanbrainworks duringcooperationandcouldinfluence workplacedesign,education,and leadershiptraining.
3. WhatHappensinYourBrainAfter Midnight
Ifyou’veeverstayedawakepast midnightandfeltmoreemotional, impulsive,orstressed.
Agrowingareaofbrainresearchis exploringwhathappenswhenweremain awakepastmidnight.Researcherscall thisexperiencethe“MindAfter Midnight”effect.
Accordingtothefindings,thebrain becomesmoresensitivelateatnight. Emotionalcentresbecomemoreactive, andrationaldecision-makingslows down.
Researchersfoundthatpeopleawake aftermidnightareupto70%morelikely tomakeriskyoremotionallydriven choices.
Thistellsusalotabouthowthehuman brainworkswhensleep-deprived.Italso hasimplicationsforshiftworkers, emergencystaff,students,andanyone withirregularsleeppatterns.
4. HowTheBrainActivityInfluences OurBehaviour
A2025studyrevealednewdetailsabout howquicklydifferentpartsofthebrain communicateduringdecision-making. Scientistsfoundthatstronger communicationbetweentheattention centresandtheemotionalcentresofthe braincanpredictupto40%offuture behaviourchanges.
Thisdiscoverygivesmentalhealth professionalsandneuroscientistsaclearer pictureofearlymoodshifts,motivation,and cognitivehealth.Italsodeepensour understandingofhowthehumanbrainworksit isrespondingtointernalandexternalstress.
5. HowtheHumanBrainEvolvesInThe FiveStages
Agroundbreakingstudyoutlinesthebrain’s developmentthroughfivemajorevolutionary epochs.Theseepochsdescribethemajorleaps thatshapedhumancognition,memory, problem-solving,andsocialbehaviour
Thisevolutiontraceshowearlyhuman ancestorsadaptedtonewenvironments, changedtheirdiets,formedsocialgroups,and developedlanguage.Overmillionsofyears, thesepressureshelpedthehumanbraingrowto threetimesitsoriginalsize.
Understandingthebrain’sevolutionhelpsexplain howthehumanbrainworkstoday,especiallywhy certainbehavioursoremotionalreactionsare deeplyrootedinourbiology
Conclusion
Thehumanbrainisalwayssurprisingus,and thesediscoveriesprovideinsightsintothehuman brainandrevealjusthowremarkableittrulyis. Eachinsighthelpsusbetterunderstandhowthe humanbrainworksandhowitshapesourdaily lives.
Asneurosciencecontinuestoadvance,these findingscanguidebettermentalhealthsupport, workplacecollaboration,publicpolicy,andglobal healthcarestrategies.
Ifyouenjoyedlearningaboutthesebreakthroughs, sharethisarticleandhelpothersexplorethe amazingsciencebehindthehumanbrain.
SKINNER
Thereareworldshiddeninsideour own,parallelexistencesthatare invisibletomostofusuntilweare forcedtoenter Theworldofdementiaisone suchplace.Itisalandscapeofshifting memories,ofconfusedtimelines,aplace wherethefamiliarbecomesforeignandthe peoplewelovemostcanbecomestrangers. ItisaworldfilledwithwhatLisaSkinner callsthe “human shadows of the disease,” aplaceofheartbreakandfrustration,notjust forthepersonlivingwithinit,butforthe familymembersandcaregiverswhostand onitsshores,desperatelytryingtofindaway backtothepersontheyonceknew
Intothisconfusing,oftenterrifyingworld, LisaSkinnerwalksnotasatourist,butasa guide.Formorethanthirtyyears,shehas dedicatedherlifetotranslatingthestrange, newlanguageofdementia,teachingfamilies howtonavigateitstreacherousterrainnot withconflictandstress,butwithknowledge, compassion,andasetofcounter-intuitive toolsthatarequietlyrevolutionizingthevery standardsofcare.
Sheisabehavioralspecialist,atwo-time best-sellingauthor,aninternationally recognizedTEDxspeaker,andthefounder ofMindingDementia,LLC.Butthesetitles aresimplythebyproductsofamissionthat isfarmorepersonal.Herjourneywasnot bornfromabusinessplanoramarket analysis.Itwasforgedinthecrucibleofher ownfamily’spainandignitedbythe desperatepleaofastranger.Sheisaleader whomeasuressuccessnotinrevenue,butin momentsofrestoredconnection,inthe soundoflaughter,inthereturnofasmile.In aworldbracingfora“tidalwave”of dementiadiagnoses,LisaSkinnerisnot buildingafortress.Sheisbuildinga lighthouse.
AMissionForgedinLoss
TounderstandthedepthofLisa’s commitment,youmustfirstunderstandits source.Herexpertiseisnotpurelyacademic. Itisetchedintoherownfamilyhistory
“Having had eight family members diagnosed with one of the brain diseases that cause dementia,”sheshares,herworkisadirect responsetoapainsheknowsintimately.Shehasnotjuststudiedthe disease;shehaslivedalongsideit.
Thispersonalhistorybecameintertwinedwithherprofessionallife. Foroverthreedecades,shehasworkedintheeldercareindustry, witnessingfirsthandthe“heartbreakingstruggles”ofcountlessothers. “I have witnessed the human shadows of the disease,” Lisa says, “memory loss, confusion, changing personalities, and watching people being thrust into a new existence that no longer makes sense.”
Shesawhowthedisease“robspeopleoftheircorebeing,”andshe feltanunshakable,profoundcallingtohelp.“I felt compelled to try to make their worlds easier to manage with the knowledge and expertise that I gained through my lived experiences,” Lisaexplains.Thiswas notacareerchoice.Itwasahumanimperative.Shewasservingthe peoplewhosepainsheunderstoodinherverybones.
ThePrayerandthePen
Foryears,Lisa’sworkwasdirect,personal,and impactful.Shewasatrustedresource,abehavioral specialistwhoseguidancemadeatangibledifference. Buttheideaofbroadcastinghermessage,ofbecoming anauthororapublicfigure,wasnothers.Itwas,ina way,amissionthatwasplaceduponherbythevery peopleshewasserving.
Thestoryofherfirstbookbeginsnotinapublisher’s office,butinthelivingroomofadesperatefamily “I was called over to a home by a woman who was referred to me by one of my clients,” Lisarecounts.Thecouple hadtwoparentslivingwithdementia,afatherwith Parkinson’sandamotherwithAlzheimer’s,both diagnosedabouttwoyearsprior.Theywerelost.They toldLisathatfortwoyearstheyhadbeen“strugglingto findhelp,guidanceandresourcesthatcouldbetter preparethemforwhattoexpect.”Theywerefrustrated, andtheinformationtheycouldfindwas “extremelylimited.”
Forthenexttwoandahalfhours,theypepperedher withquestions.Lisa,drawingonherdecadesoflived experience,answeredthem.Finally,thewifepausedthe conversation.
“Lisa, I want to take a minute here to tell you that you are the answer to our prayers,” thewomansaid. “You have provided us with more valuable information in the 2 ½ hours that you have been here than we have been able to get from anybody else in that time. This entire situation has been the most stressful period of our lives.”
Andthencamethewordsthatwouldchangethe trajectoryofLisa’slife.
“Youneedtowriteabook,”thewomaninsisted. “There are so many families like ours who are also desperate for this guidance... and it would be selfish of you not to share what you know…it would help so many people.”
Thestatement,Lisasays, “cut to my core.” Itwasnota suggestion;itwasaplea. “I knew she was right,” Lisa admits. “I had heard it from other people before, but the way she said it had such a profound impact on me that I put that pen to paper and began writing my first book.”
Thatbook,“NotAllWhoWanderNeedBeLost,” becamea#1best-seller,notbecauseofasavvy marketingcampaign,butbecauseitansweredaprayer
DispellingtheMyths,RewritingtheRules
AttheheartofLisa’sworkisafundamental reorientationofhowweviewdementia.Sheisa tirelessadvocatefordispellingthemythsthatcreate somuchunnecessarypainandisolation.
“One of the common misconceptions... is that people eventually disappear inside themselves and that they are no longer aware of life around them, similar to being in a catatonic state,” sheexplains. “Which is not true. They are very much aware of things and continue to have awareness, thoughts and feelings.” Thekey,sheinsists,isthat“ittakes specializedknowledgeandskillstoknowhowto tapintoitanddrawthemoutoftheircocoon.” Herworkprovidesthoseskills.
Anotherdamagingmisconceptionisthatdementiais exclusivelyadiseaseoftheelderly “It can strike anyone at any age,” sheclarifies.Byeducatingthe public,sheisfightingthestigmaandignorancethat sooftensurroundthedisease.
Lisa’smethodsareadirectchallengetooutdated, conventionalpractices.Shehasseenthestandards ofdementiacareevolvedramaticallyoverher30 yearsinthefieldandhasbeenattheforefrontof thatevolution.Herapproachisaboutmovingaway fromconflictandstressandtowarda“muchmore promisingapproachtoprovidingahigherqualityof lifethatincludespurpose,dignityandmeaningfor everyoneinvolved.”
Thekey,assheexplainsinhersecondbest-seller, “Truth,Lies&Alzheimer’s,”istounderstandhow thebrainischangingandtorespondtothenew reality,notfightagainsttheoldone.Thisallows familiesandcaregiversto“elicitpositiveoutcomes” andfindharmonyinaheartbreakingsituation.
TheTestofPrinciple
Lisa’scommitmenttodignityandprincipleisnot justaphilosophy;itisacodeshehaslivedby,even atgreatpersonalcost.Shetellsastoryfrom2007, whenshewasworkingasaRegionalDirectorfor oneofthelargesteldercareorganizationsinthe UnitedStates.Itwastheeveofthegreatfinancial crashof2008,andthecompanywasinapanic.
“Our occupancy numbers, company-wide, were suddenly dropping steadily month to month,” she recalls.Theexecutives,inabidtoprotectthebottom line, “were instructing us, the Regional Directors, to instruct our teams to look the other way at some of the required regulations and admit people into our buildings in order to build the occupancy numbers back up.”
Lisawasatacrossroads.Shecouldfollowthe directive,preserveherjob,andcompromiseher integrity,orshecouldstandherground.Forher,itwas notachoice. “I flat out refused to carry out those directives,” shestatessimply, “so I left the company on the principle of not being willing to be coerced into doing something that I knew was so wrong.” Itwasa definingmoment,aquietactofleadershipthatproved hercommitmentwastothepeoplesheserved,nottoa balancesheet.
TheMetricsofaMeaningfulLife
Whenyouaskatypicalleaderabouttheirmetricsfor success,theywilltalkaboutrevenuegrowth,market share,oruseracquisition.WhenyouaskLisaSkinner, shetalksaboutsomethingelseentirely.Herkey performanceindicatorsaretheintangible,deeply humanmomentsthatherworkmakespossible.
Shemeasureshereffectivenessby “witnessing positive changes and outcomes when my tools, tips and strategies prove to be successful.” Shemeasuresit “in seeing a more joyful, purposeful, meaningful experience between the people involved.”
Hermetricsare “hearing laughter, seeing smiles, people able to make the best out of a heartbreaking situation, and finally being able to focus on what really matters…spending quality time with each other instead of being in a continuous state of conflict and stress.”
Thisisthetrueimpactofherwork.Itisnotjustabout managingbehaviors;itisaboutrestoringrelationships. Thebooks,thetrainingprograms,themedia appearances,theweeklypodcastandtelevisionshow, theyareallinstrumentsforachievingthisonegoal: makingadifferenceinthequalityofpeople’slives. “When family members and caregivers share with me the difference my guidance has made to their world,” Lisa says, “my reward couldn’t be any better.”
If you dream about being able to connect emotionally with your loved ones again and to nd moments of peace, joy, and clarity amidst the fog, your dream is achievable.
TheComingTsunami
Lisa’sworkisanimatedbyaprofoundsense ofurgency.Sheisacutelyawareofthestorm gatheringonthehorizon. “We are being told by both the World Health Organization and the Alzheimer’s Association that the number of people expected to develop Alzheimer’s disease by the year 2050 will triple worldwide unless a cure or a treatment is found,” shewarns.
Thisstarkprojectionhasbecomethe“bigger vision”ofhercontinuedquest. “I realize that society is not even close to being prepared for the tsunami of people who are projected to develop dementia,” shesays.Hermissionhas expandedfromhelpingindividualfamiliesto preparinganentiresocietyforwhatis tocome.
Shefindsherownbalanceandstrengthinher family,enjoyingtravelandspendingtime withhertwograndchildrenandthreedogs.It isthisconnectiontoherownlovedonesthat fuelsherworkforothers.
Herfinalmessageisnotamereplatitude;itisapromise,bornof thirtyyearsofwitnessinghumanresilienceandthequietmiracles thatunfoldwhenempathymeetsinformedaction.Itisamessage ofhope,tailoredforthosewhofeellostinthefog:
“If you dream about being able to connect emotionally with your loved ones again and to find moments of peace, joy, and clarity amidst the fog, your dream is achievable.
If you dream of having tools that soothe confusion and agitation; of being able to keep your loved ones happy and safe at home longer; of strengthening family unity during this difficult time; and of creating new, positive memories to hold sacred, these things are achievable.
If you dream of ensuring your loved one feels respected and loved; of becoming a source of strength instead of just feeling reactive; and of feeling seen, heard, and supported by others who truly understand, please trust that all of these things are achievable.
I have seen miracles happen and those dreams come true.”
ThisisLisaSkinner’slegacy:notjustteachinghowtocopewith dementia,buthowtolivethroughit,withgrace,withconnection, andwiththeenduringpowerofhumanlove.
