Sunbeam Chats

The Media Maven / Tamara Williams

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754612/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Podcast, we are talking about broadcasting and working on a radio station with Tamara Williams  [https://www.instagram.com/tamwilliamsg/]an experienced media practitioner and the Managing Director of Whole Media Empire. We chat about how she started her radio and broadcasting career, as one of the few young women who worked on radio at that time and her evolution; as she charts her way forward in this new chapter of her life.  It started with her passion for the arts, music and communications, and after hearing an Ad for persons to train to become a DJ, she signed up and and took the training, discovering that the focus was more on presenting and  broadcasting. She was told by the trainer that she had a knack for broadcasting, as such she decided to lean into this and learnt the skill.  Tamara then began her career as a presenter on the radio, her first gig was with 96.1 in on the "grave yard shift" while working and juggling a day job. It was in the night shift, where she was able to hone her skills and develop to improve her presenting craft.  Through diligence and hard work she was able completely shift to working full time on radio and in media. Instead of choosing the "normal" 8 to 4 conventional jobs, careers and professions.  Over the years Tamara continued to develop her skills in presenting and broadcasting; and moved into hosting events and voicing ads for various brands, companies and clients.  When asked what she likes most about her career; Tamara said that she is able to connect, communicate and evoke emotions in people, using her voice. She loves that she can impact, encourage and inspire others.  On navigating this very male centric industry, Tamara indicated that at first it was a bit intimating, but over time she was able to navigate the space and define her brand in a meticulous and intentional way. Her advice to others and women in particular on how to deal with challenges in this industry; Tamara said as a broadcaster when the Mic is in front your face you have to be ready. So learn to think on your, feet, prepare and deal with challenges as they come.  Her tips for interviewing people is that you MUST first research, get as much information as possible, learn about the guest, which will put them at ease and therefore make the overall interview flow better.  Tamara's evolution and transition was triggered by her feeling a bit stuck, after doing some of the same things for years. So today she is currently one of the Program Managers at Red 96.7, where she can grow and contribute to the Station from her experience and knowledge over the years.  We spoke about her company Whole Media Empire, which reflects the full scope of what she does. They help brands and people to show up more in the media or in the ways they need to, in this evolving media landscape,  When describing herself today, Tamara said she is more grounded, purposeful and creating more impact. She loves wine, DYI and meeting her friends.  On legacy she says the word is a bit elusive now, but she wants to be remembered as being authentic and known for using her voice in a positive way.  Her advice to young women who are getting into broadcasting and media. Don't wait to feel ready, use your voice and grow into it. Practice and prepare so that when the opportunity arises you can jump in and seize the moment.  We discuss music and production in the age of AI. Tamara said it is leveling the playing field somewhat, because now anyone can make music, but the true creatives - create music and art with emotions, heart and soul. However, they will and can both coexist in the future.  We talk about the relevance of Radio in the age of traditional vs. digital media. Tamara said the key is to know your product and audience, then build your advertising strategy to cater to the places they will show up.  For Tamara, what's next is that she is refining and expanding her brand and taking life as comes. Moving in faith and being guided by the divine.

Travel Lust W/JetSet Sarah

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754612/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast we are going island hopping with Sarah Greaves-Gabbabon [https://www.instagram.com/jetsetsarah/], also known as Jet Set Sarah. She is a writer, on-air travel expert, lifestyle creator, and proud self-described “Carivangelist.” She is also the founder of JetSetSarah.com, [https://www.jetsetsarah.com/] where her passions for travel, style, and fitness come together in a vibrant and inspiring way. In this delightful conversation we talk about Sarah's journey from the moment she got the travel bug at 3 1/2 years old, to her career, life as a travel writer, the places she has been and how she is curating a well lived beautiful life.   Sarah spoke about her Caribbean roots; she was born in England, has roots in Barbados and lived between Jamaica and England; she now resides in the US in Florida. Having studied Hotel Management, her first job (internship) in Tourism was in Jamaica at the Hedonism Resort. Where she ended up in the PR and Events department.  Her career then transitioned to being a writer and Editor in Magazines like Caribbean Travel & Life. After the closure of the magazine she became a Freelancer writer.  We spoke about her life and how working in the space shaped her personality, world view and personal style. The immersion in Caribbean culture as a people has given her the space and wings to express herself.  She spoke about her passion for the Caribbean and her mission as a "Carivangelist"  which is to show people the diversity of the region and it's culture, history, beauty and charm. Sarah wants people to explore the islands and not just stay in the resorts or hotels; to go beyond the gates. When asked about some of the most memorable places she visited,  Sarah said Dakar Senegal, Cape Verde, the Safari in Kenya, Antarctica and Tokyo in Japan.  We spoke about the places in the Caribbean people "must experience" the power of brand Jamaica, the euphoria of Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival and some of the other islands. Sarah said that the Caribbean is  "The world's favorite warm weather destination"  Sarah shared some tips on travelling; like flying in the week versus weekend if possible, she said go opposite to the crowd. Book tickets and hotels early, join affinity and loyalty clubs to get discounts and perks.  She shared about some travel essentials that you must take with you when travelling. Also one luxury if you can treat yourself with when travelling is access to the Airport Lounges.   Sarah spoke about her journey and intentional move towards living more healthy and about the healing power of nature.  Also about the shift to "Wellness Travel" like sleep retreats, wellness resorts and locations, event silent and reading retreats. Plus more. Body and Soul experiences is the new norm.  What does a personal day look like for Sarah? It is rising early by using the Magic Hour App (sunrise and sunset hours) where she exercises as the sun rises. She meets her friends, shops and visits museums and galleries.  Her beautiful well lived life looks like travelling, having a partner or cat, exploring new things and movement. Sarah said she is happy and grateful for this season in her life.  She ends by saying "Travel Well".

Living Abroad A Migration Story W/Astrid Morillo

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754612/fan_mail/new] In this week's episode we are talking about migration and living abroad. My guest today is Astrid Morillo Pulchan [https://www.instagram.com/astridfit7/], a Venezuelan educator, media host, and advocate who has transformed her journey of migration into a powerful mission of empowerment. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics & Physics Education (with honors) from the Rafael Maria Baralt University, Zulia in Venezuela and a Master degree in University education (1st semester approved). In this conversation, we explore Astrid’s courageous journey; from her life in Venezuela to rebuilding in Trinidad and Tobago, the challenges of migration, and her ongoing mission to uplift and empower others to thrive far from home. Astrid talks about working in PDVSA (Petroles de Venezuela (Petroleum Company) which was her dream with lots of perks. She was happy, building her career, living a middle class lifestyle and thriving. During that period she was able to travel back and forth to T&T learning English and exploring life.  After her father passed away, her life and financial situation changed because he was the main breadwinner of the family who was working with Petrocaribe.  To survive she pushed herself to focus on her studies and became a top student scoring the highest in her subjects. She obtained a Scholarship to attend the University and worked and study for five years to get her degree. She graduated with honors.  Astrid spoke about the climate and the deterioration of things happening on the island of Venezuela, which made her family decide to move to T&T.   She spoke about the immigration process and not being able to enter the Country at first, they were deported. However the second time around they were prepared and was successful.   We spoke about how Astrid had to settle into life in Trinidad. For the first few years, she worked a bit but was feeling unfulfilled, because she was a career woman, with a full active life.   She then spoke about the trigger which made her decide to take back her life. So she started entering pageants, modeling and attended events to integrate into life in T&T. Which gave her back her spark and her confidence.  We spoke about her TV Show La Voz Latina and the intent to showcase her Venezuela's people. To showcase their talents, giftings and ability; to show another perspective and change the narrative of immigrants and foreigners in the island.   We spoke about the view of immigrants not just in the Caribbean but around the world. Astrid said not everyone should be viewed in the same light as what is portrayed in some new cycles.   We chat about Astrid's journey from Venezuela to Trinidad and what she is most proud of. Which is translating free courses from English to Spanish for Venezuela's to learn and improve themselves, to find work.  Astrid's advice for persons who want to migrate and live abroad is first to research, get the knowledge get the information. Try to integrate into society, build the right connections, start a group if you can, network and make friends. Put yourself out there.  We spoke about the power of networking and how it can open connections and opportunities for development and growth. Her advice to foreigners is "follow your dreams, don't stop, follow your goals, do what you love".  She said to find your light and trust in God, because your help comes form above, All that you want to achieve you can achieve, through discipline perseverance and being consistent.

Somatic Experiencing & Regulating The Nervous System W/ Shalizahr Belgrove

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754612/fan_mail/new] Shalizahr Belgrove [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalizahr-belgrove-b280a72a1/] is a Body Soul Wellness Strategist, Kingdom Ambassador and Cultural Healer devoted to the restoration of people, systems, and societies through embodied responsibility and holistic truth. She is the Founder of Zahr Wellness.  [https://www.zahrwellness.com/our-founder] She has a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Safety, Health and the Environment from Cipriani College of Labour and Co-operative Studies, and training as a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner.  In this insightful conversation we chat about Shalizahr's work in Healthy and Safety and her passion for working with people as a Body Soul Therapist.  Shalizahr spoke about her personal spiritual journey and her exposure to various religions, where she came to the realization that at the core people want love, community and to be accepted.   Her belief is in Christ consciousness and her role is to bring heavens intelligence into practical embodied living. This is what led her to start her practice incorporating all these elements of her life experiences and training.  We talk about being spiritual and connected to a higher power and source.  The balance or imbalance of being guided by the human nature instead of the spirit, because we are beings first. This imbalance causes a whole host of troubles for us.  Shalizahr spoke about the connection of the body, mind soul and spirt and their enabling. She said as beings we were meant to live in joy not to live in a hurried state.  The norm of being constantly busy and trying to manage creation is not our divine and human role, we ought to be still and know. As such the pace of life and toxic disruptions today all seek to steal our joy. Therefore if we are removed from experience Joy we are being attacked.  She spoke about how trauma affects the body, when we become trapped in survival mode and stay in that energy. She spoke about Soma and Somatic experiencing and how it works in practice to help us live better lives.  Shalizahr talks about nervous system regulation, the things we personally do to "override" the system to keep up the norms and what has become normal as a lifestyle today. Also how men and women are different and how they carry and deal with pain and trauma in different ways.  This is a conversation that will change your life, do listen and be open,  think about your life and how things affect you and ask yourself questions.  Like am I living in joy, am I trapped in negative energy, how is my nervous system, am I overriding my system to live in a world that is designed to harm me and what does protecting and keeping myself safe look like. What must I do to live and thrive in this life.

The Clarity Collective W/ Brittany Gonzales

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/1754612/fan_mail/new] Brittany Gonzales is the Founder of The Clarity Collective, a woman-led community supporting local SME businesses. She is also the Co-Founder of SolveX, a startup that helps SMEs to scale with technology, transforming chaos to clarity one client at a time.  In this conversation we chat about Brittany's career trajectory from finance, accounting and risk management to founding businesses and curating Communities, with a collective focus on bringing about transformation in businesses and for female founders.  Brittany spoke about her work in external and internal audit, then we discussed risk assurance and management. She talks about exactly what it is and how impactful risk management is for organizations, businesses, SMEs and startups.  Risk management is about analyzing risk potentials within your company and across the industry; to put controls in place to minimize the risk to save the company from potential danger.  Brittany said that entrepreneurship is in her blood, having helped her grandmother and family in the early years in their businesses. She then spoke about her transition out of the Corporate world to focus on helping in the family businesses and then in her own businesses Luxe Events and SolveX.  She talks about her creative side like wanting to be an interior designer but went the Corporate route. However she fuels her creativity by curating beautiful spaces in her Event Management business Luxe Events.  She spoke about SolveX their mission, goals and intent which is to help SMSs businesses. We discuss the ideal customers for SolveX and how they can add value by customizing solutions for clients.  Brittany talks about The Clarity Collective, her inspiration for it and the intent. At the heart it is to support women led businesses and projects by supporting each other in a tangible way like shopping, promoting and creating opportunities for each other.   In essence she said "if we don't support each other we will die"  Therefore we need Community and Connection to survive.  We spoke about the Collective's first Clarity Walk and Popup Market and how the ecosystem is being built, through meaningful connections, sharing of resources, tangible purchasing of products and the relationships being built.  Brittany talks about what is new and up coming in The Clarity Collective for service businesses and the profiling, and the meaningful work happening in the Collective. This is a conversation about a woman moving with clarity; pivoting from Corporate to entrepreneurship, to equipping women in a Collective which can change the world.  Bio Brittany Gonzales has over fourteen years experience in the Financial Services and Risk industries, twelve of which was focused in External and Internal audit, Regulatory due diligence for Mergers and (M&A)  Acquisitions. Having gained this experience after eight years at PriceWaterhouseCoop (PwC). She is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.