Jam Gamble | Speaker, Public Speaking Coach, Slayer of The Mic
  • MEET JAM
  • Watch Jam
  • #SlayerOfTheMic
  • Jamonials
  • BOOK JAM GAMBLE

Lessons Learned in 2016

12/31/2016

Comments

 
Picture
When you look at this photo, what is the first thing you think? First thought for me: "I'm owning the Distillery District."
I've mentioned before how much public photoshoots intimidate me but every time I look at the finished product, I see myself looking strong, confident and capable.

​2016 taught me that.
Lesson 1: " Sell Yourself Because No One Else Will."
Picture
This year I took a bold step in branding myself #SlayerOfTheMic. In various posts, tweets, and videos, I professed that I was what events needed. That I was the person who would make sure your attendees left raving about their experience.  
 
Do I have a booking agent? No.
Do I work with a PR company? Nope.
Does someone manage my social media? No way.
 
If I wanted to get my name out there, I had to hustle. First of all, I needed to believe in my capabilities and that sometimes could be the hardest thing. Research shows that people who are comfortable with promoting themselves are not only more successful in landing a job from an interview, or in my case, being booked for a speaking engagements, but go on to build stronger networks — within their organization and outside of it — and are more successful in business and throughout their careers. The key word here is comfortable.  Ask yourself this: Do you know people should hire you or do you want people to hire you?  Are you comfortable enough in your abilities to sell yourself? If you answered no to any of these questions, make it your priority in 2017 to change that way of thinking.


Picture2016 reminded me that I didn't have to be current 24/7 to be relevant. ​
Lesson 2: Compare Less, Celebrate More.
This is an everyday lesson. You can be having a grand ol' day and the minute you open some form of social media; you are bombarded with reminders that someone else is doing better than you. Once upon a time, I would totally deny that feeling but then I decided to be honest with myself and acknowledge the occasional feeling of not being enough. In my big Jam bubble, I know I am enough, but that's definitely not an everyday emotion. As a woman in business, media, and education, it's very easy to solely focus on staying on top and running yourself dry.  2016 reminded me that I didn't have to be current 24/7 to be relevant. 
Jealousy and envy are natural human emotions to experience. It becomes an issue when you let it consume you. I've learned how to self-reflect in moments like this.  I take a moment or 5, to acknowledge why I'm feeling this way (who I'm focusing on, what about it is bothering me, etc.) then take 10 minutes to recognize what I'm doing in my life that needs to celebrated. When I stop to think about my achievements, even the smallest ones, it brings me back to a place of balance. I no longer let the feeling of inadequacy consume me.

​

Lesson 3: Self-Care is More Important Than My Business.
PictureThis is called a facial... LOL
Once again I found myself this year shaking my head at people who were using their platforms to encourage people to run themselves dry. Why do people believe that this is the best solution to achieve your goals?

​I-just-don't-get-it. 

​Although I wasn't adopting this mindset, I was slacking on showing myself some TLC. I am very fortunate to have wonderful benefits that allows me to go for regular massages. Have I been using them? This is a luxury many don't have and it's actually terrible that I'm letting it go to waste. So, I have a new attitude for 2017 (don't we all the during the first week of January? Haha) From regular appointments, to eating less at restaurants, I understand that my health is my wealth. I've been sharing this message a lot these past few weeks as I know some people need the reminder as well. Just like I said earlier about selling yourself: if you won't do it for yourself, no one will do it for you. The same rule applies for self-care. I don't want to sound like the Debbie Downer of 2017, but our time is not guaranteed. Use the days you have to love and nurture the vessel that is going to carry you through your life adventures.

Lesson 4: Sometimes You Just Need To Walk Away.
Picture
My Mom used to tell me when I was younger, "Jay, don't open a present that doesn't have your name on it." I finally understood this lesson this year. I was asked by a friend to collaborate on a project. This was something I felt would introduce me to a new audience and help me grow as a public figure/media personality. There were many signs along the way telling me to STOP. DO NOT PASS GO. DO NOT COLLECT $200, and most importantly, do not proceed as this really isn’t good for your brand. I had so many mixed emotions but didn’t want to let go because I thought that this opportunity would really help me break out (even after everything I’ve achieved on my own).
Well, when the promotional material was set to be released, my jaw dropped. I had to make the decision once and for all, am I holding on or letting go? To be completely honest, I didn’t want to let go because I didn’t want to let the person down. I put their feelings before mine. But in the words of the great Beyoncé, “Tell them boy bye.”  
 
Not every opportunity is a good opportunity and not everything that shimmers is gold. 
 
I was proud of myself for walking away. I felt a pressure lifted off my body and once again I felt in control of my decisions. 
Lesson 5: Leap.
Picture
Leap, Jam! Leap! This was a constant reminder I picked up from other incredible women I learned from this year. I thank them for being sources of support and encouragement!
2016 has been so rewarding because I took those chances of faith. I understand that this frame of mind isn't easy for everyone. It’s only natural to overestimate the possibility of failure and underestimate our ability to handle the situation should something go amiss. That’s the fear sitting on your shoulder whispering in your ear.  
By learning how to leap, I learned how to ignore the whispers and have enough courage to make choices that can ultimately improve my life.  I like to say, if it doesn't bring shame to my mother, go against my values/beliefs, then it's a risk worth taking!

​
​So let 2017 be your year to leap. Look at the possibilities rather than outcomes and applaud yourself every time you take a step. I'll be cheering for you.
 Cheers to another year of lessons, of growth, and of happiness!
-Jam
 



Comments

"How Do You Do It?" [5] Doina Oncel

12/30/2016

Comments

 
Picture
Doina snapped at one of her classes !

What I love about being an educator is that teaching can happen anywhere, not just in a school classroom. I was really happy when my friend Doina applied because she is a bad mama jama when it comes to STEM.  Her life revolves around her daughters and helping young women become leaders in a male dominated field.  Every time I see Doina, she's either asking a question to feed her curiosity or has her arms open wide to embrace someone. She's a beautiful soul and I hope her honesty and passion resonates with you!

- Jam

Name: Doina Oncel
Twitter: @hEr_VOLUTION

Who are you? How long have you been working in the education field? 
My name is Doina Oncel. I grew up in Romania, a country with no possibility for dreaming a career back then. I always wanted to be a teacher or a lawyer and never thought possible that I would grow up to be both, kind of. I have been a childcare worker in the past for about three years. It was here where I knew that I still wanted to work with kids and youth but at different level. So, I became a social worker because child behaviour was a big interest of mine. From here I moved on to women’s rights because it made perfect sense to me that I knew what women go through since I am one and I have two daughters. I wanted to incorporate law and teaching to create change for women. I thought it was too late to go to law school and I never felt that the school system would offer this type of teaching so I created an organization that would incorporate both. I now teach young women how to become independent through entrepreneurship while navigating the male dominated fields of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) at hEr VOLUTION Innovative Education and Employment Services.




Read More
Comments

Eee! You're getting married and I'm invited!

12/26/2016

Comments

 
Picture
Oh, yes! I'm coming to your wedding along with my best dress and a whole lot of energy!

Now that you've said yes to your significant other, say YAS to booking me as your reception Emcee! Aside from guaranteeing that you and your guests will be laughing and dancing from beginning to end, I understand the importance of audience management during the most memorable moments of the evening.

Guests talking during your speeches? ❌ Not happening!

Friends at the bar turning up when they should be turning down during your entry? ❌ Not on my watch.

By the end of our FREE consultation, it will feel like I was the friend who introduced you and your partner in the first place! Comfort and trust is my promise to you💍

Whether it's you or a friend,
Book me for your reception today and see for yourself why I'm #SlayerOfTheMic


Comments

"How Do You Do It? [4] Claire Francis

12/24/2016

Comments

 
Picture
Claire, Claire....CLAIRE.
I could write a blog post just on how AMAZING this woman is. Would you believe Claire and I have never met in person, yet I feel like she's my motivation coach who pumps me up every day? I believe I met Claire in a weekly Twitter Chat and was instantly drawn to her positive energy and her general love for everyone. Someone could express how frustrated they are with their progress and Claire, in 140 characters or less, made them feel like they could pitch their idea and make major profit. I admire her love for learning and her desire to help every student reach their potential so it is no surprise that I had to feature her on the blog. 
Thank you, Claire, for participating and I hope everyone who reads more about who you are, falls a little bit more in love with the work we do.
 
Happy reading,
Jam

Read More
Comments

What To Do When Others Don't Appreciate Your Passion.

12/17/2016

Comments

 
Picture
Last week I had a revelation. It dawned on me, yet again, that although our work environments expect us to go above and beyond, some people around us, don't. Why is this so? Is it jealousy? Is it competition? I've tried to figure this out for years and I still haven't figured it out!

I took this topic to Facebook Live and I'm glad I did because I had friends who felt comfortable enough to talk about their passion conflicts in their work places.
Below is the full video and I am absolutely confident that it will resonate with many of you. If you know of someone else who can benefit from this message, please be sure to share this blog with them.


Stay well friends,
​Jam

Comments
<<Previous

    Author

    Jam Gamble - Connector of People, Ideas and Energy

    Archives

    April 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All
    Collaboration
    Featuring-jam
    "How Do You Do It?" Educator Feature
    Lessons From The Classroom
    Promotion
    Reflection
    Slay The Mic Podcast
    Stories Worth Hearing
    Viewsletters
    What's Your Story? [Video Series]

©️2019 -2023  Jam Gamble

  • MEET JAM
  • Watch Jam
  • #SlayerOfTheMic
  • Jamonials
  • BOOK JAM GAMBLE