My Vision for Tomorrow + How I'm Making It a Reality

Last night, the Centre for Social Innovation hosted its annual fundraiser. The theme was Make Tomorrow | Create a Better World.The CSI community consists of over 250 social entrepreneurs working to make our dreams of a better world come to life.

Here is a photo of me with our Agents of Change cohort at the fundraiser.

The public lobby of the IAC Building has two tiled video walls that provide an interactive experience of imagery display. Capitalizing on this innovative feature, CSI asked all of its members to describe our vision for tomorrow and how our social innovation is making that vision a reality. Our impact number (some metric or outcome measure of our work) along with a headshot and collage of pictures were displayed on the video wall during the event.

This is a phone capture of my headshot on the video wall.

I thought you might like to read my responses to the questions for my Social Impact Innovator Profile. I answered from the perspective of Start Within Coaching, the new brand umbrella that encompasses my coaching, EFT work, and public events/workshops for women.

My Organization Mission:

Start Within Coaching seeks to disrupt the conversation around self-worth and self-esteem for women of color. Motivated by Sustainable Development Goal # 3.4, we promote women's mental health and wellbeing via live and virtual workshops, events, and coaching programs. 

My Vision of Tomorrow:

To reduce the percentage of black women who live with feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, and/or that everything is an effort all of the time. For the last point, nearly twice as many non-Hispanic Black women felt this way in 2014, compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts (9.9% vs. 5.8%). More than just the absence of a disorder, true mental health is a state of wellbeing in which a woman can realize her own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and make a contribution to the community. "Tomorrow," women of color will feel a sense of worthiness; they will know that their dreams, their health, and their overall lives matter. Start Within to Finish Strong!

My Social Impact:

In 2017, we hosted 10 New Moon Circles at CSI designed for women to create supportive relationships with other women, and to receive rejuvenation and support (via Guided Heart Meditations, Intention-Setting Rituals, and other wellness activities). Other public workshops and events focus on topics including Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT-Tapping), Self-Care Strategies, and Stress Management. Through private coaching, we map out personalized strategies for women to enhance their interpersonal communication, leadership style, and personal wellbeing.

When I Joined CSI:

October, 2016

Impact of CSI on Me / My Organization:

Since joining, I've become an Agents of Change Fellow, which has connected with more female founders who are committed to improving the status of women and girls globally. I've also been a founding member of the Women's Lab at CSI, an experiment in creating a safe haven space for female founders and their mission-driven organizations. I have hosted my New Moon Circles at CSI.

What is YOUR Vision for Tomorrow?
How are YOU Making it a Reality?

Why You Should Wish Upon a Dandelion

You may be wondering why I've been talking so much about dandelions. When my designer and I created the Start Within branding, I was so excited to include a dandelion in the new logo. I feel that, symbolically, the dandelion is a great icon of renewal and growth -- that only can come from an inward focus ... like starting within!

The dandelion plant itself has amazing internal cleansing properties, as I discussed in my last post. Cleansing rituals, I believe, can help you to rejuvenate yourself. Cleansing is beneficial for each part of you --- your mind, body, and spirit.

Read on for more interesting points about dandelions and suggestions on how to do a Thought Cleanse for the Spring!

Why the Fascination With Dandelions?

There are many folklore superstitions that have been attached to dandelions over the years. In addition to granting wishes, many people believe that dandelion seeds will carry your thoughts and dreams to loved ones when you blow them into the air. It's been said that if you can blow all the seeds off a dandelion with a single breath, then the person you love will love you back. If seeds remain, then the object of your affection may have reservations about their feelings toward you.

Still others believe dandelions may help you tell the time or even predict the weather. For example, dandelions have been called the shepherd's clock; since their flowers tend to open shortly after first light and close again at dusk. Amateur meteorologists might use dandelions as an informal barometer. When dandelions have seeded, they will tend to extend into a full ball in good weather. If rain is on the way, however, they will tend to fold like an umbrella and remain tightly closed.

How many of these superstitions hold any truth? You can decide! 

Wish Upon a Dandelion to Cleanse Your Thoughts

The one thing that is for sure, scientifically, is that blowing a dandelion's seeds into the air will have an impact. Where those seeds fall on fertile soil, there likely will be new dandelions in the future!

When your attention is caught by dandelion seeds floating in the spring breeze, pause for a moment and take stock of your thoughts. Which thoughts are consuming your mind -- positive and hopeful or negative and fearful? Is it time for a thought cleanse?

By replacing negative beliefs with new, revitalizing thought patterns, you can gain the power to transform your behaviors, emotions, and attitudes. Even if you can't find a dandelion on which to blow, you can still do a thought cleanse.

With that in mind: close your eyes, envision the dandelion, get quiet, and start within. Ask yourself:

What NEW Thought Seeds Would You Like to Plant This Spring?  ... then blow

Why I Love Dandelions ... And You Should Too

There's one weed that often drives adults crazy. Many kids love it, however. When it's in full bloom, its flowers look like the bright Sun. When it puffs out into a ball, it resembles the Moon. And when kids pick it and blow it to disperse its seeds, they fly into the air like the stars of the night sky. What am I talking about? The Dandelion, of course!

Etymological Meaning of the Dandelion Flower

The Dandelion name first developed in the 15th century. It was derived from the Medieval Latin phrase dens lionis, which refers to the jagged shape of the leaves by calling them a lion’s tooth. This transformed into dent-de-lion in French, and then became Dandelion in Middle English. We still use the same name today because it’s easy to remember and definitely still applies as a description of how the plant looks.

Description of the Dandelion Flower

Everyone knows what the dandelion looks like, it is such an easy flower to recognize. A dandelion can be characterized by its long hollow stem and the yellow flower that it has on top. Depending on the season that it is, it may have white fuzz on top of it that is the pollination and how the dandelion spreads.

Health Benefits of the Dandelion Flower

What's better than a plant that gives wishes when you puff its fluff? A plant that provides health benefits! Dandelion is an excellent food and medicine!

Medicinally the dandelion has some tried, tested, and true results. Ever since country folk have been stirring pots over fires, dandelion teas have been a brewing for the purpose of calming nerves, and promoting a sense of well-being. Dandelion roots infused in hot water and then strained make an excellent tonic, because the dandelion is a natural detoxifying body-cleanser and diuretic.

Every part of this common edible weed is tasty both raw and cooked, from the roots to the blossoms. Dandelion leaves can be harvested at any point in the growing season, and while the smaller leaves are considered to be less bitter and more palatable raw, the bigger leaves can be eaten as well, especially as an addition to a green salad. The flowers are sweet and crunchy, and can be eaten raw, or breaded and fried, or even used to make dandelion wine. The root of the dandelion can be dried and roasted and used as a coffee substitute, or added to any recipe that calls for root vegetables.

How can YOU use dandelion to cleanse your system and spring into better health?

Facebook LIVE: Clear Blocks to Love - Intimacy

On Tuesday, I hosted the third and final session of my Facebook LIVE series on LOVE, this time focusing on Intimacy.

How comfortable do you feel in silence? With being alone? With being both silent and alone? Answers to these questions may give you some clues about your connection to intimacy. Why? Because the quality of your connection with others stems from the quality of your connection with yourself.

Watch the final video replay to revisit the four step process on clearing your blocks to intimacy. Watch until the end to learn more about your second (or sacral) chakra -- the center of your sensuality and intimacy.

Share your comments below on the video series, and what other personal growth topics you would like to learn about in future Facebook LIVE series.

Take me up on my offer for a FREE Start Within Activation call to explore what came up for you as you watched this series -- What would you like to have more of in your life?

Facebook LIVE: Clear Blocks to Love - Forgiveness

On Tuesday, I hosted the second of my 3-part Facebook LIVE series on LOVE this time, focusing on Forgiveness.

So often, when we think of forgiveness, we think about how to forgive another person. Yet, even in situations when we feel we have been wronged or mistreated, we can feel guilty for the "shoulds" -- I should have done ... or I shouldn't have said ...

Watch the replay until the end to learn the Ho'oponopono process for forgiveness. The word itself means to make right. With the lens focused inward, what do you need to make right with yourself?

Tune in next Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 1:43 pm ET for my last session on Intimacy and LOVE. On the Facebook Event Page, select "Going" so that you will get an update when I go LIVE!

Facebook LIVE: Clear Blocks to Love - Self Worth

On Tuesday, I hosted the first of my 3-part Facebook LIVE series on LOVE this time, focusing on Self-Worth.

I believe that self-worth is the foundation of all love. It helps you to maintain personal boundaries and to fully own your brilliance. When you start within to clear your love blocks, you will love more deeply (yourself and others). You will begin to see shifts in your personal and professional relationships.

Watch the replay to hear about four tips to clear any limiting beliefs about your personal value. Be sure to watch until the end for a powerful, inspirational song to boost your worthiness!

Then, tune in next Tuesday, Feb. 20 at 1:43 pm ET for my next session on Forgiveness. On the Facebook Event Page, select "Going" so that you will get an update when I go LIVE!

Are You a Truthsayer?

The dialogue around Oprah's Golden Globes acceptance speech has inspired AND challenged me. I've noticed that the more personal growth work that I do -- particularly around my sacral chakra -- the more present I've become to my anger and dissatisfaction as a black woman witnessing our current state of affairs.What's been challenging about this personal growth has been that I haven't always been clear about how (or when) to express my feelings or observations of unconscious bias, inequity, etc. -- in my professional (and personal) conversations.

Sometimes, I have felt constrained by my role as a coach who holds space for others to heal. What will they think of me if I express ...? And, when I have spoken my truth, and it's not been fully heard or received, I also have felt bereft of my full expression. Today, like Oprah said, "Time's Up!" No longer will I hush my voice.

My A-HA! moment came early this morning -- that's when I have a lot of these epiphany moments -- I'm probably not the only Truthsayer who has struggled with this! To my fellow Truthsayers I say, I have your back! AND, it would be my honor to share with you my Start Within coaching techniques and other tools to help support you in speaking your truth, as well as to manage your internal energy / chakras -- so you can stay whole and healthy on your soul journey.

This year, more than ever before, I feel called to support fellow Truthsayers in amplifying their mindful communication and leadership, as we all are on a mission to be fully heard, witnessed and recognized. And, it's not purely for personal gain (at least not for me). I believe that our stories hold power -- power for change, power for healing, power for truth.

Are YOU Ready to Speak Your Truth?

Don't Go It Alone - Join our New Moon Community

What About 2017 Are You Most Grateful?

What a year! Where did the time go? It would be so easy for us as women to look back and think of all of the things we didn't get done, consider all of the work that still lies ahead, and to forget how blessed and awesome we and all of our sisters are. Instead, why not acknowledge exactly how much ground we covered in 2017?!

Join us on Monday, December 18th as we begin to wrap up 2017 with the last New Moon Circle of the year! Let's gather to praise our growth, our journeys, our ups and downs. Let's give thanks for how much we’ve accomplished, how much we’ve learned, and how much beauty and transformation we have witnessed -- in ourselves and others.

Don't Go It Alone in 2018

Starting Within is scary -- especially on the dark New Moon, because it brings you face to face with your inner shadows. Through authentic connection and support of other women, it is possible to overcome challenges and temporary setbacks. That's exactly what you'll get when you become a MEMBER of the Start Within New Moon Circle. Annual promo discount ends December 18th!

Surviving & Thriving with ME-TIME

On October 30th, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams office hosted the Surviving & Thriving Day of Empowerment to support survivors of Domestic Violence. Our Corporate Wellness team collaborated with BuddhaBooth to give attendees the opportunity to take a time out for themselves.

How to describe this ME-TIME experience? 

I shared relaxation techniques and provided therapeutic Young Living essential oils to help women enhance their experience inside the private meditation space.

As pictured, she put a drop of Lavender onto her palm, then rubbed her hands together. The strong scent has the power to soothe emotional stress. She placed her hands near her face and inhaled. Finally, it was time to enter the BuddhaBooth -- her five minutes of calm in a peaceful and quiet space. She took a big breath and sat inside, allowing her breath to settle, and her body to get still. Her mind started to wander, as all of her thoughts resurfaced. She took another big breath and her heartbeat slowed down. She was finally able to feel it: that sense of ultimate relaxation it can be so difficult to achieve.

Francine Steadman Krulak, founder and CEO of BuddhaBooth, participated in a panel discussion alongside other thriving women in business offering insight about her healing journey, on what it means to make a choice to be a thriving survivor, not a "victim" and that the first step is learning to love yourself from your own point of view, not that of another.  The discussion topics included the current headlines of mass sexual harassment in the workplace and why it's so prevalent, combined with strategies to combat domestic violence and sexual harassment.


BuddhaBooth is committed to partnering with and supporting programs that benefit survivors of domestic violence, women’s health research, prison reform and autism-related resources. Our Coaching team is launching the Sponsor-a-Sister Initiative to enable at-risk women to attend our monthly New Moon Circles without cost being an issue.

Domestic violence survivors face each and every day ongoing and challenging effects of the abuse they have suffered. Problems don’t end when victims escape the nightmare. However, although difficult and painful, recovery from abuse is possible. What we did on that day was give them a chance to escape from their situation for a while, feel safe and alive again. This was one of the moments when you realize your hard work and efforts have paid off. Sometimes it takes so little to help someone; and we were very glad to have been part of this incredible and inspiring event.

Why You Need Rituals in Your Life

What Are You Ready to Release?

November, 2017 marks one year that I've been leading New Moon Circles!

Over this past year, I've learned so much -- about myself, and also about the significance of rituals. Rituals enable us to consciously recognize pivotal moments in our lives, and notice the synergy with the ebb and flow of Nature and the world around us.

What rituals do you include in your daily / weekly / monthly / quarterly routine? Do you have a Circle or tribe of women that supports you in your rituals?

I've recently learned that this period of late October / early November is called Samhain, in Celtic tradition.  You may be more familiar with it as Halloween as it's typically celebrated in the US.

It's a ripe time to take the opportunity to reflect on your year and note what you've manifested, and note what you're ready to release.

If you'd like to try out a Samhain ritual to assist you with this release, click HERE.

Full Moon Ritual

Good news -- the Taurus Full Moon is all about abundance!

So, this is a good time (after you've released what no longer serves you), to be conscious about what abundance you'd like to call into your life. Remember that abundance is more than just about financial overflow.

In what other areas of your life would you like to manifest abundance? Click HERE for a ritual to help you set conscious intentions for abundance over the next few days.

How Do You Define Success? NEW Video

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure to participate in an amazing video series called Self-Made Successful Women, hosted by Saloua Ibaline.

SMSW is a platform on which inspirational women share their personal journeys and really open up about their life challenges. Most importantly, they give us a clear vision of the true meaning of success.

I had the chance to chat one-on-one with host Saloua, and share my story of how I define success [HINT: it's about alignment], and how I overcame a pivotal challenge in the re-branding of my coaching business.

I invite you to watch the video interview and let me know how YOU define success!

Being Mindful Amid the Chaos

For most of us, these are challenging times. Period. We're being asked to dig deep and really consider what's important, where we stand on many local, national and global issues.

It feels like a whirlwind! I haven't been fully present until now to begin sharing my thoughts.

For me, recent events have deepened my understanding of my calling. I am called to be of service. I am called to work with heart-centered purposeful founders and leaders who want to create change and have a tangible impact both with their work and with their lives.

If you feel inspired to take action, make change -- it's going to be critical that you explore all of the ways to nourish your whole self: body, mind, and spirit. That you seek out activities and communities in which you can experience the freedom that comes from mindfulness and reconnecting with your core mission.

I'll be sharing tips, ideas and resources to address the stress, anxiety and overwhelm that many of us are feeling. I'll also be facilitating discussions and Sister Circles with that distinct purpose. For today, you can listen to my interview on the My Seven Chakras show to learn more about my personal journey to mindfulness.

Let's get prepared to take conscious action, rooted in shared priorities, so we can feel more grounded and achieve enduring results.

How to Disrupt HR, And What's Size Got to Do With It

It's time to Disrupt HR! Tune into this video of my recent presentation at DisruptHR New York (it's only 5 minutes long).

Don't Leave Culture To Chance | Colette Ellis | DisruptHR Talks from DisruptHR on Vimeo.

I shared my Don't Leave Culture to Chance presentation in May of this year at the Design a Happy + Healthy Company Conference. For this Ignite talk, I was challenged to share a disruptive idea related to company culture and talent management.

My disruptive idea is a bit cheeky (yes, a reference to size was made); yet I believe completely relevant to the discussion of how (and when) do leaders need to "worry about" defining company culture. Take a peek and let me know what you think.

Also, if for no other reason, you can watch me #fail at making the Vulcan salute!

Step It Up with Me October 13-26

It's time to Step It Up and get moving! Yes, it's fall in the northern hemisphere. Why not take advantage of the cooler (yet still sunny!) weather (at least here in NYC) to get in more steps outside.

Join our Start Within - Coach Colette team in the Fitbit Step It Up USA Challenge.

Commit to move more: See how many steps you can get in 2 weeks! 

Track your progress: Check your dashboard to see how your activity (walking, running) adds up!

Visit the website to connect your Fitbit; search for and join our Start Within - Coach Colette team. 

Post pictures of yourself as you get moving. Connect with me on Instagram and use the hashtag #StartWithin. Are you up for the Challenge?!! :-)

InStep Joins Women's Lab at CSI NYC

This October, I'm proud to announce that InStep Consulting has become one of 40 Founding Members at the Women's Lab at Centre for Social Innovation, a collaborative and supportive workspace and community for social mission organizations benefiting young girls and women.

The Women's Lab will pave the way for focused programming, storytelling of member successes, and access to a vibrant and robust alumni network. CSI is in a position to provide Women's Lab members with targeted connections and even more relevant resources and networks, ultimately accelerating our impact on the world.

Overall, Centre for Social Innovation is a space created exclusively for individuals and organizations with a social mission. I'm so excited to join this thriving community of social entrepreneurs, nonprofits, creatives, and innovators who are changing the world! Oh, and did I mention: not only can CSI members recycle, but there is also onsite FOOD SCRAP collection for COMPOSTING!!

If you're in the NYC area, stop by to say HELLO! :-)

My Coaching Manifesto 2.0

The seasons have changed since I last wrote. Summer feels like a blur to me. I've been doing lots of personal development work through my holistic coaching group, as it has been a period of transitions ... a series of new moons and full moons through which I've been reviewing what is important to me in my business, and in my life.

The good news is that I had the opportunity to revisit my Coaching / Business Manifesto that I shared earlier in the year. This 2.0 version comes via a second exercise led by my coach, Dawn Copeland, to tease out those factors that excite me and propel me to thrive in my business.

Once again, I'm excited to share this 2.0 version of my Manifesto with you. I'd love to hear your thoughts and reactions. Also, feel free to post a link to your Manifesto if you have one!

Coach Colette - Manifesto 2.0

I am a transformational coach and speaker.

I believe in possibility.

What I know for sure is we can change the world ... together.

I love working with passionate leaders who are doing good in the world.

I dream of the day when the world and our planet is healed.

I was born to speak, heal, and help that to happen.

I've never been happier than when I witness the A-HA moments and see the sparks of light in my clients' eyes.

I feel most alive when I'm speaking and sharing my message of possibility.

I shine when I am serving my tribe within a community of support.

If I had a super power it would be seeing into people's hearts and cutting through the B-S to get to the core issues at hand.

I work best when I have a supportive team and community.

What I want most in the world is to leave a legacy of healing and sustainability.

I can help you go within to reconnect to your purpose and lead your team with compassion and confidence.

Be More Resilient in Business: Learn How June 21

Don't Let the Founder's Hustle Take You Down!

Join me for the next session of Stress Management for Founders series on Tuesday, June 21st at CoLab Factory. 

I know you've experienced a lot of ups and downs while launching and running your business. So have I! 

Session II: Flip the Script on Your Stress

In the second of this three-part series, you will learn ways to be more resilient so you can get better business results while improving your own well-being:

• Listen to and "flip the script" on your self-talk messages
• Build your self-esteem and confidence to handle stressful situations more effectively
• Track the changes in your health and well-being

In addition to being able to roll with the punches, it's important to have a support network that can be a buffer in the down moments and be your cheerleaders in the up moments. Let me be part of your support network!

Join me June 21st so you can be more resilient to the ups and downs of being a founder!

My Coaching Manifesto -- Working Draft

Over the years of writing this blog, I've often shared what inspires and motivates me to do what I do: why your health and wellness matters to me; why I personalize my coaching as much as I can; and why my own eco-transformation journey matters.

I recently joined a year-long coaching program for holistic entrepreneurs. Through this program, I've begun working on my Manifesto to capture my business intentions on a broader scale. This is a first draft that I suspect I will edit over time. And, that I'll find a way to make it more visual.

Ready? Here goes!

Coach Colette -- My Manifesto

What I know for sure is I am passionate about people.

I am a dynamic, helpful, relevant, and gifted coach / speaker.

I've never been happier than when I see the smiles on my clients' faces and the light bulbs go on in their A-HA moments.

I dream of traveling the world helping people to thrive.

I was born to succeed, speak and train; and to help others grow.

I shine when I have a team of people who support and believe in me.

I feel most alive when I'm on stage speaking.

If I had a super power, it would be reading minds and seeing into people's hearts.

I work best when I have a team working with me and I have time to think and reflect.

I love traveling, speaking, and training.

I believe in possibility.

I can help you get clear on your goals and big dreams and de-stress about sharing them with others.

What I want most in the world is to leave a legacy of healing and sustainability.

Learn to How Hack Stress Starting June 14

Don't Let the Founder's Hustle Take You Down!

I’m excited to invite you to my upcoming Stress Management for Founders workshop series happening on Tuesdays: June 14th, June 21st and June 28th at Co-Lab Factory in Brooklyn.

This series is perfect for founders who want to grow your businesses but not let the “founder’s hustle” cause personal breakdowns or health issues. I always say that if I get a cold, my business gets the flu!

Session I: June 14th - Put On Your Oxygen Mask First

In the first of this three-part series, you will learn proven, mindful stress reduction techniques so you can get better business results while improving your own well-being:

• Recognize the friction between your roles and responsibilities that creates stress and overwhelm
• Identify and track the ways you currently deal with stressful situations
• Use deep breathing to manage your physical response to being triggered by a stressful situation

Like I said in the video -- asking for help is one lesson that's taken me the longest time to learn. I GET it ... and I've got YOU!

Join me starting June 14th so you can get even better business results and improve your own well-being.

InStep Consulting is a Best for NYC Finalist

The best businesses don’t just make a profit — they improve the quality of life in the communities in which they operate.

That’s what I believe and why I'm proud to be a 2015 Best for NYC Finalist.

How is InStep Consulting Best for NYC? 

I completed the B Impact Assessment, a comprehensive assessment that measures a company’s impact on workers, the community and the environment. And I've made a commitment to improve our resutls. That means I'm measuring our success by our ability to create stronger communities, high quality jobs, and a healthier city. Read more about the Best for NYC campaign HERE.

As a Finalist in this first-ever municipally-led impact campaign, InStep is part of a larger, global movement to redefine success in business so that, one day, all companies strive to be not only the best IN their cities, but the best FOR their cities. InStep is among over 1,200 NYC companies that have committed to measuring their impact and making improvements — check out all the Best for NYC campaign participants HERE!

I am passionate about building a better business so that InStep can continue to uplift our community and invest in our team. I couldn’t do that without the support of people like you who believe in our mission — people who prove that doing good is good for business. Thank you for helping me to succeed where it truly matters.

I am proud to be Best FOR NYC!