In this week’s episode on the Livelihood Matters Podcast, Merlinda talks with Rianna Patterson about her journey as a Queens Young Leader, side-hustler, and student as an immigrant in the United Kingdom. Rianna speaks about the various opportunities that exists for Caribbean people and why we should not allow our challenges and surroundings to keep us back. Follow us on Instagram: The Show | The Host Guest Details: Rianna Patterson is a multi-award winning global TEDx speaker, change maker and founder of the Dominica Dementia Foundation. She has shared her story and contributed to events in the Caribbean, UK and USA. She has built a brand through public speaking engagements, storytelling, and social impact projects. Follow her on Instagram Follow on LinkedIn Follow on Twitter. Visit Rianna’s website.

In a world of work where busyness is the new normal, learning to slow down is important. Merlinda and Vee discuss the reality of building a side-hustle, the struggles and mindset shifts that are required. Vee Kelly is a Raleigh-based Transformation Coach who shows overwhelmed women of color how to sell their unique expertise and simplify their content marketing strategy. Vee shared her story with scarcity and they discussed money mindset, tips for monetizing, abundance, and more. Listen to get the details. Follow us on Instagram: The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast | The Host: @merlindafrancois Guest Details: Vee Kelly's Podcast: Listen on Spotify Vee Kelly's Instagram: Follow and Engage 

In this episode, Merlinda chats about goal setting and what it actually means to set realistic goals with Sasha-Gay Ashley. Many people set goals that sound "nice to accomplish" but are often not clearly stated. Today, you will learn how to set goals and identify the reason behind them. Let's end the year with clearly defined goals to ensure that you progress instead of regress in 2022. Follow on Instagram: The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast| The Host: @merlindafrancois Guest Speaker Details: Sasha-Gay Ashley, Goal Setting Coach Founder of The Goal Strategist Sasha's Instagram: @goalstrategist.co  Visit Sasha's website here.  PS:  Join my 2-day workshop on Procrastination and Time Management Date: January 8th and 9th 2022 Time: 4pm - 6pm AST In two days you will learn how to reduce your procrastination, develop better habits to help you manage your time, and how to juggle the demands of life and business. Sign-up here! 

Trauma-informed coach, Shervana Francis shares why we carry so many unhealthy attachments as women. She indicated that trauma bonds are usually formed as a result of our trauma from childhood and encourages women to embark on their healing journey. Shervana also touched on money trauma, self-worth, broken relationships, and co-dependency in relationships.  Listen to the full episode to learn more. Follow us on Instagram: The Host: @merlindafrancois | The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast Guest Details: Shervana Francis Instagram: @iamshervana Thank you for listening and sharing.

In today's episode, Merlinda shares a story on dealing with debt shame as women of color and how it permeates our lives. She highlighted the challenges people face and encourages you to start talking about money management, debt, and living within your means.  She discusses some of the reasons why people struggle with debt and shares her own story about paying off her dreadful student loan. This episode will help you to think about your lifestyle habits and make adjustments to reduce debt. Merlinda said "people are shy to discuss money" but, people should make money talking the new thing"  Follow on Instagram: The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast |The Host: @merlindafrancois If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend. 

Merlinda engages Money Mindset Coach, Valery Nunez to share some core lessons she learned on her debt reduction journey. Valery explains why living above your means can have detrimental effects on your livelihood and the impact of generational guilt. She also shared her story about paying off $35,000 in debt by changing her money mindset. Listen to learn more. Follow Us on Instagram: The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast The Host: @merlindafrancois Valerie's Details: Valery Nunez is a first-generation millennial who's a Money Mindset Coach. She graduated with her Ba in Psychology and MA in education and with over $85,000 of debt. After struggling to make ends meet while having her first job she became inspired to educate herself about finances. She created a step-by-step plan to take control of her money and simultaneously help others achieve financial peace. She was able to pay off over $35,000 of debt in 2.5 years, and saved over $19,000, and has since guided many other women to financial freedom. Her passion is guiding Women of Color (WOC) through the process of letting go of generational guilt and mindset trauma so that they can gain control of their money. Valerie Links: Instagram: @holisticallymoneysavvy Website: https://holisticallymoneysavvy.com

Merlinda and Natalie discuss the importance of understanding our hormonal health as women and how it impacts our lives. Many women who suffer from PMS say it usually disrupts their natural routines because they do not know how to manage it. Natalie speaks about the negative impacts of hormonal birth control and the lack of awareness about it in mainstream medicine. Listen to the full episode to learn more.  Follow on Instagram:  The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast | The Host: @merlindafrancois Guest Speaker Details: Natalie Melchoirre Natalie Melchiorre is a Women’s Hormonal Health Coach and founder of the Tuned In Method, where she helps women have easier menstrual cycles, practice natural birth control methods, flow with their cyclical hormonal pattern, and connect with their inner wisdom. Her mission is to empower and liberate women to live in tune with their bodies. Natalie can be found on Instagram @nataliemelchiorre. Books recommended in this episode: Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler WomanCode by Alisa Vitti Period Repair Manual by Dr. Lara Briden Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten Thanks for listening! REMEMBER TO SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE!

Merlinda converses with Feminine Embodiment Coach, Kristel Browne about the use of our feminine and masculine energies. Kristel has helped women find ways to live more consciously and consistently in their bodies. She believes that we live in a very hyper-masculine world so if we can find a balance/harmony within the masculine and feminine energy then we can live a life of ease and flow. Learn more by listening to the episode. Follow on Instagram:  The Show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast | The Host: @merlindafrancois Guest Speaker Details: Kristel Browne Instagram: @kristelbrownecoaching Share this episode with a friend, family, and/or colleague. 

Merlinda quizzes Melanie Christina about integrating multiple passions whilst working in a 9-5. Melanie shares how she project manages and how you can incorporate your skills to help grow your online business. Growing a side-hustle is hard but it is not out of your reach. She highlighted the importance of systems and being able to manage your time.  Follow on Instagram: The Podcast | The Host:  Guest Expert: Melanie Christina: Follow on Instagram  Visite her website: Work Redefined Consulting 

Welcome to season two with our new theme: Stepping Into Your Higher Self Our first episode for this season is a guest interview.  In this episode, Merlinda shares how you can achieve more by implementing better habits with High-Performance Coach, Michael Tabirade. Michael discusses how our daily habits can influence our success and he provides practical tips to start making changes. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: The show: @livelihoodmatterspodcast  | The host: @merlindafrancois Contact: [email protected] Guest Speaker Information: Michale Tabirade; High-Performance Coach Instagram: @michaeltabirade  Website: https://michaeltabirade.com/ Thank you for listening! Share with a friend or family! We appreciate you.