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Group of professionals brainstorming around a table, discussing insights from 'The Checklist Manifesto' in a PR context.

Book Reviews

From Field to Office: A PR Specialist’s Take on “The Checklist Manifesto”

Navigating through two decades in marketing, communications, Army PR, and NGO leadership has exposed me to unique challenges and complexities. Dr. Atul Gawande’s “The Checklist Manifesto” resonates deeply, shedding light on the need for simplicity and structure amidst chaos. Drawing parallels from military PR to medical procedures, this book illuminates how foundational tools, like a well-crafted checklist, can be transformative across fields. Dive into this review to discover the profound impact of melding strategic vision with tactical precision.

janellenightingale August 18, 2023

Childhood Memories

From Storage Space to Self-Reflection: Unearthing My Past of Resilience and Determination to Forge Ahead

Rediscovering my past while organizing a storage unit, I was confronted with report cards, memories, and the echoes of challenges I faced. From a tumultuous childhood in SoCal to academic triumphs as a single parent, each relic revealed my journey of determination and resilience. With all its highs and lows, your past shapes your unique story—embrace it, learn from it, and be proud.

janellenightingale August 15, 2023

Grad School Graduation | Janelle Nightingale

Education

Breaking Barriers Through Unwavering Determination and Academic Accomplishment

Last night, as I completed my final graduate school class, the weight of my five-year journey settled upon me. With the closing of my laptop, I sensed both the end of an era and the dawn of new beginnings.

Throughout this odyssey, I juggled three jobs, relied on my 11-year-old’s unwavering support, and navigated significant life changes, including a new job, a move, and teaching my teenager to drive. Reflecting on my steadfast determination, I am filled with awe and pride.

My story exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance. Escaping a tumultuous past marred by unstable homes, I began anew at 13, discovering unimagined opportunities despite the challenges of single motherhood.

As I prepare to celebrate with my fellow graduates and embark on a thrilling adventure to Uganda, I savor this hard-earned achievement and eagerly embrace the next phase of my life.

janellenightingale May 10, 2023

Buddhism

Embracing Compassion and Healing Through Mahayana Buddhism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Face of Loss

The sudden death of a loved one can shake us to our core, leaving us feeling lost and overwhelmed. While grief is a universal human experience, the process of healing can take different forms for each individual. In this blog post, we explore the compassionate and reflective principles of Mahayana Buddhism and the practical techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as means to navigate the sorrow that emerges from losing a loved one. Through Mahayana Buddhism, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of the nature of suffering and gradually reduce our attachment to the person we lost. Meanwhile, CBT offers practical tools to address the cognitive and emotional aspects of grief, helping us develop healthy coping strategies and build resilience. By combining these approaches, we can find solace, healing, and a renewed sense of meaning as we journey through the grieving process.

janellenightingale April 13, 2023

Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2023 | Janelle Nightingale

Equality & Rights

Prevention Demands Equity: A Survivor’s Perspective on Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2023

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and this year’s campaign theme is “Drawing Connections: Prevention Demands Equity.” Sexual assault is a heinous crime that affects people of all genders, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds. However, certain groups are at a higher risk than others, and this is where we need to focus our efforts on building a more equitable society.

Survivors of sexual assault often feel alone and powerless in the aftermath of the trauma they have experienced. However, prevention is possible, and it begins with creating a world where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We must break down the barriers that prevent survivors from receiving the support they need and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.

As individuals, we can make a difference by listening to survivors, believing them, and supporting them. By working together, we can create a world where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. Let us draw connections, build equity, and prevent sexual assault this April and beyond.

janellenightingale April 3, 2023

Leadership

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: My Personal Journey to Success

I share my experiences with imposter syndrome, a challenging feeling of self-doubt, and fear of being exposed as a fraud. Learn how to recognize the signs, confront these feelings head-on, and make small daily changes to overcome this obstacle. Discover the importance of building a support system, focusing on achievements, and how facing challenges can help us become motivating forces for others. Join me in the battle against imposter syndrome, and let’s achieve success together!

janellenightingale March 31, 2023

At Agri Planet Africa, we rely on the farmers in our community to provide us with cow manure which we use to produce our products.

Local Farming

Agri Planet Africa – My Involvement as Executive Director

I am Janelle Nightingale, the Executive Director of Agri Planet Africa. We create sustainable and ecologically responsible organic fertilizer for commercial use. We are dedicated to working with local farmers and providing them with economically viable products for the benefit of the environment.

We source our manure from local cows and pay their owners a fair price for it. When cows become ill or reach end-of-life, we buy them from farms instead of selling them to butcheries. This reflects our commitment to sustainability that goes beyond product production and into our core business activities.

We prioritize hiring locally when possible, providing jobs to members in our community and strengthening pride amongst those living near us. We also implement onsite conservation practices such as water recycling systems and energy-efficient lighting systems; all packaging materials used are recyclable or compostable as well.

At Agri Planet Africa, I’m proud of the team’s mission — creating lasting bonds with local farmers, investing in sustainable solutions, partnering with animal rights groups, creating employment opportunities within rural areas; as well as using recyclable or compostable packaging materials — All towards achieving a greener future!

janellenightingale March 20, 2023

Business Strategy

Crossing the Chasm: A Simulation for Strategic Planning & Brand Strategy

The HBR Crossing the Chasm simulation teaches a methodology for marketing disruptive products to mainstream customers. It involves identifying target customer segments and using a “beachhead” market and a “bowling pin” strategy to expand into adjacent markets. Nonprofits can also apply this strategy to expand their impact. The simulation provided valuable skills for both business and nonprofit sectors.

janellenightingale March 11, 2023

Psychological Safety | Janelle Nightingale

Mental Health

The Power of Psychological Safety: Creating an Inclusive Workspace

Psychological safety involves creating a trusting and respectful environment where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, giving feedback and taking risks without fear of judgment or retribution. The benefits of such an environment are immense, with increased creativity, collaboration and growth for both employees and employers. To create this space, organizations should focus on active listening and fostering open dialogue. Trust is key to any psychologically safe workplace, so small check-ins should be taken to keep conversations meaningful.

janellenightingale February 20, 2023

Mindfulness

Navigating Racial Tension in Uncertain Times: A Guide to Well-Being

Racial tension is a prevalent issue in our society today, and it can leave us feeling afraid and heavy-hearted. We must understand the mind and question our beliefs to heal the heart. To promote racial awareness and well-being, we can engage in practices such as Doing No Harm, Meditation, Brahmavihara Practices, Forming Racial Affinity Groups, Self-Reflection and Education, and Taking Action. We can work towards a more just and equitable society by navigating racial tension with mindfulness and heartfulness. Let’s use our voices and resources to advocate for change and bring about a brighter future for all.

janellenightingale February 11, 2023

From Field to Office: A PR Specialist’s Take on “The Checklist Manifesto”

From Storage Space to Self-Reflection: Unearthing My Past of Resilience and Determination to Forge Ahead

Breaking Barriers Through Unwavering Determination and Academic Accomplishment

Prevention Demands Equity: A Survivor’s Perspective on Sexual Assault Awareness Month 2023

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: My Personal Journey to Success

Crossing the Chasm: A Simulation for Strategic Planning & Brand Strategy

The Power of Psychological Safety: Creating an Inclusive Workspace

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