Book review: ‘Promotions Are SO Yesterday’ by Julie Winkle Giulioni

‘Promotions Are SO Yesterday’ is Julie Winkle Giulioni’s new book on redefining career development. Photo: Amazon

Julie Winkle Giulioni is a champion for workplace growth and development and helps leaders optimize talent and potential within their organizations with consulting, keynote speeches, and training. She is the co-author of the international bestseller “Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go: Career Conversations Organizations Need and Employees Want.” She is a regular columnist for Training Industry magazine and SmartBrief and contributes articles on leadership, career development, and workplace trends to publications including The Economist. Julie’s in-person and virtual keynotes and presentations offer fresh, inspiring, yet actionable strategies for leaders who are interested in their own growth as well as supporting the growth of others. In her new book, “Promotions are SO Yesterday: Redefine Career Development. Help Employees Thrive,” Julie Winkle Giulioni offers readers a new approach for developing their employees’ careers and helping them thrive in a company when promotions are not readily available. (Amazon, 2022)

“Promotions Are SO Yesterday” – The time-honored tradition of defining career development exclusively in terms of promotions, moves, and title changes may be dead, but there are many other ways that employees can, and want to, grow. Many organizations still operate under the idea that promotions are the only option for career development, leaving employees disengaged, managers frustrated, and the business disadvantaged in its efforts to retain talent. The good news is that career development is so much more than promotions alone, and managers are in a powerful position to redefine career development and create positive results for their employees and their organizations in this area. In the Introduction, the author states that the goal of the book is to offer answers that will enable managers to deliver greater employee engagement, satisfaction, and results. It is divided into nine chapters: Chapter 1: Promotions Are Overrated, Chapter 2: Contribution, Chapter 3: Competence, Chapter 4: Connection, Chapter 5: Confidence, Chapter 6: Challenge, Chapter 7: Contentment, Chapter 8: Choice, and Chapter 9: Possibilities Are the New Promotion. Chapters 2 through 8 examine the different frameworks that make up career development and how to use each to help employees grow. Each chapter contains tools, exercises and pro tips and ends with ‘The Final Word’ to summarize topic discussed. There are additional resources for employers to learn more, dig deeper, and get employees engaged in career development.

Career development is and always will be a major component of businesses and organizations. How employers tackle this issue is always changing, especially in a post-COVID environment, where priorities have shifted. “Promotions Are SO Yesterday” contains practical advice, questions to spark reflection and productive dialogue, and tools that managers can use to help employees thrive at work while supporting their organization. Highlights include Chapter 2: Contributions, Make Extracurriculars Go the Extra Mile – which suggests that managers should encourage employees to get involved outside of work as a volunteer in a charity, a non profit, or at a child’s school. This will not only help them give back to the community, but they will bring back to the workplace some valuable lessons and skills. Transferrable skills benefit the organization as a whole. As well as Chapter 4: Connection – it emphasizes the importance of connecting with others at work because this represents “a significant source of professional growth and career development.” Much of what we learn we pick up from others whether it is through coaching apprenticeships, mentoring, or role models. Despite the business subject matter, it is far from dull and long winded. The language is easy to understand and this makes it accessible to anyone. Even though this book is geared towards managers, employees can also benefit from the tools, guidelines, and exercises. “Promotions Are SO Yesterday” is an excellent business guide for management and employees and is recommended for readers who appreciate books on business mentoring, human resources, and business management.

“Helping others enhance their competence may simultaneously be your most selfish and selfless act as a manager. It’s selfless because you’re enabling the development of portable skills that make your employees more marketable. And it’s selfish because of the profound benefits that you and your organization can reap in terms of job satisfaction, engagement, performance, and results.”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Whataburger collaborates with James Avery for new ketchup charms

The new Whataburger ketchup charms are available now. Photo: Whataburger, used with permission.

Attention Whataburger fans. Whether you are Team Fancy, Team Spicy, or both, Whataburger’s newest collaboration with James Avery Artisan Jewelry is a charming addition to any collection. (Whataburger, 2022)

Whataburger’s most popular condiments are now available as keepsake, hand-enameled designs in the “Whataburger® Fancy” Ketchup Charm and “Whataburger® Spicy” Ketchup Charm. The original designs in sterling silver feature Whataburger’s signature ketchup tubs with spectacular attention to detail.

Would you like fries with that? These new charms are the perfect accompaniment to the existing collaborative line of James Avery charms, including the Enamel Whataburger® French Fries Charm. More additions include the Whataburger® Charm with a Flying W, Enamel “Whataburger®” Heart Charm, and Enamel Whataburger® Cup Charm.

New movies to watch this Halloween season

The Institute will be available this Halloween on Vudu. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

With Halloween right around the corner, here is a list of movies now available or coming soon that are perfect for the season. (October Coast, 2022)

Croc! – Now available on digital/DVD
Lisa and her family unite at a wedding venue, excited for the big day. However, unknown to the family, a nest of hungry crocodiles has been living in the nearby lake. As the crocodiles crash the wedding in a blood thirsty massacre, the remaining family members must survive the night against these Jurassic beasts.

The Mystery Spot – Now available on digital
A number of lost souls find refuge in a small motel in the middle of nowhere, its only distinguishing characteristic being the ruins of an old Mystery Spot—a long-dead roadside attraction with strange metaphysical powers.

Frost – Now available on digital
The story of a young woman and her father who have to fight for survival after being stranded on a remote mountainside during a storm.

The Murder Podcast – Available on October 26 on digital
Two amateur podcasters start investigating a murder in their hometown only to become wrapped up in a terrifying adventure full of supernatural threats.

The Institute – Available on Halloween on Vudu
The acclaimed supernatural horror film hits Vudu for Halloween. Fixes on a young couple who begin to suspect the fertility clinic they have booked themselves into is up to something sinister. They become suspicious when the medical regimen brings on psychological side effects.

Demons at Dawn – Available on October 26 on digital
Starring John Altman, Ben Silver, Amanda Himsworth, Amber Doig-Thorne, Dani Thompson and Chris Sanders, the frightening, thrilling profusion of The Professional and End of Days follows a retired hitman who is blackmailed into taking one last job. During his mission, he uncovers an elite Satanic cult that uses human sacrifice to summon Demons.

New book release: ‘Golden Cookies’ by E’Laiya London-Ashlyn Cuthrell

‘Golden Cookies’ is the new children’s book by E’Laiya London-Ashlyn Cuthrell. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

E’Laiya London-Ashlyn Cuthrell is a twelve-year-old who enjoys making others smile. She is a 7^th grader from North Carolina who developed an interest in writing from reading books, drawing characters, and journaling in her scrapbook. She challenged herself to find the creativity of converting her journals into a short story after completing a writing assignment at school. She realized that her goal to write a short story was possible with hard work, dedication, and words of encouragement. “Golden Cookies” is the story of a wise man who wants to spread positivity everywhere through his very special golden cookies. (E’Laiya London-Ashlyn Cuthrell, 2022)

“Golden Cookies” – The wise man’s cookies make people act and think positively. They bring exceptional changes in even the most mean-hearted people and make their behavior kind and loving towards those around them. He gives these golden cookies out free of cost just to help others and his only reward is seeing the happiness they bring to others. He travels through the woods and hands them out to anyone who would take them and tries to convince those who do not believe in the power of these cookies. Even though some people make fun of him, he eventually manages to turn everything around in a positive way. His efforts are rewarded when people find out that riches, power, beauty, trust, leadership, or recognition cannot bring them happiness, and only eating a golden cookie will bring such change which would give them ultimate happiness. Come join the wise man along a very special path that leads to positive changes, kind words, and happiness. Enjoy the excitement of completing the activity corner worksheets in this book to create your amazing story. Get a bite of the golden cookies as you read this book and all you have ever wished for on the positive side of life may come to you.

“Golden Cookies” is available through Amazon.

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New book release: ‘Silent Whispers of Hope’ by Kimberly Morton Cuthrell

‘Silent Whispers of Hope’ is the new suspense thriller by Kimberly Morton Cuthrell. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Dr. & Atty. Kimberly Morton Cuthrell is an attorney, doctoral-level clinical therapist, suspense author, researcher, mediator, and currently a medical school student. She has a quest to create new inroads in suspense novels with behavioral health twists to destigmatize perceptions. Kimberly is a self-publishing consultant/mentor whereby she paved a landscape as a writing coach, ghostwriter, proofreader, professional editor, and beta reader. Kimberly’s interest to write evolved from reading books, writing proposals for grants and contracts that were awarded, composing corporate compliance and policy/procedure manuals within provisions of state and federal laws, and developing behavioral health accreditation manuals. In her fiction work, Kimberly draws from thought-provoking imaginary situations, the art of wisdom, and diverse viewpoints. She writes to intrigue readers’ minds about potential real-life situations and inspire them to advocate for positive change and make meaningful impacts in their communities. Her new book “Silent Whispers of Hope,” Hope Rankin-Glover is faced with a choice between saving her dying mother or forsaking her by vanishing without a trace with her husband in an effort to evade the FBI. (Kimberly Morton Cuthrell, 2022)

“Silent Whispers of Hope” – Hope Rankin-Glover is thrilled to finally escape her mother’s unstable nest. She tries to navigate the dangers of the unprotected world when she finds solace in the arms of Sloan Glover. Little does she know, Sloan has an ulterior motive for marrying her. As Hope struggles to balance her married life, a new business, and the care of her deaf fraternal twins, she finds joy in learning American Sign Language to open avenues of communication with her children. Torn by her traumatic past, she must come to grips with the odds of reversing her twins’ deafness which depends on her actions and comes with a considerable heart-wrenching truth. Seven years later, Hope’s world comes crashing down. The FBI’s discoveries shed light on Sloan’s darkest secrets. In a spiral twist of suspense, a hurtful betrayal derails Hope. The devastating reality of survival plagued by deception pressures Hope to contemplate venturing into an underworld scheme with Sloan. Not only is the underworld scheme filled with silent whispers, but secrets are exposed and lives are trapped in despair. The only way out will either bring forth a lifetime of despair or bitter peace at last. Not everyone is destined to survive and their survival depends on Hope’s actions which force her to take drastic measures. When silent whispers are all Hope has, will that be enough to survive?

“Silent Whispers of Hope” is available through Amazon. Read an excerpt.

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Texas Women for the Arts opens 2023 grant applications

The Texas Cultural Trust is pleased to announce that Texas Women for the Arts (TWA) 2023 grant applications is currently open through December 1, 2022. TWA, a program of the Texas Cultural Trust, is a statewide membership giving circle that unites the financial forces of more than 200 Texas women and whose mission is to “awaken and nurture the artist in every Texas child.” The TWA grants fund arts education programs throughout the state, and have to date increased arts access for nearly 3.5 million Texas children. (Texas Cultural Trust, 2022)

Grants are awarded on an annual basis, in the spring, and are selected following a rigorous review process. Applications, information and guidelines are available online through the Texas Cultural Trust website. In order to be considered for the grant, applicants must have a 501(c)(3) designation, be nominated by a current TWA member, and the program for which applicants are seeking funding must reflect the mission of TWA.

The TWA recipients will be selected based on the following principles: arts access, artistic quality, capability, and impact. The 2023 TWA grant recipients may be invited to attend and accept their awards during the TWA 2023 Annual Meeting. TWA members have funded 318 grants totaling more than $3.7 million since inception in 2005.

For more information on the Texas Cultural Trust, visit them online or call 512-478-5289. To join Texas Women for the Arts, or to learn more about the program, visit them online or email.

Texas Cultural Trust is 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and increasing access and awareness for the arts across the state. Programs of the Texas Cultural Trust include the Texas Medal of Arts Awards, Art Can, Texas Young Masters, Texas Women for the Arts, Partners in the Arts, and Arts Access. Texas Cultural Trust efforts are amplified by its partners, who are instrumental in the success of leading a cohesive voice for the arts in education, advocacy and economic impact in Texas, spotlighting the artistic excellence of our state.

Barrett Davis releases acclaimed debut album The Ballad of Aesop Fin

The Ballad of Aesop Fin is longtime Carolina songwriter Barrett Davis’ solo debut album. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“I just came to this serious point in my life where I realized that if I want to make music and perform, then it’s now or never—I’ve got to make something of it,” remembers 29-year-old musician Barrett Davis of the time leading up to his debut album The Ballad of Aesop Fin. Luckily, for us listeners, Davis’ dedication to his dream paid off in spades. Released last week, The Ballad of Aesop Fin delivers a vibrant tapestry of songs, ranging from modern Americana to classic country, indie-folk to the “high, lonesome sound” of bluegrass—the last of which comes with a little help from Woody Platt, longtime lead singer for Davis’ hometown, Grammy-winning bluegrass outfit, Steep Canyon Rangers. The record itself is a kitchen sink of tones—as heard on “Quiver,” “Lazarus,” and “Carolina Still”—one which ideally showcases the wide-range and unknown depths of Davis, his musical pursuits, and exploits. (Barrett Davis, 2022)

Fans can hear The Ballad of Aesop Fin in its entirety and check out some intimate, in-studio videos of “Carolina Still,” “Lazarus,” and “Quiver feat. Woody Platt.”

The Ballad of Aesop Fin In The News: Fretboard Journal premiered Aesop Fin’s first single, “Quiver,” writing, “We love this track from Davis and we especially love seeing Woody Platt, formerly of Steep Canyon Rangers, helping out on backing vocals.” JamBase premiered the album’s penultimate track, “Lazarus,” a song about “friendship and renewal.” The Bluegrass Situation premiered the video for “Carolina Still,” an ode to Davis’ ancestry, his family’s deep roots in North Carolina, and his great-grandfather Gus.

John Apice reviewed the album for Americana Highways, commenting, “North Carolina’s Barrett Davis has style, ear-caressing sincerity in his music & an arresting voice in many of these well-crafted songs.”

The Ballad of Aesop Fin track list:

Highway 64
Carolina Still
Quiver
Oh Sleeper
Bama Shores
Your Worth
Lazarus
Aesop Fin

“Aesop Fin is a mythical character, raised in the woods. His dad is a moonshine runner, his mother nowhere to be found,” Davis says. “Aesop finds a lover and ends up getting killed in a gambling incident, then she ends up tumbling into a waterfall—it’s symbolic of the vicious cycle of tragedies in these mountains of Appalachia.”

Growing up in Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, a rural outpost community in the mountainous ridges of Transylvania County, Davis was surrounded by music from an early age—exposed to the blues licks of his guitar-playing father, the swirling classical sounds of his mother’s piano playing or the inner echoes of his sister, now a professional opera singer. Davis himself went on hiatus for several years, getting married and raising a young family, all while starting his own construction business to put food on the table for his wife and two kids.

Book review: ‘Still On Fire: A Memoir’ by Renee Linnell

‘Still On Fire: A Memoir’ is Renee Linnell’s new book. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Renee Linnell is a serial entrepreneur who has founded or cofounded five companies and has an MBA from New York University. Having an unorthodox childhood and being surrounded by death at a young age led her on a spiritual quest that took her all over the world, culminating in her ordination as a Buddhist monk. What began as writing for catharsis in 2013—as she struggled to regain her sanity after being brainwashed in a Buddhist cult—turned into her first memoir, “The Burn Zone: A Memoir.” “Still on Fire: A Memoir” is the sequel and a reminder of what happens when we do not listen to our inner voice. Her mission is to remind people Who They Truly Are and to reignite their passion for being alive.

“Still on Fire” – Magic, miracles, travel, and romance–this is where Renee leads you in her long-awaited sequel to “The Burn Zone.” From love affairs with men half her age to being rescued by angels, to getting stranded at 22,000 feet in the Himalayas and being electrocuted in the Maldives, Renee takes you on a wild page-turning adventure, sharing with you soul-soothing wisdom she gained along the way. In the Preface, Renee implores us to unfold their wings and begin a journey of self discovery. Only when we experience authenticity can we begin to realize how we fit into the overall tapestry of life. The book is divided into five parts: Part 1: Decision, Part 2: Wild Ride, Part 3: Spirit, Part 4: Love, and Part 5: Whole. The stories are as varied as her relationships with men, the different adventures she has had around the world, and her traumatic upbringing. In the Epilogue, the author reminds us of the importance of waking up and walking our own authentic path. That we do not have to be like everyone else and if following the masses does not make sense to us, “then it it time to disrupt these paradigms.”

Not everyone gets to travel the world to exotic destinations and have crazy adventures, but Renee Linnell has. She has also experienced the type of trauma and grief that most people have not. Through it all, she has kept her optimism and finds the positive in every situation. Sometimes her stories are relatable, sometimes they are not, but they remind us that life is an adventure worth living and that anything is possible. The chapters are short and to the point and since she uses simple, down to earth language, they are so easy to get through. Highlights include Chapter 22 – Me Being Me, where she is unapologetic for being who she is “Some people will not like me. In fact, some people may hate me…The same way some people curse the sun when it shines too brightly” and Chapter 31 – Giving Away Our Power where she reiterates that every time we care about what someone else thinks of us, we hand that person our power. Overall, “Still On Fire” is an entertaining and worthy read. Some of her stories are funny, some are shocking, but in the end, they are inspiring and remind readers to listen to their inner voice, their Inner Guidance, and live the life they are truly meant to, with no regrets. Most importantly, that life is not perfect and if you fail, you can always, and should, try again. It is recommended for fans of memoirs and self-help books and for readers who appreciate tidbits of wisdom and inspirational stories.

“Now I realize it is up to me to create a life I love. To be me regardless of whom I am dating. To have my own boundaries. To constantly check in with myself and ask, ‘Do I really want this? Is this okay?’”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Excerpt available.

Magik Theatre presents Eddie & Vinnie as part of Dyslexia Awareness Month

This heartwarming tale fosters understanding of dyslexia challenges through theater’s meaningful messaging program. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

A boy, a girl…and a gecko? No, it is not a fairytale. It is the story of Eddie & Vinnie, a heartwarming tale of a young boy who desperately wants to raise his grades to avoid attending summer school. The problem is that unless Eddie, who struggles with dyslexia, gets his grades up, his dreams of fun in the sun may be heading for a wipeout. (Magik Theatre, 2022)

Commissioned by Celebrate Dyslexia Founder and Executive Director Jasmin Dean and written by playwright Jenny Millinger, Associate Artistic Director at Childsplay Arizona, this first-of-its-kind show makes its world premiere at the Magik Theatre from October 15-28 during National Dyslexia Awareness Month. Opening night will be a fun-filled celebration filled with crafts, interactive experiences and a VIP reception to delight both the young and the young at heart. Special touring shows will take place from November 1-18, and March 27-May 21, 2023, taking Eddie & Vinnie’s message to the masses as far as they are summoned. Educators can enjoy a unique Dyslexia 101 Workshop with Jasmin Dean on October 22 to help understand the challenges dyslexic students face and empower themselves with tools to support those student’s unique learning needs.

Part of what makes this production so special is that it appeals to a wide age range, providing a unique glimpse into the dyslexic brain to lessen the stigma and foster awareness, understanding, and acceptance for not only the children diagnosed with this neurobiological difference, but their families, teachers, coaches, and the community at large as well. It is part of Magik’s new “Meaningful Messaging” programming that is designed to shine a light on the social issues children and their families face today.

With up to 20% of the population experiencing dyslexia, it is surprising that so many misconceptions continue to exist. Dyslexia is not an intellectual deficit. In fact, some of the world’s most innovative, creative and brilliant minds are dyslexic. Early identification and intervention are paramount to leveling the playing field for dyslexic learners so they can stay on track to read at grade level. Raising awareness within the community through creative, engaging performances such as Eddie and Vinnie is just the type of initiative to facilitate conversation in the family and enact change within the community. It is an undertaking that has caught the attention of many notable champions.

Eddie & Vinnie is made possible through the support of grants from Texas Cultural Trust, Texas Commission on the Arts, the Betty Stieren Kelso Foundation, and is sponsored by the H-E-B Read 3 initiative. The production also marks the second time in its 27-year-history that Magik Theatre has received grant funding through the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts (NEA).

Magik Theatre is committed to educating through entertainment—and no child or family is ever left out. In keeping with that commitment, the 2022-23 season boasts some upgrades to include the following special performances below.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES

American Sign Language Interpreted Performance – Saturday, October 22 at 5p.m.

Robert Cardoza, the San Antonio theatre community’s primary sign language interpreter, will be available during this performance for patrons who require ASL as their primary form of communication.

Sensory-Friendly Performance – Tuesday, October 25 at 10:30a.m.

Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming environment for people who are on the autism spectrum or may have sensory sensitivities. The integrity of the performance remains the same, while production elements are modified to accommodate individuals with sensory needs allowing families and friends of those with autism or other disabilities the opportunity to enjoy an authentic performance experience together.

Pay What You Wish Performances – Friday, October 28 at 5p.m.

Magik’s way of giving back to the community and providing an opportunity for families to experience live theatre with a donation of any amount.

Mask Required Performances – Saturday, October 22 at 2p.m.

If you would like to attend a mask-required performance, this option is for you. We have adopted a model that allows us to go above and beyond standard schedules. It also provides you with peace of mind knowing that all of our performers and staff continue to follow strict health and safety protocols including the option to select your experience while in the theatre.

2022-23 Season Subscriptions and Flex Passes are on sale now, priced at $48, $60, $75, and $87. Single Tickets are $18.50 for children (ages 2-17), Military, Seniors, and Educators | $22.50 for adults | Children under 2 years old are free. Season Subscriptions, Flex Passes and Single Tickets are available online or by calling (210) 227-2751. You can also purchase at the box office, 420 S. Alamo, from 9a.m.-5p.m., Monday through Friday. If a child under 2 uses a seat, even a car or booster seat, the patron must pay for a general-admission ticket. Group rates are offered to parties of ten or more people.

A professional theatre for young audiences established in 1994, Magik Theatre’s mission is to use the power of theatre to create Magikal storytelling for children that Activates imagination, Grows young minds, and Inspires creativity and a love of learning that is the Key to a more literate future for our community.

Magik Theatre

New book release: ‘Righteous Prey’ by John Sandford

‘Righteous Prey’ is John Sandford’s newest best-selling novel. Photo: Amazon

John Sandford is the pseudonym for the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist John Camp. He is the author of thirty-one Prey novels; four Kidd novels; twelve Virgil Flowers novels; three YA novels coauthored with his wife, Michele Cook; and three other books. His new book “Righteous Prey” is a Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers novel and this time they are going up against a powerful vigilante group with an eye on vengeance. (Amazon, 2022)

“Righteous Prey” – “We’re going to murder people who need to be murdered.” So begins a press release from a mysterious group known only as “The Five,” shortly after a vicious predator is murdered in San Francisco. The Five is made up of vigilante killers who are very bored and very rich. They target the worst of society—rapists, murderers, and thieves—and then use their unlimited resources to offset the damage done by those who they have killed, donating untraceable Bitcoin to charities and victims via the dark net. The Five soon become popular figures in the media though their motives may not be entirely pure. After The Five strike again in the Twin Cities, Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport are sent in to investigate and they soon have their hands full. The killings are smart and carefully choreographed, and with no apparent direct connection to the victims, the killers are virtually untraceable. But if anyone can destroy this group, it will be the dynamic team of Davenport and Flowers.