Top 10 by Popular Demand
- Nov 27, 2013
- 11 min read
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Thank you to those respondents who helped assemble the content and theme of the Q&A in the making of this interview. If you are new to this forum and missed out on the opportunity to submit questions, or are interested in networking on some level, I encourage you to reach out to me at nomdeplumestudio.usa@gmail.com or complete the Contact form available on my website.
Here are the Top 10 by Popular Demand:
1. What is the premise for your website and brand?
This website is a not-for-profit center intended to serve as an information hub and objective news source free to its visitors 24/7 to read up on the latest research and controversial news relating to the degradation of our environment occurring both naturally and at the hands of mankind; from climate changes and its effect on global agriculture, to implications of electromagnetic pollution, and hazardous substances and pollutants that plague our soil, air, water, and food supply, all purportedly affecting human health while contributing to an array of health problems and chronic illness [including cancer] through epigenetic modifications, second to diet and lifestyle. Visitors can also explore preventative and holistic measures such as diet and nutrition, vitamins and minerals, integrative medicine, and healing strategies based upon the principles of the mind, body, and spirit connection to help ward off some of the negative effects.
This website will also serve as a vehicle to lobby and drive change in Washington DC while raising awareness to various causes, faculties, and services that I wholly trust and endorse.
This website and branding may take different shape and form as it evolves but the premise will remain not-for-profit. Readers will be made aware of all sources of information with each posting including funding of studies in evaluating credibility and hidden agendas.
2. What do you hope to accomplish?
I believe in power by numbers and the fact that consumers have more buying power and influence than they realize if those with common interests joined forces in conglomerate to drive change in demand, while drawing attention of policy makers to the links between the environment and human health, based upon growing consumer awareness and advocacy for environmentally safe products while setting goals to minimize known pollutants and hazardous substances around the globe in a balance between the needs of man and the environment through renewable energy, green efforts, and responsible food labeling in the transparency of genetically modified organisms and other hidden ingredients which are unnatural. As consumers, we have a fundamental right to know the listing of all ingredients and processes that make up our world food and beverage supply in demand of more science than rhetoric, or until solid, more long-term scientific data, is made available to the general public.
We’ll dive into the pros and cons of organically grown foods, GMO’s, and herbicides, as well as growth hormones, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, steroids, and antibiotics introduced into our food and water supply. Everything to do with our environment and activities of the western hemisphere leading to a long range of chronic illness and inflammation process [including cancers] plaguing the United States as it takes rank to be the fattest nation on earth while contributing to an epidemic of childhood obesity that continues to rise in response to western dietary habits and lifestyle driven by quick profits and lack of education and consumer awareness.
This may be the first generation of children that have a lower life expectancy than their parents so the time to act is now. Yes, commanding change is a huge undertaking and slippery slope, but it starts with one planting of the foot, one voice after another, and I know there are others out there who share similar philosophies that will join forces in conglomerate. It’s a matter of getting the word out and this website will serve as a voice for those without the economic means, tools, or resources to let their voice be heard.
3. What is your general background?
Technical writer and independent researcher. For the past decade I’ve been employed by a global asset management firm with more than $250 billion in assets under management in fixed income, equities, and real estate. Our division oversees the commercial real estate loan operations with focus on maintaining a secure investment for all stakeholders.
My general expertise is in the risk analysis and mitigation of property catastrophes’ from seismic to tsunami and pollution legal liability to name a few. Managing and leading a team of direct reports has taught me valuable life lessons including relationship building, diplomacy, mediation, resourcefulness, and what it takes to be a true confidant and to have someone’s back by acknowledging supporting casts when the credits role. As a society I’ve found that the one notoriety we all have in common is that we just want our voice to be heard — to feel valued on some level, and as long as you can foster an environment conducive to learning and embracing indifference without prejudgment, generally you can find commonality and a sense of camaraderie vs. hostility and segregation.
Writing is encrypted in my DNA; I’m hardwired to write, as strange as that may sound. I know the fundamentals of real estate lending in my sleep, yes, but it’s not the subject matter I grew to love. My true passion and drive is actually in science as it relates to our environment, gene expression, longevity, and the mind, body, and spirit connection, which I believe all intertwine. With extra time on my hands I thought, why not do something constructive while enriching the lives of others less fortune and doing what I love most, which is writing.
4. Traits are distinguishing qualities or characteristics of a person. Could you describe your best traits?
I polled a few of my closest friends and the consensus was; free spirit who is witty and creative, while known for her perpetual optimism, spontaneity and adventurism—always full of surprises; never boring, and a bit eccentric at times. A perfect example is rolling out a Q&A, which is a bit of an oddity, compared to a traditional bio and profile page but my objective was to be fresh and new and to set myself apart from mainstream recognizing that we need diversification in leadership to make a difference in the world and drive change.
I would describe myself as someone who is highly energized and brings order to chaos. I’m also very patient, adaptive, and resourceful beyond my own consciousness at times……I may not always know what I’m doing but I always manage to pull it off. I don’t take myself too seriously, and am not afraid to roll with the punches while reinventing myself in adapting to rapidly changing conditions. If one door closes another will open if you remain optimistic. I believe in Karma and what you put out in the universe returns 10 fold.
Because it’s hard to reflect on one’s self without biases, I bit the bullet and subjected myself to the color test @ www.testcolor.com since the premise of this website is unbiased intellect. The color test, masterminded by a team of clinical psychologists, psychoanalysts, and mathematicians, is free to analyze personality and mood characteristics based on the symbolic language of color. I took both the personality and language color (mood) tests and was quite fascinated by the results. You can read the full results by clicking one of the following links Personality Test- - Language of Color, or in the interest of time, scan the quick summaries below.
Personality Results: Decision-maker, Innovative, Imaginative, and Dynamic; A manager and leader.
My Reaction: I lead a group of direct reports in reality. Sheer coincidence? Maybe. You can read my full profile on LinkedIn.
Language of Color (Mood) Results: You are experiencing a phase of renewal or a new start in life. This shall bring you much pleasure and leads you to be open to others and full of hope. Life shall impose itself upon you in the form of a new project and you shall know how to listen to yourself and stress the importance of what is really meaningful to you. Strongest Points: Charisma, sense of fun and maybe even a kind of ‘joie de vivre’. You are capable of leading groups of people and transmit to them your enthusiasm and energy. You are currently driven by your feeling of a new start in life and the energy it brings you, as well by your great energy capable of changing things. You can rely on your ability to lead, your natural charisma and your enthusiasm, as well as your natural energy, your desire to build and your ability to motivate others.
My Reaction: Nailed it with precision, whether sheer coincidence or by chance. If you read my About page, I acknowledge finding my own purpose driven life which lead to the creation of this website and aspirations of becoming an author (new life changing project).
5. What part of the region do you live in?
I live in Des Moines, Iowa (USA); predominantly known as America’s Heartland. What I love most about Iowa is the closeness of the community as well as the four seasons. The weather is never the same year round so our famous line here in the Midwest is “if you don’t like the weather forecast today, stick around a day, it’ll change.” What I love least about Iowa is the fact that winters can be long but that’s what vacations are for plus it makes me appreciate springtime that much more when the flowers are in bloom. Iowa is surprisingly quite liberal and multicultural unlike its stigma of being ultra conservative. An interesting bit of trivia; the first female attorney in the United States was Arabella Mansfield from Burlington, Iowa. Mansfield was admitted to the Iowa State Bar in 1869, which brought about an amendment to Iowa’s bar licensing statute, becoming the first state to allow women and minorities into its bar.
For additional trivia and fun facts about Iowa there’s a short film I endorse below produced by Iowa Filmmakers, titled Iowa Nice (Clean Version), that’s a bit raw and edgy if you don’t mind a little roasting or dry humor all in good fun. The film project was created in response to the national media coverage of Iowa during the 2008 Caucus Season and the overall perceptions of Iowa across the country as featured on CNN, the BBC, and MSNBC, as well as numerous blogs and newspapers. Iowa Nice (Not Nice Version) has received more than one million views online.
6. If you could travel anywhere in the world where would that be and why?
My one wish and goal in life is to explore all 6 continents of the world (if you consider Europe and Asia as one continent) by missionary to experience other cultures and lifestyles from cooking to religion and even daily struggles. Jerusalem, the capital of Israel, and one of the oldest and holiest cities in the world, is one of the top destinations on my list. I’m also a history buff and am fascinated by medieval history and landmarks dating back to the 5th century AD including cathedrals and castles which I find serene and mystical. My front sitting room is actually a household shrine of ancient Egypt with an array of artifacts and novelties on display. Transylvania, a historical region in the central part of Romania is also a destination that’s high on my list as well as the Transfăgărăşan Road that climbs to the highest altitude passing by the Bâlea Lake (2,034 m altitude) having more tunnels and viaducts than any other road in Romania.
I also have a love for the Pacific ocean. When I have a few days or a weeks’ vacation to burn, my home away from home is San Diego, California in light of the low key atmosphere. There is nothing like throwing on an old t-shirt and shorts (or jeans) and flip flops, and taking a stroll on the beach or just hanging out and watching the sun set. Ocean waters are very tranquil and I am most creative and inspired to write when in solitude.
7. Do you have a general fitness routine and what does your diet consist of?
I believe in the old adage “you are what you eat” so I follow primarily a Mediterranean diet full of fresh greens, fruit, grains, legumes, and fish or seafood. I do enjoy a glass of red wine on occasion but drink mostly green or white teas. Basically eating as few foods that come from a box or bag as possible. I’ll be the first to admit however, that I’m imperfect when it comes to diet & exercise and have my weak moments like everyone else when I need a quick pick me up and turn to my favorite comfort foods, like Mac-n-Cheese and Buckwheat Pancakes with real Maple Syrup, although infrequent these days. I also like to indulge in dark chocolate and aged cheeses from around the world but I know that with each bite that goes down my throat it will drop instantly onto my thighs so I try not to overindulge.
In regards to general fitness, exercise is the best medicine and one of the few things in life that is free. The only bad workout is no workout so I always make time for some form of daily exercise and aim for 60 minutes most days but will settle for 30. I like to mix it up but tend to stick with running or walking, weight lifting, dance, yoga, or pilates. I’ve been the athletic type since childhood when my friends would always pressure me to try out for cheer-leading squad, but I wanted no part of that. I wanted to be on the field in the middle of all the action. I loved track and field, volleyball, tennis, basketball, and flag football (I played wide receiver). Although I was competitive, it had more to do with myself. I always championed for the underdog. If I were the male version of me and had the athletic ability, my dream would have been to play wide receiver for the Iowa Hawkeyes while studying chemistry.
8. We all have pet peeves so what are yours?
People who are overly critical of others or those who rush to judgment based on perception or sheer emotion only without fact finding. Those who know the least about you or what goes on behind the scenes are always the first to criticize. I would rather choose words that build people up rather than tear down, but a hero to me is someone who takes action without fear of consequence or judgment passed.
9. Who do you idealize?
I think it’s unhealthy to idealize anyone outside of one’s self. We were all created equal and should strive to be our best self-recognizing that we all have a purpose in life and should value our story and lessons learned. Our background and circumstance may influence who we are, but we are responsible for who we become. Yes, some of us have extenuating circumstances that present more challenges and obstacles to maneuver and it’s unfortunate that not everyone has the tools or economic means to realize their dreams but never let go of hope for you could be that one miracle. Always believe in the impossible.
10. Any advice or words of wisdom that you’d like to share with those who are struggling with their own identity or lost in direction while finding their own purpose driven life?
No matter the struggle, whether internal or external, always believe in yourself and don’t run out on your faith or let others fill your head with self-doubt due to their own inhibitions. We all have temporary setbacks but what sets us apart is our conviction and strides to overcome them. The key to success is to summon the courage to move forward along your chosen path without fear of failure or abandoning ones dream. It is better to fail at something you love than to be a success at something that bleeds your soul.
Change is inevitable, so pencil a 5 year plan but strive to live in the moment as time stand stills for no one. The longer you wait for the future, the shorter it will be. My general advice would be to put words into action and to listen and be aware of that little voice inside your head; your road map in finding your own purpose driven life.
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