Posts in Health

Undermining Progress: Navigating Manipulation and Betrayal From Think Rubix

Think Rubix has devolved into a cesspool of misaligned values, egotistical vision, and selfish mannerisms. It has transformed into an entity that represents the antithesis of progress, a stark contrast to the change-making platform it initially aspired to be. The toxicity within the organization has grown to an extent where it has become the worst possible investment for any genuine changemaker or innovator.

The decision to step down from my role was not an easy one, but it was one driven by a commitment to integrity, authenticity, and the pursuit of meaningful change.

HealthRhonna-Rose Akama-MakiaAugust 29, 2023Comment

Embracing the Journey: The Evolution of Friendships into Adulthood

And then, adulthood arrived, knocking on the door with responsibilities and choices that would shape our paths. The once spacious playgrounds of childhood now seemed distant as we navigated careers, relationships, and dreams that seemed both within reach and elusive. Amidst the hustle and bustle of adult life, I found myself wondering how friendships would fit into this new landscape.

HealthRhonna-Rose Akama-MakiaAugust 3, 2023Comment

Beyond the Gifted and Talented Label: Navigating the Challenges of Growing Up Smart

One of the biggest challenges for smart kids is learning how to separate their self-worth from external validation. When you're constantly praised for your innate qualities rather than your hard work, it's easy to develop a sense of entitlement and expect praise and recognition for everything you do. But as you get older, you quickly realize that the world doesn't work that way. Fewer people care about your intelligence and just being smart can only get you so far.

Health, LifestyleRhonna-Rose Akama-MakiaMarch 16, 2023Comment

Numbing the Pain: The Impact of Grief's Strong Numbing Effect on Healing

At the core of grief is the intense pain and sorrow that comes from losing someone or something that we care deeply about. This pain can be overwhelming, and for many people, the natural response is to shut down emotionally as a means of coping. This shutting down can feel like a protective measure, a way of insulating ourselves from the pain so that we can continue to function in our daily lives.

HealthRhonna-Rose Akama-MakiaMarch 9, 2023Comment

Love's Tender Embrace: Nurturing the Heart and Soul

Life is a journey that is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and unexpected challenges that can either break us or make us stronger. It is up to us to choose how we respond to these challenges and what we learn from them. In this blog post, we will explore six different concepts and ideas that can help us navigate through life with more ease and grace.

HealthRhonna-Rose Akama-MakiaMarch 7, 2023Comment

Rising from the Ashes: A Compassionate Journey Through Grief

In the face of grief, it's easy to feel like we've lost control of our lives. We feel like we're at the mercy of our emotions, and we're not sure how to move forward. But the truth is, we still have some control. We can choose how we respond to our grief.

Editor's Picks, HealthRhonna-Rose Akama-MakiaDecember 20, 2020Comment

Navigating the New Normal: Self-Care Tips for Coping with Social Isolation

It's been five days since I've worn anything but my pajamas, and I'm not even sure what time it is anymore. I feel like I'm not at my best, and it's starting to worry me. As I sit here, scrolling through my phone for the hundredth time today, I realized something that made me uneasy. This could be my new reality.

Editor's Picks, Health, Human ResourcesRhonna-Rose Akama-MakiaApril 15, 2020Comment

I'm Hanging Up Now: The Fine Line Between Connection and Chaos

It all started with a glimmer of hope. A rare moment where all of us could be home, without the usual hustle and bustle of our lives. It was an opportunity to connect with friends and loved ones who we hadn't seen in a while, to catch up and share our experiences. It was a time to be present, to laugh, and to reminisce about the good old times. And so we did. But as the pandemic grew, so did our desire to stay connected.

Editor's Picks, Health, Human ResourcesRhonna-Rose Akama-MakiaMarch 1, 2020Comment

Choosing My Name: A Personal Journey to Being Rhonna-Rose

Of course, there were downsides. I would never walk into a store and see my name on things, something that was a reality I had to accept. But when a friend gifted me a custom-made coke bottle with my name on it, it meant the world to me. Here, in front of me, was something that confirmed I had made the right choice. I could be Rhonna-Rose - and that was all that mattered.

Health, Editor's Picks, CultureRhonna-Rose Akama-MakiaJune 5, 2015HealthComment

Dec 6, 2024

Why Top Performers Don’t Always Make Great Managers

On paper, it made sense. Sarah knew the ins and outs of the job better than anyone. But within six months, something became clear: Sarah was struggling. She felt overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure how to handle the dynamics of leading a team. Meanwhile, the team itself was faltering without Sarah’s stellar contributions to guide them. The problem wasn’t Sarah—it was the assumption that excellence in execution equates to excellence in leadership.

Nov 23, 2024

Meeting People Where They Are: A Human-Centered Approach to Workforce Growth

I remember meeting a young woman named Kayla a few years ago. She was 22, fresh out of high school, and working two part-time jobs while trying to figure out her next step. When she walked into the room, I could see her hesitation. She didn’t think she belonged at the training session we were holding, and honestly, she almost left before it started.

Oct 4, 2024

The Art of Building High-Performing Teams

When I think about what makes a team truly high-performing, I don’t just think about the results they deliver. I think about the way they work together, the trust they build, and the systems that support their success. In my experience managing teams across industries—from politics to nonprofits to for-profit organizations—one thing has always been clear: high-functioning teams don’t just happen. They’re intentionally built.

Feb 23, 2023

My Journey to Healing: The Importance of Therapy for Black Women's Mental Health

It's not always easy to confront our mental health struggles. For many Black women, the pressures of society can make it feel like we're alone in our struggles. We may be told to simply "toughen up" or that our struggles are a sign of weakness. But the truth is, seeking help is one of the most courageous things we can do.

Nov 3, 2019

Behind the Marketing Genius of Popeyes' Chicken Sandwich

When the sandwich first debuted, I was skeptical of the hype and didn't want to wait in line like everyone else. But after hearing rave reviews from my friends and family, I finally caved and decided to give it a shot.

Jun 5, 2015

Mar 2, 2023

Managing Remote Teams: The Future of Work and How to Make It Successful

The old saying, "What if we train them and they leave," speaks to the fear that many managers have about investing in their employees. The response, "What if you don't and they stay," is a powerful reminder that investing in employees is essential for organizational success. This is especially true in the current business environment, where competition for talent is fierce.

Nov 22, 2022

Your Black Employees Can’t Just Be Your DEI Experts

Not only is relying on your Black employees to be your DEI teachers, trainers, and facilitators incredibly tokenizing and emblematic of the systemic racism your company claims to want to fight, but it’s just plain poor strategy.

Mar 1, 2020

My Top Five Tips on How To Deal With Your Co-Workers Digitally

The main thing to remember is that this pandemic is a new territory for many, but that doesn't mean our human patience and compassion has to be. Lean into the discomfort of the current situation and realize that digital or not, we can get through this together.