 Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | First Love Lessons First love experiences shape us in profound ways. Readers enjoy valuable lessons learned from these formative relationships. Drawing on insights from relationship experts, we’ll examine how early romantic encounters reveal our true selves, transform our communication skills, and teach us the importance of emotional connections.
Love Reveals Your True Self I was 23, doing clinical hours in a public hospital when I met the woman who would become my wife. She was a pediatric nurse, calm in the middle of chaos. We shared long night shifts and vending machine coffee, and somewhere between patient charts and sunrise conversations, I fell for her. Not just for her kindness to others, but for how she made me feel, like I could be fully myself without apology. We’ve built a life together since then, and I still feel that same grounding presence from her every day. What I learned? Real love brings out a better version of you, not by changing who you are, but by making you feel safe enough to grow. That’s something I’ll never take for granted. - Renato Fernandes, Clinical Nutritionist, Saude Pulso Listening Transforms Communication It was my last year at university. I met her during a flat party, completely by chance; she wasn’t even supposed to be there. We talked for hours on the staircase, ignoring the chaos around us. I remember thinking, “This is the first time I’m actually listening, not just waiting to speak.” That was new for me. We lasted two years. When it ended, I was devastated, but it taught me how much I value being understood, not just liked. Since then, I’ve paid closer attention to how I communicate, even at work. Lesson learned? Love shows you who you really are, but only if you’re willing to sit in the quiet moments. - James McNally, Managing Director, SDVH [Self Drive Vehicle Hire] Vulnerability Unlocks Deeper Connections You might be wondering what a mental health expert like me has to say about this situation! But this is the story that I share with my kids and say, “That’s how I met your mother!” I still remember the warm April breeze that wrapped around us, the day I first fell in love. I was twenty-two, fresh out of university, and visiting a small community art gallery with my cousin — there I first met her. She wasn’t an artist — just someone who wandered in one morning, sketchbook tucked under her arm, curious eyes dancing over canvases. We started talking about a displayed piece, its color, light, and the way a single brushstroke could capture a lifetime of emotion. Her laughter felt like sunlight spilling across my mind, shining like the open sea, and when I walked her to the door at closing time, the world seemed to hold its breath. We met again for coffee soon and went for long walks. She taught me to notice the small things — a single bee perched on a daffodil, the steady rhythm of my own heartbeat when I was near someone who saw me fully. I realized that love wasn’t just a rush of passion, but an invitation to slow down, to show up for myself and another person in equal measure. One evening, as we watched the sun dip behind rooftops painted gold, I felt a gentle but profound shift inside me — like an ancient knot unraveling. For years I’d prided myself on being “strong,” pushing through anxiety, stress, and other crises by sheer will. But in her presence, I discovered that vulnerability was not weakness. I learned that naming my fears — of rejection, of being unlovable — gave them less power. I could lean into the tremor in my voice, take a breath, and speak my truth. That spring taught me a valuable life lesson. It taught me that to love someone else, I first had to offer compassion to my own trembling heart. Being a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, I can say that from a mental health perspective, that time I realized that self-acceptance was the foundation for connection: the moment I allowed myself to be perfectly imperfect, I unlocked a capacity to love more deeply than I ever thought possible. And in that tender vulnerability, I found my greatest courage. I thank God and the whole universe for giving me the opportunity to meet my wife that day. I also thank my wife for being my constant sunrise — illuminating even the darkest corners of my life. In her arms, I have found not just love but a home for my soul — safe, warm, and endlessly hopeful. - Shebna N Osanmoh, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Savantcare First Love Teaches Value of Emotional Bonds I remember it like it was yesterday, falling in love for the first time during my sophomore year in high school. She was in my math class, and I couldn’t keep my eyes off her. Every smile, every word felt like it was just for me. It was that head-over-heels, can’t-eat, can’t-sleep kind of love, you know? The heart racing every time she walked into the room. One major thing I learned about myself during that time was how much I value deep connection. Before that, I’d always focused on the fun, superficial stuff: movies, games, and sports. But here I was, wanting to know her every thought, feeling, and dream. It felt new, and honestly, a bit scary. It taught me that I crave a real emotional connection in relationships, which was a big thing to realize at that age. So yeah, that first love? It really opens your eyes to what you truly appreciate in being with someone. - Alex Cornici, Marketing & PR Coordinator, Insuranks
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 Credit: Joy Corkery Why Emotional Intelligence and Mentorship Matter
Regardless of the fact that you are ready and qualified for the job, making a career transition can feel overwhelming. Despite what impression job descriptions may give, it’s not just about knowing your stuff technically. In fact, 71% of employers say they value emotional intelligence (EI) more than technical skills when hiring. And they’re right. EI is what helps you understand yourself, connect with others, and handle tough situations without falling apart. But EI isn’t just something you magically have. Like many others you will encounter in your career, it is a skill you develop. And one of the best ways to build it is through mentorship. A good mentor helps you see your blind spots, guides you through difficult decisions, and provides honest feedback without sugarcoating. That combination of EI and mentorship can be a game-changer, especially if you’re moving from an individual contributor role to leadership. Emotional intelligence: The Difference Between Managing and Leading What is emotional intelligence, you may ask? At its core, EI is about recognising and managing emotions, that is, both yours and other people’s. It’s what keeps you from losing your cool during a crisis or taking criticism personally. Instead of reacting impulsively, you learn to respond thoughtfully. In leadership, that’s everything. In marketing, where you’re juggling creative ideas, tight deadlines, and different personalities, EI is essential. It’s the difference between knowing when to step back and let your team shine or stepping in to offer support. It’s recognising when a team member is struggling, even if they haven’t said anything. And it’s being aware of how your words and actions impact others. For me, emotional intelligence was the turning point between just managing tasks and truly leading people. I’d always been empathetic, but I didn’t see it as a workplace skill. It felt like something “soft,” not part of the bold, outspoken style everyone seemed to say was the key to success. But I learned EI was a game changer. Early in my career, I thought doing good work was enough. Keep your head down, deliver results, and you’ll get ahead. But as I moved toward leadership, I realised that hard work alone wasn’t enough. You need to be seen. You need to communicate your impact, show how your ideas drive results, and understand the people you lead. A mentor helped me see this. They didn’t just teach me skills; they showed me that EI wasn’t a weakness, it was a strength. They taught me how to structure my thoughts, speak up, stay calm, and understand my team. I learned that leadership isn’t just about great ideas. It’s about earning trust, guiding others, and knowing how to bring out the best in your team. And none of that happens without emotional intelligence. Mentorship: Learning From Those Who’ve Been There A mentor does more than just answer your questions; they open your eyes to things you didn’t even know you needed to learn. They show you how to navigate challenges you haven’t faced yet. In marketing, that could mean understanding how to defend a bold creative idea to senior leadership, or how to manage a team that’s struggling with low morale. When I first stepped into leadership, I was lucky to have a mentor within my company who helped me make sense of it all. They didn’t just tell me what to do — they showed me. They modeled how to have difficult conversations, how to balance priorities without burning out, and how to lead with empathy. It made a huge difference. In past roles, I wasn’t so lucky to have someone in-house who was able to nurture my EI and empathy into skills to be reckoned with in leadership. This can be the case for a lot of people, but you don’t have to sit around waiting for a mentor to magically appear. If you see someone whose career you admire, reach out. Whether it’s a manager in your company or a connection on LinkedIn, most people are willing to share their experiences if you show genuine interest. Some of the best career advice I’ve gotten was from relative strangers online. Putting It Together: EI and Mentorship in Action When you combine emotional intelligence with mentorship, you get a powerful toolkit for navigating your career. Here is a personal example of what it looks like in practice. Early on in my leadership career, I was faced with a tough decision. I needed to let a team member go because they were not meeting expectations. This was made more difficult for me because I genuinely liked the person, and I could see that they were trying. One thing I knew I wanted when handling this was that it would feel like a cutthroat experience for the team member. Being let go is a very personal experience, and it can often feel that way for the person affected, no matter how hard you try. EI helped me handle the situation with empathy. I put myself in their shoes, so I was really aware of how the news would affect them, and I communicated the news with respect. By that, I mean no empty talk, just straight facts and a mixture of what they were doing both right and wrong. People can usually see when you are not being straight, and that can add unpleasantness to the situation. My mentor played a big role in guiding me through the practical side, like how to structure the conversation, what to document, and how to support your team afterwards. It’s that mix of empathy and strategy that makes this approach so effective. Practical Advice for Aspiring Marketing Leaders If you’re thinking about moving into marketing leadership, here’s what I’d recommend: 1. Invest in Developing EI Take time to understand your own emotions and how they impact your decisions. Pay attention to how you react to feedback, conflict, and stress. Consider keeping a journal. It sounds cheesy, but it works. 2. Seek Out Mentors Don’t wait for one to come to you. Find people whose leadership style you respect. Reach out, ask for their advice, and be open to their feedback. Don’t just ask them what they did, ask them what they wish they had done differently. 3. Make Your Work Visible This was a big one for me. It’s not enough to do good work; you need to make sure people know about it. Share your successes with your team and your managers. Don’t just say you “ran a successful campaign.” Show the impact it had and why it mattered. 4. Build a Network of Support Surround yourself with people who want to see you succeed, whether that’s mentors, peers, or a professional network. Those relationships are your safety net, especially when you’re facing challenges. The Smarter Way to Transition Career transitions are tough, there’s no way around it, but they don’t have to be a struggle. By focusing on emotional intelligence and seeking mentorship, you’re not just preparing yourself to survive the transition, you’re setting yourself up to thrive. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having all the answers. It’s about being ready to learn, adapt, and lead with confidence. Meet Our Contributor — Joy Corkery Joy is a content leader with over twelve years of experience across SEO, social media, influencer marketing, product marketing and brand marketing. She’s also a qualified coach who applies neuroscience in her work.  Image Credit: Lexi Davey, Founder of nook NZ | www.nooknz.com Let’s be honest: the phrase “self-care” has been thrown around so much it’s started to lose all meaning — especially for parents. For anyone managing the relentless juggle of packed lunches, 2am wakeups, emotional labour, and laundry piles (still somehow unfolded from three days ago), the idea of carving out time for a long skincare routine or meditation app can feel completely out of touch.
And yet, the need for it — real, doable, non-performative self-care — has never been more urgent. Right now, we’re seeing a shift in how health and beauty are being redefined for parents. It’s less about luxury and more about longevity. It’s not about adding more to your plate, but finding small, realistic ways to actually feel better in the middle of everything else. Here’s where we’re at — and where things are heading next. 1. Skincare That Works While You Don’t Busy parents are driving a demand for simple, no-fuss skincare that delivers results without the 10-step routines. Think multitasking products that hydrate, protect, and treat in one go. Clean beauty is now the baseline; the focus is shifting to smart beauty — products that work with your schedule (or lack of one). Expect to see more of: *Microbiome-friendly formulas that support your skin barrier and help prevent flare-ups. * AI-personalised routines that help you cut through the overwhelm of choice. * Reusable beauty tools that actually save time and money — LED masks, cryo rollers, overnight treatments, all becoming more accessible. 2. The Rise of Mental FitnessWe’ve spent years talking about physical health. But the emotional load of parenting is finally getting the attention it deserves. Mental well-being is no longer a nice-to-have — it’s part of the bigger wellness picture. New trends include: * App-based therapy and emotional support designed with parents in mind — because not everyone can squeeze in a weekly session. * Wearables that track stress, sleep, and mood, giving you gentle nudges and feedback to help manage the mental load. * Community-led well-being spaces, both online and local, where parents can offload, connect, and be seen. 3. Movement That Fits Into Your Day (Not the Other Way Around) The next wave of fitness is flexible, because let’s face it — parenting doesn’t stick to a routine. Short, efficient workouts (think 10-minute strength blasts or buggy-friendly walks) are overtaking hour-long gym classes. We’re seeing more of: * Compact home equipment that fits around real life, not the other way around. * Apps and platforms that combine movement, breathwork, and mindfulness, with filters like “nap time friendly” or “low energy”. * A shift from performance to regulation — parents are turning to movement to regulate their nervous systems, not just burn calories. Breathwork, mobility, and even cold water therapy are creeping into the mainstream. 4. Realistic Nutrition for Real-Life ChaosForget complicated wellness plans and ‘Pinterest perfect’ smoothie bowls. What parents want now is functional nutrition that fuels energy, mood, and focus — without adding stress. Emerging trends include: * Functional snacks with added benefits, like mood support or protein boosts for busy mornings. * Personalised supplements based on postpartum, hormonal, or lifestyle needs — simplifying the “what do I actually need?” question. * Family-friendly ready meals and subscription services that tick the nutrition box and work for the freezer stash. So What’s Next? Over the next five years, we’ll likely see more customisation, better tech, and smarter support for parents — but the real shift is cultural. The narrative around self-care is changing. It’s not about indulgence anymore. It’s about keeping parents well enough to keep showing up. Because at the end of the day, wellness for parents isn’t about being your “best self” — it’s about staying resourced, steady, and well enough to do the hardest job in the world without burning out. Meet Our Contributor — Lexi Davey Lexi is the founder of nook NZ, Canterbury’s leading online parenting resource. She created nook NZ to support anyone raising, caring for, or simply keeping a tiny human alive — whether you’re a mum, dad, grandparent, caregiver, aunt, uncle, or family friend. Lexi is passionate about building a community that empowers parents and caregivers, because she knows it truly takes a village (and sometimes a large glass of red). nook NZ helps families discover the best local events, activities, and expert-backed insights — all in one place. The platform curates trusted recommendations, supports small NZ-owned businesses, and collaborates with industry experts to deliver content that’s useful, inclusive, and judgment-free. Find nook NZ at nooknz.com or follow @nooknz on social media to stay in the know.  Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Budget Friendly Cooking Tips for New Cooks Discover budget-friendly strategies for exploring global cuisines, backed by culinary experts and foodies. This guide shares practical tips to help new cooks confidently venture into unfamiliar culinary territories. Learn how to master ethnic spice blends, shop smart, and create authentic flavors without breaking the bank.
Master Ethnic Spice Blends for Budget Cooking I’ve found that starting with basic ethnic spice blends from local Asian or Mexican markets can save you a lot of money compared to pre-made sauces. For example, I learned to mix my own garam masala for Indian dishes at about a third of the store price. As a restaurant owner, I always encourage home cooks to start with simple recipes that share common ingredients across cuisines. For instance, garlic, ginger, and onions form the base of many Asian dishes. When I mentor new cooks, I suggest picking one cuisine to focus on for a month, mastering 3–4 basic dishes before moving to another culture’s kitchen. This approach helps avoid buying too many different ingredients at once. - Allen Kou, Owner and Operator, Zinfandel Grille Explore One Country’s Cuisine at a Time Start by picking one country, one dish, and one trip to the international aisle. You don’t need a 10-spice curry kit — just grab basics like soy sauce, cumin, or gochujang and build from there. YouTube is your best friend for cheap, step-by-step demonstrations, and you can usually hack together something delicious without breaking the bank. Pro tip: shop at local ethnic grocery stores. The prices are better, and the ingredients are way more authentic. Keep it simple, stay curious, and don’t worry about perfection — your taste buds won’t know the recipe was “budget.” - Justin Belmont, Founder & CEO, Prose Buy Bulk Ingredients Online for Savings I recently discovered that comparing prices for ethnic ingredients across different online marketplaces saved me nearly 40% when I started cooking Thai food at home. Through my experience with e-commerce, I’ve learned to buy shelf-stable ingredients like rice, dried chilies, and spices in bulk when they go on sale, which really stretches the budget for experimenting with new recipes. I always tell people to check online Asian grocery delivery services and compare them with local stores — last month I found kaffir lime leaves online for half the price of my nearby specialty store.- Cyrus Partow, CEO, ShipTheDeal Hack Cultural Flavors with Affordable Substitutes When it comes to experimenting with international cuisines on a tight budget, I advise new cooks to treat it less like a recipe-following exercise and more like cultural hacking. Most people make the mistake of thinking they need all the exact ingredients to make a dish authentic. That mindset becomes expensive quickly. What they really need is to reverse-engineer the flavor logic of a cuisine — the “why,” not just the “what.” For example, Thai food isn’t just fish sauce and lemongrass. It’s about balance: sweet, sour, salty, spicy, and bitter playing off each other. Once you understand that, you can recreate that essence using cheaper or more available substitutes. Can’t afford tamarind paste? Mix vinegar and brown sugar. No galangal? Use ginger and a touch of citrus. It’s not sacrilege — it’s how cuisines evolve. Here’s the unexpected part: immigrant households do this all the time. Cooks adapt based on what’s on the shelf, not what’s in a cookbook. So the real “authentic” approach is improvisation. Also — shop like a local from that culture. Visit an international grocery store and ask what $10 would get you. Most staff are thrilled to help someone explore their food. You’ll walk out with a bag of ingredients and a side of unsolicited cooking advice that you won’t find in a blog. - Derek Pankaew, CEO & Founder, Listening.com  Credit: Matthew Goulart, Founder & CEO Ignite Digital When people hear the word “Marketing,” they often think of flashy ads, viral videos, or influencers on Instagram. But here’s a little secret that most students don’t realize: the real magic in marketing happens when you can turn boring numbers into a story people care about.
I’m Matthew Goulart, Founder of Ignite Digital, and I’ve spent years helping businesses grow through digital marketing. But no matter how big or small the project, there’s one skill that always stands out — and it’s not just about being good with spreadsheets or social media. It’s the ability to tell the story behind the numbers. If you’re thinking about a marketing career — or even just curious about it — this is something you need to hear. Why Data Alone Won’t Get You Far Let’s say you’re looking at a report that shows how many people visited a website last month. You see that visits went up by 30%. Sounds great, right? But here’s the problem: numbers like that don’t explain why things happened or what you should do next. Was it because of a new TikTok campaign? Did people love a blog post? Or did a sale bring them in? Without connecting the dots and making sense of it, those numbers are just… numbers. As I often tell my team: “Data gives you the facts, but storytelling gives you the fuel to move people. It’s the difference between reading numbers on a page and lighting a spark that drives action.” The most valuable marketers are the ones who can say, “Here’s what’s happening, here’s why it’s happening, and here’s what we should do next.” And that, at its heart, is storytelling. What Makes Data Storytelling So Powerful? Think of it like this: numbers tell you what is happening, but stories tell you why it matters. Imagine you’re explaining a tough class to your friends. You don’t just list the grades you got — you explain the late nights, the hard exams, the tricky assignments, and how you pushed through. That’s storytelling. In marketing, storytelling works the same way. It’s not just about showing the numbers; it’s about making people understand the journey behind them. Here’s why that matters: 📌 It helps people understand big ideas more easily 📌 It sparks emotion and action 📌 It shows that you’re thinking critically, not just memorizing facts How You Can Start Building This Skill (No Experience Needed) The best part is that you don’t need a marketing degree or fancy internship to practice this. Here’s how you can start right now: 1. Ask “why” every time you see a number. Did your Instagram post get more likes than usual? Ask why. Was it the topic, the timing, the photo? This habit helps train your brain to look for patterns. 2. Practice explaining things simply. Challenge yourself to explain a graph, chart, or school project result to a friend or family member who’s not in your class. If they get it, you’re doing it right. 3. Focus on people, not just numbers. Behind every stat, there’s a person. If your school event had fewer people this year, think about what those students wanted — or didn’t get — that kept them away. 4. Watch how good communicators do it. Check out TED Talks of Simon Sinek or other big names in public speaking, news stories, or YouTube explainers. Pay attention to how they use facts and data with stories to keep people interested. Also, pay attention to how hooked you were in their story and how informed you are after watching them. That is great storytelling! Why Marketing Is a Great Career for Storytellers Excellent marketers share the love of figuring out why things happen, enjoy being creative, and like solving puzzles. It’s a field where both your brain and your creativity matter. And here’s the exciting part: while technology and tools keep changing, the need for human storytellers never goes away. Companies will always need people who can understand customers, explain insights clearly, and come up with smart ideas. Final Takeaway: Start Practicing Now You don’t need to wait for a job or internship to build this skill. Start small like helping a friend understand why a school club is struggling or explaining a personal achievement as a story and not just a resume bullet point. By practicing the art of storytelling with facts, you’re already setting yourself apart. And when you step into the working world, you’ll have something incredibly valuable: the ability to turn information into inspiration. “So don’t be afraid if not everything makes sense to you at first — it will take time, like an expensive bottle of wine. And with enough motivation and consistency in the work you do, I know you’ll eventually get there. And by that time, it will be YOUR story that’ll be celebrated by many in your industry.” Meet Our Contributor — Matthew Goulart Matthew Goulart is the founder of Ignite Digital — where they don’t just build brands, they create market leaders. He launched Ignite with one mission: combine bold strategy, real grit, and unstoppable energy to help businesses dominate their industries. At Ignite, they don’t chase traffic — they spark momentum. They turn clicks into loyal fans and brands into authority figures. Their clients don’t follow trends, they set them. |