This is a first for me as a contributor for Huffington Post! I am featuring two amazingly beautiful, inspirational women in one article! They are socially conscious thought leaders who will be part of an event in Bali that is not to be missed: THE AWAKENED WOMEN CONFERENCE.
Phoenix Muranetz BIO is an award-winning entrepreneur, speaker and co-founder of the Awakened Woman Conference. A believer in the power of being truly seen and the path of pleasure & creative expression, she is a sought after public speaker and performer, and an award winning entrepreneur.
What does IMPACT mean to you?
IMPACT is living your truth and expression in the world - regardless of what others think, say or care about you!
The people that have impacted me most in my life have lived from a deeper place of authenticity for themselves, regardless of what is considered "successful", "hip", or "popular". These people have ranged from near penniless yet brilliant philosophers to multi-million dollar entrepreneurs.
Some of my most inspiring female muses; Deya Dova, Dream Rockwell, Eve Ensler, Lady Gaga, have all allowed themselves to push the edges of who they can be, what they can express, and let their freak flag fly proudly and boldly.
What matters is that one finds the answers for their life themselves, and lives from that place of truth.
What gives you the drive/passion to do what you do?
I don't have a choice - when you are connected to yourself, your true purpose and mission here on the planet, there's no way you can ignore it. I tried running away from my purpose growing up because I wanted to be normal like everyone else. I ended up becoming depressed, lost and tried to end my life.
Now - I can only be my true authentic self fulfilling my true authentic desires and purpose, and that liberates others to do the same.
We need more truth tellers, more healers, more lovers, more artists and more light in this world. You could say my desire to see beauty unfold on this planet once and for all gives me the drive and passion in doing what I do. The more I unfold into the natural expression of who I am, I see that reflected in the world around me - beauty, truth, unity, peace, expression, sensuality and creativity inspires me to do what I do.
In other words, what is your WHY?
My WHY is to help people remember their sovereignty as creators in this world, that they are powerful creators of their reality, and co-creators of this shared collective reality. I'm here in the world to remind people of their innate wisdom, brilliance and beauty as creative, sensual and wise warriors of love so they can share that with millions.
We are born into this world for very important reasons in this very important time, and we can no longer avoid, ignore or pretend we are anything less than creators of our own realities, of this shared collective reality, and are connected to everything and everyone.
HOW do you get your mission out into the world?
My work comes through me in very creative and expressive ways, so the main ways I share my mission with the world is through live transformational events, performances, speaking and in mentoring others online and offline.
I perform Prayerformances for audiences, where I weave inspiring personal stories, performance, ceremony, visual mapping, and music combined with live audience participation for a sacred experience that brings people together into deeper insight, connection and elevation.
Our transformational events, such as the Awakened Woman Conference, bring the best of illuminating speakers and talks from conference atmospheres fused with the passion, creativity, and participation you find in festival culture. People no longer want to be passive participants listening to others tell them about success and life, they want to be actively co-creating and building something together.
I also mentor people in living as their most Mythic, Sensual and Powerful selves through my group programs, one-on-one, and also in online courses. These courses combine Tantra and Tao philosophies on energy and spirituality, along with sacred business principles, so they can live their most magnificent, ecstatic, and delicious life possible.
I'm also currently writing a book on Spiritual & Sensual Evolution that will be released in 2017.
If you were stuck on a desert island with 3 people, who would they be and why?
Russell Brand - This guy could keep me entertained for centuries - witty conversations, conspiracy theory, sex, drugs, rock and roll.
Dalai Lama: I'd love to talk into the depths of spiritual truth, wisdom and love. He could be stuck inside a cardboard box for milenia and still be content. I aspire to attain that level of peace no matter what is happening in life.
My Daughter: She can be having as much fun stranded on a desert island as she could at the park.
What one thing are you not doing right now that if you started doing it would take your business to the next level?
Meditating more. It's actually been coming up more and more from my mentors and coaches that adding in space throughout my day for meditation, and the feminine will hugely affect and impact my career positively. I'm beginning to create more space in my day for stillness, peace and affirmation.
What is one thing you are doing right now that is taking your business to the next level?
So many entrepreneurs follow the same hamster wheel thinking of mainstream society of "If I only work harder, I'll get farther ahead and be more successful". Yet most often the opposite is true.
In creating more space in my life to connect with my feminine wisdom - taking the time to slow down, do yoga in my lingerie, or whatever it takes to bring me back to the feelings of play, ecstasy, and balance, actually helps me attract more, be more, and relax more. I've seen major growth even this past year personally, professionally and financially from the devotion to doing the internal work (with the help of many coaches, teachers, and healers).
My friend says that running a business is the best personal development you can engage in, and I completely agree.
How did you make your first sale?
I simply stated my intentions in manifesting my first ideal dream client, and then trusting that they would come to me. A few days later I got a random call out of the blue asking if I could help a company with a project, and said yes. Months later I quit my job and never looked back.
What mindsets helped make you successful?
Working through any self-doubt or beliefs of fear, worthiness and false ideas of success. Affirming "I know I can create anything", "I believe and trust in myself", and other affirmations daily when I take big risks and am in the fire of my fear. Developing a powerful practice of gratitude for Mother Earth, the ancestors and connecting to the spirit world. Sitting in meditation to send love out into the world and to all of my clients, community and people I have yet to work with.
This is the shit many entrepreneurs won't share, but not focusing on me all the time actually allows me to focus on asking, "how can I best serve others and make the biggest contribution to the elevation of humanity?"
What did you learn from your biggest failure?
Growing up we are taught in school that failure, or receiving a low grade, represents that we are no good, that we are stupid and unworthy. Simply - that's plain bullshit. Education trains people to look at life through the same lens, when actually the real learning is to understand - what makes you happy, where do you want to grow, where are you growing, and what are you passionate about discovering. Sir Ken Robinson has identified that most schools kill creativity, where creativity is actually what we should be supporting in humans. The ability to see the world as a rich tapestry of experiences, instead of cold polarities of right and wrong, success and failure, good and bad.
I've had many big "failures" in my life - failed businesses, a failed marriage, a previous failed career. What these taught me is that these "failures" were actually blessings in disguise. The failed businesses were in areas I didn't realize I wasn't really passionate about, my ex-husband was destined to be with someone more suited for him, and the failed career was what I thought I should be doing (and not what I actually wanted to do).
So I don't believe in failure. I believe in learning, growth and that certain experiences are designed to help us understand our true authentic desires, expression and truth.
What was your first concert?
This is embarrassing to admit - but I won a trip to see the boy band 98 Degrees with some girlfriends in the early 90's. We were pumped!
Where are you the happiest?
Being with my baby daughter. She's 15 months old, and is amused with pretty much everything in her reality. Being around her helps me remember that happiness is internally created and that we don't need external carrots in our lives to give us that sense of peace and joy. Whether she's chewing on a pencil or running around a park - her enthusiasm for life is contagious!
What advice would you give to your 20 year old self?
Allow yourself to go deep into self-inquiring and really ask yourself what would you like to create in the world, what do you most love about yourself, and to focus on healing any areas of doubt, unworthiness or forgiveness.
What trait do you most admire in people?
Truth, authenticity, and honesty is refreshing. I appreciate people who keep it real and say what they mean. I highly admire people who have the courage to forgive others and themselves, and to discover what's really important in life.
Melissa Mackey is a Canadian author, motivational speaker and serial entrepreneur. She was the host of the Ignite Me Now radio show. She's appeared on many tv networks including, Breakfast Television, Shaw Cable, Global TV, Canadian Pickers, Much Music, and Alberta Primetime. Her Ignite Me Now blog was nominated as one of Canada’s Top Lifestyle blogs and her book Soulvival of the Fittest shows people how to live their life to the fullest no matter what has happened to you. Her area of expertise is Igniting the Fire within; personal leadership. She delivers her message to inspire action and she is very thought provoking. Her forward thinking mindset combined with her enthusiasm and a desire to help humanity tap into their truth is what sets her apart from most. If she is not breastfeeding, playing with her babe Patience Grace or pup Jaya, she is usually found boarding a plane off a new adventure. She loves travel and has a true passion to help others share their story, tap into their truth and shine as leaders. She is committed to making a difference on this plan
What gives you the drive/passion to do what you do?
I have lived through extreme highs and lows and had many people in my circle of influence suffer from mental illness, depression and anxiety, as well as suicide and I want to be part of the change that gives others hope to continue living instead of choosing to end things. I was living a life full of lies and inauthenticity and felt unfulfilled, dead inside and totally alone, even though from the outside i looked like i had it all together. I was tired of living life like this and knew i had to make a change.
In other words, what is your WHY?
My WHY is to build confident leaders who value, respect and adore themselves. Too many people are feeling alone and can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.
HOW do you get your mission out into the world?
I host my own events, online and offline, I also wrote a book called Soulvival of the Fittest. I am always sharing with others what I am up to
If you can bring anyone to lunch (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
Steve Jobs, he would be incredible to sit down with for lunch. To listen about all his failures and what it was really like in his life. His advice about life and entrepreneurship would be incredible to hear
What is one thing you are doing right now that is taking your business to the next level?
I am creating joint venture partnerships with women and organizations all over the world, building relationships.
What habits helped make you successful?
Meditation. Journaling.
What was your first concert?
First concert was Bon Jovi.
What trait do you most admire in people?
Persistence. Ability to speak truth, and be the example of what they preach about.
**THE AWAKENED WOMEN CONFERENCE IN BALI http://awconference.org **
Andi Wickman is a Business Strategist who helps high achieving entrepreneurs create massive success with consistent inspired action.
She helps them stand out and works with them to create and target a message that will reach and resonate. She teaches clients how to be authentic, relatable and consistent, allowing them to be seen as THE expert in their industry.
You can hang out with her in her Facebook group for business owners who are building empires while having fun! The group is for the passionate go-getters who want to collaborate with other high level entrepreneurs.