As the founder of Mindful Adaptations, Chandra (Taormina) Chappell aims to transform the psychotherapy paradigm by offering tools that empower clients to heal rather than rely solely on prolonged therapy or medication. Her mission is to foster Global Congruence – the alignment of heart, mind, and body – for individuals, families, and communities to create a kinder, more harmonious world. Her Inner Harmony – Outer Kindness and Dream Big approach was the inspiration for Rick’s performance of the Classic “Dream a Little Dream” in this must see episode!
Chandra is passionate about empowering individuals and families to achieve holistic wellness and alignment. Drawing from over 20 years of professional experience and a deeply personal journey, she specialize in helping children, teens, young adults, and parents turn challenges into strengths and foster lifelong resilience.
As the founder of Mindful Adaptations, she takes a science – based, integrative approach to mental, emotional, and physical wellness. Her work combines expertise in Clinical Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, meditation and Reiki mastery with cutting edge studies in Quantum Physics and Integrative Medicine.
She aims to transform the psychotherapy paradigm by offering tools that empower clients to heal rather than rely Soley on prolonged therapy or medication. Her mission is to foster Global Congruence – the alignment of heart, mind, and body – for individuals, families, and communities to create a kinder, more harmonious world.
Let’s connect to create a healthier, more compassionate future – together.
AND: ~ Wanna CHANGE the WORLD for the BETTER? Right NOW?
Here’s your chance to Make a Profoundly Positive difference RIGHT NOW by helping us take the world from 0% funding for world peace where we are now to 100% funding for world peace where we need to be with just a few seconds of your time!
TWO GREAT WAYS to HELP us Take the World from ZERO to 100! ~ LET’S DO THIS!
1. Empower and Raise Funds for your favorite Outstanding Causes!
“Partnering with Jazz for Peace is…an opportunity for the community to experience world-class music, while raising much needed funds.” ~ The American Red Cross
Just contact us at the link above and follow the same Easy ABC Steps as 850 others!
2. Help JAZZforPEACE in its efforts to take the world from 0% funding all the way to 100% funding for World Peace by clicking on the DONATE button at the very bottom of our homepage at https://jazzforpeace.org
or directly at this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jazzforpeace
Robert Collin has taught, researched and published in law, social work and urban and environmental planning for over 40 years. He has also been appointed to advisory commissions by 3 state governors and 3 presidents, published many law reviews, and 9 volumes of encyclopedias, some with his wife Robin Morris Collin. His new book, “The Climate Adaptation Generation” was awarded the best climate change book in the US for 2025 and Accepted for consideration for the 2025 Pulitzer Prize. In addition to also being a certified expert witness in US federal court and in state Court and winning 2 awards teaching decided by students, Robert feels very passionately and we believe correctly that Climate Adaption and Education is of the utmost importance making him one of the first people to be invited to be featured in our upcoming Elder Series and the inspiration for Rick’s unique rendition of his Brazilian inspired medley of Aquarius & Manha de Carnaval. Buy Bob’s highly recommended new book today at: https://www.amazon.com/author/collin.com
Find out more about our NEW Elder Series!
Get PAID to recommend your favorite Elder Guests and Get much needed funds into the hands of a youth or non-profit! Breaking News! “The Final Solution is LOVE!” presented by Jazz for Peace, now a Top 10 Podcast, is starting a NEW Elder Series with Paid curators! Please take a look here and let us know if you’d be interested. https://jazzforpeace.org/elderseries.pdf
TWO GREAT WAYS to HELP us Take the World from ZERO to 100! ~ LET’S DO THIS!
1. Want to Empower and Raise Funds for your favorite Outstanding Causes?
“Partnering with Jazz for Peace is…an opportunity for the community to experience world-class music, while raising much needed funds.” ~ The American Red Cross
Just contact us at the link above and follow the same Easy ABC Steps as 850 others!
2. Help JAZZforPEACE in its efforts to take the world from 0% funding all the way to 100% funding for World Peace by clicking on the DONATE button at the very bottom of our homepage at https://jazzforpeace.org
or directly at this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jazzforpeace
CHRISTIANE ARBESU: Stories That Matter Episode Teaser S:2 E:32
Our latest Season 2 Episode of “The Final Solution is LOVE!” Presented by Jazz for Peace™ brings us CHRISTIANE ARBESU, the FOUNDER & PRESIDENT of TERREBONNE PRODUCTIONS. Her mission is to create visual content that informs, educates and inspires the public across all platforms. Their goal is to raise human consciousness and awareness by creating informative videos that shed light on important issues, causes, communities and organizations. They specialize in working with the educational sector, the healthcare industry and charitable foundations. Their extensive background in television production, news, documentary films and corporate industries make her adept in sharing your story with the right audience. All of which inspired tremendous serendipity both in Rick’s musical selection of a Gordon Lightfoot Classic and his own story with Jazz for Peace and the Middle East.
Her mission at Terrebonne Productions is to create visual content that informs, educates and inspires the public across all platforms. Their goal is to raise human consciousness and awareness by creating informative videos that shed light on important issues, causes, communities and organizations. They specialize in working with the educational sector, the healthcare industry and charitable foundations. With extensive background in television production, news, documentary films and corporate industries they are adept in sharing your story with the right audience.
A must see episode! Learn more about Christiane and her latest Documentary about Tom & Rita Monte at: https://terrebonneproductions.com/
AND ~ LET’S DO THIS.
HELP us Take the World from ZERO to ONE HUNDRED!
Help JAZZforPEACE in its efforts to take the world from 0% funding all the way to 100% funding for World Peace by getting involved as a Guest, Contributor or Paid Curator for our NEW Elder Series at https://jazzforpeace.org/elderseries.pdf or clicking on the DONATE button at the very bottom of our homepage at https://jazzforpeace.org/ or directly at this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jazzforpeace
Episode 46 brings us to Memphis to meet Saji Madapat, whose geopolitical insights come from his own experiences learning Marx in Kerala, India’s communist classrooms, mastering capitalism in Fortune 10 boardrooms, and performing ancient Theyyam rituals while advising on AI strategy. His NEW Book “The Gods Must Be Crazy II” actually makes people laugh while explaining why empires rise and fall. This wide ranging discussion with social justice and spiritual overtones became the inspirations for Rick’s own musical journey back to Memphis via his unique performance of the Elvis Presley Classic “In The Ghetto”.
The ultimate contrarian insider. From Kerala communist classrooms → Fortune 10 boardrooms → geopolitical war rooms. This Clinton Global Fellow and EY transformation architect (30+ years, 40+ countries) is also a Kala Sreshta laureate who excels in ancient Theyyam rituals. He’s your strategic Virgil through the digital inferno—part mythmaker, part McKinsey, all maverick.
Kala Sreshta (Most Accomplished Artist) award winner. Saji Madapat is the Author of a dozen best sellers, “The Gods of The Gods’ Own Country” and ” The Gods Must Be Crazy! in ~20 Languages. Graduate of Clinton Global Initiative GIFT (Global Institute for Tomorrow) Young Leadership program in China (Hong Kong & Cambodia) and the Masters in Leadership from PMI’s CCL patterned executive leadership programs. TOGAF9 certified EPM & ERP Architect of Enterprise Performance with over two-decade-long experience in numerous industries through Ernst & Young global clients and beyond. Published and presented ~50 papers globally, including Architecting the future state strategic ERP & EPM business system road map to Cloud, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), BOT’s, etc. Saji has contributed to all five major PMI Books/standards (PMBOK, OPM3, P&PM, and PMCD) based on experience with the ERP & EPM global implementations. Architect of Team India Movement, which transformed ASIA-PAC as the PMI’s most strategic region forever.
AND ~ CHANGE the WORLD for the BETTER with one click!
Here’s your chance to Make a Profoundly Positive difference RIGHT NOW by helping us take the world from 0% funding for world peace where we are now to 100% funding for world peace where we need to be with just a few seconds of your time!
TWO GREAT WAYS to HELP us Take the World from ZERO to 100! ~ LET’S DO THIS!
1. Want to Empower and Raise Funds for your favorite Outstanding Causes?
“Partnering with Jazz for Peace is…an opportunity for the community to experience world-class music, while raising much needed funds.” ~ The American Red Cross
Just contact us at the link above and follow the same Easy ABC Steps as 850 others!
2. Help JAZZforPEACE in its efforts to take the world from 0% funding all the way to 1% funding for World Peace by clicking on the DONATE button at the very bottom of our homepage at https://jazzforpeace.org
or directly at this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jazzforpeace
Tom & Rita Monte are part of the heart & soul of an artist community located in the middle of New York City. Tom’s passion is music and Rita’s is writing. This interview covers their authentic journey together as a couple from the time they met in 1977 leading up to their latest project as the subject of a documentary by Cuban Filmmaker Christiane Arbescu titled “Our Journey to Resilience: Obstacles We’ve Overcome”. The episode features two original songs performed live by Tom and a poem also read live by Rita which naturally led to an additional musical tribute to their illustrious journey of love performed by Rick. Find out more about Tom’s Music Projects and piano tuning services as well as Rita’s upcoming Childrens Books at pianotuning4u@yahoo.com along with the additional info below!
Musical Duo Tom and Rita Montauredes Blend Performance, Advocacy, and Healing.For more than three decades, Tom and Rita Montauredes (aka: Monte) have combined artistic excellence with compassionate advocacy in the heart of New York City. Through their company, Monte Music Inc., the couple has carved out a unique space that merges live performance, piano tuning, holistic healing, and disability rights.
Tom Monte is widely recognized as one of the top 10 piano tuners in NYC, trusted by prestigious clients such as Lincoln Center, the Yale Club, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, and performers including Roberta Flack and Jimmy Webb. But he’s not only a master technician—he’s also a composer and performer. His musical theater project, Monte Music IV, features bold, original scores that fuse rock, gospel, jazz, and social commentary, exemplified in their theatrical production Poontang.
Rita Montauredes, who lost her sight due to glaucoma and corneal disease, is an award-winning patient advocate and author. She was one of the founding members of the New York Glaucoma education and support group. Rita helped expand talking library services, and successfully lobbied for audio newspapers and library improvements. Her tireless work earned recognition from local and national organizations for improving the quality of life for blind patients. Rita co-authored Coping with Glaucoma, the first accessible guide for patients navigating vision loss. Her second book, The Blind Chef: If I Can Cook, You Can Cook, offers practical, inspiring kitchen guidance for blind and sighted home cooks alike. She also works as a certified Reiki Master, offering energy healing sessions to those coping with chronic illness and emotional stress.
Tom and Rita continue to collaborate on creative and healing projects that serve New Yorkers from all walks of life. Whether through Tom’s piano work or Rita’s advocacy and wellness services, the couple’s mission remains constant: to uplift, empower, and connect.
AND ~
HELP us Take the World from ZERO to ONE HUNDRED!
LET’S DO THIS. Help JAZZforPEACE in its efforts to take the world from 0% funding for World Peace all the way to 100% by clicking on the DONATE button at the very bottom of our homepage at https://jazzforpeace.org/
or directly at this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jazzforpeace
Season 2 Episode 44 brings us Australia’s David Chauhan, whose outstanding work Empowering Leaders & Equipping Organizations to Navigate Uncertainty & Lead with Purpose inspired Rick to perform a special version of the STYX Classic “Come Sail Away” in honor of the upcoming September 11th release of his New Book CAPTAIN, SET SAIL – a nautical guide to leadership in an unchartered world.
“Leadership today isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about mastering the voyage.” This is the conviction that drives today’s guest David Chauhan. With 17+ years navigating the often-turbulent waters of leadership – from factory floors to executive boardrooms across diverse industries – Dave has learned firsthand that old playbooks often fall short in our complex world. This journey inspired him to develop Nautical Leadership, a practical framework for leading with courage, clarity, and humanity, which he explores in his new book, “Captain, Set Sail.” His ability to not just weather storms, but also harness their power became the inspiration for Ricks live performance of the Classic song by STYX, “Come Sail Away”. Find out more about Dave and his groundbreaking book at www.davechauhan.com.
As an Author, Speaker, Strategist, and Thinker, Dave’s core mission is to equip leaders and organizations with the insights and tools to not just weather storms, but to harness their power. He believes in leadership that is both effective and fundamentally human-centric, built on strong values.
This philosophy is at the heart of Purple Spark Advisory, which he co-founded with Ish Kaily. They are deeply passionate about helping Australian SMEs thrive, providing accessible, enterprise-grade consulting and hands-on support. They partner with businesses to chart a clear course towards their boldest ambitions, delivering brilliant strategies and tangible results.
Whether he’s speaking to an audience, writing about new leadership perspectives, or working directly with a business on its strategic journey, his goal is to inspire and empower. He’s always keen to connect with fellow leaders, founders, and anyone committed to building a more purposeful and impactful future.
Let’s explore with Dave how we can navigate your challenges together. Find out more at www.davechauhan.com.
For the past five or six months, something significant has been unfolding in Dave’s world. After an incredible chapter with Amicus – a place that truly shaped him, and where he navigated some pretty choppy corporate waters together – he made a choice. It wasn’t easy, stepping away from something familiar. It felt a bit like sailing out of a well-known harbour, into… well, into the big, open sea, without a perfect map.
And to being honest with you, these few months? These have been a journey in themselves. Sitting with his own thoughts, really facing what leadership means in a world that feels unpredictable, messy, and sometimes… just plain hard. There were moments of real wrestling, wondering if these ideas swirling around in his head, these lessons learned from navigating my challenges, were even worth sharing. It felt vulnerable, honestly. The easy thing? Absolutely would have been to keep it all to himself, to stay quiet, to stick to what felt safe. But something… something just wouldn’t let him. That quiet pull towards believing that leadership can be something more, something deeply human, something that truly matters in the world… it just wouldn’t let him stay in the harbour.
And so, out of all that introspection, out of all that wrestling, something started to take shape. An idea. A framework. A way of seeing leadership not as command, but as courageous navigation. And it’s become a book. A book that’s poured out of him, filled with stories, with insights, with the deeply human lessons he’s learned about finding your compass, embracing the winds of change, and leading with heart, even when the storms hit.
And today, it feels both exciting and a little bit terrifying to share the first step of this new journey: www.davechauhan.com.
This website is more than just a digital space. It’s a starting point for a conversation. A place where he’ll be sharing more insights, reflections, and practical ideas on leadership. It’s an invitation to explore a different way of leading, a way that embraces uncertainty not as a threat, but as a landscape for courageous navigation.
But this is just the beginning. As Dave continues to refine the book for launch, he’s also incredibly excited to announce the next leg of this voyage: the launch of a new consulting practice-More details will be out soon (watch this space). He’s partnering with a truly exceptional individual, Ishpinder S. Kailey, whom he had the privilege of meeting and connecting with deeply during his MBA program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Gies College of Business – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Ishpinder’s insights, her passion for impactful leadership, and her complementary strengths make her the perfect co-captain for this venture. Together, they’ll be working with leaders and organizations, helping them to navigate their unique challenges and chart their own courses towards greater purpose and success.
TWO GREAT WAYS to HELP us Take the World from ZERO to 100! ~ LET’S DO THIS!
1. Want to Empower and Raise Funds for your favorite Outstanding Causes?
“Partnering with Jazz for Peace is…an opportunity for the community to experience world-class music, while raising much needed funds.” ~ The American Red Cross
Just contact us at the link above and follow the same Easy ABC Steps as 850 others!
2. Help JAZZforPEACE in its efforts to take the world from 0% funding all the way to 100% funding for World Peace by clicking on the DONATE button at the very bottom of our homepage at https://jazzforpeace.org
or directly at this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jazzforpeace
On Season 2, Episode 28 The Jazz for Peace Podcast addresses the Epstein issue and predatory concerns regarding our youth with seasoned clinical psychologist Alexandra J. Rogers and her NEW Book Journey to Successful Parenting! Throughout her thirty-year career in California, Dr. Rogers has worked with children and families. She began her career as a psychological assistant, doing psychological, educational, and neuropsychological testing. Soon, she branched into individual and group therapy, parenting groups, and implementing school-based interventions. Her basic advice to parents is to stay in touch with your kids even if it’s only five minutes a day to make sure there are no warning signs or major concerns which inspired an impromptu performance from Rick of the Dave Brubeck classic “Take Five”!
Dr. Rogers is a seasoned clinical psychologist from California. Throughout her thirty-year career, she worked with children and families.
She began her career as a psychological assistant, doing psychological, educational, and neuropsychological testing. Soon, she branched into individual and group therapy, parenting groups, and implementing school-based interventions.
During the span of her career, Dr. Rogers gave presentations on topics of suicide prevention, relaxation techniques, parenting autistic children, and police training on handling autistic individuals.
Now retired, Dr. Rogers focuses on authoring books and articles about mental health, offering her expertise to a broader audience through Medium.com and her website, https://www.ajrogersbooks.com.
She is passionate about helping parents understand what drives their children’s actions, arming them with time-tested methods to manage difficult situations, and making mental health and family harmony accessible to people who cannot access therapy when things go wrong.
Be sure to watch this full episode and find out how you can keep your children mentally sound and physically safe! Find out more about Dr. Rogers and how to buy her latest book “Your Journey to Successful Parenting” at: https://www.ajrogersbooks.com
AND ~ Let’s Make a difference THIS VERY SECOND:
HELP us Take the World from ZERO to ONE HUNDRED!
LET’S DO THIS.
Help JAZZforPEACE in its efforts to take the world from 0% funding all the way to 100% funding for World Peace by clicking on the DONATE button at the very bottom of our homepage at https://jazzforpeace.org
or directly at this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jazzforpeace
S:2 E:39 Desirel Calvin-Lawrence: A New Kind of Love w/ KNCSR Method
Desirel Calvin-Lawrence has figured out “How to Predict Exactly How Your Relationship Will Unfold — And Find the Perfect Partner in 5 Minutes” with the KNCSR Meta Method. This amazing episode discusses why your month and date of birth, along with your alignment with the universe and ecosystem can play a role in the success of the KNCSR Meta Method at a time where more conventional methods have been coming up short while inspiring Rick’s performance of the New Orleans Classic “A New Kind Of Love”.
Desirel Calvin-Lawrence has always been fascinated by the science of human connection—what makes some relationships thrive while others collapse, why certain people feel like a perfect fit, and how we can take the guesswork out of finding the right match. But his journey wasn’t just about curiosity—it was personal.
For years, he watched people struggle in love, business, and friendships—brilliant, successful individuals who had everything except the right partner to share their journey with. He saw how much the wrong connections could drain, delay, and even derail lives. He also experienced my own share of challenges in relationships, which led me to question:
🔹 Why do we often end up with the wrong people?
🔹 What if there was a way to know—before committing—that someone was truly right for us?
🔹 How could we leverage strategy, data, and real human insight to create deeper, lasting bonds?
He set out to find those answers—not just for himself, but for everyone searching for real, meaningful connections. This led him to create Heartlib and My Real Lover Academy, platforms designed to redefine matchmaking through an approach that is not only scientific and data-driven but deeply personal and transformational.
As an author of four books with profound societal impact, Calvin has spent years studying and applying real-world relationship strategies—not just in romance, but in business and friendship as well. He has developed the KNCSR Model, a groundbreaking approach to matchmaking that helps people find partners they truly understand and who truly understand them—no more wasted time, no more bad fits, just genuine, lasting connections.
Find out all about it and sign up to find YOUR true love at: https://heartlib.com
AND ~
LET’S DO THIS.
HELP us Take the World from ZERO to ONE HUNDRED!
Help JAZZforPEACE in its efforts to take the world from 0% funding all the way to 100% funding for World Peace by clicking on the DONATE button at the very bottom of our homepage at https://jazzforpeace.org/
or directly at this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jazzforpeace
Joel Harrop’s journey led him to becoming an Australian Army logistics officer in the Middle East, Queensland political figure, Homeless. Psych ward regular. Suicide survival and Spiritually bankrupt before finding Plant medicine, The Ancestors, Ceremony, Shipibo Tapestry and enlightenment in the Amazon. A must see episode which also inspired a unique South American Rhythmic infused version of Over the Rainbow by Rick!
About the Shipibo Tapestries
Each Shipibo tapestry is a sacred creation, woven with the spirit of generations past. Handmade by Shipibo mothers deep in the Amazon jungle, these tapestries are more than fabric—they are prayers made visible, a language of love and protection expressed through intricate patterns. Every stitch carries the sacred wisdom of their ancestors, a tradition passed down through the hands of mothers who weave not just to survive, but to connect, to honor, and to preserve the soul of their people.
To hold a Shipibo tapestry in your hands is to hold a story—a blessing embroidered into existence by the hands of a mother who weaves with the same love and devotion she gives to her children. Each design is more than art; it is a map of energy, a sacred song made tangible, created with the intention of bringing harmony, healing, and protection. When you bring a Shipibo tapestry into your home, you are not just acquiring a piece of handcrafted beauty—you are receiving a piece of a mother’s heart, a thread of Amazonian wisdom, a symbol of people honoring people.
Empowering Amazonian Mothers
Many Blessings specialises in offering meaningful, handmade Shipibo tapestries and Amazonian art sourced ethically and directly from artisan communities in the Amazon. These items are unique, culturally significant creations crafted by Shipibo mothers, embodying deep spiritual traditions and ancestral wisdom. Each tapestry is not merely decorative; it’s a sacred piece infused with prayers and symbolic energy, crafted to promote harmony, healing, and protection.
AND ~ Wanna CHANGE the WORLD for the BETTER?
Here’s your chance to Make a Profoundly Positive difference RIGHT NOW by helping us take the world from 0% funding for world peace where we are now to 100% funding for world peace where we need to be with just a few seconds of your time!
TWO GREAT WAYS to HELP us Take the World from ZERO to 100! ~ LET’S DO THIS!
1. Want to Empower and Raise Funds for your favorite Outstanding Causes including this one depicted in the video above?
“Partnering with Jazz for Peace is…an opportunity for the community to experience world-class music, while raising much needed funds.” ~ The American Red Cross
Just contact us at the link above and follow the same Easy ABC Steps as 850 others!
2. Help JAZZforPEACE in its efforts to take the world from 0% funding all the way to 1% funding for World Peace by clicking on the DONATE button at the very bottom of our homepage at https://jazzforpeace.org/
or directly at this link: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/jazzforpeace
Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes, founder of Gold Mind Thoughts Leadership Firm and RDB Speaks , has dedicated her career to transforming personal trauma into systemic triumph. Through groundbreaking methodologies and innovative solutions, Dr. Barnes is leading the charge in trauma-informed organizational transformation, community healing, and cultural competency training, achieving measurable impact in urban communities and corporate environments alike. With the feel of transformation surrounding this riveting conversation, it’s no wonder that Rick became inspired to perform a unique medley of Linking Park’s “Not Alone” along with his own “Jazz for Peace Poem”.To learn more about Rev. Dr. Barnes and purchase your copy of “Triumph In The Trenches V2” please visit: https://rdbspeaks.com/
From USA NEWS: Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes, founder of Gold Mind Thoughts Leadership Firm, has dedicated her career to transforming personal trauma into systemic triumph. Through groundbreaking methodologies and innovative solutions, Dr. Barnes is leading the charge in trauma-informed organizational transformation, community healing, and cultural competency training, achieving measurable impact in urban communities and corporate environments alike.
Dr. Barnes’ leadership journey began in Brooklyn’s public housing, where her passion for community education evolved into a pioneering approach to trauma-informed leadership development. Today, as the founder of Gold Mind Thoughts, Dr. Barnes spearheads initiatives that bridge the gap between behavioral science and practical application, impacting lives and reshaping the fabric of organizational culture.
Pioneering Leadership Development
Gold Mind Thoughts specializes in trauma-informed leadership development, cultural competency certification, crisis response programs, and organizational development. The firm’s work is guided by the “Trauma-to-Triumph Transformation Model,” a proprietary framework created by Dr. Barnes that integrates behavioral science, theology, and community-centric approaches.
“Our work isn’t just about healing trauma—it’s about transforming it into triumph through evidence-based, culturally-competent approaches,” says Dr. Barnes.
Under Dr. Barnes’ guidance, Gold Mind Thoughts has delivered training to over 200 leaders, established programs in 5 housing developments, and achieved measurable results, including a 40% reduction in community violence and an 85% improvement in trauma response rates.
Groundbreaking Achievements
One of Dr. Barnes’ most significant accomplishments is the creation and passage of Mel’s Law in 2023, an advocacy milestone that underscores her ability to transform personal tragedy into systemic reform. Named in memory of a personal loss, the law addresses critical gaps in community violence prevention, showcasing the power of strategic advocacy to drive change.
Other notable accolades include the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for community service, the Black Excellence Life Achievement Award, and two government citations recognizing her excellence in policy advocacy.
“The passage of Mel’s Law demonstrates how personal tragedy can catalyze systemic change when combined with strategic advocacy,” Dr. Barnes reflects.
Evidence-Based Transformation
The measurable success of Gold Mind Thoughts lies in its innovative methodologies and focus on data-driven results. By leveraging evidence-based assessment tools and culturally competent frameworks, the organization has facilitated significant improvements in organizational culture and community well-being. Metrics such as increased engagement rates (65%) and expanded mental health access underline the tangible impact of Dr. Barnes’ work.
Gold Mind Thoughts’ expertise extends to Cultural Betrayal Trauma Theory, a unique lens through which the firm addresses the intersection of systemic inequities and personal trauma. This distinctive focus ensures that both corporate executives and community leaders are equipped to lead with empathy and effectiveness.
Building A Legacy Of Healing
Dr. Barnes’ academic achievements further distinguish her approach. With a PhD candidacy in Advanced Human Behavior, a ThD in Theology and Religion, an M.Ed in Education, and a BA in Business Administration, her multidisciplinary expertise enables her to bridge academic theory and practical application seamlessly. Certified in conflict resolution, Dr. Barnes has also authored several mental wellness books and anthologies focused on navigating professional challenges as a Black leader.
Her innovative solutions have reached diverse audiences through multilingual program delivery, digital learning platforms, and culturally adapted healing approaches. Gold Mind Thoughts’ current projects include developing corporate trauma-informed training, community healing programs, and national advocacy initiatives.
“Trauma-informed leadership isn’t a program—it’s a transformation in how organizations approach human capital development,” Dr. Barnes explains.
The Future Of Gold Mind Thoughts
Looking ahead, Dr. Barnes envisions scaling Gold Mind Thoughts’ impact through a digital learning platform that provides accessible, trauma-informed leadership training. Plans for community healing centers and expanded policy advocacy initiatives are also underway, as the organization continues to drive systemic change and foster resilience in the communities it serves.
Through her unwavering commitment to healing, transformation, and empowerment, Dr. Barnes exemplifies the power of turning adversity into opportunity. By bridging personal experience, academic expertise, and a passion for systemic reform, she is reshaping what it means to lead with purpose.
For more information about Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes and Gold Mind Thoughts Leadership Firm, visit Gold Mind Thoughts or Rev. Dr. Xenia Barnes. Follow her on Instagram at @coachbarnesgmt_ or connect on LinkedIn via Coach Barnes GMT. And please visit: https://rdbspeaks.com/
AND: Make a Difference RIGHT THIS SECOND with our THREE WAYS TO SAVE THE WORLD!!!
Just Choose the one that’s best for you!
Options that are FREE!!! A. Qualify NOW by helping us give away our funding! Just Share this link – https://jazzforpeace.org/0to100.pdf – with an outstanding cause that is willing to follow easy guidelines. or B. Just Show a 1 minute video below to ANYONE in the Arts! (Jazz Club, Concert Series, Arts Organization, Theater, School, Festival etc.) JFP25 1 Min. Video: “Can YOU complete the last words of this sentence?” (w/Author & CNN journalist John DeDakis) https://youtu.be/jeernCl4axY
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