Behind-The-Scenes at WeMentor | WeMentor Mondays with Nancy PODCAST

Episode 258: Behind-The-Scenes at WeMentor

A beautiful conversation with Mon Frére d’une autre mère, Mike Kabeya (my brother from another mother). Get a glimpse of behind-the-scenes working together on this podcast for five years, how we survived 2020, and what is on the horizon for 2021. Mike has some technology predictions. We start with two descriptive words each.

Mike, Sylvie, and their four boys had the coronavirus. Like many families, each experienced COVID differently from mild to severe. Mike has tips for how to get through it. His healing methods worked when he suffered from Malaria many years ago. If I get COVID, I am going to use his mindset tips and strategies.

Mike and Sylvie have been working on some music over the last 10 years. They just released their first EP album: Butumbi Mbuebe (Glory is Yours!). All three songs are in the Tshiluba language from Kasai in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Central Africa. It is in Mike and Sylvie’s mother tongue and oh so inspirational. See Episode Resources for the links.

Last year, I realized the underlying theme of severe psychological distress we all experienced for more than a month, which is what The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) tests. I share a significant relationship disruption with my Dad and the appreciation that one can have in reflecting on our experiences and embracing our fragility as humans. Psychology Today defines this kind of intensity as severe psychological distress following any terrible or life-threatening event. Mine began before my mother’s passing and continued through 2020. Sufferers may develop emotional disturbances such as extreme anxiety, anger, sadness, survivor’s guilt, or PTSD. Ongoing problems include: sleep disruption or physical pain, encountering turbulence in personal and professional relationships, and feeling a diminished sense of self-worth due to the overwhelming amount of stress. Can you relate? Take the quiz.

A new WeMentor Meaningful Conversations LAB will start on January 21^st. This is a way to address the severe psychological distress that has impacted us all. We will delve into meaningful conversations that will help you lead from a place of strength and courage in 2021. I am offering this LAB on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Get more information HERE!

Welcome this New Year with an intentional flashlight focus on what you can control, your breath, and awareness. I loved our conversation and included a 10-minute Breathe Awareness mental activity at the end. Join us to manage your mind.

WeMentor Meaningful Conversations LAB

1st & 3rd THURSDAYS
8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Starting January 21, 2021

Meaningful conversations start with WeMentor. We will help you lead from a place of strength and courage. Click here for details.

Episode Resources

Mike & Sylvie's EP Album Links

All three songs are in the Tshiluba language from Kasai in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in Central Africa. It is in Mike and Sylvie’s mother tongue and oh so inspirational.

Apple Music Link

Spotify Link

Youtube Link

More Podcast Conversations with Mike

Present and Vulnerable Leadership Lessons with Mike Kabeya | WeMentor Mondays with Nancy PODCAST

Working On Your Business with Mike Kabeya | WeMentor Mondays with Nancy PODCAST

Conscious Attentive Leadership Mentoring

Do the following episode-related C.A.L.M. Activities:

Take these risks: Enjoy the 10-minute Breathe Awareness mind activity at the end of my conversation with Mike. I learned the mind activity from Amishi Jha, Ph.D. An assistant professor and director of contemplative neuroscience at the Mindfulness Research & Practice Initiative at the University of Miami. Bring your attention to the Episode Resource section. Click on the links to listen to Sylvie and Mike Kabeya’s EP album of three songs. Your heart will sing. Select your two words for 2021.
Apply Self-Compassion: Allow yourself to be present with metta awareness. Noticing when your focus shifts or your mind wanders, and manage your mind by bringing it back to its focal point: breathing, focusing, and noticing during your Breathe Awareness practice.
Welcome Appreciation: I appreciate Mike and his family so much. Thank you for being authentic and insightful. I am grateful you, Sylvie, and your four boys made it through the coronavirus. Mike’s spiritual wisdom helped him lead his family through the devastating and fearful moments of the disease. I appreciate the deep sharing and suggestions Mike offered in how he worked through the coronavirus. Thank you also to my family and friends who have been the bright lights during a dark year, especially my mother-in-law, Helen. I love you dearly and appreciate you sincerely. Your Turn. Notice your best moment today. Feel it. Name it. If this exercise helps you look forward to your day, keep going. Do it every day for 2021.

“Emotional sickness is avoiding reality at any cost. Emotional health is facing reality at any cost.” – M. SCOTT PECK.

Equip yourself with facts, feelings, and a mentor as you reinvent (or evolve) yourself as you redesign your business. When WeMentor… your life gets better!!! Mentoring WORKS.

WeMentor Podcast
Audiographer, Photographer, and Videographer

Mike Kabeya Kazadi. Mike joined WeMentor Mondays with Nancy PODCAST in 2015 as an audiographer, photographer, and videographer. As a Spiritual Director, Mike also provides spiritual guidance when Nancy is sorting through essential business decisions.

Mike has a unique aptitude for sound quality and an innate editing flair heard in every podcast episode. His exacting eye is noticeable in every picture and video shoot. Mike’s creativity, respectful demeanor, integrity, commitment to meet deadlines, technical expertise, and leadership skills are a few gems that add to an exceptional listening experience. Nancy enjoys working with Mike. Mike even wrote a piano vignette for the show.

Mike founded Kabeya Media in 2013 to share, more broadly, his technical skills and talents across multi-media platforms. Mike is a journalist, photographer, audiographer, media designer, and videographer originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has worked on hundreds of broad range projects, including videos for companies, multi-media videos for authors, and other work events. He is a photographer for family events like weddings, family photos, and anniversaries.

Since relocating to Minnesota in 2006, Mike has worked for the University of Minnesota as a Communications Technician while building his communications company. He is passionate about his work and happily married to Sylvie Kabeya. They are raising four boys.