Book Chat with Tina Siemens, author of SEMINOLE (2020)

by Cyrus Webb

In the book SEMINOLE author Tina Siemens not just a part of her family's history. The book is about the resilience of the human spirit and what we can achieve. We discuss the book and it's message in this Book Chat.

Tina, your book Seminole is a great mixture of family, history, and inspiration. What has it been like to see the response to it?
It’s been so inspiring to hear how people identify with the history of the story. They stop on the street to thank me for doing this book. Most of them remember the drama of that time period. After all, it was an international story in the late seventies and early eighties.

How does it feel to be a published author with a book available for the world to read?
Humbling. Out of the millions of books available on the market today, to receive a sales report each month showing folks from Europe, Canada, and Mexico are reading it, I get excited. And then to read the fantastic reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, I can only say that this project has been blessed by God.

Share with our readers what inspired you to want to share your family story with the world?
I wanted my children and grandchildren to have a written account of their family’s history. It was a dream that they would have a tool to connect them to their roots. Mission accomplished!

We live in a world unfortunately in some ways that mirror the situations your family faced. How has looking at their example helped to keep you moving forward?
In so many cases, history repeats itself. This has inspired me to study how my ancestors reacted, the actions they took, and how they persevered. That gives me the strength to keep moving forward.

You and I met through another author, Tyra Manning. How has the support of your fellow authors help you on this new journey?
Tyra Manning has been an amazing inspiration to me. I would not have gotten in touch with you if it wasn’t for Mrs. Manning. I have also been overwhelmed with other authors who have been so supportive in pushing my story to be published in the media. It’s wonderful that other authors are paying it forward. I hope to do the same.

Have you always been a fan of history or did having such a rich history around you inspire your interest?
From a very young age, I remember loving to hear stories and asking questions of my elders. As I got older and had the opportunity to travel and learn about the journeys of generations before me, my interest in history was rekindled. Now, I can’t imagine my life without looking back on where we have all come from. In fact, there’s a bestselling book that has a great deal of history about our past. It’s called the Bible.

Your family’s faith and resilience are two things that definitely come through. How has their exercise of faith helped you through difficult times?
In Chapter One, I write about a guy named Dirk Willems. At the very moment, when he could have reached freedom, he turned around and saved the one who kept him captive. His display of faith was how I wanted the book to start out. It’s that important. Another example was my father standing in line at the border for the fifth day in a row, waiting for an immigration attorney who didn’t show. When the officer called him to the counter, my father, David Rempel, vowed to himself that he would tell the truth, even if it meant denied entry into the U.S. He was willing to go back to misery in poverty to avoid lying and entering the U.S. under false pretenses. His and Dirk Willems’ examples have given me the courage to rely on my faith in tough times.

Based on your experience, what advice do you have for others who are thinking about writing a book or sharing their own story?
Every person has a story to tell. There is someone out there who would be inspired by that story. I would encourage each person to journal or record their experiences now before they forget important details. Also, record your older relatives. I failed to get my mother’s story before she died, and I regret it every day. My book would have been even richer. Finally, consider that after you are gone from this world, your story will live on forever. Leave your legacy here on Earth for us to enjoy instead of taking it to heaven with you.

Thanks so much for the time! Let our readers know how they can stay connected with you.
They can reach me through my website, which is www.SeminoleTheBook.com or by email, which is SeminoleTheBook@gmail.com. I also have a Facebook page and Twitter account.

Debbie Nau Redmond: Giving SILENT VOICES and Mental Health the platform it deserves (2020)

by Cyrus Webb

All of us have a platform. The important thing is what we choose to do with it. For Debbie Nau Redmond she has been able to take what was a family tragedy and use it as an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of mental health, and what all of us can do.

Her book SILENT VOICES shares that journey, and I think readers of it are sure to see not only how we can help give a voice to those who feel ignored but can make sure those who need help get what they need, too. 

Debbie, it’s great to catch up with you again. You re-released your book SILENT VOICES in 2015, sharing with the world your family’s journey with mental illness. What has it been like for you to see the continued response to what your family experienced? 

Throughout these last few years, majority of the responses has been very positive. People have embraced my book and have sent me very kind and encouraging emails. I think what makes me feel the best is to hear them say the have learned something new about mental illness, that they now have some understanding of the struggles that families go through, and they were moved by the loyalty and forgiveness my parents demonstrated. Hearing these wonderful confirmations makes me feel like I accomplished what I was hoping to achieve by writing this book.

Was it an easy thing for you to relive the events while writing the book?

Actually, No. At first it was a struggle. I was going back and forth on if I should even write the book. Then my mom encouraged me to move forward. She believed and trusted in me, and felt it could help others. I had to interview my parents, siblings, friends, neighbors, and go through a lot of paperwork. Talking about the events with my family brought up a lot of unresolved feelings that I did not realize I still had. Emotionally, there was healing that needed to be done, however, I also realized writing down my feelings and the events became very therapeutic for me. By the end of the book, I felt like a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulders and I was free.  I think it was the best healing activity I could have ever done for myself. Writing this book made me feel blessed because I was able to accept and let go of the pain and sadness, and rediscover my own happiness. It helped me close the chapter to this part of my life.

We see in the world that we don’t always grasp the impact of things unless we have experienced them personally. Do you think that is true when it comes to mental illness and the importance of our mental health?

Yes, I think there is a lot of truth to that with any difficult situation. I feel most people try to understand to a point. They want to have compassion and understanding but until you actually experience it, you truly do not know how difficult it is. Living with mental illness or watching a loved one struggle with mental illness is very complicated because it can be a vicious cycle, for instance: Sick, get help, take medication, feeling better, stop medication and then get really sick again. This cycle of ups and downs can be mentally, emotionally and spiritually draining. Most people do not witness the full aspect of dealing with an illness. 

When we read SILENT VOICES we get the sense that you were living in two worlds: one at home with your brother who struggled with mental illness and then life outside the home. 

What do you want people to know about the importance of taking care of themselves when helping a family member that might be ill? 

Good question and a lesson I did not learn until after the fact. When you live with a family member that has mental illness, you have to remember to step back and take care of yourself.  It is very important for your emotional and mental health. Watching a loved one struggle can be very stressful because you want to help, but either you can’t or they wont let you help. You have to take the time, even if it is only for a few minutes a day, to release the stress. You need to find ways that can help you release your frustrations– Exercising (walking, running, biking, tennis, swimming, etc); a calming activity (mediation, reading, playing or listening to music); or an artistic activity (painting, drawing, sewing, cooking, etc), anything that brings you joy. Also, find outlets that allow you to talk about your feelings. Visit with a counselor, support groups, family or friends. Discussing how you feel can be very therapeutic in many ways. Always remember it is okay not to have all the answers and it is okay to feel mad, frustrated, hurt, scared, sad and/or confused.  What’s not okay is when you hold these feeling inside because you will eventually break. You won’t be helpful to your loved one if you are struggling yourself. You need to stay balanced mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Taking care of yourself should always be your first priority. 

You discuss the judgment that your family experienced. Do you think that is one of the reasons why some don’t address mental illness?

Absolutely. Unfortunately, in our “enlightened age” social stigma against mental illness still exists today. Why is it that?  When people talk about someone who is ill, for instance, the flu or even cancer, they will discuss it openly, however if it is a mental illness, say depression or schizophrenia, they will whisper about it. Why? What is it about mental illness that people get embarrassed about?  It is a disease no different than Cancer, MS, MD or Parkinson’s and should be treated with the same respect as these diseases.  So many people are scared of mental illness or they dismiss it thinking it is a personality disorder, when in fact; it is a chemical imbalance of the brain. It is a physical ailment.

 I feel people tend to ignore things they do not understand, like mental illness. They would rather not have to deal with it because it is easier. The sad part of it all, people who have mental illness have to deal with a double-edge sword. Not only do they struggle with the symptoms and disabilities that result from their disease, they are challenged by the stereotypes and prejudice that result from misconceptions about mental illness. One fourth (24%) of the world population has some type of mental illness. I hope some day that mental illness will be accepted and respected like any other disease, considering more people experience mental illness than cancer, diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, MS or MD. If society treated mental illness with more respect and understanding, maybe more people would address it and get the help that is needed.

Forgiveness is something you and I have discussed on the radio show when it comes to your story. Do you feel as though that is something that has evolved for you over the years when it comes to the tragedy your family experienced at the hands of one of your own?

When we first discussed forgiveness, I told you that I forgave my brother instantly for what he did. What I didn’t realize was there was an underlying layer of forgiveness that I was still working on. When the tragedy happened with my brother Ricky, I was able to forgive him immediately because I loved him. I watched him go through a terrible two-year downward spiral of mental illness and I knew the tragedy was due to his illness. So it was easy for me to forgive him for the “act.” 

However, where I struggled with forgiveness was years later. As I grew older and I started to look back on life, and I realized what I was missing. I recognized I felt angry and robbed from having many wonderful family experiences.  I was robbed of my teenage years. I was robbed of my childhood innocents. I was robbed from experiencing love and happiness in my twenties, and I recognized I developed fear of judgment, betrayal and some PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). 

I learned over the years that forgiveness can be a very difficult thing to do, but it is also can be the greatest gift you can ever give yourself. It’s not about the person who hurt you or betrayed you… it’s about you and ONLY for you! Forgiving is not taking away the person’s accountability for what they did, it just allowing you the freedom to move on.  Just remember this… Not forgiving someone only hurts you, not them.  Forgiveness can be a very wonderful thing because it can free you and help you to truly be happy and enjoy life. My message would be not to rob your self from a happy life due to another persons act, even if it had horrible consequences. We all deserve love, peace, harmony and happiness in our life. The only way to accomplish that is to forgive and let go.

How have you found the courage to keep speaking out when it comes to mental health awareness?

I don’t feel it is a courage’s thing to do, I just feel it is the right thing to do. Since mental illness affects so many people (24% of the population), it is important to always speak freely and honestly. I never want anyone to feel embarrassed or ashamed of mental illness.  I personally look at it as a physical disease that needs to be addressed and respected. I hope being honest and speaking out will only teach compassion and understanding for all the families and individuals who have to deal with mental illness. I pray some day that the social stigma against mental illness will go away and that society will learn to understand and treat it with the utmost respect that is deserves.

I’ve never asked you this next question before, Debbie. Seeing what your family has dealt with, have you ever been concerned about your own mental health and the importance of checking in with yourself, making sure you’re okay?

Yes, it was a deep fear of mine. Statistically, women get Schizophrenia at a later age, so I was really scared that I inherited the “gene” since the illness was present on my dad’s side of the family.  I did talk to doctors and discussed my fears with counselors asking questions about schizophrenia and mental illness in general. Luckily, both the doctors and counselors said it was highly unlikely I would get Schizophrenia. They both felt if I were going to get it, it would have been during the time of the tragedy. The extreme amount of stress I was under would have triggered the disease. I have to admit, I felt very relieved to hear them confirm I would not get it. After seeing what my brother went through and how difficult it was on him, I would never wish that upon anyone.  

However, I did struggle with depression for a few years after the tragedy. I was dealing with survival guilt, bad dreams, anxiety, PTSD, anger and death. I recognized immediately that I needed to take care of myself and focus on getting help to resolve these issues. I did not want to live my life in sadness. My counselor was fantastic and helped me to work through all my issues and helped me grow spiritually. I feel very blessed to be happy and healthy. If you ever feel depressed, seek counseling. It takes a lot of courage to recognize you need help and then to purse getting help. Taking time to care of your health to become the best person you can be, is the best gift you can give yourself.

Though you have experienced tragedy in your life you have managed to move forward. What would you say to our readers about the importance of not giving up, even in the face of challenging times?

Thank you for asking this question, because I feel it is so important. Overcoming a difficult situation is not easy, it’s very hard! It takes courage, patience, understanding and acceptance that you DO deserve to be happy. It took a lot time and spiritual growth for me to forgive Ricky and to get to a peaceful place. I feel blessed for the experience because it made me a better person. Without the Ricky, I would not be the person I am today. Ricky taught me a level of spirituality that I otherwise would have never known. He taught me a level of understanding and compassion I would have never been able to find by myself. He taught me that I could overcome anything as long as I believe in myself. 

Out of tragedy grows knowledge and wisdom. I also realized that life is a choice. Personally, I decided to choose happiness and not hate. I remember reading many self-help books when I was younger to help me overcome and work through grief and forgiveness. There was one particular quote by Charles Swindoll that always stuck in back of my mind: “Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you respond to it;” which is very true if you think about it. If we make the choices not to let bad things effect us, it won’t! 

I was lucky to learn and understand that life is not about lessons; life is about experiences - good or bad. They can help us grow mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Difficult situations help us to develop our inner wisdom. I now take difficult situations and turn them into a positive life experience. I try hard to see what I can learn and how I can overcome. It is not always easy, but I made the decision to never allow anyone or anything to predict and determine my happiness. Happiness comes from within you and you will always have the power to make the choice to be happy or not. Choose wisely, because life is short, and there are so many wonderful things to see and experience. Never give up and never make a permanent decision based on temporary situation. Always choose yourself and always choose happiness no matter how hard it can be. It will get better as long as you forgive, let go of your pain or anger and believe in yourself.

You and I have also discussed that this story—your story—is the thing that movies and TV shows are made of. What do you hope those who are just discovering your book take away from it?

My goal for writing the book was to teach people compassion and understand about mental illness and the struggles that families and individuals go through. Mental illness is the most ignored disease and I hope that after reading my book, people will give it the respect that it deserves and help stop misconceptions that are causing social stigma.   I hope my book encourages conversations with family and friends. I also hope my book demonstrates that you can overcome any difficult situation. That love, commitment and family loyalty can conquer all, and forgiveness can bring peace.

Thanks, Debbie, for your time. Continued blessings and success to you. How can our audience stay connected with you and get the book. 

Thank you Cyrus for all of your questions. I appreciate you bringing awareness to my book and mental illness. Blessings to you.

You can get my book through Amazon or my personal website at www.debbieredmond.com. Ebook is also available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Kobo. 

I also have a charity called Silent Voices Foundation at www.silentvoicesfoundation.org. Here you can get facts and information about Schizophrenia. I accept donations that will go to finding a cure and building half way houses for Schizophrenics. Tax receipts are available. Any help would be blessing and appreciated. 

WARRIOR SPOTLIGHT: Laila Ali, Athlete/Lifestyle Coach/Entrepreneur (2020)

by Cyrus Webb

People literally around the world love Laila Ali, not just just for what she has achieved in the ring but in life overall. As a bestselling author, brand ambassador and entrepreneur she has shown by example what is achievable as well as what it takes to make it happen.

She and I first connected in 2019, and her love of service came through in everything she talked about. In this conversation she shares her passion and purpose, proving why she is worthy to be celebrated as a warrior.

Thank you so much, Laila for your time. First of all what has it been like for you to be able to share your passion of food and also sports with the world?

It’s been fun! I mean, I'm someone who's always gone after my dreams, whatever it is that I'm interested in and passionate about. I just go for it, you know? So I have really tried to encourage others to do the same. I decided to become a boxer. I remember people saying, ‘Oh, why are you boxing? You're a woman. You're too pretty. You won't be able to do it.’  And I said, ‘Hmm, watch me.’ So I did that. And then I learned a lot. I learned a lot about health and wellness and just how food affected my body.

That's when I really became passionate about encouraging people, especially African Americans because we die at high rates and suffer from heart disease, diabetes, obesity and all these things that most of the time come from lifestyle choices. So using that information, knowing that, I was able to change my body and change the way that I think and change how I perform just from eating a certain way. It was really what made me want to go after that market and just try to help encourage other people to do the same.

That's why you have such respect, because you're not just talking to talk, but you're walking the walk as well. People can look at your example and be able to tell what you've been able to do. So then when you share information like you do in your book FOOD FOR LIFE it’s not just about food that is good for you, but also food that tastes good as well. Do you find that is the perfect combination to be able to get people to looking at their eating habits differently?

Honey, nobody's gonna want to make food or eat food that doesn't taste good. I am not a fanatic. There's certain people who are like, you know, they're vegan or they're plant-based or you know, they never eat sugar or they never eat fried food. I'm not that person. It's what you do 75% to 80% of the time that matters. And you know what? I was healthy 10 years ago, but I'm healthier now, because I continue learning and trying to refine things and get even better. But you've got to start somewhere. And I think a lot of times people are overwhelmed because they're being told you can't eat this, you can't eat that.

It sounds like you’re saying it’s about taking it one day at a time.

What I try to do is say what can you add to your daily meal plan? What can you add to your life if you're not drinking any water? Can you drink a glass of water? Can you have a salad with your meal? When you start seeing how different it feels it encourages you to want to do more. So my book for example has fried chicken, Mac and Cheese, Jambalaya and pizza. It's like how can we take these foods and just make them healthier by choosing the best quality ingredients that we can.

One thing we have to understand, especially in our community, is it might taste a little different, but it's still good. So we just got to get out of the way. Certain people are like, ‘Wow, I've been cooking this way for this many years.’ And it's like, and how was your health? Aren't you on such and such medication? Don't you want to get off that medication? And we can. We can heal ourselves. It happens with the food we eat and the choices we make.

Layla, that seems to tie in with your whole platform, the importance of our lifestyle choices and our mindset. Do you think that is where a lot of your satisfaction comes from when you hear from people about how you were able to get them to not only look at food differently but also themselves differently?

Oh, absolutely. I mean, first of all, you have to know that you have the power to make changes and that you are going to have to make changes. That's one thing that you're going to have to accept. If you think the same as you did 20 years ago you're not advancing. We're supposed to learn. We're supposed to grow.

For someone to say, well, I've been doing this for this many years is not good enough, especially if you're not successful. You see what I'm saying? When I say successful, I'm talking about health-wise. I’m talking about living with vitality, not just making it, not just going through life, worried about your bills and worried about how you're gonna make ends meets. That's not really what life is supposed to be about. I understand that we have those things that we need to think about, but if you don't have your health, you don't have anything. You know what I mean? And a lot of times we get caught up wanting things that we don't always need and spending our money on things that we don't necessarily need, but we don't want to spend the time, the money, the investment that it takes to go take some time to get some exercise.

We put so much in our bodies that we have to think about what are doing to really honor the temple that we have. We only have one body. We only have one life to live.  One thing I never wanted to regret is doing the best that I can to honor this body and take care of myself.

Visionary Iris Bolling, Author/Publisher/Producer (2024)

 by Cyrus Webb

Iris Bolling is a TRUE VISIONARY. 

Over the years I have watched her embraces her creativity and use it in creating bestselling books, a television series, producing movies and pushing the boundaries of the literary world. As a friend she has shown herself to be generous with her time, encouraging and ready to inspire and empower others along their own paths. 

In 2024 she has continued to expand on her brand and showcase her ability to keep elevating in everything she does. Releasing her beloved LASSITER WEDDING SERIES in audiobook, she is allowing you to enjoy the stories in a new way. And as the summer begins she gives us a new book PANTHER, kicking of THE NEXT GENERATION series for her fans. 

In this conversation we discuss her success and her advice for all when it comes to embracing your gifts. 

Iris, first of all congratulations on your continued success. What has it been like for you to reflect on your literary career?

Hi Cyrus and thank you for having me. It has honestly been a blessing. Discovering a gift at any age is a wonderful experience. Finding it later in life is like a new beginning. I wake up grateful for this gift. Because of it, I get to visit different places, times, and people whenever the mood strikes me. Each day I am excited to see what the next chapter will bring.  

Storytelling seems to be something that comes naturally to you. Have you always known that you were going to be a storyteller in some form?

No, not at all. My first love was teaching. I grew up wanting to teach, but my mother suggested I go into business. I did not begin writing until I was 50 years old. That is when my love for reading mushroomed into my love for writing. Now I cannot imagine going a day my life without writing a line or two of a story.  Looking back, I can say my mother was halfway right on my career choice. As an independent author, that business degree certainly has come in handy. 

You have had the privilege of not just having bestselling books but had books turned into a television series and produced movies. What has that been like to see your stories brought to life?

Seeing my stories come to life is magical. However, watching others enjoy the stories that were first introduced to them through the pages of a book, then seeing it come to life is like an adrenaline rush that you want to experience over and over again. When I take time to watch movies I’ve produced, I find myself getting caught up in the story as if I wasn’t the one who wrote it. LOL. I would love to see other authors have that experience and I can’t wait to work on another book to film project. 

One of the things you have also enjoyed, Iris, is a loyal following. What do you contribute that to?

First and foremost, writing good stories. Introducing them to characters that are relatable or families the readers want to be a part of. I would like to think some of it has to do with my sparkling personality, LOL. However, I spend so much time in my writing cave, that it’s rare that I get a chance to meet readers face to face. But when I do, I hope my appreciation for them spending time with my stories shines through.  

I’ve used the word success in this conversation with you, but that is such a personal thing. What does success look like for you?

Wow, that is not easy for me to explain, but here you go. Success for me is not necessarily a monetary amount earned each year, or accomplishment stemming from my novels. Those things are nice and by all means, welcomed. But what really fills my heart is when I see others who I’ve touched in some way through an encouraging word or propelled them in their career, that is the ultimate sign of success. It means I left my mark on this world. 

Do you feel any pressure at this point when it comes to releasing new books?

(laughs) YES! Every time I sit down to write a story the pressure is on. However, once the characters begin talking to me, (no I am not crazy) they take over and the story begins telling itself. Here is the funny thing about writing for me, if I attempted to force something on one of my characters that does not fit their personality, the story would begin screaming that something is wrong. It will continue to do that until I go in to fix it. I’ve had times when I was halfway through a story when it begins screaming. I would have to delete all that had been written to start over to get it right. However, in the end, the story felt right. So, for me, the release of a story is just like getting on stage as a performer. The butterflies are in you stomach until that first review hits and you realize…hey, you got this. That’s when your belief in yourself kicks in, the pressure dissipates, and you can see your way to the next story.

Social media has helped us all stay connected. How has it factored into your marketing strategy?

Social media is my second priority in my marketing strategy. Ensuring my brand is strong and consistent is number one. My base, which is my website, is where all my social media is directed. Therefore, my second priority is to use social media in the most efficient way to drive organic customers to my home. I’m somewhat selective with social media sites I regularly use. I follow the data received from each to determine what information works best for that site. Then I strategically post or share information based on those findings. While social media is very helpful, their algorithms are not in your control. How helpful they are should be monitored often because they will vary from time to time. This is why it is important to always…ALWAYS have your home base. Yo control what happens or doesn’t happen there.

Any advice you want to share when it comes to others pursuing their own goals and dreams?

My advice would be to stay true to who you are. People can tell when you are not being authentic with them. In addition, it’s hard to keep up with different personas. It better to just be you. Second, I would advise to believe in you, your goals, and your dreams. You are unique. Others can be doing the exact same thing as you, however, not one of them can do it like you. 

Thanks again for the time, Iris. How can our audience stay connected with you?

It is always a pleasure to speak with you, Cyrus, in any format. The main place to stay connected is through my website: www.irisbolling.com  where they can subscribe to my newsletter. I can also be found on Instagram and Facebook as Iris Bolling. 

Actor Tony Todd: A Child at Heart Empowering the World Through His Craft (2019)

by Cyrus Webb

(NOTE: The talented Tony Todd passed away November 6, 2024)

I have had the privilege now of interviewing over 12k guests on Conversations LIVE the radio show, but it was beyond a privilege to have a chat with iconic actor Tony Todd about his amazing career. For over 3 decades he has been able to enlighten and frighten us, bringing to life amazing roles in front of the camera such as with Candyman and Final Destination and even inspirational projects like the independent film WORTH.

"I grew up an only child," Mr. Todd told me and thanks to his aunt he was involved in a lot of different programs. "I have always had my active mind," he says. Life was changed for him when an English teacher gave him the script of The Tempest. "It was like a graphic novel had come to life. I wasn't fascinated with any one of the characters. I wanted to be all of them." He told me that is why being an actor is so fulfilling. "I get to play different characters in all that I do."

Outside of acting Mr. Todd told me he has been involved in causes and work that help him to appreciate life more. This includes his work as a Humanitarian, being involved in gang counseling and passion projects like writer/director Eduardo Castrillo's film WORTH. "The empowerment that I get from doing these roles leads me back to the community," he says. "I'm a teacher at heart. Sometimes the only time I can teach is during the roles I do."

Acting is more than a profession for him. According to Mr. Todd "it gives me more purpose to my life."

His advice for aspiring actors and creatives? "I always look for repeat work. It comes from forming relationships with directors, cast members and being true to yourself. Repeat work is where it's at when it comes to longevity. I'm a child at heart. Every day is an open slate."

One-on-One with Dawn Marie Westmoreland (2023)

by Cyrus Webb

Dawn, we are glad to have you as part of our series. I want to first ask you about the reflection on your professional journey. What has it been like for you to look back on all you have achieved?

When I look in the mirror, I see a very different person. Many different traumatic experiences have shaped me to become a more empowered woman. After standing up to bullying and discrimination in my former federal job, I lost my home and most of my possessions. It created opportunities to learn from it and help others experiencing harassment in their workplaces. I feel powerful, humble, and a servant leader to help others.

Did you always know that helping others was something you were meant to do?

Yes. I grew up in a humanitarian family who raised money to clothe impoverished children and provide medical care so they could feel more dignified and have health care. I enjoy helping people, but most of all, teaching them how to be more empowered in their life. My stepfather and I invited the sanitation workers in our home for lunch every week for fried bologna sandwiches and chicken noodle soup. We were the last stop for garbage pickup in our rural, Interlachen, Florida.  

Your latest book is actually the workbook STAND UP TO WORKPLACE BULLYING AND DISCRIMINATION. How did it come about?

In 2012, I had 22 years of HR experience, and I suspected racial discrimination and nepotism in my former federal job. I reported my managers to the Office of Special Counsel (OSC) and later to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). I reported my federal agency's concerns of only having five black employees and over 500 white employees. I noticed family and friends in management hiring close white friends and their families. Nepotism is illegal in the federal government. I often wondered if many people of color living in low-cost housing had been discriminated against, too. 

I suffered from numerous counts of severe retaliation, and my paycheck was cut off soon after informing these "watchdog" federal agencies about my concerns. The harassment I endured led to exhaustion, depletion of my health, and a genuine concern for my safety. I voluntarily spent three days in the Charles George VA Medical Center in the Mental Health Ward to help myself. At the time, I felt very victimized and dis-empowered. On the third day, I was allowed to shower, and I looked in a metal mirror and didn't recognize myself. It was the lowest point of my life. 

I became angry at myself for sinking so low, and I felt the anger grow into the realization that I did not have to be a victim. I hung in for the long run of waiting for the Formal Hearing with the EEOC. It was tough, but I managed and learned to live with a lot less money. I learned slowly how to recover and strive in all my endeavors. I later settled with my former federal agency and refused to sign a non-disclosure agreement to share my story with others and share my wisdom so they could also be empowered. Along the way, I also picked up clients and continued to learn even more, so I decided it was time to write my workbook, “How to Stand Up to Workplace Bullying and Discrimination.”

So sorry you had to go through all that, Dawn, just because you wanted to do what was right. What I, as a reader, appreciated about the book is how you share real-world examples with what the reader can do if in that situation or see something. How did you decide how you wanted to marry the facts with a call to action?

I made many edits and took a lot of time deciding how to write my workbook. I researched many books and workbooks to see what was available to the public. I didn't find anything like the workbook I decided to write. I wanted to author a workbook that was comprehensive and helped people. Many books I found had shards of advice and were not thorough to support the reader. I shared my experience with workplace bullying and discrimination and many of my clients' results while keeping their names anonymous. Some of my clients became homeless because they lost their jobs for speaking up. They didn't know their rights at the time.

Since the pandemic, it seems as though the workplace has been impacted just like everything else. What do you hope employers realize about valuing their employees in these challenging times?

We live in times of incivility in many workplaces. Many people experience workplace bullying and discrimination, depending on the statistics you read. Employers that maintain safe and respectful work environments will likely have more loyal employees. The cost of replacing employees is relatively high when you consider hiring recruiters to find employees, the cost of ads, boarding and training the new employee, and the loss of production in the workplace. The expense of litigation, months of investigations, and the embarrassment could shut down a business. Employees are the “backbone” of the company. Treat them fairly. 

As for the employees, Dawn, what do you want them to keep in mind regarding their rights and what they should and should not tolerate?

Often, employees rely on others to inform them of their rights. It's essential to be knowledgeable as possible to know right from wrong advice. Employees are likely to be more confident when they know their rights and feel empowered. No employee should ever accept harassment of any kind in the workplace. They have to decide whether to speak up, document the incident, and seek professional support if needed. No one is ever weak when leaving a job where they are not treated fairly and valued. 

We both are on social media. How have you used it to share the book's message and your work?

I believe in transparency and sharing my past experiences to inspire and empower people on social media. I have people reach out to me and seek to become a client because I offer consulting services and am a Life Coach. Companies reach out to me to help them reduce bullying and discrimination in their workplaces. Often, I will share insights out of my workbook on social media. My followers have increased, and so has my work. I also garnered attention from activist, Erin Brockovich and interviewed her about how we can all work together to support a better world. 

This type of book is so important. What do you hope it does for them when people finish reading it, even if they haven't experienced any discrimination?

Workplace bullying and discrimination have a negative rippling effect on all our communities. The workbook will empower the person who takes heed and takes action from the guidance provided. Employment attorneys, mental health professionals, behavior professionals, workplace investigators, and life coaches have endorsed the workbook. The reader may suggest the workbook to someone who could benefit from it. 

Thanks for the time, Dawn. Continued success to you. How can our readers stay connected with you?

You can connect with my social media platforms and listen to my weekly radio show, “The Empowered Whistleblower” on WPVM FM LP 103.7 as well as read my articles on safe and respectful work environments. 

Cyrus Webb Presents.. A Conversation with Colette R. Harrell, author of LATER

 

Colette, it has been great talking with you about the book LATER. What has it been like for you to see the way that readers are enjoying the story?

It's been validating. We write because we love to tell a story. But when others love what you've crafted, and the excitement spills through their voice? That's manna from Heaven.

For our readers that are just discovering you, let's go back a bit. When did you first realize that writing was something you wanted to do?

I was sixteen years old and had come down with chicken pox. Bored and confined to my house, my best friend and I crafted an episodic storyline written by hand and left in my mailbox each day. Where one left off, the other took over. It ignited this avid reader to the knowledge that I could also write.

There are a lot of threads in LATER that I think readers of different interests will appreciate. Was that your hope when writing the book?

No, but I’m so grateful it ended up that way. I do love to craft a story that will peel back layers like an onion. And, like that onion, I want you to cry with laughter and tears for our protagonists in the novel. If a particular layer reaches a reader in a special way that’s the serendipity moment we connect.  

How did the story initially come to you?

I'm going to sound accident-prone, but I fell and broke my ankle in three places. My daughter and her boyfriend came to assist my husband in my care, and she encouraged me to use the time to write a new story. We then played around with story ideas. Later intrigued me, and when I started massaging the fantasy of shifting from historical to current periods, the story had me hooked.

One of the thing messages for me was that delay doesn't mean denied. How has that message resonated with you in your life?

I'm older, and I am more of who I want to become than ever before. My vision is sure and who I will tolerate in and out of my life is finally no longer an ache but a blessing. I don't have time for minor things to matter significantly, and I can live my life like it's golden, even when I've made mistakes. I hope the message is clear that everything is not always a now experience but growth can be even more gratifying when it is achieved later. Thank you for asking this question.

Your book shows that the idea of a 'happy ending' is relative. Was that something you considered as well as the story unfolded?

Oh no, Cyrus. I write happy endings. I am in love with closing the book with a sigh of satisfaction. I can cut on the news or answer the phone for the world's woes. In my world-building, I get to choose happiness for my protagonists, and I also get to slay the dragons. (laughs)

Colette, what do you normally tell aspiring writers to encourage them in sharing their own stories?

To learn your craft. To do the hard stuff, like editing, then editing again, and finally... editing. My favorite writers love their readers, and they want to give them their best. I love my readers too, and when I write, my stories are created to inspire, entertain, motivate and challenge them to new heights. I tell aspiring writers to have a passion for the story and excellence.

What should we be on the lookout for next from you?

I have multiple projects in the works. I have a thriller, a romantic comedy, and a heartwarming series coming. I am currently in a screenwriting master class where I am turning my books into screenplays. I am starting with Later. Then a short romantic comedy I have pinned, titled Mama’s Blues. I write vivid, illustrative novels that should transfer well to the big screen. I am a developmental editor and a book coach. I have several editing projects I am completing for other authors, and I do speaking engagements.

Thanks again for the time, Colette. Continued success to you. How can our readers stay connected with you?

Please reach out to me on Colette R Harrell fans on Facebook. Or www.coletteharrell.com, my website. Whatever you do, please leave a review!