Sheila: I am a writer and historian who has authored 3 books and written for publications around the world. I have also been an entrepreneur for more than 2 decades, creating commercial campaigns as a writer-producer and consulting with clients on brand strategy and storytelling. I’ve always wanted to create my own product and be in a position to have a deciding voice in how the brand is shaped and to leverage it to make a positive impact; to innovate and explode the status quo.
Natasha is a serial entrepreneur and multi-passionate entertainer and the Founder of Love CEO Institute, a personal development company for women. She has a degree in Psychology from Grand Canyon University.
Through the development and national tour of her one-woman show, “Evolution of a Love Addict,” several years of counseling, and serial entrepreneurship; Natasha turned her life around and elevated herself from love addict to Love CEO. She now coaches women how to find peace, pleasure and success by using the Love Intelligence Method she has developed.
Her entertainment industry experience spanning over the last 20 years includes acting in commercials, network tv appearances, award winning production of several short films. She has directed a one-woman show, a commercial, and documentary (in post production). She also won an award for best-writer for her one-woman show. She lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband.
Sheila: I have always been very intentional about career planning – with larger goals broken down into smaller objectives and action items. At the same time, I leave space for the unknown to unfold and remain open to the myriad of ways in which I can achieve my goals.
Natasha: I’ve been planning things since I was a teen. Planning and creating excites me. It could be planning a new project for my coaching business, becoming an actress, writing a book, or hosting an event. Things don’t always turn out how I planned, but I have fun enjoying the journey and I’m always open to the unpredictable path each plan can present. Even when things don’t go as planned. I am continuously refining the vision I have for my life. Vision Boards are a huge part of my planning.
Sheila: Absolutely. Life happens. That is the challenge. We don’t simply have careers. We live our lives, which come with challenging moments and people. It’s important for me to stay present, mindful, take good care of myself and move with grace.
Natasha: Yes, I face challenges everyday. Those challenges refine me. Years ago challenges used to stop me dead in my tracks. Over the years I have learned how to use my challenges as fuel. I have to admit my biggest challenges have been from within. Knowing this has been so freeing. It gives me hope because I know that everything I need is inside me or at my fingertips.
Sheila: My biggest achievement to date is raising a healthy young man who is entering his senior year of college. I am most proud of that, because there were times I had no idea how I was going to get through. I just knew I would.
Natasha: My biggest achievement is being the mother to one of the most magnificent people I know. My child (pronouns: they/them) lives a life so unapologetic and I have learned so much from them over the years. They’re mere presence gives everyone they come in contact with permission to live their most bold authentic lives. Careerwise I have done so much in my life and I celebrate everything. So I consider everything big and I don’t take the small victories for granted. Sometimes that victory could be simply showing up and making it to my desk. There is not one. Milestone moments for me would include: touring my one woman show, taking a short film to Cannes film festival, founding Love CEO Institute, television and film debuts… the list goes on.
Sheila: Moving forward no matter what. Observing the fear and doubt and letting it dissolve. Because at the end of the day I still want what I want. So I would say, unwavering determination and action.
Natasha: Radical self-love and self-care play a huge part in my success. I spent the beginning part of my life not knowing my value. And I made so many mistakes. But, I never stopped. Perseverance is one for the core characteristics of love and that is one major thing that has helped me. . Just Don’t stop moving and radically love yourself in the process.. You may go slow and there will be times you want to stop – simply pivot and keep it moving.
Sheila: I believe representation is so important. We need to see ourselves reflected in the landscape of the fields we want to pursue. I have often taken opportunities to mentor, whether its training interns or being available for informational interviews and advice.
Natasha: I think mentorship is invaluable. I have coached clients and it gives them a leg up on achieving their dreams alot quicker. Over the years of being a life coach my business has taken me places where I may meet a young lady and I can’t help but assume the role of mentor. Even now with Jackson McCrea we have met a few people who are leaning into that role as unofficial mentor for us.
Sheila: To remove the pay gap between men and women. Equal pay would have far-reaching positive impact on the lives of women, children and families.
Natasha: Compassion Currency can accelerate the pace of change for gender equality. Compassion currency is achieved by awakening Love Intelligence. Love Intelligence is an array of characteristics and behaviours that displays compassion for one’s self and others. It’s the ability to perceive, understand, express and receive love. When we improve this gender equality will not be an issue. The results will be seeing all individuals as valued and not feeling threatened by the elevation of one particular group.
Sheila: Never ask permission for what you know you must do. Value your purpose and move forward resolutely,with your head held high.
Natasha: Love yourself on such a deep level that you only accept what is acceptable. And get to know yourself well enough to be able to tell the difference between what’s acceptable and what’s not.
Sheila: Jackson McCrea is entering into an industry grounded in an out-moded status quo that does not meaningfully engage women consumers. We knew when we started this company that we were determined to do things differently. Women have embraced us and our experience is that women consumers are ready for the change. So I don’t want to claim resistance where there is none. It’s simply time for Jackson McCrea.
Natasha: In addition to developing a tech side of Love CEO Institute, leaning into the development of the Jackson McCrea Whiskey is a challenge I welcome. I can’t say what will be our exact challenges, but the mere fact of entering a new industry with a new approach is a challenge I’m up for.
Hosted by the Women Pivoting to Digital Taskforce in collaboration with Lloyds Banking Group, this event is for women based in Leeds who are considering a move into tech or digital roles and are interested in learning more about how to transition.
