Tess Bell Founder & CEO, Sharing Kindness In the realm of promoting kindness and mindfulness, organizations like Sharing Kindness play a crucial role in fostering positive behaviors and attitudes among children. Through innovative products and resources, they strive to create a culture of compassion and resilience, shaping future generations with values that extend beyond individual well-being to community and global harmony. Tess Bell is a dedicated advocate for promoting kindness and mindfulness among children. Through her organization, Sharing Kindness, she spearheads initiatives aimed at instilling positive values and behaviors from an early age. Her commitment to creating a supportive environment for children to learn and grow reflects her deep-seated belief in the power of compassion and resilience. Nurturing Kindness: Tess’s Journey  Tess’s professional journey is a diverse blend, encompassing roles as an oncology nurse, business strategist, digital marketer, copywriter, product developer, and children’s book author. In 2019, she founded Sharing Kindness, which has since burgeoned into a million-dollar enterprise with a primary mission of nurturing kindness, compassion, and resilience. At the heart of Sharing Kindness lies the annual creation of a kindness advent calendar, each year inspired by a new worldly destination. The initiative seeks to capture the essence of diverse cultures, introducing children to the beauty of global kindness. The calendars embody inclusivity, transcending barriers of background, religion, or location, forging connections within a worldwide community bonded by the simple yet profound act of sharing kindness. In 2024, Tess turned her focus towards habit-building, recognizing the transformative potential of embedding kindness and positivity into daily routines. Through the creation of a positive mindset game, families are encouraged to cultivate gratitude and kindness together. She firmly believes that true knowledge finds its power when transformed into habitual practice. Looking ahead, she envisions the development of a habit tracker app in the coming year, aimed at assisting families in cultivating enduring habits of kindness and positivity. With dedication, she continues to champion the ethos of shared kindness, poised to empower individuals and communities worldwide through her ongoing endeavors with Sharing Kindness. Foundations of Kindness: From Self-Care to Compassion Tess underscores the significance of nurturing kindness from within. She believes that by teaching children to be kind to themselves first, they establish a sturdy foundation for spreading kindness to others. It’s about striking a balance between self-care and consideration for others. According to her, instilling kindness, compassion, and resilience early in life lays the groundwork for a brighter and more harmonious future. This early cultivation reduces the need for later mental rewiring, a process she herself has undergone in older age. Tess aspires to be a beacon of hope, urging individuals to embrace kindness as a potent force for positive change. Her personal journey, navigating the challenges of motherhood and overcoming perfectionism, exemplifies her authenticity and resilience. Through candid discussions about these hurdles, she advocates for maintaining personal boundaries while practicing kindness and advocating for genuine giving. Anxiety has posed significant challenges for Tess, threatening to derail her projects numerous times. However, she draws strength from her daughters, viewing them as inspiration to persevere bravely despite adversity. Inspired by the transformative impact of kindness and mindfulness on children, Tess has embarked on creating products that facilitate their growth. Her aim is to empower children to navigate life with kindness and mindfulness, fostering values that endure beyond childhood. Navigating Challenges: Tess’s Journey to Spreading Kindness  Launching an online business centered around kindness introduced Tess to unexpected hurdles, notably the intersection of religion and internet trolls. Surprisingly, the beautifully hand-drawn illustrations for their Christmas Kindness Advent calendars, intentionally designed to be all-inclusive, sparked controversy due to the absence of religious symbols and chocolates. But this is what happens when you create something new and innovative, Tess adds. Amidst criticism from religious communities and facing internet trolls on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, Tess and her team prioritized open and transparent communication, emphasizing their belief that kindness has no boundaries. In her own words, she says, “We stand by our commitment to inclusivity and our intention to promote kindness with everyone – and that kindness has no boundaries regardless of heritage, or belief systems.” Additionally, Tess proactively shares the deeper purpose behind their creations, teaching children the value of ‘being’ over ‘having’ and shifting the focus from consumerism to meaningful connections. This educational aspect resonated positively with many parents, who appreciated the deeper meaning embedded in the products, fostering a more connected and compassionate world, even in the face of resistance. Despite these challenges, their focus remains on spreading kindness universally. They continue to learn and adapt to ensure that their products and messages inspire positive change without excluding any individuals or groups. As an oncology nurse, Tess emphasizes the importance of science-backed products. Collaboration with child development experts, psychologists, and educators is key to the development and launch of new products. Their team actively engages in conferences and workshops and stays updated with research publications to ensure their content and products align with the latest insights in child development, mindfulness, and wellness. Spreading Kindness: Tess’s Journey  Since founding Sharing Kindness in 2019, Tess has set out with a lofty goal—to share 1 million random acts of kindness within 5 years. Remarkably, by 2023, they had achieved this milestone, igniting a significant ripple effect of kindness across communities. It’s this tangible impact that drives Tess to continue her mission of making a real difference in the world. Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. She has been honored with recognition from esteemed platforms, earning accolades such as being voted the best by The Today Show in both Australia and America for their Christmas Kindness Advent Calendar. She’s also been featured on national TV channels like Studio Ten, among others. Inspiring the next generation is at the heart of Tess’s work. With over 1 million acts of kindness inspired, she empowers children to become self-aware, confident, and resilient individuals. Through the Sharing Kindness Tribe, Tess emphasizes the importance of self-compassion alongside kindness towards others, fostering a community dedicated to spreading

  Kayla Miller Founder & Executive Producer at Milli K Events and Hospitality   The events and hospitality industry consists of a wide range of businesses and services dedicated to planning, organizing, and executing various events, gatherings, and experiences. This industry plays a crucial role in creating memorable moments and fostering connections between people. With a focus on customer satisfaction and attention to detail, professionals in this field work tirelessly to ensure that every event is executed flawlessly, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. Kayla Miller is a dynamic and driven professional in the events and hospitality industry. With a passion for creating memorable experiences, she has established herself as a leader in her field, known for her innovative approach and commitment to excellence. Guided by her values of integrity, creativity, and collaboration, Kayla strives to exceed expectations with every project she undertakes. Her dedication to her craft, coupled with her ability to inspire and empower those around her, has earned her respect and admiration from colleagues and clients alike. Crafting Memorable Experiences: The Journey of Kayla Miller in Events and Hospitality Kayla Miller, the Founder & Executive Producer at Milli K Events and Hospitality, embarked on her career with a simple passion for creating memorable experiences. Her journey began with organizing small gatherings and evolved into managing large-scale events, each step fueling her desire to innovate and excel. Starting with modest projects, Kayla’s commitment to exceeding expectations led to the establishment of Milli K Events and Hospitality. Her dedication to providing exceptional service and attention to detail sets her apart in the industry.  Her approach is rooted in a belief that every event should be unique and tailored to the client’s vision. She works closely with her team to ensure that every aspect, from planning to execution, is executed seamlessly. With a focus on innovation, Kayla continually seeks new ways to enhance the guest experience. Whether it’s incorporating cutting-edge technology or implementing creative design elements, she is always pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the events industry. Despite her success, she remains humble and grateful for the opportunities she has had. She attributes her achievements to hard work, dedication, and a passion for her craft. Looking to the future, Kayla is excited to continue growing Milli K Events and Hospitality, while staying true to her commitment to providing unparalleled service and creating unforgettable experiences for her clients. Approach to Success in Communication and Hospitality Kayla attributes her success to effective communication, continuous learning, and commitment to client satisfaction. Her goal is to create exceptional experiences driven by integrity, creativity, and genuine passion for hospitality. She upholds values of authenticity, innovation, and inclusivity, ensuring every project reflects these ideals. Kayla’s guiding principles focus on excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement, fostering a culture of creativity and professionalism within her team. Kayla’s company, Milli K Events and Hospitality specializes in crafting events tailored to clients’ unique visions, offering comprehensive event planning, design, and execution services. The primary offerings include event conceptualization, venue selection, vendor management, and guest experience enhancement. At Milli K Events and Hospitality, they provide end-to-end event solutions, encompassing everything from theme development and logistics to entertainment curation and guest relations. Navigating Challenges in the Events Industry: Kayla’s Story of Resilience In the dynamic world of event planning, Kayla faces ongoing challenges such as shifting market dynamics and evolving client expectations. These obstacles are the constant tests of her resilience and adaptability, requiring innovative solutions to meet the ever-changing needs of her clients. One significant challenge Kayla encounters is the endeavor to make each event as eco-friendly as possible. However, this goal is hindered by the limited resources offered by each city. Despite this obstacle, Kayla remains committed to finding creative ways to minimize the environmental impact of her events, exploring sustainable practices and alternative solutions to achieve her objectives. Moreover, she understands the importance of staying abreast of industry trends and advancements to remain competitive. As the events landscape continues to evolve, she actively seeks opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, ensuring that her skills and knowledge remain relevant and up-to-date. In the face of these challenges, Kayla remains steadfast in her determination to deliver exceptional experiences for her clients. Her commitment to excellence drives her to overcome obstacles with determination and resourcefulness, earning her a reputation as a trusted and respected professional in the industry. Through perseverance and dedication, Kayla demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, success is attainable. Her journey is an inspiration to aspiring event planners, showcasing the importance of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in achieving one’s goals in the competitive world of event planning. Family Influence: Kayla’s Source of Inspiration Kayla finds her greatest inspiration in her parents. Her mother’s creativity and love for bringing people together have instilled in her a passion for hospitality and design, cultivated through years of collaborative projects. Meanwhile, her father’s intelligence and ambition have not only encouraged her to pursue her dreams but also imparted valuable lessons on how to achieve success. With the support of her family, Kayla feels grateful for the guidance and encouragement that have shaped her journey. Kayla’s Guiding Principles: Hard Work, Collaboration, and Fun In Kayla’s world, success is not just about achieving goals; it’s about embodying values that drive her every action. At the core of her approach lies a mantra grounded in the principles of hard work, collaboration, and fun. These guiding lights illuminate her path, shaping not only her professional endeavors but also her personal interactions and aspirations. With a tireless work ethic, Kayla embraces challenges head-on, viewing each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and innovation. Whether managing event logistics or brainstorming creative solutions with her team, she leads by example, demonstrating the importance of dedication and perseverance in achieving desired outcomes. Yet, Kayla understands that success is not a solitary pursuit. Collaboration is the cornerstone of her methodology, as she recognizes the collective strength that arises from pooling diverse

Chetan Bhagat Author, Writer, Speaker “Bridging Gaps Through Narration”   A writer is a human first. Like every other human being, writers go through changes in their lifetime. One such writer is Chetan Bhagat, who has shown his audience what evolution really stands for. The choice of his central themes, plots, and elements has drastically changed, but what has remained the same is his brilliant ability to connect even with those who are not avid readers. That’s something truly remarkable. In his early works, such as “Five Point Someone” and “One Night at the Call Center,” Bhagat showcased a rare talent for capturing the essence of contemporary urban Indian youth. Humor, romance, and relatable struggles. These three were the recurring themes that resonated strongly with hundreds of thousands of people across the country. Progress is something that has been wonderfully visible in Chetan’s writings. His later novels, like “2 States” and “Half Girlfriend,” showcased a maturation in his storytelling as he explored the complexities of relationships, cultural clashes, and societal expectations. While some critics argue that his work simplifies complex issues, Bhagat bravely brought a populist appeal that was never seen before in the history of Indian literature. His influence on the literary landscape lies in his ability to bridge the gap between mass entertainment and storytelling, sparking discussions on contemporary social dynamics and cultural shifts in the process. Honestly, a writer being capable enough to make people think and have conversations about it is truly something amazing. After all, reading is not always just for entertainment purposes. Chetan proves that through his work. Evoking Thoughts and Building Conversations Through the Factor of Relatability But there have been multitudes of writers; how come Chetan Bhagat has been able to establish this connection? His ability to connect with a diverse audience can be linked to several elements in his writing. Firstly, his skill lies in crafting relatable characters facing everyday challenges. Like any regular person traveling on a train to work. This makes his narratives accessible to a broad spectrum of readers. Chetan’s storytelling often dances around universal themes such as friendship and love, but what actually hits the spot and makes his readers ponder is the presence of societal expectations and cultural burdens in his stories. Having been acclaimed for their easy readability, Chetan’s novels play an important role in catering to a diverse readership. The success of Bhagat’s books can be attributed, in part, to this accessibility, as it breaks down barriers to entry for a wide range of readers, including those who may not typically explore traditional literature. By prioritizing readability, Bhagat has carved a niche in the literary landscape, fostering a larger and more diverse readership that appreciates the straightforward yet engaging nature of his storytelling. Resilience Amidst Criticism: Chetan Bhagat’s Firm Impact A creative professional in the public eye cannot always receive positive feedback. Especially writers, even if they’re best sellers. Chetan Bhagat, being a bestselling author, has met with a plethora of responses ranging from admiration to critique. In navigating these varied reactions, he has displayed resilience and a sharp understanding of the diverse tastes within his audience. Embracing both praise and criticism, he often acknowledges that his writing may not align with the preferences of literary purists but maintains a commitment to engaging a wider readership. That is indeed such a brave commitment, knowing that sometimes the critics are harsh, even though they’re fewer in number, as his works are widely loved and cherished. Chetan has immense significance in the Indian literary scene, and this intricately lies in his ability to democratize literature. By blending entertainment with social commentary, he has sparked meaningful conversations on contemporary issues that even reach audiences who may not typically engage with traditional or classic literary works. Chetan and his impact are undeniably substantial, as they continue to contribute to a literary landscape that accommodates diverse voices and reflects the evolving dynamics of modern India. This is something that is here to stay for a long time among the readers. Bhagat’s Approach as a Seasoned Writer As Chetan puts a lot of emphasis on character development in his novels, he, as a human, understands the crucial role it plays in establishing the reader’s interest. His storytelling thrives on creating relatable characters that showcase the aspirations, struggles, and dilemmas of contemporary Indian youth. By smartly shaping the personalities, backgrounds, and motivations of his relatable but unique characters, Chetan successfully adds a profound layer to his narratives, which allows his readers to establish emotional connections with the story. The very relatability of his characters transcends cultural and demographic boundaries. Chetan’s approach to character development enhances the authenticity of his storytelling while also serving as a vehicle for exploring relevant social issues. Readers love authenticity and sincerity more than anything. Chetan successfully carries that authenticity into his works. Through well-crafted characters, he navigates the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and personal growth, making his novels not just entertaining but also thought-provoking. The lack of perfect characters is also one of the many reasons why Chetan is such a celebrated author among the youth. Standing as the Hope of the Youth Chetan deals with serious issues and the complexities of relationships in his stories. But in the middle of all this seriousness, he takes the elements of humor equally seriously. It is such a distinctive and integral element in Chetan Bhagat’s narratives that it contributes significantly to the overall tone of his books. As a writer, he perfectly uses humor as a tool to engage his readers, infusing lighthearted feelings into the storytelling process. By incorporating wit and comedic elements, he not only entertains but also lightens the often weighty subjects he addresses. This approach strengthens the connection between the author and a diverse readership, making complex themes more accessible and relatable. His skill in balancing humor with serious social commentary allows him to navigate sensitive topics with a nuanced touch, encouraging readers to reflect on societal issues without feeling bored and/or