Personal Services Plus Consulting

Hey FB Family, my account has been hacked, please do not accept any friend requests from me. Especially from someone posing as Wendy Gladney II

We all must do our part to ensure we get out the vote and that all of us are educated on the issues and the people on the ballot. The New Townhouse La is proud to hold FREE open forms to the public on Wednesday nights from 6-8pm beginning September 11th. I am happy to join Roz Pennington, Emma Maxey, and Constance Anderson. For more information, call (323) 449-1246.

Ladies, I will be holding a seminar on "Reinvent & Reinvest in You!" on Saturday, October 12th (11am - 2pm) at the Hilton Los Angeles Culver City Hotel. Along with me, you will experience an amazing speaker/trainer by the name of Ron Williams; lunch will be served, and you will receive an amazing Swag Bag. This event is limited to 15 attendees and we are already halfway sold out. If you would like to attend and pay by August 1st you will receive a discount. Instead of $297, I am offering it to you for $250, but only until August 1st. If you have any questions or would like to register please call (951) 313-4732 or email [email protected].

Dear Community, let's stand with MLK Community Healthcare and Assemblymember Mike A. Gipson, 65th District in keeping all doors open at the hospital. We have to save maternity care at MLK Hospital! See the flyer below for all details on how to call Sacramento and let your voice be heard. Dyan Sublett Lauren Espy

Today I had the honor of being the keynote opening speaker for the California Health Information Association (CHiACON) 75th Anniversary Conference at the Westin Hotel in Palm Desert.

My husband, Ron Williams, and I had the pleasure of being the opening keynote trainers for the CSU Academic Resources Conference down in Palm Desert at the The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Villas. Thank you Robin, Shelby, Rebecca, and everyone that who made us feel welcomed! Great day.

I want to thank Mike Bhand and ShoutoutLA! for the article on why I started a business. Thank you to my nephew Jayce Baron for recommending me. Over 3 decades of entrepreneurship.

Meet Wendy Gladney | Coach, Consultant, Author and Speaker - SHOUTOUT LA We had the good fortune of connecting with Wendy Gladney...

Embracing a Gracious Lifestyle TM

Most of us are used to living a fast-paced lifestyle that we cannot keep up with. We try to get all we can, can all we get, and then eventually we just sit on the can because we are so tired to enjoy all the things, we worked so hard to accomplish. To have and enjoy the lifestyle we all desire and deserve we must start by understanding our meaning, message, and mission. For years I have talked about understanding one’s purpose to live out their best life. We can look to others as examples or as role models, but we must not compete or compare ourselves to the accomplishments and successes of others. Comparing will cause us to take our eyes off the ball for our own game plan and happiness. Also, we must be careful to respect and applaud the achievements of others and not become jealous or envious. Be genuinely happy for others so when your time comes others will be happy for you as well.

Embracing a gracious lifestyle is unique and special to every individual. What may be important or special to you may not carry the same meaning for someone else. One’s personal lifestyle is made up of a combination of internal and external factors. These factors shape our habits, behaviors, values, and choices. It is believed embracing a gracious lifestyle involves adopting behaviors and attributes that focus on being kind, generous, graceful, forgiving, discerning, dignified, and a level of refinement and sophistication. It involves learning who you really are and what makes you happy and fulfilled, while respecting others and their personal choices. Although things such as one’s culture, education, economic status, mindset, and possibly even geographical location are a few of the things that help determine our lifestyle preferences there are some components that are timeless and key to all of us in embracing a gracious lifestyle. One such factor is caring for all mankind.

There is also the idea of how nature versus nurture fits into the picture of what makes us content with our lives and feeling a level of peace. I grew up with my paternal side of the family and there are several family members that say I remind them of my grandmother, Mother Dear. I know I have many of her ways, and it brings me much joy when someone tells me that I act just like her. One of my grandmother’s gifts was her green thumb. She was a member of a local flower club, and she was very proud of her beautiful roses and various flowers in our yard. Although I do not have the gift of gardening, I remember running outside and picking the flowers and placing them in one of our jelly jars or pretty glasses and then putting it in the middle of our table when we had Sunday dinner. For me this was the beginning of me embracing a gracious lifestyle based on what I was exposed to and what was available to me.

Over the next few months, I will share various ideas that can help us understand more on what it means to embrace a gracious lifestyle and cultivating a mindset and approach to life that prioritizes kindness, generosity, elegance, and empathy in all our interactions and endeavors. In our own search for embracing a gracious lifestyle, we can also help add beauty to the lives of others through our actions and attitudes towards others. The process of figuring out what you really like, or what brings you true joy, is not necessarily a destination but rather a lifelong journey. Sometimes it takes a while before we understand what lifestyle we really want or need. I have learned the beauty and joy of being content, not complacent, but true contentment with the simple things of life. This brings me much joy. It is a growth process that can be fun if we embrace what each day may bring. Slow down a bit and learn to smell the roses.

Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on.

Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.

May we remember what today represents for all of us. Wishing everyone a thoughtful Good Friday that leads to a Risen Savior on Sunday morning.

What Needs Resurrecting in Your Life Top of Form

Thank you Lisa Wicker and Career Mastered for the nomination for Diversity Impact 50 and your Summit and Legends Ball that will be held in Detroit on May 15th & 16th.

We Must Endure to the End!

We are in challenging times where things seem to come at us from all directions. The recent torrential rainstorm we experienced here in California, brought water into our home from above and below the surface. Truthfully, my patience and nerves were tested. A little over a year ago there was a bout of bad rain and wind that devastated us when a ninety-foot tree that sat in a common area controlled by our Homeowners Association (HOA) fell and broke down our retaining wall, broke the railing on the upper deck of our home, and damaged and cracked open our ceiling. It also split the foundation in certain parts of our home. After our HOA refused to be responsible for the situation, we turned to our insurance company, and after they did what they felt was necessary, we still had close to $25,000 that came out of our pocket. Although we thought everything was fixed, this latest rainfall put us back to square one starting all over with repairs.

Home ownership is no joke. I constantly remind myself the value and joy of owning one's own home can bring, however, the upkeep is not for the faint of heart. Dealing with insurance companies, contractors, vendors, and everyone else is a job and we must be mindful this is a marathon and not a sprint. We must hold on and endure until the end. As I think about this current act of mother nature, of course when it rains and pours in one area of our lives, it seems like it comes down in other areas of our lives as well. As I write this article, we also had additional car troubles that caused us to have to put it back in the shop. When does it ever stop? I guess you could say life throws us curve balls that we have to constantly decide how we are going to deal with them and if we are going to let them get us down or are we going to swing back strong and not give up. Sometimes we are just being tested. We have what it takes to pass the test. Stay in the game.

One of my friends recently recommended a book to me that she read many years ago that had a profound effect on how she viewed life. The book is called, "A Woman of Substance." It is an old novel about a woman name Emma who rises from the trenches to achieve great success. There is another character in the book by the name of Blackie who Emma builds a strong relationship with that lasts throughout her lifetime. At the end of the story, Blackie asks Emma, "have you discovered anything special in your life that you would like to impart?" Emma responded and said she believed the secret to life is to endure. I think she is right, but to endure we must have the right tools and skills to help us make it through the tough times. We must ask ourselves if we have the right tools and attitude to not give up but to also stay strong when the going gets rough?

There are various references that can help us stay strong when we want to give up. One of my favorite bible verses on endurance is, Colossians 1:11, "God will strengthen you with His own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but your patience will be tested." One thing life has taught me is that when the going gets tough, the tough get going. Always remember the darkest of nights can produce the brightest of days. Make it your choice and decision that no matter what comes your way you will never give up and you will endure to the end. The journey may seem a bit lonely, but remember you are never alone.


Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on.

Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.

Black Love is in the Air!

February is the month we celebrate love and Black History Month. I love black love. I am of mixed heritage, and I am proud of my entire cultural heritage, but I identify as a Black Woman. Black love can be a beautiful thing. Black love can be described as the affection, partnership, and commitment between individuals within the Black community. It encompasses the unique historical experiences we share and have survived. It reveals our resilience, solidarity, and support of one another and our community. As we celebrate Black History Month let us not forget the sacrifices of our ancestors and the love, they expect us to extend towards one another.

Black love and encouraging it is important for many reasons. It helps promote self-love and the love of our community. We come from a long line of strong people who have survived so many challenges and have developed a powerful cultural heritage. When we stand together and support one another there is nothing we cannot do. Knowing who we are and our strengths, we can build strong families, communities, and businesses. Together we can fight systemic issues that affect our families and communities in ways that no one else can do. By supporting one another we can keep our history and stories alive.

Appreciating Black Love starts at home. My paternal grandmother, Rebecca Ruth Reed Harris, also known as, Mother Dear, raised me to be proud of who I am and to always do my best. She was born and raised in the South and is the first generation born free. Her father was born into slavery in 1861 and was freed in 1865 when word finally got to Texas regarding the Emancipation Proclamation. While I was in college at UCLA, one of my professors, Beverly Robinson, taught us to be proud of our ancestors and our history. In her class, I wrote a piece on my grandmother and shared not only her history but also the stories she shared with me about her childhood and parents. That paper became the impetus for me to get involved with researching our family history and sharing it with others.

Black love is liberating because once we accept ourselves and our community, we can begin the process of helping others. Our community has historical traumas. It is critical that we love one another if we are going to move forward and for the hope of future generations. Love can be a powerful thing. It can inspire, uplift, and transform our lives. When we love ourselves and others it opens the door for situations such as forgiveness. When we extend love, it can serve as a bridge to bring people together and to help us mend fences and connect people at the core. When we truly have love in our hearts, we are kind and generous, and it fosters rebuilding relationships.

True love also demands we respect ourselves and how we portray ourselves in the community. We must move away from negative stereotypes, Black on Black crime, and pulling each other down. We can direct the narrative by sharing all the positives in our community such as Black love, Black businesses, and Black literature, and when one of our own excels be happy for them and support them in the work they are doing. In the end, there is nothing like Black love and feeling appreciated and cared for. This month take a step in showing love not only to others in our community but also to all humanity.

Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on.

Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.

It was beautiful to attend the Pan African Film Festival to support Pamela Bright-Moon and her film “Respect My Crown.” The history of Black Women and California politics. So many came out to support Holly J. Mitchell, Heather Hutt, Glenda Gill, Jasmyne Cannick, Lorna Little, Kellie Todd and the CA Black Women's Collective, Kandee Lewis and so many more.

Are You Leaving Your Brand to Happenstance?

Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and small nonprofits have a lot on their shoulders to help make sure they run a successful and productive business. There are so many components that must be attended to daily to keep things running, one of the last things we want to spend time, energy, and money on is how we are doing with our branding. However, our branding and how we come across to the public is very important. It is oftentimes the first impression someone has on who we are, what we do, and how efficient we may be. It could play a role in helping them decide if we are who they are looking for and need. We cannot leave our brand to happenstance.

One of the queens when it comes to branding is Martha Stewart. She has branded, rebranded, and branded again based on her circumstances and what she is trying to convey. Martha started her brand by being the expert on entertaining, which included catering, décor, and lifestyle living. She was able to market her brand through her magazine, television show, and other sorts of advertising. Remember, marketing and advertising are not your brand, they are just a tool to express and expand your brand. Martha was considered the go-to in the white upper-crust world (we looked to B. Smith). Eventually, her brand changed to the everyday person who shopped at Kmart, and then eventually she ended up in prison. She did not let this get her down, when she was released from prison, she rebranded herself and now she is on top of things with a restaurant in Las Vegas, wine distribution, and a friend named Snoop Dogg.

Martha learned how to use every situation to enhance and advance her brand based on where she was at the time. The key is understanding your audience and what you have to offer. We all may have to learn how to pivot and adjust with the times, as long as we never lose the core of what we do and what we are offering. Just like Martha, we must define what is unique about us and what sets us apart from others who are in the same industry. Why you? Are you able to tell your story in a compelling way that not only attracts your audience but also speaks their language? Make sure you are authentic and consistent in your branding across all platforms which means your website, social media, marketing, and advertising campaigns. People need to see things the same way several times before it resonates with them what you do and who you are. Make sure you take advantage of various networking opportunities as well.

I have been an entrepreneur for over three decades and one of the things I try to practice with my business and branding is finding how I can help others or be of service first. Make sure people know that you care about their success just as much as you care about yours. When they truly believe you are genuine, they will make more effort to see how they can support you and your business. By implementing these strategies and consistently reinforcing your brand message, you can differentiate yourself in the marketplace and position yourself for success in your career or business endeavors. Over the years my branding has also opened opportunities for me to be a speaker and columnist, and I am often asked to be a guest on several radio programs. The same can happen to you. Do not leave your success to happenstance.

Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on.

Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.

All of us from Forgiving For Living want to thank Trisha Muse and Crystal Willams for coming and visiting us at the Boys & Girls Club in Watts/Willowbrook. Your presence lets us know we matter. We appreciate you.

Cancer May Have Brought Down a King, But it Won't Kill the Dream

By now we have all heard about the passing of Dexter, the son of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King. He passed away at the young age of 62 from battling prostate cancer. He leaves behind a wife, sister Bernice, and brother Martin III. He was preceded in death by both his parents and his sister Yolanda. Years ago, I ran into Dexter in the lobby of the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Interestingly, at the time I was the event manager for King Week for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles (SCLC-GLA) and I had my event binder in my hand. When I saw him, I said hello to Mr. King and he asked if we knew one another and I said no, but of course, I know who you are. He smiled and then noticed his father's image on the cover of my binder, I explained who I was and that I had a meeting at the hotel that day regarding keeping the memory and work of his father alive.

Later that afternoon he stopped back by where I was meeting, and he asked if when I finished I would be interested in grabbing dinner together. After learning that we had a couple of friends in common, I said that would be nice. He asked if I liked Thai food and that he knew of a nice quaint Thai restaurant nearby. He appeared to have healthy eating habits, but the battle he faced with prostate cancer was probably something battling him for many years. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 300,000 new cases are diagnosed per year. There have been men in my family who have also dealt with prostate cancer. Some have survived and thrived while others were taken over by the disease and did not make it.

Studies show that we do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer, but it is said that African American men are at higher risk of getting it. In its early stages there may not be any real symptoms, but as it progresses it may become difficult to urinate, there may be blood in your urine, and you may experience pain in various areas of your body. It is important to get regular checkups and if there has been a history of any type of cancer in your family you should request being screened specifically for prostate cancer as you get older. It is not uncommon that we get regular colon cancer screening and screening for breast cancer, men should be screened regularly for prostate cancer as well.

Treatment for prostate cancer differs based on when it is detected and the overall health of the individual. It is important to develop healthy lifestyle habits, keep your weight down, avoid to***co, and of course be diligent about seeing your doctor on a regular basis. Make annual checkups with your doctor part of your life. Although some things may not be preventable, the sooner we become aware of what is happening in our bodies the better chance we have of fighting it and living a longer and more productive life.

Dexter King lived a productive life and although he died a relatively young man, I think 62 is young, he did his best to not only keep the work and dream of his parents alive, but he also in his own right was known as an American civil and animal rights activist. During his lifetime he also served as the Chairman of The Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social Change and explored other interests. He is now rejoined with his sister, mother, father, and the ancestors that have gone on before him. Rest in Power Dexter. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet you and sit down at the table and break bread.

Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on.

Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.