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Speech Transcript (very little editing so not exact)

Unknown Speaker  0:13  

Time To Shine Today varsity squad. This is Scott Ferguson and I got my awesome sauce friend, Mary-Lyn Harris from heart at work and that’s he ate our tea at the at sign work. And she’s just some of that is phenomenal. And she joined us here in Episode 246. And really dropped some serious knowledge nuggets, and being really an advocate or a coach or consultant that really stands for justice and creating the ripple effects to make a difference in people’s lives. So break out your notebooks. I have pages of notes here to see what comes to my really good friend Mary Lynn Harris from heart at work. Let’s level up.

Unknown Speaker  0:58  

Time to shine today podcast versus squad, Scott Ferguson, my beautiful beautiful Marilyn Harris over there on the left. She is the chief kindness officer at heart at work Delivering Happiness. What’s important to Miss Mary Lynn is that making a difference? Ma D. That’s what it’s all about her is making a difference such a Go Giver, she found it hard at work to help leaders that and by the way, let me back up. It’s hard with the at sign like if you’re doing an email heart at work, and she developed that and founded it to help leaders to adopt kindness and their business as an investment to create higher performing organizations. Mary Lynn works with individuals ready to address and conquer feelings of inadequacy, insecurity and overwhelm. She successfully coached over 200 people which I’m sure it’s even more than that now. Through accountability groups, individual coaching sessions and workshops to help them create their own compelling vision of a happier future. And Marilyn, thank you so much for coming on. Please introduce yourself the time to shine today podcast varsity squad. But first, what’s your favorite color? And why Think Tank wise

Unknown Speaker  2:05  

to power color?

Unknown Speaker  2:06  

Yes, it is especially on you. It’s in your color wheel. And I’m sure that you knew where you rock it. Is that little pink in your hair? Just a little bit?

Unknown Speaker  2:15  

Uh, yeah, I guess you could.

Unknown Speaker  2:18  

Let’s get to the origins of heart at work. Like I want to hear maybe a little story that you had that kind of brought you up to that and leveled up and how you’re helping so many people in need level up.

Unknown Speaker  2:28  

Right, right. Well, I guess I started it because I had plenty of awful bosses like most of us have had at one time. And I was doing some brainstorming with my cohorts. And I came up with the name of hard at work rather than kindness at work, because hard at work would just help me broaden the perspective of services I can offer rather than that work.

Unknown Speaker  2:54  

Love it in what was the what made that click though, like what happened in your life to say, Listen, I’m going to start helping people

Unknown Speaker  3:03  

to move I’ve always I’ve always helped people my mother taught me all the time or US children all about caring for others first, know yourself. And now I realize this care for yourself first before others. But you know, I’ve always been the helping perfect person and always willing to want to make a difference. And so that’s my, my stand, you know, to help other people.

Unknown Speaker  3:28  

I love that. Marilyn, that’s very transparent and authentic, which I frickin love to hear that. So are you more of a coach or consultant?

Unknown Speaker  3:37  

Oh, I more like to say I’m an advocate and advocate for people advocate for employees advocate for even executives, you know, because they’ve challenged Tom, there are many decisions to make, and they’re challenged, but at the same time, we all need to be there for each other. Sure. Otherwise, what’s the point?

Unknown Speaker  3:57  

Yeah, community is key. You know, you have to like building community in. And I’m not going to get on a soapbox soapbox right now, but like what’s going on? A lot of times these days, it’s like a lot of pulling apart. We really need that community community and you’re part of that glue that keeps it together. So then what do you think makes a great advocate in what you’re doing?

Unknown Speaker  4:17  

As somebody that’s willing to take a stand and just say, you know, justice, you know, justice for all? Yes, you know, or just take a stand and just say, okay, my stand is bringing more kindness into the workplace, and how do I do that? There’s several ways I can do that. Or it might be about right now my thing is about helping people to distress you know, because we’re all under so much stress. So I want to help you de stress so you can be a better person, for somebody else and yourself. Right?

Unknown Speaker  4:50  

Absolutely. So if I’m out at a networking group here in South Florida, we’re able to do and and talk and you know, press and flash and meeting people what we I like I like to talk to people one on one of these groups. Okay. And I love to network. And so what is someone saying to me that would make them a great introduction, prospect or possible future client for you?

Unknown Speaker  5:14  

Really, I’m trying to work at going after employee groups that are 25 or less employees. Okay, he said, 24 or less employees, because then I can actually work with each individual employee help them to distress. And I can also offer a program like an EAP program similar to that idea. to employers, right? Sure. So often, employees don’t take advantage of those programs. So why why is that? Why is that if you can help get some help to distress? Why wouldn’t you reach out for help?

Unknown Speaker  5:50  

Sure. Yeah. So you think it’s ego?

Unknown Speaker  5:55  

Oh, ah, they’re just say that they don’t trust the Employer Services or whatever. But you know, with a service like that, nothing goes back to the employer stays confidential, confidential between the myself or whoever else is going to be doing the coaching, consulting, counseling that that person like, it was just me, it stays with me. It doesn’t go anywhere. Sure. Yeah,

Unknown Speaker  6:20  

absolutely. Absolutely. So let’s say you’re working with somebody one on one, the start, we’re in the discovery period, they’re coming into you. If you don’t mind sharing a little bit of your secret sauce, it’s helping them to find their blind spot.

Unknown Speaker  6:37  

I really, I just have to find out from them. Why is it that they’re having a problem? And sometimes it could be that they don’t have anybody to talk to? Hmm. So I offer a service that helps them, they can take come and join me. And I’ll just let them vent, let them talk for half an hour, I won’t say a thing. I’ll just let them talk. Because so often, we’re stressed because we don’t our friends don’t want to hear from us anymore. Right? You know, and so I know our boss doesn’t want to hear right, and our coworkers don’t want to hear it. So why not have somebody that you can just sit and vent with. And then work from there. You can say, okay, let’s build up some strategies to help you stay distressed. And then from there, from there, let’s then I have another program that’s called Mental Health Fitness. And it’s a challenge for you for 30 days to do. Little things I’ve prepared for you to do for 30 days to help you de stress. Oh, wow. So I have that. And then I have the venting program where you can just come and sit and sit with me and vented, you know, fed out whatever it is,

Unknown Speaker  7:48  

isn’t it just crazy that they will do that with basically a complete stranger? Right. But I think a lot of it comes down, I have that with my clients that I coach, right? To where they’ll tell me stuff. They wouldn’t tell anybody because there’s like, trust and respect that runs hand in hand. Like if you were to come over. And you and I know each other Maryland, like you know, you were to come over with a friend, I would hop up and say, you know, do you want a beer or want a glass of wine? And what is your fine wine? Right? Yeah. But if you were to come over by yourself, walk in the door and be like, hey, Fergie got a beer. But like, Marilyn, you know where the fridge is? Right? Don’t, don’t do so. But people will open up. And that’s fantastic. You’re so easy to open up to I love that. I love it. So when you’re maybe in this discovery period, Mary Lynn, is there any good question that you wish they would ask you, but never do?

Unknown Speaker  8:43  

Oh, they always asked me how to get started. And that’s, you know, get started what I was doing. And you know, I could share my story. But at the same time, I guess I just asked, you know if they have any questions, I’m open to any question anything.

Unknown Speaker  8:57  

Got it?

Unknown Speaker  8:58  

I mean, I mean, I don’t really have anything to decide if it’s too personal. I will tell him I pickets too first. But on a professional level, you can pretty much ask me any questions. I love it. I love it.

Unknown Speaker  9:13  

Is there just been any session that you’ve started to work with somebody where you just couldn’t help them?

Unknown Speaker  9:21  

Yeah, I’ve had. I’ve worked with a gal she has PTSD. And those are the other people I’ve really liked to work with as well. And I was doing a session with her and she just I was doing some hypnosis actually with her. And she was just not really getting it. So then, you know, you also have to be willing to explore other avenues than what you’ve normally done. Right? So we did a second section session with her and she really got a little bit more out of it. So sometimes it’s just more than one time or you know, obviously it’s going to take More than one time to do whatever. Absolutely correct. Yes. So but, um, but then she found somebody else that can really, really help her and I’m happy for her. Because, you know, we all don’t resonate with the same people all the time, right?

Unknown Speaker  10:14  

Love that you’re saying this because you’re not always right horse for the course. That’s what we say ocean right? So then you get with somebody else I love that love, love. Love that. So Marilyn, let me ask you something. Have you seen the movie Back to the Future? No, no. Okay, so this guy that goes back in time. And he had a DeLorean it was with Michael J. Fox. Isn’t that 80s. But let’s get in to a time machine. Let’s go back to the 20 to 23 year old Mary Lynn. What kind of knowledge nuggets so we are advice? What kind of knowledge nuggets are you dropping on her to maybe help her level up last through maybe shorten that learning curve? Just a little bit?

Unknown Speaker  10:55  

Wow, well, in my 20s, I was making up for my times in my teens. So I don’t really have anything other than probably just to remind her that she is loved and she doesn’t have to do anything to make herself worthy or sure she isn’t enough who she is. I love that she doesn’t have to run, run or prove herself or try to get approval because she’s already got enough.

Unknown Speaker  11:22  

I love that I love authentic and worthy. That’s beautiful. So how do you want your dash? Remember that little line in between your incarnation date your death day expiration day life date and death date on your tombstone? Which hopefully it’s far away. But how do you want that dash remembered?

Unknown Speaker  11:39  

Well, it’s really about creating the impactful legacy, leaving an impactful legacy that that’s really what it is in between. And so hopefully that whatever I do I make a difference or just for one person. You know, that’s it make a difference for one person that ripples out to about 10 people. Yes. Oh, staple that ripples out. So

Unknown Speaker  11:59  

sorry, I’m sorry to say your impact is huge. So it’s not just one part. I know that you know, what I love about you is that we think on the same lines where you know, I coach my clients inch by inch, it’s by the yard, it’s hard. You know, you do the Baby Steps, slow your roll, slowly roll down the sun. Imagine the impact that each one of you just said you went back one person, they can ripple to 1020 Hundreds. Thank you for saying that. I love it. So then what keeps Mary Lynn up at night?

Unknown Speaker  12:28  

Huh? Just thinking of all the things I gotta do. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, that’s it. Yeah. I mean, I have a great life. Really, I’m quite happy. It’s just you know, I’m building other empires, right. So sure. Thinking about okay, I got to get this done. I got to get back.

Unknown Speaker  12:49  

That’s what I was looking for. I love that. So that that stuff does kind of keep you up. Everyone. I know it does me. You know, I know it does. Absolutely. Okay. Okay, so what do you think people misunderstand the most about Marilyn? Hmm.

Unknown Speaker  13:08  

I don’t know if anybody does. Um, what do they misunderstand about me? I don’t know. I haven’t have an answer for

Unknown Speaker  13:17  

that. That’s okay. I love this. It’s funny. People sit there and you don’t feel I love it. I love it. This is awesome hair now. So if you weren’t doing what you do right now, what other options do you think could be out there what you would be doing? Oh, I have

Unknown Speaker  13:35  

lots of options. But I prefer to be an entrepreneur and I prefer to be out and making a difference in people’s lives.

Unknown Speaker  13:46  

Okay, let’s ask it this way. When you’re asked when you were a child, what do you want to do what you say?

Unknown Speaker  13:52  

I want to be a psychologist. Really? Yeah. Because I couldn’t believe I was bullied a lot as a kid. And I went, I lie in bed and think why do people have to be so mean? So I figured if I was ecologist, I can figure it out. Right? You know, I don’t have to be a psychologist to figure it out. It’s just because they’re hurting too. And probably somebody doesn’t spend enough time with them.

Unknown Speaker  14:16  

All right. It goes right back to your community. What you said about being and having people around that’s that’s beautiful. So tell me one thing in life that’s really blown your mind? And don’t tell me you don’t have an answer. Come on.

Unknown Speaker  14:31  

Um, I guess just from experience I had where I was totally burnt out in my career. I was doing marketing. I was burnt out and tired of pushing and pushing and I didn’t know what else to do. So I don’t know I probably shared this my note to you, but I just basically surrendered for 30 days.

Unknown Speaker  14:53  

Because like us 30 days sabbatical in a sense.

Unknown Speaker  14:56  

Yeah, I guess I just surrendered. I walked around and surrendered. And I would call a friend of mine because she suggested I do this, I would call her public 10 times today, I don’t think I can do this. And she would say, Marianne, you’re doing really good. And then she’d hang up. And then I would call her half an hour later, you know, I just can’t do this. And she says, You’re doing fine. Just take some deep breaths you’ll be okay. So after the, after the 30 days, I would sit there and say, Okay, God, I’ve been sitting here surrendering for 30 days, please help me get out of this. I don’t know what to do. I like you know, just because I’ve always been the doing machine right? Being the machine. And so, um, you know, God, God, source whatever said, kindness, kindness, what the hell is kindness, you know, like, and, and that was like, kindness conference or something like that. And I’m like, What the hell is that? I know, nevermind, nevermind, I said I would do anything. So I just finished my fourth virtual three day kindness conference last week. So I’m, I’m still doing them. Because really, it’s, it’s an opportunity for other people to come on the show, just like a podcast on a three day podcast, podcast fast, if you will. Just people to share their message about how to be kinder to themselves.

Unknown Speaker  16:24  

Oh, well, you came up with that during that. 38. We’ll call it a sabbatical. Yeah, you call us about would you call surrendering? Right?

Unknown Speaker  16:32  

Just surrendering? Just, I mean, sure, actually, for somebody that’s always a doing machine to stop, only stop and not do anything for 30 days. So you know, okay, I did my walks. And I of course I ate but you know, I didn’t wasn’t on the computer. I wasn’t doing anything, not on the phone not doing anything. I’m just, you know, reading or walking,

Unknown Speaker  16:56  

that I love it that you had somebody that you trusted to tell you to do that. That is that is key. My coaches, mentors, wherever you want to call them tell me to do it all. I take a daily sabbatical for 20 minutes period. Luckily, I have this thing called the Atlantic Ocean. I just walked right out of my back door too. So but that’s I need it. Now. It’s almost like a drug to me. Because I come back thinking. I’m like laser focused and ready to go. So that’s great advice. So let’s take out of this equation in this question. Let’s take out of the equation are cell phones, tablets, computers, anything? electronical Mary Lynn, what are three things Mary Lynn cannot live without?

Unknown Speaker  17:37  

Probably my laptop?

Unknown Speaker  17:38  

Nope. We got to take it out. Get rid of that shit. Come on. Okay, what are three things you can’t live without?

Unknown Speaker  17:46  

I guess just you know, going for walks and just being happy and grateful gratitude. Just you know, meditating. Okay. Yeah, meditating, walking, socializing or hanging out

Unknown Speaker  18:02  

your community. Again, it came right back to that number one thing. Oh, love. Love that. So, Marilyn, let me ask you, what do you what is your definition of a life well lived?

Unknown Speaker  18:13  

A definition well loved. I think just, you know, just keep saying yes. You know, opportunities come to us sometimes, and we don’t really see it and then go one day we recognize it. We just like, oh my god, I’m just gonna run with it. I don’t know where it’s gonna go. But I’m gonna just take it. Because, you know, I sort of like, I think I said, I’m the Virgin owner can’t remember Richard Branson. Yeah, yeah. Richard Branson. He just says, say yes. And figure it out. Yeah. I think that’s basically what I think is that people should just say yes, and figure it out along the way.

Unknown Speaker  18:51  

Do you watch movies at all? Son? Okay. You have to watch the movie. Yes, man. If you haven’t seen it before, I’ve seen that. One of the best movies I have my clients watch it. You know that I coach. I’m like in there like really? I’m like, Just trust me, please. I don’t like Jim Carrey. Trust me.

Unknown Speaker  19:11  

I love Jim Carrey. It

Unknown Speaker  19:12  

was an amazing movie. That’s the premise behind it cuz he was saying yes to everything. Finally, the guy’s like dude, not to say yes to everything but be open stop. That’s awesome. Time to shine did a podcast versity spot we are back with my good friend Mary Lynn Harris from hard at work. In Maryland. We have a leveling up lighting I knew and I could talk 1520 minutes about each one of these questions. Yeah, you and I got five five seconds to answer with no explanations and they all can be answered in five seconds. Okay, rock. Okay. Here we go. Marilyn what is the best leveling up advice you’ve ever received?

Unknown Speaker  19:52  

A nice

Unknown Speaker  19:53  

look. I’m sure one of your personal habits you contribute to your success.

Unknown Speaker  19:58  

Meditation. Yes.

Unknown Speaker  20:01  

You see me walking down the street? You know, you’re kind of like Fergie looks like he’s in his doldrums a little bit. What book? Would you hand me?

Unknown Speaker  20:10  

I would hand you the Four Agreements.

Unknown Speaker  20:12  

Yes. Yes. Damn. I love it. Love it. Love it. What’s your most commonly used emoji when you text? Heart? Yeah. chess or checkers?

Unknown Speaker  20:24  

Checkers. Alright, my,

Unknown Speaker  20:26  

my kind of girl here. What is who has had the most profound impact on your life? Yeah. Yay. You’re living in the presence? Yes. I love it. I love it. What’s your favorite charity and organization like to give your time or money to?

Unknown Speaker  20:45  

Right now my big passion is for the unhoused to help them. Yeah.

Unknown Speaker  20:50  

Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you. Last question. You can elaborate a little bit on this one. I’ve been looking forward to your answer here on this. But what is the best decade of music? 6070s 80s or 90s 7080s?

Unknown Speaker  21:05  

Yeah, there’s my girl. And you need you can hang out anytime I look. So how can we find you, Marilyn, I

Unknown Speaker  21:12  

you can find me on my website, or you can call me or you can email me. So all

Unknown Speaker  21:19  

of that will be in the show notes. Yeah. Yeah, yep, I’ll put those in the show notes squat. And her website is hard at work online.org. And that’s actually spelled out at H E AR T and then at work online, that org. And that will be in our show notes as well. And I think that there’s people out there that are listening right now that can have the could benefit from introduction to my really good friend, Mary Lynn. And basically, she’s going to help you get over some of the things that might be blocking you from succeeding not so much monetarily, but maybe just internally as well. You know, she reminds us that Marilyn reminds the community is key, you know, and to make sure that you’re taking a stand for what you feel is right, and justice for all and actually know what you’re standing for. Don’t just stand and be sheep because other people are B stand for what something that you are very passionate about. You know, if you have a company out there that has 2425 or less employees, you want some really good individual attention to help those employees level up and blast through and things that might be blocking them, please let me make a warm introduction to my really good friend, Mary Lynn. You know, she’ll help you find your why in those feelings, do powerful questions, and one on ones that she’s going to ask for you like I’m sitting here talking to her and it just feels like I’ve known her forever. And that’s the way she’s gonna make you feel you know, she’s gonna, if you’re younger, even if you’re not younger and just restarting You are loved. There are people out there that love you and that do want to help you. So get your asking gear and ask for the help where needed, you know, she’s somebody that’s gonna leave in create and leave and impacted legacy of service on people. And that she already has started to do that in she wants you to make sure that you’re taking sabbaticals we should. She surrendered for 30 days. And what she came back with just helped people level up, I want you to do it every day, at least for 20 minutes to really clear your mind. And she said that she does it through meditation a lot on a daily basis. And then also just be nice. That’s what she says Be nice. And Mary Lynn is such a pleasure to have you level up your health. You level up your wealth. You’re, you’re humble yet you’re hungry, and I’m so blessed to have you on and I can’t wait to collaborate with you in the future.

Unknown Speaker  23:32  

Yes, great. Thank you very much for being on the show inviting me. Thank you. Welcome,

Unknown Speaker  23:36  

love. I’ll talk soon.

Unknown Speaker  23:38  

Thank you.

Unknown Speaker  23:39  

Hey, thanks so much for listening to this episode of time to shine today podcast. proudly brought to you by Sutter in New Jersey real estate real estate excellence who can be reached at 561-249-7266 and online at www dot Sutter in nugent.com. If you’re a business owner or professional who would like to be interviewed on time to shine today, please visit time to shine today.com Flash gust. If you liked this episode, please subscribe on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, I Heart Radio or wherever you get your podcasts. There’s a link in the show notes to our website. Also there you will see a recommended resources. We hope that you will support our show by supporting them. If you like what you’ve been listening to, it’d be great if you could just give us a five star rating and tell your friends to subscribe while you’re at it. I’m your host Scott Ferguson. And until next time, let’s level up it’s our time to shine

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