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Are You #FakingIt or #KeepingItReal at Work?

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There’s something to be said about positive thinking in the workplace, and it’s popular to find a work environment that advocates positivity. Of course, there’s no denying the impact of a positive mindset on work-life, but is it the only way to go?

It’s debatable if faking being happy at work can impact your productivity, but there’s much to be said about toxic work culture that negatively affects your physical and mental life.

In Samantha Quick’s article titled, “Stop Faking It Until You Make It,” she shares her story and spreads awareness about the toxicity of work culture in the present times.

Should you fake being happy at work?

Samantha recounts how she became a leader at the young age of just 21. Looking back, Samantha realizes how she needed to be at convincing herself and others around her that she was happy with her job as the Resident Director when she was at the Pratt Institute for Communication Design.

From being ecstatic about her role as a leader for the first time, her unwavering positive mindset about her field of work at the time is what she describes as her first time faking it at work. While she was initially happy about joining the workforce, when she got an unexpected call from her boss informing her of a student who had died by suicide on what was to be her first day of work broke her in so many ways she no longer found happiness at her job.

However, she put on a brave face and faced every day like she could handle everything that life threw her way. Like Samantha, most people feel the need to look tough and confident even when that’s not the reality. There’s an overwhelming pressure to fake your feelings and emotions, especially in a working environment where they say one person’s mood can affect the rest of the team. And no one wants to be the cause of distress, so you take the high road and fake being happy, confident, and satisfied when you don’t want anything to do with the job.

People do this not out of the intention of faking it at work but as a manifestation of blind optimism. This blind optimism also led Samantha to panic every time the phone rang because she never truly moved on from that first initial phone call from her boss.

To top it off, her position as a leader didn’t make it easier, and it made her harder on herself because she was to take the lead on projects and guide a whole team while targeting maximum productivity.

Why are people not keeping it real at the workplace?

Many people go through this dilemma. It’s tough for people in power to show vulnerability because you don’t want to seem like you’re not fit for the job. Everyone wants to be treated with respect, which forces people to create a web of lies they tell themselves, like “this is my dream job” and “I’m happy where I am.”

There are so many books, videos, talk shows, and podcasts about authentic leadership and how to be successful. But none of these will make you feel okay with your position until you start to keep it real.

There’s intense pressure for many people regarding their work-life; they need to be mentally strong, vigilant, productive and spread positivity within the workspace. Of course, there’s no denying that these thoughts are good for business, but is it perfect for your mental well-being?

Why is it so essential to hustle?

Slogans like “Too inspired to be tired!” and “Work for it more than you hope for it” were created to motivate people. Still, it harms the work culture because now people are forced to fake being happy, motivated, and satisfied with their jobs.

If the 2020 pandemic has taught us anything, many people will suffer from mental unrest regarding productivity guilt. As a society, we’ve been pruned and molded only to think positive thoughts and always give our best because that’s the work culture that everyone is forced to instill. Yet, when everything was toppled upside down because of the pandemic, people started feeling extremely stressed out for not doing enough and disappointed in themselves for not reaching their potential.

On the other hand, another section of the population felt at ease and happy with all their responsibilities lowered. Without commuting to a place they dreaded and sitting at a desk they didn’t like or being in an environment that gave them extreme stress, they experienced a satisfying sense of relief.

Where does the pressure come from?

The pressure that social media is putting out to be the best of the best in every situation isn’t helping the matter at all. Everyone is posting about all the fun things they are doing with their lives, creating the persona of the ideal life, which supposedly can only come from hard work and hustle. This makes the idea in the audience’s minds that they’re not doing enough and need to push themselves to reach multiple goals, which are sometimes unrealistic.

This is what we mean by productivity guilt. People are dragging their mental and physical health through the dirt to get validation from people they don’t know.

Samantha recounts when she hit her lowest, working multiple full-time jobs, freelancing, and contracting simultaneously. She was living the life of the #girlboss that everyone was striving for, and it was all happening for her until her body decided it was enough and shut down. Even then, she chose to keep faking it and went to work every day because she feared being looked down upon for taking sick leaves.

Such is the toxicity of living a fake happy work life. You show everyone your best traits and work tirelessly because you feel the burden of your responsibility in inspiring someone and motivating your colleagues. But you’re not the person they see at the end of the day, so you’re still drowning in all your stress and anxiety. Perhaps, the fake life you portray to your colleagues could put them under pressure; to be as “perfect” as you are and set off the cycle of productivity guilt and never being enough.

Closing Thoughts:

There’s an alarming rise in the need for validation among many youngsters, killing their mental health. The constant need to be busy and feeling guilty for the 5 minutes of downtime you take cause concern.

Until Samantha finally experienced burnout, she never stopped faking it. And through her article, she has shed light on a very significant problem within the society that everyone shares at some point but never talks about. Her changed mindset on the #girlboss culture is an inspiring story to help change the way people look at the hustle culture.

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Business

The Rebel Spirit Behind Premium Accessories Brand Coldfire

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Coldfire

Speaking with Todor Georgiev, founder of premium accessories brand Coldfire, you quickly sense his deep connection to leather craftsmanship. With more than two decades of experience creating leather goods for the world’s most prestigious luxury brands, he now helms his own venture that’s quietly disrupting the premium accessories market.

“You know, sometimes the biggest decisions come from the smallest moments of clarity,” Georgiev reflects. “For me, that clarity came during a 10,000-kilometer motorcycle journey across Europe. Twenty years of watching mass production diminish true craftsmanship… well, something had to give.”

His voice carries particular warmth when discussing his Ducati Diavel motorcycle, which became more than just transportation – it became the very essence of his brand. “People often ask about the name ‘Coldfire,'” he says. “Look at the Diavel. It’s cold, mechanical precision merged with fiery, raw power. That’s exactly what we wanted to create: strength married to elegance.”

When asked about his transition from craftsman to founder, Georgiev lets out a genuine laugh. “Honestly? It wasn’t nearly as dramatic as people imagine. The technical skills were there, sure, but the vision – that was the tricky part. I wanted to create something that would stand as a rebellion against this throwaway culture we’ve created.”

That vision materialized in 2015 when Coldfire launched in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, a city whose 7,000-year history provides a fitting backdrop for a brand that bridges ancient craft with modern innovation. “There’s something poetic about it,” Georgiev notes. “This city has survived and evolved for millennia. We built Coldfire with the same principle – to create products that don’t just survive, but evolve with their owners.”

The Coldfire workshop serves as both production facility and innovation lab, where Georgiev and his team craft wallets, belts, and bags across six distinct collections: GT Rebel, Snake Eye, Titan Grip, Fusion, Midnight Party, and Tactical Elegance. Each piece represents a marriage between traditional leather-working techniques and cutting-edge materials.

Coldfire’s StrikePro Bifold Wallet

“Take our StrikeCore wallet,” Georgiev explains. “The carbon fiber provides incredible strength while keeping it slim. The kangaroo leather is naturally water-resistant and virtually fireproof. These aren’t just luxury materials – they’re functional innovations.”

His technical expertise shines through as he describes their material selection process. “Every component undergoes rigorous testing. We partner with the world’s leading material producers because, well, compromise isn’t in our vocabulary.”

This uncompromising approach extends to their design philosophy. Each Coldfire piece features built-in RFID protection and minimalist design that appeals to both corporate executives and adventure enthusiasts. “Our customers don’t want to choose between durability and elegance,” Georgiev says. “Why should they?”

Follow Coldfire’s journey on Facebook and Instagram to witness their commitment to craftsmanship firsthand. Their social media presence offers an intimate look into their new and existing products, though Georgiev admits with characteristic humor that he still prefers the feel of leather to the touch of a smartphone screen.

“Every piece we create is a rebellion against the ordinary,” he reflects. “That’s what Coldfire is about – challenging conventions and creating something truly extraordinary.”

The brand’s latest collections exemplify this philosophy. The Snake Eye collection showcases innovative pattern work that catches light in unexpected ways, while the Tactical Elegance line demonstrates how utilitarian features can coexist with sophisticated design. The Midnight Party collection, their newest addition, brings a bold edge to evening accessories without sacrificing the durability that has become Coldfire’s hallmark.

Watching Coldfire’s evolution reveals something special – a perfect blend of ancient craft and modern innovation, guided by a founder who refused to compromise on his vision for luxury accessories. In a world of mass production and fleeting trends, Coldfire stands as a testament to the enduring value of craftsmanship and vision.

Their workshop, nestled in one of Europe’s oldest cities, continues to produce pieces that challenge industry conventions. The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in every stitch, every material choice, and every design decision. This dedication to excellence has earned them a growing following among professionals and adventurers alike who appreciate the perfect balance of form and function.

Looking ahead, Georgiev sees boundless possibilities for innovation in the luxury accessories market. “We’re constantly exploring new materials and techniques,” he shares. “The key is finding ways to incorporate cutting-edge technology while maintaining the soul of traditional craftsmanship. It’s a delicate balance, but that’s where the magic happens.”

For those interested in experiencing Coldfire’s unique approach to luxury accessories, visit their website to explore their full collection. Each piece tells a story of rebellion against the ordinary, crafted with extraordinary attention to detail – a testament to Georgiev’s vision of creating products that truly stand the test of time.

“We’re not just making accessories,” Georgiev concludes. “We’re creating companions for life’s journeys, whether that’s in the boardroom or on the open road. That’s the Coldfire difference.”

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Globe Music Brings Fresh Approach to Background Music

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Globe Music

Globe Music, an independent record label based in Dubai, is quietly reshaping the realm of background music. With a network of over 250 artists creating instrumental music, they’ve already garnered more than 20 million streams – a testament to their immensely growing influence.

German-born founder Ben Breternitz launched the label after an eclectic career that included acting in German television and designing custom fashion pieces. Now based in Dubai since 2022, he spends his time between there, Bali, and Miami – a nomadic lifestyle (which you can follow on Instagram) that oddly mirrors his label’s global approach.

“We create high-quality instrumental music for every situation,” says Breternitz, who seems genuinely excited when discussing the label’s mission. “Whether it’s smooth jazz for cafés or lofi beats for studying, we’re giving small-scale musicians a platform to do what they love.”

Globe Music Founder / Ben Breternitz

The label’s roster tells an interesting story. There’s “Trio Serenata,” whose jazz ballads somehow manage to sound both fresh and familiar. “Maré Suave” brings authentic Brazilian Bossa Nova rhythms straight from Rio, while artists like “Nuvoria” and “Elyxir” round out the diverse catalog.

Globe Music runs lean with just ten team members, yet they’ve managed to build an impressive presence across major streaming platforms. What’s particularly clever about their approach is how they source talent – they find artists directly from their genres’ cultural homes, lending authenticity to their productions.

Their business model seems well-timed, addressing the growing demand for quality background music across various settings. From yoga studios to coffee shops, their playlists have found their way into surprisingly diverse venues.

The label’s future looks promising as they continue expanding their playlist curation efforts. They’re not just adding more music – they’re thoughtfully building collections that serve specific purposes, whether for businesses or individual listeners seeking the perfect soundtrack for their day.

For a label that specializes in background music, Globe Music is increasingly finding itself in the spotlight. Those interested in exploring their catalog can visit their website at www.globemusicgroup.com or follow them on Instagram @globemusicgroup.

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Chris “The Beast” Hall Masters Both Combat and Leadership

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Chris ‘The Beast’ Hall

When Chris “The Beast” Hall stepped into the ring for the first time as a professional in 1988, the fighting world had no idea they were witnessing the beginning of a career that would transcend the boundaries of combat sports and eventually reshape universal leadership.

Hall’s fighting career reads like something out of an action movie – 69 wins against just 6 losses over seven intense years through 1995. But it’s the knockout statistics that really turn heads: 29 victories by knockout, with a jaw-dropping 19 of those coming in the first round. “In those early days, my focus wasn’t just on winning,” Hall recalls with a slight grin. “It was about dominating every second I was in that ring.”

His exceptional performance and impact on the sport didn’t go unnoticed. In 2009, Hall received one of fighting’s highest honors – induction into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. But for Hall, this was just the beginning of a much bigger journey.

“Life has a funny way of opening doors you never expected,” Hall muses, reflecting on his transition from the fighting arena to the technology sector. “I found that the same principles that made me successful in fighting – discipline, strategy, and adaptability – were exactly what the business world needed in its leaders.”

As founder and operator of Thoroughbred Innovations in Winchester, Kentucky, Hall has carved out a unique niche in the technology services industry. His company’s focus on small businesses isn’t just about providing web services – it’s about empowering local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.

Hall’s business acumen in the technology sector runs deep. His eleven-year tenure as owner of Lexington’s largest web design and hosting company stands as a testament to his ability to blend technical expertise with strategic vision. Through Thoroughbred Innovations, he continues to build on this foundation of success.

“You know what’s interesting?” Hall points out, leaning forward in his chair during a recent interview. “Today’s industries aren’t just hungry for expertise – they’re starving for real leadership. The kind that understands both the human element and modern business challenges.”

Drawing from his martial arts background, Hall has developed a leadership philosophy that emphasizes servant leadership – an approach that puts team empowerment at its core. “In the ring, you learn quickly that true strength isn’t about dominating others – it’s about lifting them up,” Hall explains. “The same principle applies in universal leadership.”

With nearly three decades of experience under his belt, Hall has weathered countless technological storms and transformations. His adaptability hasn’t just helped him survive – it’s enabled him to thrive and help others do the same. Through leadership seminars, he now shares the wisdom gained from both his fighting career and leadership experience.

“Leadership isn’t something you can just learn from a textbook,” Hall emphasizes, his voice carrying the weight of experience. “It’s about understanding people, understanding yourself, and having the tools to bring out the best in both. That’s what I focus on in my seminars.”

His social media presence, particularly on Facebook and LinkedIn, has become a digital dojo of sorts, where he regularly shares insights that bridge the gap between physical discipline and organizational leadership. These platforms have become extensions of his teaching, reaching professionals worldwide who are eager to enhance their leadership capabilities.

The parallels between martial arts discipline and corporate leadership are stark in Hall’s teaching methods. “In both fighting and business, success comes down to three things,” he notes. “Preparation, execution, and the ability to adapt when things don’t go as planned. Miss any of these, and you’re already at a disadvantage.”

As the business world continues evolving at an unprecedented pace, Hall’s unique combination of martial arts mindset and leadership expertise provides a fresh framework for developing future leaders. Through Thoroughbred Innovations and his leadership seminars, he continues to influence the next generation of professionals across industries, proving that the principles of combat sports can translate effectively into business success.

“At the end of the day,” Hall reflects, “whether you’re in the ring or leading a team, success comes down to understanding yourself, your people, and having the courage to keep pushing forward, even when the path ahead isn’t clear.”

For Hall, the journey from professional fighter to business leader hasn’t just been about personal transformation – it’s about showing others that with the right mindset and leadership principles, any transition is possible. His story continues to inspire both aspiring fighters and future leaders across all sectors, proving that sometimes the most unexpected combinations create the most powerful results.

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