Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Angela Marshall. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Angela, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

Stuck between two worlds, I didn’t have the confidence to dare to be different. I was a counterfeit everything to everyone but an authentic nothing to myself. When you’re not sure who you are, the folks with whom you surround yourself will gladly attempt to turn you into what they want you to be in their lives. I was many things for many people but neglected myself. It was a miserable and disconnected period. But you know what? I learned to “live vicariously through myself” by incorporating S.E.L.F (Shine, Evolve, Love & Fulfill) It taught me to live my inner truth instead of living an outer lie for others.

Angela, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m a former NFL (National Football League) Wife that has been in the spotlight for various reasons as it relates to celebrity lifestyles. I decided to use my platform, “The Story & Life of an Ex-NFL Wife” to encourage people to live vicariously through themselves. Human nature is to compare ourselves, stories, and lives against others that are perceived to have it much better. I was determined to inspire folks to be free and confident in their reality instead of caving in to societal illusional standards. My main mission is to eradicate the “cookie-cutter” societal stigmas and stereotypes. My secondary mission is to inspire people to live vicariously through themselves. Both missions are designed to provide inspiration in mental health. My proudest moment is having the honor to speak at my grandsons elementary after-school assembly. I did a presentation for my L.E.A.D (Listen, Education, Ambition & Determination) program. It was for 1st through 5th graders. I actually held their attention! When I see the students out and about around my hometown, they repeat the acronym to me!

I want to influence others to pour joy, love, laughter and knowledge into their soul, spirit and body first. You can’t energize from a disconnected or broken source. I trust that my mission will be an example of how to live vicariously through themselves and give them the strength to not want a seat at tables that are not prepared for them. So many of us strive to be liked, accepted and respected in organizations, relationships or partnerships that do not serve love. We need the capacity of confidence to walk away or not be aligned to anything or anyone that does not make us better.

I’ve learned that even though the client/customer is NOT always right, I do my best to treat them right. When providing services for others, it’s impossible to please everyone. I focus on delivering the best experience possible with hopes that my clients will not only return for additional projects but promote my business to others.

I will continue to uphold my mission “to speak and write to inspire, not to impress.” I have helped many authors write and publish bestsellers. I have drafted speeches for politicians and people in positions of power across the world. I have graced stages across the globe sharing powerful transparent truths to illuminate, motivate and liberate audiences. My formula for expansion and longevity is simple, “positively impact through my words, work and wisdom.”

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

When I decided to submit my resignation in March of 2016, it was a time of ambition and anxiety. I thought about the decrease in money, I weighed the cost of start-up for my vision and I considered the time and effort required for my business to be successful. With all those “what-ifs” attempting to hinder me, on March 17th, 2016, I boldly badged out of the exit side automated corporate doors. I walked exactly 104 steps to my vehicle with a close friend and co-worker that repeatedly told me, “don’t look back,” and I officially became an entrepreneur.

The next day and a few months following, it was an amazing feeling. I applied for a business license, opened business accounts, made contacts and connections while putting my business plan in place. Everything was ok until the money I’d taken from my savings was beginning to dwindle faster than I was making deposits. The start-up costs were more than I factored. The exposure, media and business marketing was an ongoing expense. Not to mention the support I thought I could count on from those that said they would be the first to purchase from me, decreased drastically.
I began to doubt my decision to exit Corporate America. Lots of uncertainties invaded my mind. It was difficult to remove them. Then it started moving rapidly through my core areas. Emotionally, spiritually and physically, I was weakened. Fear had found a pinhole in my faith and it did not waste time attempting to dim, darken and diminish my light. At first, I was trying to be superwoman, pray and shake it off but then I remembered, even super-heroes have super-friends!

After a few days of despair, I did the routine that over the years, has the greatest success rate ability to block out the darkness. I called my younger cousin for inspiration. Yes, the motivator requires motivation too. I’m so proud of her. 30 years old, PhD, living her purpose vibrantly and victoriously. The words she gave me and continues to impart to me during my moments of discouragement enables me to begin again. And sometimes, entrepreneurship is filled with do-overs, bounce-backs and remembering your WHY. After our conversation, I got off the bench and got back in the game.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Believing in all aspects of your vision is paramount. It is important that you seek, speak and act on your dream daily. The more you gain traction, you will find that those daily requirements will at times, turn to minute-by-minute. I’m not advocating forgoing sleep often, sacrificing family or all work and no play but what works for me is a healthy balance of scheduling your 24 hours with God, family, purpose, exercise and rest.

Being a writer, I journaled a lot but was an awful scheduler and planner. I quickly learned the importance of planning my days and the reward of keeping my calendar updated. “What gets written, gets accomplished,” is a quote I incorporated into my life and it has saved me many times. Making every effort to plan, prepare and pen your mission and goals, positions you for success. For me, seeing it in writing, gives me the push I need to get it done. I’m also utilizing my time and efforts more wisely in large part to it holding me accountable.

Some say “Time is money” but I believe “Time is moments.” It is a combination of valuable and irretrievable seconds to be productive, prosperous and progressive. Using it wisely is essential to being successful in life. Learning to manage my time and be a good steward of it, helps me grow in the areas that I have deemed the three “B’s.” Believing, balance and business. When you’re pressed for time, not getting things accomplished or not producing fruit (receiving reward) from efforts, I think it discourages and disconnects you from excelling in each of those required B-factors.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.inotherwordsbystone.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelabestsellermarshall
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wisewordswoman
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-marshall-402004124/