We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalie Francis-Clarke a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Natalie, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Pause Reset Brunch, born from personal experience and shared struggles among women, emerged as a movement advocating for self-care and well-being. Initially conceived as a one-time 2019 event, it transcended into an ongoing initiative following a poignant audience moment. This transition was sparked by a woman’s emotional revelation of her post-loss existence, highlighting the profound impact of the brunch. Evolving into a global movement, it emphasizes the importance of pausing and resetting. The addition of the monthly podcast in 2021 further extends its reach, providing a platform for connecting and sharing experiences with women worldwide.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Natalie was born on the Caribbean Island, Montserrat. She is a wife, daughter, sister and a step-mother. She grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2006. She holds an M.S. in Leadership from Pfeiffer University and a B.S. in Business Administration from Suffolk University. Throughout her professional and personal life, Natalie has always enjoyed improving the lives of others. She is a member of the Caribbean International Cultural Association, a local non-profit organization that awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors of Caribbean descent. She serves as the Community Partners Chair for Answer Scholarship Inc, an organization that awards scholarships and provides tools and resources to mothers towards earning their undergraduate degree. Pause Reset Brunch originated from a personal journey and countless conversations with fellow women. I was in constant motion, oblivious to the gradual decline in my health. It took a friend to point out that I needed therapy and a personal transformation because the effects were visible on the outside. What surprised me was that I wasn’t alone in this struggle; many other women were trapped in a similar hamster wheel. She is passionate about her loved ones, Caribbean culture, self-care and food!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In 2013, my life underwent profound changes marked by both challenges and love. Early in the year, my mother, my cherished gem, was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. My mom was unemployed at the time, without transportation, and facing constant hospital visits. Hence, I juggled responsibilities with the support of a compassionate manager who allowed flexibility in my work schedule.

Despite facing a toxic work environment and completing a master’s program, I continued pushing myself without realizing the toll it took on my health. My mother’s encouragement to prioritize self-care fell on deaf ears. The strain became evident when a friend pointed out the severe damage to my hair, prompting me to seek therapy.

During a therapy session, my emotions overwhelmed me, and I realized the extent of the impact on my well-being. Concurrently, the onset of endometriosis, which took five years to diagnose, added to the challenges. Despite these difficulties, I successfully completed my master’s and cultivated a loving relationship with my now-husband.

This transformative year taught me about my resilience and the vital importance of pausing and resetting in the face of adversity.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

During my grade school years, the prevailing lesson was that hard work inevitably leads to rewards. However, as I matured, I had to unlearn this simplistic notion. While hard work remains crucial, I came to understand the significance of networking and building relationships. It became apparent that success often involves both diligence and connections, challenging the idea that keeping one’s head down and working tirelessly guarantees recognition.

After earning my master’s degree, my enthusiasm for potential opportunities was initially dampened when my expressed interest in creating a position aligned with my qualifications was overlooked. Instead, a contract worker was being groomed for a role similar to what I had envisioned. Feeling disheartened, I shifted my approach, proactively networking and connecting with a mentor who later became a crucial advocate.

Empowered by my advocate’s support, I initiated a quarterly lunch and learn, aiming to foster transparency and trust within the workplace. This effort bore unexpected positive outcomes, including the resolution of longstanding issues between two co-workers who hadn’t spoken in years. The improved team relations demonstrated the transformative power of combining hard work with strategic networking.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.naturalandting.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie_francisclarke
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/natalie-francis-clarke
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/XUk4w1fSoVo?si=ctF7lEFPChkjo7wB