Hey Leaders, When was the last time you lost track of time doing something just because you love it? According to Verywell Mind, certain hobbies do more than just pass the time—they actively reduce stress, lower anxiety, and help your mind reset. These activities trigger flow states, create a sense of purpose, and give our brains the break they often crave. Here are 10 hobbies backed by research for their stress-relieving power: - 🌱 Gardening – Boosts mood through fresh air, sunshine, and care. - 📷 Photography – Encourages presence and gratitude in everyday scenes. - 📘 Scrapbooking – Combines creativity and reflection in a tangible way. - 🐠 Aquariums – Watching fish has proven calming effects. - 🧩 Puzzles – Sharpen focus and foster mental clarity. - 🎨 Drawing & Coloring – Promotes mindfulness through self-expression. - 🏃 Exercise – Naturally reduces cortisol and boosts feel-good hormones. - 🧶 Knitting – Repetitive motion calms the nervous system. - 🎸 Playing Music – Fosters flow and emotional release. 🧠 Why it works: These hobbies help shift your brain from survival mode to creative mode. They engage your hands and heart—and in doing so, they free your mind. 💬 Reflection Prompt What hobby helps you reset mentally or emotionally? Have you ever noticed your stress fade during certain creative or physical activities? 👉 Take a moment to read the article: 🔗 Top 10 Stress-Relieving Hobbies – Verywell Mind Then share your favorite stress-relief hobby—or one you’d love to try!

Hey everyone! 👋 I’m Kerby Stivene — Lead Pastor, leadership coach, and Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Coach & Trainer based in Ontario, Canada. Proud husband and dad of three, and the founder of The Leadership Incubator here on Skool. I help leaders grow with intention, consistency, and purpose. Excited to connect, learn, and grow alongside you all! 💪🔥

Presented to: Dr. Joseph Richardson Citation: For exceptional service, unwavering dedication, and exemplary counseling support to the veterans, transitioning service members, veterans, National Guard, Reserve members, and military spouses of Georgia. Throughout 2025, Dr. Joseph Richardson distinguished himself as a trusted advisor and a driving force behind the success of countless aspiring and existing small business owners who engaged with the Georgia Veterans Business Outreach Center (GA VBOC). Dr. Richardson's deep expertise, patient guidance, and steadfast commitment to empowering the military-connected community reflect the highest standards of professional excellence. His ability to translate complex business concepts into practical, actionable support has directly strengthened the entrepreneurial readiness, confidence, and long-term success of those he serves. Through his collaborative spirit, attentive mentorship, and exceptional dedication to the GA VBOC mission, Dr. Richardson has significantly increased the center's impact and visibility across Georgia. His contributions continue to foster a thriving ecosystem of veteran- and military-spouse-owned small businesses. In grateful recognition of his outstanding achievements and impactful service, the Georgia Veterans Business Outreach Center (GA VBOC) proudly presents Dr. Joseph Richardson with the "2025 Small Business Counselor of the Year Award."

Hello everyone, and thank you Dr. Joe for the invitation to join this community. My name is Sierra Martin, and I currently serve as the Director of Membership & Programming at SparkMacon, as well as the Georgia Tech ATDC Catalyst for Macon. In both roles, I have the privilege of supporting entrepreneurs, connecting founders to resources, and helping build a stronger, more collaborative ecosystem throughout Middle Georgia. I’m grateful to be here and look forward to learning from the conversations, perspectives, and expertise represented in this space. I’m equally excited to contribute where I can and to be part of the ongoing work to expand opportunity and support innovation across our region. Thank you again for welcoming me in, I’m looking forward to engaging with you all.

“Momentum is a leader’s best friend.” — John C. Maxwell Hey Leaders, Momentum or as Maxwell calls it, Big Mo - is the invisible force that makes everything easier. When you have momentum, problems shrink, morale rises, effort compounds, and progress accelerates. When you don’t have it, even simple tasks feel heavy and slow. The key takeaway: Leaders are responsible for creating and sustaining momentum. Momentum begins with energy, clarity, and small wins. Leaders must be intentional about celebrating progress, inspiring enthusiasm, and keeping people focused. Reflect this week: - Where does your team currently have momentum? - Where has momentum stalled? - What’s one small win you can create to jumpstart progress? Remember, you don’t wait for momentum. You build it. - Dr. Joe P.S. Better People…Better World.