Jack Canfield Jack Canfield author. speaker. motivator.

Affectionately known as "America's #1 Success Coach," Jack Canfield is the originator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and a leading authority in the areas of self-esteem, achievement motivation, and peak performance. [www.jackcanfield.com]

 
Arianna Huffington Arianna Huffington political powerhouse. media mogul. author.

Arianna Huffington is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of the Huffington Post and the author of twelve books. [www.huffingtonpost.com]

 
Seth Godin Seth Godin author. speaker. linchpin.

Seth Godin is a prominent author, blogger and speaker. [www.squidoo.com/linchpin]

 
Krishna Kaur Krishna Kaur yogi. philanthropist. dynamic teacher.

Krishna Kaur is the founder of YOGA for Youth, a program that takes yoga, meditation, and stimulating discussions on the philosophy of yoga to urban youth. [www.yogaforyouth.org]

 
Norman Lear Norman Lear producer. philanthropist. tv legend.

Norman Lear has enjoyed a long career in television and film. He is also a political and social activist and philanthropist. [www.normanlear.com]

 
Leilani Münter Leilani Münter race car driver. activist. carbon free girl.

Leilani Münter is a professional race car driver and an environmental activist who uses her voice in the number one spectator sport in America as a catalyst for change. [www.leilanimunter.com]

 
Kevin Bales Kevin Bales Freedom Fighter. Philanthropist. Game Changer.

By going undercover to meet slaves and slaveholders, Kevin Bales exposed modern slavery's penetration into the global economy. He co-founded Free the Slaves, which has helped to liberate thousands of slaves. [www.freetheslaves.net]

 
Sophie Chiche Sophie Chiche mom. big dreamer. lady in red.

Sophie Chiche, lifebyme.com founder and curator, enjoys asking deep questions and living a life of meaning. Today she's launching Shape House, an urban sweat lodge, a place to melt away fears and fat. [www.shapehousela.com]

 
Mastin Kipp Mastin Kipp Writer. Entrepreneur. Daily Lover.

Entrepreneur and writer Mastin Kipp founded TheDailyLove.com, which merges pop culture with inspiration, and co-founded The Love Yourself Company, an apparel company that has started a global self-esteem movement. [www.TheDailyLove.com]

 
Liz Phair Liz Phair singer. musician. crier.

Liz Phair is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. [www.lizphair.com]

 
Desmond Tutu Desmond Tutu archbishop. author. peaceful leader.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu is Chairman of The Elders, a group of world leaders who address some of the world's most pressing problems. He works energetically for human-rights and in his ministry. [www.tutu.org]

 
Zainab Salbi Zainab Salbi author. ceo. humanitarian.

Zainab Salbi is the founder and CEO of Women for Women International, a group dedicated to helping women survivors of war rebuild their lives. [www.womenforwomen.org]

 
Sean Stephenson Sean Stephenson speaker. psychotherapist. life embracer.

Despite his physical challenges, Sean Stephenson has taken a stand for a quality of life that has inspired millions of people around the world. He's a professional speaker, psychotherapist, and author. [www.timetostand.com]

 
Kia Miller Kia Miller yogi. meditator. teacher.

Kia Miller teaches Yoga at Yoga Works in Los Angeles, leads teacher trainings, and runs retreats and workshops on meditation, chakras, pranayam, and mantras, and other practices. [www.kiamiller.com]

 
Simon Mainwaring Simon Mainwaring creator. writer. idea geek.

Simon Mainwaring is an ex-Nike/Wieden creative, former Worldwide Creative Director at Motorola/Ogilvy, branding/advertising writer, author/speaker/blogger, Australian, idea geek. [www.simonmainwaring.com]

 
Shannon Bindler Shannon Bindler Strategist. Writer. Life Coach.

Shannon Bindler is a style editor, life coach, and the co-founder of Get Up Girl, an empowerment company that inspires women to shine. [www.getupgirl.com]

 
Mathieu Bitton Mathieu Bitton Designer. Art Director. Passionate Creator.

Grammy-nominated art director/designer/photographer Mathieu Bitton has designed over 450 CDs and movie posters. He's a renowned collector of and authority on black films and their soundtracks. [www.candytangerine.com]

 
Jorge Perez Jorge Perez Agent. Producer. Photography Enthusiast.

Opus Reps founder and agent-producer Jorge Perez travels the world producing photo shoots with great photographers and celebrities. He's also very involved with Meals on Wheels in Los Angeles. www.opusreps.com

 

keep it real

Lisa Nielsen Lisa Nielsen education advocate. author. innovator.

Author Lisa Nielsen is an outspoken advocate of learning innovatively. She works to help schools and districts educate in real and innovative ways that prepare students for success. [http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com]

I help people discover, explore, and develop their passions, talents, and interests so they’re happy and satisfied. I started on this track when I was a child who was always bored in school. I did well in school, graduating from college very early – at age 19 – with all As, at the top of my class. But during all those years of education, I was bored out of my mind. I graduated from college with no idea what my own passions, talents, or interests were. No one had bothered to ask or to care.

My burning question was always, “Why am I doing all of this work?” I would ask adults how to know what to do, but they only said to keep getting an education and good grades and everything would fall into place. That seemed like a big lie to me.

Eventually, I went into the field of education. I decided that the big issue is the lack of honesty about how we discover and develop our talents, passions, and interests. My personal mission has become to help schools become more relevant.

We have such a test-obsessed culture right now. We think that if we measure more, students are going to learn more, but they end up learning less. The teachers are not teaching – they’re just assessing.

I’m interested in helping people – children and adults – know what their options are. Students and parents have felt so unempowered by the government education system, as though the government controls them, when actually they control themselves. Students and parents have the right to do what they think is best for themselves, for their own emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing.

It would be great to go back to the school I was in as a teenager and really put the principal and the teachers on the spot about what the school’s values were. I’d require them to answer some hard questions, like “Why are you torturing us rather than helping us focus on what might be important to us?” They’d say, “Oh, you’ll understand when you’re older.”

I was very naive then, but I’m older now – and I’m doing something about the lies in our educational system.

– Lisa Nielsen

Comments

Explore More Meaning

  • Laurie Gerber
    Laurie Gerber Laurie Gerber life coach. radio show host. truthteller.

    Life coach Laurie Gerber, President of Handel Group Life Coaching, is passionate about personal development. She leads large groups, blogs regularly, and hosts a radio show. [www.handelgroup.com]

     
  • Dina Martinez
    Dina Martinez Dina Martinez comedienne. connecting diva. good will hunter.

    Dina Martinez, a transgendered, joke-telling renaissance woman, knows that if we are not given the life we want, it is up to us to create it. [www.dinamartinez.com]

     
  • Tessa Williams
    Tessa Williams Tessa Williams ivy leaguer. playwright. core friend.

    Recent Yale grad Tessa Williams has written numerous award-winning plays. Currently, she's working as a writer's assistant on an ABC television show. [www.facebook.com/tessaleighwilliams]

     
  • Val White
    Val White Val White artist. story-teller. bohemian soul.

    Val White has done it all, from Christian singing groups to teaching children's theater. He's thrilled to be part of the lifebyme.com family. [www.valwhiteonline.com]

     
  • Rev. Dr. Sahra Renata
    Rev. Dr. Sahra Renata Rev. Dr. Sahra Renata spiritual alarm clock. soul purpose hunter. visionary.

    Sahra Renata is a mystic, artist, writer and poet, with an M.A in spiritual Philosophy and a Ph.D in metaphysics. Sahra has taught advanced metaphysics and mastery of the healing arts throughout Europe, the U.S., Australia and Mexico. [www.bookofsahra.com]

     
  • J. Mackye Gruber.
    J. Mackye Gruber. J. Mackye Gruber. writer. director. filmmaker.

    J. Mackye Gruber is a writer/director who lives in Los Angeles.

     
  • Jenny Shih
    Jenny Shih Jenny Shih coach. belly follower. superhero.

    Jenny Shih is a coach and consultant for right-brained, creative entrepreneurs. She helps "big idea" people implement their world-changing visions. [www.jennyshih.com]

     
  • Andy Lipkis
    Andy Lipkis Andy Lipkis environmental healer. practical visionary.

    Andy Lipkis is the founder and president of TreePeople. [www.treepeople.org]

     
  • More

Contributors

  • David Ari Leon
    David Ari Leon David Ari Leon composer. bliss follower. phoenix discoverer.

    David Ari Leon is an Emmy-nominated composer and music supervisor. He is also music director of the Voice of Life project, whose mission is to elevate wellness with great music. [www.soundmindmusic.com]

     
  • Abigail Ivins
    Abigail Ivins Abigail Ivins change manager. coach. authenticity optimizer.

    Entrepreneur Abigail Ivins founded Present Path, a company that coaches senior executives, high potential leaders, and teams to find internal stability, peace, and authenticity. [www.present-path.com]

     
  • Scott Dinsmore
    Scott Dinsmore Scott Dinsmore entrepreneur. coach. congruency connoisseur.

    Scott Dinsmore is an entrepreneur and coach who helps people discover passion and purpose through his coaching company, Live Your Legend, and his investment partnership, Cumbre Capital Partners. [http://liveyourlegend.net]

     
  • Judith Orloff
    Judith Orloff Judith Orloff author. professor. emotional liberator.

    Dr. Judith Orloff, assistant clinical professor of psychiatry and best-selling author, passionately asserts that we have the power to transform negative emotions and achieve inner peace. [www.drjudithorloff.com]

     
  • Matthew Joyce
    Matthew Joyce Matthew Joyce higher self guide. spiritual integrator. dolphin whisperer.

    Matthew Joyce is a spirit guide. He founded Higher Self Guides to remind people that divine spirituality isn't just for mystics. It's for you, too. [www.higherselfguides.com]

     
  • Jenny Solar
    Jenny Solar Jenny Solar happy mom. adventure planner. champion of family.

    Jenny Solar is married to Josh and they have three kids, Max, Ava, and Lia. They created The Happy Family Movement to encourage and inspire family togetherness through memorable family experiences and simple ideas for happy family living. [www.thehappyfamilymovement.com]

     
  • Judi Goldfader
    Judi Goldfader Judi Goldfader non-profit philanthropist. insightful thinker. thanks giver.

    Judi Goldfader is a philanthropy consultant and non-profit strategist, currently serving as Vice President Development of Insight University and Insight Seminars. www.givingtuesday.org/insight-university

     
  • Neale Donald Walsch
    Neale Donald Walsch Neale Donald Walsch conversationalist. author. spiritual messenger.

    A modern day spiritual messenger, bestselling author Neale Donald Walsch founded the Conversations with God Foundation, dedicated to inspiring the world to move toward peace, clarity, and love. [www.nealedonaldwalsch.com]

     
  • Maria Ross
    Maria Ross Maria Ross surviving storyteller. brand muse. blessing counter.

    Inspirational speaker, author, and brand strategist Maria Ross is the creator of Red Slice, which helps entrepreneurs ignite their brands and delight their minds. Her latest book is Rebooting My Brain. [www.red-slice.com]

     
  • Albe Zakes
    Albe Zakes Albe Zakes waste combater. difference maker. minute exerciser.

    Albe Zakes wanted to work for TerraCycle (a pioneer in innovative upcycling and recycling systems) so badly he took an unpaid internship. He's now TerraCycle's VP of Media Relations. [www.terracycle.com]

     
  • Shareen Mitchell
    Shareen Mitchell Shareen Mitchell innovative designer. fashion trendy. in-flight companion.

    Shareen Mitchell founded Shareen Vintage in 2004 out of a small booth at the Fairfax Flea Market. She has since launched Shareen, Inc., with vintage locations in Downtown Los Angeles and New York City. [www.shareen.com]

     
  • Lama Tenzin
    Lama Tenzin Lama Tenzin balancer. humanity embracer. women protector.

    Buddhist Monk Lama Tenzin founded Children's Education and Development International, providing homes, education, and health care for destitute Himalayan children.

     
  • Yestyn Griffiths
    Yestyn Griffiths Yestyn Griffiths singer. songwriter. musician.

    Glass Pear is Welsh singer/songwriter Yestyn Griffiths, whose songs are about the fragility and transience of life and love. His songs have been heard on Grey's Anatomy, Bones, and other popular shows. [www.glasspearmusic.com]

     
  • Claire Zammit
    Claire Zammit Claire Zammit educator. co-leader. consciousness evolver.

    Transformative educator, speaker, and writer Claire Zammit co-created The New Feminine Power courses and co-leads a thriving community of thousands of women throughout the world. [www.FemininePower.com]

     
  • Gabe Morgan
    Gabe Morgan Gabe Morgan melody maker. peanuts appreciator. energy seeker.

    Gabe Morgan, music and business student at CSU Northridge, is a musician, songwriter, lyricist, and producer. He is a 2004 graduate of Teen Insight and our featured contributor for Giving Tuesday. [www.givingtuesday.org/partner-detail/insight-university]

     
  • Valery Satterwhite
    Valery Satterwhite Valery Satterwhite money demystifier. curious observer. legacy advisor.

    Valery Satterwhite is a counselor, author, and speaker who champions those challenged with the paradox of privilege who want to live worthy, wealthy, and wise lives from the inside out. [www.WorthyWealthyWise.com]

     
  • Teddy Margas
    Teddy Margas Teddy Margas jokester. humorous healer. quick quipper.

    Actor, comic, and writer, Teddy Margas, is co-founder of the Queers of Comedy. He's appeared in StreepTease, Margaret Cho's Blind Dinner Party, and The Women of Woody, An Evening of Iconic Woody Allen Women performed by an All-Male Cast. [www.teddymargas.com]

     
  • Stacey Antine
    Stacey Antine Stacey Antine kid energizer. intake educator. action taker.

    Stacey Antine, M.S., R.D. is the founder of HealthBarn USA, a leader in hands-on healthy-lifestyle education. She is also the author of Appetite for Life: The Thumbs-Up, No-Yucks Guide to Getting Your Kid to Be a Great Eater. [www.healthbarnusa.com]

     
  • Christine Kloser
    Christine Kloser Christine Kloser herd escaper. spiritual messenger. pantyhose resister.

    Christine Kloser is a spiritual guide, award-winning author, and transformational book coach whose spot-on guidance transforms the lives of visionary entrepreneurs and authors around the world. [www.ChristineKloser.com]

     
  • Nikki DiVirgilio
    Nikki DiVirgilio Nikki DiVirgilio writer. mom. soul reporter.

    Nikki Di Virgilio is a writer, mom, and wife who's interested in the soul-exploring journey we're all on. She's working on a memoir of her search for home. [www.nikkisacredspace.com]

     
  • Renee Woodruff
    Renee Woodruff Renee Woodruff groupon sales gal. brand ambassador. shaper.

    Renee Woodruff is a Groupon Sales Gal, a blogger for a magazine, a LOFT Girl Brand Ambassador, and a CrossFitter, yogi, food lover, and travel enthusiast. [www.shape.com/blogs/girl-go]

     
  • Benjamin Salka
    Benjamin Salka Benjamin Salka story pirate. avid learner. people person.

    Benjamin Salka is the co-founder and CEO of Story Pirates, which celebrates the words, ideas, and stories of children, encouraging and empowering young people to invent big ideas for a new generation. [www.storypirates.org]

     
  • Lisa Burke
    Lisa Burke Lisa Burke surfer. fashion designer. marine life crusader.

    Lisa Burke is a surfer, marine life activist, and fashion designer who founded the swimwear line Lisa Blue. Lisa Blue donates 25% of its net profits to helping protect whales and dolphins. [www.lisablue.com.au]

     
  • Ben LaBrot
    Ben LaBrot Ben LaBrot floating doctor. kindness promoter. life grasper.

    Dr. Benjamin LaBrot from California, USA is the founder and director of the non-profit Floating Doctors medical relief team. [www.floatingdoctors.com]

     
  • Gary Zukav
    Gary Zukav Gary Zukav spiritual pioneer. author. authentic empowerer.

    As a bestselling author and pioneer of the new spirituality, Gary Zukav's gentle presence, humor, and insightful wisdom have inspired millions to realize their soul's greatest potential. [www.seatofthesoul.com]

     
  • Nancy Rosenfeld Daly
    Nancy Rosenfeld Daly Nancy Rosenfeld Daly candid author. passionate speaker. peaceful warrior of change.

    Nancy Rosenfeld Daly is a speaker, author, facilitator, and former CFO who merges neuroscience, consciousness, tribal wisdom, and business savvy to ignite discovery and change. [www.nancyrdaly.com]

     
  • Tammy Camp
    Tammy Camp Tammy Camp venture investor. creative adventurer. giver.

    Tammy Camp is a venture investor, company advisor, and adventure traveler. She's taken part in numerous successful business endeavors, including facilitating over a billion dollars in sales. [www.tammycamp.com]

     
  • Christina Rasmussen
    Christina Rasmussen Christina Rasmussen happiness connector. thought shifter. soul communicator.

    Technically speaking, Christina Rasmussen is a Grief Counselor – she prefers to call herself a Strategist for Life After Loss. She crusades to change the way we cope with grief, devastation, and longing. [www.secondfirsts.com]

     
  • Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben
    Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben beauty seer. abundance recognizer. world inheritor.

    Life By Me is partnering with Insight University to bring you a week of giving thanks and giving back in support of Giving Tuesday. Eldrick, Maggie, and Ben are now young adult graduates of Teen Insight. [www.givingtuesday.org/insight-university]

     
  • More

Connection


© 2010-2023 lifebyme.com. All rights reserved. (design by nodethirtythree)