Latest news with #Mae
Forbes
2 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
To Present Like A Pro, Talk Like A Teenager
Sometimes when communicating, we can be our own biggest obstacle to being effective. We try to look smart by making things seem more complicated than they really are. It's hard to sound passionate and intense about something complicated. Instead, remember how you felt about an issue when you were younger, and how you articulated a simple statement of your belief. Even if you missed the mark because of inadequate information or an evolving set of principles, you probably spoke with a simple eloquence and unabashed fearlessness that you haven't heard yourself use in a while. There's a lot to learn from your former self. As a coach for senior professionals about to deliver major talks or participate in significant pitches, I hear lots of complicated speeches, often supported by complex slides and support material. Most of my job is to help people clear away the clutter and get to the point. I recently had a great opportunity to listen to two dozen teenagers who nailed their presentations. They did so by keeping their language simple, conveying a genuine sense of commitment to their idea, and tackling tough and random questions with a great balance of confidence and humility. Here are some recommendations for how we can all bring those elements to our next big presentation. The program encouraged the students to think about and research a topic of particular significance to each of them. Each then drafted a research paper on that topic and crafted a public policy recommendation to tackle a tough issue. I had the privilege of serving as a judge in a Shark Tank-type competition. As they pitched their ideas, each started with a clearly defined statement of what program the particular local, state, or national body they were addressing should enact, fund, develop, or expand. Whether it was Mae from Charlotte, North Carolina advocating limiting the use of AI in high school classrooms, or Beckett from Castine, Maine talking about increased funding for Ukraine, they articulated their position with a clear statement of what action they wanted the relevant governing body to take. They spoke in the active voice, using dynamic verbs. For your next presentation, use 'Fund project X,' rather than, 'Project X needs more support.' Say, 'Trade Vendor Y for Vendor Z,' rather than, 'It's time we consider shifting our sourcing requirements to leverage enhanced capabilities of new market players.' The power of your statement lies in the verbs. Instead, think of those questions as clues to your audience's concerns and interest. The person asking the question is actually the one who is allowing themselves to be vulnerable in that moment. They are exposing either a lack of knowledge on a topic or their underlying concern. Treat their question as an opportunity to help a colleague or potential client to buy in to your idea. When Kam from Roswell, New Mexico proposed increased spending on mental health education in high schools, or Josephine from Ashland, Oregon advocated for urban planning that promoted more 'walkable' communities, they didn't flinch when the panel of judges pummeled them with questions, and they had no idea what those questions might be. In fact, not a single student hesitated when responding to the many questions asked. They took each one as an opportunity to share more information about their idea. They recognized that the questions were coming from a place of inquisitiveness, not attack. The students who were presenting their ideas knew the setting was safe, that the judges were there to support their learning rather than trap them or point out flaws in their argument. That psychological safety allowed them to remain calm when responding to our questions. To adopt that approach yourself the next time you are delivering a presentation, assume that your audience wants you to succeed and that their questions come from a place of curiosity and shared purpose rather than a place of negativity. That approach of 'assuming positive intent' will allow you to remain your confident, dynamic self right through to the very last question. In short, if you want to regain that sense of youthful confidence when delivering a talk or presentation, pick the right verbs, focus less on what you want and more on why the audience should want it, and assume your listeners' want you to succeed. There's rarely anything in it for them if you don't.
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Daily Express
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
Women Entrepreneur Committee Sabah calls for safer online transactions
Published on: Saturday, July 26, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 26, 2025 Text Size: Mae also praised the National Consumer Policy 2.0 as a tool to improve financial literacy, encourage informed spending, and reduce disputes through a clearer definition of consumer rights and responsibilities. Kota Kinabalu: As more Malaysians turn to online transactions, investments and financial planning, secure digital infrastructure and legal safeguards are critical to protecting consumers and upholding public trust in the nation's digital economy. Treasurer of the Women Entrepreneur Committee (WEC) under the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah, Mae Chai, voiced strong support for the government's planned National Consumer Policy 2.0 (2026–2030) and efforts to update the Electronic Commerce Act both spearheaded by Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. 'These aren't just policy improvements, they're foundational to building a safer, more resilient financial environment for all Malaysians,' Mae said. She described the reforms as both timely and necessary, especially as fintech adoption accelerates. 'The current ecommerce law is outdated. With rising cases of scams, fraud, and unauthorised financial activities, legal protections must evolve in tandem with technology. 'We need enforceable, transparent laws that safeguard consumers in every corner of the digital space,' she said. Mae welcomed the government's move to broaden accountability beyond conventional businesses to include digital service providers and fintech platforms, saying this reflects a modern, inclusive approach to regulation. She further emphasized that regulatory clarity benefits not only consumers but also financial advisers like herself. 'When the rules are clear, we can guide clients through complex decisions whether in investments, insurance, or long-term planning with greater confidence and compliance.' Mae also praised the National Consumer Policy 2.0 as a tool to improve financial literacy, encourage informed spending, and reduce disputes through a clearer definition of consumer rights and responsibilities. She believes this will boost public confidence and promote healthier financial behaviours, particularly in underserved regions like Sabah. 'In places where consumer awareness and digital access are still developing, these reforms could be transformative. 'It's about empowerment, protecting people and encouraging entrepreneurship at the same time. Under the leadership of MCCC Sabah President Datuk Dexter Lau, Mae said the WEC is fully committed to supporting national initiatives that foster inclusive development and strengthen the financial ecosystem. 'We're proud to stand behind these efforts. 'This is how we build an inclusive, secure, and future-ready Malaysia,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New York Post
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
OnlyFans star, 21, reveals how her parents invested in her X-rated career
A 21-year-old woman has revealed why she gives her parents a jaw-dropping $18,000 a month and how they invested in her X-rated career. Skylar Mae, 21, stopped studying to become a dental nurse and works full-time creating explicit content but what drives her is being able to help her parents. Advertisement Mae told that it feels 'amazing' to be making six-figures a month, not just because she can afford to buy a fancy car. Both her parents suffer from health issues and the money means she can always afford to foot any medical expenses that arise. 'My dad would work so hard for my family, even with all of his health issues, that it's nice seeing him take a few days off of work here and there,' she said. 5 OnlyFans star Skylar Mae revealed how her parents found out about her adult content career. Skylar Mae/Instagram Advertisement 'Truly what gets me out of bed everyday is knowing I'm taking care for them.' Mae doesn't just cover the odd medical bill; she gives her parents a monthly allowance of $18,000. The 21-year-old argued it is the least she can do for her parents. 'My Dad is so proud that he even has my stage name tattooed on his arm. I just redid their bathroom for them and I love taking them on holidays,' she said. Advertisement Mae said her parents have always been supportive of her career choice, even though there's still a stigma attached to it. 5 Mae's lucrative salary doesn't just cover the odd medical bill; she gives her parents a monthly allowance of $18,000. 5 Mae said it feels 'amazing' to be making six figures a month, not just because she can afford to buy a fancy car. Her mom will even drive her to and from shoots and hang around in the local area to make sure she's okay. Advertisement If she's booking a hotel for work, her parents also always check in and make sure she's all right and everything is ticking along smoothly. When her Dad found out about her doing OnlyFans, she said he was immediately supportive and even her Grandma is fine with it. 'He and my mom even agreed to invest in my account by buying my lingerie,' she said. 5 If she's booking a hotel for work, her parents also always check in and make sure she's all right and everything is ticking along smoothly. Skylar Mae/Instagram 5 Mae said her parents have always been supportive of her career choice, even though there's still a stigma attached to it. Skylar Mae/Instagram 'Once my grandma heard about what I was doing, she wanted to be part of the success too and ordered me this cute rhinestone lingerie set from Amazon.' The 21-year-old admitted that her parents are even up on the lingo when it comes to OnlyFans, but that doesn't mean she wants to discuss it. Advertisement 'They'll call me and they'll be like, oh, like, 'what kind of content did you do today? How many customs did you do today? They know it all, the language, everything.' Despite her parents being so accepting of her X-rated work, Mae said that there's 'definitely a line' and she doesn't share everything with them. 'I guess maybe I'm a little bit more reserved than them,' she said.
Rhyl Journal
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Archdruid of Wales Mererid Hopwood to appear at festival
Mererid Hopwood, the Archdruid of Wales, will appear at the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph as part of the event's fringe programme, sponsored by Pendine Park through its Pendine Arts and Community Trust. She will read a poem originally written to uplift people during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mererid Hopwood, archdruid of Wales, said: "Such events often create a quite magical atmosphere and I'm excited at being invited to take part." Her appearance is scheduled for 9.30pm on Thursday, September 18 at Jacob's Ladder café, following the evening concert at St Asaph Cathedral. Mererid Hopwood, who became the first woman to be awarded the chair at the National Eisteddfod in 2001 when it was held in Denbigh, has fond memories of the Vale of Clwyd. She will read from her new book Mae, a collection written in both Welsh and English. She said: "I'll be reading poems from my new book Mae as well as some others. "Most of them are in Welsh but I have written poems in English and several more have been translated." Mae includes poems about peace, injustice, the environment, and family. The title comes from a piece commissioned during the first Covid lockdown in March 2020. She said: "Someone from S4C phoned up and said they wanted a poem to cheer people up who were stuck at home." Paul Mealor, artistic director of the festival, said: "It's the second time we've staged these fringe events and they were so successful last year we've decided they'll return again this year." Other fringe highlights include pianist Cyrill Ibrahim performing Harmonie du Soir at St Asaph Cathedral, jazz guitarist Joshua Lascar at the New Inn on Saturday, September 13, and a cabaret night with Jillian Bain Christie and John Frederick Hudson on Friday, September 19. Mr Mealor said: "Our first comedy evening was hugely successful and Manon James will again be appearing at the New Inn along with Katie Gill and it'll be an evening of laughs and more laughs." Ms Hopwood has previously collaborated with Mr Mealor. She said: "During Covid I wrote the words for a piece composed by Paul called Gweddi Cymru (Wales' Prayer). "It was for the BBC's annual St David's Day concert and my words were read over the music." The festival opens on Thursday, September 11, with Maltese tenor Joseph Calleja, who Mr Mealor describes as "the world's finest lyric tenor." Other headliners include the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, vocal ensemble Apollo5, and the Black Dyke Band. Film and TV composer Debbie Wiseman OBE will make her festival debut this year with performances of her well-known themes by the NEW Sinfonia orchestra. The festival will also host the second Pendine Young Musician of Wales competition. This year's closing concert will feature the North Wales Choral Union and Orchestra conducted by Trystan Lewis. Community events include a Tots & Children's concert, a dementia-friendly concert, and Mindfulness through Music workshops. Tickets and more information are available online.
CBS News
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Third annual NASCAR Chicago Street Race takes over Grant Park
Engines were revving all day long in the Loop on Saturday, as the NASCAR Chicago Street Race returned to Grant Park for the third year in a row. Drivers hit the street course for the Loop 110 Xfinity Series race Saturday afternoon. Fans will be enjoying the action all weekend-long. The sound of roaring engines could be heard anywhere near Grant Park on Saturday. The sound of NASCAR is one Chicago has gotten used to over the past few years. Many of the fans watching on Saturday have been to the NASCAR Chicago Street Race before, and this event is what made them NASCAR fans. "Right now, it's quiet, just real quiet. When you get up there, it's loud, loud, loud, loud," Samantha Anderson said. As NASCAR made it's third lap through Chicago, John Janssen and his wife, Mae, parked themselves in the shade by Buckingham Fountain. "We got ourselves a sandwich and a drink, and we're just enjoying the crowd," John said. One of them loves NASCAR, and the other tolerates it. "I like it since my husband likes it," Mae said. "I used to put my sunglasses on and go to sleep, but I don't do that anymore." "It's a sport, if you really get into, it just drives your soul, and that's what I love," John said. Tent chairs had them covered for the sun, and they weren't bothered by the noise. "I wear a hearing aid. I just take the battery out," John said. Lori Vanderplow is relatively new to NASCAR but the Chicago Street Race has made her a fan for life. "We're hooked. So, once you hear the cars rumbling, you become a fan," she said. On Saturday, drivers hit the hot slick track for the first of the event's two street races.. The Xfinity Series race took over city streets in Grant Park – a 2.2 mile course with 12 turns. "To see the city skyline with the Cup cars rumbling, it's amazing," Vanderplow said. As drivers and fans deal with the Saturday heat – they hope the rain holds off for Sunday's Cup Series race, the Grant Park 220. "I told him, if it rains tomorrow, I'm staying home," Mae Janssen said. Mae might not make it if it rains on Sunday, but John will. "There is nothing that can stop me," he said. John is one fan of many who hopes the Chicago Street Race will be back for another lap in 2026. This is the last year of the race's contract with the city. The deal includes mutual options to come back in 2026 and 2027, but NASCAR and city officials have yet to announce the future of the race. "They've got my vote," John said. The sun was out on Saturday, but drivers and fans are preparing for potential showers on Sunday. The Cup Series race on Sunday starts at 1 p.m., wrapping up NASCAR's third and potentially final year in Chicago.
