“Honey, you’re a hot mess, but your hair looks great.” In my previous career, that's what I'd say to my clients right before they'd walk out the door. After 20+ years as a small business owner of a hair salon, I’ve had my earful of the challenges and obstacles my clientele faced getting through their weeks, months, and years. As a cancer survivor myself, I’ve experienced my own dark nights, and I know that life is precious and can change in the blink of an eye. (I know this both through being a cancer survivor, as well as being an avid Iowa Hawkeyes and Cubs fan!)When I met Gabriella van Rij in 2012, I immediately understood how her story and her kindness message had practical applications for everyone in any sector of society. That same year, I took on the role of being Gabriella van Rij’s business manager, and the rest – as they say – is history. My role as Gabriella’s manager is to help her achieve her ambitious goals: A kinder world. I’m a practical, no-nonsense, Midwestern girl, and I don’t tolerate bullshit. But I know one thing for a fact: you can’t listen to Gabriella’s story and not understand the power of kindness. Born an orphan in Pakistan and adopted by a Dutch family, hers was a long journey through racism, intolerance, and searching for belonging. But it was her difficult path that led her to who she is today: an acclaimed public speaker, author, and kindness expert who has been seen by millions on Dr. Phil, ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. Drawing from groundbreaking science, her immense cross-cultural experience, and her signature wit, Gabriella can inspire any organizations to tap into the power of kindness—the most underutilized skill in today’s world.For info on speaking topics and booking, visit: http://gabriella.global/speaker/ or drop me a message here on LinkedIn.