The Lagniappe (a little extra - part 2)

Curated by: Shae A. Robinson-Mosley

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Who’s Your Mama?
Celebrating our Favorite MOMents

Mothering comes in many forms and from many sources. To all of you who have mothered someone - we salute you!

Happy belated Mother's Day to the mamas who made us who we are today, including my own mama, Jacqueline Robinson, my Auntie Doe, Joanne Long, my mother-in-love, Dr. Katrice Albert, my mother-in-law, Dr. Linda Mosley, and anyone else who has mothered me along the way.

In a belated Mother’s Day salute, here are a few of my favorite mom moments:

Olympic gold medalist and world champion sprinter, Shellie Ann Fraser-Pryce, reminded us (and everyone at her son’s sports day) that moms who are athletes, are moms who are ATHLETES. 

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Donna Kelce, mother of NFL players, Travis and Jason Kelce, is the unofficial spokesperson of the “I don’t have a favorite, I love you both equally” club. With her fashion forward custom jersey and the way she shows up for her sons, Donna showed us all that she has more than enough support and fandom to go around.  

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My best friend in my mind, Serena Williams, recently announced that she and husband, Alexis Ohanian, will be blessing the world with another baby. Thank you, Serena! Congratulations!

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Nothing tugs at my heartstrings more than a good reunion video. Is someone cutting onions? No, I just watched these two videos of military moms surprising their sons at football practice and games. Get the tissues ready, folks!

• Military mom surprises son at football game

• Military mom surprises son at practice

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The Lagniappe (a little extra - part 3)

Curated by: Shae A. Robinson-Mosley

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It’s the Most Comical Time of the Year:
Peewee Season!

What's better than a group of littles creating humorous blooper reels by just being themselves? Absolutely nothing, that's what!

So, let's get this peewee sports season started off on the right foot. Are you ready for some adorable fails, madcap mishaps, and heartwarming hilarity from our youngest athletes? Let the games begin!

Top 3 Cuties: 

• This kid's got moves! 

• Tee ball chaos...

• More tee ball chaos

A Little Leadership:         

• Mic'd up Rugby Player

• Character makes a champion

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The Lagniappe (a little extra - part 4)

Curated by: Shae A. Robinson-Mosley

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Women Been Ballin’!
Y’all are Just Late to the Party

Hey, Angel. We see you, sis. They can’t, but we do!

March madness was just that… and more. The Louisiana State University Tigers, my favorite basketball team (and the team that launched Dr. Mosley’s career in sport) took home the championship this year - and they did it with style. This team displayed the poise, chemistry, and talent of champions.

Let's give a huge round of applause to these incredible student-athletes: Angel Reese, Alexis Morris, Jasmine Carson, Flau’jae Johnson, Kateri Poole, LaDazhia Williams, Emily Ward, Amani Bartlett, Last-Tear Poa, Sa’Myah Smith, Izzy Besselman, and Alisa Williams. You all worked tirelessly, pushed through adversity, and emerged victorious. And we can't forget about the coaching staff, equipment managers, and everyone else who supported this amazing team. You all played a crucial role in this historic win.

And because I’m a biased athletic trainer, an extra special congratulations to Associate Athletic Trainer for LSU Women’s Basketball, Amanda Barbee. Your tireless efforts behind the scenes helped keep these athletes in the game and we're grateful for your dedication.

So cheers to the LSU Tigers, a team that will go down in history as one for the books.
We are looking forward to next season!

While we’re on the subject, let’s talk about my favorite LSU Tiger, the one and only Seimone Augustus. Brace yourselves, I’m about to go full fangirl…

Augustus was recently honored with a statue outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center! It's no surprise that this All-American, no. 1 draft pick, four-time WNBA champion, and three-time Olympic gold medalist has left an indelible mark on the basketball world. But now, with her own statue, Seimone's legacy is truly set in stone. Her incredible legacy doesn't stop at her own accolades. She continues to inspire the next generation of basketball players. Thank you, LSU. This statue is a fitting tribute to a true basketball icon.

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In case you missed it: this beautiful post-championship moment between Augustus and LSU star, Angel Reese, tells you everything you need to know about the impact of Seimone Augustus and the future of Women’s College Basketball. Congrats to you both. 

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The Lagniappe (a little extra - part 1)

Curated by: Shae A. Robinson-Mosley

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Quinta Brunson and How Abbott Elementary Took Us Back to School

Looking for some laughs on a Wednesday night? Look no further than Quinta Brunson, the QB of primetime sitcoms who has solidified her place as the real MVP (see what I did there?). If you haven't tuned into Abbott Elementary yet, you're blocking your own comedic blessings!

This beautifully written comedy is set in a fictional Philadelphia public school and stars Quinta Brunson and Chris Perfetti as idealistic novice teachers, Janine and Jacob (complete with rose-colored glasses and wide-open hearts); Lisa Ann Walter and Sheryl Lee Ralph as passionate veteran educators, Melissa Schemmenti and Barbara Howard; and Janelle James as the seemingly incompetent administrator. Finally, Tyler James Williams ties it all together with his hilariously deadpan delivery. With brilliantly nuanced writing and relatable characters, Quinta proves that she really can Milly Rock on any block.

This section of The Lagniappe is dedicated to the teachers who have made a difference in my life. Teachers like Ms. Harper (Carstens Elementary), Terri Ossman (Bates Academy), Rita Sitron and Mr. Bobovski (Cass Technical High School), and, of course, my Mama, Jaqueline Robinson (Detroit Public Schools and my house). Thank you all. And thank you, Quinta!

And in case you missed it, Quinta's performance on SNL was nothing short of incredible. Do yourself a favor and go watch it.

You can catch Abbott Elementary streaming on Hulu  – if you don't have an account of your own, see if you can get your sister’s log in info! That’s what I do! 

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Say, Bruh. Can You Spare Some Support? Making Friends in the Modern Age

In a shocking discovery by the American Psychological Association, it was found that men are less likely to seek help for emotional distress. Who would have thought?

This reluctance can lead to sadness and isolation, and apparently, about 60% of American men know this feeling all too well. It's almost like humans are social creatures who need emotional connection to thrive or something, but what do I know? Men, in particular, tend to have smaller social circles and fewer close friends than their female counterparts, which can lead to increased feelings of loneliness. To better understand this phenomenon, Travis Kelce, in all his hilarious (and oh so gorgeous) glory, gave us a glimpse into the world of straight male friendships in his SNL debut.

 We all know that making new friends as an adult is harder than reaching the summit of Mount Everest (well, it’s at least a close second). Between adulting on 1000, trying to eat kale salads, and stay hydrated, who has time to cultivate new friendships? Unless you are lucky enough to be courted by a swarm of friendship suitors, you may want to try a friend finding app for adults. Think Tinder, but in this case “DTF” means “down to friend”. Here are a few apps that may make finding Bestiana a little easier. So go ahead and swipe right.  Your next match just might be your platonic soulmate.

Looking to find your newest friend?
These apps have got you covered. 

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SLOWLY connects you with pen pals from around the world and is perfect for those who love a good old-fashioned handwritten note. 

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Bumble BFF is thee place to find “your person”?  Hurry! Your Cristina Yang is waiting for you. 

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If you're a new mom looking to commiserate about the joyous and not-so-joyous moments of motherhood, look to PEANUT to find your mommy mob.

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Hey! VINA is designed for women looking to make friends with other women, because "gal pal" isn't just a title, it's a lifestyle.

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Categorized by specific interests, Meetup  helps like-minded people find their tribe and form lasting connections. 

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Here’s to finding your “swolemate” on ATLETO, the app for fitness-focused friendship.

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Later, Friends!

2023 Highlights: Playbook Top Five

Our founder, Dr. Mosley, is the daughter of a USAF Vietnam Veteran, and we are beyond proud that she served as the mental health expert on a team that received The Trailblazer Award from the United States Air Force for NILE, the defense program designed to prevent suicide in the military though inclusive leadership and a culture of connection.

Three years ago, during the height of the COVID pandemic, Dr. Mosley partnered with S2A Solutions, a veteran-led culture and strategy design firm, and the 58th Special Operations Wing (AMX) to develop NILE, short for Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Interpersonal Leadership Excellence. We took a “page” out of The Playbook and co-created an award-winning program that focuses on organizational culture, coaching and mentoring, self-awareness, self-management, and PRACTICAL mental health and suicide prevention primers powered by meaningful team norms and values.

The Trailblazer award is powerfully named after Major General Marcelite J. Harris, a Spelman College alum, and the first Black woman to serve as general officer of The United States Air Force. NILE is a real game changer, and we’re so proud that the program continues to shift culture, save lives, and provide teams with a real competitive advantage.

None of this would have been possible without incredible team members: Lisa Stokey, Brad Brezinski, Billy Duncan, Kevin Norman, Kristin Dahlgren Carter, Mike Buckner, John Baquet, Scott Rupel, Sam Oldham, and Matt Batchler.

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Last month, The Playbook had the distinct honor and privilege to return to the Black Sports Business Symposium at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

In a standing-room only session, our team was able to discuss our experiences supporting more than 60+ national championship teams as licensed mental health and medical providers. Most importantly, we discussed the critical role of leadership and the connection between overall well-being, winning team culture, and peak performance across sports organizations. Special thanks to our brilliant and passionate colleagues: Dr. Nicole Charles-Linen, Dr. LaKeitha Poole, Shae Robinson-Mosley, and Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley.

Heartfelt gratitude to Gregory Gibson Jr. and the Black Sports Business Symposium Team for creating the premiere destination for the best talent across sports and entertainment.

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During Women’s History Month in March, Spelman Pathways partnered with The Playbook to host the first-ever Women in Sports Master Class to support students in exploring roles in collegiate athletics, professional sports, and entertainment.

The event brought industry professionals and Spelman students together. Our goal was to expose the students to a plethora of career and life opportunities beyond the games of Spelman while providing access to potential internship opportunities and professional development. We provided students with a “playbook” on how to enter and navigate the sports and entertainment industries.

The event included free professional headshots, panel discussions, and networking with industry leaders from a wide range of backgrounds across collegiate and professional sports. Whether students are interested in technology, marketing, healthcare, or management, the Women In Sports Master Class will provide a platform for meaningful and rewarding engagement.

We are especially grateful for the incredible team that made it all possible: Dr. T.M. Robinson-Mosley, Dr. DeKimberlen Neely, Dr. Venetta Coleman, Keokuk Kight, Brina Jolin, and Rosalinda Gallegos. Huge round of applause and heartfelt gratitude for our amazing sponsors!

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During the week of the Super Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona, Dr. Mosley had the honor of serving as a panelist for the first-ever “Be Well” event hosted by the NFLPA and Alkeme Health at the NFLPA House.

The event provided attendees, which included current and former players, an opportunity to spend the afternoon engaging in a variety of ways of taking care of themselves. From yoga to meditation to panel discussions about practical ways to prioritize mental health within the NFL ecosystem, the message was clear. Peak Performance is only possible when you prioritize your overall well-being and mental health.

We’re grateful for the continued leadership and vision of Director of Player Wellness, Dr. Amber Cargill. And we’re especially grateful for Ryan Mundy and Alkeme Health for curating such a powerful event!

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We are excited to announce that some of our articles have been nationally featured, and you’re able to easily access them on our website!

READ ALL ABOUT IT

To make it convenient for you, we created a special page on our site called The Press Box, where you can find all of our featured articles in one place. From thought-provoking articles about sports performance to op-eds exploring pop culture, mental health, and well-being, The Press Box has it all. So head over to our website and explore this page to discover some of our best work yet!

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In Case You Missed It

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Dr. Mosley Speaks at the Inaugural ESPN Black Sports Business Symposium 

Earlier this summer, Dr. Mosley joined fellow mental health change agent Rwenshaun Miller on stage to share what every team should know about athletes, mental health, and peak performance.

The Symposium was a masterclass on how organizations can drive winning innovation and impact by prioritizing access, opportunity, and a sense of belonging for diverse top talent at EVERY level. We express immense gratitude for Symposium founder, Gregory Gibson, Jr., and special thanks to Steve Wyche, Kevin Demoff, the advisory board, volunteers, and AMB Sports and Entertainment for being such welcoming hosts!

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The NBA Women's Leadership Forum 2022

During Women’s History Month in March, Dr. Mosley joined a group of remarkable women on the *virtual* main stage to discuss the importance of co-creating wellbeing together. Special shout out to Peloton star-and our favorite cycling instructor Tunde Oyeneyin, TOGETHXR’s Jessica Robertson, and Turner Broadcasting System’s Rebecca Harlow who Dr. Mosley has the honor of sharing the stage with!

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M&A joins as a sponsor for the NFL Draft Luncheon

Our team was very honored to be part of an event that is instrumental in ushering in the new class of NFL Draft prospects along with their families. We are especially grateful for Kimberly Hayes & the OMBI Group, LLC for hosting this very important educational series. Special thanks to our powerhouse team of mental health and medical providers: Dr. Nicole Linen, Dr. LaKeitha Poole, and (future) Dr. Shae Robinson-Mosley.

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NBA Summer League and Referees Peak Performance Programming

Back in July, we traveled to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League, an off-season competition featuring some of the best young talent from every team roster in the league.

During the event, we partnered with NBA staff members to deliver a customized wellness working session for referees and sports officials working across the NBA, WNBA, BAL, FIBA, and G League. Participants completed their own personalized wellness game plans and received helpful strategies that minimize stress and maximize performance on the court and beyond. None of this would have been possible without the vision of Senior Manager, Program Development & Operations Lead, Gaelle Romain, and the dynamic inclusive leadership of Senior Vice President, Head of Referee Development & Training, Monty McCutchen, along with the hard work of their team.

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Dr. Mosley's Interview with SiriusXM NBA Radio

Check out Dr. Mosley’s interview with Kirk Morrison and Amin Elhassan on SiriusXM NBA Radio about the importance of prioritizing the mental health & wellbeing of athletes!

Listen Here!

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Interested in having us attend your event or featuring us in your publication? 
Send requests and press inquiries to Pressbox@mosleyandassociatesconsulting.com, and thank you for thinking of us!

A Little Something Extra

This section is dedicated to the people, products, and services that are currently giving us life!

Curated by the @6mile_contessa, Shae Robinson-Mosley

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When King Bey talks, we listen.

Once again, Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is breaking the internet, and this time it comes with a message of empowerment and self-care. We’re tellin’ everybody, if you haven’t heard Break My Soul, you are missing out on this summertime anthem. 

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Christmas in July
(Your new favorite holiday films)

A Majestic Christmas (Hallmark)
This is a great film starring the absolutely stunning Jerrika Hinton as Nell Harper, an architect charged with renovating and modernizing a beloved historic theater in her hometown. Nell’s adversary (turned love interest, of course) is played by Christian Vincent - you know this Canadian-born beau from the groundbreaking series, Noah’s Arc on which he played the uber-risqué Ricky. (You see what we did there?) This heart-warming movie about family and history will leave you filled with the winter warm and fuzzies.

The Holiday Calendar (Netflix)
Abby is a talented but artistically stifled photographer - played by Kat Graham - who is gifted an antique advent calendar by her grandfather. Abby’s lifelong best friend (turned love interest, OF COURSE!) is played by Quincy Brown. Yep! That Quincy Brown! Son of Black pop culture royalty, the late Kim Porter - long time love and co-parenting partner of Sean P. Diddy Combs. This film is filled with the beauty of enduring friendship, the connection between a grandfather and his (unspoken favorite) granddaughter, and a little bit of magic. 10/10 would recommend! 

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Women are Making Moves in the NFL & NBA

Shirley Chisolm said, "If they don't give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair."

Well, Mellody Hobson, Sandra Douglass Morgan, and Morgan Cato brought their own tables and chairs!

Hobson, the co-CEO of Ariel Investments, recently became the first Black owner in the NFL after joining the ownership team of the Denver Broncos.

Morgan, an attorney and Las Vegas native, is a leadership powerhouse that is also making history after becoming the first Black woman to serve as an NFL team president. Prior to joining the Las Vegas Raiders, Morgan served as the chairwoman and executive director of the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Lastly, Cato became the first Black woman in NBA history to hold an assistant general manager position when she was hired by the Phoenix Suns. Before taking her talents to Phoenix, she spent the last decade with the NBA league office, most recently as Associate Vice President of Business Operations for NBA League Operations. Well done!

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Are you pro-Roe? Let 'em know.

The proceeds from the Women’s Rights Collection featured on Social Goods helps to support Planned Parenthood of Greater New York and the National Institute for Reproductive Health. 
You can also support community-based nonprofits like our friends over at Women With A Vision, Inc. in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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Presidential Medal(s) of Freedom

Simone Biles and Megan Rapinoe are Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom 

Simone Biles (an M&A fave) has medals on medals! My best friend in my mind, the most decorated U.S. gymnast in history, recently added the Presidential Medal of Freedom to her count. Biles has been an advocate for athletes’ mental health, children in foster care, and survivors of sexual violence. She is also arguably the best athlete of all time - not the best female athlete - the best athlete. The GOAT of GOATs. What a legacy. Congratulations, bestie!

Megan Rapinoe, Olympic gold medalist and Women’s World Cup soccer champion (another favorite of the M&A team) was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Rapinoe has been an outspoken champion for social justice and equal pay for women. We are so happy and proud that her efforts and accomplishments have been recognized. Congratulations, Megan!

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We Love to See It:
Our Favorite Joy-filled Viral Videos

What is sweeter than a baby and a “bluttafly”, you ask? Absolutely nothing. 

Oh you thought you were Alex Morgan’s number 1 fan? Our little friend Luca might disagree. 

Ms. Marybelle Alston, age 88, reminds us that joy endures across the life course. She is certainly a part of the Rhythm Nation. 

Activity: The Real MVPs

In many ways, we are the sum of the people who pour into us.

To function at our best, we need to be connected to other people. Social connection is a basic need just like food, clothing, and shelter, and we need social support to function well. The people we spend time with regularly have a very large impact on our overall well-being and mental health.

So who are your real MVPs? Complete the activity below and find out! Don't miss our next Huddle when we will discuss how friendship is connected to overall well-being and peak performance!

Stream of consciousness, list people in your life who have helped you feel good about yourself. 
These people may be colleagues, family members or friends. They may have been in your life for a short time or for a long time. They may not be part of your life anymore. You can list names or the person’s relationship to you (such as father, coach, or supervisor). 

Now that you have written down the names of some people who have helped you feel good about yourself: 
Think about what these people did to help you feel this way. Describe some of the ways they treated you.

Sharing is Caring
New research says most of us underestimate the power of the casual check-in. If you haven’t already, pick at least one of your MVPs and reach out to them!
 

To learn more about the power of our social circles, read The New York Times Article, Text Your Friends. It Matters More Than You Think.

Coping with Uncertainty: Three Ways to Improve Mental Agility

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that change can happen at any moment whether we are prepared or not.

The last couple of years have provided us with plenty of opportunities to build our mental agility muscle. If you’re struggling with the challenges of uncertainty, here are three key strategies that will help you keep your head in the game.

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Although we may be unaware of it, every decision we make in a day from the time we wake until the time we go to sleep depletes us. Throughout the day, we burn through our mental energy reserve with every decision we make. By the time we make it to the lunch hour, we’ve already made a series of important decisions, including choosing what to eat, what to wear, how to get where we need to go, and what to work on first. Making decisions day in and day out—whether they are as easy deciding what to put in your morning coffee or as difficult as navigating unpredictable air travel delays—can be exhausting and overwhelming.

When we’re especially stressed, we are more susceptible to decision fatigue, a state of mental overload that can impede our ability to continue making decisions. In other words, the more decisions we have to make during the course of a day will lead to fatigue, and it will become more difficult for us to make decisions. In order to combat this phenomenon, we should find ways to routinize our daily lives as much as possible: Set it and forget it. Pre-plan your wardrobe or pick a “uniform” and stick to it. Wake up and go to bed at the times every day. Establish mealtimes with pre-fixed menus. By reducing the number of small decisions we have to make throughout the day, we lighten our cognitive load and create space for more mental flexibility.

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The foundation of resilience is mental agility, which is our ability to be flexible and pivot when needed. Mental fitness is important, because we are always going to encounter new barriers that require us to find new ways to work around them. What we’ve learned from the pandemic is that we may not be able to do the things we typically enjoy doing, so we have to be creative and improvise by building a menu of options. If you can’t go to the gym due to lockdown restrictions, what do you do then? It will be different for different people, but when we are confronted with something that we can’t do, start making it a habit to compile a list of things you can do instead.

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Any good strength and conditioning coach will tell you that building muscle requires periods of rigorous work followed by periods of rest and recovery. If workouts fail to incorporate a good recovery routine, athletes run the risk of injury due to overtraining. We have to pace ourselves and be consistent. Much like physical fitness, building mental agility requires lots of practice and rest, to ensure that you don’t burn out. Experiencing long-term adversity, such as the cascade of crises we’ve experienced over the past few years, is physically exhausting and psychoemotionally draining. Enduring these stressful times can feel like rigorous work to our minds and bodies. When looking to increase your mental agility, make sure that periods of rigorous work are followed by periods of rest, self-care, and recovery.

Welcome to our Summer Edition of The Huddle!

Last month is one of our favorites as we celebrate Minority Mental Health Month and the launch of 988, which is the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors. With COVID-19 exacerbating the mental health crisis that disproportionately affects marginalized communities and Generation Z, our company recognizes that providing access to inclusive mental health and wellness tools and resources is now more important than ever before.

A recent poll by the American Psychological Association revealed that the majority of Americans reported high levels of stress due to financial concerns, inflation, the pandemic, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Specifically, 87% agreed that it feels like there has been a constant stream of crises that show no signs of stopping. From mass shootings to inflation to the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we are all grappling with unprecedented levels of stress and anxiety. But on the flip side, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to recognize that you’re not alone. Acknowledge and validate your feelings, because they are shared by many.

In light of our collective stress, this edition of The Huddle will explore keys to avoiding feelings of hopelessness and despair and staying grounded in these unstable times. Below, we will highlight ways to find joy, practice mental agility, and identify the real MVPs in your life. This issue is a reminder to take care of yourself, so we can find better ways to take care of each other!

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P.S.

For more information about how to keep sane in this divided American moment, check out our founder’s feature in USA Today!

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Take great care and be well out there.

Lagniappe: Things that are currently bringing us joy and giving us life

NPR Presents: “El Tiny” Desk Concert Series

We’re so excited to have the “El Tiny” Desk Concert Series as our soundtrack for the month! NPR Music will celebrate Latinx and Hispanic Heritage month by presenting, “El Tiny,” a special version of their critically acclaimed and wildly popular Tiny Desk Concert series. El Tiny will feature all Latinx artists, and the first concert kicked off with Colombian reggaeton sensation J Balvin.

Tune in and tune out!

https://www.npr.org/2021/09/16/1038071967/why-were-so-excited-about-j-balvins-el-tiny-concert

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A 70-Year Old Bat Girl Lives Out Her 60-Year Old Dream

As avid baseball fans, this story hit us right in the feels. Rejected by the Yankees at age 10 because she was a girl, Gwen Goldman finally got her major league moment—six decades later. Not only did she accompany coaches in pregame preparations and chat with players—all of whom, she said, had been so kind, and thanked her for her story and supporting them--She was even invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch! Proudly wearing a full Yankees uniform made just for her, Gwen Goldman and the Yankees organization taught us all a beautiful lesson about the power of sport, inclusion, and belonging.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/29/sports/baseball/yankees-bat-girl-gwen-goldman.html

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Maia Chaka Makes NFL History

Native Upstate New Yorker and HBCU alum, Maia Chaka, made history during the opening weekend of the NFL season when she became the first Black woman to officiate an NFL game.

Chaka is the third on-field female official in the NFL, joining Sarah Thomas, the first permanent female game official, and Shannon Eastin, who was the first woman to officiate an NFL game. We can’t wait to see her on the field this season! In the infamous words of the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, aka Notorious RBG, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/12/sport/maia-chaka-first-nfl-black-woman-official/index.html

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Debbie Allen’s Emmy and end with her fantastic quote

In a career that has spanned nearly four decades, the name Debbie Allen has always been synonymous with dynamic energy, brilliant creative talent, and innovation. She. Is. Legendary.

For her vast body of work, she has earned innumerable prestigious honors, including three Emmy Awards, four honorary Doctorate degrees, a Golden Globe, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Throughout her illustrious career, Allen made it her mission to create opportunities for BIPOC artists and creatives in television, film, and theater. And she has courageously blazed trails so that others can follow. At the rousing close of her acceptance speech, she speaks directly to young people and encourages them by saying, “It’s time for you to claim your power. Play your voice, sing your song, tell your stories. It will make us a better place. Your turn.”  And we’re proud to enthusiastically answer the call. “Challenge, accepted!”

https://people.com/tv/2021-emmy-awards-debbie-allen-accepts-governors-award/

The Start-Up Mentality Toolkit

If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and starting your own business, you’ll need to harness some essential psychological skills.
Here are four key traits packaged in a Start-Up Mentality Toolkit, combining advice from experts in the field with some lessons we learned from our own journey.

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Focus

Practice The Rule of Three.

As an entrepreneur or business owner, there’s no shortage of daily tasks to complete. In fact, our ever-growing to-do lists can feel never-ending. In spite of our best efforts to be productive, psychological research shows that we can only hold about three priorities in our mind at once. We are actually more productive if we start every day with only three top priorities. If something more important arises throughout the course of the day, we can weigh the relative importance of that item against our three priorities and make adjustments. Structure your day around your top three and delegate or eliminate everything else.

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Wellness

If you can afford it, identify a high quality therapist and/or executive coach.

Many start-ups aim to be disruptive in their respective industries, but studies have shown that owning a business can be extremely disruptive to the mental health and wellness of entrepreneurs and business owners. Entrepreneurship is inherently stressful. As a group, we are exponentially more likely to suffer from burnout, isolation, chronic anxiety, and sleep disturbances like insomnia, but they are rarely discussed. Instead, a pervasive “Hustle Mentality” often aligns entrepreneurship with unhealthy behaviors and glamourizes phrases like, “There’s no time for sleep. I’ll sleep when I die.” The health and profitability of your business are inextricably linked to your wellbeing. If you don’t take care of yourself, nothing will thrive. Regular sessions with a therapist and/or an executive coach can provide invaluable insight and critical support through every stage of business development.

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Boundaries

Set Your Limits.

Regardless of the sporting event, every sport has a clearly defined field of play, and anything that occurs outside of the lines are deemed out of bounds. Just like in the world of sports, boundaries help us define our limits and responsibilities, and they hold us accountable. We need to set boundaries in every aspect of our lives, and this is especially important when it refers to managing our time as entrepreneurs. Saying “yes” to one obligation means saying “no” to something else. It’s no secret that business owners often work long hours, but we must also be intentional about setting limits to the workday. Some examples of healthy boundaries include scheduling in time for lunch our calendars, establishing a hard stop for work each day, logging off from email at least an hour before bedtime, and saying no to Zoom meetings at certain hours. Establishing healthy boundaries also helps keep burnout at bay.

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Motivation

Never lose sight of the reason why you started your business.

Experiencing setbacks is an inevitable part of running a business. It has happened to all of us. When we’re faced with obstacles and ultimately deal with disappointment, it can feel dispiriting and frustrating. As an entrepreneur, it’s hard to feel motivated and inspired when your confidence has been shaken. In reality, motivation will wax and wane, and some days will feel better than others. But on days when you’re struggling to find your drive and motivation, think about why you started your business in the first place. Reflecting on your business’ origin story can remind you of the impact of your work and the clients you’ve helped. It can also be a good reminder to help motivate you to keep going!

Good luck out there, y’all! 

Company Highlights

NBA Summer League + Referees Peak Performance Programming

In August, we traveled to Las Vegas for the NBA Summer League, an off-season competition, featuring some of the best young talent from every team roster in the league. During the event, we partnered with NBA staff members to deliver customized wellness and peak performance programming for referees working across the NBA, WNBA, and G League. Participants completed their own personalized wellness game plans and received helpful strategies that minimize stress and maximize performance on the court and beyond. None of this would have been possible without the vision of Program Development & Operations Lead, Gaelle Romain, and the dynamic inclusive leadership of Senior Vice President, Head of Referee Development & Training, Monty McCutchen, along with the hard work of their team.

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NBA Africa

Over the Summer, we continued our relationship and partnership with the NBA and *virtually* traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa for our first engagement with team members in the headquarters of NBA Africa. During our workshop, we discussed effective self-care strategies during unrest and uncertainty and provided healthy coping tools to colleagues. Delivery of this initiative is part of Mosley & Associates’ ongoing focus on wellness and peak performance, which seeks to eliminate stigmas around mental health while increasing access to culturally responsive mental health and wellness resources. Special thanks to Dr. Victor Kidd who joined Dr. Mosley as a co-facilitator! 

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2021 Washington, DC Athletic Trainers’ Association (DCATA) Annual Meeting & Symposium

During the Summer, Dr. Mosley was a featured speaker for the Washington, DC Athletic Trainers’ Association Annual Meeting & Symposium. Special thanks to DCATA for the opportunity to highlight the importance of providing practical mental health and wellness toolkits to meet the unique needs of health care providers working in sports. #PeakPerformance = Taking care of yourself.

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THE Athlete’s Foot 50th Anniversary

Earlier this month, global athletic retailer, The Athlete’s Foot, celebrated a HUGE milestone, and we were honored to be one of the special guests in attendance!

FAST BREAK: How to Strengthen Your Resilience Muscle

Never has resilience—be it physical, emotional, mental, or financial—been more important to our lives than in the past year and a half.

Resilience is a psychological principle that blends optimism, flexibility, problem-solving, and motivation. Resilient people not only bounce back when times get tough, but they also thrive in the best of times. Thankfully, resiliency is something that can be developed and strengthened like a muscle, and we’ve already got your routine covered. Check out the quick tips below, so you can start getting the reps in.

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​​Think small. Win Big.

When it comes to building your resilience muscle, it’s the small wins that can have the biggest impact. We often assume that really difficult, exhausting challenges are required to build resilience over time, but it’s actually how you respond to the small disappointments or frustrating moments that more effectively build resilience. For example, let’s say that you’re late for an appointment and someone cuts you off in traffic, causing you to be even later, or you wait for over an hour to get your favorite takeout delivery and the order is wrong. Instead of losing your cool and making a rash decision, you could alert your appointment that you are running behind or grab a snack while you take the steps to reorder your takeout delivery. Maintaining a sense of control over our emotional state is a core element of resilience, and if we practice doing this on a smaller scale, we have the muscle memory when it really counts!

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Build A Menu of Options

The foundation of resilience is mental agility, which is our ability to be flexible and pivot when needed. Mental fitness is important, because we are always going to encounter new barriers that require us to find new ways to work around them. What we’ve learned from the pandemic is that we may not be able to do the things we typically enjoy doing, so we have to be creative and improvise by building a menu of options. If you can’t go to the gym due to lockdown restrictions, what do you do then? It will be different for different people, but when we are confronted with something that we can’t do, start making it a habit to compile a list of things you can do instead.

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Rigorous work. Recovery. Repeat.

Any good strength and conditioning coach will tell you that building muscle requires periods of rigorous work followed by periods of rest and recovery. If workouts fail to incorporate a good recovery routine, athletes run the risk of injury due to overtraining. Pacing is everything. Much like physical fitness, building resilience requires training and rest, to ensure that you don’t burn out. Experiencing long-term adversity, such as the pandemic, is physically exhausting and emotionally draining. Enduring these stressful times can feel like rigorous work to our minds and bodies. When looking to strengthen your resilience muscle, make sure that periods of rigorous work are followed by periods of rest, self-care, and recovery.

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Sometimes the best way to learn something is to teach someone else. For more on how to build resilience, check out The New York Times article, The Secret to Raising a Resilient Kid.

Coaches Corner: 5 Things that Make Good Leaders Great During Tough Times

The pandemic has upended our lives in ways we never thought imaginable, and this period has provided us with a unique opportunity to reimagine the concept of leadership. Strategies and approaches that worked during good times, probably won’t work right now. As leaders navigate extended periods of crises and uncertainty, they must lean more into their emotional skills and exhibit greater empathy as they coach and manage their teams. Now, more than ever, relationships matter. According to new research, empathy tops the list as the most important leadership skill, because it directly connects to retention, engagement, and performance. Although we might not be able to get back to “normal,” great leadership can help us get to something better. 

Here are five key behaviors to keep in mind during this period of uncertainty:

1. They are Mission-Driven

During times of uncertainty and crises, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and lost, especially in our decision-making. At times, it can feel like there are more problems than solutions, and we may not know where to start. But great leaders are driven by the mission, which means they are fiercely goal-oriented. Great leaders align their decision-making with the mission or the task at hand, and this approach determines the problems they prioritize and solve. By anchoring their decisions with the mission, great leaders are able to guide their teams in a purposeful direction even through uncharted waters.

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2. They are Great Listeners

Contrary to popular belief, during tough times, leaders should do more listening than talking. This is not the time to shut people out and “go with your gut.” Great leaders lean into curiosity, seek counsel and feedback, and ask questions. They actively listen, which means they focus fully on what’s being said and how it’s being said, paying special attention to verbal and non-verbal communication (i.e. body language). Before making a decision, great leaders listen with an open mind and ensure that different voices and perspectives are represented in the room. Since it’s impossible for us to have all of the answers, active listening is essential in our efforts to gather information and understand issues and experiences from someone else’s worldview. More than ever, we need leaders to realize that during tough times we must create avenues for people to feel seen and heard.

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3. They Are Transparent Communicators

Successful communication starts with consistency and transparency. When times are uncertain, it’s imperative for leaders to stay in contact with their teams. Great leaders are honest, and they communicate clearly what’s known and unknown during a crisis. If we don’t have answers or if information must remain confidential, we must communicate those facts to our teams. Long stretches of radio silence from leadership during a troubling time can sow seeds of doubt, mistrust, and anxiety amongst team members. Don’t worry about overwhelming colleagues with details. People don’t get worried when you share a lot of information at once. People aren’t afraid of what they know. They’re afraid of what they don’t know, and knowledge gaps can breed misinformation. Great leaders recognize that timely updates and vital information keep team members engaged and build trust during stressful periods of unpredictability.

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 4. They Are Mentally Agile

Mental agility refers to the capacity to respond to events in a flexible way and the ability to move quickly between different ideas. The psychological concept mirrors the physical skill of agility in sports, which involves changing the position and direction of the entire body with speed and accuracy. Athletes are trained to always be on their toes, because they must quickly adapt and change as new information is presented to them. Similarly, great leaders demonstrate mental agility when they are able to embrace a flexible mindset, take in change, and find the best course of action to move forward despite uncertainty. For many leaders, the pandemic has taught us the valuable lesson that during periods of unpredictability, we should make our plans in pencil, and stay ready to pivot.

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5. They Show & Tell (Model The Way)

Carl Jung, one of the founding fathers of human psychology, was notorious for saying, “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.” During especially difficult times, great leaders put their words to actions and model the types of behaviors they want to see on their teams. This is where the doing really comes into play. When leaders do what they say, it builds trust, establishes credibility, and sets team norms. If leaders want team members who are coachable and are willing to learn, they, too, must also demonstrate curiosity and a willingness to ask questions and solicit feedback. It’s not enough for leaders to simply say they have an “open door policy.” Great leaders recognize they must demonstrate this through their actions. Due to the power dynamics, it can feel risky and intimidating for team members to approach their leaders with difficult news or to ask for help when they make a mistake, especially if they never see their leaders modeling the same behaviors. During tough times, leaders must be acutely self-aware and ensure that their words are reflected in their actions.

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These five key behaviors can work in tandem and help leaders better navigate this period of uncertainty and well beyond it.

For more information on the qualities of great leaders during tough times, check out the Forbes article “Empathy Is The Most Important Leadership Skill According To Research.”

Message from Dr. Mosley

Happy Fall Everyone!

Welcome to our special anniversary edition of The Huddle! Last month officially marked our seventh year in business, and we’re excited to share some BIG news and a BIG announcement! Since our founding in 2014, our team of mental health and wellness experts have delivered award-winning business solutions to some of the world’s most recognized organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the NBA’s global offices and teams across the league, the NFL, the NCAA Headquarters and several athletic conferences, the United States Air Force, and top ranked colleges and universities. We couldn’t be more proud of the work we’ve done and the things we’ve accomplished, but our biggest win to date is finding success while building our business on the concept of caring.

As we continue to navigate the uncertainties of our second pandemic Fall and grapple with the struggles of lockdown fatigue, postponed re-openings, and the incalculable impact of collective grief and loss, it is a critical time to focus on our mental health and wellness. We recognize that our work matters now more than ever before, and in the spirit of our mission, we want to help the helpers!

 After years of working with high-performing, championship-caliber athletes and world-class organizations, we recognized that the concept of sport connects to peak performance across multiple high-intensity industries and leadership teams, and provides us with powerful insights about teamwork, resilience, and overcoming adversity. We are so grateful for what we learned from top performers from across the globe, and now we want to bring the same effective strategies and winning game plans to your team!

*Cue BIG Announcement*

In honor of our anniversary, we’re thrilled to announce our trademarked signature program and turnkey business solution—The Playbook: Wellness & Peak Performance Program.

Click here for more information

The Playbook is intentionally designed to help organizations develop and support high performing teams by helping team members co-create an environment of belongingness and wellness. The program equips teams with practical tools and psychological strategies that allow them to leverage their strengths and manage stress. Within this program, we help organizations and top talent learn how to be effective, maximize performance—and win.

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In addition to our special anniversary and big announcement, this month has also given us so many other reasons to celebrate. For starters, September 15th annually marks the beginning of Latinx and Hispanic Heritage month in the United States. Throughout the month of October, we recognize and celebrate the influence, contributions, and culture of Latinx and Hispanic Americans.

And lastly, our favorite Fall sporting tradition, the tailgate, is back! Whether you’re out enjoying the highly anticipated return of college football, the NFL’s historic 17-game season, or the 2021 WNBA Playoffs, we can’t wait to see you cheering on your favorite team!

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In the spirit of our signature wellness and peak performance program, this edition of The Huddle will: 

• explore strategies that make good leaders great during tough times

• highlight tips to strengthen your resilience muscle, and 

• share vital lessons we’ve learned as entrepreneurs in the form of a Start-Up Mentality Toolkit —just in case you’re thinking of taking the plunge yourself!

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We deeply appreciate your support over the past seven years, and we can’t wait to make this year the best one yet!  Cheers!

Lagniappe (A Louisiana creole word meaning a small gift or a little something extra)

This section is dedicated to the people, products, and services that are currently giving us life! Enjoy!

Juneteenth Jubilee by Tiffanie Barriere “The Drinking Coach”

Our dear colleague and friend of The Huddle, Tiffanie Barriere, was featured in The Bitter Southerner. Texas-and-Louisiana-raised, Atlanta-based mixologist, Tiffanie Barriere, has put together a red celebration drink — refreshing with or without alcohol — for Juneteenth. Raise a glass to soul, hope, and freedom this summer!

Drink it up here!

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New Netflix Series ‘High On the Hog’

If you’re a foodie, this documentary series is essential viewing. “High On the Hog” is inspired by the Jessica B. Harris book that beautifully captures how Black culture and foodways transformed the American culinary landscape. If you’re looking for a little food joy, you won’t have to look far!

Eat it up here!

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Black Music Month: Spotify Celebrates Local Genres

Music lovers rejoice! In honor of June being Black Music Month, ‘Spotify: For the Record’ explores Go-Go, Hyphy, and Chopped and Screwed. For many of us, this music defines the identities of several cities, but for others, it can be the start of trying something new!

Listen up here!

ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)

Georgia CEO

Dr. Mosley was recently featured in Georgia CEO, the leading publication focusing exclusively on business issues in the top 8 metro areas of the state.

Special thanks to Georgia CEO for the opportunity to discuss the ways Mosley & Associates Consulting is helping accomplished organizations and elite performers address the impact of uncertainty in their personal and professional lives through specialized tools and services. These are especially challenging and impossible times for leaders everywhere. Our team of experts have partnered and delivered highly-rated programs to a wide range of organizations and world class brands, including the NBA, the American Cancer Society, the NCAA, and the United States Air Force. We help organizations and teams implement a sport mental health framework to support diverse groups of stakeholders, while building winning team cultures. Shout out to publicist and communications extraordinaire, Sigele Winbush for making it happen!

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The NBA + Culturally Responsive Leadership Development

Through the summer, we’ll continue our relationship and partnership with the NBA. With the NBA, we’ve developed the Culturally Responsive Leadership Development Training Series. Through the series, we help high impact teams recognize that they must ensure everyone has a sense of belonging in order to ensure peak performance. In each of our engagements, we help leaders and top talent develop awareness of the actions, behaviors, and mindsets that promote culturally responsive and inclusive teams. Together, we work to leverage the insights and unique experiences of participants to co-create winning team cultures. None of this would have been possible without the vision and inclusive leadership of Senior Vice President, Head of Benefits & Wellbeing, Danielle Shanes, along with the hard work of her team, including Linda Demarest and Angela James.

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SEVEN Things Naomi Osaka Taught Us About Mental Health and Career Success

In statements announcing her withdrawal from the French Open and Wimbledon, Naomi Osaka, ranked No. 2 in the world in women’s tennis, revealed that she has “suffered [from] long bouts of depression” and struggled with overwhelming anxiety for several years. She has decided to take time away from the sport to take care of herself. 

Naomi Osaka reminds us that there are no greater investments than in our overall health and & well-being. We are proud of her tremendous courage and strength. 

#PeakPerformance = Taking care of yourself.

Read more here

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Historic Moment in the NFL: Carl Nassib becomes first active player to announce he is gay

Las Vegas Raider, defensive lineman, Carl Nassib, made history by becoming the first active NFL player in league history to announce that he is gay. Although Michael Sam becaome the first openly gay player to be selected in the NFL draft before the 2014 season, he never played a snap in the regular season.

Shortly after Nassib’s announcement, his jersey became a top seller on sports apparel sites. His statement included a special donation of $100,000 donation to the The Trevor Project, a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ youth—who are at an elevated risk for suicide.

Although we’re still in the offseason for the NFL, we’re so proud of this big win!

Read more here

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Oklahoma Beats Florida State to Win College World Series Championship



Congratulations to the Oklahoma Sooners women’s softball team! We were on the edge of our seats watching the games unfold throughout the World Series games leading up to the championship series. Oklahoma made it through a gauntlet of opponents, which included the first-ever World Series appearance from a James Madison University team led by tournament sensation, Odicci Alexander. Cheers to the champs!

Read more here!

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Olympic Spotlight: Raven “Hulk” Saunders

As we head into the Olympics, remember the name Raven “Hulk” Saunders. Raven, a Charleston native and record-breaking thrower, earned a prestigious spot on Team USA in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics after setting another record in the shot put at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials. In epic fashion, she continues to do it her own way, continuously making statements – on and off the field. From her dope mask selections worn during tournament competitions to her outspoken advocacy and courageous transparency about her own mental health challenges, Raven “Hulk” Saunders, is already a true champion, and we can’t wait to see her on the world’s largest stage.

Read more here! 

FAST BREAK—The Joy of Trying Something New

Deep into the second year of the pandemic, we can all use a little joy in our lives. According to research, maintaining a healthy degree of neophilia, which is defined as love or enthusiasm for what is new or novel, can be a key to greater happiness. When we explore and satisfy our curiosity, our brains release more dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, and we feel happier. In simpler terms, we can find moments of joy by exploring our interests and trying new things. If you don’t know where to begin, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Here are a few ideas to help get you started!

Think Small

Trying something new doesn’t have to start with a grand gesture. Start with your current routine, and identify a list of new experiences, ideas, or places you would like to try as you move through a typical week. Pick a few and try them out!

Start With Food

When considering the subject of joy, food is our love language! Try a new food or recipe that sounds delicious, but contains at least one unfamiliar ingredient. Whether you’re ordering from a menu or preparing a new dish at home, food adventures can be some of the best ways to try something new!

Choose Curiosity Over Comfort

When you have an opportunity to make a choice between an old favorite and a new interesting option, make a decision to branch out. Perhaps you never watch foreign films on your streaming apps, not because you’re opposed to them, but because you’re more accustomed to your favorite types of films and movies. Check out some of the best foreign films in genres you enjoy. You never know where your interests can take you!

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If you’re interested in learning more about something new (you see what we did there?), check out The Atlantic article, “Don’t Approach Life Like a Picky Eater.”