Impactful Communication: Christine Samuel Of Inner Work Matters On 5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator

An Interview With Athalia Monae

The fourth essential technique is being skillful at acknowledging others and what they’re saying. Here is why it’s so crucial: one of the deepest human needs is to be seen and acknowledged.

In an age dominated by digital communication, the power of articulate and effective verbal communication cannot be understated. Whether it’s delivering a keynote address, leading a team meeting, or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, impactful speaking can open doors, inspire change, and create lasting impressions. But what truly sets apart an effective communicator? What techniques and nuances elevate a speech from mundane to memorable? As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Christine Samuel.

Christine Samuel is a visionary coach, facilitator, speaker, and author who founded Inner Work Matters. She empowers leaders, change-makers, and teams to thrive in complex environments by enhancing collaboration, communication, adaptability, and resilience through relational intelligence.

Samuel’s TEDx talk, “How Deep Listening Can Change the World,” has gained widespread attention for its emphasis on the transformative power of listening in human interactions. Her unique Deep Listening Practice Circles have become a cornerstone of her work, providing participants a unique space to experience genuine connection and acknowledgment, a rarity in today’s fast-paced world.

As a pioneer in Relational Intelligence, Christine reshapes collaborative and leadership paradigms through her training, coaching, and facilitation work. Her recently launched book, “The Heart Space: Living with Grace and Ease in an Era of Uncertainty” (April 2024), offers powerful insights and practical practices for navigating uncertain times.

Through her human-centric approach, Samuel continues to challenge conventional wisdom, fostering a more heart-centered way of working together. Her work is instrumental in preparing leaders and organizations to create human-centric collaborative ecosystems that thrive in the rapidly changing world.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about communication, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?

Of course, I’d be happy to share.

Before doing into what I do now, I spent over two decades immersed in User Experience Design and Strategy. It was quite a journey, watching technology evolve from the early web 1.0 and 2.0 to smartphones, cloud computing, mobile apps, and artificial intelligence. I had the opportunity to work for some leading interactive agencies and global IT consulting firms, adapting to these changes and shaping how people interact with technology.

As I’ve grown both personally and spiritually, my focus has shifted from just focusing on the interaction between humans and technology to really understanding what makes human experiences transformative from the inside out. I became more curious about what creates real, meaningful change — not just about designing externally experience. Experiencing the detrimental effects toxic environments, and ineffective leadership really fueled my passion for finding better ways to work together. I became committed to explore approaches that can bring out everyone’s inner genius, rather than fear-based environments where people feel disempowered.

I’m naturally curious and love digging into the mysteries of human nature. There’s something deeply satisfying about observing hidden patterns and exploring the ways we influence each other during interactions and communication. My journey has led me to build a diverse body of work, including coaching, creating and facilitating regular deep listening sessions, and conducting workshops and talks — highlighted by my latest TEDx talk, “How Deep Listening Can Change Our World.” I’ve also written a book exploring the dual human operating systems of the head and heart and their impact on our experiences. I believe our mission is to offer what technology can’t by becoming more human. For me, this means tapping into relational intelligence, where honoring diverse perspectives and increasing our capacity to listen to one another lead to the emergence of new ideas and better outcomes.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?

Well, I’ve had many interesting experiences, but the one that really stands out is a turning point that led me to find my true purpose and passion.

I was working in UX Design at the time. One morning, I got this unexpected email to attend an urgent meeting right before I was about to lead a big workshop with VP-level clients This brief urgent meeting was basically telling us that leadership had decided to move me and some colleagues to a different business unit by the end of the month. Talk about timing, right?

So there I was, trying to focus on this high-stakes workshop while my mind was reeling from this news. It was tough, I’ll tell you that. The whole situation made me start questioning how we handle changes in the corporate world.

When I moved to the new business unit, things were… different. There was this culture where everyone had to fit into this specific mold of what a ‘good performer’ looked like. And I noticed a lot of fear-based processes that had people operating in survival mode.

This experience ended up being a real eye-opener for me. It got me thinking about how important it is to have a human-centered approach in the workplace. I became really curious about finding better ways to collaborate and lead.

In the end, what felt like a setback actually became the catalyst for my current work in Relational Intelligence and heart-centered leadership. Now, I’m passionate about helping others navigate change with empathy and understanding.

You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?

Oh, that’s an interesting question. I’d say there are three main traits that have really helped me along the way.

First, I’d have to say curiosity and playfulness. You know, starting new things can be pretty scary sometimes. But I’ve found that if I approach it with curiosity and a sense of play, it makes a huge difference. I try to think of my work as a kind of playground where I can learn, experiment, discover new things, and share them with others. It keeps me from overthinking and helps me stay excited about what I’m doing.

Second, I’d say flexibility and adaptability. This one is important, especially when you’re working towards a big vision. Sometimes, things don’t go the way you expect, and that can be frustrating. But I’ve learned to work on my vision while letting go of specific expectations. It’s all about keeping moving, going with the flow, and being willing to adapt and experiment as you go along.

And third, I’d say trust and the ability to listen. This one’s really about trusting myself, trusting my intuitions, and also trusting that things happen for and through me. It’s helped me avoid feeling stressed out, like everything’s on my shoulders. I’ve learned to listen — to myself, to others, to the situation — and trust that process.

These traits have really helped me navigate the ups and downs of business leadership. They keep me grounded but also open to new possibilities.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s begin with a basic definition so that we are all on the same page. How would you define an “Effective Communicator?” What are the characteristics of an effective communicator?

When I think about an Effective Communicator, I like to start by looking at where these words come from. “Communication” comes from the Latin word “communicare,” which means to share or to make common. And “effective” means serving to achieve the intended purpose.

So, an effective communicator is someone who can get their point across exactly as intended and resolve any issues or differences that might arise in the process.

An effective communicator sees both the big picture and the little details in human interaction. They understand that communication isn’t just about exchanging words. It’s about understanding needs, recognizing desires, and picking up on all the subtle cues that make up real human interaction. They use these abilities to ensure their message is received clearly and that the people they are communicating with feel connected and fully comprehend what is being shared.

One main characteristic of an effective communicator is their high relational intelligence, which is the ability to tune in and stay relevant in moment-to-moment human interactions. Someone with high relational intelligence can access, encode, and decode information within a network of relationships, ideas, and perspectives. This ability enables them to decipher and assimilate the data they receive while effectively transmitting relevant information.

Within high relational intelligence, you’ll find a blend of important skills. They have the ability to listen and show genuine interest in others’ perspectives.They demonstrate empathy, putting themselves in others’ shoes to truly understand their feelings and viewpoints.Their emotional intelligence allows them to manage their own emotions while responding appropriately to others’.They’re highly attuned to non-verbal cues, picking up on subtle body language and tone of voice. Self-awareness helps them understand what’s going on in their inner world as they interact with others. They show respect for other human beings, balancing kindness and assertiveness to be both considerate and direct when needed. Lastly, they maintain clarity of intent, ensuring their message and purpose are always transparent, well-defined and delivered authentically.

How can one tailor their communication style to different audiences or situations?

When it comes to tailoring your communication style, it’s all about really getting to know your audience. I mean, you’ve got to dig deep and understand what drives them, what keeps them up at night, what they’re dealing with day in and day out, their big dreams, and what truly inspires them. Once you’ve got a handle on all that, it’s so much easier to say things that actually hit home.

Here’s the thing, if people don’t feel like what you’re saying is relevant to them, they’re just going to tune out. It’s human nature. They need to feel like you get them, like you’re speaking their language.

So, the more you can acknowledge their experiences and wrap your message in words that feel familiar to them, the better. It’s like building a bridge and allowing them to trust and feel connected with you.

When you can reach this point, people don’t just hear you, they connect with you. And that’s when they start to engage and respond.

Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt your communication style to reach a particular audience successfully?

Oh, absolutely! I do this every time I’m a guest on a podcast. My core message stays pretty much the same, but I always try to tailor it based on who’s listening. That’s why I always ask the host to describe for me who their listeners are.

For instance, when I talk about my book “The Heart Space: Living with Grace and Ease in an Era of Uncertainty,” I adapt my approach for different podcasts:

On a podcast about grief, I might say: “Living in the heart space when facing loss means allowing yourself to feel deeply while finding moments of peace. It’s about honoring your grief and recognizing it can coexist with gratitude, love and sadness. The heart space lets you experience these feelings simultaneously without judgment.”

For a podcast on women in transition, I could share: “The heart space can be your anchor when everything feels uncertain. It’s where you can quiet that overthinking mind and connect with your inner wisdom to guide you through big changes.”

On a leadership podcast, I might explain: “Bringing the heart space into your work life isn’t about being overly emotional. It’s about leading with empathy, making decisions that align with your values, and creating a work environment where people feel seen and acknowledged.”

By tailoring my examples like this, I ensure that my message resonates with each specific audience, making the concept of the heart space relevant and applicable to their unique experiences.

How do you handle difficult or sensitive conversations while maintaining open and effective communication?

Let’s be honest, during difficult or sensitive conversations, it’s so tempting to get carried away by our emotions, judgments, and the stories we create in our minds. We’ve all been there, right? But here’s what I’ve found importantl: we need to have some mental space reserves beyond our anger, frustration, and judgment.

Think of it like this: can you step back and become an observer with more encompassing eyes? Can you notice what’s actually happening inside you? Who are you in this moment, and what’s your real intention for this conversation? What kind of relationship and experience do you want to have?

It’s all about self-awareness, self-honesty, and self-advocacy. Can you go beyond just being the one having the difficult conversation and seeing the other person or group as ‘difficult’? It’s worth asking yourself: what’s the story inside me? Am I frustrated because of my own judgments?

In my TEDx talk, I shared a story about a moment in an argument with my husband when I noticed that I became calmer as soon as he acknowledged my feelings. From that experience, I learned that what I need most is not to be right but to be acknowledged. Deep down, we all crave acknowledgment. So, even in tough conversations, can you at least acknowledge your own experience and the other person’s experience?

For example, a simple acknowledgment like, “I know this might be a tough topic for both of us, but I really value our relationship and want to work through this together,” can shift a conversation to be more purposeful. Paraphrasing what the other person has said can also be incredibly powerful. It shows you’re really listening and gives them a chance to clarify if you’ve misunderstood anything.

I’ve also learned the importance of using “I” statements instead of “you” statements. For example, saying, “I feel frustrated when deadlines are missed” rather than “You always miss deadlines.” This approach focuses on your feelings and experiences rather than placing blame, which can help reduce defensiveness.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that resolution doesn’t always mean agreement. Sometimes, the goal of a difficult conversation is simply to understand each other better, even if you still disagree.

In your experience, how does storytelling play a role in impactful speaking? Why do you think stories are effective in communication?

You know, when we talk about impactful speaking, storytelling isn’t just a tool — it’s the very essence of how we connect as human beings. Throughout history, stories have been our go-to method for passing down wisdom, teachings, and experiences. It’s like a human friendly interface where we encode and transmit information from one person to another, one generation to the next. And here’s what’s really fascinating: stories encode progress and change.

Think about it, every great story has a journey, doesn’t it? There’s a beginning, a middle, and an end. There are challenges, growth, and transformation. When we hear a story, we’re not just passive listeners, they capture journeys that we all can relate to, no matter who we are or where we come from.

This journey aspect of storytelling is powerful. It taps into our innate understanding of progress and change. We all know what it feels like to face obstacles, to learn, to grow. So when we hear a story that mirrors this journey, it resonates with us on a deep, almost instinctual level.

Stories are a familiar format for our meaning-making brains, making the information they contain easier to remember and understand. As relational beings, we have a strong need to connect with other humans. To truly connect, we need to find commonality to the other person, and stories help us do just that because they touch every aspect of our shared humanity — reason, logic, emotions, meaning, and experience. They provide context and emotional resonance that we need to connect to one another.

When people can relate what’s told in the stories to their own experiences, the message we convey becomes more personal and impactful. For example, rather than just presenting facts and figures, I might share a personal anecdote or a client’s journey to illustrate a point. This approach helps to humanize the message and allows the audience to see themselves in the narrative.

Stories don’t just touch our feelings; they ignite our imagination as well. They can inspire and motivate in ways that simple facts cannot. When people hear about challenges overcome, lessons learned, or successes achieved, it can resonate and encourage them to take action in their own lives.

What are your “5 Essential Techniques for Becoming an Effective Communicator”?

1 . First, I’d say the most essential technique is to listen to understand. Most people are in the habit of listening to respond. When we’re busy crafting our reply, we’re not really hearing what the other person is saying.

But when we shift our focus to the intention to listen to understand, we start picking up on so much more — the person’s needs, intentions and emotions. We get a sense of their state of mind, the context they’re coming from, and even what they’re not saying out loud.

Let’s say, you’re in a meeting, and a colleague is expressing frustration about a project. If you’re just listening to respond, you might jump in with solutions or defenses. But if you’re really tuning in to understand, you might notice they’re feeling overwhelmed and unsupported. That’s valuable information!

By listening at a deeper level, you can respond in a way that genuinely addresses their needs. Maybe you offer help, or suggest a different approach to the project. Your response becomes more relevant and precise because it’s based on a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.

To be an effective communicator, you must first understand what’s being said to you, both the spoken and unspoken. I believe you are already halfway there when you are a good listener.

2. Next, cultivate self-awareness. Communication involves not just words and external factors, but also our internal landscape. This means understanding how our thoughts, feelings, and sensations influence how we communicate. Notice the tightness in your chest when challenged or the lift in your energy when you feel heard. Recognize recurring narratives like “I’m not good enough” or “They’re out to get me.”

It’s necessary to grasp how our past experiences, cultural conditioning, and current physical state shape our communication. Are we speaking from genuine curiosity, or are we unconsciously trying to prove something? Are we fully present, or is our mind dwelling on past conversations?

Cultivating self-awareness requires radical honesty.This practice helps us break old, unproductive habits and leads to more insightful and effective communication. As we explore our own inner workings, we naturally become more attuned to others, picking up on unspoken cues and hidden emotions. By exploring the reasons behind our reactions and behaviors, we can uncover patterns and insights that can make our communication better.

3 . The third crucial technique is all about finding that shared “yes”. Think of this “yes” as a doorway to meaningful interaction and real connection. Without it, your message might hit a wall of resistance or just be ignored altogether. This “yes” could be anything — a shared purpose, a common goal, similar needs, or even a challenge you both face.

So, how do we find this “yes”? It’s about tuning into what the other person really cares about — be curious, ask questions, and really listen to their responses. Maybe we’re in a business meeting, and we realize that we both want the project to succeed, even if we have different ideas about how to get there. That shared desire for success? That’s our “yes”.

Once we’ve found that common ground, our conversations can become so much more productive. We’re not just talking at each other anymore — we’re building something together. It’s like creating a foundation for mutual understanding, and now we can start constructing a real dialogue on top of it.

I can’t stress enough how important this skill is. Being able to guide a conversation towards this shared “yes” turns potential resistance into more productive collaboration.

4. The fourth essential technique is being skillful at acknowledging others and what they’re saying. Here is why it’s so crucial: one of the deepest human needs is to be seen and acknowledged.

When we truly acknowledge others, we’re showing them that we’re listening and that we understand what they say or the effort they put in. It’s like saying, “I see you, I hear you, and what you’re saying matters.” This can be as simple as nodding, maintaining eye contact, or summarizing their points to show you’ve really grasped them.

When people feel heard and understood, it creates this sense of safety. They can let their guard down a bit. And when that happens, they become more open and receptive, not just to you as a person, but to your ideas and messages as well.

This sense of safety allows people to be more authentic in their communication. They’re more likely to express their thoughts, needs, and wants without fear of judgment. And when we speak authentically, it becomes so much easier to convey our meaning clearly. There’s less room for misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

I’ve seen this play out countless times in both personal and professional settings. For example, in a tense business conversation, simply acknowledging the other party’s concerns can completely shift the tone of the conversation. Suddenly, you’re not adversaries anymore — you’re collaborators trying to find a solution.

Or think about a personal relationship. When you sincerely acknowledge your partner’s feelings in an argument, even if you disagree, it often de-escalates the situation immediately. They feel heard, which makes them more willing to hear you in return.

The beauty of this technique is that it creates a positive feedback loop. The more you acknowledge others, the more they feel safe to express themselves authentically. The more authentically they express themselves, the easier it is to understand and acknowledge them. It’s a cycle that continually improves communication.

5. The last but not least is to work on your relational intelligence. This is a fascinating aspect of communication that often gets overlooked. You see, communication isn’t a one-way street — It’s an evolving living thing that change it shapes as we interact with each other.

Think about it — when we communicate, how do we know if our message is really getting across? We need some kind of response, right? Without that feedback, we’re essentially talking into a void, not knowing if what we’re saying is being understood.

I love to use this analogy: imagine communication as if we’re building a holographic sculpture together. When I say something, I’m shaping what you see in your mind’s eye. Then when you respond, you’re adding to that shape, maybe changing it a bit. We’re constantly molding and remolding this shared vision.

Now, someone with high relational intelligence? They have this amazing ability to notice what’s emerging from this process. They can see the shape that’s building between the participants in the conversation. But it goes beyond just noticing — they can actually articulate it, summarize it in a way that helps everyone else see it too.

It’s like standing back and looking at this holographic sculpture we create together, and say, “Hey, look at what we’re making here!” They can point out patterns, connections, or ideas that might not be obvious to others involved in the conversation.

By doing this, they’re taking all individual contributions and weaving them into something greater than the sum of its parts.

Developing this kind of relational intelligence takes practice and awareness. It’s about being present in the conversation and being able to step back and see the bigger picture as it’s forming, recognizing that every interaction is an opportunity to create something new and meaningful together.

In my experience, people with high relational intelligence often become great leaders, mediators, or innovators. They have this knack for bringing people together, finding common ground, and moving conversations in productive directions.

So, I always encourage people to work on this skill. Pay attention not just to what’s being said, but to what’s emerging from the interaction. Look for those moments when you can help others see the shared understanding that’s developing. It’s a powerful way to elevate any conversation or collaboration.

How do you integrate non-verbal cues into your communication? Can you provide an example of its importance?

Non-verbal cues are a natural part of how we communicate. It’s just something we do as humans. However, being intentional about these cues can really help your message come across more clearly. This applies both in public speaking and one-on-one conversations. The key is to ensure your non-verbal signals align with what you’re saying. If you don’t mean what you say, your non-verbal cues can send a different message, and people can pick up on that unconsciously.

For example, when you’re trying to show empathy, your tone of voice, facial expressions, and body language should all reflect that empathy. Imagine telling someone you understand their struggles, but your arms are crossed and you have a stern expression. Those mixed signals can undermine your message. But if you keep your body language open and use a warm tone, it reinforces what you’re saying and makes it more genuine and impactful.

How has digital communication changed the way you convey your messages? Are there any specific challenges or advantages you’ve encountered?

Digital communication has changed how we talk to each other. Email and texting are great because you can think about what you want to say before sending it.

Video calls are now normal for many people and feel a lot like talking in person. But the real benefit is in writing messages. AI tools can help us write better and clearer messages. You can even ask AI for suggestions on how to improve what you’ve written.

There are some downsides though. The biggest problem is that you can’t see body language or hear tone of voice, which can sometimes cause misunderstandings. Despite this, the benefits of thoughtful, AI-assisted communication often outweigh the disadvantages.

Public speaking is a common fear. What techniques or strategies do you recommend to manage and overcome stage fright?

That’s a great question. Stage fright is something many of us face, but there are several techniques that can help manage it effectively.

First, I always recommend using grounding techniques. Before speaking, do some stretching and breathing exercises. These really help you feel more grounded and connected to your body.

Breathing techniques are particularly powerful for calming your nervous system. Just taking a few deep slow breaths before you go on stage can make a huge difference in how you feel.

Another important strategy is thorough preparation. Practice, practice, practice! The more familiar you are with your material, the more confident you’ll feel. Even if nerves do hit, you’ll know deep down that you’ve got this.

Here’s an interesting tip: excitement and nervousness actually have very similar energy in our bodies. Try to reframe your nervousness as excitement. This mental shift can be really powerful and turn those jitters into something more positive.

I also find it helpful to focus on the message and your purpose. When you concentrate on why you’re sharing your message and how it can serve your audience, it takes the focus off yourself and your fears of messing up. It’s about something bigger than just you.

Lastly, and this is really important: accept imperfection. Public speaking is a practice in self-compassion. Most of us tend to notice our own mistakes way more than the audience ever would. Being kind to yourself and remembering that perfection isn’t the goal can really help reduce anxiety.

Remember, everyone feels nervous sometimes. It’s totally normal. But with these techniques, you can manage those nerves and even use them to your advantage

What additional resources do you recommend for individuals looking to improve communication skills?

I am sure, there are many great resources out there, but here are some of my recommendations:

For one-on-one communication and improving communication in relationships, check out Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg. I highly recommend it! It teaches you how to say what you mean, understand what others need, and ask for things in a way that works. If you don’t like reading, you search Rosenberg’s lectures on YouTube, there are several good ones to watch.

if you’re a leader and want your team to work better together, try the Solution-Focused Brief approach. It’s all about guiding others through the power of conversations to focus on solutions and their resourcefulness instead of getting stuck on problems. A good book to start with is Solution-Focused Briefly Illustrated by Simon TP Lee. It’s practical and easy to digest.

If public speaking is your focus, I recommend Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo. It breaks down what makes TED Talks so powerful. Also, watch some TEDx Talks on YouTube. See what you like, what makes sense, and how they put their talks together. Then, try using some of their ideas in your own speeches. You might be surprised at how much it helps!

For hands-on practice, join a Toastmasters club near you. It’s great for getting used to speaking in front of people and getting feedback.

You could also come to my listening practice meetups. They’re great for getting better at listening and and practicing how to give thoughtful reflections and acknowledgments.

If you want to really step up your game, check out my Listening Lab Bootcamp. It’s designed for people who are seriously interested in advancing their listening skills and working on developing their relational intelligence.

You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Ehm, good question…If I could start a movement to bring goodness to the most people, I’d actually expand on something I began over three years ago — the Deep Listening Practice Circle.

The idea is simple but powerful: create safe spaces where people can come together, slow down, and really learn to listen to each other. Not just hear words, but truly listen with open hearts and minds.

In these circles, we practice speaking authentically — saying what’s true for us. And we learn to respond to each other in ways that make people feel genuinely seen and acknowledged. It’s amazing to see what happens when people feel truly heard, maybe for the first time in their lives.

I believe that by increasing our ability to listen and understand shared experiences and challenges, communication becomes easier. When we’re in a safe space to be ourselves, we can connect more authentically. This shared understanding builds bridges and breaks down the barriers that often divide us.

I call these “we space”- a space where we come together with a shared intention to connect deeply. There’s no expectation or striving for specific outcomes, but rather a focus on connection and seeing what naturally wants to emerge. We engage in open dialogue and experiment with new ways of being together. It’s about rediscovering our shared humanity in a world that often feels divided.

My dream is to see these we spaces multiply, popping up in communities everywhere. Imagine if we all learned to communicate like this — with openness, authenticity, and deep respect. I believe it could revolutionize how we solve problems, work together, and move forward as a society.

As we practice in these spaces, we start to recognize how interconnected we all are. This shift in perspective can change everything — how we relate to each other, how we approach challenges, how we envision our shared future.

In a world that often feels fragmented and disconnected, I believe the simple act of truly listening and connecting can be revolutionary.

How can our readers further follow you online?

To stay connected and follow my work, you can find me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-samuel where I share insights on leadership, relational intelligence, and more.

On Instagram, I’m @christinesamuelhere where I post about personal growth and heart-centered living.

For leadership training, facilitation, and coaching services, visit my website at www.innerworkmatters.com.

If you’re interested in having me speak or exploring my book, you can visit my other site at www.christinesamuel.ca.

And if you want to practice your listening skill with other like minded people join my monthly Deep Listening Practice Circle here: https://www.meetup.com/deep-listening-practice-circle/

Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!

About the Interviewer: Athalia Monae is a product creator, published author, entrepreneur, advocate for Feed Our Starving Children, contributing writer for Entrepreneur Media, and founder of Pouches By Alahta.