Guard Against These Things!

Seven Deadly Sins

"Wealth without work

Pleasure without conscience

Science without humanity

Knowledge without character

Politics without principle

Commerce without morality

Worship without sacrifice.” 

--Mahatma Gandhi

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY presents Leadership Tuesdays, a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. In this final segment of a four part series, Nona Ogunsula (Founder of WOMENATLIBERTY.com/FOR THIS CAUSE, Inc.) and Michelle D. Freeman conclude their leadership conversation by discussing what characteristics are important to her when she looks to hire employees or to seek business partners. Ms. Freeman also talks about why Covenant House of Washington, D.C.'s Executive Sleep Out Charity Event is close to her heart and why she chose to sleep outside on a cold November night in solidarity with homeless teens.

Ms. Freeman is the CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies, a real-estate development company headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. She is also a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns the WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals as well as the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. She sits on the Board of Directors of several Washington, D.C. area non-profit organizations. Most important to her, Michelle is the proud mother of three children.

To view today's video click here. If you missed any or all of the first three parts of this series where Michelle talked about finding renewed life and purpose after experiencing a tragic loss and her leadership style, click here. To view some of her inspiring quotes from this video series, use the "Blog Archive" menu on the right of this page and go toDecember 24, 2013, January 7, 2014, January 21, 2014, and January 28, 2014. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, please visit our website, womenatliberty.com.

When People Honor Each Other...Blaine Lee

”When people honor each other, there is a trust established that leads to synergy, interdependence, and deep respect. Both parties make decisions and choices based on what is right, what is best, what is valued most highly.” 

--Blaine Lee

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY presents Leadership Tuesdays, a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. In this final segment of a four part series, Nona Ogunsula (Founder of WOMENATLIBERTY.com/FOR THIS CAUSE, Inc.) and Michelle D. Freeman conclude their leadership conversation by discussing what characteristics are important to her when she looks to hire employees or to seek business partners. Ms. Freeman also talks about why Covenant House of Washington, D.C.'s Executive Sleep Out Charity Event is close to her heart and why she chose to sleep outside on a cold November night in solidarity with homeless teens.

Ms. Freeman is the CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies, a real-estate development company headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. She is also a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns the WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals as well as the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. She sits on the Board of Directors of several Washington, D.C. area non-profit organizations. Most important to her, Michelle is the proud mother of three children.

To view today's video click here. If you missed any or all of the first three parts of this series where Michelle talked about finding renewed life and purpose after experiencing a tragic loss and her leadership style, click here. To view some of her inspiring quotes from this video series, use the "Blog Archive" menu on the right of this page and go toDecember 24, 2013, January 7, 2014, January 21, 2014, and January 28, 2014. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, please visit our website, womenatliberty.com.

Making A Difference By Setting An Example

I actually think that the most efficacious way of making a difference is to lead by example, and doing random acts of kindness is setting a very good example of how to behave in the world.

--Misha Collins

Every other Tuesday, womenatliberty.com  presents Leadership Tuesdays, a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. In this final segment of a four part series, Nona Ogunsula (Founder of womenatliberty.com/FOR THIS CAUSE, Inc.) and Michelle D. Freeman conclude their leadership conversation by discussing what characteristics are important to her when she looks to hire employees or to seek business partners. Ms. Freeman also talks about why Covenant House of Washington, D.C.'s Executive Sleep Out Charity Event is close to her heart and why she chose to sleep outside on a cold November night in solidarity with homeless teens.

Ms. Freeman is the CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies, a real-estate development company headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. She is also a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns the WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals as well as the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. She sits on the Board of Directors of several Washington, D.C. area non-profit organizations. Most important to her, Michelle is the proud mother of three children.

To view today's video click here. If you missed any or all of the first three parts of this series where Michelle talked about finding renewed life and purpose after experiencing a tragic loss and her leadership style, click here. To view some of her inspiring quotes from this video series, use the "Blog Archive" menu on the right of this page and go to December 24, 2013, January 7, 2014, January 21, 2014, and January 28, 2014. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, please visit our website, womenatliberty.com.

Leadership Tuesdays: Leadership By Example...Albert Schweitzer

Example is not the main thing in influencing others. It is the only thing. 

--Albert Schweitzer

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY presents Leadership Tuesdays, a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. In this final segment of a four part series, Nona Ogunsula (Founder of WOMENATLIBERTY.com/FOR THIS CAUSE, Inc.) and Michelle D. Freeman conclude their leadership conversation by discussing what characteristics are important to her when she looks to hire employees or to seek business partners. Ms. Freeman also talks about why Covenant House of Washington, D.C.'s Executive Sleep Out Charity Event is close to her heart and why she chose to sleep outside on a cold November night in solidarity with homeless teens. 

Ms. Freeman is the CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies, a real-estate development company headquartered in Rockville, Maryland.  She is also  a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns the WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals as well as the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. She sits on the Board of Directors of several Washington, D.C. area non-profit organizations. Most important to her, Michelle is the proud mother of three children. 

To view today's video click here.  If you missed any or all of the first three parts of this series where Michelle talked about finding renewed life and purpose after experiencing a tragic loss and her leadership style, click here. To view some of her inspiring quotes from this video series, use the "Blog Archive" menu on the right of this page and go to December 24, 2013, January 7, 2014, January 21, 2014, and January 28, 2014. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, please visit our website, womenatliberty.com.

When You're Committed...@vnona

When you're committed to something or someone, your actions and words are in alignment. 

--Nona

A Cheerful Heart!

A cheerful heart brings a smile to your face; a sad heart makes it hard to get through the day.

--Proverbs 15:13

Quiet Time...Susan L. Taylor

We need quiet time to examine our lives openly and honestly - spending quiet time alone gives your mind an opportunity to renew itself and create order.

--Susan L. Taylor 

Happy Birthday Ms. Taylor!!

Know This...Tiffany Haisten

“I was taught at a tender age that Bullying had nothing to do with me; instead it had everything to do with the heartache of the person doing the bullying.”

--Tiffany Haisten, Red Is the Color Of...

Never Be Afraid To Take A Stand For Truth...William Faulkner

“Never be afraid to raise your voice for honesty and truth and compassion against injustice and lying and greed. If people all over the world...would do this, it would change the earth.” 

--William Faulkner

Stop Holding Yourself Back...Warren Buffet

"I've seen very, very bright women. I use the example of Katherine Graham. ... While she was CEO of The Washington Post, the stock went up [by a lot]. She won a Pulitzer Prize. But she'd been told by her mother, she'd been told by her husband, she'd been told by lots of people that women weren't as good as men in business. It was nonsense. So everybody should get a chance to live up to their potential. And women should not hold themselves back. And nobody should hold them back. And that's my message."*

--Warren Buffett, Chairman & CEO, Berkshire Hathaway

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY presents Leadership Tuesdays, a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. This week, Nona Ogunsula (Founder of WOMENATLIBERTY.com/FOR THIS CAUSE, Inc.) speaks with Michelle D. Freeman about being a female executive in several businesses that are not traditionally known for women or women leaders. Ms. Freeman is the CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies, a real-estate development company headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. She is also a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns the WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals as well as the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. In this third segment of a four part series, she talks about some of the things that have made her successful as a woman in areas where her voice is in the minority.

In March 2013, Ms. Freeman was named one of the Top 10 Most Influential Women In Washington, DC. She shared this honor with women such as Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Mignon Clyburn, the first woman of color to be named a member of the Federal Communications Commission, and Andrea Mitchell, NBC News' Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent. Ms. Freeman is the chair of her company's two family foundations: Joshua M. Freeman Foundation and Carl M. Freeman Foundation. Last but not least, Michelle is the proud mother of three children.

To view today's video click here. If you missed part one or two of this series where Michelle talked about finding renewed life and purpose after experiencing a tragic loss and her leadership style, click on the links. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, please visit our website, womenatliberty.com.
__________________________________

*Quote: "Warren Buffett To Women: Stop Holding Yourself Back" by Aimee Groth, Business Insider, May 2013, http://www.businessinsider.com/warren-buffetts-advice-to-women-2013-5#ixzz2r5Bv7Qgn

Leadership Tuesdays: Be Open...Michelle D. Freeman

“I could have never written this story. But each thing on my journey led me to the next thing and I just had to be open to that next thing.”

--Michelle D. Freeman, CEO, Carl Freeman Companies

2013 Top 10 Most Influential Women of Washington, DC

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY presents Leadership Tuesdays, a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. Today, Nona Ogunsula (Founder of WOMENATLIBERTY.com/FOR THIS CAUSE, Inc.) speaks with Michelle D. Freeman about being a female executive in several businesses that are not traditionally known for women or women leaders. Ms. Freeman is the CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies, a real-estate development company headquartered in Rockville, Maryland. She is also a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns the WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals as well as the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. In this third segment of a four part series, she talks about some of the things that have made her successful as a woman in areas where her voice is in the minority.

In March 2013, Ms. Freeman was named one of the Top 10 Most Influential Women In Washington, DC. She shared this honor with women such as Dr. Jill Biden, wife of Vice President Joe Biden; Senator Kirsten Gillibrand; Mignon Clyburn, the first woman of color to be named a member of the Federal Communications Commission; and Andrea Mitchel, NBC News' Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent. Ms. Freeman is the chair of her company's two family foundations: Joshua M. Freeman Foundation and Carl M. Freeman Foundation. Last but not least, Michelle is the proud mother of three children.

To view today's video click here. If you missed part one or two of this series where Michelle talked about finding renewed life and purpose after experiencing a tragic loss and her leadership style, click on the links. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, please visit our website, womenatliberty.com.

Develop A Loyalty To All People...Martin Luther King

"Every nation must now develop an overriding loyalty to mankind as a whole in order to preserve the best in their individual societies."

--Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Doing What's Right...Martin Luther King, Jr.

“There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.”

--Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Kindness Trumps Everything...Tom Giaquinto

“Kindness trumps everything. Kind people are magnets for all of the good things in life.” 

--Tom Giaquinto, Be A Good Human

Courage Can Be Contagious...Michelle Obama | Happy Birthday!

You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world's problems at once but don't ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.

--Michelle L. Obama, First Lady of the United States (2009 -- )

Happy 50th Birthday, Mrs. Obama!!
And many more....

Trust: The Lesson...Unknown

If you succeed in cheating someone, don’t think that the person is a fool. Realize that the person trusted you much, more than you deserved. 

--Unknown

Advice For Those Who Want A Mentor...Anna Stevens

“Searching for a mentor is similar to searching for a spouse: you two need to share common values, concerns, experiences, communication style, and, of course, have time to invest into meaningful conversations with one another.” 

--Anna Stevens, Turn Your Dreams And Wants Into Achievable SMART Goals!

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY presents Leadership Tuesdays, a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. In part 2 of a 4 four part series, we talk again to Michelle D. Freeman, CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies and chair of their two family foundations: Joshua M. Freeman Foundation and Carl M. Freeman Foundation, about lessons she has learned since assuming the top leadership position at her company.  In this Leadership Tuesdays' video, Ms. Freeman says that a John Mayer song, "Say What You Need To Say", has inspired her in her communication approach with both her employees and business partners.  She also shares how the Carl M. Freeman Companies' history has impacted the way the company does business and its involvement in the communities where they do business.  

In addition to leading the family business, Ms. Freeman is also an entrepreneur in her own right, a philanthropist and a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns the WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals as well as the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Lastly, Michelle is the proud mother of three children. 

To view today's video click here.  If you missed part one of this series where Michelle talked about finding renewed life and purpose after experiencing a tragic loss, click here.  For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, please visit our website, womenatliberty.com.

Leadership Tuesdays: Saying What You Need To Say...William Butler Yeats

Think like a wise man [woman] but communicate in the language of the people.

--William Butler Yeats

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY presents Leadership Tuesdays, a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. In part 2 of a 4 four part series, we talk again to Michelle D. Freeman, CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies and chair of their two family foundations: Joshua M. Freeman Foundation and Carl M. Freeman Foundation, about lessons she has learned since assuming the top leadership position at her company. 

In this Leadership Tuesdays' video, Ms. Freeman says that a John Mayer song, "Say What You Need To Say", has inspired her in her communication approach with both her employees and business partners. She also shares how the Carl M. Freeman Companies' history has impacted the way the company does business and its involvement in the communities where they do business.

In addition to leading the family business, Ms. Freeman is also an entrepreneur in her own right, a philanthropist and a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns the WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals as well as the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Lastly, Michelle is the proud mother of three children.

To view today's video click here. If you missed part one of this series where Michelle talked about finding renewed life and purpose after experiencing a tragic loss, click here. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, please visit our website, womenatliberty.com.

Stand, Speak, Be Bold!!...Voltaire

Stand upright, speak thy thoughts, declare The truth thou hast, that all may share; Be bold, proclaim it everywhere: They only live who dare.

--Voltaire 

A Word Of Truth...Donald Tusk

A word of truth can [mobilize] two people looking for the road to reconciliation.

--Donald Tusk

Free Yourself!!!...

The greatest prison people live in is the fear of what other people think.  
--David Icke

Free Yourself!! Some people are never going to be your fans or approve of you.

A Free Gift

A simple smile is a free gift that can make the difference in someone's day. A compliment can change their negative perception. Freely give and freely receive.

--Nona

Art Is Communication...Madeleine L'Engle

“Art is communication.” -- Madeleine L'Engle, Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY presents Leadership Tuesdays, a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. This week we are featuring part 2 of a 4 four part series: A Conversation With Michelle D. Freeman. She is CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies and chair of their two family foundations: Joshua M. Freeman Foundation and Carl M. Freeman Foundation. 

In part 2 she talks about leadership lessons she has learned since assuming the top leadership position at her company and she thoughtfully ponders what she would like her legacy to be as a woman and leader. She also talks about the philanthropic work she and her organization are involved in.

In addition to leading the family business, Ms. Freeman is also an entrepreneur in her own right, a philanthropist and a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns the WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals as well as the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Lastly, Michelle is the proud mother of three children.

To view today's video click here. If you missed part one of this series where Michelle talked about finding renewed life and purpose after experiencing a tragic loss, click here. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, please visit our website, womenatliberty.com.

Doing Good...Alexander Pope

"Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.”  --Alexander Pope, Pope: An Essay on Man

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY presents Leadership Tuesdays, a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. This week, we are featuring part 2 of a 4 four part series: A Conversation With Michelle D. Freeman. She is CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies and chair of their two family foundations: Joshua M. Freeman Foundation and Carl M. Freeman Foundation. 

In part 2 she talks about leadership lessons she has learned since assuming the top leadership position at her company and she thoughtfully ponders what she would like her legacy to be as a woman and leader. She also talks about the philanthropic work she and her organization are involved in.

In addition to leading the family business, Ms. Freeman is also an entrepreneur in her own right, a philanthropist and a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns the WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals as well as the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Lastly, Michelle is the proud mother of three children.

To view today's video click here. If you missed part one of this series where Michelle talked about finding renewed life and purpose after experiencing a tragic loss, click here. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, please visit our website, womenatliberty.com.

Leadership Tuesdays: You Can Do It!...Michelle Freeman

Trust that when you think you can do something, you actually can. There are going to be naysayers in your life.  There are going to be people that say, 'You are not fit to do that' or 'Wow! She is really full of herself to think that she can!' You have to combat those voices with your own voice inside that says, 'I can do anything that I set my mind to'.

--Michelle D. Freeman, CEO, Carl Freeman Companies

Every other Tuesday, WOMEN AT LIBERTY presents Leadership Tuesdays, a platform for a variety of voices and resources to develop, encourage, and strengthen women leaders. In part 2 of a 4 four part series, we talk again to Michelle D. Freeman, CEO of the Carl M. Freeman Companies and chair of their two family foundations: Joshua M. Freeman Foundation and Carl M. Freeman Foundation, about lessons she has learned since assuming the top leadership position at her company. She also thoughtfully ponders what she would like her legacy to be as a woman and leader. Lastly, she shares some of the philanthropic work she and her company are involved in.

In addition to leading the family business, Ms. Freeman is also an entrepreneur in her own right, a philanthropist and a minority partner in Monumental Sports and Entertainment which owns the WNBA Mystics, NBA Wizards and NHL Capitals as well as the Verizon Center in Washington, D.C. Lastly, Michelle is the proud mother of three children.

To view today's video click here. If you missed part one of this series where Michelle talked about finding renewed life and purpose after experiencing a tragic loss, click here. For more information on Leadership Tuesdays, please visit our website, womenatliberty.com.

Embracing Diversity...Ola Joseph

"Diversity is not about how we differ. Diversity is about embracing one another's uniqueness." 

--Ola Joseph 

Hurting People...Joel Osteen

“Keep in mind, hurting people often hurt other people as a result of their own pain. If somebody is rude and inconsiderate, you can almost be certain that they have some unresolved issues inside. They have some major problems, anger, resentment, or some heartache they are trying to cope with or overcome. The last thing they need is for you to make matters worse by responding angrily.” 

--Joel Osteen, Your Best Life Now: 7 Steps to Living at Your Full Potential

Imagine...John Lennon

Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one.

--John Lennon 

When Words Are Not Needed...Louis Wilson

“Hearts understand in ways minds cannot.”  -- Louis Wilson

Have Peace?...Mother Teresa

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.

--Mother Teresa 

Begin Again In A New Way...Happy New Year!

Ends are not bad things, they just mean that something else is about to begin. And there are many things that don't really end, anyway, they just begin again in a new way.

--Unknown