Elevating Indigenous Entrepreneurs; Geena Jackson

Episodes

Monday Jul 01, 2024

Elevating Indigenous Entrepreneurs; Geena Jackson

Monday Jul 01, 2024

Geena Jackson is dedicated to elevating indigenous entrepreneurs. She is the Creator and Executive Producer of Bear's Lair TV and the Founder & President of Sparkly Frog Clan Productions Inc. A proud member of theshíshálh (Sechelt) Nation on the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia, Geena (Tsetasiya – Traditional Sechelt name) is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and a champion for Indigenous business and procurement. With over 30 years in broadcast and media communications, Geena has been a fervent advocate for Indigenous voices, rights, and business development. Her experience spans roles with the Squamish Nation, supporting over 750 Indigenous entrepreneurs and organizations. Geena also dedicates her efforts to initiatives like the Golden Eagles Rising Society, Right to Play, and Live Different, which aim to create positive, life-changing impacts in Indigenous communities.

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Contact Info

Website: GeenaJackson.com
LInkedIn: Geena_Jackson

Most Influential Person

My 94 year-old grandma

Effect On Emotions

As a 54-year-old woman going through menopause, I often experience a roller coaster of emotions.
To manage this, I turn to mindfulness practices like hiking and immersing myself in nature.
Breathing in fresh air and stepping away from my computer boosts my productivity and helps me feel more grounded.
Plus, spending quality time with my family is incredibly important to me.

Thoughts On Breathing

It's interesting because I recently read about the Wim Hof Method, which involves cold plunging and learning proper breathing techniques. I realized I'm not a natural breather—I'm quite uptight in that aspect.
Even when I try to sleep, I often catch myself tensing up. I got checked for sleep apnea, but it turns out I'm just so tense because I'm always thinking about what I need to do next, rather than being mindful of the present.
To help myself relax before bed, I have a routine: I go through the alphabet and think of three words for each letter. By the time I reach E, I'm usually fast asleep. It's a simple exercise, but it really helps me wind down.

Bullying Story

As I reflect on bullying and mindfulness, I've learned that success often attracts negativity, and I've faced attempts to bring me down to a “normal” level.
To manage this, I avoid reading negative social media comments, with my team promptly removing harmful posts.
Growing up poor in an abusive household with a single mom, I've become reactive and emotional, so I practice mindfulness to pause and breathe before responding.
I aim to prevent the cycle of poverty in Indigenous communities by promoting education, self-confidence, and economic sovereignty. We deserve ownership in projects, not just token participation, to truly uplift our people.