Embracing Authenticity, Empowering Retirement, and Redefining Success in Business!

When it comes to the dynamics of the workplace, where the desire to succeed often becomes more important than taking care of oneself, there exists a rare gem—a beacon of positivity, an advocate for happiness.

Mary Rose Chambers, a Workplace Happiness Specialist at Dusk, is that gem. Her journey to becoming a Happiness & Mindfulness Coach and a certified Workplace Happiness Specialist is as diverse as her own multicultural heritage. Having grown up and studied in the United Arab Emirates, she brings a unique perspective and a rich array of experiences to her work.

The world faced an unprecedented challenge in early 2020 with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As lockdowns, uncertainty, and fear swept across the globe, Mary decided to take on an extraordinary challenge. Instead of succumbing to the anxieties of the time, she chose to be a beacon of hope and positivity.

During these trying times, Mary Rose embarked on a transformational path. She delved into the realms of happiness and mindfulness, recognizing their profound impact on individuals’ lives, especially in the context of work. She understood that happiness is not just a fleeting emotion but a skill that can be cultivated and nurtured.

Amidst a world filled with stress and doubt, Mary shines as a symbol of optimism. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that even in the toughest moments, we possess the ability to reinvent ourselves and motivate those around us. Beyond her role as an Office Manager, she champions happiness, mentors mindfulness, and specializes in creating a workplace filled with joy and positivity. Each day, she works tirelessly to improve the atmosphere, making it a truly inspiring and uplifting space.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Please brief us about yourself and what inspired you to embark on this sector.

I’m a game-changer; I love change, and if anything, I’ve  spent most, if not all, of my life looking for ways to change  things up and make things better.

I’m a firm believer in taking chances, especially when your  well-being depends on it. I love a challenge. I love  adventure. I love people. I love life. I’m a mum, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a ousin, an employee, a business owner, a coach, a healer, and most of  all, I’m unique.The real inspiration for my decision to focus on workplace happiness, and more specifically, the “Enriched Retirement” program, was my late father.

My father was a good man, a great husband, an awesome dad, a fun uncle, a generous brother-in-law, and most of all, he was an outstanding employee. He dedicated 38 years of his life (the best, I would say) to just one company and finally was given a forced retirement at 71. He passed away about 18 months after his retirement. Anyone who knew my dad would tell you that man was not ill; he had no health issues, and he was definitely the most consistently fit person, mentally and physically. Yet a few months after retiring, he started to lose mobility in all his limbs and finally became completely paralyzed from the neck down, only to pass away in a hospital when the last working muscle (his heart) finally gave up the fight. Why am I telling you this sad story? To me, it is not a sad story. To me, it is an inspiration to do better, to be better, and to tell the world that there is a better way.

Many years prior to my father’s retirement, I had been asking him what would happen when he retired. He said, “Oh, I’ll be replaced by someone else in the company.” I wasn’t really too concerned about the company at that point; I was concerned about my dad, so I pressed on. “No, I mean to you? What happens to all the information and skills you have? If you retire, all that goes with you. If you have a consulting firm, then you can share that knowledge with the next generation and probably the person who replaces you.” He just laughed at my naivety. That was the moment of conception for the “Enriched Retirement” program.Wellness and happiness coaching is a form of personal development that focuses on improving one’s physical and mental wellbeing. I work closely with my clients to help set and achieve their goals related to health, lifestyle, and overall happiness.

At its core, wellness coaching is all about making positive changes in your life. Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, weight management, or other health concerns, as a wellness coach I will help you develop a personalized plan for improving your wellbeing.

Here are just a few ways in which I can help you:

• Develop a personalized plan for achieving your health goals.
• Improve your physical fitness and energy levels.
• Manage stress and anxiety more effectively.
• Learn new strategies for coping with difficult emotions.
• Improve your overall quality of life and sense of wellbeing.

Could you please elaborate on your story as the beacon of your organization, and how you have positioned it as a dependable player in the competitive market?

Genuine authenticity is an indispensable cornerstone for establishing both credibility and lasting value within any business endeavor. My career trajectory bears testimony to the remarkable growth that has ensued from consistently embracing and projecting my authentic self in every professional interaction. Authenticity fosters trust, as it conveys sincerity and reliability. It paves the way for meaningful connections with colleagues, clients, and partners, reinforcing one’s reputation and influence in the industry. It is this unwavering commitment to authenticity that has not only propelled my career forward but also enriched my professional journey, emphasizing the enduring significance of being true to oneself in the realm of business.

Could you please brief us on Dusk LLC, its offerings, and how your expertise has contributed to the development of the company?

Dusk is there to provide guidance and support. We strive to be a beacon of light, leading you towards contentment and happiness. Our mission is to illuminate the path ahead, offering hope and assistance when it is most needed. We recognize that everyone experiences moments of darkness in their journey, and it is during these times that our dedication to providing comfort and guidance truly shines. With empathy and unrelenting commitment, we help individuals find their way to a brighter and more fulfilling future.

What motivated you to pursue a career in consulting?

The desire for something different was the primary  motivation. I was tired of seeing people do things “the way they’ve always been done” and I knew there was something different that could create so much more in the world.

Coaching gives me the space to be the catalyst for change in individuals’ lives and the future.

How have your problem-solving skills helped you in your career, and what brand strategies have you employed to maximize success?

I excel at spin-doctoring, a talent I’ve developed through attentive listening and focused concentration. My approach goes beyond simply hearing; I actively listen to identify the core issues at hand. This invaluable ability enables me to effectively steer teams towards the most appropriate solutions. I understand that genuine problem-solving necessitates a thorough comprehension of the underlying causes, and I take pride in my ability to uncover these fundamental factors. By diving deep into the heart of matters, I ensure that my guidance not only leads teams to answers but to the right answers, fostering impactful and enduring solutions.

Describe a challenging opportunity that you have taken on and how you were able to achieve success.

One of my most significant coaching challenges arose during the Covid pandemic, prompting a shift to virtual meetings and workshops. Adapting our established tools and presentations to this new digital landscape proved to be a difficult task. However, we were able to navigate this transition by adjusting our strategies to encourage active participation and contribution in the virtual realm. It required us to be innovative and creative in order to keep participants engaged and ensure that the essence of our coaching was not lost. Despite the initial obstacles, we successfully leveraged the potential of technology, bridging the gap between physical and virtual environments. As a result, growth, learning, and collaboration continued to thrive, serving as a testament to our adaptability and resilience.

As an inventive leader, what advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

I have always operated without the confines of any box, embracing the notion of limitless possibility. Every thought, no matter how unconventional or audacious, has the potential to become reality. My approach revolves around questioning and embracing curiosity. I dare to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what is considered conceivable. Through inquiry, we discover the paths to transformation and innovation. By rejecting the idea of a box, we free our minds to explore uncharted territories and achieve what may initially seem impossible.

Some people say “Think outside the box” I haven’t yet seen the box. I believe everything is possible and when you have a thought, believe it or not, that idea CAN become a reality. Just ask questions.

How to envision scaling your organization’s services and operations in 2023 and beyond?

My goal is to expand the program I’ve created to include more companies that understand the importance of their workforce. This program allows employees to continue making valuable contributions to their companies even after reaching the typical retirement age.

In society, we often hear the saying “Age is just a number.” However, in the corporate world, the idea of a fixed retirement age has been followed for many years. This adherence to tradition has resulted in experienced team members being forced to leave prematurely, simply because it’s considered the norm. I want to challenge and change this mindset, ushering in a new era where experience and knowledge are valued more than age. This will allow companies to retain their invaluable talent and wisdom.