The Better U Project 2019 Recap

Over the past four years I've being trying to figure out how to serve others as a soloprenuer. I must say, my soul stands on tip toe and my mind is at ease knowing that I've found my footing after retiring from the greatest Army on the planet.

I decided to use my calendar and social media timeline as a way to review the year.

It's good to recap the previous 12 months or quarter or month or week or day so that we can acknowledge how much we have progressed or how much we have remained stagnate.  In a world were we are busy being busy and are distracted more than we are present, we need to carve out time and space to celebrate the wins. 

I began the year with the intention of investing in my mindset, skillset, and network. I focused my attention on progressing in my business and thriving in my social environments. The biggest contribution to a successful year was managing my calendar more effectively. At about mid-year I realized that I was not earning enough revenue to sustain my business ventures. I ended the year by reducing the amount of commitments outside of my business. 

 It's been an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G 12 months! 

After conducting my recap I noticed that my tribe consists of five different groups of people:

• My Family
• Entrepreneurs
• Authors
• Military Veterans
• Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

TEAM ODOM VISITED 8 STATES IN 2019

• Mississippi (my childhood state) x 6; May, June, July, August x 2, and November
• Florida x 4; January x 2, April, and September
• Alabama x 2 in July
• Louisiana in July
• North Carolina x 2 June and November
• South Carolina x 2: April and October
• Texas in July
• Virginia in September

TEAM ODOM PARTICIPATED IN 11 SPEAKING EVENTS / WORKSHOP PRESENTATIONS / BOOK SIGNINGS 

• Military Promotion Ceremonies x 2
• Book Signings x 3 January, October & November
• Mistress of Ceremony / Program Guide x 2 
• Motivational Presentation to High School Students via Zoom
• S.O.A.R Presentation at the Royalty Brunch; Domestic Violence Survivors
• Keynote Speaker at AARP-GA Salute to Veterans Luncheon
• Learn How to Lead 1-Day Workshop

 BIGGEST LESSON OF 2019

Once I embraced the concept of responding with a Full Body YES or a Complete NO when people requested my time, energy or resources, I gained a sense of peace. I finally realize that 'NO' is a complete sentence and saying yes to myself is not selfish.

2-0-1-9 has been one of the best years of my life. 

Although not everyday was glorious, fun, good or profitable; I learned something new everyday and laughed out loud most days. I established boundaries and insisted through my actions that I am celebrated and not merely tolerated.

MOST IMPACTFUL EXPERIENCE OF 2019

Photo Credit: Holland America.com

Holland America Line and O, The Oprah Magazine welcomed about 2400 women from all over the world on board the January 30th Girls’ Getaway cruise on Nieuw Statendam. This one-of-a-kind cruise featured special appearances by Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine’s Editor-at-Large Gayle King and other members of the magazine’s editorial staff, who hosted special presentations and events on board the ship.

I attended this cruise with my everything friend Lorie. Watch us answer frequently asked questions about our indelible experience  HERE.

This experience inspired me to create a community for women leaders.

BIGGEST OBSERVATION OF 2019

 It is indeed an honor to see the world through the lens of an author. I love books. I love reading books. I love writing books. I love book discussions. I love book signings. I love authors.

As a result of this recap, I realize I spent a great deal of my time in 2019 participating in activities and events that involved books.

Who Knew?

I was fortunate to be in the audience when Oprah Winfrey interviewed, Tara Westover, the author of "Educated." The recorded conversation took place aboard the Holland America Lines on the Nieuw Statendam during Oprah's 3-Day Girls Cruise. 

This interview later aired on OWN's SuperSoul Sunday TV. 

I hosted two separate online book discussions of Former First Lady Michelle Obama's book, "Becoming". 

I attended Former First Lady Michelle Obama's "Becoming" book tour in May 2019. It was absolutely informative, encouraging, and exciting. 

 During her book tour stop in Atlanta, along with answering many questions, I really liked the answer Mrs. Obama gave to the where did the "When they go low, we go high" mantra she created.

"Going low is the most basic, visceral reaction you can have and it's often more of a sign of weakness, then it is a sign of strength. It's a selfish reaction. You want immediate gratification. You want to make them feel what you felt." ~ Michelle Obama

However, I must admit I'm not completely there yet. I go low sometimes and feel real good about it. The good news is there is always tomorrow; maybe I'll go high tomorrow. hummmmmm

In June 2019, I finally accomplished my goal of publishing my first book, "Bronco Strong: A Memoir of The Last Deployed Personnel Services Battalion" in the audio format. The book was published in the both the paperback format and the e-book format in 2016. Get Your Copy HERE on Amazon.

I submitted one chapter in the leadership anthology written with eleven other contributing authors, "Camouflaged Sisters: Leadership Through The Eyes of Senior Military Women".  The title of my chapter is "Beyond Competence". Get your signed copy HERE.

This leadership toolkit hit the Bestsellers List at Amazon Hot New Releases FOR:

#1 in United States Military Veterans History
#1 in United States Veterans History
#3 in Military & Spies Biographies
#5 in Business Leadership

 So, I graciously accept the title of Bestselling Author. Boo-Yah!

I participated in three separate book signing events in Florida, South Carolina, and Mississippi. 

In January 2019 I was invited to serve as a Featured Author in Literary Cafe Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.'s Florida and Bahamas State Cluster in Jacksonville, Florida.

Book launch and Book Signing. Pictured from Left to Right Contributing Author Karen Wright-Chisolm, Visionary and CEO, Camouflaged Sisters, Lila Holley, Contributing Author Amanda Randolph, and Contributing Author Angela M. Odom in Charleston, SC on October 19, 2019.

Pictured Angela M. Odom signing one of her books during the book signing event at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in November 2019

Leaders are readers. Reading is a proven leadership development method. The Better U Book Club is an email based investment. 

• Read 6 leadership themed books in a 12 month time-frame (Angela designates the books)
• Focus on 1 book for 45 days
• Receive an email reading prompt every 7 days

Invest in yourself by joining the Better U Book Club HERE.

PARTICIPATING IN MILITARY CEREMONIES IS AN HONOR

Being asked to participate in a military promotion ceremony as a retired Army officer is a great honor. This year, I was asked to participate in two ceremonies.  I also attended a military retirement ceremony. 

I hosted CW3 Yvonne Crawford's military promotion ceremony on MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida on April 1, 2019

On Thursday, September 12, 2019 I participated in Major Michael A. Hermes  promotion ceremony in Virginia. I shared a few words about his leadership journey. 

Pictured above from left to right: Colonel Retired Angela M. Odom, Command Sergeant Major Retired Annette Weber, Command Sergeant Major Retired Annie L. Walker. 

Supporting Command Sergeant Major Retired Annette Weber on the occasion of her retirement after serving honorably in the US Army for 34 years

 HONORS/AWARDS/CERTIFICATES

 I find that while I easily push others into the spotlight, I'm not comfortable being the person actually receiving the recognition, honor or award. I love serving others and will push myself to become more comfortable with the recognition for my efforts. I'm grateful for the team recognition as well as the individual recognition. I believe that nothing significant is done alone. 

The Committee I co-host, Political Awareness and Involvement Committee, East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was named the 2017-2019 Committee of the Year

The Committee I co-host, Political Awareness and Involvement Committee, East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. earned the 2018-2019 Highest of Five Award

Pictured left to right: the 2nd Vice President, East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter, Joyce Wilson, Chapter President, East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter, Debra Bunkley, and Angela M. Odom

I was selected as the East Point/College Park Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc 2018-2019 Chapter Member of the Year Award

I was recognized at the 2019 Annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Volunteer Luncheon by the Sergeant Major Retired Scarlett V. Williams, President of the Greater Atlanta AUSA Chapter on May 12, 2019

 Lamman Rucker, is best known as Will in Tyler Perry's TV Sitcom, "Meet The Browns". He is also a cast member on 'Greenleaf" and "Why did I get married".  Mr. Rucker was the guest speaker during the 2019 Annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Volunteer Luncheon. 

Pictured left to right: Angela M. Odom (Award Recipient), Debra Tyler-Horton Georgia State Director, AARP-GA

AARP-GA Certificate of Appreciation Reads:

"For your tireless, selfless efforts to serving those who have served us. Your unyielding acts of kindness, compassion and willingness is a testament of what "service" truly reflects." 

Presented this 7th day of November, 2019

Pictured left to right: Angela M. Odom (Award Recipient), Anthony G. Cooper, PhD, Chief of Voluntary Services, Department of Veterans Affairs

Department of Veteran Affairs Certificate of Appreciation Reads:

 "In recognition and appreciation for your dedicated service and commitment to the Atlanta VA Health Care System mission to care for our Veterans and their families" 

November 7, 2019

 Army Echoes is the U. S. Army’s official news for Retired Soldiers, surviving spouses and their families. Army Echoes’ mission is to educate Retired Soldiers about their benefits and changes within the U. S. Army and to urge them to remain Soldiers for Life, representing the Army in their civilian communities.

Army Echoes informs Retired Soldiers, surviving spouses, and their Families on changes to their benefits and entitlements, developments within the Army, and how they can continue to support the Army.

ARMY ECHOES, is a 16-page printed newsletter, a 24-page electronic newsletter, and the ARMY ECHOES BLOG, which is updated three times or more each week.

Colonel Retired Angela M. Odom was featured in the US Army's Retirement Magazine in March 2019 

Interviewed on WMPR 90.1 Radio Station twice in November 2019 in Jackson, MS 

On May 8, 2019,  The Paula G Show included Angela M. Odom in their celebration of veterans during Military Month.

I CRAVE HEALTHY ENGAGEMENTS AND AUTHENTIC CONNECTIONS 

Family Trip during the Labor Day Weekend

Celebrated my 35th High School Class Reunion in November 2019

 I'm always grateful to be in the presence of members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. who experienced the honor of joining the sorority at the same time as I did. We are affectionately known as Delta Paradise.  

 Of all of the titles I've earned and all of the names I answer to; Ryan's mom is what brings me absolute joy. I love me some him. 

Business Development

Growing a business is exciting. It's a honor to continue to serve others. As the Founder / CEO of The Better U Project I'm committed to helping 1 million women grow their personal leadership skills by 2025. This year the rolling count began!

Most women undervalue themselves. So, I created the S.O.A.R success system to help women progress in their careers and thrive in their social environments.

In January 2019, I legally changed the name of my leadership and personal development training company from AMO Consulting Solutions, LLC to The Better U Project, LLC 

In January 2019, Team Odom started a weekly online leadership themed talk show for women leaders to shift their mindset and grow their personal leadership skills.  Watch free episodes of Better U TV HERE.

 Episodes range from topics about Leadership Communication and How to Respond with a Full Body Yes to Interviews with amazing women and a few focused men to Movie & Book Reviews to Relevant Case Studies.

Team Odom started a Better U Women's Leadership Training Monthly Meetup Group in November 2019. Join the meetup HERE

Hosted a Leadership Training Interview Series with a few of my Leadership Anthology Co-Authors for the Camouflaged Sisters: Leadership From The Eyes of Senior Military Women Leaders

Team Odom developed a 6 week online group coaching program. 

Keynote Speaker for AARP-GA Salute to Veterans Luncheon

Presented my signature S.O.A.R success system presentation in October 2019

Successfully hosted my second event and first LEARN HOW TO LEAD 1-Day Workshop at the beautiful Ellis Hotel in downtown Atlanta.

These women were already powerful, smart, talented, and courageous when they walked through the door with a level of expectancy. I love the fact that the women who attended the LEARN HOW TO LEAD 1-Day Workshop intentionally became the hero of their own stories after powering through my Better U curriculum.