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Soness Stevens remembers growing up with a childhood dream of being a ninja. She takes us along, with her amazing story-telling ability, from her younger year
s moving frequently in the US to her now home in Japan. She shares personal stories of connection with her brother Chris, her “Ninja Master.” His words of “Ninjas Never Give Up,” seemed to be the driving force that never allowed her to quit through her tough childhood…and perhaps even beyond. She offers a story of being hurt and wanting to confide in her Barbie, who felt completely unrelated-able, with her unfading smile.
Soness’ spiritual path began to be evident to her following an interview for a paper products company in Florida, in her early 20’s. She saw herself walking into an industry that would lock her in a direction that did not feel progressive. After turning down a lucrative job offer, she decided to get her MBA at Harvard. For her to be able to specialize in what she was pursuing, she needed to be fluent in Japanese. This required a year’s studies in Japan. While in Japan, she became Japan’s first Feng Shui consultant, as well as the English voice of Hello Kitty. Following her realization that she needed more than a year to truly learn Japanese and the Japanese culture, Soness dec
ided to make Japan her “always” home. She has lived there now for 20 years.
Since then, Soness has built a life teaching connection and compassion through public speaking. She has a nationally broadcast television show, as well as a career as a university professor. She walks both students and coaching clients through their personal “Speaking Journeys” and teaches them how to create TED/TEDx worthy speeches. She helps them to define core thesis’ and to find value to offer to others.
Soness is also a TEDx speaker and speaker coach for other speakers. As a global communicator has done multiple TEDx speeches herself. She incorporates connection and compassion to all of her lessons teaching others to recognize the “oneness” and similarities we all share. Additionally, she describes the Japanese method of “reading the air” to integrate the intuitive nature that once was so commonplace in the Japanese culture. You can see one of her talks here.
She also took time to share about her latest online teaching program, “How to Create a TED Worthy Application,” helping others to get their messages out to the world. More than anything though, Soness describes her process of “teaching others to be at home with themselves.” Her heart is huge and her commitment to the success of others is to be appreciated and valued. Take a moment to listen. You will be inspired and your heart will be warmed from her truly amazing journey to where she is now.
To learn more about Soness Stevens and her life changing work, please contact her via email at sonessstevens@gmail.com or on her website www.yourspeakingjourney.com.
Sources Mentioned in the Podcast
Your Speaking Jouney– Coaching with Soness
Connect and Follow Soness
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