Pretty Heart (emotional intelligence), Pretty Mind (intellectual intelligence) and Pretty Soul (spiritual intelligence)

Who Am I?

Meet Marie Sealy, MSOL, the driving force behind The Pretty Soul, LLC, a digital media brand and e-mentoring platform focused on leadership. For Marie, The Pretty Soul is more than just a company; it's a calling and a great responsibility, aimed at leaving a lasting "Legacy of Love" for future generations. She is dedicated to providing guidance and support to those who need it, with the goal of positively transforming their lives.

MARIE GRADUATES FROM UCSD

Marie graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor of Art in Psychology. Initially, her goal was to become a forensic psychologist. However, after taking a course in psychological profiling of violent criminals, Marie realized that the dark intensity of this work was not suitable for her. She shifted her studies towards behavioral, biological, social, and cognitive psychology, as well as drugs, society, and human behavior. During her undergraduate studies, Marie struggled with depression and anxiety, and began self-treating with excessive alcohol. It wasn't until her senior year that she saw the negative effects of this approach and was introduced to a spiritual program that changed her views on holistic wellness and psychology.

 In 2010, Marie attended UCSD Extension where she completed all certification coursework to become a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (C.A.D.A.C.C.). This program was transformative and provided her with in-depth understanding of dual diagnosis, counseling clients with chemical dependency and mental illness. She appreciated the course on the theory and practice of counseling in psychotherapy and group facilitation, and was inspired to develop her own therapy model by extracting the most effective methods from different modalities, approaches, and techniques.

 A SPIRITUAL APPROACH, CBT & MET

Marie was dedicated and committed to her studies, and her pursuit was tenacious. Despite facing difficulties along the way, she persevered. Her journey was filled with challenges, but getting knocked down only fueled her determination. She understood that struggles are what shape success, and that victory is the product of the fight. While support from a family can make the pursuit of dreams easier, Marie believed that the true measure of success is achieved through self-made efforts and perseverance. She saw the hardships as opportunities to test her endurance and reach her full potential among the highest of achievers.

 Marie was introduced to 12-step facilitation at a young age and saw the benefits of adopting a spiritual approach to treating addiction. She was interested in Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and was a fan of the pioneers of CBT, Albert Ellis and Aaron T. Beck. CBT is based on the idea that reorganizing one's thoughts can result in a corresponding change in behavior. Cognitive behavioral therapies are structured, psycho-educational models that believe individuals contribute to their psychological problems and symptoms through their interpretations of events and situations.

MARIE WAS INSPIRED BY VIKTOR FRANKL

Marie was inspired by the work of Viktor Frankl, an existential psychiatrist. She believed in Frankl's perspective that life means taking responsibility to find the right answers to its problems and fulfilling the tasks set for each individual. In Frankl's words, "Life ultimately means taking responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which constantly sets for each individual."

 Marie's admiration for Viktor Frankl reflects her belief in the power of choice and determination in the face of adversity. She believes that everyone has the power to take responsibility for their own happiness and well-being, no matter the circumstances. Frankl's story serves as an inspiration for her and she uses it to remind herself to maintain a positive attitude and choose growth even in tough times.

"Life ultimately means taking responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which constantly sets for each individual." Viktor Frankl

MARIE LEARNS ABOUT MINDFULNESS

 "In 2010, Marie was awarded the privilege of attending the Summer Clinical Institute for Addiction Studies at UCSD School of Medicine Psychiatry. The opportunity to study among some of the brightest minds in Psychiatry and Psychology was an honor for Marie. During this time, she was introduced to Mindfulness Training through a lecture by Dr. Steve Hickman, Ph.D., who spoke about his book "Where are my feet?" The class in Mindfulness led by Dr. Hickman was a life-changing experience for Marie, as it helped her to feel more relaxed, reduce her anxiety and focus more clearly. This summer at UCSD will always be remembered by Marie as the time she first discovered the benefits of Mindfulness."

MARIE INTEGRATES MINDFULNESS, YOGA & MEDITATION

 "While taking CAADAC courses, Marie also enrolled in a nearby Yoga Studio's Teacher Training Program and was introduced to the practice of Meditation and the Yoga lifestyle. Despite her strong Christian beliefs and country roots, Marie was open-minded and curious about exploring yoga for its physical and mental health benefits. Over time, she discovered the importance of embracing diversity and practicing respect for different worldviews, which she believes contributes to emotional intelligence and leads to a more peaceful world. This led her to appreciate the rituals, customs, and belief systems of other cultures, finding it both mind and heart expanding."

 "Marie became interested in the teachings of Hinduism and Buddhism, which are the primary foundations of yoga. With the guidance of a female mentor in the field of yoga and meditation, Marie attended a three-day retreat at The Chopra Center, known for its programs in health and wellness and its contributions to the study of consciousness. During the retreat, she experienced Expanded Awareness meditation and Primordial Sound Meditation, which uses mantras as a vehicle to quiet the mind and reach silence.

From 2010 to 2014, Marie attended three retreats at The Chopra Center, where she was inspired by speakers such as David Simon, who spoke about love. She still keeps the lecture notes and reflects on his message from time to time. Other influential figures in her spiritual journey include Byron Katie, Caroline Myss, and Deepak Chopra."

 Marie has since integrated mindfulness, yoga, and meditation into her personal and professional life. She has been a Certified Yoga Teacher (CYT) since 2014 and is a Professional member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Her background in addiction studies and mindfulness practices has allowed her to work with clients in a unique and holistic way. She believes in addressing the root cause of emotional and physical dis-ease and incorporates Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and yoga therapy in her practice.

MARIE’S JOURNEY OF SELF DISCOVERY

Marie's journey to a more holistic approach has been a journey of self-discovery, and it has been her personal belief that the combination of the ancient wisdom of yoga and the most advanced scientific research has helped her clients achieve a greater sense of well-being, peace and happiness. She continues to be a student of spirituality, meditation and mindfulness and has found her passion in sharing her knowledge and experience with others.

 Marie was inspired by Carolyn Myss's work and her lecture at the Seduction of Spirit retreat. She believes in Carolyn's approach to understanding people through archetypes and incorporates similar ideas in her own work with Sacred Harmony in Animal Spirits. She is open to the spiritual realm and believes that where science ends, God begins. She recognizes the courage, self-respect, integrity, and self-esteem that come from self-love and values these qualities of grace.

"To love yourself, truly love yourself, is to finally discover the essence of personal courage, self-respect, integrity, and self-esteem. These are the qualities of grace that come directly from a soul with stamina." (Caroline Myss, 2014)

 Byron Katie's philosophy and approach has had a profound impact on Marie and her leadership style. The idea that we can transform our suffering by changing our thoughts and beliefs is central to her approach. She encourages people to question their beliefs and thoughts and create a new story for themselves that focuses on perseverance and growth, instead of hardship and suffering. Byron Katie's insights have shaped Marie's leadership and mentorship style, helping her guide others to overcome adversity and create a more fulfilling life.

"Thought is harmless unless we believe it.  It is not our thoughts, which cause suffering.  Attaching to a thought means believing that it is true without inquiring.  A belief is a thought that we've been attaching to, often for years. (Byron Katie, 2014)

Marie's background in psychology and spirituality has greatly informed her approach to leadership and mentorship. She strongly believes that to be a great leader, one must understand and appreciate the psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being of those they are leading. Her Master's degree in Organizational Leadership has allowed her to bring a unique perspective to the field of business leadership and has made her a sought-after mentor and coach.

MARIE EARNS A MASTERS DEGREE IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

 Marie felt that a degree in Organizational Leadership would allow her to help people in a unique way. She felt that by understanding the systems and structures in place within organizations, she could provide a more comprehensive approach to supporting individuals within those systems. With her business degree, she could focus on developing leadership skills and creating more healthy, thriving organizations. Her journey has led her to use her background in psychology and her business education to support individuals in both their personal and professional lives.

MARIE INSPIRED BY JOEL OSTEEN

 Marie believes in the power of positive thinking and using it to shape one's life. She believes that speaking blessings and focusing on healing, rather than reaffirming ailments, can lead to a better mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

She finds inspiration in the sermons of Joel Osteen and believes that his message of victory over defeat can help retrain the mind to be more positive. While she recognizes the importance of understanding mental illness and mood disorders, she also believes that in some cases, a holistic approach that focuses on the spirit, rather than solely on psychological factors, can be more effective in helping people heal. Marie understands that her views on spiritual guidance & business leadership are not always in alignment and the potential backlash that may come with them, but she is open to sharing her experiences and insights on this topic in an appropriate setting.

DECLARE I will use my words to bless people. I will speak favor and victory over my family, friends, and loved ones. I will help call out their seeds of greatness by telling them "I'm proud of you, I love you, you are amazing, you are talented, you are beautiful, you will do great things in life." This is my declaration." (Joel Olsteen)
 
"I DECLARE a legacy of faith over my life. I declare that I will store up blessings for future generations. My life is marked by excellence and integrity. Because I'm making right choices and taking steps of faith, others will want to follow me. God's abundance is surrounding my life today. This is my declaration." (Joel Olsteen)

MARIE’S TEACHINGS AND PHILOSOPHY

 Marie also emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with a supportive community and being accountable to someone. She believes that transformation and healing is a journey, and it is essential to have people in your life who will encourage, support and hold you accountable to your goals and aspirations.

Marie's teachings and philosophy are rooted in the principles of self-reflection, self-discovery, and personal responsibility. She encourages individuals to take responsibility for their thoughts, feelings, and actions and to work on their personal growth and development. She also believes in the power of affirmations and visualization, as well as the importance of developing a spiritual practice, to help individuals achieve their full potential and live a fulfilling life.

With a Master's degree in Organizational Leadership, Marie brings a unique perspective to leadership and mentorship. She believes that leadership models can not only guide individuals towards their goals, but also ignite their passions and inspire personal growth. By using contemplative meditation and self-reflection techniques, Marie helps individuals shift towards their authentic selves and align with their life's purpose.

Having benefited from mentorship herself, Marie is passionate about offering guidance and support to others. She understands the impact that a strong mentor-mentee relationship can have, and is dedicated to helping individuals find their path and pursue their dreams. Marie recognizes the challenges that young girls face today and hopes to be a positive influence in their lives, helping them avoid compromise and stay true to their values and morals.

MARIE’S LEARNS ABOUT GROUP DYNAMICS & TEAM BUILDING

By 2014, Marie had undergone significant personal growth and spiritual transformation. This awakening led her to pursue her "greater calling" and seek out leadership training. Her journey in team leadership began with a course, where she studied under the guidance of Harvard Professor, Sara Jones Ph.D.

Marie was excited to study under a professor with expertise in experiential action learning and conflict management in group dynamics. Her first course, Leadership 602, provided her with a solid foundation in leading groups and teams effectively. Through her studies, Marie gained a deeper understanding of the importance of experiential learning and its impact on leadership development.

 Marie was introduced to the four-stage cycle of Experiential Learning, which has a significant impact on her leadership philosophy. The process, based on 12 Principles, emphasizes the importance of active engagement and reflection in the learning process. The principles state that effective experiential learning affects the learner's cognitive structures, attitudes, values, and behavioral patterns, and that changes in these aspects require a shift in one's entire cognitive-affective-behavioral system.

Marie understands that for changes in attitudes, behaviors, and action theories to be permanent, both the person and their social environment must change. The principles also emphasize the importance of a supportive and accepting social environment for experimentation and growth. Furthermore, the principles suggest that a person can more easily adopt new attitudes and behaviors by accepting membership in a new group.

Marie's understanding of the experiential learning process has shaped her approach to leadership and mentorship. She recognizes the importance of creating a supportive and accepting environment that encourages personal growth and development. By fostering a community where members feel free to experiment and learn through reflection and feedback, Marie hopes to inspire and guide her mentees towards their most authentic and harmonious selves.

 MARIE MEETS ALF

Marie and Alf formed an unlikely but meaningful mentorship bond. Alf taught Marie that effective leadership required more than intelligence, technical expertise, and an insatiable work ethic. He introduced her to the concept of Emotional Intelligence and how critical it was to be an effective leader. He also showed her how to be more conscious of her own emotional responses and how to regulate her emotions in high-pressure situations. Marie learned that her leadership style was too direct, abrasive and sometimes authoritarian. She worked on softening her approach and became more empathetic and collaborative. This shift in mindset and approach transformed Marie into a more effective leader, and she was able to work more effectively with her team. Marie will be forever grateful to Alf for his mentorship and guidance.

 Marie's experiences in her Leadership 602 course helped her in several ways. Firstly, it allowed her to understand the importance of the four-stage experiential learning cycle, which helped her in her future leadership studies. Secondly, her participation in Team Five helped her in learning the importance of teamwork and how conflicts can lead to better outcomes if they are resolved. Additionally, her friendship with Alf taught her the value of Servant Leadership and helped her grow both personally and professionally. Furthermore, the exercise in perspective-shifting that Alf shared with her is still being used by Marie in her leadership practices and has been helpful in her leadership journey.

 The course also taught Marie about power dynamics and how to use power effectively to resolve conflicts. She learned about the different types of power, such as referent, expert, and legitimate power, and how they can be used in different situations. She also learned about the importance of empathy and active listening in conflict resolution and negotiation.

TEAM FIVE WINS

Marie's classmates and she were required to work on a team project to create a conflict resolution program for a real-world organization. They presented their program to a panel of experts and received positive feedback on their work.

The Group went through the five stages. The fives stages are forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning.  During the storming stage, Marie and her teammate Ryan would have a serious disagreement or argument creating tension within the group. Finally, Marie and Ryan approached the incompatibility and quarrel using conflict resolution. Through this experience, they were able to reach mutuality and build trust. 

At the end of the course TEAM FIVE was the highest performing and effective team. They were recognized and acknowledged by Professor Sara Jones Ph.D. and rewarded a generously sized bag of delicious chocolate candies.

This experience allowed Marie to apply the knowledge and skills she learned in the course to a real-world problem, and she felt proud of her team's accomplishments.

At the end of the course, Marie felt more confident in her ability to navigate conflicts and resolve them effectively. She felt that the knowledge and skills she acquired would be valuable in her future leadership roles, and she was eager to continue her learning journey.

MARIE LEARNS ABOUT ZEN-CONFLICT RESOLUTION

Another significant experience that strengthened Marie's character and development was Leadership 605, Conflict and Power Dynamics with Professor Roxanne Kymanni Ph.D.  Marie and her Graduate course mates were to use an integration of their knowledge, skills, and abilities and then required to design, conduct, and evaluate effective conflict resolution and negotiation practices. 

The Leadership Course topics included interpersonal and intra-group conflict resolution; persuasion, problem-solving techniques and decision-making in conflict resolution; overcoming bias, anger, and retaliation. During the course, Marie developed leadership and dialogue skills used to navigate high conflict situations and given tools to be able to detect conflicts as potential clues of organizational challenges.
 
A required text in Leadership 605 was a book written by Diane Musho Hamilton, "Everything is Workable" and it uses a Zen Approach to Conflict Resolution.  Marie teaches this in her Leadership practices. This approach to leadership aligns with Marie's values and beliefs in ethical and moral leadership.

MARIE INSPIRED BY PETER SENGE

Marie’s favorite piece of literature in Business comes from the book "The Fifth Discipline, The Art of The Learning Organization.  

 
"Mastery will not develop as long as we hold un-empowering beliefs." (Senge, 2006)  

The Fifth Discipline wrote by Peter Senge is one of Marie's favorite text. Peter Senge is an American systems scientist who is a senior lecturer at the MIT Sloan School of Management, co-faculty at the New England Complex Systems Institute, and the founder of the Society for Organizational Learning. 

Marie was inspired by Peter Senge's words and saw the importance of changing limiting beliefs in order to develop mastery. She incorporated the ideas from "The Fifth Discipline" into her leadership teachings and workshops. She emphasized the need for individuals and organizations to continuously learn and grow in order to achieve their full potential. Through her research, teachings, and workshops, Marie has become a respected leader in the field of Wisdom and Transformational Leadership.

"He sees the reality of his past, how the choices he made steadily whittled away his compassion and increased his self-centeredness.  He sees the reality of his present, especially those aspects of reality that he has avoided, such as Tiny Tim's illness. And he sees the reality of his likely future, the future that will occur if he continues in his present ways. But then he wakes up. He realizes that he is not the captive of these realities.  He realizes that he has a choice.  He chooses to change." (Senge, 2006, pg. 150)”

 This excerpt was found in the Chapter on Personal Mastery the first of the five Disciplines.  The Five Disciplines are: Personal Mastery, Mental Models, Shared Vision, and Team Learning.  

MARIE READS, “THE ART OF THINKING TOGETHER.”

Another favorite book noteworthy to mention that made an impression on Marie written by William Isaacs is Dialogue and the Art of Thinking Together.  In Part two he discusses building capacity for new behavior, meaning we can relearn how to communicate.  According to William Isaacs, there are four practices when we are actively engaged in during dialogue. (A collective conscious process) The four practices are listening, suspending, respecting, and voicing.  
 
This practice can be viewed in a short video clip with Krishnamurti and David Bohm. The Video Clip is called The Future of Humanity. 

These four practices are essential components in creating an environment for effective communication and collaboration, and they help to foster mutual understanding and respect among participants in a dialogue. By practicing these techniques, individuals can develop their capacity for new behavior and improve their ability to engage in meaningful dialogue, which can lead to better problem solving, decision making, and conflict resolution. This, in turn, can lead to a more productive and harmonious workplace, as well as more meaningful relationships in general.

 MARIE’S EDUCATION

Marie's experience and education have equipped her with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as a leader in today's business world. Her dedication to personal growth, combined with her passion for helping others, has made her an effective leader and entrepreneur. She continues to strive towards her goal of creating a better future for both herself and those around her.

MARIE IN A WORLD OF LEADERSHIP & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

 Marie is a rare gem in the world of leadership and entrepreneurship. With a Master's of Science in Organizational Leadership and years of experience in start-up companies, Marie brings a unique blend of intellectual prowess and spiritual wisdom to everything she does. As an INTJ personality type, Marie is driven to understand the complexities of leadership, a pursuit she plans to continue through her Ph.D. studies in Leadership Studies.

MARIE’S PERSONAL GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT

Marie is a champion of women entrepreneurs, providing marketing services and support to help them break through the glass ceiling. Through her journey of personal growth and development, Marie has come to understand the importance of integrating wisdom into all aspects of life, leading to a sustainable internal paradigm shift and spiritual transformation.

Marie's story, as conveyed in "Who is The Pretty Soul?" is a testament to the power of intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth. She encourages others to embrace challenges, learn from experiences, and foster change in their own lives. With her grace, wisdom, and drive to make a meaningful impact, Marie Sealy, MSOL is a leader to watch in the years to come.

A Brief Look into the Early Years

"Marie's Formative Years: A Story of Resilience and Triumph

Marie Sealy, MSOL, was given a great responsibility when she was entrusted to run "The Pretty Soul, LLC" by her only father figure, the "big G." Her goal is to leave a lasting impact and a "Legacy of Love" that will be remembered for generations to come.

Marie faced many hardships in her early life, including the loss of both parents and being placed in foster care and child abuse shelters. Her mother was murdered and her father suffered from a severe mental illness, leaving her without any siblings or guidance. Although her grandmother was strict, she instilled in Marie the belief in a higher power that would later shape her life.

It was through the kindness of two families - one who enrolled her in a private Christian academy and another who provided her with a mother-like figure - that Marie found a path to hope and discovery. In the Bible I and Bible II courses, she discovered a profound love for Christ that would become a guiding light in her life. Tricia, her surrogate mother, shared stories and teachings of Christ and helped Marie understand her spiritual calling.

Marie left the security of her surrogate families at the age of 16 and embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth. Despite facing numerous adversities and suffering great pain, she persevered with discipline, determination, and dedication. Her creativity, passions, intuition, and imagination flourished, fueling her dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and earning a Doctoral degree.

Marie's story is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the ability to triumph over adversity. She wants to inspire others to recognize their own seeds of greatness and to understand that they are "powerful beyond measure." Her life's journey has been a long and arduous one, but it has also been one of immense growth, resilience, and triumph. (Marie Sealy MSOL, 2017)"