Dōmo Jones is a shining example of resilience, determination, and inspiration. Her journey is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for countless individuals navigating life with disabilities. Through challenges that would test the strongest spirits, she has emerged as a leader, motivator, and changemaker.

Diagnosed with a condition that requires the use of a walker and leg braces, Dōmo’s journey has been anything but easy. After undergoing two brain surgeries, six years of chemotherapy, and five weeks of radiation, she refused to let her circumstances define her. Instead, she transformed her struggles into stepping stones, building a life and career that defies societal expectations. Her mission is clear: to break the stigma surrounding disabilities and show others that limitations do not equate to impossibilities.

From Adversity to Advocacy
Dōmo’s story is rooted in a desire to dismantle the narrative that disabilities limit one’s potential. “We’re often seen as incapable because of our physical or mental limitations,” she shares. “But I wanted to prove that not only can we achieve our goals, but we can also excel beyond expectations.”

This drive led her to become a Master Certified Disability Confidence Coach, a five-time self-published author, and the founder of multiple businesses. In 2021, she launched One Billion Brave, the first disability-focused talk show hosted by someone with a disability. Through this platform, she amplifies voices often overlooked, creating a space for honest conversations about overcoming challenges and embracing possibilities.

Redefining Success
For Dōmo Jones, success isn’t about being a superwoman—it’s about knowing when to pause. “The hardest challenge for me is when my body randomly shuts down, and there’s nothing I can do about it,” she shares. “It’s a tough reminder that while I strive for independence, I have to accept that I can’t do everything.”

This realization led her to redefine her approach to life and success. “I learned that trying to keep up with everything and everyone only hinders me in the long run,” Dōmo says. “Resting isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a way to recharge.”

By prioritizing rest and self-care, she ensures she can give her best energy to what truly matters. “They say, ‘Don’t keep up with the Joneses,’ but I am a Jones, and I need to keep up with myself,” she says. “Taking time to rest and reset isn’t about falling behind—it’s about making sure I have the strength to come back stronger.”

Dōmo’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t a race against time or others. “When I take the time to recoup, I’m able to pour my energy into accomplishing what I started,” she emphasizes. “It’s about working smarter, not harder, and taking care of yourself along the way.”

Turning Passion into Purpose
Dōmo’s work is deeply rooted in passion. She advises others entering her field to ensure they genuinely love what they do. “When you’re passionate, even the hardest days are worth it,” she says. “That passion is what fuels you to keep going, even when the journey gets tough.”

Her business, KnuYou Services, helps new small businesses establish their brands, drawing from her experiences and insights. Dōmo’s unique approach ensures her clients receive tailored support, enabling them to stand out in competitive markets.

Creating a Platform for Change
What sets Dōmo apart is her ability to connect with her audience authentically. On One Billion Brave, she forgoes pre-interview questions, choosing instead to meet her guests just minutes before the show begins. This approach fosters genuine, unscripted conversations, allowing her and her audience to experience the stories in real-time.

“Many of my guests have never shared their stories before,” Dōmo explains. “Knowing that I’ve created a space where they feel seen and heard is the most fulfilling part of my work. It’s about more than just interviews—it’s about building community and celebrating resilience.”

A Vision for the Future
Dōmo’s dreams are as ambitious as they are inspiring. She envisions her talk show going mainstream, providing an even larger platform to discuss the realities of living with disabilities. “There aren’t many hosts with disabilities interviewing guests who share similar experiences,” she notes. “I want to change that and show the world that our stories matter.”

Her message is simple yet powerful: life doesn’t end with a diagnosis or limitation. Instead, it’s an opportunity to rewrite the narrative, focusing on abilities rather than restrictions.

Words of Wisdom
For those starting in similar fields, Dōmo’s advice is clear: research and preparation are key. “You need to understand every aspect of what you’re doing,” she says. “Never rely solely on others to bring your vision to life. Be hands-on and knowledgeable so you can adapt when challenges arise.”

Her commitment to empowering others shines through in every aspect of her work. Whether through coaching, writing, or her talk show, Dōmo is a living testament to the power of determination and self-belief.

A Legacy of Empowerment
Dōmo Jones has turned her personal journey into a mission to uplift and inspire. Her work reminds us all that our value is not diminished by our limitations. Instead, it’s amplified by our ability to rise above them.

Through her advocacy, entrepreneurship, and relentless optimism, Dōmo is breaking barriers and challenging perceptions. Her story is a call to action for everyone—disabled or not—to embrace their potential and live boldly.

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About Dōmo Jones:

Dōmo Jones, a disability advocate, uses a walker and leg braces for mobility. After enduring surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, she turned her journey into inspiration, proving that disabilities don’t define limitations.

As a Master Certified Disability Confidence Coach, 5x self-published author, business owner, and host of One Billion Brave, a talk show highlighting stories of individuals with disabilities, Dōmo is breaking barriers and changing narratives.

Her unwavering determination drives her to connect with others, offering encouragement to rediscover their purpose and reminding them that anything is possible.

Connect with Dōmo Jones:

• Website: https://thedomojones.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamdomojones
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/domo.jones1

Some people stumble into their passion, while others, like D.C. Gomez, seem to be born storytellers. From the moment she could string words together, D.C. was crafting stories, exploring creative mediums, and embracing the art of storytelling. Today, she’s an award-winning USA Today bestselling author, podcaster, and coach, helping others bring their literary dreams to life. Her journey, however, has been anything but linear, and she’s not shy about sharing the ups, downs, and lessons learned along the way.

From Storytelling to Publishing

D.C.’s love for storytelling began in her childhood, where she experimented with different forms of expression, from short videos to written narratives. This passion led her to write across multiple genres, including urban fantasy, contemporary fiction, motivational books, and even children’s stories. Each genre offers a unique lens through which she connects with readers, creating worlds they can escape to and stories that inspire hope.

Her publishing journey wasn’t without challenges. As an indie author, one of the biggest hurdles was assembling a reliable team—editors, cover designers, and promoters—who understood her creative vision. “It took years of trial and error to find the right people,” she admits. Despite the obstacles, D.C. persevered, driven by her unwavering belief in the power of storytelling. Today, she has over 30 published works to her name, ranging from novels to anthologies, and is living her dream of a creative lifestyle.

The Joys of Connection

While many writers relish the solitude of their craft, D.C. discovered that one of the most fulfilling aspects of her work is connecting with readers and fellow authors. Initially, the idea of public speaking or discussing her books with strangers was daunting. But over time, she grew comfortable and even found joy in these interactions. “Now, connecting with readers and hearing how my stories resonate with them is one of the most rewarding parts of my career.”

This love for connection also led her to launch Inside the Minds of Authors, a podcast dedicated to exploring the journeys of published authors. Through candid conversations, D.C. shines a spotlight on the challenges, triumphs, and inspirations behind the books we love.

Lessons from the Journey

Looking back, D.C. wishes someone had told her to relax and enjoy the process more. “One of my superpowers is being incredibly driven and goal-focused, but it’s also one of my weaknesses,” she shares. Early in her career, she was so fixated on ticking off every item on her to-do list that she forgot to savor the journey. Now, she encourages aspiring authors to take things one step at a time.

Her advice for newcomers to the field? Focus on writing. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed with editing, publishing, and promoting, but none of that matters if the book isn’t finished. Everything else will fall into place, but the writing comes first.”

Leadership and Mentorship

As a coach, D.C. leads by example, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and authenticity. “I believe in leading from the front. I wouldn’t ask anyone to do something I haven’t done myself,” she explains. This philosophy has earned her the trust of her clients, who value her guidance in navigating the often-intimidating world of publishing.

Her coaching practice is an extension of her desire to help others succeed. Through her ghostwriting services or one-on-one mentorship, D.C. finds immense satisfaction in watching her clients become published authors.

A Mission to Inspire

Beyond her work as an author and coach, D.C. is passionate about promoting literacy and inspiring young readers. As an immigrant from the Dominican Republic, she understands the challenges of learning a new language and adapting to a new culture. Books played a pivotal role in her transition, offering her a window into the English language and its nuances.

“I fell in love with stories because they showed me the beauty of the language,” she says. Today, she hopes her books can inspire others in the same way.

What’s Next for D.C. Gomez?

Never one to shy away from a challenge, D.C. is expanding her ghostwriting business and exploring new creative ventures. Her ultimate goal? To help as many people as possible bring their stories to life. From writing her next novel to coaching budding authors and hosting her podcast, D.C. stays dedicated to spreading hope and inspiration through storytelling.

In a world where it’s easy to get discouraged, D.C. is a reminder that dreams do come true—with perseverance, hard work, and a little bit of faith. “It took me years to get back to living my purpose, but the results have been worth it,” she says. And with over 30 books, countless readers inspired, and a thriving coaching practice, it’s clear that D.C. Gomez is just getting started.

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About D.C. Gomez

D.C. Gomez is an award-winning USA Today Bestselling Author who writes in multiple genres. While she started her publishing journey writing Urban Fantasy and Children’s Book, she expanded her books into women’s contemporary literature and non-fiction. Her non-fiction books include a collection of devotional books, as well as a motivational one. 

D.C. has an undergraduate degree in Fine Arts from New York University in Film and Televisions. In May 2007, D.C. was awarded a master degree in Science Administration from Central Michigan University.  In 2013 she was also awarded a second master degree in Science in Adult Education from Texas A&M University- Texarkana.

Get a free Urban Fantasy Novella by joining her newsletter at www.dcgomez-author.com.

Connect with D.C. Gomez

• Website: www.dcgomez-author.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DCGomezAuthor/

Doug Lawrence’s journey from a distinguished 25-year career in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to becoming a pioneer in the field of mentoring is a testament to resilience, purpose, and a passion for helping others. His story is one of personal transformation and professional innovation, shaped by lived experiences, a deep understanding of leadership, and a calling as a healer.

After retiring from the RCMP in 1999 as a staff sergeant, Doug embarked on a new chapter, driven by his desire to guide others. He initially started job coaching university and college students, but his relationships with them naturally evolved into mentoring. This realization marked a pivotal moment in Doug’s career. He discovered that mentoring was not just about providing guidance—it was about walking alongside individuals on their journeys, fostering personal and professional growth.

Building a Foundation for Mentoring Excellence

In 2009, Doug founded TalentC®, a company dedicated to mentoring and mentor certification. Through extensive research, he recognized a gap in the industry: mentoring lacked the recognition and structure needed to establish it as a critical business tool. Partnering with organizations in Canada and the United States, Doug developed a mentor certification program that transitioned from a knowledge-based to a competence-based model, aligning with ISO standards.

This competence-based approach set a new benchmark in mentoring, ensuring that certified mentors possessed the skills and understanding necessary to make a meaningful impact. Doug’s work established mentoring not just as a developmental tool but as a critical support system, particularly for mental health.

Mentoring and Mental Health: A Transformative Intersection

Doug’s personal battle with PTSD following his years of service deeply informed his perspective on the role of mentoring in mental health. He has worked tirelessly to integrate mentoring into mental health support structures, providing a safe space for individuals to navigate challenges like grief, trauma, and emotional distress. His latest initiative, a grief mentoring circle launched in January, expands his reach and impact, addressing a critical and often overlooked aspect of mental health.

Doug’s belief that mentoring can play a significant role in addressing the global mental health crisis reflects his commitment to his calling as a healer. By helping people understand that it is okay to ask for help, he is breaking down stigmas and creating pathways to healing and resilience.

A Leader with a Purpose

Doug’s leadership style is rooted in empathy and a focus on growth. Guided by the Socratic method, he emphasizes asking questions rather than providing answers, empowering individuals to find their own solutions. This approach reflects the core of mentoring: fostering self-awareness, confidence, and the ability to navigate challenges independently.

Doug’s influence extends beyond individual relationships. He has worked with organizations to create mentoring cultures, helping teams and leaders integrate mentoring as a cornerstone of professional development. His efforts have resulted in over 3,400 hours of mentoring, 235 hours of speaking engagements, and 672 hours of teaching.

The Silent Pandemic: Grief and Healing

Doug’s latest book, Grief – The Silent Pandemic, explores the profound connection between grief and mental health. He addresses how cancer, as the leading cause of death globally, leaves a ripple effect of pain, grief, and emotional suffering. Through his writing and mentoring, Doug offers insights and strategies to navigate these challenges, reinforcing his dedication to supporting others in their healing journeys.

Doug’s ability to intertwine his personal experiences with professional expertise makes his work both impactful and relatable. His mentoring approach is not just about professional development; it’s about nurturing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

Looking Ahead: Mentoring’s Evolving Role

As Doug reflects on the future of mentoring, he envisions it becoming an integral part of mental health support systems. The creation of roles like grief mentors signifies a shift in recognizing the value of personalized, empathetic guidance in addressing emotional and psychological challenges.

For Doug, retirement is not on the horizon. His passion for mentoring and his belief in its transformative power keep him motivated. “As long as I’m excited to put my feet on the floor and begin another day, I’ll keep going,” he says.

Doug Lawrence’s journey exemplifies the profound impact of mentoring, not just as a professional tool but as a lifeline for those navigating life’s most challenging moments. His work continues to inspire, heal, and create lasting change, one mentoring relationship at a time.

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About Doug Lawrence:

Doug Lawrence, founder of TalentC®, is a globally recognized mentor with over 30 years of leadership experience. A retired RCMP Staff Sergeant, Doug holds unique certifications, including the Certificate of Practice – Journey Mentor. He has authored bestsellers like The Gift of Mentoring and You Are Not Alone. With 3,400 mentoring hours and 672 teaching hours, Doug’s expertise spans mentoring, mental health, and grief support. He has developed competence-based mentor certifications and collaborates with organizations to create mentoring cultures. A passionate advocate for mental health, Doug integrates mentoring as a transformative tool for healing and growth.

Doug Lawrence offers a free grief support group, which meets every Tuesday from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM via Zoom. This group provides a safe space for individuals dealing with loss, offering emotional healing, coping strategies, and a sense of community. Participants can expect support in processing grief and finding hope for the future. For more information or to sign up, visit Doug’s Grief Support Group Announcement.

Connect with Doug Lawrence:

• Website: TalentC
• LinkedIn: Doug Lawrence
• Facebook: Doug Lawrence
• Twitter: @DougLawrenceJM
• YouTube: Doug Lawrence Channel
• Books: You Are Not Alone