Elaine Sugar, Children's Program Facilitator and Author
Elaine's passion is teaching children the value of positive thinking and speaking. It's the foundation for her company Kids, More S.U.G.A.R. (Saying Unforgettable Good Affirmations Regularly). Elaine is an award-winning children's program facilitator (Philadelphia 76ers Hometown Hero Award) and a children's book author. Elaine is a top achiever in managing treasury services portfolios of commercial and corporate banking clients with revenues of $20M-$1B. Elaine has over 24 years of financial industry experience and 15 years of direct leadership experience, and a B.A. degree in Communication from the University of North Florida.
What is your favourite social media platform?
Clubhouse (the audio-only social media app), I say Clubhouse because it's where I experienced the most powerful networking outcomes within the shortest length of time.
It's where I received the inspiration to spearhead the Global Mental Wellness & Positivity Experience that is taking place September 12th-18th. If it was not for some amazing connections made in Clubhouse, I don't think this mental wellness event would be taking shape in the way that it has. I certainly don't see how it would have had such an extensive global reach within a matter of a couple of months.
Tell us about you and your current role or area of interest.
I develop programs, tools, and resources that empower children, and I centre that around affirmation education.
What do you like about your career or area of focus?
When I am building programs or creating tools for children, it is absolutely thrilling. It's something that I can sink my teeth into, as they say. I truly enjoy the planning and development process. The icing on the cake is seeing the execution.
It's about that look on a child's face when they see the benefit of the tools I provide or they gain confidence throughout my programs. It knows that the work I do with children has a lasting positive impact on the rest of their lives.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
Anything worth having is worth working hard for!
What inspires you, motivates you, or helps you to move forward?
I am very fortunate. I was born into a loving family, the Sugar family. As I grew older, I continued to be drawn to people who have positive energy but also challenge me to be the best version of myself. My family, friends and business partners, Morrison Group and Assoc. are wonderful examples. Yes, of course, affirmations. They inspire me!
What are you proud of in your life so far?
That I honour my parents.
What is your preferred way to meet new people/network?
Clubhouse.
What skills or qualities do you feel have helped you?
Integrity.
What do you wish you had known when you started out?
That it's very risky to trust until given a reason not to trust.
Who do you most admire in business, academic or creative circles and why?
Bruce Lipton.
Outside of your professional/work area, what hobbies or interests do you have or what other areas of your life are of real importance to you?
Touring museums.
Has the pandemic had a positive or a negative effect on you and/or your business, and how have you been managing it?
Negative, in that it was hard to launch children's programs and promote books. On the other hand, positive because I made a lot of connections on Clubhouse that made a difference.
Do you have a mentor or have you ever mentored anyone?
Yes, and yes. My understanding of mentors has evolved over time. When I was much younger, I thought a mentor would be a single person who would have this profound impact on my life. What I learned was that the most effective use of mentors is to have a tribe of mentors. There is no one size fits all. You engage the mentor best equipped or positioned for the task at hand.
I have been fortunate; I have always had a steady tribe of mentors in my life, starting with my parents Willie and Lillie Sugar, my childhood friend Devin Reed to corporate leader. Steve Boehm and entrepreneurial expert and family friend Mike Bowling, and many others. As strange as it may sound, I've learned that the role of mentors can be fulfilled by organizations. I think about my transition from solely an employee to an entrepreneur, and organizations like the WBEC East have played a significant role in my development. This particular women's business centre has provided a steady stream of education and valuable resources.
I have had the pleasure of being a mentor for multiple children. The truth is, I learned some of my most valuable lessons in life during those mentor to mentee situations. I should acknowledge that I learned how to be a mentor to children through an organization near and dear to my heart called The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia. The Police Athletic League of Philadelphia offers safe havens for children, offering a variety of athletic and educational programs to over 10,000 kids throughout the city. I must thank board member Sharla Feldscher for supporting me in getting my programs adopted by the organization.
What advice would you have for someone looking to get into the same area of work or interests?
First, I would say enjoy the ride. Honestly, working with children is a fast, fun ride sometimes. At other times, it's like you are stuck in traffic and not making any progress. This is when you could succumb to road rage... I say lovingly. However, stick with it, stay calm and cross the finish line.
More specifically, when creating programs for children, implement them in a way that they have lasting benefits. Accompany the programs with complementing tools for parents and teachers that reinforce the lessons. However, do your best to minimize the time it takes parents and teachers to execute. Finally, make programs engaging and enjoyable for teachers and parents too.
What do you feel is the most common reason for people failing or giving up?
That is a loaded question, and unless we want to turn this article into a book, I should get straight to the point. Let's have a concise, crucial conversation. The vast majority of us have not been properly taught to succeed, and neither were we born into societies that were designed for us to succeed. Further, the reality is that most of us were programmed to fail. That is why we marvel and give accolades to those who see some success, especially minorities.
Is there a phrase, quote or a saying that you really like?
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." Dr MLK.
What companies, brands, or institutions do you like or do you think are getting it right?
The United Nations... I have long believed in synergy, and that's at the core of what they do.
How do you define success, and what lessons have you learned so far that you could share with our audience/readership?
Success is achieving goals in a way that align with my value system. The victories that I value most are those that were mutually beneficial to myself and someone else.