Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. AnnMaureen Nwabuzor.
Dr. Nwabuzor, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Oh, buckle up for a backstory worth sharing! But before I dive into it, let me paint a picture of what’s got me all fired up about today and tomorrow. In today’s fast-paced world—Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous as it is—sure, technical skills have their place, but it’s those ‘soft skills’ that should be called ‘hard skills’ I’m talking about the powerhouses like effective communication, emotional intelligence, adaptability, problem-solving prowess, and the ability to collaborate.
These are the real game-changers, the stuff great leaders are made of. And here’s the kicker: A decade ago, these skills weren’t exactly part of everyone’s toolkit. It took presidents and CEOs having their own coaches and mentors to hammer home the importance of these skills.
Now, here’s where things get thrilling. I firmly believe that what we typically learn later in life—say, in our 30s, 40s, and beyond—should actually be on the menu starting at age six and up.
Reflecting on my own journey at age 6, growing up in Nigeria, I was surrounded by engineers—my grandpa and dad’s engineer buddies. I was intrigued by their world, but let’s just say the environment wasn’t exactly nurturing my own talents or offering up the mentorship that I needed to understand what engineering entailed. While I admired engineering, I found myself scratching my head 14 years later in an Electrical Engineering class, wondering, ‘What am I doing here? ‘And that’s when my quest for courage and self-discovery kicked into high gear. I made a gutsy move, pivoting to pursue English Language in my final year of Engineering. Fast forward through an MA and PhD journey in Conflict Analysis and Resolution, I finally found my true calling.
Years later, as a mom to four boys, I was determined to spare them the same struggles I faced. Armed with my hands-on experience as a former public school educator and a Teacher of the Year recipient, I knew I had the skills to design an alternative curriculum. One that would equip my boys—and countless others—with the essential ‘hard skills’ to tackle life head-on. Because here’s the thing: If children can grasp the importance of these skills early on, they’re armed with the tools to question, problem-solve, and thrive. That’s my ‘why.’ That’s why I founded Peace Centered Services.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Absolutely not! 🙂 Transitioning from a college professor in academia to entrepreneurship was a monumental leap of faith for me. Along the way, I grappled with inner limiting beliefs about owning and operating my own business, as well as the daunting task of building a business from the ground up. Learning how to effectively network and market my services added another layer of challenge to the journey. Additionally, I encountered difficulties in shedding light on a niche that many people were unaware of and persuading them of the value, importance, and necessity for children to acquire these essential skills. This ongoing outreach process continues to be a significant aspect of my endeavors.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Peace Centered Services (PCS) is an integrated educational consultancy that is focused on empowering children aged 6-13 with essential “hard skills” they’ll carry with them throughout life. Our goal? To foster resilience, self-esteem, and confidence, laying the groundwork for purposeful, successful futures.
One of my proudest initiatives is BOC Media, a publishing platform I launched to champion the creativity of young authors. The inaugural publication, ‘Emmanuel and Polka: Best Friends Conquer Kindergarten!’ is making waves in homes and schools nationwide. What makes it extra special? Well, it’s penned by none other than Emmanuel, my own 10-year-old son. Together, we crafted a “guidebook” for kindergarteners, drawing from his experiences and challenges. Watching it soar to #1 best-selling status? That’s a proud parent moment, for sure!
The success of Emmanuel’s book, which came to fruition, inspired me to launch The Confident Child Conference series. Just imagine children speakers as young as five and adult speakers sharing insights, solutions, and inspiration to foster positive self-esteem, powerful self-confidence, and resilience.
At PCS, our flagship offering is THE CONFIDENT CHILD program. It’s a holistic life coaching journey designed to instill confidence and self-assurance in children.
Through this program, children learn invaluable skills such as decision-making, self-motivation, fear management, and self-belief, empowering them to navigate life’s challenges with courage and resilience.
What sets me apart? My background in Conflict Analysis & Resolution, culminating in a PhD, has equipped me with a diverse toolkit. I’ve woven together various methodologies to craft a personalized system focused squarely on the child. For me, fostering a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, and resilience are non-negotiables. They’re the building blocks of a confident, capable individual.
How do you define success?
For me, success boils down to one word: resilience. Why resilience, you ask? Well, life’s a rollercoaster, isn’t it? Full of exhilarating highs, joys, delightful victories, and then, in close competition, there are those gut-wrenching lows, crushing setbacks, and brutal rejections. I’ve personally faced my fair share of challenges, including failing out of Engineering school. But you know what? That stumble? It was my springboard to growth. It taught me invaluable lessons and armed me with the strength to navigate life’s ups and downs. My driving force is to nurture this resilience in our future—in our children. That, to me, is the true essence of success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.peacecenteredservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drannmaureen/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annmaureennwabuzor
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drannmaureen/
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Emmanuel-Polka-Dot-Friends-Kindergarten/dp/B0C6VWKH2C/ref=sr_1_1?crid=33RAMMRB2VRMP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.BbEU_n266HDku45wfkGllRILOsXCtqBnnaBuFoTrYpLmRf-oRUqJ6DxAJN_KM6UgFW1-uHIKV-irnR3L0TtxT_PsESqoKb8Be6MbZh-pHr4.l0eUC8evkYSS1oyDuFyE24ldzj8jDj5xMEHYVj-BWHU&dib_tag=se&keywords=emmanuel+and+polkadot&qid=1711213093&sprefix=emmanuel+and+polkadot%2Caps%2C494&sr=8-1
Image Credits
Robin Spiotto
Payiri Pixels
Dr. AnnMaureen Nwabuzor
