The New Mid

04/11/2026

Yesterday, I had one of those proud parent moments I won’t forget.

My daughter, Chantel Newman, presented her AP Research project at on:

“How GenAI Impacts Teen Curiosity.”

And what she uncovered was genuinely fascinating…

Chantel studied high school students writing essays and measured their curiosity using the Litman scale. She then divided them into three groups:

• No AI
• Ethical AI use (assist + refine)
• Full AI reliance

The results?
Let’s just say… how we introduce AI to the next generation really matters.

But beyond the data, what stayed with me most was watching her stand up, own her voice, and confidently present her work in front of a room full of professionals.

That’s the real win.
The next generation isn’t just using AI…
They’re questioning it, studying it, and shaping how it will be used.
And that gives me a lot of hope.

If you’re interested in her findings or slides, feel free to DM me.

Curiosity NextGenLeaders EthicalAI APResearch Leadership ProudMoment

Simon Newman Margie Perez

11/11/2025

Last week, I had the honor of leading a staff training with the incredible team at Experience Scottsdale on “Work/Life Balance” or as I prefer to call it, “Work/Life Harmony”.

Rather than striving for perfect balance (which, let’s be honest, is impossible!), we explored how to create flow and intention in our daily lives. Through a fun rubber band game, we discovered that while life can pull us in different directions, when we learn to “go with the flow,” we can create something that truly soars like a paper airplane… or even a super sonic paper airplane!

I was so impressed by the culture that Rachel Sacco has built, one that embraces curiosity, creativity, and new perspectives. This team was open, engaged, and ready to reflect on what it means to live and work with purpose.

Sometimes organizations think they need a full-day retreat to reenergize their teams. While those are wonderful, even 90 minutes of connection, laughter, and shared learning can spark powerful insights and renewed energy.

A heartfelt thank-you to Rachel Pearson and Alleson Liebling Dunaway, for inviting me to spend such a meaningful morning with your wonderful colleagues. I hope they walked away with as many nuggets of inspiration as I did!

It’s always a joy to see leaders investing in the whole person and creating workplaces where harmony and growth go hand in hand.💫

10/06/2025

💙 So proud of these girls! Chantel and her friend Dorothy, as co-presidents of Students for Social Action at just wrapped up their very first event a blanket drive for Andra’s House.

They collected 114 brand new blankets to help those in need — an incredible achievement, especially for their first initiative! Their joy was contagious, and even Fr. Steve couldn’t believe how many they gathered.

It’s so inspiring to see students stepping up with such big hearts and real action. 💫

02/10/2025

Today I turn Twenty!

Let me explain...

Twenty years ago, I was given a second chance—a rare gift, as only 2% of people survive a brain hemorrhage. I still remember my brother sitting by my side in the ICU, telling me a story from his time with LAFD they had an emergency at a fitness club, where a young woman my age tragically lost her life to a brain aneurysm while she was on the treadmill.

Reflecting on that day in 2005, I often ask myself:
What have I done with my second chance?

Since then, life has unfolded in ways I could never have imagined. I met and married my husband, and together we built a family, welcoming two wonderful daughters after the heartache of two miscarriages. Our journey took us across the country, through extremely challenging times that eventually gave way to incredible friendships and the opportunity to start my own business—a venture that flourished across 25 states and three different countries. It’s been heartwarming to witness the successes of my clients and the powerful connections they’ve formed has been truly inspiring.

That journey eventually led me to a new chapter as an Executive Leadership Coach, where many of my clients have reached significant milestones and earned well-deserved promotions. I’m also enjoying helping teams communicate better and reach the milestones and goals that are set for them.

Today, I am honored to be asked to be on two separate Boards, with the unique privilege of shaping the roles I fill.

As I look back over the past twenty years, I am humbled by the lives we touch and the endless possibilities that the future holds.

I’d love to hear from you to reflect on your own journey and ask:

What would you do with your second chance?

PS. One rule I try to live by:
Don’t sweat the small stuff...because it’s ALL small stuff!

01/19/2025

Next weekend, I’m thrilled to lead a Book Club session during the Xavier Mom’s Retreat! 📚💙 I’m especially excited to share insights from The Let Them—a book I loved so much, I included it in my Sedona Retreat this year. It’s filled with incredible wisdom and practical advice for living a more peaceful, fulfilled life.

When I started my coaching journey 5 years ago, Bob Proctor was my main guide. His philosophy—“Change Your Paradigm, Change Your Life”—taught me that the only life we can truly change is our own. That lesson has been a cornerstone of my work, helping transform countless lives.

The Let Them theory takes this idea to the next level. Mel Robbins offers an accessible, heartfelt approach to creating personal peace while releasing the need to control others. By embracing the “Let Me” perspective, we give ourselves permission to live authentically while allowing others the space to do the same. 💡

Here are 3 powerful takeaways from the book:
1️⃣ Let Them Be Who They Are: Instead of trying to change others, focus on accepting them as they are. This shift can free up so much mental and emotional energy.
2️⃣ Let Me Choose Peace: Recognize what you can control—your mindset, your reactions, your choices—and prioritize inner calm over external chaos.
3️⃣ Let Them Walk Their Path: Trust that everyone has their own journey and timeline. Letting go of control creates space for mutual growth and understanding.

I’m honored to share these pearls of wisdom with the incredible moms of XCP this coming weekend. It’s going to be a beautiful time of connection and learning. Go Gator Moms! 🐊💚

🐊 ❤

12/31/2024

As 2024 comes to a close, I’ve taken some time to reflect on the year—where I’ve grown, where I still need to grow, what to let go of, and what to embrace more fully moving forward.

This year, my guiding word was Connect. Although, in hindsight, maybe it should have been Basketball! I came out of retirement to help coach Sienna’s middle school basketball team. Who would’ve thought a midlife woman coaching middle school girls would be such a hit? But it must’ve gone well—several parents have already asked if I’ll do it again next year!

Basketball didn’t stop there. I spent countless hours at courts with Chantel this summer, both at the gym and at the park. She held her own in an all-boys park league, playing every weekend—and yes, she even “broke my ankles” during one of our games, much to the delight of the guys on the court! Beyond basketball, she joined her high school’s cross-country team in June, which meant early mornings—4:30 AM six days a week—through the blazing summer heat. It was all worth it to see her make the varsity team and consistently finish as the fourth fastest runner. Proud mom moment!

On the business front, I made the bittersweet decision to pivot from The New Mid Academy to The New Mid Agency. While it wasn’t easy, it’s been heartwarming to see the amazing friendships forged through the Academy continue to thrive.

In my Executive Coaching business, Connect truly guided me. I had the privilege of delivering speaking engagements for Amazon, , and the Scottsdale Blue Zone Project. I also onboarded some incredible corporate clients and even started coaching 20-something men—a new and rewarding challenge! It’s been an exciting journey, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds in 2025.

Looking ahead, my word for 2025 is BUILD.

What’s your guiding word for the new year? Let’s inspire each other! 🌟

11/06/2024

It’s easy to get caught up in the events happening around you and feeling stressed, anxious or overwhelmed - one of the first things I do to calm myself is use a Chopra technique called S-T-O-P.
Stop where you are. Take 3 deep breaths.
Breath in - deep inhale. Then breath out.
Breath in - breath out.
Breath in - breath out.
Now smile! Feel the warm sensation of the smile all through your body as if your heart is smiling.
Now bring the sensation of your smile to your gut as if your gut is smiling.
Now bring the smile to your feet. Feel the smile on the bottom of your feet.
Now bring the smile over your entire body and observe your body. Notice the effects of the smile all over your body.
As you breath in feel love and compassion in your heart.
As you breath out feel love and compassion expanding out into the world.
Now you can proceed with love, compassion and awareness.
S- stop
T- take a breathing break and smile.
O - observe the sensations in your body.
P - proceed with love, compassion and awareness.
Feel free to practice this meditation as often and anywhere you are as often as you’d like when you feel stressed.

10/11/2024

Congratulations Blue Zone Scottsdale on your ribbon cutting! I’m so excited for what you are bringing to Scottsdale with the Power 9! And are being lead by an amazing team Sarah Kearney, Ann Deasy, Danielle Anderson, Kris Bio and Terra Meyer.

There are great restaurants that have signed up to be part of the Blue Zone project. The food was delicious and I can’t wait to take my family Chef Sandra with Mediterranean food healthy Mexican food and delicious boutique cafe !

This is a great project for our wellbeing!

10/11/2024

08/12/2024

I don't know about you but I already miss the Olympics!

The event locations were spectacular and made me want to revisit some of the places we visited in France last summer. To think they did equestrian and a few other events at the Palace of Versailles park and beach volleyball in front of the Eiffell Tower was incredible! It was stunning.

LA 2028 has a lot to live up to but then I remembered how great the Atlanta Olympics were and we had fun last summer visiting those locations in GA as well.

But more than the gorgeous locations are the athletes that work so hard.

There's a great article in Fast Company that talks about the 5 tactics Olympic athletes use to succeed. It's a quick read and very insightful. https://www.fastcompany.com/91168064/5-tactics-olympians-and-athletes-use-that-can-help-you-succeed-at-work

What stood out to me during this Olympics was the support and encouragement amongst the athletes. From Simone and Jordan bowing down to Rebeca in gymnastics to the American and Australian who were cheering on Armand Duplantis from Sweden to break the pole vaulting record. I loved sharing those moments with my daughters.

It's funny but Chantel remarked "I'm so glad the Olympics are during an election year. It's great to see everyone uplifting each other." I couldn't agree more.

I'd love to get your thoughts on this years Olympics. What did you think of the venues? The athletes? What was your favorite competition?

Bonus...post a photo if you've been to Paris!

Viva la France!
Viva los Angeles!

08/09/2024

And we’re baaack!
We had the perfect way to start the new school year with Mass/Coffee. served us delicious coffee with really creative coffee names! I got the “Holy Trinity” that was so good! Will definitely go to their store and would would use them for a party!!☕️❤️

It was so great to see my fellow Xavier moms and have to admit it feels a little weird not being a baby gator mom but rather a sophomore mom.

Unfortunately I forgot to take first day of school photos. Maybe I’ll pretend and take them next week. 😂

01/31/2024

I just have one question for you today…
How much fun are you having? Life is too short not to laugh and smile! Find one thing to smile about today!
🔆❤️