We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Gloria A Chance and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr, Chance, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired daily by the pursuit of the question — What is it like to be human today?– Attempting to understand how one perceives themselves in the world and their place in it.

As a psychologist who focuses on the power of the imagination, I am inspired when I help people and organizations access the area of the brain where the imagination lives. The imagination is the step required before we unleash creativity. Our imaginations, allow us to see beyond the physical world and gives shape, size and color to thoughts and ideas that when executed on, can move us towards greater curiosity, exploration, and awe of possibilities of what could be. Creativity is how we come into our power as individuals and is not just about acting, singing, dancing and the arts. When allowed, creativity opens us up to see and discover our full human potential. Creativity can help us to move through our fears towards a greater connection to ourselves and to one another. Specifically, creativity propels, informs, and stimulates the discovery our unique paths to unparalleled success.

I am inspired to help others break through the restrictions and boundaries of our minds so that we can move through this human experience as empathetic, conscious, caring, compassionate, inclusive, nurturing, generous and creative beings…

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My company’s name is The Mousai Group. Mousai is Greek meaning Muses who in history, inspired people to increase their knowledge of science and the arts. Much like the muses, our work combines business, science, and the arts to bring new perspective and ideas to the intersection of cultural integration, transformation, human systems. We explore the expansion of our mind through experiential learning, creativity for growth, transformation and healing using the creative and performing arts.

We also shift thinking and healing for the imagination age which we are experiencing now. The imagination age is a theoretical period beyond the information age where creativity and imagination will become the primary creators of economic value. This contrasts with the information age where analysis and thinking were the main activities.
It’s been a long, unplanned journey to get here. But when you trust and follow your path without question by allowing the creative flow and expanded thinking, you will find yourself living in a place of joy, purpose, and inspiration. The journey for me was varied as I am a former Chief Information Officer, Chief eCommerce, and Digital Officer, having held many senior executive roles in Banking, Healthcare, Technology and other industries. The traditional business experience along with one of growing up in poverty has given me the right balance for my work. Given the current societal challenges, bringing corporate leaders, the community, and individuals together for transformation and for good, has been powerful and necessary work.

I am in process of launching a new business called MaxBlack Media (Moses Boyd, CEO), Positioned to be the first Black-owned digital and online multi-layered media and streaming network in the marketplace, MaxBlack Media’s mission is to use the power of media to maximize Black power and Black advancement in business, politics, health, culture, and more. The company will provide media content and programming across the media content spectrum: political, sports, entertainment, social, educational, economics and business, art and animation genres, fields and categories.
The platform will feature riveting content through streamed digital shows, podcasts, video shorts and forums.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

I have had a blast living in LA as I am a New York transplant. I love the ocean and so I would focus mostly on the West side of LA. Marina del Rey has so many hidden gems, so I usually start with a walk on the Marina Beach which is the best kept secret in LA. There are many cool restaurants popping up in the Marina and my current favorite is Brizzo Restaurant which is inside of the new Residence Inn on the water. I also love the Rooftop at Erwin. Geoffrey’s in Malibu is where I like to visit for a special occasion with visitors. I love driving the PCH so that my guests may experience the beauty of the coast.

I am still learning about LA, but I love the access to museums and arts as well as the music venues. I was on the founding board of the downtown LA Live venue and enjoy visiting all of the restaurants and venue downtown. One of my favorite theater arts venues is the Where Art Can Occur (WACO) theater. I am looking to partner with theater and museums to deliver experiential learning that heals mental health while teaching how to expand our creative thinking.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Always give honor to God first. I also honor the blessing that was my mom. My mom, Iselene Cox, embodied the love and support that gave me courage and the idea that I could do and be anything that my mind could fathom. Her gentle power in my life, is best described by Carl Jung’s description of mother as maternal solicitude and sympathy; the magic authority of the female; the wisdom and spiritual exaltation that transcend reason; any helpful instinct or impulse; all that is benign, all that cherishes and sustains, that fosters growth and fertility. The place of magic transformation and rebirth, are presided over by the mother.—

Due to this foundation, I have been blessed with so many mentors, guides and advisors who have encouraged and believed in me. The key has been a system of reciprocal mentoring and love that keeps the creative circle of possibilities alive.

Website: themousaigroup.com

Instagram: @drgloriachance

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gloriachance1/

Twitter: @drgloriachance

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