Shihan Consultants

01/27/2025

The Growing Focus on Mental Health: At Work and Home

Thank you to Vance Crowe and Legacy Interviews for an excellent weekend presentation of The Incense Journey at their studio and offices. Mental health is becoming a top priority in the workplace and at home—for a good reason. When mental health is supported, effectiveness skyrockets. Employees become more focused, resilient, and collaborative, while leaders are empowered to make better decisions and inspire their teams.

The benefits go beyond productivity. Improved mental health reduces stress, lowers absenteeism, enhances emotional regulation, and fosters better communication and problem-solving skills. It's the foundation for success—both personally and professionally.

We work with executive teams and employees at Shihan Wellness and Shihan Consultants to unlock this potential. Using Behavioral Cognitive Response (BCR) protocols, the neuroscience of Fragrance, and other modalities, we help individuals reduce stress, improve clarity, and achieve balance. Combined with neuroscience-backed methods, Fragrance is a powerful tool for fostering emotional alignment, focus, and mental well-being.

This work ties into my efforts with The Special Operations Charity Network (SOCN), where we provide mental health support to veterans and first responders. By addressing emotional regulation and mental health challenges, we help these heroes regain calm, clarity, and resilience, empowering them to thrive.

In a new collaboration, we gain insights from Dr. Paul Zak, neuroscientist and author of IMMERSION and the upcoming The Little Book of Happiness: The Scientific Approach to Better Living. His SIX app, which measures emotional fitness and engagement using neuroscience-based data, is a game-changer for understanding mental health and tracking progress. Data is essential to identifying needs, measuring outcomes, and ensuring sustainable improvement. Integrating these tools with our practices provides a comprehensive approach to supporting emotional health and effectiveness.

When individuals are centered and emotionally regulated, they're more productive and more fulfilled at work and home.

Let's connect if your organization is ready to prioritize mental health and enhance performance through innovative methods. Together, we can create a healthier, more effective workforce.
Visit shihanwellness.com to learn more, or reach out to start the conversation.

12/23/2024

10/16/2024

It was an incredible day at the Fishing Derby, supporting veterans from the Missouri Veterans Home! Thanks to everyone who made it possible, especially The Kaufman Fund, Special Operations Charity Network, and Medica. With additional support from Veterans Advantage Urgent Care, Mastercard, Bass Pro Shops, and Shihan Wellness and Shihan Consultants. Their dedication helped create a day full of camaraderie, healing, and fun for our veterans and first responders.

Check out the highlight video to relive the day’s best moments and see the power of community in action. Are you interested in making a difference? Join us in the Find Your Tribe initiative! Reach out to learn how you can get involved.

👉 Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04kDG3Wjq2Q

Wayne Kaufman Gary Havel Jr Mark Quinn

Veterans from the Missouri Veterans Home in St. Louis recently enjoyed an afternoon of fishing, food and entertainment. The inaugural Missouri Veterans Home ...

10/10/2024

Today, as we celebrate both and , I'm reminded of the deep connection between these themes. Thanks to my friend and collaborator Amanda Gioia, VP at Mastercard, for sparking this important reflection in a social post.

Just like physical health, mental health deserves our care. I often say, "A balanced mind is the foundation for every success." At Shihan Wellness, we create transformative experiences to help leaders achieve this balance and thrive personally and professionally.

Connection is vital to mental well-being. Whether it's taking time for a meaningful conversation or asking how someone is doing, small actions foster a sense of belonging. This conversation aligns with my role as Director of Community Outreach for the Special Operations Charity Network (SOCN), where our "Find Your Tribe" initiative supports veterans and first responders. I'm grateful for our partners, like The Kaufman Fund and The Grunt Style Foundation, Old Man River Nature Retreat, and others who help us build community.

The image is from a recent session in which I guided participants through a powerful hypnosis experience, bringing them to a place of deep calm and clarity—where actual effectiveness begins.

Today, I have a gift for you! If you're curious about how hypnosis can help you center and refocus, take a small but powerful step. Visit ShihanWellness.com and request a complimentary audio hypnosis session on the 'Contact Us' page. This session can help you experience a deep sense of calm and clarity, which are essential for mental well-being and success. Check the box and hit send. It's a step towards your mental clarity and success, and it's within your reach.

I will leave you with this quote:
"Listening with genuine intent is one of the most powerful acts of kindness. It not only validates the speaker but also nurtures mental health by fostering connection and trust."

Shihan Wellness

10/07/2024

After a fantastic new business meeting with Sheila Shahpari in Tower Grove South, we had an unexpected guest: a campaigning alder-kitty. I know it’s election season, but this feline really took “pounding the pavement” seriously. In all my nine lives, I’ve never seen anything like it. This cat’s out here shaking paws and kissing… wait, never mind. Thank goodness for camera phones—otherwise, how would we prove this political powerhouse existed? The ancient Egyptians would be rolling in their tombs… with laughter. We’ve come a long way from cat worship to cat campaigns!

10/05/2024

🌟Tomorrow - Join Us in Supporting Our Veterans! 🌟

Beyond my corporate and leadership work at Shihan Consultants and Shihan Wellness, I’m honored to serve as the Director of Community Outreach for the Special Operations Charity Network (SOCN). Our mission is to create meaningful connections, support our veterans, and ensure no one is left behind.

I’m thrilled to invite you to an incredible event that embodies this spirit:

The Kaufman Fund & SOCN Fishing Derby for Disabled Veterans at the Missouri Veterans Home in Bellefontaine on October 6th, 2024. This event is more than just a day of fishing—it's about creating community, honoring our veterans, and contributing to their well-being.

🎣 Event Highlights:

- Fishing for our veterans alongside Fishing Mentors
- Prizes for the biggest, smallest, and most fish caught
- Lunch, live music from Jeremy Drake of Shotgun Creek, and comedy by Army Veteran Mark Breckenridge

A display of restored WWII and Vietnam-era military vehicles

Let’s come together to celebrate and support our veterans while enjoying a beautiful day outdoors. Whether you’re here to fish, volunteer, or simply build connections, your presence makes a difference.

📅 Date: October 6th, 2024
📍 Location: Bellefontaine Conservation Area
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Let’s make a positive impact together. I hope to see you there! 🎣🇺🇸

For more info, visit:

The Kaufman Fund: www.thekaufmanfund.org

SOCN: www.specopscharity.com

Wayne Kaufman Mark Quinn Bo Matthews Fox2Now Gary Havel Jr

10/01/2024

At the 21st annual safety conference presented by OSHA and the Safety Council of Greater St. Louis, Bob Chapman’s keynote on Truly Human Leadership sent ripples through the room. His powerful message—that "Everybody Matters"—is more than a philosophy; it’s a movement. Each act of leadership, every decision made with genuine care, sets into motion waves of transformation that extend far beyond ourselves.

I had the privilege of discussing this with BRANDON ANDERSON, VP Safety at AGCMO, following the keynote. Like Bob, Brandon believes in the importance of people first, and his leadership reflects that deep understanding. Brandon's work aligns closely with my involvement in the Special Operations Charity Network’s “Find Your Tribe” Initiative, where we support veterans and first responders in finding strength, resilience, and hope. Together, we strive to transform lives and prevent individuals from becoming mere statistics.

I’m honored to have received a “Hope Coin” from Brandon—a reminder that we all matter, and that no matter the challenges we face, Hold On Pain Ends (HOPE). Even when life feels isolating, we are never truly alone. Support is just a text away, symbolized by the HOPE coin (988).

This experience reinforces that leadership is a ripple effect, with each one of us having the potential to impact countless lives. Reach out to Brandon or me to learn more about how we serve, and let’s continue this journey of human connection together. The Safety Conference is just the beginning!

09/29/2024

🎣 Join Us for a Day of Fishing, Fun, and Gratitude! 🎣

We’re thrilled to announce TThe Kaufman Fund& SSpecial Operations Charity Network(SOCN)are teaming up to host a Fishing Derby for Disabled Veterans at the Missouri Veterans Home in Bellefontaine on October 6th, 2024!

🌟 What to Expect:

A morning filled with fishing from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, where Veterans and their Fishing Mentors will cast their lines and compete for prizes like:

🏆 Biggest Fish
🐟 Smallest Fish
🎣 Most Fish Caught

After the derby, enjoy a delicious lunch at 12:15 PM with live entertainment by JJeremy Drake lead singer and guitarist of SShotgun Creek Band 🎸

Prepare to laugh and have a great time as SOCN’s resident comedian and Army Veteran, Mark Breckenridge, keeps the energy high with his stand-up and impressions! 😂

Don’t miss the chance to check out restored WWII and Vietnam-era military vehicles on display, courtesy of the MMilitary Vehicle Preservation Association - MVPAa true glimpse into history! 🚛✨

💬 This event is all about honoring our Veterans, showing them the support they deserve, and celebrating the spirit of camaraderie. It’s part of our mission to ensure that “NONE LEFT BEHIND” is more than just words—it’s a way of life. Also, SOCN's FIND YOUR TRIBE Initiative.

📅 Event Details:

🗓️ Date: October 6th, 2024
📍 Location: Bellefontaine Conservation Area (off Lewis & Clark Blvd and I-270)
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Whether you’re a fishing enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a day of fun, we’d love to see you there! 🙌 Let’s celebrate our Veterans together and make this a day to remember. 🎉

For more details or to learn more about the amazing work being done by The Kaufman Fund and Special Operations Charity Network, visit:

👉 The Kaufman Fund - www.TheKaufmanfund.org
👉 Special Operations Charity Network - www.Specopscharity.com

09/28/2024

A Heartfelt Thank You for an Incredible Evening of 'Steak and Stories'!

What an amazing night! On September 10th, we gathered for a memorable evening of great food, inspiring conversations, and an unforgettable journey through the life of Charles Parsons, as shared from my book, The Life and Times of Missouri's Charles Parsons: Between Art and War.

I'm deeply grateful to everyone who joined us at The Church of St. Michael & St. George —your presence made this event truly special. From the delicious dinner to the lively discussions, it was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on Parsons's remarkable impact on St. Louis and Missouri's history, from his leadership in business and philanthropy to his dedication to the arts.

Thank you to all who attended and to those who made this event possible. Your enthusiasm and support are what made it such a success! Together, we honored the legacy of a visionary leader who helped shape the very fabric of St. Louis.

I look forward to sharing more stories, insights, and events in the future. Until then, let's continue to celebrate the incredible history and individuals who have influenced our great city and beyond.

Thank you again!

Wonderful Photowork by Jessica Weidhaas or Jessica Rose Photo & Video