Latest news with #Confidence


What's On
12-08-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Roxie Nafousi live in Dubai this October
A live experience for anyone ready to go deeper. Roxie Nafousi returns to Dubai this October with Confidence: The Live Show, a new event shaped by the ideas in her bestselling book, Confidence: 8 Steps to Knowing Your Worth. Happening on Tuesday October 14 at Zabeel Theatre, the event marks the Middle Eastern debut of this powerful new format, part talk, part transformation, and fully in Roxie's signature style: honest, warm, and grounded. What's the vibe? This isn't your typical self-help talk. Roxie will take centre stage for a genuine, in-depth dive into self-worth, guiding guests through her eight-step method shaped by personal growth, lived experience, and practical tools that truly resonate. Expect heartfelt storytelling, honest conversation, and that signature Roxie energy, focused, authentic, and quietly powerful. The book, but alive Image: Supplied Inspired by her most personal book to date, the show brings Confidence: 8 Steps to Knowing Your Worth off the page and onto the stage. Through a candid live interview, Roxie will walk the audience through the emotional shifts, tools, and insights that form the backbone of her eight-step method, offering a real-time experience of the transformation her readers have only seen in print. This is confidence work, live and in motion. The evening is designed to help you reconnect with your inner strength, quiet the inner critic, and understand confidence not as a quick fix, but as something you can build, slowly, intentionally, and for good. With her signature mix of warmth, clarity and honesty, Roxie makes the complex feel doable, and the personal feel universal. About Roxie Nafousi Roxie Nafousi is a self-development coach, bestselling author, and speaker whose work focuses on real, accessible personal growth. Her books have sold over a million copies worldwide, with Forbes calling her a 'global and cultural phenomenon.' Her latest title, Confidence, became a UK bestseller in 2025. She also hosts the RISE with Roxie podcast, which debuted at number one in the Health & Fitness charts. Special guests, real talk Joining Roxie on stage is a panel of voices diving into topics like body image, beauty standards and the messy, very real process of learning to feel good in your own skin. Think shared experiences, not filtered quotes. The details Location: Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Date: Tuesday, October 14 at 7.30pm Tickets: Starting at Dhs300 and are on sale at Contact: (056) 611 2719 | > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in

Malay Mail
14-07-2025
- General
- Malay Mail
Your MUET band doesn't define you — Shazlin Niza Ab Razak
JULY 14 — In Malaysia, English is more than just an academic subject. It is often perceived as a marker of intelligence, a pathway to higher education, and a key qualification in the job market. The Malaysian University English Test, or MUET, has become more than an assessment. For many, it feels like a verdict. Band 5 and 5+ are celebrated. Anything below that is met with silence, sometimes even shame. MUET, or the Malaysian University English Test, is more than just a language exam. Taken by over 80,000 candidates each year, it is a key requirement for entry into local universities and is often perceived as a measure of academic worth. The test assesses listening, speaking, reading, and writing, yet many students who perform well still struggle to speak with confidence in real-life situations. Nationally, most candidates score between Band 3 and Band 4, a range that reflects developing proficiency, not failure. And yet, anything below Band 5 is often viewed with quiet disappointment. This mindset must change. MUET is a benchmark, not a sentence. It is meant to guide learning, not to define potential. But here is the truth. Your MUET band does not define your future. It is not the final word on your ability, your intelligence, or your potential. It is simply a snapshot, not the full story. Real English proficiency is not just about exams. It is about expression. About having the courage to speak, the willingness to make mistakes, and the determination to improve. I have taught English for nearly two decades, and I have seen students with Band 3 or 4 speak with more confidence and clarity than those with higher scores who remain too afraid to open their mouths. So if you received a lower band score, do not be discouraged. It does not mean you are less capable. It certainly does not mean you should stop trying. Unfortunately, we have built a culture that prioritises correctness over communication. Our students memorise essays, drill grammar rules, and rehearse oral tests like performances. But when it is time to use English in real conversations, many fall silent. Why do so many second-guess every sentence they speak? Why fear ridicule more than embracing the chance to connect with others? We have built a culture that prioritises correctness over communication. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon Many Malaysian candidates achieve impressive scores such as Band 5 and 5 plus in MUET, a testament to their linguistic knowledge. Yet those with lower band scores should not feel discouraged or afraid to speak. In fact, fluency grows with courage, not just grades. Even if you obtain a lower band, that should never be a reason to fear speaking in English. The real barrier is not the score but the mindset. We hesitate because we have been taught to avoid mistakes, when in fact, mistakes are essential to learning and growth. The truth is, the only way to improve our English is through consistent practice by speaking regularly, regardless of our MUET band score or how good we think we are. This is a crucial truth that Malaysian learners must come to recognise. A Band 3 student who dares to speak in English is often making greater strides than a Band 5 plus candidate who remains silent out of fear. Strong academic scores alone do not ensure meaningful progress. Confidence is not a privilege reserved for top scorers. It is nurtured through consistent effort, perseverance and a readiness to embrace mistakes. Every spoken attempt, no matter how imperfect, brings you one step closer to fluency. Perfection is not a prerequisite for improvement. What truly matters is the courage to keep speaking English, regardless of your MUET band score. So do not let your MUET score shrink your voice. Why let a number hold back your potential? Why stay silent when your ideas are worth hearing? Speak anyway. Speak with heart, even if your grammar falters. It is perfectly okay to make mistakes because you are learning, and every slip is part of the journey toward improvement. Speak with intent, even if you must pause to find the right word. Speak because you deserve to be heard, no matter what your band is. Your voice matters, and it starts with the courage to use it. English should not be a barrier that holds anyone back. It is meant to be a bridge, a means to express your ideas, your vision, and your story to the world. A test score alone should never have the authority to silence your voice. So go ahead. Ask the question. Join the conversation. Use the language you have learned and let it evolve with you. You are not failing. You are learning. Because in the real world, it is not your MUET band that will open doors. It is your voice. * The author is the English Language Lecturer at the Centre for Foundation Studies in Science (PASUM), Universiti Malaya. ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail


Bloomberg
11-07-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Liquidity tested: How tech enables sell-side resilience
Confidence through communication During Bloomberg's Sell-Side Leaders Forum in London, in May 2025, participants reflected on recent volatility and how banks can better prepare for future disruptions. Keeping customers abreast of market conditions in real time emerged as one of the most effective strategies. Thanks to AI-enhanced messaging and chat systems, such as Instant Bloomberg (IB) and other data-led solutions, traders were able to keep information flowing as markets moved. This enabled counterparties to quickly gain insights into their markets, assess liquidity and make decisions swiftly. Customers were able to learn as quickly as banks about market developments, empowered by tools that allowed them to understand the liquidity situation in near real time. By running analytics across flows, risk, cross-market information, volatility, trading volumes and other critical metrics, banks kept both human and algorithmic trading partners fully informed. A guiding principle emerged: make it easy for people to make good decisions. Enhanced stability with cross-platform data Open channels are more effective if they're powered by high-quality data – and this is where electronification has proven invaluable for the sell side. Beyond streamlining trade order, execution and settlement, electronic trading has enabled the capture of critical data on trade costs, performance and price shifts. This has led to more accurate pricing models and stronger risk management frameworks. Recognizing these benefits, banks have invested heavily in digital systems over the past decade. Data-led processes have also made it possible to integrate trading desks across multi-asset strategies, providing a fuller view of markets at any given time. That was especially important in helping traders identify available liquidity during recent market stress. Integration across portfolio businesses, ETFs, traditional desks and algorithmic strategies—combined with unified tech and pricing stacks and comprehensive risk views—has proven crucial. Understanding exposure across different layers of liquidity is a key aspect of this approach. Continued electronification So far, the electronification of trading has progressed at varying speeds across asset classes. Equities and foreign exchange have led the way as they rely heavily on structured data that digital systems can more easily process. For other assets that require more nuanced and subjective unstructured data, including fixed-income and derivatives, digitalization has been slower. This is changing. In terms of electronification, fixed income is beginning to catch up with its peers. Smaller and batch trades are now being largely executed by auto-trade tools aided by pricing services, including BVAL, Bloomberg's evaluated pricing service, and B-PIPE, a real-time market data feed that enables firms to power trading, analytics, and risk systems with high-quality, per-security streaming data. But even traditional voice trading can benefit from real-time data solutions. During the period of tightening liquidity in fixed-income markets observed in the early months of 2025, traders were able to make quicker, more effective decisions because they were informed by pricing and research backed by real-time data, derived, in part, by AI tools such as natural language processing and machine learning tools. These technologies can scan and tabulate disparate data points from a variety of information sources that regular systems can't process – sources such as PDFs, media reports and even social media. A tailored future As electronification accelerates, more sell-side processes are likely to be outsourced to specialist technology suppliers. The providers best positioned for success will be those that offer a tailored service recognizing not only the unique characteristics of each client but also the requirements of the different assets and markets in which they trade. The pace of electronification varies not only by asset class but also within organizations and departments. To be effective, third-party providers must understand these dynamics and offer solutions that integrate seamlessly across diverse systems. Partnership, mutual understanding and transparent communication about methods and processes are essential. Providers who can explicitly align with the operational style and objectives of their clients will be best positioned to support the sell side in an increasingly digital future. Interested in Bloomberg sell-side solutions? Click here.


Daily Mail
03-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Dealing with hair loss? Save 15% on the doctor-developed treatment that boosts new growth: 'The ONLY thing that has helped my hair loss!'
If hair loss has you struggling with your confidence and frustrated with a lack of effective solutions, it may be time to direct your attention to KilgourMD. The plant-based treatment system takes a multifaceted approach to diminishing hair by both stopping existing loss and stimulating new growth. With the KilgourMD Bundle, you can rely on both the Prevention Scalp Serum and Treatment Scalp Serum to leave your hair fuller and healthier with regular use. KilgourMD Bundle Take a multifaceted approach to hair loss with this powerful duo that is formulated to stimulate new growth while soothing your scalp. Packed with soothing plant-based ingredients, the products were found in a clinical trial to be even more effective than minoxidil. When you order today, you'll receive both products for an impressive 15 percent off. It's the perfect opportunity to boost your hair growth and your confidence! Save 15% Shop It's an excellent opportunity to save 15 percent on two full-size KilgourMD products. Purchased separately, they retail for $78 each. You'll get both for just $150 in this conveniently packaged bundle. The idea is that by using both products, you can take a more proactive stance against hair loss. The first step in the system is the Prevention Scalp Serum, which is formulated to nourish the scalp while minimizing the chances of further loss. It works by blocking DHT production, which is the hormone responsible for thinning the hair over time. At the same time, it can minimize damages linked to common hair loss culprits like environmental stressors and age. In a clinical trial, it was found to be even more effective than minoxidil when used with the brand's Treatment Scalp Serum (also included in the bundle). That's an impressive showing, as minoxidil is widely considered a first line of defense against hair loss. However, it can come with a slew of unwelcome side effects that make it difficult to continue with treatment. KilgourMD 's approach is far more soothing. The plant-based medley is formulated to minimize the effects of 'inflammaging' on the scalp while protecting it from irritants like ultraviolet damage. The second product in the bundle, the Treatment Scalp Serum, is formulated to restore hair to sparse spots and leave hair looking and feeling thicker and fuller. Its hero ingredient, Redensyl®, works alongside a cocktail of botanical ingredients to reduce inflammation, boost antioxidant protection, and stimulate new growth by reviving blood flow to the follicles. Shoppers are thrilled with the results, stating that the duo has made an enormous difference while giving them a big confidence increase. 'I felt like I was losing clumps every time I showered,' said one. 'This serum has truly helped get my hair back on track. I've been using it for about two months, and I'm seeing real regrowth. It's the only thing that has helped my postpartum hair loss!' Another commented, 'A game-changer for my hair. This serum is the first thing that's actually made a noticeable difference. My hair feels thicker, and I'm shedding way less.' 'My hairline is coming back!' exclaims a third. 'I've been consistent with it for about 10 weeks now, and I can see new growth along my temples. Definitely going to keep using this.' Give your scalp the TLC it deserves — and see the difference the KilgourMD Bundle can make to your hair's condition. Snap it up now to save 15 percent!


Chicago Tribune
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Bella Phillips, with Bunny written on her arm, helps Yorkville hop past Waubonsie Valley. ‘It's like my alter ego.'
Word up, Foxes. It's playoff time for senior shortstop Bella Phillips and her Yorkville teammates, and that means sporting their very own word or phrase of the day on their forearm for game day. It's a practice that can help ease the tension in one-loss-and-you're-done games. It can inspire, remind or simply be fun. 'We very much have a family chemistry and we all buy into the season and we work really hard and push each other,' said Phillips, described by Foxes coach Jory Regnier as a natural leader who plays a key role in building her team's culture. Phillips was among three key contributors bearing apropos messages in a 10-0 five-inning win Tuesday over Waubonsie Valley in a Class 4A Yorkville Regional semifinal — Phillips with 'Bunny,' junior catcher Kayla Kersting with 'Beast mode' and junior pitcher Ellie Fox with 'Confidence.' Fourth-seeded Yorkville (23-12) advances to a 4:30 p.m. Friday regional final against the winner of Wednesday's semifinal between fifth-seeded Plainfield East and 12th-seeded Naperville North. Phillips, meanwhile, got Yorkville rolling against 13th-seeded Waubonsie Valley (9-20) with an RBI single to highlight a three-run first inning. She then sliced a liner toward the right field line and legged out an RBI triple in the third. She celebrated with a rabbit-like hop at the third base bag to the delight of teammates in the nearby dugout. ''Bunny' is from softball,' said Phillips, who's also a starting guard in basketball. 'It's like my alter ego. I have like a funny (high-pitched) voice that goes with it, keeping like a positive mindset and cheering on the team.' Phillips isn't sure how that started, but after one of the assistant coaches heard Phillips doing the voice, Kersting said it became like a running joke from there that has helped keep the team loose. 'She's so funny — she's our comic,' said Kersting, the team's power-hitting leadoff hitter. Kersting hit three deep outfield drives into the wind that might have gone out on a calm day, running out two for triples. She was robbed by sophomore center fielder Dezirae Kelly with an outstanding sliding catch at the fence. 'Kayla brings the big hits for us for sure,' said Phillips, a defensive standout who has held up her end at the plate by hitting .337 with three doubles, four triples and 15 RBIs. Kersting, who leads the team with a gaudy .598 average to go with 12 triples, 10 homers and 38 RBIs, didn't mind having to work for her hits Tuesday. 'I like running the bases,' Kersting said. 'It's pretty easy to get triples here if you hit it in the gap, with the eight-foot fence all the way around. You really have to hit it to get it out.' Fox, a hard-throwing junior right-hander, pitched with confidence for the win, striking out six and giving up only three hits and a walk in her four innings. 'She did a great job,' Regnier said of Fox. 'Came in and was lights out.' Freshman righty Bella Rosauer struck out two in the fifth inning to get some playoff experience. This postseason run will be it for Phillips and her athletic career, however. She plans to attend Iowa State and major in marketing. 'I think she's had a phenomenal year,' Regnier said of Phillips. 'She just really has put it all out there. She's that person that helps get everything together and organizes, makes sure things get done the way they're supposed to get done. 'She has high standards and is part of a senior group that's big on our culture.' Over the last six seasons, it has helped Regnier's Foxes win 75% of their games by compiling a 155-51 record. 'Bella will do anything for the team,' Regnier said. 'She even went behind the plate last year when Kayla was hurt. She didn't love it, but she'd do it tomorrow if we asked and do her best. 'She's kind of the glue.'