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Olivia, I am so thrilled that you had the time to join us today on the podcast.
Would you like to tell us a little bit about yourself?
Sure.
Hi, I'm Olivia Genesis.
I'm nine years old and I'm a young actress, singer and model.
I love to crochet, play piano, do soccer, acrobatics, and karate.
Although I'm a really big fan of karate, but I'm not so good at doing spinning back kicks.
I'm also not good at doing teardrops on a silk.
Oh my gosh, you have a wide range of activities that you like.
Can I ask you about crocheting?
Crocheting?
I do that to distress myself and I'm thinking about starting a business on crocheting bracelets hats, tons of things like that.
People and kids, adults alike, would love it.
I was taught by my mom when I was about your age, and crocheting nowadays has taken on a whole new look.
But I love how you said it de-stresses you.
It's very therapeutic, I think, to get into a craft like that.
That's great.
Can you give us an example of how you are a good role model to others?
I like to think that I'm a good role model because I like to be myself.
I like to be outgoing and I like to motivate people to be themselves, like giving them compliments throughout the days.
I think that's awesome.
So you sound to me like you're one of those kids that always has that really positive energy.
And we gravitate, I think, as humans naturally to people who have that positive energy.
Do you see that?
Yep, I do.
Can you share about a time when you showed others how to do something by doing it yourself?
Many times in karate I've been partnered with white belts and it's my job to help properly show them how to kick and strike a pad.
Looking back, I remember when I was a white belt and I got partnered with somebody more older and advanced than me.
I felt a little intimidated but at the same time I felt really good and happy because I had somebody there to help, show me and make sure I was doing something right.
Going forward.
I need to make sure I motivate them more to help higher their self-esteem and help motivate them to get to their goal, which is a basketball.
When did you start?
Can I ask?
When did you begin your journey?
I began my journey in 2022.
Wow.
So this has only been two years.
I've had students when I was teaching that were taking karate.
It is a lot of hard work.
I think it's really fun to do karate because it helps bring self-esteem and motivation and have self-awareness of your surroundings.
In that experience, is there anything you would have done differently?
I probably would have paced myself more.
Like whenever I advance, I have to do a test that's three hours long and I need to pace myself through this three hours so that I'm able to keep track of myself, that I don't overwork myself.
That is really interesting.
I did not know that.
And that is a long period of time to do anything.
You must be really proud of yourself, young lady.
You should be.
Can you tell us about a person or it could be two people or more that you look up to as leaders in your lives, and why?
I admire my mom and my dad.
I admire my mom because she's very hardworking and she was one of the first people in her family to go to college and get a master's degree.
She's always there to help motivate me through all that I do, like singing, acting, and modeling.
I also admire my dad very much because he's also very hardworking.
He helps encourage me for doing karate.
He made it into a red belt and it feels good to follow in his footsteps and pick up where he left off.
Cause very soon I'll be getting my black belt.
I have two more belts.
So those are the people who I really admire.
I love it.
They motivate you by everything that they show you.
Like it's just listening to you.
I can see how much both your parents inspire you to be the person that you're becoming.
That is so awesome.
As you know, our world is a very busy place these days and it's constantly pulling us in different directions, whether it's school or activities or family gatherings.
What are some suggestions that you have for students? kids to be true to themselves in a busy world.
I have to really pace myself throughout the day to let me know that I need to be myself and I need to keep myself on track.
Like, some days I may not really feel it, but I need to make sure that I do my schoolwork.
I need to make sure that I practice my modeling.
I need to make sure that I practice karate.
And doing all those things, I am so young, so...
It took me a lot of time to experience things and illuminate things, to narrow down what I want to do in my future.
Like, I tried out cheer.
I realized I didn't really like dancing outside in the sun for too long.
I also tried swimming.
I really like swimming, but I wasn't quite ready to do it professionally or competitively.
I also tried out jazz.
I didn't really like jazz that much.
It didn't really go with how I felt.
And doing all those things, I had to put together what I want to do now, which is singing acting karate modeling gymnastics acrobatics, so many things.
And there's only so many hours in every day because as a child, you need your sleep too.
And sometimes you just need time to do nothing.
I think that's so important for all of us just to have time to just be, whether you're reading a book, drinking a glass of lemonade or hanging out with your mom or your dad.
And what I hear in your responses, Olivia, is that you know you.
And that is a huge part. two of people leading and just becoming successful as they age and grow.
That's awesome.
You're welcome.
So where could listeners get in touch with you if they wanted to connect with you?
You can find me on Instagram for Olivia underscore dot underscore OG.
I want to say thank you so much for joining us.
You are so vivacious and bubbly and I can tell that you have whatever it takes to move forward in your chosen areas, such as acting and martial arts.
Thank you for coming today.
Thank you so much for inviting me.
I hope you have a good day.
And you too.
Listen to Mitch and Claire's picture book recommendations.
For more information and some cool discussion questions, visit thelittleleaderspodcastcom or at the Little Leaders Podcast on Instagram.
Our first picture book spotlight is on The World is Awaiting You, written by Marianne Richman and illustrated by Sally Garland.
We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
Marian Richmond, who has touched the lives of more than 6 million readers over two decades.
The World is Awaiting You is a new book relishing the cusp of a new beginning, when you are poised to bring all of your unique gifts to the world.
Let's celebrate you and all the possibilities on the horizon.
Today is your bright beginning to think and feel and do.
Make your own mark.
Believe in your spark.
The world is awaiting you.
Our next picture book spotlight is on.
I Got This I Have Bounced Back Superpowers.
Written by Julia Cook and Michelle Borba and illustrated by Dale Crawford.
Charlie has wanted to be a rescue dog since he was a puppy, but getting his certification as official rescue dog requires a climb to the very top of the tallest mountain.
With the help of his friends, Charlie sets out on a big adventure.
Soon enough, obstacles begin to show up and test his determination.
Charlie learns six bounce-back superpowers that allow him to overcome challenges and stay on the path.
Through this story, readers will learn ways to approach difficulties with calm results.
Think creatively about possible solutions.
Break problems into manageable steps.
Take a pause now and then to recharge before moving.
With friendship, encouragement and wisdom.
The next new rescue dog might just grow up before your eyes and have the immediate opportunity to make differences.
The Little Leaders Podcast is written, edited, and produced by me, Tina Shepardson.
Thank you to Mitch and Claire, our little co-hosts, for today's picture book recommendations.
Our podcast artwork was created by Tara Hannon.
Music is from Pond5.
And podcast hosting is by Libsyn.
Take care, everyone.
Keep reading and keep leading.
