My Journey: 20 Years in Leadership and Influence Ability

After over twenty years of experience, mentoring individuals, and coaching leadership teams as they grow and improve performance, I decided to leverage my biggest strengths and pursue a lifelong dream of entrepreneurship. I studied integrative psychology and became a Master Practitioner and then Trainer of Neurolinguistic Programming to help my clients cultivate the mental and emotional aspects of the kind of internal growth required for real success in business and in life. I then earned my ICF coaching certification and Master Practitioner of Core Energy Leadership Index with the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching. I combine my leadership experience, competency-driven learning, and unique tools for working with the mind to facilitate personal and professional transformation.  After finding a star team of like-minded partners, I cofounded Influence2lead and continue to coach, teach, and facilitate leadership development and personal transformation.

LEADERSHIP SHAPED BY CHALLENGES

My childhood offered challenges and gifts that profoundly shaped me. I was born in Mexico and raised by a single mother after my father passed away shortly after my first birthday. We came to Texas for better opportunities when I was 6. Not coming from a place of privilege taught me to be resourceful and work hard for my goals. My mother instilled values like integrity, respect, and perseverance. Early in life, I chose to believe in my connection to a source bigger and higher than myself.  I developed a mindset of hope, abundance, and gratitude. I had a deep hunger for growth and my natural leadership qualities were filtered through the lens of service. The most valuable lesson I learned from my experience was that showing up in life with a clear purpose, gratitude, confidence, and optimism made all the difference. I discovered that with determination and consistent action, anything was possible.

A CAREER CENTERED AROUND PEOPLE

Some might wonder if the challenges that I faced in childhood might lead to a mindset of fear or a lack of aspirations. Being a Hispanic woman with less resources than others required more than the average effort. It turns out I was quite bold and resourceful, and able to create opportunities for myself. I channeled resilience and hope, because I knew early on that my story could impact people for the better. I worked while attending college and with substantial support from my mother I graduated early as an undergrad, and then earned a Master of Adult Education and Human Resource Leadership Development from UT Austin. I built a career in human resources and people development. At 25, I became a senior leader for the first time, at a company employing more than 350 people. I recognized the power of a leader who helps others see and realize their potential.

AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO PHILOSOPHY AND COACHING

The themes of my life are very clear and continue to expand as time continues. I believe that we have a choice in how we think, feel, and react to life. We can live in an inspired state under any circumstances, and we have unlimited resources and opportunities at our disposal if we choose to identify and pursue them. I am fascinated with psychology, emotional intelligence, spirituality in all its forms, neuroscience, and anything related to growth and development. The intersections of the latter and practical professional skill development influence my integrative approach to helping individuals and teams tap into their power.

PASSIONATE ABOUT MULTICULTURALISM AND SERVICE TO OTHERS

Navigating cultures and languages with open-mindedness and enthusiasm is a golden thread in the tapestry of my life. I have been enriched by extensive travel and the experience of life in Mexico, the U.S., Belgium, and Italy. I believe that this is a critical skill for today’s leaders. This multicultural depth enables me to coach diverse leaders in multicultural leadership development programs for Fortune 500 employers and to serve UT Global as an expert presenter and emcee at conferences dedicated to global professional and leadership training for students and alumni. I also teach for multiple international visitor programs hosting Fulbright scholars and young leaders. I facilitate goal setting and learning integration, and teach cultural effectiveness and navigating multicultural identity in professional settings. At the ACC Center for Nonprofit Studies I am a course instructor for cultural competence, intercultural communication, diversity, inclusion, and equity, as well as leadership and communication.  I’m particularly passionate about helping diverse young women develop their leadership skills early, and volunteered as a presenter with the Girls Empowerment Network.

Watching courageous individuals transform is an honor and extraordinary inspiration. It brings me incredible joy to serve by helping clients see and fulfill their full potential.