Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado

Episode #126. In this episode, I'm joined by Emma Grey—bestselling author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You. Emma shares her remarkable journey from dreaming of writing as a teenager in Australia to finally becoming a full-time novelist in her 50s. She opens up about how writing became a healing path through personal grief after losing her husband, and how her books, now international bestsellers, are helping others navigate their own stories of love and loss. We talk about embracing rejection as part of the process, finding courage to keep showing up for your creative dreams, and why it's never too late to start—or start again. This is such a powerful conversation about persistence, healing, and letting creativity unfold on its own timeline. If you've been doubting your dreams, I hope Emma's story reminds you—it's never too late. Connect with Emma Grey: Website Instagram

Episode #125. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Toni Viva Muñoz—award-winning author, Ph.D. scholar, and founder of Model Behaviors, a nonprofit empowering women and children. Toni's story begins at 16, when she moved to New York to pursue modeling, eventually working with top designers like Oscar de la Renta and Chanel. From runways to research, Toni shares how her winding path led to a life rooted in purpose—blending art, academia, community service, and motherhood. We talk about recognizing when it's time to pivot, allowing ourselves to outgrow old dreams to make space for new ones, and why you don't have to do it all in one day to do it well. We also touch on her debut children's book, El Bowie Bakery, inspired by her family's roots and her love for the U.S.-Mexico border. This conversation is a powerful invitation to honor every version of yourself—and keep going, even when the path isn't straight. Connect with Toni Viva Muñoz: Website Instagram

Episode #124. In this episode of Paid Vocation, I'm joined by Andrea Wightwick, founder of Hapsy, the first bubble-free, low-sugar, non-alcoholic cocktail company made for drinking well with others. From receptionist to CEO, Andrea shares her inspiring journey building billion-dollar brands in the beverage industry—and the moment she listened to the nudge to finally create something of her own. We talk about the courage it takes to leave stability behind, how to know when it's time for a change, and why doing what lights you up is always worth exploring. This conversation is a beautiful reminder that reinvention doesn't require perfection—just a willingness to explore. Connect with Andrea Wightwick: Website Website - Hapsy Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

In this episode, I'm joined by Gloria Chou, award-winning PR strategist and host of the Small Business PR Podcast. Gloria shares her incredible journey from being a U.S. diplomat—on track for a stable, prestigious career—to taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship. Gloria opens up about the fears, mindset shifts, and limiting beliefs she had to confront along the way. From cold-pitching journalists without PR experience to building a thriving community of female founders, she proves that you don't need connections to make an impact—you just need the right approach. We dive into the mindset shifts required for reinvention, the power of letting go of limiting beliefs, and why sometimes, the best career moves aren't the most conventional. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating career pivots, entrepreneurship, or simply wondering if there's something more out there for them. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on trusting your path, embracing reinvention, and building a career that aligns with your purpose. Connect with Gloria Chou: Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #122. In this episode, I'm joined by Sarah Catherine “SC” Perot, author of Styles of Joy and adjunct faculty at Vanderbilt University. SC opens up about her transition from law to teaching, sparked by a deep love for storytelling and a desire to live more authentically. SC shares how a playlist, a Harry Styles concert, and acts of kindness inspired her to reclaim joy during life's toughest moments. SC reflects deeply on how grief shaped her perspective on life. She describes joy not as an elusive destination but as something we can actively seek—even in the smallest, most unexpected moments.  SC's vulnerability and insight remind us of the power of connection, community, and embracing what lights us up. Tune in for an uplifting and inspiring conversation about finding joy, embracing change, and leaning into life's unexpected turns. Connect with SC Perot: Website Instagram Buy ‘Styles of Joy' by SC Perot Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #121. In this episode, I sit down with Simon Perschbacher, owner of Simon Perschbacher Wooden Works, to explore his inspiring journey from a small town in Germany to building a thriving woodworking business in Catskill, NY. Simon shares how starting small but thinking big shaped his approach to both his craft and his life. From starting small and building skills one project at a time to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Simon offers insights on quality craftsmanship and staying grounded. Plus, he reflects on what it's like to train someone completely new to woodworking—and how anyone can start their own creative journey. Simon's practical advice, rooted in his own journey, is a reminder that anyone—regardless of age or background—can learn new skills if they approach it with curiosity and patience. His story is a testament to following your passion while keeping your goals in perspective. Whether you're dreaming of building a business or picking up a new hobby, this conversation will leave you inspired to take the first step—no matter how small. Connect with Simon Perschbacher: Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #120. In this inspiring episode of Paid Vocation, I chat with Monica Lira Bravo, founder and managing attorney of Lira Bravo Law. Monica opens up about her journey of overcoming challenges and building a life of service - from the resilience instilled by her parents' migrant experience to the joy she finds in reuniting families through immigration law. She explains why finding work that fulfills you is essential, how failure can lead to growth, and the importance of giving back. Her dedication to serving her community is a powerful reminder that each of us has the capacity to make an impact. If you're seeking purpose, this conversation is for you. Tune in and discover how to create a life—and career—filled with meaning. Connect with Monica Lira Bravo: Website LinkedIn Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #119. In this episode of Paid Vocation, I sit down with Assia Mahmood, the entrepreneur behind Windhaven Academy. Assia shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to creating a childcare center with heart and purpose. As a mother herself, Assia knew she wanted to build a space that truly supports working moms, offering more than just care for kids, but a community for families. She talks candidly about the challenges of entering the industry with no experience, navigating a pandemic, and learning along the way. Driven by her passion for creating a better childcare experience for working moms, she also authored the children's book, My First Day of Daycare, to support families during pivotal transitions. Assia's story reminds us to trust our instincts, lean on our support networks, and never lose sight of our vision. Tune in to hear how passion and persistence help brought her dream to life. Connect with Assia Mahmood: Website Website-Windhaven Academy Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #118. In this heartfelt episode of Paid Vocation, I sit down with writer and art gallery owner Sarah Gormley to explore the profound themes of love, grief, and the transformative power of community. Sarah shares the deeply personal journey that led her to write her memoir, The Order of Things: A Memoir About Chasing Joy including how the loss of her mother was both heartbreaking and healing. We explore the unexpected gratitude that comes with grief, the strength borrowed from loved ones, and the beauty of a supportive community. Sarah's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience found in human connections, the joy that can emerge even from life's most challenging experiences, and the importance and following our passions. Tune in to be inspired by Sarah's story and reflect on how we can all prioritize the relationships and passions that bring us joy. Connect with Sarah Gormley: Website Website (Gallery) Instagram Buy The Order of Things: A Memoir About Chasing Joy Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #117. In this inspiring episode of Paid Vocation, I sit down with Grace Griffith, a talented copywriter and messaging strategist who specializes in crafting trust-building content for small businesses. Grace shares her journey from dreaming of being a singer-songwriter to finding her true calling in copywriting. We explore how her love for storytelling and creativity evolved into a passion for helping businesses connect with their audiences through empathetic and impactful messaging. Her story is a testament to the power of following one's creative instincts and the importance of supportive relationships in achieving success. Tune in for a heartwarming conversation filled with insights on balancing ambition, creativity, and family life. Connect with Grace Griffith: Website Instagram LinkedIn Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #116. This week on the podcast, I sat down with Elle Evans, an anesthesiologist and academic researcher by day, and a writer by night, who shares the emotional rollercoaster of her writing journey publishing under a not-so-secret pen name.  Elle delves into the intrinsic joy she finds both in her day job and pouring her soul into her writing, emphasizing the importance of cultivating an expansive life outside the hospital.  In this episode, she vulnerably recounts the challenges she faced, including the exhaustion of countless rejections and the inner turmoil of questioning whether to continue pursuing her dream.  Despite facing numerous setbacks and doubts, Elle persevered through the process of submissions and revisions, supported by her unwavering determination and the steadfast encouragement of her loved ones. Tune in to hear how Elle navigates her dual identities and be inspired to chase your dreams, no matter how diverse they may be. Connect with Elle Evans: Website Instagram Buy Wedding Issues by Elle Evans Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #115. In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Kelly Simants, an HR expert with over 25 years of experience, who shares her remarkable story of resilience. Kelly recounts the pivotal moment when her husband's accident turned their lives upside down and how she became the family's primary breadwinner. From running a successful wedding planning business to returning to corporate HR and starting a resume writing service, Kelly's journey is a powerful testament to adaptability and strength. Listen in for her insights on navigating career transitions, the crucial role of community, and the power of stretching beyond your comfort zone. This episode is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone navigating life's unexpected challenges that will inspire you to face challenges head-on and find new paths in your professional life. Connect with Kelly Simants: Website (podcast) LinkedIn Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #114. In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Ellen Yin, founder & host of Cubicle to CEO®️. Ellen's journey from corporate cubicle to entrepreneurial success is nothing short of inspiring. In our chat, she challenges the notion that planning alone paves the path to success. Instead, Ellen urges us to embrace action as the true catalyst for clarity. As she eloquently puts it, "Action is what creates clarity, not planning." Ellen reminds us that every venture, whether personal or professional, comes with its share of uncertainty. But it's through action, through taking those initial leaps, that we gain invaluable insights and ultimately soar to new heights. Ellen's words on embracing uncertainty really resonated, offering practical lessons in resilience. Join us on this journey of embracing discomfort and rejection, as essential steps for our journey toward success. Connect with Ellen Yin: Website (personal) Website (podcast) Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #113. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredibly insightful Kristen Van Nest, the author of the captivating memoir "Where to Nest?" Kristen's infectious energy and wisdom shine through as she shares insights from her book, urging us to break free from societal expectations and carve our own paths. Drawing from her personal experiences, Kristen encourages us to embrace creativity and freedom in our pursuits, reminding us that we have the power to create the life we desire. As Kristen shares her insights, I find myself inspired to live more purposefully. She reflects on the transformative power of revisiting past chapters of her life, offering valuable lessons in growth and self-discovery. Join us as we explore the impact of embracing vulnerability and authenticity, both in personal growth and professional endeavors. Connect with Kristen Van Nest: Website Instagram YouTube Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #112. In this episode, I sat down with Pallavi Ridout, an executive leadership coach and dynamic keynote speaker who transitioned from a 20-year corporate career to a life of purpose and passion. Pallavi opened up about her passion for coaching and speaking, emphasizing the importance of leading a life of no regrets. From one-on-one impact to captivating speeches, her dedication to motivating and inspiring others shines through. As Pallavi shares her wisdom, I can't help but feel inspired to live with intention. Join us for a deep dive into purpose, mindset, and actionable steps. Connect with Pallavi Ridout: Website LinkedIn Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #111. In this episode, Amy Lin, a captivating writer from Calgary and author of “Here After”, unfolds the intricate layers of grief, sharing a profound analogy of it being like a ball in a box. Her insights hint at the essence of time in understanding and processing grief. She invites us to consider the diverse ways people hold grief. From ritualized remembrance to living in the daily ebb and flow, she beautifully articulates the personal nuances of this universal experience. Her wisdom serves as a guiding light for anyone navigating the intricate path of grief. Join us as we explore the mysterious ways life and loss intertwine. Amy's words are a gentle reminder that, in the embrace of time, we find the strength to move forward. Connect with Amy Lin: Website Instagram Order Amy's Book, “Here After” Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram  

In this episode, we dive into the subtle yet impactful facets of energy management. Join me as I share about intentional choices, from the beats that lift our spirits to being mindful of our connections.  Listen to know more about transformative practices like morning pages – a journey into unfiltered morning reflections. And have you considered celebrating victories, both big and small? Ever wondered: what are the things that keep my energy up or bring it down?  It's time to reflect on being intentional with our energy. Tune in and let's cultivate a life filled with positive energy and purposeful intention. After all, our energy is the cornerstone of our success and fulfillment. Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

In our heartfelt conversation, Kara Cecala and Lily Smith, founders of 101Media, unveil the secret behind their success: a culture rooted in shared values. They emphasize the transformative power of embodying values through actions and fostering a team dedicated to making a difference. Join us as we explore the profound impact of aligning values with actions, not just in business, but in shaping entire communities for the better.  We hope their stories inspire you to infuse purpose into every aspect of your life and work.  Connect with Kara Cecala: Website Instagram Connect with Lily (Kramlich-Taylor) Smith: LinkedIn Connect with 101Media: Instagram Instagram (Dallasites101)  

Join me in this inspiring episode as I sit down with Julie Chavez, a cherished elementary school librarian from Northern California and the author of the insightful book, ‘Everyone but Myself'. In her compelling narrative, Julie opens up about a pivotal time in her life marked by anxiety and self-discovery. Her book is more than a personal story; it's a journey through the complexities of mental health and the pursuit of happiness. What makes Julie's story unique? It's her relatable approach to life's ups and downs, infused with the wisdom of a librarian and the warmth of a mother to two incredible teenagers. Her home life, filled with love and books sorted by color, paints the picture of someone who finds beauty in order. As we explore the key themes of her book, Julie shares valuable insights on overcoming adversity and finding joy in the small moments. It's a conversation that resonates with anyone seeking light in the shadows of life. Connect with Julie: Website Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

This week on podcast I am thrilled to be joined by Elizabeth Passarella. Elizabeth is the author of It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway and Good Apple, which was named one of the best books of 2021 by Real Simple magazine.  Her articles and essays have appeared in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Parents, Martha Stewart Weddings, Real Simple, and Southern Living.  Elizabeth is originally from Memphis and now lives in Manhattan with her husband and three children. This conversation was so much fun. I loved Elizabeth's book It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway. I couldn't put it down! Connect with Elizabeth: Website Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

This week on the podcast I am excited to be joined by Nancy McGruder. As the CEO of NMc Coaching & Consulting and an expert in her field, Nancy uses powerful strategies rooted in research, practical application, and emotional intelligence to meet clients at the point of their needs. As an adjunct professor for DBU's Cook School of Leadership, Nancy teaches a Doctoral course on Professional Coaching and mentoring. Nancy earned her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Dallas Baptist University (DBU) in 2016. She also holds graduate degrees in Foundations of Education, Higher Education, and Management.  She earned her coaching certificate from the NeuroLeadership Institute, where she learned to apply a brain-based methodology to facilitate productive coaching conversations using the neuroscience of learning, motivation, and change. This conversation was a good reminder of the importance of having people in our lives that can help us in our goals. Connect with Nancy: Website LinkedIn Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

This week on the podcast I am thrilled to be joined by Fran Hauser. Fran is an author, keynote speaker, and startup investor who is passionate about leveling the playing field for women.  Fran has invested in over 30 female-founded companies across consumer packaged goods, media & publishing, and wellness.  She is the best-selling author of The Myth of the Nice Girl (Audible's Best Business Book of the Year, 2018) and Embrace the Work, Love Your Career. Fran regularly speaks at conferences and organizations to help women build careers they love while staying true to themselves.  Much of her current work is informed by 15 years spent in media, where she rose through the ranks at Time Inc. to President of Digital.  She lives outside of NYC with her husband, two sons, and their beloved mini Goldendoodle. I loved this conversation. Fran is passionate about supporting women and that really comes through in this interview. Her story will motivate you to find ways to embrace who you are and be successful doing it. Connect with Fran: Website Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

I am thrilled to be joined by Raquel Lovern Harris. Growing up in her mother's garden, Raquel has always had a love affair with flowers. She dreamt of being a floral designer but decided to study botany and biology at the University of Texas. Raquel started designing her friend's wedding flowers while in college and shortly after R. Love Floral was born. While teaching elementary science and planting the seeds for her floral business, R. Love Floral blossomed into a successful floral business. It was then that Raquel made the difficult decision to leave teaching behind and become a full-time entrepreneur.  Through the years Raquel has built a dream team and designed over 500 weddings in 13 years serving couples all over the state of Texas and having her weddings published in magazines like BRIDE, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides of North Texas, and D Weddings. Since starting her floral business in 2010, Raquel has worked with the most amazing wedding clients, large corporate accounts, taught hundreds of floral classes both in person and virtually, and mentored countless budding designers. When she's not designing beautiful arrangements, or teaching in the flower barn you can find Raquel in the garden, playing with her kids and spending time with her husband at their dream home in the country. I loved this conversation. Raquel is so open about her story and her true love for flowers really comes through. Connect with Raquel: Website Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #103. This week on the podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by James Ijames.  James is a Pulitzer Prize winning and Tony Award nominated playwright, director and educator. James is the recipient of many awards, most recently the 2022 Pulitzer Prize in Drama and a 2023 Tony nominee for Best Play.  He received a B.A. in Drama from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA and a M.F.A. in Acting from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He is an Associate Professor of Theatre at Villanova University and lives in South Philadelphia.  This is one of my favorite conversations on the podcast. I first heard James speak at the Aspen Ideas Festival earlier this year. His story and message resonated deeply with me and I was so excited when he accepted my invitation to join me on the podcast. Today we talk about his journey to becoming a playwright, authenticity, the importance of Big Talk versus small talk and pursuing what you love. Connect with James: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #102. This week on the podcast I am thrilled to be joined by Kate Myers. Kate studied archaeology at Penn and recently published her first novel, Excavations. She's lived in New York, LA, and DC and worked for CBS in TV development, CollegeHumor and BuzzFeed. She's currently at work on her second novel and lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and daughter. In today's conversation, Kate shares the process of getting her book published. She was so open and honest about the process and her sense of humor made the conversation so much fun. She shares how important it is to not give up on our dreams even in the face of lots of rejection. Connect with Kate: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #101. Rafael Barlowe joins me on the podcast this week. After working in basketball operations for the Texas Legends (the Dallas Mavericks' G League affiliate), Rafael launched Barlowe Basketball, a coaching and player-development operation that led him to becoming a skills trainer for players with the NBA, EuroLeague, EuroCup, Champions League, G League, and the NCAA Division I. As a videographer, he created YouTube mini-documentaries for a few of the NBA players he trained and gained valuable experience working with elite AAU programs like Mo Williams Academy Elite and D1 Basketball that have produced McDonald's All-Americans and first-round NBA draft picks. His combination of skills training and the ability to create video content has afforded him the opportunity to see the world while doing what he loves and what he is passionate about. His video projects have led him to having numerous NBA and NFL players as clients, and his work has been featured on NBA.com, washingtonpost.com, USAToday.com, CBS.com, and NBA TV. He is the host of podcast, NBA Big Board. I loved this conversation so much. I first met Rafael when he came to my high school to recruit students for an internship program called INROADS. After listening to his presentation, I knew I wanted to be a part of this program. That program eventually led me to an internship and then a full-time offer at one of the biggest accounting firms in the world. I am so grateful to Rafael and I am so inspired by his incredible story. After leaving INROADS he went on to pursue his passion, basketball. He has an incredible story of perseverance. I can't wait for you to listen. Connect with Rafael: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #100. I can't believe its been 100 episodes! You'll notice that this is the second episode that we are publishing this week and the reason for that is that my team and I launched the very first episode three years ago today. We thought it would be a special way to commemorate the podcast's anniversary. For today's episode, I thought it would be fun to switch things up a little and have my friend Hannah Davis interview me for the podcast. Hannah is previous Paid Vocation guest, tv host, media personality, communications coach and formerly the host of Good Morning Texas. She is an incredible interviewer and it was such a pleasure to be interviewed by her. Before we dive into the interview, I want to thank you so much for listening to this podcast. I have loved all of the conversations and have learned so much along the way. Thank you to my amazing Dklutr team led by Anne Garcia. This podcast is a labor of love and I'm deeply appreciative of every single team member who helps make it a reality. Thank you for being a part of the Paid Vocation community. Here's to a hundred episodes filled with learning, growth and stories that shape us.   Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #99. This week on the podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Kimberly Lucht Kimberly is a business coach and energy healer who helps entrepreneurs make money and magic doing what they love. She's been featured as an expert in Money, Business Insider, Well + Good, Create & Cultivate, Greatist and currently lives near New York City. This conversation was so much fun. I learned a lot about energy healing. It is a fascinating topic and I love the way Kimberly has been able to combine her love for business coaching with her passion for energy and the way it can provide healing.   Connect with Kimberly: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #98. This week on the podcast I am excited to introduce you to Paula Holland. Paula is a women's mental fitness mentor & coach,  speaker, award-winning author & artist and a 20+ year cancer survivor. She has inspired thousands of women living on the edge of burnout to triple their ability to take back control, take care of themselves, and joyfully live their true purpose. Her heart-first approach and innovative growth tools strengthen the part of the brain that creates happiness and quiets the part that creates stress and negative emotions. Her proven process builds the sustainable resilience required to flourish in today's chaotic world. In today's conversation, we talk about how her cancer diagnosis led to a major transformation and how that has led her to help other women transform their own lives. Connect with Paula: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #97. Marissa Valdez is a Latina children's book author and illustrator who loves to create funny, ridiculous, and spunky characters for meaningful stories. She originally received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Animation, but life swept her away from animation and into the world of children's illustration in the midst of 2020 and the pandemic. She's now worked on books with the major publishing houses Hachette, Penguin Random House, Macmillan, and Candlewick Books. Two books that Marissa illustrated, Ambitious Girl written by Meena Harris and Hattie Harmony: Worry Detective written by Elizabeth Olsen and Robbie Arnett, reached the #1 spot on the New York Times Bestsellers list. She also recently won a Golden Kite Honor for her illustrations in Esme's Birthday Conga Line, a chapter book written by Lourdes Heuer (pronounced Higher). Marissa is currently working on several other projects, including her own book, that she both wrote and illustrated, which she's excited to share with the world in 2025. Along with creating books, Marissa enjoys teaching and has collaborated with the online learning platform, Domestika, to teach a course on how to create a children's book portfolio. Marissa enjoys finding everyday inspiration in her vegetable garden, reading sci-fi and fantasy books, and rambling around villages in the United Kingdom with her two cats and husband, with whom she shares her West Midlands home. Originally from the South Texas border, Marissa also enjoys incorporating her Hispanic heritage, childhood experiences growing up in Texas, and love of bright colors into her artwork and stories. Connect with Marissa: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #96. Lydia Fenet is the founder and CEO of the Lydia Fenet Agency, a boutique agency representing best-in-class charity auctioneers. Over her two-decade-long career, Lydia served as the Global Managing Director of Strategic Partnerships for Christie's and reshaped the fundraising landscape as the world's leading charity auctioneer. She has raised over one billion dollars for more than 800 organizations and broken-down countless barriers for women in the auction industry. Lydia is also the author of two best-selling books, The Most Powerful Woman in the Room is You & Claim Your Confidence as well as the podcast host of Claim Your Confidence in collaboration with Rockefeller Center. Lydia shares so much wisdom on how we can all create more confidence for ourselves. I am so excited for you to listen to this conversation! Connect with Lydia: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #95. Travis C. Patterson is an award-winning Amazon Best-Selling author and tech entrepreneur. He is the founder of HireAE, a website that provides sales professionals with career tips, workshops, and job opportunities in the tech industry. With over a decade in human resources, two decades in sales, and a passion for helping others succeed in their careers, Travis is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and expertise through his writing and work with HireAE. In today's conversation, we talked about his road to starting his own business. We also touch on why he didn't have an answer right away to what he wanted to be when he grew up. We had an offline conversation about it after we stopped recording and I had to hit record again and add it to the podcast because what Travis shared was so powerful. I can't wait for you to listen. Connect with Travis: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #94. In today's episode, I share some short conversations that I had during the Aspen Ideas Festival. David Leonhardt is a senior writer for The New York Times. He writes The Morning, The Times' flagship daily newsletter, and also writes for the Sunday Review. Kate Bowler is a New York Times bestselling author, podcast host, and professor at Duke University. Tammy Stedman is the producer of the Kelly Corrigan Wonders podcast. Wendy Suzuki s a Professor of Neural Science and Psychology at the Center for Neural Science at New York University and author. And Curtis Sittenfeld is a writer, novelist, and New York Times best-selling author. I am so excited to share these short conversations with you. They are full of wisdom and inspiration. Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram  

Episode #93. Megan Tady is the author of the new book Super Bloom. She is a writer and editor who runs the company Word-Lift. When she's not scrutinizing copy, she can be found stocking her free neighborhood library, challenging anyone to a dance-off, or stewing over how Portlandia stole all of her jokes. She is the author of the new book Super Bloom and She's hard at work on her next novel, Champions for Breakfast , which will also be published by Zibby Books. In our conversation today, we discussed the path to getting her book published and what she learned along the way about herself. I can't wait for you to listen. Connect with Tady: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #92. This week on the podcast I am thrilled to be joined by Laura Belgray. Laura is the founder of Talking Shrimp and co-creator of The Copy Cure with Marie Forleo. She has been featured in Fast Company, Money Magazine, Forbes, Vox, and Business Insider, and has written for Bravo, Fandango, FX, NBC, HBO, USA, Nick at Nite, Nickelodeon, TV Land, VH1, and more. She is the author of the new book Tough Titties, On Living Your Best Life When You're the F'ing Worst. Laura is hilarious and in this conversation, she gives us permission to be who we are and make money doing it. Connect with Laura: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #91. This week on the podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by Anne Garcia. Anne is a virtual assistant turned agency owner and team lead for Dklutr. Dklutr is a team of creatives that aim to help clients declutter their workflow. Our agency provides key services so clients can achieve a seamless system and workflow, be visible online and on social media, and have time to do the things that matter to them the most. After leaving her corporate work due to a heart condition, she delved into the world of virtual assistants. Her “get-things-done-no-matter-what” mindset and “loves-to-check-things-off-the-list” personality fit perfectly with the VA world and remote work. Anne loves working with collaborative, inspiring, and imaginative clients, and having a solid team of highly-skilled individuals with great personalities and strong work ethics has been the formula for the growth and success they now enjoy. I met Anne when I really needed help with launching my podcast. I've worked with her and her team in the Philippines ever since. Hiring her and her company has been one of the best decisions. In our conversation today, we talked about how Anne has built a successful team and found work that gives her a sense of purpose. Connect with Anne: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram  

Episode #90. This week on the podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by Katherine Morgan Schafler. Katherine is a New York City-based psychotherapist, author, and speaker, formerly an on-site therapist at Google. Katherine earned her Bachelor's degree in psychology at UC Berkeley before obtaining two Master's from Columbia University, one focused on clinical assessment and the other on psychological counseling. Additionally, she completed post-graduate training and certification at the Association for Spirituality and Psychotherapy in New York City. She contributes as a mental health expert to a variety of popular publications like The Huffington Post, Forbes, ELLE, Glamour, Good Housekeeping, Reader's Digest, Bloomberg Businessweek, and In Style, etc. During the pandemic, she wrote her first book, THE PERFECTIONIST'S GUIDE TO LOSING CONTROL. In our conversation today, we talk about the different types of perfectionism, and how perfectionism isn't a bad thing. I never realized I was a perfectionist until reading Katherine's book. I had so many ‘aha' moments while reading her book and loved having the opportunity to talk about it with her on the podcast today.  Connect with Katherine: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

This week on the podcast, I am excited to be joined by Lauren Palmieri. Lauren co-founded MEL Sleepwear, a small batch brand she created with her mother, Elaine, and sister Mia, during the pandemic. Lauren grew up in Upstate, NY, and after graduating with her bachelor's degree in Psychology, moved to NYC, where she earned her Master's degree from Fordham University in Human Resources Management. Lauren has over a decade of experience working as an HR professional in the financial services and legal industries. It was while living in Manhattan that Lauren noticed her desire to live a more creative and colorful life. During the pandemic, she chose to lean into her inner artist and away from her inner critic and began dreaming up ideas to design beautiful and functional sleepwear alongside her mother, Elaine, a Nurse Practitioner, and sister, Mia, a junior at Boston University. As women who struggle with sleep, Lauren and her co-founders hope to inspire women through their sleepwear and community to reconnect to themselves each night through the power of ritual and routine. MEL believes that sleep is a non-negotiable when it comes to following our dreams and hopes to contribute to changing the narrative to sleep being ‘a must have' instead of a ‘nice to have. In December 2023, MEL launched its first style, The Beatrice, via e-commerce and looks forward to growing this summer with the reveal of a new silhouette. Lauren recently relocated from NYC, where she lived for a decade, to Palm Beach where she resides with her partner Remm. In our conversation, we talk about what Lauren has learned as a new founder. She shares how the pandemic helped her realize that she wanted to do something more with her life. I think you will find Lauren's story really inspiring. Connect with Lauren: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

This week on the podcast I am thrilled to be joined by Natalie Franke. Natalie is an author, community builder, neuroscience nerd, and mama bear for small business.  As one of the founders of the Rising Tide, the Chief Evangelist at HoneyBook, and author of Built to Belong, she leads tens of thousands of independent business owners while fostering a spirit of community over competition around the world. She is the host of the new podcast Independent Business and the author of the new book Gutsy which will be released in August of this year. In this conversation, Natalie talks about the importance of community and how we can go about looking for community in our lives. Connect with Natalie: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #87. This week on the podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by Charlotte Cowles. Charlotte is a journalist and columnist for The Cut. She also contributes regularly to the New York Times. In our conversation today, we talk about the power of writing and how we can improve it. I loved learning Charlotte's perspective on writing. Connect with Charlotte: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #86. This week on the podcast I am joined by Lori Mulady Burdick. Lori brings over 30 years of experience in the counseling profession, wellness and spirituality. Lori has been drawn to soul-healing work from a very young age. Miraval Wellness Resort has provided a beautiful platform to integrate her wealth of knowledge, education, experience and spiritual wisdom to create space and to companion guests in navigating the waters of their lives. At Miraval she specializes in life transitions, relationships, family dynamics, parenting, boundaries, health, and bereavement. She offers an opportunity to realign your perspective and receive support and guidance. She also offers private consultations for each of those topics in addition to consultations for mindful relationships and mindful parenting. Outside of Miraval she is a private practitioner, educator, presenter and retreat facilitator. In this conversation, we talk about the importance of mindfulness and how we can create space for more mindful moments in our lives. Connect with Lori: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #85. This week on the podcast, I am joined by Meg Rentschler. Meg is an executive and leadership Coach dedicated to assisting management teams in maximizing the potential of individuals within their organizations, through customized team-building and/or coaching programs designed to meet business objectives.  As a psychotherapist and a business owner in private practice for more than two decades, Meg has the benefit of understanding people and their challenges, as well as the keys to building a successful business. Meg is also the host of the STaR Coach podcast.  In this episode, we talk about Meg's pivot from a career as a psychotherapist to coaching. Meg is one of the most gifted coaches that I know and I am so excited to get to share her wisdom with you. Connect with Meg: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #84. This week on the podcast I am delighted to have Steven Ross. Steven is a spiritual coach, ordained minister, meditation teacher and intuitive medium.  His journey to his work today started about twenty years ago, when he moved to Houston, Texas. After living in the US for only a week, Steven had what some would call an epiphany.  An intuitive thought that there was more to life than meets the eye. This began a quest for meaning and self-discovery that has continued to this day. At that time he was a 26 year old, somewhat anxious, oil and gas accountant.   The quest for meaning led him into holistic and spiritual pursuits of all kinds. Eventually Steven dedicated all of his free time to healing practices and meditation. In 2008 Steven and his wife moved to Austin, quit their jobs and opened a yoga studio. Over a 10 year period Steven and his wife built a vibrant community and taught thousands of students.  In 2018 he sold the business and joined Miraval as wellness facilitator, meditation teacher and intuitive medium.  At this point Steven has given close to 2000 "life readings". Last year Steven along with his teaching partner launched The Spiritual Living School. In this conversation, Steven shares how we can tap into our inner compass to find our vocation. I loved this conversation. Steven has such a calming energy and brings so much wisdom. Connect with Steven: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram  

Episode #83. This week on the podcast, I am thrilled to have Dr. Carol Kauffman.  Carol is known globally as one of the top leaders in the field of coaching. She has been named the #1 Leadership coach in the world by the Marshall Goldsmith group. Thinkers 50 shortlisted her as one of the top 8 coaches for her contribution as a thought leader and coach.  She is on the faculty at Harvard where she is the Founder of the Institute of Coaching. In addition, she supervises an international fleet of leadership coaches and has created a Coach Approach training program with a global footprint. She is the co-author of the new book Real-Time Leadership: Find Your Winning Moves When the Stakes are High. I am so excited to share this episode with you. Carol is one of the most respected coaches in the coaching industry and she shares a model for how we can think of any challenge that comes our way. Connect with Carol: Website Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #82. This week on the podcast, I am excited to be joined by Shana Rehwald. Throughout Shana's decade-long career working in social media and marketing, she helped build brands like Alo Yoga and Grayson.  At 30 years old, the dream life she built, while coveted by others, had started to burn her out. Pouring herself into a journey of self-discovery and purpose led to her leaving her marriage and an established career path in the same year and shortly after to becoming an accidental entrepreneur.  Her product, the Me-est Me Journal launched in 2021 with high acclaim and has helped thousands build self-awareness, quiet the noise of the world, and embrace short-term discomfort to move towards their truest desires.  The Me-est Me Journal has been featured in CNN, Who What Wear, NY Mag, and was voted one of the best-guided journals in Shape Magazine.  In addition to being an entrepreneur, she is also the FoundHER Program Coordinator at the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute where she helps cultivate current and future entrepreneurs out of UT Austin Originally from Los Angeles, Shana recently relocated to Austin where she resides with her partner.  In today's conversation, Shana and I talked about how we can connect to our inner knowing and we can start practicing that skill with the smallest of decisions. Connect with Shana: Website Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #81. This week on the podcast I am thrilled to be joined by Alisha Fernandez Miranda. Alisha is the author of My What If Year.  She serves as chair and former CEO of I.G. Advisors, an award-winning social impact intelligence agency that consults with the world's biggest nonprofits, foundations, and corporations on their philanthropy and social initiatives.  A graduate of Harvard University and the London School of Economics, her writing has been featured in Vogue, Business Insider, Romper, and Huffington Post. Originally from Miami, she currently lives in Scotland with her husband and children. This conversation was so much fun. Alisha shares her story about taking a year off of work to pursue her passions and why she encourages people to try things that they might fail at and how that can lead to the most opportunity and the most growth. Connect with Alisha: Website Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #80. For this 80th episode of the podcast I thought I would invite someone very special. I am thrilled to be joined by Jose Luis Prado Sr, my father-in-law.  Jose Luis is a business and community leader with over 35 years of experience. Jose Luis is an Executive Advisor Partner at the private equity firm Wind Point Partners. Jose Luis also serves as a Board Director at the Northern Trust Corporation and at Hormel Foods Corporation.  He is deeply committed to the community and serves as Trustee or Board Director at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, co-founder of the Latino Corporate Directors Association, Latino Donor Collaborative, Lyric Opera of Chicago, the National Museum of Mexican Art, and the Migration Policy Institute.  Most recently Jose Luis was named a founding Board member of the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Latino to be built in Washington DC.  Jose Luis retired from PepsiCo in 2014 after a career spanning 30 years in three continents and multiple countries. In his final assignment with PepsiCo, Jose Luis served as President of Quaker Oats North America, a $3billion dollar company, becoming the first Mexican to lead a major PepsiCo Division in North America.  Jose Luis has had a very successful career; and yet what I most admire about him is his love for his family, his love for my amazing mother-in-law Rosy, his love for his kids and of course his love for his grandkids  In our conversation today, Jose Luis shares his career journey and his advice for younger professionals. Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #79. This week on the podcast I am thrilled to be joined by Rachel Kleinman Green. After 7 years working in financial services management consulting for Accenture, Rachel joined the Estée Lauder Companies in 2018, first in their internal consulting group to work on marketing and creative process optimization, then as director of strategy and innovation across a cluster of brands. Most recently, Rachel joined Too Faced as their executive director of integrated marketing where she oversees the go-to-market process and consumer engagement strategy from product development all the way to launch. Rachel has always had a passion for makeup. In our conversation, she shares how her deep unhappiness in a consulting role prompted her to start looking for ways to pivot into the beauty industry and ultimately into a dream role. Connect with Rachel: Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #78. This week on the podcast, I am thrilled to be joined by Andrea Campos. Andrea is a first-generation Mexican-American visual artist and New York Times Bestselling illustrator. She began her career in illustration when the world went into lockdown in March 2020. Like so many others at that time, Andrea felt anxious and overwhelmed by the state of the world, so she turned to art as a way to make sense of it all.  Her work is positive, comforting, and colorful and sits at the intersection of playful with a purpose which has led her to work with some industry giants including Jimmy Fallon and Jennifer Lopez.  The daughter of immigrants, Andrea is committed to inclusive storytelling in her work.  I loved this conversation. Andrea is so open about her journey and the doubts that came with it. She shares how she got back into art and how that led to a life-changing opportunity.  Her story shows what is possible for us when we are willing to step outside of our comfort zone and pursue the things that bring us joy. Connect with Andrea: Website Instagram Link to Buy Con Pollo Book Resource Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #77. For the final episode of 2022, I am thrilled to be joined by Ahmad AbouZanat. Ahmad is a Qatar-born designer who balances modern minimalism with timeless elegance, seamlessly blending multicultural influences with different design styles and periods including his love for contemporary Parisian design. His design background can be characterized as the fusion of French and Middle Eastern aesthetics as well as his appreciation for contemporary architecture. Because he has been fully immersed in different regions throughout his life, he can relate to those who come from different cultural backgrounds or those with an affinity for distinctive design preferences. Ahmad was raised in Lebanon and now resides in New York City, he has successfully carved out a name for himself at the helm of PROJECT AZ. With a degree in interior design from the American University of Science and Technology in Beirut and an extensive resume of hospitality and residential design work in both Lebanon and the States,  Ahmad has gone on to finish projects all around the world including Beirut, New York, Tennessee, Washington DC, Paris, Jeddah, and Doha. Ahmad has been named to Architectural Digest Middle East's 2022 top 50 designers, profiled by the leading online marketplace 1stDibs' Introspective Magazine as a 2021 “Designer to Watch” and named as an “interior design visionary” in Christie's International Real Estate Magazine.  Ahmad also serves as a Founder and active board member of the interior design platform, Interior Collab where after the startup Homepolish collapsed, he came together with numerous other designers to advocate for the power of community amongst designers in the industry, share resources, help connect clients to designers and spearhead events that help the planet and local communities. This has been one of my favorite conversations on the podcast. I met Ahmad at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Dallas, Texas and loved his warm energy and loved his amazing design.  In our conversation today, Ahmad shares how he has built his successful design firm and has never given up on his dreams. I am so inspired by him and his story. Connect with Ahmad: Website Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram

Episode #76. Abi Gallagher is the CEO of Words for a Season. Her company offers a beautiful way to wear a meaningful word without the commitment of a permanent tattoo.  Her temporary tattoos work as fun self-expression, but also as encouraging pep talks to take wherever you go. She has blended her love for calligraphy and desire for a tattoo, and created a community of women who wear Words for a Season to celebrate their highs and find strength for their lows.  Abi has partnered with brands such as Anthropologie, Madewell, Magnolia, and Free People and has been featured in segments with Good Morning America and Good Morning Texas. This conversation with Abi was so motivating, she shares how she came up with the idea for her company and how she built it for the past five years while working her corporate job. Abi is so warm and so generous in sharing her story. I can't wait for you to listen. Connect with Abi: Website Instagram Connect with Lupe: Website Instagram