October 31, 2024 • 50 mins
Discover the secrets to sustainable leadership and prevent burnout with insights from our incredible panel of experts. Join Lee Agbohlah, Carlos DeLeon, and Maira Carrier as they share their personal stories and strategies for maintaining resilience and impact in today's fast-paced world. Learn how personal inspirations and community needs fuel their mission-driven work and how embracing both challenges and successes can lead to personal growth. Lee Agbola's transition from in-person coaching to online platforms highlights how you can scale your work while staying true to your unique strengths and mission.
Uncover the power of personal routines and mindfulness in maintaining balance as a leader. Our guests delve into meditation as a tool for self-awareness and decision-making, offering practical advice on incorporating fitness and self-care into daily life. They emphasize the importance of leveraging support systems, revealing the critical role of family, friends, and colleagues in sustaining momentum. The discussion touches on overcoming the fear of asking for help and the art of delegation, particularly in mission-driven work, to avoid burnout and stay aligned with your purpose.
Explore the transformative power of empowerment through personal growth and impactful leadership. Through poignant stories, we highlight how showing people their limitless potential can inspire them to overcome adversity. Learn about the emotional aspects of coaching that go beyond business improvements, focusing on personal transformation and the ripple effect of positive influence. Our conversation also addresses the challenges of balancing multiple roles, transitioning to entrepreneurship, and the importance of viewing experiences as learning opportunities. Hear valuable advice on preventing burnout, prioritizing joy, and staying true to your mission for a fulfilling leadership journey.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Melissa Franklin (00:00):
Hey everybody and welcome to the very first
episode of our Balanced GrowthLeadership Series.
I'm thrilled to kick off thisyear-long journey with a topic
that matters to every leader outthere leadership for longevity.
Today, we're going to be goingbeyond the surface to explore
what it really takes to lead forthe long haul.
We're going to talk about howto stay resilient, energized and
(00:21):
impactful in this fast-pacedworld.
I'm joined by an incrediblepanel Lee Agbohlah, a
transformation coach, who knowsfirsthand how mindset, health
and fitness fuel sustainableleadership.
Carlos De Leon, a businessconsultant who helps leaders
build processes that don't justsupport growth but make it last.
And Maira Carrier, a publichealth expert and founder of
(00:44):
Maya's Love, who's expanded hernonprofit's mission to multiple
cities while staying true to hercore values.
Together, we're going to breakdown practical strategies, share
real stories and give you toolsyou can start using today to
keep leading without losingyourself or your purpose.
Let's dive in.
Welcome to Structuring ChaoticMinds, the podcast where we turn
(01:05):
the chaos of everydaychallenges into structured
success.
I'm your host, Melissa.
In each episode, we'll exploreinnovative strategies, real-life
stories and actionable insightsto help you navigate the
complexities of leadership,business and personal growth,
whether you're an entrepreneur,a leader or someone striving for
personal development.
This podcast will give you thetools to create clarity in the
(01:27):
chaos.
Let's dive in.
You've all made it work in yourown way as far as scaling
whether that was business,health or your community impacts
.
What's the one thing that keptyou steady and true in your path
, especially as things got tough?
Carlos DeLeon (01:44):
For me, it's keeping my why, keeping my why
in front of me.
That is key.
In easier terms, remember whoyou're doing it for, who
inspires you.
I have this little exercisethat I use, where it's called
leaders that inspire you, andthe activity entails that you
(02:10):
select three people, or threecelebrities, or just three three
people that inspire you, andwhy.
Um, and one of them in my listis my grandfather.
I always aspired to be like him.
I want to be a good person.
He taught me kindness andempathy and not be afraid to try
(02:32):
anything and treat people withrespect.
So I always remember that.
So, when things get tough, Ialways remember what and always
ask myself what would he do?
And that just helps me keepmoving forward.
Maria Carrier (02:49):
For me it's similar, like Carlos said, your
why and it's reallyunderstanding why it is that I'm
doing what I'm doing, whetherit be in the community or in the
nonprofit or in the publichealth world, understanding why
I started that in the firstplace.
If we're out in the communityand it's giving something back
(03:10):
to the community, understandingwhat it was that made me
understand that there was a needfor that, whether it be socks,
I never forgot growing up thatwe needed socks growing up.
So that was a big thing for me.
And now when I go into thecommunities that may need a
little extra for me, and nowwhen I go into the communities
that may need a little extraassistance, I make sure to bring
socks for the kiddos.
So remembering those thingsthat affected me as a child and
(03:33):
really incorporating it into themission wherever I am has
really kept me steady in what wedo with Maya's Love.
Lee Agbohlah (03:42):
I think, similar to what everyone said.
Of course the why is the thingthat helps you out, but I also
like to remember it's a journey.
I think understanding that onyour path you're not going to
have things always go the wayyou want it to go, but when you
understand that you will haveups and downs.
But to stay steady on yourjourney is just to really kind
(04:04):
of appreciate it and embrace it,because sometimes it's easy to
always focus on the ups you knowthe wins that you get but to
also embrace the challenges thatyou face, because that's also
going to make you better.
So sometimes it's justrealizing that, that you're
going through those differentthings because you're trying to
(04:26):
be better and trying to begreater.
So the why definitely helps,but I also think just always
appreciating the journey andunderstand that it's a reason
why you're on that path.
Melissa Franklin (04:38):
I love that.
Thinking about that, I mean youin particular you moved from
coaching in a gym to reachingpeople online so you could
actually scale your work.
You did this pre-COVID.
What actually pushed you tomake that leap and what's
something that you would tellothers who want to go big
without losing themselves in theprocess?
Lee Agbohlah (05:02):
I think for me it was kind of easy just to
understand that I know I coulddo more than what I was doing.
So the big thing that gets meto want to do more is knowing
like I have the potential to toreally do more.
So, like, personal training isgreat.
I think everyone can learn fromit.
(05:22):
It because you learn hands onfrom it.
But just through my experienceof working with people I knew
there was more that I could giveand to really help people.
Because I felt like personaltraining was limited in the
aspect that it only reallyfocused on the training part of
it and I felt my greateststrength as a coach is a lot
(05:45):
more than that and I really feltthat I could bring more of what
I needed into what the clientsneeded as well.
So it was to me like a win-winfor both sides, Like I could be
better, they could be better inwhat they needed.
So that was what really pushedme toward that.
(06:07):
I don't think I really thoughtabout it as a downside.
I only thought about the size.
That was going to help me more.
And especially when you areworking for a corporate system,
I think everyone can understandthere's going to be limitations
to the different things thatyou're trying to do.
So when you kind of go on yourown path, it's really you.
(06:30):
You know you're able to putyour unique touch on what you
want to have happen.
So I think many will feel thatway where they kind of get to
that and wanting to do more, todo more.
So the way to do that is reallybreaking through and putting
your uniqueness into it andhelping others within what you
want to do.
You know, in this world I feellike that's the big thing.
Melissa Franklin (06:54):
I think, Carlos and I talk about that a
lot when we talk about ourclients with business coaching
and such.
So, Carlos, thinking about youin particular, especially the
business owners that you helpbuild their systems and hold up
under pressure and growth.
What's the simplest system orroutine?
Every leader should be able tolock down and keep their work
(07:15):
sustainable in those long hauls.
Carlos DeLeon (07:17):
It is.
Set priorities and usechecklist.
Don't overcomplicate things.
So, once you set priorities,what I mean by that is make sure
you don't sacrifice people,make sure you don't sacrifice
yourself.
So the work, especially whenyou're starting out, we think
(07:40):
that we're invincible and wewant to work 24-7.
But it's not sustainable.
You will burn out for sure,especially if you start
neglecting those around you,those that care for you.
So set priorities, setboundaries, set schedules.
That's number one.
And number two is don'tunderestimate the power of a
(08:03):
good checklist.
And number two is don'tunderestimate the power of a
good checklist.
You don't have to get creativeand and write an sop and over
complicate things.
Write simple checklist to dostuff, to do tasks, and stay on
point.
That's my advice I love that.
Melissa Franklin (08:20):
I think that, um, it was sweet to like what
Maira and I have talked about asfar as prioritizing and picking
and choosing and having to puton all those different mom hats
and such.
Maira, you've taken Maya's Lovefrom one city to multiple
cities now and you've beenstaying true to your mission
while expanding.
How do you keep thatconsistency and purpose alive as
(08:42):
y'all are growing and whatadvice would you give to others
that want to expand their reachwithout losing that?
Why that we've been talkingabout.
Maria Carrier (08:53):
I would say that one of the biggest things is
knowing your mission, but alsoknowing that it's going to
evolve with you as you grow aswell.
So it's okay to evolve and it'sokay to stay true to that core
of what it was, but know that itwill evolve with time and
depending on where you're at atwhich location.
We have different chaptersthroughout South Texas and each
(09:15):
one of them has its own cultureand its own way of being, but
the one thing that staysconsistent is the people around
me and the amazing team that Ihave.
We have I have my president ofmy nonprofit organization and
she has been my friend sinceHead Start.
I left to the military for 10years and came back and that
connection was still therebecause throughout everything,
(09:37):
we nurtured that relationshipand really understood each other
, not only as growing up, butalso as the adults that we
became and how we want to reallyput our love into the mission
that we do.
So I would say really knowingyour mission, knowing that it
evolves with you and with what'sgoing on in the communities,
and also really nurturing thoserelationships that are there,
(10:00):
whether it be with your personalteam or with the community as
well.
Melissa Franklin (10:07):
Yeah, it's always important checking into,
like I say, whether it be withthe team or the community.
But you kind of just got tocheck in with the team sometimes
and just see how they're doingas well.
Thinking of that, we can allget a little bit drained.
So I want to kind of look atthe audience right now.
What's one thing that'sdraining your energy or making
(10:27):
you question your own leadership?
Is it keeping balance, findingsupport, dealing with stress, or
is it something else?
Y'all can go ahead and type itin the chat.
That way the speakers can goahead and try to give some
advice for that.
Or if anybody would like tocome off mute and just say
(10:52):
something that's been botheringthem, that's free to do as well,
if you don't want to type it inthe chat mine would be
definitely a struggle that Ihave is focusing on what I can
control, especially right now.
Maria Carrier (11:05):
The world is very crazy.
We work with families who havebeen through emotional trauma or
just trauma in general, soreally understanding that we
have control over what we dohave control over and we could
be there and provide thatassistance for them.
But we know that the world isstill chaotic.
So that's my struggle right nowto be able to really accept
(11:31):
what I can't control, because Iwish I could do more but if I
just focus on that I'll beburned out right away.
So, really focusing on what Ican control and be available for
the spaces that I can be inThanks for reminding me what I
need to do.
Melissa Franklin (11:57):
Anybody else, grace, saying juggling multiple
tasks and jobs?
Melissa says she knows for afact that Carlos called me out
on the checklists.
I always keep forgetting towrite stuff down and when I do
write them down I lose the card.
Yeah, I think, um, I have apile of checklists and then they
(12:18):
just get bigger and bigger andthen I say I'm gonna do them and
then I color code them and itgoes from black to blue to red
to like.
You should already be doingthis by now.
But building those systems andactually just making that simple
thing of just let me check itoff, let me just remind myself
and just get it done, you're notwrong, it can do some wonders.
(12:41):
Thinking of that and what theaudience is sharing for any of
the speakers what's one thingthat you guys do to stay
grounded and focused and what'sa quick tip that you could share
with the audience?
Carlos DeLeon (12:58):
for me is make quick decisions.
Don't overthink everything,because that's what happens.
That's why you create so manylists.
So now the checklist becomesanother checklist, right.
So make quick decisions.
And if you're finding yourselfhaving a hard time doing that, I
would challenge you to go backand kind of look in the mirror
(13:20):
and try to find that trigger.
Why is it that you're not ableto make a quick decision?
I used to use this phrase quitea bit when I was in the
corporate world and all myemployees they were always
afraid to try something.
I would say just push thebutton, see what happens.
And once you push that button,you realize that nothing really
(13:41):
happens.
And nine out of ten timeseverything is great, everything
works out fantastic.
And you're like man, why didn'tpush that button before, right
or sooner?
In the one time that it doesn'twork?
You just learn from it.
The world doesn't end, nothinghappens, nobody dies, uh it.
(14:03):
You just learn something new.
You know what.
Maria Carrier (14:04):
I should have done it this way, but stop
overthinking it, just get itdone I am an overthinker, so I
will say I do the opposite ofwhat Carlos said.
I really I don't know those,because we were in the military
and maybe that's why we weren'tlike we couldn't be impulsive
(14:26):
and you couldn't just make thatdecision.
It had to be like hey, there'sso many people depending on you
that if you make this decisionlike this, so we can't do that,
so somebody will pass right, sothen?
So then I had to really learnon my civilian end how to take
my time to make these decisions,not be impulsive about it.
(14:47):
For me, one big thing that I dois meditate, and I meditate
every morning, or I try to.
I am also a mom and I have ajob and I have my nonprofit.
So, giving myself an hour inthe morning where it's
completely silent.
I wake up at four in themorning and from four to five
I'm just dedicating time tomyself, I'm meditating, I sit
(15:10):
and I listen to my music, Iground myself and then I allow
myself to feel everything that'shappening, find that trigger
and be like this is why Ihaven't made this decision, or
this is why I need to take moretime to make that decision.
So I give myself that hour inthe morning and then I meditate,
and that's how I'm able to staygrounded with everything that I
(15:32):
do.
Melissa Franklin (15:33):
I love that you point that part out because
it piggybacks off of what Carlosis saying.
But it comes down to it's atrigger that we have that stops
us from making that quick.
Like, let's be real, all of usknow what the heck we're
supposed to do.
We go in through coaching and Ican send out all these
workbooks and all this beautifulstuff, but why does everybody
sign up for coaching?
Because we have to have theconversation.
(15:54):
You fill out the checklist andlike what do I need to do?
We know the answer, we don'twant to do it.
We need to do.
We know the answer, we don'twant to do it.
We need to dig deeper and findwhat's the trigger.
Like, let's talk about that,let's unpack that and figure
that part out.
So that's really what thecoaching part would come into,
but sometimes just that quietspace to really evaluate it and
coach yourself through it.
(16:15):
It can be some really good ones.
I love that tip of themeditation part.
Um, it kind of reminds me ofLee.
You're big on mindset andhealth and that keeps you going,
even on a packed schedule.
You just get it done andworking out is like hygiene for
you or something that's just anormal thing for you.
(16:36):
What do you do, though, tododge burnout and keep the
energy up when you're feelingstretched thin?
What can other leaders startdoing?
Lee Agbohlah (16:47):
right now to keep their heads in the game.
I think the big thing isroutine.
If you develop the routine, itis going to make things easier.
Like to me, if I'm out of sorts, that's when everything's going
to be thrown off.
But to me, when everything isflowing properly is because I'm
doing what I'm supposed to dowithin my routine, like if I'm
(17:09):
to tea with the routine.
It works.
So I think the big thing isdeveloping that part to
understand, like, what works foryou.
So example is when people aretrying to make changes within
working out, I always say yougot to find a time that works
best for you.
So example is when people aretrying to make changes within
working out, I always say yougot to find a time that works
best for you.
There isn't a one size fits allbecause some people is.
(17:30):
I think the mornings does workbetter for a lot of people
because we get so busy.
But hey, some people might liketo just get stuff that they
they need to other do on theirtasks and then maybe they can do
it later and they want to knockit out last.
So it's really finding, I think, the routine that works for you
.
So for me, the routine thatworks for me and when I'm
(17:54):
cooking, like to me is the flowof like getting stuff done is
that's what really helps.
I think that part of it is a bigthing and really setting it up
to the fair yourself out becauseyou got to be really in tune
with yourself, because if you'resomebody that you know that
you're going to try to pushstuff off, the best thing you
(18:14):
could do is like put that stufffirst.
Like if you can knock that outfirst, everything else is going
to get easier after that.
Like you really want to getthat part of it done.
So I think the mindset part ofit for me, because, like, I can
always put it back to workingout, because that is something I
do.
So I try to put in a sense ofthat, like you know, get
(18:35):
knocking out the toughest partof it, understanding that that's
when I really get the best partof it and that's really going
to help me out.
So I really just think aboutthat within, like, the routine
of different things and Iunderstand if I'm out of whack
it's because that's usually notto the routine and that's
everything you know when itcomes to the day.
Melissa Franklin (18:55):
Okay, something like what Carlos and I
have talked about.
I like how he's coached otherbusiness owners and takes them
through baby steps and thinks ofone little thing they can
change, because he understandshabits and routines and things.
So, Carlos, thinking about that, I've seen you talk about how
important it is to have thosesystems and keeping those
(19:17):
leaders there, especially fromburning out, because a lot of
these things aren't what's theword Sustain, sustainable,
long-term and such that they canburn out a lot sooner.
How do you help leaders buildthe support systems that they
need and what's something thatpeople can do for themselves,
especially if they're going atit alone?
Carlos DeLeon (19:40):
Yeah, so I can tell you about my own experience
.
I experienced this myself, soI've owned multiple businesses
Not all of them successful and Ikind of learned as I went right
, learning the hard way on thefirst few.
And this keeps repeating itselfwith just about every client
that I help.
(20:01):
You're too afraid to ask forhelp, and that's probably our
biggest mistakes asentrepreneurs or business owners
, or you know that we think thatbecause we made this, this
decision of doing this, andprobably against many people
saying no, don't do that.
People that are too afraid, youhave that in the back of your
(20:22):
mind so you think that askingfor help is something bad,
something wrong.
I would encourage you to don'tbe afraid to ask for help and
look around you.
You have a huge support systemthat you're not tapping into
your immediate family, yourfriends, your colleagues, past
mentors, teachers, many peoplearound you.
(20:46):
I guarantee you, if you openyour eye, you do have a support
system.
You're just not asking.
So keep that in mind and thesooner you learn to create and
write down a process and startdelegating, start delegating the
stuff that you don't like doing.
(21:07):
That is not your thing.
It has to happen, it has to bedone, but it's not your thing.
Keep doing the stuff that youare really good at and that
drives you, and you have thispassion and that will keep you
going, that will keep you fromburning out.
And so, really, the key here isasking for help, and you do
(21:28):
have a lot of help around you,you're just not looking Hot one.
Melissa Franklin (21:32):
It's like it's already there, just ask.
But I don't want to ask becausethen I have to put my pride
aside to make that happen.
Carlos DeLeon (21:39):
I think that's what a lot of us, that's the
most difficult part.
Melissa Franklin (21:41):
Yeah, because we have to say either when you
assume that people think less ofyou because you had to ask, or
you think less of yourselfbecause you just don't feel
qualified for that, because youhad to ask, you know what?
Carlos DeLeon (21:59):
the funniest thing is?
That when you do try it and Iwould say 99.9% of the times you
are presently surprised.
The people that you ask they'relike man, I was waiting for
this, I see you struggling, Isee you suffering, I was ready,
I didn't want to overstep.
And they're like, kind of openup your eyes, man, I should
(22:26):
right.
They really care for me.
So just think about that.
People do care for you, soyou'll be very surprised.
Melissa Franklin (22:30):
People run up, they want to help you I think
might I and I have talked aboutthat as moms asking for help,
and, uh, I mean, you watch thedishes, thanks, but you didn't
do them the way I wanted.
So then there's that questiontoo.
It still comes to that Mightnonprofits definitely come with
their own unique pressures, thenhow do you stay motivated,
(22:53):
though, when the resources aretight and things start feeling
overwhelming?
What advice would you give toleaders who are in that mission
driven work so that they cankeep that fire going?
Maria Carrier (23:04):
I would say, be consistent because, just like
Lee said, being consistent andhaving that routine of knowing,
okay, whether it be somethingsmall, from social media to the
whole mission itself.
Being consistent and saying,okay, every day we're going to
get up and meditate.
Every day we're going to get upand post.
Every day we're going to get upand go for this walk.
(23:25):
Being consistent in yourmission and what you show to the
community, too, and what youshow to your community partners,
to the people you service, isvery, very important.
And staying hungry and learning,because if there's a resource
that's lacking or being a littlebit, that we needed more, um,
(23:46):
checking in with ourselves andsaying like, is this something
that I can go and learn in thecommunity too?
Is this something that my teamcan learn in the community?
What is it that we could do tohave those outreach options, to
be able to get those funds?
And then always keeping itwithin yourself and asking that
check-in of am I doing this forthe right reason?
Am I doing this in support ofmy mission?
(24:07):
Or am I doing this because ofan alternate motive?
Working in the non-profit, youget a lot of different
opportunities and differentpeople who want to have an input
in it.
But knowing what your missionis and and keeping that
consistency is, I would say, iskey.
Melissa Franklin (24:26):
I love that because it's keeping that
mission driven.
Just like every business ownerknows by now, no one's gonna
care about your business morethan you.
It's the same thing with thenon-profit, like the mission,
keeping it focused and keepingit there.
It all kind of comes back tothat remembering your why,
(24:47):
really remembering your why, andstaying focused on your path
and like what you guys need.
So, thinking about that, goahead and bring us to our last
question for all speakers then,and then, oh, that's not right.
(25:09):
Right, I'm sorry about that.
All right, so I'm gonna leavethe question up, but feel free
to come off and answer this.
When you guys look at the workthat you all are doing, what do
you want people to take awayfrom it?
What is the real impact thatyou're aiming for?
That'll stick even when you'renot around.
Like what legacy are you guystrying to leave behind?
Maria Carrier (25:25):
I can go.
First, I would say.
Before I forget, I would saythat my main thing is I want
every little kid that we comeacross, or every mom that's
struggling, or every veteranthat's going through, whatever
it is, in whatever way that yousee yourself in our mission, I
want to make sure that theyunderstand that you could do
(25:46):
anything in the world, thatthere's options out there for
you.
I grew up in the projects andwhen I share my story and share
what we, what I've been able todo afterwards and coming from an
immigrant mother, kids reallysee that and say if she could do
it, I could do it.
Or if you know, if she was ableto come from this place and get
(26:10):
away and do things and comeback and give to our own
community, then I could do thattoo.
So for me it's that impact ofinspiration and knowing that you
could do anything in the worldand you're.
You might be limited by yoursituation at that time, but at
any time you have that power tokeep telling yourself I can do
(26:32):
this, I can do this.
There's going to be a timewhere I can have full control of
this situation and get outthere and keep growing and know
that you can make thatdifference.
Melissa Franklin (26:42):
You want to go ahead and go next?
Sure.
Carlos DeLeon (26:44):
I was clapping for Maira.
It was good it was good For meis the impact that I make on the
business owner beyond thebusiness.
So part of the coaching that Ido is that I always end up
saying that what I do is 80%emotional and mental and 20%
(27:05):
technical Because they hire meto help them grow their business
or set systems or, you know,fix something that they think is
broken.
I dig deep into the lives of myclients to understand them as
(27:31):
humans so that I can truly helpthem make a difference in their
lives.
So yes, at the end of the day,it's about numbers, to see how
we can help the business.
But when I get a reaction wherethey said you made me a better
husband, you made me a betterwife, you made me a better
person just with the talks thatwe had, or what you showed me
what I can do, or just tobelieve in myself, to me that's
what it's all about and that'swhy I love doing what I'm doing.
(27:52):
So, knowing that impact,knowing that I'm changing
people's lives for the better,that's just the reason I do what
I do.
The fixing the business andmaking the business better is a
bonus.
I love that.
Melissa Franklin (28:06):
I think pretty much any coach who really does
that goes into it.
For that reason, what about you, Lee?
Lee Agbohlah (28:11):
I mean, I think everyone's pretty much head on
it.
You're not just doing it foryourself, obviously, you're
doing it for the people thatyou're trying to help, so you
want to be able to know thatimpact is felt by people seeing
you know the changes and beingable to do that.
I think, especially for me,it's just just in the world we
live in, there's a lot ofmessages out there that can get
(28:34):
people going the wrong way.
So I just wanted it to be thatpeople understand.
Like you know, I stood forsomething that I believed in and
I didn't go away from that andI was able to keep that message
true to it and it was able tomake an impact on people.
And to me I look at it not justyou know, of course, people
that I'm able to coach, butpeople that maybe never become
(28:59):
you know a client or somethinglike that, or.
But they took something awayfrom it because they saw you
know a client or something likethat, or.
But they took something awayfrom it because they saw you
know what was out there and ithelped them and they were able
to make changes.
And to me, I think of it as kindof a ripple effect, because a
lot of times, it's not just theperson that you directly impact.
That person can impact otherpeople as well.
(29:20):
So I really look at that likenot just impacting those people
that see you, but also thepeople that that had effect on
and impacted the other peoplearound them as well.
So I really believe in that aswell to have that message spread
, that people can take it and ithelped others around them, and
just being able to impact asmany people as possible within
(29:42):
that.
So to me, if I can make it andit helped others around them,
and just being able to impact asmany people as possible within
that, so to me, if I can make itbetter and people could gain
something from it and that wasbeneficial to them and it really
made an impact on them, I thinkthat's something that's always
special, that I would want thatto be left that people can
remember.
Melissa Franklin (29:59):
I love that.
I think it resonates with me,for each of you, and why I asked
each of you to come on isbecause, at the end of the day,
I like lighting a fire inside ofpeople and helping them grow.
But it's that awareness thatthere's something that keeps us
going.
But we need to remind ourselvesthat there's a balance and that
(30:19):
battery eventually runs out.
So it's important to havepeople in your corner that will
find that balance for you topush you to make decisions, get
it done, keep going, but at thesame time, focus and drive into
one space and at the same time,have it be purposeful.
(30:41):
It's important for me tocontinue in education, but I
could only serve kids for solong before my body eventually
burnt out.
And burnout is something that'sa word that a lot of people
don't really listen to.
There's one thing when we talkabout I'm tired.
There's one thing that talksabout I'm exhausted.
There's one thing completelydifferent when it means you're
burnt out, and being burnt outis when that nervous system
(31:03):
starts shutting down.
Our decision-making skills areout the window and we're really
not in that place anymore.
So I think this really comesdown to finding the right
balance in all of these things.
So we don't get to that place,to where we can't make those
great decisions anymore in animpactful, quick, quick way, and
we start overthinking ourselvesand creating the trauma or a
(31:26):
resentment towards ourdecision-making because we moved
too fast in the past but weweren't moving too fast rather
than we had too much going on.
And Maira's right it comes downto there's a lot of people
depending on me as a mom.
There's a lot of peopledepending on me as a leader in
schools or in organizations andthe businesses that I help coach
(31:47):
and the decisions they end upmaking.
But if I don't really balancemyself, then I don't show up the
way that I'm supposed to and itcan lead to another decision
that's really going to lead to alot more people being impacted
negatively because I didn't showup in the right space.
So I love that everybody's beensharing that.
I'm going to go ahead andswitch over then to our audience
(32:09):
guys and let's ask them Isthere any type of questions that
you guys would want to ask thenfor our speakers?
Is there any topics that arereally sticking out to you based
on today's topic, or questionsand discussion?
Nynjeu Nmah (32:34):
hello, this is Nynjeu.
Thanks, sorry, hi.
How are you guys doing?
Um, thanks for having the panel.
Um, so I work with Melissa.
Me and my boyfriend are doing atransportation company, so I
guess my question for you guysis um, this is for me like my
first venture intoentrepreneurship.
Um, not everyone that's anentrepreneur has always been an
(32:58):
entrepreneur.
So my question is how did youguys learn how to transition
from the mindset of like a nineto five regular day job to
entrepreneurship and takingownership of your business?
Melissa Franklin (33:11):
That's a great question, but I want to let
Maira take that one yourbusiness?
Maria Carrier (33:16):
that's a great question, but I want to let
Maira take that one.
For me it's a little bitdifferent, um, because I also
have a small business.
But I've had to really um, Icreated that small business
because I saw a need in what wasgoing on at the same time.
So I don't really invest a lotof my time in that business
because it's only there tosupport my ass love.
So for me it's a little bitdifferent.
(33:38):
But I would say I time box ineverything I do.
I don't know if that's a thing,but I time box.
So when I'm spending the timein my nonprofit, I really spend
the time there.
When I'm doing, I call itmommying.
When I'm mommying, I do thattime there and I don't get
distracted.
And when I'm doing, I call itmommying.
When I'm mommying, I do thattime there and I don't get
distracted.
(33:58):
And when I'm at work, I alsohave a job too.
So I just started working.
It is a nine to five um, soit's been a little bit of a of a
challenge to intertwine it alland make it work for me.
So I don't know if, um, Carlos,I need the guidance too.
Melissa Franklin (34:13):
If you want to answer too, I don't want to
piggyback before Carlos jumps in, because I love that, but kind
of saying, Maira, that's thecool part, you actually created
a business and that's kind ofwhat a lot of business owners
never get to do is create abusiness that they can
successfully exit from and it'sstill running.
That's kind of the point.
Like you should be able to dothat, and that's kind of where
(34:37):
Nina wants to eventually get toto be able to be able to do that
.
But yeah, that nine to fivepart, I know for myself, kind of
like what you're saying.
It was more.
I'm not used to not working allthe time.
It was having the time box ortime stamp in my calendar when I
(34:58):
was going to be mom, when I wasgoing to be business owner,
when I was going to do thoseother things, because if not,
then really taking a break forme really wasn't taking a break
anymore.
Now it was well, that's justreplacing something else now on
my schedule.
And I was really guilty of thatbecause I was so used to being
busy to feel important or tofeel useful and I had to undo
(35:23):
that, like really undo that, tostart giving myself permission
to actually delegate things thatI was like no, nobody else can
do that, only I can do that.
And Carlos and I have beautifuldiscussions about that and he
reminds me, like no, you don'thave to do it.
That's what I was saying, likeI've kind of wanted to piggyback
(35:44):
off of that as a mom, but likeyou're, you are doing it, you're
, you're able to create a systemthat's worked for other people
and that business is now stillgoing, and I think that's the
cool thing, because she's aphysician and she's starting
this job or this businessventure, but she doesn't want to
run the business venture ratherthan create it and then more in
(36:07):
that process too.
Carlos, I know I'm rambling,what do you think?
Carlos DeLeon (36:13):
um well, all great points from you guys, and
it is a bit different foreveryone depending on your
personality and your history andwhat you're used to, but the
way I can describe it, or theway I can help, is when you use
the word entrepreneurship orentrepreneur, do entrepreneur
(36:36):
equals leader.
You got to tap into yourleadership skills and that's the
first thing.
You have to be retraining yourmind.
Now you are the leader of thisventure.
Forget about theentrepreneurship part.
The entrepreneurship part iswhat drove you to do this.
It's the hunger.
It's like I want to besomething, I want to do
(36:57):
something different.
I want to try this on my own.
That's the drive right Now.
Actually doing it and creatingsomething is out of your idea,
out of your passion.
Now you have to become thatleader from day one, and that
being a leader doesn't mean youhave to have a team, even as a
solopreneur.
You have to become a leader andlead yourself to the right
(37:22):
steps through the entire process, right?
So, yes, it is hard, but, justlike anything else, you just
train your mind.
So I have practical approaches.
Is if you're used to a nine tofive and you're now transitioned
into an entrepreneurship, keepthat nine to five for the first
(37:42):
few weeks and then do nine tofour, and then do nine to three
instead of taking a lunch break.
Don't take a lunch break.
Kind of break the mold, breakthe system.
That will reteach your mind.
It's okay, nothing will happenand you will find that perfect
schedule for your new job, foryour new role as the leader of a
(38:07):
company, as the leader ofsomething you're building, and
especially if you're buildingsomething with an exit in mind,
right.
And especially if you'rebuilding something with an exit
in mind, right.
You're building something soyou can build this great thing,
so it can run by itself, andthen you step back and just
enjoy the fruits from it, right?
That's everybody's dream tohave a business that runs
(38:29):
without you.
Maria Carrier (38:30):
Yeah, right.
Carlos DeLeon (38:31):
Yeah, that's exactly.
Maria Carrier (38:31):
Yeah, right, yeah , that's exactly.
Carlos DeLeon (38:36):
And so that's really the advice I can give you
.
And it takes time.
So don't be a little patient,but be intentional in your
decisions.
Find it, make sure you're doingit, make sure you're trying it.
And probably the best advice Ican give you Find it, make sure
you're doing it, make sureyou're trying it.
And probably the best advice Ican give you is enjoy it.
(39:00):
Enjoy that part of the business, because maybe we're not making
enough money.
But, man, enjoy the time.
Then right, you don't have toworry yourself to death.
Enjoy the freedom, some of thefreedoms, at every stage of the
process.
You should enjoy it, and itwould be much easier to do that,
to make that transition.
Maria Carrier (39:21):
And I love that that you said that, Carlos.
I think it puts it in line forme too.
So with my nonprofit, I startedit almost four years ago and it
was grind time when it started.
At this point of my life, whereI am, I'm able to step back and
enjoy it because I have awonderful team.
So now when I go and do holidaycar parades, I'm not out there
(39:41):
as a volunteer, I'm out there asthe founder of my own
organization.
So I enjoy the fruits of mylabor.
I get to hang out with the kids, I get to see Santa, I get
everything because I'm there atthat space, whereas my job I
would just start it there too.
So even though I am that leader, it's still in line with my
personal mission of love ofeducation, a love of helping
(40:04):
community out.
So I found a job that aligns towhat my passion is too.
Melissa Franklin (40:09):
I was gonna say stop acting like it's a job
job rather than.
Maria Carrier (40:13):
Yeah, I really enjoy it.
I get to go out, be incommunity and everything, and
it's like I'm having fun andit's not.
It doesn't feel like a job, itfeels like I'm developing myself
with my team at Futuro to beable to get more tools in my
toolbox and be able to be likeokay, now that you mastered or
(40:34):
not mastered.
But now that you've been ableto be like okay, now that you
mastered or not master, but nowthat you've been able to enjoy
the nonprofit sector, what elsecan you grow in and how can you
support your nonprofit and othernonprofits in this learning
experience that you're doingwith this team?
And that's through educationaladvocacy.
So, even there, I have amanager there too, and being
(40:56):
able to understand my leadership, but adjusting it in my own
role is very, very important.
I don't go into work saying, hey, I'm the founder and CEO of my
nonprofit organization, you mustlisten to me.
No, I'm there as a personthat's learning and growing that
part too.
So I adjust my leaderships, thelevel of leadership, and really
(41:18):
allow others to lead me too.
There's a quote by GeneralPatton that says lead me, follow
me or get out of my way, andthat's one of my favorite quotes
in the world.
But I love for strong leadersto be there and guide me and I
love to be able to follow thoseleaders too.
Strong leaders to be there andguide me and I love to be able
to follow those those leaderstoo.
And then when it's time for meto be that leadership, um full
(41:38):
role, then I execute that aswell.
But understanding that, thatbalance too.
So everything that I do, I loveand it's in line with my
personal mission and it doesn'tfeel like work, so I'll post all
the time and I'm never I'mnever stressed.
It's so amazing.
Melissa Franklin (41:57):
Now, just just so you guys know she was.
I think, to my understanding,you were volunteering at first
with this stuff with Futuro, andshe was just stepping in and
she wanted to translate.
So Futuro is a parent advocacygroup here in San Antonio, Texas
, that really helps bringawareness to parents about
(42:18):
education, school choice, mentalhealth awareness as well as
just different opportunities fortheir kiddos and there's just
so many amazing things that theyget access to.
But there's definitely alanguage barrier.
So Maira was just there andtranslating and it was so
wonderful to see these parentsstepping up and advocating and
(42:40):
then realizing, darn, they'respeaking in Spanish.
I bet you anything.
They've never had the chance tohear this information like this
before and be able to feelconnected, to be able to talk
and go through that.
So all she was doing wasvolunteering and translating the
whole time, and then it becamea job.
She was already there.
That's the point.
So that's kind of what it endsup getting to.
(43:02):
There's a grind, there's aninitial setup, there's little
operations, decisions and thingsthat end up coming into that.
But you pick and choose whatyou want your life to look like
ultimately, and our goal is toget to there so we can give
ourselves permission to stepaway from it.
Mine's a blessing.
A lot of people ask me why doyou do what you do?
(43:22):
Because I have the autonomy tobe able to do that.
I was blessed enough to be ableto say you can quit your job.
Okay, cool, Like you're crazy.
But luckily it was also in thespace to where it didn't have as
much debt as others would have,Didn't have as many barriers.
If I ever want to just go get ajob based on the amount of
(43:44):
education I have, there's abarrier or limit on how much I'm
still going to bring home everysingle month, and it's a very
different situation for me thanit would be for some other
people.
But it didn't happen overnight.
It was decisions or littlesteps to get there.
So a lot of this is steps.
Any other questions or anyother stuff that anybody want to
piggyback off of that?
Lee Agbohlah (44:06):
I was just going to say similar to what
everyone's saying.
It is like a process.
I think for me it was a littlebit different because personal
training is kind of businesswithin a process.
I think for me it was a littlebit different because personal
training was kind of businesswithin a business, but the big
thing I had to learn was, like,obviously, the other sides of it
, like I was doing just parts ofa business, it wasn't
(44:27):
everything, so it did take sometime.
But I think the thing is tounderstand, like, like as long
as you understand it's a processand you keep work on it, like
even today, like I know I'm notanywhere close to where I'm also
going to be but it's thetransitioning of understanding,
like you're going to work on it.
So, depending on I think we allstart at different spots when
(44:51):
you are making that transition.
So, depending where you are, aslong as you're working on it, I
mean mean it is a mindset thing.
Mindset is the biggest thing.
So you're going to have to workon certain things that are
probably going to hold you backinitially, but you're going to
work through it by actuallydoing.
I mean I think that's the themeof what we're saying is like
you're going to have to takeaction and do different things
and, as you do it, like you'regoing to be able to grow from it
(45:14):
.
So it is really the different Ilike to say reps.
You're going to have to takereps, of course, within this,
and that's going to help you outwhen transitioning and just
understanding it, I think, justfeeling like you understand that
it's a process and you're goingto get through it, as long as
(45:36):
you keep to the core whileyou're doing it as well and
that's going to help you out.
Maria Carrier (45:39):
I would say my situation was a little bit
different.
I came from a household where Ididn't have any support and I
had to join the military at 17.
So for me it was my only wayout and it was kind of like my
saving grace, even though themilitary was a whole different
experience and things happenedAlso, of course, like everything
(46:02):
in life, for me it was my onlyway out.
So, regardless of what it was,my teachers helped me and
supported me and they told meyou know, take it as a learning
experience, supported me andthey told me you know, take it
as a learning experience whenyou go in each duty station and
get to know these people,understand their culture, learn
about them, learn about whatduty station you're at, and see
(46:25):
those leaders and take what youknow as a good leader and what
worked for you as a soldier or aservice member, and then also
take in mind and keep it in mindthat you don't want to be the
same leader that certain peopleshowed you.
Some people might not be thebest in leadership, and that's
okay, but you look at it, youtake it and then you put it in
(46:48):
your toolbox and say this is notthe leader that I want to be.
So for me it was a learningexperience and in coming out of
the military I spent 10 years inand when I got out it was a
culture shock.
So it was interesting to.
I also got out in the militaryand lived in Hawaii, so it was
(47:08):
like aloha time, so everythingwas like slow motion and
peacefulness.
So it went from me going superstrict and doing everything by
the second to relaxing, and thatwas the biggest thing for me.
And then afterwards in thecivilian world, really
understanding where it is that Ifit in, not only as a nonprofit
(47:34):
owner or a business owner, butas a mom too.
And really understanding myvoice, knowing that, okay, I am
a female, first generationLatina woman.
How can I use this voice toempower even more people?
Or how can I use this voice togo stand in front of city
council and say, hey, I'm aveteran, what, what is it that I
(47:54):
can do?
So learning the power in everysingle role that you've done and
really taking ownership and notletting the imposter syndrome
get you, because when you comefrom certain situations, your
little inner self is in theresaying like oh, but this
happened, am I qualified to dothis?
(48:15):
Am I able to do this?
But know that you are, andstepping in every room with that
confidence of well, I know this, I'm as prepared as I can be
and I can get this done.
So I would say I don't know ifI answered it or I went in
circles.
Melissa Franklin (48:29):
I'm sorry, but All right, guys, I'm gonna go
ahead and share our last piecethen, as we go ahead and wrap up
the evening.
Speakers, any one of you, ifyou could give one piece of
advice to someone who wants tomake a real difference, but keep
going strong and not burn out,what would it be?
Maria Carrier (48:47):
Love what you do.
Carlos DeLeon (48:48):
I would say set priorities, set boundaries,
create systems and enjoy theprocess.
Lee Agbohlah (48:56):
If you're doing what you love, it's not work,
like Myra said, I think, staytrue to you like you started it
for a reason.
Melissa Franklin (49:05):
Believe in the message, and that's always
going to keep you grounded forme it would literally just be
like really there's going to bechaos.
Make sure that you make thosepockets of chaos to remind
yourself that there's growth andthat we can take them for
opportunities.
So we like to joke around andsay that we help you focus on
the chaos that makes youhappiest.
So really prioritize that stuffthat you love the most, because
(49:29):
it's all going to come with it.
Life comes with its ups anddowns.
Pick and choose the stuffthat's going to get.
Pick yourself, as Alyssa wouldsay.
Pick the stuff that really isgoing to matter the most to you
at the end of the day.
Say true to your why and makesure you build the systems and
procedures to get there.
(49:49):
Y'all, thank you so much forjoining us tonight.
I appreciate all of you.
I'll be sending over show notesfor this and ways to contact
all of your speakers.
If you have any questions, feelfree to reach out to us.
Until next time, we willactually be reaching out in one
month and we'll be sending thenew dates for our new speakers.
Y'all, have a wonderful evening.
(50:09):
We'll see you next time.
Bye.
Hey everybody and welcome to the very first
episode of our Balanced GrowthLeadership Series.
I'm thrilled to kick off thisyear-long journey with a topic
that matters to every leader outthere leadership for longevity.
Today, we're going to be goingbeyond the surface to explore
what it really takes to lead forthe long haul.
We're going to talk about howto stay resilient, energized and
(00:21):
impactful in this fast-pacedworld.
I'm joined by an incrediblepanel Lee Agbohlah, a
transformation coach, who knowsfirsthand how mindset, health
and fitness fuel sustainableleadership.
Carlos De Leon, a businessconsultant who helps leaders
build processes that don't justsupport growth but make it last.
And Maira Carrier, a publichealth expert and founder of
(00:44):
Maya's Love, who's expanded hernonprofit's mission to multiple
cities while staying true to hercore values.
Together, we're going to breakdown practical strategies, share
real stories and give you toolsyou can start using today to
keep leading without losingyourself or your purpose.
Let's dive in.
Welcome to Structuring ChaoticMinds, the podcast where we turn
(01:05):
the chaos of everydaychallenges into structured
success.
I'm your host, Melissa.
In each episode, we'll exploreinnovative strategies, real-life
stories and actionable insightsto help you navigate the
complexities of leadership,business and personal growth,
whether you're an entrepreneur,a leader or someone striving for
personal development.
This podcast will give you thetools to create clarity in the
(01:27):
chaos.
Let's dive in.
You've all made it work in yourown way as far as scaling
whether that was business,health or your community impacts
.
What's the one thing that keptyou steady and true in your path
, especially as things got tough?
Carlos DeLeon (01:44):
For me, it's keeping my why, keeping my why
in front of me.
That is key.
In easier terms, remember whoyou're doing it for, who
inspires you.
I have this little exercisethat I use, where it's called
leaders that inspire you, andthe activity entails that you
(02:10):
select three people, or threecelebrities, or just three three
people that inspire you, andwhy.
Um, and one of them in my listis my grandfather.
I always aspired to be like him.
I want to be a good person.
He taught me kindness andempathy and not be afraid to try
(02:32):
anything and treat people withrespect.
So I always remember that.
So, when things get tough, Ialways remember what and always
ask myself what would he do?
And that just helps me keepmoving forward.
Maria Carrier (02:49):
For me it's similar, like Carlos said, your
why and it's reallyunderstanding why it is that I'm
doing what I'm doing, whetherit be in the community or in the
nonprofit or in the publichealth world, understanding why
I started that in the firstplace.
If we're out in the communityand it's giving something back
(03:10):
to the community, understandingwhat it was that made me
understand that there was a needfor that, whether it be socks,
I never forgot growing up thatwe needed socks growing up.
So that was a big thing for me.
And now when I go into thecommunities that may need a
little extra for me, and nowwhen I go into the communities
that may need a little extraassistance, I make sure to bring
socks for the kiddos.
So remembering those thingsthat affected me as a child and
(03:33):
really incorporating it into themission wherever I am has
really kept me steady in what wedo with Maya's Love.
Lee Agbohlah (03:42):
I think, similar to what everyone said.
Of course the why is the thingthat helps you out, but I also
like to remember it's a journey.
I think understanding that onyour path you're not going to
have things always go the wayyou want it to go, but when you
understand that you will haveups and downs.
But to stay steady on yourjourney is just to really kind
(04:04):
of appreciate it and embrace it,because sometimes it's easy to
always focus on the ups you knowthe wins that you get but to
also embrace the challenges thatyou face, because that's also
going to make you better.
So sometimes it's justrealizing that, that you're
going through those differentthings because you're trying to
(04:26):
be better and trying to begreater.
So the why definitely helps,but I also think just always
appreciating the journey andunderstand that it's a reason
why you're on that path.
Melissa Franklin (04:38):
I love that.
Thinking about that, I mean youin particular you moved from
coaching in a gym to reachingpeople online so you could
actually scale your work.
You did this pre-COVID.
What actually pushed you tomake that leap and what's
something that you would tellothers who want to go big
without losing themselves in theprocess?
Lee Agbohlah (05:02):
I think for me it was kind of easy just to
understand that I know I coulddo more than what I was doing.
So the big thing that gets meto want to do more is knowing
like I have the potential to toreally do more.
So, like, personal training isgreat.
I think everyone can learn fromit.
(05:22):
It because you learn hands onfrom it.
But just through my experienceof working with people I knew
there was more that I could giveand to really help people.
Because I felt like personaltraining was limited in the
aspect that it only reallyfocused on the training part of
it and I felt my greateststrength as a coach is a lot
(05:45):
more than that and I really feltthat I could bring more of what
I needed into what the clientsneeded as well.
So it was to me like a win-winfor both sides, Like I could be
better, they could be better inwhat they needed.
So that was what really pushedme toward that.
(06:07):
I don't think I really thoughtabout it as a downside.
I only thought about the size.
That was going to help me more.
And especially when you areworking for a corporate system,
I think everyone can understandthere's going to be limitations
to the different things thatyou're trying to do.
So when you kind of go on yourown path, it's really you.
(06:30):
You know you're able to putyour unique touch on what you
want to have happen.
So I think many will feel thatway where they kind of get to
that and wanting to do more, todo more.
So the way to do that is reallybreaking through and putting
your uniqueness into it andhelping others within what you
want to do.
You know, in this world I feellike that's the big thing.
Melissa Franklin (06:54):
I think, Carlos and I talk about that a
lot when we talk about ourclients with business coaching
and such.
So, Carlos, thinking about youin particular, especially the
business owners that you helpbuild their systems and hold up
under pressure and growth.
What's the simplest system orroutine?
Every leader should be able tolock down and keep their work
(07:15):
sustainable in those long hauls.
Carlos DeLeon (07:17):
It is.
Set priorities and usechecklist.
Don't overcomplicate things.
So, once you set priorities,what I mean by that is make sure
you don't sacrifice people,make sure you don't sacrifice
yourself.
So the work, especially whenyou're starting out, we think
(07:40):
that we're invincible and wewant to work 24-7.
But it's not sustainable.
You will burn out for sure,especially if you start
neglecting those around you,those that care for you.
So set priorities, setboundaries, set schedules.
That's number one.
And number two is don'tunderestimate the power of a
(08:03):
good checklist.
And number two is don'tunderestimate the power of a
good checklist.
You don't have to get creativeand and write an sop and over
complicate things.
Write simple checklist to dostuff, to do tasks, and stay on
point.
That's my advice I love that.
Melissa Franklin (08:20):
I think that, um, it was sweet to like what
Maira and I have talked about asfar as prioritizing and picking
and choosing and having to puton all those different mom hats
and such.
Maira, you've taken Maya's Lovefrom one city to multiple
cities now and you've beenstaying true to your mission
while expanding.
How do you keep thatconsistency and purpose alive as
(08:42):
y'all are growing and whatadvice would you give to others
that want to expand their reachwithout losing that?
Why that we've been talkingabout.
Maria Carrier (08:53):
I would say that one of the biggest things is
knowing your mission, but alsoknowing that it's going to
evolve with you as you grow aswell.
So it's okay to evolve and it'sokay to stay true to that core
of what it was, but know that itwill evolve with time and
depending on where you're at atwhich location.
We have different chaptersthroughout South Texas and each
(09:15):
one of them has its own cultureand its own way of being, but
the one thing that staysconsistent is the people around
me and the amazing team that Ihave.
We have I have my president ofmy nonprofit organization and
she has been my friend sinceHead Start.
I left to the military for 10years and came back and that
connection was still therebecause throughout everything,
(09:37):
we nurtured that relationshipand really understood each other
, not only as growing up, butalso as the adults that we
became and how we want to reallyput our love into the mission
that we do.
So I would say really knowingyour mission, knowing that it
evolves with you and with what'sgoing on in the communities,
and also really nurturing thoserelationships that are there,
(10:00):
whether it be with your personalteam or with the community as
well.
Melissa Franklin (10:07):
Yeah, it's always important checking into,
like I say, whether it be withthe team or the community.
But you kind of just got tocheck in with the team sometimes
and just see how they're doingas well.
Thinking of that, we can allget a little bit drained.
So I want to kind of look atthe audience right now.
What's one thing that'sdraining your energy or making
(10:27):
you question your own leadership?
Is it keeping balance, findingsupport, dealing with stress, or
is it something else?
Y'all can go ahead and type itin the chat.
That way the speakers can goahead and try to give some
advice for that.
Or if anybody would like tocome off mute and just say
(10:52):
something that's been botheringthem, that's free to do as well,
if you don't want to type it inthe chat mine would be
definitely a struggle that Ihave is focusing on what I can
control, especially right now.
Maria Carrier (11:05):
The world is very crazy.
We work with families who havebeen through emotional trauma or
just trauma in general, soreally understanding that we
have control over what we dohave control over and we could
be there and provide thatassistance for them.
But we know that the world isstill chaotic.
So that's my struggle right nowto be able to really accept
(11:31):
what I can't control, because Iwish I could do more but if I
just focus on that I'll beburned out right away.
So, really focusing on what Ican control and be available for
the spaces that I can be inThanks for reminding me what I
need to do.
Melissa Franklin (11:57):
Anybody else, grace, saying juggling multiple
tasks and jobs?
Melissa says she knows for afact that Carlos called me out
on the checklists.
I always keep forgetting towrite stuff down and when I do
write them down I lose the card.
Yeah, I think, um, I have apile of checklists and then they
(12:18):
just get bigger and bigger andthen I say I'm gonna do them and
then I color code them and itgoes from black to blue to red
to like.
You should already be doingthis by now.
But building those systems andactually just making that simple
thing of just let me check itoff, let me just remind myself
and just get it done, you're notwrong, it can do some wonders.
(12:41):
Thinking of that and what theaudience is sharing for any of
the speakers what's one thingthat you guys do to stay
grounded and focused and what'sa quick tip that you could share
with the audience?
Carlos DeLeon (12:58):
for me is make quick decisions.
Don't overthink everything,because that's what happens.
That's why you create so manylists.
So now the checklist becomesanother checklist, right.
So make quick decisions.
And if you're finding yourselfhaving a hard time doing that, I
would challenge you to go backand kind of look in the mirror
(13:20):
and try to find that trigger.
Why is it that you're not ableto make a quick decision?
I used to use this phrase quitea bit when I was in the
corporate world and all myemployees they were always
afraid to try something.
I would say just push thebutton, see what happens.
And once you push that button,you realize that nothing really
(13:41):
happens.
And nine out of ten timeseverything is great, everything
works out fantastic.
And you're like man, why didn'tpush that button before, right
or sooner?
In the one time that it doesn'twork?
You just learn from it.
The world doesn't end, nothinghappens, nobody dies, uh it.
(14:03):
You just learn something new.
You know what.
Maria Carrier (14:04):
I should have done it this way, but stop
overthinking it, just get itdone I am an overthinker, so I
will say I do the opposite ofwhat Carlos said.
I really I don't know those,because we were in the military
and maybe that's why we weren'tlike we couldn't be impulsive
(14:26):
and you couldn't just make thatdecision.
It had to be like hey, there'sso many people depending on you
that if you make this decisionlike this, so we can't do that,
so somebody will pass right, sothen?
So then I had to really learnon my civilian end how to take
my time to make these decisions,not be impulsive about it.
(14:47):
For me, one big thing that I dois meditate, and I meditate
every morning, or I try to.
I am also a mom and I have ajob and I have my nonprofit.
So, giving myself an hour inthe morning where it's
completely silent.
I wake up at four in themorning and from four to five
I'm just dedicating time tomyself, I'm meditating, I sit
(15:10):
and I listen to my music, Iground myself and then I allow
myself to feel everything that'shappening, find that trigger
and be like this is why Ihaven't made this decision, or
this is why I need to take moretime to make that decision.
So I give myself that hour inthe morning and then I meditate,
and that's how I'm able to staygrounded with everything that I
(15:32):
do.
Melissa Franklin (15:33):
I love that you point that part out because
it piggybacks off of what Carlosis saying.
But it comes down to it's atrigger that we have that stops
us from making that quick.
Like, let's be real, all of usknow what the heck we're
supposed to do.
We go in through coaching and Ican send out all these
workbooks and all this beautifulstuff, but why does everybody
sign up for coaching?
Because we have to have theconversation.
(15:54):
You fill out the checklist andlike what do I need to do?
We know the answer, we don'twant to do it.
We need to do.
We know the answer, we don'twant to do it.
We need to dig deeper and findwhat's the trigger.
Like, let's talk about that,let's unpack that and figure
that part out.
So that's really what thecoaching part would come into,
but sometimes just that quietspace to really evaluate it and
coach yourself through it.
(16:15):
It can be some really good ones.
I love that tip of themeditation part.
Um, it kind of reminds me ofLee.
You're big on mindset andhealth and that keeps you going,
even on a packed schedule.
You just get it done andworking out is like hygiene for
you or something that's just anormal thing for you.
(16:36):
What do you do, though, tododge burnout and keep the
energy up when you're feelingstretched thin?
What can other leaders startdoing?
Lee Agbohlah (16:47):
right now to keep their heads in the game.
I think the big thing isroutine.
If you develop the routine, itis going to make things easier.
Like to me, if I'm out of sorts, that's when everything's going
to be thrown off.
But to me, when everything isflowing properly is because I'm
doing what I'm supposed to dowithin my routine, like if I'm
(17:09):
to tea with the routine.
It works.
So I think the big thing isdeveloping that part to
understand, like, what works foryou.
So example is when people aretrying to make changes within
working out, I always say yougot to find a time that works
best for you.
So example is when people aretrying to make changes within
working out, I always say yougot to find a time that works
best for you.
There isn't a one size fits allbecause some people is.
(17:30):
I think the mornings does workbetter for a lot of people
because we get so busy.
But hey, some people might liketo just get stuff that they
they need to other do on theirtasks and then maybe they can do
it later and they want to knockit out last.
So it's really finding, I think, the routine that works for you
.
So for me, the routine thatworks for me and when I'm
(17:54):
cooking, like to me is the flowof like getting stuff done is
that's what really helps.
I think that part of it is a bigthing and really setting it up
to the fair yourself out becauseyou got to be really in tune
with yourself, because if you'resomebody that you know that
you're going to try to pushstuff off, the best thing you
(18:14):
could do is like put that stufffirst.
Like if you can knock that outfirst, everything else is going
to get easier after that.
Like you really want to getthat part of it done.
So I think the mindset part ofit for me, because, like, I can
always put it back to workingout, because that is something I
do.
So I try to put in a sense ofthat, like you know, get
(18:35):
knocking out the toughest partof it, understanding that that's
when I really get the best partof it and that's really going
to help me out.
So I really just think aboutthat within, like, the routine
of different things and Iunderstand if I'm out of whack
it's because that's usually notto the routine and that's
everything you know when itcomes to the day.
Melissa Franklin (18:55):
Okay, something like what Carlos and I
have talked about.
I like how he's coached otherbusiness owners and takes them
through baby steps and thinks ofone little thing they can
change, because he understandshabits and routines and things.
So, Carlos, thinking about that, I've seen you talk about how
important it is to have thosesystems and keeping those
(19:17):
leaders there, especially fromburning out, because a lot of
these things aren't what's theword Sustain, sustainable,
long-term and such that they canburn out a lot sooner.
How do you help leaders buildthe support systems that they
need and what's something thatpeople can do for themselves,
especially if they're going atit alone?
Carlos DeLeon (19:40):
Yeah, so I can tell you about my own experience
.
I experienced this myself, soI've owned multiple businesses
Not all of them successful and Ikind of learned as I went right
, learning the hard way on thefirst few.
And this keeps repeating itselfwith just about every client
that I help.
(20:01):
You're too afraid to ask forhelp, and that's probably our
biggest mistakes asentrepreneurs or business owners
, or you know that we think thatbecause we made this, this
decision of doing this, andprobably against many people
saying no, don't do that.
People that are too afraid, youhave that in the back of your
(20:22):
mind so you think that askingfor help is something bad,
something wrong.
I would encourage you to don'tbe afraid to ask for help and
look around you.
You have a huge support systemthat you're not tapping into
your immediate family, yourfriends, your colleagues, past
mentors, teachers, many peoplearound you.
(20:46):
I guarantee you, if you openyour eye, you do have a support
system.
You're just not asking.
So keep that in mind and thesooner you learn to create and
write down a process and startdelegating, start delegating the
stuff that you don't like doing.
(21:07):
That is not your thing.
It has to happen, it has to bedone, but it's not your thing.
Keep doing the stuff that youare really good at and that
drives you, and you have thispassion and that will keep you
going, that will keep you fromburning out.
And so, really, the key here isasking for help, and you do
(21:28):
have a lot of help around you,you're just not looking Hot one.
Melissa Franklin (21:32):
It's like it's already there, just ask.
But I don't want to ask becausethen I have to put my pride
aside to make that happen.
Carlos DeLeon (21:39):
I think that's what a lot of us, that's the
most difficult part.
Melissa Franklin (21:41):
Yeah, because we have to say either when you
assume that people think less ofyou because you had to ask, or
you think less of yourselfbecause you just don't feel
qualified for that, because youhad to ask, you know what?
Carlos DeLeon (21:59):
the funniest thing is?
That when you do try it and Iwould say 99.9% of the times you
are presently surprised.
The people that you ask they'relike man, I was waiting for
this, I see you struggling, Isee you suffering, I was ready,
I didn't want to overstep.
And they're like, kind of openup your eyes, man, I should
(22:26):
right.
They really care for me.
So just think about that.
People do care for you, soyou'll be very surprised.
Melissa Franklin (22:30):
People run up, they want to help you I think
might I and I have talked aboutthat as moms asking for help,
and, uh, I mean, you watch thedishes, thanks, but you didn't
do them the way I wanted.
So then there's that questiontoo.
It still comes to that Mightnonprofits definitely come with
their own unique pressures, thenhow do you stay motivated,
(22:53):
though, when the resources aretight and things start feeling
overwhelming?
What advice would you give toleaders who are in that mission
driven work so that they cankeep that fire going?
Maria Carrier (23:04):
I would say, be consistent because, just like
Lee said, being consistent andhaving that routine of knowing,
okay, whether it be somethingsmall, from social media to the
whole mission itself.
Being consistent and saying,okay, every day we're going to
get up and meditate.
Every day we're going to get upand post.
Every day we're going to get upand go for this walk.
(23:25):
Being consistent in yourmission and what you show to the
community, too, and what youshow to your community partners,
to the people you service, isvery, very important.
And staying hungry and learning,because if there's a resource
that's lacking or being a littlebit, that we needed more, um,
(23:46):
checking in with ourselves andsaying like, is this something
that I can go and learn in thecommunity too?
Is this something that my teamcan learn in the community?
What is it that we could do tohave those outreach options, to
be able to get those funds?
And then always keeping itwithin yourself and asking that
check-in of am I doing this forthe right reason?
Am I doing this in support ofmy mission?
(24:07):
Or am I doing this because ofan alternate motive?
Working in the non-profit, youget a lot of different
opportunities and differentpeople who want to have an input
in it.
But knowing what your missionis and and keeping that
consistency is, I would say, iskey.
Melissa Franklin (24:26):
I love that because it's keeping that
mission driven.
Just like every business ownerknows by now, no one's gonna
care about your business morethan you.
It's the same thing with thenon-profit, like the mission,
keeping it focused and keepingit there.
It all kind of comes back tothat remembering your why,
(24:47):
really remembering your why, andstaying focused on your path
and like what you guys need.
So, thinking about that, goahead and bring us to our last
question for all speakers then,and then, oh, that's not right.
(25:09):
Right, I'm sorry about that.
All right, so I'm gonna leavethe question up, but feel free
to come off and answer this.
When you guys look at the workthat you all are doing, what do
you want people to take awayfrom it?
What is the real impact thatyou're aiming for?
That'll stick even when you'renot around.
Like what legacy are you guystrying to leave behind?
Maria Carrier (25:25):
I can go.
First, I would say.
Before I forget, I would saythat my main thing is I want
every little kid that we comeacross, or every mom that's
struggling, or every veteranthat's going through, whatever
it is, in whatever way that yousee yourself in our mission, I
want to make sure that theyunderstand that you could do
(25:46):
anything in the world, thatthere's options out there for
you.
I grew up in the projects andwhen I share my story and share
what we, what I've been able todo afterwards and coming from an
immigrant mother, kids reallysee that and say if she could do
it, I could do it.
Or if you know, if she was ableto come from this place and get
(26:10):
away and do things and comeback and give to our own
community, then I could do thattoo.
So for me it's that impact ofinspiration and knowing that you
could do anything in the worldand you're.
You might be limited by yoursituation at that time, but at
any time you have that power tokeep telling yourself I can do
(26:32):
this, I can do this.
There's going to be a timewhere I can have full control of
this situation and get outthere and keep growing and know
that you can make thatdifference.
Melissa Franklin (26:42):
You want to go ahead and go next?
Sure.
Carlos DeLeon (26:44):
I was clapping for Maira.
It was good it was good For meis the impact that I make on the
business owner beyond thebusiness.
So part of the coaching that Ido is that I always end up
saying that what I do is 80%emotional and mental and 20%
(27:05):
technical Because they hire meto help them grow their business
or set systems or, you know,fix something that they think is
broken.
I dig deep into the lives of myclients to understand them as
(27:31):
humans so that I can truly helpthem make a difference in their
lives.
So yes, at the end of the day,it's about numbers, to see how
we can help the business.
But when I get a reaction wherethey said you made me a better
husband, you made me a betterwife, you made me a better
person just with the talks thatwe had, or what you showed me
what I can do, or just tobelieve in myself, to me that's
what it's all about and that'swhy I love doing what I'm doing.
(27:52):
So, knowing that impact,knowing that I'm changing
people's lives for the better,that's just the reason I do what
I do.
The fixing the business andmaking the business better is a
bonus.
I love that.
Melissa Franklin (28:06):
I think pretty much any coach who really does
that goes into it.
For that reason, what about you, Lee?
Lee Agbohlah (28:11):
I mean, I think everyone's pretty much head on
it.
You're not just doing it foryourself, obviously, you're
doing it for the people thatyou're trying to help, so you
want to be able to know thatimpact is felt by people seeing
you know the changes and beingable to do that.
I think, especially for me,it's just just in the world we
live in, there's a lot ofmessages out there that can get
(28:34):
people going the wrong way.
So I just wanted it to be thatpeople understand.
Like you know, I stood forsomething that I believed in and
I didn't go away from that andI was able to keep that message
true to it and it was able tomake an impact on people.
And to me I look at it not justyou know, of course, people
that I'm able to coach, butpeople that maybe never become
(28:59):
you know a client or somethinglike that, or.
But they took something awayfrom it because they saw you
know a client or something likethat, or.
But they took something awayfrom it because they saw you
know what was out there and ithelped them and they were able
to make changes.
And to me, I think of it as kindof a ripple effect, because a
lot of times, it's not just theperson that you directly impact.
That person can impact otherpeople as well.
(29:20):
So I really look at that likenot just impacting those people
that see you, but also thepeople that that had effect on
and impacted the other peoplearound them as well.
So I really believe in that aswell to have that message spread
, that people can take it and ithelped others around them, and
just being able to impact asmany people as possible within
(29:42):
that.
So to me, if I can make it andit helped others around them,
and just being able to impact asmany people as possible within
that, so to me, if I can make itbetter and people could gain
something from it and that wasbeneficial to them and it really
made an impact on them, I thinkthat's something that's always
special, that I would want thatto be left that people can
remember.
Melissa Franklin (29:59):
I love that.
I think it resonates with me,for each of you, and why I asked
each of you to come on isbecause, at the end of the day,
I like lighting a fire inside ofpeople and helping them grow.
But it's that awareness thatthere's something that keeps us
going.
But we need to remind ourselvesthat there's a balance and that
(30:19):
battery eventually runs out.
So it's important to havepeople in your corner that will
find that balance for you topush you to make decisions, get
it done, keep going, but at thesame time, focus and drive into
one space and at the same time,have it be purposeful.
(30:41):
It's important for me tocontinue in education, but I
could only serve kids for solong before my body eventually
burnt out.
And burnout is something that'sa word that a lot of people
don't really listen to.
There's one thing when we talkabout I'm tired.
There's one thing that talksabout I'm exhausted.
There's one thing completelydifferent when it means you're
burnt out, and being burnt outis when that nervous system
(31:03):
starts shutting down.
Our decision-making skills areout the window and we're really
not in that place anymore.
So I think this really comesdown to finding the right
balance in all of these things.
So we don't get to that place,to where we can't make those
great decisions anymore in animpactful, quick, quick way, and
we start overthinking ourselvesand creating the trauma or a
(31:26):
resentment towards ourdecision-making because we moved
too fast in the past but weweren't moving too fast rather
than we had too much going on.
And Maira's right it comes downto there's a lot of people
depending on me as a mom.
There's a lot of peopledepending on me as a leader in
schools or in organizations andthe businesses that I help coach
(31:47):
and the decisions they end upmaking.
But if I don't really balancemyself, then I don't show up the
way that I'm supposed to and itcan lead to another decision
that's really going to lead to alot more people being impacted
negatively because I didn't showup in the right space.
So I love that everybody's beensharing that.
I'm going to go ahead andswitch over then to our audience
(32:09):
guys and let's ask them Isthere any type of questions that
you guys would want to ask thenfor our speakers?
Is there any topics that arereally sticking out to you based
on today's topic, or questionsand discussion?
Nynjeu Nmah (32:34):
hello, this is Nynjeu.
Thanks, sorry, hi.
How are you guys doing?
Um, thanks for having the panel.
Um, so I work with Melissa.
Me and my boyfriend are doing atransportation company, so I
guess my question for you guysis um, this is for me like my
first venture intoentrepreneurship.
Um, not everyone that's anentrepreneur has always been an
(32:58):
entrepreneur.
So my question is how did youguys learn how to transition
from the mindset of like a nineto five regular day job to
entrepreneurship and takingownership of your business?
Melissa Franklin (33:11):
That's a great question, but I want to let
Maira take that one yourbusiness?
Maria Carrier (33:16):
that's a great question, but I want to let
Maira take that one.
For me it's a little bitdifferent, um, because I also
have a small business.
But I've had to really um, Icreated that small business
because I saw a need in what wasgoing on at the same time.
So I don't really invest a lotof my time in that business
because it's only there tosupport my ass love.
So for me it's a little bitdifferent.
(33:38):
But I would say I time box ineverything I do.
I don't know if that's a thing,but I time box.
So when I'm spending the timein my nonprofit, I really spend
the time there.
When I'm doing, I call itmommying.
When I'm mommying, I do thattime there and I don't get
distracted.
And when I'm doing, I call itmommying.
When I'm mommying, I do thattime there and I don't get
distracted.
(33:58):
And when I'm at work, I alsohave a job too.
So I just started working.
It is a nine to five um, soit's been a little bit of a of a
challenge to intertwine it alland make it work for me.
So I don't know if, um, Carlos,I need the guidance too.
Melissa Franklin (34:13):
If you want to answer too, I don't want to
piggyback before Carlos jumps in, because I love that, but kind
of saying, Maira, that's thecool part, you actually created
a business and that's kind ofwhat a lot of business owners
never get to do is create abusiness that they can
successfully exit from and it'sstill running.
That's kind of the point.
Like you should be able to dothat, and that's kind of where
(34:37):
Nina wants to eventually get toto be able to be able to do that
.
But yeah, that nine to fivepart, I know for myself, kind of
like what you're saying.
It was more.
I'm not used to not working allthe time.
It was having the time box ortime stamp in my calendar when I
(34:58):
was going to be mom, when I wasgoing to be business owner,
when I was going to do thoseother things, because if not,
then really taking a break forme really wasn't taking a break
anymore.
Now it was well, that's justreplacing something else now on
my schedule.
And I was really guilty of thatbecause I was so used to being
busy to feel important or tofeel useful and I had to undo
(35:23):
that, like really undo that, tostart giving myself permission
to actually delegate things thatI was like no, nobody else can
do that, only I can do that.
And Carlos and I have beautifuldiscussions about that and he
reminds me, like no, you don'thave to do it.
That's what I was saying, likeI've kind of wanted to piggyback
(35:44):
off of that as a mom, but likeyou're, you are doing it, you're
, you're able to create a systemthat's worked for other people
and that business is now stillgoing, and I think that's the
cool thing, because she's aphysician and she's starting
this job or this businessventure, but she doesn't want to
run the business venture ratherthan create it and then more in
(36:07):
that process too.
Carlos, I know I'm rambling,what do you think?
Carlos DeLeon (36:13):
um well, all great points from you guys, and
it is a bit different foreveryone depending on your
personality and your history andwhat you're used to, but the
way I can describe it, or theway I can help, is when you use
the word entrepreneurship orentrepreneur, do entrepreneur
(36:36):
equals leader.
You got to tap into yourleadership skills and that's the
first thing.
You have to be retraining yourmind.
Now you are the leader of thisventure.
Forget about theentrepreneurship part.
The entrepreneurship part iswhat drove you to do this.
It's the hunger.
It's like I want to besomething, I want to do
(36:57):
something different.
I want to try this on my own.
That's the drive right Now.
Actually doing it and creatingsomething is out of your idea,
out of your passion.
Now you have to become thatleader from day one, and that
being a leader doesn't mean youhave to have a team, even as a
solopreneur.
You have to become a leader andlead yourself to the right
(37:22):
steps through the entire process, right?
So, yes, it is hard, but, justlike anything else, you just
train your mind.
So I have practical approaches.
Is if you're used to a nine tofive and you're now transitioned
into an entrepreneurship, keepthat nine to five for the first
(37:42):
few weeks and then do nine tofour, and then do nine to three
instead of taking a lunch break.
Don't take a lunch break.
Kind of break the mold, breakthe system.
That will reteach your mind.
It's okay, nothing will happenand you will find that perfect
schedule for your new job, foryour new role as the leader of a
(38:07):
company, as the leader ofsomething you're building, and
especially if you're buildingsomething with an exit in mind,
right.
And especially if you'rebuilding something with an exit
in mind, right.
You're building something soyou can build this great thing,
so it can run by itself, andthen you step back and just
enjoy the fruits from it, right?
That's everybody's dream tohave a business that runs
(38:29):
without you.
Maria Carrier (38:30):
Yeah, right.
Carlos DeLeon (38:31):
Yeah, that's exactly.
Maria Carrier (38:31):
Yeah, right, yeah , that's exactly.
Carlos DeLeon (38:36):
And so that's really the advice I can give you
.
And it takes time.
So don't be a little patient,but be intentional in your
decisions.
Find it, make sure you're doingit, make sure you're trying it.
And probably the best advice Ican give you Find it, make sure
you're doing it, make sureyou're trying it.
And probably the best advice Ican give you is enjoy it.
(39:00):
Enjoy that part of the business, because maybe we're not making
enough money.
But, man, enjoy the time.
Then right, you don't have toworry yourself to death.
Enjoy the freedom, some of thefreedoms, at every stage of the
process.
You should enjoy it, and itwould be much easier to do that,
to make that transition.
Maria Carrier (39:21):
And I love that that you said that, Carlos.
I think it puts it in line forme too.
So with my nonprofit, I startedit almost four years ago and it
was grind time when it started.
At this point of my life, whereI am, I'm able to step back and
enjoy it because I have awonderful team.
So now when I go and do holidaycar parades, I'm not out there
(39:41):
as a volunteer, I'm out there asthe founder of my own
organization.
So I enjoy the fruits of mylabor.
I get to hang out with the kids, I get to see Santa, I get
everything because I'm there atthat space, whereas my job I
would just start it there too.
So even though I am that leader, it's still in line with my
personal mission of love ofeducation, a love of helping
(40:04):
community out.
So I found a job that aligns towhat my passion is too.
Melissa Franklin (40:09):
I was gonna say stop acting like it's a job
job rather than.
Maria Carrier (40:13):
Yeah, I really enjoy it.
I get to go out, be incommunity and everything, and
it's like I'm having fun andit's not.
It doesn't feel like a job, itfeels like I'm developing myself
with my team at Futuro to beable to get more tools in my
toolbox and be able to be likeokay, now that you mastered or
(40:34):
not mastered.
But now that you've been ableto be like okay, now that you
mastered or not master, but nowthat you've been able to enjoy
the nonprofit sector, what elsecan you grow in and how can you
support your nonprofit and othernonprofits in this learning
experience that you're doingwith this team?
And that's through educationaladvocacy.
So, even there, I have amanager there too, and being
(40:56):
able to understand my leadership, but adjusting it in my own
role is very, very important.
I don't go into work saying, hey, I'm the founder and CEO of my
nonprofit organization, you mustlisten to me.
No, I'm there as a personthat's learning and growing that
part too.
So I adjust my leaderships, thelevel of leadership, and really
(41:18):
allow others to lead me too.
There's a quote by GeneralPatton that says lead me, follow
me or get out of my way, andthat's one of my favorite quotes
in the world.
But I love for strong leadersto be there and guide me and I
love to be able to follow thoseleaders too.
Strong leaders to be there andguide me and I love to be able
to follow those those leaderstoo.
And then when it's time for meto be that leadership, um full
(41:38):
role, then I execute that aswell.
But understanding that, thatbalance too.
So everything that I do, I loveand it's in line with my
personal mission and it doesn'tfeel like work, so I'll post all
the time and I'm never I'mnever stressed.
It's so amazing.
Melissa Franklin (41:57):
Now, just just so you guys know she was.
I think, to my understanding,you were volunteering at first
with this stuff with Futuro, andshe was just stepping in and
she wanted to translate.
So Futuro is a parent advocacygroup here in San Antonio, Texas
, that really helps bringawareness to parents about
(42:18):
education, school choice, mentalhealth awareness as well as
just different opportunities fortheir kiddos and there's just
so many amazing things that theyget access to.
But there's definitely alanguage barrier.
So Maira was just there andtranslating and it was so
wonderful to see these parentsstepping up and advocating and
(42:40):
then realizing, darn, they'respeaking in Spanish.
I bet you anything.
They've never had the chance tohear this information like this
before and be able to feelconnected, to be able to talk
and go through that.
So all she was doing wasvolunteering and translating the
whole time, and then it becamea job.
She was already there.
That's the point.
So that's kind of what it endsup getting to.
(43:02):
There's a grind, there's aninitial setup, there's little
operations, decisions and thingsthat end up coming into that.
But you pick and choose whatyou want your life to look like
ultimately, and our goal is toget to there so we can give
ourselves permission to stepaway from it.
Mine's a blessing.
A lot of people ask me why doyou do what you do?
(43:22):
Because I have the autonomy tobe able to do that.
I was blessed enough to be ableto say you can quit your job.
Okay, cool, Like you're crazy.
But luckily it was also in thespace to where it didn't have as
much debt as others would have,Didn't have as many barriers.
If I ever want to just go get ajob based on the amount of
(43:44):
education I have, there's abarrier or limit on how much I'm
still going to bring home everysingle month, and it's a very
different situation for me thanit would be for some other
people.
But it didn't happen overnight.
It was decisions or littlesteps to get there.
So a lot of this is steps.
Any other questions or anyother stuff that anybody want to
piggyback off of that?
Lee Agbohlah (44:06):
I was just going to say similar to what
everyone's saying.
It is like a process.
I think for me it was a littlebit different because personal
training is kind of businesswithin a process.
I think for me it was a littlebit different because personal
training was kind of businesswithin a business, but the big
thing I had to learn was, like,obviously, the other sides of it
, like I was doing just parts ofa business, it wasn't
(44:27):
everything, so it did take sometime.
But I think the thing is tounderstand, like, like as long
as you understand it's a processand you keep work on it, like
even today, like I know I'm notanywhere close to where I'm also
going to be but it's thetransitioning of understanding,
like you're going to work on it.
So, depending on I think we allstart at different spots when
(44:51):
you are making that transition.
So, depending where you are, aslong as you're working on it, I
mean mean it is a mindset thing.
Mindset is the biggest thing.
So you're going to have to workon certain things that are
probably going to hold you backinitially, but you're going to
work through it by actuallydoing.
I mean I think that's the themeof what we're saying is like
you're going to have to takeaction and do different things
and, as you do it, like you'regoing to be able to grow from it
(45:14):
.
So it is really the different Ilike to say reps.
You're going to have to takereps, of course, within this,
and that's going to help you outwhen transitioning and just
understanding it, I think, justfeeling like you understand that
it's a process and you're goingto get through it, as long as
(45:36):
you keep to the core whileyou're doing it as well and
that's going to help you out.
Maria Carrier (45:39):
I would say my situation was a little bit
different.
I came from a household where Ididn't have any support and I
had to join the military at 17.
So for me it was my only wayout and it was kind of like my
saving grace, even though themilitary was a whole different
experience and things happenedAlso, of course, like everything
(46:02):
in life, for me it was my onlyway out.
So, regardless of what it was,my teachers helped me and
supported me and they told meyou know, take it as a learning
experience, supported me andthey told me you know, take it
as a learning experience whenyou go in each duty station and
get to know these people,understand their culture, learn
about them, learn about whatduty station you're at, and see
(46:25):
those leaders and take what youknow as a good leader and what
worked for you as a soldier or aservice member, and then also
take in mind and keep it in mindthat you don't want to be the
same leader that certain peopleshowed you.
Some people might not be thebest in leadership, and that's
okay, but you look at it, youtake it and then you put it in
(46:48):
your toolbox and say this is notthe leader that I want to be.
So for me it was a learningexperience and in coming out of
the military I spent 10 years inand when I got out it was a
culture shock.
So it was interesting to.
I also got out in the militaryand lived in Hawaii, so it was
(47:08):
like aloha time, so everythingwas like slow motion and
peacefulness.
So it went from me going superstrict and doing everything by
the second to relaxing, and thatwas the biggest thing for me.
And then afterwards in thecivilian world, really
understanding where it is that Ifit in, not only as a nonprofit
(47:34):
owner or a business owner, butas a mom too.
And really understanding myvoice, knowing that, okay, I am
a female, first generationLatina woman.
How can I use this voice toempower even more people?
Or how can I use this voice togo stand in front of city
council and say, hey, I'm aveteran, what, what is it that I
(47:54):
can do?
So learning the power in everysingle role that you've done and
really taking ownership and notletting the imposter syndrome
get you, because when you comefrom certain situations, your
little inner self is in theresaying like oh, but this
happened, am I qualified to dothis?
(48:15):
Am I able to do this?
But know that you are, andstepping in every room with that
confidence of well, I know this, I'm as prepared as I can be
and I can get this done.
So I would say I don't know ifI answered it or I went in
circles.
Melissa Franklin (48:29):
I'm sorry, but All right, guys, I'm gonna go
ahead and share our last piecethen, as we go ahead and wrap up
the evening.
Speakers, any one of you, ifyou could give one piece of
advice to someone who wants tomake a real difference, but keep
going strong and not burn out,what would it be?
Maria Carrier (48:47):
Love what you do.
Carlos DeLeon (48:48):
I would say set priorities, set boundaries,
create systems and enjoy theprocess.
Lee Agbohlah (48:56):
If you're doing what you love, it's not work,
like Myra said, I think, staytrue to you like you started it
for a reason.
Melissa Franklin (49:05):
Believe in the message, and that's always
going to keep you grounded forme it would literally just be
like really there's going to bechaos.
Make sure that you make thosepockets of chaos to remind
yourself that there's growth andthat we can take them for
opportunities.
So we like to joke around andsay that we help you focus on
the chaos that makes youhappiest.
So really prioritize that stuffthat you love the most, because
(49:29):
it's all going to come with it.
Life comes with its ups anddowns.
Pick and choose the stuffthat's going to get.
Pick yourself, as Alyssa wouldsay.
Pick the stuff that really isgoing to matter the most to you
at the end of the day.
Say true to your why and makesure you build the systems and
procedures to get there.
(49:49):
Y'all, thank you so much forjoining us tonight.
I appreciate all of you.
I'll be sending over show notesfor this and ways to contact
all of your speakers.
If you have any questions, feelfree to reach out to us.
Until next time, we willactually be reaching out in one
month and we'll be sending thenew dates for our new speakers.
Y'all, have a wonderful evening.
(50:09):
We'll see you next time.
Bye.
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