Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

Episode Summary

Swietenia sheds light on the invaluable transferable skills she carried from her teaching days into her tech roles, emphasizing adaptability, resilience, and the art of continuous learning. By the episode's end, listeners are sure to be inspired by Swietenia's journey, recognizing the potential within to merge passions, skills, and drive to carve unique paths in any industry. 

  • (00:00) - Intro | Embrace The Pivot Learning Curve
  • (03:21) - Discovering Her Love for Teaching
  • (05:24) - From Educator to Tech Maven
  • (09:58) - The Power Of Coaching and Self-awareness
  • (16:20) - Embracing Change and the Learning Curve
  • (18:57) - How Teaching Prepared Swietenia for a Tech Revolution
  • (22:26) - You Don’t Have To Do It Alone
  • (23:28) - Misconceptions About Coaching
  • (26:06) - Growing in Resiliency, Authenticity, Self Compassion
  • (29:01) - Journaling and The Power of Positive Self Talk
  • (30:53) - Inclusive Leadership
  • (32:38) - Rapid-fire Closing
  • (34:11) - Be Present
  • (34:46) - Outro

Swietenia’s Bio

Swietenia Palacios is a bilingual sales professional with a passion for tech and personal development. Serving as a Bilingual Account Executive at SpotOn, she customizes future-ready tech solutions for businesses. Previously a standout Sales Development Representative at BetterUp, she's also a Certified Life Coach with Dharma Coaching Institute, aiding individuals to find their true purpose. Before her tech journey, Swietenia demonstrated leadership as a High School Teacher with KIPP Texas Public Schools and was a part of Teach For America. An alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin's Red McCombs School of Business, Swietenia also enjoys traveling, yoga, and dancing. Connect with her for insights on emerging tech and wellness recommendations.

Referenced
Connect With Swietenia
🎙About The Podcast

Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource.

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Creators & Guests

Host
Cesar Romero
Helping startups and SMBs build strong customer relationships that drive product adoption, reduce churn, and increase revenue | Community-Driven | Podcast Host
Guest
Swietenia Palacios
Sales professional passionate about tech, innovation, and personal development.

What is Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories?

The lack of diversity in tech can lead to imposter syndrome, bias, and a sense of isolation that hinders your growth and ambition.

Welcome to 'Beyond The Job Title Podcast,' where we shine a spotlight on the journeys of underrepresented tech professionals and allies within the SaaS industry.

Join us as we delve into the personal development and career insights that have fueled their success.

Discover the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones.

Whether you're seeking inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource.

Tune in to gain valuable insights, build your network, and navigate your tech career journey with confidence.

Subscribe now and take the next step toward your own success in the world of tech.

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Swietenia Palacios | BJT20 - Main
[00:00:00] Swietenia: growing up, I was, um, a straight A student, you know, just very high achieving, uh, kind of poster child. Um, and, you know, I was, it was very, I was very certain of where I was headed. What I had to do to get there and then I'm, I find myself in this, you know, huge transition, right? Career transition where I'm new to this, right?
[00:00:12] Swietenia: So I'm just open and willing to absorb and learn. Um, and I think, uh, to this makes me think of, like, one of the, um, The things that got me here is, is just that I think, you know, the, the interviewers and everyone I spoke to as I was trying to get into these companies really saw that and, you know, appreciated that.
[00:00:24] Swietenia: And so anyway, yeah, I think just being comfortable and embracing the learning curve was one of the biggest challenges for me. I'm the kind of person, right? You know, I could be the kind of person to want to see results really quick and, you know, I've had amazing support and, um, yeah, just a really great community to, to support me throughout this,
[00:00:39] Hey friends. Welcome back to another episode of beyond the job title podcast on. I'm your host Sessa Ramiro. And in this podcast, we share the journeys of successful underrepresented tech, founders, executives, and professionals. So, whether you're [00:01:00] seeking inspiration. Mentorship. Actionable strategies. To advance her career. This podcast is her cultural resource. My guest for this episode is sweet. and in this episode, we dive deeper into her career. As a teacher. And making the pivot from teaching into tech. What are some of the transferable skills that she carried from our teaching days into her tech roles and emphasizing. The power of being adaptable, resilient, and continuous learning.
[00:01:31] Cesar: And just took a quick fun fact. Uh, I recorded this episode back in October of 2022. Uh, but then I had to put the podcast project on pause on the shelf. As I was trying to figure it out, uh, the direction. And some personal things going on. But now that we have some traction. And this will be episode number 20th. Uh, Yeah. I decided to publish the episode because there's some. So much invaluable. wisdom and nuggets [00:02:00] share in the episode. Uh, So then you go, uh, and please. Make sure to subscribe. So you don't miss out on any future. Episodes. And. That's one of the best ways to support the podcast And that's it thanks so much for listening and here's my conversation with Sutent. Tanya. Palacios.
[00:02:21] Cesar: So, let's, let's set the stage, right? And I, let's, let's start with being a teacher, right? What, what prompted that, um, that path for you? Why did you decide to, to go into education?
[00:02:30] Cesar: And, you know, what are some of the Biggest lessons that that you learn during your time
[00:02:35] Cesar: there.
[00:02:35] Swietenia: Yeah, that's a great question. Um, so a lot of people that, you know, look at my resume as the same because I studied. So my undergrad degree was in business management. Um, I worked, uh, you know, to some capacity as a, as an intern in a big four accounting firm, um, and then came back, switch my major, learned a lot through that experience.
[00:02:56] Swietenia: Right? Definitely got to see what the consulting world is like, um, met a lot [00:03:00] of great people and then, um. Yeah, I came back, switched my major, and then pivoted into the non profit world for a bit. Um, got to see a lot of the, like, operations side, fundraising side of, of the non profit, um, world. And at the same time, because I'm a, I was a first generation college student, I was working, um, you know, part time jobs, uh, and even volunteering in schools.
[00:03:21] Swietenia: So I was a substitute teacher. For a while, so just very involved, you know, outside of my academic life or outside of a college life. I was very involved in the education space and, um, I ended up, you know, falling in love with it. I met a lot of great teachers, a lot of, uh, really great leaders in the education world, and that really inspired me to, um, to, to make that move.
[00:03:43] Swietenia: And so, at the time, it was my last year in college, and I got approached by a Teach for America recruiter. Um, so the whole, you know, point behind Teach for America is, um, they recruit, uh, people from non traditional education backgrounds, uh, so outside of, you know, the [00:04:00] education major, the education, um, program in universities and put them in, give them the training, the tools, and then put them in, um, In schools.
[00:04:07] Swietenia: And so, uh, yeah, I, I, that's how I got into education. Um, but a lot of it was because, uh, you know, through volunteer and part time jobs, I just fell in love with, uh, with the work that is teaching.
[00:04:16] Cesar: I love that. And there's a couple of things that I wanted to ask, but what, what was it about teaching that. You know, major fair felt in the first place.
[00:04:23] Swietenia: Yeah. Um, so I think primarily I come from a low income background. I'm a first generation Mexican American. So first, you know, from both sides of my family actually to, uh, to be born here in the United States and having that experience, you know, I was then living in Austin and, um, I found You know, a sense of home and community through these schools.
[00:04:45] Swietenia: And so a lot of the work that I was doing, I could really, I mean, it was, it was very personal to me. You know, um, I thought back to a lot of the teachers that influenced me and that inspired me. ultimately led me to become the person that I am today. But, you know, back then I [00:05:00] wanted to have that same impact on, on someone.
[00:05:02] Swietenia: And for me, it was a way of being in my community or with my community and also giving back. And, um, yeah, so that's, I think that's, that's the biggest reason. I love it. I
[00:05:13] Cesar: love it. I love that you mentioned, uh, giving back, right. As a way to, to, to give back, you know, that's, that's so important. Um, yeah, you and I have similar backgrounds in that regard, uh, which we can talk about separately.
[00:05:24] Cesar: But I'm, I'm curious about, um, you mentioned during the internship, you know, something that made you stop and realize, wait a minute, this is not for me. I need to pivot for this. You know, what, what was, what was the realization for you? Like what, what was it about that experience that, um, made you pivot into non profit?
[00:05:41] Swietenia: Yeah. Yeah. So I think, um, like I said, I was working in a consulting firm. Um, that program specifically was, uh, with an audit. And like I said, I had great mentors. I honestly was so grateful for the experience. Right. But, and I told my sis, I'm the oldest of a four, four daughters. So I tell them the same thing, right?
[00:05:56] Swietenia: Like, you need to try things, um, because everything ultimately is a learning,[00:06:00] um, you know, experience. You, you take lessons from, from everything that you do. Right. And the biggest lesson for me was, you know, I loved the aspect of working with people and coming up with creative, innovative solutions to real world problems.
[00:06:13] Swietenia: Um, and that connection piece again, right? Like, and, um, but ultimately the technical part for me, I didn't see myself, uh, really doing long term. Um, and so, you know, at Maybe before the internship, I thought my journey was going to look like, um, you know, kind of this really set path, uh, going into, into this firm or staying with them and maybe getting a CPA.
[00:06:35] Swietenia: And then I was like, maybe this isn't for me. I don't, you know. My heart wasn't all set on this. Um, but I did take a lot of the pieces that, you know, I enjoyed and that really, truly felt authentic to me from that experience. Um, and then ultimately applied them in different, um, and other different areas.
[00:06:51] Swietenia: And so, again, I think that connection piece and really connecting to people and working towards, uh, a bigger purpose, um, is what it's about. [00:07:00] And led me to pivot into the nonprofit world. I love that.
[00:07:03] Cesar: So you were drawn by purpose and something that they mentioned there is that it's okay to try things, right?
[00:07:09] Cesar: It's okay to experiment. Because that's how we learn things, not especially about ourselves, right? Like what, what you resonate with, what you don't, but also having that courage of. Taking a stand, like, hey, this isn't for me, like, I think I'm gonna, I'm gonna pivot, right? Because a lot of people out there, they might feel that, but they don't have the courage to act, you know, for, for whatever reason.
[00:07:31] Cesar: Uh, so I think that's, uh, that's awesome that they mentioned that. Um, so fast, fast forward, you, you go for, you get a, a, a role, uh, teaching, right? And you, uh, do that for a couple of years. There comes a point where you feel the need to, to, to, to make a change, right? To, to pivot, to, to make that transition, uh, which is now into, into tech, right?
[00:07:55] Cesar: Well, what was that? Moment for you that what what prompted that transition from [00:08:00] from teacher to to take, you know, what, what was the main reason that that drove you to make that change?
[00:08:04] Swietenia: Yeah, so this was, you know, during. It was during the pandemic during the coven, you know, lockdown and, um, obviously, you know, as the world was changing education, the education space changed so so much and.
[00:08:16] Swietenia: We had to pivot very, very quickly. You know, we're working from home and we were figuring out how to do this, how to teach in the virtual world. Um, so with very little tools, very little time. And, you know, that in and of itself was a learning experience to, you know, I had to become flexible and adapt and, um, find very creative, uh, solutions right to what was happening.
[00:08:38] Swietenia: And, um, ultimately, you know, as I was. You know, kind of, I think it was a time for a lot of people of just a lot of reflection, at least for me, it was a time of a lot of just self awareness, right? Because you're, you're home, you have nowhere to go. So you're sitting there like after work, right? After work hours or outside of work hours for me, it was a lot of okay, like, for the first time getting in touch [00:09:00] with, um, With those parts of myself that maybe I was so busy in my day to day to think about or to connect to.
[00:09:05] Swietenia: And so. Um, this is also a time where my mental health became, um, a priority for me, uh, you know, and for the first time in my life, um, I really saw, um, a couple of things that I, you know, I was, I was concerned about for myself. Um, and so it was through, um. You know, working I reached out to a coach because, you know, I said, I hit a wall.
[00:09:23] Swietenia: Um, I found myself in this, like, really dark space for the first time. And that's a really, that's really the first time where I started working with a coach therapist slash coach. And so, um. You know, at the time I said, well, how can I feel like this if I have a great job? I love my students. I love what I do.
[00:09:40] Swietenia: I work for, you know, a great school. I am part of this awesome community. Like, why what's happening? And and so it was for me, you know, learning that. At least, you know, personally, I now I know I'm very multi dimensional. I'm very multi passionate and being okay with even the possibility of my path looking different.
[00:09:58] Swietenia: Um, at the time, I didn't know what that was going to [00:10:00] look like. I just started, you know, getting comfortable with that idea of okay, my path. Can change. Um, and, uh, so, yeah, that that, you know, prompted the start of this whole journey, right? Of what is my next step going to look like? Um, but it was it was through coaching and that was, um, yeah, kind of in the middle of the pandemic.
[00:10:18] Cesar: Yeah, I mean, the pandemic, I think, uh, forced us to revaluate our priorities, right? And, um, I love what you mentioned there about getting a coach and asking for help. Because, um, for a lot of people, I don't know, ego gets in the way or, you know, they might, uh, think that coaching, it's, it's, it's not for them.
[00:10:39] Cesar: But, um, I, I disagree. I think coaching is one of the best investments that you can make in yourself, right? Uh, especially. Especially the accountability part.
[00:10:48] Swietenia: Oh, yeah.
[00:10:50] Cesar: Coach keeps you accountable for what you say you're going to do, right? Or whatever comes up. Yeah, yeah. So, all right, so you, you do some [00:11:00] soul searching, get a coach, get help.
[00:11:03] Cesar: What's, what's next? Like, how, how do you, how do you end up at a better app? I guess that's, that's the question.
[00:11:03] Swietenia: Yeah, no. Yeah. And, um, I love the, that you called it soul searching because that's exactly what it was. Um, yeah, I truly have had, you know, I feel very fortunate. I've had the privilege and honor to work with amazing, amazing coaches.
[00:11:13] Swietenia: Um, and what you, you know, you mentioned the accountability piece. And so. Yeah, I think part of a large part of that journey was, um, one coming back to myself and in the self awareness of, okay, what, you know, what are my strengths? I, um, I remember one specific session, uh, that coaching session that I had, um.
[00:11:31] Swietenia: That was, I don't know if you're familiar with the concept of ikigai, uh, it's a Japanese concept and it's the blend of, you know, different pieces, uh, you know, one of them is what am I good at? Uh, what are my strengths, right? Um, and then what, um, Like what fulfills me? What does the world need? And then how can I make a living out of this?
[00:11:49] Swietenia: So kind of finding that, um, that intersection between all of these pieces. And so, you know, I started thinking through this and really working through this and it's a process, right? I thought,[00:12:00] Well, this I could probably do this in, I don't know, a week. I should have, you know, I should have a good plan. Um, you know, within a week and well, it turns out it can take a little longer than that.
[00:12:09] Swietenia: So, for me, it was a lot of, you know, being very patient with myself and, you know, as I, as I continue to learn and grow. Um, because it's learning about myself. Right. And, um, yeah. So through this journey, I decided, okay, um, this is gonna be my last year teaching. Um, you know, I talked to my leadership back then, um, you know, was very clear on on why, right?
[00:12:27] Swietenia: Why I had decided this was going to be the next, um, The next thing for me and why it was the best path and, um, and then ultimately I, you know, started researching. It took a lot of, um, research and talking to people. Right? So I. I knew I had a business background. I had this, um, you know, also background in education.
[00:12:47] Swietenia: It's like, what, what can I look like? And I just started looking for job postings and reading and like anything that feels right. I'm like, you know, slightly interesting or slightly exciting to me. I'm going to reach out to. [00:13:00] people doing that. Um, and so this led me to, yeah, a couple of months of, uh, you know, like reaching out to people on LinkedIn and emailing back and forth or, you know, having scheduling coffee chats.
[00:13:11] Swietenia: And, um, so, yeah, I guess this just opened up, you know, a ton of possibilities for me. And. Um, yeah, like I said earlier, I again found myself in the space where I was just trying different things. I was applying to, uh, to just different jobs from, you know, anywhere from sales to marketing, um, some management roles, um, instructional, you know, design, even you would within the education space.
[00:13:35] Swietenia: Um, and all of that ultimately led me to better up. So I found this, the, the. Technology or SAS space. And to me, it was so interesting because it's like, well, for the first time, you know, I'm in this space where it's all about innovation. It's all about like, how do we move forward? And, um, at the same time, you know, I never really pictured myself in a sales role or in a partnership development role.
[00:13:57] Swietenia: Uh, my dad has always worked in sales and I was like, okay, [00:14:00] cool. Like good for him. But you know, I never really connect the dots, connected the dots. And so, um. I'm like, you know what? I do feel like a lot of, uh, you know, I see a lot of the personality traits as very similar to my dad. So how hard can this be?
[00:14:12] Swietenia: And, um, yeah, turns out I love what I do today. I'm still, you know, connecting in a very different way to people. Um, not necessarily as a teacher, you know, where I'm educating or teaching them something though, in many ways. Because this is what the role entails, but, um, yeah, to answer your question, it's been a long, long journey.
[00:14:31] Swietenia: A lot of, um, a lot of asking questions, just willingness to try different things and be open, you know, to to the possibilities. I love
[00:14:41] Cesar: that. I love it. And a couple of things I want to summarize here, um, or, or highlight is number one, doing the inner work, right? And, you know, you, you read about it, uh, but. A lot of people don't take the time to actually do that inner work of like, what do I want to do?
[00:14:59] Cesar: You know, what are my [00:15:00] values? What do I believe in? What's my mission? What's my purpose? And it's so important, right? Because once you get clarity on that, then you can take action based on that, right? Which that's what you, what you mentioned, like one once you Oh, and one important thing too, it's like, it's not gonna happen overnight, right?
[00:15:20] Cesar: Like, you probably have to do a, a few versions of, of, uh, of that inner work, right? But with each version that you do, you get a little closer to, to that Ikigai like, I guess, you know mm-hmm. . Um, and then from, from there. Uh, taking action, right? And reaching out to people, uh, seeing what's out there in, in, in terms of roles, job posting, organizations, um, and yeah, it's, it's a long process, but it's so, um, it's great to, to hear from, from someone that, you know, that, that is the process, right?
[00:15:48] Cesar: Because I think when people skip that, right, they end up probably in an organization or in a role that, It's probably going to be not not a fit for them and [00:16:00] most likely because they didn't take the time to do that in their work. Right. So, um, so I think, um. That's amazing. So what's been the most unexpected challenge or lessons learned that, that you have had so far, you know, for making that transition, uh, during, during your time at BetterUp?
[00:16:16] Cesar: What was something that, you know, Oh, I wasn't expecting this.
[00:16:20] Swietenia: Yeah. Uh, yeah, there's, there's been a lot of that. Yeah. That learning curve right at the beginning. Um, yeah, I think, well, let's start there. Uh, there's, there's this learning curve and I'll, I'll give you a little bit of, of context into my upbringing and how, uh, this may be relevant, but.
[00:16:30] Swietenia: You know, growing up, I was, um, a straight A student, you know, just very high achieving, uh, kind of poster child. Um, and, you know, I was, it was very, I was very certain of where I was headed. What I had to do to get there and then I'm, I find myself in this, you know, huge transition, right? Career transition where I'm new to this, right?
[00:16:51] Swietenia: So I'm just open and willing to absorb and learn. Um, and I think, uh, to this makes me think of, like, one of the, um, The [00:17:00] things that got me here is, is just that I think, you know, the, the interviewers and everyone I spoke to as I was trying to get into these companies really saw that and, you know, appreciated that.
[00:17:09] Swietenia: And so anyway, yeah, I think just being comfortable and embracing the learning curve was one of the biggest challenges for me. I'm the kind of person, right? You know, I could be the kind of person to want to see results really quick and, you know, I've had amazing support and, um, yeah, just a really great community to, to support me throughout this, but, um, that that was definitely one of the, The biggest challenges.
[00:17:31] Swietenia: I also work in, um, a very fast moving dynamic industry, right? Um, there's so many changes. Um, so a lot of rapid, there's a lot of like rapid learning and, um, especially, you know, you're not used to. Maybe being out of school for so long, you're not used to kind of taking in so much information and then applying it.
[00:17:50] Swietenia: Right. I think also having a coach was super extremely useful for this. Um, but that was one of the challenges. Another one I would say is, um, this [00:18:00] kind of competition aspect because I didn't, um, find myself. Connecting to a lot of people that were in my shoes. Um, there are, you know, some people at my current company that, uh, were former teachers or, you know, come from the education space, which is great because I'm like, yeah, we're, we're in this together, right?
[00:18:17] Swietenia: We're here now. Yeah, yeah, exactly. But, um, you also see a lot of people that have been, you know, within this industry for a really long time. So it was hard for me to kind of step away from that mindset of. You know, I need to be here or I need to, um, yeah, just like this competition and really acknowledging that this is my process and everyone's honoring right.
[00:18:40] Swietenia: The fact that everyone is on on their own journey and it doesn't all have to look the same. And, um, Yeah, I think I would say those two have been kind of the biggest challenges, uh, in transitioning.
[00:18:51] Cesar: Yeah, no, it's the, the, the comparison game, right? It's, it's, um, happens to everybody, I think, but it's important not to get caught up in that.
[00:18:57] Cesar: Um, because we all have our own personal [00:19:00] journeys, right? Um, now, when you made that transition, you know, what were some of the transfer, transferable skills that you brought from your teaching years into Uh, better app that Um, that's a great
[00:19:09] Swietenia: question. So I would say a lot of people told me at
[00:19:09] Swietenia: the beginning, sales is going to be, you're going to find out that the role you're in, it's going to be a lot like teaching. I'm like, what? I couldn't really connect the dots, but no, now that I've been in it for, for quite some time, I do see that, um, for me personally, I think my approach has been Very centered on, uh, empathy, right?
[00:19:15] Swietenia: So even, um, Thinking back to my experience, you know, in consulting as an intern, right? It's like, well, you're really trying to collaborate with someone, um, and you're trying to problem solve together. So it really does need to be, you know, centered on empathy. And in my current role, where I'm usually the first point of contact between a potential customer or a potential partner, um, of BetterUp and, and the company.
[00:19:39] Swietenia: A lot of these people have never heard of they don't know who we are. Right? So it's up to me to come in with, you know, a lot of empathy of like, hey, like, this is what's going on in the industry. This is what's going on in the world. Um, and then this is what, you know, what maybe I see is going on in your company.
[00:19:52] Swietenia: And, and, you know, how can we work together, but it comes from this place of empathy of understanding of wanting to partner with, uh, with [00:20:00] someone and you. And yeah, I like work towards a common goal or a common vision. Um, so I would say that's one another one is this creativity, right? As a teacher, I had to find creative ways to to get a message across.
[00:20:14] Swietenia: Um, I, you know, it really isn't a one size fits all. Um, and, you know, over the course of my teaching experience, I probably taught over, I don't know, more than 350, 400 students, right? So. You know, year after year, you're kind of constantly having to innovate and. In my current role. It's the same thing. I'm talking to people from all different industries, uh, different seniority levels, different backgrounds, different ethnicities.
[00:20:35] Swietenia: And so for me, it's been also, um, uh, you know, an opportunity to flex to continue flexing that muscle of finding creative, innovative ways to communicate, to get messages across, to connect. Right? Um, and then a last one I would say is, uh, the strategic planning, right? A lot of teachers, even, you know, Yeah, teachers, you know, teachers that are some of my friends that are still teachers told me, like, what, you know, like, what do you mean strategic planning?
[00:20:54] Swietenia: I'm like, yeah, we used to do this all the time. Um, you know, you develop a plan, you have this [00:21:00] curriculum, right? And you have to, uh, kind of have an end goal in sight. You're taking students through this journey, but you need to go, you need to know where you're headed. Um, and it's the same with. You know, Mike in my current role, I have a plan in mind and then we backwards plan, right?
[00:21:14] Swietenia: Okay. Well, in order to get from point A to point B, there's all these steps that need to be taken. And there's, um, you know, these people we need to talk to, or information we need to, we need to gather, uh, so on and so forth. And so I would say those, those 3 are the most transferable skills from, from teaching to my current role now.
[00:21:31] Swietenia: I love it,
[00:21:32] Cesar: right? And they're all very important skills, right? No matter where, where you transition into, um, one. Last question I want to ask about your transition, uh, before we shift into into coaching, because I want to dig a little bit into that. Um, was there any advice that you ignored, uh, whether from your, from your family, from your friends, as you were making this, this transitions, right?
[00:21:44] Cesar: Any advice that you thought, uh, you know, that's, that sounds great, but I don't think.
[00:21:48] Swietenia: Yeah, I would say, maybe not advice, um, so much as a, like a general belief, maybe. I used to think. Especially, I don't know, coming. Out as a [00:22:00] teacher, uh, where sure we there's a great community and I had, you know, great coaches as a teacher and a great principal, right?
[00:22:07] Swietenia: Great leadership. But a lot of the things we had to kind of do ourselves, you know, with the, with just how the education space is at the. The landscape and the environment, you have to be resourceful, right? You have to kind of, um, find things on your own. And sometimes, you know, you'll hear it all the time, like even pay out of pocket for resources that we need.
[00:22:26] Swietenia: And, um, so a belief that I had, it's like, well, this, this belief of independence, I can do this alone. Um, and I think I, it took a lot of, you know, trial and error to, to, to come to the realization that. No, I have a very vast network. Um, you know, from Childhood friends to my, you know, people in my community now, um, to friends and family and, you know, people I went to school with mentors.
[00:22:50] Swietenia: I've had in the past from the past. And, um, so just really leveraging this community and knowing that. No, I, I don't have to do it all alone. Um, and [00:23:00] then obviously leveraging, you know, the, the work that I was doing with my coaches as well, uh, for accountability or. you know, accountability partners.
[00:23:06] Cesar: Yeah, that's so important because it happens to me as well.
[00:23:09] Cesar: Like, I used to think that I had to do things alone. Um, And I don't know if it's a Latino thing or immigrant thing, because you have to do things on your own. Yep. There's always this community out there, right? So it's important to reach out and to, and to ask. Because most, more often than not, people are willing to help.
[00:23:28] Cesar: Oh, yeah. All right. Now, shifting gears, I want to talk a little bit about coaching. Because I'm very impressed that you look for for coaching, right? And a lot of people out there don't even know what coaching is. Right? Um, what, what, what, what is the biggest misconception that you see out there, you know, when it comes to, to coaching?
[00:23:47] Swietenia: Yeah. Um, that's a great question. And I get it all the time, especially, you know, since I've been in the space and a lot of my friends are like, wait. What exactly do you do? Where is it that you work? Um, so yeah, I'm having to constantly explain, um, explain, explain the concept, right? So I think the biggest misconception that I hear is that coaching is therapy.
[00:23:53] Swietenia: Um, and, you know, from a personal experience where I've experienced both, I've been on, you know, kind of both sides, I would say, um, you know, [00:24:00] Therapy really focuses on that self awareness piece, but from a past perspective, so you're kind of, you know, unpacking a lot of, um, yeah, a lot of past experiences and, you know, how does all of that affect who you are today, your current mindset, your current beliefs, um, and then you.
[00:24:20] Swietenia: Work through that. Right? Where I think coaching the difference here is that it's very much focused on the present and the future. Okay, where are we today? Um, and then again, taking, you know, some of the mindsets and beliefs and then just being very forward thinking, um. I think, and, you know, just based off of my experience, I've worked with coaches that are also licensed therapists, so for me, it's helped a lot to kind of have the kind of the best of both worlds, but I know that's not everyone's jam, right?
[00:24:49] Swietenia: Some people do prefer just kind of that or prefer to have both, you know, separately. Um, or there's, you know, people that prefer one over the other. Um, but yeah, I think that's, that's the biggest one [00:25:00] I hear. Another one is like the, the mentor versus a coach. Like what is a diff what's the difference, right?
[00:25:05] Swietenia: Because, you know, throughout our careers and throughout our lives, I think we do, um, We do have a lot of mentors and people that are willing to share their experiences with us and, you know, maybe provide examples or serve as role models and, you know, give us advice and guidance. And so a lot of people think that's what a coach is.
[00:25:22] Swietenia: So a lot of people say, well, I already have, I have five of them, right? But they're really mentors and a coach is, is, you know, really, I guess the key difference here is a coach doesn't necessarily tell you or give you that advice. They kind of bring it out from you, like it comes from you and they kind of, they're there as a sounding board to really get that wisdom and that inner knowledge from yourself, and then, you know, walk you through what next steps could look like for you, but it's, it's really kind of.
[00:25:52] Swietenia: The homework's on you. Um, so yeah.
[00:25:54] Cesar: That's amazing. Also, that's the best, simple, most clear explanation I've [00:26:00] ever heard. You know, the difference between coaching, therapy, and mentor. So thank you for that.
[00:26:05] Swietenia: You're very welcome.
[00:26:06] Cesar: Now, on LinkedIn, um, by the way, thank you for... Sharing your thoughts on LinkedIn. It makes it easier on us hosts when we're researching our guests, but there's there's something you mentioned on LinkedIn about coaching and how it's helped you grow in resiliency, authenticity, self compassion.
[00:26:16] Cesar: And I wanted to ask you about that. Like what, um, you know, what, what were some of the roadblocks there? And, um, you know, how you, you've been able to, to grow in this, in these areas.
[00:26:26] Swietenia: Yeah, I'm happy to. Oh my goodness. So, uh, yeah. So when I first started this journey, so as you know, everyone that, uh, starts working at BetterUp.
[00:26:32] Swietenia: Automatically gets a coach, right? Like day one. Here's your coach. Um, yeah, and you know, it's amazing. Um, and one of the first things they have us do is take this, this whole person assessment. And to me, you know, because maybe I have, it's my business background, and maybe that accounting experience, the data to me is, you know, the number, show me the numbers.
[00:26:50] Swietenia: Yeah, yeah. Um, And so to have, you know, this very clear report on, uh, you know, after this assessment of this is where I stand in all these different areas and these like mindsets and [00:27:00] behaviors, because I think I had, you know, I can, I saw myself as, you know, you kind of have this idea of yourself, but then seeing it on, uh, seeing the data behind that, the science, you know, was really eyeopening for me.
[00:27:11] Swietenia: So, um, Thank you. You know, after you go, you start this journey and, uh, at around five or six months, you retake this assessment. And so it's been really, really cool for me to see, uh, like where I've grown, where, you know, there's still, um, areas for growth and whatnot. And so, yeah, resiliency was my, it was my top.
[00:27:29] Swietenia: Um, and to me, this is just the, the, the ways in which I. Um, you know, come back from from setbacks, right? Um, get back up you, uh, you know, you trip and how do you get back up? And it's been a mix of, you know, how do I manage stress better? And how do I, um, kind of, you know, flow with this uncertainty? Because again, like I said, my role right now, and even the world, like there's so many things going on and changes.
[00:27:52] Swietenia: And so how do I respond to that? And Um, I used to be very just prone to anxiety, like stress and [00:28:00] anxiety. And, um, yeah, I think that, you know, working through that and finding tools and practices that, you know, I can do to, to better, um, to better cope to, to better manage, um, has, has definitely impacted my, my level of resiliency, um, you know, both at work and outside of
[00:28:15] Cesar: work.
[00:28:15] Cesar: Yeah. Do you have any, any practical ways where, where you, um. Or tools or practices that that you put into practice on a weekly or daily basis.
[00:28:24] Swietenia: Yeah, I would say, and this is also related to, I guess, another area that I, I saw that I've grown in, um, and it's the area of self compassion. And so, You know, one of the things that I've been working on with my coach is, um, just positive talk, so positive self talk, right?
[00:28:40] Swietenia: And you don't, you don't really think about these things, but it's, it's sometimes even comments that I do say out loud to myself, right? After like, I don't know, something. Yeah, yeah, exactly. And so, um, you know, even writing them down, sometimes they look at us, um, yeah. as affirmations in the morning. Um, but just being really mindful of, uh, of that, that self talk and what I'm [00:29:00] telling myself.
[00:29:01] Swietenia: Um, not being as hard, you know, on myself when something unexpected comes up or, you know, things don't necessarily go the way I expected them to. Just little things like that in our day to day. Um, and then what am I telling myself, right? When, when I'm in these situations. Um, So that's been one. I think another one has been the practice of journaling.
[00:29:20] Swietenia: I think I've been I've had faces where, you know, I phase in and out of journaling and having these like very mindful practices. And, um, that's been another one that has been just kind of an outlet for me to, you know, express and kind of observe what's coming up or, um, you know, just. Yeah, I guess I put, you know, things on paper where I'm not necessarily just having a lot of jumble up here and my, you know, in my mind, but, um, being able to process better.
[00:29:45] Swietenia: That's helped to,
[00:29:46] Cesar: you know, that that is so because I also go in and out from from journaling, but it's so powerful. We're able to transfer whatever's in your head and onto paper and just journal, right? It gives you more [00:30:00] more clarity. Um, there's an author. It's called Julia Cameron. She has, um, morning pages.
[00:30:06] Cesar: I think that's, that's, uh, that's her, one of her methods. It's basically just journaling the first few minutes of the morning, just dumping everything that's in your head. Um, and it, it does help. It does help a lot. So,
[00:30:18] Swietenia: um, yeah. And I'll share, uh, kind of related to that. There's another, uh, there's a five minute.
[00:30:24] Swietenia: Kind of journal practice, but it's it's focused on gratitude, too. Um, yeah, and that one. I can't remember the name necessarily, uh, or the author, but, um, I got that as a gift from one of my close friends. And that has also helped tremendously kind of starting the day, you know, in this mindset of gratitude and and journaling.
[00:30:40] Cesar: Yeah, no, absolutely. I think it's called the five minute journal, I believe.
[00:30:45] Swietenia: Yeah, it has a it's it's five minute gratitude journal. Maybe. Yeah, you might know what I'm talking about. Yeah, maybe the same one. Um,
[00:30:53] Cesar: awesome. Um, one last question and then we'll, we'll go through the rapid fire, uh, closing. You, you mentioned that you're passionate about [00:31:00] DEI and inclusive leadership.
[00:31:02] Cesar: Um, what does inclusive leadership mean to you? And, you know, from your experience and your perspective, how can organizations, um, expand the, the opportunities that are available to minorities?
[00:31:13] Swietenia: Yeah, that's a great question. And, um, you know, I've, I've been very fortunate to have had, uh, information and access to resources and education and trainings, um, from, you know, since, since before, um, I joined better up, um, just because of, you know, my experience in education and I was working primarily with Hispanic populations, Hispanic and Latinx populations.
[00:31:34] Swietenia: And so, um, for me, you know, it really starts with. That self awareness that we've been talking about, right? Um, there's a common theme. I think it's, it's that inner work. Um, but, you know, acknowledging and noticing where our blind spots are, right? Even myself as a Latina. Um, you know, I've had to do that work to to just, yeah, just be aware of what my blind spots are.
[00:31:54] Swietenia: And, um, yeah, inclusive leadership means working hard to ensure and advocating for [00:32:00] everyone having a seat at the table, you know, regardless of background experiences. Age expressions, uh, ethnicities, race. Um, and that all makes for a collaborative, you know, innovative and inviting environment, um, whether it's at work or, you know, in our communities as well.
[00:32:17] Swietenia: Um, just being open to, you know, from a place of empathy, you know, being able to lean in and learn about, you know, people's different. backgrounds and what they bring to the table and opening space for those voices to be heard and to be, to feel welcome, to feel like they belong.
[00:32:35] Cesar: I love that. Love that. Um, awesome.
[00:32:38] Cesar: Well, we're going to transition into the part of the show where I call it the rapid fire closing and I'll basically ask you questions and just give me whatever comes to mind, you know, at that.
[00:32:50] Swietenia: All right. All right. So let's
[00:32:52] Cesar: start with, uh, favorite, uh,
[00:32:54] Swietenia: Latin song. Um, Vivir mi vida by Marc Anthony. Oh man,
[00:32:58] Cesar: that's, that's a good one.
[00:32:58] Cesar: Uh, I love that. [00:33:00] Favorite yoga
[00:33:01] Swietenia: pose. Uh, let's see. Uh, I would say Tadasana or mountain pose.
[00:33:06] Cesar: Love it. One book that has greatly influenced your life.
[00:33:10] Swietenia: Yikes, that's a tough one. Um, The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown. I love
[00:33:16] Cesar: Brene Brown. One of the most Work well investments that you have made recently
[00:33:22] Swietenia: goes without saying, but coaching in a coach life
[00:33:27] Cesar: changing quote that you think often or that you live your life
[00:33:31] Swietenia: by.
[00:33:32] Swietenia: Oh, um, okay, I'm going to go with Maya Angelou's quote that says people will forget what you said. They'll forget what you did, but they'll never forget how you made them feel. Yes,
[00:33:45] Cesar: that's one of my favorite quotes, by the way. Um, in the last year, uh, one belief or one habit that you have implemented that has improved your life?
[00:33:54] Swietenia: Um, let's see, walking. Yeah, yeah, just taking walks. I have two dogs and, uh, [00:34:00] getting some sunlight, being outdoors.
[00:34:02] Cesar: It's, it's underrated, you know? Oh, yeah. And lastly, um, one takeaway that, uh, you want to leave the audience with as it relates to
[00:34:11] Swietenia: transitions. I'd say. Be present. Be so present that you're able to observe, um, observe, observe, observe what gives you joy and do more of that.
[00:34:23] Cesar: I love it. Be present. Uh, sounds easy, but it's, it's not, it's not as simple, right? Easier said than done. Well, thank you so much, Switania. This has been amazing. Thank you so much for sharing with us, uh, a little bit more about your personal and professional journey and, um, sharing with us. Some practical tips and advice that, uh, we can work with as we navigate these, these transitions.
[00:34:42] Swietenia: Yeah, thank you so much for having me again, Cesar. It was a pleasure. Absolutely.
[00:34:46] Cesar: all right. I hope you enjoyed this episode and thank you so much for listening all the way through. I [00:35:00] appreciate you. And I hope that you get some valuable information that you can apply to our personal and professional life. If this story resonated with you and you would like to support the podcast.
[00:35:09] Cesar: Please make sure to subscribe. So you don't miss out on any future episodes. Thank you so much for the opportunity. I appreciate you. And I look forward to serving you in the next episode.