Vanessa Robles, a production director at Penguin Random House, shared her personal journey from growing up in a bilingual Puerto Rican household to achieving independence and success through education, despite facing challenges like her parents' divorce and limited college application support. She discussed her approach to handling uncertainty and risk through faith and prayer, while also reflecting on her experiences with failure and the importance of self-advocacy in her career. Vanessa emphasized the significance of authenticity and cultural representation in the workplace, while also sharing her aspirations to work on faith-based books and balance her professional goals with her role as a working mother.
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- The Rise & Reinvent Team
Connect with Nicole on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemjones/
Book an appointment with Nicole here: https://scheduler.zoom.us/nicole-kako/intro-meeting
Listen to Rise and Reinvent on these podcast platforms:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/31uXZZzALuIZhfHof9Lzww
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rise-reinvent/id1808661178
Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/7b7c6740-fd6c-452e-98c1-7ff931fa65a1
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Rise & Reinvent is a career and personal growth podcast hosted by Nicole Jones, spotlighting real-life stories of reinvention, resilience, and leadership. From unexpected pivots and professional setbacks to bold comebacks and purpose-driven success, each episode dives into the human side of career growth. Guests from diverse industries share their lessons on risk-taking, self-belief, adaptability, and building fulfilling careers on their own terms. Whether you're navigating change or seeking inspiration, Rise & Reinvent is your weekly dose of encouragement to grow with intention and lead with authenticity.
What is Rise & Reinvent?
Welcome to the Rise & Re-Invent Podcast! Hosted by Nicole M. Jones—founder of KAKO, former Fortune 100 executive, and a passionate coach for emerging leaders, startup founders, and professionals ready to rise. With nearly 30 years of global experience driving innovation and transformation, Nicole brings clarity, strategy, and heart to those often overlooked in traditional career spaces.
Each week, the podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with bold thinkers, resilient changemakers, and everyday heroes. Listeners gain practical wisdom, real stories of reinvention, and the inspiration to rise above uncertainty and embrace what’s next.
Subscribe, tune in, and join the movement. Because when one person rises, we all rise.