Corporate Cafecito

Nallely Suárez Gass & Carlos Butler Vale

Welcome to Corporate Cafecito!   What does it mean to navigate the corporate world as a first-generation college graduate and proud member of the Latine community? Corporate Cafecito is here to help you navigate that journey, blending heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a supportive community where you can thrive.   Meet the Hosts Corporate Cafecito was founded in 2022 by Nallely Suárez Gass, a first-generation college graduate, coach, and strategist with over two decades of experience. Her successful corporate career and full-time focus on mentoring professionals and entrepreneurs have equipped her with the knowledge to help you unlock your potential and build fulfilling careers. Her passion for uplifting others and celebrating the Latine community is the heart of this podcast.   In January 2025, Carlos Butler Vale joined as co-host, bringing his deep business strategy expertise and strong mentorship dedication. Also a first-generation college graduate, Carlos has made it his mission to help others grow into confident, impactful leaders. Together, Nallely and Carlos create a welcoming space to share stories, offer actionable advice, and inspire growth.   What to Expect  Each week on Corporate Cafecito, you’ll hear meaningful conversations, practical tips, and inspiring stories that celebrate the diverse Latine experience in the workplace. Here’s what you can look forward to:   Career Growth: You'll receive practical, easy-to-follow advice for advancing your career and building your brand, empowering you to take the next step in your professional journey.Leadership Development: How to inspire and lead with authenticity.Entrepreneurship: Real-world advice on starting and growing your business, overcoming challenges, and staying motivated.Mentorship: Carlos shares how mentorship can open doors, transform careers, and build stronger communities.Guest Features: Inspiring guests highlight their stories, share their expertise, and discuss their personal and entrepreneurial journeys.  This podcast isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about celebrating who you are, your unique journey, and the vibrant, supportive Latine community we're building together.   Why Listen?  Corporate Cafecito isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. Nallely and Carlos help you embrace your unique journey, achieve your goals, and feel part of a vibrant, supportive community. Whether looking for career advice, leadership tips, or inspiring stories from real people, this is the place for you.   So, pour yourself a cafecito, take a moment, and join us. Every conversation is a step toward your personal and professional success. Let’s navigate the corporate world together—one cafecito at a time.    

  1. 5D AGO

    S9 E7: A Roadmap - Not a Verdict With Isaias Mercado

    This week on Corporate Cafecito, I had the opportunity to sit down with Chicago native, leadership coach, and author Isaias Mercado to talk about his new book releasing today, March 10th: 📚 The 10 F Words of Feedback During our conversation, he said something that really stayed with me: “Feedback should be a roadmap, not a verdict.” Think about that for a moment. So many of us experience feedback as criticism or judgment. Something that makes us feel like we’re being evaluated as a person rather than supported in our growth. But what if feedback was actually meant to guide us forward? In this episode, we talk about why feedback is one of the most important leadership skills we can develop, and why learning how to both give and receive feedback well can completely transform our workplaces and our careers. Isaias shared another insight that really resonated with me: “Feedback doesn’t define us. It refines us.” When feedback is given with trust, belief, and clarity, it doesn’t tear people down. It helps people grow into their potential. We also talked about something that matters deeply to both of us. Highlighting the voices in our comunidad who are sharing knowledge, writing books, and helping others rise. Because when one of us grows, crecemos todos juntos. To learn more about the book and connect with Isaias on LinkedIn and social media, visit: https://www.envisionleader.com/fwords/#form  ☕ Where to Find the Corporate Cafecito Podcast 🌐 Website: https://www.corporatecafecito.com   Support the show If you’d like to join Nallely y Carlos for a conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. This podcast centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us or email admin@corpcafecito.com. Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Visit www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com today. Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com. Two leaders. One shared commitment to growth, cultura, and impact.

    32 min
  2. MAR 3

    S9 E6: Don’t Just Show Up. Show Up Ready.

    🔥 FAMILIA… THIS ONE IS FOR YOU. 🔥 If you want to elevate in corporate spaces, preparation is your edge. Not luck. Not vibes. Preparation. In this episode, Carlos and I talk about why showing up prepared changes everything. ✨ It builds trust. ✨ It gives you calm confidence. ✨ It makes you flexible, not flustered. ✨ It shifts how people see you. And let’s be honest… as Latinos, we do not always get unlimited chances to prove ourselves. So when you walk into a room prepared? Your presence speaks. At Corporate Cafecito, we believe in representación, comunidad, crecimiento, y cultura. We believe you can honor where you come from while building where you’re going. Take the course. Practice the pitch. Read the brief. Build the network. Prepare for what’s ahead. If you’re early in your career, in college, or ready for your next level, this episode is your reminder that confidence is built, not borrowed. ☕ Where to Find the Corporate Cafecito Podcast 🌐 Website: https://www.corporatecafecito.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CorporateCafecito 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hIRSdg9Mu4QJo0TMfeWMO 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/corporate-cafecito/id1650963959 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corporatecafecito 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corporatecafecito/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corporate.cafecito 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corporate-cafecito/ Familia, let’s rise together. ☕✨ Support the show If you’d like to join Nallely y Carlos for a conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. This podcast centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us or email admin@corpcafecito.com. Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Visit www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com today. Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com. Two leaders. One shared commitment to growth, cultura, and impact.

    29 min
  3. FEB 24

    Familia, Survival, and Finding Home with Reyna Grande

    In moments like this, when immigration conversations feel heavy and uncertain, it becomes even more important to center lived experience. This week on Corporate Cafecito, Nallely sits down with Reyna Grande, who crossed the border at nine years old as an undocumented child. She shares what that journey felt like. Being caught twice. Hiding from helicopters. Running across a freeway in the dark. Arriving hungry. Living in survival mode. But what stayed with us most was what came after. Family separation. Reunification that was painful and complicated. Feeling emotionally homeless. Choosing education as her pathway forward. Right now, when immigration is reduced to headlines and political talking points, listening to stories like Reyna’s matters. Because behind every debate are children. Behind every policy are families. Reyna has written nine books that center immigrant voices with dignity and truth. Her work reminds us that immigration is human. 📚 Visit Reyna’s website to explore her full body of work, pre-order her new book, and learn how to support her mission:  https://reynagrande.com/ Watch the trailer below, and head on over to our website to watch this amazing episode:  www.corporatecafecito.com Now more than ever, we lead with corazón y verdad. With love, Nallely ☕✨ Support the show If you’d like to join Nallely y Carlos for a conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. This podcast centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us or email admin@corpcafecito.com. Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Visit www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com today. Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com. Two leaders. One shared commitment to growth, cultura, and impact.

    29 min
  4. FEB 2

    Doing It Afraid: Leadership, Change, and Building What Didn’t Exist with Marie Quintana

    Today’s Corporate Cafecito episode is live, and I’m bringing Marie Quintana back because her journey cannot be contained in a single conversation. In this episode, we go deep into the corporate chapters that shaped her leadership. From choosing systems engineering at IBM before laptops were even a thing, to leading complex transformations at PepsiCo during major acquisitions, to building what became the Multicultural Center of Excellence at a time when multicultural strategy wasn’t even part of the business conversation. What makes this conversation powerful isn’t the titles. It’s the leadership moments we don’t talk about enough. The meetings that didn’t land. The resistance to change. The fear in the room. And Marie’s decision to stay, listen, and meet people one on one because real leadership starts with humanity. We talk about non linear career paths, curiosity as a strategy, and what it means to keep walking into rooms where you are still the only Latina. Doing it afraid. Doing it anyway. Si tú puedes, tú puedes. If your career path hasn’t looked the way you thought it would, if you’re stepping into something new, or if you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready, this episode will meet you right where you are. 📍 Learn More 📘 Book: https://a.co/d/1P1hRV1 🌐 Website: https://www.mariequintana.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariequintana/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marietquintana/ Where to Find the Corporate Cafecito Podcast: 🌐 https://www.corporatecafecito.com ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/@CorporateCafecito 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/show/4hIRSdg9Mu4QJo0TMfeWMO 🍏 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/corporate-cafecito/id1650963959 📱 https://www.tiktok.com/@corporate.cafecito Support the show If you’d like to join Nallely y Carlos for a conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. This podcast centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us or email admin@corpcafecito.com. Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Visit www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com today. Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com. Two leaders. One shared commitment to growth, cultura, and impact.

    25 min
  5. JAN 26

    S9 E3 - Trust at Work: How It’s Built, Broken, and Maintained

    Chicago is frozen right now. ❄️☕ Chicago is frozen right now.  Negative digits over the weekend, snow on the ground, and one of those mornings where everything feels a little slower. The kind of day where you wrap your hands around your mug and sit with your cafecito instead of rushing through it. That kind of morning invites reflection. Because in this episode, we talk about trust. Not the buzzword version. The lived version. The kind that shows up in small moments at work. In who you confide in. In who shows up consistently. In who feels safe and who quietly doesn’t. In this conversation, we explore ☕ How trust is built over time ☕ What erodes trust in the workplace ☕ Why predictability matters more than proximity ☕ Boundaries, feedback, and trust without oversharing La confianza se construye despacio. Con acciones. Con coherencia. Con respeto. If you’ve ever thought, I need to be more intentional about who I trust at work, this conversation will feel familiar. ☕ Where to Find the Corporate Cafecito Podcast 🌐 Website: https://www.corporatecafecito.com ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CorporateCafecito 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4hIRSdg9Mu4QJo0TMfeWMO 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/corporate-cafecito/id1650963959 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/corporatecafecito 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corporatecafecito/ 📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@corporate.cafecito 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/corporate-cafecito/ Thank you for being here and for sharing this space with us. We’re grateful for this community and these conversations. One cafecito at a time. ☕   Support the show If you’d like to join Nallely y Carlos for a conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. This podcast centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us or email admin@corpcafecito.com. Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Visit www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com today. Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com. Two leaders. One shared commitment to growth, cultura, and impact.

    34 min
  6. JAN 12

    S9 E2: White Dress Day - Leading When You Don’t Fit the Mold with Marie Quintana

    We couldn’t imagine a more meaningful way to begin 2026. Our first guest of the year on Corporate Cafecito is Marie Quintana. Marie is a Cuban immigrant, CEO of Quintana Group, strategic advisor, executive coach, board director, and author. Long before ERGs, before representation became a strategy, she was building, leading, and opening doors in corporate America. From IBM to PepsiCo to serving as Chief Marketing Officer at Tenet Healthcare, her career spans decades of leadership, transformation, and impact. But this conversation isn’t about titles. It’s about her story. Marie shares a moment from first grade she calls “White Dress Day.” Picture day. A handmade white dress. Walking into a classroom and realizing she was different. That moment didn’t break her. It became the foundation for resilience, courage, and leadership. We talk about living in two worlds. About vulnerability as strength. About faith, cultura, and what it truly means to bring your whole self to work. Porque cuando compartimos nuestras historias, abrimos camino para otros. Marie is also the author of Last Flight from Havana, a powerful memoir about leaving Cuba, identity, resilience, and healing. Her book is an extension of this conversation and a reminder that our beginnings do not limit us. They shape us. If you’ve ever felt like you had to edit yourself to belong, this episode is for you. 📍 Learn More: 📘 Book (Last Flight from Havana): https://a.co/d/1P1hRV1 🌐 Website: https://www.mariequintana.com/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariequintana/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marietquintana/ Support the show If you’d like to join Nallely y Carlos for a conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. This podcast centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us or email admin@corpcafecito.com. Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Visit www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com today. Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com. Two leaders. One shared commitment to growth, cultura, and impact.

    25 min
  7. JAN 5

    S9 E1: Momentum Is Not an Accident

    We made it through 2025. That alone matters. As we step into 2026, this episode of Corporate Cafecito is about choosing how we move forward. Not rushing. Not reacting. Choosing with intention. This conversation is an honest look at what last year required from us and what it actually gave back. What truly moved you forward in 2025? What quietly drained your time, energy, or headspace? What are you no longer willing to carry into this year? We talk about taking a real audit of 2025 through return on investment. Time. Energy. Focus. We walk through Start, Stop, Continue as a way to move with clarity instead of obligation. We also talk about visibility with intention. Being seen by the right people. For the right reasons. Without shrinking who you are or hiding your cultura. This episode is rooted in lived experience. Career and life. Ambition and rest. Growth with boundaries. Todo con intención y con corazón. We would love to hear from you. What is one thing you are choosing to start, stop, or continue in 2026? Check out the trailer below, but head to our website, www.corpcafecito.com, to watch the entire episode. Support the show If you’d like to join Nallely y Carlos for a conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. This podcast centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us or email admin@corpcafecito.com. Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Visit www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com today. Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com. Two leaders. One shared commitment to growth, cultura, and impact.

    43 min
  8. 12/29/2025

    S8 E17: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly of 2025

    Before we step into 2026, we wanted to pause and talk honestly about 2025. Not just what we survived, but what we learned, who showed up, and how our community kept moving forward even when things felt heavy. In this episode, we reflect on the realities of 2025 for our community and our workplaces. We talk about fear and resilience, DEI shifts, AI changing the job market, cultural guilt, and the pressure so many of us felt to stay quiet just to stay afloat. We also take time to lift up what mattered most. The teachings we shared throughout the year. The Latine-owned businesses and organizations we highlighted. The leaders, mentors, and community builders who reminded us that visibility, access, and community still matter. If you’re looking for guidance, reflection, and real conversations rooted in experience, we invite you to explore the episodes, the stories, and the businesses we’ve highlighted along the way. This is an honest look at 2025.  Lo bueno, lo difícil, y lo real. Support the show If you’d like to join Nallely y Carlos for a conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. This podcast centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us or email admin@corpcafecito.com. Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Visit www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com today. Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com. Two leaders. One shared commitment to growth, cultura, and impact.

    38 min
4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Welcome to Corporate Cafecito!   What does it mean to navigate the corporate world as a first-generation college graduate and proud member of the Latine community? Corporate Cafecito is here to help you navigate that journey, blending heartfelt stories, practical advice, and a supportive community where you can thrive.   Meet the Hosts Corporate Cafecito was founded in 2022 by Nallely Suárez Gass, a first-generation college graduate, coach, and strategist with over two decades of experience. Her successful corporate career and full-time focus on mentoring professionals and entrepreneurs have equipped her with the knowledge to help you unlock your potential and build fulfilling careers. Her passion for uplifting others and celebrating the Latine community is the heart of this podcast.   In January 2025, Carlos Butler Vale joined as co-host, bringing his deep business strategy expertise and strong mentorship dedication. Also a first-generation college graduate, Carlos has made it his mission to help others grow into confident, impactful leaders. Together, Nallely and Carlos create a welcoming space to share stories, offer actionable advice, and inspire growth.   What to Expect  Each week on Corporate Cafecito, you’ll hear meaningful conversations, practical tips, and inspiring stories that celebrate the diverse Latine experience in the workplace. Here’s what you can look forward to:   Career Growth: You'll receive practical, easy-to-follow advice for advancing your career and building your brand, empowering you to take the next step in your professional journey.Leadership Development: How to inspire and lead with authenticity.Entrepreneurship: Real-world advice on starting and growing your business, overcoming challenges, and staying motivated.Mentorship: Carlos shares how mentorship can open doors, transform careers, and build stronger communities.Guest Features: Inspiring guests highlight their stories, share their expertise, and discuss their personal and entrepreneurial journeys.  This podcast isn’t just about professional growth—it’s about celebrating who you are, your unique journey, and the vibrant, supportive Latine community we're building together.   Why Listen?  Corporate Cafecito isn’t just a podcast—it’s a movement. Nallely and Carlos help you embrace your unique journey, achieve your goals, and feel part of a vibrant, supportive community. Whether looking for career advice, leadership tips, or inspiring stories from real people, this is the place for you.   So, pour yourself a cafecito, take a moment, and join us. Every conversation is a step toward your personal and professional success. Let’s navigate the corporate world together—one cafecito at a time.    

You Might Also Like