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. 4d ago

    S10 E3 - AI Is Here. Now What? The Future of Work with Sergio Suarez

    If you have been listening to Corporate Cafecito for a while, you may remember that Sergio was one of our early guests. Back then, he was already talking about where AI was headed and some of it honestly sounded hard to imagine. Well... here we are. So I asked him to come back and tell me what he is seeing now. We talked about jobs, AI agents, what college students should be learning, lawyers, judges, marketing, coding, and where he thinks all of this is going next. There were definitely a few moments where I stopped him and said, “Wait, what?”  What I appreciated most is that Sergio does not try to make AI sound scary or magical. He just tells you what he is seeing and what he thinks people need to understand. And that is really why I wanted to have this conversation. Our comunidad needs to be part of these conversations. We need to understand what is changing, ask questions, learn, and make sure we are not standing on the sidelines while the workplace changes around us. No tenemos que saberlo todo. Pero sí tenemos que seguir aprendiendo, haciendo preguntas, y creciendo juntos. 🤎 Grab your cafecito and listen in. #CorporateCafecito #TackleAI #ArtificialIntelligence #FutureOfWork #CareerGrowth #LatineProfessionals 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.

  2. Aug 31

    S10 E2 - Finding Your Way Back: Language, Identity & Belonging with Angie Rey

    Angie Rey Kaiser of FluenTea  joined me this week. Our conversation started with AI, entrepreneurship, and language learning, but what really stayed with me was her journey back to her cultura. Growing up Mexican American without speaking Spanish fluently, Angie carried a question so many people understand: Am I Mexican enough? Then, after nearly 40 years, she returned to Mexico and reunited with her tía. That moment became part of the inspiration behind FluenTea and Angie’s mission to help people stop waiting until they feel “perfect” and simply start speaking. Because sometimes you just have to empezar. Speak the words. Make the mistake. Take the trip. Start the idea. Con amor, con orgullo, y con comunidad.  Want to see what Angie is building? Visit FluenTea.com and sign up to start practicing the language you’re learning. You can connect with other learners and native speakers, practice with ChaCha, their AI language coach, and even try your first chat for free. And before you go, check out our teaser for a little taste of this conversation. The full episode is available NOW on YouTube, so grab your cafecito, watch the whole conversation, and make sure you subscribe to Corporate Cafecito at https://www.youtube.com/@CorporateCafecito, so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Nos vemos en YouTube. ¡Vamos a aprender, conectar y crecer juntos! #CorporateCafecito #FluenTea #Cultura #Comunidad #LatinaEntrepreneur #HeritageSpeaker 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.

  3. Aug 28

    S10 E1 - Back to Routine: Resetting Your Goals, Boundaries & Energy

    We’re back, familia. ☕✨ Does this time of year feel a little like back-to-school season for adults? The calendars start filling up. Routines come back. We pull out those goals we made months ago and suddenly realize there is still time to decide how we want to finish the year. After our summer break, we are back at the cafecito table talking about something we both needed too: getting back into a rhythm without running ourselves into the ground. Because resetting is not just about doing more. It’s asking yourself: ¿Qué necesito cambiar? ¿Qué quiero priorizar? ¿Dónde necesito más balance? We talk about revisiting your goals, setting boundaries, protecting time to eat and hydrate, making space for rest, holding yourself accountable, and remembering that you cannot pour from an empty cup. And if your goals look a little different than they did at the beginning of the year, that’s okay. Reassess. Reprioritize. Give yourself some grace. Then keep moving forward con propósito, paciencia y comunidad. 🤎 Grab your cafecito and join us for our first conversation back. What is ONE routine you’re ready to bring back? #CorporateCafecito #LatineProfessionals #CareerGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #LatineCommunity 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.

  4. Jun 16

    S9 E18 - You Are Not Starting From Nothing

    Can we talk about how hard it is to get that first “real” job right now? 🎓☕️ Because honestly, it is not the same world many of us walked into. This week on Corporate Cafecito, we  started with a simple question: What advice would we give our younger selves? But the more we talked, the more we realized that our advice has to be different now. Graduates today are walking into a workplace where entry-level jobs don’t always feel entry-level. The expectations are higher. AI is changing things fast. Salaries are not always matching real life. And that first opportunity can feel so much harder to reach. But I need every graduate to hear this: You are not starting from nothing. 🤎 You come with your story. Your cultura. Your familia. Your comunidad. Your grit. Your lived experience. And yes, all of that matters. So my advice is this: learn the things other people are avoiding. Get comfortable with AI. Practice talking about what you bring to the table. Fix that resume. Go to the events. Ask questions. Let people know who you are. ✨ And when you finally get through that door, please turn around and help the next person behind you. Felicidades to every graduate, every parent, every abuelita, every tía, every tío, and every person who helped make that cap and gown happen. 🎓💐 We are cheering for you. Grab your cafecito and join us this week. ☕️ #CorporateCafecito #LatineProfessionals #LatinaLeadership #FirstGenGrad #RecentGrads #CareerGrowth #CareerAdvice #MentorshipMatters #LatinosInBusiness #LatinasInLeadership #AIInTheWorkplace #NetworkingMatters #CulturaYComunidad #FamiliaFirst #RepresentationMatters 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.

  5. Jun 9

    S9 E17 - Is Fractional Work the New Corporate Safety Net?

    What if the next chapter of your career is not full-time, but fully aligned? In this episode of Corporate Cafecito, Nallely and Carlos are talking about fractional work, what it means, why it is growing, and why so many professionals are starting to see it as more than just a backup plan. Fractional CFOs, COOs, CHROs, consultants, strategists, and operators are stepping into companies for a season, solving real problems, and bringing years of experience without being tied to one permanent role. But let’s be honest, mi gente. This shift comes with both opportunity and concern. For some, fractional work creates freedom, flexibility, and a chance to use your expertise on your own terms. For others, it may feel like another sign that secure corporate jobs are changing. So we’re talking about it all: ✨ What fractional work really means ✨ Why it is becoming more common ✨ How it can help entrepreneurs and small businesses ✨ What to consider before saying yes ✨ Why your resume, skill set, and confidence matter more than ever Because sometimes the next move is not about starting over. Sometimes it is about realizing that what you already know has value. Pour your cafecito, bring your questions, y vámonos. This conversation is one many of us need right now. Watch the full episode at www.corpcafecito.com #CorporateCafecito #LatineProfessionals #CareerGrowth #FractionalWork #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #LatinasInBusiness #LatinosInBusiness #CareerStrategy #CafecitoConPurpose 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.

  6. Jun 2

    S9 E16 - When Strength Comes at a Cost with Michele Garcia

    Michele Garcia is back on Corporate Cafecito, and this conversation goes deeper. So grab your pan dulce, cafecito, y ganas de escuchar una conversación bien buena. ☕🥐 Michele Garcia is back on Corporate Cafecito, and this episode gives us another side of her story. We talked about her work on ABC 20/20 as a true crime subject matter expert, her career as a detective, motherhood, leadership, and her book, Model Detective. What stayed with me was how honest Michele was about the road to getting published. Years of writing. Years of rejection. So many no’s. And then finally, the yes. That is such a real reminder that sometimes success comes after you keep knocking, even when the door keeps closing. And of course, I had to call Michele out a little because she has done so much and still tries to act like it is no big deal. 😂 Michele, it is a big deal. This conversation is honest, funny, intense, and full of corazón. It is about resilience, pressure, motherhood, career, and learning to give ourselves a little more grace. Grab your cafecito and come sit with us for this one. ☕💛 Michele’s website:  https://modeldetectivebook.com/ Her book Model Detective: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GJTRRVFN #CorporateCafecito #MicheleGarcia #ModelDetective #LatinePodcast #WomenInLeadership #TrueCrime #WorkingMoms #Leadership #CareerGrowth #RepresentationMatters #CafecitoConPurpose 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.

  7. May 19

    S9 E 15 You Don’t Need Permission to Belong with Michele Martinez

    ✨☕️ She’s back, and honestly, this conversation stayed with me in such a real way. 🤎 Michele Martinez came back to Corporate Cafecito, and this time we talked about something that so many of us carry quietly: what it feels like to be Latina and not speak Spanish. 🇲🇽💬 That shame. That hesitation. That feeling of wondering if you are “Latina enough” because you were never taught the language, or because you understand more than you can speak, or because someone made you feel small for trying. 🤍 What I loved about this conversation is how honest Michele was about her journey. She shared what it felt like to grow up with a Mexican last name, to have people assume she spoke Spanish, and to feel caught between worlds. Not white enough. Not Mexican enough. Not fully sure where she belonged. And I know she is not the only one who has felt that. 🌎✨ I believe our cultura should never be used as a test. It should be something that brings us closer to each other. We should not shame people for what they were not taught. We should celebrate the effort, the curiosity, the connection, and the desire to come home to community in whatever way that looks like. 🫶🏽🌱 One of the most beautiful parts of this conversation was hearing Michele talk about slowly finding her confidence, sitting with other Latinas at work, and realizing she was welcomed the whole time. Sometimes belonging does not start with everyone else giving you permission. Sometimes it starts with you finally believing, “I belong here too.” ☕️🤎✨ This episode is for anyone who has ever questioned if they were enough. You are. 🤍 You belong in this comunidad. Tu historia importa. Your voice matters. 🗣️✨ Grab your cafecito and join us for this conversation. ☕️ Watch the episode here: www.corpcafecito.com If this episode finds the person who has been quietly wondering if they are “Latina enough,” I hope it reminds them: you are, and you always have been. 🤎✨ #CorporateCafecito #LatineLeadership #LatinaIdentity #Belonging #RepresentationMatters #CultureAndCareer #Comunidad #CafecitoConPurpose 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.

  8. May 12

    S9 E14 - If Not Now, When? Service, Sacrifice, and Choosing Peace with Michele Garcia

    She never left, familia. We just refilled the cafecito.  Michele Garcia stayed with me for part two of our Corporate Cafecito conversation, and I’m so grateful she did. What started as a conversation about her career in law enforcement became something much deeper. We talked about what it means to serve for more than 25 years, to carry the weight of difficult work, to be a Latina in spaces where women were not always expected to lead, and to still find your way with strength, humor, and corazón. Michele opened up about the personal side of the job too. The impact it can have on your health, your family, your sleep, your peace, and the way you start asking yourself what life should look like after giving so much of yourself to your career. One part that really stayed with me was how she talked about mentorship. She saw another young Latina coming up in the department, recognized her potential, and made room for her. Not because she had to, but because she understood what it feels like to be overlooked and what it means when someone finally sees you. That is what lift as you climb really looks like. It is honest. It is powerful. And it is a reminder that our stories matter, especially when they help someone else believe that they belong too. Don't forget to check out her book Model Detective. It’s out now, and she shares her story and what it was really like working those cases. If you want to learn more about her journey, you can visit her website at https://modeldetectivebook.com/. Watch the episode here now: www.corpcafecito.com So, what’s in your cafecito today?  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.

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.