Just What I Needed

Dr. Esther Zeledon and Dr. Paul Rivera
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Welcome to "Just What I Needed," where Esther and Paul, the dynamic duo behind Be Act Change, bring you a podcast that's as heartwarming as it is transformative. Whether you're a changemaker, social entrepreneur, or simply someone with a big heart, this show is your go-to source for inspiration and actionable insights. Join us as we explore the power of authenticity, the impact of small actions, and the interconnectedness of our world. With a blend of humor, real-life stories, and expert advice, each episode is designed to help you become the strongest, most authentic version of yourself. Tune in for a journey of growth, empowerment, and change. Let's make a difference together!

Episodes

  1. EP007 Just What I Needed: LEADERSHIP (ft. Renzo del Castillo)

    2D AGO

    EP007 Just What I Needed: LEADERSHIP (ft. Renzo del Castillo)

    What is a leader, really? Not a title. Not a personality. Not the loudest voice in the room. In this episode, Esther and Paul sit down with Renzo Del Castillo to redefine leadership as a way of being: servant leadership rooted in purpose, empathy, and enabling others to succeed. If you have ever been promoted because you were great at your job, then felt unprepared to lead people, this conversation will land. Leadership is not “doing more.” It is removing obstacles, building psychological safety, and creating conditions where a team can deliver far beyond what one person can do alone. As a preview: Servant leadership as “I work for you” leadership that clears the pathAccountability vs blame, plus guardrails that make learning possibleReady-to-wear vs made-to-measure vs bespoke: why leadership growth must be tailoredThe Disney World moment: the shift from “I do” to “I enable others to do”EQ as trainable, and self-awareness as the foundation of empathyWhy art and poetry deepen empathy, and why empathy is not fluffA coaching moment on authenticity and ambition in a male-dominated workplace: test assumptions and build agency through self-knowledgeThis episode is a blueprint for leaders at any level, including the “leader without a title” who sets the tone, interrupts gossip, and helps the team make the soup together. ABOUT RENZO DEL CASTILLO Renzo Del Castillo is a corporate leader and poet who builds bridges through empathy, discipline, and creation. He is the author of Still (Amazon bestseller), created to keep art accessible, including a low-cost Kindle edition. He also co-hosts Reel Poetry with Scott Raven, spotlighting poets and highlighting poetic movies. Connect with Renzo Instagram: @renzodelcastillo.author LinkedIn: Renzo Del Castillo SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you would like us to answer, if you would like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you would like for us to discuss. Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com Email: hola@beactchange.com THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com Keywords: leadership, servant leadership, emotional intelligence, empathy, psychological safety, leadership development, managing vs leading, accountability culture, workplace culture, authentic leadership, inclusive leadership, coaching leaders #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Leadership #ServantLeadership #EmotionalIntelligence #Empathy #PsychologicalSafety #WorkplaceCulture #AuthenticLeadership #Coaching #TeamLeadership #PersonalGrowth

    1h 37m
  2. EP006 Just What I Needed: PARTNERSHIPS (ft. Alexis Marquez)

    FEB 14

    EP006 Just What I Needed: PARTNERSHIPS (ft. Alexis Marquez)

    Your partner should not be a source of chronic anxiety. Your partner should be a source of momentum. In this episode, Esther and Paul are joined by Alexis Marquez for a wide-ranging conversation about partnerships of every kind: dating, marriage, business partners, clients, teams, mentors, therapists, and family. The throughline is simple: alignment beats performance. We introduce a lens that instantly clarifies compatibility: Rocket vs Anchor. Rockets are driven by growth, variety, big vision, and expansion. Anchors thrive on stability, roots, and local legacy. Neither is better. The problem is pretending they are the same. Misalignment shows up later in the decisions that shape your life: where you live, how you spend holidays, what you build, and how far your dreams want to travel. We also challenge the checklist approach to partnership. Money, titles, and status can look impressive, but they do not tell you how someone handles truth, growth, conflict, and commitment. Values do. Try these questions from the episode: What kind of life am I building, and does this person genuinely want that life too?Would I start a business with this person? If the answer is no, pay attention.Am I hoping they will save me, or am I becoming the person I say I want to be? ABOUT ALEXIS MARQUEZ Alexis Marquez is a coach and systems thinker with a Master’s degree and a background in urban planning and international program management. She specializes in DEIJ leadership and neuro-inclusion, has trained US goverenment teams on best practices for working with neurodiverse populations, and has facilitated 120+ coaching sessions for Foreign Service staff, creating spaces of belonging across cultures and sectors. Her promise to clients is simple: “I got you — I’m your ally, coach, and your safe space to breathe and begin again.” Instagram and TikTok: @TheAlexisMarquez SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you would like us to answer, if you would like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you would like for us to discuss. Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com Email: hola@beactchange.com THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com Keywords: partnerships, values alignment, rocket vs anchor, relationship anxiety, intentional dating, healthy love, business partnerships, hiring by values, client alignment, leadership relationships, therapy fit, coaching relationship, legacy, growth mindset #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Partnerships #ValuesAlignment #RocketAndAnchor #IntentionalDating #HealthyRelationships #BusinessPartnership #Leadership #Coaching #Therapy #Legacy #GrowthMindset

    1h 31m
  3. EP005 Just What I Needed: COMMUNITY (ft. Earl Talbot)

    JAN 9

    EP005 Just What I Needed: COMMUNITY (ft. Earl Talbot)

    We often speak about the journey to a limitless life, but there is a fundamental truth we must acknowledge. You cannot build a skyscraper on an island. To truly thrive, you need a foundation of genuine support. You need a community that sees you, values you, and propels you forward. Finding deep connection today can feel elusive. That is why we are thrilled to welcome Earl Talbot to kick off 2026 with the energy we all need. Earl is a true guide to "soulpreneurship" and a master of intentional community building. In this episode, we move beyond surface level connection to explore the mechanics of belonging. We unpack the shift from viewing community as a transaction (what you can get) to a contribution (how you can serve). Earl challenges us to distinguish between our "North Star" and our "North Pole." The North Star is the visible aspiration, while the North Pole is the invisible magnetic pull of intuition. We also explore the "Round Table" and how to choose the few key advisors who sit in the front row of your life, not just to agree with you, but to hold you to your highest standard. If you are navigating change, feeling the "slump" of uncertainty, or ready to shift from passive participant to active creator of your tribe, this conversation offers the blueprint you have been looking for. ABOUT EARL TALBOT Earl is a solopreneur and founder of Creative Muscle, helping corporate citizens and solopreneurs live on purpose. With 25+ years across tech sales and management consulting, he supports digital and cultural transformation for multinational clients, partnering with C-suite leaders to deliver measurable results. A certified NLP trainer, Earl blends modern tools with ancient wisdom, and has coached and mentored people since co-facilitating his first wellbeing retreat in 2002. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you'd like us to answer, if you'd like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you'd like for us to discuss. Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com Email: hola@beactchange.com SEO Keywords: community, belonging, intentional community, soulpreneurship, purpose, mentorship, North Star, intuition, Round Table, personal growth Hashtags #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Community #Belonging #Purpose #Soulpreneurship #Mentorship #Intuition #PersonalGrowth #Leadership THEME SONG: "HIGHER" by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Let the vibes lift you up and remind you of your power to rise. Stream "Higher" here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley Discover more music by Kingsley: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast Join the Kingdom for more music, magic, and meaning: Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com

    1h 22m
  4. EP004 Just What I Needed: INSPIRATION (ft. Precious Azuonwu)

    12/31/2025

    EP004 Just What I Needed: INSPIRATION (ft. Precious Azuonwu)

    In this episode of Just What I Needed, Esther and Paul sit down with Precious Azuonwu to trace his journey from one of Africa’s largest slums to the forefront of global entrepreneurship. Precious shares how his father’s commitment to education, plus a resilient mindset, helped him transform adversity into a mission for systemic change. We explore the birth of Bankable Wisdom, a platform built to bridge the opportunity gap for young people through high demand digital skills. The conversation also dives into core pillars of success: leveraging education, using storytelling to unlock doors, and grounding ambition in service. Precious offers a practical roadmap for change makers by highlighting the power of community support and the courage to embrace your unique narrative. You will hear how to cultivate a growth mindset and turn raw talent into bankable assets in today’s digital economy. ABOUT: Precious Azuonwu | Founder of Bankable Wisdom Precious Azuonwu is an impact entrepreneur and digital strategist focused on tackling Africa’s youth unemployment crisis. Known as “Emperovial,” he founded Bankable Wisdom at age 23 and scaled it into a workforce development engine that has empowered 75,000 users across 30 African countries. His work centers on Strategic Systems Development, Sustainable Resource Optimization, and Collaborative Community Empowerment to bridge the gap between raw talent and global opportunity. A 2024 Western Union Foundation Fellow and member of the Forbes Black Community, Precious has educated 15,000+ students globally and mentors for the Tony Elumelu Foundation. Through partnerships with Google and the Ford Foundation, he continues transforming marginalized youth into bankable assets within the global digital economy. LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/preciousazuonwu Instagram: https://instagram.com/financialemperovial Facebook: https://facebook.com/preciousazuonwu Book: https://www.amazon.com/Read-Change-Inspiring-Generation-Readers-ebook/dp/B01F5JOY0W Company: https://bankablewisdom.com SEO Keywords: inspiration, Precious Azuonwu, Bankable Wisdom, youth unemployment, Africa, digital skills, entrepreneurship, workforce development, growth mindset, storytelling, opportunity gap, global careers Hashtags #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Inspiration #Entrepreneurship #BankableWisdom #DigitalSkills #GrowthMindset #Storytelling #YouthEmpowerment #WorkforceDevelopment #Africa #ImpactEntrepreneur SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com Email: hola@beactchange.com THEME SONG "HIGHER" by Kingsley This original song "Higher" was written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Let the vibes lift you up and remind you of your power to rise. Stream "Higher" Discover more genre-bending, soul-stirring music by Kingsley. Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com

    1h 32m

  5. 12/23/2025

    EP003 Just What I Needed: BOUNDARIES

    Welcome to Episode 3 of Just What I Needed with Esther and Paul, where we coach the brave next step forward using the questions people carry quietly every day. Today we tackle a fear almost everyone has felt: “I know I need boundaries, but I’m afraid of what will happen if I set them. How do I say no without feeling like the bad guy?” In this episode, we make boundaries feel practical, human, and even freeing. We break down a key distinction: a limit is the hard line (yes or no). A boundary is your space, and you are the gatekeeper deciding what gets access to your time, energy, money, and emotional bandwidth. We also name the hidden cost of not setting boundaries: resentment that builds until you hit a boiling point, then withdraw, then repeat the cycle. If you have ever wondered why you feel exhausted or quietly irritated with people you love, this conversation will click. You will learn how to: Pause the automatic yes with “Let me sit on it” and reply after 24 hoursOffer a redirection instead of a shutdown: “I can help this way, not that way”Reinforce boundaries with action, including not responding when neededNotice when seasons change, and adjust boundaries without guiltSpot extractive dynamics and shift your giving toward relationships that grow with it And yes, we use a surprisingly powerful metaphor: pizza toppings. When you tell people what you like and what you do not, you are not being difficult. You are making it easier to love you well. If you want to keep your sparkle and protect your peace, press play. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you would like us to answer, if you would like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you would like for us to discuss. Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com Email: hola@beactchange.com CONTACT RUBY GARCIA Shout-out to Ruby Garcia, a great friend and incredible coach who specializes in helping people set and enforce boundaries. Connect via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubygarcia/ THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com SEO Keywords: setting boundaries, boundaries without guilt, how to say no, people pleasing, resentment, emotional boundaries, limits vs boundaries, healthy relationships, communication, burnout prevention, self respect Hashtags #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Boundaries #SettingBoundaries #SayNoWithoutGuilt #PeoplePleasing #HealthyRelationships #SelfRespect #EmotionalWellbeing #PersonalGrowth #BurnoutPrevention

    56 min

  6. 12/23/2025

    EP002 Just What I Needed: RESILIENCE

    If 2025 humbled you, shook your confidence, or forced you to rebuild from the ground up, this episode is for you. Esther and Paul respond to a powerful listener question: “You look fearless. How did you get over your fears?” What most people did not see behind the travel photos is the truth: 2025 hit hard. After months of planning and securing major contracts, everything collapsed in late January, and Esther and Paul found themselves face to face with the fear most of us carry under the surface: what if the worst case scenario actually happens? In this candid conversation, they break resilience down into something real, not performative. You will hear why “do it scared” is not a slogan, it is a practice. Why fear is data, not a verdict. And why worst case scenario thinking can be reframed as a strength when you learn to work with it, not drown in it. Key takeaways from the episode: Resilience starts with permission to grieve, plus a time boundary so you do not live inside the spiralesther Name the fear on paper, then test which fears are true and which are storiesShift from panic to service: when your horizon expands beyond you, clarity returnsExpect the math: 95% no, 5% yes, and keep moving anyway (even if it takes 1,200 asks)Trust your intuition, and look for “the gray,” not the false choice of all or nothingMeasure resilience as recovery: high stress with low recovery is the danger zone They also share the unexpected pivot that followed: showing up publicly, choosing service, and supporting mission-driven professionals through career transitions with practical tools, coaching, and deep humanity. Your reflection prompt for the end of the year: write down the thing you have been postponing, list the fears attached to it, and take one small step to test what is possible. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU! Let us know if you have a question you would like us to answer, if you would like to appear on the show, or if you have a topic you would like for us to discuss. Find us: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com Email: hola@beactchange.com THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com SEO Keywords: resilience, how to overcome fear, do it scared, worst case scenario thinking, intuition, recovery, burnout, grief and growth, service mindset, career pivot, purpose, courage Hashtags #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #Resilience #OvercomingFear #DoItScared #Intuition #GrowthMindset #PurposeDriven #BurnoutRecovery #EmotionalWellbeing #Courage #Values

    50 min

  7. 12/23/2025

    EP001 Just What I Needed: BEGINNINGS

    Welcome to the very first episode of Just What I Needed. We are Esther and Paul, founders of BeActChange, and this show is our space for honest conversations that help you come back to yourself, take aligned action, and make the impact you are here to make. We have wanted to launch a podcast for years, and the timing finally feels right. After working with thousands of people and traveling to 100+ countries, we are in a season where we can share what we have learned with clarity, humility, and real-world tools. So who is this podcast for? If you are a change maker, social entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, or founder, you are in the right place. If you are a high achiever with a big heart, also you. If you are a nurse, doctor, caregiver, community member, or simply someone who leads with heart and service, this podcast is for you. In this debut episode, we introduce the essence of BeActChange: Be your authentic self, because that is what creates momentumAct with intention, because action is how possibility becomes realChange the world, because your “small” contribution matters more than you think You will also hear what to expect from the format. This show is built around real questions from real people. Think advice-column energy, but with coaching, laughter, and depth. Some episodes will feature guests, and some will be just us, but the promise stays the same: each episode aims to be just what you need, right when you need it. We also share why we care so much about the “inner work.” Personal growth is not fluff. It is often the bottleneck to any kind of progress, whether you are leading a team, building a venture, navigating conflict, or trying to create community change. When you get clear on who you are and how you want to show up, your leadership, relationships, and impact shift with you. SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS! This show is for YOU. If you have a question, want us to coach on a topic, or want to appear on the show, reach out: Instagram: @be.act.change Website: beactchange.com Email: hola@beactchange.com THEME SONG “HIGHER” by Kingsley Written and performed by Kingsley exclusively for the podcast. Stream “Higher” here: https://www.iamkingsley.com/higher-by-kingsley More music: kingsleymusic.bandcamp.com/track/higher-awaken-the-trailblazer-within-podcast Instagram: @yokingsleymusic Website: iamkingsley.com Keywords: Just What I Needed podcast, BeActChange, Esther and Paul, change makers, social entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, purpose, authentic self, personal growth, coaching podcast, service leadership, making a difference #JustWhatINeeded #Podcast #BeActChange #ChangeMakers #SocialEntrepreneur #NonprofitLeadership #Authenticity #PersonalGrowth #Purpose #ServiceLeadership #Coaching

    10 min
  • 7 Episodes

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Welcome to "Just What I Needed," where Esther and Paul, the dynamic duo behind Be Act Change, bring you a podcast that's as heartwarming as it is transformative. Whether you're a changemaker, social entrepreneur, or simply someone with a big heart, this show is your go-to source for inspiration and actionable insights. Join us as we explore the power of authenticity, the impact of small actions, and the interconnectedness of our world. With a blend of humor, real-life stories, and expert advice, each episode is designed to help you become the strongest, most authentic version of yourself. Tune in for a journey of growth, empowerment, and change. Let's make a difference together!

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Esther Zeledon and Dr. Paul Rivera
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Dr. Esther Zeledon and Dr. Paul Rivera