WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk Elaine Lou Cartas

So get this, I am watching The View on ABC, and I see my ex-boss, Mark Daley, talking about his book, Safe, a book about his experience becoming a foster care parent.

Mark was my first boss right after college. He was a Campaign Manager for a candidate in Iowa. And I got a fellowship from Yale to work on the campaign he was managing as a Field Organizer. Mark was the former Communications Director for Hillary Clinton in her 2008 elections, has worked with 30 members of Congress, owned and sold a digital agency here in LA, and worked with various celebrities like Bradley Cooper and John Legend. I’ve always known him as always focused on his career.

And when Mark turned 40, Mark and his husband knew they wanted to be parents. I loved seeing this side of him come out. They considered IVF, private adoption and ultimately decided to become a Foster Care parent. In my most recent podcast episode, Mark shares his journey.

In today's episode we will be talking about his new book; "Safe" where he shares his journey about foster care and how regardless if you want to be a foster care parent or not, the foster care system does impact us.

Mark has shared with me that everyday, 700 children enter the foster care system. That’s 1 child every 2 minutes. And most children are from Indigenous, and Black families.

What We Cover in This Episode:
Understanding the Foster Care System to see if it’s the right fit for youThe Impact of Foster Care on SocietyMark’s personal story of having 2 boys come into their lives, and their challenges with foster parenting including reunification and making sure they do what’s best for the kids’ safetyResources Mentioned:
Subscribe to the Business & Career Diaries Newsletter: elainelou.com/join
Mark Daley’s Book, Safe
Mark’s Instagram: @markdaley00
Mark Daley Website

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to the Business & Career Mastermind: elainelou.com/mastermind
Schedule a Business & Career Audit call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call
Follow the Podcast on Apple: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow the Podcast on Spotify: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

I remember I used to have such a huge problem honoring what I needed, but as we get older we relearn to trust ourselves and our voice.

In my latest podcast episode, I talk with Lidia Galvez, about Reiki, Somatic healing and theta healing. Lidia is a former client and friend, and she does reiki and sound bowl sessions at my retreats.

What We Cover in This Episode:
 A somatic healing exercise you can do on yourselfUnderstanding Different Coping MechanismsExploring Personal and Professional GrowthIf you would like to see how to work with me to create a more sustainable life where you can be more present with yourself and create your own checklist of success that’s not created by society and loved ones, then schedule a complimentary legacy business and career review at elainelou.com/call

Related Podcast Episodes
Episode 47. Scripts and Strategies for Boundaries and Negotiation for WOC Leaders with Accion Opportunity Fund
Episode 37. Dealing with Stress and Burnout as a BIPOC Leader with Nicole Caruth

Resources Mentioned:
Subscribe to the Business & Career Diaries Newsletter: elainelou.com/join
The Pink Crow Shop
Follow Lidia @thepinkcrowshop

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to the Business & Career Mastermind: elainelou.com/mastermind
Schedule a Business & Career Audit call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call
Follow the Podcast on Apple: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow the Podcast on Spotify: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

Some anxiety is survival, but most of my anxiety isn’t that. I have the most anxiety when I’m living a life that doesn’t align with my goals, hopes, and energy. It isn’t about what I’m doing. It’s about what I’m NOT doing.

“Do you like anxiety? Cause I don’t…”

I shared this with Matt Story, Visa VP when he interviewed me about how I’m always brave enough to ask for help and make tough decisions.

I feel like once a decade, I go through an “identity crisis” of wanting to change my definition of success and saying…BYE BYE BYE to others expectations.

You too?

After graduating college during the recession, I became the youngest director for an organization at the age of 22.

Not only was I the youngest, but I was also the ONLY person of color at the decision-making table.

Eventually, I transitioned from working in politics to the nonprofit sector, with the goal of leading a nonprofit organization. That's why I pursued my Master’s in Leadership and Management. However, on the day I graduated, I realized that I actually wanted to start my own coaching business to support women of color and allies.

Even in the past few years, my definition of success and happiness has continued to evolve. I've come to understand that my current definition of “success” is more than just work.

Even on Monday, I went over my numbers (which I do weekly), and I got more clarity on how I just want to bring in 2-4 new clients per month.

This episode is slightly different because I'm being interviewed for my friend's podcast, Matt Story. Matt is the VP of Visa, and his podcast is called "What's Your Story?" It would be a great opportunity to showcase myself and share my story in this interview.

What We Cover in This Episode:
The Impact of Representation in LeadershipAdapting Business Strategies in Changing TimesThe Importance of Storytelling in Legacy BuildingIf you would like to see how to work with me to create a more sustainable life where you can be more present with yourself and create your own checklist of success that’s not created by society and loved ones, then schedule a complimentary legacy business and career review at elainelou.com/call

Resources Mentioned:
Subscribe to the Business & Career Diaries Newsletter: elainelou.com/join

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to the Business & Career Mastermind: elainelou.com/mastermind
Schedule a Business & Career Audit call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call
Follow the Podcast on Apple: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow the Podcast on Spotify: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

I had my first business from 2012 to 2016 as a Fundraising Consultant. I ended it after 4 years because I was done with the ups and downs of owning a business.

Sure, there was shame, BUT my nervous system was so calm that I manifested my dream job and dream boss, with whom I am still good friends to this day.

Maybe YOU are also thinking of ending your business or doing it on the side, and as someone who ended their first business, there’s NO shame in it. It’s about honoring where you’re at.

I’ve been talking to more people who are getting frustrated with their business right now. And there can be different reasons:
The economyElection yearBeing overwhelmed Things that were once working are no longer workingLower cash flow this year than normalHere’s the reality no one is talking about: 2020 and 2021 were an anomaly. Many businesses grew, but it was because we were stuck at home from the pandemic, including mine, that doubled.

But many of us are reevaluating. I want to emphasize that if you feel like it’s only you feeling this way, it’s not. It's rough out here now, and shifting feels like a must.

Even for me, here are some shifts I’m doing:
I’m simplifying my business by only working with 24 clients at one timeLooking for more corporate contracts with companies like LinkedIn with my courses.Recently, I’ve also been approached by a couple of Fortune 500 companies to do executive coaching with their leaders.Whether you're thinking of closing your business, simplifying it, pivoting, or having it on the side, remember, we're all evolving. Life is more than work; it's about experiences and making memories.

This is why my friend and Marketing Strategist Monica Schrock and I had a vulnerable talk about why there were times when we went back to the workforce.

We discuss the impacts of the economy, personal well-being, shifting personal priorities, and honoring each stage of life.

What We Cover in This Episode:
Navigating Business and Personal ChallengesThe Business of Balancing: From Full-Time Jobs to FreelancingBoosting Credibility and Skills in BusinessIf you would like to see how to work with me to create a more sustainable life where you can be more present with yourself and create your own checklist of success that’s not created by society and loved ones, then schedule a complimentary legacy business and career review at elainelou.com/call

Resources Mentioned:
Subscribe to the Business & Career Diaries Newsletter: elainelou.com/join

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to the Business & Career Mastermind: elainelou.com/mastermind
Schedule a Business & Career Audit call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call
Follow the Podcast on Apple: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow the Podcast on Spotify: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

What do people say about you when you leave a Zoom call or physical room?

Why should you even care?

First, you shouldn’t care what other people think.

I’m not talking about being liked. I’m talking about your personal brand. And you might be thinking… Elaine, I have (or want) a full-time job. Why do I need a personal brand?

Personal brands aren’t necessarily social media lifestyle shots and brand partnerships. Although, you know I would take a Target partnership in a heartbeat ;)

A personal brand is the intersection of your skills, your values, and the impression you leave on people everywhere you go. When you have a strong personal brand, your name comes up when you aren’t in the room, and the opportunities start stacking up.

When it comes to your career, a personal brand makes an impact when you’re:
Looking to get a raise/promotionFinding a new job/industryOr getting a new clientFor example, personal branding has led to:
My client getting a $25k raise because she put together a memo of all the things she’s done and exceeded within a year and had colleagues who raved about herWhen another client changed industries, he got a job cause of a referralAnd for my own business, the majority of my clients are referrals AND renewalsI recently interviewed my friend, #GIRLDAD, and Visa's Vice President of Global Brand Partnerships and Advocacy, Matt Story.

Matt is a dedicated husband to an entrepreneur, father, podcast host, investor, and marketer. He is a sneakerhead and loves Peloton and basketball.

In this podcast, Matt shares how:
He used his personal brand to transition from working at P&G (a consumer company whose brands include the deodorant Secret and soaps like Dawn) to working in the financial industry with Visa.He was intentionally finding companies with the right mentors, sponsors, advocates, and peers to help him where he is now, especially as a person of colorHe uses his personal brand to connect with his colleagues and clientsWhat We Cover in This Episode:
Understanding Personal BrandingThe Power of Personal Branding in Building RelationshipsHow the Role of Mentorship and Sponsorship Can Help Build Career ProgressionIf you would like to see how to work with me to create a more sustainable life where you can be more present with yourself and create your own checklist of success that’s not created by society and loved ones, then schedule a complimentary legacy business and career review at elainelou.com/call

Resources Mentioned:
Subscribe to the Business & Career Diaries Newsletter: elainelou.com/join

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to the Business & Career Mastermind: elainelou.com/mastermind
Schedule a Business & Career Audit call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call
Follow the Podcast on Apple: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow the Podcast on Spotify: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_

I had just got a Director position at 24. I was doing 2 jobs and increased fundraising numbers by 500%... I knew I deserved a raise.

I asked my immigrant parents, “How do you ask for a raise?”

They responded, “Just work hard. You’ll get a raise.”

I knew that was not how it worked, so I learned to ask for a raise using these 7 steps.

And guess what!? I got my $12k raise!

Even better, these steps have helped clients land anywhere from $25k salaries to a $300k job!

Asking for a raise is like the DTR talk (Define the Relationship) talk with your employer.

Do they see your worth and value?

And if you don't receive the raise, it will empower you to realize it’s time to leave.

What We Cover in This Episode:
The 7-Step Guide to Asking for a RaiseWhat to Do If You Don't Get a RaiseThe Importance of Advocating for YourselfIf you would like to see how to work with me to create a more sustainable life where you can be more present with yourself and create your own checklist of success that’s not created by society and loved ones, then schedule a complimentary legacy business and career review at elainelou.com/call

Resources Mentioned:
Subscribe to the Business & Career Diaries Newsletter: elainelou.com/join

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to the Business & Career Mastermind: elainelou.com/mastermind
Schedule a Business & Career Audit call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call
Follow the Podcast on Apple: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow the Podcast on Spotify: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk
Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color