Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado

Episode #123. In this episode, I'm joined by Gloria Chou, award-winning PR strategist and host of the Small Business PR Podcast. Gloria shares her incredible journey from being a U.S. diplomat—on track for a stable, prestigious career—to taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship.

Gloria opens up about the fears, mindset shifts, and limiting beliefs she had to confront along the way. From cold-pitching journalists without PR experience to building a thriving community of female founders, she proves that you don't need connections to make an impact—you just need the right approach.

We dive into the mindset shifts required for reinvention, the power of letting go of limiting beliefs, and why sometimes, the best career moves aren't the most conventional.

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating career pivots, entrepreneurship, or simply wondering if there's something more out there for them.

Tune in for an inspiring discussion on trusting your path, embracing reinvention, and building a career that aligns with your purpose.

Connect with Gloria Chou:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Connect with Lupe:

• Website
• Instagram

Episode #122. In this episode, I'm joined by Sarah Catherine "SC" Perot, author of Styles of Joy and adjunct faculty at Vanderbilt University. SC opens up about her transition from law to teaching, sparked by a deep love for storytelling and a desire to live more authentically.

SC shares how a playlist, a Harry Styles concert, and acts of kindness inspired her to reclaim joy during life's toughest moments. SC reflects deeply on how grief shaped her perspective on life. She describes joy not as an elusive destination but as something we can actively seek—even in the smallest, most unexpected moments. SC's vulnerability and insight remind us of the power of connection, community, and embracing what lights us up.

Tune in for an uplifting and inspiring conversation about finding joy, embracing change, and leaning into life's unexpected turns.

Connect with SC Perot:

• Website
• Instagram
• Buy 'Styles of Joy' by SC Perot

Connect with Lupe:

• Website
• Instagram

Episode #121. In this episode, I sit down with Simon Perschbacher, owner of Simon Perschbacher Wooden Works, to explore his inspiring journey from a small town in Germany to building a thriving woodworking business in Catskill, NY. Simon shares how starting small but thinking big shaped his approach to both his craft and his life.

From starting small and building skills one project at a time to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Simon offers insights on quality craftsmanship and staying grounded. Plus, he reflects on what it's like to train someone completely new to woodworking—and how anyone can start their own creative journey.

Simon's practical advice, rooted in his own journey, is a reminder that anyone—regardless of age or background—can learn new skills if they approach it with curiosity and patience. His story is a testament to following your passion while keeping your goals in perspective.

Whether you're dreaming of building a business or picking up a new hobby, this conversation will leave you inspired to take the first step—no matter how small.

Connect with Simon Perschbacher:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Connect with Lupe:

• Website
• Instagram

Episode #120. In this inspiring episode of Paid Vocation, I chat with Monica Lira Bravo, founder and managing attorney of Lira Bravo Law.

Monica opens up about her journey of overcoming challenges and building a life of service - from the resilience instilled by her parents' migrant experience to the joy she finds in reuniting families through immigration law.

She explains why finding work that fulfills you is essential, how failure can lead to growth, and the importance of giving back. Her dedication to serving her community is a powerful reminder that each of us has the capacity to make an impact. If you're seeking purpose, this conversation is for you.

Tune in and discover how to create a life—and career—filled with meaning.

Connect with Monica Lira Bravo:

• Website
• LinkedIn

Connect with Lupe:

• Website
• Instagram

Episode #119. In this episode of Paid Vocation, I sit down with Assia Mahmood, the entrepreneur behind Windhaven Academy.

Assia shares her inspiring journey from corporate life to creating a childcare center with heart and purpose. As a mother herself, Assia knew she wanted to build a space that truly supports working moms, offering more than just care for kids, but a community for families. She talks candidly about the challenges of entering the industry with no experience, navigating a pandemic, and learning along the way.

Driven by her passion for creating a better childcare experience for working moms, she also authored the children's book, My First Day of Daycare, to support families during pivotal transitions.

Assia's story reminds us to trust our instincts, lean on our support networks, and never lose sight of our vision. Tune in to hear how passion and persistence help brought her dream to life.

Connect with Assia Mahmood:

• Website
• Website-Windhaven Academy
• Instagram

Connect with Lupe:

• Website
• Instagram

Episode #118. In this heartfelt episode of Paid Vocation, I sit down with writer and art gallery owner Sarah Gormley to explore the profound themes of love, grief, and the transformative power of community. Sarah shares the deeply personal journey that led her to write her memoir, The Order of Things: A Memoir About Chasing Joy including how the loss of her mother was both heartbreaking and healing. We explore the unexpected gratitude that comes with grief, the strength borrowed from loved ones, and the beauty of a supportive community.

Sarah's story is a powerful reminder of the resilience found in human connections, the joy that can emerge even from life's most challenging experiences, and the importance and following our passions.

Tune in to be inspired by Sarah's story and reflect on how we can all prioritize the relationships and passions that bring us joy.

Connect with Sarah Gormley:

• Website
• Website (Gallery)
• Instagram
• Buy The Order of Things: A Memoir About Chasing Joy

Connect with Lupe:

• Website
• Instagram

Episode #117. In this inspiring episode of Paid Vocation, I sit down with Grace Griffith, a talented copywriter and messaging strategist who specializes in crafting trust-building content for small businesses.

Grace shares her journey from dreaming of being a singer-songwriter to finding her true calling in copywriting. We explore how her love for storytelling and creativity evolved into a passion for helping businesses connect with their audiences through empathetic and impactful messaging.

Her story is a testament to the power of following one's creative instincts and the importance of supportive relationships in achieving success.

Tune in for a heartwarming conversation filled with insights on balancing ambition, creativity, and family life.

Connect with Grace Griffith:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Connect with Lupe:

• Website
• Instagram

Episode #116. This week on the podcast, I sat down with Elle Evans, an anesthesiologist and academic researcher by day, and a writer by night, who shares the emotional rollercoaster of her writing journey publishing under a not-so-secret pen name.

Elle delves into the intrinsic joy she finds both in her day job and pouring her soul into her writing, emphasizing the importance of cultivating an expansive life outside the hospital.

In this episode, she vulnerably recounts the challenges she faced, including the exhaustion of countless rejections and the inner turmoil of questioning whether to continue pursuing her dream.

Despite facing numerous setbacks and doubts, Elle persevered through the process of submissions and revisions, supported by her unwavering determination and the steadfast encouragement of her loved ones.

Tune in to hear how Elle navigates her dual identities and be inspired to chase your dreams, no matter how diverse they may be.

Connect with Elle Evans:

• Website
• Instagram
• Buy Wedding Issues by Elle Evans

Connect with Lupe:

• Website
• Instagram

Episode #115. In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Kelly Simants, an HR expert with over 25 years of experience, who shares her remarkable story of resilience. Kelly recounts the pivotal moment when her husband's accident turned their lives upside down and how she became the family's primary breadwinner.

From running a successful wedding planning business to returning to corporate HR and starting a resume writing service, Kelly's journey is a powerful testament to adaptability and strength.

Listen in for her insights on navigating career transitions, the crucial role of community, and the power of stretching beyond your comfort zone. This episode is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone navigating life's unexpected challenges that will inspire you to face challenges head-on and find new paths in your professional life.

Connect with Kelly Simants:

• Website (podcast)
• LinkedIn
• Instagram

Connect with Lupe:

• Website
• Instagram

Episode #114. In this episode, we're joined by the incredible Ellen Yin, founder & host of Cubicle to CEO®️.

Ellen's journey from corporate cubicle to entrepreneurial success is nothing short of inspiring. In our chat, she challenges the notion that planning alone paves the path to success. Instead, Ellen urges us to embrace action as the true catalyst for clarity.

As she eloquently puts it, "Action is what creates clarity, not planning." Ellen reminds us that every venture, whether personal or professional, comes with its share of uncertainty. But it's through action, through taking those initial leaps, that we gain invaluable insights and ultimately soar to new heights.

Ellen's words on embracing uncertainty really resonated, offering practical lessons in resilience.

Join us on this journey of embracing discomfort and rejection, as essential steps for our journey toward success.

Connect with Ellen Yin:

• Website (personal)
• Website (podcast)
• Instagram

Connect with Lupe:

• Website
• Instagram