The Adults' Table

In this week’s bonus episode, I talked about my focus with this podcast since starting season 2, which is to interview more Latinos and more immigrants and share the things we know and think about, not just where we’re from. We belong at the table.

From Au Pair to Director at Kendo Brands (Fenty), Priscila Pires shares her journey of starting over in the U.S., navigating career detours, and the resilience many immigrants carry in silence.

We explore what it means to integrate without assimilating, how career “detours” can become advantages, and why reconnecting with your roots can be a source of power.

A deeply honest conversation about belonging, ambition, community, and becoming more yourself over time.

00:43 Introducing Priscila Pires: A Journey of Courage02:15 Navigating Life as an Immigrant in the US06:05 Starting Over: The Au Pair Experience14:42 Building a Career in Corporate America23:47 Overcoming Stereotypes and Embracing Identity27:39 Rediscovering Brazilian Roots32:49 Embracing Spirituality44:19 Impact of Brazilian Culture on Relationships48:28 Advice for Immigrants in Corporate America

About Priscila

Priscila Pires is a Senior Sourcing Director at Kendo Brands (Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Fenty Hair), with a global career spanning L’Oréal , Huda Beauty, and Shiseido.

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TO be bored doesn’t mean to lose time. We’ve become obsessed with being constantly stimulated and productive. But the truth is that you can find a lot of inspiration, fun, and fulfillments in moments that you’re not being “productive”.

In today’s episode, and the first of a series of weekly solo episodes that I’ll be launching every Friday, I talk about how I’m changing my relationship with my free time/boredom.

How do you deal with these moments in your life?

Ever feel like you're not confident enough to go after what you want? What if confidence isn't something you're born with, it's something you build?

In this episode, Renata Koch Alvarenga, a climate leader, Harvard-trained public policy expert, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, and the first young Brazilian to speak at the UN Commission on the Status of Women, shares how she shows up in rooms that weren't built for her.

Discover practical tips and inspiring anecdotes that will help you build self-confidence, regardless of societal expectations and external pressures.

02:11 Renata's Background

03:41 Self-Confidence is Political

06:50 Navigating Public Speaking and Self-Doubt

11:04 Balancing Authenticity and Professionalism

24:01 Dealing with Failure and Seeking Validation

29:51 Exploring Professional Identity Beyond Work

30:20 Navigating Work-Life Balance and Personal Identity

33:06 The Impact of Age and  Challenges of Youth in Professional Spaces

40:49 Overcoming Structural Barriers and Gatekeeping

43:51 The Journey of Self-Confidence and Vulnerability

47:58 Embracing Childhood Boldness and Unapologetic Dreams

53:03 Final Thoughts on Belonging and Transformation

Find Renata on:

https://www.instagram.com/renatakochalvarenga/

https://linkedin.com/in/renatakochalvarenga

Learn more about EmpoderaClima, Renata's NGO https://www.empoderaclima.org/

https://www.instagram.com/empoderaclima/

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Running is hard. Life is hard. What if learning to handle one teaches you to handle the other?

In this episode, Rachel Allworth – a running coach who teaches everyday people to search for discomfort instead of avoiding it – shares why doing hard things builds the mental strength you need for everything else.

Rachel's insights on mental strength, goal-setting, and the importance of facing fears are invaluable for anyone looking to reinvent themselves. Whether you're an aspiring runner or just looking for life-changing advice, this episode is for you!01:32 The Hard Truth About Running03:23 Breaking Down the Hard: Strategies for Beginners05:28 The Mental and Physical Benefits of Running10:05 Rachel's Journey: From Non-Runner to Coach19:37 Overcoming Excuses and Building Consistency23:00 Misconceptions About Running24:50 Life Lessons from Running26:19 Reinventing Yourself After Life Changes33:15 Mindset and Tips for Marathon Runners39:11 Embracing the Hard to Improve

Learn more about Rachel's Runners:

https://rachelsrunners.com/

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https://www.instagram.com/rachels_runners/?hl=en

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Feeling lost in your career path? Wondering if it's possible to switch lanes and find fulfillment in something new?

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ana Clara Gontijo, a multidimensional entrepreneur who transitioned from fashion buying in Norway to jewelry product management and is now taking a leap to follow her passion.

Discover how she navigated career challenges, the importance of extracting knowledge from every experience, and the courage it takes to pursue your dreams. 04:08 Understanding the Role of a Fashion Buyer06:57 Transitioning to Jewelry: New Challenges and Discoveries08:12 Moving to Norway and Career Growth19:54 Work Mindset in Norway vs. the U.S/Brazil29:31 Self-Esteem and Independence34:44 Facing the Fear of Change35:09 The Illusion of Job Security46:49 Extracting Value from Every Job57:15 How to Show Your Passion Over Experience in Job Interviews

Find Ana Clara Gontijo on social media:

https://www.instagram.com/anaclaragontijo/

https://www.tiktok.com/@anaclaramgontijo

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Watch this episode with auto-generated subtitles on YouTube.

Born in João Pessoa, Brasil, Rebeca Nepomuceno is a fashion designer who has been bringing her brand to life since 2013, reflecting her many creative facets. Rebeca found in wedding dresses a unique way of telling stories, using lines, textures and shapes to communicate emotions and establish deep connections.

In this episode, she brought to the table one of my favorite topics: authenticity.

From her early aspirations to studying fashion in Australia, Rebecca shares her journey of embracing authenticity in both her personal and professional life.

This episode explores the courage needed to stay true to oneself, the importance of saying no, and balancing various facets of life.

Perfect for anyone on a journey to self-discovery and authenticity.01:28 Family Influence and Early Life03:18 Navigating Adolescence and Authenticity05:48 Career Beginnings and Challenges11:48 The Australian Experience18:12 Balancing Multiple Roles21:54 Overcoming Self-Doubt23:03 Navigating Social Media Insecurities25:23 The Importance of Authenticity in Wedding Dress Design37:06 The Role of Therapy and Marriage42:32 Final Thoughts on Authenticity and Courage

Rebeca Nepomuceno Bridal | Custom and prêt-à-porter

https://rebecanepomuceno.com/en

https://www.instagram.com/rebecanepomuceno/

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*Ouça este episódio com legendas em português no YouTube

Ever feel like you're either doing nothing for your health or trying to do everything at once? That "all-or-nothing" mentality might be exactly what's keeping you stuck.

Manoella Campello is a dietitian who ditched diet culture to focus on balance, behavior, and food freedom – proving you can be healthier without restriction.

In this episode, she brought her perspective on nutrition to the table.

She explained why restrictive diets backfire, why willpower is a myth, and how to build sustainable eating habits without guilt or deprivation.

You'll learn:

• Why restriction leads to overeating (and how to break the cycle)
• How to eat what you love without losing control
• Why shortcuts don't work (and what does)
• How to track progress beyond the scale

If you're tired of yo-yo dieting and feeling guilty every time you eat, this conversation will shift how you think about food and your body.

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https://manoellacampello.com.br/

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Keywords: healthy eating without dieting, intuitive eating, sustainable weight loss, food freedom, anti-diet approach, how to stop overeating

Welcome back to The Adults' Table and happy 2026!

Join us for the first episode of Season 2 as we reflect on Season 1 and discuss the importance of starting new projects, setting realistic goals, and embracing failure as part of the journey.

Tune in to hear valuable insights and practical advice on how to break down larger goals into manageable steps and celebrate small milestones.

This season, we're exploring what our guests bring to the table and diving deep into conversations led by their personal passions and experiences.

Don't miss out on this inspiring start to the new season!00:00 Welcome to Season Two!01:05 Reflecting on Season One02:06 Breaking Down Goals06:43 Embracing Imperfection08:58 Learning from Mistakes12:07 The Importance of Starting14:10 What to Expect in Season Two15:17 Thank You and Final Thoughts

In the final episode of the year, Fernanda shares practical strategies for setting and achieving your goals in 2026.

Emphasizing the importance of realistic planning, the episode discusses the significance of understanding your limited time, energy, and resources. It also provides insights into focusing on what truly matters and being willing to pay the price for achieving your objectives, as well as practical tips to ensure you're on track throughout the year.

Season 2 launches in two weeks to kickstart your new year with the best energy and attitude!00:00 Exciting Announcements for 2026 and Beyond00:28 Setting Realistic Goals01:50 The Importance of Accepting Limitations04:02 Prioritizing What Truly Matters06:10 Creating a Focused and Achievable List11:12 Turning Intentions into Actions12:01 Daily Practices for Staying on Track16:04 Simple Yet Effective Task Management18:39 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for 2026