What We Made Possible

On today’s episode, I’m sitting down with my longtime friend, Noilyn Mendoza.

We dive into what it really looks like to listen to your spirit when the work you’ve poured yourself into starts to become unsustainable. What's it like when burnout, duty, and big moments (like the 2016 election) force you to ask: are you living in alignment, or just going through the motions? Noylin shares so openly about her own decade-long journey of unlearning, the ways motherhood cracked her heart wide open, and what it means to root possibility in ancestral resilience, even when headlines make hope feel scarce.

There’s wisdom here about the hard moments: feeling lost, the heaviness of grief, and reckoning with identity and purpose when the systems around us falter. But there’s also lightness: laughter, reconnecting with community and culture, and discovering that sometimes healing is as simple (and revolutionary) as stepping outside, touching the earth, letting yourself rest, and being witnessed by people who care.

Noylin reminds us that transformation doesn’t always look like striving; sometimes it’s about slowing down, honoring our dignity, and remembering that building a better future means tending to ourselves and each other, right here and now.

About Noilyn Mendoza:

Noilyn Mendoza is a certified life and leadership coach, a savvy business and organizational strategist, and a Professional Pranic Healer. But her real title? She calls herself a "Soul Purpose Coach." Noilyn specializes in supporting changemakers who've lost their way and want to reignite their dreams. She's your bold dream navigator and champion, helping you shift from fear to action so you can start living the life you're truly meant to live. Her journey has taken her through 18 years in the public sector, advocating for immigrant healthcare access in NYC. 

Noilyn knows firsthand how easy it is to put others' needs first and forget about your own dreams. She now guides individuals at a pivotal moment in their lives to imagine again and rediscover their purpose. She's also the host of "Unlock Your Inner Creator," where she dives into enlightening conversations with brave pathfinders who dare to explore fresh ways of living, being, and doing. When she's not empowering people to step into their greatness, Noilyn engages in epic dance-offs with her kids, tends to her burgeoning green thumb, and continues her quest to fill her passport with stamps. She and her family live in sunny Southern California.

Where to find Noilyn:
Website: https://www.theradiantu.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theradiantu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theradiantu
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnlockYourInnerCreator
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noilyn

• Website: https://www.malayasolutions.com
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• Newsletter : https://malaya.myflodesk.com/podcast

On today’s episode [spoiler alert], I imagine what it would be like if Michael the Architect from “The Good Place” walked into a coaching session—clipboards, bow tie, and all. If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll appreciate the twist: Michael starts out as a demon running a torture-based neighborhood but, through a winding journey (and plenty of resets), finds himself wanting to change and lead with care.

This arc is hilarious but also deeply human and, honestly, familiar to so many of us. I see it happen with leaders who entered their work ready to make things better, only to get lost in old patterns of control and perfectionism. Maybe you, too, have found yourself swinging between over-managing and apologizing, longing to lead with purpose but feeling stuck and a bit confused.

I break down five challenges Michael (and real-life leaders) face: moral awakening and identity crisis, leadership confusion, guilt and over-functioning, control and fear of uncertainty, and longing for meaning. Along the way, I share coaching strategies for navigating these transitions—slowing down, building trust, letting go of what you can’t control, and finding real healing.

This episode is an invitation: If you’ve ever felt like you’re living through a cosmic plot twist, wrestling with guilt, or redefining what leadership means for you, you’re not alone. You’re allowed to change and to begin again. 

• Website: https://www.malayasolutions.com
• Book a consult for private coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/private-consult
• Book a consult for team coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/team-coaching-consult
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patti.malaya/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciadayleg/
• Newsletter : https://malaya.myflodesk.com/podcast

On today’s episode of What We Made Possible, I had the privilege of sitting down with Sheila “Shy” Burmistrova, founder and CEO of Narra Collective, the only 100% women and Filipino-owned coworking space in the greater NYC area and Jersey City area. If you’ve ever wondered what it could feel like to belong in a space built around genuine care, community, and Filipino hospitality, this conversation will feel like a warm invitation home.

Shy opens up about the deeply personal journey that led her to create Narra, weaving together experiences of motherhood, immigration, and countless rejections (104 to be exact!) before finally launching her business. We dive into what it means to build something out of need—from feeling isolated as a new mom in a new country, to intentionally crafting a space for BIPOC founders and creatives seeking connection and support.

I loved hearing about how Shy’s approach centers learning by doing, embracing “spaghetti on the wall” experimentation, and listening deeply for what her community truly needs. Whether you’re a woman of color, a parent, or simply someone navigating big transitions, Shy’s story reminds us that “everything is possible”—especially when we move with courage, build meaningful support, and refuse to let setbacks define our path.

This episode is a heartfelt reflection on resilience, clarity, and the incredible transformations that come when we create environments of real belonging. If you’re searching for hope or clarity in your own leadership journey, I invite you to listen in—and remember: sometimes the space we’re searching for is the one we’re called to build ourselves.

About Sheila “Shy” Burmistrova:

Sheila “Shy” Burmistrova is the Founder and CEO of Narra Collective—the only 100% woman- and Filipino-owned coworking space in the greater NYC area. With a background in early-stage startups, operations, and commercial real estate, Shy brings a rare blend of vision and execution to her work—reimagining what workspaces can feel like when built around people, not just productivity.

Centered on community, inclusivity, and Filipino hospitality, Narra exists for creatives, founders, and families often left out of traditional workspaces—and is now home to 80+ members and hundreds of community guests.

Resources mentioned:
Narra Collective’s 1 year anniversary celebration: https://www.joinnarra.com/event/narra-collective-anniversary-luncheon-and-networking

Where to find Shy:
Narra Collective Website: https://www.joinnarra.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narra.collective/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558925484668

• Website: https://www.malayasolutions.com
• Book a consult for private coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/private-consult
• Book a consult for team coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/team-coaching-consult
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patti.malaya/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciadayleg/
• Newsletter : https://malaya.myflodesk.com/podcast

On today’s episode, I’m trying something a little different: I dig into what happens when the places and missions we care about most end up breaking our hearts. Inspired by Sarah Wynn Williams’ memoir Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism, I walk through the personal cost of working inside institutions that say they want to “change the world,” but whose actions betray their people and values.

Sarah’s journey as a global policy leader at Facebook/Meta is raw and relatable for anyone who’s ever tried to do good within a complicated, sometimes harmful system. She came in with so much belief and hope for making change, only to find her ideals slowly chipped away. From being overlooked as a woman and mother to confronting the real-world impact of neglected policies, Sarah’s story is painfully familiar to so many of us working in nonprofits, philanthropy, or social change jobs.

In this conversation, I imagine how I might coach someone like Sarah through three of the hardest challenges: identity disruption, moral injury, and finding your voice again after institutional betrayal. I explore the question: Who am I now, and how do I reconnect to possibility after disappointment?

If you’re wrestling with burnout, guilt, grief, or just feeling stuck in a place that no longer aligns with your values, I hope you’ll hear hope here. We don’t bypass the pain, but we do make room for clarity and self-compassion. You're allowed to change, to rest, and to begin again.

• Website: https://www.malayasolutions.com
• Book a consult for private coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/private-consult
• Book a consult for team coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/team-coaching-consult
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patti.malaya/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciadayleg/

Newsletter : https://malaya.myflodesk.com/podcast

Today, I’m inviting you to settle in with me for a heart-to-heart about leaving well. I know so many of us are sitting with big transitions right now, whether we’ve chosen them or not. If you caught the last episode, you know this is a topic close to my heart. And honestly? With everything happening in the world and in our communities, it’s no wonder so many of us are running on fumes.

I’m sharing from a really personal place in this one. There’s a new dog in my life (yes, total cutie, total upheaval), and it’s reminded me just how much adjusting to change takes from us—physically, emotionally, even spiritually. It got me thinking about how burnout can sometimes sneak in and push us out the door before we’ve had a chance to leave on our own terms. I see it with my clients all the time, and I’ve absolutely felt it myself.

In this episode, I walk through what burnout really looks like: those moments where empathy gets hard, when you feel like nothing you do makes a difference, or when you’re not even sure you recognize yourself. I also guide you through a calming practice that you can try right now, especially if you feel stuck in “battery saver mode.”

If you’re feeling stretched thin or grappling with whether—or how—to move on from your organization, I hope this conversation lands softly for you. You deserve a transition that’s guided by care, not just survival. Let’s get curious, together, about what’s possible on the other side of burnout. What support do you need, right now, to move just one gentle step closer to wholeness? I’d love to hear what resonates.

• Website: https://www.malayasolutions.com
• Book a consult for private coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/private-consult
• Book a consult for team coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/team-coaching-consult
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patti.malaya/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciadayleg/
• Newsletter : https://malaya.myflodesk.com/podcast

On this solo episode of What We Made Possible, I dig deep into an often-overlooked but essential topic: what it really means to leave well in an organization.

Leaving—whether you’re a founder, executive director, or team lead—doesn’t have to be fraught with chaos, confusion, or burnout. I share one of the rare instances from my own career where a leadership transition actually felt healthy and whole, and unpack why it’s so difficult for most organizations to create that sense of trust, clarity, and continuity. If you’ve ever been in a nonprofit or mission-driven space, you know too well how destabilizing it can feel when transition planning is neglected. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

I walk through the ripple effects of “leaving well” (and not-so-well), from the emotional exhaustion of staff to the collective grief and readiness that can actually empower a team when done thoughtfully. Plus, I offer you concrete approaches, from leader coaching to team retreats and integration circles, so you can begin realigning for sustainability, whether you’re preparing to leave or picking up the pieces after a rocky departure.

If you’re craving more stability, transparency, and care in your organization’s transitions, this episode is for you. You’re not alone. Healthy goodbyes are possible, and together we can build cultures that sustain us, not just our missions. If you want to dig deeper or need support, my door (and calendar) are always open.

• Website: https://www.malayasolutions.com
• Book a consult for private coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/private-consult
• Book a consult for team coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/team-coaching-consult
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patti.malaya/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciadayleg/
• Newsletter : https://malaya.myflodesk.com/podcast

On today’s episode, I’m inviting you into a candid conversation with my friend and fellow coach, Betty Chan, all about what we like to call “anti-cringe networking.” If the word “networking” makes you want to shrink into your blazer or bolt from the room, this episode is for you.

Together, Betty and I unpack why traditional networking feels so icky and transactional, especially for those of us who find ourselves code-switching and navigating multiple identities. We question those outdated business school checklists (you know, the ones about pressed collars and perfect elevator pitches) and talk about what it really looks like to build authentic connections—ones rooted in care, curiosity, and community.

I share how my approach to networking is actually about showing up as I am, embracing all the parts of myself, and focusing on relationships rather than cold transactions. You’ll hear about how our upbringings shape the ways we engage with community, and why letting go of performance can reveal powerful possibilities.

If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about what you need from a connection or the next step on your journey, I hope this conversation gives you permission to be transparent, to lead with intention, and to trust that clarity comes from showing up as yourself.

Listen to this episode before your next networking event, and then let it feel natural, nourishing, and even joyful.

About Betty Chan:
Betty Chan is an Authenticity Life Coach, Speaker, and Facilitator supporting individuals and teams to choose who they are becoming. She’s known for turning gentleness into a strength, helping her clients find relationships and success without shrinking who they are.

Where to find Betty:
Website: https://www.heybettychan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachbettychan/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@coachbettychan
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bettychan/
Free 1:1 discovery call to learn about Betty’s coaching: heybettychan.com/coaching
Weekly newsletter: https://coachbettychan.kit.com/88e9ff897f

• Website: https://www.malayasolutions.com
• Book a consult for private coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/private-consult
• Book a consult for team coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/team-coaching-consult
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patti.malaya/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciadayleg/
• Newsletter : https://malaya.myflodesk.com/podcast

On today’s episode, I reconnect with my friend and fellow public health grad school alum, Brenda Umana, a true multi-hyphenate: poet, yogi, writer, and communications pro. We dive into her beautifully winding journey from accountant to creative, and the courage it takes to claim all the titles that make you whole.

Brenda opens up about what a younger version of herself never thought was possible: saying yes to the many layers of identity instead of confining herself to a single box. We chat about the pressures of being first generation—the familiar narrative of honoring family by pursuing “safe” or “practical” roles, and the gentle rebellion it takes to explore paths that light us up, even when they don’t neatly fit someone else’s expectations. Brenda shares how yoga and intuitive listening unlocked doors she didn’t know existed, helping her weave together a life that holds both stability and creativity.

I especially loved Brenda’s reflections on dharma—the idea that our purpose might not always align with our job title or paycheck. And how sometimes, giving yourself the freedom to be more than one thing is exactly what allows you to show up for yourself and your community.

If you’re wrestling with the “shoulds” or seeking permission to be your fullest, multi-faceted self, this episode will meet you right where you are. I invite you to pause and ask: What would it look like to honor all your possibilities? What version of you is waiting for a seat at the table? Let’s explore together.

About Brenda Umana:

Brenda Umana is a multi-hyphenate creative—poet, yogi, writer, and marketing/communications director in the education space. Moving through life with a bi-cultural lens, she embraces many roles, never limited by one title — trusting that with the right intention, each path reveals itself when it’s meant to. Her debut poetry chapbook, Familiar Roots: Tending to Healing Through Poetry, explores generational stories and the journey of self-discovery. Whether guiding meditation, crafting language, or leading teams, Brenda’s work invites others to pause, reflect, and honor themselves. 

Where to find Brenda:
LinkedIn: Brenda Umana, MPH
Substack: https://thecontentmentcorner.substack.com/
Book: Familiar Roots

Resources Mentioned:
The Invitation by Oriah
Burnout by Emily Nagoski PhD and Amerila Nagoski DMA

• Website: https://www.malayasolutions.com
• Book a consult for private coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/private-consult
• Book a consult for team coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/team-coaching-consult
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patti.malaya/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciadayleg/

Newsletter : https://malaya.myflodesk.com/podcast

On today’s episode, I sit down with the incredible Kadjahtou Balde, social entrepreneur, community builder, and founder of Modify, Harlem’s first modest fashion thrift store. Kadjahtou shares her moving journey of taking over her father’s longtime shop and transforming it into a vibrant retail space that's also a living, breathing community hub.

We talk honestly about the surprises and challenges of working with family, especially in immigrant households where legacy, healing, and “building with what you have” are a way of surviving and thriving. Kadjahtou opens up about learning to honor both her father’s wisdom and her own vision, blending intergenerational knowledge and modern sustainability practices. One of the most beautiful parts of our conversation is exploring how Islam grounds her in patience, compassion, and the drive for community-centered abundance.

What struck me most is how Kadjahtou is redefining wealth, not just in dollars, but in resourcefulness, deep relationships, and collective care. She speaks openly about launching Modify shortly after giving birth, fundraising with limited resources, and learning to give herself the grace to move at her own pace.

I invite you to listen in and ask yourself: What could become possible if I trusted my own resourcefulness, my people, and the wisdom of those who came before me?

About Kadjahtou Balde:

Kadjahtou Balde is a social entrepreneur, community builder, and the founder of Modify—a Harlem-based thrift shop reimagining modest fashion through sustainability and accessibility. She is also the Founder and Executive Director of Faithfully Sustainable, which offers faith-rooted, capacity-building programs that inspire Muslims to adopt environmentally conscious practices and build community-centered economic systems.

Before launching her own ventures, Kadjahtou served as a Program Manager for Entrepreneur Development with the New York State Small Business Division, where she helped deliver millions of dollars in funding and support to small business owners across the state.

Rooted in her experience as the daughter of immigrants and now a mother herself, Kadjahtou’s work is guided by a vision of legacy, healing, and community self-sufficiency. She builds with what’s available, leads with intention, and creates spaces that reflect care, dignity, and collective resilience.

Where to find Kadjahtou Balde:
Instagram: @kadjahtou, @modifythriftshop, @faithfully.sustainable 

 
Website: Modify Thrift Shop

• Website: https://www.malayasolutions.com
• Book a consult for private coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/private-consult
• Book a consult for team coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/team-coaching-consult
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patti.malaya/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciadayleg/
• Newsletter: https://malaya.myflodesk.com/podcast

On today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my own rebrand and inviting you into a deeply personal conversation on authentic leadership, especially in a world where so many of us still feel pressure to fit in, perform, or wear an “emotional support blazer” just to belong.

This is the first time I’m sharing the heart behind Malaya Solutions: why I chose freedom over assimilation, how my intergenerational roots and my ever-supportive mom became central to my visual identity, and why a humble pineapple (yes, really!) can represent both the pain and power of reclaiming our stories. I talk about leading through turbulent times, like the recent federal spending bill that challenges our sector, and ask: what does it mean to guide our communities from a place of legacy, not just personal achievement?

If you’re wondering how to show up as your full self in your work, and questioning which parts of “professionalism” or leadership you might be ready to unlearn, I hope my stories offer both clarity and hope. You do not have to perform to lead powerfully. You can root your leadership in family, history, resistance, and joy.

Let’s reflect together: What would your leadership look like if it didn’t require a costume? What parts of your lineage or culture are you ready to reclaim? I invite you to listen in, lean into your own evolution, and imagine what’s possible when we lead from who we truly are.

• Website: https://www.malayasolutions.com
• Book a consult for private coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/private-consult
• Book a consult for team coaching: https://tidycal.com/malayame/team-coaching-consult
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patti.malaya/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patriciadayleg/
• Newsletter : https://malaya.myflodesk.com/podcast