Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado

Episode #132. In this episode, I sit down with Terry Kezoh and Jeanine Stanislaus, co-founders of S.S.K. (LABS), to talk about what it really looks like to build something from the ground up—while still working full-time. We talk about courage, pivoting from paths that don't fit, and how small steps—those "planted seeds"—can grow into something bigger than you imagined. They share how they turned...

Episode #131. In this episode, I'm joined by artist, author, and creative director Kate Schelter —whose watercolor work, brand vision, and book Classic Style: Hand It Down, Dress It Up, Wear It Out have inspired so many to create on their own terms. Kate shares how curiosity—not certainty—has guided her from the fashion world to art and design, and why taking small, honest actions can transform th...

Episode #130. In this episode, I'm joined by Mita Mallick , Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Reimagine Inclusion and The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses . Mita shares her winding path from marketing executive to full-time writer and changemaker, and the lessons she's learned about leadership, inclusion, and the courage to leave what no longer fits. We...

Episode #129. In this episode, I'm joined by Rae Liu—co-founder and creative director of Leatherology, a brand known for redefining everyday luxury through craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Rae shares how her path from early career pivots to building a values-driven company, shaped the way she leads, creates, and lives. We talk about what it means to build something for the long run, to choose...

Episode #128. In this episode, I'm joined by Teresa Dillon and Adriana Nestora—co-founders of Color Edit Co., and two women who've found deep purpose by helping others feel seen, beautiful, and confident. Teresa, a personal stylist and founder of Reluctantly Styled, and Adriana, a Dallas-based makeup artist and beauty educator, share how their creative paths unfolded after years in other industrie...

Episode #127. This week, I'm joined by the multi-talented Amy Wilson—writer, actor, and co-host of the hit podcast What Fresh Hell. We talk about the invisible weight of being the "helpful one," the push-pull of people-pleasing, and why creativity can't live in the leftovers of our time. Amy shares the real story behind her new book Happy to Help—a funny, thoughtful collection of essays for anyone...

Episode #126. In this episode, I'm joined by Emma Grey—bestselling author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You. Emma shares her remarkable journey from dreaming of writing as a teenager in Australia to finally becoming a full-time novelist in her 50s. She opens up about how writing became a healing path through personal grief after losing her husband, and how her books, now international best...

Episode #125. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Toni Viva Muñoz—award-winning author, Ph. D. scholar, and founder of Model Behaviors, a nonprofit empowering women and children. Toni's story begins at 16, when she moved to New York to pursue modeling, eventually working with top designers like Oscar de la Renta and Chanel. From runways to research, Toni shares how her winding path led to a life ro...

Episode #124. In this episode of Paid Vocation, I'm joined by Andrea Wightwick, founder of Hapsy, the first bubble-free, low-sugar, non-alcoholic cocktail company made for drinking well with others. From receptionist to CEO, Andrea shares her inspiring journey building billion-dollar brands in the beverage industry—and the moment she listened to the nudge to finally create something of her own. We...

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-pitch...

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...

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 na...

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 fu...

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 t...

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 healin...

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...

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 ex...

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 sta...

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, "Acti...

Episode #113. In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredibly insightful Kristen Van Nest, the author of the captivating memoir "Where to Nest?" Kristen's infectious energy and wisdom shine through as she shares insights from her book, urging us to break free from societal expectations and carve our own paths. Drawing from her personal experiences, Kristen encourages us to embr...

Episode #112. In this episode, I sat down with Pallavi Ridout, an executive leadership coach and dynamic keynote speaker who transitioned from a 20-year corporate career to a life of purpose and passion. Pallavi opened up about her passion for coaching and speaking, emphasizing the importance of leading a life of no regrets. From one-on-one impact to captivating speeches, her dedication to motivat...

Episode #111. In this episode, Amy Lin, a captivating writer from Calgary and author of "Here After", unfolds the intricate layers of grief, sharing a profound analogy of it being like a ball in a box. Her insights hint at the essence of time in understanding and processing grief. She invites us to consider the diverse ways people hold grief. From ritualized remembrance to living in the daily ebb...

Episode #110. In this episode, we dive into the subtle yet impactful facets of energy management. Join me as I share about intentional choices, from the beats that lift our spirits to being mindful of our connections.  Listen to know more about transformative practices like morning pages – a journey into unfiltered morning reflections. And have you considered celebrating victories, both big and sm...

Episode #109. In our heartfelt conversation, Kara Cecala and Lily Smith, founders of 101Media, unveil the secret behind their success: a culture rooted in shared values. They emphasize the transformative power of embodying values through actions and fostering a team dedicated to making a difference. Join us as we explore the profound impact of aligning values with actions, not just in business, bu...

Episode #108. Join me in this inspiring episode as I sit down with Julie Chavez, a cherished elementary school librarian from Northern California and the author of the insightful book, 'Everyone but Myself'. In her compelling narrative, Julie opens up about a pivotal time in her life marked by anxiety and self-discovery. Her book is more than a personal story; it's a journey through the complexiti...