WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk with 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 Directo...

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 ca...

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...

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 someo...

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...

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 ha...

“Elaine, back in the Philippines, as a family of 6, we had to share 1 fish.” As a first-gen immigrant, my parents always reminded me of the privilege I have to be born and raised in this country. And I agree, what a privilege it is to type on my laptop right now and email you! This privilege almost feels like a buffet - OVERWHELMING! In the past, I’ve ended up doing the most and feeling like askin...

Have you ever not felt safe at work? Maybe you’ve dealt with microaggressions, gaslighting, and bullying… And even if you have a senior title, you’ve also questioned yourself if you are even experiencing any of this. In my recent podcast episode, I am joined by a friend who I was honored to coach, and Starbucks’ new VP Global Chief Inclusion & Diversity Office, Chéla Gage, where we talk about...

As the only daughter (I have 2 brothers), I find myself doing a lot of the caretaking for my parents. I’m getting ready for my dad’s knee replacement surgery next month where I’ll be with him for the first 10-days of his recovery. And I’m attending all the doctors appointments with them. I also want to share, I am choosing to do this and understand I have agency. But what’s frustrating is that THI...

Is it wise to pursue a new career in this challenging economy? When is the appropriate time? How can you stay true to your beliefs and values despite the presence of capitalism, colonialism, and patriarchy, which contradict them? Damn. I know I got DEEP. Today, I am joined by my client, Dr. Luna Clara Muñoz , a TEDx speaker and career coach for academic misfits. We delve into the process of discov...

Two years ago, in episode nine , I shared why I decided to end my mastermind and simplify my business. This episode was one of my top-rated podcast episodes where  I shared how I was managing: 5 different services Did 1-2 events per month Ultimately burned out Here we are 2 years later, and I’m bringing back the mastermind (but different AND better). Last month, all of January, I dedicated time to...

According to the Federal Reserve, we have hit our highest inflation since 1982. *big collective sigh* That's more than 40 years ago! Time is wild, and so is this economy, so it was fitting to do a podcast on making money during times like these. Side note: Anyone still feel like 1999 was just 5 years ago? Because of inflation, it has affected consumer spending habits to be more conscious spen...

Are you a parent? If so, you may have heard of the term gentle parenting. It's a different approach from how many of us millennials were raised, including myself. Instead of shaming, blaming, and punishing. Gentle parenting emphasizes empathy and communication. However, some parents take it too far and don't set boundaries for their child's behavior. So, how can we balance gentle pa...

What you “name” something is everything. For example, when you’re looking for a plumber. You look for a “plumber” on Yelp and Google and have some options. Even though it has been a big part of my brand since the beginning, I realized the phrase “Color Your Dreams,” the former title of my podcast, doesn’t mean anything to someone searching for podcasts. My conclusion: I need to change the title to...

At the start of the year, it's natural for us to want to make many decisions. And making decisions can be tiring AND emotional! It’s the 3rd week of the year, and I’ve already: Ended 2 collaborations (it was a mutual ending for both collaborations). I just got a thank you email last week from one of the VPs, and it has led me to a big contract with another company. Deleted 441 emails from my...

Hate the job you’re at? Or even ready to change industries entirely? But you’ve been doing this for a long time… So, how do you find a new job or industry? I know a thing or 2 about hating a job: I’ve been fired 3x Quit 2 jobs without savings And changed industries 2x In this episode, I’m sharing with you all the deets of what I've done and what hundreds of clients have done in the past 6 yea...

I hated my business in 2022. You may have had a similar feeling, but haven’t felt comfortable saying it. So let me tell you a story… When I started my business in 2017, I wanted time and freedom. That was my number one goal. What happened? My business SCALED AND BLEW UP FAST in 2020 & 2021 (yes, during the pandemic). That goal of “time and freedom” turned into just doing the most: Bi-weekly ev...

We need more people telling us that we, exactly as we are, are enough. More importantly, we need to say it to ourselves. Instead, we live in a society that makes living the greatest game. Like we win at life somehow by achieving what we’ve been told we need to be happy. MORE! Open up your phone, turn on your laptop, and we are constantly sold this “need” for MORE: More money More followers and lik...

It's that time of year when everyone shares how great their life is… Their vacations Their increased wealth Their VIP experiences with Beyonce and Taylor Swift, BLAH BLAH BLAH It can be overwhelming and, let’s be real, annoying. *eye roll* Because not everyone had a great year, which may include you, many people had a rough 2023. Here are some actual #facts from this past year: Dr. Murthy, th...

Do you have an intuitive feeling and can tell by your bank account that things need to change in your business? You notice that the same content you used to create isn’t resonating with your audience. Everyone is talking about inflation. Seeing other businesses not do well. So, how can you make sure you both thrive or at the least survive in 2024? Today, I have a special guest with me, my fellow-b...

Money. How does that word make you feel?  With inflation and the holiday season, it might bring up some fear and anxiety. Even when we’re in the giving spirit, we all know this is the time when our wallets take the biggest hit.  But don’t worry! I've got someone here who can show you the way out of this financial frenzy. Allow me to introduce my client and friend, Claudia Rucker, a badass fir...

Time flies! Is it me, or does 2000 still feel like five years ago!? I still want to party like it’s 1999, which means listening to NSYNC’s albums all day while thinking of the most clever away messages for AIM. My AIM screenname was SnowyLolyPops. What was yours lol? IYKYK lmao. My team and I are getting ready to do an End of Year Planning session for our clients, and if you’re interested in the e...

It's the holiday season and all the new products and ads are popping up left and right. You know the ones! They’re designed to make us think we’ll never have this life-changing opportunity again. And those Playstation and Nintendo “launches” were successful because Mario Kart 64 was EVERYTHING! And now, small businesses launch using money and time to promote one thing. I used to be a launcher...

Did you know before I turned 28, I’d been fired three times and quit two jobs? I’ve changed careers a few times, actually! Sometimes by choice and sometimes… not (lol). Right after college, I worked in campaigns -- working as a grassroots organizer and fundraiser living in 6 different states: California, Iowa, Indiana, Montana, Massachusetts, and New Mexico. I was on a weekly flight to big cities...

Are you tired of being glued to your phone or computer screen, especially during virtual meetings like Zoom? You're not alone.  Many people, including companies, are realizing the negative effects of too much screen time. So, what does this mean for us now? There will be more in-person events, conferences, and networking. Even if you’re ready to meet more people in person for your career or b...