In this episode, I talk about how to use AI as your own personal career coach—especially if you're a first-generation professional navigating the job search, interviews, and career growth on your own. I share how AI can help you get clarity on your strengths, tailor your resume to job descriptions, and practice for interviews in a way that feels authentic and empowering.If investing in career support has ever felt intimidating or out of reach, this episode will show you how tools like AI can help bridge the gap while still keeping your voice and values at the forefront.We also kick off a new segment celebrating wins from our community (you might just hear your name!), and I share how you can work with me for more personalized support in your career growth. Whether you're job hunting, pivoting industries, or just trying to figure out your next step, this episode is for you.Resources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

Have you ever wondered if you’re being underpaid compared to your coworkers or to other people in your field? In this episode, I give you the tools to answer this question. I talk about the 4 elements that determine base pay and the different tools that are available to help you navigate salary transparently. Plus, I also share a small exercise you can use to  benchmark your salary. This is a tool I use inside my 1:1 coaching program with my clients, and it’s part of what has helped them increase their confidence and negotiate an average of $30K in salary increases. You don’t want to miss out!Resources: Understanding Job Leveling: Radford LevelsNational Council for Nonprofits - Compensation for Nonprofit EmployeesResources and Links2 Week Mini Coaching Package: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/career-recharge 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

In this episode, I got over five critical things every first gen professional should know about the workplace. The first three are tactical and focus on the reality of how workplace systems work. The last two are mindset related and are particularly important for first generation professionals who often carry their parents’ and grandparents’ hopes and dreams in their shoulders. Key Takeaways: Base pay is just one part of your compensation packageEvery workplace interaction can impact your careerGuilt has no place in your career! It is safe to outgrow a job.Plus: Why you need to learn the difference between someone you’re friendly with at work vs an actual friend you met through work. Referenced EpisodesSalary Negotiation PlaylistWealth-Building & FinancesResources and LinksPrivate 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

I spoke at Latinas in Tech Summit! This was such an exciting opportunity for me. Tune in to hear how it happened and how it went. After that, I explain three steps you can take to ensure that you can get more professional development opportunities paid for by your job. Remember, your professional development is part of your compensation! If you’re not getting it, you may be leaving money on the table. Plus: How I’ve gotten every job I’ve ever had since college to pay for me to attend conferences or receive training and you can too!Resources and LinksPrivate 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

In this episode I interview Nikki Barua, Interim CEO of one of my FAVORITE organizations, Latinas in Tech! Nikki is a first generation immigrant and shares her journey of navigating the corporate sector, taking many career pivots, and eventually walking away at the height of her corporate career in order to pursue entrepreneurship. She talks about the power of creating your own access and community as a first generation professional, and about the power of curiosity in your career. We also discussed the AI revolution and why it is critical for Latinas to embrace AI. Nikki shares why she believes this is a pivotal moment in human history, and why that makes it even more important for Latinas to get started with AI today. SIGN UP FOR THE 4-DAY LINKEDIN CHALLENGE! Learn how to get job offers and other opportunities through LinkedIn. Challenge takes place May 19-22. About Today’s GuestNikki Barua is a serial entrepreneur, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and leading expert in helping people and organizations accelerate success.In her 25-year career in innovation, she has helped global brands transform their culture and capabilities. Now she is on a mission to help business leaders reinvent the way they lead, live, and succeed in the age of AI.Nikki has won numerous awards, including Entrepreneur of the Year by ACE, named as an EY North America Entrepreneurial Winning Woman, honored as one of the 21 Leaders for the 21st Century, recognized as Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Women, LA Woman of Influence by The Business Journals and Women of Entrepreneurship by LA Lakers.Stay in touch with Nikki on Instagram on LinkedIn, and via her website http://nikkibarua.com. Resources and LinksPrivate 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

Hello friends, I am back! May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so this episode is all about self-care practices that can promote your mental health and wellbeing. As you know, I don’t shy away from talking about the broader social forces that can impact our daily lives and careers, and this episode is no different. I address the grim circumstances that are happening in the world, while creating space for the areas in our lives that are within our locus of control and can promote better mental health and wellbeing. Tune in for:​Ways to audit the content you consume and the mental health resources that are available to you​Ways you can practice self-care that are free or low-cost, can be done solo, or can be done with loved ones​The difference between comforting self-care and growth self-care JOIN THE WAITLIST: LINKEDIN GLOW UP CHALLENGEResources and LinksPrivate 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on InstagramReferenced Episodes47. Prioritizing First Gen Mental Health with Latina Therapy Daisy Gómez53. The Politics of Wellness with Holistic Health Coach Naihomy Jerez76. Why Your Wellness is Essential to the Collective with Rita-Soledad Fernandez Paulino

In this episode, I interview Rosalie Ennes, founder of Portecua Consulting and author of Build a Beautiful Business con Confianza, about her transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship. We talk about the importance of community, discuss what risk strategy is, and how we all take risks in our careers, businesses, and everyday lives.  Rosalie also shares insights from her book, Build a Beautiful Business Con Confianza, and offers practical advice on financial decisions, balancing a side hustle with full-time work, and making the leap into entrepreneurshipIf you’re thinking about taking a big leap—whether in business, writing, or another passion—this episode is for you.In our conversation, we discuss:Her transition from a corporate 9-to-5 job to full-time entrepreneurshipThe importance of risk strategy in business and career decisionsThe process of writing and publishing her bookPractical advice for those looking to start a side hustle, business, or creative projectAbout Today’s GuestRosalie is a risk strategist, advisor, and founder of Portecua Consulting, a Latina-owned consulting firm that specializes in helping entrepreneurs identify and get ahead of risks so they can build beautiful businesses that are protected, optimized and well-positioned for growth and impact. Whether it’s through a consulting project, as a 1:1 advisor, via workshops, or with her upcoming book, Build a Beautiful Business con Confianza, she equips business owners with a risk lens so they can make great decisions for their businesses and become the powerhouses and changemakers they were meant to be.Stay in touch with Rosalie on Instagram via @portecuaconsulting, on LinkedIn, and via her website: https://portecuaconsulting.cpa/ Resources and LinksBOOK YOUR CAREER RECHARGE MINI PACKAGE HERE: 41. Become a Latina Millionaire by Doing the Bare MinimumThe inspiring story of the worst market timer everPrivate 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

In this episode, Walli Miller, a first gen Latina who retired EARLY after becoming a millionaire, breaks down the essentials of financial independence, early retirement, and becoming work optional. We discuss why workplace retirement accounts are game changers, how to navigate stock market fluctuations without stress, and the real difference between investing in the stock market and gambling. Here are more highlights: How to evaluate a job offer based on ALL aspects of compensation, not just base pay. How to get started with investing. Why financial independence is NECESSARY for Women of ColorIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by investing, retirement planning, or understanding your compensation package—this episode is for you! Listen Now! ⁠BOOK YOUR CAREER RECHARGE MINI PACKAGE HERE⁠⁠About Today’s GuestWalli Miller is a financial coach who guides professionals to leverage their income for financial independence, making work optional. Having achieved financial independence in her 30s and retired from a 19-year career in public service, Walli is now helping other millennials create a plan to be financially free.As a millennial who once grappled with living paycheck to paycheck, Walli shares her journey from impulsive spender to an intentional wealth builder and first-gen millionaire to inspire others to what's possible.Stay in touch with Walli on Instagram @financially_thriving, on LinkedIn, or through her website https://financiallythriving.com/. Resources and Links41. Become a Latina Millionaire by Doing the Bare MinimumThe inspiring story of the worst market timer everPrivate 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

In this episode, I sit down with Walli Miller, a financial coach and early retiree, to hear her inspiring journey from growing up in a low-income household in the Bronx to reaching financial independence by age 39. Walli shares how her career in public service shaped her perspective on money, why salary negotiation is a game-changer, and the emotional side of wealth—including the guilt that can come with financial success. She also breaks down how to build wealth through investing and gives practical, actionable tips to help you take control of your finances. You won’t want to miss this one!Sound Bites From This episode:  "I handed in my retirement notice at 39." "I felt guilty about making six figures." "I didn't know what to do with my money."About Today’s GuestWalli Miller is a financial coach who guides professionals to leverage their income for financial independence, making work optional. Having achieved financial independence in her 30s and retired from a 19-year career in public service, Walli is now helping other millennials create a plan to be financially free.As a millennial who once grappled with living paycheck to paycheck, Walli shares her journey from impulsive spender to an intentional wealth builder and first-gen millionaire to inspire others to what's possible.Stay in touch with Walli on Instagram @financially_thriving, on LinkedIn, or through her website https://financiallythriving.com/. Resources and LinksFill out the First Gen Coach Community Survey and Enter to Win a FREE Coaching Call! https://thefirstgencoach.com/survey Private 1:1 Coaching:https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

Your resume should tell the story of your impact—not just list your responsibilities. In this episode, I break down how to make your resume stand out by focusing on what you’ve actually achieved. I introduce a simple yet powerful framework—activities, outcomes, and impact—to help you articulate your contributions in a way that gets noticed.I also dive into why it’s so important to align your resume with where you want to go in your career. Plus, I share real-life examples and why leadership and community involvement deserve a spot on your resume.Tune in to hear:  What most people get wrong about resumes Why thinking about your desired next step is crucial before you start updating your resume What questions you can ask yourself to best showcase the impact you’ve had on your teamsFill out the First Gen Coach Community Survey and Enter to Win a FREE Coaching Call! https://thefirstgencoach.com/survey Resources and LinksPrivate 1:1 Coaching:https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

Fill out the First Gen Coach Community Survey and Enter to Win a FREE Coaching Call! https://thefirstgencoach.com/survey THANK YOU FOR 10,000 DOWNLOADS! It has been an incredible journey and I am truly, truly grateful for each of you. Every download or stream, every review, every DM, every share–they all mean so much to me. It’s what has kept me going. But don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere! As a token of my gratitude, I am offering two opportunities to win free coaching. One will launch later this year so stay tuned. For now, you can enter to win one free coaching session by completing The First Gen Coach Community Impact Survey. Tune in to hear all the details!    Resources and LinksPrivate 1:1 Coaching:https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

In this episode, I sit down with Nicole Stanley, a financial coach and entrepreneur, to talk about her journey to financial freedom. Nicole shares how she paid off $30,000 of debt in 10 months, leveraged job hopping and a career pivots, and shifted her money mindset. We discuss the emotional side of finance, the importance of financial education for women, and how investing is key to long-term security. Nicole also shares how breaking free from extreme frugality helped her build a more confident and flexible approach to money.About Today’s GuestNicole Stanley is owner and head money coach at Arise Financial Coaching. Her mission is shame-free, accessible financial education that empowers women. As a Latina entrepreneur and personal finance expert, Nicole paid off significant debt and grew her family’s net worth through investing, sparking her passion for helping women build wealth and transform their communities.Stay in touch with Nicole on Instagram@arise.financial.coachingResources and LinksPrivate 1:1 Coaching:https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

In this episode, I welcome back Yvonne Armenta, a public speaking consultant and podcaster. Yvonne shares her journey from a shy child who was too scared to ask for a bottle of ketchup, to the confident public speaker and public speaking consultant she is today. Yvonne, who is naturally an introvert, talks about the unique strengths that introverts have when it comes to public speaking, and how we can all lean into our strengths to grow our careers through public speaking skills.  We also talked about:  The connection between public speaking and self-advocacy  Defining your own version of success Financial stability, learning about high salaries, and the opportunities our jobs can provide us Growing your career through public speaking and as a public speaker        About Today’s Guest Yvonne Armenta is a speaker of 10+ years, public speaking consultant, podcaster, and Founder of ¡Latina, Presente!, dedicated to creating spaces and products that guide introverts and Latinas in their public speaking practice. Through her podcast, "Chats with Yvonne: Public Speaking con Cultura," and social media platforms, Yvonne shares practical strategies for mastering public speaking, con cultura. Her unique approach is to guide individuals to embrace their lived experiences as the foundation for their growth as speakers, making her a sought-after consultant and speaker for corporate teams, nonprofits, and individuals. Stay in touch with Yvonne on Instagram @chatswithyvonne_, on LinkedIn, or through her website https://www.chatswithyvonne.com/.  Resources and Links Private 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call  Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

If you know you should be networking but don’t know where to get started this is the episode for you! Or maybe you have been going to networking events but you’re unsure if you’re making the most of them, then this episode is also for you. Regardless of where you are in your networking journey, this quick start guide will help you know what to do before, during, and after a networking event so you can be effective, feel confident, and build authentic relationships.  Key Takeaways:  Prioritize events that resonate with you Make a day-of plan so you minimize stress Attend with an open mind Follow up with people you vibed with Referenced Episodes:  Networking & Community Building Playlist Resources and Links Private 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call  Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

In this episode, I get super vulnerable and transparent about the toll it’s taken to grow a business while working full time. Essentially, I was dealing with burnout and I didn’t even know it. Tune in to listen to how I recognized it, how I am prioritizing rest, and what you can do to manage and ideally prevent career burnout.  Key Takeaways:  Why prioritizing rest is essential for high achieving first gens.  How scheduling downtime will actually help you reach your goals faster.  How to reflect on what brings you joy and incorporate it into your routine. Why your worth is not tied to your productivity. Referenced Episodes:  76. Why Your Wellness is Essential to the Collective with Wealth Para Todos Founder Rita-Soledad Fernandez Paulino  62. What to do When You're Not Motivated in Your Job Search Resources and Links Private 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call  Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram

New year, new career growth strategy! In this episode, I focus on career growth and job searching strategies you can implement in 2025. I talk about the realities of the current job market, challenges that job seekers are encountering, and steps that you can proactively take to grow your career this year! I also define internal career moves and lateral career moves, and explain how you can leverage these to pivot into a new role or industry. Listen now! Referenced Episodes:  Community Building & Networking Podcast Playlist ⁠34. Lowering the Stakes without Lowering your Standards⁠ Resources and Links Private 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call  Download your⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow @⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram