Series
.

Season 1 Finale

In the compelling season finale of "A LA LATINA" hosts Claudia Romo Edelman and Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner bring a powerful close to their first season. This episode, is a culmination of the season's profound insights and learnings, offering listeners a comprehensive guide to personal and professional success.

The hosts delve deep into the transformative "Flip the Script" framework, a core theme of the finale. This approach focuses on challenging and reframing stereotypes to empower the Latino community. By examining prevalent misconceptions about being overly familial, too social, or having an accent, Claudia and Cynthia guide listeners on how to transform these stereotypes into recognized strengths in the professional world.

Through a blend of data, real-life stories, and cultural nuances, they highlight the underrepresentation and undervaluation of Latinos, particularly Latinas, in various professional spheres. The episode passionately advocates for changing these narratives, emphasizing the unique assets and perspectives Latinos bring to the table.

A central part of the finale is the ten-strategy "Latina Playbook," distilled from the wisdom of high-ranking Latinas in corporate America and the hosts' own research. This playbook includes strategies like building reputation, proactive mentorship, business acumen, ambitious goal setting, embracing authenticity, self-discovery, using feedback as a growth tool, calculated risk-taking, effective networking, and continuous learning and adaptability.

Each strategy is enriched with anecdotes and advice from previous episodes' guests, making the playbook a robust and practical guide for listeners aiming to accelerate their career trajectories while remaining true to their authentic selves.

The season finale of "A LA LATINA" is more than just a podcast episode; it's a call to action and a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to succeed in their professional journey. Claudia and Cynthia's dynamic presentation and the wealth of information make this a must-listen for those seeking to embrace their heritage, identity, and strengths in the corporate world.
Show transcript
00:00
Hola. I'm Claudia Romo Edelman and I'm Cynthia Kleinbaum Milner.
00:04
And this is a podcast,
00:05
a La Latina, the playbook to succeed being your authentic self
00:09
And this is the last episode of our first season and
00:12
we will compile all the lessons.
00:14
We've learned all the frameworks,
00:15
the resources and the tools,
00:17
all the best practices and the D's.
00:19
And don't, we got in summary,
00:21
we created for you the playbook to succeed being your authentic self
00:26
We will start the episode with a framework that we want
00:29
everyone to have handy and use to flip the script and we
00:33
will finish with a playbook that we created from both research and
00:36
cultural nuances of Latino leadership that is cross referenced with practical experiences
00:43
of our amazing guests,
00:44
the highest ranking Latinas in corporate America that have made it to
00:49
the top and want you to do it in half the time
00:52
Are we ready?
00:53
Let's go. Welcome back to a La Latina.
01:04
Today. We delve into a transformative approach that is close to
01:09
our heart. The flip the script framework.
01:11
Yes. Flip the script is all about changing narratives.
01:15
We're tackling stereotypes head on and reframing them as assets.
01:19
This isn't just about changing perceptions,
01:22
it's about empowering our community.
01:23
Absolutely. Cynthia, let's start with the data because despite making
01:28
incredible contributions to this country,
01:30
Latinos and particularly Latinas were underrepresented,
01:34
misrepresented and undervalued. We're 19% almost 20% of the population,
01:39
but only 1% in politics and even less in prime time TV
01:44
characters. That's right.
01:45
Claudia, we're only 4% of executive suite members and for Latinas
01:50
we are 9% of the population,
01:52
but only 2% of senior corporate positions.
01:55
It's time to shift the narrative we need to own and change
01:59
our story. Let's set the record straight.
02:01
We are flipping the statistics on their heads.
02:04
We're turning deficits into strengths by empathizing our asset values.
02:09
We can challenge negative stereotypes and biases.
02:12
This is where the flip the script framework comes into play.
02:16
It's about a shift in perspective,
02:18
a new narrative. We're moving from being seen as weak to
02:21
being recognized as powerful and it's working Cynthia,
02:25
we're seeing more Latinos embracing their identity,
02:28
their power, their Latinidad is a superpower.
02:31
It's all about realizing our heritage and cultural identities are sources of
02:36
strength. It's about breaking the spell,
02:38
having that Aztec moment.
02:40
When you understand that your background,
02:42
your experiences are what make you unique and powerful.
02:46
And this isn't just for us as individuals,
02:49
is for companies, for corporate America.
02:52
There's so much value in diversity in the unique perspectives and skills
02:56
that Latinos bring to the table.
02:57
Exactly Claudia. This is a call to action for everyone.
03:01
Pay attention, take something to write on and start to flip
03:05
the script. You will see the difference in to be in
03:07
a position of power after you turn the tables.
03:10
OK. Let's get into it.
03:12
Let's dive into the flip the script framework.
03:14
We'll focus on the three prevalent stereotypes that often overshadow the Latino
03:19
community and we will discuss how to reframe them.
03:22
This is where we talk about unconscious biases and how these stereotypes
03:26
softly influence perceptions and decisions in the workplace.
03:30
Often to the detriment of Latinos,
03:32
unconscious bias can limit career progression,
03:35
influence hiring decisions and even affect day to day interactions in our
03:39
workplace. It's a barrier that many may not even see that
03:42
exists. But when we flip the script,
03:44
we transform those biases into recognitions of unique strengths.
03:48
So let's explore how the first stereotype is the perception of being
03:57
too family oriented, often misconstrued as a lack of commitment to
04:01
work. But let's flip this script from overly familial to community
04:07
builders and team players.
04:09
This quality fosters loyalty,
04:11
teamwork and a nurturing work environment invaluable for any organization aiming for
04:17
long term success. Then there is the stereotype of too social
04:22
too loud type typically seen as unprofessional.
04:26
But we flip this from perceived loudness to natural networkers and relationship
04:32
builders and trust builders.
04:33
Our vibrant social skills are assets in roles requiring strong interpersonal connections
04:39
enhancing both internal team dynamics and external client relations.
04:45
And the third stereotype is having an accent,
04:47
often viewed as a communication barrier.
04:50
We flip this to Cultural Navigator and global connectors being bilingual or
04:55
Multilingual in today's interconnected world.
04:58
It's a powerful asset offering insights into diverse cultures and markets.
05:03
These flips are not just about personal empowerment,
05:07
they have profound implications for organizations by valuing these unique Latino threads
05:12
Companies can unlock greater innovation,
05:16
market insights and by far more effective teamwork.
05:19
Absolutely, Claudia, it's about turning what some see as weaknesses
05:24
into undeniable corporate strengths.
05:26
This is how we can collectively change the narrative and open the
05:31
doors for the Latino community in the professional world.
05:34
So to our listeners,
05:36
no, Estra Aia,
05:37
here's the truth. Embrace your heritage,
05:40
your vibrant personality and yes,
05:41
even your accent, these are just not parts of who you
05:45
are. They are your superpowers in the corporate world.
05:49
Let's flip the script together.
05:56
Welcome back to a La Latina.
05:58
Let's explore our Latina playbook featuring 10 strategies for your professional journey
06:04
Number one, build your reputation,
06:07
establish yourself as the go to problem solver.
06:10
Be someone who is not afraid to tackle challenges.
06:13
Head on in our previous episodes,
06:16
we learned, for example,
06:17
from Magda who emphasizes exceeding expectations in your role.
06:21
While Marisa advises making yourself indispensable by solving critical issues that matter
06:27
to influential people in your organization.
06:30
Number two, proactive mentorship and sponsorship that means actively engaging with
06:36
mentors and seek sponsors learn how to be a great mentee like
06:41
you Cynthia. In our previous episodes,
06:44
Elizabeth underscores the importance of mentees,
06:47
setting up up meetings and driving the conversations.
06:50
And Anna shared how mentors can evolve into sponsors who actively advocate
06:56
for your career advancement.
06:57
Number three, business acumen and strategic moves,
07:01
gain a deep understanding of your industry and business.
07:05
Bella's journey of accepting a lower position to learn operations.
07:10
Demonstrates the value of sometimes taking a step back to leap forward
07:14
in your career. Number four,
07:16
ambitious goal setting, we heard it again and again,
07:20
set high career goals,
07:22
articulate them. De La Grande take the big bet.
07:25
Pretty much. All of our guests said the same thing.
07:28
Dream big go big aim higher.
07:31
Iana encourages Latinas to aim for positions of power.
07:35
Anna Corrales and Alicia reminded us of the importance of continually reassessing
07:41
and elevating our career aspirations.
07:43
Number five, embrace your authenticity.
07:46
Your unique background is your superpower.
07:50
Ariana celebrates accents as a strength,
07:52
advocating for living with this differentiator,
07:55
understanding and navigating multiple cultures is an incredible asset on today's global
08:01
business environment, Marta,
08:03
Magda, Alicia and Annette talk about showing up as your true
08:08
authentic unapologetic selves as the fastest way to get ahead.
08:13
Number six, self discovery and reflection,
08:17
understanding what truly drives you and energize you.
08:20
What is your strength?
08:21
What is your passion?
08:23
Anna Corrales, advises exploring different roles and finding your passion and
08:28
living each position better than what you found it learning from each
08:31
experience and discover your true calling as early as you can because
08:36
we cannot live life backwards.
08:39
Number seven, feedback,
08:40
as a growth tool,
08:42
learn to accept and utilize feedback effectively,
08:45
Anna talks about the importance of extracting constructive insight from the feedback
08:50
using it to grow while remaining authentic to your values and vision
08:53
Number eight calculated risk taking embrace risk.
08:58
Strategically, bea discusses the importance of thoughtfully evaluating risk seeking guidance
09:04
and being open to learning from others to make well informed decisions
09:09
in your career, but do take those risks.
09:11
Number nine, networking and relationship building,
09:15
cultivate a broad and diverse network,
09:18
engage with various groups inside and outside the organization and beyond the
09:22
Latina community to broaden your support system and open doors to new
09:27
opportunities. And 10 last continuously learning and adaptability and seek for
09:34
excellence. Commit to a life long learning and stay adaptable.
09:39
Bea and Nanette advises on embracing every learning opportunity.
09:44
Be prepared. Aim for excellence include understanding of new technologies,
09:49
industry trends big on top of your field,
09:52
living in different parts of the world can also offer invaluable experiences
09:56
and perspectives. This playbook is your guide to navigating your professional
10:01
path with confidence and authenticity.
10:03
It's our gift to you,
10:05
implement the strategies to not only climb but redefined the ladder of
10:09
success and do that being your authentic self.
10:12
So I wanna thank you for joining us in this first season
10:15
of Latina we hope that these strategies empower you and embrace you
10:21
to get your strengths and lead with confidence and do it in
10:24
half the time here is to your success and we hope to
10:28
see you in our next season.