Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Monica Rivera. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Monica , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As a first-generation Latina from The Bronx, I’ve spent a significant portion of my career being the only one in the room – the only Latina, the only woman. Instead of letting that deter me, I learned to leverage my strengths and discover my unique value proposition.
I found power in embracing what made me different. This meant honing skills like translating complex ideas into clear, relatable stories. It also meant stepping up to lead presentations. Coming from a non-traditional background, I naturally gravitated towards thinking from the audience’s perspective, not just the presenter’s. This audience-centric approach helped my presentations resonate more deeply.
By focusing on these strengths, I was able to stand out among my peers. My ability to communicate effectively and connect with audiences led to promotions and company awards. These experiences later became the foundation for my current mission: to unlock the potential within individuals and organizations through strategic communication, impactful branding, and actionable insights. This translates perfectly to my speaking career and strategist work, sharing these personal branding strategies with others, empowering them to achieve their own success.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a personal branding strategist, speaker and founder of YOU WANNA DO WHAT?! dedicated to igniting potential in individuals and organizations. I empower them through strategic communication, impactful branding, and actionable insights.
The most rewarding aspect of my work is witnessing the transformations my clients experience. Seeing them gain confidence in articulating their message and building a powerful brand identity that leverages their expertise and lived experience to achieve their goals (e.g. job promotions, speaking engagements, online presence) is truly inspiring. It’s all about helping people find their voice and share their unique value with the world.
My human-centric approach ensures clear communication that resonates deeply.
I ignite potential through two key offerings:
For Organizations: I partner with medium and large enterprises to elevate their employee experience, workplace wellness, and career development programs through impactful public speaking engagements. This allows me to share my expertise with a broader audience, aligning perfectly with my mission to unlock potential.
For Individuals: I guide female career professionals, solopreneurs, and small business owners in crafting powerful personal brands that attract exciting opportunities. Through personalized one-on-one coaching, I help them achieve goals like increased income, impactful work, amplified sales, and career advancement – mirroring the journey I embarked on myself.
In essence, I help people become the strongest versions of themselves. It’s a dream come true!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities stand out as the most impactful:
1. Curiosity: An insatiable curiosity has always been my fuel. I’m constantly asking questions, seeking new perspectives, and exploring different ideas. My morning walks always include a daily dose of personal development to keep my skills and mind sharp. This not only keeps me learning and growing, but it also helps me understand the needs and challenges of diverse audiences.
2. Multi-Passionate Nature: While some might see being “multi-passionate” as a weakness, I view it as a superpower. My diverse interests allow me to connect seemingly unrelated dots and come up with creative solutions. They also build bridges to understanding people and making connections.
3. Resourcefulness: Life (and especially entrepreneurship) throws curveballs. My ability to be resourceful and find creative solutions with limited resources has been crucial. This resourcefulness was forged in the fires of adversity. In my mid-teens, I lost my family, and it meant I had to figure things out on my own. There wasn’t a safety net, nor were there any people I could turn to for advice. However, this experience forced me to become incredibly resourceful. I learned to problem-solve nearly every damn scenario, leverage free tools, build relationships with mentors, and think outside the box. There’s almost always a way to achieve your goals, even if you don’t have everything you think you “need” upfront.
For those at the beginning of their journeys, adopt a learning mindset! Dive into new topics, ask questions even if they seem silly, and surround yourself with people who inspire your curiosity.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Absolutely, collaboration is a key driver of innovation and growth in my work. I’m actively seeking partnerships with two distinct groups:
Firstly, I’m drawn to companies that prioritize employee development. I believe in empowering workforces, and I can be a valuable asset in designing and delivering impactful training programs on strategic communication, personal branding, and effective presentation skills. These programs equip employees with the tools they need to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.
Secondly, I’m passionate about working with professionals seeking to build and grow their thought leadership. If you’re an expert ready to amplify your voice and reach, I can collaborate with you on developing a thought leadership strategy, crafting captivating content, and increasing your visibility.
For those interested in connecting, the best way to reach me is through my website. There you’ll find contact information and links to my social media profiles. I’m eager to connect with individuals and organizations who share my mission of unlocking potential through strategic communication and impactful branding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youwannadowhat.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/youwannadowhat
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/monicamrivera
