Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Barbara Exposito-Fernandez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Barbara, 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 I grew in Corporate America, especially in the lateral years of my Corporate America tenure, I was typically one of a handful of women in the room. As a woman, especially in Corporate America, we have been trained that we have to be in our masculine energy. That we have to push really hard in order to have a seat at a table and you have to fight to have your voice heard. That is not necessarily true, if you are in the right organization, and you are bringing value to your role and the organization.
Quickly on, being one of the handful women in the room, I realized what worked and what didn’t. Similar to coaching Leaders and Employees, bringing value to any organization is less about what you need, and more aligned with what is best for the organization and then aligning your talents and growth to that.
As someone growing in an organization and in their role, its about taking the view of the customer experience and journey, combined with talent and organization. It is about truly understanding the direction of the organization, their desired end state and how to support that growth.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Barbara Exposito is the visionary force behind Stellar Synergy, a dynamic consultancy that offers consulting services to individuals, leaders, and organizations. With a profound desire to facilitate transformative change from within, Barbara brings a wealth of expertise acquired over her distinguished career. Having worked with organizations ranging across multiple industries.
As a Fractional COO, Barbara possesses a deep understanding of operational excellence, providing invaluable insights and strategies for achieving profitability and success. She helps business owners build, grow, scale and exit/succession. Her role extends beyond the traditional, encompassing Keynote Speaking engagements that inspire and inform, as well as Mindset Coaching that empowers individuals to reach their full potential.
At Stellar Synergy, Barbara combines her diverse skill set to deliver a holistic approach to personal and organizational growth, igniting positive transformations that resonate from the inside out.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I love learning, I love growth and I love expansion. Throughout my journey, I have always been of a fan of what’s next in support of knowledge. Throughout my journey, I am the first to jump onboard to growth.
iPEC Coaching Certification, was one of the most valuable certifications that has supported my business, my clients and even family and friends. Obtaining my coaching certification, was about understanding the process of coaching in support of self-discovery with the client. As certified Coaches with ICF/iPEC, you do not have the answers, but you work with the client through thought provoking questions to create that light within them that they discover what they knew or needed along the process. This certification supported me in my inner challenges, for example, navigating and working with my own inner critic to ensure that it does not sabotage my big audacious dreams!
Emotional Freedom Technique – EFT Tapping, another one of my most valuable certifications, As energetic beings, everything is energy. If we learn how to navigate our emotions and create a constant flow when processing them, then we would have successfully navigated life. EFT Tapping provides a simple and holistic approach to navigating our emotions, to reframing and revising old stories and shifting any blocks associated with these. Even more so, this tool I was able to share with my children and give them the gift on self-soothing their nervous system when they felt out of control. This is not to say that I do not support them, but through EFT Tapping, I gave my children another tool for their toolbox when they are facing challenges or emotional distress.
Lastly, I would say, my Reiki Master Certification Journey. This was broken into 3 certifications, to reach your Master certification. This was a holistic journey, that again, goes inward before going outward. This journey allowed me another tool to shift energy, to help others with their healing and allowing me to combine all of these methodologies to support a aligned journey.
These three certifications, along with my academical accomplishments like a Master’s Degree in Organization Development gave me that holistic approach to business anchoring my passion for businesses.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My mother was a single mom, we grew up in struggle and often times I wonder if the struggle was one of the most impactful things my mother navigated through.
Through her struggle and journey, I grew up witnessing her grit, determination and hard work. I saw that she did her best every day, but it was never truly enough. I saw that I had to support with my younger siblings, being the oldest of 5 on my mother’s side, I was in the role of supporting my mother and siblings at an early age.
I have grit, tenacity, hard work, loyalty and ethics. I pride myself in being able to figure anything out and really bringing value in all that I do. Maybe my hardship supported my mentality that I could achieve anything that I put my mind to.
I wouldn’t change my struggle for anything, it has shaped the present woman I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.stellar-synergy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stellarsynergy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-exposito/
Image Credits
Pinn Me Up Olive Mug
