We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Jaime Gabriel Raygoza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Jaime Gabriel below.
Dr. Jaime Gabriel, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from a mix of life experiences and the incredible people I’ve met along the way. Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley as part of both the LGBTQ+ and Latino communities, I faced challenges that pushed me to develop a strong sense of self and adaptability. These early experiences taught me how to advocate for myself and bounce back when things got tough.
My career has really put my resilience to the test, especially as Program Director at The Priority Center. I was tasked with improving a new government program that was still in development – as we often said, “We’re trying to fly a plane and build it at the same time.” Despite constant changes and hurdles, I managed to retain 100% of employees for three years and increase admissions by 42%. It meant digging into data, making quick changes, and keeping my team focused through all the ups and downs. This experience really drove home the importance of persistence and flexibility.
I draw a lot of strength from the incredible people I work with, especially those overcoming their own barriers. Their stories of struggle and triumph inspire me daily and put my own challenges into perspective. I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors like Noemi Lopez, April Stewart, Bill Tornquist, and Shireen Varga, who’ve shaped me into the leader I am today. Even the not-so-great leaders I’ve encountered taught me valuable lessons about the kind of leader I don’t want to be.
My research on employee retention has given me fascinating insights into workplace resilience, especially how different generations approach challenges. I love sharing these strategies with my coaching clients.
And let’s not forget laughter yoga! Teaching it has been a game-changer, reminding me that a positive attitude and humor can help us bounce back from tough situations.
In a nutshell, my resilience is shaped by my experiences, the amazing people I’ve met, what I’ve learned through work and research, and a good dose of laughter. It’s a combination that’s served me well and continues to grow with each new challenge.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Well, for starters my name is Dr. Jaime G. Raygoza, the founder and CEO of Rainbow Career Coaching. My work is all about empowering individuals to thrive in their careers and personal lives, with a special focus on the LGBTQ+ community and other underserved populations.
What excites me most about my work is the transformative impact it has on people’s lives. I combine career development strategies with stress management techniques and laughter yoga to create a holistic approach to personal and professional growth. It’s incredibly rewarding to see clients overcome burnout, discover their true potential, and achieve a fulfilling work-life integration.
One of the unique aspects of my approach is the integration of laughter yoga into career coaching. As a certified laughter yoga teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how this practice can reduce stress, boost confidence, and improve overall well-being. It’s a powerful tool that complements traditional career coaching methods and often surprises clients with its effectiveness.
I’m particularly proud of my tailored programs for LGBTQ+ professionals. Growing up as a Gay Latino, I understand the unique challenges our community faces in the workplace. My coaching programs address these specific issues, helping clients navigate career paths while staying true to their authentic selves.
Recently, I’ve expanded my services to include more group coaching programs and virtual workshops. These allow my business to reach a broader audience and create supportive communities of like-minded professionals. I’m also in the process of developing a series of online courses that will make coaching more accessible to people around the world.
In addition to coaching, I’m passionate about giving back to the community. As the Orange County/Long Beach Gay for Good Chapter Leader, I organize monthly volunteer opportunities that allow LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to make a positive impact in their local areas.
I’m thrilled to share that I relaunched my podcast, ‘Finding the Unicorn in You,’ in September 2024. I’m currently releasing weekly episodes, featuring both solo discussions and guest interviews. We explore a wide range of topics including career development, stress management techniques, mental health, and LGBTQ+ issues in the workforce and personal lives. It’s been an exciting way to reach more people and share valuable insights and stories.
At Rainbow Career Coaching, I believe that everyone deserves a career that aligns with their values and brings them joy. Whether it’s through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, my podcast, or expanding online resources, my goal is to help individuals create a professional life they love while staying true to who they are.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three key qualities that have been most impactful are adaptability, empathy, and continuous learning.
Adaptability has been crucial in navigating the ever-changing landscape of career development and social services. Whether implementing new programs at a non-profit or pivoting my coaching business to meet evolving client needs, the ability to adjust quickly and effectively has been invaluable.
Empathy has been the cornerstone of my work, especially in coaching and community service. Understanding and genuinely connecting with people from diverse backgrounds has allowed me to provide more meaningful support and create inclusive environments.
Continuous learning has been my driving force. From pursuing my doctorate to becoming certified in laughter yoga, I’ve always sought to expand my knowledge and skills. This commitment to growth has not only enhanced my professional capabilities but also kept me excited and engaged in my work.
In every episode of my podcast, I share ‘Unicorn Lessons’ – insights that have shaped my life and those of my guests. For those early in their journey, my advice aligns with these lessons: Embrace change and view it as an opportunity for growth rather than something to fear. Regularly step out of your comfort zone, even in small ways, to build resilience and adaptability. Cultivate empathy by actively listening to the experiences of others, especially those from different backgrounds. Volunteering in diverse communities can significantly broaden your perspective and enhance your understanding of others’ challenges. Finally, never stop learning. Stay curious by reading widely, attending workshops, and seeking out mentors in your field. Explore unconventional learning opportunities that complement your primary focus. By doing so, you’ll not only enhance your skills but also keep your passion for your work alive.
Remember, these qualities are like muscles – the more you use them, the stronger they become. Be patient with yourself, celebrate small victories, and keep pushing forward. Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable, so don’t be afraid to bring your whole self to your work and your community.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Throughout my career, I’ve been influenced by various thought leaders in management and personal development, but two researchers have particularly shaped my approach to work and leadership: Douglas McGregor with his Theory X and Theory Y, and William Ouchi with his Theory Z. These theories, when combined with the insights of Brené Brown on vulnerability and Simon Sinek on purpose-driven leadership, have profoundly influenced my perspective on human interaction in the workplace.
If I had to choose one book that has played a crucial role in my development, it would be ‘The Human Side of Enterprise’ by Douglas McGregor. This book introduced the concepts of Theory X and Theory Y, which revolutionized my understanding of employee motivation and management. McGregor’s work demonstrated how our assumptions about human nature shape our management style, making me more conscious of my own biases and how they affect my interactions with colleagues and clients.
William Ouchi’s Theory Z, which builds on McGregor’s work, further resonated with me. Ouchi’s emphasis on long-term employment, collective decision-making, and holistic concern for employees aligns perfectly with my belief in creating a work environment based on trust and mutual respect. This approach, which blends American and Japanese management practices, reinforces the idea that given the right conditions, people will seek out responsibility and strive for self-actualization.
Brené Brown’s work on vulnerability and courage has added another layer to my understanding of human behavior in the workplace. Her research shows that embracing vulnerability can lead to more authentic connections and innovative thinking, which complements McGregor’s Theory Y assumptions about human potential.
Simon Sinek’s focus on purpose-driven leadership ties all these concepts together. His emphasis on ‘starting with why’ aligns with McGregor’s and Ouchi’s ideas about intrinsic motivation and the importance of aligning personal and organizational goals. This perspective has been instrumental in my approach to employee retention and leadership development.
These theories and insights, combined with my background in social work and case management, have shaped my belief that employee retention stems from genuine, kind human interaction and acknowledging that we are all complex individuals trying our best in life. It’s about creating an environment where everyone can thrive and reach broader horizons.
In essence, ‘The Human Side of Enterprise,’ along with the complementary works of Ouchi, Brown, and Sinek, didn’t just provide management theory; they affirmed my belief in the power of empathy, trust, and human potential in the workplace. This integrated philosophy forms the foundation of my approach at Rainbow Career Coaching, where I strive to help individuals and organizations create work environments that foster growth, purpose, and genuine human connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rainbowcareercoaching.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowcareercoaching
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089604794211
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-gabriel-raygoza/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rainbowcareercoaching
- Yelp: https://g.page/r/CaBTK6XIg0qWEAE/review
- Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rainbowcareercoaching
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EncSh2ZTteNRUYCjj4dH3
Image Credits
professional headshots were taken by Fernando Acevedo Photography, Instagram is @photos_by_fern.
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