We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elizabeth Cordero a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elizabeth , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My journey is a living testament to the power of faith, persistence, and action. Born into a culture where doubts were more common than dreams, I was often told that success was beyond my reach. But I chose to believe otherwise. I held onto a profound belief: abundance is our birthright, and with faith and hard work, anything is possible.
When I first started, my circumstances were far from ideal. There were financial setbacks that could have easily derailed my dreams. But instead of succumbing to fear, I turned to prayer and faith, trusting that God would provide what I needed. Time and again, I’ve witnessed what can only be described as miracles—opportunities that seemed to appear out of nowhere, just when I needed them most. It reinforced what I knew deep inside: life itself is a miracle, and if we believe in our own potential, we are deserving of great things.
But faith, as powerful as it is, must be paired with action. I didn’t wait for success to find me; I took deliberate steps every day to create it. I started small—buying and paying off a mobile home. That first step gave me the courage to take another, and then another. I purchased my first house, paid it off, then moved on to the next. Each small victory fueled the next, and before I knew it, I had built a seven-figure real estate portfolio. It didn’t happen overnight, but each small risk I took snowballed into bigger successes.
The path wasn’t without challenges. Overcoming the negative voices that told me I wouldn’t make it required immense inner strength. But I’ve learned that the most important belief is the one you hold about yourself. I knew deep in my heart that I was capable, that I could find a way, no matter how daunting the odds. That knowing that makes you, believe in you regardless of circumstances
Throughout my journey, I’ve remained true to the values my mother instilled in me: never take advantage of others, always act with integrity, and do what you say you’re going to do. These principles have been my compass, guiding me not only to financial success but to a life of purpose and fulfillment. And whenever possible, I’ve reached back to help others, because I believe that true success is not just about what you achieve, but how you lift others along the way.
Today, I stand as proof that with faith, positive self-talk, and consistent action, you can overcome any obstacle. No matter where you start, no matter how many times you’ve been told “you can’t,” know this: you can. Believe in your birthright to abundance, trust in your higher power, and take action—every single day. Your dreams are within reach, one action step at a time.
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 Elizabeth Cordero, an author and real estate investor based in Utah. I run Cordero Investments LLC, where I specialize in transforming homes through top-to-bottom renovations, primarily in the Salt Lake Valley. I believe everyone should have access to nice clean housing. I’ve also taken on some projects in Texas and Idaho, but my main focus remains here in Salt Lake City. My business is dedicated to helping first-time home buyers and individuals who might otherwise be turned down by traditional rental companies. I approach each case with personalized care, making sure to understand and address my clients’ unique situations.
What excites me most about my work is the impact it has on the community. With every house I renovate, I’m not only improving neighborhoods but also creating jobs and supporting local businesses. I make it a priority to buy from community members whenever possible, reinforcing my commitment to uplifting those around me.
For anyone looking for inspiration, I’ve shared my journey in my book, *The Desert Trail: A Journey to Success* by Elizabeth Cordero, which is available on Amazon. My story is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the belief that with hard work, anyone can achieve success.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, three key qualities stand out as being most impactful: “faith, resilience, and strategic action”. Each of these played a crucial role in shaping my success, and I believe they can be transformative for anyone on their own path.
1. Faith:
Faith has been the cornerstone of my journey. It’s what kept me going during the toughest times, when the road ahead seemed unclear or even impossible. Faith isn’t just about believing in a higher power; it’s also about believing in yourself and your potential. For those early in their journey, I’d advise cultivating a strong sense of faith—both spiritual and personal. Surround yourself with positive influences, practice gratitude, and remind yourself daily that you are capable and deserving of success. Faith will be your anchor when challenges arise.
2. Resilience:
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward, no matter what. I read once, you know how strong you are when you still take action in the most difficult of moments. In my journey, there were plenty of moments where things didn’t go as planned, but resilience allowed me to learn from those experiences and grow stronger. To develop resilience, start by embracing challenges as opportunities to learn. Don’t be afraid to fail—failure is often the greatest teacher. Stay adaptable, keep a positive mindset, and remember that every setback is just a stepping stone on your path to success.
3. Strategic Action:
Taking action is crucial, but taking *strategic* action is what really makes the difference. Early on, I focused on small, manageable steps—like paying off my first mobile home—before gradually expanding to larger investments. Each action was part of a larger plan. My advice to those starting out is to set clear goals and break them down into smaller, actionable steps. Educate yourself on your industry, seek mentorship, and stay disciplined in executing your plan. Consistency and strategic action will create momentum and lead you toward your bigger dreams.
For anyone early in their journey, my advice is simple: have faith, build resilience, and take strategic, consistent action. These qualities will not only guide you through challenges but also help you seize opportunities and achieve the success you’re striving for.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My mother had an extraordinary impact on my life, shaping me into the person I am today. When my father walked away from our family, I was just a little girl, and my mother was left to raise four children on her own. In our tiny town, she faced relentless criticism and overwhelming poverty. She had no real opportunities to succeed—she had given up school to become a wife and had little hope of changing her circumstances. As a child, she moved from home to home with my grandmother, searching for shelter, a journey marked by uncertainty and hardship. But my mother possessed something incredibly valuable: an unshakable courage and resilience. Even in the darkest moments, her faith and inner strength kept her going.
Driven by her love for us, my mother made the brave decision to risk her life and cross the hot desert to come to the United States. She did this not for herself, but for her children, to give us a chance at a better life. It’s because of her courage that my siblings and I now have lives that far exceed our expectations. Her strength paved the way for me to become the first female in our family—and in many generations—to be an author, an investor, and to pursue anything I set my mind to. These are achievements I could never have imagined as a little girl. Today, I am profoundly grateful that she was my mother. She instilled in us strong values, resilience, and strength, but above all, she was the most loving person I’ve ever known. I can’t thank her enough, and I wish for her to know just how much I admire her and all that she has done for me and my siblings.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: corderoinvestments
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Corderobuyshousescash/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-cordero-0332b84b
Image Credits
Angel photography
Scott Stringham for picture with my amazing friend Guapo ( African Gray )
Paul Duane
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
