We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Elizabeth Soto-Lara. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Elizabeth 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 resilience comes from my parents, my superheroes. I have never met such a stubborn, determined, and strong couple. They support and complement each other in an inspiring way that I couldn’t help but follow their example.
They have taught me to set goals and follow through, to learn from my mistakes and failures, and turn them into new skills. They’ve also instilled in me the values of being honest, respectful, and grateful, because in their words, “values and kindness belong to the givers, not the receivers.” I learned to be resilient because they never learned to give up; it was never an option. I grew up witnessing their ability to see the silver lining in every situation, no matter how many times life hit us with countless obstacles.
The second factor in my resilience I owe to Mexico, my beautiful, colorful country. In Mexico, you have to assume that plan A is never going to work, because chaos is the norm. You have to be ready to come up with a backup plan and a backup plan for the backup plan. Growing up in Mexico is like resistance training, where you’re always in alert mode, reinventing yourself and finding creative ways to solve your daily life crises.
As Guillermo Del Toro said, we learned to knock down doors after all of them got shut in our faces.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a seasoned writer and filmmaker, based in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, where I have honed my craft over the past decade. My journey has been an incredible one, as I’ve had the privilege to immerse myself in the diverse independent film and television industries not only in the United States but also in Mexico, Costa Rica, Spain, and even further afield. I’ve had the unique opportunity to collaborate with esteemed production companies across the globe, from Saudi Arabia, India, France, China, Brazil, to Japan.
In 2019, I took a significant step by founding Soratola Productions, a venture driven by our guiding motto, “stories with soul.” Our mission at Soratola is not just about making films; it’s about making films that truly matter. We are dedicated to giving voice to those who have been marginalized or silenced, to authentically represent minorities, and to help individuals find a sense of closure and connection through the transformative power of art.
At Soratola, we’re currently in the exciting phase of developing numerous scripts that unfold within the landscapes of the USA and Mexico. Our ambitious goal is to commence production on our first feature film, set against the picturesque backdrop of Jalisco, Mexico, by the end of the upcoming year. Simultaneously, we’re actively expanding our horizons with a new branch focusing on branded content, designed to support businesses led by women and underrepresented minorities. We believe in the power of storytelling to create positive change, and we’re committed to driving this change through our creative endeavors.
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?
The three fundamental qualities that have been guiding lights in both my personal life and career are Perseverance, Flexibility, and Kindness.
Perseverance is a cornerstone, demanding profound patience and emotional intelligence. It’s the ability to recognize that every setback or failure is but a stepping stone on your journey. It’s understanding that knowledge is the catalyst for growth and that your mistakes and failures are invaluable sources of wisdom. By learning from them, you can unlock your potential and achieve any goal you set your sights on.
Flexibility, to me, embodies the art of adaptation and the courage to venture beyond one’s comfort zone. It means embracing change and the opportunity for growth that it brings. Remaining humble is key, as there’s always something to learn from everyone, and the pursuit of knowledge is an infinite wellspring of empowerment.
Kindness, for me, is both a personal ethos and a way of giving back to a world that has bestowed countless blessings upon me. It’s a recognition of the beautiful reciprocity of the universe – that kindness begets kindness. A practice of gratitude and empathy, it not only opens doors to new opportunities but also illuminates the paths of others. If you can extend a helping hand to someone, why wouldn’t you? After all, the ripple effect of kindness has the power to enrich our lives in ways we may not even comprehend.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I’ve always grappled with a persistent obstacle in my life—imposter syndrome. Growing up, it was an unspoken specter, a nagging voice in our heads that whispered self-doubt, questioning our worth, and casting doubt on everything we accomplished. It might sound strange, but that’s the reality I’ve faced.
Imposter syndrome has been a shadow that’s followed me, driving me toward perfectionism and overachievement. Paradoxically, these traits often led me to a perpetual state of self-disappointment and pushed me to the brink of burnout. Over the years, I’ve learned to confront and manage this internal critic. I’ve grown better at recognizing it for what it is.
Now, I can step back and gain perspective, realizing that the voice in my head does nothing more than criticize from the surface. Only I truly understand the effort, hard work, and sacrifices I’ve poured into everything I do. I’ve learned to give myself the credit I deserve. Just as Disney taught us through ‘Luca’, I’ve learned to “silence” my inner “Bruno” and follow my heart, irrespective of whether I believe I’ll ever be “good enough.” The most important thing is that I’m content and that I’m giving my best effort.
This transformation might sound like a simple fix, but it’s been a hard-won journey, taking five years of therapy and constant inner work to remind myself that I am more than the self-sabotaging voice that once overshadowed my every endeavor.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elizabethsotolara.me
- Instagram: @elizabethsoratola, @soratolaproductions
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/elizabethsotolara
- Other: Soratola Productions www.soratolaproductions.com
Image Credits
Eugene from Infophotographybyeugene Carly Rene Hough
