Meet Iza Montalvo

We recently connected with Iza Montalvo and have shared our conversation below.

Iza , so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one who looks like me in the room used to be intimidating. Now it’s my edge. I speak up, share my unique experiences, and bring fresh perspectives to the table. It’s not always easy, but it’s powerful. My different background often leads to insights others miss. By being genuine and confident, I’ve turned what some might see as a challenge into a strength. It’s simple: I show up as myself, add value, and prove that diversity in the room leads to better decisions. That’s how I’ve learned to be effective and successful.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I guide CEOs, founders and thought leaders in using cultural awareness to build genuine personal brands that connect with people across different backgrounds.

What excites me most is seeing clients reach their full potential, share their authentic stories, and connect meaningfully with their audiences. It’s rewarding to see them go from feeling invisible to being fully booked and in demand.

A key part of my work is focusing on cultural identity. Sharing our unique backgrounds can create deeper connections and drive positive change.

Check out my redesigned website, izamontalvo.com, for one-on-one coaching, workshops, and bespoke branding strategies.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The three qualities that were most impactful in my journey were resilience, cultural fluency, and strategic networking.
Resilience helped me bounce back from setbacks and keep pushing forward. Cultural fluency allowed me to navigate diverse environments and connect with people from all backgrounds. Strategic networking opened doors and created opportunities I never imagined.

For those early in their journey, here’s my advice:

Build resilience by turning challenges into learning opportunities. Don’t shy away from difficult situations.
Develop cultural fluency by seeking diverse experiences and perspectives. Be curious about others’ backgrounds.
Practice strategic networking by focusing on building genuine relationships, not just collecting contacts. Look for ways to add value to others.

Remember, these skills take time to develop. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Your unique journey is your greatest asset.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe it’s essential to focus on your strengths but also keep learning and developing new skills. Even as a seasoned professional, staying ahead of the curve is crucial.

Playing to our strengths allows us to excel and stand out. When we lean into what we’re naturally good at, we can achieve extraordinary results. This is where we can truly add value.

For example, my strengths are in communication and storytelling in two languages English and Spanish, and I’ve built a career around these. But I constantly learn and adapt to new trends and technologies in my field. This helps me stay relevant and innovative.

So, lean into what you’re good at, but never stop expanding your knowledge. It’s the best way to stay competitive and grow in your career.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Vibe Haus
Crystal Marie

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