We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kristine Custodio Suero a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Kristine, 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 has been built over time and with the support and encouragement of instrumental mentors and sponsors throughout my life and career. Though challenging at times, I learned to depersonalize others’ behaviors and actions towards me and really focus on myself so I do not lose focus on my goals and dreams. I also learned to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. I am an educator so at the beginning of the legal courses that I teach, I remind my students that discomfort is a sign of growth.
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 am a legal and business development professional of nearly 20 years. I am adjunct faculty at the University of San Diego School of Law Paralegal Program where I have taught the Introduction to Law class for 5 years. I also coach professionals in their careers to help create success strategies to attain their goals. I am active in my community and serve as a Commissioner for the County of San Diego Commission on the Status of Women & Girls and the City of San Diego Citizens Equal Opportunity Commission. In addition, I am passionate about justice, equity, diversity and inclusion and also serve on nonprofit boards as the Chair of the National Association of Legal Assistants’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and Director for the San Diego Paralegal Association where I coordinate programs to help address issues such as diversity, equity and inclusion, human trafficking and homelessness.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
I definitely attribute my personal and professional success to honing my communication skills, leadership development and lifelong learning. When I became clear about my purpose in life, started investing in myself and helping others, opportunities presented themselves to me and allowed me to further develop my skills and expertise. Surrounding myself with others who share similar goals and aspirations has also opened doors for me that I never would have even imagined for myself. And, lastly, keeping a spirit of humility and curiosity has also presented unique paths for me in life.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing that my parents instilled in me was a spirit of self-awareness and adventure. I attribute my attitude towards really living life to the fullest to my adventurous and brave parents. It taught me to explore and be curious and take risks and to allow myself the grace to fail and get back up and try again. This has also given me the tools to be direct when communicating with people and the focus to prioritize people and relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kristinecustodio.com/
- Instagram: kcustodiosuero
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chiefencouragementofficer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-custodio-suero-%E2%9A%96%EF%B8%8F-%F0%9F%93%9A-2950534/
- Twitter: kcustodiosuero
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kristinecustodiosuero1569
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-368506508
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kristinecustodio
Image Credits
Stefanie Blue Photography
