Meet Luisa Cantillo

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Luisa Cantillo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Luisa, we can’t begin to explain how much we appreciate you sharing about your PPD experience, but we can say that so many in our community are suffering from or have suffered from postpartum issues including postpartum depression and so you sharing your story and how you overcame it might help someone who is going through it right now or in the future. What can you share with us about how you overcame PPD? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

Finding Light After Postpartum Depression: My Journey
When I think back to those early days of motherhood, I remember feeling an overwhelming love for my baby—but also a deep, unexpected sadness. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that hit me after giving birth, and at first, I tried to push through, telling myself that it would pass. But it didn’t.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is something so many women experience, yet we often hesitate to talk about it. For me, the turning point came when I decided to be open about what I was feeling—to be vulnerable and admit that I wasn’t okay. That was the hardest but most important step.

My Husband: My Anchor Through It All
I don’t know what I would have done without my husband. He wasn’t just a “helper”; he was all in. He changed diapers, rocked our baby to sleep, took turns with the feedings, and most importantly, made sure that I was okay. When I was too exhausted or overwhelmed to advocate for myself, he stepped in and made sure I got the support I needed.

He was the one who pushed me to go to therapy when I felt like skipping. He hired a lactation consultant when breastfeeding felt like an impossible struggle. He never once made me feel guilty for needing help—he just wanted me to feel better. His unwavering love and support carried me through some of the hardest moments, and for that, I will always be grateful.

A Village of Support: Family & Friends
Beyond my husband, I was incredibly lucky to have a strong support system. My parents, who traveled all the way from Colombia, stayed with us for six weeks to help me transition into motherhood. They cooked, cleaned, organized the house, and took shifts with the baby so I could get the rest I so desperately needed.

And then there were my friends, who truly showed up for me. They set up a Meal Train for nearly two months, making sure we never had to worry about food. The little things—having a warm meal ready or someone checking in—made a huge difference in those tough early weeks.

Asking for Help & Embracing Treatment
Despite all this support, I still struggled. My hormones felt like they were waging war against me, and no matter how much I tried, I couldn’t just “will” myself to feel better. That’s when I made another huge decision: I asked for professional help.

Therapy became a non-negotiable part of my routine, and it truly helped me process everything I was going through. And eventually, I made the choice to start medication—something that I had hesitated about for a long time. But once I did, I realized how much it helped stabilize me while my body and hormones were in chaos. It was the right choice for me, and I’m so grateful I took that step.

A Supportive Workplace Made All the Difference
One of the things that truly made this journey easier was having a job that supported my transition back to work. I was able to take a hybrid approach, working some days from home and some days in the office. When my baby was still so little, this flexibility was everything—she needed her mama close, and I needed that time to bond with her without the added pressure of being away full-time.

I know not everyone gets this kind of support, and I don’t take it for granted. It allowed me to find my rhythm as a working mom without feeling like I had to choose between my career and my baby.

Healing Through Art
One of the most beautiful parts of my healing journey was finding ways to express what I had been through. I participated in the Live Art Event by the You Aren’t Alone Project, an incredible initiative that helps people navigate mental illness through art. Being part of something that validated my experience and gave me a creative outlet was deeply healing.

Coming Out of the Fog
Now, looking back, I can see how far I’ve come. The fog of PPD eventually lifted—not overnight, but gradually—with love, support, therapy, medication, and creative expression.

If you’re in the thick of it, please know this: you are not alone. There is help. There is hope. And there is a version of you on the other side of this that will feel joy again.

Let’s keep talking about it, let’s keep supporting each other, and let’s remind every new mom that she is never alone in this journey.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

As a seasoned strategy consultant and event planner, I’ve built a career on bringing people together, creating seamless experiences, and driving impactful results. But beyond the logistics, the strategy, and the execution—I believe the most important ingredient in any successful project is care.

My journey through postpartum depression (PPD) taught me the power of vulnerability, community, and resilience. I’ve learned firsthand that when you show up with honesty and an open mind, real connections happen. That same mindset applies to the work I do for my clients. Whether I’m planning a high-profile conference, leading a system implementation, or designing a strategic plan, I approach every project with deep empathy, a problem-solving mindset, and a commitment to making a real impact.

If you want someone who will genuinely care about your project—not just as a task, but as something that deserves thoughtfulness, creativity, and purpose—I’d love to work with you.

Let’s create something meaningful together. Let’s make an impact.

🌐 Learn more at: https://emergentmethod.com/

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?

1. Adaptability & Problem-Solving
Whether I’m planning a high-profile event, designing a strategic plan, or managing a complex project, things never go 100% according to plan. Being able to pivot quickly, think on my feet, and find solutions under pressure has been invaluable—especially in my work with diverse clients, industries, and initiatives.

Advice: Embrace challenges as learning opportunities. When things go wrong, instead of panicking, take a step back and ask yourself: “What’s the next best solution?” Cultivating a mindset of curiosity and resilience will help you navigate uncertainty with confidence.

2. Empathy & Relationship-Building
At the heart of every successful project is people. Whether it’s a client, a stakeholder, or a team member, I’ve learned that truly listening, understanding different perspectives, and building authentic relationships is what makes work meaningful—and impactful. My journey through postpartum depression reinforced this lesson on a personal level. Being vulnerable and open has not only helped me personally but also shaped the way I lead and collaborate.

Advice: Invest time in active listening and understanding the people you work with. Strong relationships create trust, and trust leads to better outcomes. Don’t just focus on tasks—focus on connections.

3. Execution & Attention to Detail
It’s one thing to have big ideas, but another to actually bring them to life with precision and excellence. Whether it’s coordinating an event down to the smallest logistical detail, ensuring a strategic plan is well-structured, or refining a document for clarity and impact, execution is everything. My ability to stay organized, plan ahead, and double-check everything has been a game-changer.

Advice: Get in the habit of documenting everything, refining your processes, and triple-checking your work. Great execution comes from preparation—so practice being meticulous, whether it’s for a small task or a major project.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely! I’m always looking to collaborate and partner on education projects, events, strategic planning, and technology initiatives. Whether you’re looking for a trusted partner to help design and execute high-impact events, develop strategic plans that drive real change, or implement innovative solutions in education and technology, I’d love to connect.

If you’re interested in collaborating, you can reach out through Emergent Method’s website: https://emergentmethod.com/ or connect with me on LinkedIn. Let’s create something impactful together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://emergentmethod.com/team
• Instagram: @luisacantillo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisacantillo/

Image Credits

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