We were lucky to catch up with Paola Camacho-Bansal recently and have shared our conversation below.
Paola, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Resilience and adaptability have been defining threads in my life. Moving from my home country at 12 and living in the USA, Mexico, Spain, France, England, and then back to the USA (across two states even!) instilled in me an incredible ability to embrace change and forge new paths. It hasn’t always been easy. Saying goodbye to friends, family, and familiar jobs has been tough. But rather than focusing on loss, I learned to find the silver lining: the excitement of fresh starts, the richness of diverse cultures, and the opportunity to reinvent myself.
When I moved to a new country at 12, it was like jumping into a cold pool! I had to open my mind wide, learn how to talk differently, and figure out how to fit in. Every place was like a giant puzzle, from school stuff to how people act. It was tough, but each time I figured something out, I felt stronger and smarter. I learned to do things on my own and make friends even if we didn’t speak the same language. It wasn’t always easy, but it made me who I am today!
This constant shift also sharpened my sense of appreciation. Leaving loved ones behind taught me to cherish the time we spend together and value the connections we forge. Losing familiar routines opened my eyes to the beauty of the unknown and the joy of unexpected adventures. Every place I’ve lived has offered something unique.
I wouldn’t trade the lessons learned, the cultures experienced, or the resilience and adaptability I’ve gained for anything. It’s made me a more empathetic, resourceful, and open-minded individual, ready to embrace any new challenge or opportunity that comes my way. And that, I believe, is one of my greatest strengths
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 a lifelong learner, always curious and looking for new knowledge. Even when it’s not directly related to work, I love exploring different topics. A couple of years back, I dove into functional nutrition because I wanted to understand food and health better. It wasn’t for any job, just for the personal satisfaction of learning something new.
My professional journey started in finance at a big bank. It was a great learning experience, but my heart lies in supporting smaller businesses. I know how hard it is to run your own show, how every decision counts. That’s why consulting with startups and small business owners is so rewarding for me. I get to work directly with them, helping them achieve their goals and seeing the impact firsthand.
Travel is another huge passion. My parents instilled that love in me when I was young, taking me on adventures to different countries and cultures. Now, I do the same with my son and husband. It’s about more than just visiting places; it’s about opening your mind and appreciating the world’s diversity. And you know what? I’m trying to combine my love for marketing and travel! My business partner and I are putting together our first marketing retreat in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico – one of my all-time favorite spots! Please read about it at https://overcoffeeconsulting.com/retreat-san-miguel/
So, that’s me in a nutshell: a curious learner, a passionate supporter of small businesses, and a traveler at heart. And now, I’m excited to see how I can blend these things together in my next chapter.
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?
I’m a natural problem solver. Ever since I was young, I’ve loved diving into challenges, finding different solutions, and offering fresh perspectives. This knack has always helped me stand out and excel. But I’m not just all talk! I’m a ‘close the loop’ kind of person, always turning ideas into action. I get clear to-dos, buckle down, and get them done. That’s why I thrive in fast-paced environments where things need to move. And here’s the secret sauce: I’m not afraid to ask for help. Collaboration brings out the best in everyone, including me. Bouncing ideas, seeking advice from others – that’s how we achieve amazing things. So, my biggest advice? Be proactive, don’t be afraid to fail, and always give it a shot. You never know what you might achieve!
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
“I’m a firm believer in the power of teamwork. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for talented, growth-minded individuals who share my passion for collaboration. We’re currently building a fantastic team of creative wizards (designers, UI/UX pros, developers), SEO superstars, and anyone who can sprinkle their magic on a project. Bonus points if you’re a fellow woman business owner!
Here’s the deal:
No lone wolves here: We thrive on bouncing ideas, sharing expertise, and lifting each other up. Every voice matters, and every skillset adds a unique spark to the fire.
Creativity unleashed: We believe in pushing boundaries and embracing fresh perspectives. Whether it’s designing a breathtaking website or crafting cutting-edge solutions, we provide the freedom to explore and innovate.
Always learning, always growing: We’re all about continuous improvement. We encourage learning new skills, sharing knowledge, and staying ahead of the curve together. Networking and connecting with other inspiring women business owners is just another way we fuel our growth.
So, if you’re a passionate individual who loves to collaborate, create, and conquer (with a dash of girl power!), let’s chat! We can’t wait to hear your story and see how you can add your magic to our team
Contact Info:
- Website: https://overcoffeeconsulting.com/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/paola-camacho-655b151
