WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk

Elaine Lou Cartas
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WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk

Struggling with what to do next? Need honest realtalk cause you're tired of the curated highlight reels on the socials? And want strategies to get out of your own way? Your host, Elaine Lou Cartas, a first-generation Filipino immigrant, is an award-winning Business and Executive Career Coach for women of color and allies. Elaine is like you - she’s been fired, quit jobs, changed careers three times, and been in debt. Elaine’s success story? She’s always done what’s true to herself and wants you to know it’s possible too. She’s a former grassroots organizer and nonprofit fundraiser who raised $11 million.LA Weekly awarded Elaine as the #1 Thought Leader in 2023, and MSN recognized her as the Best Leadership & Executive Coach in 2024. Elaine has online courses with LinkedIn, Duke, Brown, Penn and USC. On the WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk™ Podcast (formerly known as the Color Your Dreams podcast), Elaine reminds you that your definition of happiness in work and life can evolve. Elaine's podcast guests include team members, clients, friends, and even family members who discuss real challenges and how they honored their own voices. As a business owner and career leader, this podcast is here to help you overcome overwhelm, while protecting your peace. So bring your coffee, tea, or boba for some realtalk every other Thursday! @elainelou_ // www.elainelou.com

  1. MAY 8

    113: Networking Over Followers: My Strategy for Landing Speaking Gigs and Clients

    What We Cover in This Episode:  I always get asked, ““Elaine, how are you even getting all these speaking gigs and clients when you don’t even have 5,000 followers on IG or LinkedIn!?” Great question. And the truth is... I don’t. 😅 But what I do have are real relationships and a strategy that works offline. I’m headed to the B3 Conference for Minority Business Owners next week in LA—where I’ll be speaking, pitching (as a finalist!), and meeting with procurement officers from companies that are actually hiring. There’ll also be corporate matchmaking tables to help you land real contracts, not just another stack of business cards. And before you ask I know you're nosy, but I can’t name-drop because, you know... NDAs. Let’s just say... you definitely know this company 😜 Want to join me IRL in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 8? Click here to register and use the code B350 for $50 off and use that on gas cause you kno… LA  I’ve also secured 2 more speaking gigs for July and August. And no, I didn’t get them from a viral reel or perfect pitch deck. In this episode, I’m sharing: How I really book speaking gigs and high-paying clients and I don’t have 5k followers3 real-life stories of how I landed gigs and actual strategies and how you can tooTangible, non-sleazy networking tips you can use today without being a sleazy car sales-personResources Mentioned: Episode 61: How I Became #1 on Google, and how you can too with Andres Aguero, 30 mins | Listen on Apple or SpotifyMy 300+ client reviews: elainelou.com/reviewsWant to network with companies like Disney, Bank of America, or Chase? Get certified via nmsdc.orgCenter for Executive Coaching (for you coaches who want that legit certification)Where We Can Connect: Schedule a Business & Career Review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call Check out our 314 client reviews Follow the Podcast on Apple Follow the Podcast on Spotify Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_ Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

    22 min

  2. APR 24

    112: How to Lead Boomers, Gen Z, and Everyone In Between with Jackie Dacanay (replay from HR Retail)

    “Ugh that generation is so entitled!” But are they really? As Jackie Dacanay shares, “The problem isn’t Gen Z asking so much, it’s not having the conversation early enough.” So how do you lead a team made up of Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, Boomers especially when there are unspoken biases, stereotypes, and different values at play? In this fireside chat I had at HR Retail, I talk with Jackie Dacanay, Northern California Regional Director of Service Culture & Engagement at Fairmont Hotels, about how to build inclusive, values-aligned workplaces that actually support multi-generational teams—and boost retention while doing it. Also: Did you know Jackie’s a hula champion and motorcyclist? And I’ve been doing Muay Thai (yes, Thai kickboxing—the art of 8 limbs, punching, kicking, knees and elbows!) for 21 years. So, we know a thing or two about discipline and collaboration 👊🏽 In this replay we talk about: How Fairmont improved retention from 50% → 80% using values-based coachingWhy younger employees expect growth within 6–8 months (and what to do about it)How to create consistent, non-performative conversations around failureThe coaching & mentoring frameworks Jackie built to support every level—not just execsRepositioning “growth” beyond just titles and raisesHot tip from Jackie: “Luxury isn’t about fancy words. It’s about emotional connection.” Resources Mentioned: Jackie’s LinkedIn and YouTube Where We Can Connect: Schedule a Business & Career Review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call Check out our 314 client reviews Follow the Podcast on Apple Follow the Podcast on Spotify Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_ Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

    37 min

  3. APR 3

    111: How to Effectively Communicate with Different Personality Styles: Why It Takes Practice and How AI Can Help (replay from Warner Center - West Valley Chamber of Commerce)

    Got a team member who keeps missing deadlines and making mistakes? Dealing with a colleague who seems annoyed by anything that comes out of your mouth? Last month, I did 3 speaking gigs back-to-back with different audiences: A C-Suite Retreat in Laguna Beach (fancy, right?)A session with the West Valley Warner Chamber of Commerce on teamwork cause the teamwork makes the dream works!)A private retreat at Lido House in Newport Beach for API government affairs execs from Intuit, Coca-Cola, Turo, Edison, Health Net, Kaiser Permanente, and East West Bank (yes, that’s a lot of power in 1 room!)And guess what? No matter the industry or leadership level, the same question kept coming up: How do I communicate with people who just don’t think like me? Like a marketing exec who pulled me aside and said: “How do I talk to accounting people? I’m flowery, and they’re...not.” If you’re working hard and ever struggled to getting your message across, and making sure something gets done catch this 18-minute episode, we break it down:  Why talking to different personality types is like practicing a sport (or scrolling TikTok—consistency is key!)How a team dashboard can keep everyone on the same page (aka fewer “per my last email” moments)How AI can help you edit emails, texts, and messages so your message comes across to the other person based on their communication style and goalsResources Mentioned: More info on Conscious ConversationsEpisode 47. Scripts & Strategies for Boundaries and Negotiation for WOC Leaders with Accion Opportunity Fund (52 mins) Apple | SpotifyEpisode 99: How to Develop Executive Presence & Own the Room You’re In (My Talk from NextUp Summit) (1 hour) Apple | SpotifyWhere We Can Connect: Schedule a Business & Career Review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call Check out our 314 client reviews Follow the Podcast on Apple Follow the Podcast on Spotify Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_ Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

    18 min

  4. MAR 20

    110: How EMDR Therapy HEALED Me (& why you might need it too) with Jennifer Oh, LCSW

    “My job as a therapist is to get fired by you.” When my EMDR therapist said that, I was like, “Wait, what!?” 😳 I’ve been going to therapy since college because it was “free” with my tuition. But after almost a decade of talking about the same stuff without much change, I started noticing how my body reacted whenever I got triggered—tightness in my chest and throat, that fight-or-flight mode kicking in. That’s when my therapist shared how EMDR can heal my trauma and triggers. And I responded -- “Sign me up!” In this episode, I’m diving in deep with my client, Jennifer Oh, LCSW, who is a Licensed EMDR Therapist about: What EMDR actually is and the SCIENCE behind it! (Fun Fact: I got my Bachelors in Cognitive Sciences aka the study of the human mind and brain)The personal stories that led me to try EMDR (cause I know y’all are nosy and want to get into my biznaz!)How EMDR helped me react to triggers and self-regulate (like, who am I!?)Why you should consider EMDR—even if you think your trauma “isn’t that bad”I got into EMDR back in 2014, way before Prince Harry, Sandra Bullock  and all the celebrities hopped on the bandwagon. And let me tell you, it changed everything. Now, as a trauma-informed coach, I make sure to create safe spaces for my clients—and I’ve referred so many of my clients to EMDR therapy when they’ve felt stuck. The glow-up I’ve witnessed for me and my clients who have done EMDR? Complete magic. We’re embracing who we are, flaws and all. Resources Mentioned: What is EMDR Jennifer Oh’s Website Episode 25: Coaching vs Therapy: Which One Do You Need with Dr. Nazarin Moali (44 min) Apple | Spotify Where We Can Connect: Schedule a Business & Career Review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call Check out our 314 client reviews Follow the Podcast on Apple Follow the Podcast on Spotify Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_ Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

    49 min

  5. MAR 6

    109: How to Lead Teams in Chaos and Change with Chéla Gage

    I recently had the honor of sharing the stage with Chéla Gage, a Global HR Executive, speaking to HR leaders in Los Angeles about how to lead through chaos and make impactful decisions. Spoiler alert: Brave leaders ask for advice, feedback, and insights—regardless of job titles (and egos). In this podcast episode we discuss: How to inspire your team to problem solve (vs. going to you like Google)How to set boundaries and say no (cause it protects your team’s well-being -- and your own, tooHow to have those awkward, BUT necessary convos with colleagues even when you know they will take it personally.If you’re a leader navigating the chaos and want to make better decisions (and keep your sanity), this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned: Add Chéla Gage on LinkedIn Oli Strategies Listen to me and Chéla’s other podcast episode. Episode #79: How to Create Psychological Safety with Starbucks VP Global Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer Chéla Gage. Listen on Spotify or Apple Where We Can Connect: Schedule a Business & Career Review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call Check out our 314 client reviews Follow the Podcast on Apple Follow the Podcast on Spotify Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_ Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

    26 min

  6. FEB 20

    108: Career Moves in Uncertain Times: Should You Stay, Quit or Pivot?

    With the rise of layoffs in tech and finance, consumer trust in a low, many professionals and business owners are reconsidering their next steps. I share personal stories, client examples, and actionable strategies to help you make an empowered, strategic career decision. What We Cover in This Episode:  How to assess your current career and financial stabilityKey questions to ask yourself before deciding to stay, leave, or pivotSteps to prepare for a transition while maintaining financial securityReal-life case studies of successful pivots and lessons Resources Mentioned: Episode 45: How You Can Have a Fulfilling Job and Life with Mac Prichard | Apple | SpotifyEpisode 66: 4 Steps to Reduce Financial Anxiety with Claudia Rucker | Apple | SpotifyEpisode 11: Identity Crisis? How to Quit or Realign Your Business or Career with Your Life | Apple | SpotifyWhere We Can Connect: Schedule a Business & Career Review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call Check out our 314 client reviews Follow the Podcast on Apple Follow the Podcast on Spotify Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_ Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

    33 min

  7. FEB 6

    107: Personal Branding Replay from Soho Works

    Between news, notifications and nonstop content… Thinking about a personal brand isn’t top of mind. BUT how do we get our personal brand to stand out, while being empathetic with the chaos? This is exactly what we tackled at my Soho Works Personal Branding Panel last week. Fun fact: I got invited to this panel 6 days before the event, and invited my friend, Bernadette, to join the panel the day after and we still packed the room with 35 powerhouse leaders who showed up ready to learn and support one another in community. I shared the stage with: Tedd Bernard -- Business StrategistBernadette Marciniak - Brand Photographer & VideographerBrando Murphy - Crypto CoachThe energy was so good that people stayed for 3 extra hours just vibing and networking. As much as I love networking (especially as an extrovert), by the time I got home, I was READY TO HIBERNATE -- but my heart? SO FULL.  What We Cover in This Episode: How to showcase your personal brand (without the cringe)How to attract your people -- clients, opportunities and community (without looking desperate)And live coaching with one another as business leaders and executives knowing that being successful isn’t about being alonePanelists Info:  Tedd Bernard: Business Strategist Elaine Lou Cartas: Business & Executive Career CoachBernadette Marciniak: Brand Photographer & VideographerBrando Murphy: Crypto CoachWhere We Can Connect: Schedule a Business & Career Review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call Check out our 314 client reviews Follow the Podcast on Apple Follow the Podcast on Spotify Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_ Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

    1h 2m

  8. JAN 30

    106: 2025 Marketing trends with Monica Schrock (we told you so)

    Happy Lunar New Year! For me, 2025 started yesterday cause of the hot mess this past month. And if 2025 ain’t cuttin it in February, we have the Persian New Year on March 20. 2025, YOU got a full quarter to pull yourself together. No excuses. With everything going on in the world, how do we even market in 2025!? Here’s what’s real: We have a trust problem. So, how do we fix it?How do we even market this year?And what trends should we actually pay attention to?The answers? I got you. What We Cover in This Episode: Marketing Trends for 2025Why we have a trust issueHow to thrive in this marketIf you would like to see how to work with me to create a more sustainable life where you can be more present with yourself and create your own checklist of success that’s not created by society and loved ones, then schedule a complimentary legacy business and career review at elainelou.com/call Resources Mentioned: Find Monica Shrock Online Episode 04: How to Start Being Less Dependent on Social Media with Monica | Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify Episode 38 Part 2. One Year Later, How I Became Less Dependent on Social Media with Monica Schrock with Monica | Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify Episode 62 Beyond Small Talk: Networking as an Introvert with Monica | Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify Where We Can Connect: Schedule a Business & Career Review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together: elainelou.com/call Follow the Podcast on Apple: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk Follow the Podcast on Spotify: WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk Follow Elaine on Instagram: @elainelou_ Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas Check out our 311 client reviews on: elainelou.com/testimonials Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

    1h 5m
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Trailer

5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

Struggling with what to do next? Need honest realtalk cause you're tired of the curated highlight reels on the socials? And want strategies to get out of your own way? Your host, Elaine Lou Cartas, a first-generation Filipino immigrant, is an award-winning Business and Executive Career Coach for women of color and allies. Elaine is like you - she’s been fired, quit jobs, changed careers three times, and been in debt. Elaine’s success story? She’s always done what’s true to herself and wants you to know it’s possible too. She’s a former grassroots organizer and nonprofit fundraiser who raised $11 million.LA Weekly awarded Elaine as the #1 Thought Leader in 2023, and MSN recognized her as the Best Leadership & Executive Coach in 2024. Elaine has online courses with LinkedIn, Duke, Brown, Penn and USC. On the WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk™ Podcast (formerly known as the Color Your Dreams podcast), Elaine reminds you that your definition of happiness in work and life can evolve. Elaine's podcast guests include team members, clients, friends, and even family members who discuss real challenges and how they honored their own voices. As a business owner and career leader, this podcast is here to help you overcome overwhelm, while protecting your peace. So bring your coffee, tea, or boba for some realtalk every other Thursday! @elainelou_ // www.elainelou.com

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