What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses with Mita Mallick
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #130. In this episode, I’m joined by Mita Mallick, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Reimagine Inclusion and The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses. Mita shares her winding path from marketing executive to full-time writer and changemaker, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership, inclusion, and the courage to leave what no longer fits. We talk about bad bosses, burnout, and the quiet ways our own habits can mirror the behavior we once resented. Mita reminds us that growth starts with awareness—and that leadership isn’t about...
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Rooted in Craft, Guided by Purpose with Leatherology Co-founder Rae Liu
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #129. In this episode, I’m joined by Rae Liu—co-founder and creative director of Leatherology, a brand known for redefining everyday luxury through craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Rae shares how her path from early career pivots to building a values-driven company, shaped the way she leads, creates, and lives. We talk about what it means to build something for the long run, to choose quality over shortcuts, and to lead with both vision and heart. She reflects on how clarity comes when you stop waiting for the “perfect” time and start trusting your instincts. If you’re...
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The Power of Color and Confidence | Adriana Nestora and Teresa Dillon
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #128. In this episode, I’m joined by Teresa Dillon and Adriana Nestora—co-founders of Color Edit Co., and two women who’ve found deep purpose by helping others feel seen, beautiful, and confident. Teresa, a personal stylist and founder of Reluctantly Styled, and Adriana, a Dallas-based makeup artist and beauty educator, share how their creative paths unfolded after years in other industries. We talk about what it means to step into your voice, release perfectionism, and pursue the thing that lights you up even if it means building as you go. Together, they remind us that...
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Happy to Help | Amy Wilson
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #127. This week, I’m joined by the multi-talented Amy Wilson—writer, actor, and co-host of the hit podcast What Fresh Hell. We talk about the invisible weight of being the “helpful one,” the push-pull of people-pleasing, and why creativity can’t live in the leftovers of our time. Amy shares the real story behind her new book Happy to Help—a funny, thoughtful collection of essays for anyone who’s ever stayed too long, tried too hard, or ignored their own needs. We dive into what happens when we try to fix everything—until we can’t. We talk boundaries, burnout, and the...
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Writing Through Loss and Into Purpose | Emma Grey
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #126. In this episode, I’m joined by Emma Grey—bestselling author of The Last Love Note and Pictures of You. Emma shares her remarkable journey from dreaming of writing as a teenager in Australia to finally becoming a full-time novelist in her 50s. She opens up about how writing became a healing path through personal grief after losing her husband, and how her books, now international bestsellers, are helping others navigate their own stories of love and loss. We talk about embracing rejection as part of the process, finding courage to keep showing up for your creative dreams, and...
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Rooted in Purpose | Dr. Toni Viva Muñoz
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #125. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Toni Viva Muñoz—award-winning author, Ph.D. scholar, and founder of Model Behaviors, a nonprofit empowering women and children. Toni’s story begins at 16, when she moved to New York to pursue modeling, eventually working with top designers like Oscar de la Renta and Chanel. From runways to research, Toni shares how her winding path led to a life rooted in purpose—blending art, academia, community service, and motherhood. We talk about recognizing when it’s time to pivot, allowing ourselves to outgrow old dreams to make space for new...
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The Heart Behind Hapsy | Andrea Wightwick
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #124. In this episode of Paid Vocation, I’m joined by Andrea Wightwick, founder of Hapsy, the first bubble-free, low-sugar, non-alcoholic cocktail company made for drinking well with others. From receptionist to CEO, Andrea shares her inspiring journey building billion-dollar brands in the beverage industry—and the moment she listened to the nudge to finally create something of her own. We talk about the courage it takes to leave stability behind, how to know when it’s time for a change, and why doing what lights you up is always worth exploring. This conversation is a beautiful...
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Shifting into Small Business PR | Gloria Chou
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #123. In this episode, I’m joined by Gloria Chou, award-winning PR strategist and host of the Small Business PR Podcast. Gloria shares her incredible journey from being a U.S. diplomat—on track for a stable, prestigious career—to taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship. Gloria opens up about the fears, mindset shifts, and limiting beliefs she had to confront along the way. From cold-pitching journalists without PR experience to building a thriving community of female founders, she proves that you don’t need connections to make an impact—you just need the right approach. We...
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Styles of Joy | SC Perot
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #122. In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Catherine “SC” Perot, author of Styles of Joy and adjunct faculty at Vanderbilt University. SC opens up about her transition from law to teaching, sparked by a deep love for storytelling and a desire to live more authentically. SC shares how a playlist, a Harry Styles concert, and acts of kindness inspired her to reclaim joy during life’s toughest moments. SC reflects deeply on how grief shaped her perspective on life. She describes joy not as an elusive destination but as something we can actively seek—even in the smallest, most...
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Lessons on Woodworking and Entrepreneurship | Simon Perschbacher
Paid Vocation with Lupe Prado
Episode #121. In this episode, I sit down with Simon Perschbacher, owner of Simon Perschbacher Wooden Works, to explore his inspiring journey from a small town in Germany to building a thriving woodworking business in Catskill, NY. Simon shares how starting small but thinking big shaped his approach to both his craft and his life. From starting small and building skills one project at a time to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, Simon offers insights on quality craftsmanship and staying grounded. Plus, he reflects on what it’s like to train someone completely new to...
info_outlineEpisode #115. In this uplifting episode, I sit down with Kelly Simants, an HR expert with over 25 years of experience, who shares her remarkable story of resilience. Kelly recounts the pivotal moment when her husband's accident turned their lives upside down and how she became the family's primary breadwinner.
From running a successful wedding planning business to returning to corporate HR and starting a resume writing service, Kelly’s journey is a powerful testament to adaptability and strength.
Listen in for her insights on navigating career transitions, the crucial role of community, and the power of stretching beyond your comfort zone. This episode is a beacon of hope and inspiration for anyone navigating life's unexpected challenges that will inspire you to face challenges head-on and find new paths in your professional life.
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