This week on IAW’s podcast Unlimited HERizons our host and president, Megan Bozzuto, chatted with a member, Nancy Depina Araujo M.Ed, about transforming negative emotions into fuel for empowerment and motivation. Nancy is a Master Empowerment Coach and Mindset Mastery Trainer and nominee for Kirola’s Professional Association Award.
Over the pandemic, Nancy launched her coaching business, Mindset Cultural Coaching LLC., after earning her coaching certification. “The goal of my business is to help others transform their pain into power by using the gifts of the three C’s, which I call coach, culture, and creativity,” said Nancy. Her success took years of work. She balanced child care, a full-time job, a master’s degree, and following her dreams to become a coach.
Nancy’s hectic schedule provided her with various strategies to overcome obstacles along the way. Here are a few of her strategies from the podcast:
Healing Power of Music
Having grown up in an abusive environment, Nancy turned to creative expressions of the self to find an outlet. She connected strongly with dance and music as it transported her to another world. “Especially our communities of color, music is a huge scene, and I think a lot of times people may not realize how therapeutic it is,” said Nancy. “The combination of people’s culture, coaching, and that creativity piece where you’re expressing yourself and peeling back those layers to help you get to that place where you’re ready for therapy.”
Meaningful Multitasking
Often, children are told how they look like a cookie cutter of their parents or are a chip off the old block. Yet, when schedules become overloaded, it’s easy to forget how similar you are to your kid. “We forget that what we like, the kids might like. How can I incorporate to make it something I like to do that I can get the kids to do and we’re having family time, but I’m doing a ‘me thing’ at the same time?” said Nancy. Sharing interests create memories for your children and bonding time with you. Plus, it’s a fun way to relax together.
Bouncing Back
There will be times when life feels like a lot, and you’re running out of steam. You may act on your negative emotions and lash out. “If you don’t heal what’s going on with you and your feeling insecure or your feeling unhappy with yourself, with your life, you can’t possibly empower other women,” said Nancy. “When you have your moments, you’re gonna bounce back because that’s not who your authentic self is.”
Want to listen to Nancy’s story and get more advice? Listen to Unlimited HERizons updated weekly with different amazing professional women telling their stories. All IAW members can connect with Nancy Depina Araujo in the IAW Community!
