BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence cover art

BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence

BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED - Career Growth, Women Entrepreneurs, Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Growth Mindset, Confidence

By: Paola Soares | Growth Mindset Coach Career Growth Mentor Christian Woman
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About this listen

 Do you ever struggle with imposter syndrome when it comes to your career or business? Wish you had unshakable confidence no matter who's in the meeting? Ever wonder how those wildly successful women got to where they are today? What if I told you that every one of them had moments of "failure" would failure seem less scary to you? What if "failure" is part of the journey towards success and purpose? Welcome to the BUT FIRST, SHE FAILED podcast. In this podcast you will learn practical tips on how to develop the boss woman within you to excel with confidence in your career and business. Hear candid conversations with trailblazing women that are dominating in their fields as industry leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers and more. Learn as they share wisdom, strategies and get vulnerable about how moments of "failure" propelled them to where they are today. Hi! I'm Paola Soares:) I'm a former Journalist and National News Producer that has had stories appear on Univision, Telemundo ABC News among others. While working in news my favorite stories were always profile pieces that helped and inspired. I started this podcast because I'm passionate about helping women gain confidence in their careers, businesses and overcome the fear failing that many times can be holding them back from living the life of their dreams. Because I've been there. I remember: + being in meetings with CEO's, Anchors, and other high level bosses and being too nervous and second guessing myself so much that I wouldn't speak up and share an idea that I really felt was a great one. + Thinking that I was nothing like those boss women that I looked up, that they had never struggled and I was the only one that had setbacks. + Being let go from what I thought was dream job and feeling like like I was a "failure" and struggling to move past it till I had a life-changing realization. Now I'm taking my love of story telling and combining it with something that is on my heart, helping women overcome fear of failing and gain confidence when it comes to their careers, businesses and callings. Stop second guessing yourself and become the boss woman that deep down inside you know you are supposed to become. Shake off that discouragement, it's not too late, you are not behind! If you are ready for your boss-woman breakthrough this podcast is for you! Get ready to get inspired! Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • 147. A Decade of Failing Forward Into Faith: Paola Soares on Overcoming Fear and Finding Purpose with Johanna Mäkilä-Manninen

    147. A Decade of Failing Forward Into Faith: Paola Soares on Overcoming Fear and Finding Purpose with Johanna Mäkilä-Manninen
    Oct 22 2025
    ✨ Special Episode: From Failure to Faith — Paola's Interview on The Vibrant Flow Podcast ✨ This week on But First, She Failed, host Paola Soares shares something a little different. Recently, she was invited to be a guest on 🎙️ The Vibrant Flow Podcast with Johanna Mäkilä-Manninen —a friend of But First, She Failed. Paola loved Johanna's thoughtful questions and the authentic flow of their conversation so much that she asked if she could share it here with you. 💛 In this inspiring interview, Paola opens up about her decade-long journey of overcoming fear of failure, healing from shame, and learning to fail forward into faith. She shares behind-the-scenes moments from her career in national news, the painful season of being let go, and how God used that experience to redirect her toward her true calling—helping women step boldly into the purpose He designed for them. 🌿 🌸 About The Vibrant Flow Podcast: Hosted by Johanna Mäkilä-Manninen—a multi-passionate artist, women's coach, English MA graduate, mama, and wife—The Vibrant Flow Podcast is for the ambitious, faith-led woman ready to step fully into her calling, unapologetically and in full feminine flow. The show blends faith-based coaching, feminine leadership, and creative personal branding to help women break free from shame, self-sabotage, and comparison while elevating their God-given expression. 🎧 Go listen: The Vibrant Flow Podcast for the full interview! In this episode only part of the full episode is shared so if you enjoyed make sure to go to The Vibrant Flow Podcast to listen to the rest of the convesation! Johanna is also about to launch her 12-Week Personal Branding Incubator—links to both below! 💬 Community Update: The next Community Accountability Call is happening in early November! 🙌 It's designed for women who feel unfulfilled professionally and sense God calling them to step into something new—whether that's launching a business, starting a brand, or pursuing a deeper sense of purpose. You'll receive live coaching, feedback, and encouragement from Paola and a circle of like-minded women who will cheer you on every step of the way. (Sign-up link in the show notes!) 🌿 In This Episode: • Overcoming fear of failure and redefining success through faith • Healing from shame and finding identity in God • Navigating comparison and imposter syndrome • Feminine strength, calling, and purpose • Learning to pause, trust God's timing, and walk in your unique assignment ✨ Connect with Johanna: 🎧 Listen to the full interview on The Vibrant Flow Podcast: 👉 From Head to Heart: Feminine Embodiment and Magnetic Presence (Spotify) 💖 Follow Johanna on Instagram: 👉 @thevibrantflowwithjo 🌸 Learn more about Johanna's 12-Week Personal Branding Incubator: 👉 thevibrantflowpodcast.com/beta-group-2025 💻 Let's Connect: 👯‍♀️ Join the FREE BFSF Accountability Community Call! If you're ready to get out of your head and finally start walking in the purpose God has for you, this is your chance to do it with community. During this 1-hour session, you'll connect with like-minded women, share what you're working on, get live coaching and encouragement, and gain clarity around your calling so you can take bold next steps. 💡 Spots are limited — and this may be one of the last times I offer this call for free before transitioning into a membership community. Don't miss the chance to be part of it! ✅ Register Here 📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed 🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here ✨ FREE RESOURCE: 6 SIGNS YOU ARE OR AREN'T WALKING IN YOUR GOD-GIVEN CALLING --> paolasoares.com/calling
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    43 mins
  • 146: The Power of Mindset: How Founder Ayana Rodriguez Partnered with the World's Top Luxury Hotels

    146: The Power of Mindset: How Founder Ayana Rodriguez Partnered with the World's Top Luxury Hotels
    Oct 15 2025

    What does it take to build a brand that earns the trust of the world's most prestigious hotels — and do it in an industry where you're often the only woman, only Latina, or only woman of color in the room?

    In this powerful episode, Ayana Rodriguez, founder of ITAVI, shares how she transformed a simple idea about intentional childcare into a premium service now partnered with Four Seasons, Waldorf Astoria, 1 Hotel, Eden Roc, and more. From her early days running a children's boutique to becoming the CEO of an award-winning company, Ayana's journey is a masterclass in perseverance, vision, and courage.

    She opens up about how she refused to let labels or stereotypes define her path — choosing instead to focus on the mission, the solution, and the people she was called to serve. Through this conversation, you'll learn:

    ✨ How to develop the mindset that keeps you moving forward — even when you feel like you don't belong.
    🏨 The power of strategic partnerships and how to position your brand for success in elite spaces.
    💡 Why emotional intelligence and community support are critical for scaling your business.
    🌱 How to reframe failures as lessons that fuel growth and resilience.
    🤝 The importance of leveraging your village — in parenting, business, and beyond.

    Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned businesswoman, this conversation will inspire you to dream bigger, push past fear, and pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach. Because your identity isn't a barrier — it's your superpower.

    Connect with Ayana:

    Itavikids.com

    IG: @itavikids

    IG: @ayanamrodriguez

    👯‍♀️ Join the FREE BFSF Accountability Community Call! ( Nov. 5th)
    If you're ready to get out of your head and finally start walking in the purpose God has for you, this is your chance to do it with community. During this 1-hour session, you'll connect with like-minded women, share what you're working on, get live coaching and encouragement, and gain clarity around your calling so you can take bold next steps.

    💡 Spots are limited — and this may be one of the last times I offer this call for free before transitioning into a membership community. Don't miss the chance to be part of it!

    ✅ Register Here

    💻 Let's Connect:

    📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed
    🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com
    🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here
    📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up
    ▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins
  • 145. $1Billion Impact: How Latina CEO Jacqueline Basulto Built a Thriving Agency from $200

    145. $1Billion Impact: How Latina CEO Jacqueline Basulto Built a Thriving Agency from $200
    Oct 8 2025

    In this episode of But First, She Failed, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by featuring Jacqueline Basulto, the Latina entrepreneur and Forbes 30 Under 30 CEO behind SeedX, a digital growth agency she launched with just $200.

    Since then, her agency has helped clients generate over $1 billion in revenue through innovative digital strategies and data-driven growth. Jacqueline shares how she built a thriving business from humble beginnings, how motherhood fuels her leadership, and her secrets to finding great talent and creating lasting success.

    ✨ You'll Learn:

    • How to find great talent early in your business

    • The secret to "revenue synergy" and business growth

    • How motherhood sharpens leadership and focus

    • The mindset behind scaling with purpose

    If you're a Latina entrepreneur, woman in business, or aspiring founder, this conversation will remind you that big impact can start with small beginnings.

    Connect with Jacqueline:

    seedx.us

    Jacqueline Basulto Linkedin

    👯‍♀️ Join the FREE BFSF Accountability Community Call! ( Nov. 5th)
    If you're ready to get out of your head and finally start walking in the purpose God has for you, this is your chance to do it with community. During this 1-hour session, you'll connect with like-minded women, share what you're working on, get live coaching and encouragement, and gain clarity around your calling so you can take bold next steps.

    💡 Spots are limited — and this may be one of the last times I offer this call for free before transitioning into a membership community. Don't miss the chance to be part of it!

    ✅ Register Here

    💻 Let's Connect:

    📲 Instagram: @butfirstshefailed
    🌐 Website: Paolasoares.com
    🎙 Book a Mentorship Session: Click Here
    📩 Join the Weekly Newsletter + Take the Boss Woman Profile Quiz: Sign Up
    ▶️ Follow on YouTube: Watch Here
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
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