women of color coach

We need more people telling us that we, exactly as we are, are enough. More importantly, we need to say it to ourselves. Instead, we live in a society that makes living the greatest game. Like we win at life somehow by achieving what we’ve been told we need to be happy. MORE!

Open up your phone, turn on your laptop, and we are constantly sold this “need” for MORE:

• More money
• More followers and likes
• More fries with that

With all this, we are also having:

• More anxiety
• More conflicts
• More on our screens instead of being present with loved ones

And here's the kicker - humans in this modern age are never satisfied.

We reach one goal, like buying a fancy house or hitting a certain income level, and immediately we're asking ourselves:

"What's next? How can we get even more?"

But here's the real question we should be asking ourselves:

Does having more actually bring us more happiness?

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The trap of continually striving for more even after learning to enjoy life.
• Define your version of 'enough' rather than succumbing to societal pressures.
• A podcast update that I share in this episode!

If 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 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:
Follow Elaine on Instagram
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn
Get Elaine’s GIFS + Gifts Newsletter

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to schedule a call to see if the Color Your Dreams Inner Circle is a good fit for you
Schedule a call with me
Join my weekly Color Your Dreams Newsletter
Follow the Podcast
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Instagram
Connect With Me on LinkedIn

Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

It's that time of year when everyone shares how great their life is…

• Their vacations
• Their increased wealth
• Their VIP experiences with Beyonce and Taylor Swift, BLAH BLAH BLAH

It can be overwhelming and, let’s be real, annoying. *eye roll*

Because not everyone had a great year, which may include you, many people had a rough 2023.

Here are some actual #facts from this past year:

1. Dr. Murthy, the US Surgeon General, shared loneliness is the #1 epidemic in our country. This makes sense, especially after COVID and living in a life where we all use our screens to drug ourselves from reality
2. What’s happening in the world right now
3. Going through an inflation

What I’ve heard from a lot of you is -- WTF?!

• Elaine, WTF!? I got laid off…
• Elaine, WTF!? My company just laid off a bunch of people, and now I’m doing 3 people’s jobs completely overwhelmed
• Elaine, WTF!? I am no longer with this business machine I created.

In all transparency, I had a great year. But last year, 2022, was a complete shit year for me. I lost my grandma, and my partner lost his dad.

Despite last year being hard, I learned to honor that season of pause and healing.

In this podcast episode, I share 5 tips on rebounding from a tough year, whether you had one this year or one you might have in the future.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The importance of seasons of winter - the pausing and healing
• How to embrace and honor this time
• What I’ve done when things are hard

If 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


Recommended Podcast Episodes
Episode 25 - Coaching vs. Therapy: Which one do you need with Dr. Nazanin?
Episode 66 - 4 Steps to Reduce Financial Anxiety with Claudia Rucker
Episode 5 - Time and Energy Management to Get Your Life Back
Episode 28 - The Importance of Trauma-Informed Spaces with Adria Moses


Resources Mentioned:
Follow Elaine on Instagram
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn
Get Elaine’s GIFS + Gifts Newsletter


Where We Can Connect:
Apply to schedule a call to see if the Color Your Dreams Inner Circle is a good fit for you
Schedule a call with me
Join my weekly Color Your Dreams Newsletter
Follow the Podcast
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Instagram
Connect With Me on LinkedIn

Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

Do you have an intuitive feeling and can tell by your bank account that things need to change in your business?

• You notice that the same content you used to create isn’t resonating with your audience.
• Everyone is talking about inflation.
• Seeing other businesses not do well.

So, how can you make sure you both thrive or at the least survive in 2024?

Today, I have a special guest with me, my fellow-boxer, friend, and brand strategist, Tiffany Newman, who spent 15 years branding for Fortune 500 companies, and now she does branding for small businesses like you and me.

Fun fact: Tiffany and I used to box and play violin when we were younger, and have both been in business for 6 years. And we’ve only known each other for 5 years! It was meant to be :)

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Six business predictions for 2024.
• What content to focus on outside of social media to build your legacy
• Why consumers are more aware of marketing tricks than ever before
• How to reevaluate and reimagine strategies for a better year of business

If 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:
Connect with Tiffany Neuman
Follow Elaine on Instagram
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn
Get Elaine’s GIFS + Gifts Newsletter

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to schedule a call to see if the Color Your Dreams Inner Circle is a good fit for you
Schedule a call with me
Join my weekly Color Your Dreams Newsletter
Follow the Podcast
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Instagram
Connect With Me on LinkedIn 

Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color 

Money. How does that word make you feel? 

With inflation and the holiday season, it might bring up some fear and anxiety. Even when we’re in the giving spirit, we all know this is the time when our wallets take the biggest hit. 

But don’t worry! I've got someone here who can show you the way out of this financial frenzy.

Allow me to introduce my client and friend, Claudia Rucker, a badass first gen immigrant and Latina who knows a thing or two about helping businesses achieve financial sustainability. 

She has been able to help seven-figure businesses reach their financial goals, while also helping business owners have a life outside of their work.

In this episode, we focus on how to hold a bold business vision to life without sacrificing self-care or what truly matters to you.

What We Cover in This Episode: 

• Imagine your dream life with Prosperity Planning
• Claudia’s four steps for financial success
• Gathering and analyzing data to put numbers to the dream
• Embrace planning and approach financial forecasting with practicality and intuition

If 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:
Connect with Claudia Rucker
Follow Elaine on Instagram
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn
Get Elaine’s GIFS + Gifts Newsletter

Where We Can Connect:

Apply to schedule a call to see if the Color Your Dreams Inner Circle is a good fit for you
Schedule a call with me
Join my weekly Color Your Dreams Newsletter
Follow the Podcast
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Instagram
Connect With Me on LinkedIn
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

Time flies! Is it me, or does 2000 still feel like five years ago!?

I still want to party like it’s 1999, which means listening to NSYNC’s albums all day while thinking of the most clever away messages for AIM.

My AIM screenname was SnowyLolyPops. What was yours lol? IYKYK lmao.

My team and I are getting ready to do an End of Year Planning session for our clients, and if you’re interested in the exact process of what my clients do to plan for a new year… say no more! I made a podcast episode out of it. This is the same process I use to plan for a new year!

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Before planning, reflecting on what brought joy and what didn't.
• Being okay when things that used to work no longer work and what to do about it
• Ensuring  you create intentional goals that you want and not what other people want

If 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 checklist of success that’s not made by society and loved ones, then schedule a complimentary legacy business and career review at elainelou.com/call

Recommended Podcast Episodes
Episode 11. Identity Crisis? How to Quit or Realign Your Business or Career With Your Life
Episode 29. How to Plan for the Rest of the Year
Episode 32. Supportive Ways to Make Money While You Enjoy the Holidays + Love

Resources Mentioned:
Follow Elaine on Instagram
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn
Get Elaine’s GIFS + Gifts Newsletter

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to schedule a call to see if the Color Your Dreams Inner Circle is a good fit for you
Schedule a call with me.
Join my weekly Color Your Dreams Newsletter.
Follow the Podcast
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Instagram
Connect With Me on LinkedIn

Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color.

It's the holiday season and all the new products and ads are popping up left and right.

You know the ones! They’re designed to make us think we’ll never have this life-changing opportunity again.

And those Playstation and Nintendo “launches” were successful because Mario Kart 64 was EVERYTHING!

And now, small businesses launch using money and time to promote one thing. I used to be a launcher myself, promoting retreats and masterminds six times a year.

I had spreadsheets and copy of emails, social media posts. I was constantly sharing my life online. It was exhausting.

In this podcast episode, I’m joined by my marketing strategist, friend and client, Monica Schrock, on how we moved away from launching and towards a more sustainable life where we get consistent clients.

For example, I’m not promoting anything but I:

• Just closed a deal with a company to film another course. I’m heading to Santa Barbara next week. This course is going live soon with a VERY WELL-KNOWN company
• Signed on a new 1:1 client, and have 4 calls already scheduled in December with others who want to work with us
• Working on a contract with a 1 Billion dollar company to do executive coaching with their leaders

More important than these professional wins, personally:

• I DO NOT post everyday online because my business is NOT dependent on social media
• I’ve been able to settle into our new home making so many trips to Goodwill to donate things I don’t use
• I’m doing Muay Thai (Thai Kickboxing) on a consistent basis again (at least 3x a week). This was a New Years Resolution that I was 11 months late in doing lol
• I’ve made more and worked less this year compared to last year which includes a 2 week vacation in Tanzania where I had no laptop, no wifi and had the trip of a lifetime climbing Kilimanjaro and going on a safari

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The importance of consistency and simplicity to get clients
• How we’ve built a business not dependent on social media, and focused on referrals and actually being good at what you do
• Understanding conversion rates: Knowing lead-to-client conversion rates is key.

If 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

Related Podcast Episodes
Episode 57. How to Work When You or a Friend is Neurodivergent (ADHD, Bipolar, Anxiety) with Monica Schrock
Episode 48. Smackdown: Marketing vs. Systems vs. Strategy - Which One Do You Need? with Monica Schrock and Juliana Wise
Episode 4. How to Start Being Less Dependent on Social Media with Monica Schrock
Episode 38. Part 2. One Year Later, How I Became Less Dependent on Social Media with Monica Schrock

Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Monica Schrock
Follow Elaine on Instagram
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn
Get Elaine’s GIFS + Gifts Newsletter 

Did you know before I turned 28, I’d been fired three times and quit two jobs? I’ve changed careers a few times, actually! Sometimes by choice and sometimes… not (lol).

Right after college, I worked in campaigns -- working as a grassroots organizer and fundraiser living in 6 different states: California, Iowa, Indiana, Montana, Massachusetts, and New Mexico.

I was on a weekly flight to big cities like DC, NYC, and Chicago.

I made a name for myself, then realized the career I built -- I just hated it. It didn’t align with my values, me, and the work-life balance I wanted. I was missing out on family birthday parties and being with friends.

I found and figured out how to find a new career -- working as a fundraiser at Pasadena City College. I found my dream job with the corner office, 6-figures, and a dream team. I didn’t have the “I hated my job before I started my coaching business.”

In my most recent episode, I spoke with my client, Ava, who also successfully found a new career path at the Department of Justice, a move that aligned with her values and renewed her joy.

We discussed her challenges during the process, the steps she took to find the right job for her, and how you can do this process yourself!

So, if you're feeling lost and need guidance, this episode is for you.

Ava and I share our journey of finding a career path that perfectly aligns with our values and work-life balance.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Ava, a client, shares her success story of changing careers
• The importance of informational interviews in exploring different career paths
• How to tailor your resume and LinkedIn profile when you want to change industries to showcase transferable skills 
• The emotional and mental challenges of job searching and the importance of protecting one's peace
• Seeking support from a coach and therapist during the career transition process
• How Elaine's coaching provided valuable feedback and accountability for Ava

If 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 checklist of success that’s not made by society and loved ones, then schedule a complimentary legacy business and career review at elainelou.com/call

Related Podcast Episodes:
Episode 27. Changing Careers and Increasing Your Salary as a First-Generation Immigrant with my Brother Daryl
Episode 11: Identity Crisis? How to Quit or Realign Your Business or Career with Your Life
Episode 45. How You Can Have a Fulfilling Job and Life with Mac Prichard

Resources Mentioned:
Follow Elaine on Instagram
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn
Get Elaine’s GIFS + Gifts Newsletter
Add Ava on LinkedIn!
Book: What Color Is Your Parachute

Where We Can Connect:
Schedule a call with me.
Join my weekly GIFS and Gifts Newsletter.
Follow the Podcast
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color 

Are you tired of being glued to your phone or computer screen, especially during virtual meetings like Zoom? You're not alone. 

Many people, including companies, are realizing the negative effects of too much screen time. So, what does this mean for us now? There will be more in-person events, conferences, and networking.

Even if you’re ready to meet more people in person for your career or business, this can be a lot for introverts or those who struggle with networking.

Sure extroverts invented networking ;), and you can do it too. But you just need a DIFFERENT strategy that doesn’t feel fake!

Don't worry! In this podcast episode, my guest Monica Schrock, an introvert who is my marketing strategist for myself and my clients and also a friend and client, will share tips on how to network effectively as an introvert.

If you're feeling unsure about small talk or how to approach networking, tune in for some helpful advice.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Squashing misconceptions about introverts and networking
• How to find common ground and not make it so fake
• How to do self-promotion in a non-icky way
• The importance of supporting others rather than just taking so much for you
• How to prep before an event

If 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
Follow Monica on Instagram
Follow Elaine on Instagram
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn
Get Elaine’s GIFS + Gifts Newsletter

Where We Can Connect:

Apply to schedule a call to see if the Color Your Dreams Inner Circle is a good fit for you
Schedule a call with me
Join my weekly Color Your Dreams Newsletter
Follow the Podcast
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Instagram
Connect With Me on LinkedIn

Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

I’m #1 on Google. Go search for yourself in the search bar with the following keywords:

• WOC Business Coach
• Women of Color Business Coach
• Business Coach for WOC
• Business Coach for Women of Color

Yep, I’m #1 on Google search after the ads.

I decided to delve into the world of Google SEO because I was burned out from creating content on social media every day. I just wanted to serve. After asking clients how they found me and how they looked for a coach, I understood that my ideal clients were actively searching for specific keywords like “women of color business coach,” and I wanted to make sure more people found me.

I followed the data! 

Then, my team member and retreat manager, Kat Magsaysay, introduced me to Andres Agüero. The result? I got 13 sales calls this past week.

Now, in 2023, I no longer feel the need to post daily.

And this is my FIRST podcast episode I’m recording in a new home I bought with my boyfriend.

Google SEO has been a game-changer for my business, as 23% of our income now comes from SEO.

The rest of our income still comes from… Referrals and renewals. And likely always will!

Even though referrals and renewals still significantly contribute to my income, I understood the importance of diversification. That's why I wanted to share this episode with you - it's not just about my success but about helping you also become #1 on Google.

So, stay tuned and take notes so that more of your ideal clients will come to you without you having to create content every single day…that sounds exhausting!

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The basics of Google SEO and its importance for businesses 
• Why SEO is a long-term strategy to improve website traffic and rankings 
• The importance of being the best in your industry and how SEO is not a quick fix 
• Why you need a competitive mindset in SEO and being the best in your field 
• The use of AI in content creation and the need for human oversight 
• Being the best in terms of providing excellent service to clients 
• Elaine’s experience of using Google SEO to rank as a woman of color business coach 
• The growth of Andres's business and his future plans

If 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 Andres Aguero Online 
Follow Elaine on Instagram
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn
Get Elaine’s GIFS + Gifts Newsletter

Where We Can Connect: 

Apply to schedule a call to see if the Color Your Dreams Inner Circle is a good fit for you
Schedule a call with me
Join my weekly Color Your Dreams Newsletter
Follow the Podcast
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Instagram
Connect With Me on LinkedIn
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

Is it me? But where did summer go? The 1st month of the 4th quarter is practically done. And I’ve been hearing from all my clients and my own body -- WE ARE TIRED.

I’ll be honest: I am burned out in a good way cause SO MANY opportunities have been coming.

There are so many that it’s been NECESSARY to navigate saying NO and establishing boundaries for self-care (aka taking breaks from humans) lol.  

As we approach the holiday season, it is important to find a balance between work and personal life to avoid burnout.

How do we navigate the hustle around the holidays to achieve this?

Don’t worry, I got’chu! I have an early holiday present with this episode on how to sleigh the Q4 burnout so you can actually enjoy the holidays.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• How Q4 is a crucial sales quarter for many businesses and companies
• Why the holiday season makes it challenging to balance work and personal life
• Ways you can achieve a sustainable and productive quarter
• Professional and personal tips for a productive and happy holiday season
• Scheduling personal time, working on self-care, and managing family obligations
• Only set a maximum of 3 goals and seek support or accountability when needed
• Reflect on what isn't working well in your life to gain clarity
• Understand the importance of finding the pathway to a more balanced life

If 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

Related Podcast Episodes to Listen to:
Episode 5. Time & Energy Management to Get Your Life Back
Episode 37. Dealing with Stress and Burnout as a BIPOC Leader with Nicole Caruth
Episode 55. Work-Life Balance: The Lie with Natalie Kuhn

Resources Mentioned:
Follow Elaine on Instagram
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn
Get Elaine’s GIFS + Gifts Newsletter
Panda Planner
Amber Dugger - My Cash Flow Management Mentor
Evolved Finance - My Tax Accountant & Bookkeeper
Mr. Bear’s Budget Bangers - My spotify playlist when I want to reflect and journal

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to schedule a call to see if the Color Your Dreams Inner Circle is a good fit for you
Schedule a call with me
Join my weekly Color Your Dreams Newsletter
Follow the Podcast
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Instagram
Connect With Me on LinkedIn

Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

Is Terminator happening in real life right now? With AI becoming a part of our every day, it seems like it’s a machine vs. human world.

For example, remember the early days of social media? Now, social media is an integral part of life.

And AI is already part of our daily lives as we open up our phone, which uses face ID, or when we write an email or text, and AI suggests phrases or words to use.

The important question is… how do we maintain our humanity in a world of AI and technology?

And as technology develops, one thing is for sure -- our relationships, both personally and professionally, will be more important.

In this episode, I am pleased to be joined by John Gauntt, the founder of Culture & Code, a B2B podcast and newsletter that focuses on generative AI for creative professionals. I had the privilege of meeting John and collaborating with him at Podcast Movement, where I attended his enlightening AI-focused event.

What sets John's work apart is its holistic approach, which is not solely focused on harnessing AI for financial gain. Instead, it delves into the human aspect. This approach has earned his work recognition in esteemed publications such as The Economist and South by Southwest.

This episode is not just about crafting the best prompts; it is a discussion on how we, as humans, can preserve our essence in a world increasingly dominated by AI technology and automation.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Emphasis on the importance of being human while discussing AI and technology
• The need for balance between automation and personal touch
• AI's role in turning human language into a programming language
• The impact of AI on the workplace and skills needed for success
• Why it’s important to maintain relationships in business and personal life
• AI's capability to extend human capabilities but not replace human relationships
• Looking at ethical concerns about AI and its impact on industries
• Focusing on delighting others through human interaction while using AI

If 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:
John Gauntt’s Website
John Gauntt’s LinkedIn
Follow Elaine on Instagram
Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn
Get Elaine’s GIFS + Gifts Newsletter

Where We Can Connect:
Apply to schedule a call to see if the Color Your Dreams Inner Circle is a good fit for you
Schedule a call with me
Join my weekly Color Your Dreams Newsletter
Follow the Podcast
Follow Me on Facebook
Follow Me on Instagram
Connect With Me on LinkedIn

Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color

Have you ever attended an event, retreat, or conference that left you feeling overwhelmed?

There were so many guest speakers, and the information was thrown at you, and none of it was individualized or even felt applicable to your business.

Often, I found myself at industry conferences, completely exhausted and inundated with information.

On the other hand, what truly stood out for me during these events were the invaluable connections and relationships I had the opportunity to establish.

In this episode, we'll go over my evolution of how I’ve changed my events and retreats from what everyone is doing to ensuring I’m creating an experience that is intentional and individualized to what my clients need. I’ll also share how I create the agenda and structure, the results of my retreats, and the mistakes I’ve made.

Whether you are a career leader or business owner, my intention is for you to learn from my mistakes, ensure you don’t just copy what everyone else is doing, and create your own client and team-centered retreats that align with your unique objectives.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• The problem of feeling overwhelmed at industry events with generic information 
• My journey of mistakes to create events and retreats to be client and team-centered 
• The importance of building connections and relationships at events 
• Why I reduced the number of events and retreats to focus on quality over quantity 
• Pricing strategy for retreats and how it aligns with the value provided 
• Why building a loose agenda for retreats is important
• The importance of creating space to connect, grow, and integrate
• Client results from my recent retreat, including business successes and personal growth

If 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 .  Check out my business coaching services here, and my career coaching services here.

Related Podcast Episodes

Episode 46. 5 Retreat Reflections with Business Owners + Corporate Leadership. You can listen to this 26 minute podcast episode on Apple or Spotify.
Episode 33. 5 Reflections from My Retreat with Established Business Owners. You can listen to this 20-minute podcast episode on Apple or Spotify.

Resources Mentioned:
Color Your Dreams Retreat

Where We Can Connect:
Schedule a call with me
Follow the Podcast
Check out our other podcasts for Women of Color