WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk with Elaine Lou Cartas
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, the oldest daughter of a 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
WOC and Allies: Business and Career Realtalk with Elaine Lou Cartas
121: Having a Mid-career (& life) Crisis? What to do.
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Do you remember when the American Psychological Association came at us in 2023 and declared that middle age starts at 35? The absolute disrespect…In this episode, I’m talking about the conversations I’ve been having with so many of my clients that I’ve also been going through myself. Maybe you’re feeling like:
- “I’m done giving 100%—even my 20% is what most people call their 100.”
- “I don’t need another title bump. I just want to embrace enough.”
- “I can’t deal with the gaslighting in this industry anymore.”
…then you’re not alone.
Here’s what I dive into:
- Why so many of us, especially women of color, are redefining success as spaciousness, rest, health, and deep relationships, not just more titles.
- How your ambition doesn’t go away, it evolves depending on your age and stage in life.
- What to think about if you want more creativity, flexibility, or even to start your own business.
- How gaslighting in the workplace affects your nervous system, your relationships, and your sense of safety. And how to protect yourself emotionally, mentally, and legally.
- Why embracing “enough” isn’t failure, it’s freedom.
Resources I Mentioned:
- Episode 63: How to Change Career Successfully with Ava | Spotify | Apple
- Episode 79: What is Psychological Safety at Work with Chela Gage | Spotify | Apple
- Episode 90: How to Start Your Business and Get Your First Paying Clients | Spotify | 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
- Read my 300+ client reviews on Google
- Follow the Podcast on Apple
- Follow the Podcast on Spotify
- Follow me on Instagram: @elainelou_
- Connect with me on LinkedIn: Elaine Lou Cartas
- Check out my other podcasts for Women of Color
