Corporate Cafecito

S9 E14 - If Not Now, When? Service, Sacrifice, and Choosing Peace with Michele Garcia

Nallely Suárez Gass & Carlos Butler Vale Season 9 Episode 14

Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.

0:00 | 24:04

She never left, familia. We just refilled the cafecito. 

Michele Garcia stayed with me for part two of our Corporate Cafecito conversation, and I’m so grateful she did.

What started as a conversation about her career in law enforcement became something much deeper. We talked about what it means to serve for more than 25 years, to carry the weight of difficult work, to be a Latina in spaces where women were not always expected to lead, and to still find your way with strength, humor, and corazón.

Michele opened up about the personal side of the job too. The impact it can have on your health, your family, your sleep, your peace, and the way you start asking yourself what life should look like after giving so much of yourself to your career.

One part that really stayed with me was how she talked about mentorship.

She saw another young Latina coming up in the department, recognized her potential, and made room for her. Not because she had to, but because she understood what it feels like to be overlooked and what it means when someone finally sees you.

That is what lift as you climb really looks like.

It is honest. It is powerful. And it is a reminder that our stories matter, especially when they help someone else believe that they belong too.

Don't forget to check out her book Model Detective. It’s out now, and she shares her story and what it was really like working those cases. If you want to learn more about her journey, you can visit her website at https://modeldetectivebook.com/.

Watch the episode here now: www.corpcafecito.com

So, what’s in your cafecito today? 

Support the show

If you’d like to join Nallely y Carlos for a conversation, collaborate, or suggest a topic that matters to our community, we would love to hear from you. This podcast centers real conversations that move culture and careers forward. Visit www.corpcafecito.com/contact-us or email admin@corpcafecito.com.

Elevar Development, founded by Nallely Suárez Gass, helps professionals and organizations grow with clarity and purpose. With over two decades of corporate experience, Nallely is known for helping people lead authentically, uncover strengths, and make confident, aligned decisions. Through personalized coaching and impactful workshops, Elevar creates practical, lasting change. Visit www.elevardevelopment.com or email Nallely@elevardevelopment.com today.

Every business decision carries social, political, and economic considerations. Avizo Consulting helps organizations navigate complexity with intention, cultural awareness, and strategic insight. Carlos Butler Vale partners with leaders who want their values and actions aligned. Learn more at www.avizoconsulting.com or email carlos@avizoconsulting.com. 

Two leaders. One shared commitment to growth, cultura, and impact.