Paloma Medina changed the way I think, lead, and connect. I wish everyone knew her work.
What motivates you to continue to do your research & training programs?
I think a lot of my training and coaching work is about giving people permission to be true to themselves, and to feel confident that they can ask and receive the things that matter to them. Getting to experience the moment when someone deeply connects to these things is an amazing feeling.
— Paloma Medina, Leadership Coach and Creator of ‘BICEPS’
Paloma’s work has been pivitol to the Gorge Women’s Business Council. We first heard of her through a member, Caitlin, and then again from a program advisor, Maren, and we resonated with her BICEPS framework so much, everyone involved in GWBC’s second year has been trained in BICEPS.
The GWBC leadership team had the honor of completing a six week management training program this year with Paloma, which included receiving one-on-one coaching. It was transformational. Her wisdom, research, and coaching will be a key part of GWBC moving forward.
-Briea
Here is some of her story:
What was the best advice you received about being an entrepreneur?
It's a tie - I can't choose because they fit together :) The first piece of advice is that the only thing you have to get superbly good at is saying No to most things that get put on your plate. All other skills you can be so-so at and your business will move forward, but failing to master the craft of No will sink your ship faster than any other flaw. The second thing is adjacent - to have the first thing I do, every work day, no matter what, be "clarity time": brain dump what's on my mind, clarify my to-do list, and then identify my "one thing" - the single task that is truly non-negotiable to accomplish that day. Everything else is bonus. While it sounds terrifying in the beginning to say there's only one thing you HAVE to get done, it quickly becomes clear that the old mantra is very accurate: "There is time for everything that matters" and that your "one thing" ensures you feel good at the end of day, rather than disappointed at yourself because you failed to accomplish your entire to-do list.
How old were you when you began thinking about entrepreneurship?
When I was in 3rd grade my parents didn't have money for an allowance so I placed an ad in the Pennysaver that said something like "Young girl available for odd jobs after school - open to anything!". Not surprisingly my parents freaked out when we started getting phone calls at the house and they realized what I'd done - but couldn't explain to me why my ad was absolutely not appropriate. I moved on to charging my schoolmates $1 for palm readings instead.
What motivates you to continue to do your research & training programs?
I think a lot of my training and coaching work is about giving people permission to be true to themselves, and to feel confident that they can ask and receive the things that matter to them. Getting to experience the moment when someone deeply connects to these things is an amazing feeling.
If you could go back to the fifth grade and have someone teach you a skillset or mindset to help you navigate your career with more ease what would that be?
Honestly, I think it's BICEPS. I think my work behind this tool has been motivated by seeing how it helps others navigate important decisions, in a way that works with their brain and heart, vs against it. Had I had this earlier on, it would have helped me understand that I wasn't a weird kid or defiant for wanting so much choice and autonomy, it would have helped me focus on work and projects where I could have more autonomy, because this is when I get my best work done.
I agree with Paloma that all 5th graders should learn about BICEPS. Thank you Paloma for helping me be more myself. I will be forever grateful. If you found her interview inspiring, please share this email. You can also learn about her management training, which I highly recommend.
Briea
