Cristina Perez-Simmons and I kicked in the diner this episode. She told me what life as a coffee snob is like and the importance of buying fair trade. We then talked about her move away from California and shifting from a Latinx community to a predominantly white community in the southeast. She told me about working to reclaiming heritage and identity after years of shying away from it. I also asked her about being Latinx during the Black Lives Matter movement. Then we got personal and dove into the fear of inadequacy, not living up, and balancing perfectionism. We wrapped up with an interesting debate about doing the diversity and inclusion work from inside vs outside of an organization and where to start.
About the Guest:
Cristina Pérez-Simmons is a training and development professional by way of higher education. She has a passion for helping others reach their potential and cultivating inclusive and empowering spaces where folks can thrive authentically. She is able to do just that in her professional role creating meaningful leadership experiences for college women. Born and raised in Southern California by two Mexican immigrants, Cristina continues to find ways to celebrate her Latinidad and be an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. In her spare time, you can find her with a cup of coffee in hand, exploring the best eateries, or getting lost in a good book.
https://www.instagram.com/cjeannette/
About the Host:
Friends! Here's a somewhat stuffy bio of me:
I am an author, professional speaker, coach, host, and entrepreneur. My first book, Leading Imperfectly: The value of being authentic for leaders, professionals, and human beings, is available wherever people buy books. I speak internationally to willing and unwilling attendees about authenticity, vulnerability, and leadership. My clients include American Express, General Electric (GE), Accenture, Yale University, The Ohio State University, and many others. As a speaker, I am doing the two things I love the most: making people think and making people laugh!
I host my own events multiple times a year. They are 2-day events called Living Imperfectly Live (and sometimes they are 1-day virtual events). They are a space where humans from every walk of life can come together to be part of a community on the pursuit of badassery. The goal is to help attendees start living the life they say they want to live.
Alas, you're here because of an idea I had a number of years ago that I didn't think I was good enough to pull off. Then 2020 happened and I finally acted on it and Diner Talks with James was born! As you can see from what I do in my professional life, Diner Talks is aligned with everything I believe in and teach. If this wasn't dry enough, and you would like to know more info about my speaking, events, or coaching feel free to check out my website: JamesTRobo.com.
Let’s Be Friends on Social Media!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamestrobo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamestrobo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesrobilotta/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JamesRobilottaCSP
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/JamesTRobo
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