We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jecara Rivera a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jecara, appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

One of the most unexpected challenges I faced in my business was battling self-doubt, even after experiencing success in other areas of my life. A particularly memorable instance was early in my speaking career when I approached an event planner to pitch my message of work-life balance. I had years of corporate experience and had achieved a balance in my own life that many people aspire to. I also had practical strategies to share that could truly help others. But as I prepared for that conversation, a voice in my head whispered, What if they don’t think this is valuable? What if no one cares about this topic?

Even though I was confident in my message and knew the need for work-life balance was universal, I doubted whether others would see the value. The event planner was polite but skeptical at first. I could tell they were used to hearing pitches that leaned into hard skills like leadership or technical expertise. But I believed so deeply in the power of my message that I persisted. I explained how burnout and imbalance were eroding productivity and fulfillment for so many professionals, and how my strategies could address this in a real, actionable way.

It wasn’t an easy conversation, and I second-guessed myself the entire time. But by the end, they agreed to give me a chance. That event ended up being a success, with attendees thanking me for addressing a topic they hadn’t even realized they needed to hear. Today, I regularly speak at associations and corporations on work-life balance, but that moment taught me a critical lesson: even when self-doubt creeps in, it’s worth pushing through.

Self-doubt is sneaky—it doesn’t care how successful or prepared you are. But overcoming it starts with recognizing that your voice and expertise have value, and your message is worth sharing. That moment with the event planner not only reinforced my belief in the importance of my work, but it also reminded me that persistence can open doors—even when your own mind tries to convince you otherwise.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As an engaging motivational speaker based in Orlando, Florida, I am dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve harmony between their professional ambitions and personal responsibilities. My journey into this field was inspired by my own experiences in balancing a demanding career with the joys and challenges of parenthood. Recognizing the struggles that many professionals face in this area, I felt compelled to share the strategies that have worked for me and to help others find fulfillment both at work and at home.

I offer a range of services, including keynote speeches, workshops, and personalized coaching sessions, all centered around work-life balance, career navigation, and eliminating parental guilt. My approach is both practical and empathetic, providing actionable steps that individuals can implement immediately to improve their quality of life.

The primary problems I address for my clients include:

Overcoming Parental Guilt: Many working parents struggle with feelings of guilt, believing they are neglecting either their job or their family. I provide tools to reframe this mindset, fostering a more positive and productive outlook.

Achieving Work-Life Balance: In today’s fast-paced world, balancing professional and personal life can seem unattainable. I share effective strategies to manage time, set boundaries, and prioritize tasks, enabling clients to enjoy a more harmonious lifestyle.

Career Advancement Without Sacrifice: I guide individuals in pursuing their career goals without compromising their personal lives, demonstrating that success in both areas is not only possible but also sustainable.

What sets me apart is my genuine passion for this subject matter, combined with firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by working parents. My insights are not just theoretical; they are tried and tested methods that have led to tangible improvements in the lives of my clients.

I am most proud of the positive impact my work has had on individuals and families. Hearing from clients who have transformed their lives, reduced stress, and found joy in both their careers and personal relationships is incredibly rewarding.

For potential clients and followers, I want you to know that my mission is to support and inspire you to create a life where professional success and personal fulfillment coexist. Through my talks and programs, I aim to provide you with the tools and confidence to navigate the complexities of modern life, helping you to not only succeed but to thrive.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments of my life—and a testament to my resilience—was becoming a mom at a young age. Being a teen mom was both a blessing and an incredible challenge. I was faced with the daunting reality of balancing school, work, and parenthood at a time when most of my peers were simply focused on being teenagers. There were moments when it felt overwhelming, and I questioned whether I could truly rise to meet the demands in front of me.

What helped me navigate this chapter of my life were three key strategies that I still rely on today: taking ownership, believing in myself, and asking for help.

First, I took ownership of my circumstances. I knew that my situation wouldn’t define me unless I allowed it to. Instead of focusing on what I couldn’t control, I focused on what I could: my choices, my mindset, and my determination to build a better future for myself and my child. I embraced the responsibility of being a young mom and made a plan to finish school and carve out a meaningful career path.

Second, I leaned into self-belief. It wasn’t always easy. There were days when doubt crept in and I wondered if I was capable of succeeding. But I reminded myself that if I wanted to show my child what resilience looked like, I had to embody it. I held onto the vision of the life I wanted for us and used it as motivation to keep moving forward, one step at a time.

Lastly, I learned the importance of asking for help. This was perhaps the hardest lesson for me. As someone who wanted to prove that I could handle everything, admitting that I needed support felt like admitting failure. But I quickly realized that resilience isn’t about doing it all alone—it’s about knowing when to lean on your community. Whether it was family members who helped with childcare, mentors who provided guidance, or friends who offered a listening ear, asking for and accepting help became a lifeline.

That experience as a teen mom taught me that no matter how challenging a situation might seem, there’s always a way forward when you take ownership, believe in yourself, and seek support. It also gave me the confidence to face other challenges later in life—whether it’s launching my business, speaking in front of large audiences, or coaching others through their own struggles.

Resilience isn’t about being unshakable; it’s about being resourceful and determined, no matter what life throws your way. That’s a lesson I’m proud to share with my clients and audiences because I’ve lived it, and I know it works.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the most significant pivots in my career came with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Before 2020, my speaking engagements were almost entirely in front of live audiences. I thrived on the energy of the room, the immediate connection with attendees, and the ability to interact face-to-face. But when the world shifted to virtual-only events, I had to rethink how I delivered my message.

Initially, the change was daunting. The speaking world I knew was turned upside down, and I quickly realized that relying solely on my in-person skills wouldn’t be enough to succeed in this new environment. To adapt, I immersed myself in learning everything I could about virtual speaking. I researched technology, invested in professional-grade equipment like lighting, microphones, and cameras, and even redesigned my home office to create a polished, on-camera presence.

But it wasn’t just about mastering technology. I had to reimagine how to engage an audience I couldn’t see or feel in real-time. Virtual events require a different energy—clearer communication, more dynamic visuals, and a keen understanding of how to hold attention through a screen. I rewrote parts of my presentations, incorporated interactive elements like polls and Q&A sessions, and practiced techniques to connect with people virtually.

Another critical part of this pivot was setting clear expectations with clients and event planners. I updated my contracts to account for virtual and hybrid events, ensuring both parties understood the unique requirements of each format. For example, I added clauses addressing tech run-throughs, platform preferences, and contingency plans in case of technical difficulties.

As the world reopened, the speaking landscape transformed yet again, becoming a hybrid mix of in-person and virtual events. This presented new challenges: How do you connect with an audience that’s split between the room and the screen? How do you make the experience equally impactful for everyone? I embraced the opportunity to expand my skillset further, studying and experimenting to perfect the art of hybrid engagement. Today, I can seamlessly deliver my message in any format, adapting to the needs of the event and ensuring every attendee feels seen and valued.

This pivot wasn’t just about survival—it was about growth. It taught me that resilience and adaptability are essential not just in business but in life. By embracing the shift and committing to excellence in every format, I’ve been able to continue delivering my message of work-life balance and personal empowerment to even broader and more diverse audiences. That’s a lesson I’ll carry with me for the rest of my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jecararivera.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jecararivera
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jecararivera/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7UGo7Bn3I1bMRsJ-lUufaw