We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Adriana Guaderrama. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Adriana below.

Adriana, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

My mom has been my greatest inspiration—a true embodiment of resilience and selflessness. Growing up in Venezuela, I watched her work tirelessly to provide for our family. She was not only a hardworking woman but also the heart of our home, constantly finding ways to support and uplift us no matter the challenges she faced. Her example taught me the values of perseverance, adaptability, and the power of showing up for others.

One story that stands out is when she migrated to the United States in her 60s—a stage in life when many people begin to slow down. Instead of seeing it as an end, she embraced it as an opportunity to redefine herself. She learned a new language, built new connections, and continued to be a pillar of support for her children and anyone in her community who needed help. Her courage and unwavering commitment to others showed me that reinvention is always possible and that our purpose extends beyond ourselves.

Her journey has had a profound impact on my life and career. It taught me the importance of perseverance, kindness, and staying grounded in service to others. Whether I’m leading in the corporate world or guiding someone on their yoga journey, her influence is always present. She’s the reason I strive to create spaces where people feel supported and empowered to transform their own lives.

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

I’m Adriana Guaderrama, the founder of Awakening Goddess and the COO of Jupico, a fintech company where I lead a fast-paced corporate career. My journey into this work is deeply personal and shaped by pivotal moments of transformation. Originally from Venezuela, I migrated to the United States at 19, the first in my family to leave our country. That decision was driven by a desire to build a better future not only for myself but for my family. Over the years, I was able to help them join me, creating new opportunities for all of us.

While I’m proud of my professional achievements, the pressure I put on myself to excel took a toll on me. In the midst of my demanding corporate life, I reached a breaking point—a mental and emotional burnout from not knowing how to balance my ambitions with my well-being. That experience became a wake-up call, pushing me to find tools to heal and reclaim my sense of self. Yoga became my anchor, a practice that not only alleviated the physical back pain I was experiencing but also taught me how to breathe, slow down, and reconnect with my inner world.

Over time, my personal practice evolved into a deeper calling. I started traveling the world to deepen my knowledge and understanding of yoga philosophy. I began training in multiple yoga styles, sound healing and alternative healing modalities, eventually becoming a yoga teacher and creating Awakening Goddess. Along the way, I found my calling in helping others find the same sense of balance and clarity that I had discovered. Through Awakening Goddess, I offer yoga classes, workshops, retreats, and sound baths to guide others in exploring mindfulness, self-awareness, and the balance between effort and ease. My work is about helping people reconnect with themselves and discover tools to navigate the complexities of life with clarity and purpose. I aim to spark self-inquiry and curiosity, helping individuals uncover their own path to growth and transformation.

What sets my approach apart is my ability to bridge these two worlds. My corporate life has given me firsthand insight into the challenges of modern life—stress, burnout, and the feeling of being pulled in multiple directions. I understand that, while we might dream of dedicating all our time to yoga or self-care, the reality for most of us is a need to find balance between work, family, and personal growth. That’s what I aim to teach: not an escape from life’s demands, but a way to integrate mindfulness into every aspect of it.

I’m most proud of the life I’ve created, one that embodies both healthy ambition and intention. From leading in the corporate world to fostering connection and transformation through Awakening Goddess, I hope to inspire others to embrace their full selves. Whether you’re looking to find peace, explore your potential, or simply breathe a little easier, my work is here to support you on your journey.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that success meant constantly setting unachievable goals, holding myself to impossibly high expectations, and always needing to “win.” For much of my life, I compared myself to others and thought I had to outdo everyone to prove my worth. I believed that pushing myself harder and harder was the only way forward.

This mindset led to significant accomplishments but also deep suffering. When I experienced burnout, it didn’t matter how much I achieved—migrating to the U.S. at 19, being the first in my family to leave Venezuela and open doors for them, excelling in my corporate career—I felt like it was never enough. The constant striving and comparison made it impossible to truly enjoy what I had worked so hard for.

Over time, I realized this approach wasn’t sustainable. Through yoga and mindfulness, I began to see the harm in chasing perfection and comparing myself to others. I learned to be true to myself, honor my capabilities, and trust that by doing the right thing—both for myself and others—success would come naturally. Letting go of the need to prove something has allowed me to find balance, fulfillment, and a deeper sense of purpose.

This shift has changed not only how I approach my work and life but also how I define success. It’s no longer about being the best or achieving the impossible; it’s about being authentic, doing my best, and trusting the journey. This lesson continues to shape my path and is something I strive to share with others through my teachings and practice.

Have you ever had to pivot?

There was a pivotal moment in my life when I decided to step down from the corporate world. I was working as an executive for a global corporation, and the relentless pressure had taken a significant toll on me. At the time, I thought the only solution was to walk away from the corporate world entirely. I had convinced myself that leaving was the only way to reclaim my health and happiness.

When I told my boss I was quitting, he surprised me by asking if I’d consider consulting for a while instead. He explained that my skills were hard to replace, and they could use my expertise on a consultant basis. I agreed, thinking I could still help in this capacity. Eventually, though, I left completely, I needed time to reflect and find my purpose. I believed I was ready to dedicate myself solely to yoga.

But life had other plans. Former colleagues began reaching out, asking for help with various projects, and before long, I found myself drawn back into the corporate world—but this time on my own terms. That’s when I found my way to Jupico, a fintech startup. It was a revelation. I realized that my niche is in helping smaller companies grow and scale. In startups, the work feels more personal, impactful, and intentional, much like the work I do with Awakening Goddess. Through Jupico, I’ve been able to merge my love of strategy and innovation with the deeper values of connection and purpose that guide my life.

This journey taught me that the key isn’t choosing between one path or the other—it’s about integrating them in a way that aligns with my values. Everything I do now, whether it’s building a business, leading in fintech, or teaching yoga, is rooted in intention and purpose. I no longer approach work with greed, comparison, or the need to prove myself. Instead, I focus on creating meaningful impact, both in the corporate world and in the personal growth journeys I facilitate through Awakening Goddess.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.awakeninggoddess.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awakeninggoddess.ag
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AwakeningGoddess.ag/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-guaderrama
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Awakening_Goddess

Image Credits

https://www.instagram.com/goodstudioco/ (Photo of me playing singing bowls only)