Today we’d like to introduce you to Ximena.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

My journey is deeply personal and has profoundly shaped the work I do today.

I grew up in Colombia, witnessing extreme financial highs and lows. My father came from a wealthy family that lost everything overnight after we experienced a kidnapping. Meanwhile, my parents’ divorce was marked by constant financial conflict, which ingrained deep-rooted scarcity beliefs in me from a young age.

At 17, my life took a drastic turn when my family became victims of further terrorist attacks in my home country. Forced to flee to Canada as a refugee, I arrived with no money, no knowledge of English, and a future full of uncertainty. The challenges were immense, but I worked relentlessly to rebuild my life—learning the language, adapting to a new culture, and proving to myself that I was capable of more.

Yet, despite achieving external success, I felt a lingering sense of emptiness—like I was never enough, no matter how much I accomplished. I also noticed that many others around me, despite having lives that looked successful on paper, felt unfulfilled. That realization sparked a deep transformation in me.

I began to reprogram the subconscious limitations that were holding me back from living a truly abundant, purpose-driven life. I discovered that success isn’t just about money or achievements—it’s about who you become in the process and how aligned you are with your purpose.

Today, my mission is to help professionals break through self-imposed barriers that limit their growth, income, and connection to what truly drives them. By redefining success and integrating purpose into their lives, they unlock their full potential, experience deeper fulfillment in their work, and achieve extraordinary results—using the resources they already possess.

My work is a powerful blend of personal experience, research, and a deep passion for transformation. I believe that success starts within, and when you align with your purpose and inner power, you can create a reality far beyond what you once believed was possible.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road—quite the opposite. My journey has been filled with challenges that, at times, felt impossible to overcome.

One of the biggest struggles was starting over as a refugee in Canada at just 17. I arrived with no money, no knowledge of English, and no clear roadmap for my future. The language barrier was isolating, and adapting to an entirely new culture while simply trying to survive felt overwhelming. I had to work multiple jobs just to support myself while also attending high school.

But beyond the external struggles, the biggest battle was internal. Growing up, I had internalized deep-rooted scarcity beliefs from my family’s financial struggles and the instability we faced after losing everything. Even as I started achieving external success, I constantly felt like I wasn’t enough. There was always an underlying fear of losing it all again—no matter how much I accomplished, something still felt missing.

One of the hardest yet most transformative parts of my journey was breaking free from those limiting beliefs and healing my relationship with myself and money. I had to reprogram my subconscious mind, shift my self-worth from what I achieved to who I was becoming, and redefine success on my own terms.

Another major challenge was stepping into my purpose. Walking away from the traditional path of success to pursue my passion for empowering others wasn’t easy. It came with fear, uncertainty, and moments of deep self-doubt. But every obstacle reinforced my belief that true success isn’t just about external achievements—it’s about alignment, fulfillment, and impact.

Today, I use everything I’ve learned to help others break through their own self-imposed barriers and step into the life they are meant to live. The road hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has led me to where I am now, doing work that truly lights me up. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Mena Cardenas?

I help professionals, leaders, and change-makers achieve their next level of success by connecting them to their purpose and aligning their actions with the future version of themselves who has already achieved their goals. My work blends mindset mastery, neuroscience-backed manifestation, and intentional action to help my clients break free from scarcity thinking and step into their “Rich Self”—not just in wealth, but in confidence, fulfillment, and impact.

What Makes My Approach Different?
Most success coaching focuses only on strategy or mindset—I go deeper. I help my clients shift their identity from the inside out. Many high achievers have the drive and external success, yet they often feel stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from their purpose. They wonder if they’re on the right path or fear they’ll never feel truly fulfilled.

I help them rewire those subconscious patterns so they can operate from clarity, confidence, and self-trust, making success feel aligned and effortless.

Unlike wishful thinking, my approach is backed by neuroscience—I teach my clients how to reprogram their beliefs, make decisions from their future self, and take intentional action to create real, lasting change.

What I’m Most Proud Of
The biggest reward of my work is seeing the ripple effect it creates. When someone steps into their full potential, they don’t just transform their own life—they become better leaders, build stronger relationships, and create a greater impact in the world.

The results my clients achieve go beyond financial success (though that happens too!). They experience more confidence, purpose, and alignment than ever before.

What I Want You to Know
If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more but something is holding you back—whether it’s self-doubt, fear, or subconscious patterns—you’re not alone. The key to reaching your next level isn’t just doing more—it’s becoming more.

Through my coaching, corporate workshops, and keynotes, I help ambitious professionals align their success with their purpose, unlock their next level, and create a fulfilled and abundant life.

Because when you become the person your dream life requires, success follows effortlessly.

What’s next?

I’m on a mission to bring my message to millions of people in both Spanish and English through my keynote, “Break Barriers & Unlock Your Next Level of Success.” I want to help more people stop waiting to have or accomplish more before they feel successful and instead start living their richest, most fulfilled life using the resources they already have.

I’m also working on launching an app that will include the powerful manifestation tools that have transformed my life—like visualization—so people can start creating the life they’re meant to live with more clarity and intention.

Additionally, I’m excited to be working on my first book, where I’ll share my journey and the mindset shifts that have helped me and so many others break through limitations and step into their full potential.

The future is all about expanding my impact, reaching new audiences, and giving people the tools to create success from the inside out. And I couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.menacardenas.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soymenacardenas/ and https://www.instagram.com/itsmenacardenas/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/menacardenas/