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

Barbara , appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

Reflecting on my life trajectory, I have always been a risk-taker, but I never considered myself to be. I auditioned for the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders (MDC) at the age of 17, while still in high school, in order to become a member of a prestigious group of women. This began my voyage of development, inspiration, and service. I was a member of the MDC team for four years, served as captain for three years, and was designated as the NFL MDC Representative for the American Football Tour in Japan.

I embraced adversity and braced myself at a young age, knowing that the turbulence would not last eternally and wondering what I was supposed to learn from it.

I’ve embraced risk during the pandemic, my divorce with three young children, and my responsibility for a large workforce and uncharted waters, all while being in charge of a large workforce. I recently took the risk of departing corporate America to pursue my passion and establish my own organization. This was not an easy choice, but I desired peace, so I could leave toxic productivity behind and construct the life of my dreams.

Barbara , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

People power businesses. But what happens when people feel depleted?
Any gratifying job requires that people are willing and able to bring their whole selves to work. To do so effectively, they must prepare themselves in a way that allows them to give 110%—emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally. As leaders, we naturally assume this.

However, most organizational leaders are unaware of how their workforce is doing emotionally, physically, spiritually and mentally. This is because they themselves do not grasp how they are feeling across the four bodies.
I work with owners, leaders and individuals in coordination of action, to optimize people powering businesses. As PI Partner, I use The Predictive Index software suite to coach owners, leaders and individuals to gain self-awareness, particularly around what motivates them, their team, and what activities or obstacles feel draining. Reflect on whether or not they are in a role that truly energizes and excites them, versus one that asks them to perform tasks and duties that are exhausting.

I have a Master’s Degree in Science in Organizational Design, Professional Coach Training, and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC), as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management. I am also a Reiki Master/Teacher and Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT-Tapping) Certified Practitioner with an Associate’s Degree in Mass Communications. A mom of three, navigating being a mom and entrepreneur.

Stellar Synergy is a boutique Business Consulting Company in Kendall. I’ve worked with organizations ranging from less than 10 employees to over 4,000 employees. We are an extension of your teams, driving decisions driven by data using PI, while providing a la carte services.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Do not listen to anyone. Do not tell anyone what you are doing. Do not openly share your goals and dreams. We are in a society that everyone has an opinion. A society where keeping up with the jones just went 10x thanks to social media. Keeping up with the Jones is now the entire country and really in our face.

I had to remind myself to run my own race, to keep my eyes on my own paper and really only compare myself to yesterday’s version of myself. Otherwise, its soul crushing.

I had to remind myself that what others tell you, even your family, friends and loved one, is more about them than you. Often times they are afraid of taking big leaps and they are portraying their limitations on you – possibly impacting your growth.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I launched my business in January 2022, I had a vision in mind. I played it safe and really branched out leading with my Human Resources background because I knew everyone knew what HR was.

However, that was not the focus of my business and I pivoted to openly continue the work with owners, leaders and individuals around their energy, their unconscious blocks and talent optimization with PI.

Throughout the last year and a half, I have continued to pivot to ensure that I am in alignment with my true self and the vision of my organization.    

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stellar-synergy.com
• Instagram: https://linktr.ee/StellarSynergy

Image Credits
Marilyn Sanchez Nathalia Shumacher