Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cynthia Martinez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cynthia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents were the epitome of hard work and dedication. They set a powerful example for me early on, showing me that success doesn’t come without effort and perseverance. They were always working tirelessly to provide for our family, and that strong work ethic is something I’ve carried with me throughout my career. It’s the driving force behind my determination to push through challenges and to always give my best in everything I do.

Education was another area where my parents were particularly firm. They made it clear that my studies were non-negotiable and that achieving good grades was a top priority. Their focus on education wasn’t just about academics—it was about instilling a mindset of discipline, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.

One story that stands out to me is from my high school years. I was deeply involved in extracurricular activities, but my parents made sure I knew that my schoolwork came first. I remember one semester where I was juggling so much that my grades started to slip. My parents sat me down and reminded me that while extracurriculars were important, they should never come at the expense of my education. They helped me create a schedule that balanced both, and by the end of the semester, not only had I improved my grades, but I also learned an invaluable lesson about time management and priorities.

That experience shaped my approach to life and work—always striving for balance, but never losing sight of what’s most important. I credit my parents for instilling these values in me, which have been the foundation for my personal and professional growth.

Cynthia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Cynthia, and I’m a full-time tax accountant, but my journey here has been full of twists and turns. I originally dreamed of becoming a journalist because of my love for storytelling, but as a shy freshman in college, I chose to follow in my mother’s footsteps and pursue accounting. While working on my degree, I also minored in child psychology, keeping my options open.

During my third year, I landed an internship proofreading financial statements, which led to another opportunity in the entertainment industry. After graduating, I landed my first big role at Ernst & Young in their tax department. However, sitting behind a desk wasn’t easy for someone as creative as me! In 2021, I earned my doula certification to help families bring their babies into the world. But with a newborn at home, it wasn’t easy to leave him behind to support other families, so I decided to pause my birth work.

This year, in 2024, I finally took a leap and launched my own podcast, ‘The Glow-Up Social Girls.’ Through this podcast, I aim to create a space for women to share their stories, experiences, and struggles as we navigate sisterhood, motherhood, and personal growth. My goal is to empower women to embrace their authentic selves, find healing, and spark real conversations that often go unspoken. The podcast has been a way for me to combine my passion for storytelling with my desire to inspire and connect with others on a deeper level.

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

My biggest lesson was learning how to properly manage money. Growing up in a Hispanic household, we didn’t really talk about finances or how to manage them well. It wasn’t something that was openly discussed or taught. The focus was always on working hard and earning money, but never really about how to save, invest, or budget it properly.

I had to unlearn the mindset that money was just something you earned and spent. When I got my first real job after college, I realized I didn’t know much about financial literacy—despite being an accountant! I knew how to prepare taxes, but personal finance is a completely different world. I made a few mistakes early on, like not budgeting properly or thinking that having a high salary automatically meant financial stability.

It wasn’t until I actively started learning about budgeting, saving, and investing that I realized how crucial financial literacy is, especially in communities where it’s not often talked about. Now, I make sure to prioritize financial education in my own life and in the advice I share with others, so they don’t have to struggle to learn these things the hard way like I did.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

My advice for managing a team and keeping morale high is to prioritize communication, recognition, and creating a sense of ownership. First, open and honest communication is key. Make sure your team feels heard and knows that their opinions and ideas matter. Encourage regular check-ins, both one-on-one and as a group, to address concerns and celebrate wins.

Second, recognition goes a long way. Acknowledging the hard work and accomplishments of your team members, whether big or small, boosts confidence and makes people feel valued. It can be as simple as a quick shoutout in a meeting or a more formal acknowledgment, but showing appreciation is crucial.

Finally, empower your team by giving them ownership of their tasks. When people feel trusted to make decisions, they are more invested in the outcome. Giving them the autonomy to take on responsibilities and contribute to the bigger picture keeps motivation and morale high.

At the end of the day, people work best when they feel supported, appreciated, and trusted to do their jobs.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @heycynthiamartinez