We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Jaime G Raygoza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Jaime G below.
Dr. Jaime G, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
The journey to launching my coaching business was catalyzed by a life-altering experience that reshaped my perspective on work and well-being. At 23, I was ambitiously juggling a full-time master’s program, a management role at a parks and recreation facility in Palm Springs, and a paid internship with the Desert AIDS Project. My days began at 5 AM and ended with late-night drives back from Riverside, often on just 3-4 hours of sleep.
One fateful night, while navigating the treacherous mountain roads back to Palm Springs, I found myself dozing off behind the wheel. Despite consuming a highly caffeinated drink, fatigue overcame me. As I drove through the winding roads, the danger of the situation was palpable; one wrong turn could have sent me plummeting down the mountainside.
As I entered the city, exhaustion took over, and I blacked out completely. I remember the moment my head hit the steering wheel and then waking up to the chaos of a car crash. My vehicle had collided with a lamp post in front of a nightclub, the impact sending my car airborne. The lamp post fell, causing severe damage to my car, and I was knocked unconscious again.
When I regained consciousness, I was hanging upside down in my car, surrounded by flashing lights and the sound of sirens. Emergency responders had to smash the window to get to me. I was taken to the hospital, where I woke up days later, miraculously unharmed but deeply shaken. The doctors explained that I was incredibly lucky to have survived without serious injuries.
This near-death experience was a turning point. When I informed my employer about the accident, their response was a reprimand for not showing up to work, rather than concern for my well-being. It was then that I realized no job was worth risking my life. I resigned and decided to focus on understanding burnout and achieving work-life balance.
Determined to help others avoid the mistakes that nearly cost me my life, I completed my master’s degree and pursued doctoral studies in human and organizational psychology. Alongside my studies, I earned a coaching certification to equip myself with the skills needed to help others.
With my educational foundation in place, I set out to transform my personal experience into a business that could make a difference. The first step was identifying the core mission of my business: to empower individuals to manage stress, prevent burnout, and achieve a healthier work-life balance. I knew that sharing my story and insights could help others avoid the mistakes that nearly cost me my life.
I began by researching the coaching industry, understanding the needs of potential clients, and identifying gaps in the market. I connected with mentors and other coaches to gain insights and advice on launching a successful practice. I also attended workshops and seminars to further hone my skills and expand my network.
Next, I focused on building my brand. I created a business plan outlining my services, target audience, and marketing strategy. I developed a website and established a presence on social media to reach a broader audience. I also joined the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Long Beach LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce to connect with local professionals and explore collaboration opportunities.
One of the key steps was creating a portfolio of services that included one-on-one coaching, workshops, and seminars. I designed programs that addressed burnout prevention, work-life balance, and career development, drawing on my academic background and personal experiences.
As I launched my business, I offered free introductory sessions and workshops to build credibility and attract clients. Word of mouth and positive reviews helped to grow my client base, and I continued to refine my offerings based on feedback and evolving industry trends.
The process of turning my idea into a reality was both challenging and rewarding. It required resilience, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to my mission. Today, my coaching business is a testament to the power of transformation and the importance of prioritizing well-being. It’s a journey I am grateful for, and one that continues to inspire my work every day.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Sure! I’m Dr. Jaime G. Raygoza, the founder of Rainbow Career Coaching. My journey into coaching, career development, and burnout prevention began with a pivotal experience that really reshaped my perspective on work and well-being. As mentioned before, my experience in a near-fatal car accident served as a wake-up call and forced me to reassess my priorities and inspired my mission to help others avoid similar pitfalls.
After that experience, I completed my master’s degree in Public Administration and pursued doctoral studies in human and organizational psychology, along with earning a coaching certification. This educational background laid the groundwork for what would become Rainbow Career Coaching.
Today, I offer a range of services, including one-on-one coaching, workshops, and seminars that focus on burnout prevention, work-life balance, career development, fostering positive work cultures, employee retention, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). I also incorporate unique elements like Laughter Yoga into my programs to promote mental well-being and resilience.
What I believe sets my work apart is the combination of my personal experiences and academic expertise. I truly understand the challenges of burnout and the importance of maintaining a balanced life, and I bring that empathy into my coaching practice. I’m incredibly proud of the positive impact my work has had on my clients—whether it’s helping someone rediscover their passion for their career, helping someone recover from burnout, guiding organizations in creating more inclusive cultures, or developing tailored strategies to enhance employee retention.
For anyone considering working with me, I want you to know that my approach is rooted in authenticity and a genuine desire to make a difference. Rainbow Career Coaching is all about empowerment, growth, and creating a supportive space where individuals and organizations can thrive. I’m here to help you navigate the complexities of life and work, and I look forward to supporting you on your journey.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story!
Any advice for managing a team?
When it comes to managing a team and maintaining high morale, I believe it’s essential to create an environment where every team member feels valued, understood, and empowered. My approach is heavily influenced by Douglas McGregor’s Theory X and Y, as well as William Ouchi’s Theory Z. These theories highlight the importance of recognizing the diverse motivations and needs of individuals within a team.
In my experience, I found that implementing these theories had a profound impact on workforce dynamics. By fostering a culture that emphasizes trust and collaboration, I was able to empower my team members to take ownership of their work. For instance, I encouraged open communication and actively sought input from my team on decision-making processes. This not only increased their engagement but also instilled a sense of pride in their contributions.
The results were remarkable; during the three years I worked with specific groups, we achieved a 100% retention rate. This success was not just about keeping employees; it was about cultivating a community where everyone felt they belonged and could thrive. I talk about similar findings in my published doctoral dissertation, “Employee Retention and Turnover: A Multi-Generational Study,” available on ProQuest, which explores the strategies that contribute to a positive workplace culture.
Ultimately, my advice is to prioritize empathy and understanding in your leadership style by adopting a servant leadership approach. This means putting the needs of your team members first and empowering them to reach their full potential. By utilizing a humanistic, person-first approach, you create an environment where employees feel genuinely cared for and valued.
It’s also crucial to incorporate trauma-informed practices, recognizing that personal challenges can significantly impact work performance. For example, I once worked with an employee who was labeled as unproductive and was on the verge of being fired. Through a compassionate and understanding approach, I discovered that her productivity decline was due to a domestic violence situation she was trying to escape. By connecting her with mental health services, an emergency shelter, and legal support, she was able to stabilize her life. Once her personal situation improved, she returned to her old self, excelled in her role, and was eventually promoted to a top management position. This experience underscores the importance of understanding the whole person and providing support that addresses both professional and personal needs. When employees see that their well-being is a priority and that their contributions matter, morale naturally flourishes, leading to a more productive and harmonious work environment.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Throughout my career, I’ve learned that the ability to pivot is crucial, especially in an ever-changing landscape. One of the most significant pivots I faced was when I transitioned from a more traditional career path to launching my own coaching business. Initially, I had a clear vision of what my professional life would look like, but I quickly realized that the journey would require me to embrace change and uncertainty.
In the U.S., there’s often a perception that the business world is a “dog eat dog” environment where everyone must compete and look out for themselves. However, I believe this mindset is limiting. My philosophy is “we thrive together.” I firmly believe that collaboration and mutual support are key to success. A common Spanish phrase, “si se puede,” translates to “yes, it can be done,” and I like to say, “juntos, si se puede”—together, yes, it can be done.
This realization came during a challenging period when I was grappling with the demands of my previous roles and the desire to create a more meaningful impact in the lives of others. I had to confront my fears and acknowledge that I didn’t have all the answers. It was a humbling experience that taught me the importance of being vulnerable and open to learning from others.
In this process, I reached out to mentors, fellow coaches, and industry experts for guidance and support. I found that building a network of like-minded individuals was invaluable. Just as the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child,” I believe it takes a community to start and grow a business. Collaborating with others not only provided me with fresh perspectives but also reinforced the idea that I wasn’t alone in this journey.
As I navigated this transition, I learned to let go of rigid expectations and embrace the fluidity of my path. The way I started my business is not the way I operate today, and I fully expect to continue evolving in the next 5, 10, or even 25 years. This journey has taught me that change is not something to fear; rather, it is an opportunity for growth and discovery. By working together, we can achieve more than we ever could alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rainbowcareercoaching.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rainbowcareercoaching
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089604794211
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaime-gabriel-raygoza/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rainbowcareercoaching
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rainbow-career-coaching-newport-beach?uid=ptlaSWyerOGNSYlwzMMzkw&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7EncSh2ZTteNRUYCjj4dH3
Image Credits
professional headshots were taken by Fernando Acevedo Photography, Instagram is @photos_by_fern.
Other shots were taken by clients and/or friends.