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

Gabriela, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Was there a defining moment in your professional career? A moment that changed the trajectory of your career?

In 2019, a pivotal moment reshaped my professional journey. As a former marketing and advertising professional, my life shifted when my husband received a job opportunity in the United States, and we decided it was a positive move for both of us. However, due to visa restrictions, I found myself unable to work. Initially shocked, I struggled to see this situation as anything but a setback.

After a year, I felt trapped in a monotonous routine, grappling with insomnia, migraines, and tachycardia, which culminated in panic attacks. Seeking medical assistance, I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. While medication and therapy provided some relief, it was writing that emerged as my greatest therapy. Writing allowed me to explore my thoughts and emotions deeply, providing me with a sense of purpose and clarity.

I began studying therapeutic and creative writing, eventually certifying myself as an Inner Mammal Brain Trainer because I recognized the benefits of writing to positively stimulate our brains. Writing became my lifeline, leading me to found We Mammals, a community where I promote self-expression, writing, and creativity as tools for improving mental health. Today, I continue to grow as a writer, having already published three books, and I know this is just the beginning.

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

My journey into writing and creative expression began when I discovered its profound impact on my own mental health. Realizing its transformative power, I felt compelled to share this knowledge with others. Through courses and masterclasses, I’ve been able to impart everything I’ve learned, primarily serving the Latin Spanish-speaking community in the US and across Latin America.

My offerings include creative writing programs that culminate in published books, as well as speaking engagements in NGOs and wellness-focused companies. I’ve authored a book that encourages individuals to embrace their personal narratives through the art of writing.

Currently, I’m excited to offer an online program called ‘Reescribete,’ which delves into understanding the workings of our mammal brain, the importance of self-expression as a defense mechanism, and the profound healing potential of writing. Participants will explore topics such as dispelling myths around creativity, mood-lifting creative writing techniques, and the therapeutic benefits of sharing stories.

What sets my work apart is its holistic approach to mental well-being, emphasizing the naturalness of our emotions and the power of storytelling as a tool for personal growth and healing. I’m incredibly proud of the impact my programs have had on individuals, empowering them to embrace their authentic selves and find solace in creative expression. I’m passionate about sharing these tools with others and helping them discover the transformative potential of writing in their own lives.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

My mentor, Loretta Graziano Breuning Ph.D., has been a significant influence on me. Her books, including “Habits of a Happy Brain,” “I, Mammal,” and her latest work, “Why You’re Unhappy,” have provided invaluable insights into human behavior and motivation.

In addition to Dr. Breuning’s work, I draw inspiration from a diverse range of authors. Maya Angelou, Elizabeth Gilbert, Yan Martel, Glennon Doyle, Yuval Noah Harari, and Gabriel García Márquez have also left a profound impact on me, offering perspectives on creativity, resilience, courage, and the human experience.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Coincidences don’t exist. The decisions and connections I have forged in my life have had a purpose. Nothing is random. Perhaps circumstances have influenced some of my movements, emotions, and thoughts, but precisely that is what has put me in the right place and at the right moments to embrace new challenges in my life. That’s why if today I’m asked if I would study marketing and advertising again, I would say yes. The only thing I would have done differently is to start studying writing much younger. Also, now I think, I never want to stop studying and continue to educate myself in different areas that I am passionate about, such as neurobiology, mental health, art, and literature.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @we_mammals
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-cordero-r/