We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kristine Custodio Suero. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kristine below.

Kristine, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

When I first started out in my legal career, I was mentored by several amazing women, but one in particular has always truly believed in me when I did not believe in myself. To this day, my mentor, Nicki Spritzer, still takes the time to guide me during important life milestones. Between 2005 and 2010, I had been taking on more and more leadership positions in the legal professional trade association world when Nicki nominated me for an award that would blast open many doors and opportunities. In 2010, I was selected as one of the 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the United States, awarded by the Filipina Women’s Network (a global network of powerhouse Filipino women leaders). I suffered from “impostor syndrome” and could not believe that I belonged among such accomplished and powerful women including C-suite executives, high-ranking military officers and even the Executive Chef of the White House. According to the Institute for Inclusion in the Legal Profession’s 2019-2020 report of The State of Diversity and Inclusion in the Legal Profession, advancements of women and people of color in leadership are slow to change despite their increasing numbers in law school and entering the legal profession. Many times, I still find myself as one of the only Filipinas in leadership in the legal profession, let alone in academia as I later became an educator. Walking into rooms where I am sometimes the only woman of color, fear could paralyze me to stay in my lane, to not set goals beyond my comfort zone, yet I persevere. Why? Because I know that though I may be the first, I will not be the last. I want my students and the budding professionals that I coach to know that they too can accomplish any goal they set for themselves no matter how big it may seem.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started my legal career with no experience. In fact, I was supposed to become a physical therapist when life threw me a curveball and I, instead, pursued a legal career and obtained my paralegal certificate from UCSD Extension in 2005. My first job was as a file clerk in a law firm where I ultimately became the Senior Paralegal/Business Development Director. My exposure to small business administration as the COO (Child of Owner) of my mother’s small business for nearly two decades provided me with the practical experience to excel in my role at the law firm in legal administration/operations. As a lifelong learner, I used my passion for learning to hone my craft as an educator, training the next generation of paralegals. And because of my passion to help others to achieve authentic, purpose-driven careers and lives, my craft eventually expanded to include career and leadership coaching. I help people looking to transition or grow in their legal careers build competence and confidence.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

The most important influence in my career and life has always been the people that surround me. I speak about mentors so often because your mindset is influenced by those around you. It is critical to be mindful of the type of people that you choose to spend your time around. Seek out positive people who inspire you and who are curious, ethical and kind to others. Do things that scare you everyday. Take chances. Learn something new every year. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Continue to develop yourself as a leader.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

LinkedIn has been the primary way that I have built my audience. At first, I did not use LinkedIn often, but I found that as the platform evolved and improved that I naturally used it more for branding myself and have organically built followers. For those just starting to build a social media presence, it is important to post consistently whether it be about any upcoming events or articles that are useful for your audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kristinecustodio.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcustodiosuero/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chiefencouragementofficer/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-custodio-suero-2950534/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcustodiosuero?lang=en
• Other: https://linktr.ee/kristinecustodio

Image Credits
Barrera Photography (headshot) & True Blue Branding SD