We were lucky to catch up with Lizzett Cuervo-Losas recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lizzett, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned while working at a prior job?
Absolutely, one of the most formative experiences that guided my path to founding Chispa Consulting didn’t come from my time in the corporate world but from the years I spent in the classroom, teaching special education. What really hit home was seeing firsthand the struggles my students faced with organization, planning, and prioritization. It dawned on me that these weren’t just academic or life skills; they were crucial components of something bigger—executive function. But the true turning point came from my personal life. Being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult reshaped my entire perspective. It was a moment of clarity that made me realize the true depth of the struggles with executive function and ADHD. This personal journey infused my work with a deep sense of empathy and authenticity. It shifted my approach from a one-size-fits-all strategy to a deeply personalized method, where I tailor my guidance to fit the unique needs and strengths of each individual.
This blend of personal experience and professional insight led to a powerful realization: educating and coaching on ADHD and executive functions isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it’s about empowerment. It’s about giving people the tools and knowledge they need to navigate their lives more effectively. That’s why, at Chispa Consulting, we’ve broadened our mission. We’re not just offering services; we’re aiming to make a lasting impact through workshops, speaking engagements, and digital content. Our goal is to foster growth and change, using executive function development as a key tool for improving lives.
Ultimately, this journey has transformed how I operate in the business world. It’s shaped the core of Chispa Consulting into what it is today: a platform for improvement through empathy, education, and empowerment. We’re not just working on enhancing productivity or academic success; we’re deeply committed to enriching lives.
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’m Lizzett, a first-generation Cuban American, parent, mother and founder of CHISPA Consulting. The journey through my own educational challenges, and later, the discovery of my ADHD diagnosis, was both enlightening and transformative. It led me to a profound realization about the power of executive function skills—skills that are essential for organization, time management, planning, and prioritization, to name a few. This realization didn’t just change my life; it sparked a vision for how I could help others.
At Chispa Consulting, named after the Spanish word for ‘spark,’ we’re all about igniting the potential within each person. Our mission extends beyond the conventional bounds of education or coaching. We dive deep into the world of executive function, with a keen focus on providing personalized solutions that address the unique challenges faced by educators, students, parents, employees, and leaders alike. Our approach is tailored, empathetic, and rooted in the belief that understanding and improving executive function skills can lead to remarkable transformations.
What truly sets Chispa apart in the realm of ADHD and executive function education is our emphasis on customization. We understand that every individual’s needs and challenges are unique, which is why our solutions are designed to fit the specific context and goals of each client. This personalized touch not only helps in resolving immediate frustrations but also in laying down the groundwork for sustained growth and success.
The transition from a secure teaching career to the uncertain path of entrepreneurship was daunting, to say the least. Yet, it’s a decision I look back on with immense pride. The leap of faith into Chispa Consulting has allowed me to impact lives on a global scale, transforming ADHD and executive function challenges from hurdles into assets. The joy and fulfillment that come from witnessing these transformations are indescribable.
Chispa is more than just a consulting firm; it’s a community and a movement geared towards fostering understanding, empowerment, and the realization of one’s potential.
Among our resources, subscribers can enjoy complimentary access to a monthly newsletter, the “Beginner’s Guide to Executive Functions” ebook, and insightful content on our upcoming YouTube channel. Additionally, we provide a suite of premium services including professional development and parent workshops, as well as motivational talks, designed to further support and inspire. These specialized offerings, aimed at deepening understanding and practical application of executive function skills, are available for those ready to invest in their personal or professional growth.
For anyone new to Chispa or considering joining our community, know this: you’re not just finding a service; you’re joining a supportive network dedicated to helping you light up your spark, pursue your dreams, and achieve your fullest potential. At Chispa, we believe that with the right support and understanding, everyone has the capacity to succeed, and we’re here to help you do just that.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One pivotal moment in my journey that truly exemplifies resilience happened when I discovered my passion for executive function skills. I was so captivated by their potential to transform lives that I made the bold decision to leave my 15-year teaching career without a backup plan. As a neurodivergent individual facing my own executive function challenges, I hadn’t fully mapped out the next steps. This led to a series of learning experiences, from grappling with imposter syndrome—especially when my attempts at an elevator pitch were met with confusion—to premature announcements and logistical hiccups, like launching my website three weeks late due to overeagerness and poor planning. Despite these obstacles, my determination never wavered. Within the same year of my career pivot, I managed to work with several clients both in-person and online, host a workshop, and earn two certifications in the executive function space. I also successfully launched my online presence, including a website and social media platforms. Each setback was an opportunity to learn and adapt, reinforcing my resolve to persevere. This journey, while fraught with challenges, taught me invaluable lessons in resilience, growth mindset, and the power of tenacity. It’s a testament to the fact that with determination and a willingness to embrace discomfort, one can emerge stronger and more equipped to face the future.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Books have profoundly altered the course of my life. Reading within the personal development genre feels particularly intimate, as authors expose their vulnerabilities by sharing the experiences, strategies, and skills that propelled them to success. Their investment in telling their story—painstakingly curating their passion projects to share with the world—is truly inspiring. While I am familiar with experts in the ADHD and Executive Function space, such as Hallowell, Barkley, and Dawson, it was a collection of books that sparked the courage within me to embrace my imperfections and awaken the curious entrepreneur inside. Titles that stood out include “Awaken the Giant Within” by Tony Robbins, “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, “Building a StoryBrand” by Donald Miller, and “Scattered Minds” by Gabor Maté. These works illuminated the complexities and strengths of the ADHD brain, teaching me the importance of vulnerability, bravery, discipline, and self-mastery. Leveraging the power of my ADHD brain, I used my creativity to forge the life I had always imagined. Though the list of influential books is long, these authors stand out as masters in their respective fields.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chispaefc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chispaefc?igsh=M3J1N3czcDdpMWwy&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizzett-cuervo-losas/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQxDdimVYFSAyBx4NV4GbHQ
- Other: My email: [email protected] Pinterest account: https://www.pinterest.com/chispaefc/?invite_code=af5e09c0afea4958a9415d1370c333cd&sender=1095219340539754287
Image Credits
Mercedes Herrera Jairo Alfonso