116: Learning from the Ancestral Wisdom of Resilience
This week, I welcome back my friend Hady Mendez to discuss how we navigate uncertain times while staying true to our missions. As DEI programs face backlash and many organizations retreat from their commitments, Hady shares how she's responding with renewed purpose and determination through writing a book focused on helping underestimated employees reclaim their power.
Our conversation explores how resilience isn't just a skillset but a gift passed down through generations. Hady opens up about her journey from experiencing workplace microaggressions to becoming an advocate for others, illustrating how personal experiences can transform into powerful tools for change in a system that won't be fixed overnight.
Key Takeaways:
- Community matters now more than ever—surrounding yourself with like-minded people creates sanctuary when external environments become hostile
- Self-care isn't selfish—it's strategic and essential for long-term advocacy work
- Ancestral wisdom and resilience are gifts we can tap into during difficult times
- Individual action still matters, even when systemic change feels impossible
- Representation in business literature creates powerful "me too" moments that help others feel less alone
- Creating boundaries around news consumption and social media is a survival mechanism, not avoidance
Whether you're feeling the weight of recent cultural shifts or looking for courage to continue your own advocacy work, this conversation reminds me that joy itself is an act of resistance and that finding your people might be the most revolutionary act of all.
Connect with Hady:
Hady is a Latina speaker and ERG coach based in NYC that works with ERGs looking to take their efforts to the next level. She is the founder and CEO of Boldly Speaking LLC, a company that is transforming the professional experiences of women and people of color by empowering underrepresented employees with the skills to self-advocate, self-promote, and capitalize on leadership roles within Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and throughout organizations.
With a diverse career spanning over 25 years, Hady has served as Head of Equality for a major tech firm, held multiple customer-facing roles in high tech and financial services, served as a leader and advisor across various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), volunteered as an international champion for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, and served as Community School Director at an elementary school in the South Bronx.
In her free time, Hady is an amateur street art photographer and an avid podcast listener.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadymendez
https://www.boldlyspeakingllc.com
About Sarah:
Sarah K. Heeter is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, speaker, and advocate for values-driven leadership. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and operations, she is the founder and CEO of Podfox Media, a globally recognized podcast production company, and the host of the globally-ranked podcast Big Brave Business, where she explores business ethics and revolutionary leadership. Sarah is also a member of the marketing and public policy committees for the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Phoenix Chapter and teaches public policy at Arizona State University. She is passionate about inspiring businesses to prioritize integrity, inclusivity, and connection in their decision-making and leadership.
Launch Your Own Podcast:
Podfox offers a 100% free, private strategy session for anyone thinking of starting a podcast.
Connect with Sarah Heeter & Big Brave Business:
https://www.instagram.com/sarahkheeter/
https://www.threads.net/@sarahkheeter
https://www.instagram.com/bigbravebusiness
https://www.youtube.com/@bigbravebusiness
Join Sarah at Be You Brand Live in Las Vegas Sept 25-27, 2025
https://skheeter--atigbranding.thrivecart.com/be-you-brand-2025/
USE CODE SARAHH FOR 10% OFF YOUR TICKET!