Courage to Change …..A Conversation with Mrs. Norma Castaneda

In this inaugural episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, host Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with Norma Castaneda, a trailblazing entrepreneur and community leader from the Coachella Valley. Norma opens up about her upbringing on a citrus farm, the sudden loss of her father at 19, and the resilience that propelled her through challenges as a single mother. The conversation touches on her career journey from Bighorn Development to Fidelis Health Group, her deep-rooted faith, her approach to leadership, and her passionate involvement in education and healthcare. With grace and candor, Norma reflects on adversity, identity, and her enduring commitment to uplifting others.Chapters(00:00:00) Introduction to the podcast and guest Norma Castaneda(00:02:27) Norma shares her roots growing up on a ranch in La Quinta(00:04:37) The impact of losing her father at 19 and taking on early responsibilities(00:06:21) Her early career start at Bighorn Development and shift to HR leadership(00:08:09) Journey into healthcare consulting and leadership at Fidelis Health Group(00:11:08) The role of faith and family in overcoming life's challenges(00:13:25) Navigating life as a single mother and raising three successful children(00:17:37) Processing divorce, emotional recovery, and forgiveness(00:22:26) Being a Latina woman in male-dominated industries(00:25:52) A cultural clash during business travel in Japan and asserting her voice(00:26:19) Best advice received: let go quickly and never stop learning(00:28:28) Battling imposter syndrome and quieting self-doubt(00:33:23) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: failure is part of the process(00:36:03) Norma's vision for a future clinic and foundation(00:38:30) Influence of her parents and service-oriented upbringing(00:40:07) Fun fact: Norma was Queen Scheherazade in the 1990s(00:41:42) Looking back: letting go of fear and trusting the process(00:43:06) Norma on being a loyal friend and always making time for loved ones(00:44:45) Admitting to overcommitting but honoring all responsibilities(00:47:11) Caring for her mother with dementia and its emotional toll(00:50:09) Norma's definition of success: peace, purpose, and impact(00:53:37) On not being a crowd pleaser and staying true to herself(00:54:50) Integrity as the most valued trait in business and personal life(00:55:49) Why courage is essential to living and leading with integrity(00:58:40) HR perspective: assessing people with patience and compassion(01:01:29) Valuing coachability and attitude over long résumés(01:03:06) Philanthropic impact through College of the Desert and Eisenhower(01:07:14) On being vulnerable and embracing life's imperfectionsLinksPodcast Website:https://www.josephelishamd.com/Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aabNorma Castaneda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/normacastaneda