SUCCESS INNOVATION

Hosted by LAZARO HERRERA

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Episodes

132

Latest episode

Sep 2026

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About the show

Discussions with local university/community college students, engineering professionals and business people... about what it took for them to get to where they are. Share with me what triggered them to get started in that particular business path... Speaking with professionals...ask what the most rewarding aspect of their career has been... what they aspire to accomplish and how they feel they can share their knowledge with the public. #entrepreneur #STEM #successinnovation #leadership #empower #science #shpe #SHPEfamilia

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60 recent

September 1, 202658 min

#132 - When Life Feels Overwhelming; How do YOU deal With STRESS???!!!

Reflection: “Stress is PART of life...But How you deal with it Matters!!!” In this Cafecito Chat episode we talk about STRESS. We delve into what are some of the things that cause it but more importantly HOW we each deal wit hit. Going out for a walk, going to the gym…having some alone time to decompress is important for each of us. This helps us find balance and continue moving in the direction we need to. Sometimes we can’t control things around us but we need to understand WHAT we are able to control that helps us keep our balance. This helps us deal with the STRESS of everyday life. We don’t solely focus on STRESS from school or the job. Listen to this fantastic episode and learn from our distinguished guests!!!! #professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #STRESS #balance

August 14, 202646 min

#131 - Falling in Love w/ SPACE at an Early Age???!!! | [Sofia Pantoja]

This is a 1:1 conversation with Sofia Pantoja, recent Aerospace graduate from University of Southern California (USC). Our conversation dives into her path and discovery about how she found engineering being her true path. It all began with watching STAR TREK: Next Generation and getting immersed in some of that fantasy that ultimately led her to STEM. We touch on some of her favorite moments with her favorite club at USC, Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL) team. She spent many hours having fun and learning as she made things work. Ultimately, she landed a full-time position and is currently an employee at SpaceX. It’s NOT luck, her dedication and persistence have led her to being prepared and take opportunities as they come. Great conversation with Sofia Pantoja. #professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #RPL #USC #SPACEX

August 6, 202650 min

#130 - RETIREMENT Starts Today... When should you Begin Investing???!!

Reflection: “One piece of Financial Advice... What would it BE?” In this episode we explore RETIREMENT. It takes a change in mindset if you don’t have discipline to save money for your later years. You need to educate yourself in jargon about retirement. Being open and honest about what you want to achieve; talk to a financial advisor sooner rather than later. You should consider and evaluate your options: Certificate of Deposits (CDs), 401K matches from your employer, High Yield Saving Account, etc. Use what makes sense for you. Make sure that you understand your financial situation and come up with a budget to keep moving your RETIREMENT Plan forward. Consider that RETIREMENT is NOT just about finances but also HEALTH and Mental Health. #professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia #RETIREMENT #HEALTH

July 28, 20261 hr 4 min

#129 - FAILURE Isn’t the End: It’s part of the Journey??!!

In this episode we explore the intricacies of FAILURE. Our group brings awareness that FAILURE is really part of the journey to SUCCESS. You learn from your experiences and FAILING fast and often is the way to grown in life and professionally. Dealing with chances taken and implementing, adjusting to those situations is very valuable. Mindset is key when you need to keep moving forward. Changing your perspective and seeing FAILURE to learn, gives you a FREE PASS to keep experimenting and stretching your limits. Learning how to cope and deal with your feelings when you FAIL is essential. You must keep getting up and moving forward. #professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia

July 21, 202659 min

#128 - Networking: Building Relationships That Open Doors??!!

In this episode we explore the intricacies of NETWORKING. We talk about really fostering those relationships before you need them. Learn NOT to expect anything immediately but rather provide value to the connection and you will see results faster. Hear valuable advice about getting over your fear of connecting and putting yourself out during NETWORKING events. Learn how to possibly navigate and expand your reach that will ultimately bring more benefit to you and your connection.. Learn the value of NETWORKING but also fostering a valuable relationship with those individuals you meet. #professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia

July 9, 202655 min

#127 - Refining Your Job/Internship FOCUS??!!

In this episode we Share insights on the current situation of really looking for that entry level position or your first internship. Here valuable advice about fine tunning your resume. Learn how to possibly navigate the LACK of having an internship but leveraging your Research experience. Learn the value of NETWORKING but also fostering a valuable relationship with those individuals you meet. #professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination #networking #shpe #shpefamilia

July 7, 20261 hr 0 min

#126 - Working DoD, Public, Private Or Government Official??!!!

In this episode we explore our experiences while working in DoD, Public, Private industry jobs in STEM. There are some key moments where we share insights about pension plans, 401k and also looking at the overall compensation & benefit package. Ultimately YOU are going to make a decision that is best for you, but we are here to share our insight and bring awareness for these various industries. #professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination

June 29, 20261 hr 1 min

#125 - Realizing YOU'RE a Professional!!!???

In this episode we explore that special time when each person realizes they are a Professional in their field. During our conversation we hear from various STEM professionals about what that entails and the responsibility that comes with being a professional. Learning to navigate the workplace is an interesting factor but also giving back to your community is part of being a professional. Discussion leads to a very interesting take and insight on this topic. #professional #STEM #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination

June 24, 202647 min

#124 - Pursuing SUCCESS, Forging a Path!!! | [Justina Sanchez]

In this episode we hear from Justina Sanchez… she is a mom, a wife and overall an empathetic human. One really interesting fact that she seldomly talks about is her brief successful time as an actress; she ultimately decided to focus on a STEM career for the long game. She begins her career at TUV SUD and quickly identifies a gap with gender support and since then has been a huge advocate to support and bring opportunities to females within her workplace. She also saw the need to share so many stories outside and decided to write a book; the idea literally came to her as she was running in a treadmill. Let get started with this fantastic conversation. #successinnovation #shpe #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #opportunity #swe #nsbe #sase #asce

May 28, 202611 min

#123 - Keynote @ Morse High!!! [5/20/2026]

In this inspiring keynote for MEChA and SHPE Jr. at Morse High School, graduating seniors and their families receive a message about overcoming challenges, embracing perseverance, and preparing for the opportunities ahead. As the Class of 2026 closes one chapter and begins another, we discuss the importance of determination, persistence, preparation, higher education, STEM careers, leadership, and believing in your ability to achieve your goals regardless of your starting point. If you're a student, parent, educator, or aspiring professional looking for motivation and practical life lessons, this message is for you. #keynote #shpe #shpefamilia #determination #persistence #preparation #motivation #leadership #stem #education #college #success #inspiration #careerdevelopment