The First Gen Coach: Career Development for Latinas and First Gen Professionals

Hosted by Carla Santamaria

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161

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Nov 2026

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About the show

On the First Gen Coach podcast, first generation professionals learn how to rethink limiting cultural beliefs, up-level their mindset, advance in their careers, and build generational wealth. Host Carla Santamaria and her guests deliver practical and actionable ways to own your brilliance and have a thriving career and life. IG: @CarlaTheFirstGenCoach

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November 3, 202652 min

160. The Emotional Side of Money with Alejandra Rojas

Money is emotional, and those emotions can and override financial literacy. In this episode, I interview Alejandra Rojas, host of the Brown Way to Money Podcast, about the emotional side of money. We talk all things money mindset, manifesting your career, and why careers and money can activate all sorts of survival fears. Plus, I get coached on my own income ceiling and the subconscious beliefs that showed up in my post-layoff job search. Pivot Without Starting Over: A money mindset and career strategy workshop for Latinas and first gen professionals. Get your ticket: https://stan.store/CarlaTheFirstGenCoach/p/pivot-without-starting-over About Today’s Guest Alejandra Rojas is an entrepreneur, Forbes contributor, writer, and founder of Brown Way To Money, a financial mentoring platform that helps women overcome financial trauma and improve their relationship with money. She is also the host of the Brown Way to Money Podcast. Alejandra provides a unique blend of financial expertise and trauma-informed coaching, empowering women of color to break free from financial cycles and start building a positive financial future and generational wealth. She delves into the emotional and psychological roots of money problems, helping women heal from past experiences and develop a healthier, empowered relationship with their finances. Resources : Get a Raise in Any Economy - Get instant access via thefirstgencoach.com/freetraining 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/consult Apply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6 Download your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @ CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

October 26, 202622 min

159. When $98K Feels Like Sh!t

I never thought I’d be someone who would make $98,000 and then feel like shit about it. Yet that’s what happened last month, when I added up all the revenue I’ve made in my business, and instead of being proud of myself, I started crying from disappointment. In this episode, I talk about why it’s so easy for Latinas and first gen professionals to beat up on ourselves, and what we can do to break this pattern. I share practical steps you can take that will help not just your mindset, but will actually create new neural pathways in your brain that will allow you to own your accomplishments and step into your power. If you’ve ever found yourself minimizing an accomplishment, this episode is for you. PS: Are you on my email list? Something super exciting is coming next week! Sign up now: thefirstgencoach.com/newsletter Resources: Get a Raise in Any Economy - Get instant access via thefirstgencoach.com/freetraining 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/consult Apply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6 Download your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @ CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 24, 202618 min

158. The First Step to Landing an Aligned Job

Two episodes in one week???? Yup! This topic is THAT important. In this episode, I detail the first step in landing an aligned job offer. My clients who have the most success in career coaching nail this step, so I wanted to share it with you all ahead of next week’s training. Remember, your career should support your dream life. This episode helps you take the first step. FREE WEBINAR: Land an Aligned Job Offer Learn the four simple steps I used to go from layoff to aligned job offer in just 8 weeks Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 29 at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT. Register now at thefirstgencoach.com/webinar Resources: Get a Raise in Any Economy - Get instant access via thefirstgencoach.com/freetraining 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/consult Apply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6 Download your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @ CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

September 22, 202617 min

157. Why Less is More in Job Searching

It might seem counterintuitive, but less is more in your job search. That means applying to fewer jobs, but being strategic about it. In this episode, I explain why being more strategic in your job application process will result in you being more energized and motivated, and will help you land your next role faster. I talk about the scarcity that can take over while job searching, and how to overcome it. Plus, I make a very special announcement at the end of the episode! FREE WEBINAR: Land an Aligned Job Offer Learn the four simple steps I used to go from layoff to aligned job offer in just 8 weeks Mark your calendars for Tuesday, September 29 at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT. Register now at thefirstgencoach.com/webinar Resources: Get a Raise in Any Economy - Get instant access via thefirstgencoach.com/freetraining 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/consult Apply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6 Download your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @ CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

August 5, 202619 min

156. The Cringey Side of Job Searching

Getting a job in 2026 is gonna require you to slide into people’s LinkedIn DMs. And that can be super cringey. This episode is all about that: the cringey side of job searching. I go over what an effective LinkedIn DM looks like, why it can feel so cringey to send this, and most importantly, how facing that awkwardness is the key to landing your next opportunity. Key Takeaways: Feeling cringy is part of the process. Networking opens doors to opportunities you didn't even know existed. Every awkward message gets you closer to your goal. If you know that you need to be reaching out to more people in your job search but you know where to start or what to say, this episode is for you. FREE WEBINAR: Build Your Career Community Learn how to build a career community that will layoff proof your career, without networking or feeling transactional. Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 13th at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT. Register now at thefirstgencoach.com/webinar Referenced Episodes: 154. Questions to Ask on a Coffee Chat 130. How to Tap into the Hidden Job Market Resources : Get a Raise in Any Economy - Get instant access via thefirstgencoach.com/freetraining 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/consult Apply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6 Download your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 29, 202633 min

155. Networking is OUT. Community-Building is IN.

This episode is all about building community! I talk about how to find your people by putting yourself in places where you yourself want to be, how NOT to be exploitative or annoying, and why I don't think that everyone needs to go to "networking" events. I share how I prepare, because yes, even this super chatty extrovert needs to prepare. Whether that's the overachieving Virgo in me or simply the lingering effects of COVID that caused all of us to be out of practice talking to humans, who knows. But preparation is the key to confidence and to having a great time! Remember, it is NOT about "networking." It is not about transactional interactions that both of you will forget about right away. It is about building community. We are community beings and we need each other! FREE WEBINAR: Build Your Career Community Learn how to build a career community that will layoff proof your career, without networking or feeling transactional. Mark your calendars for Thursday, August 13th at 7 PM ET / 4 PM PT. Register now at thefirstgencoach.com/webinar Resources: Get a Raise in Any Economy - Get instant access via thefirstgencoach.com/freetraining 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/consult Apply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6 Download your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 20, 202631 min

154. Questions to Ask in a Coffee Chat

You know you’re supposed to go on coffee chats. But what do you even say? In this episode, I answer exactly that. I provide a list of ten sample questions you can ask on a coffee chat to help you make the most out of your time. I also provide an easy way to start and end the conversation so that you’re not battling nerves and you can be present, actively listen, and honor the other person’s time. If not knowing what to say on a coffee what has prevented you from reaching out to people in the past, this episode is for you. Referenced Episodes: 64. Part 2: Getting a Job when You Don’t Know Where to Start 78. Three Types of Coffee Chats to Increase Your Income 126. How to Know if You’re Underpaid Resources: Get a Raise in Any Economy - Get instant access via thefirstgencoach.com/freetraining 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/consult Apply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6 Download your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 2, 202617 min

153. You Deserve More

If you’re a first gen professional listening to this podcast, you deserve more. You deserve more happiness, more wealth, more peace, more joy. In this episode, I share my reflections about an extremely pivotal time in my life, when I decided that I deserved more, and what I did about it. Yes, this episode is about how I embraced the mindset of abundance. But it’s also about how YOU can embrace a mindset of abundance too, and why when you have more, you have more to give. LAST CHANCE ! Get Job Offers Faster Webinar is happening Sunday, July 5th at 12 PM ET. Learn the exact steps I used to go from layoff to ideal job offer in just eight weeks. Register at thefirstgencoach.com/webinar Resources: Get Job Offers Faster - Register now at thefirstgencoach.com/webinar 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Apply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6 Download your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

June 25, 202630 min

152. Three Stages of Career Growth

Get Job Offers Faster Webinar is Back! Learn the exact steps I used to go from layoff to ideal job offer in just eight weeks. Register at thefirstgencoach.com/webinar Career growth is a cycle, and where you are in the cycle matters. It influences what actions you take and why you take them. In this episode, I break down each of the three stages of the career growth cycle, what you should be doing at each stage, and how you can intentionally set yourself up for growth and long-term career success. Plus, an update on where I am in my own career growth cycle! If you’ve ever wondered what you should be doing to get unstuck or break out of a career rut, this is the episode for you. Resources: Get Job Offers Faster - Register now at thefirstgencoach.com/webinar 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Apply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6 Download your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

May 13, 20261 hr 1 min

151. Job Search Q&A

I accepted a job offer just eight weeks after getting laid off. And you can too. It’s a repeatable process. In this episode, I talk about my job search journey and I answer all your job search questions to help you land a job offer too! I talked about mindset, resume optimization, leveraging LinkedIn, and the support I had in this process. Tune in to learn: What the job interview process looks like in 2026 Which job boards are most effective for finding jobs How to best structure your days when job searching Is it better to change your resume for each role or to use the same one? Should you narrow your job search by job title or type of company? And so much more. Whether you’re just starting out in your job search or need new energy after being on the job search for a while, this episode is for you. Resources: Get a Raise in Any Economy - Get instant access via thefirstgencoach.com/freetraining 6-Month 1:1 Coaching: https://calendly.com/thefirstgencoach/discovery-call Apply for On-Air Coaching: https://forms.gle/JshV6Z6TfUw6BBnk6 Download your ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠FREE Resume Guide and Template⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow @ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CarlaTheFirstGenCoach⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ on Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.