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 imperfections

Links

Podcast Website:

https://www.josephelishamd.com/

Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aab

Norma Castaneda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/normacastaneda