Which would you rather indulge in, lemons or tamales? I feel like it's a pretty easy choice, right? Life has a way of throwing challenges at us when we least expect it. Sometimes, it feels like all we have are lemons—sour, bitter, and hard to swallow. But what if, instead of making lemonade, we made something heartier, something rich with culture, love, and perseverance—like tamales? In this episode, I sit down with Leslie Alvarez, a woman whose life is a testament to resilience, hustle, and the power of staying true to oneself. From a young age, Leslie learned the value of hard work and determination. Whether it was selling homemade oatmeal cookies to buy a bike or making tamales to support her family, she embraced the philosophy: “Where there is a will, there is always a way.” This mantra has carried her through some of life’s toughest moments. Leslie’s journey is one of incredible highs and devastating lows—financial struggles, relationship breakdowns, health crises, and career setbacks. She has faced them all, from early motherhood and divorce to job loss and a terrifying incident involving her son. Yet, through every storm, she chose to rise, using each hardship as fuel for growth and transformation. Leslie reminds us that while life may hand us lemons, we can turn them into something meaningful. Whether it’s tamales, a new career, or a fresh perspective, there is always a way forward. Join me as I walk in Leslie’s shoes.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

The Power of Hustle: How a strong work ethic and creative problem-solving helped Leslie push through tough times.

Overcoming Adversity: Facing challenges head-on, from financial struggles to personal losses, and emerging stronger.

Authenticity as Strength: The importance of staying true to oneself in a world that often pressures us to wear masks.

Finding Hope in Hardship: Why struggles can be a catalyst for transformation rather than a reason to give up.

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To find out more about what Leslie talked about, click here.

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Remember, when you walk in Other People's Shoes, you get a different perspective!

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