This week I’m back with my first repeat guest, author, speaker, and DEI advocate Hady Mendez. We’re talking about her new book Calladita No More. The title flips the saying “calladita te ves más bonita” (you’re prettier when you’re quiet), and so does our conversation.

We get into Hady’s journey from leading DEI inside corporate America to carving her own entrepreneurial path, what it really means to advocate for yourself, and why ERGs and cultural identity matter more than ever. Hady also pulls back the curtain on writing and hybrid publishing her book, building a Latina-powered team to make it happen, and the refranes and stories that shaped her voice.

With personal anecdotes, refranes, and heartfelt conversations, this episode offers a deep dive into rethinking identity and the power of speaking out.

00:00 Intro clip

01:03 Introducing Hady Menez

01:36 Hady's Book: Calladita No More

04:16 Understanding DEI and ERGs

06:23 Cultural Reflections and Personal Growth

10:50 Hady's Journey as an Author

16:40 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Lessons

17:32 The Evolution of DEI and ERGs

21:43 Navigating Business and Personal Identity

26:39 Power Sessions for Mujeres

30:30 The Book: Calladita No More

31:09 Sharing Stories and Wisdom

32:00 Cultural Identity and Refranes

32:41 The Book's Structure and Purpose

35:35 Navigating Naysayers and Staying True

42:56 Hybrid Publishing Journey

48:09 Building a Supportive Team

50:46 Personal Reflections and Challenges

53:29 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

About Hady Mendez:Hady Mendez is a NY-based bestselling author, Latina speaker, and ERG coach. She currently serves as the Director of Programs for Lean In Latinas. She is also the founder and CEO of Boldly Speaking LLC, a company that is transforming the professional experiences of underestimated professionals by providing them with the skills to rise and thrive in the corporate world or in whatever path they choose. With a diverse career spanning over twenty-five years, Hady has served as head of equality for a major tech firm, held multiple customer-facing roles in high tech and financial services, served as a leader and advisor across various ERGs, dedicated two years to working with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women internationally, and served as Community School Director at an elementary school in the South Bronx. Hady’s essays have been featured in Business Insider and #WeAllGrow Latina and her thought leadership has been leveraged by organizations such as Lean In Latinas, Power To Fly, Prospanica, and many others. Hady is a Latinas in Tech Luminarias 2022 honoree, a Women of ALPFA 2023 Latinas to Watch, a 2024 LinkedIn Top Coaching & Mentoring Voice, and the recipient of HACE’s 2025 Mujer Maravilla Award.

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