Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristine Custodio Suero.
Hi Kristine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My parents are immigrants, my father, a career U.S. Navy serviceman, and my mother, a teacher turned entrepreneur. Being the first generation born in the U.S. and as the daughter of immigrants, there was a lot of emphasis on education. I earned my B.A. from Cal State Long Beach in Human Development with an emphasis in Physical Therapy (PT). I was studying for my master’s degree in PT when I had to take over our family’s small business (board and care facility for adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities) as my mother, the matriarch of our family and business, fell ill. I served as the Administrator of our business for 17 of the 20 years we owned and operated it. I also continued to pursue my paralegal training from UCSD Extension and have worked in the legal industry for nearly two decades. I love it! My work focuses on empowering small business owners in employee benefits law. My boss, Marc Schechter, is a renowned leader in the employee ownership space, and I share his passion in advocating and promoting employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). I also teach at the USD School of Law Paralegal Program as the Introduction to Law instructor. It’s been my most favorite and rewarding job thus far!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve had a circuitous career path. I did not think that I would become a teacher and love it as much as I have. Every unexpected turn leads to amazing opportunities and connections. I am extremely passionate about my community and am a servant leader. I have a passion for helping small business owners especially women and women of color. I serve as a Commissioner for the City of San Diego Citizens Equal Opportunity Commission and have been recently appointed by the Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court, the Hon. Tani Cantil-Sakauye, to serve on the Center for Judicial Education and Research. Being curious and creative, having an open mind, and daring to fail big have served me well over the years. I am very much a people person so I love meeting new people and learning about them. I am also an officer for the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of San Diego and one of my favorite roles has been interviewing entrepreneurs and sharing their stories. I am also a huge foodie so when our FilAmChamber team hosted a culinary experience with our beloved Chef Anthony Sinsay and curated a menu to share the history of the Philippines, it was an unforgettable adventure in the business and restaurant worlds colliding!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
All of my work and experiences over the past 17 years has allowed me to provide coaching, training and consulting services to students, professionals, business owners and businesses. I bring a unique expertise in the intersection of business, law and media. I focus my coaching and training in transformational leadership and professional development. I am referred to as the Chief Encouragement Officer. I am passionate about helping people find authentic, purpose-driven lives and careers. I am committed to inclusive economic development and work relentlessly toward diversity, equity and inclusion. I am also passionate about civic engagement and giving others a hand up in their journeys.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was a studious child and enjoyed school. I loved to read, draw and write. I love music and spent most of my childhood years playing the violin, even competing in youth orchestras. Arts and culture were a big part of my childhood, and I still enjoy the theater, opera and museums to this day. I liked independent sports like tennis and golf and still do. My grandmother taught me to cook at a young age, and I enjoyed bonding with her as her sous chef. Cooking is still one of my favorite hobbies. As a child, I could be a little shy at first but made friends easily. It wasn’t until after college when my public speaking skills and abilities blossomed. Now, I speak frequently across the country and teach. I am still a lifelong learner.
Pricing:
- Coaching – 15-minute free consultation and $125/hour thereafter
- Consulting/Leadership Training & Professional Development – $150/hour
Contact Info:
- Email: kristine.custodio@gmail.com
- Website: kristinecustodio.com
- Instagram: kcustodiosuero
- Facebook: chiefencouragementofficer
- Twitter: kcustodiosuero
- Youtube: Kristine Custodio Suero
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-368506508
- Other: https://linktr.ee/kristinecustodio
Image Credits:
True Blue Portrait
