Sisy Orobitg
Sisy Orobitg tells us that, “I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico- a U.S Territory. My native language is Spanish but I can speak English and converse in basic Portuguese. I am the middle child and have two siblings. Interestingly, I was the last one to graduate from undergraduate studies in International Relations, and I am the first in my family to achieve a Graduate MBA degree.
I am passionate about inspiring and empowering people to achieve their goals and navigate life’s unexpected pivots as I have encountered too many. My journey into coaching and consulting was driven by a desire to provide the tools and guidance necessary for personal and professional growth. I have been very fortunate and I do not despise small beginnings no matter how many they have been. Nothing has been wasted.
Beyond coaching, I offer consulting services and facilitate workshops, aiming to provoke meaningful changes and help others define and reach their goals. My mission is to support individuals in overcoming challenges, embracing their potential, and achieving success in all aspects of their lives.”
What were your early years like? Could you share a bit about your life before you began your coaching journey?
Before I began my coaching journey, I was often approached for advice and counsel. People, especially those much older than me, relied on my unique perspective to provide direction. I have always wanted to help others, and perhaps that pushed me into coaching as
I often felt the need for someone to offer me the same kind of guidance and support but never found that person. This lack of mentorship led me to seek out and learn tools that could empower me.
Through this process, I discovered the importance of self-coaching and personal development. As I navigated my own challenges and sought to polish my skills, grow, and relearn, I realized the power of these tools in transforming lives. This self-discovery and the desire to help others on their journeys eventually led me to formalize my role as a coach and to start my boutique consulting group, Praos Group LLC in the USA and Praos Group International S.R.L. in the Dominican Republic.
Was there any turning point in your life that changed your journey? If so, what was it? Please tell us the backstory behind it.
The turning point in my life stemmed from a series of difficult experiences, including 12 layoffs, ongoing financial instability which meant depleting savings or surviving with student loans, and the responsibilities of being a caregiver for my aging parents. This caregiving role, while fulfilling, often kept me stagnant. My parents and siblings, despite their love, expressed discouragement, telling me that I would always remain stuck without a job, money, or a place of my own. These words, combined with the weight of my circumstances, made me feel defeated, unworthy, and without any options. I had to find ways to reinvent myself and stop listening to negativity.
However, this situation gradually pushed me to break free from these constraints. The constant lack and repeated layoffs forced me to reassess my path and realize that I needed to take control of my own destiny. I began to understand that staying in the same cycle would only perpetuate my situation. Breaking free is very liberating.
This realization was the catalyst for my transformation. I started to focus on creating opportunities for myself, leveraging my skills and experiences to forge a new path. The journey was not easy, but it taught me resilience and the importance of self-belief. I am now committed to sharing my story with other women, demonstrating that it is possible to break free from stagnation and build a successful entrepreneurial journey despite the odds.
Everyone faces unique challenges when starting an entrepreneurial journey. The most valuable lessons often come from understanding how these challenges are managed. Could you share the difficulties you’ve encountered and the strategies you’ve used to cope with them?
With every success, there is a journey full of thistles and thorns. My journey has been no different. Throughout our path in life, we inevitably face challenges. However, by understanding that these obstacles can teach us to view processes differently, we can adapt, make necessary corrections, and sometimes even embrace a higher plan that leads us to our true purpose.
I have encountered discrimination, discouragement, and envy from individuals who see me as a threat. While I cannot precisely explain why, I understand that not everyone will be happy with my entrepreneurial journey, and reacting to that is not in my best interest. I focus my energy on continuing to create, quietly planning, executing, and re-evaluating what is not working to my advantage.
I have faced lack throughout my life and have experienced 12 different periods of employment layoffs. I no longer desire to experience job losses, and I am preparing to share with other women why it is no longer possible for educated women with entrepreneurial mindsets to stay stagnant and produce for someone else.
What impact do you feel you have been able to create with your work so far and how would you want to grow in the next few years?
Perhaps my impact has not been measured, but I have been able to create change in my professional work experiences, shifting the status quo, and advocating for continuous changes. Maybe I have inspired women, but the exact areas are unknown to me. In the next few years, I aim to expand my reach and impact by developing more comprehensive programs that address the specific needs of women entrepreneurs. I plan to collaborate with organizations to provide resources, mentorship, and training that will help women scale their businesses and achieve sustainable success. Additionally, I want to leverage technology to create accessible online platforms and communities where women can connect, learn, and support each other. I hope that entities such as Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and other prominent entities and NGOs can assist women to become entrepreneurs in their communities and spheres of influence.
My goal is to create a global network of empowered women who are equipped with the skills and confidence to drive change and make a lasting impact in their communities. By continuing to share my knowledge and experiences, I hope to inspire and support even more women on their paths to success. We must strive to continuously improve our skill sets, and shift wrong paradigms.
Would you like to share with our aspiring young women entrepreneurs the changes you would like to see in the world if given the opportunity?
To all the aspiring young women entrepreneurs out there, if given the opportunity, I would like to see several transformative changes in the world, and for women to shift the status quo and conquer key areas that shape our world’s political economy:
Greater Equality and Inclusivity: I envision a world where gender equality is not just a goal but a reality. This includes equal opportunities for women in all sectors, fair pay, and representation in leadership roles. Inclusivity should extend to all women, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status.
Supportive Ecosystems for Women Entrepreneurs: I would like to see the creation and expansion of supportive ecosystems that provide women with access to funding, mentorship, and resources. These ecosystems would foster innovation, collaboration, and growth, helping women-led businesses thrive. Create incubators to help women, similar to Grameen Foundation, Grameen Bank.
Work-Life Balance: I aspire to see a society that values and supports work-life balance, understanding the unique challenges women face in balancing professional and personal responsibilities. This includes more flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and support systems for caregivers.
Education and Skill Development: I believe in the power of education to transform lives. I would like to see increased investment in education and skill development programs tailored specifically for women, empowering them with the knowledge and tools to succeed in their entrepreneurial ventures. Universal access to Education should be a worldwide campaign, and providing young girls with mentorship at an early age to think outside of the box, and learn important soft and hard skills to face a changing global landscape that will require AI and other technological skills to be successful.
Mental Health Awareness and Support: Mental health is crucial for personal and professional well-being. I hope to see greater awareness and support for mental health issues, with accessible resources and a culture that prioritizes mental wellness.
Sustainable and Ethical Business Practices: Finally, I envision a world where businesses, especially those led by women, champion sustainability and ethical practices. This includes environmentally friendly operations, fair labor practices, and a commitment to social responsibility.
By working towards these changes, we can create a more equitable, supportive, and thriving environment for women entrepreneurs, enabling them to make a lasting impact on the world.
Women are increasingly becoming a powerful presence in workplaces worldwide, breaking through glass ceilings and reaching top leadership positions. What are your thoughts on women’s leadership today?
Women’s leadership brings a unique and valuable perspective to workplaces globally. I believe that women are shaping the world in several critical areas:
Education: Women are at the forefront of educational reforms and innovations, enhancing access and quality of education for future generations.
Economy: Female leaders are driving economic growth by promoting diversity, fostering inclusive work environments, and championing sustainable business practices.
Policy: Women in leadership roles are influencing policies that address social inequalities, improve healthcare, and support family welfare, leading to more balanced and equitable societies.
Technology: Women are pioneering advancements in technology, encouraging greater representation and participation in STEM fields.
Environment: Female leaders are advocating for environmental sustainability, driving initiatives to combat climate change and protect natural resources.
Health: Women are improving global health outcomes through leadership in medical research, healthcare management, and public health initiatives.
Community Development: Women are empowering communities by promoting social justice, supporting local economies, and fostering community resilience.
Women’s leadership is not just about filling positions; it’s about bringing transformative change and fostering a more inclusive and prosperous world.
Family: Women are often the breadwinners in the home, juggling the challenging role of keeping their families united, often in the absence of a husband or father. Even those with a spouse who provides financially still bear many household responsibilities, including caring for children and aging parents. Balancing these demands requires immense strength, resilience, and multitasking abilities.
Arts/Media: Women are highly influential in the arts and media, playing pivotal roles in reshaping theatre, music, and media industries. Their contributions have brought diverse perspectives, innovative storytelling, and powerful performances that challenge traditional narratives and inspire change. Women’s voices in these fields continue to break barriers, promote inclusivity, and enrich our cultural landscape.
Your grit and determination are making a significant impact, serving as an inspiration for many aspiring entrepreneurs. What message would you like to share with our young women leaders and audience reading this?
To the young women leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs reading this, I want to share a message of resilience and empowerment. My journey has been filled with challenges, from experiencing multiple layoffs and financial instability to serving as a caregiver for my aging parents, and remaining single after an unsuccessful marriage. These experiences, while tough, taught me the importance of self-belief, adaptability, and perseverance. Our past experiences shape our decisions, but do not define our future.
Women are powerful forces in the workplace, arts, media, and at home. We often juggle multiple roles, whether as breadwinners, caregivers, or trailblazers in various industries. Despite the obstacles, we have the strength and capability to reshape our worlds and make significant contributions. Our leadership brings unique perspectives that foster innovation and inclusivity.
With a certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University, I am committed to using my skills to help other women, especially in under-served communities, realize their potential. Remember, it’s possible to break free from stagnation, create opportunities, and achieve success on your terms. Our journey in life is unique, and should not mirror others. We can learn from others, but we should always put our own
Embrace your journey, learn from every challenge, and never underestimate the power of your determination. You have the ability to inspire change and make a difference. Stay focused, continue to grow, and always believe in your ability to achieve greatness.