colorful futures, the podcast
"Colorful Futures" is the podcast that'll make you want to jump out of bed on Tuesday mornings. (Okay, maybe not jump, but at least crawl with a bit more enthusiasm.) Host Liora Alvarez, Founder of Colorful Futures, is all about helping you craft a career that's as unique and fabulous as you are.
Here's the deal: we believe in building a life that's not just about paying the bills, but also about making your soul do a happy dance. Whether you're neurodivergent, queer, BIPOC, gender-marginalized, or just feeling a bit 'square peg in a round hole' - we've got your back.
So whether you're dreaming of diving into a whole new industry, or breaking free from the 9-to-5 grind, or just want a job that doesn't make you want to hide under your desk - we're here to help you paint your future in all the colors of the rainbow (and then some).
Picture this: you, a comfy chair, and conversations so real they'll make you forget you're wearing headphones. We bring you chats with folks who've been there, done that, and got the t-shirt (and maybe a few battle scars) in entrepreneurship, career pivots, and the mythical work-life balance. No sugar-coating, no corporate jargon - just honest talk and practical advice that'll make you say, "Why didn't I think of that?"
Join us for some laughs, a few "aha!" moments, and the occasional ugly cry as we navigate this crazy thing called "career" together. Trust us, it's going to be one heck of a ride - and we can't wait to have you along for it! 💖
S1 E9: Building a Biz, the Neurodivergent Way
Calming the chaos of self-employment isn’t easy, especially as a neurodivergent entrepreneur. In this episode, I share my go-to strategies for organizing ideas, evolving business plans, and creating systems that actually work for ADHD brains. 🎧✨
S1 E8: finding authentic confidence (part two)
Welcome back to the Colorful Futures Podcast! This week, we’re back with part two of my chat with confidence coach Erika Eileen, and things are getting even spicier. We’re tackling the not-so-glamorous journey of self-discovery—you know, the one where you’re trying to figure out who you are while untangling all the fun (read: chaotic) influences like family dynamics, ADHD, and queerness. 🙃
Erika and I talk about how fashion isn’t just about looking cute; it’s a powerful tool for self-expression and identity. Plus, we dig into why confidence isn’t some linear journey with a finish line—it’s more like a chaotic road trip with detours, breakdowns, and unexpected views. And let’s not forget the importance of staying open-minded because, spoiler alert: life never goes exactly how you planned.
If you’re ready to laugh, reflect, and maybe rethink your own self-expression, grab your snack of choice, something cozy, and settle in. Let’s get real about what it means to show up authentically in a world that loves to throw curveballs. 💖
S1 E7: finding authentic confidence (part one)
Welcome back to the Colorful Futures Podcast! This week I’m joined by confidence coach Erika Eileen, and trust me—this conversation is everything. ✨ We’re digging deep into the wild, messy, and transformative journey of building true confidence, from feeling good in your body to owning your worth in the business world.
Erika shares her path from body confidence coaching to mentoring entrepreneurs, and we get into the nitty-gritty of how confidence isn’t just about showing up—it’s about teaching, advocating for yourself, and releasing the need to fit into other people’s expectations. We talk about the struggle of the “good girl” mentality, navigating career fulfillment while staying true to your values, and how identity and shame can shape your journey.
If you’ve ever questioned your confidence or felt held back by what others think, grab a cozy blanket. your favorite snack, something to fidget with and get comfy. Let’s get into it and release some of that shame together. 💖
S1 E6: bts: my first year as an AuDHD biz owner
Welcome back to the Colorful Futures Podcast! In this episode, I’m giving you a sneak peek into what it’s really like to be a neurodivergent biz owner in my first year of self-employment. Spoiler alert: it’s not all cozy mornings and coffee shop work vibes (though those do happen). We’re talking work-life balance, the struggle to set boundaries, and the reality of letting go of that corporate mindset one day at a time.
I’ll share my highs, lows, and all the messy in-betweens—like how delegation became my bestie, why burnout is a thing✨, and how having a financial safety net made this journey a little less bumpy. If you’ve ever felt the pull to start your own thing but don’t know where to start, or if you’re just curious about what goes down behind the scenes, grab your fave fidget toy and get comfy. Let's get into all the nitty gritty about the world of self-employment and all the colorful messiness it brings. 💖
S1 E5: what losing my dad taught me about living authentically
Content Warning: This episode contains discussions of grief and loss.
In this week's episode of the Colorful Futures Podcast, I'm sharing a deeply personal experience – the unexpected loss of my dad and the emotional journey that followed.
Life can change in an instant. One day, everything seems normal, and the next, you're faced with overwhelming, crippling grief. This was my reality. It’s still my reality. In this episode I'll be discussing the complexities of family relationships during times of loss, reflecting on my relationship with my dad, and exploring the profound impact this experience has had on my life.
While this episode deals with a difficult topic, it's also about finding meaning and perspective through challenging times. I’ll share how facing loss reshaped my outlook on life and reminded me of what truly matters.
If you're ready for a thoughtful discussion on grief, personal growth, and the preciousness of life, I invite you to listen in. This episode may bring up all kinds of emotions, so please take care of yourself as you tune in. 💖
S1 E4: getting fired was my wake-up call: how ADHD and burnout helped me discover the power of workplace accommodations
In this week’s episode, I decided to be a bit vulnerable and talk about a tough chapter in my career – the times I got fired (yep, more than once 😅). I share how not knowing I had ADHD played a huge role in my burnout and struggles at work. I talk about finally breaking free from retail and landing my dream job, only to be gut punched with the question: “Is this really the right job for you?” (Spoiler alert: it wasn’t, and it left me questioning everything about myself and how I work.)
Here's the thing – so many of us are square pegs trying to squeeze into round holes. Our beautifully unique, neurodivergent brains just don't fit neatly into the cookie-cutter systems of most workplaces. And let me tell you, it's exhausting trying to keep up that mask all day, every day.
So, if you've ever found yourself ugly-crying in the office bathroom (no judgment here, been there, done that, got the t-shirt), or if you've ever felt like you're one missed deadline away from a total meltdown, this episode is for you. We're going to talk all about the messy, the awkward, and yes, even the funny side of trying to find our place in the working world.
Ready to laugh, maybe cry a little, and most importantly, feel less alone in this wild ride we call a career? Then stick around, because we're about to get real, get vulnerable, and maybe, just maybe, figure out how to thrive without burning out. 💖
S1 E3: Work Smarter Not Harder: Building A Solid Job Search Foundation
Welcome to the third episode of Colorful Futures! In this episode, I'll be sharing my career coaching framework - an approach I've developed to help job seekers build a strong foundation for their search.
We'll be exploring four key components: career discovery, resume crafting, LinkedIn optimization, and creating a job search toolkit. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in helping you navigate your career path more effectively.
I'm particularly excited to discuss how these strategies can benefit my fellow AuDHDers and other individuals with marginalized identities. My goal is to provide you with clear, actionable insights that can help enhance your job search and bring you closer to your career aspirations.
So, get cozy, grab something to fidget with, maybe even a little snack, and let's dive into episode three and explore how you can use these tools to create a more focused and successful job search strategy.
S1 E2: Quality vs. Quantity
In this episode of the Colorful Futures Podcast, we’re tackling the whole “quality vs. quantity” debate when it comes to job applications. You know how, at the start of your job search, you’re all thoughtful, excited, and picky about what roles you want? But then, as time goes on, you start lowering the bar and applying to anything just to get a response? Yeah, we’ve all been there. 🥴
I’m here to remind you that it’s important to stay intentional and focused on what you need from a job, rather than just sending out as many applications as possible. I’ll share why taking breaks and doing things that bring you peace can help you avoid burnout. Oh, and that idea of finding a “perfect career” is a myth! What really matters is staying connected to your values and making sure you’re doing what feels right for you.
So, let’s keep it real—grab a coffee or your favorite snack and something to fidget with, get comfy, and join me as we chat about making your job search a little more meaningful and a lot less stressful. 💖
S1 E1: Do It Scared
In the very first episode of the Colorful Futures Podcast, I'm taking you on the rollercoaster ride that is the ups and downs of launching this podcast. I talk about how me and my old pals—imposter syndrome and that relentless fear of failure— decide to put our differences aside and launch this podcast anyway. Because why not? Life's an adventure and it's too short not do things that make you excited!
I'll also be sharing how being neurodivergent, disabled, and queer has shaped my career journey. This isn’t just another podcast; it's the start of building a community where every one of us gets to be seen, heard, and celebrated for exactly who we are.
So grab your favorite snack and something to fidget with, get comfy, and join me in this new chapter of my very own Colorful Future (see what I did there). Buckle up—this is just the start of something amazing, and I couldn't be more excited for you to be part of it! 💖