Aida Rivas

I believe much of my success comes back to the values that ground me: spirituality, community, family, ethics, and empathy.

Throughout my career — especially during reorgs, layoffs, difficult team dynamics, and seasons of uncertainty — these values have helped me stay centered when emotions run high.

I still feel the emotional waves; I’m human. But my values help create enough distance and clarity to pause, step back, and see the bigger picture with greater steadiness.

When teams struggle, people scapegoat, or others are not showing up at their best, I try to focus on what matters most: listening, responding thoughtfully, and moving forward with intention rather than reaction.

I have learned that different values step forward when they are needed most. Sometimes it is empathy. Sometimes ethics. Sometimes community or faith. Together, they help me lead with both humanity and clarity.

One of the best pieces of career advice I ever received was simple:

“Aida, learn to keep your head above water.”

At first, I was not entirely sure what that meant.

Over time, I realized it was about lifting my perspective beyond the day-to-day work. When we are deeply focused on execution, it is easy to miss the subtle shifts happening around us.

I started paying closer attention.

The priorities that quietly changed.

The tone in leadership conversations.

The projects that suddenly stopped getting attention.

The investments that no longer felt strategic.

Those small signals told a bigger story.

My advice to young women entering this industry is simple:

Do not wait to build your network until you need it — start now.

Every day offers an opportunity to build meaningful connection.

Check in with someone.

Send a thank-you note to a person who took the time to listen or share advice.

Ask thoughtful questions.

Show genuine curiosity about others.

These may seem like small moments, but over time they build something much bigger: trust, belonging, confidence, and community.

I have learned that careers are rarely built alone.

The relationships you nurture today often become your advocates, mentors, sponsors, and supporters tomorrow — the people who speak your name in rooms you have not yet entered.

And one lesson I feel especially strongly about:

Do not underestimate people because of a title — or lack of one.

Titleless does not mean powerless.

Some of the most meaningful opportunities, guidance, and support can come from unexpected places and people.

Networking is not about collecting contacts.

It is about building authentic relationships, giving generously, and creating the kind of community that helps all of us grow.

Start earlier than you think you need to — and nurture those relationships with sincerity.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is helping leaders and organizations navigate rapid transformation amid constant uncertainty. The pace of change — fueled by new technologies, shifting work models, and evolving expectations — can create both opportunity and overwhelm.

The real opportunity lies in staying connected to our communities and learning from shared experiences. By listening deeply, building collective resilience, and reimagining our impact together, we can turn disruption into possibility. I also see tremendous potential in helping leaders align purpose, belonging, and wellbeing so they can lead with clarity, courage, and heart in this ever‑changing world.

Spirituality, family, community, ethics, and empathy—these are my five core values, and for me there’s no separation between work and personal life with them. They all blend together. I’ve been very intentional about these values because I don’t just put them on a sticky note to glance at every now and then. Every decision or action, I naturally align with my core values.

They help me assess whether fear, insecurities, ego, or something else is driving me, and they help me stay humble as well as grounded in my value story. They remind me to lead with heart, stay grounded in integrity, and nurture meaningful connections wherever I go. These values serve as my inner compass. They help me quiet the noise, find clarity in uncertain times, and make choices that reflect who I truly am and the impact I want to create in the world.