Lisa M. Estrada

I attribute my success to the entrepreneurial spirit that has been a cornerstone of my family. Growing up surrounded by family members who built and managed their own businesses instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and a passion for innovation.

Their example taught me the value of dedication, strategic thinking, and the courage to take calculated risks - lessons that continue to guide my professional journey and drive my commitment to excellence. Watching them navigate challenges, build meaningful relationships with their customers, and create something from nothing showed me that success isn't just about profit - it's about perseverance, integrity, and the willingness to keep learning and adapting.

That foundation shaped who I am as a business owner today. It's why I approach CollabTech with the same dedication and values I witnessed growing up: work hard, do right by people, never stop improving, and build something that creates real value for others. The entrepreneurial DNA I inherited isn't just about running a business - it's about having the courage to forge your own path and the commitment to see it through.

The best career advice I've ever received is to always be the learner and remember that it's about people and relationships.

Embracing a mindset of continuous growth has allowed me to adapt, innovate, and stay ahead in an ever-changing professional landscape. By remaining curious, open to feedback, and committed to expanding my knowledge, I've been able to seize opportunities, overcome challenges, and consistently elevate my contributions.

But knowledge alone isn't enough. The real magic happens in the connections we build. Every client relationship, every team collaboration, every mentorship opportunity has taught me that success isn't just about what you know - it's about how you connect, communicate, and genuinely invest in the people around you. When you approach your career with both a learner's humility and a genuine care for relationships, you create a foundation for lasting impact and meaningful success.

This dual focus - continuous learning paired with authentic relationships - has shaped everything I do at CollabTech. It's why we stay current with certifications and new technologies, and it's why we prioritize collaboration and partnership with every client. Growth and connection aren't separate goals; they're intertwined principles that drive real transformation.

If you're a young woman stepping into the world of digital marketing, tech consulting, or agency work, here's what I wish someone had told me:

1. Your voice matters - use it confidently. This industry can feel male-dominated at times, but your perspective, ideas, and approach are valuable. Don't wait for permission to speak up in meetings, pitch bold ideas, or challenge the status quo. Confidence isn't about knowing everything; it's about trusting that you belong at the table.

2. Hard work and integrity will set you apart. Talent opens doors, but consistency, dedication, and doing the right thing - even when it's hard - will build your reputation. Show up fully committed to every project, maintain transparency with clients and colleagues, and let your work ethic speak for itself. These qualities create trust and lasting success.

3. Invest in relationships, not just transactions. The strongest foundation you can build is a network of genuine relationships. Take time to connect with clients, mentors, peers, and your team on a human level. Listen deeply, collaborate generously, and treat every interaction with care. Those relationships will support you, challenge you, and open doors you never expected.

4. Never stop learning. Technology, platforms, and best practices evolve constantly. Stay curious. Pursue certifications, attend workshops, learn new tools, and don't be afraid to admit when you don't know something. I'm still learning after 35+ years of combined team experience - that growth mindset is what keeps you relevant and excited about the work.

5. Find your niche, but stay versatile. Specialize in something you're passionate about - whether it's SEO, social media, CRM systems, or web design - but don't box yourself in. Understanding multiple aspects of digital marketing makes you invaluable and helps you see the bigger picture for your clients.

6. Set boundaries and protect your energy. This industry can be demanding. Client needs, tight deadlines, and the pressure to always be "on" can lead to burnout quickly. Learn early to set healthy boundaries, delegate when possible, and prioritize your own well-being. You can't pour from an empty cup, and sustainable success requires taking care of yourself.

7. Embrace collaboration over competition. There's room for all of us to succeed. Support other women in the industry, share knowledge freely, and build each other up. Some of my best business opportunities have come from collaborative partnerships, not cutthroat competition.

8. Don't wait for "perfect" - start now. You don't need to have it all figured out before you launch that business, pitch that client, or take on that challenging project. I started CollabTech with a vision and learned as I grew. Take calculated risks, learn from mistakes, and trust that you'll figure it out along the way.

9. Charge what you're worth. Don't undervalue your services because you're new or because you're a woman. Research industry standards, understand the value you bring, and price accordingly. Confidence in your pricing reflects confidence in your expertise.

10. Remember why you started. On tough days - and there will be tough days - reconnect with your purpose. For me, it's about empowering business growth through collaboration and making a meaningful impact. Find what drives you and let that be your North Star.

This industry needs more women who lead with integrity, work hard, value people, and aren't afraid to carve their own path. You have everything you need to succeed - now go make your mark.

The challenges are real - competition is fierce, the industry has diversity gaps, and technology is constantly shifting. But for agencies willing to work hard, maintain integrity, invest in relationships, and stay adaptable, the opportunities are enormous. The businesses that will thrive are those that combine cutting-edge tools with timeless values: dedication, honesty, genuine relationships, and inclusive leadership. That's the future I'm building at CollabTech.

The values that drive everything I do - both at CollabTech and in my personal life - are hard work, integrity, and genuine relationships.

I believe in dedicating myself fully to every challenge, whether it's helping a client transform their digital presence, supporting my team of 10 talented specialists, or pushing our agency toward new growth milestones. Hard work isn't just about putting in hours; it's about showing up with purpose, commitment, and the determination to deliver real results.

But hard work without integrity is hollow. That's why honesty, transparency, and ethical standards guide every client interaction, every project decision, and every relationship we build. When clients partner with CollabTech, they're not just getting services - they're getting a team that genuinely cares about their success and will always do right by them.

At the heart of it all are people and relationships. Business isn't just about transactions - it's about the connections we build, the trust we earn, and the collaborative partnerships that help everyone grow. I value the relationships with my clients, my team, and our community because those human connections are what make the work meaningful. When we invest in people and treat every relationship with care and respect, we create something far more valuable than any single project or contract.

These principles have shaped our "together we solve, evolve, and transform" approach. They're why we offer free consultations, customize solutions for each unique business, and maintain ongoing support long after projects launch. They build the trust that turns clients into long-term partners and create the meaningful impact that makes this work fulfilling.

At the end of the day, success measured only in revenue feels empty. Success built on hard work, integrity, and strong relationships? That's what creates lasting value - for our clients, our team, and our community.