We had the good fortune of connecting with Esther Zeledon and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Esther, what matters most to you?
For me, the cornerstone of my mission is the pursuit of meaningful work. It goes far beyond just occupational satisfaction and is really about forging paths that leave a significant, positive footprint in the world. This is rooted in my work in communities all over the world over the last two decades and my observation that our global community has largely lost sight of the values that nurture humanity—compassion, understanding, and cooperation. We find ourselves entrenched in cultures driven by materialism and competition that lead to anxiety, a profound sense of isolation, and ultimately, dissatisfaction. This shift away from listening to and supporting one another’s highest aspirations has stifled the beautiful, simple drive we all harbored as children to make a difference.
At BeActChange, we strive to revive this intrinsic desire. We believe in listening deeply to the people we work with, understanding their dreams and aspirations, and helping them to align their professional lives with these goals. More than achieving career milestones, we strive to help reclaim that part of us that yearned to change the world for the better.
From my early experiences in international development to launching this global movement, I have consistently seen the transformative power of meaningful work. It’s about creating a legacy, not from a place of seeking accolades, but from a genuine desire to improve the world. This principle has guided me through the complexities of navigating global challenges, from reducing workplace toxicity to addressing the mental health crisis.
Each step of my journey has reinforced the necessity of a mission-driven life, echoing the sentiment that to truly make a difference, we must commit to living and working in a way that fulfills not only our personal vision but also uplifts the communities around us. In embracing this path, we not only rediscover our ‘inner child’—that inherent part of us that smiles, cares deeply, and dreams of a better world—but also inspire others to embark on this journey of impactful, purpose-driven living.
What should our readers know about your business?
BeActChange stands out primarily because of our deep commitment to transforming lives through clarity and actionable insights. We specialize in guiding high-achievers—who often grapple with overthinking and underachieving relative to their true capabilities—towards a clear, purpose-driven life. Our focus on mission, vision, and personal purpose, coupled with strategies for actionable change, makes us a unique player in the field of personal and organizational development.
I am most proud of the transformative impact our work has had—both through direct coaching and our accessible publications like “Creating Your Limitless Life.” Reaching top rankings on Amazon and sparking a global discussion through our book tour has been incredibly fulfilling. These achievements are not just commercial successes but affirmations that our work genuinely helps people redefine their lives and embrace their full potential.
The path to where BeActChange stands today wasn’t smooth. Transitioning from a career in international development to entrepreneurship involved navigating the complex world of social media, mastering public engagement, and overcoming the skepticism often faced by public figures from seemingly traditional backgrounds. We also faced the challenge of breaking through in a niche that caters to high achievers, an often underserved and overlooked segment in the coaching industry.
Overcoming these challenges required resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering belief in our mission. New to social media and publicity, learning to be vulnerable and show my authentic self in the public eye was a major hurdle that I tackled through personal coaching and gradually building a supportive community.
And that was one of the key lessons from my journey: The power of community. Everywhere in the world, people are looking to connect, grow, and find meaning in their work and lives. And when I say “connect,” I don’t mean transactional networking to get a new job, but rather, authentic linkages that help us feel supported and inspired. In a world saturated with curated personas, being genuine and transparent about your struggles and victories sets you apart and helps you resonate more deeply with those who are part of your true “tribe.”
I want the world to know that BeActChange is more than a business—it’s a movement dedicated to empowering individuals to not just dream, but do. Our work is grounded in the reality of our clients’ challenges and is aimed at creating tangible, impactful change. We are committed to continuing our efforts to expand the reach and depth of our work, helping more people and organizations align their goals with their deepest values and visions.
Through BeActChange, I have found my calling in helping others unlock their potential and achieve their dreams. Every step of this journey has reinforced the belief that with the right guidance, anyone can overcome barriers and lead a fulfilling, impactful life. We are here to serve those who are ready to make that leap and to support them every step of the way.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Miami, I’d make sure to give them the ultimate taste of our city’s vibrant culture and cuisine. We’d kick off the week with a trip to my favorite Thai restaurant, Bangkok Bangkok, to indulge in Thai donuts—it turns out they’re a unique specialty that are hard to find outside of Miami! These aren’t just any donuts; they’re fried dough served with decadent dulce de leche and chocolate dips. What a great way to sweet start our adventures!
Throughout the week, we’d also dine at Madroño Restaurant in Little Managua, where we’d dive into the authentic cuisine of my homeland, Nicaragua. The churrasco is amazing, and the gallo pinto is the ultimate comfort food, but the highlight there would definitely be the fried cheese—it’s a must-try. Another culinary stop would be Piola on South Dixie Highway, where we’d enjoy some of the best homemade pizza in the area. I’m a huge fan of the Piola Summer pizza, covered with fresh arugula.
For some scenic enjoyment, I’d take them around Brickell Key for a walk. It area offers stunning views and a fantastic path where you can see the entire bay—it’s truly breathtaking. It’s one of my favorites! We’d also visit Key Biscayne and Miami Beach for some sun and sand, soaking in some of Miami’s famous beach culture and trying one of the famous Wet Willie’s frozen drinks.
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens is also one of my must-go places. The architecture is stunning, the walk through the gardens can re-energize you, and there’s no better place to enjoy Tea on the Terrace.
And you can’t leave Miami without experiencing some of the night life! I love dancing, especially salsa, so I’d head to Ball & Chain on Calle Ocho for that classic feel and some of the best salsa playlists and performers. For a more chilled out evening, I would definitely head to Wynwood to take in the funky art scene, look for a poetry reading, and enjoy some great food and local brews.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! My journey has been significantly shaped by the incredible support and inspiration I’ve received from a few key people and communities. Firstly, I have to dedicate a heartfelt shoutout to Erika Cramer and her Start Up Squad. Especially as a fellow Latina, Erika’s own story of building her business from scratch, overcoming profound adversity, and succeeding against the odds was incredibly motivating for me. Erika came into my life at the perfect time, when I had grown weary and skeptical of seeing success stories only from those who came from privileged backgrounds, and she provided a real and empowering example of someone just like me who saw her greatest potential and made it happen.
I’ve been tremendously supported by Ashley K. Stoyanov Ojeda, founder of the Jefa Circle, a vibrant community of Latina women who champion and uplift each other in both professional and personal endeavors. This group has been instrumental in my recent ventures, providing both a supportive network and a platform for growth among peers who share similar experiences and challenges.
I have to also send deep gratitude to James Redfield, author of “The Celestine Prophecy,” whose teachings on synchronicity and creating a purpose-driven life came to me in my youth and still influence me and my work to this day. I’ve had the enormous honor of speaking with James, and I’m so thankful for his time and his ongoing work to spread positive energy in the world.
And of course, I cannot overlook the unwavering support of my champions—my rocks—who have stood by me through thick and thin as BeActChange has embarked on this movement. Their encouragement and belief in my vision have been crucial as I navigate the complex path of leading a movement aimed at creating meaningful and transformative impact.
Each of these influences has not only supported me but also inspired the core values of BeActChange. Their examples and the collaborative spirit they embody are woven into the fabric of my mission to empower others to pursue meaningful work and make a significant difference in the world.
Website: beactchange.com
Instagram: be.act.change
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estherzeledon/
Image Credits
all my pictures