Jessica Umbelina Costa Pedro’s Post

Today marks International Day of Families, and it’s the perfect moment for me to reflect a bit about the ups and downs my own family has navigated. 🗺 We've seen our fair share of challenges, but it’s our resilience and deep-rooted commitment to each other that have truly defined our journey. 💪🏽 Life hasn’t always been smooth, but with every setback, my family has shown an incredible ability to adapt and bounce back, stronger than before. 😄 It's the little moments of support, the shared laughs after tears, and our collective stubbornness to stick together that have made all the difference. 🔧 We’ve built, bent, and even broken at times, but through each phase, we’ve remade our bonds, growing closer and more supportive. 🌱 For us, resilience isn’t just bouncing back—it's about growing together and finding new ways to connect and support each other, no matter what life throws our way. 💗 So here’s to all the families out there, each with their own unique story of resilience and love. 🎉 Today, I celebrate how we’ve built, rebuilt, and cherished our family through all of life’s adventures. I love you both. 🥰 #Resilience #Commitment #FamilyJourney #FamilyStrength #InternationalDayofFamilies . . . . . 📍The Selarón Steps, or "Escadaria Selarón," Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

International Family Day: Cherish the Moments, Nurture the Bonds As we commemorate International Family Day today the 15th of May, let us be reminded of the vital role that family plays in our lives, and the profound importance of investing our time and energy into these precious relationships. In our fast-paced, work-centric world, it can be all too easy to become consumed by the demands of our careers, our businesses, and our never-ending to-do lists. Yet, if we are not careful, we risk neglecting the very foundation that sustains us - our family. Family is not merely a social construct; it is the wellspring of our identity, the source of our deepest connections, and the anchor that grounds us in times of turbulence. It is within the family that we learn the values of empathy, communication, and unconditional love - lessons that equip us to navigate the complexities of life. Today, let us make a conscious effort to step back from the relentless pursuit of productivity and carve out dedicated time to nurture our family bonds. Whether it's sharing a meal together, embarking on a family adventure, or simply sitting in comfortable silence, these moments of togetherness are the building blocks of lifelong memories. For it is in these shared experiences that we cultivate a deeper understanding of one another, forge unbreakable connections, and create a sense of belonging that transcends the fleeting nature of our daily routines. As we honour International Family Day, let us pledge to set clear boundaries between our work and our family life, ensuring that we reserve ample time and energy for the people who matter most. Let us be intentional about creating traditions, celebrating milestones, and making space for the laughter, the tears, and the profound moments that define the family experience. And the end, it is not the accolades or the material possessions that will truly sustain us, but the enduring love and support of our family. So. let us cherish these bonds, nurture these connections, and ensure that the family remains the cornerstone of our lives, now and for generations to come☺️😇 #InternationalFamilyDay #familyfirst #familygoals

We’re celebrating the Swiss National Day today! But what am I fussing about that, (still) not being Swiss, and having a very international network? This special - yet, admittedly, local - celebration made me ponder this question: How much local colour to bring to your communication, when neither your business nor audience are particularly local or regional? I like sharing bits and bobs about local traditions, holidays and customs, as where we live undeniably affects our everyday lives. The language we speak teases out different aspects of our personalities.  The local customs creep subtly inside our behaviour, like taking long lunch breaks but short holidays have grown into me. Where we come from, matters, too. I attribute my down-to-earth practicality to my Nordic roots. So, celebrating the first of August fits in the picture, too. Here are four good reasons to sprinkle some local colour into your content, even when your service and clientele are international: 🇨🇭People connect with people. Knowing where you live and what everyday life is like there helps your audience connect with you. 🇨🇭Local networks are powerful. Connecting with other professionals, entrepreneurs and networks locally will be the fastest way to build brand awareness and trust, even if your ambitions grow outside national frontiers. 🇨🇭Use the strengths of your country and region to stand out and highlight your uniqueness. My clients know I’ll show up for our consulting calls with Swiss punctuality, where a 3-minute delay requires advance notice and a profuse apology. 🇨🇭Every post doesn’t need a strategic reason! Funny and personal updates without a link to business goals perk things up, for you and your followers. Where do you live and where do you come from? Comment with flags below! 🇫🇮🇨🇭 #Switzerland #NationalDay #Spontaneity #ContentMarketing

So many things to be proud of in this life... For me, one thing that I am proud of is being from the Caribbean 🌺 . As many Caribbean people will tell you, there is a unique sensibility about us, in the way we are able to navigate diverse settings. We are often known for great food, music and colourful displays of culture especially during our carnival seasons! However, when we work in foreign spaces, whether it be for academic or professional growth, we are met with some very common stereotypes and attitudes of marginalization...so much so, we end up compromising the exuberance we are collectively known for, to our detriment. With my lived experiences and my passion for the junction of things...I am excited to host a unique session for Caribbean immigrants and immigrants of colour..."Managing Your Identity in 5 Steps". Navigating the professional landscape as an immigrant of colour comes with its unique set of challenges. From cultural differences to systemic barriers, it's time to empower ourselves and redefine success on our own terms. 📅 Save the Date: Wednesday, June 5th 🕖 Time: 7:00 PM EST 💺 Get your seat here: https://lnkd.in/ekDtXruh In this transformative session, we'll delve into strategies and insights tailored specifically for YOU. From overcoming imposter syndrome to harnessing the power of your cultural background, we've got you covered! Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Let's rewrite the narrative and embrace our full potential! 💪🏽💼 RSVP now and secure your spot! See you there! 🌟 #ImmigrantEmpowerment #ProfessionalGrowth #DiversityandInclusion #CareerSuccess #Caribbean #Professionalofcolour 🇯🇲 🇹🇹 🇧🇧 🇦🇬 🇻🇬 🇻🇮 🇩🇲 🇩🇴 🇨🇺 🇭🇹 🇻🇨 🇱🇨 🇰🇳 🇧🇿 🇧🇲 🇧🇸 🇵🇷 🇬🇩 🇬🇾 🇸🇳 🇬🇭 🇪🇷 🇳🇬

This blog contains the best cities to visit in Europe during Easter. If not visiting for Easter, how about this summer? Read on to learn more! https://lnkd.in/eCkKAzd5

🤐 They say we should balance personal and professional content on LinkedIn. But how can we talk about #immigration without getting personal? While there are many shared experiences in the immigration journey, it is ultimately a deeply personal one. That's why my content on LinkedIn is always personal. It has to be. I'm not just talking about #workingabroad, but also the choices and emotions that come with such a complex and life-changing process 🛣 In one of my previous posts, I shared about my #German heritage. And despite what some may find surprising, I didn't experience a major #cultural shock when I moved countries. In my own words, "there's so much here in Germany that reminds me of home and brings back nostalgic memories!". Today, I want to give you a glimpse of my roots. Because immigrating, as I mentioned, involves making difficult #choices, especially when it means being away from family and missing important moments and celebrations with your loved ones. Every year, my family holds its own #Oktoberfest (to be completely transparent, sometimes it's Septemberfest, sometimes it's Novemberfest - but we never miss it). We dress up in our trachten, sing in German, sing German songs translated into Brazilian Portuguese, and of course, enjoy plenty of beer (fun fact: this year we broke our own record of 450 liters of beer in three days) 🍻 That's what home looks like to me. And that's why I'll never miss an edition of #Wiesn in Munich or #Wasen in Stuttgart, because I feel like I'm representing my people there. I'm not missing Septemberfest and Novemberfest in vain. Is it too cliché to say "always remember where you came from"? 💖 You can read my previous post here: https://lnkd.in/dwh_R-6P #livingabroad #expat #immigrantlife #Brazil #internationalcommunity #culturematters #culturalawareness #culturaldiversity

Today is a public holiday in Slovenia, dedicated to celebrating our rich cultural heritage and honouring the individual who penned our national anthem, a unifying symbol for the entire nation. Within our diverse country, various communities and sub-communities coexist, alongside numerous organizations, clubs, and groups—organized or informal—united by shared values and objectives. The common thread binding these entities is their unique cultural identity. Furthermore, individual culture plays a pivotal role, shaping who we are, dictating our actions, and influencing how we interact with others. While I may not excel at defining my personal identity or approach, I am committed to treating everyone with the utmost respect and the dignity they deserve. I firmly believe that the key to a successful and meaningful life lies in serving others. This conviction is encapsulated in my favourite quote by Zig Ziglar: "You can have everything in life you want if you just help enough other people get what they want." This succinct statement encapsulates the fundamental truth about achieving financial success in business—by assisting others in attaining their desires, you can achieve your own aspirations and cultivate a prosperous and fulfilling life. What is your take on this?

I'm approaching what I call my 14th "Spanniversary" (the anniversary of my arrival in Spain), and here's something I learned along the way... 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗯𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗹𝗶𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲. How many of us are choosing to live and work... In a different state? In a different city? In a different country? Some of us are privileged to make that choice. Others are forced by circumstance to make that leap. Most days, you're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to engage with people whose backgrounds humble, challenge and stretch you in every interaction. Other days, you're grieving not being able to fly home for a wedding, a funeral, or a simple hug from a loved one on the other side of the world. Even though my parents also immigrated to the US, It took becoming an immigrant myself to understand what they faced. So if you're someone also building a life away from where you were born, I salute you. Working with and meeting other long-term immigrants has fostered a deep empathy in the work we lead at Inclusion in Progress. And it's an empathy that I hope more leaders of distributed, multicultural teams can leverage as where we come from and where we choose to work shifts in the years to come. ----------------------------------------------- If you liked this post: 👆 Hit "Follow" on my LinkedIn profile. ♻ Share with someone who'd benefit. #inclusionanddiversity #multiculturalteams #distributedworkforce #remotemanagement #immigrantstories

In my continuing quest to reduce my fear of heights and become more open to new physical things, I zip-lined in Costa Rica. Luckily, the guides were brilliant, and they started with smaller segments- to build our confidence. At first, I was terrified, but I knew it was critical to tackle unfounded fears and embrace new experiences. I also had to control my first inclination, which was to hold on tight to the lines because that would cause a dead stop, meaning I would have to pull myself in and have more time to look down. But over time, it became easier and fun, and I relaxed. By the last segment, I had done a solo no-hand approach. Why was it crucial to stretch myself? By trying new things, I know we begin to conquer the inner voices that tell us certain things are impossible. It makes it easier for us to conquer those saboteurs in other settings—such as our career and business development. Our voices go from I won’t or I can’t to I can and will. And then, we accomplish more of what we want and have more of the life and career we want. What are some ways you have stretched yourselves? What are you doing to stretch yourselves this year?  

Returning home after two years as an expatriate has been a journey in itself. 🎒 During my time abroad, I discovered a community that transcends borders: a human network built by very diverse individuals that truly understands the blessings and the roughness of being away from home. In those moments, I learned that connection surpasses cultural similarities; it thrives on empathy and the willingness to support each other, forming deep bonds that endure even across distances. However, I also learned how challenging it can be to face difficult times while far away from your family and loved ones. In those moments of adversity, the longing for home magnifies, making the weight of distance felt. Yet, it's precisely in those times when I discovered inner strength by confronting adversity solo, to overcome obstacles, and to seek light even on the darkest days. Being in a foreign country taught me invaluable lessons: I learned to cherish diversity and seek for it, and also understood that solitude can be an uncomfortable yet powerful teacher, between many others. It's a journey of self-discovery that enriches the soul, expands personal boundaries, and, above all, fosters a deep gratitude for experiences that allow us to grow. Would I do it again? Absolutely. What about you? What did you learn? What were your biggest challenges?