In the ever-evolving landscape of business and life transitions, adaptability isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Dr. Ada Gonzalez, a distinguished entrepreneur and communication expert, embodies this principle through her concept of “pivotability” – the quality or state of being pivotable, of being able to pivot and change direction without falling apart.
Her journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship has been a masterclass in pivoting effectively, both professionally and personally.
For senior leaders and women in transition, her story offers valuable insights into leveraging communication and adaptability to navigate the complexities of leadership and life.
Dr. Ada’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by her ability to embrace change with confidence. Life is full of voluntary and involuntary transitions, and many times, it’s challenging to face that reality.
You’d be surprised to see how many transitions Dr. Ada has experienced:
- She moved from one country to another eight times, building new support systems and business connections each time.
- She lived in three different states in the USA (Michigan, Texas, and Delaware).
- Born and raised in Cuba, she learned English from scratch when she started college in the USA at 20 years of age.
- She raised children who have now grown up, moved out, started careers, and made her a grandmother.
- She experienced the loss of her mother, her father’s remarriage, and his subsequent widowhood.
- She transitioned from being the director of a counseling center in Mexico to becoming an entrepreneur in the USA.
- She got divorced and later remarried.
Some transitions were harder than others. Through every challenge, she faced fears, failures, and stumbles but also received support, developed more pivotability, learned a lot, and ultimately thrived.
One critical moment was when she was 18, overwhelmed by the abundance of choices in a Madrid department store.
Having grown up in Communist Cuba with ration cards and limited options, she found herself paralyzed by the sheer number of blouses available. This experience marked the start of her journey into freedom and resilience, shifting her mindset from “scarcity thinking” to “anything is possible.”
This experience was a turning point. It set her free to explore, learn, and embrace the new, no matter how challenging. It sparked her fascination with the opportunities that change brings, leading her to focus her studies on change and transformation. Ultimately, she built a career helping others navigate life or business challenges.
Dr. Ada’s personal and professional lives are deeply intertwined.
A defining moment in her life was when she divorced her husband of 27 years. She recalls the exact moment in Santa Fe, NM, while taking one of her doctoral classes, when she realized she could not continue to be in a relationship that had been difficult and unfulfilling for years. She felt it was time to set herself free.
An art show at one of the many galleries in Santa Fe, themed “Journeys,” resonated deeply with her. One picture, titled “The Tethered Traveler,” hit her at her core, reminding her that if you can’t take flight because you are tethered, you must cut free.
Paralyzed by the weight of a bad relationship, she decided to divorce her husband once her youngest son graduated from high school.
She moved to Texas, where she took the national test to become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, started a new job, and became a US citizen.
This professional growth gave her the courage to work as a therapist for the Army in Germany and later to start her company, Transformative Conversations, in Delaware as an expert in communication and relationships.
Dr. Ada helps senior leaders and their teams engage in effective conversations that drive business forward. She also aids high-achieving couples in rekindling their connection and supports women in transition in developing pivotability and transforming their lives.
She authored Transformative Conversations: The Heart of the Leadership Journey, which translates complex concepts into practical guidance for leaders.
Her upcoming initiative involves a “Journey of Renewal” retreat to Tuscany in 2025 and the launch of the “Renewal Circle,” a community for continuous growth and transformation.
Dr. Ada’s journey is a compelling testament to the power of adaptability and effective communication in leadership. Her concept of pivotability offers a roadmap for senior leaders looking to thrive in the dynamic business world.
She firmly believes that leaders and individuals can navigate any challenge and achieve lasting success by embracing change, fostering strategic conversations, and leveraging personal growth.
To learn more about Dr. Ada Gonazalez, visit her website.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
