Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Zalaquett
Diana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey has been an exciting blend of growth, passion, and purpose. I started my career with a deep interest in helping others succeed, which naturally drew me to roles in education, marketing, and community building. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills in managing large-scale events, coordinating complex projects, and enabling teams to work more effectively.
My current focus is on empowering others, particularly through my work with Career in the USA, where I help aspiring immigrants and young adults navigate the challenges of starting a career in the United States. In addition, I’ve been preparing for major industry events like INBOUND, where I’m actively coordinating efforts to ensure our sales and customer success teams are well-prepared and aligned.
Alongside these roles, I’m continuously expanding my expertise in tools like HubSpot, where I’ve started as a host on a new YouTube channel called ‘How to HubSpot’ to share tutorials and tips, helping others make the most of their platforms.
My journey has been about finding ways to combine my passions for education, culture, entrepreneurship, and technology to make a tangible impact. Each step has been guided by a desire to not only grow myself but also to lift others along the way.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I am today has been anything but smooth, and it’s been filled with challenges that have shaped both my personal and professional journey. As a Latina immigrant working in tech, I’ve faced hundreds of rejections and the constant fear of losing my legal status in the USA, even after earning a degree from a top-rated university and holding jobs where my performance was consistently rewarded.
Navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system—dealing with OPTs, I-20s, and H1Bs—was a significant challenge. The uncertainty and stress of possibly having to leave the country I was trying so hard to build a life in was overwhelming. It wasn’t until after 15 years of perseverance that I finally became a legal Permanent Resident. This experience taught me resilience and the importance of having a strategic mindset.
Professionally, I struggled with finding my voice and adapting my communication style in a new cultural context. Growing up in a culture that values indirect communication, I found myself holding back in meetings, avoiding conflict, and often feeling overlooked. It wasn’t until I consciously worked on adjusting my communication style—becoming more direct and assertive—that I started to see real progress in my career.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that landing your dream career in the USA isn’t just about your skills, education, or experience—it’s about mindset and strategy. Today, I focus on helping other international job seekers and professionals navigate these challenges, using my own experiences to guide them in positioning themselves as the most obvious choice for their dream roles.
In addition to these personal and professional hurdles, I’ve also encountered the complexities of working in an intercultural environment, particularly in virtual settings. Misunderstandings and biases often arise due to differences in communication styles, and overcoming these challenges has been a key focus of my work. By learning how to read cultural behaviors and adapting my approach, I’ve been able to bridge these gaps and help others do the same.
So, while the road has been far from smooth, every challenge has contributed to my growth and has given me the tools to help others succeed. The struggles have made the successes all the more meaningful.
We’ve been impressed with Grow Better , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business, Grow Better- Career in the USA, is dedicated to empowering international job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs by helping them navigate the challenges of building a career or business in the United States. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the unique obstacles faced by immigrants, combined with proven strategies to overcome them.
We specialize in career coaching for ambitious professionals who want to position themselves as the top choice in a competitive job market. My personal journey as a Latina immigrant in the tech industry, where I faced numerous rejections and challenges, has given me a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed as an international candidate. I’ve turned those experiences into actionable insights that I share with my clients, helping them to not only land their dream jobs but also to build sustainable, impactful careers.
What makes our approach distinct is the blend of mindset coaching and practical strategies. We focus not just on the technical aspects of job hunting—like resumes and interviews—but also on cultivating the right mindset, which I believe is crucial for success. My experience navigating the U.S. immigration system and the corporate world has equipped me with the tools to guide others through similar challenges.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives. We’ve helped countless individuals achieve their goals, from securing high-level positions at leading companies to launching successful startups. Our commitment to fostering cultural competence and bridging the gap between different communication styles in a globalized world is at the core of our brand.
For your readers, I want them to know that our services are not just about career coaching—they’re about transformation. We’re here to support international professionals and entrepreneurs every step of the way, helping them to turn their dreams into reality by providing the guidance, tools, and strategies they need to succeed in a new country.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me truly happy is helping others overcome challenges and achieve their dreams, especially when it comes to international job seekers and entrepreneurs. Having faced numerous obstacles myself as a Latina immigrant in the U.S., I find immense joy in using my experiences and knowledge to guide others through similar struggles. There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing someone I’ve mentored land their dream job or successfully launch a business—they’re not just achieving a goal; they’re transforming their lives.
I’m also passionate about fostering cultural understanding and competence, both in my work and personal life. It makes me happy to know that I’m contributing to a more inclusive and supportive environment, where people from diverse backgrounds can thrive. This mission drives me every day, and seeing the positive impact it has on others is incredibly rewarding.
On a personal level, I find happiness in staying active and exploring the world through travel and dance. These activities allow me to stay connected to my roots, maintain balance, and bring a sense of joy and vitality to my life. Whether it’s learning a new dance style or experiencing a different culture, these experiences enrich my life and fuel my passion for what I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dianazalaquett.com/
- Instagram: @danzadiana
- Other: https://youtu.be/e6LzBY8D1Bg?feature=shared
