Welcome to Business Story of the Week, where we dive into the stories that shape entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers. 🎤 This week, I, Joshua Lori, had the pleasure of chatting with Isabel Melgarejo, a project manager who transformed her toughest life season into a mission of support for family caregivers. Isabel is a powerhouse, or as she lovingly calls herself, a “taboo smasher.” 💪

But how did she get here? It wasn’t an easy road. From losing her father to learning to have difficult conversations, Isabel’s journey is one of growth, vulnerability, and balance.

The Early Days: Isabel’s Heart for Caregiving ❤️

As a child, Isabel loved visiting nursing homes. Not something you hear every day, right? The 5-year-old Isabel was captivated by the stories of the elderly, and though she was a restless child, the wisdom of the 80 and 90-year-olds had a way of grounding her. She had no idea back then that her life would take a turn towards caregiving.

In her 20s, Isabel pursued engineering with a passion for creating environmentally conscious systems. But life had other plans. After her father’s passing, she was thrust into the challenging world of caregiving for her mother. 💔 This was the pivotal moment that changed everything.

Turning Tragedy into Triumph

When Isabel’s dad died, she faced the overwhelming task of managing her family’s well-being. Her mother was devastated and unable to function, her siblings were largely absent, and Isabel was left to figure out everything—from paying for her education to navigating the emotional and practical realities of grief.

It was during this time that she realized just how much we avoid having difficult conversations. Isabel wasn’t raised to talk about problems. Even when her mom was diagnosed with cancer, it was kept a secret from everyone around them. Now, she was forced to confront these conversations head-on. 😓

This experience fueled her mission to help others navigate the tough world of caregiving, applying her background in project management to create systems that work for families.

The Power of Difficult Conversations 💬

A major theme in Isabel’s life is the importance of having those uncomfortable, but necessary, discussions. She learned that in order to truly care for her mother, she needed to speak up, set boundaries, and—most importantly—ask for help. Whether it’s family members, professional caregivers, or community resources, Isabel stresses the need for support systems.

She now teaches her clients that learning to say “no” and defining clear roles in caregiving is essential. “It’s like swimming,” she says. “If you don’t learn how to manage the flow, you’ll drown.” 🌊

Project Management Meets Caregiving

Isabel’s engineering and project management background has been a game-changer. While many in the caregiving space come from therapy or healthcare backgrounds, Isabel approaches it with the analytical mind of an engineer. She focuses on organizing tasks, managing time, and delegating responsibilities within the family—ensuring no one gets overwhelmed.

She works with her clients to create sustainable caregiving strategies, setting them up for success as they navigate this emotional and often exhausting journey.

Why We Avoid Aging (And Why We Shouldn’t) 👵👴

Isabel also touches on a fascinating cultural issue: our society’s tendency to avoid the reality of aging. Unlike some Indigenous cultures that revere their elders, mainstream society tends to push seniors into the background. “We try to avoid aging, but you can’t,” she says. “Facing that reality is hard, but necessary.”

Final Thoughts: Be Yourself 🌟

As we wrapped up our conversation, Isabel left us with a powerful message: Be yourself. When you’re navigating difficult conversations, caregiving, or even life itself, authenticity is key. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, to set boundaries, and to embrace your unique journey.

Isabel’s work is helping countless families find peace and balance in the caregiving process. You can check out her website at [Insert URL] and follow her journey on LinkedIn, where she shares insights, podcast episodes, and monthly newsletters.

Be sure to follow, like, and subscribe for more inspiring stories like this one. 💬 Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below! 👇