The Courage to Choose You with Maria Elena De Guevara (Part 2)

In Part 2 of our conversation, Maria Elena introduces the ACE framework a powerful tool she’s used throughout her life and leadership journey to navigate hard choices with clarity and intention.

We talk about knowing when to accept what is, when to push for change, and when to make the brave decision to walk away.

Maria shares how she used this framework during one of the most demanding seasons of her life, and how it helped her hold onto her values while navigating toxic systems.

We also get into salary negotiation, advocating for your worth, and why leadership at its core is personal.

Maria doesn’t hold back, and this conversation is full of the wisdom, strategy, and heart she’s known for.

If you’ve ever struggled to speak up for yourself, stayed too long in a role that drained you, or needed a reminder that your values don’t make you difficult, they make you powerful, this episode is for you.

The ACE Framework is a leadership tool. Accept, Change, Exit, three options for navigating challenges with intention, clarity, and power.

Toxic environments don’t define your worth. Sometimes staying is strategic. Sometimes leaving is survival. Either way, you get to decide.

Advocating for yourself isn’t selfish, it’s strategy. Do your homework, know your impact, and speak their language when it comes to salary and worth.

Leadership is deeply personal. The way you show up fully, unapologetically is as important as the systems you try to change.

Legacy isn’t just what you do, it’s who you empower. Maria Elena’s impact lives on through the women she mentored who now lead with courage of their own.

Maria Elena De Guevara is a retired Director of Human Resources with over 40 years of leadership experience across city, county, manufacturing, and higher education. As Principal Consultant of HR Works!, she has guided organizations and individuals in building stronger systems and healthier workplaces.

🔗 Connect with Maria on LinkedIn

Dr. Debra Griffith is an executive coach, consultant, and the voice behind the Do Better with Debra podcast. With a career rooted in education and equity-centered leadership, she now supports women of color leaders and executives navigating professional transitions and leading transformative change.

🌐 Learn more at Do Better Executive Coaching 🔗 Connect with Debra on LinkedIn