MY STORY

Once I experienced success, I craved it.

Since you are here reading this, you are probably on your own success journey.

I had a title & crown, before I was five.

“CONGRATULATIONS MS. CORINA BIANCA, LITTLE MISS AMERICA!!!”

I was definitely not your average pageant girl, but I knew how to play the game. My mother was Ms. Sacramento, and exuded confidence in everything she did. She was a model, 5’11 (without her letto’s), and her smile could light up a room. She was #Goals.

She introduced me to the pageant world, and it started my journey to success. I learned interview skills, how to stand tall, self-awareness, confidence, politics, networking, the importance of volunteering, building relationships, and how a pair of letto’s can set you apart from the crowd.

WINNING

I did it. I defeated all odds, and I loved it.

It wasn’t always glitz and glam. There were nights my mom and I had to sleep in the car.

I didn’t know we were struggling, because she never let me believe we were. My mindset was never one of scarcity, but instead, abundance.

When I was in fifth grade, I remember asking my mom, “How do I finish school, faster?” Expecting her response to be, “you can’t,” I was surprised at what came next. She told me to do the research and she would help, but I had to do the footwork. I joined a 5th/6th combination accelerated learning class, and opted to complete all of the 5th and 6th grade work.

We challenged the school board, and we won!

This was the moment I realized, a few things. I can do absolutely anything I set my mind to, there are multiple ways to the goal, and always challenge the status quo. I had a vision, a goal, a plan, and I executed.

It was around this time I met my “Girl Dad,” or my “surrogate,” father, Pepper Von. I did not know my biological father, so I decided to adopt one. The simple definition of a father is, “A man that gives protection and care to someone or something.” My definition of a father is a man that leads, teaches, supports, guides, provides criticism, and loves you, unconditionally. I watched over the years, how he not only taught people the art of dance, but also how he gave people hope. He is a world-renowned dance and fitness instructor, motivational speaker, business owner, and author. Yet again, #goals.

Combined, my mother and father embodied everything I aspired to be. My dad was kind, inspiring, talented, and when he spoke, people listened. I had the best support team, and role models. Lucky for me, I didn’t have to look far, my family was my inspiration.

I ended up graduating high school, and I started my first semester of college, at 16.

MOMENTUM

Keep going, no matter what.

I realized my purpose was helping others reach their fullest potential.

I loved feeling successful, and I wanted others to share this feeling. It was fulfilling to see people achieve greatness.

I started my own cheer and dance business which catered to all students, but primarily, those who couldn’t afford these luxuries.

I knew what it was like to decide between having heat, and keeping the lights on. I didn’t want students to miss out because they didn’t have the funds. I also never cut any dancers or cheerleaders from the company. The motto was, if you are willing to do the work, there is a place for you here.

Mindset is key when you are striving for greatness.

My company went on to receive multiple National titles, we received features on, “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” ads with McDonald’s, and we were named one of the top dance businesses in Northern California.

In 2013 I added NBA dancer to my resume. I danced professionally for a few years, and soaked in as much knowledge as possible. While many took this opportunity to advance their career as a performer, I chose another route.

I learned from the leaders and I built a network. I participated in as many business ventures possible. I worked closely with the executives at charity events and developed great relationships.

When I left the organization, I received letters of recommendation from the executive leaders, including the President and Senior VP of business operations.

UNCOMFORTABLE

The importance of getting uncomfortable and unfamiliar.

In 2015 I decided to get uncomfortable.

I read a book called, “The Dream Giver,” by Bruce Wilkinson which was recommended by a good friend. It changed my life.

I packed a bag, booked a one way ticket to NYC, and secured a room at a sketchy hotel in Brooklyn. This was a pivotal moment in my life. I took the first job I could get, as a medical device operator. I essentially had to learn about sleep and how to treat patients with Sleep Apnea. I shared my story with the hiring manager and he was so impressed by my tenacity, he offered me the job on the spot. I learned everything there was to know about sleep.

BUTTERFLY EFFECT

When the small decisions you make, impact your life in major ways.

After about a year in NYC, I decided I was not built for the snow and wanted to head back to California.

I applied to one of the top hospitals in the world. What did I have to lose? I knew how to take chances and bet on myself.

I removed my recent experience in sleep from my resume, because I didn’t want the hiring manager to assume I had been out of critical care for a year. I didn’t want her to think I was rusty. I received a call back for an interview within two weeks.

During the interview I felt good, I was doing great! The hiring manager reluctantly stated, “We are very impressed by your resume and your experience, however, I made an error when posting the position.”

My heart dropped. She continued, “I posted the position incorrectly, we are looking for a practitioner who has critical care experience, but also has experience with medical devices for sleep. Do you have any experience with sleep?”

I dropped my head and mumbled under my breath, “Touché.”

THE POWER OF RISK TAKING

Once I left my comfort zone, my momentum picked up, drastically.

I got the job.

I progressed from a practitioner providing patient care, to leading the department which ranked 3rd in the nation.

I obtained a seat on the executive board at the hospital, finished my Master’s degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Leadership with a 4.0 GPA, secured mentors in leadership positions, provided mentorship to my staff and coached them to achieve their own professional and personal goals.

I was promoted four times within four years and people would constantly ask, “How did you do it? What is your secret? How do you always win?”

THE PURPOSE

It's not about the dream job, it’s about your life’s purpose.

I decided to launch Leaders in Letto’s to fulfill my purpose, helping others.

I decided to share these tools with anyone who was willing to listen.

I spent so much time looking for resources, mentors, guidance, tools, and feedback, on my journey, that I knew I needed to provide these services to others, in one place. I will share the blueprint, help with your action plan, and share the knowledge and experiences I so desperately needed along my journey. My goal is to share my guiding principles, help you develop yours, and get you on a path for success. Whether you are a leader in healthcare, entertainment, retail, or simply looking to invest in your future. I will work with you to help you discover your “why,” then, execute.

Are you ready to put your best Letto forward?