In this episode, our host sits down with Jessica Serrano, Chief Marketing Officer at Bagel Brands — a bold Latina leader who invented the fiery and now-famous Diablo sauce, who shares her journey from uncertainty to success. Jessica opens up about her early struggles feeling like “a fish out of water,” navigating identity, growth, and what it takes to build meaningful brands.

Together, they explore the pivotal moments and mindset shifts that shaped her path: from charting her path to discovering her passion, embracing new ways of working, and ultimately turning that passion into brands that resonated deeply with customers. Jessica shares frank reflections on learning, community, and what it means to build a business rooted in what guests and customers need.

Whether you’re a creator, aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone drawn to stories of growth and transformation — this conversation offers actionable insights on turning personal challenges into creative fuel and scaling a brand.

• How Jessica turned feeling lost and out of place into the spark for growth — the emotional catalyst that drove her to build differently.

• Why embracing her identity shaped her creative vision — and how authenticity became part of her foundation.

• The risks, learning as you go, and lessons along her journey — from early uncertainty to strategic growth.

• How seemingly simple ideas fueled brands with heart, soul, and community — and why certain products can stand out.

• Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders — from mindset shifts, creative courage, to scaling without sacrificing authenticity.

Jessica shares what it was like growing up knowing she didn’t fit in — and how that feeling eventually pushed her to seek something different rather than follow a known path.

We hear how she turned an idea (the sauce) into an enduring product that people love: what inspired the first batch, the process of developing it, and the early lessons in trying to stand out with creative marketing.

We dive into why her unique background made all the difference for her — and how cultural identity influenced everything from development and branding to community building.

Jessica reflects on how her uncertainty — and the right mentors — helped her showcase her abilities.

How purpose in understanding guests and customers shaped her mission, attracted loyal customers, and turned a personal passion into a meaningful career with impact.

• Marketing leaders, creators, and entrepreneurs looking for real-life inspiration

• Anyone navigating identity, culture, or self-doubt and seeking direction

• Food lovers curious about the story behind a well-known and much-loved product

• Future founders thinking about building with purpose and authenticity

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