Hoops & Heart: Honoring the Courtside Champions in Our Lives: Mothers!

Syya Yasotornrat (: 00:00

this, don't we love this? my goodness. You know what? Good morning. Happy new day. Happy everything. Today is going to be fantastic. It already is. You know, it's one of those weekends where we're celebrating. It just really makes me remember a very powerful quote by Jennifer Fujita. Some people say Fujita. It just says, for every dream that has taken flight, there's a mother who believed. Isn't that so touching?

I just cannot believe we are celebrating this weekend. Phenomenal, phenomenal women out there. We're called moms. Some people call them super moms. Some people call them superheroes. So definitely wanted to take the time to celebrate our moms who are here with us, who have done everything to sacrifice so much for us in our lives.

Haven't they? Love you, mommy. I don't call you every day, but I love you, mommy. But you know, but that is what the definition of unconditional love is. It has many definitions, right? But at the end of the day, what really stands is that the test of time is love and that they're always there for us. So to my mommy, the man, the most visitos las quiero, lo quiero a todos. And thank you for everything you've done for me, mommy. But anyhow.

So let's go ahead and start this wonderful show. Yes, please. Okay. So, who, what a breather we had today. Let's go.

Welcome to the Influencers Connection Corner.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 01:42

Hey, and dance and dance and dance. See it's like, yes, we're going to dance and learn more. It is Saturday. Yay. After all, right. So we have to just enjoy and embrace the festivities that are going on. But today I'm so, so, so excited that.

We have such a phenomenal guest, such a stellar guest. And you know, you know how I am. I am such a sports girl. So today I am rocking my what, what, what, what, what my rockets. wait, wait, wait. I'm sorry.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 02:19

I am such a sports gal. And if you know me really well, you'll know that it is exactly what I love. I love sports. Growing up is I've always wanted to be involved. And, you know, Houston has been such an amazing home for me when it comes to sports as well. Having an Aggie background, you know, kind of helped that to kind of fuel that sports loving desire. Like I just love it. Just the community aspect of it.

how engaging it is, how it brings people together. You know, they do say food, music and sports bring people together, correct? Yes, 100%. I mean, come on, look, food and music and sports just make the world go round, right? And it brings so much comfort. That is just the one aspect that I love because it's so warm. It's a community thing. And, you know, speaking of comfort, that's one thing that I definitely love. What are we talking about?

So shall we? Yes. Should we shout out our sponsor, official sponsor for today's episode? Yes. Let's do it. All right.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 03:47

Yay. Why is my face up there like that? Because you're gorgeous, because you're beautiful. Well, shout out Towsie. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much for being the episode sponsor of this episode. Shout out to you, Janice Shoker and for all the love, all the support and the amazing things you are doing out there in the world to provide comfort to all of us. You see, as Sia is demonstrating. Right. So what is Towsie? Raquel?

my goodness. So Towsie is this goodness, this cloud that helps you rest and sleep. I call it the cloud. This is what I call it. But yes, as you see, it comes in multiple colors, different colors, and it's just it's a pillowcase. So it molds to you. It provides support for your neck, for your back. I know I suffer a lot from that after my accident. And, you know, it really helps you, especially when you're sitting in front of that computer like Sia does every day, 24 hours a day. She's always there producing, editing.

And so it really does help with your posture when you're traveling. and so Janice has so many wonderful things coming up and designed. Yes. You see, she is demonstrating for me. I couldn't resist. No, actually. So yeah, it is a pillowcase guys. So you could actually put your own personal pillow back there or not use one. So I don't use one here because I've got my office desk, but I, I like to use my Towsie as a lumbar support, but it works so well. If you're like,

lounging on your chair on the beach in your backyard. It's really great for your neck support. And of course, for those that are traveling the road warriors. So I am actually going to be in Chicago all week long. And you know darned well I'm bringing my Towsie because we all know how fun travel is these days. So definitely check it out, you guys, because you know why? It's great as a Mother's Day gift if you haven't done anything for your mother. If you haven't done anything for your mother.

Shout out to Towsie for that. So, absolutely. Absolutely. Like I said, there's there, we're going to throw up a QR code because there's actually a discount, right? We have a code that will discount it. And so thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Towsie for providing this, especially for our show specifically for our show. So the discount code is Rockets. So,

Syya Yasotornrat (: 06:13

So please scan that QR code and you know, just give yourself the gift of comfort and give your mom one too. Okay. You know, cause she does so much for you. my goodness. I do want to say it's 25 % off. This is the biggest discount I've ever seen Towsie offer. So Janice, the founder is not messing around. We truly believe that you should give the gift of comfort so your mom can relax and you, if you're the mom, you can relax and or

If you're just like me, who just need to relax, buy it for yourself, buy it for your cousin. Do it. I say, okay, that's our poor Genesis. Like, my God, please do not pitch me ever again. No, seriously. No, but this, this is the authentic organic and just, you know, this, this is what we do. This is how we do it here. And we support individuals who are from the heart, who lead with kindness, lead with love. And so yeah, Towsie is definitely one of those brands and we will forever rep it as I say. But anyways, talking about.

Rockets, right? my good. wait

Syya Yasotornrat (: 07:17

I'm really slow at the draw. This is gonna be hard for me today. It's gonna be okay. Did you have your coffee, Sia? Or do we need to get that one? Not really. Well, it has definitely been quite an eventful morning, but I am so excited, like I said, because the guest today is just a phenomenal, not only woman fellow, Aggie fellow, Houstonian, just a trendsetter. And I mean, the list goes on and on. I'm so honored.

to present to you for the first time, you know, someone from the Rockets and industry or non -industry organization, but someone who really lives and breathes that love for community through sports. So please welcome to the stage, Dolores Townley.

you

Syya Yasotornrat (: 08:10

I'm over here like I'm speaking with my hands Dolores. Welcome. Thank you. We are delighted for you to be here. Thank you so much for, you know, just bringing all the information, the expertise and all the love that you have that you've given through all these years as you've been part of the Houston Rockets organization. But not only that, aside that you are just a stellar human being.

stellar mom. We got to see a little backstage glimpse of kiddos and I love that because at the end of the day, that is what makes us motherhood, is that essence of us. So please tell the audience a little bit about you and then we'll start. a little about me. Like you guys, I actually just celebrated my wedding anniversary. I spent some time in Galveston with my husband just these past few days.

And we have two great kids that here at home and attending school and while they are doing that. And I of course work full time at the Rockets. And I've been there for three full seasons now. Wow. Wow. You know, and this is one of the things that's how we met. So I will tell the audience a little bit about how you and I met. We met through a networking group.

Cup of Joey, pretty much. And Cup of Joey is, like I said, is here in Houston. And shout out to you, Joey Sanchez. Shout out to my brother, Adrian Leal. Thank you so much for spearheading that effort. So what we do is we come together, network here in Houston, and grow, right? We professionally grow. We refer. And we just get to know one another on authentic levels. And so that's how I met you. And the fact that the next activities that we did,

was going to for Hispanic Heritage Month back in October. The celebration of that is going to a Rockets theme together and being able to just be on that court. And obviously you made that happen. I have never experienced anything like that Dolores and I'm gonna tell you, I walked away like, I was like, my God. Like I cannot believe I just like stood in that tunnel line and high -fi the players, like, you know, some of this Houston Rockets players. So tell me.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 10:26

the experience for you. How is it to be able to provide that experience to a family, to kids? It is so exciting. I mean, that is part of the job that I love the most is to be able to give that experience to people who may not have ever experienced it before and may not ever again, because that's just a level of excitement. And so I guess to me, it feels selfish because I like the way it makes me feel. I like to see that they're shining in their eyes and then some of them will come to

and you know, just it's something that I can't give any other any other way except there on the court. So it's just really a very fun job to be able to give that to to those who deserve so. Yeah, and I love that you mentioned, you know, the joy in and I call it is that selfish. I don't think it's a selfish thing. It's self love in that sense that you love to provide joy to others who would definitely want to.

be there and obviously, you know, this is an experience that it will be imprinted forever. It's imprinted in my mind. I'm just like, you know, I'm five, two staring at these seven foot guys and I'm like, my God, like they are professionals in what they do. And at, but at the end of the day, it's like that inner kid, you feed that inner kid, the dreams of just meeting one of your heroes, whether in sports or in any industry. So I love the fact that you're able to bottle this up and, and

give it to people and say, hey, this is an experience that you'll walk away and I'm so happy to do it for you. So you are definitely a giver and you've always been like that, right? Yes, I have always been that way. Can you tell us back in, you know, how did you get into sales though? Because prior to you being with the Houston Rockets, you were also in sales. I was, but to be honest, I had a hard time.

admitting that I was a salesperson, I always considered myself more of customer service because to me, I mean, what I did for you was more of a customer service. You know, there was a need and I, I provided it and I made the match, put the puzzle together and everybody was happy. But because salespeople aren't always viewed in as a positive, you know, light that's just in my head. So I think I've always been in sales. It was just hard for me to admit it. Just, just where I was.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 12:45

Yeah, I mean, definitely nobody wants to be felt like they're being sold to, right? They want to be able to and I know this is something that Sia really talks about and preaches, you know, they people do business with people they know, like and trust, period. And so if they feel that they're not on that level with you, then the transaction will not happen. And besides also not leading with that transaction helps the opportunity for that connection to actually, you know, get nurtured. I mean, I know Sia talks about this all the time.

That probably helped me go into sales because I wasn't trying like when I go networking there at Cup of Joey, I'm not selling to anybody. That's not why I'm there. I'm there to make a connection and to meet new people. I love meeting new people, you know, and it just sometimes it will transactionally become a sales, but that's not my goal. That's the key part right there, because I think one thing that people forget, especially in real life and let's be honest on LinkedIn.

You got to get to know someone first, right? It's like going to anything like you're not going to walk up to someone at church, okay? And be like, Hey, what's your name? And not even bother. What's your name? It's slipping business card, you know, not even asking out, you know, if they like today, Herman or something, you know what I mean? So that's where it gets a little funky, but we have to just remind people of that, you know, build relationships. The business will come. I promise you business will come.

And if, and if they're urgent, they will tell you they're urgent. Right. Yes. And, and to, like I said, that is, to me, that's very important as well. But I know you speak, being a salesperson is like an, on a negative light, but you didn't approach it from, from that stance. Is you connected and the value of connection for you was important. So is there a moment specifically that really pivoted for you? And you said, you know what?

Maybe I need to redefine how I look at sales, how I approach it, and just infuse the value of connecting. I think it was maybe about 10 years ago or so. I used to do interactive photography in the world, worldwide, along the whole USA. I remember being out at an event, a big, huge event out in Phoenix, and just being out at a networking event in the evening. It was more of a cocktail event.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 15:11

I made one of my biggest contacts there, not on purpose. It was just, you know, me being out and socializing. And I realized that I was good at that, you know, and it was, everything came to fruition because of that. And I just had to make myself realize that's how I'm going to be a salesperson. And that's how I'm going to make it be successful in it. So I had to own the fact that I was in sales in my, in my emotions and my mental state so that I could succeed. my goodness.

I mean, I love that because there's so much wisdom in what you just said, because it speaks to, like I said, at the end of the day, who you are as a core individual and what you bring, what you can give. I know a lot of people are like, OK, what can I take, take, take, take away from people? But you are what can I pour into you? So I really appreciate that. Now, talking about pouring, though, so you're doing this for people. But have there been individuals who've

into your life and you're like, my gosh, like, you know, I'm not sure I, you know, your mom, what would you say about that? You mean my outside influences like that? Yes, yes. I have a lot who did that and they leave me there, whether they did it intentionally or unintentionally, but there were definitely a lot, you know, along the way who helped me and to guide me to feel more comfortable with myself and to be able to go out there and to make those connections.

and be more confident about what I'm having to offer them, whether it's making a connection with someone else or just giving them advice or providing a service to them. So I definitely had a lot of lead into that, especially in the sports world where I'm not very savvy about sports. Don't tell everybody that. But I'm happy to be able to know what I am good at so that can bypass the fact that I don't know what stats are.

my gosh, so I'm glad you mentioned that because I know Sia was like, yes. I have some thoughts on that. Look, sales is about finding the value and solving a problem for your clients, right? Sales is not being the genius behind it. So my background's in tech sales.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 17:23

Ain't no way I would solving my clients technical problems. In fact, I would often tell them if I can solve your problems, technically you have bigger issues. Okay. We hear in sales are to solve business problems and help make the lives easier of our clients. That's it. Now, if you happen to be a fan of the sport, of course it's going to help him bolster, right? But that it doesn't mean it negates you. And so this is my shout out to women in general, cause I know this is a problem for us.

You don't have to tick off every single box of like, I'm not a gooey. I'm not an AI expert. No, if you're in sales, you're in sales. You can sell a pencil. You can sell anything. Trust me. You might have to learn some terms, but yes, yes, yes, girl. I can't begin to tell you. And I've heard basketball is a fun sport. I hear it's fun too, but I always say the same thing about the knowledge. You know, it's, it's usually the same, same dance, different songs. So I can go and sell.

you know, something else or to be, you know, hair products, hair products and not know anything about it, but it's the same song, different dance. That's how I say it. I love it. No, and see, this is the part that I also enjoy and that I appreciate is the honesty and the transparency. You know, you are saying, hey, I love what I do. I love the organization, but I may not know what a layup is or I may not know what the stat is or that, you know, this and that. And that is OK.

You have a talent in what you do. You lead with the heart and your thing is community, connectivity. And so you have to thrive in your own talent. And you, like I said, you recognize where your talent is and you're going to do that and dedicate yourself to that. And I just want to give a little quick shout out to since it's Mother's Day, my daughter is in the comments and she's like, hi, mom. my gosh. She's just going here while I'm here.

But I love you, thank you so much, baby. Thank you so for supporting mommy. But see, this is what it's about. It's about nurturing also that community sense and how they'll support you, how they'll uplift you. I always talk about that. I say, if you don't do something, if you're leading with transaction, that connection is not really gonna happen. It's not, it's not. So, and I could say that this has been one of your successes in your career, in your industry, that you lead with passion, you lead with heart and with purpose.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 19:49

So that's pretty much, you know, turned into connection for you. It's turned into lifelong friends, you know, friendships, not just clients, but friendships. So, and do you also serve as a mentor, correct, for younger, for the youth? I do that. And that's new for me as well. I think I just had to maybe mentally again, connect with myself and remind myself that I am.

seasoned and older. When you're working in sports, a lot of my colleagues are younger. They are in their 20s. So I have to recognize in myself that I can give back and I'm happy to do so. You know, I've actually changed my title in my LinkedIn to be, I saw it on someone else's and I just put on their approachable because I want people to come and ask me questions and not that I have all the answers, but I'm happy to maybe answer some questions they have and guide them in a different direction or help them in some way.

because I've had that given to me as well. So I'm really happy to give back. I love that. And this is another thing that really drew me to you because like I said, your spirit of giving and helping all ages, however they come from whatever industry, but it's just one of the aspects that I embrace mostly of you. And, you know, I believe a lot in vibes. So, you know, just vibrations, energy. And so I believe a lot in that.

I was immediately drawn to you when we met. And this is the reason why, because we both love the aspect of community and how we can help impact using our talents. And I think that's a key word, impact. In the future, what do you envision for specifically women, right? We're talking about mothers this weekend. For moms, like what is your hope as a professional woman, as a woman, as a Latina? What is your hope and new vision for women in the near future?

Well, my hope for them is like, let me show you what I experienced here, you know, working at the Rockets. You know, there are, my Salesforce, for example, there's probably about 35 people on that Salesforce. Probably about half of them are women, but I've noticed, but only three of us are mothers. That's it, because it's not easy. I have seen some who are there who had little kids in the back of my mind. I'm like, good for you. I know that's got to be challenging. And then they last.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 22:12

couple of months because it is very challenging to be able to do both, especially when they're little. Yeah. That attention that they need and, and yes, they may have other help, but still you feel it in your heart. Like I'm not there. Nobody can replace you, you know? So I don't know how that can change, but I, I would hope that that can be better so that they can feel that they can be both places and still be able to succeed and not have to make a shift in their whole career for that. I don't know the answer to that.

To me, I had to wait until my kids got older before I got into sports because I knew it was gonna be the hours and the time commitment to it that I wasn't used to. They weren't used to. And see, and these are challenges that we face as professional women. We face these on a daily basis. It's like you have to decide, okay, am I going to sacrifice my home life or being there for my children over the career or the long hours at work?

This is one of those things that we go and really battle. I battle every single day. So that's why I was like, OK, remote is the solution for us to continue giving back to the community and doing what we need to do professionally speaking, but also being there present for our kids. So for me, that is very important. And do you believe some organizations definitely open themselves to allow and embrace mothers?

of young children or any type of age, they have an inclusive environment in that sense. That's true, yes. We don't have any type of... I mean, there are some work from home type positions that can merit with that, but in sales, which we are, in attending all of the home games, it's not very conducive. So yes, your kids can go to the games with you, but it's just not the same. Yeah.

It's not the same. But I guess again, again, we talk about the sacrifices that we do as as moms and everything. And for us, and I'm going to definitely bring this up because as Latinos, you know, basketball is not really huge in our community. And so what have you seen on the court? Have you seen like our Latinos show up? Because that is one of my main things. I'm like, the Latinos were more like soccer. Let's go. You know, but basketball, it's it's not our main sport that we watch, but

Syya Yasotornrat (: 24:34

in the last few decades, it has grown, if I'm not mistaken. I think it's grown in every ethnicity. I'd like to see the different variations. I've never seen it so diverse as it is in basketball. I used to work in baseball and it wasn't as diverse as this is here. So I don't see a large amount of them, but I do see them there and I like to see them interact with others too. So it doesn't stand out to me as being one -sided at all. I like the way it is.

Yeah, I know that, like I said, whenever I go to the games, I can see that. And I love it. I love the diversity. I love everything. Whenever everyone's coming together, it's like, my gosh, like this is a community. This is a sense of community. So in essence, you're really not just paying for a ticket. You're paying for an experience. You're paying for belonging to feel like you belong to that community. So that, to me, it's very important.

taking my kids, I know my oldest daughter when she was in dance team, we had the opportunity, she had the opportunity to be on the court. I mean, it was just so amazing, the experience, just the feelings, the emotions, the inspiration that she got from that. It was very inspirational to me. I'm like, wow, they can actually, you know, give us this type of experience. So is there a specific moment? And I think I wanted to ask you this.

Is there a specific moment that has been imprinted in your head, like on court? Like you met someone or you experienced something that you can share with us? Not necessarily a specific moment because I have a lot of those, you know, many of those, which was fun. One of them is exciting. But some of my favorite games are the ones where I am so busy and I have so much going on and I execute it and it comes out successfully.

That is my actually favorite time. You know, I can have 200 people coming in for a pregame shoot around viewing, which means that they're in early before the game even starts. And then I have 50 people singing the national anthem and 10 people doing the color guard. And then I have a pregame performance with 50. And then I have another 75 doing halftime performance and then 200 doing the post game pre -throws. This is all the same day, all within four hours. When I have all of this going on.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 26:54

I have my colleagues in my department who help us make all of this come to fruition. And I love when that feeling all comes together and it's a success. And that is exciting to me. The buildup to all of it, the planning, the executing, because I am very organized, and to making it come together is very exciting to me. I love to see that happen. my God. Just you describing that day or those four and a half hours just kind of gave me a headache. And I was like, what? my goodness. You know, Sia is so.

great at just making sure that all that chaos is controlled and she presents it in a great way. So I'm sure you guys speak the same language in that aspect. But see, I mean, what did you think? 75 people, you know, 50 people singing the national anthem. 75 doing this. Yeah, dude. Look, not my jam. Not my jam. Look, like I think if you live in chaos and I think because I had six and a half years working for Disney.

Like I understand what chaos can mean and be. And we did, you know, I, I saw all the event planners. I just waited tables. I was a kid in college at that point in time, but just being part of it, understanding and seeing all the organizers running around with their heads cut off. And then of course, as we've all progressed enough of our careers and then me putting on events myself, this ain't fun. It ain't easy. And I don't think people fully understand what, how hard, how much work goes into giving a good experience.

So shout out to my Something There There crew. So that'd be Janice. I see Kathleen. I see Christina and Cindy Harden -Weiss, AEC Adaptive Equipment Corner. Love you guys. So here's the thing. We as consumers, when we go and experience something, we walk into the Houston's, and by the way, I failed miserably.

When we go to Houston Rockets, I came for example. Yeah, the stadium speaks for itself. The energy that people move around speaks for itself. But when you are in a specific type of environment, if you're in the suite or if there's like a VIP event or something, now you're taking what that already great environment and you're amping it up extra. And all those details are the ones that matters. It's not the big thing. It's not the grandiose things. It's as minor details and it's listening to the people that you are catering to.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 29:14

And girl, I got to tell you, like, I have nothing but profound respect for you, Dolores, because there are people who are just not kind, right? Yeah, right. And especially on the day of, it's almost like Bridezilla, but corporate level Bridezilla, which is like, my gosh, the worst kind, I think. I don't know. Do you find yourself being more of like a, on the day of, because the pre -planning is one thing, but the day of, do you find yourself just being a like cat herder or are you guys at the Houston Rockets?

already pretty much an oil well oiled machine. no, no, we're we're we're cat herders. Yes, for sure. That happens. And I do find myself being a little bossy and I have to remind myself I need to be bossy but have fun. And because they're here to have fun and to experience. So there's a lot of you can't do this and you can't do that and you can't have this. But my God, this is so exciting. You know, I just have to remind myself and them that there are rules and policies we have to follow.

And we have to be strict with timelines because we can't make adjustments. You know, if you're five minutes late, then you're going to miss the whole experience because we're not going to, you know, hold up the game because you're late. I hate to be that person, but it has to be an enjoyable experience for the people who were on time and who are there. So yes, it is some cat hurting, but it's still fun. Okay. So on that note, mothers, we know damn well what it feels like to be cat hers. I can say we don't, I don't, I don't.

But I see it. I can vibe with you. I hear my sister kvetching, let me tell you. So do you think, from a real world perspective, as being a mother, as being someone that has had to herd cats, do you see applying to your job? And do you think that's a boon to help you do your job more effectively? Yes. I find that the ones, the three mothers on our floor, we're very good at what we do because we're used to being that person.

and just reminding them and gently reminding them and congratulating them and thank you. So it feels great. I definitely think it helps. What about you? my goodness. You know, I definitely do think that it a lot of the components that we go as a single mom, as you know, I'm a single mom, but I have a community, I have my family who definitely helps, but there are definitely components that.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 31:37

we apply it for motherhood that definitely contribute to our professional life and how we juggle it. And so yeah, is it easy? no, it is not easy. But somebody has to do it, right? If we don't do it, then no one is really going to be there to step up. And so I wouldn't say it's bossy. I would like to reframe that. Since I do like to say about that. No, it's it's making sh it happen. Like it's got to get done.

You know what I mean? Like, look, okay, we can be like, what do you call it? don't worry, I'm not going into Iran. I just want to say this. You could have unicorns and like rainbows, okay, during an event. That's great. But when things need to be moved at exact precise time, it's not unicorns and rainbows moment. It is a military precision. And I think people need to understand that you guys, it is military, military precision. You don't hear.

Drill sergeants going him. Excuse me. Excuse me. Pardon me. Could you step forward four more feet, please? You don't hear that right, right? So nothing but profound respect and you're right. It's not bossing. It's it's executing Thank you. Okay, you're right That's what I was gonna say. Yes, it's execution and yes Yes, yes, and you have to be him

powered over that, you know, because we have to do that at certain times. You know, yes, you have a title. Sometimes the titles don't really define the actual extent of things that you do or the tasks that you do. And I always say that, you know, with mom, mom, the title, right? Yes. It's not just you birthing children and, you know, nurturing them. No, it entails so much more. You're a nurse, the doctor, the lawyer, the everything, the repairman. So that's the way I view

where whenever we're in a professional setting, right? Yes, you may not just be a sales executive. It's like you are so many other people's hats and more. Whatever it takes to corral everything and everyone in order to make it happen and execute. There you go. That was my little, my little Raquel rant. Is that a Raquel rant? Cause I'm gonna have to do a, hold on, hold on. Okay.

Syya Yasotornrat (: 33:57

my gosh. Yes. it's kicking in now. Okay, good, good, good. But see, this is what it's about though. It's just being, you know, being able to create these safe spaces. And I talk a lot about this because sometimes as moms, we really, or just women in general, we really don't have safe spaces where we can discuss our challenges or whatever things we may face during the day. Right? Do you see, do you have the space?

that you've created or you just like on your own pretty much Dolores? For creating a space to be a mom? It is a safe space for women in general, right? In the industry or just in the professional, just in your career? Well, I mean, I create that, I guess, just in my colleagues. I have a very close base at my office that I can work with them and we can bounce each other.

ideas off of each other and we both, me and my colleague Liz, both, you know, kind of mom the department and mom sim of the floor and things like that. And then of course at home I have, I'm a twin. So I have my twin sister who thinks just like me, who is me just in a different body over there. And I have my mom to always help and guide. So. Yes. I'm so glad you brought up your twin. my goodness. That is so cool. So I know I unfortunately,

didn't make it to this one, but on New Year's Day, y 'all had a twin day at the Rockets. Like it was a thing and like, my God, that was so amazing. That was really fun. It was like, I felt like we'd been working towards that our entire life and didn't even know it, but it was actually very fun. So I made her dress like me, which is not easy. I mean, it's not hard. We always end up dressing alike when we're together. Are you identical? that's even super cooler. Okay.

Okay. You know, the next question, you know what I'm going to ask. Did you guys swap? Did you guys swap classes? Did you ever try to fool your teachers? Yes. So my favorite one is in high school. I took the driver's ed class in the morning and I did well. I passed it and she didn't study for it. So I went in the afternoon and took it again for her. And then I passed it for her there. So that was, we never got caught. I'm sorry. That was the driving test. Yes.

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Honey, honey, honey, of all the tests she did, why the one where it could kill me? She didn't pass the driven test. I couldn't do that for her. my goodness. You're like, I can only save her in one, but not two. So, my God, it seems like we have twins in the audience as well. That's awesome. That is so cool. And to me, just being able, like I've always.

I'm always one of twins, but now that I have two, I'm like, I am done. Like, no, okay. But this, this, this just infatuation with twins and, and the psychology of it in there, just it's a beautiful thing. Yes. So since you brought up psychology and you're fascinated. So I am actually in the midst of writing a book. I'm not very far on it, but I am writing a book because my, my sister and I actually have recurring dreams.

And not only are they recurring, we're the same recurrent. We're in each other's dreams. And we can both recite those same dreams that we're in. Which is very exciting to me. It's enthralling. So I am writing a book about those dreams that we have. We say we have about five because we think there's more. And then how that how other twins have the same experiences. I'm having a hard time finding other twins who have those same experiences and the psychology behind them.

I had heard about that and I thought it was a little woo woo, a little tinfoil hatty. But you guys really, that's, so that tells me like there's so much more connections like, like then we realize outside of this plane of existence. So, wow, that's crazy. She was telling me, this is how we became, how we learned about it. She was just telling me we're on the phone one day and she says, let me tell you about this recurring dream that I've been having. That's a good guy. Go ahead.

She told me all about it. I'm not going to tell you because it's all in the book about what we call the house. We've named our dreams with a house and her entrance in it, where she's at and what she's doing. She goes, and you're there too. And then we're just talking. And I said, stop. And she says, what? I said, I can finish that dream for you. She goes, no, you can't. I said, yes, I can. And so I tell her how it ends and that I'm on the left when she's on the right. And then in her dream, she's on the left and I'm on the right. And it's the exact same. I can describe it exactly like she sees it.

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And then we just started doing dream checks to make sure, let me talk to you about this dream and that dream and this dream. So. my. That is fascinating. I think that is the word. It's definitely one of those things that it's curiosity, right? For those of us who who like to dive into the psychology of twins. So that is so cool. But congratulations on your book that you're working on. You know, as you know, I'm also writing a book, so I understand the journey.

But as mommies, you know, it might take a little longer than expected. And it's perfectly OK, though, because everything's going to happen when it's supposed to. Everything is going to fall into place. So Steven Eng, shout out to you, my brother, mi hermano, un besito. You know, he is an amazing individual who has just so much knowledge in books. Right. And see, I mean, he just does so many beautiful things with authors and highlights people. He's at New York.

He's out of New York and he's a librarian. I think your official talisman is librarian page, but he's in the library industry. And so on LinkedIn, he gives a lot of great advice for authors to navigate the intricate world of book publishing. And obviously, since he works at a library, he kind of can give some insights for those that are trying to get into the library system and all that good stuff. So, yes, shout out Stephen Ng, my friend, who, by the way, if I may, texted me last night, literally.

He made a Thai dish that I can't make and he like took a picture and sent it to me and I'm like, He can out Thai cook me That is so fun, but no, I mean I love it see this we're definitely gonna introduce you to Steven after the show. Yes, he's such an amazing soul and like CSS mentions, you know, he's He has just so many books that he sees on a daily basis and authors and just their experiences in their stories I just think it's

It's amazing. And this is what it's about, right? Connecting with one another, growing, enlightening one another, just being a support for one another. It's just, it's one of the most rewarding aspects that I've ever since joining LinkedIn. It's been at the forefront for me. So talking about LinkedIn, shout out to you guys. How have you used LinkedIn, you know, to kind of help in your industry?

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Well, for me, I try not to be very salesy again on it. I just like to give information, you know, maybe about the team, about the win, about what's available, but not direct selling. So which is to me, it's just more about making contacts. I can tell you, I did, I have a contact on there is a Johan from the Netherlands. He's a grill master from the Netherlands. And that was a very exciting contact to me. And he reached out and said, Hey, me and my

team, they're a barbecue catering company, we're coming into Houston to learn from the best of the best. And he says, we want to come to a game, but can you also help me find a connection? We want to do a little workshopping with somebody in barbecue. Can you help us with that? That's not my role, but of course I did it. I was so excited to help him do that. And I made some contacts. I connected him with Yanish from Demare's Catering. And that was probably the highlight of his whole trip. He was so excited about that to bring him and Tim to connect with.

another barbecue catering company here in Houston to make that connection. And then by the way, they came to a game. So that's just an example of something that I use that just to make those connections and connect the puzzle pieces together to bring something to fruition. And that's what I use it for. Yeah, no, I mean, go ahead. No, no, I love that because you're leveraging LinkedIn in a way where it is again, you may not have had

the direct benefit, if you will. But I think you knew in the grander picture for the Houston Rockets.

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Yes, it never gets old for me. But I think you understood, right? Like if this gentleman from the Netherlands, it's international, right? And who doesn't want to spread their brand globally? He was looking for something that you actually had a network connection to say, actually, I can throw you a bone. I don't know where it's going to go, but here you go. And I guarantee you that guy has just told all his friends out in the Netherlands to root for all the Houston Rockets.

teens, whatever, you know what I mean? And I think that is where people don't understand just because a primary relationship may not be a perfect fit. You're you just acknowledging their existence can go so much further such that now their secondary and tertiary relationships are going to get to know you because they're going to be your biggest cheerleaders. Do you do you find that's how it's working out for you, Dolores?

I think it is. A lot of them, the referrals too, just to be resourceful, that is so helpful. I don't know the right people, but I can get you to the right people. And my contacts will always remember that, always. And that's what I want to ingrain in them. I want to be the go -to when you're ready to make that move to the Rockets. Yay! See, she did it. She did it. shoot, shoot, shoot. Sorry, I was reading comments. Flak her, flak her. No.

Yeah, I know right now. I know she's she's focused. She's like alright the audience, but no you're absolutely right And like I said to me that is one of the most important things is just being the connector and it comes naturally it really does for Seeing you in action pretty much Dolores like I'm like my gosh. Yes, we vibe we vibe but talking about you know connecting like I just wanted to show you guys like I actually have earrings like for the Rockets earrings I just literally got arrived

Yes, it arrived. Can we please please explain for two seconds why this matters you guys? my god, I mean for me, like I said, it's important because they just literally got here as we went live on the show and I was like, they're not gonna make it on time, but they made it. So luckily I got it. But yes, this is just, you know, just supporting the community. Like just a way to show you.

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my love to show you how I care and how I am invested in that aspect of community. So for me, this is important to be able to contribute back, even if it's a piece of earrings, but I probably I might be wearing this per rally everywhere I go in sporting them because I believe in the spirit. I believe in what the essence of the team, what it stands for and what it made me feel those moments that I walked away with and that will be with me forever. That is what is encased in this. So.

That's why it's important. And I'm shocked that your dog didn't bark at the delivery. I'm impressed. Yeah, no. I mean, I have him. Yeah, he's he's he's somewhere else. He's in another room. I have a dog. Nothing can even a fly or a bug can land on the door. And he's like, I'm like, OK, yeah, no, we're not doing that today. So but yeah, this is why it's important, because to me, I proudly wear and display what

not just to say, the merch, the merch, right? No, it's the essence of the impact they've created in my life. And so some people are just because I'm Salvadorian and we usually love soccer a lot, but I love all sports. And to me, that is what connects me to so many different industries and people. And that's why connection is important. And that's why I vibe with people who are connectors as well. But talking about merch and talking about finding where can I find

things here and there. Dolores, where can we find you if people want to get connected to you and just get to know you or learn more about you? Well, I'm on LinkedIn all the time. That's my go -to social media page, so I have it open constantly. So you can always find me on LinkedIn. I'm not hidden at all. You can find me. I have a cell phone number listed. I have an email listed. I'm very searchable. Make sure of that. She said you can find me.

That's what she said. My husband once said, he goes, you know, your cell phone number is on Google. I said, good. I don't want to go into hiding. No, and that is one of the things that did strike me from you that I was like, you actually have your cell phone listed. And you're like, yeah, because I want to be available to people who really want to, you know, experience the type of experiences that I can bring.

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in friendships and relationships and community and business, whatever it is. And I love that. I love that approach because it's very wholesome and it's you. It's authentic. It's organic. So we don't do fake around here people. Okay. I'm not hiding. You know, there are a lot of times that people will call me on a game day on my cell phone because they need something, you know, they can't get through the right door. Their tickets not showing up. They need help with this or that. And if I didn't have that on there, then they would leave, start the experience feeling frustrated.

and without being able to get a hold of me. And I don't want that. I mean, at all. You know, I need to be able to fix something, there was a problem, and to get them onto the right door. So. Mm -hmm. Mm -hmm. Now, just to be a little bit more in detail, what kind of experiences are you able to cater, customize, or what can, or are you like a magic woman? Poof, you make things happen. What you need. Hey! Music to my ears. I just heard that. What you need. OK.

Yeah, so we have like ballroom space within the arena that we can have available to you guys before a game happens based on availability. We have bar areas that we can do the same thing to. And then of course, based on what I mentioned earlier, I booked the experiences like the pregame shoot around, the tunnels that we've done, the performances like the national anthem, the halftime performance, the color guard.

And then we also have an opportunity, what we call Court of Dreams, to have some teams play on our court, the actual Rockets court, like middle of the day before a Rockets game happens. my goodness. That is, see, that to me would be enthralling. That's like, okay, I'm five foot two. Yeah, I would, I didn't play basketball. Okay. I'm too short.

I was too short, but I was good at the three point shooting. I will say that. So yes, I don't know what it is, but the whole running up and down the court was not for me. And then I will just get stomped by everyone. But shooting from a three point line? yeah, that's, I'm your girl. So, but that would be pretty cool. Like that to me would be a whole immersive experience. And then I hope that, you know, that people will definitely start thinking about those types of experiences for their kids because it is immersive.

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Now that everything is so virtual and digital and this and that, now having the opportunity to be in front on the court and being there, I mean, I cannot imagine. Like, I cannot imagine. Yes, I know. It's very exciting, especially when they're little kids. They are so cute. They don't make all the goals on the baskets, but they do make enough of them to get points up on the scoreboard. It's just so exciting to see all of that.

the joy, the joy that it creates. And I think that's how we started the conversation. You mentioned the joy that you help and bring other people. And I'm glad that, you know, that's kind of like the entire theme of this episode, because at the end of the day, it is about what can we give back with what we have, with the talents that nature has given us, you know, the universe has given us.

How can we give back? And as moms, we've always nurtured, we always continue trying to create impact in those who are around us. So I know we're coming close to the show ending, but I don't wanna leave you. Are there any parting words that you would like to say, any golden nuggets, any closing thoughts? Well, the one question that I normally will get asked out in...

public, you know, just by strangers or anybody who finds out where I work. And they always say, I've always wanted to work at the Rockets or one always wanted to work in professional sports. And my follow up question to that is, what have you done to get there? And a lot of the times their answer is nothing. So I always encourage it surprisingly, but I was encouraging whatever your dream is, just go for it. If you always want to work at the Rockets, apply for a job.

That's step one or go online and see what the qualifications are and work to get those qualifications to get there. So if you have a dream, you better make those steps to get there or it's not just going to drop in your lap and it never will. You have to make your move. And I love that. And see, that's that go getter aspect, right? Because so many of us are caught by fear or as I was saying, you know, some of us, especially women, we if we don't check all those boxes,

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and in a particular position that we're wanting to apply for or look at, it's happened to me, I just won't apply to it because I wanna make sure that I fit all those boxes. But sometimes the experience will be gained while you're on the job or while you're experiencing, going through an experience. So I'm glad that you said those words because like I said, it really is taking that first step. It takes courage and it's scary.

But once you realize that you do have it in you to make that move, child, they better stop you. No, ain't nobody gonna stop you. That's what I say. Ain't nobody gonna stop me. And then don't stop. Once you get there, don't stop. Keep going. Yes, absolutely. Well, it's like a train, right? So like once that train is moving, it's moving. You already have the kinetic energy behind you that's going to push you forward. So if you're going to stop,

then you just step aside and understand that's what you're doing. And it's a choice. So, yeah. Yeah. No, I love that. Like I said, my gosh, the title of this was hoops and hearts, you know, but like I said, I was trying to be like hoops. Okay. The hoops, I didn't get the hoops, but I got the earrings and it's okay. You know, the hoops, the hoops earrings, if people get it, not just the basket. Okay. But it's because

That's how we lead. We lead with heart. We lead as moms. We are the nurturers, as moms. We are somebody's hero in their story. And this is how I portray and I see it. And even those who are not moms yet biologically, right? They have nephews, they have nieces, they have other children or other people they take or look after. And that in itself, that nurturing essence is what I define also as motherhood. So.

Having said that, you know, like to me, this has been so just it's just been mesmerizing to look at sports industry and how they can give back to moms, how they can create safe spaces for us and also give us the opportunity to continue growing as professionals, as women, as just human beings and how they can create the essence of community. That's why I'm so gung ho about sports, especially here locally in Houston, because. Right.

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I love sports. And being able to make sure and role model and show my girls, right? I have two girls that they can get what they desire. They can achieve their dreams and goals and aspirations, not just necessarily be labeled or a society says, no, this is not what you can do. No, you can do so much more as long as you go out there and get it. Execute, right? That's the way.

Don't be bossy. You're just going to go out there and execute. my goodness. All right, guys. Well, I know they'll get said we could go for hours and drinking our little cafecito or a little coffee or tea, whatever you desire. But I know it's Saturday. We've got things to do and mothers to celebrate. And that is, that is the way I put it. I know, see you had something before we close. Absolutely. We do shout out again to our sponsor for the episode. It is Towsy.

wait, wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. And no guys, definitely check it out. Promo code is rockets and we highly encourage everyone, please, please, please, please, please definitely scan this QR code. It's never 25 % off. Towsie is a small business and there's only so much margin we can give away. And because of Janice's faith.

Because of her excitement with this conversation and of course Houston Rockets You guys have been very supportive in a lot of different like events We want to say thank you to you and all your corporate clients who have been generous with their time For example, you know to give back to the community Latino Hispanic caregivers first responders military. I mean we see so many of those types of celebrations Twins, I mean, come on guys. It's those little

things that are so meaningful though, right? For the twins of the world and the families with twins, I've got twins, not me, my sister has twins, fraternal, it matters, right? Because it's such a unique path in our experiences. So for everyone that's looking at what I'm holding, this is a pill that you can readjust. You can put your laptop and whatever on it to adjust. And of course the pillowcase itself guys, scan that QR code. You have the discount with Houston Rockets. It will not last beyond Mother's Day.

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So you have until Sunday to get it done. So please, please, please you guys celebrate Towsie. And by the way, I do want to do another little shout out for something there, their crew, Kathleen Quinn, my apologies. Mobility towel is her product that we are all collaborating with this one. Give shout out to Mobility towel and Kathleen Quinn. And of course, all of these products that we're talking about today have been AEC certified by Christina and Cindy Harden Weiss who they have their own podcast.

Yeah. so on the road with Ruby. So check that out you guys as well. So guys, a lot of great people here, great community and great, just humans. So that's my, that's my pitch for Towsie. Please scan. It's not a pitch. You're doing the community a service. There we go. Just making them aware of what goodness is out there. What just, just beautiful things that people are putting out there. Products with service, but it has that.

Helpable sense of love that nurturing comfort that we all desire. So shout it again to Towsie Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for sponsoring this episode Like I said, it's just been so impactful because we marry and we just talk about so many aspects of community and to me That's very important. So having said that guys, I thank you Thank you so much for joining us today and celebrating mothers women and just

the spirit of love and the essence of impact. That is what we're doing. Shout out to you, Dolores. Thank you so much for your time and for honoring us. Shout out to everybody in the Houston Rockets staff. We love you. We thank you for a great, great season. We're thanking you for a great season. Houston Rockets, there we go. my gosh. Yeah, we have to make that a thing now.

But everyone in the audience, I urge you to connect with one another, connect with us, we're here, you know, and this is what it's about. It is the Influencers Connection Corner for a reason. Embody community. So with that said, thank you moms everywhere. Congratulations on your day. I celebrate you. We love you and thank you for everything you contribute back to the world. Until next time, guys. Ciao. Bye bye.

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for joining. If you enjoyed today's show, please subscribe and follow us for the next episode.