---
title: "Growing with Purpose Podcast: \"Turn Your Fear Into Fuel\" with Elizabeth Colón"
description: In many ways, leaders are the voice of the voiceless. On this episode of the Growing with Purpose podcast, Paul Spiegelman talks with Elizabeth Colón, President & CEO of Metaphrasis, about turning your fear into fuel and inspiring others.
---

[Insight for Business Leaders Building Great Values-Driven Companies ](https://blog.smallgiants.org)

# [Growing with Purpose Podcast: "Turn Your Fear Into Fuel" with Elizabeth Colón](https://blog.smallgiants.org/growing-with-purpose-elizabeth-colon)

 Written by [Elizabeth Colón](https://blog.smallgiants.org/author/elizabeth-colón) | December 3, 2018

Since she was a child, Elizabeth  Colón has been the voice of the voiceless. 

Today on the **Growing with Purpose podcast**, host Paul Spiegelman talks with Elizabeth Colón, President & CEO of [Metaphrasis](http://www.metaphrasislcs.com/about-2/), a comprehensive interpreting and translation company. Elizabeth grew up in a Spanish-speaking home with five siblings, two of whom had hearing issues. From an early age, Elizabeth was tasked with adult responsibilities, like translating medical information for her parents and speaking up for her siblings. Today, Elizabeth has transformed her early challenges into a business dedicated to providing high-quality translation services that incorporate the culture and context necessary to provide meaningful communication across languages.

In this episode, hear how Elizabeth inspires those without hope to shift their mindset and make a change — and how other leaders can, too. Tune into Elizabeth's story below:  

 

**Show Notes **

[**1:48**] Stepping into an Adult Role at the Age of 9

**[8:00]** The Importance of Culture in Communication 

**[10:28]** How to Build a Diverse Workforce

**[13:00]** Early Lessons on Respect and Integrity

**[17:13] **Learning to Smile as a McDonald's Employee

**[19:53] **Hanging Up Your Suit and Opening Up

**[24:31] **The Facade of Perfection

**[29:03]** Starting a Business with $500

#### **Book that Influenced Elizabeth's Leadership: ****[*Good to Great *by Jim Collins](https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others-ebook/dp/B0058DRUV6)**

 **  
**

[View full post](https://blog.smallgiants.org/growing-with-purpose-elizabeth-colon)

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