From aspiring fine artist to co-founding a groundbreaking media company and advising Fortune 500s, Cynthia Nelson’s journey is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless curiosity. With more than 25 years leading at the intersection of capital, innovation, and culture, Cynthia has proven herself a powerhouse in entrepreneurship and growth strategy.
Her story begins in the unlikeliest of places: a receptionist desk at a computer repair shop in the mid-80s. From there, she witnessed the tech industry’s birth, climbed the ranks at Ingram Micro, and navigated the turbulence of early startups, including a devastating betrayal by a business partner. But rather than stepping back, she leaned into every challenge, becoming one of the few Latina women to raise $15 million in private equity and ultimately selling her company Todobebé after a decade of pioneering media, parenting content, and cultural storytelling.
Cynthia shares the pivotal lessons that fueled her success, from the importance of listening deeply to your customers, to the courage of saying “yes” to unfamiliar challenges, to the discipline of surrounding yourself with advisors who tell you the hard truths. She reminds us that entrepreneurship is not just about scaling fast, but about staying grounded in what people actually need, not just what founders imagine.
Her reflections stretch beyond business into the deeper realities of being a woman in leadership: the sacrifices, the biases, and the double standards that continue to shape the funding landscape. Yet Cynthia’s approach is one of fierce generosity, mentoring other women, championing female investors, and encouraging founders to build smarter, more sustainable businesses.
This is a story of grit, creativity, and impact, and a masterclass in building with purpose. Tune in to hear Cynthia Nelson’s remarkable journey and her wisdom for the next generation of women entrepreneurs.
Chapters
👩💼 00:58 Meet Cynthia Nelson and Her Journey in Strategic Growth
💻 03:10 Early Career Lessons from the Tech Industry
📺 07:04 Building Todobebe for Hispanic Families
🚀 09:53 Entrepreneurial Insights and Consulting Wisdom
🎙️ 24:24 Launching a First Podcast on Video Commerce
🌟 25:52 The Innovators Podcast Celebrating Women Leaders
📈 27:05 How Podcasting Can Grow Your Business
💪 28:53 Challenges Women Face in Scaling Companies
💡 31:10 Women in Venture Capital and Driving Impact
Links
Website: https://luminacionlc.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthianelson/
Check out Cynthia Nelson’s work at Luminacion LC, connect with her on LinkedIn, and follow her journey as she continues to champion women entrepreneurs, innovation, and impact-driven growth.
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