Written in Partnership with Amir BakianCEO and Founder of wellness organization Summawork, Maria Camargo joins us to shift the narrative on the unexpected challenges we experience in life.
When COVID-19 began spreading worldwide in early 2020, it brought with it much chaos and confusion. Lives were upended, plans shattered, and the future became increasingly foggy through these trying times. However, amid the pandemic was a tremendous chance to capitalize on unusual opportunities that just might unlock deep transformation.
It was only a slight disruption—and also liberation—for some who lost their jobs to follow a long-cherished ambition or finally start the business that they’d nurtured in their minds for years. For others, it was a chance to relate to loved ones. Longing to reach beyond the fears of the pandemic and the darkness of grief, they committed to realizing the power of deeper connection.
Maria Camargo, CEO and Founder of SummaWork, is one of those individuals who spent time in the eye of this storm and came out the other side completely transformed. She managed to move through numerous existential shifts at this time while navigating the frontlines of the pandemic and, in the process, discovered a rare newfound power within.
“While I was going through this crisis, I still had to go to work,” Camargo recalls. “I had to go outside and face this super uncertain world that nobody knew what was going on with.” Employed as a consultant for Kaiser at the time, Camargo recalls working in the emergency room, while helping to open flu and covid vaccine clinics.
“I did a lot of coaching during this time as well,” she reflects. “It was a time where there was a lot of misinformation and fear, among employees and patients. Being at the front lines gave me an opportunity to help the people around me focus on what was in front of them and set fear aside.”
While charting this new territory, Camargo found herself going through her own life struggle. She separated from her husband after 20 years of marriage. One day she remembered laying in bed and just looking up and praying. “I said, ‘The only thing I ask for is to have a person with me who loves me for who I am.’”
“About a week or so later, one of my best friends that I have been close with forever, some magic happened and a year later we were together as a couple,” she continues.
Camargo explains that she knew things weren’t going right in her life so she chose to focus on herself and pour into her cup, and it changed her life in an unprecedented way. “I just took that time to grow myself, to create a new life and it paid off,” she adds.
Camargo, who has 7 years of coaching experience and been on her own spiritual journey for 15, says she felt drawn to combine them 4 years ago.
As she delved deeper into her spiritual practice and connected more with herself, Camargo felt a profound shift take place. Doors began to open, opportunities presented themselves, and she found herself on a path of transformation.
“I decided to leave my job,” she recalls. “After everything I went through, I realized there had to be a better way. And the universe helped me by showing me things that started aligning. But I had no clue how I was going to do it.”
“I had already incorporated my business. I had the website, I had everything, but I didn’t know how to make the jump. Finally, I jumped into the unknown.”
Amidst the uncertainty, Camargo found clarity and purpose. She was hired as an external consultant, and her role remained rooted in coaching and mentoring others. “It was really nice,” she says. “We had a really good team, and I was able to work closely with them to create positive change.”
Now, thanks to SummaWork, a growing business that Camargo founded to support and guide her clients through similar periods of uncertainty and flux, she helps them deploy what she’s discovered from her own experience to help themselves.
As we struggle through the turmoil of the era after the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, Camargo’s experience underscores the importance of trusting in one’s abilities to thrive amidst uncertainty. It’s a real-life reminder that life, though tumultuous and challenging, is laced with opportunities for growth, resilience, and renewal.
With commitment and the right kind of support, you can meet life’s hurdles and be more resilient than you ever thought possible.
If you are interested in learning more about Maria Camargo’s story or coaching services, visit her website, check out her podcast, or schedule a coaching session today.
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