As part of our Female Founders series, The Startup Magazine interviewed Rita Bautista, CEO of Latina Podcasters.
Founded in 2019 by Bautista, Latina Podcasters is a global podcast network group owned and operated by Latinas and certified minorities. Latina Podcasters is changing the media landscape by streamlining the process for brands and businesses to buy hosted read ads and curated segments in podcasts containing authentic Latina voices. Under the Group umbrella are two subsidiary networks. Latino Pods, which offers programming for male audiences, and Latina Podcasters Network, which showcases programming hosted by Latinos.visit latinapodcasters.com for more information.
Here, Rita details her journey…
TSMs: Describe the mission of Latina Podcasters in 10 words or less.
Rita: Latina Podcasters streamlines the ad buying process for Authentic Latina, Latino and Latin podcasts for brands and agencies.
TSMs: Tell us a little more about the background of Latina Podcasters and how they work.
Rita: I formed Latino Podcasters to amplify and amplify the stories of US-based Latinos, Latinos, and authentic voices of Latinos through our podcasts. As a traditionally low-paid, unrepresented community, podcasters pay above market rates by curating premium hosted read ads for brands and agencies that work together to ensure they connect to the US Hispanic market. be able to receive
TSMs: Can you name a specific success story that demonstrates the purpose and success of Latina Podcaster?
Rita: We did a McDonald’s campaign that focused on how McDonald’s is making a positive impact on our community. and Ronald McDonald House paid for her family to stay near the hospital. Listening to the podcast, we witnessed the positive impact the company had outside of the fast food industry, and the podcaster emphasized this to their audience.
My success story about paying podcasters above market rate was when I was hosting a dinner in a major market with a podcaster. While in New York and Los Angeles, podcasters shared everything they could do because the network made them money. Came straight from the podcasters. After hearing stories about how these podcasters were able to buy homes in two of the most expensive markets in the country, I felt that what I built made the difference. I was.
TSMs: What is the most important thing you would say to Latinos to help them find their voice as leaders and entrepreneurs?
Rita: Don’t be afraid to tell their story. We haven’t been treated as representatives for too long. The only way to change it is to step up and create it. Comical and humorous stories are also important and pleasing to the heart, but it takes creativity and amplification of these stories to move the needle.
TSMs: As an entrepreneur, going back to your early life decisions, what factors influenced your decision to become an entrepreneur?
Rita: I grew up with a mother who never said no. I have seen her clean a beautiful house (sometimes even cleaning the house with her) sells Mary Kay cosmetics, invests in local and international real estate, and has many other I did my job and made ends meet. But the most powerful lesson I learned was that she decided when and how she made her money. was empowered to know that I can do this. There was an example to show me where the will and the way was. As long as your personal mission is aligned with the greater good, all will be well in the end.
What’s also interesting is that as an entrepreneur, you have to be flexible and wear a lot of hats. One day I talk to the producer and individual podcast his host and get their buy-in. And the next day you’re the sales manager, and the next day you’re the face of the company talking to people who want to invest millions of dollars in your company. All of these behind-the-scenes actions are just as important as the next ones, but understanding the industry requires knowing how to be a jack of all trades.
TSMs: What are your plans for the future of Latina Podcaster or where do you plan to expand into new media businesses?
Rita: I want to make an original work or audio novel in English, Spanglish and Spanish and make it into a movie. We are also expanding to YouTube. The big goal is to become a listed company.
TSMs: What’s the most important thing you’d tell other startup founders? What’s your lesson?
Rita: One lesson is understanding what the word grit means. Learn words and make them part of your vocabulary. You can learn more by not giving up on your ideas and looking through them. Pivot quickly without doing anything personal. Be open to change and understand how your company fits in a changing market.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is not to think about personal things. This becomes much easier if you work on not taking anything personal.
Also, please prioritize my time. You give a lot as a startup founder, but you also exist outside the company. Understand what your “self-care” routine is and practice it religiously so you can be the best version of yourself when working for a company.
TSMs: What are some interesting facts about you that people may not know?
Rita: My family ran a circus in Honduras until the 1970s. Entertainment is in my blood, so I’ve learned to appreciate different personalities. This fact is one of the reasons for the success of Latina Podcasters. The baritone horn was also blowing 😊 .
