Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Sarango-Muniz.
Hi Elena , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Lima, Peru, in a loving, blended family of seven siblings. Life at home was lively and full of energy, my parents created a foundation of love, discipline, and purpose that shaped who I am today.
After earning my business degree from the University of Lima, I, like many young graduates at the time, found myself facing a difficult reality. Peru was going through a turbulent period, economically, socially, and politically. Job opportunities were scarce, especially for recent graduates with no work experience. After six months of trying to secure a job and facing closed doors, I made the bold decision to leave my home country and seek new possibilities in the United States.
I arrived in Houston at 22 years old with $100 in my pocket and determination and a plan: to pursue a master’s degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. I studied for the GMAT and TOEFL, passed both, and earned a scholarship that allowed me to complete my degree, all while working full-time at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Houston.
That experience became the foundation of my leadership journey. For 14 years, I learned what it meant to serve, to lead under pressure, and to navigate a high-performance environment. But I also learned how culture and emotional intelligence shape everything, from team dynamics to customer loyalty to personal fulfillment.
From there, my career evolved into HR leadership across multiple industries. I spent five years in oil and gas, then five in professional services, and eventually five more in tech. Each transition taught me something new about leadership—how complex, human, and deeply relational it truly is.
In 2023, after over two decades in corporate HR, I took another bold step: I launched Sarango Executive Coaching full time. It wasn’t just a career pivot, it was a calling.
Today, I partner with senior leaders and executive teams across the globe to help them lead with greater emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and confidence. I coach. I speak. I facilitate transformative workshops that go beyond surface-level strategies and into the heart of what makes leadership meaningful and lasting.
Looking back, I see the thread that connects it all: a deep belief in people’s potential. Whether I was welcoming guests at the Ritz-Carlton or advising a CEO in a boardroom, I’ve always known that real leadership starts within.
My mission now is simple, but powerful:
To help leaders remove internal barriers, lead with intention, and create cultures where people thrive.
Because when leaders transform, everything around them does too.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When I came to the U.S., I wasn’t completely alone—my brother was already studying at the University of Houston, and his presence gave me the anchor I needed to take that leap. I’m deeply grateful for that. But I also knew early on that I wanted to build my own life, not just follow in someone else’s footsteps. I had learned that trait from my older brothers.
That meant working hard to be independent, even while facing real limitations as an international student. I was on a student visa for two years, and those restrictions shaped much of my early experience, what I could do, where I could work, whether I could travel, and how much freedom I really had. I was driven, but I was also constrained. It was frustrating to know I had the potential, but not always the full access to pursue it.
That season required a lot of patience, resilience, and trust in the long game. Eventually, I became a U.S. citizen after marrying my American husband, but the years before that were full of uncertainty and sacrifice.
Even later in my corporate career, the challenges continued—navigating male-dominated environments, experiencing impostor syndrome, managing burnout, and figuring out how to lead in ways that were both powerful and true to myself.
Starting my business brought a whole new layer of difficulty. Leaving the security of a paycheck and the prestige of a corporate role was terrifying at times. And like many entrepreneurs, I’ve faced my share of rejections and slow seasons.
But every one of those struggles has made me a better coach, a more grounded leader, and a stronger human being. I wouldn’t trade them—because they’ve deepened my empathy and sharpened my ability to support others on their own complex journeys.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sarango Executive Coaching is a leadership development company dedicated to helping high achieving leaders grow from the inside out. I work with executives, rising leaders, and global teams who want to lead with emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and deep authenticity.
I specialize in executive coaching, emotional intelligence development, cross-cultural leadership, and team facilitation. Whether I’m working one-on-one with a CEO or leading a workshop for an international team, my goal is always the same: to help people remove internal barriers and lead with confidence, clarity, and compassion.
I often describe my work like that of a master sculptor. I don’t pile on strategies or scripts. Instead, I help leaders chisel away what no longer serves them—limiting beliefs, outdated behaviors, hidden fears, and blind spots. What’s left is their truest, strongest form of leadership. As they remove those internal blocks, they feel lighter, clearer, and more empowered. They begin to see more options, widen their perspective, and lead from a place of grounded authenticity.
What sets my work apart is the how. I bring together over 25 years of corporate HR leadership in international environments, my Peruvian roots, bilingual fluency, and certifications in emotional and cultural intelligence to create experiences that are deeply personal and practically transformational.
I’m most proud that my brand stands for real, human change—not just leadership improvement, but personal evolution. Clients tell me they don’t just walk away with tools—they walk away transformed, with a renewed sense of purpose and power.
Sarango Executive Coaching offers:
Executive & Leadership Coaching (individual and group)
Emotional Intelligence assessments (EQ-i/EQ360)
Cross-Cultural Intelligence training
Leadership workshop design & facilitation
Keynote speaking on emotional intelligence, inclusive leadership, and cultural transformation
Fractional HRD support for growing organizations
If you’re a leader or organization ready to grow—not just in performance, but in depth and direction—I’d love to connect. Because when leaders evolve, so does everything around them.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
Absolutely—I’m a bit of a podcast addict! Listening to thoughtful, challenging, and inspiring conversations is part of my daily ritual. Some of the shows I turn to again and again include:
🎧 10% Happier with Dan Harris – for the grounded, science-backed mindfulness I need to stay centered.
🎧 The Tim Ferriss Show – for deep dives into high performance and personal mastery.
🎧 SPARK, How to Make Work Better,
🎧 The Speaker Lab – because I’m always growing as a speaker and communicator.
🎧 The School of Greatness and The Mel Robbins Podcasts – for a dose of real-world resilience and human potential.
I also follow the teachings and work of Tony Robbins, Dr. Joe Dispenza, and Mel Robbins—their posts, videos, and books keep me aligned with mindset and behavior shifts that matter.
But if I had to name one author who’s shaped me the most, it’s Wayne Dyer. I’ve read every book he’s written, and I treasure the autographed copy I have. His words have been a guide for both my personal evolution and how I show up for others.
I believe we do our best work when we commit to our own inner work—and these voices help me stay grounded, inspired, and curious.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sarangocoaching.com
- Instagram: @sarangocoaching
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560038936756
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenasarango/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SarangoCoaching
Image Credits
Green dress photo credit: Hallie Keller Photography
