HOST: Ovi Vasquez, author of six books, and National Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Born and raised in rural Guatemala off-the-grid, worked for Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber. Learned English in two years, graduated from high school in three years, earned a bachelor's in management, in two years. He is a TEDx speaker and a social entrepreneur. 

GUEST: Graciela Miranda, a teacher at Pike High School in Indianapolis, was named the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year! Miranda teaches English Language Learners and has experience teaching in elementary and postsecondary. Graciela supports elevating the teaching profession in Indiana and at the national level. As a first generation Latina graduate and former ELL student, she stands in the gap and fosters systems for marginalized communities that promote student success.

Find our guest at: https://www.instagram.com/2025intoy

Find our host at:  https://www.ovinspires.com

Keywords
education equity, grit, mentorship, leadership development, intentionality, storytelling, servant leadership, ELL students, national board certification, system change, cultural identity, diverse learners, childhood adversity, time management, family legacy, teacher impact

Summary: In this episode of Leadership Messengers, Graciela Miranda, the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year, shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a leader in education. She discusses the importance of mentorship, grit, and intentionality in teaching, as well as strategies for connecting with diverse students. Graciela emphasizes the need for educators and leaders to create opportunities for marginalized communities and to engage in honest conversations about diversity and inclusion. Her insights provide valuable guidance for anyone looking to develop the next generation of values-driven leaders.

Takeaways
Graciela Miranda is the 2025 Indiana Teacher of the Year.
She emphasizes the importance of mentorship in education.
Grit is essential for students to succeed in their careers.
Intentionality in teaching can significantly impact student learning.
Creating opportunities for marginalized students is crucial.
Honest conversations about diversity are necessary for growth.
Graciela's background as a first-generation Latina shapes her teaching philosophy.
She believes in the power of storytelling to empower students. Leadership is about serving and supporting others.

Titles
 From Low Reading Groups to Leading Classrooms: Graciela Miranda?s Story

How Intentional Teaching Transforms Lives

Leading with Love: Latina Teacher of the Year on Equity, Identity, and System Change

Teaching Beyond the Curriculum: Empowering Marginalized Students for the Future 

Sound bites

?You have a story. It?s beautiful. Tell it?and don?t apologize for it.?

?All of us are born with the capability. We just don?t have the same opportunities.?

?Leadership is servant-based. You cover, protect, and grow others.?

?My abuelita didn?t have education?but she had love. And that?s where it all started.?

?If we spoon-feed, we?ll never get their grit. We need to give them space to imagine.?

?I failed fourth grade, but I wasn?t a failure.?

?It?s not for me. It?s for all of us.? 

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Graciela Miranda
02:02 Graciela's Journey and Background
04:06 Strategies for Educators and Leaders
10:01 The Importance of Mentorship and Grit
13:51 Intentionality in Teaching and Leadership
17:49 Overcoming Adversity and Self-Doubt
22:38 Creating Opportunities for Marginalized Students
24:45 Final Thoughts and Resources for Leaders

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#leadership

#community

HOST: Ovi Vasquez, author of six books, and National Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Born and raised in rural Guatemala off-the-grid, worked for Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber. Learned English in two years, graduated from high school in three years, earned a bachelor's in management, in two years. He is a TEDx speaker and a social entrepreneur. 

GUEST:  Eric Feinendegen is an award-winning and internationally recognized speaker, trainer, and executive coach. He is a two-time Finalist in the World Championship of Public Speaking, a TEDx speaker, Ignite speaker, professional emcee, and a certified coach, speaker, and trainer with the John C. Maxwell Leadership Team.

As President and Founder of Inspire to Empower, LLC, Eric has worked with clients ranging from solopreneurs to Fortune 100 companies. His area of expertise focuses on effective communication, leadership skills, & financial wellness. He is also the author of the best-selling book, The FEIN-er Things ? A 52-Week Guide to Living an Inspired Life.
 
His biggest claim to fame, however, is trying Stand Up Comedy once and living to tell about it! He lives in Gurnee, IL with his wife, 3 children and a Boston Terrier named Mocha. 

 Find our guest at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-feinendegen-dtm-05100b1/

 Find our host at:  https://www.ovinspires.com 

Keywords 

leadership, financial wellness, personal development, mentorship, self-esteem, storytelling, influence, emotional intelligence, Gen Z, values, communication, Toastmasters, significance, education, active listening, resilience, fatherhood, inspiration, community, vision, hope  

Summary 

In this heartfelt interview, award-winning speaker and financial wellness expert Eric Feinendegen shares his transformative journey from hardship to significance. Raised by a single mother and impacted by his father?s mental illness, Eric pursued financial literacy to overcome scarcity and personal growth to become the leader he wished he had. Now a two-time World Championship of Public Speaking finalist, TEDx speaker, and author of The FEIN-er Things. His message to educators: never underestimate your influence?lead by example, elevate others' self-esteem, and invest in character over credentials.  

Takeaways 

Leadership starts with valuing others and helping them realize their own value.Self-esteem is a stronger predictor of success than IQ; it can be nurtured through encouragement, strengths-based feedback, and mentorship.Momentum builds confidence?small wins lead to lasting transformation.Mentorship is a critical driver of growth; 85% of Fortune 500 CEOs had mentors.Great leaders serve by listening first; ?active listening? builds better relationships.People relate to people?vulnerability and shared struggles build connection.To influence diverse groups, lead with empathy, find common ground, and share a vision of hope.The greatest gift leaders can give is significance, not just success.

 Titles

From Scarcity to Significance: The Story of Eric FeinendegenLeadership That Listens: Influence, Mentorship, and Emotional IntelligenceThe Power of Personal Storytelling and Self-Esteem in Developing Future Leaders

 Sound Bites

?Encouragement is oxygen for the soul.??People do what people see?leadership is more caught than taught.??People don?t care how much you know until they know how much you care.??Self-esteem builds success more than IQ ever will.??We all want to feel heard?active listening transforms relationships.??I want to move from success to significance.?

#OVinspires 

#LeadershipMessengers

#leadership

&n

HOST: Ovi Vasquez, author of six books, and National Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Born and raised in rural Guatemala off-the-grid, worked for Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber. Learned English in two years, graduated from high school in three years, earned a bachelor's in management, in two years. He is a TEDx speaker and a social entrepreneur. 

GUEST:  Jordin Avalos is a high school senior, digital business founder, and first-generation college-bound student with a powerful story of resilience and purpose. As the creator of Parent Planner Pack, Jordin helps Hispanic families navigate the college journey with confidence. An intern at Farmers Insurance and proud ambassador of the life-changing Project Stepping Stone program, Jordin blends faith, family values, and entrepreneurial grit to inspire others. His mission? To break generational cycles, serve his community, and lead with heart. 

 Find our guest at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordin-avalos-190ab3303

 Find our host at:  https://www.ovinspires.com 

Keywords 

student leadership, entrepreneurship, digital business, Hispanic youth, networking, college access, mentorship, AI tools, personal growth, family values, faith, domestic violence, career readiness, consistency, purpose, education equity, Project Stepping Stone  

Summary 

In this powerful interview, Jordin Avalos?a high school senior, intern, and young entrepreneur?shares his inspiring story of resilience, leadership, and purpose. From overcoming a troubled childhood marked by domestic abuse to founding a digital product called Parent Planner Pack, Jordin exemplifies the drive and maturity beyond his years. He credits his transformation to mentors, his faith, and a life-changing nonprofit called Project Stepping Stone. Jordin speaks on the importance of networking, emotional healing, AI literacy, and consistency as a tool for success. His mission is deeply rooted in helping his family and creating opportunities for other Hispanic families unfamiliar with the college process.  

Takeaways 

Teachers like Mr. Robinson can shift a student's mindset with personal encouragement and belief.Programs like Project Stepping Stone build student leadership by fostering identity, mentorship, and confidence.Networking is a skill that must be explicitly taught; students need permission and strategy to ask boldly.Jordin used AI (especially ChatGPT) to research, build, and launch his digital product without prior technical expertise.Students should be seen for their potential, not their present immaturity or struggles.Faith and family are core drivers for many first-generation students, shaping their "why."Mentors are everywhere?church, school, family?if students are taught to ask and build relationships.Education must extend beyond academics to character formation, personal healing, and leadership values.

Titles

From Pain to Purpose: Jordin Avalos? Journey to LeadershipBuilding a Digital Business as a High School SeniorProject Stepping Stone: Transforming Hispanic Youth Through MentorshipHow Faith, Family, and AI Shaped a Teen Entrepreneur

 Sound Bites

?There is an art and power in asking.??I shouldn?t just pursue success?I should pursue personal growth.??View students not for who they are?but for who they can become.??Consistency will always outbeat talent.??I want to be the man my father never was.?

 #OVinspires 

#LeadershipMessengers

#leadership

 #community 

HOST: Ovi Vasquez, author of six books, and National Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Born and raised in rural Guatemala off-the-grid, worked for Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber. Learned English in two years, graduated from high school in three years, earned a bachelor's in management, in two years. He is a TEDx speaker and a social entrepreneur. 

GUEST:  Ashley Moreno is an Area Manager in operations at Amazon, based in Washington, where she focuses on fostering inclusive work environments and making positive impacts on teams. Raised in Central Valley, California, where education was often undervalued, she overcame cultural challenges at San Jose State University to build real-world skills through mentorship, internships, and clubs like the Latino Student Business Association. Moreno emphasizes overcoming imposter syndrome, prioritizing health and financial literacy, and leveraging AI tools for productivity. As a leader, she advocates for grace, group collaboration, and community-building, having launched Women at Amazon affinity group to promote professional growth and diversity. 

 Find our guest at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-jmoreno

 Find our host at:  https://www.ovinspires.com

Keywords
education, leadership development, imposter syndrome, mentorship, personal growth, culture shock, financial literacy, AI tools, diversity, real-world skills, affinity groups, health, motivation

Summary
In this podcast interview, Ashley Moreno shares her inspiring journey from growing up in Central Valley, California, where education was undervalued, to becoming an Area Manager at Amazon in Washington. She discusses overcoming culture shock at San Jose State University, the importance of real-world preparation through internships and mentorship, and strategies for leaders to foster growth in others. Ashley emphasizes dealing with imposter syndrome, giving grace, making an impact, and using tools like AI for productivity, while highlighting the value of clubs, financial literacy, and self-care in personal and professional development.

Takeaways
* Education transforms opportunities; seek mentorship and internships early to build real-world skills.
* Overcome imposter syndrome by reminding yourself of your preparation and progress.
* Incorporate group work in curricula to practice leadership and collaboration.
* Give grace to others, recognizing diverse backgrounds and challenges.
* Join clubs or affinity groups for community and professional growth.
* Use AI tools like ChatGPT for planning and Google Gemini for design tasks.
* Prioritize health and mental well-being to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
* Financial literacy, like understanding 401k and stocks, should be taught early.
* Free resources like LinkedIn Learning (via library cards) and Coursera offer valuable learning.
* Making a positive impact on others fulfills beyond financial stability.

Titles
* From Central Valley to Amazon: Overcoming Challenges
* Conquering Imposter Syndrome and Building Leaders
Sound bites
* "Once I got to San Jose, it was a complete culture shock."
* "You're always going to feel like you don't belong... reminding yourself that you are somewhere different than you were prior."
* "Making an impact... changing the culture of a building."

#OVinspires 

#LeadershipMessengers

#leadership

 #community 

HOST: Ovi Vasquez, author of six books, and National Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Born and raised in rural Guatemala off-the-grid, worked for Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber. Learned English in two years, graduated from high school in three years, earned a bachelor's in management, in two years. He is a TEDx speaker and a social entrepreneur. 

GUEST: Dr. Nicholas Valenzuela empowers and inspires teens and young adults to identify and achieve their life and career goals through coaching that uncovers unique strengths, nurtures talents, boosts self-esteem, and reduces negative self-thoughts, stress, and anxiety. Over 20 years, he has transformed countless lost, unfocused, and unmotivated youth into visionary, inspired individuals with action plans for success via his "VIA Success" © process. He has guided students to admission and graduation from top universities, including Ivy League schools, Stanford, USC, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and others. Holding a PhD and Master's from Stanford University as a Fulbright Fellow, Dr. Valenzuela taught college courses before advising C-level executives in strategic planning at Fortune 100 Silicon Valley firms like Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Sun Microsystems, Seagate Technologies, and Maxtor. Today, as a sought-after motivational keynote speaker, he shares insights and wisdom from his journey from the barrio to the boardroom to inspire the next generation.

Find our guest at:  [email protected]
Find our host at:  https://www.ovinspires.com  

Keywords
leadership development, mentorship, self-knowledge, communication skills, purpose, overcoming adversity, AI in education, dyslexia, critical thinking, vision, behavioral skills, career support network, why questions, human interaction
Summary
In this podcast interview, Dr. Nicolás Valenzuela shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in Texas, marked by poverty and lack of role models, to earning multiple degrees from Stanford and advising Silicon Valley executives. Motivated by a teacher's discouraging words and positive influences like his mother and Mr. Joe Bernal, he overcame dyslexia and ADD to achieve success. Now dedicated to mentoring youth, educators, and parents, Dr. Nick emphasizes self-reflection, asking "why" to discover purpose, building communication and leadership skills, and leveraging AI as a thinking partner while prioritizing human connections to combat issues like teen depression.
Takeaways
* Know yourself and your values to create a life vision and purpose.
* Ask "why" to uncover motivations, then "how" to achieve goals.
* Communication and leadership skills are essential for success and building networks.
* Overcome adversity by drawing on positive influences and proving doubters wrong.
* Dyslexia and ADD can enhance creativity; focus on strengths like right-brain thinking.
* Incorporate AI in education to free time for human interactions and critical thinking.
* Build behavioral skills to maintain self-worth beyond job roles.
* Educators should teach self-examination, leadership, and critical information consumption.
* Find mentors by admiring local people who have time and interest in you.
* Use free resources like Khan Academy, TED-Ed, and YouTube, but apply critical thinking to avoid misinformation.
* Prioritize human connections over excessive screen time to reduce depression.
Titles
* From Adversity to Mentorship: Dr. Nick's Journey
* Discovering Purpose and Overcoming Challenges
* Leadership Through Self-Knowledge and AI
Sound bites
* "You are destined for greatness."
* "We cannot impact people at the deepest levels until we know them at the deepest levels."
* "Find your purpose in life. Why were you born?"

#OVinspires 

#LeadershipMessengers

#leadership

 #community 

 HOST: Ovi Vasquez, author of six books, and National Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Born and raised in rural Guatemala off-the-grid, worked for Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber. Learned English in two years, graduated from high school in three years, earned a bachelor's in management, in two years. He is a TEDx speaker and a social entrepreneur. 

GUEST: Emma is the Founder of The Apprentice Project, an educational resource teaching young people how to get jobs. Author of 'The Graduate Bible', an amazing coaching guide for graduates and young people on how to get jobs and has worked for LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network for the past 12 years in London, San Francisco and New York.

Find our guest at:  https://theapprenticeproject.com
Find our host at:  https://www.ovinspires.com 

Keywords:
Career development, LinkedIn, NLP, subconscious mind, grief, transformation, future of work, soft skills, 5 Cs, adaptability, personal branding, AI literacy, mentorship, happiness strategies, courage.

Summary:
In this podcast interview, Emma Vites Patel shares her inspiring journey from a shy, insecure young woman in the UK to a successful LinkedIn executive and founder of The Apprentice Project. She discusses overcoming grief, discovering Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), and the transformative power of language and self-awareness. Emma emphasizes the shift from the knowledge economy to the relationship economy, highlighting essential soft skills (the 5 Cs: curiosity, compassion, courage, communication, creativity, plus adaptability), the importance of personal branding on LinkedIn, and strategies for leaders to prepare the next generation for AI-driven hiring and career success.

Takeaways:
* NLP is the study of the subconscious mind and helps overcome self-limiting beliefs through language reframing.
* Avoid negative words like "no," "not," "can't," "but," "should," and "try" to positively shape your reality.
* The future of work is the relationship economy, where soft skills (5 Cs + adaptability) and AI literacy are crucial.
* Build a personal brand on LinkedIn by posting videos and content to be visible to AI hiring tools.
* Courage means feeling the fear and doing it anyway, leading to transformational opportunities.
* Mental health strategies, like happiness training, can stabilize energy and improve life balance.
* Everyone has a purpose; use spirituality, meditation, and learning to uncover it.
* Shift education from information to transformation, focusing on skills-based hiring.
* Networking should be reciprocal; find common ground before asking for mentorship.
* Free resources like LinkedIn Learning and YouTube can help develop future skills.
Titles
* From Grief to Growth: Emma Vites Patel's Career Journey
* Mastering Soft Skills in the AI Era
* Unlocking Purpose and Personal Branding
Sound bites
* "I got out of my own way and I understood myself limiting beliefs."
* "Changing your language will change your life."
* "Feel the fear and do it anyway."

#OVinspires 

#LeadershipMessengers

#leadership

 #community 

HOST: Ovi Vasquez, author of six books, and National Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Born and raised in rural Guatemala off-the-grid, worked for Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber. Learned English in two years, graduated from high school in three years, earned a bachelor's in management, in two years. He is a TEDx speaker and a social entrepreneur. 

GUEST: Jael Chac, has worked to ensure multilingual and low-income students have access to the support and opportunities they need to succeed. She is passionate about shining a light on student stories and educator impact because when potential is seen and celebrated, futures open. 

Find our guest at:  https://www.instagram.com/Region10ESC
Find our host at:  https://www.ovinspires.com 

Keywords
GEAR UP, mentorship, jigsaw method, multilingual education, leadership development, empathy, cultural awareness, personal growth, shining light, inspiration, professional training, podcasts

Summary
In this inspiring podcast interview, Jael Chac shares her journey from Mexico to becoming a GEAR UP social media consultant at Region 10 Education Service Center, highlighting her passion for supporting multilingual and low-income students. She discusses influential educators and mentors who shaped her, effective teaching strategies like the jigsaw method, and the importance of empathy, cultural understanding, and leading with heart. Jael emphasizes continuous learning, shining light on others' potential, and using tools like AI for efficiency, while urging leaders to foster purpose and growth in those they serve.

Takeaways
GEAR UP follows students from middle school to their first year of college, providing mentorship and pathway guidance.
Mentors like Paul Kirkpatrick, Jennifer Birchfield, and Patty Bustamante taught innovative teaching, coaching, and leading with heart.
The jigsaw method, studied by John Hattie, boosts language skills and learning effectiveness through collaborative reading and discussion.
Dyslexia training enhanced teaching skills, showing the value of specialized professional development.
Empathy involves understanding cultural backgrounds to connect deeply and support student growth.
Shine light on students' stories and educators' impact to open futures and celebrate potential.
Lead with heart by giving choice in growth areas and partnering in development.
Podcasts like Leadership Messengers, The Look and Sound of Leadership, and Coaching for Leaders are free resources for ongoing learning.
Canva AI aids in creating accessible, translated content efficiently for educational materials.
Everyone has a purpose; help others find theirs by highlighting gifts and fostering good in the world.
Titles
Shining Light: Jael Chac's Journey in Education and Mentorship
Empathy and Innovation: Strategies for Developing Leaders
From Mexico to Mentorship: Unlocking Student Potential
Sound bites
"People will forget what you said, they'll forget what you did, but they'll never forget how you made them feel."
"Shine your light on others, help others find their gifts."
"When you give people choice to what they want to grow in, it's a mutual understanding?let's work together."

#OVinspires 

#LeadershipMessengers

#leadership

 #community 

HOST: Ovi Vasquez, author of six books, and National Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Born and raised in rural Guatemala off-the-grid, worked for Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber. Learned English in two years, graduated from high school in three years, earned a bachelor's in management, in two years. He is a TEDx speaker and a social entrepreneur. 

GUEST: Brian Cressey, CEO, One of the nation's most influential business minds and investors, Bryan Cressey is a pioneer in Venture Capital and Private Equity. He co?founded four of the most successful Private Equity firms in the United States. His investments and firms have produced exceptionally high returns for the past 40 years. Bryan has appeared in countless publications including Fortune, Harvard Law Today, the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Crain's Chicago Business, and was featured by Time magazine as one of America's Best. 

Find our guest at:  https://www.bryancressey.com
Find our host at: https://www.ovinspires.com

Keywords  
entrepreneurship, strengths focus, mistakes as teachers, win-win mindset, positivity, eye contact, passion pursuit, college value, trade skills, victim mentality, optimism, venture capital, leadership traits, impatience in CEOs, life appreciation  

Summary  
Venture capital veteran Brian Cressy shares his unconventional path from a middle-class Seattle upbringing?marked by asthma, part-time jobs, and a year off college?to Harvard grad school and 40+ years building companies. In this engaging interview, he reveals counterintuitive success principles from his book *Be a Winner*: focus on strengths not weaknesses, learn from mistakes, create win-win outcomes, and maintain prolonged eye contact with positivity. Cressy urges high school and college students to pursue passions, consider college or trades, and reject victim mentality, emphasizing that early choices (ages 15?25) shape lifelong success.  

Takeaways  
* Great entrepreneurs improve strengths, not weaknesses?like Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos.  
* Mistakes are the best teachers; embrace them to accelerate growth.  
* Create win-win solutions?help others win and you?ll succeed bigger.  
* Maintain longer eye contact + genuine smile = instant trust and likability.  
* Positivity wins?approach people and challenges with enthusiasm.  
* Pursue what comes easily and passionately; college or trade school both lead to opportunity.  
* Victim mentality blocks success?go for it; the world is waiting.  
* Work part-time in college to stay balanced and prioritize effectively.  
* Impatient, fast-driving CEOs often outperform cautious ones (except surgeons!).  
* Ages 15?25 set your life trajectory?invest wisely in this decade.  

Titles  
* Be a Winner: Life & Business Lessons from a Venture Capital Legend  
* Strengths Over Weaknesses: The Entrepreneur?s Playbook  
* From Conveyor Belts to Harvard: Brian Cressy?s Success Blueprint  

Sound bites  
* ?Mistakes have been my best teachers, even better than professors.?  
* ?Great entrepreneurs don?t work on improving their weaknesses?they improve their strengths.?  
* ?Be a win-winner: want the other person to win as well.?  
* ?Positivity wins. Positivity makes great things come true.?  

#OVinspires 

#LeadershipMessengers

#leadership

 #community 

HOST: Ovi Vasquez, author of six books, and National Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Born and raised in rural Guatemala off-the-grid, worked for Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber. Learned English in two years, graduated from high school in three years, earned a bachelor's in management, in two years. He is a TEDx speaker and a social entrepreneur. 

GUEST: Dr. Brett Fickes, a retired educator with 36 years in public schools (history teacher & administrator until June 2025), is now a CEO and entrepreneur. Post-retirement, he became CEO of Universal Dental Clinics. He owns Redline Motorsports Racing, Chicago's premier NASCAR Xfinity team, and Teachercraft, which makes classroom easels. He also serves on the Learning Forward Illinois board.

GUEST: Dr. Ahmed Ramaha, Founder and Owner of Universal Dental Clinics. Extended bio to follow.

Find our guest at:  https://udclinics.com
Find our host at:  https://www.ovinspires.com 

Keywords
leadership development, education, mentorship, humility, resourcefulness, growth mindset, AI tools, dental clinics, history teaching, teamwork, sincerity, vision, positive impact, student-centered, collaboration

Summary
In this podcast interview, Dr. Brett Fickes, a retired educator turned CEO of Universal Dental Clinics, and Dr. Ramaha, founder and CEO of the clinics, share their journeys from humble beginnings to leadership roles. Dr. Fickes discusses his 36-year career in education, inspiring students through history and experiential learning, and transitioning to business while emphasizing transferable skills like vision-setting and motivation. Dr. Ramaha highlights lessons from growing up in underserved Chicago neighborhoods, stressing humility, sharing, sincerity, and patience as keys to leadership. Together, they advocate for student-centered approaches, growth mindset, and using AI ethically, while recommending books and resources for aspiring leaders.

Takeaways
* Leadership skills from education transfer to business, focusing on vision, motivation, and people-centric decisions.
* Humility, resourcefulness, and sharing learned in underserved communities build strong teamwork and leadership.
* Sincerity and honesty earn trust and hearts, essential for effective leadership.
* Maintain a growth mindset; everyone can improve with the right support and reflection.
* Center decisions on those you serve?students in education or patients in business.
* Use AI tools like ChatGPT or Gemini for assistance, but verify accuracy and avoid over-reliance in education.
* Start the day with reflection or meditation to stay positive and centered.
* Mentors can be found in your profession; reach out to successful, admired individuals.
* Free resources like edX, Crash Course on YouTube, and AI platforms offer valuable learning opportunities.
* Patience and honesty are rewarding; don't give up on goals.
Titles
* From Classrooms to Clinics: Leadership Lessons
* Humility and Vision in Education and Business
* Inspiring the Next Generation Through Sincerity
Sound bites
* "America is a great country... but you have to be willing to work for it."
* "Earn people's hearts by being honest and sincere."
* "Never lose sight of that growth mindset."

#OVinspires 

#LeadershipMessengers

#leadership

 #community 

 HOST: Ovi Vasquez, author of six books, and National Inspirational Keynote Speaker. Born and raised in rural Guatemala off-the-grid, worked for Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, and Uber. Learned English in two years, graduated from high school in three years, earned a bachelor's in management, in two years. He is a TEDx speaker and a social entrepreneur. 

GUEST: Ricardo Gonzalez, CEO of Bilingual America, a nationally recognized leader in cultural communications with a Fortune 500 client base. Author of 6 Stages of Cultural Mastery, 6 Stages of Cultural Sales, To Belong or Not to Belong, and The 12 Hidden Truths to Learning Spanish. His next blood due for release in 2026 is The ConeXt Code. 

Find our guest at:  https://bilingualamerica.com
Find our host at:  https://www.ovinspires.com 

Keywords: 

Cultural mastery, leadership development, mentorship, engagement, education, Latinos, bilingualism, energy management, empathy, empowerment, personal growth, cultural communication

Summary:

The podcast interview features Ricardo Gonzalez, CEO of Bilingual America, sharing his journey from ministry to founding a company focused on cultural communications and language training. He discusses the six stages of cultural mastery, the importance of deep engagement and understanding in leadership, especially with Latino communities, and strategies for educators to foster impact through self-education, empathy, and empowerment. Gonzalez emphasizes mentorship, overcoming personal challenges, and leveraging resources for personal and professional growth, while highlighting the value of bilingualism and cultural awareness in business and education.

Takeaways

* Where there is no contact, there is no impact?leaders must engage deeply with people in their worlds.

* The six stages of cultural mastery start with education and engagement to build empathy and empowerment.

* Manage energy, not time, to balance influence and personal well-being.

* Mentorship is about paying it forward; ask for guidance from those you respect.

* Negative teacher experiences can traumatize, but structure and belief in potential can transform students.

* To increase parent engagement, understand cultural backgrounds and avoid blanket assumptions.

* Ask non-intrusive questions about food, music, or historical leaders to deeply understand people.

* Latinos drive entrepreneurship; schools should offer classes and internships in business.

* True empathy is passion that leads to empowerment, not just compassion.

* Resources: Read "The Seven Laws of Teaching" by John Milton Gregory and understand the four stages of learning.

* Bilingualism is an asset; learn Spanish to connect with diverse students and advance in education.

Titles

* Mastering Cultural Leadership with Ricardo Gonzalez

* From Engagement to Empowerment: Lessons in Cultural Mastery

* Building Bridges: Mentorship, Culture, and Education

Sound Bites

* "Where there is no contact, there is no impact."

* "We cannot impact people at the deepest levels until we know them at the deepest levels."

* "Belonging is ownership."

#OVinspires 

#LeadershipMessengers

#leadership

 #community