Powered by RND
PodcastsSociety & CultureLEADERSHIP MESSENGERS® with Ovi Vasquez

LEADERSHIP MESSENGERS® with Ovi Vasquez

OVI VASQUEZ @OVinspires
LEADERSHIP MESSENGERS® with Ovi Vasquez
Latest episode

Available Episodes

5 of 8
  • Ep08 Jordin Avalos, Teen Entrepreneur & Emerging Latino Leader: Leadership Development
    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.TitlesFrom 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 
    --------  
    35:05
  • Ep07 Ashley Moreno, Manager at Amazon™: Leadership Development
    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.comKeywordseducation, leadership development, imposter syndrome, mentorship, personal growth, culture shock, financial literacy, AI tools, diversity, real-world skills, affinity groups, health, motivationSummaryIn 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 LeadersSound 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 
    --------  
    20:56
  • Ep02 Emma (Vites) Patel, AI Agentic GTM at LinkedIn®: Leadership Development
     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.comFind 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 BrandingSound 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 
    --------  
    38:08
  • Ep05 Jael Chac, GEAR UP, Social Media Consultant: Leadership Development
    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/Region10ESCFind our host at:  https://www.ovinspires.com KeywordsGEAR UP, mentorship, jigsaw method, multilingual education, leadership development, empathy, cultural awareness, personal growth, shining light, inspiration, professional training, podcastsSummaryIn 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.TakeawaysGEAR 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.TitlesShining Light: Jael Chac's Journey in Education and MentorshipEmpathy and Innovation: Strategies for Developing LeadersFrom Mexico to Mentorship: Unlocking Student PotentialSound 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 
    --------  
    48:27
  • Ep06 Brian Cressey, CEO, and Venture Capital Pioneer: Leadership Development
    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.comFind our host at: https://www.ovinspires.comKeywords  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 
    --------  
    25:47

More Society & Culture podcasts

About LEADERSHIP MESSENGERS® with Ovi Vasquez

A podcast for leaders and educators who are dedicated to developing the next generation of values-driven leaders. 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: Leaders from various sectors helping you develop the next generation of values-driven leaders.#OVinspires#LeadershipMessengers#Leadership#CommUNITY
Podcast website

Listen to LEADERSHIP MESSENGERS® with Ovi Vasquez, This American Life and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features
Social
v8.0.1 | © 2007-2025 radio.de GmbH
Generated: 11/25/2025 - 4:45:21 AM