Javier Palomarez Of United States Hispanic Business Council: Here Are The Things That Happened in My Childhood That Impact How I Lead Today
An Interview With Cynthia Corsetti on Medium.com
In this introspective and reflective series, we would like to explore the intricate web of experiences that form the leaders of today. Childhood, being the foundational stage of our lives, undeniably has a profound impact on our development and the leadership styles we adopt as adults. Be it a lesson learned from a parent, a childhood hobby that cultivated discipline, an early failure that fostered resilience, or even a book that opened their minds to vast possibilities; leaders often have deep-seated childhood experiences that echo in their leadership narratives today. For this interview series, we are talking to seasoned leaders across various industries who share personal anecdotes and lessons from their childhood that have sculpted their leadership philosophies today. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Javier Palomarez
Javier Palomarez is the President & CEO of the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC). Palomarez is a leading voice in the areas of multi-cultural consumerism, marketing, small business, entrepreneurship, and the Hispanic electorate. He is an acclaimed spokesperson for small business and entrepreneurship, as well as a nationally recognized leader in the Hispanic community, being recognized as one of America’s most influential Hispanics for over a decade.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about leadership, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My childhood did not resemble the stories found in books. At the age of 15, I found myself without parents and homeless. Years of dedication and hard work propelled me to college where my passion for business led me to the pages of the Wall Street Journal. With each article, I developed a profound understanding of global issues and the urgent need for solutions. This insight motivated me to rise above my current circumstances and take charge of my destiny, drawing strength from the wealth of experiences I had accumulated.
That journey led me to my ultimate calling with the United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC), which is to challenge the established norms governing the relationship between Washington and the nonprofit sector. The work we do is of paramount importance. By disrupting the prevailing Washington culture, we can advocate for impartial pathways to the American dream and tackle issues that would have otherwise gone unresolved.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
The United States Hispanic Business Council (USHBC) stands out because it disrupts the traditional relationship between Washington and the non-profit community. It is the only Hispanic non-profit that is precluded from accepting funding from any local, state, or federal government entity. This allows it to speak agnostically and be a trusted voice in business advocacy. For example, the USHBC successfully challenged the current Administration’s energy policy, saving thousands of jobs. We were the only non-profit organization to openly challenge the administration’s well-meant but ill-conceived strategy as being an overreach and going too far and too fast.
You are a successful business leader. Which three-character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
1. Honesty: Being truthful and open with oneself, the team, and the public has been a key trait. It’s important to be a fair-minded, honest broker, even when unpopular. Especially when unpopular. People expect honesty from leaders.
2. Resilience: My personal journey, as the youngest member of a family of ten migrant farm workers, living in a one-room shack without running water, electricity, or indoor plumbing, and subsequently navigating a life as a high school dropout without parents and experiencing homelessness at the age of 16, illustrates resilience. My path stands as a testament to the profound impact of faith, unwavering determination, relentless hard work, and enduring resilience.
3. Advocacy: Advocating for what’s right and speaking out against policies that negatively impact our small business community is a cornerstone of the USHBC mission. An example of this is our open challenges to the Administration’s energy policy, regulation on big tech and small business regulation which all demonstrate a dedication to truth over propaganda.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
In recent years, one of the nation’s largest banks has faced intense scrutiny due to its repeated predatory practices targeting the Hispanic community, a community that has contributed significantly to that bank’s profits and prosperity. The consequences of their actions have caused immeasurable hardship for countless Hispanic families. What’s particularly troubling is the recurring pattern of such infractions by this behemoth bank, suggesting an ongoing and systemic disregard for the Hispanic community that appears to permeate all levels of the organization, from the boardroom to the local branches. Their behavior has become so rampant that despite the government imposing tens of billions of dollars in penalties on the bank over the past decade, they currently find themselves embroiled in two current lawsuits, for the same predatory practices. While this issue may not fall directly within the USHBC’s mission, I strongly believed that taking a stand against this was an imperative moral action. Faced with a void of genuine advocacy, the USHBC felt compelled to address this issue, as it is undeniably a difficult, but right and honest path forward. While this may sound counterintuitive for a business advocacy organization, at the USHBC we believe in commerce — but commerce with a conscience.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Let’s start with a simple definition. How do you personally define “leadership?”
I have been fortunate to gain exposure to a diverse array of leaders, providing me with a multifaceted perspective on leadership effectiveness. Through these experiences, I’ve come to realize that genuine leadership involves acknowledging one’s weaknesses, being honest with oneself, evaluating abilities, and surrounding oneself with complementary talents. In the final analysis, an organization’s most valuable asset is not its brand, size, technology or market cap, it’s the people. What those people need most is an authentic and committed leader. A leader who manages crises with composure and transparency, focusing on the well-being of those impacted.
Can you recall an experience from your childhood where you felt truly empowered? How does that moment inform your leadership style today?
Becoming parentless at the age of 16 and ultimately homeless. In the face of this immense adversity, something profound stirred within me. Instead of succumbing to the crushing weight of my circumstances, I experienced a transformational awakening … a desire to not only uplift myself but also to reshape the very fabric of the communities around me.
These early experiences have been the cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. They’ve instilled in me the unwavering belief that perseverance and self-belief are the catalysts for overcoming the most difficult obstacles. They’ve shaped me into a leader who understands that even in the darkest of moments, there exists the potential for transformative growth and profound impact. And that talent can be found in the most unlikely of individuals … that everybody has something to contribute.
Were there any role models in your early years who left a lasting impression on you? How has their influence manifested in your approach to leadership?
Though I met U.S. Senator John McCain much later in life, his influence was a life-shaping masterclass on the principles of truthfulness and acknowledging one’s shortcomings. Through his example, I was reminded that as a leader, it is important to acknowledge and address your shortcomings. No one is perfect, and people do not expect you to be. They expect you to lead. It is essential to be honest with yourself and evaluate your abilities. Surround yourself with people who can complement your skills and your weaknesses. If you start from there, people will forgive your mistakes. They will eventually forget the crisis, but they will not forget how you handled yourself during the difficult times.
Many of us had a favorite book or story as a child. Is there a narrative that you were drawn to, and do you see its themes reflecting in your leadership journey?
While not deeply religious, the Bible has proven a powerful resource of insights of individuals who overcame challenges and impacted society. They serve as a powerful reminder that throughout history, remarkable leaders have been able to forge connections with people, even in the face of daunting challenges. This inspires me to not only advocate for change but also to serve as a driving force for positive transformation in my role as a leader.
Many leaders find that their greatest strengths arise from overcoming adversity. Can you share an experience from your early life that was difficult at the time, but you find still lingers in your thoughts and informs your actions today?
Facing homelessness at 16 and later working hard to earn an education and build a career remains my most formative experience. This journey has left an indelible mark on my life and has had a profound impact on my leadership style.
The essence of resilience, the unwavering commitment to persevere in the face of adversity, and the sheer tenacity to surmount seemingly insurmountable obstacles have been etched into my core. These qualities, which have become an integral part of my DNA, are the cornerstones upon which I base my approach to leadership. They remind me daily that no challenge is insurmountable and that, with the right team and mindset, one can overcome even the most formidable of hurdles.
Looking back at your childhood, are there particular ‘first-time’ experiences — like your first triumph, your initial setback, or your inaugural leadership responsibility — that you believe were pivotal in molding your leadership ethos?”
Becoming parentless at the age of 16 and ultimately homeless. In the face of this immense adversity, something profound stirred within me. Instead of succumbing to the crushing weight of my circumstances, I experienced a transformational awakening … a desire to not only uplift myself but also to reshape the very fabric of the communities around me.
These early experiences have been the cornerstone of my leadership philosophy. They’ve instilled in me the unwavering belief that perseverance and self-belief are the catalysts for overcoming the most difficult obstacles. They’ve shaped me into a leader who understands that even in the darkest of moments, there exists the potential for transformative growth and profound impact. And that talent can be found in the most unlikely of individuals … that everybody has something to contribute.
From your personal experiences and reflections, what are the ‘5 Pillars of Effective Leadership’ you believe in? Please share a story or example for each.”
1. Honesty: Leadership demands a commitment to truthfulness and transparency. Honesty serves as the bedrock upon which trust and credibility are built. For instance, my leadership reputation is firmly rooted in being a candid and forthright leader, known as an “honest broker.” When mobilizing my organization’s advocacy efforts, there is an unwavering assurance that we have no hesitation in bucking the status quo, even when such a stance may be unpopular. We strongly believe that the strongest business strategy is one that marries commerce with a conscience. We proudly lead the charge in advocating for this mission, firmly stating that ethical business practices aren’t merely a good idea but an absolute necessity for sustained success.
2. Advocacy: Advocating for what’s right, speaking out against harmful policies, and championing the well-being of our community are essential facets of effective leadership. For example, the courage to challenge the administration’s energy policy ultimately saved thousands of vital jobs. We embrace the spirit of a David vs. Goliath confrontation in advocacy, recognizing that the path to solutions often demands courage from leaders who are willing to shine a spotlight on crucial issues.
3. Resilience: Overcoming personal hardships, such as homelessness and earning an education are profoundly ingrained experiences that ignite my resilience. This attribute is of paramount importance in leadership because it equips one with the ability to persist in the face of adversity and overcoming challenges and setbacks with unwavering determination.
4. Composure: Maintaining composure during crises and focusing on the well-being of those impacted is essential. The most effective leaders can navigate difficult situations with grace and transparency.
5. Diversity and Inclusion: Embracing diversity and inclusion is vital for success in today’s interconnected world. Key to the initiative is the diversity of thought; where we recognize the wealth of valuable insights stemming from various life experiences. It involves respecting differences, finding common ground, and working collaboratively.
In your role as a leader, what thoughts or concerns keep you awake at night? How do these reflections guide your decisions and leadership?
In today’s climate of great conflict, we find ourselves at a critical crossroads, a transit point. The acrimony and division that has plagued our political process is like a cancer in our society. Local, national, and global narratives often seem overwhelming, with everyday Americans, particularly minority communities, disproportionately shouldering the weight of this ongoing turmoil. While many opt to look the other way, I remain steadfast in my commitment to shine a light on matters of true significance and separate them from the distracting noise. At the USHBC we know that a critical part of the solution is collaborating with leaders in the public and private sector who take a realistic, common-sense approach, act in a respectful and responsible fashion, and most importantly put people before politics or profits. My leadership, viewed through an entirely nonpartisan lens, is dedicated to a transparent and unbiased evaluation of events, both within the halls of Washington and the corporate landscape. My leadership is guided by a compass that shapes the causes we champion and the individuals we hold accountable.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
In today’s ever-changing business landscape, which presents a myriad of challenges, my commitment to driving change is unwavering. Central to the USHBC’s mission is the unwavering belief in amplifying the Hispanic voice and ensuring that our community of taxpayers, business builders and job creators have a voice in the national dialogue. That starts with questioning prevailing norms and pushing for more Hispanic representation across key domains such as media, politics, and corporate America.
The effort includes supporting Hispanic-owned businesses, showcasing talents, and promoting Hispanic leaders. Addressing systemic barriers to leadership is also on the agenda, ensuring that Hispanics have equal access to opportunities. And why not, after all our community drove over 50% of the nation’s overall population growth. It is creating new businesses at a rate of 3 to 1 when compared to the general market and it will singularly represent over 78% of the net new entrants into the American workforce. America’s future is Hispanic.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
I invite your readers to learn more about the important work we do by visiting us at https://ushbc.com.
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. It’s been an honor to delve into the roots of your leadership journey, and we are grateful for the wisdom you’ve shared.
