Transforming Adversity: Luis Velasquez on Ordinary Resilience and Personal Growth

When life throws you curveballs, how do you find the strength to keep going? Meet Luis Velasquez, who transformed his journey from a small village in Guatemala to an executive coach in the U.S., despite facing a brain tumor and the loss of a spouse. His story isn't just about survival—it's about thriving through resilience and understanding the power of personal storytelling. You’ll hear how Luis’s background in science and leadership education shaped his approach to coaching, making his insights both deeply personal and universally applicable.

Luis introduces us to the concept of "ordinary resilience"—a term that demystifies the idea that resilience is reserved for exceptional individuals. Through heartfelt recounts, such as his father's life-changing accident, Luis shows how writing down personal stories can uncover hidden strengths. This episode breaks down practical strategies to harness your own resilience, like using childhood experiences and feedback to recognize inherent strengths. Get ready to adopt the "embrace the suck" mindset, turning life's toughest moments into stepping stones for growth.

Relationships play a crucial role in building resilience, and Luis emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with resilient people. We touch on how to foster resilience within organizations, especially amid today's workplace pressures like burnout and disengagement. Luis shares intentional practices for both personal and professional life, including resilience-building activities with children and employees. Don't miss the insights from Luis's book "Ordinary Resilience," which underscore the transformative power of confronting reality with courage and the positive impact of resilience on our communities.