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In this week’s NextGen to Watch, we’re spotlighting Rafael Sansores, director of marketing and communications at Avenue Media. From Mexico and New York City, Sansores also spends his time as a content creator, a host at INSPIRAR, and a business mentor at Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship. Read on to see what inspires him, his passions, and his success.
Whose career really inspires you?
Eva Longoria’s career is deeply inspirational to me. Her persistent success in Hollywood,
against all odds, serves as a beacon for the Latino community, proving that our voices matter. But what truly impresses me is her commitment to philanthropy, using her platform to support numerous causes and nonprofits. Moreover, as a successful businesswoman, she exemplifies adaptability and vision. Longoria isn’t just a successful actress, but a role model, inspiring me to strive not just for personal achievement, but also to make a difference in the world.
What lesson did you learn early in your career that still serves you today?
I learned early in my career of the transformative power of good mentorship and high aspirations. Personally, my mentors have been instrumental in shaping my life and career. They’ve provided guidance, introduced new perspectives, and constantly challenged me, which has been invaluable. Coupled with this, I always set high goals for myself. This approach pushes me to step out of my comfort zone, constantly grow, and reach new heights. Moreover, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of continuous learning and fearless communication in today’s fast-paced world. I make it a point to consistently update my knowledge, whether it’s through online courses, seminars, or, most importantly, books. I genuinely believe in the life-altering power of books. They ignite imagination, instill new ideas, and open up a world of possibilities.
What are some of the biggest challenges you see for Latino professionals early in their careers?
The digital skills gap is a crucial challenge the Latino community, particularly those in the service industry, is facing in today’s age of automation. As technology rapidly changes our work landscape, digital literacy has become a necessity to adapt and succeed. The shift toward automation could risk leaving our community behind if proactive measures aren’t taken to improve digital literacy. It’s a significant concern but also an opportunity to adapt, learn, and grow. By fostering lifelong learning and leveraging educational resources, we can bridge this divide, turning this challenge into a stepping stone for our community’s growth and advancement.
How can Latino professionals better advocate for themselves?
As Latinos, one of our most defining traits is our sense of unity. It’s embedded deep in our roots and culture, and it’s something we should leverage to advocate better for ourselves in the face of challenges. The first step to doing this is enhancing our communication within the community. By fostering open dialogues, sharing ideas, and discussing our common challenges, we can build a strong, unified front. Furthermore, identifying and supporting initiatives that promote our growth is crucial. It’s about tapping into our collective skills, talents, and resources to not just advance ourselves but also enrich our communities. By leveraging our distinctive skill sets and shared values, we can create significant positive impact, not only for Latinos but for society at large. This way, we can bring the core Latino values of unity, resilience, and hard work to the forefront of the world, showing everyone the true strength and potential of our community.
What is part of your daily routine that you look forward to every day?
One of the things I truly relish is the sense of fulfillment I feel when I wake up each morning and review my day. It’s a daily reminder of the life that I’ve built for myself and how much I look forward to enjoying each day to the fullest. This feeling doesn’t just happen overnight—it’s the result of hard work, perseverance, and constant growth. It’s the understanding that I’ve reached this place in my life through diligence and continuous effort, and that is something that fills me with gratitude every single day. The key for me has always been the quest for personal evolution, the desire to keep growing, and striving for better. This continuous journey toward self-improvement has made my life one that I eagerly anticipate living each day. The satisfaction of knowing that I’ve built a life I love and am still evolving for the better—there’s nothing quite like it.
What behavior or personality traits do you attribute to your success?
The cornerstones of my growth in both business and life have been persistence, resilience, and perseverance. Persistence has taught me to keep going, to relentlessly pursue my goals despite obstacles. Resilience, on the other hand, has shown me the power of bouncing back, of weathering life’s storms and coming out stronger on the other side. And finally, perseverance has instilled in me a tenacious spirit, allowing me to continue striving even when things get tough. Collectively, these traits have been instrumental in shaping my journey, helping me overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and continually strive for growth and improvement in all facets of my life.
Which causes are you passionate about?
Empowering women through sports is a cause that I hold close to my heart for several reasons. Firstly, sports can be a powerful tool to challenge gender stereotypes and promote equality. Women participating in sports can break the barriers of traditional gender roles, showcasing strength, determination, and capability on par with their male counterparts. This visibility is important, as it challenges preconceived notions about what women can and cannot do, serving to inspire and motivate others. Moreover, sports is a platform that cultivates essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, resilience, and self-discipline. These skills are not only valuable on the playing field but also in the broader contexts of life, career, and personal development. Through sports, women gain confidence and self-esteem, which in turn can lead to increased participation in other areas such as education, employment, and community leadership. In essence, empowering women through sports is about creating opportunities for growth, development, and equality, something I am deeply passionate about.
What’s one thing we’d never be able to guess from your LinkedIn profile?
Although it may not seem so from my LinkedIn posts, in reality, I’m not a serious person. Laughter is an essential part of who I am, and I carry that with me into all areas of life, including the workplace. I’m constantly finding humor in my day-to-day activities. While it may contrast with my professional online presence, it’s this balance between light-heartedness and seriousness that truly defines me.
