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In this week’s NextGen to Watch, we’re spotlighting Rick Cruz, chief executive officer and cofounder of Consolimate, a fintech company that helps users manage their subscriptions. A University of California, Berkley graduate from Los Angeles, Cruz leads the company’s daily operations, making smart decisions to ensure the company’s continuous growth and successful customer assistance.
Who inspired you the most in your life growing up?
My personal inspiration is my older sister. At fourteen, she survived an accident that required the amputation of both her legs. Yet, rather than asking, “Why me?” over the last fifteen years, my sister has continued to ask, “Why not me?” She showed me that no matter the circumstance you find yourself in, there will always be matters to have gratitude for. Her radiant smile and giddy spirit have been a driving force that have pushed me to work significantly harder in ways I never thought possible.
What lesson did you learn early in your career that still serves you today?
Early in my Navy career, I was unfocused and whiny about every obstacle. A supervisor taught me that a single complaint has the potential to burrow a hole in your ship and bring the entire vessel under if you allow it. Complaining about setbacks is pointless and carrying forward with a cheerful attitude is the differential that will set you apart from the rest.
What are some of the biggest challenges you see for Latino professionals early in their careers?
Many of us did not grow up seeing Latinos achieve the things that we have today. Because of that, we are crushed under the insurmountable weight of insecurity and imposter syndrome as we continue to break barriers. However, when we overcome that mindset and allow our intellectual ambition to drive us forward, we unshackle ourselves and become unstoppable.
What podcast can you not live without?
Enjoying Everyday Life hosted by Joyce Meyers. Sometimes we go through life making a beeline toward our end goal but forget that the purpose is to enjoy the beauty of the garden along the way.
What behavior or personality traits do you attribute to your success?
Serving in the US military has and always will be my greatest asset. The hardships I endured there have forged me into the laser-focused individual I am today. The greatest traits I learned from my service are:
- Determination to finish what I have begun and see it grows to fruition.
- Discipline to charge ahead in times of despair because motivation is only going to get your foot in the door, but discipline keeps you there.
- Resilience in mastering the craft of facing rejection and criticism repeatedly, allowing it to inform how you proceed.
Which causes are you passionate about?
My heart hungers to help others. Life is not a spectator sport and, as I continue to rise in my career, I want to plant the seed for a harvest that gives to others in some way. Which is why I currently volunteer weekly at the Alameda County Community Food Bank. It is amazing to support the next generation, but it is equally imperative to help the older generation with basic necessities and provide a nexus of support. I don’t have millions to give back yet, but I do have two hands and some time to help others, which I intend to continue.
What’s one thing we’d never be able to guess from your LinkedIn profile?
Although it is my job to network, it is not my favorite thing to do. I mean, who’s is? When I’m at these events, my bed and a good crime docuseries are usually beckoning my name!
Your theme song
“Scar Tissue” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. My favorite lyric is, “I’ll make it to the moon if I have to crawl.”
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