I’m a Colombian who grew up in Bogota from a middle-class family. Thanks to my parents, I got a good education, and by 2007, I graduated with a degree in Communication, majoring in Journalism. After graduating, I started working in Advertising and Public Relations; I even took part in the election campaign of a former Colombian president. 

 

This gave me the momentum to climb the corporate ladder, landing a leadership role in a rising Canadian mining company’s Communications Department, owned by Venezuelan businessmen. My reputation flourished, and I was promoted to Communications Director for a large Infrastructure corporation, leading teams in Latin America and the US.

 

Driven by ambition, I desired more than just leading a department; I aspired for a top management position in a mining company. My thirst for success pushed me to specialize further by pursuing an MBA abroad. I chose to focus on Social Responsibility and Sustainability, crucial areas in infrastructure and mining.

 

In 2013, I applied and got accepted into the One Planet MBA at the University of Exeter, a highly-ranked MBA in Europe with a focus on sustainability. However, I decided to wait to apply for scholarships to cover my tuition fully.

 

In the same year, I had an MTB accident that severely injured my lumbar spine. This caused me immense pain and led me to consider surgery, given the minimal improvements from a year-long physical therapy. As I was preparing for this major decision, I was informed that I had won the scholarship for my dream MBA.

 

I was then challenged to choose between risky surgery or living with pain. The outcome could have been traveling to England pain-free or losing mobility in my legs. After careful consideration, I decided to have the surgery.

 

Despite my surgery, the pain persisted due to the complexity of the central nervous system, but it didn’t deter me. Committed to my dream, I journeyed to England, even as I recovered from the operation. It was daunting, managing pain while studying, so much so, my one-year MBA stretched to almost three, necessitating fewer credits each term due to my condition.

 

Pain can be a profound teacher. It refined my perseverance, tested my resilience, and molded my character. It prompted introspection, leading to a drastic shift in my life aspirations. I swapped the corporate suit for a casual hoodie, relinquishing my managerial aspirations, and questioning the traditional 9-to-5 grind.

 

The MBA introduced me to areas previously unexplored, and while I was still a communicator and marketer at heart with a deep interest in sustainability, I found the realms of innovation and entrepreneurship irresistible.

 

I was captivated by startup ecosystems, data analytics, and disruptive new business models. The digital era, with its fresh innovative business concepts and economies, contradicted the outdated management styles I was familiar with. Innovation became the mantra to thrive, and surprisingly, it was small companies and startups that disrupted the status quo.

 

I was involved in entrepreneurship and innovation projects at the university in collaboration with the City of Exeter and South West England. I had a role in organizing several Startup Weekends and Entrepreneurship Hackathons, mostly tech-related, and the potential in these sectors astounded me.

 

Upon returning to Colombia in 2017, I was a transformed individual. My entire perspective had shifted. The allure of the 9-to-5 routine and a high salary had vanished. I had revised my priorities, with money losing its top spot. Now, my focus was on making a meaningful contribution, leaving a legacy, and imparting a lesson.

 

On the medical front, I chose to risk another surgery hoping it would alleviate my pain. Unfortunately, the operation neither reduced nor eliminated the pain. Back to square one, I was advised to learn to manage pain.

 

A seemingly absurd concept, living with pain, actually presented opportunities and solutions. I began stretching daily, taking breaks, working standing up, losing weight, and exercising— in essence, prioritizing my health.

 

Mindfulness meditation entered my life during this period. Initially aimed at pain management through meditation and breathing exercises, it profoundly influenced me. Not only did it aid pain control, allowing me to gradually reduce medication, but it also enhanced my receptivity, reduced anxiety, and stress, improved my mood, and boosted my concentration, productivity, and creativity.

 

Today, I no longer rely on painkillers, and meditation has become a staple in my life. While the pain lingers due to the permanent nature of my spinal injury, it’s nearly unnoticeable, and I navigate life just as energetically as a teenager would. When the pain surfaces, it’s no longer an adversary; it’s simply part of me. Acceptance was the key.

 

That chapter of my life neither defined nor stifled me; rather, it fueled my mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. The ordeal gave birth to a new me, primed to contribute and discover my purpose.

 

Equipped with fresh insights and clarity on what I sought from life, I may not have had a defined path yet, but the compass was set. The opportunity to teach emerged, allowing me to become a graduate and undergraduate professor at several universities in Colombia. The dots finally started to connect.

 

I realized the path life had put me on, which at the time seemed confusing, was to Create Value (hence my brand) through education and inspire others in their transformation. My purpose emerged: to inspire individuals to leverage their innate strengths and potential to achieve the extraordinary. 

 

However, this kind of inspiration must be anchored in structured training – a distinctive hallmark that separates authentic mentors from charlatans. In tandem with entrepreneurship and innovation, I am convinced that business education propels companies and society forward. 

 

Concurrently, with my teaching role, I began mentoring entrepreneurs, facilitating innovation workshops emphasizing co-creation and agility. These experiences led to mentoring stints in numerous entrepreneurship and innovation labs in Colombia and workshop facilitation with academic and public bodies within the local ecosystem.

 

The result was the birth of CreateValue™ in 2019— my brand and life’s work, centered around my purpose: To inspire and transform entrepreneurs’ lives and businesses through entrepreneurship and innovation training.

 

To those who’ve made it this far, I appreciate your time. Thank you for letting me create value with my story, which, like yours, has plenty to offer others. I invite you to schedule a free consultation to experience the transformative potential of my mentoring program or workshops.

 

Remember, the power is within you. I merely serve as a guide in your transformation and entrepreneurial journey. You have the power to succeed and embark on an entrepreneurial journey aligned with your purpose. No gimmicks, just a structured approach, and action.

 

Welcome to CreateValue™. Thank you for allowing me the privilege of inspiring you to achieve your entrepreneurial and life purpose.