Hello, aspiring leaders and future CEOs!
We recently gathered with future CEOs from diverse industries at the beautiful Valencia Hotel Riverwalk for our latest Future CEO: Coffee & Conversation event. Our special guest was Mr. Rudy Garza, CEO of CPS Energy. As the first Hispanic CEO of one of Texas' largest energy companies, Rudy's story of resilience, adaptability, and commitment to service resonated deeply with us all.
A Morning of Insight and Inspiration
Our morning with Rudy was rich with conversation, connection, and invaluable lessons. Each story he shared gave us a glimpse into his journey and the values and experiences that have shaped it. Rudy’s dedication to continuous growth, his commitment to community, and his focus on strategic thinking inspired everyone in the room.
He emphasized that the skills essential for leadership—such as strategic thinking, effective communication, and explicit listening—are not just professional assets but life skills that empower us to navigate challenges with confidence and integrity.
Lessons from Rudy’s Leadership Journey
In his open and engaging talk, Rudy offered several guiding principles for those aspiring to lead with impact. These lessons reflect his path to leadership and essential values for anyone aiming to create an impact. Here are some of the key insights Rudy shared:
1. Believe in Your Potential: Rudy’s rise to CEO was no accident. It was built on hard work, knowledge, dedication, and a firm belief that he could make a difference. He encouraged future CEOs to recognize their potential, that sometimes others see in us, and always remember that capability grows through perseverance.
2. Invest in Continuous Learning: Rudy highlighted the importance of embracing a growth mindset. He reminded us to be lifelong students of our industry, our community, and ourselves. This approach keeps leaders adaptable, innovative, and resilient when facing challenges. Listening to your market, in this case, your community is key
3. Earn the Trust of Your Community: Rudy's journey at CPS Energy has been built on a foundation of trust, both within the company and with the communities it serves. He reminded us that, as leaders, building and maintaining trust is critical to fostering strong relationships and leading with authenticity.
A Powerful Call to Action
As the morning unfolded, Rudy's message became clear: San Antonio needs leaders who are committed to making a difference, care for their community, listen and do, and don't be afraid to make mistakes, learn, and do it again.
As aspiring CEOs, we were encouraged to act as stewards of the city's growth. This role is about more than personal success; it's about strengthening our community.
Rudy highlighted what future leaders in San Antonio need to embrace: responsibility, community orientation, and forward-thinking. Future CEOs must address the needs of their organizations while also considering the wider community.
He reminded us that we are San Antonio's future and that the leadership we bring to our roles will shape the city's economic development, innovation, and cultural vitality.
Reflecting on the Experience
At The Entrepreneurial World, our goal with events like Future CEO: Coffee & Conversation is to create spaces where emerging leaders can connect with experienced executives who inspire, mentor, and guide. We want to share the entrepreneurial skills that give us that differentiator. Our time with Rudy Garza perfectly exemplified the transformative power of these interactions.
This event provided us with the chance to think deeply about the kind of leaders we aspire to become. With each conversation, our future CEOs left with renewed motivation and a clearer sense of purpose, encouraged by Rudy’s example of growth, community service, and dedicated leadership.
Looking Forward
We are deeply grateful to Rudy Garza and CPS Energy for making this impactful morning possible. The insights Rudy shared will undoubtedly shape the journeys of our future CEOs, and we look forward to continuing our mission of supporting and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
At The Entrepreneurial World, we remain dedicated to providing opportunities that develop the leadership, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial skills essential for a thriving San Antonio. Together, we can shape a future where our city’s leaders are as diverse, passionate, and innovative as the community they and we serve.
Here’s to the future of leadership in San Antonio—and to the journeys that will take us there!
Warm regards,
Washington Navarro
CEO, The Entrepreneurial World
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