In this powerful leadership-focused episode of Very Caliente, Pablo and Jennie sit down with leadership expert, military veteran, and motivational speaker Enrique Acosta. With 26 years of military service and extensive leadership consulting experience, Enrique dives into what true leadership really means—and why too many leaders hide behind titles instead of leading authentically. From corporate culture and global leadership lessons to Latino representation and the power of self-awareness, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership.
Podcast Title:
Very Caliente
Hosts:
Pablo Alsina & Jennie López
Episode Title:
E013 - Leadership Without a Mask - Resilience, Truth & Latino Leadership with Enrique Acosta
Summary:
In this powerful leadership-focused episode of Very Caliente, Pablo and Jennie sit down with leadership expert, military veteran, and motivational speaker Enrique Acosta. With 26 years of military service and extensive leadership consulting experience, Enrique dives into what true leadership really means—and why too many leaders hide behind titles instead of leading authentically. From corporate culture and global leadership lessons to Latino representation and the power of self-awareness, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and purpose-driven leadership.
Main Topics:
Intriguing Quotes:
“Leadership is not about position. Leadership is influence.” – Enrique Acosta
“Most leaders are living lies behind the performance of leadership.” – Enrique Acosta
“It’s you versus you. That’s the only competition that matters.” – Enrique Acosta
“Lead where you are. Influence what you can.” – Enrique Acosta
Key Moments:
[00:00:30] – Pablo and Jennie introduce leadership expert Enrique Acosta
[00:02:00] – Enrique’s 26-year military career and transition into leadership consulting
[00:04:00] – What corporate America can learn from military leadership culture
[00:06:30] – Why internal conflict destroys teams faster than external competition
[00:07:30] – The difference between authority and leadership influence
[00:10:00] – Launching the Developing the Leader Within podcast during the pandemic
[00:12:30] – Latino leadership around the world and empowering women leaders
[00:15:00] – The truth about leaders living behind masks of success
[00:17:30] – Enrique’s bestselling book A Lion’s Pride: The Scars That Silenced Kings
[00:19:30] – The importance of bilingual pride in the Latino community
[00:21:30] – Final advice: “It’s you versus you.”
Notable Guests/Resources:
Special Announcements:
🎙 Enrique’s podcast Developing the Leader Within features leadership voices from around the world.
📚 His book A Lion’s Pride explores authenticity, truth, and confronting the masks leaders wear.
🔥 Follow Very Caliente for more conversations with inspiring leaders, creators, and cultural changemakers.