We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jose Acevedo Negron a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jose, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Keeping creativity alive is a constant challenge faced by professionals from various fields, especially in today’s dynamic world. Creativity is not just a tool for artists or writers, but an essential component in many professions, including journalism, where finding unique angles and telling stories in innovative ways can make the difference between the ordinary and the exceptional.
Some of my routines include: Interacting with people from different cultures, professions, and perspectives can provide new ideas and approaches that I had never considered before. This helps me brainstorm and work on personal projects to later implement them in the office. Activities such as walking in nature, meditating, or simply taking a break can revitalize your mind and lead to brilliant ideas.
On the other hand, curiosity is one of the greatest allies of creativity, which is why I am always talking and asking about all the details. Digital tools, brainstorming apps, and collaboration platforms can offer new and efficient methods to generate ideas and execute creative projects.
I simply do not underestimate what I can do with all the tools I have.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My name is José Acevedo Negrón, and I was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico. Since my childhood, I have loved to fight for my dreams, which is why there are no limits in my life. My dedication and the support from my parents and those who have supported me due to my skills have gotten me to where I am today.
Since the age of 5, I participated in activities such as painting, music, playing the trumpet, guitar, flute, and singing. Additionally, for most of my life, I took acting classes and belonged to various theater and dance organizations.
In 1999, I created TalentoPuertorriqueno.com to provide a free space for new talent. That same year, at 11 years old, I produced the “1er Certamen de Talento Puertorriqueño” supporting Judith Pizarro, a comedian who needed financial help to cover medical expenses.
Subsequently, the project evolved and became TPLatino.com, expanding its offering to other markets and other types of international artists. As it evolved, it became a digital entertainment magazine. In this project, I produced television programs adapted for the internet, partnered with T-Mobile Puerto Rico for 7 years, and covered high-level events.
TPLatino.com gave me opportunities to train other young people who wanted to start a career and gain experience to work in media, make contacts to achieve their goals, and perform public relations work for concerts supporting different professional firms, professional photography for organizations, talents, and businesses.
In 2012, I worked at Wapa.tv as an interactive producer and then moved to Univision Puerto Rico in the same position until 2014. In 2013, I concluded my life project TPLatino.com to focus on my duties with Univision and, after finishing my experience with Univision, I moved to Orlando in search of new opportunities.
Upon arriving in Orlando, I dedicated myself to finishing my master’s degree in Media Design at Full Sail University with a 3.75 GPA and extensive experience. At the same time, I worked for SeaWorld Entertainment & Parks and Walt Disney World, where I achieved great success.
In 2016, I joined Noticias Univision Orlando and Tampa Bay, where I have covered important news such as President Barack Obama’s visit to Cuba, the Jetblue flight that almost crashed in the Caribbean, breaking the news of the Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando, the 2016 General Elections, event and entertainment coverage. I also produced segments like the week’s summary, Let’s Go to the Movies, and Front Row.
At Univision Orlando, I was recognized as the employee of the second quarter for my dedication and representation of the company. Another achievement in 2017 was my nomination as “Best Entertainment Reporter” at the Paoli Awards and receiving recognition from Warner Bros for the Let’s Go to the Movies segment.
In 2018, I joined the team at Telemundo 49 in Tampa, where I had the opportunity to start the processes of the new Telemundo49.com portal to position the digital properties when NBC Universal bought the station.
My life philosophy is that everything has a beginning and an end, but we are the ones who continue with our future. I am a young man focused on his dreams, goals, and creativity. “Loyalty” is one of the strengths that define me, and “concern” is my greatest weakness, but I use it to my advantage to keep moving forward and also use it as inspiration.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The qualities that currently define me as a person include the ability to listen in order to learn, gaining experience from mentors and individuals who contribute positively to both my personal and professional life.
Being neutral in all situations to avoid making decisions based on emotions or judging without proper criteria.
Maintaining a positive outlook towards my personal and professional endeavors to achieve the overarching goals that give meaning to life.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents and grandparents have always been a crucial part of my professional life from a very young age. My maternal grandfather guided me through the world of “jíbara” music, which is music of Puerto Rico, encouraging me to sing and develop my creativity with music. On my father’s side, my grandfather was a broadcaster and writer, who always supported me and instilled in me the art of writing, which today forms a significant part of my life and helps me provide for my household. Although they are no longer with me, my parents, who brought me into this world, have dedicated themselves to supporting me in all my endeavors and decisions to become a successful man, even when many people doubted I would achieve much due to having attention deficit disorder as a child.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.joseacevedotp.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseacevedotp/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joseacevedotp/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseacevedotp
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/joseacevedotp/
Image Credit:
Christopher Williams
