We recently connected with Alex Roa and have shared our conversation below.
Alex, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I believe my resilience comes from a combination of my personal experiences and the drive to create something impactful. Growing up and building multiple companies, I’ve faced numerous challenges, from navigating the complexities of starting a business to overcoming obstacles in scaling and expanding into new industries. Each challenge taught me that resilience is about adapting and learning rather than simply pushing through.
I also draw a lot of strength from the people around me—my team, my family, and the people we serve. Seeing the impact of our work, especially in democratizing opportunities for creators and advancing sustainability, gives me a strong sense of purpose. This purpose keeps me going, even when things get tough. Additionally, my background in both computer science and economics has taught me to approach problems analytically and strategically, which has been essential in developing resilience over time.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Right now, one of the most exciting things I’m working on is a new AI project called Myah. Myah is designed to accelerate human productivity by taking on the more mundane, repetitive administrative tasks that can drain time and creativity. It’s not just an AI that automates processes—it actually learns and mimics a user’s persona based on a few different context points, enabling a more personalized and seamless experience.
This project really expands on Pangea’s core mission of democratizing opportunities and advancing equitable outcomes. At Pangea, we’ve been focused on breaking down barriers in the creator economy, and Myah builds on that by extending our mission to more industries. Myah empowers individuals to focus on high-impact work while letting the AI handle the routine tasks, thus giving everyone—from creators to business professionals—the tools to be more efficient without needing big budgets or teams.
I’m thrilled about Myah because it aligns perfectly with Pangea’s goal to inspire and enhance creativity and productivity. We’re launching this product with the hope that it will transform how people work and manage their time, allowing them to focus on what truly matters.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful on my journey are adaptability, strategic thinking, and collaboration. These have been critical in navigating the various industries I’ve worked in—from tech and AI to real estate and food sustainability.
Adaptability:
The ability to adapt has been key for me, especially as industries evolve rapidly, and as my companies have shifted from service-based to tech-driven solutions. Staying open to change, learning from new developments, and being willing to pivot has allowed me to grow and scale my businesses. For those early in their journey, I recommend embracing uncertainty. Don’t be afraid of change—it’s where the most growth happens. Keep learning and stay curious about new trends and technologies.
Strategic Thinking:
Having a background in both computer science and economics has given me a solid foundation in strategic thinking. It’s helped me analyze problems from both technical and financial perspectives, allowing me to make informed decisions that balance innovation with sustainability. My advice here is to develop a well-rounded skill set. Even if you’re specialized in one area, learning the basics of other domains—like finance, operations, or technology—can make you a more effective leader or entrepreneur.
Collaboration:
Building strong teams and partnerships has been essential in everything I’ve done. None of my ventures would be where they are without the diverse skills and perspectives of the people I work with. Whether it’s expanding Pangea’s global network of creators or developing AI solutions with Myah, collaboration has amplified our impact. For those just starting out, I’d say don’t underestimate the power of relationships. Surround yourself with people who are smarter or more experienced than you and learn from them.
These skills have helped shape my path, and for anyone beginning their journey, I think it’s important to stay open-minded, continuously learn, and always focus on building meaningful connections.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
The people who have been most helpful in my journey are undoubtedly the teams I’ve worked with and the communities I’ve connected with. My team has been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the essential skills I’ve needed to grow as an entrepreneur. Whether it’s at Pangea, The Culture Club, or Myah, the people around me bring unique perspectives and expertise that consistently push me to think bigger, innovate faster, and adapt to new situations. Their dedication and insights have helped shape our company strategies and, in turn, my own approach to leadership.
Additionally, being part of a larger community of creators, innovators, and business leaders has been a constant source of inspiration and growth. Engaging in conversations at industry events, collaborating on projects, and exchanging ideas with people who are at the cutting edge of their fields has allowed me to stay ahead of trends and keep evolving. These interactions have sharpened my strategic thinking and expanded my understanding of how different industries can intersect and collaborate.
For those just starting out, I recommend focusing on building strong, diverse teams and actively engaging with broader communities in your industry. Surrounding yourself with smart, driven people can elevate your own skills and broaden your perspective in ways you may not expect.
Contact Info:
- Website: roa.ventures
- Instagram: thealexroa
- Linkedin: thealexroa
