Meet José Palacios

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to José Palacios. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

José , thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Latinx people are still often underestimated, and I’ve experienced this firsthand. When I was buying my house, I had an appointment to meet the previous owner, a college professor exposed to a diverse student body and international colleagues. He had accepted my offer, but we hadn’t met in person yet. When I arrived at the house and speaking Spanish to my friend, the owner immediately asked if we were there to paint. That moment stuck with me, not because it surprised me, but because it reinforced how deeply ingrained biases can be, even among the educated. But here’s the thing: I feel empowered when I’m underestimated. I’m often the only one in the room; the only Latinx person, the only immigrant, the only one who isn’t a native English speaker. But I’m also often the only one in ways that challenge stereotypes, and that gives me strength. I bring a unique combination of experiences and skills to the table. My education spans disciplines: a degree in physics, an MFA in creative writing, a PhD in Hispanic studies, and soon, an MBA. I’ve published six books, each a reflection of my voice and my vision. This background allows me to see the bigger picture through many different lenses, making connections that others might miss. Instead of being discouraged by being “the only one,” I’ve embraced it as a badge of honor. It’s a reminder of the value I bring to every room I enter and the importance of representing perspectives that are too often overlooked.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I wear many hats, but at the core of it all, I’m a cultural bridge-builder. My professional journey reflects the intersections of my passions for literature, education, and innovation.
I’m the founder of TALLA, a company dedicated to leverage technology to support innovative teaching methodologies and creating resources for educators. This initiative aligns with my broader mission to amplify voices and foster cross-cultural understanding.
One of my most exciting projects right now is developing an innovative Spanish program for rural K-12 schools. This initiative makes use of artificial intelligence to bring high-quality Spanish instruction to underserved areas, making language education more accessible.
What excites me most about my work is the ability to blend disciplines. With a background in physics, an MFA in creative writing, a PhD in Hispanic studies, and soon, an MBA, I approach every project with a multidisciplinary lens. This perspective allows me to innovate in ways that challenge norms, whether in education, writing, or organizational strategy.
As a storyteller I blend narrative with explorations of cultural and social themes, challenging stereotypes and inviting readers to see the complexity of our relationship with each other. Through these works, I strive to create a dialogue with readers, celebrating the richness of Latinx culture while addressing universal questions about belonging, memory, and transformation.
As an associate professor, I teach courses in Spanish, Latin American literature, civilization, cinema, and translation. Looking ahead, I’m focused on TALLA’s pilot and deploying it to the schools in need. Whether through my books, teaching, or entrepreneurship my goal is to contribute to spaces where diverse perspectives are celebrated and where people feel empowered to connect across cultures.

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?

Looking back, three qualities have been instrumental in shaping my journey: adaptability, curiosity, and perseverance.
1. Adaptability:
I am a border crosser. I’ve migrated from Colombia to the U.S. and walked across the frontiers of diverse fields, from physics to creative writing to Hispanic studies, and now business. I’ve learned that being adaptable is crucial. The ability to cross borders, understand and adapt to various cultures, and apply lessons from one discipline to another has allowed me to innovate and see opportunities where others might not. The future belongs to the border crossers. Learning one thing and doing the same work for fifty years is no longer an option. My advice to those starting out is to recognize that borders are made of the fear of change and defended by those unable to adapt. Stay open to change and embrace challenges as learning experiences. Being in constant movement will help you thrive in an ever-changing world.
2. Curiosity:
Border crossers are curious. Curiosity fuels growth, keeps you engaged, and guides you through unexplored lands. Cultivate a habit of exploring areas outside your comfort zone, read broadly, learn about other cultures, and allow yourself to go where you’re not “supposed” to be. Curiosity opens the doors that fear tries to keep closed.
3. Overcoming Fear:
Fear is one of the biggest obstacles to growth, and as a border crosser, I’ve had to confront it often. Speaking another language can be terrifying. You’re always self-conscious, constantly correcting your grammar and pronunciation. You also have the feeling that you don’t sound as smart as you do in your native language. Exploring a new field is equally intimidating; you go from being an expert in one area to abandoning that comfort, that power, that control, and becoming completely vulnerable in another. You have to overcome all the obstacles all over again. But here’s what I’ve learned: borders are made of fear, and you can’t allow fear to be your guide. It’s natural to feel afraid, but the key is to move forward anyway. Fear will keep you within borders. Courage, on the other hand, will take you anywhere.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m always open to collaborating with individuals and organizations who are passionate about bridging cultures, amplifying diverse voices, and fostering innovation in education. I’m particularly interested in partnerships that align with my vision for making language education accessible to underserved communities.
If you’re reading this and feel that your work aligns with mine, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me via email (talla.jose.palacios@gmail.com) or connect with me on LinkedIn to start a conversation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tallallc.github.io/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jos%C3%A9-palacios-710a4a273/

Image Credits

The TEDx picture: Jorge Guzmán
The profile pic (with the hat): Alex Garza