Meet Jose Flores

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jose Flores a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jose, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room, whether it’s as a person with a disability or simply someone with a unique perspective, has been both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. I’ve learned to turn that experience into a strength rather than a limitation.

The first thing I’ve embraced is owning my difference. I no longer see being the only one as a disadvantage. Instead, I recognize that my lived experiences bring a perspective that others may not have considered. Whether I’m addressing accessibility, diversity, or resilience, my unique vantage point adds value to every conversation. I’ve learned to walk—or roll—into every room knowing I belong there, even if no one else looks like me.

Preparation has been key to my success. When you’re the only one in the room, there’s often a subconscious expectation that you need to prove yourself. I’ve learned to be thoroughly prepared, to know my stuff inside and out, and to let my expertise and confidence do the talking. By being ready for any question or challenge, I’ve been able to earn respect and credibility quickly.

Another lesson has been to find allies in the room. Even when I might feel alone initially, I’ve learned to connect with others who share similar values or who are open to learning. Building relationships, even in environments where I stand out, has helped create a sense of belonging and collaboration.

I’ve also learned to be unapologetically myself. Early on, I sometimes felt pressure to downplay aspects of who I am or overcompensate to fit in. Over time, I realized that authenticity is my superpower. People respect honesty and are more likely to listen and connect when you’re true to yourself.

Finally, I focus on turning the spotlight outward. When I’m the only one in the room, I see it as an opportunity to open doors for others who might not have been invited yet. By advocating for inclusion and showing what’s possible, I hope to ensure that no one has to feel like “the only one” in the future.

The biggest takeaway for me has been that being different isn’t a barrier—it’s a platform. It’s a chance to teach, to inspire, and to lead. And every time I step into a room, I carry the responsibility of making sure the path is a little easier for the next person who comes in after me.

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’m a motivational speaker, author, model, and advocate with a mission to inspire others, break barriers, and create a more inclusive world. My journey began with a desire to share my story as someone living with spinal muscular atrophy, but it’s grown into something far bigger—a movement to empower individuals and organizations to embrace resilience, accessibility, and equity.

Professionally, I focus on delivering keynote speeches and workshops on topics like leadership, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, teamwork, and mental resilience. I also lead transformative courses like my Book Writing Masterclass, which helps aspiring authors share their stories with the world, and the Mindset Takeover Mastery Course, designed to shift perspectives and cultivate personal growth. Through these platforms, I’m able to connect with individuals from all walks of life and help them unlock their potential.

What excites me most about my work is the ripple effect it creates. When someone leaves one of my sessions feeling inspired, they go on to inspire others. When a company embraces inclusivity and accessibility, they set a standard for others to follow. It’s incredible to see the impact that a single story or conversation can have.

My modeling work is another avenue I use to create change. Representing people with disabilities in the media is about more than just visibility—it’s about rewriting narratives and normalizing diversity in all forms. I’m proud to partner with brands and organizations that share this vision.

Currently, I have several exciting initiatives underway. My Mindset Takeover Mastery Course begins on January 30, 2025, and my Book Writing Masterclass begins on February 3, 2025 and I’m working on new collaborations and partnerships that align with my mission. I’m also exploring opportunities to work with organizations like BraunAbility to promote accessibility in innovative ways and am in discussions with brands like SureHands, ShowerBuddy, and others to expand my impact further.

In addition, my wife and I are in the early stages of launching a nonprofit to provide resources like durable medical equipment, home health aid services, and even restorative experiences like vacations or spa days to individuals in need. It’s a project close to my heart and one that I believe can make a lasting difference.

My brand is built on authenticity, purpose, and empowerment. Whether I’m speaking on stage, working with a brand, or engaging with my audience on social media, my goal is to inspire others to see possibilities where they once saw limitations. I want people to know that resilience isn’t about being invincible—it’s about showing up every day, ready to create the change you wish to see.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three qualities that have been instrumental in my journey are: resilience, adaptability, and communication skills. Each has shaped my ability to grow, overcome challenges, and connect with others meaningfully.

1. Resilience
Resilience has been at the core of everything I do. Living with spinal muscular atrophy and navigating a world that isn’t always accessible has taught me how to face obstacles head-on and keep pushing forward. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about learning and growing from every experience, no matter how difficult.

My Advice:
To build resilience, focus on your mindset. Understand that failure and setbacks are part of the process, not the end of the road. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you, and practice self-care to maintain your mental and emotional well-being. Start small by tackling challenges in your daily life, and celebrate the wins, no matter how small they may seem.

2. Adaptability
The ability to adapt to changing circumstances has been critical in my journey. Whether it was learning to adjust my approach to pitching ideas, navigating a career pivot, or managing unexpected life events, adaptability has allowed me to thrive even in uncertain situations.

My Advice:
To develop adaptability, embrace change as an opportunity rather than a threat. Be open to feedback and willing to pivot when things aren’t working. Stay curious and keep learning—whether it’s new technology, trends in your industry, or personal development skills. Practicing flexibility in small situations, like being open to new ideas or adjusting your routine, can help you build this skill over time.

3. Communication Skills
Whether speaking on stage, networking with potential clients, or engaging on social media, communication has been vital in building relationships and conveying my message. Effective communication allows me to connect deeply with people, inspire them, and drive meaningful change.

My Advice:
To improve communication, start by actively listening. Understanding your audience—whether it’s one person or a large group—is key to crafting a message that resonates. Practice storytelling, as it’s one of the most powerful ways to connect emotionally. Most importantly, be authentic; people connect with sincerity over perfection.

For those early in their journey:
– Be Patient: Growth takes time, and developing these skills is a process.
– Seek Mentorship: Learn from those who have walked a similar path and are willing to guide you.
– Take Risks: Step out of your comfort zone. The best lessons often come from the hardest challenges.
– Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s through books, courses, or experiences, the more you grow personally, the more you can offer professionally.

By focusing on resilience, adaptability, and communication, you’ll be equipped to navigate your journey with confidence and purpose.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

Several people and influences have been instrumental in helping me overcome challenges and develop the skills I needed to succeed. However, if I had to highlight one person who has been my greatest source of support and inspiration, it’s my wife, Andrea.

Andrea has been my rock through every stage of my journey. Her unwavering belief in me, even when I doubted myself, has been a driving force behind my success. She sees my potential in moments when I might feel overwhelmed or unsure, and she reminds me why I started this journey in the first place. Andrea’s encouragement has given me the courage to take risks and the resilience to keep going when things get tough.

She’s also my partner in life and business, someone who shares my vision and helps me refine it. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas for a new initiative, offering constructive feedback, or simply being there to listen, Andrea has been essential in my growth both personally and professionally.

Beyond Andrea, there have been mentors like Les Brown, collaborators, and even clients who’ve played pivotal roles. Working with people who share my values and who are willing to offer guidance and opportunities has been incredibly rewarding. I’ve also learned a lot from observing others in my industry—how they overcome obstacles, build their brands, and connect with their audiences.

Lastly, my faith in Jesus Christ has been a constant source of strength. It reminds me that my purpose is bigger than myself and keeps me grounded and focused.

Advice for others: Surround yourself with people who lift you up, challenge you, and believe in your potential. Whether it’s a partner, mentor, or friend, having someone in your corner can make all the difference in staying motivated and overcoming challenges.

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Image Credits

Photo cred: @philipwartena

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