Meet Roberto Garcia

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

Hi Roberto , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room—and the only one who looks like me—has been both a challenge and a source of strength. I’ve learned to be effective and successful by grounding myself in unwavering self-belief and the confidence that I’ve earned my place through skill, preparation, and resilience. I didn’t arrive by accident; I created the opportunity through hard work, focus, and intention.

As an actor, stuntman, and military/tactical advisor, I’ve stepped into many rooms where I was the exception—not the norm. In this industry, showing up with authenticity, discipline, and the ability to adapt under pressure isn’t just valuable—it’s essential. Whether I’m bringing a character to life, executing physically demanding stunt work, or helping a production achieve tactical accuracy, I lead with intention and integrity.

What sets you apart isn’t just how you show up in the room, but the dedication and discipline you apply when no one is watching. That behind-the-scenes commitment builds the foundation for success, long before any room is entered.

I’ve also learned to stay rooted in outcomes rather than obstacles. Life and circumstances can be overwhelming, but it’s up to us not to make them harder than they need to be. I choose to lead with clarity, contribute with purpose, and remain focused on solutions.

Being ‘the only one’ has never been a limitation—it’s been a reminder of what’s possible when you own your voice, trust your path, and stay committed to excellence.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am an artist and a storyteller—both behind and in front of the camera. Over the past 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working as an actor, stuntman, and military/tactical advisor, helping bring stories to life across a wide range of settings—from historical battles to futuristic worlds.

Whether it’s ensuring on-set safety during high-risk stunt sequences or guiding the accuracy of military and tactical scenes, I take great pride in honoring the reality behind the roles. It’s important to me that the final result pays proper tribute to those who serve and have served—bringing authenticity and respect to every frame.

What drives me most is the impact of the work: seeing the cast and crew’s reaction to a successful stunt, or the look on a viewer’s face when a scene lands just right—the suspense, the action, the awe. That’s the magic of storytelling.

This industry has taught me so much, and I continue to learn every day. For me, this is more than a career—it’s a calling. I’m grateful to have turned my real-life military experience and personal journey into a creative path fueled by passion, purpose, and persistence. It’s a true testament to the power of hard work and staying the course.

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, three core qualities have had the greatest impact on my journey: grit, adaptability, and purpose.

Grit is something I developed early in life and continued to strengthen during my time in the Marines. It has helped me stay focused, grounded, and balanced through even the most challenging circumstances. That inner resilience has been a constant anchor.

Another driving force has been the Marine Corps motto: “Adapt and overcome.” Life is full of unexpected shifts—circumstances we don’t anticipate or plan for. This mindset has helped me navigate change while staying committed to the mission at hand. As a young father, this was especially important. No matter what came my way, I made sure the goals were met and my responsibilities were fulfilled—with family always as the top priority. I was raised to value that deeply: to grow together, to evolve together, and to build a legacy that future generations can be proud of.

Lastly, I believe in striving to be both imperturbable and relentless. These are ideals I work toward daily—remaining calm under pressure while never losing momentum. At some point in life, we all have to make a stand. We must define what challenge, goal, or purpose is worthy of our commitment—something that will not only define us now, but also leave a lasting mark long after we’re gone.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

If I knew I only had a decade left to live, I wouldn’t change a thing. I would continue living exactly as I have been—doing what I love and sharing that joy with the people closest to me.

My perspective on life was shaped early on during my time in the U.S. Marines. I was deployed to a combat theater during the invasion of Iraq, where I experienced intense and often harrowing situations. Those close calls and challenges forced me to reflect on the fragility of life and the importance of living it with purpose.

I never felt compelled to change the world in some grand or sweeping way. Instead, my focus has always been to live a life that honors my family, my peers, and the values instilled in me. I believe life is a gift, and every day presents a new opportunity—to learn, to grow, and above all, to love.

Regardless of where we come from or our economic status, we all face hardships. But our dreams and goals are only limited by our mindset. There is enough opportunity, love, and success to go around. While our aspirations might look similar on the surface, each one is uniquely our own.

Image Credits

The majority of these photos are self-portraits I’ve taken over the years. The last one was captured on set with my phone by a crew member, though I don’t recall exactly who took it.