Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cenk Sanal. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cenk, thank you so much for joining us today and appreciate you talking about a sensitive topic. It’s unfortunately relevant to so many in the community as layoffs have been on the rise recently, and so we’d appreciate hearing your story and how you overcame being let go?
At first, losing a job can feel like a huge setback — especially when you’re just starting out. But as you go through life, you start to learn how to handle these situations more constructively. In fact, I believe that experiencing a layoff early in your career can actually be a gift in disguise.
Right after graduating from university, I started working as a second assistant director on a TV program. On just my second day, I was fired — simply because I didn’t carry a pen with me. As difficult as it was in the moment, that experience taught me two very valuable lessons. First, I always carry a pen now! And second, I began to better understand how to read people’s intentions — even if I don’t always get it right, it has helped me navigate professional relationships more effectively.
About 25 years later, I experienced another layoff. While it was disappointing, I didn’t fall apart. Years of experience had taught me how to stay calm, assess the situation, and start planning my next move. My advice to anyone in that position: stay composed and focus on what comes next.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m the founder of Blackluxe Ride, a family-run luxury transportation service based in Houston, Texas. What started as a small idea has grown into a business rooted in trust, comfort, and reliability. Our focus is on providing a premium experience — not just a ride. Every detail, from punctual pickups to clean, spacious SUVs, reflects our commitment to service and safety.
What makes Blackluxe Ride special is that we truly care. We treat every client like family. Whether it’s an airport transfer, a business meeting, or a special event, we show up with professionalism, respect, and attention to detail. Many of our clients are repeat riders who appreciate the peace of mind they get when booking with us.
What excites me most is the personal connection we build with our community. We’ve had the privilege of serving families during life’s biggest moments — vacations, weddings, graduations, and even medical visits that require extra care and privacy. That trust means everything to us.
We’re currently expanding our services and working on a few updates, including a more streamlined booking experience through social media and direct messaging. We’re also exploring corporate partnerships and adding new vehicles to better serve our growing clientele.
Whether you’re visiting Houston or you live here and want a transportation service you can rely on, we’d love to have you ride with us.
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 key qualities have had the biggest impact on my journey: resilience, emotional intelligence, and adaptability. 1. Resilience
Entrepreneurship — and life in general — comes with setbacks. I’ve faced layoffs, disappointments, and moments of uncertainty, but resilience kept me going. Instead of seeing failure as an ending, I’ve learned to see it as feedback. For those just starting out, remember that every obstacle is shaping you. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes — just make sure you learn from them.
2. Emotional Intelligence
Understanding people — their needs, their moods, their motivations — is a powerful skill. It’s helped me not only build stronger relationships with clients, but also make better decisions as a business owner. My advice: listen more than you speak. Pay attention to body language, tone, and energy. Those “soft” skills often make the biggest difference.
3. Adaptability
The ability to pivot, especially in a fast-changing world, is essential. Whether it’s new technology, evolving customer expectations, or global shifts, staying flexible has helped me stay relevant and keep growing. For newcomers, I’d say: be curious. Stay open to learning. Things may not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay — sometimes Plan B is better than Plan A.
Ultimately, your journey is your own. But building these three qualities can help you face it with clarity, strength, and confidence.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, the first thing I try to do is pause and breathe. It sounds simple, but even just a few deep breaths can shift your mindset and help you slow down enough to think clearly.
One strategy that works well for me is breaking things down into smaller steps. Overwhelm often comes from looking at the big picture all at once. Instead, I focus on just the next action — whether it’s making one phone call, writing one email, or checking one item off a list. Progress, even if it’s small, creates momentum.
Another thing I’ve learned is the importance of asking for help. Whether it’s delegating tasks or simply talking to someone I trust, sharing the weight makes a huge difference. You don’t have to do everything alone.
Lastly, I remind myself that it’s okay to not have all the answers right away. Overwhelm often stems from pressure — to perform, to fix everything, to be perfect. But growth comes from giving yourself permission to be human, to take breaks, and to come back stronger.
For anyone struggling, my advice is: give yourself grace, stay present, and take things one step at a time. You’re doing better than you think.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackluxeride.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackluxeride/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackluxeride
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/blackluxe-ride-houston
- Other: https://linktr.ee/blackluxeride
