Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cesar “Rico” Rodriguez . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Cesar “Rico”, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found purpose at each turn in my life because of those who loved me and what they shared with me. My parents exposed me to many great opportunities and encouraged me to take a risk. My coaches challenged me to be disciplined in the preparation details of each sport and the end result was a team victory. My flight instructor (a USAF Fighter pilot) challenged me to be the best pilot I could be, in the air and in ground operations, and when I was faced with the reality of combat each action that I had mastered in pilot training resulted in victory over my enemy. Today I find purpose on each street corner where I see a homeless Veteran…I want to help that Veteran change their life for the better, be it a meal or a roof over there head. Finding my purpose is the culmination of why I worked so hard to get to where I am, to be as disciplined as I am and translating that to a way of life to help others.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I was not the best athlete on the team…but I was a key member of many winning teams. I was not the most creative kid in my scout troop but I was 1 of a million boys who start scouting and complete the journey to Eagle Scout. I was an average pilot with above average focus to every detail and in my Air Force career I achieved what less than 1% of all fighter pilots dream of…three combat air victory’s. In my military career I ascended to the rank of Colonel, I led large organizations to professional success and I took the time to mentor young airmen to achieve career milestones. As a husband I joined forces with my loving wife to raise 2 beautiful children who are true global citizens who always look to help others first. As a business executive I built teams that mastered the art of customer confidence and global growth. On my life journeys I recognized that the finger prints of many people touched the milestones of my successes and failures, each one of them made me a stronger leader, partner, wingman for the next challenge that I would face. Today my professional focus is on helping others via the journey of my Splash3 Foundation.
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?
Each trait took a long time to develop…none came easy but each one builds on the other.
Trust…The journey of trust has many painful intersections. My first experience where I felt I understood trust was in combat and my wingman shot my enemy out of the sky, a few hundred yards off my wing. I knew then what the definition of trust was…like my wingman I would go to the end of the world to make my actions and words life saving.
Teamwork…The journey of sharing victories and storing failures is what builds teams for each situation in life. The key to teamwork is to avoid using the word “I”. When your team recognizes that team success is the only acceptable outcome they become part of the “All IN” formula. You can’t be all in if you are only focused on the I.
Family…while it is true that we don’t get to pick the family we are born into it is more true that family is the life blood to happiness. On the journey of loving and hating your family you also have the strength of love and support when you need it most. Loving your Family is the cornerstone to a blessed faith journey.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents shared their faith with me and my siblings and to this day it is the force that gives us strength to love, courage to ask for help.
In sharing their faith they also encouraged us to grow that faith in God.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: CAR3819
- Facebook: Cesar Rodriguez
- Linkedin: Splash 3
