Meet Diego Hurtado

We recently connected with Diego Hurtado and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Diego , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
It was back in the day when I was a kid, and I decided to start playing soccer. I believe I loved it or enjoyed it so much because I felt I was different, because I felt important, because I could express myself no matter who or what was around me — the rich kids, the ones who had a ‘better life’ than me. On the field, I was at the same level. It didn’t matter where I came from or who I was. The neighborhood I was from or whether I had nice shoes didn’t matter. I was equal to them, if not better, at playing soccer.

When it became more serious, I didn’t want this feeling to go away. I didn’t want NOT to be next to them just showing that I was better than them, that I was important, that I was someone. So, I knew I had to work; I had to keep training, keep developing, I needed to keep improving and become better to stay there.

That was my fuel, that became my work ethic. That’s why I worked more than anybody. Then I saw my mom and my dad doing the same thing in their lives. They had to put food on the table; they had the pressure of real life, and they couldn’t stop. They had to keep working and build not the strongest work ethic, but somehow it taught me how to be.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Born in the vibrant capital city of Bogota, Colombia, soccer has been an integral part of my life, igniting a passion that has shaped my journey. My early experiences with the sport were transformative, particularly when I joined Equidad Seguros, a professional team at the youth level. This opportunity marked the beginning of an exciting path in soccer.

The next chapter unfolded when my family and I embraced the American dream, moving to the United States. This significant leap, taken when I was just seventeen, was both a tremendous blessing and a challenging decision, setting the stage for remarkable achievements ahead. In the U.S., I continued to pursue my soccer passion, playing at the collegiate level with Thomas University. Over four years, I emerged as one of the program’s standout players, honing my skills and developing a deeper understanding of the game.

In 2015, I embarked on my professional soccer career with Miami United, an illustrious chapter that opened doors to a series of incredible opportunities. My journey took me to play for renowned teams like the New York Cosmos, Las Vegas Lights FC, and FC Milwaukee Torrent. Each team, each city brought new experiences and learnings, culminating in a triumphant move to New York City. Here, I competed with New York Contour United, winning the 2021 UPSL National Championship, a testament to the culmination of years of dedication and hard work.

Parallel to my soccer career, I nurtured my entrepreneurial spirit, establishing a business in New York City. This venture was not just a business endeavor but a manifestation of the values and experiences garnered throughout my soccer journey. It was during this time that I crafted and embraced what I call “the soccer mentality.” This mindset is more than just an approach to the sport; it’s a philosophy that permeates every aspect of life. It’s about cultivating a culture within a brand, a club, and a community. It’s about building something that resonates with people, something that stands for resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. The DIAZA brand embodies this ethos, reflecting the lessons learned on and off the field.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize how each moment, each challenge, and each triumph has contributed to who I am today. Growing up in a tough environment, it was just me and my family against the world. Yet, I never let go of my roots. Instead, I allowed them to fuel and inspire me. They motivated me to push boundaries, to dream bigger, and to forge a path that is uniquely mine. Today, as a businessman and a former professional athlete, I carry these lessons with me. They remind me of the resilience and determination that have been my companions on this incredible journey. I stand today, a testament to the power of dreams, the strength of will, and the unyielding spirit of a true soccer mentality.

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?
Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have profoundly shaped my path are resilience, strategic thinking, and the ability to connect and communicate with others.

Resilience: The journey through professional sports and entrepreneurship is filled with highs and lows. Resilience has been crucial in navigating these challenges. It’s about bouncing back from setbacks and maintaining focus on your goals, even when circumstances are tough. For those at the beginning of their journey, I recommend cultivating resilience by setting small, achievable goals and gradually stepping out of your comfort zone. Resilience is like a muscle; it strengthens with use. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learn to adapt to changing circumstances.

Strategic Thinking: In both soccer and business, success often hinges on your ability to think strategically. This involves planning, understanding the bigger picture, and making decisions that align with long-term goals. To develop strategic thinking, start by familiarizing yourself with the fundamentals of your field. Learn from mentors, study successful strategies, and don’t shy away from analyzing failures. Apply critical thinking to problem-solving and practice envisioning various scenarios to enhance your decision-making skills.

Communication and Connection: The ability to effectively communicate and connect with others has been invaluable. Whether it’s with teammates, coaches, business partners, or clients, building strong relationships is key. To improve these skills, focus on active listening, empathy, and clear, concise communication. Seek to understand the perspectives of others and express your ideas in a way that resonates. Networking and collaborating with diverse groups can also enhance your ability to connect with a wide range of individuals.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to continuously work on these areas. Be open to learning and feedback, seek out experiences that challenge you, and remember that growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Embrace the journey with an open mind and a willing heart, and you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve.

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the last 12 months, my life has changed significantly. I’ve had to overcome many personal obstacles. Embarking on the journey of building a company requires learning about everything. Apart from sales, which came easiest to me, I’ve had to learn accounting, marketing, fulfillment, product management, product development, design, teamwork, and how to deal with different personalities and soft skills. There are so many aspects that make it challenging. Besides, you need time for yourself, your family, your spouse, and to maintain physical well-being.

I’ve had to start focusing and learning faster to keep pace with the growth, and I’m still doing so. The most significant qualities I’ve developed in the last 12 months have been adaptability and time management, and they have been instrumental in organizing my life.

Time management and adaptability have been particularly important for me. Time management has allowed me to balance the numerous responsibilities of running a business with personal commitments. It’s about prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and allocating time efficiently. This skill has been crucial in ensuring that I don’t neglect any area of my life or business.

Adaptability, on the other hand, has been key in navigating the unpredictable and rapidly changing business landscape. It’s about being flexible, open to new ideas, and ready to pivot strategies when necessary. This quality has helped me to respond effectively to challenges and seize opportunities as they arise.

These skills have not only contributed to the success of my business but have also brought a sense of harmony and effectiveness to my personal life. Developing adaptability and time management skills has been a transformative part of my journey, enabling me to grow as a business leader and individual.

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