We recently connected with Luis Argueta and have shared our conversation below.
Luis, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
My resilience comes from love, sacrifice, and the quiet strength I witnessed growing up in Guatemala City. When I was seven, my father left for the United States to build a better future for me, my Mom and my two sisters. I didn’t see him again for over seven years. During that time, my mom held our family together with grace and determination. My parents faced hardship after hardship, but they never gave up. They started a small business, and by the time I was 14, I was helping them after school and on weekends. That’s where I first learned what it means to keep going, even when life feels heavy.
At 17, I got my U.S. residency, and my parents made the decision to move. I didn’t want to leave. I didn’t speak English, and I was deeply attached to my mom’s family. But I knew I had to be brave. When we arrived, I told my dad, “If we’re going to live here, I need to learn the language.” He signed me up for ESL classes, which I took at night—after working long days in a factory.
It wasn’t easy. There were moments I felt lost, moments I missed home so much it hurt. But I kept going. I learned English. I earned my associate degree. Then, while working full-time, I studied online to complete my bachelor’s degree. Every step forward was fueled by the sacrifices my parents made and the belief that I could honor them by not giving up.
Resilience, to me, is rooted in love. It’s the voice inside that says, “You’ve come too far to stop now.” It’s the memory of my parents’ hands building something from nothing. It’s the little boy in Guatemala who dreamed of more—and the man I’ve become because he never stopped trying.
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 wear two very different hats in my professional life—and I love them both. By day, I’m a **Human Resources Director**, and by night (and weekends), I’m a **Zumba instructor**. On the surface, they might seem unrelated, but both roles are deeply connected by one thing: **people**.
In HR, I get to support individuals and teams, help shape workplace culture, and advocate for fairness, growth, and opportunity. I know what it feels like to start from scratch in a new country, to work hard for every step forward. That’s why I lead with empathy and always try to create spaces where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Teaching Zumba is my joy. It’s where I reconnect with my roots, my energy, and my community. It’s more than just dance—it’s about empowerment, confidence, and celebrating life through movement. I’ve seen people walk into class carrying the weight of the world and leave with a smile. That transformation is powerful. I love making a difference in people’s lives.
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow in both areas. In HR, I’m working on initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, and in Zumba, I’m exploring ways to bring classes to underserved communities. I want to use both platforms to uplift others—whether it’s through a career opportunity or a dance routine that makes someone feel alive again.
My story is one of resilience, but also of joy. I want people to know that you can be strong and soft, professional and passionate, structured and free. You don’t have to choose just one path—you can build a life that honors every part of who you are.
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 qualities have been absolutely essential in my journey: **perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to learning**.
**Perseverance** was something I learned early on. From helping my parents with their small business in Guatemala to working in a factory while learning English at night, I’ve faced many moments where giving up would have been easier. But I kept going. My advice to others is this: don’t wait for the perfect moment or the perfect conditions. Just start. Keep showing up, even when it’s hard. Progress often looks like small steps, not giant leaps.
**Adaptability** became crucial when I moved to the U.S. at 17. I didn’t speak the language, I missed my family, and everything felt unfamiliar. But I made a choice to adapt—to learn, to grow, and to embrace the discomfort. For anyone starting out, know that change is part of the journey. The more open you are to it, the stronger you become. Lean into the unknown—it’s where growth lives.
And finally, **a commitment to learning** has carried me through every stage of my life. From ESL classes to earning my degrees while working full-time, I’ve always believed that education—formal or informal—is a powerful tool. My advice? Never stop learning. Whether it’s through school, books, mentors, or life itself, stay curious and invest in your growth. It will open doors you never imagined.
Everyone’s path is different, but these three qualities can help anyone build a foundation that’s strong enough to carry them through the highs and lows. You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just have to keep moving forward.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
A book that completely changed my life is *Think Like a Monk* by Jay Shetty. I read it during a time when I was juggling a lot—work, school, personal growth—and it helped me slow down and reconnect with myself in a deeper way.
One of the most impactful lessons from the book was the idea that **we are not our thoughts**. That simple truth helped me create space between what I was feeling and how I chose to respond. It taught me that I could observe my emotions without being controlled by them, and that gave me a sense of peace I hadn’t felt before.
Another powerful takeaway was the importance of **finding purpose through service**. That really resonated with me, especially as someone who works in HR and teaches Zumba. Whether I’m helping someone navigate their career or leading a class that lifts someone’s spirit, I’ve come to see that fulfillment comes from giving—not just achieving.
The book also encouraged me to **build daily habits that align with my values**—like gratitude, mindfulness, and intentional living. It reminded me that success isn’t just about what you accomplish, but about who you become in the process.
*Think Like a Monk* didn’t just inspire me—it grounded me. It helped me see that even in the chaos of life, we can create calm, clarity, and meaning by turning inward and living with intention.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: zumbaprince
- Facebook: zumbaprince
- Linkedin: luisrargueta
- Youtube: zumbaprince
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