We had the good fortune of connecting with Alejandro “Alex” Ramos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alejandro “Alex”, what matters most to you?
In the many conversations during my travels as a speaker and leadership coach, I’m frequently asked about the principle I hold in the highest regard. It’s a question that always brings me to the essence of what drives us: courage.

This principle isn’t just a lofty ideal; it’s the key to achievement and growth. Every form of progress, every moment of joy and fulfillment, is ignited through courage. Without courage, we risk stagnation, we risk feeling lost.

Courage, comes from the Latin word “cor” and later the French word “corage,” which translates to ‘from the heart.’ To me, it signifies that without courage, we’re not fully allowing our hearts to guide us. It’s through courage that we give voice to our innermost selves, that we live lives rich with meaning. Courage is about moving with conviction towards what you believe in.

In essence, courage is the foundation upon which all else is built—the courage to be authentic, the courage to pursue your passions, the courage to continually seek knowledge and experiences for both personal and professional betterment.

Most people think courage belongs to those on the grand stage. The beauty of courage is we don’t have to be figures like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, or Elon Musk. Courage lives in the everyday acts of a family member, or a stranger offering a helping hand. It’s in the bravery of asking someone about their day, of being genuinely curious, of turning a goal or dream into action.

This is the heart of why I started Lead Without Fear. It’s not a call to be fearless, but to recognize our fears and face them head-on. Our fears, I believe, are not just obstacles but indicators. Fear points us towards areas needing our attention and commitment. It’s about understanding these signals, so we can confront and navigate through them.

For the readers, know that courage is within all of us, waiting to be exercised. It’s this principle that can lead us to profound growth and, indeed, to lead without fear.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our business at Lead Without Fear is about embracing the challenge of leadership head-on. What sets us apart isn’t just what we do; it’s how deeply we connect with the hearts of those we guide, helping them believe in themselves and propelling organizations forward. Our journey here wasn’t straightforward. Transitioning from a lengthy military career to entrepreneurship meant facing a steep learning curve. But here’s a thought for everyone out there pursuing something meaningful; you’re not in it alone. If you lead with intention and courage towards that ‘something’ meaningful, you can, and will, thrive.

In an industry flooded with talent, our aim is to add value where it’s most needed. We don’t believe in the all-too-common cookie-cutter programs, we focus on fostering authentic leadership at a personal level. We encourage leaders to recognize their unique strengths, confront what holds them back, and harness what has propelled them forward. It’s about finding the courage within to enjoy the fulfillment leadership brings, not just for oneself, but in elevating others. This of course may lead to increased employee engagement, production, and the edge needed in a competitive market.

Simply put, we value clarity—clarity in purpose, clarity in the results you seek, and clarity in the strategies to get you there. This clarity, paired with the right mindset and strategy, paves the way for progress for the organization and the people who make the mission happen. It’s about improvement, about inspiring others, and about realizing that every one of us has something invaluable to contribute, leading to greater retention, innovation, and decreased conflict. Our methodology is one path toward personal and professional fulfillment.

At Lead Without Fear, we don’t let fear dictate our path. We understand it, engage with it, and ultimately, we learn to make it work for us. Embracing our fears is the first step toward living the life we truly deserve. That’s the message we live by, and that’s the transformation we offer.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Orlando has a lot of experiences waiting to be discovered. Just like in coaching, where a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t cut it, crafting an Orlando adventure is all about personalization. It’s crucial to start by asking what lights up the visitor’s eyes. Is there a dream experience or a tip they’ve learned about on social media? This insight allows us to tailor a journey that delivers not just fun but fulfillment.

But here’s a thought, true growth happens at the edge of our comfort zones. So, while I’ll weave in their must-dos, I’ll also sprinkle in the unexpected experiences off the beaten path that reveal the city’s diverse character. For example, a fun and unique week-long itinerary in Orlando that mixes both would be:

Breakfast at a local favorite café (Deeply or The Robinson).
Explore the Harry P. Leu Gardens, a hidden gem away from the crowds.
Visit the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art.
Kayaking at Wekiwa Springs State Park.
Enjoy an outdoor movie at Lake Eola Park or the Market on Sunday.
Road trip to the Kennedy Space Center.
Interactive cooking class featuring local cuisine.
Take a stroll down Winter Park district.
Swim with manatees at Crystal River.
Outdoor Yoga/Meditation session
Dinner at Bull and Bear, cocktail at Mathers, Proper.
Comedy show or Magic game.
Conclude with a “Choose Your Own Adventure” day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
This is a great question—one that calls us to appreciate those who took a chance on us, who believed in us even when we doubted ourselves. With regard to organzations, for me, it was the U.S. Air Force that honed my leadership skills and tested my abilities. I dedicated 20 years, nine months, and 28 days to the military, serving as an officer in the field of aerospace physiology. Along the way, mentors saw potential in me and helped me to value life and the sacrifices made for our freedom. We were not perfect and made mistaks, but among those I served with, there was a profound sense of solidarity and care for our country and its people.

A book that deeply influenced me is “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius. It taught me that leadership can be a solitary path, and that’s perfectly fine. The book instilled in me the importance of being a lifelong learner, valuing introspection, self-reflection, and maintaining a student’s mindset. I’m fascinated that words over 2,000 years ago continue to resonate with leaders today.

Many people shaped who I am and helped me along the way. Of course, my mother, my father, my sister, and my brothers have profoundly shaped who I am today. In my Latino culture, family bonds are crucial, they can lift us up to newer heights. My family has a rich military heritage; my father served 24 years in the Air Force, my sister and brother also served, and another brother was a software engineer for military technology. This upbringing shaped me profoundly until my full retirement in March of 2023, for which I am eternally grateful.

In my military career, Major General Kurt F. Neubauer stood out as a pivotal figure in shaping my leadership style. His example taught me to embrace the unique qualities within me. I’ll never forget his speech to a group of commanders, where he invoked our military heritage with such passion, emphasizing the weight of command and the honor of leading those who embody the best of our nation. It was his example that led me to the concept of “expressive meaning” as a must have leadership ability.

This concept of “expressive meaning,” the power of conveying the significance behind our actions and beliefs, is central to leadership. It can inspire or discourage. We have not only the choice but also the duty to communicate in a way that fosters belief and propels us toward personal and collective growth. My commitment to speaking on leadership is rooted in this belief, a belief that with the right mindset and strategy, we can find joy in leadership, a sentiment too many leaders unfortunately miss.

I also owe a debt of gratitude to Enrique Acosta, a fellow military retiree who has guided me through the transition to civilian life. His servant leadership and steadfast faith have reassured me that our capacity to contribute persists beyond military service, that we always have more to give.

Website: www.coachalexramos.com

Instagram: @meetcoachalex

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachalexramos/

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