Most guys are willing to admit they’re stressed, overwhelmed, or dealing with stuff internally. But almost none of them actually go talk to someone about it. It shows up in subtle ways too. Coaching calls start drifting into deeper personal territory, and that’s usually where I have to draw a line. I’m not a therapist, and I don’t give psychological advice. But I’ve noticed my approach naturally pushes people to think a level deeper about what’s actually going on. When you slow down and really look at your decisions, patterns start to show up. Why you’re avoiding something, where the pressure is coming from, what’s actually driving certain choices. And a lot of times, what feels like a business problem… isn’t just a business problem. Which made me think, why is it still so hard for men to get that kind of support? I hear cost or time sometimes, but honestly it feels like it’s more about how we’ve been wired to think about it. For example how “needing help = weakness”. From what I’ve seen, it’s actually the opposite. Some of the most solid founders I’ve worked with take their mental health seriously. Therapy, reflection, taking time to understand themselves. Not as a “nice to have,” but because it directly impacts how they show up in their business. At a certain point, it stops being a strategy issue. It becomes a self-awareness issue. Curious, what do you all think… Do you think founders avoid this because of time, money, or just how we’ve been conditioned?

✨ Take a moment to tune in and get intentional: 💭 What are your top 3 goals right now? 🎯 For each one, what specific actions are you taking this week to bring them to life? 📝 Write them out clearly so you can see the path, hear your commitment, and feel the momentum building. 🔥 Where can you move with more clarity, more courage, or more consistency? Drop your answers below—this is your space to show up powerfully 💫

A chain is only as strong as its individual links. To build a startup that lasts, you have to forge your link with the right knowledge and tools. The Classroom tab is where we provide the "gold" for your Cadenita, walking you through the Lean Startup process step-by-step. Master the Lean Startup Steps 🚀 Each module is designed to help you build a solid foundation so you can rise with the rest of the community: - Step #1: Start with a Great Problem – Every great startup begins by identifying a problem worth solving. - Step #2: Research & Analysis – Dig deep into the market to ensure your solution has a place to grow. - Step #3: Customer Discovery – Talk to your customers early and often to stay linked to their actual needs. - Step #4: Innovation & Design – Use Blue Ocean Strategy to create rather than just compete. - Step #5: The MVP Cycle – Learn how to launch your Minimum Viable Product to start the cycle of growth. Real-World Wisdom 💡 Beyond the steps, you’ll find case studies, like Border X Brewing, and profiles of Subject Matter Experts who have already forged their path and are here to help you forge yours. Don't let your link be the one that opens. Head over to the Classroom Tab today to start your first module. Ready to grow? Join the "Cadenita" at The Latino Startup, where we link our strengths to rise as one. Invite a friend to link up with us because the stronger the chain, the higher we all go. Juntos.

Hola! Bienvenido to The Latino Startup community! 🚀 We’re excited to have you on this journey to unlock innovation, build thriving businesses, and strengthen our community’s economic future. Here’s how to get started: 1️⃣ Log in to Skool - Go to [Skool link] and sign in with your account. - Update your profile with your photo, bio, and what you’re working on. 2️⃣ Introduce Yourself... Please! - Head to the Community section and share a quick intro: - Your relationships to this incredibly talented group of people is perhaps the biggest value! 3️⃣ Explore the Classroom - Check out the Courses section for our Lean Startup tools, resources, and recorded sessions. - Start with the Problem Statement Module – it’s the foundation of our work together. 4️⃣ Join the Weekly Sessions - We meet every Thursday from 5:30–7:00 pm (PST). - These are interactive, hands-on sessions where you’ll test ideas, share progress, and learn with fellow founders. 5️⃣ Engage & Contribute - Ask questions, share wins, and support others in the Community feed. - The more you put in, the more you’ll get out. This is a true community of practice. ✨ Remember: This is not a get-rich-quick scheme. We’re building something deeper—real companies, real jobs, and real change. Together, we’ll unlock the genius that already exists in our communities. We’re excited to see what you’ll build. Let’s get started! Con mucho ánimo, David Favela Executive Director, The Latino Startup

In our Latino Startup community, we’re flipping the "crabs in a bucket" script. And replacing it with a Cadenita (a golden chain), where every link is forged by the struggle and strength of the one before it. We stay linked because our value is tied to our connection; if one opens, we all fall. We rise together. 1. The Founder’s Inner Game Business problems are often "self" problems in disguise. - The Shift: Real strength isn't "toughing it out" alone. Top founders now treat mental health and self-awareness as high-level business requirements, not luxuries. - The Goal: Moving from strategy to self-awareness to change how you show up. 2. From "Maker" to "Director" 🛠️ Stop doing every tiny task. It’s time for the Delegation Shift. - AI Wins: Use tools like Gmail AI and Adobe Firefly to handle the routine. - The Mindset: AI is for amplification, not replacement. - Challenge: Automate one recurring email task today. Buy back your time. 3. Community Momentum - Anywhere Hustle: Armando showed us that even on laundry and truck-maintenance day, the learning doesn't stop. - Elevate: Big moves from our 3 featured companies during Thursday’s session. - Purpose: What are you looking forward to this week, and why does it matter? The Discussion Chris noted that many founders admit to stress but avoid professional support. It's a lack of time/money, or are we still fighting the "conditioned" fear that needing help equals weakness? Links for the Week: - Thursday Elevate Recording - The Delegation Shift Summary - Rocío’s Reflection Thread The contributors featured in this week’s recap include: - @Chris Bustos : Highlighted the importance of mental health and founder self-awareness. - @Hilda Soto a: Led the "Delegation Shift" and AI automation strategies. - @Armando Galvan-Holbrook : Demonstrated the "anywhere hustle" by balancing life and learning. - @Rocío Pérez : Guided the community reflection and weekly mindset. - @David Favela : Provided the classroom video content for community growth.