Gary Acosta is an entrepreneur, public policy advocate, investor, and thought leader passionate about advancing prosperity for Latinos and other underserved communities.
This September, ProXimo takes over AVANCE Global in San Diego for four days of high-level networking, deal-making, and inspiration. From groundbreaking startups to powerhouse investors, it’s the ultimate marketplace for Latino economic mobility. This year also debuts ProXimo Next, a first-of-its-kind track for the adult children of attendees, designed to build lifelong friendships and business partnerships.
When Auburn coach Bruce Pearl calls President Obama “divisive,” it’s more than just partisan rhetoric—it’s a flawed comparison that ignores context and nuance. In this episode, I break down why Obama’s leadership as the first Black president, fighting for fairness and equality, is nothing like coaching a basketball team—and why Latino leaders must reject oversimplified narratives. The takeaway: we can teach grit and resilience while also standing up for justice.
Whether we like it or not, the image of Latinos in America affects all of us. So, the question is: what do we want that image to evoke? In this episode, I break down three core traits the Latino brand should represent—grit, positivity, and loyalty—and why these values are key to changing perceptions, inspiring pride, and building trust in our community.
If Latino Americans were a stand-alone country, we’d be the fifth largest economy in the world. In this episode, I break down the data behind Latino economic growth, including homeownership and purchasing power, and explain how unity is the key to transforming our influence. I also share the three issues that will define our future power: education, access to capital, and political representation. If we get these right, the next generation of Latinos will lead the world.
True leadership starts with extreme accountability—but somewhere along the way, this essential discipline has been lost. In this episode, I share lessons from legendary coaches and why the best leaders own both their victories and their mistakes. If you want respect from your team—and to truly lead—this is where it begins.
Why do we “look up” to our leaders? Where did that phrase even come from—and what does it say about what we expect from those in power? In this episode, I explore what real leadership looks like, why confidence and focus matter more than gossip and pettiness, and how Latinos can embody a regal mindset in their own leadership journeys. If you want to lead, you’ve got to rise above the noise.
“What did you do during the war?” was once a national rallying cry—and today, it carries new meaning for Latinos in America. In this episode, I reflect on what it means to be under attack in the very country we helped build. From families being separated to legal status revoked, this isn’t just about politics—it’s about our legacy. What will we tell our kids and grandkids we did when our community was under fire?
Experts say up to 50% of white-collar jobs could disappear in the next decade—but AI isn’t just a threat. In this episode, I explain how Latinos can turn disruption into opportunity. With the right strategy, we can build more, earn more, and lead in the new economy. Now is our time.
Like it or not, Trump may shape the next economic cycle—and some sectors will benefit more than others. In this episode, I share four areas where I believe opportunity will grow in the coming years: business ownership, digital currencies, commercial real estate, and Mexico. From tax advantages to shifting trade dynamics, this is not about politics—it’s about being prepared. If you want to win in the next cycle, start here.
With so much injustice happening—from mass deportations to rising discrimination—you’d think Latinos would be more unified. But that’s easier said than done. In this episode, I break down why unity has eluded us, the four mindsets shaping Latino identity today, and how our shared values—especially family—can still bring us together. Let’s stop arguing and start building. Our strength is in our unity.