Gary Acosta is an entrepreneur, public policy advocate, investor, and thought leader passionate about advancing prosperity for Latinos and other underserved communities.
Some call it selfish; I call it the American way. In this episode, I break down why voting for policies that improve your life isn’t just your right—it’s how the system was designed to work. When we vote our own interests, we build a country that works for everyone.
Michael Jordan wasn’t picked first in the NBA draft—he wasn’t even picked second. Why? The Portland Trail Blazers hired for position, not for talent, and passed on the greatest basketball player of all time. In this episode, I explain why employers make the same mistake, and why the smartest leaders hire the best people they can find—regardless of position.
Politicians on both sides have overreached—ICE raids and the war on DEI have gone too far, and history tells us there will be a rebound. In this episode, I explain why attacks on Latinos may end up uniting us more than ever before, and why the backlash could be a turning point for our community.
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?