Gary Acosta is an entrepreneur, public policy advocate, investor, and thought leader passionate about advancing prosperity for Latinos and other underserved communities.
Before the Industrial Revolution, 90% of Americans were self-employed. Today, it’s only 10%. But with AI, blockchain, and new ways of working, experts say we may be heading back to our entrepreneurial roots—and Latinos are poised to lead the way. In this episode, I explore how this shift could spark an unprecedented era of innovation and economic transformation.
As companies cut DEI programs to align with political winds, they’re walking away from the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. economy—creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Latino-focused entrepreneurs. In this episode, I explain why market shifts like these can be a gold rush for those ready to serve diverse communities and why the smartest entrepreneurs will move fast.
When we attack one of our own, our brand suffers and opportunities dry up. In this episode, I talk about the recent backlash against fashion designer Willie Chavarria and why Latinos must focus on celebrating, not tearing down, those who stand up for our community.
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.