CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
Amador Lucero CenturyLink
TITLE:
VP Network Operations Center EDUCATION:
BS, University of Phoenix; MBA, Arizona State University
HEADQUARTERS: Monroe, Louisiana WEBSITE: www.centurylink.com BUSINESS: Telecommunications REVENUES: $18.7 billion EMPLOYEES: 49,000
LAST BOOK I READ:
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking, by Malcolm Gladwell MY PERFECT DAY:
Skiing 33 or more runs, resolving a serious problem, mentoring an open-minded mentee INTERESTS:
Skiing, golfing, photography, learning, teaching (anyone, but especially my grandchildren), problem solving
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What does it mean to be a part of the fastest growing minority in the U.S.? How does that alter how you are treated as a consumer and a person? I am proud to be Hispanic. It is a rich culture with honorable attributes. I enjoy being able to reach across multiple cultures and generations to understand the business and other interests of these diverse groups. It is meaningful to me in that I am able to see and understand the technical, cultural, and leadership opportunities that are present and to do my best to assist in addressing or helping out those who will allow me to assist. There are many associates and acquaintances who can help me and who can use my help. The growth of the Hispanic population has created the realization that a different approach by businesses and politicians is required to reach this demographic. I am old enough to remember a time when my “kind” were largely ignored, and frankly, at that time I was happy to be part of the background. Those early times in my life allowed me to learn about the cultures that existed in various geographies. This allowed me to take an adaptive approach in order to deliver what I could in the various jobs and positions I held.
Rodney Prezeau Charles Schwab TITLE:
SVP, Affluent Client Experience EDUCATION:
HEADQUARTERS: San Francisco, California WEBSITE: www.schwab.com BUSINESS: Financial services EMPLOYEES: 13,000
BA, Yale University; MBA, Stanford University LAST BOOK I READ:
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by Arthur Conan Doyle MY PERFECT DAY:
Wake up and play soccer with friends, then some reading and relaxing. I’d likely catch up on things around the house, then more sports, then top off the evening with a date night with my wife. INTERESTS:
Sports, reading, family
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How has your heritage been beneficial or helpful in your career/and or business relationships? I have had many doors open for me because of my language skills, having grown up in a Spanish-speaking home. I have been on projects that have changed my career because I speak Spanish. I have also had the opportunity to live in other countries like Brazil, which have created opportunities I might not otherwise have had. I was promoted at JP Morgan because of the emerging Latin market. I was qualified for the opportunities because I spoke Spanish, Portuguese, and French. Because I was willing to work in these new market areas, it allowed me to learn greater adaptation skills. My home culture and mainstream culture placed me in the mix of America.
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What do you think is the greatest issue or dilemma facing the Hispanic/Latino community today? I think it is a financial one. I don’t think Latinos save as much as they should. I also do not think they are familiar with what investing is and how important it is in preparing for retirement. We need to educate the Hispanic community about the benefits of saving and saving early, as well as investing, which can provide a greater return. I think it is a cultural issue—family members live with each other and may expect help when one retires. That way of life does not work as well in today’s financial landscape and within the current economy. September/October 2012
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