Introduction
I should have been a banker. That was what my father and grandfather did, and that was my destiny until I turned 20. But life, as it often does, had other plans. After years of college, I found myself destined to become a professor-a noble path, but one that was never congenial to me.
And then, somewhere along the way, I stopped trying to define my career and let it define me. What was the result? A plethora of creative options: entrepreneur, TV host, podcast host, and fractional CMO.
But back to 2010, when colon tumor forced me to put everything on hold. Faced with the terrifying unknown of a life-threatening diagnosis, I did what any sane person would do: I bought a motorcycle and decided to ride across America.
That trip turned out to be the best decision I ever made, and it wasn't just about the open road or the scenery. It was about resetting my life, my priorities and my approach to everything.
The Body: A Journey of Fear Setting and Rediscovery
Before I get into the meat of the journey, I would like to tell you about something that has been central to my journey: Tim Ferriss' TED talk on "Fear Setting." In 2017, as I was going through a difficult time, I came across this talk and it hit me like a ton of bricks.
Ferriss talks about the importance of defining your fears instead of your goals. It is a way to face what is holding you back, to visualize worst-case scenarios, and to realize that they are not as terrifying as they seem. It completely changed my perspective.
As I drove across America, with nothing but the wind in my face and the hum of the engine below me, I had a lot of time to think about fear. Fear of dying, fear of failure, fear of living a life that was not my own. And somewhere along the highways and byways, I decided that I would no longer allow fear to dictate my life.
It was not only a physical ride but also a mental and emotional one. I stopped at random restaurants, slept in motels that hadn't been renovated since the 1970s, and met people from all walks of life. I spent nights under the stars, reflecting on what I had done with my life up to that point and what I wanted to do with the rest.
At that moment I realized that I had spent too much of my life trying to be what others expected of me. The first 30 years were all about fulfilling roles: student, future banker, professor. But there, on the open road, I decided that the next 60 years would be devoted to fulfilling my expectations.
So I started thinking about what I really enjoyed. It was not pitting numbers in a bank or lecturing in a classroom—those roles had their value, and I did find satisfaction in them.
But what sparked me was the ingenuity of entrepreneurship, the charge of storytelling as a TV host, and the challenge of helping companies grow as a fractional CMO. I loved the idea of working with CEOs and helping them see opportunities they might’ve missed.
But I also realized that I needed to make room for what mattered most: my family, my creativity, and the adventures that make life worth living.
Reflection: Lessons Learned on the Open Road
Looking back, I should have gotten on that bike long before 2010. I should have realized that life is not just about following a path, but creating your own. For too long I gave in to what "had" to happen. But life doesn't work that way. It is unpredictable, full of detours and unexpected turns.
Strategic Pete was born out of this period of self-discovery. That journey across America wasn’t just a midlife crisis—it was a rebirth. It taught me to welcome uncertainty, take risks, and pursue what truly makes me happy. Strategic Pete is the brainchild of this realization.
I wanted to take what I know in marketing, be independent, and work with the team I love, helping others make money when they have good products to sell. Strategic Pete wasn’t born overnight, but the thoughts started brewing during that ride. I became an entrepreneur, a marketer, and someone who helps others turn data into success.
Now, as I look to the future, I’m excited about the possibilities. I’m working on new projects, like my book, "From Zero to Hero: How Internships Can Change Your Life," which dives into the transformative power of internships. I’m also directing a documentary titled "People Worth Caring About," focusing on the importance of long-term care.
And I’m thrilled about my upcoming TV program, "Sueño Americano," which will take me around the United States, exploring the dreams and stories of Latin Americans. But more than anything, I’m focused on spending time with my son and wife.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
If there is one thing I learned from my journey, it is this: don't wait for a crisis to start living your life. Don't wait for a tumor, a midlife crisis or a wake-up call. Get on that metaphorical (or literal) motorcycle right away. Take the road less traveled. Make mistakes. Take risks. Do what you love.
Life is too short to live on someone else's terms. So whether in business or in life, remember that it is never too late to start over, to redefine your path and to create the life you desire.
For me, this realization came on two wheels, somewhere between Kansas and Florida. Where will it arrive for you?
