Hispanic Leadership is a Business and Societal Imperative

By Glenn Llopis | Jan 24, 2011

Center for Hispanic Leadership

Let’s start this discussion with three essential facts:

1. Hispanics are estimated to represent 30% of the United States population by 2050

Without Hispanic leadership in the US, the lack of education and workplace advancement will continue to create barriers for Hispanics into the future. The focus on education starts within our families, but the influence must be expanded beyond by providing our Hispanic youth with authentic Hispanic Leaders as mentors and roles model to help create an infrastructure for opportunity with our communities. Today — colleges, universities and corporations lack the tools to create meaningful and purposeful relationships to properly recruit, retain and train Hispanics for advancement. With the lack of notable Hispanic professors and highly prominent Hispanic leaders in the news or in the workplace, young Hispanics are experiencing an identity crisis. If 30% of the United States population in 2050 is in crisis, this will impede growth in the US as a whole. It will weaken our ability as a nation to inspire new types innovations, to support diversity, and to compete in the global marketplace.

2. Hispanic consumer purchasing power is estimated to reach $1.3 trillion by 2014

To most authentically capture the rapidly growing Hispanic consumer market, corporations must focus on the development of Hispanic leaders in the workplace. To compete in the Hispanic market space, products and services must be designed and implemented by Hispanic leaders that live and breathe its multiple cultures. Hispanic leadership and Hispanic market development represent two sides of the same issue. Fortune 500 brands must be more culturally sensitive and strategic about earning the right to sell to the Hispanic consumer. Bilingual packaging and high-priced advertising that do not connect culturally will not succeed. Corporations must earn the Hispanic consumer relationship — and this begins by developing their Hispanic leaders.

3. Our Uncertain Economy Requires the Immigrant Mentality to Reset America

The economy is too uncertain, the business cycle has accelerated too much, and people have changed. People want to feel like they’re having an impact, like they’re making a difference. They want leadership that empowers them to be relevant and significant. Hispanics have the natural leadership characteristics to successfully create a positive impact and influence in today's economy. Leadership that focuses on sharing, trust, transparency, mobility, and innovation for the betterment of a healthy whole. It’s time to activate them!

Why is it that 74% of people either don't know or do not believe there is an important Hispanic leader in the United States? Why should people believe otherwise, if Hispanics continue to assimilate and ignore their cultural roots as a strategic advantage? The problem is that Hispanics have yet to fully unleash their cultural authenticity that allows them to be their natural and whole selves.

To start this important conversation, I have recently launched my eBook, The Six Reasons Why Hispanic Leadership will Save America’s Corporations, that is available as a free download at www.HispanicLeadershipTour.com. In it, I reveal why Hispanic professionals have the unique opportunity to assume leadership roles in today’s new economy that is being shaped by a fiercely competitive global market. Readers will learn why Hispanic leadership will redefine corporate leadership, and why Hispanic leadership will propel workplace innovation to better serve the increasingly diverse marketplace. In sum, this eBook will jump start a renewed awakening of the powerful immigrant mentality and demonstrate why Hispanic leadership is both a business and societal imperative for America to grow and prosper.

After thorough research, I've discovered the 6 characteristics define Hispanic leadership, based as it is on the rich heritage of the Hispanic legacy. The time has come to unite the disparate elements of Hispanic leadership under a fresh approach to that legacy.

What are you doing to contribute to the three aforementioned areas of Hispanic impact and influence? Are you focused on making a mark — or leaving a legacy? I welcome your views and opinions.