Introduction to Julio Malara and His Journey

In this episode of the Absolutely Mindset Podcast, Ewell Smith interviews Julio Malara, CEO of Amedia Empire, motivational speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Julio shares his transformative journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leader in publishing and business events. Ewell introduces Julio as a person who has profoundly impacted his life and career, recalling the first time he met Julio and the motivational speech that shifted his mindset. Julio’s unique ability to inspire and his entrepreneurial spirit have led him to create platforms like the Executive Leadership Academy and the 21st Century Business Forum, featuring iconic figures like Steve Forbes and John Maxwell.

Defining the Entrepreneurial Mindset

Julio opens by emphasizing the distinction between inventors and entrepreneurs. Inventors create products and then seek a market, while entrepreneurs identify market needs and create solutions to meet them. This fundamental approach, Julio explains, has been pivotal in his success. He attributes his ability to innovate and adapt to the rapidly changing business landscape to maintaining elasticity in strategy and a relentless focus on solving problems.

Gratitude as a Daily Practice

Julio speaks passionately about the importance of gratitude in his life. He credits his mother, a single parent from Honduras, for instilling resilience and a strong work ethic in him. Her sacrifices and encouragement shaped his belief in the power of perseverance. Julio recounts how his mother, despite challenges like learning English through late-night television, inspired him to strive for greatness. He underscores that gratitude is not just a feeling but a practice that drives his approach to life and work.

The Secret of Success: A Life Lesson from His Mother

One of the most memorable stories Julio shares is about a wooden box his mother gave him at 13 years old, labeled “The Secret of Success.” Inside, he found the word “WORK” in bold letters. This simple yet profound gift cemented the importance of hard work in his mind. Julio explains that this lesson has guided him throughout his career. He has since passed down the tradition to his own children, presenting each of them with their own wooden box at the age of 13 to emphasize that success requires effort, dedication, and persistence.

Overcoming Challenges to Become a Speaker

Julio candidly shares his struggles with stuttering and difficulty in English as a child. Ironically, these challenges became his strengths as he pursued a career in public speaking. His journey began when clients, impressed by his early business successes, invited him to share his story. To refine his skills, he joined Toastmasters, which helped him master the art of storytelling and build confidence. Julio highlights the importance of connection in communication, stating, “The purpose of communication is to connect with people.”

Transition from Success to Significance

Reflecting on his personal growth, Julio describes a shift in focus from success to significance. Early in his career, he sought to climb the ladder and achieve financial success. However, as he matured, his priorities evolved toward creating a meaningful legacy. Julio believes true success encompasses all aspects of life—relationships, health, and personal growth—not just professional achievements. He emphasizes the importance of balance and urges listeners to nurture every “spoke of life” to avoid being blindsided by neglect in critical areas.

Leadership as a Cornerstone of His Career

Leadership has become Julio’s central focus, both in his professional endeavors and as a motivational speaker. He founded the Executive Leadership Academy to provide a robust program for small business owners and executives seeking to enhance their leadership skills. This academy, limited to 30 participants per session, has cultivated a strong alumni network and helped numerous professionals elevate their capabilities. Julio also highlights his increasing demand as a speaker on leadership topics, which he attributes to his authentic and practical approach.

Launching the 21st Century Business Forum

Innovation is a recurring theme in Julio’s journey. Recognizing the need for inspiration and guidance in today’s challenging business environment, he created the 21st Century Business Forum. This monthly webcast features renowned business leaders and thinkers such as Nick Saban, Steve Forbes, and John Maxwell. Julio describes the forum as a platform to share insights on innovation, culture, and leadership, helping entrepreneurs and executives navigate their professional challenges. The initiative exemplifies Julio’s commitment to adding value to the business community.

Pivoting During the Pandemic

When discussing the impact of COVID-19, Julio underscores the importance of mindset and adaptability. He adopted Zig Ziglar’s philosophy: “No matter the circumstances, we’ve decided not to participate in the recession.” This proactive approach led Julio’s team to focus on helping their clients survive and thrive. By maintaining a spirit of innovation and creating new products, they were able to navigate the challenges of the pandemic. Julio emphasizes the importance of supporting his sales team through open communication and by fostering a collaborative environment.

The Power of Perspective and Positivity

Julio shares a powerful insight about the role of perspective in overcoming adversity. He explains that maintaining a positive outlook, even in the face of challenges, can enhance productivity and resilience. Reflecting on the political and social upheavals of recent years, Julio advises listeners to focus on their priorities and goals rather than getting distracted by external noise. He believes that positivity and faith are essential for navigating life’s difficulties and achieving long-term success.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs and Salespeople

Julio offers actionable advice for young professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs. He introduces the concept of the “three Qs” as essential components of success: IQ (Intelligence Quotient), EQ (Emotional Quotient), and FQ (Failure Quotient). He stresses that while IQ and EQ are important, FQ is the most critical for long-term success. Julio also encourages listeners to invest in their “mind game” daily, drawing from the Apostle Paul’s wisdom to renew the mind and resist negativity.

The Importance of Legacy

As Julio reflects on his motivations today, he emphasizes the desire to leave a positive legacy. He aspires to set an example for his children, employees, and peers by living with integrity, working hard, and serving others. Julio draws inspiration from thought leaders like John Maxwell, who advocate for creating meaningful change within one’s sphere of influence. He believes that intentionality and a focus on value-driven work can create lasting impact.

Building a Resilient Business

Julio attributes the success of Amedia Empire to innovation and a commitment to solving client problems. By staying ahead of industry trends and continuously evolving their offerings, Julio and his team have managed to thrive in a challenging publishing landscape. Their success is also rooted in a culture of collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence. Julio’s leadership philosophy revolves around empowering his team to deliver value and maintain strong relationships with clients.

Final Takeaways

The conversation concludes with Julio reiterating the importance of perspective, resilience, and legacy. He encourages listeners to focus on what truly matters and to approach each day with a positive mindset. By aligning their actions with their values and purpose, individuals can achieve both success and significance in their lives.

Closing Remarks

Ewell wraps up the episode by thanking Julio for his time and insights. He highlights the practical wisdom and inspiration Julio shared, from his three Qs framework to the importance of hard work and gratitude. Listeners are encouraged to connect with Julio through his website and explore his Mental Snacks newsletter for ongoing motivation.