Ay Dios Mío, 2025 is Calling Me!

2024 was a journey. Or as I like to say, ay Dios mío, it was a whole thing. Balancing life as a single parent while building a company hasn’t exactly been a walk in the park—more like a hike up a steep mountain with no clear end in sight. There were days when I was sleeping with one eye open and one eye closed, wondering if I’d ever feel caught up. Spoiler alert: I didn’t.

But here’s the thing: life’s chaos doesn’t have to break you. Instead, it can teach you to laugh at yourself, find joy in the little moments, and keep moving forward. If 2024 had a mantra, it would be this: progress, not perfection, keeps us going. So, as I prepare for 2025, my focus is clear—reinspire, inspire, and maybe, just maybe, get a full night’s sleep.

Celebrating Milestones: Re-inspiring Work Through Respiris

This year, Respiris officially took flight (though not without some turbulence):

• We launched at Transform, and let me tell you, standing at an exhibitor booth all day is harder than it looks. We pivoted.
• We pitched at Berkeley SkyDeck, where I was this close to saying “disrupt” fewer than three times (a personal record).
• LA Tech Week? Nailed it. Sequoia Grove Conference? Inspiring. Lattiverse? Amazing people, even if I still don’t fully understand Web3.
• We even hosted a dinner at the LA HR Executive of the Year, where I had the honor of watching HR leaders talk shop over dessert.

And while all these milestones felt big, the real magic was watching people use Respiris to transform their career transitions. Seeing someone go from uncertainty to clarity—from “What’s next?” to “I’ve got this!”—is what makes this work worth it.

We also added two amazing new team members—a Marketplace Operations Manager and a Growth Marketing Manager—who are already making me feel like I should delegate more. Oh, and we partnered with an advisor who’s helping us deepen relationships in 2025.

As for co-founder discussions? They’re happening. Stay tuned—there’s more to come, but let’s just say, Respiris is leveling up.

Finding Silver Linings: Re-inspiring as a Parent

Amidst all the deadlines and pitches, my greatest joy has been spending time with my 10-year-old daughter, Iris. Together, we’ve explored Seattle, New York, San Juan, Los Angeles, and Boston. And yes, we’ve had plenty of ice cream along the way because life is short, and dessert is important.

Being a single parent means adapting—constantly. Whether it’s juggling our co-parenting schedule or showing up to gymnastics practices, Mathnasium sessions, or theatre performances, I’ve learned that being present is everything.

One evening stands out. I had a big work deadline and almost skipped her gymnastics practice. But instead, I went, cheered her on, and realized afterward how much showing up for her also allowed me to show up for myself. It was a small moment but a powerful reminder that sometimes the wins aren’t big—they’re just about being there.

Making Tough Decisions: Re-inspiring Relationships

This year wasn’t all wins and laughs. I had to make some tough calls:

• Setting boundaries in personal relationships that weren’t reciprocal.
• Realizing where I was being the “supporting cast member” in someone else’s story at my own expense.

It’s not easy to hit pause on relationships, but sometimes it’s necessary. These decisions allowed me to realign my focus, prioritize what truly matters, and create space for healthier, more balanced dynamics.

Acknowledging Setbacks: Inspiring Growth Through Progress

Let’s talk setbacks. I thought I was ready to explore new personal connections (hello, Bumble and Hinge), but it turns out there’s only so much bandwidth in a day. Between running a company and being a dad, adding “dating app small talk” to the mix was... ambitious.

And then there’s my health. Let’s just say I’ve had a very open relationship with carbs and sugar this year. But 2025 is about refocusing, hitting the weight room, and maybe even deepening my pickleball game—because who doesn’t love a good paddle battle?

Gratitude for the Journey

To my advisors, mentors, and friends—thank you for being my sounding boards and reminding me that every step, no matter how small, is progress. To the team at Respiris—you make this vision possible. And to Iris — you are my greatest teacher, reminding me daily that showing up is half the battle.

Progress, not perfection, has been my mantra this year. Sometimes, it’s about just getting through the day. Other times, it’s about taking a bold leap forward. Either way, I’m grateful for every step of the journey.

My 2025 Game Plan: 10 Resolutions That Matter

1. Unlock the Potential of Our Job Search Coaches. Formalize and iterate on our learning and development programs through a learning and development tech stack, empowering our coaches to maximize their impact.
2. Build a Sales Tech Stack and Achieve Sustainable Revenue Growth. Establish a strong sales tech stack to build meaningful partnerships and disrupt the last mile of the employee lifecycle with empathy and innovation.
3. Speak at HR Events and Share Our Vision. Commit to speaking at four in-person events, 12 virtual events, and a variety of forums to share how transitions can be reinspired through Career Prayer?.
4. Strengthen Partnerships. Collaborate with 200 mission-aligned companies to expand Respiris’ reach and impact.
5. Explore Growth Opportunities. Pursue partnerships, mergers, and co-founders who bring resources, time, and a shared vision to scale Respiris.
6. Engage Advisors, Influencers, and HRBPs. Bring on key leaders to amplify Career Prayer? and foster networks of shared support.
7. Invest in Learning Opportunities. Attend LA Tech Week, SF Tech Week, and a Founder-Friendly Retreat to grow as a leader and support Respiris’ development.
8. Focus on Personal Health. Prioritize fitness, nutrition, and consistent workouts—because balance means showing up for yourself, too.
9. Build Balanced Relationships. Approach connections with intention, nurturing friendships and relationships that inspire mutual growth.
10. Foster Reciprocal Relationships. Focus on creating meaningful, two-way relationships that unlock the potential of everyone involved. Maybe even date.

Looking Ahead: Re-inspire and Maybe Laugh Along the Way

2025 is an opportunity to deepen relationships, embrace challenges, and build something extraordinary. To my community—thank you for walking this journey with me. To those navigating your own transitions, remember: progress, not perfection, moves us forward.

Here’s to meaningful relationships, shared growth, and finding the humor in the chaos. ?Adelante. Si se Puede!