What inspires and motivates you to continue? Are you leading and inspiring your team?

I want to take this opportunity, with the Copa America 2024 underway, to write and reflect on a very personal topic that we can all learn from.

My home country's football team, Venezuela, better known as La Vinotinto, has been a major talking point in recent weeks. This isn't just because of their results, which I believe are GREAT, but because of the achievements of 23 players and their coaching team.

As Venezuelans, or as La Vinotinto, we have never been to a World Cup. Competing within the CONMEBOL is incredibly challenging. Therefore, the Copa America and the World Cup qualifying rounds are our stages to shine and demonstrate two key concepts: "Resilience" and the "Inspirational Leadership Spillover Effect."

Facts: We arrived ranked #57 in the FIFA rankings. After a perfect first round, 9/9 points, and finishing first in our group with no losses, we have moved up to #41. We are currently 4th in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Due to changes in the World Cup's number of teams and our current performance, we have the best chance ever in history to qualify for the World Cup—the ultimate goal for the next two years.

Congratulations to La Vinotinto! "Mano Tengo Fe," Mi Fe está alterada pero intacta.

Most importantly, THANK YOU! You make all of us proud.

But here comes the true story!

This team is the REAL proof of resilience and inspiration. Without knowing it or asking for it, they have led the entire country—the 26 million Venezuelans inside and outside in many parts of the world—into a state of positivity and a mindset of self-leadership toward solutions and actions.

As Venezuelans, we are facing many hurdles and complications at political, social, and economic levels. Families are split by the diaspora and other challenges. Seeing and experiencing the growth of this team, both as a unit and as individuals, and the emergence of new, young faces, has been a tremendous source of hope, inspiration, and motivation.

It proves that when you stick to the plan, you achieve great results.

But beyond all this, they have assumed a leadership role that I’m sure they never imagined. This is the kind of leadership that inspires through action and demonstrates that "us" is more powerful than "me." They have a coach who provides direction, instructions, and techniques. But when the whistle blows, he steps aside, enabling the players and supporting them from the sidelines. With the right attitude and mindset, the players have not only achieved the results mentioned above but have also moved 26 million Venezuelans into a new mindset that spills over into a new dimension of possibilities. They have inspired, motivated, and led a movement stronger than ever and with more determination than before.

This ongoing story is a perfect example of how leadership in this new world should behave: how to impact through actions and not just words, but most importantly, how to inspire.

So, in your organization, in your team, in your company—how are you leading with inspiration? What culture are you building? And where do you expect it to take you?

In conclusion, La Vinotinto’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and inspirational leadership. They have shown that with dedication, teamwork, and a positive mindset, incredible feats can be achieved, even in the face of adversity. As we support and celebrate their accomplishments, let us also reflect on our roles as leaders and team members. By fostering a culture of inspiration and determination within our organizations, we can create environments where everyone thrives and achieves their full potential. Let's lead by example, inspire those around us, and together, strive for greatness.

Thank you for taking the time to reflect on this journey with me. Let's continue to be inspired and to inspire others.