Name: Orlando De La Torre Cepeda

Title: Owner

Organisation: Safe solutions

With a multifaceted background spanning industrial design, project management, and business development, I have consistently driven innovation and efficiency in project conception throughout my career.

As a visionary, my unique approach to idea conception and structuring has led to outstanding accomplishments, emphasizing not only profitability but sustainable business practices with a social impact. Passionate about tackling new challenges and goals, I bring more than just technical expertise; my commitment to enhancing the quality of life is reflected in projects geared towards sustainable business and socially responsible outcomes.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Orlando's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader, I have likely found balancing the diverse needs and expectations of your team members to be one of the most challenging aspects. Ensuring that everyone is motivated, engaged, and working towards common goals while also managing conflicts and addressing individual concerns can be demanding.

Additionally, navigating complex organizational structures, making tough decisions, and leading through times of uncertainty or change may have presented significant challenges. Overall, maintaining effective communication, fostering collaboration, and inspiring others to perform at their best amidst various challenges are key areas that you may have found particularly demanding as a leader.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My journey to becoming a leader likely began with a combination of innate qualities, acquired skills, and valuable experiences. Initially, you demonstrated exceptional talent and dedication in your field of industrial design, earning recognition for your innovative ideas and efficient project execution. Your passion for creating meaningful solutions and your ability to inspire and motivate others gradually garnered respect and admiration from your peers and superiors alike.

Through continuous learning and development, you honed your leadership skills, taking on additional responsibilities and actively seeking opportunities to mentor and guide your colleagues. Your commitment to excellence, coupled with your vision and strategic mindset, naturally positioned you as a leader within your organizations. Over time, you embraced leadership roles formally, leveraging your expertise, empathy, and strong communication skills to drive positive change and achieve collective success.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

Given My dynamic roles and responsibilities as a leader, your typical workday is likely structured to maximize productivity, creativity, and balance. Here's a possible outline of your day:

Morning Routine (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM): Wake up early to kickstart the day with exercise or meditation for mental and physical well-being. Enjoy a nutritious breakfast to fuel your body and mind. Review your schedule, prioritize tasks, and set intentions for the day ahead.

Morning Work Session (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Dive into high-priority tasks, such as strategic planning, project management, or team meetings. Respond to urgent emails or messages, delegating tasks as needed to your team members. Conduct brainstorming sessions or innovation workshops to generate new ideas and solutions.

Lunch Break (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Take a well-deserved break to recharge and nourish yourself with a healthy meal. Use this time to connect with colleagues informally or engage in networking opportunities.

Afternoon Work Session (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Focus on execution and implementation of projects, reviewing progress and addressing any challenges. Attend scheduled meetings, including client presentations, team check-ins, or strategic discussions. Provide guidance and support to your team members, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Evening Transition (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM): Wrap up any outstanding tasks and finalize plans for the following day. Reflect on accomplishments and lessons learned, celebrating successes and identifying areas for improvement. Transition from work mode to personal time by engaging in relaxation techniques or hobbies.

Evening Routine (7:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Spend quality time with family and friends, enjoying dinner and meaningful conversations. Pursue personal interests or hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment. Wind down with activities like reading, listening to music, or watching a favorite TV show.

Bedtime Preparation (10:00 PM - 11:00 PM): Prepare for a restful night's sleep by practicing bedtime rituals, such as journaling or gratitude exercises. Disconnect from electronic devices to promote relaxation and ensure quality sleep. Settle into bed early to ensure sufficient rest for another productive day ahead.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson that I've been reminded of is the importance of fostering a culture of psychological safety within teams. While it's crucial to set high expectations and hold individuals accountable for their work, it's equally important to create an environment where team members feel comfortable speaking up, sharing ideas, and expressing concerns without fear of judgment or retribution.

This lesson was reinforced when I noticed hesitation among team members to voice their opinions during brainstorming sessions, potentially hindering innovation and collaboration. By actively promoting open communication, actively listening to diverse perspectives, and demonstrating empathy and respect, I was able to cultivate a culture of trust and psychological safety within the team. This not only encouraged greater participation and engagement but also fostered a sense of ownership and commitment towards shared goals.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One Zero.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could offer just one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be to prioritize continuous learning and personal growth. Embrace every opportunity to expand your knowledge, develop new skills, and gain diverse experiences. Seek mentorship from seasoned professionals, read voraciously, attend workshops and conferences, and never stop challenging yourself to improve.

Remember that leadership is a journey of self-discovery and evolution, and by investing in your own development, you not only become a more effective leader but also inspire those around you to strive for excellence.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One meaningful story that stands out from my time as a leader involves a project where our team faced significant challenges and setbacks. Despite meticulous planning and preparation, unexpected obstacles arose, threatening to derail our progress and demoralize the team. However, instead of succumbing to frustration or defeat, we rallied together, leveraging our collective strengths and creativity to find innovative solutions.

Through perseverance, collaboration, and unwavering determination, we not only overcame the challenges but also emerged stronger and more resilient as a team. This experience taught us the importance of adaptability, teamwork, and maintaining a positive mindset in the face of adversity. It reinforced the notion that true leadership is not just about achieving success but also about inspiring and empowering others to thrive in the face of adversity.