Mission Driven With A.C. Cristales

Author and speaker Dr. A.C. Cristales is back with a new episode for Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. shares a bit of his 2022 journey. He shares what he learned about entrepreneurship and more importantly how failure reveals has the power to reveal who you truly are. If you want to grow and thrive in your journey of success despite the difficulties of life, you have to listen to this episode. It will empower and encourage you, and it is an episode that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. Links to this week's empowering segments:[01:07] Guess who's back?[02:32] Shawshank Redemption Moment[7:58] Entrepreneurship is...[13:18] Failure reveals what you're made of.[17:16] I know who I am now[19:09] Courage to make things happen[21:23] It is not the critic who counts.Follow on Twitter and Instagram: @ac_cristales For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with the first episode of Mission Driven in 2022. In this episode, A.C. interviews creator and fitness coach of Urbane Body, Philip Cristales. In this episode, Philip shares a bit of his journey from what inspired him to start his online fitness program. Additionally, he shares what you can do to get started on your journey of success. This is an interview that will encourage you to take the step and make it happen. It will empower and motivate you, and it is an episode that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. Links to this week's empowering segments: [05:44] College isn't for everyone [12:10] The struggle with self-confidence [20:01] Be loyal to that next step [30:05] Power of personal development [37:25] How to get started on your passion [42:40] More information on Urbane Body Follow's Today's guest on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanebody/?hl=en (@urbanebody) Follow on Twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/ac_cristales (@ac_cristales ) For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com/ (http://acspeaks.com)

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. interviews author and therapist, Axel Cristales. In this episode, Axel shares a bit of his journey from working in public schools to now serving as mental health therapist. Additionally, he shares what inspired him to write his newest book, Love Eternal. This is an interview that will encourage you to go after your dreams! It will empower and motivate you, and it is an episode that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. Links to this week's empowering segments: [01:53] Hidden gems [07:37] Life is an odyssey [17:52] Love Eternal [26:08] Soundtrack of life [31:58] Seek peace, not happiness [38:10] Writing as therapy [47:47] Be faithful to yourself Follow's Today's guest on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/axelrcristales/ ( @axelrcristales) Purchase Axel's Newest Book, Love Eternal: https://linktr.ee/axelrcristales (Click Here!) Follow on Twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/ac_cristales (@ac_cristales ) For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com/ (http://acspeaks.com)

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. takes us back to his first EVER Reflection Blog he wrote in 2009, entitled, The Thunderstorm Season. In this podcast episode, he shares how storms and troubles don't last forever. If you want to grow and thrive in your journey of success despite the difficulties of life, you have to listen to this episode. It will empower and encourage you, and it is an episode that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. Links to this week's empowering segments: [02:16] Provide a platform for others to share their story [05:21] Take a step of faith [07:33] Successful people don't quit [09:14] The Thunderstorm Season [15:25] Where do you find yourself? Follow on Twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/ac_cristales (@ac_cristales ) For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com/ (http://acspeaks.com)

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. has the honor of interviewing Iris Lopez, founder of Mija, Yes You Can, a nonprofit organization created by women FOR women to provide a platform that allows ALL women to come together to learn from each other, relate to each other and achieve their ambitions in life. In this episode, Iris shares a bit of her story and the reasons why she started a non-profit organization which focuses on empowering women. This interview will empower and encourage you, and it is an episode that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. Links to this week's empowering segments: [04:17] Iris' background and story [09:44] Iris' Life Mission on day to day basis [13:50] What inspired Iris to start the Mija, Yes You Can non-profit? [25:30] Challenges in starting the program [29:01] Success stories from Mija, Yes You Can [35:02] Learn to accept failure [36:14] Find out more about Mija, Yes You Can For more information on Mija, Yes You Can, follow the program on Twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/mijayesyoucan (@mijayesyoucan) https://mijayesyoucan.org/ (Click Here) for Mija, Yes You Can Website Follow A.C. on Twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/ac_cristales (@ac_cristales ) For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com/ (http://acspeaks.com)

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. has the honor of interviewing Rand Scott Carlson, who is on the leadership team at the Men of Nehemiah, a Christian Non-Profit located in South Dallas that is designed to rebuild the lives of men and families that have been torn apart by substance abuse, homelessness, crime, and violence.  In this episode, Rand shares a bit of his life story and how he now uses Hip Hop to share the Good News that has completely transformed his life and given him freedom. This interview will empower and encourage you, and it is an episode that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. Links to this week's empowering segments: [03:26] Rand's background and story [09:46] The ministry that helped Rand [14:56] Drugs were not the problem. There was a bigger problem. [18:53] Life's Mission: Bring Hope [25:16] The Ultimate form of self-expression [30:29] Success story from doing ministry work [34:34] Rand's Anchors [42:58] Find out more about Rand's work For more information on Rand, follow him on @rand_pkp Follow on Twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/ac_cristales (@ac_cristales ) For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com/ (http://acspeaks.com)

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. takes us back to a Reflection Blog he wrote in 2009, entitled, The Power of Failure. In this podcast episode, he shares how failure can either propel you to your destiny and purpose or it can dispel you away from it. If you want to grow and thrive in your journey of success despite the difficulties of life, you have to listen to this episode. It will empower and encourage you, and it is an episode that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. Links to this week's empowering segments: [01:46] The Key is Consistency [02:48] The Power of Failure [04:24] Rap was my outlet [06:14] 14 years old and rapping! [08:05] Steve Jobs and his failures [10:31] Times of failure will do one or two things Follow on Twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/ac_cristales (@ac_cristales ) For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com/ (http://acspeaks.com)

Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 3 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. further discusses the importance of an anchor in your life. In this podcast episode, he shares that an anchor can help you possess constancy, a quality that means you are enduring, unchanging and dependable. If you want to grow and thrive in your journey of success despite the difficulties of life, you have to listen to this episode. It will empower and encourage you, and it is an episode that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. Links to this week's empowering segments: [02:05] Unchanging and Dependable [03:00] Boston's K-Girls, Kris and Kayla Biagiotti's Story [7:15] Defining Enduring [10:18] You can't move forward if you keep looking backward [15:47] Questions for you to reflect on [18:28] How will 2021 play out for you? Follow on Twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/ac_cristales (@ac_cristales ) For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com/ (http://acspeaks.com)

Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 3 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. further discusses the importance of an anchor in your life. In this podcast episode, he shares that an anchor can help you stay put when you feel life drifting you back to old habits that were not helping you out. If you want to grow and thrive in your journey of success despite the difficulties of life, you have to listen to this episode. It will empower and encourage you, and it is an episode that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. Links to this week's empowering segments: [01:09] An anchor provides support, comfort and hope [03:06] Hope is a good thing (Shawshank Redemption Connection) [5:24] What happens when you don't expect anything from life [07:04] Is your current anchor good for your life? [11:41] People fear the unknown [14:51] I am not going back! Follow on Twitter and Instagram: https://twitter.com/ac_cristales (@ac_cristales ) For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com/ (http://acspeaks.com)

Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 3 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. poses an important question for everyone going after a dream and goal: What is your anchor? In this podcast episode, he shares what an anchor is, the importance of having an anchor and what an anchor provides during the difficult times of life. If you want to grow and thrive in your journey of success despite the difficulties of life, you have to listen to this episode. It will empower and encourage you, and it is an episode that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com (http://acspeaks.com)

Cobra Kai Season 3 is finally out on Netflix! Listen as A.C. and Jose share their initial reactions, favorite scenes, connections to the Karate Kid franchise, what we want to see in Season 4 and our ranking of the first 3 seasons. Let us know what you thought of Season 3 and what you want to see in Season 4! Cobra Kai is back, baby! Because Cobra Kai Never Dies!

Cobra Kai Season 3 comes out Friday, January 1st, 2021! Listen to the predictions that A.C. and Jose have for this season!Cobra Kai Never Dies!

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss the season 2 finale, No Mercy, of the hit Netflix TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several scenes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episode that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast show will provide insight and wisdom from this episode, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss the penultimate episode, Pulpo, from the second season of the hit Netflix show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several scenes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episode that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast show will provide insight and wisdom from this episode, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss episode 8, Glory of Love, from the second season of the hit Netflix show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several scenes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episode that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast show will give you some wisdom and insight from this episode, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss episode 7, Lull, from the second season of the hit TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several scenes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episode that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast show will give you some wisdom and insight from this episode, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

Description coming soon.

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss episode 5, All In, from the second season of the hit TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several scenes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episodes that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast episode will you some wisdom and insight from these two episodes, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss episode 4, Moment of Truth, from the second season of the hit TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several scenes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episodes that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast episode will you some wisdom and insight from these two episodes, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss episode 3, Fire and Ice, from the second season of the hit TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several episodes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episodes that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast episode will you some wisdom and insight from these two episodes, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss episode 2, Back in Black, from the second season of the hit TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several episodes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episodes that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast episode will you some wisdom and insight from these two episodes, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss episode 1, Mercy Part II, from the second season of the hit TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several episodes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episodes that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast episode will you some wisdom and insight from these two episodes, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss episode 10, Mercy, from the first season of the hit TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several episodes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episodes that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast episode will you some wisdom and insight from these two episodes, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss episode 9, Different But Same, from the first season of the hit TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several episodes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episodes that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast episode will you some wisdom and insight from these two episodes, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss episodes 7 and 8, All Valley and Molten, from the first season of the hit TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several episodes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episodes that will provide you with motivation and inspiration. This podcast episode will you some wisdom and insight from these two episodes, and will also hopefully make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss three episodes of the hit TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several episodes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episodes that will provide you some motivation and wisdom. This episode breaks down episodes 4 - 6 from Season 1, gives you some wisdom and insight from the episodes, and will also make you laugh! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Jose Barron to discuss the first three episodes of the hit TV show, Cobra Kai. In this episode, A.C. and Jose speak about their favorite scenes, the connections to the Karate Kid film franchise, how they connect several episodes to their own lives, and also, in Mission Driven fashion, the lessons gained from the episodes that will provide you some motivation and wisdom. This episode will also give you some insight as to why Cobra Kai is a TV phenomenon in 2020, and hopefully it'll make you laugh as well! For more information on A.C. and his work as a speaker and author, follow him on social media at @AC_Cristales or visit him at his website, http://acspeaks.com. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews not only one of the pioneers of the Houston rap scene, but also one of the original pioneers of Christian Hip Hop, Delbert R. Harris, better known to many as RAS or Lil' Raskull. In this interview, RAS shares with us how we was introduced to rap music and how he then used it to reach souls for Christ. RAS also discuss the importance of finding balance, knowing yourself, and more importantly knowing your God. This episode will encourage you to know that you were created for a purpose and therefore have a mission for your life. For more information on RAS, follow him on Instagram @5ftMogul or @LilRaskull. 

Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 2 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. celebrates his one-year podcast anniversary and he shares the advantage of having staying power. He also shares with you 5 benefits of self-reflection. If you want to grow and thrive in your journey of success despite the difficulties of life, you have to listen to this episode. It will empower and encourage you, and it is an episode that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales has a conversation with school leader and educator, Rachael Brown. They discuss Race and Education in America and also the importance of cultural competency, vulnerability and being intentional. This is an episode for all educators that will empower them to be better teachers for all of their students. For more information about A.C., visit his website at http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews Jesse The Messenger. Jesse The Messenger is an evangelist and poet and has been involved in ministry since 1991. In this episode, The Messenger shares a bit of his story, how he went in looking for a fight, but instead found a Savior, and how he held strong to his faith during the darkest moments of his life. This is an episode that will empower you, and one that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. For more information about Jesse The Messenger, find him on Social Media at TheMessengerRPM or RPM Movement. 

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews Adam Bergman. Adam is a senior at the University of Texas, who has been involved in student leadership and government since high school. In this episode, Adam shares a bit of his story, how he chose to be involved in student leadership and government, and some of the lessons drawn from his experiences. He also provides sound advice for people of all ages...lean into discomfort. YES! This is an episode that will empower you, and one that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. For more information about Adam Bergman, check out his website, https://adamlenbergman.wordpress.com/

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales pays tribute to the impact that the Gospel Gangstaz had on his life as a teenager when he started his walk with the Lord. A.C. also remembers the impact Mr. Solo, who suddenly passed away on May 22, 2020, had on his life not only as a Christian rapper, but as a follower of Christ. A.C. then shares his 25 favorite verses that Mr. Solo rapped. However, the most important thing to remember is the legacy that Mr. Solo built, which was founded on his belief that, "Only what you do for Christ will last." If you're a Christian Hip Hop (CHH) fan, this is an episode you don't want to miss, and one that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. Rest in Heaven, Mr. Solo. For more information about A.C., visit his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the fifth and sixth episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. discusses Kobe Bryant and the impact Michael Jordan had on him, the advantages of being a visionary, the power of transparency and ultimately that GREAT leaders inspire greatness in others. This is an episode that will empower and encourage you, and one that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the fourth episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. discusses Phil Jackson and the impact he had on the Bulls, the power of learning from your losses, and how accomplishing great things take time and sacrifice! This is an episode that will empower you, and one that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews Ian Humphrey. Ian is the general manager of a successful multi-million dollar metal fabrication company, speaker and author, and has made it his goal to motivate, inspire, and help others learn to see obstacles as an opportunity and achieve the success which we all deserve. In this episode, Ian shares a bit of his story and how he came to be a motivational speaker who is committed to making a difference in the lives of others. This is an episode that will empower you, and one that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. For more information about Ian Humphrey, check out his website, http://beianspired.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the third episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. discusses Dennis Rodman and the impact he had on the Bulls, the power of confidence, and how it is your attitude that determines your altitude. This is an episode that will empower you, and one that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the second episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. discusses Scottie Pippen's upbringing, the impact Michael Jordan's parents had on him, the power of a team,  and how in order to be the best you can be in life, you play every game to win. This is an episode that will empower you, and one that you'll definitely want to share with your family and friends. Play the game and play it to win. For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the first episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls as they journeyed to their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. highlights the impact family can have on an individual, how the desire to grow can take you to another level, and how as you pursue success in whatever avenue, there will always be doubters along the way. This is an episode that will empower you and one that you'll definitely want to share with a friend. What time is it? Game time! For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales quickly shares some wisdom as we all deal with the current pandemic affecting the whole world. A.C. then discusses one of his favorite movies of all time, Blood In, Blood Out. A.C. shares some of his favorite scenes and quotes from the film, and then he connects parts of it to real life so that he can provide you with some wisdom to help you wherever you may find yourself in your journey. Bottom line: You can't make it in this world alone. You need family, familia. Blood related or not.  This is an episode that will not just entertain you, but that will also empower you, and one that you'll definitely want to share with a friend. Vatos Locos. Forever. For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by educational leader and assistant principal, Lauren Gladu. In this episode, Lauren shares some of the things she has put into place on her campus that the support social and emotional learning of her high school students. This is an episode that will provide educators with tips on how they can support their students during these trying times that most of the world is dealing with due to COVID-19. Lauren also shares some words of advice for students. For more information about what Lauren is doing on her campus, you can reach her on Google number 708-808-0513, email her at lgladu@tfd215.org or on TikTok @laureng94. Also, you can contact A.C. for more information if needed at http://acspeaks.com.

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Durale Harper and Jeff Marcel, the founders of D & J Empowerment Group. D & J Empowerment Group is more than just about motivating people. "They want to provide people with the tools and knowledge to sustain it and help elevate their lives into new heights." In this episode, Durale and Jeff share a bit of their life experiences and how they led them to form an empowerment group and a non-profit organization that is committed to impacting lives.  For more information about D & J Empowerment Group, visit their website, http://djempowerment.com and their non-profit organization's website is http://straightupnation.org You can also contact A.C. for more information, if needed.

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about the power of self-reflection and shares his entrepreneurial journey of being a keynote speaker. A.C. shares some of his experiences, both good and bad, that have led him to where he is now. This is an honest and raw conversation that will empower you on your journey of pursuing your goals and dreams. It is important to reflect where you are in life because it is only through self-reflection that you realize the things you should be grateful for, and also the changes that must occur in your life to take it to the next level. For as Socrates once said, "The unexamined life is not worth living."  For more information about A.C., visit his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about the untimely death of Kobe Bryant and why it impacted him, and also about the passing of one of his former students. "What is your life? It is just a vapor, appearing for a little while, and then vanishing."

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Dr. Elaine Vallie, middle school teacher in Texas. In this episode, Dr. Vallie shares about several educators who impacted her life, and also about her dissertation study on Middle School Librarians' Perceptions and Promotion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) books. This is an episode that will challenge educators to ask themselves whether or not their campus or classroom is welcoming to students who may have beliefs and values that are opposed to theirs. Dr. Vallie shares insightful information about why it is imperative to provide support to these students. If we truly believe, "every child, every day," then it is important that our daily interactions with all students reflect that. For more information about Dr. Elaine Vallie, you can follow her on Twitter at @KEVallie_Read7. Also, you can contact A.C. for more information if needed at http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Dr. Adam Saenz, author of the best selling book, The Power of a Teacher, and also the developer of the Educator Assessment of Social and Emotional Learning (EASEL), which is a measure of personality and emotional intelligence that is central to the work and curriculum associated with his new book, The EQ Intervention: Shaping a Self-Aware Generation Through Social and Emotional Learning. He currently serves as the clinical director of the Oakwood Collaborative, the counseling and assessment clinic he founded in 2003.  In this episode, Adam shares about how his life was impacted by teachers, provides details about his new book, and the importance of self-care for educators. This is an episode where you will want to take notes on all the wisdom that Adam provides. His new book can be purchased on Amazon. For more information about Dr. Adam Saenz, visit his website, http://appliedeqgroup.com. Also, you can contact A.C. for more information if needed.

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Josh Tovar, principal of Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas. Socorro High School currently enrolls over 2,400 students, and what Josh and his staff have done to make sure that every student feels that they are cared for is nothing short of spectacular. In this episode, Josh opens up a bit about his journey to become principal, and also about how schools of today can utilize social media platforms to showcase the positive things that students and staff are doing. This is an episode where you will want to take notes on what you can use on your own campus to create a culture that will lead to success for all of its stakeholders.  And it all begins with how much you value your students. As Josh likes to say, "kids don't care how much know until they know how much you care." For more information about Josh Tovar and Socorro High School, follow him on Twitter at Socorro_HS. Also, you can contact A.C. for more information if needed. Visit A.C. at his website, http://acspeaks.com

On the first episode of 2020 for the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about taking ownership of your life and future. Using some dialogue from the film, The Godfather Part II, A.C. provides 3 steps that you can use today to take ownership of your future.  You only have one life. Don't spend it living someone else's dreams or plans for your life. This is an episode where you will want to take notes and one you'll definitely want to share with a friend. It is packed with wisdom to help you own your future in 2020. For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about the importance of optimism for your personal and professional growth. Using a few lines of dialogue from the film, The Godfather, A.C. outlines 3 ways optimism can help you on your journey of success. Some of you are not reaching your goals because of pessimistic thoughts. This is an episode where you will want to take notes and one you'll definitely want to share with a friend. It is packed with wisdom to help you crush your goals because when you're optimistic, you'll find a way to see opportunity, even in the midst of difficulties. For more information about A.C., check out his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Destiny Chavarria, Educational Specialist at the Region 17 Education Service Center in Lubbock, Texas.  Destiny works with Migrant Education, which has the goal to ensure that all migrant students reach challenging academic standards and graduate with a high school diploma (or complete a GED), and also that the students are prepared to be responsible citizens in our communities, are prepared to further their learning, and are prepared for productive employment. In this episode, Destiny shares how she builds capacity not only with migrant students, but also with parents. She details the power of communicating with parents so that they are aware of all the opportunities and resources to support them and their children. This is an episode where you will want to take notes on what you can utilize to strengthen your parent/school relationships. It is packed with information to assist you to better serve your students and parents so that they are set up to succeed academically and personally. For more information about Destiny, contact A.C. and he will provide you with Destiny's information. Visit A.C. at his website, http://acspeaks.com

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales gets you ready for 2020 by discussing the power of gratitude.  He also explains how gratitude should not be limited to just holidays or special events. Gratitude should be practiced daily because there is always something to be grateful for.  A.C. concludes by providing 3 ways to practice gratitude starting today.  This is an episode that will encourage and empower you as you continue to grow both professionally and personally. For more information about about A.C., visit his website, http://acspeaks.com.