We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Oliver Villacorta a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Oliver, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I came to the US at the age of 7, and as the children of Peruvian immigrants who embraced the American dream, my siblings and I were raised with strong values. My parents’ example of hard work, perseverance, and community involvement, especially my father’s leadership in a Christian church and engagement with the Hispanic community in Gainesville, GA, taught us the power of positively impacting others. My mother’s sacrifices were pivotal in shaping our characters. They stressed the importance of education and lifelong learning, fostering our growth and societal contribution. They also encouraged us to be independent, never seeing ourselves as victims, and provided guidance while allowing us to experience the world firsthand.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’ve always been passionate about helping others, a value my parents instilled in me from a young age. They taught me to always ask how I could help, a principle I’ve carried into my career. Starting in an IT department at 15, I’ve continued to apply this positive attitude. Now, as a Senior Manager in Cyber Risk Management and Compliance at Smith + Howard, I leverage over 11 years of IT and cybersecurity experience. I’m proud of my ability to help clients understand complex cybersecurity risks, an empathy stemming from my own experience as a client. I’m particularly proud of helping clients sleep better at night, thanks to my focus on customer service and relationship building. Currently, I’m completing my MBA, set to graduate in 2024. Additionally, I’m dedicated to improving education and infrastructure in Iquitos, Peru, my birthplace, through my work with the Amazon King Educational Center. More about my initiatives is available at www.akeducationalcenter.com.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

In managing my team, I prioritize clear communication to ensure everyone understands our goals and expectations. We empower team members by giving them autonomy in their work, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Recognizing and appreciating their efforts is crucial to maintaining morale. I strive to create a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and mutual support. Investing in their professional growth through training and development opportunities is key. I also emphasize the importance of work-life balance. Involving the team in decision-making processes enhances their commitment, and regular one-on-one check-ins help me understand and address individual challenges. This approach has been instrumental in creating a positive and motivated team atmosphere.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I strongly align with Stoic philosophy, which guides my approach to life. Books like Marcus Aurelius’ “Meditations” and works by Ryan Holiday deeply resonate with me. I also admire content creators like Andy Frisella, Ed Mylett, Jim Rohn, and Tony Robbins. Among my favorite books are “The Power of One More” by Ed Mylett, “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene, and “Relentless” by Tim Grover. Other significant influences include Ray Dalio’s “Principles,” Patrick Bet-David’s “Choose Your Enemies Wisely,” and classics like “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie and “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. I also find great value in works by Robin Sharma, David Goggins, David R. Hawkins’ “Power vs. Force,” “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink, “The Way of the Superior Man” by David Deida, Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules for Life,” and “Man’s Search for Meaning.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://akeducationalcenter.com/
• Instagram: @oliverfv
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliver.villacorta/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverfv/
• Other: https://overit.tech/