We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alex Barillas a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alex , thanks for joining us today. Can you tell us about an important lesson you learned in school and why that lesson is important to you?
Throughout my career and personal life, I have consistently demonstrated curiosity, tenacity, and an unwavering positive attitude. These attributes have driven me to explore new challenges, take calculated risks, and embrace every opportunity for growth and learning.
Curiosity
Curiosity has always been a fundamental part of who I am. From an early age, I have been fascinated by the world around me, always eager to push boundaries and explore beyond the caution lines. This inquisitive nature led me to DePaul University, where I embarked on a journey to find my true calling. I tried my hand at Finance, driven by the allure of making money, but quickly realized it wasn’t my passion. My foray into Economics was short-lived, lasting only a quarter. It was my friend Patrick who suggested I try Marketing, and it was a revelation. I found myself excelling in Marketing, and for the first time, I felt I had found my true passion.
At DePaul, every professor emphasized the importance of being a lifelong learner. They instilled in us the understanding that their role was to provide us with the tools and knowledge to continuously learn and adapt. This multidisciplinary approach shaped me into a well-rounded professional, equipped to navigate various fields and figure things out independently.
Tenacity
My professional journey has been marked by a relentless drive to overcome challenges and achieve excellence. Early in my career, I was fortunate to work under Danielle Gonzales, EVP at a multicultural agency, who taught me a crucial lesson: never tell a client “I don’t know” or “no.” Instead, she encouraged us to say, “I don’t know the answer to that now, but let me figure it out.” This mindset, coupled with Marla Skiko’s hands-on approach, where she would roll up her sleeves and work alongside us, reinforced the importance of tenacity and problem-solving in professional settings.
My tenacity was further tested and refined through various roles, where I consistently achieved significant growth and success. From leading diverse digital marketing campaigns to driving multicultural initiatives, I have always embraced challenges head-on and delivered outstanding results.
Positive Attitude
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is the power of a positive attitude. Leading with a smile not only sets a positive tone but also fosters good vibes and energy, creating a more collaborative and productive environment. Being surrounded by and mentored by strong women throughout my life, including my mother, my college mentor RJ Isaacson, and later professionals like Marla Skiko and Fay Ferguson, has profoundly influenced my outlook and approach. Their guidance and support helped me become a better professional and a better human being.
Photography, a lifelong passion reignited by my colleague Roberto, has also played a significant role in shaping my perspective. Viewing the world through a camera’s viewfinder allows me to capture moments of beauty and significance, reminding me to appreciate the nuances of life and work.
Conclusion
In summary, my career and personal journey are a testament to the power of curiosity, tenacity, and a positive attitude. From my diverse experiences in digital marketing and multicultural practices to my passion for photography and lifelong learning, these attributes have consistently driven me to excel and make a positive impact. I am grateful for the strong mentors and colleagues who have shaped my path and continue to inspire me to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and lead with a smile.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
About You, Your Work, Services & Brand
I am an avid biker who loves exploring the city from various perspectives. Riding around allows me to experience the urban landscape in unique and refreshing ways.
As a dedicated runner, I set a goal to complete one marathon each year, having run 14 marathons worldwide so far. Each race is a testament to my commitment and endurance.
Photography has always been a passion of mine. You can view my work at AlexBarillas.com or on Instagram. I enjoy capturing the world through different lenses, often taking pictures while biking around the city, finding beauty in reflections and puddles.
Being a first-generation Mexican American, I naturally align with a multicultural mindset. This passion was solidified during my time at DePaul University, where I embraced the rich diversity in marketing, bringing color and flavor to all my campaigns.
Professionally, I consider myself a “Digital Jack of All Trades.” With extensive experience across various sectors, I can make informed decisions and create impactful campaigns. While working at CareerBuilder under Cynthia MacIntyre, I learned the importance of acquiring new skills. This led me to learn coding and professional writing, which have been invaluable in my career.
Multiculturalism has always been the thread that binds all my work. I have held various roles, from digital sales at Impremedia to a Senior Digital Associate at Tapestry, and a sales executive at Nomology and Univision. Currently, at Pod Digital Media, I lead operations and sales, contributing to our growing market share through the vision of our CEO and my expertise in communication architecture.
I am most proud of my ability to connect with diverse audiences and create campaigns that resonate on a deep level. For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is driven by a passion for multiculturalism, creativity, and continuous learning. My goal is always to deliver exceptional results while celebrating the diverse perspectives that enrich our world.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Point of View
My mission as a creative is to view the world through a unique perspective, capturing what often goes unnoticed by others. My photography aims to illustrate a distinctive viewpoint, revealing beauty in reflections, details, and everyday moments that might otherwise be overlooked.
I find immense joy in uncovering the unseen and sharing these hidden gems with others. While I rarely take on commissions, I deeply enjoy the challenge and fulfillment they bring. The true beauty of the world lies in its intricate details, and my passion is to highlight these through my lens.
Each of my photographs tells a story from an angle that invites viewers to see the world differently, to appreciate the small wonders that often go unnoticed. It’s about finding beauty in the mundane, in the fleeting moments, and in the reflections that capture the essence of life.
Ultimately, my goal is to inspire others to slow down, observe, and find joy in the subtle details that make our world extraordinary. Through my work, I hope to encourage a deeper appreciation for the often-overlooked elements that contribute to the richness of our daily experiences.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Getting let go was the best thing that could have happened to me; it forced me to become self-sufficient and embrace a new chapter in my life without fear. Initially, I had no idea I could consult until people approached me with requests for help. Traditional schooling didn’t always highlight this path, but life has a way of revealing opportunities when you least expect it.
Being laid off made me realize my potential as a consultant. I discovered that I could not only make a great living but also enjoy the freedom and satisfaction that came with it. This newfound confidence and tenacity allowed me to offer my services to those in need, and I thrived in this role. For instance, in my current job, I approached the founder and said, “Hey, you need help, and I believe I can assist you. Let me handle the behind-the-scenes work while you focus on your strengths. I can manage this.”
Life doesn’t follow a straight path; it’s about how you react when you hit a curve or an inflection point. These moments reveal your true character and resilience. It’s crucial to approach life with an open mind and embrace its beautiful complexities. Moreover, don’t be scared or stressed. Each moment takes care of itself, and there’s no need to cloud your emotions or decisions with negative feelings.
Ultimately, this experience taught me the importance of adaptability and optimism. It’s about recognizing opportunities in adversity and believing in your ability to navigate through life’s unpredictable journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://alexbarillas.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbarillas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alex.barillas
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abarilla/
- Twitter: @alexbarillas
Image Credits
Erick Hercules (Featured photo)