We were lucky to catch up with Jose Flores recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose, thanks for joining us today. Let’s jump to the end – what do you want to be remembered for?

The legacy I’m building is deeply rooted in purpose and empowerment. I want to be remembered as someone who broke barriers, championed accessibility and inclusion, and used my voice and platform to inspire and uplift others—especially within the disability community. My work as a speaker, author, model, and advocate reflects my commitment to making the world more inclusive and equitable.

When I’m gone, I hope people will say I was a trailblazer who redefined possibilities, someone who turned challenges into opportunities to inspire resilience and courage. I want to be remembered not just for what I achieved professionally, but for the personal warmth, determination, and authenticity I brought to every interaction.

My ultimate goal is to leave behind a legacy of empowerment: helping others find their voice, purpose, and strength to push past limits, while also reminding them of the importance of self-care along the journey.

People will know Jose did many things, but one thing he never did was give up!

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’m someone who’s passionate about inspiring others to push past their perceived limits and embrace their fullest potential. Living with spinal muscular atrophy and using a wheelchair has given me a unique perspective on life and resilience. My journey into motivational speaking, writing, advocacy, and modeling began as a way to share my experiences, amplify the voices of others in the disability community, and challenge societal norms around accessibility and inclusion.

I provide a range of services, including motivational and corporate keynote speaking, workshop facilitation on leadership, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, mental resilience, and customized training programs. I also conduct masterclasses, such as my Book Writing Masterclass and Mindset Takeover Mastery Course, helping others unlock their creativity, tell their stories, and transform their mindsets. As a model, I work to represent people with disabilities in the media, helping to normalize and celebrate diverse bodies and abilities. Beyond that, I’m a brand ambassador for products that align with my mission, such as Easystand Glider and Sour Sop Nutrition, and I consult with companies looking to improve their accessibility initiatives.

The problems I solve for my clients are multifaceted. For organizations, I help promote inclusive cultures, boost employee morale, and provide actionable strategies for leadership and teamwork. For individuals, I provide the tools and inspiration to shift their mindset, pursue their goals, and recognize their worth.

What sets me apart is my authenticity, lived experience, and the ability to connect deeply with audiences from all walks of life. I bring more than words—I bring actionable insights, real-world experience, and a passion for making meaningful change.

I’m most proud of the impact my work has had on others. Whether it’s empowering someone to write their book, inspiring an organization to implement better accessibility policies, or seeing the disability community represented in a space where it previously wasn’t, each step forward feels like a victory.

The main thing I want people to know about my brand is that it’s built on authenticity, purpose, and empowerment. Whether you’re looking for inspiration, tools to grow, or a partner to help drive meaningful change, I’m here to make that happen. My mission is to break barriers, change perceptions, and create a more inclusive world, one story, one workshop, and one connection at a time.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey of consistency, authenticity, and purpose. It all started when I realized that sharing my story—both the challenges and triumphs—could inspire others. I began posting content that was meaningful to me: reflections on my experiences living with spinal muscular atrophy, messages of encouragement, and insights on topics like accessibility, inclusion, and resilience. Over time, I discovered that vulnerability and honesty resonate deeply with people.

One key turning point was when I began to strategically align my content with my goals as a speaker, author, and advocate. I started sharing clips of my speaking engagements, behind-the-scenes moments of my work, and updates about partnerships or collaborations, such as with EasyStand or Sour Sop Nutrition. This allowed me to connect with a broader audience, including potential clients, brands, and organizations that align with my mission.

Engaging with my audience has also been crucial. I take time to respond to comments and messages, ask questions to spark conversations, and create content based on what my followers are interested in or need help with. It’s not just about posting—it’s about building a community.

For those starting to build their social media presence, here’s my advice:

1. Be Consistent: Post regularly and stay active. Consistency builds trust with your audience and keeps your content visible.

2. Know Your Audience: Understand who you’re speaking to and what they value. Tailor your content to address their needs, interests, and challenges.

3. Be Authentic: People can tell when something is forced. Share what’s real and true to you—your audience will appreciate your authenticity.

4. Tell Your Story: Your personal story is your superpower. Share it in a way that connects with others and highlights your unique perspective.

5. Engage, Don’t Just Broadcast: Social media is a two-way street. Reply to comments, ask questions, and show genuine interest in your audience.

6. Provide Value: Whether it’s inspiration, education, or entertainment, make sure your content gives something back to your followers.

7. Collaborate and Network: Partner with brands or individuals who align with your mission. Collaboration can help you reach new audiences and amplify your message.

8. Be Patient and Keep Growing: Building a following takes time. Focus on quality over quantity, and don’t get discouraged if growth is slow at first.

Social media is an amazing tool to connect with people worldwide and amplify your voice. When done with purpose and heart, it can open doors to incredible opportunities!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that truly illustrates my resilience comes from a moment that could have easily crushed me but instead became a turning point in my life. It was early in my journey as a motivational speaker. I had just begun putting myself out there, sharing my story, and pitching to organizations. I was filled with excitement and hope, but I was met with rejection after rejection. Some doubted my ability, others questioned whether my message would resonate, and a few even questioned if I could physically handle the demands of public speaking.

One particular rejection stuck with me. I had pitched to speak at a large conference that aligned perfectly with my mission. The organizer responded bluntly, saying they didn’t think their audience would “relate” to someone in a wheelchair. That moment stung deeply. For a split second, I questioned if they were right.

But instead of letting it break me, I used it as fuel. I reminded myself why I started this journey—to break down the very barriers that led to that rejection. I focused on sharpening my skills, refining my message, and seeking out opportunities with people and organizations who valued inclusion and authenticity.

Not long after, I secured my first big speaking engagement. The response was overwhelming—people shared how my message of resilience and perseverance inspired them to overcome their own challenges. From there, doors began to open, and my confidence grew.

That experience taught me that rejection is not the end. It’s a redirection, a chance to refocus and realign with your purpose. It also reaffirmed my belief that resilience isn’t about never facing obstacles; it’s about choosing to rise above them every time.

Today, I carry that lesson with me in everything I do. When I encounter challenges, I remind myself of how far I’ve come and the impact I’ve already made. That resilience fuels my passion to keep pushing forward and creating change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joseinspires.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joseinspires
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JoseInspires/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefloresinspires/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/joseinspires

Image Credits
jose flores