Florida’s Latino Business Leaders
sidered a Hispanic. We all became Hispanics when we moved to the USA. Adapting to
a new culture, learning a new language and
learning how to inform a new market was
an interesting challenge. Hispanics that live
in Latin America and Hispanics that live in
the U.S. have differences. These differences
make the communication a key factor when
understanding the market. I am a proud Colombian by birth. I am a proud Hispanic by
heritage. I am a proud American by choice.
Latin Times: Tell us about how you are
able to help business and community leaders with your business services?
Pilar Ortiz: For us at Pilar Ortiz Enterprises it is about connecting, empowering and
building confidence. We are able to help with:
Media Training with programs where I
share knowledge from a 20 plus-year journalistic career to executives and leaders and
help them deliver a precise, effective and
engaging message. SheistheVideoPro.com
VIP Coaching: I work one on one with
entrepreneurs, CEO's and corporate
leaders who want to speak better, look
confident on camera and deliver a powerful and clear message. Our exclusive
program gets results. PilarOrtiz.com
Keynote Speeches: I connect with the audience to deliver my motivational speech
and Bridging the Gap: Connecting with
Hispanics. If you know a Hispanic, work
with some or would like to start a business relationship with them consider
this talk as an opportunity to understand how they think, how they feel and
how they make decisions. PilarOrtiz.com
Latin Times: Tell us about your 3 Biggest
Career challenges, and how you overcame them, explain how those challenges
helped to shape you into who you are today.
Pilar
Ortiz:
1. No longer Colombian, you are now con-
your mind with the undeniable truth that
anything you set to achieve is possible. We’ll
find page after page of inspiring stories, of
real people who don't give up and succeed
where others fail. I would recommend this
book to anybody facing a challenge, a struggle, or a sudden change in plans, or simply
want to improve your self-image by losing
those pesky 5-10 extra pounds. Every goal
or struggle is a journey! The book is available
in Amazon or in my website PilarOrtiz.com
2. Bridging the gap. I had to learn from
these differences and at the same time become a bridge between two cultures when
I had the responsibility of providing information to the local community. I learned
English at 30 years old; I had to start from
zero when I decided to become an entrepreneur and after being laid off after the 2008
recession. I always see a challenge as an opportunity and now I love to be able to inspire others to do the same. Men and women, executives and leaders, at all levels want
to be successful, confident and authentic.
Latin Times: We are excited that this year,
you are a VIP/Celebrity Judge at the 4th
Annual Cuban Sandwich Festival, which
will take place on Sunday, March 22nd,
2015 in Ybor City, Florida ---- Where do
you usually enjoy a Good Tampa Cuban
at?
Pilar Ortiz: I am very happy to be one of
them and to be able to try so many different and I am sure delicious recipes. My
favorite Cuban sandwich is lightly toasted
and with melted-melted cheese. Speaking
about the Cuban sandwich reminds me
about my acceptance speech when I was
honored as the Tampa Hispanic Woman
of the Year 2014 last October, when I said,
speaking about bridging the gap, that as
a Colombian when I first came to this
country to live in Tampa (where I became
a Hispanic) I did not even know that
Cubans had their own sandwich…haha!
But believe me, now I know how delicious
they are! I love trying different foods and
learning about the beautiful Latin American cultures. ¡Gracias por esta hermosa
oportunidad!
3. Overcoming obstacles. During challenging times, you learn to overcome fears,
trust in your faith and work for your passion. I also had to face challenges: from fear
of speaking in public years ago, to covering
all type of news, in 1993, I was one of the
first reporters sent to cover live for a TV
station the death of the world known drug
dealer Pablo Escobar. I had to overcome
fears, doubts and internal voices. Does it
sound familiar? I know am an expert that
shares tips and techniques to others. When
you have a burning desire to do something,
you can be sure you can do it. Life is amazing and if we are willing to takes risks, we
will succeed! It is up to you to take the
first step and I will help you along the way.
Latin Times:
Tell us about your
book, and who should read it?
Pilar Ortiz: Everyone that has seen themselves in a hard situation and wants to be
inspired. The book is filled with personal
anecdotes, compelling stories and powerful teachings in life. It is conversational,
interesting and you will find it easy to read.
“Camino al Éxito, todos arrancamos aquí”
is the version in Spanish and “Reinventing
Yourself, Creating your own path to success” is the one in English these are stories
and reflections that aim to inspire and set