Francisco Leon: The CEO Who Crossed the Border Every Day
Release Date: 06/24/2026
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info_outlineFrancisco Leon's story begins with a daily border crossing. Born in Mexico City and raised in Tijuana, Francisco spent more than a decade crossing between Mexico and the United States every day to attend school in San Diego. What began as a sacrifice by his parents to create greater opportunities for their children became the foundation for a unique perspective on leadership, problem-solving, and opportunity. In this conversation, Francisco reflects on growing up between two countries, learning to navigate two cultures, and how those experiences shaped his path from border kid to CEO of a publicly traded energy company.
As President and CEO of California Resources Corporation, Francisco now leads one of California's most important energy companies at a time when energy security, affordability, climate policy, and geopolitics are colliding in real time. He discusses the realities of producing energy in California, the importance of local energy production, and why communities are at the center of every major decision the company makes. The conversation explores how leadership changes when you're responsible for critical infrastructure, thousands of employees, and the energy needs of millions of people.
Francisco also shares his vision for the future of Latino leadership. While many Latinos continue to celebrate being the "first" in a particular role, he believes the next chapter must be about becoming the many. From business and technology to politics and culture, Francisco argues that the barriers have been broken and that the challenge now is building the pipeline for future generations. This episode is a story about ambition, responsibility, and the opportunities that emerge when immigrant families take a leap of faith.
Topics Discussed in This Episode
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Growing up in Mexico City and relocating to Tijuana
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Crossing the U.S.-Mexico border every day to attend school
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The sacrifices immigrant parents make to create opportunity
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Learning leadership through football, basketball, and organized sports
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Adapting to life between two cultures and two countries
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How border life shaped Francisco's worldview
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The journey from CFO to CEO of California Resources Corporation
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Leading a publicly traded company in California's energy sector
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Navigating politics, regulation, and public perception
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Why energy affordability has become a critical issue
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The importance of local energy production
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California's first carbon capture and storage project
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Energy security, sustainability, and innovation
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Latino representation in corporate leadership
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Moving beyond being the "first and only"
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