Ep 227 - The Key to Thriving with Luis Velasquez

In this episode of Paper Napkin Wisdom, I sit down with Luis Velasquez, a leadership coach, resilience expert, and author of Ordinary Resilience. Luis has spent years studying and coaching high-achieving professionals on the power of resilience in leadership. His paper napkin wisdom? Resilience is equal to (Commitment + Persistence) multiplied by Optimism. 

This simple yet profound equation speaks volumes about what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur and leader. Luis breaks it down: commitment and persistence are essential, but their impact is exponentially amplified when fueled by optimism. 

The Resilience Equation: Commitment + Persistence x Optimism 

Resilience is often mistaken for the ability to “tough it out.” But according to Luis, resilience is a process, not an event. It’s about continuously showing up, refining your approach, and maintaining a belief that better days are ahead. 

"Commitment is knowing why you do what you do. Persistence is showing up when things get tough. But without optimism, you won't see the opportunity in the challenge." 

Luis shares powerful personal anecdotes, including his journey through challenges that shaped his perspective. He emphasizes that resilience isn't about avoiding hardship; it's about reframing it. 

"Optimism is what transforms a setback into a setup for something greater." 

Five Key Takeaways from My Conversation with Luis Velasquez 

1. Resilience is a Skill, Not a Trait 

Many people assume that resilience is something you either have or you don’t. Luis argues that it’s a skill that can be developed over time. 

Take Action: Identify a past failure and reflect on how you responded. What did you learn? How could you approach a similar challenge differently today? 

2. Commitment is Your Foundation 

Without commitment, persistence is directionless. Luis stresses that clarity of purpose is critical to sustaining resilience. 

Take Action: Write down your ‘why’—the deeper reason behind your work or business. Keep it visible and revisit it during tough times. 

3. Persistence is the Daily Grind 

Persistence doesn’t mean doing the same thing over and over—it means continuously adapting. Luis encourages leaders to assess, pivot, and keep moving forward. 

Take Action: The next time you face a setback, ask yourself: What’s one small adjustment I can make to move forward? 

4. Optimism is the Multiplier 

Optimism isn’t blind positivity—it’s a commitment to seeing opportunities even in adversity. Luis explains that optimism amplifies effort, turning small wins into big victories. 

Take Action: Start a daily gratitude habit. List three things that went well each day, even in difficult times. 

5. Your Environment Shapes Your Resilience 

Surrounding yourself with the right people and influences makes resilience easier. Luis advises leaders to be intentional about who they spend time with. 

Take Action: Identify someone in your network who embodies resilience. Reach out and learn from their experiences. 

What’s Your Resilience Equation? 

Luis Velasquez’s insight reminds us that resilience isn’t just about enduring—it’s about thriving. His equation—(Commitment + Persistence) x Optimism—offers a framework for navigating challenges with purpose and confidence. 

Now it’s your turn: What does resilience look like in your life? Write it down on a napkin, snap a photo, and share it with the hashtag #PaperNapkinWisdom. Let’s start a conversation on what it takes to keep going, no matter what. 

Connect: 

To learn more about Luis Velasquez, visit his LinkedIn.