Juan Taveras
He/Him
"I hope that the work I've done helps others feel seen, valued, and equipped to navigate the challenges of building inclusive environments."
Resilience
When life feels overwhelming, my personal "reset button" is spending quality time with my wife and daughters, which always brings me back to what truly matters. I also find peace in spending time in nature and through prayer, both of which help me reflect, recharge, and regain clarity. These practices remind me to pause, breathe, and approach challenges with renewed focus.
When supporting others, I try to be attuned to the needs of my team members, paying attention to their body language, word choice, and changes in behavior. If I notice something "off," I make it a point to ask how things are going and if there’s anything they need to feel more aligned and present. I also encourage open conversations about stress and resilience, helping them explore what works best for their reset—whether it’s time with loved ones, a walk outside, or other grounding activities. By modeling my own practices and fostering a culture of care, I aim to create a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to manage challenges and find balance.
Purpose-Driven
A few years ago, I was presented with a lucrative job opportunity that, on the surface, seemed like an easy choice. However, accepting it would have come at a significant cost: it would have severely limited my freedom and time with my family, two of my core values. After much reflection and prayer, I chose to decline the offer. While it wasn’t an easy decision, it was the right one for me and my family.
This choice reinforced for me—and for those around me—the importance of staying true to one’s values, even when the alternative seems tempting. By prioritizing my values, I modeled to my colleagues, friends, and loved ones that purpose-driven decisions lead to long-term fulfillment and alignment. It also opened the door for me to pursue opportunities that more closely align with who I am and what I stand for, inspiring others to reflect on their own values and have the courage to make choices that honor them.
Developmental Leadership
I approach the development of the people I lead with a focus on understanding their unique strengths, aspirations, and challenges. My goal is to create opportunities for growth while offering guidance, encouragement, and honest feedback. I believe in creating a safe environment where team members feel supported to stretch beyond their comfort zones, explore their potential, and build the confidence to take on new challenges.
A recent example involved coaching a team member who expressed interest in a leadership role but felt uncertain about their readiness. Through regular one-on-one conversations, we explored their goals, identified areas for growth, and created a development plan. I provided them with stretch assignments to build their skills, gave actionable feedback to refine their approach, and connected them with resources and mentors to expand their perspective.
When an opportunity for a higher-level role opened up at another organization, I encouraged them to apply, even though they initially hesitated. I helped them prepare by conducting mock interviews and refining their application materials. Seeing them land the role and thrive has been deeply rewarding—not only for them but also for our team, as their success inspired others to think bigger about their own potential. For me, leadership is about enabling others to succeed, even if it means letting them soar beyond the confines of our own organization.
Intersectionality
A pivotal moment in my leadership journey came when I had the opportunity to manage a trans person for the first time. As someone who deeply values faith, I had to confront my own biases and preconceived notions about trans individuals. I realized that aspects of my identity—particularly my faith—were in tension with my commitment to being an inclusive leader. It was a challenging experience that required humility, self-reflection, and a willingness to learn.
I approached this situation by actively seeking to understand my team member’s experiences and needs. I educated myself about their community, asked questions with genuine curiosity, and listened without judgment. I also reflected deeply on my faith and how its core values—love, respect, and compassion—aligned with my desire to lead inclusively. By focusing on shared humanity and treating them with dignity and care, I not only supported them effectively but also grew as a leader.
This experience reshaped my perspective, helping me see that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being open, learning, and creating space for others to thrive. Navigating this tension strengthened my empathy and my ability to lead people with diverse identities, enriching both my leadership style and the culture of the teams I manage.
Future Facing Legacy
When others look back on my influence, I hope they see someone who genuinely cared about creating a more equitable and inclusive world—not someone with all the answers but someone willing to listen, learn, and take meaningful action. I hope that the work I’ve done helps others feel seen, valued, and equipped to navigate the challenges of building inclusive environments.
I want to be remembered as a kind, caring, and approachable leader. Someone who walked the talk and was more interested in progress than perfection. I hope my legacy is one that creates ripple effects and empowers others to carry this work forward in their own unique ways. Whether it’s coaching a team member to step into a leadership role, guiding organizations through meaningful cultural change, or inspiring leaders through my podcast and workshops, I envision my influence as a catalyst for sustained progress. I want people to look back and feel that their engagement with me inspired them to think bigger, act braver, and lead with more heart.
Most importantly, I want to leave a legacy my daughters can be proud of. I hope they see in me someone who lives with integrity and prioritizes what truly matters—faith, family, freedom, and fun. I want them to know that it’s possible to lead with kindness and strength, to stand firm in your values while embracing others with compassion, and to work toward a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. My greatest hope is that my example inspires them to live courageously, stay curious, and always find ways to uplift those around them.