Dr. Peter Rios is the Founder of Peter Rios Consulting and the author of Untold Stories: The Latinx Leadership Experience in Higher Education. He has served diverse organizations, including businesses, religious institutions/churches, government, higher education, and non-profits, in organizational diversity, equity and inclusion, leadership development, and innovation. 

His extensive experience and doctoral education in strategic leadership and intercultural studies have made him a sought-after keynote and conference speaker. Rios has been invited to speak and train leaders nationally and internationally. In the United States Marine Corps, he gained global leadership experience while stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and South Korea, and most recently, he has lived in Barbados and St. Maarten.

Peter is a lecturer of leadership studies at Penn State and has been an adjunct professor at Colorado State University-Global Campus and Indiana Wesleyan University, teaching undergraduate and graduate students in organizational leadership, religious and cultural studies, and business management. Rios has also been a vice president at two universities. Before academia, Peter was involved in pastoral ministry for over ten years and has over twenty years of leadership development experience. 

Rios holds a PhD in Intercultural Studies from Fuller Graduate Schools, a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership (DSL) from Regent University School of Business and Leadership, completed doctoral work at the University of Southern California-Rossier School of Education, and an MA from Northeastern Seminary. He is married to Dr. Ruby Gonzalez-Rios, a cancer and infectious disease researcher. 

https://www.peterriosconsulting.com/

Book:  https://amzn.to/3xWXpQU

Summary

Peter Rios' Background and Journey @ 0:00

Peter Rios shares his story of growing up in underprivileged circumstances, struggling in school, eventually earning two doctoral degrees, and becoming a successful leadership consultant and speaker. He emphasizes the importance of resilience, mentorship, and not playing the victim, even in the face of societal inequities.

Maximizing Potential and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs @ 4:00

Peter discusses the tendency for people to get stuck in a "small mentality" or "fixed mindset," using the analogy of a goldfish confined to a small bowl. He encourages listeners to cultivate a growth mindset, embrace curiosity and discovery, and push beyond their self-imposed limitations to achieve tremendous success and fulfillment.

The Importance of Intentional Service and Mentorship @ 19:16

Peter emphasizes that authentic leadership and success are rooted in service to others. He shares his own experience of starting by assisting an established speaker, which eventually led to him launching his own non-profit and consulting business. Peter advises listeners to seek mentors and opportunities to add value rather than expecting overnight success.

Promoting Peter's Book and Future Offerings @ 21:31

Peter provides information on how listeners can connect with him and access his book, Maximize Your Life, which is available in English and Spanish. He also mentions an upcoming online course and coaching program that will further expand on the principles and strategies covered in the book.

Recap and Closing Thoughts @ 23:34

Michael and Peter conclude the conversation by reiterating the importance of taking action, overcoming self-doubt, and maximizing one's potential, even facing challenges. They encourage listeners to follow Peter's work and teachings to find the motivation and guidance to achieve their goals.