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World Diabetes Day — A Global Call for Awareness and Prevention

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World Diabetes Day: History and Global Impact

World Diabetes Day is observed every year on November 14th, commemorating the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1921 along with Charles Best. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) established this day in 1991 in response to the growing concern over the global rise of diabetes. It became an official United Nations Day in 2006, emphasizing diabetes as not only a health issue but a social, economic, and developmental challenge (WHO, 2024).

Understanding Diabetes and Its Global Reach

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by elevated blood glucose levels resulting from defects in insulin production or its utilization. According to the World Health Organization (2024), over 540 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 783 million by 2045 if no effective preventive measures are taken.

Diabetes in Mexico and the United States

In Mexico, diabetes is one of the leading causes of death. The National Institute of Public Health (INSP, 2023) reported that around 14 million adults live with diabetes, representing nearly 14% of the adult population. Moreover, nearly half of them are unaware of their condition, increasing the risk of complications such as kidney failure, vision loss, and cardiovascular disease.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2024) estimates that 38.4 million people, or 11.6% of the U.S. population, have diabetes, with an additional 97 million adults in a prediabetic state. The financial impact is also alarming, with $413 billion spent annually on direct medical costs and lost productivity (ADA, 2024).

Raising Awareness and Promoting Prevention

World Diabetes Day serves as a reminder of the importance of early diagnosis, healthy lifestyle choices, and regular screenings. Campaigns around the world encourage physical activity, balanced nutrition, and education about risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, and sedentary behavior.

However, diabetes prevention and management require more than individual effort—it demands public health policies, community support, and financial preparedness.

Financial Planning and Life Insurance: Protecting Health and Future

Chronic diseases like diabetes not only affect physical well-being but also have significant financial consequences. Medical expenses, long-term treatments, and work absences can severely impact family stability. Therefore, life and health insurance are essential tools for protection.

Having an insurance plan ensures access to timely medical attention, coverage for expensive treatments, and financial security for loved ones in case of unforeseen complications. Integrating financial planning with health awareness allows individuals to live with greater peace of mind, focusing on prevention and quality of life instead of fear and uncertainty.

References

  • American Diabetes Association (ADA). (2024). Statistics about diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.diabetes.org

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024). National Diabetes Statistics Report. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

  • International Diabetes Federation (IDF). (2024). IDF Diabetes Atlas (11th ed.). Retrieved from https://idf.org

  • Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública (INSP). (2023). Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (ENSANUT). Gobierno de México.

  • World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). Global report on diabetes. Retrieved from https://www.who.int

World Diabetes Day: Protecting Health and Future

Project Control: The Strategic Compass for Project Managers

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Understanding Control in Project Management

In project management, control is not merely a procedural step—it’s the backbone that ensures objectives are achieved as planned.
Control can be defined as “the process of monitoring activities to ensure they are accomplished as planned and correcting any significant deviations.”

Without control, even the most detailed project plan becomes a wish list. A strong control system allows project managers to evaluate performance, detect variances early, and take corrective action to keep the project aligned with its goals.

An effective control system does more than track progress—it ensures that every activity contributes directly to achieving the organization’s objectives. As management theory states, the real measure of control effectiveness is how well it helps managers meet organizational goals.

Why Control Matters for Project Managers

For project managers, control is both a discipline and a safeguard. Its importance lies in ensuring that strategy turns into tangible results. Some of the key reasons control is indispensable include:

  • Performance Comparison: Control provides a structured way to compare actual performance with what was planned. Without this, managers cannot assess whether progress is on track.

  • Deviation Detection: It helps identify cost overruns, schedule delays, and quality issues before they escalate into major problems.

  • Strategic Alignment: Control mechanisms ensure that every task remains connected to the broader strategic objectives of the organization.

  • Risk Mitigation: Early detection of deviations allows for preventive and corrective measures, reducing the impact of uncertainty and risks.

  • Transparency and Communication: Reliable control data fosters trust and clear communication among stakeholders, enabling informed decision-making.

In short, control transforms uncertainty into actionable insight. It’s what allows managers to steer projects proactively rather than reactively.

Key Methodologies and Tools for Effective Control

Modern project management offers various methodologies and tools to establish strong control mechanisms. The choice depends on the project’s nature, scope, and complexity:

  • Earned Value Management (EVM): Integrates scope, time, and cost to assess project performance and predict future trends.

  • Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): Divides the project into manageable components, allowing control at multiple levels.

  • Gantt Charts and Kanban Boards: Offer visual tracking of timelines, dependencies, and workflow.

  • Critical Path Method (CPM): Identifies key activities that directly impact the project’s completion date.

  • Risk, Change, and Quality Control: Beyond scope and schedule, effective control extends to quality assurance, stakeholder engagement, and change management.

Successful project managers often blend these tools—choosing the right mix that aligns with their organization’s culture and project dynamics.

The Eight Key Steps of Project Control

Implementing a robust control system requires following a structured process. The following steps outline a practical roadmap for project managers:

  1. Define Standards and Baselines: Establish clear performance expectations in scope, schedule, cost, and quality. Without a baseline, there’s no benchmark for comparison.

  2. Monitor Actual Performance: Collect real-time data on progress, costs, resources, and quality metrics.

  3. Compare Actual vs. Planned Results: Identify any discrepancies between expected and actual outcomes.

  4. Analyze Deviations: Determine root causes—planning errors, execution gaps, unforeseen risks, or uncontrolled changes.

  5. Take Corrective or Preventive Actions: Implement measures to realign the project—reallocate resources, adjust schedules, or negotiate scope changes.

  6. Adjust the Control System: A good control system evolves; adapt it to changing project contexts or agile environments.

  7. Communicate Results and Adjustments: Keep stakeholders informed about progress, risks, and mitigation plans to maintain transparency.

  8. Review and Learn: At project closure, document lessons learned and assess control effectiveness to improve future performance.

These steps ensure that control remains dynamic, data-driven, and aligned with strategic priorities.

Conclusion: Control as a Leadership Practice

For project managers, control is not about surveillance—it’s about steering.
When applied with insight and consistency, control transforms management from routine oversight into a leadership tool that ensures value creation.

An effective control system is one that enables goal achievement, not one that merely reports deviations. So the key question every project manager should ask is:

“Does my control system truly help me achieve the project’s and the organization’s objectives?”

If the answer is yes, control becomes not a constraint—but your most powerful lever for success.

References 

Mastering Control: The Art of Keeping Projects on Track

Day of the Dead: Origins, Traditions, and Its Passage to the United States

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The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a living tradition that honors deceased relatives through altars, offerings, rituals, and public festivities. Although popularly portrayed as ancient and monolithic, the celebration is the result of centuries of cultural adaptation — an enduring syncretism between pre-Hispanic practices and Catholic rites introduced during the colonial period. inah.gob.mx+1

Pre-Hispanic roots and early rituals
Scholars trace elements of the holiday’s symbolic universe to Mesoamerican cultures — especially to Nahua/Aztec practices — where death was integrated into cyclical cosmologies and rituals dedicated to deities associated with the dead (for example, Mictecacihuatl, sometimes called the “Lady of the Dead”). Practices such as offerings, skull imagery, and month-long commemorations of the deceased existed long before the Spanish conquest, though they varied widely by region and community. HISTORY+1

Colonial syncretism: Catholic calendar and adaptation
With the arrival of the Spaniards and Catholic evangelization, indigenous rituals were reframed and often merged with All Saints’ Day (Nov 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov 2). Over time the indigenous commemorations were shortened and re-dated in many regions, producing the two-day popular form widely recognized today. Rather than erasing indigenous meaning entirely, this fusion produced a resilient cultural practice that incorporates both notions of mourning and joyful remembrance. inah.gob.mx+1

Key elements and their meanings
Common features of contemporary altars (ofrendas) — photographs of the deceased, candles, copal or incense, pan de muerto, salt, water, papel picado, sugar skulls, and cempasúchil (marigold) flowers — function as sensory guides intended to welcome visiting souls and to connect the living with memory and community. Several items (flowers to guide, candles to light the way, food to nourish) have symbolic explanations that mix indigenous cosmovision and later folk interpretations. Smithsonian Magazine+1

Regional variation in Mexico
Día de los Muertos is not uniform across Mexico: in some regions it is an elaborate multi-day set of rituals; in others it remains intimate and family-centered. Oaxacan cemeteries, Michoacán’s island ceremonies, central Mexican barrio altars, and northern variations each show local histories and meanings. The UNESCO designation recognizes this “indigenous festivity dedicated to the dead” as a living, diverse practice. UNESCO ICH+1

The tradition in the United States
Migration and transnational ties have carried Day of the Dead practices into the United States, where Mexican and Indigenous communities — and increasingly multicultural audiences — celebrate through altars, parades, public art, and community events. U.S. expressions often adapt imagery and rhythm to local contexts (public parades, “community altares,” educational events, art installations), while debates about commercialization and cultural appropriation have grown as the celebration becomes more visible in mainstream culture. Institutions such as the Library of Congress and Smithsonian museums document and analyze this cultural transfer. The Library of Congress+1

 

Contemporary meanings and global visibility
The Day of the Dead’s global resonance — amplified by media, museums, and festivals — highlights both Mexico’s cultural diplomacy and the contestations that arise when sacred family practices become public spectacles. For practitioners, the holiday remains foremost an act of remembrance and continuity across generations; for observers, it can also serve as an entry point to learning about Mexico’s plural past. UNESCO’s listing underscores the festival’s value as intangible cultural heritage, emphasizing local custodianship and the need to respect living practices.

Bibliografia

(If you want a full APA bibliography with DOI entries for academic journal articles or additional scholarly books, I can expand this list and format each entry precisely.)

Day of the Dead: a living tradition

The Power of Assertive Behavior: A Key to Conscious Leadership

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In leadership and business, relationships are everything. Yet many professionals still struggle to find the right balance between speaking up and staying respectful. This is where assertiveness becomes a true leadership skill. Assertiveness is the ability to communicate with honesty, confidence, and empathy — creating relationships where there are no winners or losers, only mutual growth and respect.

Stephen Covey (1989), in his well-known model of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, described this as a “win-win” mindset — the idea that genuine success in human relationships only happens when both parties benefit. In that sense, assertiveness is not about dominance or submission; it is about emotional intelligence in action. It starts with deep self-respect — honoring one’s body, identity, and values — and extends naturally into respect for others.

Assertive Behavior

Assertive behavior is the direct expression of one’s feelings, desires, rights, and opinions without threatening, punishing, or violating the rights of others. It represents a balance between honesty and respect — toward oneself and toward others.

An assertive individual communicates clearly, expresses their needs without guilt, and takes responsibility for the impact of their words and actions. They understand that emotional maturity involves both standing firm and listening deeply. In the business world, assertiveness builds credibility, fosters trust, and prevents unnecessary conflict. It allows leaders to make decisions with clarity and integrity while maintaining relationships built on mutual respect.

Passive Behavior

Passive behavior occurs when individuals fail to express their feelings, thoughts, or opinions openly — or when they express them in a self-defeating way, often accompanied by apologies or insecurity. In essence, passive behavior violates one’s own rights.

People who act passively often do so to keep the peace or avoid confrontation at all costs. However, this avoidance typically leads to internal frustration and external misunderstandings. Their needs remain unmet, and their voice fades over time. The result is often resentment, fatigue, or even sudden emotional outbursts after long periods of silence.

In leadership, passivity can be devastating. A passive leader is often perceived as indecisive, lacking conviction, or unwilling to take a stand. Over time, this erodes both authority and trust. Furthermore, colleagues may feel frustrated by having to interpret what the passive individual “really means,” leading to tension and inefficiency within the team.

Aggressive Behavior

Aggressive behavior, on the other hand, represents the opposite extreme. It involves defending one’s rights or expressing one’s thoughts and emotions in a way that infringes upon the rights of others. Aggression can be direct — through insults, threats, or humiliation — or indirect, such as sarcasm, gossip, or manipulative behavior.

Nonverbal aggression can manifest through hostile gestures, intimidating looks, or even physical confrontation. In any form, the goal of aggression is control — to dominate others by making them weaker or less capable of defending their own rights and needs.

While aggressive individuals might experience short-term satisfaction or a sense of power, the long-term consequences are always negative. Aggression destroys trust, breeds resentment, and isolates the aggressor. No sustainable leadership can be built on fear or humiliation. Ethical leadership requires confidence, not coercion.

Assertiveness as the Balance of Emotional Intelligence

In the world of entrepreneurship and leadership, assertiveness stands as the bridge between empathy and strength. It empowers leaders to express their vision clearly, to make firm decisions, and to maintain open, respectful dialogue even in moments of tension.

True assertiveness is not about having control — it’s about having clarity. It’s the courage to speak your truth with kindness and to listen without fear. It’s knowing when to push forward and when to step back, always guided by integrity.

Unfortunately, many people confuse assertiveness with passivity. They believe being assertive means always saying “yes,” avoiding confrontation, or tolerating manipulation for the sake of harmony. But that’s not assertiveness — that’s comfort disguised as prudence. Timid leaders seek comfort; assertive leaders seek growth — even when growth demands discomfort.

Final Reflection

Assertiveness is not a personality trait; it’s a conscious choice — a habit of respect and responsibility. In business and in life, it is the foundation of authentic influence. Leaders who master assertiveness don’t need to raise their voice to be heard; their calm confidence commands attention.

 

As Covey (1989) might remind us, “Only those who truly respect themselves can create relationships where everyone wins.”

References 

  • Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster.

  • Alberti, R. E., & Emmons, M. L. (2017). Your Perfect Right: Assertiveness and Equality in Your Life and Relationships (10th ed.). New Harbinger Publications.

  • Ellis, A., & Harper, R. A. (1975). A New Guide to Rational Living. Hollywood, CA: Wilshire Book Company

The Power of Assertiveness The Key to Conscious Leadership

World Mental Health Day: spotlighting serious mental illness and financing hope

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Every October 10, World Mental Health Day reminds us that serious mental illness must be visible, diagnosed early, and supported with coordinated clinical and financial strategies. This is not only compassionate — it’s smart economics. In 2019 about 970 million people worldwide were living with a mental disorder, with anxiety and depression the most common. World Health Organization

Why early detection? Timely diagnosis and care reduce clinical, social and economic burdens. Early intervention programs for psychiatric conditions (for example, first-episode psychosis) have been shown in studies and systematic reviews to be cost-effective: they lower societal costs and produce better clinical outcomes compared to standard care. PubMed+1

The most tragic consequence of unmet mental health needs is suicide. More than 700,000 people die by suicide every year; it’s the third leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds globally. Early diagnosis and treatment in young people is a key strategy to lower this risk and the large human and financial costs that follow. World Health Organization

In Mexico and the United States the problem is acute: Mexico recorded roughly 8,837 suicides in 2023 (INEGI), and the U.S. saw about 49,000 suicide deaths annually in 2022–2023. These are not just numbers — they are lost lives, family trauma, productivity losses and future care costs. Mexico Business News+1

Practical strategies from a financial coach’s perspective

  1. Early prevention and screening: embed mental-health screening in schools, primary care and workplace programs. The payoff is fewer hospitalizations, better return-to-work rates, and reduced long-term costs. PMC+1

  2. Integrated care packages: combine psychotherapy, medication when needed, social support and community services. For families, this reduces emergency expenses and income disruption.

  3. Appropriate insurance and financial products: encourage insurance coverage for ongoing mental-health care and disability protection so families are not bankrupted by chronic conditions.

  4. Crisis response and hotlines: fund crisis lines and first-responder training and reduce stigma so help is sought early.

  5. Monitor outcomes and evaluate ROI: track indicators (attempt rates, adherence, return-to-work) and measure social and economic returns. Health-economics literature shows favorable returns for early prevention and intervention investments. PMC+1

A direct call to action for families and advisors

If you notice prolonged mood changes, withdrawal, declining school or job performance, or suicidal thoughts — act. Early assessment can save lives, protect family income and reduce lifetime costs. Check professional resources, school programs, community services and your insurance coverage.

Motivational close (personal and family focus)

Mental health is the foundation for personal achievement, family stability and financial resilience. Prioritizing it protects both lives and livelihoods. As your coach and financial advisor: take action today — an assessment, a family conversation, or an insurance review — and turn prevention into protection. Recovery and stability are possible; investing in them is investing in your family’s future.

Bibliografía 

World Health Mental Day

The Key to Communication: Empathy in Action

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«With the right key, you can say anything; with the wrong key, nothing works. Striking the right key is essential.»
—George Bernard Shaw

Communication as the Core of Human Life

Communication is the central act of human interaction. It is possible because everything—whether external or internal—can be represented and expressed. Yet, as Lewis Carroll highlighted in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: “One of the hardest things in the world is to convey thoughts accurately from one mind to another” (Carroll, 1865/2009).

This difficulty shows that communication is far from simple. It requires not only transmitting information but also ensuring that meaning is understood.

The Communication Process

Human communication involves two main steps:

  1. Understanding and transmitting a situation or fact.

  2. Choosing and delivering the right signs to express it.

Every message must be encoded by the sender and decoded by the receiver. The success of this process depends on whether both parties share the same code. For example, the word soul in “I love you with all my soul” carries a different meaning than in “Man is composed of body and soul.”

This highlights a crucial truth: the receiver’s code sets the rules, not the sender’s. Anyone who seeks to influence others—whether in politics, religion, or business—must adapt to the language their audience understands.

Beyond Information: A Communion of Meaning

Communication is not merely the exchange of words—it is also a sharing of emotions, impressions, and attitudes. It is an invisible thread that can unite or divide human beings.

Even objective information often carries emotional weight. Consider a CEO announcing company performance results. The figures themselves may trigger anxiety, fear, or even shame. If communication remains purely objective, barriers arise that prevent understanding.

However, if the leader acknowledges emotions—such as recognizing an employee’s frustration over negative feedback—then both parties are more likely to grow from the experience. By validating emotions, facts become easier to accept.

The Role of Empathy in Communication

Effective communication requires more than clarity—it requires empathy. Listening without judgment and stepping into the other person’s perspective is the foundation of healthy interaction.

As Covey (1989) emphasized, “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Empathy transforms communication from a transactional exchange into a relationship of trust and comfort.

When trust exists, misunderstandings diminish. For instance, when a supplier delivers late, empathy allows us to interpret the delay not as disrespect, but as the result of workload pressure. In such an atmosphere, both parties share information freely, improving collaboration and strengthening human connection.

George Bernard Shaw: A Voice on Human Understanding

George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950), Irish playwright and journalist, exemplified the power of words. Self-taught after leaving school at sixteen, Shaw became a critic, writer, and eventually one of the most influential dramatists of his time. His reflections on communication and human behavior remain deeply relevant.

Some of his most inspiring words include:

  • “If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; now put foundations under them.”

  • “Freedom means responsibility.”

  • “You see things and say, ‘Why?’ But I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’”

Conclusion: Empathy as a Leadership Skill

Communication is not simply the transfer of information—it is the exchange of meaning, emotions, and trust. Leaders who practice empathy build stronger teams, foster collaboration, and overcome barriers to understanding.

Ultimately, empathy is not just a social virtue. It is an essential leadership skill, especially for project managers and business leaders who must navigate complex interactions. Empathy turns communication into connection, and connection into results.

References

  • Carroll, L. (2009). Alice’s adventures in Wonderland (Rev. ed.). Harvard University Press. (Original work published 1865)

  • Covey, S. R. (1989). The 7 habits of highly effective people. Free Press.

  • Shaw, G. B. (n.d.). Selected quotes.

The Key to Communication: Empathy in Action

The Power of Now for Entrepreneurs and Startups: How the Present Drives Your Business and Your Life

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Introduction

In the business world, especially within the fast-paced startup ecosystem, speed and pressure are the norm. Founders are constantly projecting themselves into the future: the next product launch, the next funding round, the next strategic client. At the same time, many carry the weight of the past: a failed pitch, a rushed decision, or a partnership that didn’t work out.

This constant oscillation between what has already happened and what has not yet arrived often leaves little room for the most important dimension of all: the present.

The present is where real decisions take place, where action happens, and where ideas materialize. For that reason, applying the philosophy of The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is not only a path toward personal well-being but also a strategic tool for entrepreneurs and startups aiming to build sustainable and innovative businesses.

This article explores how living in the now can positively impact entrepreneurship, offering practical guidance to help founders reduce mental noise, strengthen decision-making, and lead their ventures with greater clarity.

The Entrepreneurial Mind: Friend and Foe

The first obstacle to the present is the mind itself. For entrepreneurs, the mind works like a relentless machine of ideas, scenarios, and possibilities. This is useful in the creative phase, but it becomes a burden when excessive thinking leads to anxiety, distraction, and burnout.

An entrepreneur might be sitting in a team meeting but mentally worrying about next week’s investor presentation. Or while working on the business model, they relive past failures and freeze in fear of repeating them. This noise prevents them from noticing the opportunities right in front of them.

Adopting the Power of Now means realizing that you are not your mind and learning to observe your thoughts instead of being consumed by them. This separation allows something critical for business: strategic clarity.

The Duality of the Entrepreneur: The Public “Self” vs. the Real “Self”

Every founder manages two sides: the one they show to the world—confident, optimistic, visionary—and the one they live privately—tired, insecure, full of doubts. Recognizing this duality is essential because many business decisions are made to protect the external image rather than serve the company’s actual needs.

For example, clinging to a product that doesn’t work just to preserve pride is a trap of the ego. By contrast, a founder who connects with their authentic self can acknowledge mistakes, pivot when necessary, and redirect resources to what truly creates value. This internal honesty translates into authentic leadership and stronger trust from others.

The Present as an Antidote to Startup Chaos

Uncertainty is the rule in the startup ecosystem. There are no guaranteed results, which creates a constant mental storm: Will funding be enough? Will a competitor move faster? What if scaling fails?

Practicing presence means letting go of hypothetical future scenarios and focusing on what can be solved today. If you are in a client meeting, the best thing you can do is truly listen in that moment—not drift into what objections they might raise later.

This mindset reduces stress and improves productivity because energy is focused on actionable steps today rather than dissipated into endless “what ifs.”

Emotions and Business: Detaching from Fear and Anxiety

Entrepreneurs face intense emotions: excitement, frustration, fear, hope. When these emotions dominate decision-making, mistakes multiply.

For instance, fear of losing a deal can push a founder to accept unfair terms. Anxiety about being “the first” can lead to launching prematurely.

Practicing presence allows you to notice emotions without letting them control your actions. If an investor rejects your pitch, instead of drowning in frustration, you can analyze what you learned and apply it to the next opportunity.

Fear and Ego on the Entrepreneurial Journey

The most common fear in entrepreneurship is not financial failure—it is the blow to the ego: being perceived as someone who didn’t make it.

When you understand that the ego is not your true self but a mental construct, failures stop being personal attacks and become valuable lessons. The present reminds you that every mistake only happens in a specific moment and does not define your entire trajectory.

Learning from the Past Without Living in It

Entrepreneurs often say things like “I tried that, and it didn’t work” or “I failed with something similar before.” The danger is allowing the past to dictate today’s choices.

The past offers lessons and perspective, but the present is the only place where execution happens. Every iteration, test, and meeting is a fresh opportunity, not a replay of past failures.

Conscious Decision-Making and Accountability

The Power of Now emphasizes that every problem leaves you with two choices: accept it or resolve it. What is useless is resisting it mentally and turning it into drama.

If a co-founder consistently underperforms, you can either accept it (and adapt) or address it directly through clear conversations, new agreements, or even separation. Pretending the problem doesn’t exist only drains energy.

Conscious decisions do not guarantee perfect outcomes, but they provide peace of mind because they are aligned with present realities rather than imagined futures.

Relationships and Teams: Love, Pressure, and the Present

Startups are not just ventures; they are networks of relationships. Founders, co-founders, employees, investors, and clients create an emotional web. Excessive attachment or unrealistic expectations often damage those bonds.

Living in the present helps you value what exists now without pressuring others to meet future projections. A co-founder may not be “perfect” in every aspect, but they can still be appreciated for what they contribute in the moment.

This approach fosters healthier, longer-lasting relationships both inside and outside the business.

Living with Purpose in Business

Many entrepreneurs confuse purpose with goals. A goal might be to raise a funding round, but purpose is the deeper reason driving your business. Living in the present means remembering that purpose in each action, instead of getting lost chasing only results.

When you work from purpose, even small tasks become part of something meaningful. And when purpose is alive in the present, your business becomes more sustainable and attractive to both clients and collaborators.

Practical Tools to Apply the Power of Now in Your Startup

  1. Conscious breathing: Before any important meeting, take one minute to breathe deeply and focus on the moment.
  2. Pause rituals: Schedule short screen-free pauses to check in with yourself and regain clarity.
  3. Present meetings: Instead of obsessively planning for all future scenarios, focus on what can be resolved today.
  4. Short meditation: Just five minutes a day can help you detach your thoughts from your identity.
  5. Present journal: At the end of the day, write down three moments when you were fully present and what you learned from them.

Conclusion

For entrepreneurs and startup founders, The Power of Now is more than a philosophical concept—it is a business strategy. By living in the present, you reduce the weight of the past and the anxiety of the future, make clearer decisions, lead with authenticity, and truly enjoy the entrepreneurial journey.

Success does not come only from what you will achieve tomorrow but from what you can consciously do today. That is the real power of now in business: turning every moment into a solid step toward the vision you want to create.

References

Tolle, E. (2004). The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment. Novato, CA: New World Library.

Covey, S. R. (2020). The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. New York, NY: Free Press.

Goleman, D. (2013). Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence. New York, NY: HarperCollins.

Sinek, S. (2011). Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. New York, NY: Portfolio.

Brown, B. (2018). Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. New York, NY: Random House.

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Problematizing to Innovate: Foucault’s Lessons for Entrepreneurs

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Introduction

When we talk about innovation in the entrepreneurial world, we usually think of new technologies, agile methodologies, or disruptive business models. Yet, we rarely reflect on something deeper: how we think about problems. This is where Michel Foucault’s idea of problematization comes into play. Although it may sound like an abstract philosophical concept, it can actually become a powerful tool for entrepreneurs seeking to stand out in a competitive environment.

In this blog, we’ll explore what it means to problematize in Foucault’s sense and how this approach can be applied to innovation management in startups and new ventures—with practical examples and actionable advice.

What Does It Mean to Problematize According to Foucault?

For Foucault, problematization was not simply about criticizing; it was about deep inquiry. Instead of taking ideas at face value, he asked:

  • Why do we consider this to be a problem?

  • What discourses, powers, or historical contexts turned it into a “truth”?

  • Could there be other ways of understanding or solving it?

In practice, problematizing means challenging what is taken for granted, dismantling assumptions, and realizing that what looks “natural” is often a product of history and power relations.

From Philosophy to Entrepreneurship

So, how do we translate this philosophical lens into the world of business? Quite simply: entrepreneurs constantly face dominant narratives about how companies “should” work. For example:

  • “To be successful, you need big investors from the start.”

  • “The customer is always right.”

  • “Innovation depends on advanced technology.”

These statements seem like universal truths—but are they? Foucault would analyze them as “effects of truth,” meaning claims that have become dominant thanks to specific power dynamics and interests. By questioning them, entrepreneurs can open up new ways of creating value.

Managing Innovation Through Problematization

Innovation management is not just about having creative ideas—it’s about strategically organizing resources, processes, and people so that those ideas become viable realities. Problematization offers entrepreneurs a practical toolkit:

1. Uncover hidden assumptions

A problematizing entrepreneur doesn’t take market rules as fixed. For example, if everyone assumes products must be sold through intermediaries, why not try a direct-to-consumer model? Companies like Tesla and Warby Parker were born from questioning exactly those assumptions.

2. See opportunities in historical contingency

Foucault emphasized that practices are contingent, not natural. For entrepreneurs, this means what seems “normal” today might be outdated tomorrow. Streaming services arose by questioning the “normalized” cable TV model.

3. Break free from normalization

Norms often act as barriers to innovation. Take the once-dominant belief that work must happen in offices from 9 to 5. Startups like GitLab and Basecamp challenged that and proved that remote work could actually be more productive.

4. Question industry “truth effects”

Every sector has its dominant narratives about what “works.” By analyzing them through a Foucauldian lens, entrepreneurs can uncover blind spots. Airbnb emerged by challenging the idea that hotels were the only safe and legitimate way to travel.

Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs Who Want to Problematize

  • Ask uncomfortable questions: Why do we do it this way? Who benefits from this practice? What interests are behind this “truth”?

  • Seek alternative voices: talk to underserved customers, observe marginalized sectors, or study cultural practices different from your own.

  • Don’t cling to absolute truths: innovation demands mental flexibility. What works today may lose relevance quickly.

  • Integrate problematization into your strategy: before launching a product, analyze which assumptions you’re taking for granted.

Conclusion

For entrepreneurs, learning to problematize in the Foucauldian sense is not an abstract academic exercise—it’s a practical innovation strategy. By questioning dominant “truths,” you can discover opportunities invisible to those who simply follow the rules of the game.

In today’s crowded startup ecosystem, success doesn’t come from replicating proven models but from those willing to dismantle the established and propose alternatives. As Foucault might say, innovation emerges when we learn to think differently—and in that difference lies the real breakthrough.

References

Foucault, M. (1975). Discipline and punish: The birth of the prison. Vintage Books.

Foucault, M. (1984). The history of sexuality, Volume II: The use of pleasure. Vintage Books.

Foucault, M. (1992). Microphysics of power. Routledge.

Schumpeter, J. A. (2008). Capitalism, socialism and democracy. Harper Perennial.

Tidd, J., & Bessant, J. (2018). Managing innovation: Integrating technological, market and organizational change (6th ed.). Wiley.

Foucault, problematization and innovation

Business Information Systems: A Strategic Advantage for Entrepreneurs

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In today’s competitive environment, entrepreneurs must make fast and accurate decisions to differentiate and grow. This is where information systems become critical tools, turning raw data into valuable insights that support both daily operations and long-term strategies.

What are information systems?

An information system is a structured process that collects, processes, and distributes information to support decision-making within organizations (Gómez Vietes & Suárez Rey, 2007). In simple terms, it transforms data into actionable knowledge that allows entrepreneurs to identify risks, opportunities, and improvement areas.

Types of information systems and their value

Information systems operate at different organizational levels (Proaño, Orellana, & Martillo, 2018):

  • Operational level (TPS): manage daily transactions such as sales, payments, or inventory.
  • Knowledge level (KWS and Office Systems): support professionals who create and manage information, fostering productivity and innovation.
  • Management level (MIS and DSS): provide reports and decision-support tools for managers, helping them analyze alternatives and scenarios.
  • Strategic level (ESS): used by executives for non-routine, complex decision-making.

Additionally, specialized systems offer unique benefits for entrepreneurs:

  • ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning): integrates finance, operations, logistics, and inventory into one system.
  • CRM (Customer Relationship Management): strengthens customer relationships, attracting and retaining valuable clients.
  • SCM (Supply Chain Management): optimizes supply chains, improving efficiency and reducing costs.
  • GIS (Geographic Information Systems): analyze location-based data for strategic decision-making, such as logistics or marketing.

Applications for entrepreneurs

Information systems not only improve efficiency, they also enable growth and innovation. Their value depends on how they are embedded into the company’s culture and how strategically they are used (Stair & Reynolds, 2010).

For entrepreneurs, these systems mean:

  • Better control over operations.
  • Reliable information for faster decision-making.
  • Greater agility to respond to market changes.
  • Competitive advantages in cost efficiency, service, and differentiation.

The internet and ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) have accelerated this transformation, making information systems indispensable for businesses aiming to compete globally.

Conclusion for entrepreneurs

Running a business without information systems is like navigating without a compass: you may move forward, but with a high risk of losing direction. Accurate and timely information is the most valuable resource for making strategic decisions, identifying opportunities, and adapting to market changes.

If you are starting your business, begin with simple solutions—like a CRM or inventory management software—and expand to more comprehensive systems as your business grows. Remember: competitive advantage does not come from having data alone, but from interpreting and using it to create value.

Entrepreneurs who integrate information systems into their strategy not only manage their businesses more effectively but also build a strong foundation to scale, innovate, and sustain long-term success.

References

Gómez Vietes, A., & Suárez Rey, C. (2007). Los sistemas y tecnologías de la información en la empresa. México D.F.: Alfaomega.

Lapiedra, R. A., Devece, C. C., & Guiral, J. H. (2011). Introducción a la gestión de sistemas de información de la empresa. España: Universitat Jaume.

Proaño, M., Orellana, S., & Martillo, I. (2018). Los sistemas de información y su importancia en la transformación digital de la empresa actual. Revista Espacios, 39(1).

Stair, R. M., & Reynolds, G. W. (2010). Principios de sistemas de información: un enfoque administrativo. México D.F.: Cengage Learning Editores S.A. de C.V.

Information Systems for Entrepreneurs

Think Like Amazon: Lessons for Entrepreneurs in the Digital Age

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In today’s highly competitive business environment, traditional strategies are no longer enough. Companies that remain relevant are those that, like Amazon, embrace innovation, agility, and an uncompromising obsession with the customer. John Rossman, in Think Like Amazon, shares principles that can serve as a roadmap for entrepreneurs looking to build strong and scalable businesses.

Leadership with Purpose

Amazon has built its growth around 14 leadership principles, ranging from customer obsession to delivering measurable results. These principles don’t work in isolation; they require balance and strategic application. For entrepreneurs, this means focusing not only on generating sales but on creating long-term value—for both the customer and the business.

The key lesson: constantly challenge the status quo, uphold high standards, and think big without losing sight of the details that directly affect the customer experience.

Agility and Innovation as Competitive Advantages

In the digital world, speed and agility are essential. Speed ensures precise execution, while agility provides the flexibility to adapt quickly to market shifts. A business that combines both doesn’t just survive—it leads.

For entrepreneurs, this translates into designing flexible models, leveraging data intelligently, and fostering a culture where fast failures are seen as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. True innovation emerges from experimentation and constant adjustment.

Genuine Customer Obsession

One of Amazon’s most defining traits is its radical focus on the customer. This involves deeply understanding customer needs, identifying friction points, and anticipating expectations. Entrepreneurs can apply this mindset by:

  • Using metrics that capture the full customer journey.

  • Listening to the “voice of the customer” and turning feedback into action.

  • Spending time on the frontlines to truly grasp customer experiences.

The guiding question is: Are you solving a real problem, or just building another product?

A Culture That Drives Results

Sustainable growth doesn’t depend solely on products or marketing—it comes from a culture that nurtures innovation, transparency, and collaboration. Amazon achieves this by managing dependencies effectively, encouraging frugality as a driver of creativity, and reducing organizational barriers that slow problem-solving.

For entrepreneurs, this means building small, empowered, and accountable teams where everyone clearly understands how their work impacts the company’s mission.

Practical Strategies for Innovation

Rossman encourages tearing down rigid structures and fostering creativity with tools like hackathons, internal challenges, and idea incentives. Frugality is not about cutting corners—it’s about using constraints to spark innovation.

A practical example: ask yourself how you could cut costs by 50% while simultaneously improving customer satisfaction. Such challenges often lead to transformative ideas.

Leading Digital Transformation

Being digital isn’t about surface-level technology adoption—it’s about integrating technology into the core of the business. This requires experimenting, learning from failures, and decentralizing innovation by bringing technology closer to the customer and the product. Leaders must be hands-on, not distant.

Ultimately, digital transformation is cultural. It demands humility to learn, courage to experiment, and discipline to execute.

Conclusion

Entrepreneurship in the digital age requires more than a good idea. It takes continuous learning, the courage to disrupt the status quo, and the discipline to deliver with excellence.

Amazon’s success shows that true growth comes not only from technology but also from radical customer focus, a culture of accountability, and leadership committed to evolution.

If you choose to “think like Amazon,” you’ll be equipped to turn vision into action, build a resilient business, and stand out in a market that rewards innovation and agility.

References

Rossman, J. (2019). Think Like Amazon: 50 1/2 Ideas to Become a Digital Leader. McGraw-Hill Education.

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