SUCCESS INNOVATION

Hosted by LAZARO HERRERA

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Episodes

123

Latest episode

May 2026

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About the show

Discussions with local university/community college students, engineering professionals and business people... about what it took for them to get to where they are. Share with me what triggered them to get started in that particular business path... Speaking with professionals...ask what the most rewarding aspect of their career has been... what they aspire to accomplish and how they feel they can share their knowledge with the public. #entrepreneur #STEM #successinnovation #leadership #empower #science #shpe #SHPEfamilia

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60 recent

May 28, 202611 min

#123 - Keynote @ Morse High!!! [5/20/2026]

In this inspiring keynote for MEChA and SHPE Jr. at Morse High School, graduating seniors and their families receive a message about overcoming challenges, embracing perseverance, and preparing for the opportunities ahead. As the Class of 2026 closes one chapter and begins another, we discuss the importance of determination, persistence, preparation, higher education, STEM careers, leadership, and believing in your ability to achieve your goals regardless of your starting point. If you're a student, parent, educator, or aspiring professional looking for motivation and practical life lessons, this message is for you.#keynote #shpe #shpefamilia #determination #persistence #preparation #motivation #leadership #stem #education #college #success #inspiration #careerdevelopment

May 21, 202650 min

#122 - Love + Peace + Tolerance = HARMONY!!!

In this session of Cafecito Chats we tackle the unfortunate situation that took place in San Diego Mosque (May 18, 2026). We focus on a broader aspect on how our current society has been affected and unfortunately this type of event has become “normalized”. We share our various opinions and perspectives on what role social media and main stream news play in this propagation. We slightly delve into ERGs (affinity groups) and how there seems to be a shift in support from the various employers. Overall, we want to bring awareness to this unfortunate situation and share some insight on being TOLERANT!!! #successinnovation #tolerance #empathy #love #peace #persistence #determination #preparation #education #leadership #empower

May 19, 20261 hr 5 min

#121 - Beyond Your Dreams!!! - Alberto "Beto" Vasquez

In this episode we meet and hear from Alberto “Beto” Vasquez; who currently is the Director of Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) and supports TRIO at UCSD. His experience supporting the community in leading educational outreach activities is very relevant. His path has led him to pursue a PhD focusing in Education which he can leverage along with his Biology background to bring culture, art and STEM to the events for representation in our Community. Hear about his obstacles and how persistence and tenacity allowed him to achieve his success. #successinnovation #EAOP #UCSD #persistence #determination #preparation #education #leadership #empower

May 14, 202657 min

#120 - Caught in the Middle: Sandwich Generation!!!

Caught between caring for aging parents, supporting children, managing careers, and trying to preserve your own well-being? ☕ In this powerful Cafecito Chats episode, we dive into the reality of The Sandwich Generation—what it means, why so many people are living it, and the emotional, physical, and financial impact it can have on families. Our regular members openly share personal experiences, lessons learned, and difficult truths that come with caregiving and navigating life-changing responsibilities. We also discuss critical topics many families avoid until it’s too late, including Estate Planning, Living Trusts, Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directives. This heartfelt conversation is filled with practical insights, honest stories, and important reminders for anyone caring for loved ones or preparing for the future. ☕💛#successinnovation #leadership #persistence #health #livingtrust

April 30, 202659 min

#119 - It’s Not Magic, It's Science!!! - Jay Flores

In this episode we hear from Jay Flores about his decision to become an Entrepreneur leaving a safe career with Rockwell Automation as he began his journey with Invent the Change LLC. We hear his experience on how "It’s Not Magic, It’s Science" outreach efforts are moving forward and ultimately his desire for impact and being intentional let to him writing Engineer Someday; which is really for anyone to be motivated and pursue STEM. We hear his experience in the popular Exatlon Estados Unidos & American Ninja Warrior and why he ultimately decided to seek those opportunities. #successinnovation #STEM #shpe #shpefamilia #dedication #persistence #preparation #leadership #change

April 27, 20261 hr 3 min

#118 - Should you NEGOTIATE your salary???!!!

In this episode of Cafecito Chats, we dive into real, candid conversations about NEGOTIATION, shaped by our own personal experiences. We explore the idea that a reluctance to negotiate might be cultural, but is it really? Some of our more seasoned voices reflect on their early careers, sharing how they didn’t negotiate their first job offers and now wish they had. Meanwhile, the younger generation brings a different perspective, sharing stories of successfully negotiating without fear, where speaking up didn’t cost them the opportunity but actually led to better offers. At the end of the day, the choice is yours; we are here to give you the insight and confidence to decide what is right for you.#shpe #SHPEfamilia #determination #persistence #preparation #leadership #empower #successinnovation #salary #negotiate #networking

April 16, 20268 min

#117 - UCSD Research Expo 2026 (44th Annual Event)

Honored to attend the "UCSD Research Expo 2026" for the 10th time, this year once again as a judge! 🎉This event never fails to impress. It’s an incredible showcase of cutting-edge technology and innovations that will shape what the general public experiences in the years ahead. 🚀I had the pleasure of connecting with Dean of Engineering Albert "Al" P. Pisano, Ph.D., as well as catching up with Sam Knight, a very active UC San Diego alumnus, and Jesse De La Trinidad from the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering. Always great to see familiar faces who are driving impact in their fields.What truly makes this experience special each year is the opportunity to engage with the students. Their passion, curiosity, and dedication to meaningful research is inspiring, and a reminder of how bright the future is. 💡🌞One additional special opportunity for me is to meet up with my son, Samuel Herrera who attends UCSD as an undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Student!!!🌞Looking forward to many more years of learning, judging, and being inspired!#successinnovation #leadership #research #UCSD #Engineering #shpe #shpefamilia #UCSDresearchexpo2026

April 3, 202647 min

#116 - College Path, Despite the System!!! -Dra. Cristina Aguirre

In this episode, "College Path Despite the System!!??", we hear the powerful story of Dra. Cristina Aguirre, who now leads impactful efforts with Barrio Logan College Institute. From her early days working in the fields and overcoming real physical obstacles, to becoming a champion for educational access, her journey is one of resilience and purpose. She shares what continues to drive her passion for giving back, along with a memorable story from a foggy morning in the grape fields that shaped her perspective. Let's get started. #blci #determination #persistence #preparation #leadership #empower #successinnovation #shpe #SHPEfamilia

March 20, 202655 min

#115 - You had the interview... NOW WHAT!!??

In this episode, You Had the Interview… NOW WHAT!!??, we break down what to do after the interview to keep your momentum going and stand out. We share practical advice on how and when to follow up with recruiters, including the right cadence for sending emails without overdoing it. For those transitioning between roles, we emphasize the importance of professionalism, never belittling your current employer, as industries are more connected than you think. We also discuss why having a clear exit strategy during the interview can help you stay focused and intentional about your next move.#shpe #SHPEfamilia #leadership #empower #persistence #preparation #determination

March 13, 202641 min

#114 - Brag Without Bragging!!!

In this episode, we dive into the idea of “Brag Without Bragging”, the art of showcasing your accomplishments in a way that highlights your impact without feeling self-promotional. We discuss why simply putting your head down and hoping your work speaks for itself is often not enough for career growth, and how effectively communicating your achievements, initiatives, and involvement can open doors to new opportunities. From workplace contributions to external leadership and community engagement, we explore how demonstrating your dedication, hunger, and alignment with the organizations you care about can help elevate your visibility and upward mobility.#successinnovation #leadership #empower #elevate #persistence #preparation #determination #nsbe #sase