Jose Luis Santos: 2024 Latin Times Magazines Lideres Award

Full name: Jose Luis Santos

Hispanic Heritage: Puerto Rican

Residence: Cape Coral, FL

Profession: Private Banking and Finance

LTM: Tell us about what you do for a living and how you

got into it.

I work with Key Private Bank and I have been in the industry for

8 years. It started from needed to be able to have MORE TIME WITH

FAMILY SO I LEFT MY JOB WITH Frito Lay to take a 9-5 job at a bank and it

transformed into a 8-year career.

LTM: In your industry, what would you say separates you

from your competition.

I am able to break down complex strategies into

easily understandable content for my clients and my work in the

community is something that helps drive me.

LTM: Why do you feel you were nominated?

I think because of my work in the community. Over the past few years, I have been

able to raise funds for a number of organizations and when I am not

fundraising, I am lending my talents to the same organizations to help

streamline processes, help with marketing and branding, or coach/

mentoring young people.

LTM: During COVID-19, tell us about your Biggest

Challenge/obstacle and how you overcame it/or are overcoming it.

During Covid, my role at the time was eliminated and I was thrust into an outbound

sales role for the first time ever with no real guidance. I was able to catch

my footing and lean into my community work and it helped my

career take off.

LTM: Tell us about your biggest achievement in business

or personal life, and how you achieved it. 

Meeting my wife and being blessed with two sons. Growing up I lost my father before I met him, and I understand the value of a positive male role model. It drives me to be the best I can for them and share my story with other young men who are looking for mentorship.

LTM: What is next for you? What can people expect to

see from you? 

Continue to grow my presence in the area and help my

community however needed.

LTM: What does being a U.S. Citizen mean to you? 

This country may have its faults but you can come here, start from nothing and

work hard and grow into whatever you want.

LTM: Who is your/or was your role model in life and

why? 

My grandmother was a huge role model for me. She showed me

that life is going to be hard but it’s all about the effort you put in. I also love

Kobe Bryant. He teaches about work ethic and mental toughness. You need

to be able to sacrifice the right now for what you want most. Delay the

gratification and it will help you succeed.

LTM: What is the best lesson that you have learned in

leadership and how has it helped your career? 

Treat people the way you want to be treated and make sure to bring others along with you. If you want to go fast go alone but if you want to go far, go together.

LTM: What is YOUR comida Latina favorita? 

Most people call them Empanadas but in Puerto Rico we call them Empanadillas!

We make them at home for holidays or if we want to do a cooking project

with the kids.