Ernesto Morales is the visionary CEO of North Star Alliances, a Los Angeles-based firm renowned for its innovative approach to community engagement and strategic partnerships. With a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of collaboration, Ernesto has led North Star Alliances to become a beacon of positive change, managing over 1,100 projects for high-profile clients including Google, The White House, and Coca-Cola. A Pepperdine University alum with both an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, his career trajectory spans significant roles at Rose Hills Memorial Park, Cordea Consulting, and Pepperdine University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management. Ernesto’s commitment to societal betterment extends beyond professional achievements; he serves as a State Commissioner to the California Employment Training Panel and is a dedicated Board Member of the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation, embodying his dedication to fostering economic empowerment and community development.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
My days start early, often with a review of my agenda and a brief team check-in to align our daily goals. Productivity for me comes from prioritizing tasks based on their impact and urgency, delegating effectively, and ensuring clear communication within my team. I also set aside time for strategic planning and community engagement efforts, which are central to our mission at North Star Alliances.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I believe in a collaborative approach. When I have a new idea, I discuss it with my team to gather diverse perspectives and refine it further. We then create a strategic plan, including clear objectives, milestones, and responsibilities. This collaborative and structured approach helps transform ideas into actionable projects.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The growing emphasis on corporate social responsibility excites me. Businesses are increasingly recognizing their role in societal well-being and sustainability, which aligns with our mission of empowering communities through strategic partnerships. This shift not only benefits communities but also strengthens businesses by building trust and loyalty among customers and employees.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Time management is crucial. I allocate specific times for emails, meetings, and deep work, using tools and techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to maintain focus. This helps me stay productive without succumbing to burnout.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I’d tell my younger self to worry less about the path and focus more on the journey. Embrace every experience, learn from your failures, and remember that persistence and resilience are key to success. And most importantly, always make time for the people and communities that matter.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
I believe that every business, no matter how small, has the power to enact significant societal change. Some may argue that it takes big corporations to make a real impact, but I’ve seen firsthand how small, strategic actions can ripple out and transform communities.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Networking with a purpose. It’s not just about exchanging business cards; it’s about building genuine relationships with people in and out of your industry. These connections can provide support, spark new ideas, and open doors in ways you might not expect.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I meditate. It helps me clear my mind, refocus on what’s important, and approach challenges with a renewed perspective.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Always striving to be better and never settling.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I led a project that didn’t meet its objectives due to inadequate market research. I overcame this by conducting a thorough post-mortem analysis to understand what went wrong. The lesson was clear: never underestimate the importance of due diligence and always validate your assumptions.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A platform that connects retired professionals with local communities and businesses for mentorship and consultancy. This taps into a wealth of experience and wisdom, providing valuable resources for businesses while giving retirees a meaningful way to contribute.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
Slack is incredibly versatile, allowing us to track progress, assign responsibilities, and collaborate efficiently. It keeps the entire team aligned and accountable.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“Start with Why” by Simon Sinek. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of understanding the ‘why’ behind what we do. This book has shaped my approach to leadership and has been instrumental in defining the mission and vision of North Star Alliances.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I really enjoyed “Shogun” on Disney plus. Excellent characters and political intrigue.
Key learnings:
- Strategic Collaboration is Key
- Resilience Through Adaptability
- Empowerment Through Engagement