What is your big vision? Tell us about your personal WHY that keeps you motivated:
As an entrepreneur and consultant my work is at the intersections of public relations, social media, and community impact. I an ideal world, where all my dreams and desires come true, my vision is to build an organization that bridges the gap between generations, science/technology, and human spirituality or consciousness.
These 3 intangible pillars are intrinsically paired to each and every one of us.
Humans are social we want to be surrounded by those we love and those who care about us. We share similarities with those born in our same generation, and sometimes we need help connecting with people born outside of our generational grouping.
There is still so little that we know about human consciousness and the human spirit, but there is an undeniable truth deep within us that know we more than our physical bodies.
Though we share this undeniable truth that we are greater than out physical bodies, we also have varying perspectives on what this truth is made up. Some people lean into science rather than spirituality, and thats okay, because science and spirituality are different sides of the same coin.
Building an organization that bridges the communication gap between generations, science, and spirituality to enable communities to thrive and becoming living communities with third spaces, constructive discourse, and an inherent sense of equality and belonging, that produces highly empathetic leaders.
I was raised in an extremely religious household where spiritual warfare and breaking generational curses was the norm. For anyone outside of the pentecostal apostolic church looking into our little bungalow in suburban Atlanta you would think we were a coven.
Though our den was dense with the scent of anointing oil, grimoires, and echos of intercession prayers filled with glossolalia, I rejected it. I preferred my solitude in the company of my scrying mirror; or what most people would call a “screen.” The connection being scrying mirrors are obsidian ‘black mirrors’ used by the Aztecs during rituals for
What does success look like for you?
Success, like many things, is subjective. For many financial security is a key indicator of success, but at the cost of other aspects of our lives.
To me success mean balance between my spirituality, the tech use daily, and my social connects (this includes financial security.)
When I think if a project is successful setting key performance indicators (KPIs) is very important to satisfy those who are more analytical in our community. However, my ultimate goal is to meld two opposing views that causes individuals to take a moment of introspection and question their reality. The impact that brands and organizations have in shaping our world views is highly underestimated. Creating a brand that leaves a lasting and meaningful impact is an intimation of success.
As a leader in your field, how do you inspire others to join your mission?
I inspire by storytelling and building relatable narratives, bridging gaps between the known and the unknown, the physical and the intangible. I strive to make complex ideas accessible and engaging, whether it’s through social media, community events, or digital content. I emphasize that everyone’s perspective is valid, and by encouraging constructive discourse, I empower people to see value in perspectives different from their own.
I believe in leading with authenticity, sharing my experiences, both wins and missed marks, and demonstrating that growth is a continuous, communal journey. By focusing on empathy and creating a culture where diverse ideas can thrive, I invite others to join a mission that goes beyond the self—a mission that’s about building a more connected, understanding, and conscious society.
And always, ALWAYS, taking a moment to believe that everyone around you wants you to be successful.
Who helps you achieve your vision? What role do partnerships and collaborations play in your work? Any tips or inspiring stories about finding the right people to collaborate with?
Following the advice of on of my favorite tiktoks, “say the weird thing; people are desperately seeking realness.”
For so many of us, we have been conditioned to seek perfection in all aspects of our lives, forgetting that perfection is teachable, and by its own definition limited. If we have a clear measurement of what perfection is, that leaves no room for growth. Perfection leaves us with a clear end goal with no plan for what do to afterwards, and we are left in a cycle of the same ol’thing, or lost after following a set path, and ignoring our own development.
Often, this mad dash for the perfection finish line puts blinders that limit our view of greener pastures. Dedication is incredibly important, but a blind sprint to becoming a set of idea of perfection or success can mean ending up somewhere you are content but always seeking more.
Being my most authentic self has helped me stop out those who are seeking realness. Most of us understand that stepping foot into a professional networking space is like stepping into the spotlight of Carnegie hall. We know that like ticket holders at Carnegie hall are they want to performer to be successful but the performance on stage is not a factual representation of the performer on stage.
Likewise those who pay us for our work or services are expecting us to be successful at the task at hand, even if that means not being ourselves.
The most successful partnerships are those built on genuine synergy, where both parties share a true interest and passion for the collaboration. It’s not just about bringing together highly qualified individuals; it’s about aligning values, vision, and enthusiasm. When people are authentically invested in the partnership, the collaboration flows naturally, and the results are far more impactful than those from p
How has your vision and approach evolved over time?
Of course! People are allowed to change their minds and should be consistently questioning all aspects of our lives; both good and bad. Sometimes a good thing in our lives come at the expense of others, and that expense might not align with our values.
I went from atheist to a more spiritually in-touch being, I went from shy to a more welcoming and radiant person. When I allowed myself to be surrounded by a diverse group of people who are willing to genuinely share their experiences I began to create more meaningful and impactful products and services.
While solitude can help us refine our self image, solitude can be addicting, and leaving us with only our perspective of the world. Shutting out the diverse perspectives of others, and ultimately creating a false sense of perfection, that can lead to a sense of no purpose in life.
What advice would you give to a fellow leader with a Vision that is bigger than themselves?
My advice would be to embrace authenticity and welcome diverse perspectives. A vision that is truly impactful requires more than just individual dedication; it demands collaboration and openness to others’ experiences, insights, and values.
Don’t be afraid to “say the weird thing” or to present your genuine self. People are drawn to realness and are more likely to support a vision they feel is rooted in sincerity and purpose. When you allow yourself to be authentic, you attract others who resonate with that realness and are genuinely passionate about the mission. These are the kinds of people who will bring synergy to your work, contributing more than just their skills—they bring enthusiasm, perspective, and aligned values.
Finally, a major girl boss move is to be active in the communities you want to be a part of. This mean volunteering, frequenting spaces, serving on a nonprofit board; not only does serving on a board lead to business connections but people who exhibit “prosocial’ traits such as making financial or in-kind contribution to nonprofits are often seen as more physically attractive by those around them. We should all experience the benefits of pretty privilege at least once.
Bio:
Manny Portillo is a dynamic professional bridging the worlds of public relations, social media, and community impact with a unique vision of integrating generations, science, and spirituality. Rooted in his journey from a strict religious upbringing to a more holistic and inclusive worldview, Manny’s mission is to foster genuine connections that transcend generational divides and preconceived notions of perfection. He believes in the power of authentic collaboration and values-driven partnerships, understanding that the most impactful work emerges from shared passion and mutual alignment.
As a queer Latino in corporate America, Manny navigates the complexities of identity with authenticity, inspiring others to bring their true selves into every space they occupy. His experience in public relations and his role as a board member on HOPE Atlanta’s Young Professionals Board demonstrate his commitment to community and inclusivity. Manny’s work aims to create living communities where people feel a deep sense of belonging, shared purpose, and the freedom to express their unique perspectives.
For Manny, success is not only measured in KPIs but also in the meaningful impact he creates—by challenging others to introspect, question norms, and embrace diverse viewpoints. His guiding philosophy, “say the weird thing,” reflects his belief that people crave realness and that true growth begins when we are willing to break free from conventional definitions of success and perfection.
