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From Immigrant to Industry Leader: Leo Climaco’s Story

Leo Climaco is an entrepreneur, communicator, and host of the Leo Climaco Podcast, one of the most authentic shows about purpose, mindset, and performance of the new generation. Founder of Forge Studio, he teaches entrepreneurs how to turn their ideas into authority, using podcasting as a powerful positioning and marketing tool.

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Guest Resources

Leo Climaco Instagram – Connect with Leo on Instagram.

The Leo Climaco Podcast – Listen to Leo’s podcast.

Forge Studio – Get your free “How to Build Your Podcast” ebook.

3 Value Bombs

1. Consistency is the engine of transformation, most people quit three feet from gold.

2. Learning a trade and building a personal brand around it is the key to thriving in an AI-driven world.

3. Connection to a higher power, whatever that means to you, provides guidance, strength, and purpose during the toughest parts of the journey.

Sponsors

HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!

Intuit QuickBooks:  Transform your cash flow and your business this year! Check out QuickBooks money tools today! Learn more at QuickBooks.com/money! Terms apply. Money movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Inc., licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services.

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: From Immigrant to Industry Leader: Leo Climaco’s Story

[1:41] – Leo shares something he believes about becoming successful that most people disagree with.

  • Money is not the root of all evil; it’s a tool.
  • Success takes many forms, money included.
  • What matters is how you use money, not the money itself.

[3:27] – Leo talks about where it all began, what he remembers about those early days arriving in the U.S., and what those years taught him.

  • Arrived in the U.S. from Brazil at age seven.
  • New York City, 1995; new world, new language, first time seeing snow.
  • Learned family unity, tradition, tenacity, and hard work.
  • Those early struggles cemented lifelong values and direction.

[5:16] – Leo talks about finding direction and what shift took him from surviving to realizing he was born to lead.

  • Learned English first and became the family translator.
  • Managed adult-level responsibilities at age nine (taxes, leases, job interviews).
  • Realized leadership was embedded in him because his family depended on him.
  • Early responsibility built confidence and purpose.

[6:58] – Leo talks about the toughest obstacle he had to unlearn to step into leadership.

  • Faced addiction as a teen and fell into a dark place.
  • Had to confront where he belonged and who he was.
  • With family and community support, he pulled himself out.
  • That turnaround revealed his true purpose and direction.

[8:53] – Leo gives his advice to someone who’s struggling with addiction and what step they can take today.

  • Step 1: Admit there’s a problem.
  • Step 2: Seek help. You cannot beat addiction alone.
  • Love and support from close relationships is essential for healing.

[8:49] – A timeout to thank our sponsors.

  • Intuit QuickBooks:  Transform your cash flow and your business this year! Check out QuickBooks money tools today! Learn more at QuickBooks.com/money! Terms apply. Money movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Inc., licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services.
  • HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!

[11:30] – Leo talks about the multiple ventures that he built and what mindset shift fueled his transformation.

  • Never give up; consistency creates success.
  • Failure doesn’t exist; only lessons do.
  • Analyze mistakes, adjust, and keep moving forward.
  • Success comes from controlled persistence.

[14:07] – Leo shares how he stay grounded while leading his ventures and family.

  • Intentional structure and planning.
  • Weekly date nights with his wife is non-negotiable.
  • Scheduled one-on-one time with each child.
  • Lives by his calendar to keep priorities aligned.

[15:38] – Leo gives his advice to someone who’s chasing their version of the American Dream.

  • Learn a valuable trade or skill.
  • Build a brand around that skill.
  • In a world of AI and automation, authority and visibility matter.
  • Being known and standing for something is essential.

[16:36] – Leo talks about the one lesson from his journey that can help someone rise, rebuild, and lead with purpose.

  • Find whatever “God” means to you; connect with faith or higher purpose.
  • It provides guidance, strength, and grounding.
  • Pair that faith with action; meet God halfway.

[17:54] – Leo gives his one key take away.

  • Never give up, ever.

[18:24] – Call to action.

[19:26] – Thank you to our Sponsor!

  • HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!

Killer Resources!

1) The Common Path to Uncommon Success: JLD’s 1st traditionally published book! Over 3000 interviews with the world’s most successful Entrepreneurs compiled into a 17-step roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment!

2) Free Podcast Course: Learn from JLD how to create and launch your podcast!

3) Podcasters’ Paradise: The #1 podcasting community in the world!

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