In this inspiring episode, Dr. Amilcar Guzman shares his powerful journey as a first-generation Dominican-American who broke traditional career expectations to build a life rooted in purpose, financial stability, and impact. From turning down Ivy League schools for better value to juggling full-time work and a PhD, Dr. Guzman walks us through how he designed a career across philanthropy, academia, and consulting—all while staying true to his values.

We explore:

• His work supporting early childhood systems as a Program Officer at the Pritzker Children’s Initiative
• Teaching future educators as an adjunct professor at American University
• Launching a consulting firm focused on advancing Latino leadership
• Navigating salary realities: philanthropy ($100K–$200K), adjunct teaching ($3K–$12K/course), and consulting ($100–$200/hr)
• Choosing the right graduate school for your needs, not just the brand name
• How transformative fellowships and mentors helped him conquer imposter syndrome
• His favorite tools for personal growth, including podcasts, books, and meditation apps

Dr. Guzman’s story is a masterclass in designing a career that honors your identity, builds multiple income streams, and makes space for impact. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why not me?”—this episode is for you.

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode.
Host - Radhy Miranda
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Producer - Gary Batista
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