Most students treat college like a checklist.Mateo Valdez treated it like a startup.In this episode, Mateo breaks down how he founded the Gonzaga Sport Consulting Group while still in school, built real leadership experience early, and turned that momentum into a role at Microsoft. This conversation is a masterclass in leverage, initiative, and playing the long game.We talk about:• The real story behind launching GSCG• Why most college students waste their biggest advantage• How to create opportunities instead of waiting for them• Lessons from working inside Microsoft• Leadership, ownership, and operating like a founder• Advice for ambitious students who want to stand out• How to build credibility before you have a titleIf you’re in college, recently graduated, or trying to reposition your career, this episode will challenge the way you think about opportunity.Mateo shares tactical advice you can use immediately, plus the mindset shifts that separate average from exceptional.🎙 About Mateo ValdezEducation Executive at MicrosoftFounder & Chairman of Gonzaga Sport Consulting GroupRecognized by Inside Higher Ed, PR Newswire, Yahoo Finance, and more—Subscribe for conversations with founders, investors, operators, and leaders building what’s next.Follow for more insights on venture capital, entrepreneurship, and career leverage.#Microsoft #Entrepreneurship #CollegeAdvice #Leadership #CareerGrowth #Startup #VentureCapital #businesspodcast Mateo Valdez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-valdez/FUEL Coworking: https://fuelcoworking.brizy.site/