Hugo Salinas: Innovate, lead, and create with purpose

In a world where change is the only constant and challenges become opportunities for those who know how to adapt, Hugo A. Salinas is a clear example of how leadership, creativity, and perseverance can transform any obstacle into a success story. In episode 23 of the Lumen Podcast, Hugo took us on a fascinating journey through his life, from his childhood in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, to his role as a global leader in various sectors. In this article, we will break down his main lessons and reflections on entrepreneurship, leadership, creativity, and how to find purpose at every stage of the journey.

1. The origin: lessons from childhood and skateboarding

Hugo's story begins in Matamoros, a border town in Tamaulipas. In his words, it was a "quite fun and healthy" childhood, where the street, sports and music played a fundamental role. One of his greatest learnings came from his love of skateboarding. Every fall, every failed attempt to master a trick, became a metaphor for life: "Life is like skateboarding: you fall, you get up and keep trying." This concept of resilience has guided his path ever since.

During the interview, Hugo recounted how basketball also helped shape his character, teaching him teamwork, leadership and competitiveness. From an early age, he understood that failure is not the end, but part of the process. “You fall, but you learn, and you try again until you manage to do better,” he said. This approach would later lead him to face business failures, but always with the mindset of finding the learning behind each fall.

2. Education as the basis of leadership

Education has been a pillar of Hugo's career. With an MBA from the Pan-American Institute for Senior Business Management (IPADE) and training in the Entrepreneurial Master Program (EMP) at MIT, Hugo not only acquired technical knowledge, but also the ability to apply innovative strategies to problem solving.

Hugo explained how these studies taught him to think in a structured way, but also to understand that leadership is not only based on knowing how to command, but also on knowing how to inspire and listen. During his participation in the Entrepreneurs Organization (EO), where he was part of the Global Board, Hugo led initiatives to promote the growth of entrepreneurs worldwide, always applying the philosophy of continuous learning.

"In every leadership, there are always sacrifices," he said. "There were times when I dedicated more time to the organization than to my business or even to my family, but it was all part of a cycle that allowed me to grow and transform what I did in other areas." Hugo stressed the importance of understanding life cycles and how to adapt to them without resisting change.

3. Innovation through failure: the value of learning from mistakes

One of Hugo's most powerful reflections in this episode was his view on failure. "If someone says they haven't failed, it's because they haven't tried hard enough," he said. He shared how, early in his career, he invested in projects that didn't work, such as a pioneering website offering online advice in 2000. "We learned how to spend $600,000 in a year and not get the expected result," he joked. But the most valuable part of that experience was the learning: he understood the importance of analyzing each project, learning from mistakes, and moving forward without fear.

One of his biggest challenges came with the Q-VER quality laboratory. In 2012, he faced financial problems due to a crisis in the real estate sector and poor management by his partner. Although he thought about closing the company, a mentor gave him a key piece of advice: "Don't close it, rescue it. It's like a wounded animal that you have to cure." That decision to persevere led him to transform Q-VER from a small company with limited sales into a multimillion-dollar business that today leads the quality control industry in Mexico.

Hugo stressed that the key to overcoming failures is to remain flexible and open to change. “Innovation doesn’t come from moments of comfort, but from chaos,” he said. “That’s where you find creative solutions.”

4. elespacio.io : creativity at the service of the community

Another fascinating aspect of the episode was the presentation of his latest project: elespacio.io , a creative hub that offers booths and studios for rent to the music community. Hugo explained how this project was born from his passion for music and his desire to support emerging artists by giving them a place where they can practice, collaborate and develop.

For Hugo, elespacio.io  represents much more than a business; it is an effort to keep human creativity alive in an increasingly digitalized world. “If artificial intelligence is going to gain ground, then the creative part of being human must be protected and promoted,” he said. This project reflects his belief in the importance of human connections and community.

She also shared how her involvement in Burning Man, an event that celebrates artistic expression and inclusion, influenced her vision for elespacio.io . “I learned that the most valuable thing is to create something that is not forever, but that has a profound impact while it exists,” she said. This philosophy of impermanence also guides her approach to leadership and entrepreneurship.

5. The power of giving without expecting anything in return

One of the most profound lessons Hugo left behind in the podcast was his focus on generosity and collaboration. “Give without expecting anything in return, that’s how strong communities are built,” he said. This principle, learned in part during his experience at Burning Man, has led him to apply the concept of gifting  in his business and personal relationships.

Hugo explained that when you give without expecting to receive, you create genuine connections. This is fundamental to his leadership: he seeks to form teams where each member feels that their contribution is valuable and significant. "It's not just about what you can get, but what you can contribute. That is the basis of any successful community," he added.

6. Advice for the new generation of entrepreneurs

During the episode, Hugo shared several practical tips for entrepreneurs:

Trust your passions:  "Believe in yourself and what you are passionate about. That's your compass."

Don't be afraid of failure:  "Failure is just part of the process. The important thing is to learn and move on."

Be curious and act:  "Whatever you think, do it. Opportunities don't wait."

Embrace change:  "Understanding that nothing is permanent will help you adapt and evolve."

7. A cycle that closes and another that begins

Hugo reflected on how he has come to the end of a 12-year leadership cycle at EO and how he is preparing for the next 12 years. “It’s not about stopping, but rather redirecting energy towards what really motivates you,” he said. His focus for this new stage is clear: continue creating purposeful projects, enjoy time with his family, and foster spaces where creativity and community flourish.

Conclusion: Lead with purpose and leave a mark

Hugo Salinas is an example that success is not measured only in financial achievements, but in the impact you leave on others and how you reinvent yourself along the way. His story is an invitation to believe in our passions, to embrace change and to build communities based on collaboration.

If you want to hear more of his story, his learnings and reflections, we invite you to watch the full episode on our YouTube channel or listen to it on Spotify. Be inspired by a leader who believes in the power of creating with purpose! 🎧✨