Most leadership frameworks are built in boardrooms. Carlos Vasquez built his in solitary confinement.

Carlos spent nearly 17 years in prison, including three years in solitary confinement, where he read over 150 books, processed childhood trauma, and built the foundation for what would later become a leadership consulting firm, a nonprofit, and five books.

In this episode, Amanda and Carlos discuss his journey from incarceration to entrepreneurship, the inner work that made it possible, and the leadership framework he now brings to healthcare systems, corporations, and schools. The PRICE Framework — Purpose, Recognition, Inspiration, Compassion, Education — grew from rebuilding identity, purpose, and connection from nothing.

They also explore Carlos’ perspective on AI. He uses it daily in his business and built an AI-powered app for foster youth, but he is equally clear-eyed about what technology cannot do. In an era of rapid automation, Carlos argues leaders must double down on presence, authenticity, and human connection.

The conversation closes on legacy—and what Carlos, who once had a vision board full of cars and houses, puts on it now instead.

What We Cover

• From incarceration to entrepreneurship—and the mindset that made it possible
• Three years in solitary confinement, 150+ books, and processing PTSD
• Why mentoring lifers in prison became a consulting business
• The PRICE Framework: Purpose, Recognition, Inspiration, Compassion, Education
• Why leaders must lead themselves before leading others
• AI as a tool for access, equity, and opportunity
• Why the age of AI demands more human leadership, not less
• The 90-day self-assessment Carlos recommends to leaders
• What changed on his vision board—and why

About the Guest

Carlos Vasquez is a speaker, author, leadership consultant, and founder of Life to Be Consulting Group, along with a nonprofit serving formerly incarcerated individuals and at-risk youth. He earned his psychology degree while incarcerated and developed the trauma-informed PRICE Method, which he now brings to healthcare systems, corporations, schools, and YPO events.

His fifth book, The Leader’s PRICE: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI, publishes May 2025. He also hosts the podcast Battles, featuring people who have overcome extraordinary adversity.

Follow Carlos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosvasquezofficial
Order his book: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeULz50u7fuXsF5mAd-5ZywhEBk36LNyMffZ1UtUw8YnBbDrQ/viewform

About the Host

Amanda Verner Thompson is the Founder of Madison Advisory AI, helping founders, operators, and investors navigate growth, capital strategy, and decision-making in healthcare. A former healthcare investment banker with nearly two decades of experience, Amanda has advised across behavioral health, post-acute care, and physician services.

The Madison Advisory AI Podcast explores leadership, strategy, and technology—bringing together executives navigating complex decisions where human trust still matters most

Follow Amanda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-verner-thompson/

Learn more: https://www.madisonadvisory.ai/