What if the greatest advantage in business isn't talent, but the willingness to keep learning and never give up?

In this episode, Carlos Antillano, Vice President of the Americas for Mauviel 1830, entrepreneur, author, and lifelong student, shares the journey that took him from selling cookware on eBay out of his bathroom to leading one of the world's most respected luxury cookware brands. Along the way, he reveals why curiosity, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to learning have been the driving forces behind every opportunity he's earned.

Carlos also reflects on the relationships that shaped his leadership, from a scuba diving instructor who taught him confidence under pressure to a business mentor who helped him develop empathy for customers. Together, they explore why listening is one of the most valuable skills any entrepreneur can develop and how perseverance continues to open doors that once seemed impossible.

[00:04:00] What He Does and Who He Serves

Serves as Vice President of the Americas for Mauviel 1830, overseeing business across North and South America.
Built multiple businesses in the digital commerce space before joining the luxury cookware industry.
Combines entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation to help grow global brands.
Continues to pursue new ideas while embracing emerging technologies like AI.

[00:06:00] Building a Career Through Curiosity

Originally planned to become a doctor before discovering entrepreneurship.
Started selling cookware on eBay after moving to the United States from Venezuela.
Grew a business from a bathroom, to a storage unit, to a warehouse with employees.
Returned full circle by leading the same cookware brand that gave him his first opportunity.

[00:09:00] Why Learning Never Stops

Believes continuous learning is the foundation of long-term success.
Encourages entrepreneurs to embrace failure as part of the learning process.
Compares today's AI revolution to the early days of the internet.
Says perseverance comes from staying curious, adapting, and continuing to grow.

[00:11:00] Helping Others Reach Their Potential

Finds the greatest fulfillment in seeing people grow beyond what they believed was possible.
Shares the story of an employee who developed into an industry expert under his mentorship.
Speaks openly about mental health and the importance of supporting people beyond their professional development.
Believes great leadership helps people thrive both personally and professionally.

[00:14:00] The Story Behind His Book

Wrote The Ultimate Perseverance Training to encourage entrepreneurs facing setbacks and self-doubt.
Opens up about his own struggles with mental health, balance, and resilience.
Never intended to become an author but wanted others to know they weren't alone.
Has since been invited to speak about perseverance, leadership, and mental wellness.

[00:19:00] The Relationship That Changed Everything

Credits his scuba diving instructor, Tony Posimato, with shaping his confidence and leadership.
Learned how to remain calm under pressure and recognize when others need support.
Says the lessons he learned underwater continue to influence how he leads today.
Believes those experiences prepared him for challenges far beyond diving.

[00:21:00] Learning to Lead with Empathy

Credits Mauviel Chairwoman Valerie for changing the way he approaches leadership.
Learned to understand customers by listening before offering solutions.
Grew from a digital entrepreneur into a trusted leader within the culinary industry.
Says empathy cannot be learned from books. It develops through relationships and experience.

[00:24:00] Relationships Open Doors

Shares experiences working alongside leaders at Williams Sonoma, Amazon, and Michelin-starred chefs.
Reflects on moments that once felt impossible but became reality through years of consistent growth.
Shows how trusted relationships create opportunities that expertise alone cannot.
Encourages entrepreneurs to remain humble as new opportunities emerge.

[00:30:00] The Power of Listening

Believes listening is one of the greatest competitive advantages in business.
Says meaningful relationships begin by understanding people before trying to help them.
Explains that great leaders ask thoughtful questions and pay close attention to the answers.
Encourages entrepreneurs to become connectors by first becoming better listeners.

[00:33:00] Final Thoughts: Never Give Up

Honors his grandmother as the greatest example of perseverance in his life.
Shares how her resilience continues to shape his mindset decades later.
Reminds listeners that growth comes through persistence, not perfection.
Leaves entrepreneurs with a simple message: keep learning, keep serving, and never give up.

KEY QUOTES

"Scuba diving gave me structure, gave me leadership, gave me the ability to defeat those insecurities that are normal." - Carlos Antillano

"Failures are gonna come. It's part of life. It's how you are able to navigate through those failures and transform that failure into a lesson." - Carlos Antillano

"You just need to be open. It's a beautiful cycle at the end of the day. We have asked for help, and people have asked us for help." - Carlos Antillano

CONNECT WITH CARLOS ANTILLANO

Website: https://mauviel-usa.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlosantillano

Book: The Ultimate Perseverance Training

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