Problems to Profit Podcast: Episode Summary
Title: Turning Relentless Work Ethic Into Leadership Power: How Viviana Ronquillo Built Her CEO Mindset, Earned Trust, and Led 20+ Companies to Growth
Host: Preston Brown
Guest: Viviana Ronquillo Herrera
Release Date: August 14, 2025
Introduction
In this heartfelt and transformative episode of the Problems to Profit podcast, host Preston Brown welcomes Viviana Ronquillo Herrera, his co-CEO and a powerhouse behind the growth of over 20 companies. This episode delves deep into Viviana’s journey from a hardworking employee to a visionary leader, exploring the challenges she overcame, the values that drive her, and the unique dynamics of her partnership with Preston.
Viviana's Early Life and Background
Viviana hails from El Paso, growing up in a close-knit Hispanic family of six. As the middle child, she often felt overlooked but found solace in books and self-driven activities. "I was the type of kid who, we'd go to dinner on a Friday night, and I'd be the one with a book in my hand" (05:26). Her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and the importance of family, which would later become central to her leadership philosophy.
Career Beginnings at Zia Homes
At 20, Viviana graduated high school with plans to study kinesiology but soon realized her passion lay elsewhere. Encouraged by her father, a draftsman working as a subcontractor for Zia Homes, she joined the company in 2005. Starting as a receptionist earning seven dollars an hour, Viviana took on multiple roles as employees left, showcasing her adaptability and dedication. By 10:13, she was managing payroll, HR, and contract coordination, making her a linchpin in the company’s operations despite minimal compensation.
Challenges and Realizations
The 2008 recession brought significant downsizing to Zia Homes, further increasing Viviana's responsibilities without corresponding raises. By 12:10, she realized she was being taken advantage of, leading her to seek other opportunities. However, a sense of loyalty kept her tethered to the company until a pivotal moment when Preston approached her with an unconventional offer to become co-CEO.
Meeting Preston and Transition to Co-CEO
Initially skeptical of Preston's sales-driven approach, Viviana was presented with a unique proposal: "Because I don't have a penis" (18:51)—a candid and humorous exchange highlighting the unconventional path to her leadership role. Despite her reservations and a sense of betrayal when a promised ownership stake never materialized, Viviana chose to embrace the opportunity, a decision that would redefine her career and personal growth.
Values and Leadership Philosophy
Viviana attributes her success to core values including family, faith, and strong relationships. She emphasizes, "Family is not just my immediate family; it's everyone I work with" (26:08). Her leadership is rooted in showing up, continuous learning, and a relentless drive for improvement. A pivotal moment in her philosophy was realizing, "Your identity is stronger than your circumstance" (34:11), allowing her to separate personal identity from business challenges.
Notable Quotes:
- "Most people allow the circumstance in life to impact their identity. And people will fight for their identity." (34:11)
- "Your identity is stronger than your circumstance." (34:11)
Managing Stress and Emotional Resilience
Viviana discusses her struggles with stress and emotional resilience, highlighting the importance of viewing stress as a catalyst for growth rather than a reflection of personal weakness. She shares, "I sit in the bathroom and cry not because I feel beaten, but because I know I can do better" (33:44). This mindset shift enabled her to tackle challenges head-on without letting them define her.
Trust and Communication
A cornerstone of Viviana’s leadership is active listening. She states, "A lot of people just want to be heard. They don't even want you to give reasoning" (55:25). By fostering an environment where employees feel valued and heard, Viviana builds trust and ensures that the team remains cohesive and motivated.
Notable Quotes:
- "A lot of people just want to be heard. They don't even want you to give reasoning." (55:25)
- "My door’s always open... anybody who wants something or to be heard are more than welcome to step into my office." (56:27)
Working Relationship between Preston and Viviana
The dynamic between Preston and Viviana is a study in complementary differences. Preston, the sales-driven visionary, and Viviana, the systems-driven strategist, balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses. They emphasize mutual respect and understanding, ensuring they stay within their respective "lanes" to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Viviana acknowledges, "We work diligently to stay in each other's lanes" (66:11), highlighting the importance of clear boundaries and collaborative synergy.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
This episode offers invaluable insights into leadership, trust-building, and the power of complementary partnerships. Viviana Ronquillo Herrera’s journey underscores the significance of aligning personal values with professional goals, the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and the benefits of leveraging diverse strengths within a leadership team.
Key Lessons:
- Value-Driven Leadership: Prioritizing family, faith, and relationships fosters a supportive and motivated workforce.
- Resilience and Growth: Viewing stress as an opportunity for improvement rather than a personal setback leads to continuous development.
- Trust and Communication: Active listening and open communication build trust and enhance team cohesion.
- Complementary Partnerships: Leveraging diverse strengths within leadership teams can drive exponential growth and efficiency.
Notable Quotes:
- "I love learning... I didn't mind learning, especially about construction, because I wanted to make my dad proud." (15:09)
- "You don't get on most of the phone calls, but you don't let me do any of the paperwork." (59:16)
- "Your identity is stronger than your circumstance." (34:11)
This deeply personal and candid conversation between Preston Brown and Viviana Ronquillo Herrera serves as an inspiring testament to the transformative power of hard work, resilient leadership, and the strength of meaningful partnerships in the business world.
Timecodes Reference:
(Note: The above timecodes are referenced to provide context to the quotes used in the summary.)