Authenticity

Most executives we feature are recommended by people we trust. I do my best to learn about them in an objective manner and share their guidance about what might help solve your network pain points and grow your career.

That’s not the case with Charlie Cano. Knowing him for many years has helped me see him as a leader, a husband, a dad, and a community advocate. He’s got the “it” factor when it comes to knowledge, tenacity, and emotional intelligence. Quite subjectively, Charlie is one of the best people I know in my professional world.

Why? Because he leads with brains and empathy. And it works.

Data proves why Charlie’s ways are powerful. We finally have evidence that “empathy is increasingly important to be successful as a leader. In fact, at the executive level, emotional intelligence accounts for 80% to 90% of the abilities that distinguish high performers.” (Source: Catalyst)

Here are some quotes that illustrate Charlie’s superpowers in action:

• Risk Taking: “I’ve had to take a stand for what I believe is right. In some situations, I didn’t follow what industry leaders, consultants or advisors recommended as a “safe'’ strategy. Playing it safe is never a guarantee of the best outcome. In my mind, if you risk nothing, then you risk everything.”
• Network Building: “We must double down on engineering best practices—because in broadband engineering, there’s no such thing as being technology neutral. Think about it in terms of best practices for building highways and structures. There is no such thing as being material neutral when building them to last. So, while there is a niche for fixed wireless or satellite solutions for some extremely rural areas, fiber optic facilities must be the priority to build a resilient network for the long-haul.”
• Work Ethic: “I believe ‘luck favors hard work’. Grit and perseverance are shared traits with all successful leaders. I feel blessed to be in a leadership role. I work hard to demonstrate to my company and peers that I do not take it for granted. My work ethic is a product of lessons learned in life with positive mentors and also negative individuals who attempted to hinder my growth.”

Charlie is a professional contact who has become a friend. I invite you to enjoy learning a bit about him and see why. CLICK HERE to read Charlie's responses to many topics.