“Only I can change my life. No one can do it for me.” - Carol Burnett. As a toddler Jose was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a neuromuscular disease that weakens the muscles. He suffered from many uncertainties and felt directionless in life. All this changed one day when he made an excellent choice to start truly living his life by overcoming his obstacles. Today he is inspiring, motivating and empowering others through motivational seminars and via his book "Don't Let Your Struggle Become Your Standard." Jose has worked with many organizations including Boys and Girls Club of America, Broward College and Liberty Power Corporation.

What is the inspiration behind your company Indispensable Now?J: The inspiration is to let people know that they are Indispensable and that they have everything they need this very moment to make their dreams come true now.

How do you usually pick the topic for your motivational speeches? What is the most popular topic for motivating your audience?J: It really depends on the needs of the audience. I usually send a needs assessment to see if there is anything specifically I need to add into my speech or presentation. Te most popular topics I get request for is Leadership, Mind Management (which is my favorite) and Overcoming challenges and adversity.

Do you want to share any incident when your motivational speech helped someone to empower themselves?J: Yes, I was actually at an event and shared how I literally typed my whole book out with a computer and keyboard all by myself. Most people think I used a software that recorded my voice and translated it. When I shared that it was typed by myself they were all inspired by my decision to type it out. Afterwards this guy came up to me and said that he was moved to start writing his own book as he has been procrastinating on getting it done. He was embarrassed to say that he was being lazy about writing it because here I was telling them that it was difficult for me to type it out while I still had the ability to do it, and I got it done. I am proud to say that I have kept in touch with this individual and he has completed writing his book! This is one of the many reasons why I love doing what I do, because if I'm able to inspire and move people to action, then it's all worth it.

What do you hope people learn from your book "Don't Let Your Struggle Become Your Standard."?J: I hope they overcome whatever situation of circumstance they may be going through, whether it be personal or business. Storms come in life to pass, no to stay. They make us stronger and wiser and more capable of dealing with the next storm that may come our way. So I hope they all learn to Not let Their Struggles become there Standard and that they rise above and conquer.

What kind of challenges did you face during your school days? How can today’s kids with special needs prepare themselves to face challenges in schools?J: I had many challenges. I couldn't run fast, I couldn't go up the stairs quickly, and I was a little embarrassed about the condition I was born with which is called (SMA) Spinal Muscular Atrophy. SMA makes my muscles weaker the older I get, so it becomes more challenging for me to do basic things in life, like going into the shower or getting dressed by myself.
I would encourage kids with special needs today by telling to stop focusing on the things they can't do and start focusing on the things they can do and become an expert on whatever those things are.

Which world leader inspires you the most and why?J: I like a few, but if I had to pick one it would be Tony Robbins because of his huge heart for helping people go to the next level and his willingness to give generously to others.

What do you like to do when you are with your family/friends?J: My family and I love traveling when we're not impacting lives. We love to spend as much time with each other and our friends as possible. We actually have a family motto that says, "Build memories, not things!"

What is your favorite place that you would like to visit again and why?J: One place that I have already visited and would like to go to again is Washington DC because it so beautiful and full of history. A place that I haven't been to yet that I would like to visit is Israel and Dubai again because of the beauty and history.

What tips/advice do you have for those in our community who want to overcome obstacles?J: I would say to start off by getting your mind right because my favorite books says, "As a man thinks, so he is" in other words, you are what you think or you become what you think. I would say to start with managing your thought and what you allow to come in via your eyes and ears. Fill yourself with as much positivity as possible and affirmations as you can. We already get enough negativity so purpose to seek and find the positive.

Any special message for our community?J: Yes, never give up, never give in, and never stop until you win!!!!