Author and speaker Dr. A.C. Cristales is back with a new episode for Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. shares a bit of his 2022 journey. He shares what he learned about entrepreneurship and more importantly how failure reveals has the power to reveal who you truly are. If you want to grow and thrive in your journey of success despite the diffic…

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with the first episode of Mission Driven in 2022. In this episode, A.C. interviews creator and fitness coach of Urbane Body, Philip Cristales. In this episode, Philip shares a bit of his journey from what inspired him to start his online fitness program. Additionally, he shares what you can do to …

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. interviews author and therapist, Axel Cristales. In this episode, Axel shares a bit of his journey from working in public schools to now serving as mental health therapist. Additionally, he shares what inspired him to write…

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. takes us back to his first EVER Reflection Blog he wrote in 2009, entitled, The Thunderstorm Season. In this podcast episode, he shares how storms and troubles don't last forever. If you want to grow and thrive in your jour…

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. has the honor of interviewing Iris Lopez, founder of Mija, Yes You Can, a nonprofit organization created by women FOR women to provide a platform that allows ALL women to come together to learn from each other, relate to ea…

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. has the honor of interviewing Rand Scott Carlson, who is on the leadership team at the Men of Nehemiah, a Christian Non-Profit located in South Dallas that is designed to rebuild the lives of men and families that have been…

Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. takes us back to a Reflection Blog he wrote in 2009, entitled, The Power of Failure. In this podcast episode, he shares how failure can either propel you to your destiny and purpose or it can dispel you away from it. If you…

Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 3 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. further discusses the importance of an anchor in your life. In this podcast episode, he shares that an anchor can help you possess constancy, a quality that means you are enduring, unchanging and dependable. If you want to grow and thrive in your journey…

Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 3 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. further discusses the importance of an anchor in your life. In this podcast episode, he shares that an anchor can help you stay put when you feel life drifting you back to old habits that were not helping you out. If you want to grow and thrive in your j…

Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 3 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. poses an important question for everyone going after a dream and goal: What is your anchor? In this podcast episode, he shares what an anchor is, the importance of having an anchor and what an anchor provides during the difficult times of life. If you wa…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews not only one of the pioneers of the Houston rap scene, but also one of the original pioneers of Christian Hip Hop, Delbert R. Harris, better known to many as RAS or Lil' Raskull. In this interview, RAS shares with us how we was introduced to rap music and how he then us…

Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 2 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. celebrates his one-year podcast anniversary and he shares the advantage of having staying power. He also shares with you 5 benefits of self-reflection. If you want to grow and thrive in your journey of success despite the difficulties of life, you have t…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales has a conversation with school leader and educator, Rachael Brown. They discuss Race and Education in America and also the importance of cultural competency, vulnerability and being intentional. This is an episode for all educators that will empower them to be better teachers for …

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews Jesse The Messenger. Jesse The Messenger is an evangelist and poet and has been involved in ministry since 1991. In this episode, The Messenger shares a bit of his story, how he went in looking for a fight, but instead found a Savior, and how he held strong to his faith…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews Adam Bergman. Adam is a senior at the University of Texas, who has been involved in student leadership and government since high school. In this episode, Adam shares a bit of his story, how he chose to be involved in student leadership and government, and some of the le…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales pays tribute to the impact that the Gospel Gangstaz had on his life as a teenager when he started his walk with the Lord. A.C. also remembers the impact Mr. Solo, who suddenly passed away on May 22, 2020, had on his life not only as a Christian rapper, but as a follower of Christ.…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the fifth and sixth episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. discusses Kobe Bryant and the impact Michael Jordan h…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the fourth episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. discusses Phil Jackson and the impact he had on the Bulls, the…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews Ian Humphrey. Ian is the general manager of a successful multi-million dollar metal fabrication company, speaker and author, and has made it his goal to motivate, inspire, and help others learn to see obstacles as an opportunity and achieve the success which we all dese…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the third episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. discusses Dennis Rodman and the impact he had on the Bulls, the…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the second episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. discusses Scottie Pippen's upbringing, the impact Michael Jord…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the first episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls as they journeyed to their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. highlights the impact family can have on an individual, how the de…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales quickly shares some wisdom as we all deal with the current pandemic affecting the whole world. A.C. then discusses one of his favorite movies of all time, Blood In, Blood Out. A.C. shares some of his favorite scenes and quotes from the film, and then he connects parts of it to rea…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by educational leader and assistant principal, Lauren Gladu. In this episode, Lauren shares some of the things she has put into place on her campus that the support social and emotional learning of her high school students. This is an episode that will provide educators …

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Durale Harper and Jeff Marcel, the founders of D & J Empowerment Group. D & J Empowerment Group is more than just about motivating people. "They want to provide people with the tools and knowledge to sustain it and help elevate their lives into new heights." In this e…

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about the power of self-reflection and shares his entrepreneurial journey of being a keynote speaker. A.C. shares some of his experiences, both good and bad, that have led him to where he is now. This is an honest and raw conversation that will empower you on you…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about the untimely death of Kobe Bryant and why it impacted him, and also about the passing of one of his former students. "What is your life? It is just a vapor, appearing for a little while, and then vanishing."Oleh A.C. Cristales

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Dr. Elaine Vallie, middle school teacher in Texas. In this episode, Dr. Vallie shares about several educators who impacted her life, and also about her dissertation study on Middle School Librarians' Perceptions and Promotion of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Dr. Adam Saenz, author of the best selling book, The Power of a Teacher, and also the developer of the Educator Assessment of Social and Emotional Learning (EASEL), which is a measure of personality and emotional intelligence that is central to the work and curriculum…

On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Josh Tovar, principal of Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas. Socorro High School currently enrolls over 2,400 students, and what Josh and his staff have done to make sure that every student feels that they are cared for is nothing short of spectacular. In this epis…

On the first episode of 2020 for the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about taking ownership of your life and future. Using some dialogue from the film, The Godfather Part II, A.C. provides 3 steps that you can use today to take ownership of your future. You only have one life. Don't spend it living someone else's dre…

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about the importance of optimism for your personal and professional growth. Using a few lines of dialogue from the film, The Godfather, A.C. outlines 3 ways optimism can help you on your journey of success. Some of you are not reaching your goals because of pessi…

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Destiny Chavarria, Educational Specialist at the Region 17 Education Service Center in Lubbock, Texas. Destiny works with Migrant Education, which has the goal to ensure that all migrant students reach challenging academic standards and graduate with a hig…

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales gets you ready for 2020 by discussing the power of gratitude. He also explains how gratitude should not be limited to just holidays or special events. Gratitude should be practiced daily because there is always something to be grateful for. A.C. concludes by providing …

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by 8th grade math teacher, Weston Wilcox. Weston teaches in the Dallas, Texas area, and in this episode, he shares how being a teacher was his calling. However, he also discusses real issues that he dealt with having to do with mental health and depression. W…

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by FOCUS Pastor at Richland College, Sirak Asfaw. Sirak leads the FOCUS group, which is an interdenominational campus ministry at Richland College. FOCUS is a community that values equipping students to be missionaries to their college campuses. In this episo…

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about paying the ultimate price to achieve the ultimate goal. Using a few lines of dialogue from the film, Point Break, A.C. outlines 5 things you must do in order to pay the ultimate price. Some of you have the dream, but you're not willing to pay the price to a…

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Program Coordinator at Richland College, Gabe Randle. Gabe leads the MAP (Male Achievement Program) at Richland College. This program is designed to help students of color with their academic and social integration at the post-secondary level. In this epis…

On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales uses some lyrics from the Notorious B.I.G. song, "Sky's The Limit" to provide you with 7 lessons that can help alter your belief system. Some of you aren't reaching your potential because you have limiting beliefs. This is an episode where you will want to take notes a…

A.C. Cristales is joined by educator and school leader Rachael Brown to discuss her journey into education, how her current position as a school administrator aligns with her life's mission, and her tips for teachers, parents and students. Also, at the end of the podcast, a quick interview with A.C.'s daughter, Isabella, on who her favorite teacher…

Even though many people don't like to talk about pain, it's important to know that our pain has power. It can either strengthen you or it can weaken you. Pain is a powerful force in our lives. In this episode, A.C. shares how changing our perspective on pain can help better our lives and also help inspire others. If you want to know how pain can ac…

What kind of mindset do you have? Is it a fixed or growth mindset? It's important to know which mindset you possess because the type of mindset you have will determine the words you use to communicate with others. In this episode, A.C. shares what having a growth mindset looks like and how you can use it to better serve your kids, students and foll…

To some, Tupac Shakur was a thug. To others, he was a revolutionary. Regardless, of what you think about 2Pac, one thing is certain. 2Pac was one man with many legacies. In this episode, A.C. talks about how the following 2Pac lyrics have helped him with regard to being driven by his life's mission: "Driven by my ambitions, desire higher positions.…

Did you know that faith without works is dead? Faith only works when you put action to it. This flashback edition is a six minute clip of A.C. speaking a month after he left his position as an assistant principal in 2014 to become a full-time speaker. Also, there's a surprise after the "faith" audio clip. It's a song A.C. recorded with his friends …

Humans are made for interaction. Therefore, we need each other and we need community. But not just any community. We need a community where we know we matter and are respected, where we are cared for, and where we're recognized and acknowledged. If you're a principal, teacher, parent or youth worker and you want to strengthen your community, this i…

Humans are built for endurance. Through hardships character is built, and in failures, lessons are learned. In this episode, A.C. shares what it means to go the distance and how endurance and perseverance are essential traits for leaders and people pursuing their dreams and working toward their goals. Using a couple of scenes from the classic movie…

We all wonder sometimes whether or not our lives have purpose. In this inaugural episode, A.C. shares what this podcast hopes to accomplish, with regard to helping you be a better leader, entrepreneur, parent, student, or simply someone who wants to be a positive influence in society. He also shares one of his life changing moments when he knew the…