By: Alexandra Perez
Jose Bolaños’s journey from Nicaragua to becoming a prominent leadership coach spans over two decades. Today, Bolaños stands as a significant and inspiring figure for business leaders, especially within the home service industry. His story is one of resilience, deep introspection, and an unwavering drive to empower others to achieve their fuller potential.
A Pivotal Choice: The Start of a Transformative Journey
Bolaños’s path to coaching began at 21 when he made a life-changing decision to pursue sobriety. “It wasn’t really a necessity; it was more about seizing the chance to change,” Bolaños reflects. This decision brought him to his uncle, who introduced him to the potentially transformative principles of 12-step programs and leadership through experiential learning in nature. This exposure to personal and organizational transformation helped lay the groundwork for his future career.
“I started connecting with these transformational processes,” Bolaños says. “What struck me most was how many people felt trapped by their circumstances, viewing themselves as victims.” This insight sparked his dedication to helping individuals work toward overcoming their limiting beliefs and recognizing the sacredness of their lives.
Presence-Based Coaching and Leadership: Shaping a Coaching Philosophy
Bolaños’s commitment to personal development led him to Doug Silsbee, a pioneer in mindful leadership. “Doug’s approach of integrating mindfulness into leadership was highly influential in shaping my development,” Bolaños explains. Over the next decade, he delved into mindfulness, breathwork, and body awareness, which became central to his coaching methodology.
Unbreakable: Building Resilience in Times of Crisis
In 2018, amidst political upheaval in Nicaragua, Bolaños launched his flagship program, Unbreakable. “It was a response to the situation we were facing,” he says. “I condensed it into a four-hour format, covering mindfulness, breathwork, stress management, and ice baths.” The program, designed to build resilience, appears to have resonated deeply, impacting over 1,500 individuals across seven countries.
From Digital Marketing to Home Service Leadership
Bolaños’s innovative work caught the attention of a digital marketing firm, opening a gateway to the U.S. market. Initially coaching digital marketers, Bolaños soon pivoted to the home service industry. “I felt a deep emotional connection with the home service business owner,” Bolaños shares. “My father was a roofer trying to establish his own roofing business.”
This personal connection led Bolaños to focus on home service leaders, offering a unique blend of presence-based coaching and leadership coaching. “My approach is fundamentally Zen,” he says. “It’s about internal transformation. You can learn to manage everything from within.” His method emphasizes emotional intelligence, presence, and self-awareness, addressing the often neglected human aspects of business leadership.
Extending Beyond Business: Impacting Families and Communities
Bolaños’s work extends beyond business leaders to their families and communities. “My client isn’t just the individual; it’s their entire family,” he stresses. His work with veterans, law enforcement, and first responders further underscores the broad applicability of his methods. By fostering resilience and mindfulness, Bolaños helps clients enhance both their leadership capabilities and personal relationships.
A Global Vision: Bridging Cultural Gaps
As Bolaños continues to expand his impact, his vision remains focused on global growth. “I don’t aspire to be the Simon Sinek of Nicaragua. I want to be known as Jose Bolaños on a global scale,” he asserts. Fluent in both Nicaraguan and American cultures, Bolaños is uniquely positioned to bridge cultural gaps and foster leadership development across borders.
VUCA: Navigating Life’s Complexities
Central to Bolaños’s coaching is the concept of VUCA—volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. “By naming it, we can begin to manage it,” he explains. “We need to be VUCA-capable, meaning we must navigate whatever life throws our way.” This philosophy is core to his coaching, helping clients approach both personal and professional challenges with resilience and mindfulness.
A Personal Connection: Empathy in Home Service Leadership
Bolaños’s personal connection to the home service sector amplifies the impact of his coaching. “I remember my father coming home with cut fingers, exhausted from trying to support his family through hard labor. There’s a connection I didn’t feel with other sectors,” he shares. This deep empathy makes his coaching particularly meaningful for those in the home service industry, who face unique stresses and demands.
Expanding Capacity: Transforming Stress into Strength
At the heart of Bolaños’s work is the expansion of his clients’ capacity. “My clients move from emotional turmoil, overwhelming stress, and anxiety to greater strength, stability, and presence,” he notes. “What might have troubled them for weeks, they can now often manage in a single day.” This transformation enhances both their professional lives and personal relationships, reflecting a holistic approach to leadership and well-being.
Practical Leadership: Sleep, Nutrition, and Physical Activity
Bolaños’s advice for leaders is clear: prioritize good sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. He also emphasizes the importance of seeking professional support. “Hire a coach, work with a professional. Don’t attempt to navigate these challenges alone.”
A Personalized Coaching Approach: Boutique and Effective
Bolaños’s coaching is highly personalized, focusing on each client’s unique needs. “I work with just 15 clients at a time,” he reveals. “It’s a boutique practice.” This intimate setting ensures that each client receives the dedicated attention and guidance necessary for meaningful growth.
Enhancing Leadership Through Mindfulness
Jose Bolaños’s coaching is a testament to the power of personal growth and mindful leadership. His unique blend of resilience, empathy, and expertise is helping to reshape the landscape of home service leadership, one leader at a time.
Published by Zane L.
