MEet
Carlos
Vasquez
From chains
to change.
Carlos Vasquez is a walking testament to what’s possible when pain is turned into purpose. After spending 17 years in prison—including three years in solitary confinement—Carlos didn’t come out broken; he came out rebuilt. He overcame homelessness, addiction, gang life, and deep trauma to become a nationally recognized motivational speaker, author, and thought leader in human-centered leadership.
Released in 2021, Carlos wasted no time. He enrolled in business school, and before even graduating, launched How To Battle—a consulting and human development firm focused on building human-centered leaders and upskilling organizations across the country.
Today, Carlos partners with major companies to elevate their teams—personally and professionally—transforming the way people lead, work, and live.
CARLOS VASQUEZ’S JOURNEY
Carlos Vasquez’s journey from a troubled youth to a beacon of hope and change is a testament to the indomitable human spirit. His life story illustrates the transformative power of introspection, resilience, and the profound impact of turning one’s struggles into a catalyst for helping others. Today, as the founder and CEO of How To Battle, Carlos continues to inspire and guide many toward overcoming their battles and achieving their full potential.
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Carlos grows up in a supportive environment in a good neighborhood with both parents, excelling in school and sports.
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The unexpected departure of Carlos’s father dramatically alters his life path. Devastated, Carlos runs away from home at age 13, seeking solace and escape in the streets.
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Homelessness soon follows, leading Carlos into the clutches of gang life, substance addiction, and criminal activities. During this period, he witnesses his best friend and mentor tragically take his own life during a game of Russian roulette, deeply traumatizing Carlos and exacerbating his spiral into violence and crime.
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Facing a potential life sentence for his crimes, Carlos is ultimately offered a plea deal of 20 years with two strikes, a decision he had to make within five minutes. He accepts, beginning a grueling journey of incarceration at a young age.
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Reflecting his tumultuous life outside, Carlos spends his initial years in prison engaged in violence and survival tactics. His experiences in solitary confinement, including a continuous three-year period, test his mental and physical endurance to the extreme.
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Approximately a decade into his sentence, Carlos’s perspective shifts profoundly. Inspired by an encounter with a chaplain during his time in solitary confinement, he starts to explore faith, pursue self-education, and contemplate his deeper purpose and value in life.
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Despite facing serious repercussions for his transformation, including being stabbed, Carlos emerges as a mentor and leader within the prison community. He commits to helping fellow inmates rediscover hope and purpose, fostering a supportive environment amidst despair.
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Upon his release, Carlos embarks on a mission to empower others through coaching, consulting, and motivational speaking. His experiences and lessons learned from the foundation of his book, The P.R.I.C.E, and his business, How To Battle. His work aims to guide individuals and organizations through adversity, encouraging personal and collective growth and transformation.
