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The UnAmerican Dream
What is the real price of our modern, hustle-all-all-cost business culture? Something terrible has happened to the American Dream. For so many entrepreneurs and professionals, the relentless pursuit of success leaves behind damaged relationships and personal life carnage in their wake. In The UnAmerican Dream, Carlos Hidalgo reveals his thrilling journey to entrepreneurial triumph, and the simultaneous path to rock bottom. Despite impressive accolades and remarkable professional achievements, he found himself miserable, discontent, and at risk of losing his most important personal relationships, forever.Through authentic, honest, and vulnerable storytelling not found in most business books, Hidalgo asks us all to question, “is it really worth it?” Featuring the perspective of a variety of executives from across the country, this book reveals the truth about the cost that many pay in order to keep pace with modern business pressures. Hear from Hidalgo’s wife, Susanne, who reminds us that with every quest for success, there are real relationships impacted.Hidalgo details the life changes he made to re-center himself, and offers a step-by-step guide for others in a similar situation to find happiness and fulfillment. The UnAmerican Dream is an invitation to shed hustle culture, cultivate that which is life giving, and find both personal and professional success on your terms.
200 pages, Paperback
Published June 6, 2019
About the author
Carlos Hidalgo
2 books6 followersCarlos Hidalgo is a “serial entrepreneur”. During the span of his 25-year career Hidalgo has served in two non-profit organizations, led global marketing teams in two enterprise software companies and founded two consulting agencies.
In addition to his various roles, Hidalgo is the author of "Driving Demand", one of the Top 5 Marketing Books of all time according to Book Authority.
He is also a managing partner in two software start-ups, serves on the board of one other and has followed his wife’s lead in volunteering for Beauty For Ashes Uganda, an organization dedicated to the long-term sustainability and healing for single moms and widows in Uganda.
Hidalgo has found success throughout his career and led his first agency to three consecutive Inc. 5000 awards.
Since that time, Hidalgo has left his first agency and started another one where he works with organizations from the Fortune 50 to tech start-ups.
He is currently working on his second book for business leaders and entrepreneurs and expects "The UnAmerican Dream" to publish in June of 2019
You can follow Hidalgo on Twitter @cahidalgo
In addition to his various roles, Hidalgo is the author of "Driving Demand", one of the Top 5 Marketing Books of all time according to Book Authority.
He is also a managing partner in two software start-ups, serves on the board of one other and has followed his wife’s lead in volunteering for Beauty For Ashes Uganda, an organization dedicated to the long-term sustainability and healing for single moms and widows in Uganda.
Hidalgo has found success throughout his career and led his first agency to three consecutive Inc. 5000 awards.
Since that time, Hidalgo has left his first agency and started another one where he works with organizations from the Fortune 50 to tech start-ups.
He is currently working on his second book for business leaders and entrepreneurs and expects "The UnAmerican Dream" to publish in June of 2019
You can follow Hidalgo on Twitter @cahidalgo
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 1, 2021
This is a great book for type A people who think that working and hustling is the only way to create value.
Also, it will help you change your perspective of what "success" means.
Carlos is open and vulnerable when sharing his experiences and what led him to reframe his thoughts around what being successful means.
Flow: 5/5
Actionability: 5/5
Mindset: 5/5
Some of My Highlights:
"...but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which the are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position."
"My family did not want a CEO, they wanted their dad and their husband."
"'That is awesome! So many of us have this idea that if we are not working tirelessly, we are lazy.'"
"Boundaries are set in these small, everyday interactions. Ultimately, it is up to you to make sure these boundaries are not moved."
"...she was seven months pregnant with our fourth child, and here I was a loser, someone who could not deliver, someone who had no worth."
"We who are chasing our dreams need to come to terms with the fact that we are often not the ones that are making the true sacrifices."
"Upon reflection, I realize that our biggest mistake was simply our lack of communication about our needs and desires."
"If flexibility is healthy, Carlos was deeply sick."
Also, it will help you change your perspective of what "success" means.
Carlos is open and vulnerable when sharing his experiences and what led him to reframe his thoughts around what being successful means.
Flow: 5/5
Actionability: 5/5
Mindset: 5/5
Some of My Highlights:
"...but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which the are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position."
"My family did not want a CEO, they wanted their dad and their husband."
"'That is awesome! So many of us have this idea that if we are not working tirelessly, we are lazy.'"
"Boundaries are set in these small, everyday interactions. Ultimately, it is up to you to make sure these boundaries are not moved."
"...she was seven months pregnant with our fourth child, and here I was a loser, someone who could not deliver, someone who had no worth."
"We who are chasing our dreams need to come to terms with the fact that we are often not the ones that are making the true sacrifices."
"Upon reflection, I realize that our biggest mistake was simply our lack of communication about our needs and desires."
"If flexibility is healthy, Carlos was deeply sick."
October 9, 2019
Great book focused on helping you get off the train and take control of your life before its too late.
January 2, 2020
Having met the author at different marketing conferences and followed his company's content through their blog and other content, I definitely was one of those who perceived Carlos as a successful, well-respected marketer who must have felt like he was on top of the world.
His poignant story shows that appearances aren't always what the seem, and personal satisfaction can't be measured by the success of your company.
Kudos to Carlos for discovering what is important, and having the courage to adjust his work life and setting work/life boundaries that match.
If you like this book, you may also enjoy Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin.
His poignant story shows that appearances aren't always what the seem, and personal satisfaction can't be measured by the success of your company.
Kudos to Carlos for discovering what is important, and having the courage to adjust his work life and setting work/life boundaries that match.
If you like this book, you may also enjoy Lost and Founder by Rand Fishkin.
January 31, 2024
"The UnAmerican Dream" captivates with its timely exploration of societal disillusionment and the pursuit of an elusive American Dream. Through compelling characters and a thought-provoking narrative, the author skillfully dissects the complexities of modern aspirations. A poignant and relevant commentary that challenges conventional ideals, making it a must-read for those questioning societal norms.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews