Name: Julio Esquivel
LT Class Year: 2012
Company Name: Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP
Interviewed by: Laura Frost and Amanda Jacobson
Amanda and Laura met Julio at the new Meals on Wheels facility for their interview over coffee in the breakroom. Then Amanda tossed them hair nets for a tour of the kitchen! What an amazing operation.
- Tell us, why LTA?
Because I was told I had to. OK, just kidding. Because it is a natural extension of Leadership Tampa. Going through the class, while a tremendous experience in and of itself, was the initiation rite which then provides the ability to join LTA, which then opens the door to new opportunities, relationships, knowledge and inspiration.
- For you, what separates LTA from other business leadership programs?
There is great deal of diversity of backgrounds, capabilities, professions, ages, races and ethnicities within the group and you get to learn, be inspired by and becomes friends with this diverse, passionate and impressive group of leaders. Judges, business owners, leaders of non-profits, bankers, government officials, etc.
- Describe a time when the LTA experience impacted your life or career?
On a regular basis, I run into and touch base with LTA alumni. They have become clients, referral sources, advisors and most importantly friends. I am a corporate lawyer and, as such, I call on my classmates to make introductions and to act as referrals more me. More importantly, I am constantly impressed by how they contribute to the community and that challenges me to continue to do my part. I have been involved in the arts for years, having served on the Tampa Public Art Committee, the Board of the Tampa Museum of Art, the Board of the Tampa Theatre and was a founding member of the Gasparilla Musical Festival where I served on the board for several years. Recently, I was asked by a classmate to help and support Jill Witecki as chair of the day for LT ‘23’s Arts and Culture Day, which was a fantastic experience. Jill did a wonderful job, by the way.
- What is a LTA benefit you wish everyone knew about?
The ability it provides to develop relationships with and learn from people you may otherwise not have known. Once you are an active alumna, your network extends far beyond your classmates. You easily and immediately bond with strangers you meet as soon as you both realize you went through LT.
Any books you recommend?
Devil in the Grove by Gilbert King was a book I learned about through Leadership Florida which I completed during the COVID-19 pandemic- it is a true story based in Lake County, Florida in the 1940s.
- Describe how the leadership journey will continue to shape you?
LTA and its members will continue to challenge and inspire me. I am not retiring from my profession any time soon, but I no longer wonder what I will do once I retire. I am going to stay active in the community just like so many of our other alumni. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required. I will carry that forward.