Name: Michael Flores
LT Class Year: 2021
Company Name: J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Interviewed by: Laura Frost
Laura met Michael before the holidays to visit at Blind Tiger downtown, his favorite spot to meet clients and colleagues. Growing up, his family home was where all the neighborhood kids wanted to hang out. He says his loving parents were “The Puerto Rican Huxtables”. He attributes his success in business, not to academics, but to family and to his principles in PROCESS. Michael is passionate about the Tampa Bay Chamber Minority Business Accelerator, for which he chaired the MBA Class of 2024, the 6th and largest class to date. Michael will carry on to chair the new MBA Alumni group. Learn more about his perspectives and other passions in the thought-inspiring testimony that follows.
- Tell us, why LTA?
LTA provides you with the opportunity to stay connected with your life -changing cohort on a frequent basis. It presents an exceptional opportunity to meet more amazing people who might have an equal or greater impact on you than your actual cohort. Imagine connecting with a network of like-minded professionals from all cohorts dedicated to driving positive change in Tampa Bay. C’mon that’s appealing isn’t it!
- For you, what separates LTA from other business leadership programs?
Community engagement is a key standout. The ability to collaborate with peers who understand local challenges and work on the issues at hand to make effective change makes it uniquely impactful. From professional development, civic involvement, and personal connections LTA is a holistic program unmatched by others about which I have been presented.
- Describe a time when the LTA experience impacted your life or career?
I have met countless people at LTA events that have been influential in the expansion of my social and professional network. It has resulted in me moving out of my comfort zone and joining boards of organizations I might not have in the past. It has opened my eyes to causes I was not aware of locally. Yet, to me, most importantly, LTA has literally created more than two handfuls of relationships that I really really value. Relationships I would have not likely had the opportunity to create otherwise.
- What is a LTA benefit you wish everyone knew about?
One of the most underrated benefits of LTA is the access to exclusive insights and resources about Tampa Bay's development and growth. The alumni association offers opportunities to hear directly from policymakers, industry leaders, and community stakeholders, providing a deep understanding of local issues and opportunities. This level of access is invaluable for anyone looking to stay ahead in their industry while contributing to Tampa's future. Again, I know I sound like a broken record, this allows you, as an individual, to have real impact and, from a corporate standpoint, this allows your company to have real impact in our community.
- Describe how the leadership journey will continue to shape you?
Leadership is a continuous evolution, and the journey through LTA reminds me that growth comes from embracing new challenges and perspectives.
Moving forward, I aim to deepen my commitment to servant leadership, focusing on creating opportunities for others and driving initiatives that have a lasting impact on our community.
Two key ways I plan to do that in 2025:
- Serving as the Chair of the Tampa Bay Chamber Minority Business Accelerator’s Alumni Association
- Serving on the Board of the Rotary Club of Tampa Foundation
Fun Facts About You/Local Knowledge:
- Favorite spot to meet friends/colleagues for coffee, lunch or happy hour: Blind Tiger Café Downtown or Ybor, they have gluten and dairy free sweets, too; a real plus for me!
- Latest movie, book, streaming series or a combination?
- The Diplomat (streaming series)
- Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara (Book)
- I have read 13 books this year so I have plenty of recommendations!
- For a staycation in Tampa Bay, you like to……go to any one of our amazing beaches (big fan of Indian Rocks).
- When out-of-town guests are visiting, you plan ... .to show them all the amazing treasures Tampa Bay has to offer: food, nature, theme parks, water activities. Everyone loves the Riverwalk when they first see it (Armature/Sparkman included)
- Any hidden treasures/recent discoveries you’d like to share?! Hmmm…not sure I want to share because then they would not be hidden. 😉
Any upcoming initiatives/passion projects you want us to know about?
Yes, thanks for asking.
- Please support the Tampa Bay Chamber Minority Business Accelerator -they are doing great work. The more people we have supporting its mission, the more impact we can make in Tampa Bay minority businesses.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay. We need more Bigs, especially men to work with young boys in need of guidance. I have been matched with my little brother since he was 11 years old. He will be graduating from Plant High School and attending the University of Florida in January to play Running Back for Coach Napier and Juluke #plantstrong #4.