Rick Morales is an applied sociologist who founded Morales Associates in 1995. He focuses on leadership development and organizational change. His work is challenging because it often requires addressing difficult issues, exciting because of the breakthroughs that can happen when people are open to change, and fun because of the positive impacts on people and organizations. Morales has degrees from UC Berkeley and experience researching labor markets and facilitating leadership training programs. He derives satisfaction from helping people achieve their goals and find inspiration in their work.

1. Rick Morales

2. I’m an applied sociologist with degrees from
Ph.D. & Masters
University of California, Berkeley
Bachelor of Arts
SDSU

3. I founded Morales Associates in 1995. Since I focus on the
people-side of business, it’s fair to say the work is challenging,
exciting & fun.
Challenging.... Exciting.... Fun....
Because breakthrough Because once people
Because just about
moments come when we are willing to “open
anything you can imagine
address “the elephant in their kimonos,” they
can happen when people
the room” that no one can crack the code on
are involved.
wants to discuss. reaching their goals.

4. I work with CEOs Other times I work Sometimes I’m
to clarify strategic with everyone - called in to help
priorities. from emerging keep a valuable
leaders to C-Level but dysfunctional
executives - on their team from falling
leadership and team off the edge of a
development. cliff.

5. When I think about where my work has
taken me, I’m reminded of that Johnny
Cash song “I’ve Been Everywhere.”
Hollywood Mobile London
Pocatello Malibu Beaverton
Philly Roswell
Biloxi Sao Paolo Costa Rica
Hong Kong Singapore Vegas
Amsterdam Tulsa Victoria
Fargo Ottawa

6. My professional happiness is derived from helping people find
the energy, confidence and inspiration to
“paint their masterpiece.”

7. So what have I learned?
1. Leadership is about relationships.
2. Competence + Authenticity = Leadership
3. Ultimately, people are “looking for clues” on becoming
better at what they do, and building a better future for
themselves, their teams and their enterprises.

8. Before Morales Associates.....
For seven years, I was on the faculty of the Center for
Creative Leadership, a premier executive education
provider worldwide.
There I had a ringside seat to leaders from all walks of
life - and facilitated the development of thousands of
people from the USA and around the world.

9. And before that...
I did post-doctoral research in political
economy and public policy at the Center for
U.S.-Mexican Studies, School of International
Relations and Pacific Studies, University of
California, San Diego. There I learned lots
about international labor markets, trans-border
issues and global organizations.

10. About Me Personally.....
I have an insatiable curiosity. I love knowing “the story behind the story.”
To steal JFK’s line, I’m an “idealist without illusions.”
I love creativity in every form, innovation that makes our lives better and
the power of small acts and bright moments that can change lives.
I’m a sucker for the Delta blues of Elmore James, Jimmy Reed, and
Howlin Wolf. I’m in awe of Chuck Berry’s 3-minute masterpieces, Louis
Armstrong’s early stuff, Cole Porter, Django, Miles, Coltrane, Bill Evans,
Stan Getz, Roy Orbison, Bob Wills, Sinatra, and everything Dylan,
Stones, Mozart - plus Latin music of every type.
I love to dance when I get the chance.
I love to travel with my girl.
I love to be around people who crack me up, who are smart and fearless
and who inspire action.
Time and space are in short supply, but to me the glass is always 1/2 full.