Rick Morales is an applied sociologist who founded Morales Associates in 1995. He works with CEOs and leadership teams to clarify strategic priorities, develop leadership skills, and resolve dysfunctional team dynamics. Morales has worked with clients all over the world, drawing from his experience teaching at the Center for Creative Leadership and conducting research at the University of California, San Diego. He derives satisfaction from helping people achieve their goals and build a better future through competence, authenticity and relationships.

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.... Because breakthrough moments come when we address “the elephant in the room” that no one wants to discuss. Exciting.... Because just about anything you can imagine can happen when people are involved. Fun.... Because once people are willing to “open their kimonos,” they can crack the code on reaching their goals.

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

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? 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. 1. Leadership is about relationships. 2. Competence + Authenticity = Leadership

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.