176: Unfair Advantages: How to Turn “Different” Into Dominant | Juan Silvera

What if your background, your accent, or your “nontraditional” path was actually your biggest asset? 

In this episode, Damon sits down with Juan Silvera, global marketing executive and author of Improbably Successful, to unpack how underdogs win in today’s hypercompetitive marketplace. From surviving the streets of Medellín to leading global teams, Juan shares his powerful story and teaches you how to stand out—no matter where you start. 

Whether you're navigating career change, trying to build your brand, or wondering if you belong, this episode will challenge and inspire you.  

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• What it means to be “improbably successful” 
• How to reframe adversity as your leadership advantage 
• Why discomfort and risk often lead to exponential growth 
• A real-life framework for deciding if a big leap is worth it 
• How to take a skill inventory that opens new doors 
• The #1 career skill that wins in any role (hint: it’s not technical) 
• How bilingualism and cultural identity can create opportunity 
• Why personal branding isn’t vanity—it’s strategy 
• What leaders get wrong about humor and communication 
• How to project gravitas—even before you feel “ready” 

 

Timestamps: 

• 00:00 – What it means to be “improbably successful”  
• 01:30 – Growing up in Medellín and the instincts it shaped  
• 03:45 – Why street smarts aren’t enough in today’s workplace  
• 06:00 – The move to Austria: risk, family, and transformation 08:40 – Advice for leaving a “comfortable” job  
• 10:20 – Creating a personal framework for smart risk  
• 12:30 – Planning during forced change: layoffs, pivots, uncertainty  
• 15:00 – The skills audit exercise (supply vs. demand)  
• 17:00 – Why transferable skills matter more than job titles  
• 18:30 – Communication: the most valuable skill in any career  
• 20:15 – How to assess (and improve) your communication  
• 21:30 – Writing, listening, humor: Juan’s communication playbook  
• 24:30 – Humor as a leadership advantage (with one big caveat)  
• 29:45 – Finding and using your unique strengths  
• 33:00 – Women in leadership: why EQ is a hidden superpower  
• 36:30 – How second languages open unexpected doors  
• 39:50 – Juan’s turning point: from last-ranked analyst to global leader  
• 42:10 – Building and protecting your personal brand  
• 45:15 – What people notice (and judge) before you say a word  
• 47:00 – How Juan hired someone based on their online presence  
• 50:00 – Why you need to treat yourself like a brand  
• 52:00 – What Juan would add to the next edition of his book  
• 53:00 – A reminder: never forget the fundamentals 

About Juan Silvera: 

Juan Silvera is a global marketing executive, storyteller, and the author of Improbably Successful: How to Win in a World That Wasn’t Built for You. Born and raised in Medellín, Colombia, Juan has led marketing and business initiatives across four continents and is known for his ability to bridge cultural divides and unlock hidden potential. His mission: help professionals from all backgrounds realize that what makes them different is exactly what makes them powerful. 

Resources & Mentions: 

• Juan’s book: