Episode 36: How to Thrive in Freelance by Thinking Like a CEO with Rod Colón

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How can you take control of your freelance career like a CEO?

In this episode of The Talk Freelance To Me Podcast, host Ashley Cisneros Mejia reconnects with her longtime mentor, Rod Colón, to explore the transformative “CEO of Me” mindset. With over 30 years of experience in career coaching, networking, and leadership, Rod shares how to treat your freelance career like a business and make empowered decisions that benefit your “board of directors”—your family.

Rod discusses practical strategies for building strong networks, navigating career challenges, and leveraging tools like LinkedIn and AI to achieve freelance success. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your career, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you write your own path to success.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to adopt the “CEO of Me” mindset and manage your freelance career as a business.
• The importance of networking and actionable strategies to build and leverage professional relationships.
• How to use AI tools to streamline outreach, communication, and project development.
• Why visualizing your family as your “board of directors” can inspire bold decision-making.
• How to stay nimble and adapt to market changes as a freelancer.

Time Stamps

01:30 Introduction to Career Expert and Master Networker Rod Colón

04:06 How Rod Colón Got Interested in Entrepreneurship

06:45 The Origin of the CEO of Me, Inc. Mindset

08:32 Visualizing Your Family as Your Board of Directors

10:03 The Myth of Balance

13:19 Tips for Shifting to a CEO of Me, Inc. Mindset

14:53 Why Networking is a Superpower

15:52 Using LinkedIn As The Power Tool of Networking

18:38 Practical Tips for Using AI in Networking

21:09 Staying Accountable to Your Family As Your Board of Directors

23:39 How to Give the Market What It Wants

25:15 Highlights from Rod’s Commencement Speech for Georgian Court University

28:03 What Rod Sees In the Future of Work and Solopreneurship

31:32 What’s Next for Rod Colón

About Rod Colón

With 32 years of expertise in Human Resources, recruitment, networking, and career strategy, Rodrigo “Rod” Colón offers a unique and insightful approach to navigating the complexities of the global job market. Supported by a vast professional network of over 1 million connections, Rod empowers individuals at every stage of their journey—students, professionals, and executives alike—to achieve meaningful career success. His innovative yet practical strategies blend unconventional networking methods with his deep industry knowledge.

As a highly sought-after Executive Coach and speaker, Rod draws on his extensive career management experience to share actionable insights and wisdom. He redefines networking as a process of giving and collaboration, encouraging professionals to develop their networking skills and approach career management with the same dedication and strategy as running a business: the “ME, Inc.” mindset.

A published author, Rod underscores the critical role of networking and relationship-building in career advancement through his book Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs. For over a decade, he has hosted the Own Your Career Workshop, an interactive weekly webinar designed to guide participants in taking control of their professional paths.

In his role as Director of Talent Development & Leaders in College Programs for HISPA, Rod provides students with essential career tools such as public speaking and networking, along with personalized coaching to support their professional growth. For the past ten years, he has also spearheaded the NJ Hispanic Fellows HISPA Leadership Series, further cementing his commitment to nurturing emerging leaders.

Rod is a proud graduate of Georgian Court University, where he earned a BS in Business Administration and an MA in Pastoral Theology. Honored for his accomplishments, he was inducted into the university’s Alumni Court of Honor in 2011. His expertise has been featured by numerous media outlets, including ABC-TV’s Tiempo, NEWS12 New Jersey’s It’s Your Money, and BRONXNET’s Open. Additionally, his work has been highlighted in publications such as Nursing 2020 Critical Care, LatinTRENDS, Princeton Review, and the Newark Examiner. You can connect with Rod on LinkedIn.

Noteworthy Quote From This Episode

“We work for our families, for those who truly depend on us—not our employer. The employer is our client, and we serve them with white gloves and a red carpet.”

Rod Colón

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Read The Transcript

Note: This video transcript has been lightly edited using AI for clarity and readability.

Here’s my conversation with Rod.

Meet Rod Colón: A Mentor and Visionary

[00:01:30] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
This week’s episode features one of my favorite mentors ever, Rod Colón.

Rod and I met in 2011 during a startup business bootcamp and competition hosted by Unity Journalists. We had to create a business in a weekend and pitch it to a panel of judges for a $10,000 prize. Thanks to Rod’s leadership and mentorship, I won that competition.

Since then, I’ve been a huge fan of Rod and his work. Let me tell you a bit about him.

With decades of experience in human resources, recruitment, networking, and career coaching, Rod Colón has a unique perspective on navigating the complexities of the global job market. Backed by a vast network of over 1 million professionals, he empowers individuals—students, professionals, and executives alike—to achieve career success.

As a sought-after executive coach and speaker, Rod reframes networking as a collaborative process of giving and sharing. He urges professionals to hone their networking skills and manage their careers with the same dedication as they would their own company, adopting a “CEO of Me” mindset.

I think you’ll be really inspired by our conversation today.

Rod’s Journey to Entrepreneurship

[00:03:07] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
Rod, I’m so excited to have you on Talk Freelance to Me. Thank you so much for joining me today!

[00:03:10] Rod Colón:
Thank you, Ashley. I appreciate the opportunity and am delighted to see all the amazing things you’ve done in your career and with your beautiful family.

[00:03:19] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
Thank you! You’ve been such a big part of my transition into business and entrepreneurship. We met during the Unity Journalists bootcamp, where you mentored me. I’ve been a fan of your work ever since—especially your encouragement to network and build meaningful business relationships.

[00:03:41] Rod Colón:
Thank you. It’s been a passion of mine and something I’ve truly enjoyed over the years.

The Inspiration Behind Working for Himself

[00:04:00] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
You’ve been talking about working for yourself long before the pandemic and before remote work became mainstream. I feel like you’ve been preaching this business mindset since 1997. What inspired you to start working for yourself?

[00:04:06] Rod Colón:
It really started with multilevel marketing. I became an Amway distributor at the age of 18. I didn’t make much money, but the whole idea of running your own business and being your own boss resonated with me.

I learned a lot about managing and developing a business from the team I was in. But instead of focusing on a product like soap, I realized you are the product. If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will either.

At 18, I had mentors in their 30s, 40s, and 50s sharing their ideas about work, entrepreneurship, and success. The books, events, and lessons from those experiences were phenomenal. They shaped how I approached my career and inspired me to share those lessons with others.

Shifting to a Business Mindset

[00:05:30] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
That’s so inspiring! You were one of the first people I met who spoke about treating your career like a business—seeing yourself as your own enterprise.

I see a lot of people looking for jobs now and struggling with the challenges of today’s job market. Your philosophy of managing your career as a business really empowers people. It shifts them from a place of desperation to a position of confidence and action.

I just love it, and I love your book, Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs. I still have my copy! You wrote this back in 2009, and it’s so actionable. Unlike many books that focus on broad concepts, yours really explains how to do it.

What motivated you to write this book, and how do you see its principles applying today?

[00:06:45] Rod Colón:
It wasn’t originally my idea!

I used to share career advice during free conference calls, and people kept urging me to put my ideas into a book. At first, I resisted, but my network rallied around me. They said, “We’ll help you make it happen.”

Writing the book was a team effort. As someone from the Bronx, the idea of becoming an author seemed far-fetched. But thanks to the people I surrounded myself with, I thought, “Why not?”

The book was self-published, and what I loved most about the process was the teaching. People talk a lot about networking, but they don’t teach how to do it. I wanted to break it down step by step: the nuances, the strategies, and the mechanics of building meaningful connections.

The Mechanics of Networking

[00:07:43] Rod Colón:
As a coach, I’ve always focused on teaching the mechanics of networking. It’s like coaching a sport—you need to understand the blocking, tackling, passing, and all the nuances that make a difference.

Networking involves understanding biases, strategies, and overcoming the obstacles each individual brings to the table. Everyone has their own unique challenges, and the best way to address them is by looking at things from a business perspective.

This approach helps us disengage emotions from decisions and focus on rational, logical choices.

Who You Really Work For

[00:08:47] Rod Colón:
Managing your career as a business starts with understanding who you truly work for.

We don’t work for our employers—we work for our families. Our employer is our client, and we serve them with the highest standards, like providing white-glove service with a red carpet.

However, our ultimate accountability is to the people who depend on us: our loved ones.

[00:09:13] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
That’s such a powerful mindset shift. Thinking of our families as our “board of directors” can inspire us to make braver decisions.

Balancing Work and Life

[00:09:49] Rod Colón:
One of my students asked me yesterday, “How do you find balance?” I told them I don’t believe in perfect balance.

Life is like a seesaw—it’s constantly shifting based on what’s happening. Instead of searching for equilibrium, we work to balance things in real time.

Striving for Balance: The Seesaw of Life

[00:10:10] Rod Colón:
Achieving balance is more about constant adjustment than finding a perfect equilibrium. Life is like a seesaw—rocking back and forth, responding to family needs, career demands, and unexpected challenges. True balance, in the sense of perfect stability, doesn’t exist for most people.

[00:10:51] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
Absolutely. Life is unpredictable, and there’s no clear-cut formula for balancing everything. There are always curveballs coming our way.

Learning Through Action

[00:11:25] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
I’ve seen you speak many times, and I love how you incorporate role-playing into your presentations. It’s not just about theory—you bring people from the audience into the spotlight and have them practice live.

That hands-on approach really helps people learn by doing. It’s like what you mentioned about Amway—getting out there, offering a product, and talking to people teaches lessons you can’t get from just reading about it.

[00:11:51] Rod Colón:
It is risky, though. When you’re role-playing live with hundreds of people watching, you never know what’s going to happen.

But that’s also what makes it exciting. It engages the audience because they might be called up, and they’re curious about what their colleague might say. It’s rare for someone to fall asleep during one of my presentations!

The Family as Your Board of Directors

[00:12:25] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
I love your perspective on seeing our families as our “board of directors.” It shifts the mindset and helps us be braver.

For example, I might hesitate to ask for a higher rate or better contract terms, but when I think about the impact on my family, it motivates me to act. Your work has really helped me adopt this mindset.

[00:13:19] Rod Colón:
That’s the key—understanding that you’re running a business not just for yourself, but for those who depend on you.

Shifting to a “CEO of Me” Mindset

[00:13:19] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
What are the first steps someone can take to shift their mindset and start thinking like the CEO of their own career?

[00:13:34] Rod Colón:
The first step is identifying the service you provide. Ask yourself, “What am I great at?”

This can be a difficult question, especially for first-generation professionals, women, and people of color. Many of us were taught to fit in and be humble, but as a business owner, you need to differentiate yourself.

It’s not about being cocky—it’s about recognizing your accomplishments, telling your stories, and charting a clear direction for where you’re headed.

Once you’ve established your strengths, the next critical step is understanding market demand. What does the market need, and how do your skills align with those needs?

The Importance of Networking

[00:14:42] Rod Colón:
Many people struggle with the entitlement mindset, thinking, “I’ve done X, so I deserve Y.” But in business, you have to prove yourself every day.

You can’t do it alone. Networking is essential—you need people to guide, support, and connect you. Your network should function like a family—people who have your back and vice versa.

[00:15:28] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
That’s such a valuable insight. Networking isn’t just about transactions; it’s about building relationships.

Leveraging LinkedIn for Networking

[00:15:52] Rod Colón:
LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool, but it’s not about who you know—it’s about who your friends know.

For example, I may not know everyone in your network, Ashley, and vice versa. But through LinkedIn, I can identify individuals in your network and ask for an introduction.

Instead of cold-calling or cold-emailing someone, I can leverage our connection to make the approach warmer and more effective.

[00:17:32] Rod Colón:
Most people stick to their “Level One” connections—people they know directly. But the real power lies in “Level Two” connections—friends of friends. Unfortunately, many don’t tap into this potential because they don’t stay in touch with their Level Ones.

[00:18:02] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
That’s so true, especially for freelancers. Networking is crucial not just for referrals, but also for camaraderie, feedback, and support.

AI as a Networking Tool

[00:18:37] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
What strategies are working now to help us become better at networking?

[00:18:45] Rod Colón:
AI is a game-changer. I use a tool called Gemini, and it helps me generate ideas and reach out to others. It combines warp-speed processing with human intuition, creating a powerful partnership.

[00:19:37] Rod Colón:
For example, if I haven’t spoken to someone in seven years but they know someone at a company I want to connect with, I can use AI to draft a re-introduction message.

Many people struggle with what to say in these situations and end up doing nothing. AI helps bridge that gap by providing a starting point for communication.

Visualizing Your Board of Directors

[00:19:41] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
Many people would rather cold call or cold email the person they want to connect with instead of asking for an introduction.

[00:19:56] Rod Colón:
Exactly. But here’s where AI comes in. Let’s say I haven’t spoken to someone in seven years, but they know someone I want to meet. I give Gemini, my AI tool, a little backstory about the situation and ask it to draft a LinkedIn message for an introduction.

I tweak it—sculpting it like clay—until the message feels right. This process, which might have taken me days before, now happens in minutes. AI has leveled the playing field for tasks like this, especially for those who don’t feel confident in their writing skills.

Running Your Business for Your Board of Directors

[00:20:55] Rod Colón:
Your audience is made up of business owners, and it’s important they see themselves as representing not just their entrepreneurship but also their board of directors—their families.

When I started, I would visualize my daughter Alicia at a board meeting at our kitchen table. She’s the youngest of three, and I imagined her asking me, “Dad, what happened with that person you mentioned last week? Did you follow up?”

That mental exercise kept me accountable. I wouldn’t want to tell my daughter that I was too afraid to follow through. It motivated me to overcome short-term obstacles and deliver results.

As a CEO, you have to be nimble. It’s not about entitlement—it’s about taking action, finding answers, and pushing forward.

Reinventing Your Offerings Based on Market Needs

[00:23:00] Rod Colón:
As a business owner, it’s essential to stay attuned to market demand. If the market doesn’t need what you offer, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed; it means you need to pivot.

For instance, I’ve done a lot of work in DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging). But now, the demand for that has shifted, especially in certain regions like Florida. We’ve had to reframe and adjust, calling it “belonging” or other terms.

As the CEO of your own enterprise, you can’t afford to have blinders on. You need to adapt and stay in tune with market trends.

Inspiring the Next Generation

[00:24:32] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
That illustration of being accountable to your board of directors is so powerful. It inspires action and sets an example for the next generation—teaching our kids how to advocate for themselves and pursue their goals.

I loved your Georgian Court commencement speech. Can you share some of the key messages you delivered?

[00:25:15] Rod Colón:
One key message was that I’m one of them. I’m a Georgian Court alum, with both an undergraduate degree in business administration and a master’s in theology. I told the students, “We are part of the same family, and I’m here for you.”

I ended with, “Don’t give up. Get up.” We all fall and make mistakes, but it’s about learning, getting back up, and moving forward.

I also shared my journey with mental health. As a Latino male, it’s rare to talk openly about these challenges, but I wanted the students to know they’re not alone. The response to that part of the speech was overwhelming—many reached out to thank me for addressing it.

The Future of Work for Freelancers and Solopreneurs

[00:27:37] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
You’ve seen so much over the years—AI, shifts in the market, and more. What do you see as the future of work for freelancers and solopreneurs?

[00:28:03] Rod Colón:
Organizations will always need entrepreneurs. Freelancers are nimble, fast, and adaptable.

As a business owner, you need to stay on top of trends. What’s happening in the economy? Where is AI heading? What new tools are emerging?

You can’t rely on just one source of income. Multiple revenue streams are critical. If you’re a solopreneur with only one client, you’re putting your board of directors—your family—at risk.

Continuous Reinvention

[00:30:55] Rod Colón:
The key to long-term success is reinvention. Stay curious, stay adaptable, and surround yourself with people who complement your skills. For instance, I’m not the most analytical person, so I rely on others in my network to help me see things from that perspective.

What’s Next for Rod Colón?

[00:31:32] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
What’s next for you? What are you working on that your network should know about?

[00:31:39] Rod Colón:
I’m working with HISPA (Hispanics Inspiring Students Performance and Achievement) as the Director of the Leaders in College program. We visit universities to prepare students for career success through programs on networking, public speaking, and more.

I also host a Monday night coaching and networking session, which I’ve been doing in some form for over 13 years.

People ask me when I’ll retire, and my answer is, “Never.” Helping people is my passion, and I have no plans to stop.

Final Words of Advice

[00:34:13] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
Thank you so much for your message and the work you do. Where can people find you online?

[00:34:33] Rod Colón:
LinkedIn is the best place to connect with me. Just search for Rod Colón or Rodrigo “Rod” Colón. Mention Ashley’s podcast, and I’d be happy to welcome you to my network!

[00:36:04] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
Thank you, Rod, for being on the show today.

[00:36:14] Rod Colón:
Thank you, Ashley. Continued success and blessings.

[00:36:15] Ashley Cisneros Mejia:
And with that, we’ve come to the end of another episode. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and check out the show notes for free resources.

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