An Interview with Enrique Montaño, EO Ambassador to YLAI
YLAI wouldn’t be possible without the support of our partners throughout the U.S. — such as the amazing Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO). Last week, I interviewed Enrique Montaño, EO Ambassador to YLAI, to discuss YLAI’s impact on U.S. communities, EO’s role in YLAI and “owning your own experience.”

Tell us about EO’s role in YLAI.
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO) is a global membership association exclusively for entrepreneurs. We are excited to be contributing around three key areas that leverage our strengths — our entrepreneurial learning content, our network of chapters across the U.S. and Latin America and the Caribbean, and our access to successful entrepreneurs willing to share their experiences with YLAI Fellows. Our goal is to work with Meridian International Center and the U.S. Department of State to ensure Fellows receive information, resources and connections that will truly help grow their businesses, and themselves as entrepreneurs.
How does the YLAI Program benefit U.S. entrepreneurs and communities?
On an individual level, this is a tremendous opportunity for U.S. entrepreneurs who host a Fellow in their business. They get the benefit of a global perspective, unique experiences and diverse skill sets. For communities, it’s a way to be a part of a unique global community, and form lasting ties with entrepreneurs who are going to bring home all the learning and goodwill they receive, and make a difference for good in their home cities and counties. EO has chapters in many of the cities that will host Fellows, and we are looking forward to engaging them in the program.

How is participation in YLAI an important strategic partnership for EO?
EO’s vision is to build the world’s most exclusive community of entrepreneurs. This partnership brings access to an incredible pool of young entrepreneurs who have the mindset, motivation and values shared by members of EO. It’s an opportunity for our members to reach out a hand and help the next generation of business leaders succeed. Also, EO has a large presence in Latin America, where our members deeply believe that supporting early-stage entrepreneurship is critical to elevating the standing of the entire region in the world economy. By teaching solid business foundations, ethical practices and courageous leadership we hope these 250 YLAI Fellows will be empowered as agents of change in their countries.
What advice would you give to YLAI Fellows to help them make the most out of the YLAI Fellowship?
Within EO, we have a belief that you are required to “own your own experience.” This means seeking opportunities yourself rather than waiting for something to be handed to you. It means speaking up if something isn’t right, and pro-actively owning your time. This is a time to work ON your business, not IN your business. Be present, be focused and set specific goals in advance.
What is your favorite YLAI 2016 memory?
EO had an incredible experience in 2016, from helping recruit Fellows, delivering learning content and supporting in the opening and closing conferences. We had four participants of our Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (GSEA) program selected for the Fellowship, which was pretty amazing out of a pool of 4,000 applicants! Hearing firsthand from these young entrepreneurs about how life changing this experience was for them was incredibly gratifying. Since then, we have seen them expand their businesses into U.S. markets, leverage the connections they made, and see the world through a totally different lens. We know that YLAI changed the lives of all Fellows, and we got to see it on a very personal level with our GSEA participants.

