From Lucky Failure to the Unexpected Right Career Path
When Vincent Speranza failed his baccalaureate in France – an exam that 90% of students pass – it forced him onto an unexpected path. “When it’s 9 out of 10, it’s a failure,” he reflects. This stumble led his parents, despite their modest income and preference for public education, to make the unusual choice of sending him to a private Catholic school. It was there, in his economics class, that he first learned about Mexico’s emerging economy and the aftermath of the Tequila Crisis.
Later, when his university announced a new exchange program with Mexico, Vincent made a decision that would change his life…
From temporary stay to lifelong career mission
What was supposed to be a two-year exchange program to Mexico turned into a 25-year journey of impact, much to his mother’s ongoing dismay: “My mom is still complaining about how it was supposedly two years, and it’s been 25 and still counting.”
The path wasn’t straightforward. After graduating, Vincent took what he calls “non-purpose related jobs” at traditional companies. It wasn’t until he met the former CEO (Fernando Fabre) of the impact-led not-for-profit Endeavor, that he discovered what meaningful and rewarding work could look like. “It was the first time I heard of entrepreneurship,” he shares. “Fernando shared with me the mission of the global organization.” Endeavor selects and then supports high-impact entrepreneurs who can benefit the overall economy through their business success. Vincent was captivated by the possibility of creating impact and lasting change.
Up until this point, Vincent’s purpose wasn’t always clear. “I never thought about having a mission,” he reflects. “I just thought about ‘You have to graduate, and then you have to find a company that will give you a career path and become successful in two decades.’” But over time, as Managing Director of Endeavor Mexico, he discovered that “working with purpose and being part of something that has a larger mission… it’s really important.”
Finding value in your unexpected career detour
Today, Vincent’s work focuses on identifying and supporting entrepreneurs who can transform Mexico’s business culture. His journey from an academic upset to finding his mission has given him unique insight into the power of embracing unexpected paths.
For those navigating their own career paths, Vincent’s story reminds us that our “failures” might actually be redirecting us toward more meaningful opportunities. Sometimes, the most impactful careers don’t start with a grand plan, but with the courage to follow an unexpected path – even when it means defying conventional wisdom, learning a new language, or taking a pay cut for something you believe in.
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Georgi
As the visionary founder of Work That's Worth It, Georgi specializes in unearthing the unique inspiration and career desires of those seeking significance, both for themselves and for the world.
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