Meet Nicolás García Mayor—an entrepreneur and, truly, an ingénue—who took years of experience in industrial design and channeled it into something far greater. From the start, he knew he was meant to do more for his fellow human beings. Transitioning from corporate design to humanitarian development, Nico applied his engineering and design background to improve communities around the world.

We sat down with Nicolás to talk about his journey—from the world of commercial innovation to dedicating his life to helping others. Our conversation begins with Nico sharing his philosophy on life and the deep sense of purpose he felt from a young age—a calling only intensified by a personal tragedy later in life. He moved across the globe, barely speaking English, and overcame countless barriers in pursuit of bringing a transformative idea to life.

Rejecting society’s conventional definitions of success, Nico followed his heart. That journey led to the creation of the CMAX System—an industrial-scale housing solution with multi-purpose applications such as emergency shelters and mobile clinics. It has been deployed in war zones, during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in humanitarian crises across the globe, providing critical infrastructure and safety in times of need.

Nico also opens up about the extraordinary logistical challenges he and his team have faced—and continue to face—when delivering aid to the most vulnerable. But for him, the mission is clear: never give up when it comes to improving the lives of others.

Throughout our conversation, Nico challenges us to consider the legacy we want to leave. What kind of impact do we want to have during our short time on this earth? What kind of life do we want to live—and are we wasting any of it?

We know this episode will leave you reflecting on these questions and filled with the same hope and inspiration that Nico sparked in us.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, & share! https://leadershipcoaching.cepl.gwu.edu/podcast/