David Morales, podcast host, author, and public speaker, shares the story of his childhood in a loving, hard-working family in Puerto Rico. He describes living a rich life, surrounded by tropical forest, a whole lot of fruit and love, and being sent out of the house to play. David’s grandparents and his community played a huge role in his upbringing. He was encouraged to be independent and explore the environment outside his door. David learned to instill the best of his father's and grandfather's example in his own children. He credits his work ethic, tenacity, and faith for his life skills and wisdom.
David weaves a vibrant tale of growing up witnessing violence, finding bodies in fields, seeing his father wrestle with alcoholism, and much more…
And yes, there is a story about a shark!
Growing up in a poor, mountainous region of Puerto Rico, David Morales had no idea he would end up where he is today: an executive shaping the future of health care and public policy in America and a father dedicated to faith, family, and community.
David’s story is one of grit, integrity, and gratitude—all tenets of the American dream and the American promise. Faith, family and resilience brought him off the streets and out of poverty and he strongly believes these same principles of faith, family and resilience can empower young men and women to transcend poverty, violence, and despair and attain the American dream like he did.
Over the last two decades, he has had an accomplished career in government, corporate America, and the not-for-profit sector. In addition to presently leading a health plan in Massachusetts, he served as chief strategy officer for a national health care company, founded his own consulting company, and enjoyed a rewarding career in public service. David served as Massachusetts Commissioner of Health Care Finance and Policy (now CHIA) and advised two governors (Republican and Democrat), a Senate president, and a Speaker of the House of Representatives. At 24 years old, David implemented the first-ever insurance-based prescription drug pilot for seniors, which became a model for Medicare Part D. Alongside his wife, Samanda, they co-founded
Ahora Inc., a not-for-profit dedicated to empowering working class families and low-income individuals, especially Latinos, to build self-reliance through budgeting, money management, and wealth building.
His proudest accomplishment, by far, is raising two strong, God-fearing boys and getting them started on their own journeys toward self-reliance and prosperity.
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· Podcast: Grit Machine DNA