About Carlos

I learned what success really means the hard way. Twice.

Carlos Hidalgo is an international keynote and TEDx speaker, executive advisor, coach and author of two award-winning books. He helps leaders and audiences define success on their own terms.

Carlos Hidalgo presenting The UnAmerican Dream

My story

  1. The climb

    Over a 32-year career, I served as a CEO, CRO and CMO and co-founded ANNUITAS, a B2B go-to-market firm. By every outside measure, I was succeeding.

  2. The breaking point

    I was checking every box and feeling empty, depleted and burned out. I came close to losing what mattered most to me, including my family.

  3. Everything changed

    I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ, and everything changed. I wrote about the journey in The UnAmerican Dream and built Life Design, the process I now use to help others get unstuck.

  4. December 1, 2025

    Mid-workout, a hemorrhagic stroke put me on a life flight with a 50-50 chance of survival.

  5. Seven weeks later

    I was back on stage, with a new sense of urgency and a truth burnout had already taught me: success without intention isn't success at all.

  6. Today

    I've delivered more than 100 keynotes and 50 workshops on four continents. I help audiences, CEOs and professionals build careers that drive results and lives worth living.

Beyond the stage

Carlos and his wife, Susanne, have been married for 32 years and live in the Adirondack Mountains of New York. They have four grown children and two awesome daughters-in-law. Carlos is also an avid outdoorsman and golfer.

Podcasts and press

More than 75 podcast appearances, including:

  • GRASP Confidence PodcastTara LaFon Gooch
  • The Unshakable PodcastLovell Casiero
  • The Unstoppable MindsetMichael Hingson
  • Bold JourneysRob Spee
  • Cedarville StoriesCedarville University
  • NextGen Podcast OneEpisode: Unlock Your Purpose
  • Penji Fully Managed PodcastPenji