Ruben Islas: From Bootleg Wine to Hollywood Success
When I was able to forgive myself and get rid of the shame and get rid of all that stuff, you know, that was such a huge weight that allowed me to start inching out of the darkness into just a real understanding of being a driven person.
Meet Ruben Islas, a man whose journey from the streets of LA to the bright lights of Hollywood is nothing short of extraordinary. Born to immigrant parents from Mexico, Ruben's early life was a whirlwind of risk and resilience. He started off selling bootleg church wine and quickly realized that his knack for big-picture thinking set him apart.
Whether it was starring in a Hollywood comedy tour or selling insurance to New York gangsters, Ruben took on challenges that others shied away from and excelled at them. Now, he owns two film companies and a real estate investment firm, and has recently released his first film, 'In Other Words,' on HBOMax. In this episode of the 'I Am Driven Podcast,' Dr. Douglas Brackmann sits down with Ruben to explore the mindset that fueled his incredible journey.
They discuss the unique traits of driven individuals, like impulsiveness and hyperfocus, and how these can be both a blessing and a curse. Ruben opens up about his battles with addiction and anxiety, and how meditation and visualization helped him overcome these obstacles. He also shares candid advice for those struggling with self-doubt and shame, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and forgiveness. If you're looking for a story of resilience, reinvention, and relentless drive, this episode is a must-listen.