From Newsroom To Board Room: Julian Posada's Strategy For Success

Chicago Fire's President is first Latino president of any major sports franchise in the nation

The Chicago Fire Major League Soccer team has a new teammate in it's corner. And while 42-year-old Julian Posada won't be taking the field, he will be working hard to raise this team's profile as their new president.

Posada is the first Latino president of any major sports franchise in the entire country.

"The stakes are getting a little bit higher," says Posada. "I'm very humbled to have an opportunity like that, and to figure out ways I can contribute to the community as a leader, as a community leader, is critical to me."

It's that idea of giving back that Posada believes nourishes his attitude and has allowed him to thrive at the very different companies he's worked for.

Posada is responsible for helping to make Hoy newspaper one of the most read Spanish-language newspapers in Chicagoland. The last two years he's worked as the publisher of Cafe Magazine. The English-language lifestyle magazine aims to tell the unique, diverse stories of the Hispanic-American community.

Running the Chicago Fire may be different than his previous positions, but Posada believes the goals are all very similar, get on the board and score.

"It's about how do you create a culture of success," Posada says with a distinct gleam and arrogant-free confidence in his eyes.

He says his tough, but loving Colombian family has been a huge part of his success.

"I talk to my brothers and my mom almost everyday, and that has helped, because it gives you a sense of grounding on what's really important," he said.

Posada hopes young, motivated, Latinos will learn to have more patience and remember to always be determined.

"Not being the bull in the China Shop, and understanding that life is very fluid. And, as a young person you have to work hard, very, very hard," he said.

One of the top priorities as the Fire's new President will be winning another MLS Cup, which the team has not done since their inaugural season in 1998.

NBCChicago.com: Hispanic Heritage Month

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