What’s your story?
My name is Dr. German Garcia-Fresco and I am a neuroscientist and entrepreneur. I have a passion for both science and business, and I am working to bridge the gap between them. My current interests are to help people explore and enhance their potential through enhanced brain health, as well as the behavioral aspects of brain functioning, specifically decision making, emotional control and creative enhancement. Currently, I am teaching people how to train their brain to work with them, not against them, in the pursuit of achieving their goals.
What’s your why?
I have achieved many things in life, however, helping others achieve things in life brings me much more satisfaction. I take great pleasure giving lectures and seeing peoples’ reactions when they get an “a-ha” moment. It’s incredible watching their eyes light up! It’s almost like I can see their neurons making those connections inside their heads.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Argentina, born and raised there. I came to the United States to pursue the completion of my college and doctorate degrees. Currently, I live in the beautiful San Diego, California!
What is your background?
I grew up in a home with very ambitious and educated parents. My mother was the most entrepreneur-like in our family. She taught piano lessons, and she was wonderful at it! My father was a fantastic engineer, as well, so as you can imagine, education and chasing dreams were highly encouraged in our house.
It’s funny when I think about my childhood because that is truly when my entrepreneurial-spirit began to shine. When I was 9, I started making money by selling the fish that I caught in the creek near our house. Then when I was 16, I would spend my free time tutoring some of the elementary school kids who lived around me, and by the time I was 18 years old, I had started my own (and first) computer academy, where I would teach others the ways of DOS, Windows, and other software systems.
Actually, even when I was drowning in my course load in college, I could feel the entrepreneurial side of me being buried and I didn’t want to lose it. So, I decided to get my fix by opening up and running a night club near campus!
What have you accomplished?
Quite a bit, and please know that I say this as modestly and as graciously as possible!
I have earned multiple degrees that include: a PhD. in Neurosciences, a Bachelor’s degree in Organic Chemistry, and a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology. I am also a certified nutritionist, a brain health coach and a Myer-Briggs practitioner.
Other accomplishments are my publications and awards. I have published my first book called “Train Your Brain For Success”, and I have published numerous scientific articles in scientific magazines such as Neuron, PNAS, Molecular Cell and J Neuroscience.
Some of my awards include the “Inc Magazine” award for having one of the fastest growing privately held companies in America, “Best Consultant” award in 2018, and the president’s award for academic excellence.
Finally, I have opened and ran several multimillion-dollar businesses that I currently operate.
I know that given my credentials, it’s a bit unorthodox to be so passionate about entrepreneurship instead of taking a traditional lab or scientific study position, but there is one thing that being an entrepreneur offers that you won’t find anywhere else:
You are in control of your own life; you have the freedom to spend your time and energy wherever you want, whenever you want, with whomever you want.
How do you personally define success?
Honestly, I believe success is in the eye of the beholder. Each one sees success differently. If you were to ask my mother, for instance, she would say that she was successful because her four children are grown, healthy, and doing well for themselves. She measures her success based on our success.
Other people measure it with a number in mind. I have a colleague that does not consider himself successful until he becomes a billionaire.
For me, I consider success anything you put your mind to and follow through with. That is true achievement. It is not just one thing; it’s all things in perfect harmony and balance. Having a healthy and happy family, successful businesses, and a creative mind all contribute to what I consider my success.
Oh, and even failures too, for they taught me what not to do moving forward!
What differentiates you from everyone else in your field?
Well, let me ask you this: How many other neuroscientist-entrepreneurs have you encountered? Given that there are very few of us sets me apart from the vast majority.
There are many in both groups individually, and typically most of them are passionate about one subject or the other. This gives me a great angle to teach people about enhancing their potential with a scientific point of view, backed with real science.
What would you say to someone who came to you for advice about taking the ‘leap of faith’ into entrepreneurship?
First, do not be afraid to take the risk. Truly, what’s the worst that could happen, and even if the worst DID happen, would it be the end of the world? No, of course not! So, have a little courage.
Second, do not be fooled! I’ll admit that it isn’t an easy feat, and it is definitely not as easy as most marketing gimmicks make it sound. Entrepreneurship requires real work, persistence and discipline. Only a few people make it out with pure luck, so don’t take those individuals as a role model; they were just a glitch.
Lastly, do not give up. If it’s important to you, you will find a way to make it work. There will be many, many obstacles in your path to success but eventually, with enough trial and error and the proper guidance, you will make it.
We are entering an era where everyone is interested in multiple income streams. How does one decide on a business to pursue?
I am a firm believer in multiple streams. I, myself, have diversified. I own my own brand, DoctorFresco.com, which is all related to health and education. I own 2 amusement parks, and I own a body shop.
Now, not all of these are my biggest passion. In fact, only my personal brand that amplifies the importance of being educated on wellbeing is my mission. The other things, yes, I enjoy them, but they are set in place to help support my passion.
What are 5 best practice tips you can share with our readers as it relates to your industry?
1 – Diversification was a key component to my financial success.
2 – Finding the right partner for your ventures is key. I could not be running several companies if I didn’t have partners helping me.
3 – Don’t be greedy or selfish. GIVE, GIVE, GIVE! And give especially to your employees. They are the back bone of your empire.
4 – Educate yourself and find the right mentors. Mentors are key and they will save you a lot of trial and error time.
5 – Learn the art of persuasion, be it online or in person. You will be selling yourself for the rest of your life. Whether to get married, to get a job or to promote your new shiny product you invented, you are always selling yourself.
And I want to give a 6th point: Learn about yourself and others, for that is the key to your success. Understanding your personality and the personalities of others is an amazing tool that you can use to your advantage. Learn what makes you tick, gets you excited (or angry) and learn how to control it.
What would you credit your success to?
First and foremost, my parents. They provided me with all the tools and education I needed, and I don’t just mean schooling. My parents provided tools at my disposal to learn constantly even at home.
Second, my own curiosity and persistence to want to do more all the time. I can’t sit still; I need to always be doing something. In fact, I have ADHD and OCD, which have both helped shape who and what I have become till this day. Take your weakness and convert it into a strength.
Finally, be true to yourself and be truly charismatic. People will follow and listen to you if you are true in your intentions and really mean good.
Who are 3 people that inspire you?
Three people that inspire me would be:
Napoleon Hill
Dale Carnegie
Michael Pollan
What is the best way for someone to reach you if they are interested in working with you?
[email protected] // Facebook: DoctorFresco // Instagram: DoctorFresco