What do you think?
Rate this book
Obstacles Welcome: How to Turn Adversity into Advantage in Business and in Life
Ralph de la Vega, President and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, shares the lessons learned in business and in life along the journey from Cuba to Corporate America. Ralph de la Vega arrived in the United States from Cuba in 1962. He was alone. He was scared. He was 10. Separated from his parents by Cuban authorities just moments before they were to board a plane to Miami, de la Vega was baptized early-and abruptly-in the waters of adversity. It would be four long years before his mother, father, and sister gained legal passage to America. But while the boy would never have chosen such circumstance, it's the man who can look back and say he would not have changed it. In Obstacles Welcome , de la Vega recounts his journey as a young Cuban immigrant to president and CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, a subsidiary of AT&T Inc. ( T). A frontliner in the converging worlds of technology and communications, de la Vega takes readers behind the scenes of the Internet revolution, shares insights from the nation's top technology companies, and chronicles the incredible obstacles intrinsic to successfully merging the largest wireless operations in U.S. history-those of Cingular Wireless and AT&T Wireless. Obstacles Welcome is an innovation manifesto for those committed to bigger thinking and greater results both professionally and personally. He clearly defines how * Create a detailed action plan to boost success * Identify and take calculated risks without fear * Create a values-centric, decisive leadership style * Transform vision into measurable results * Recognize opportunities and overcome obstacles * Communicate well and build alignment * Unlearn thinking that hinders innovation * Dream big and throw off mental limits once and for all Opening a powerful cache of business strategy and in-the-trenches wisdom, de la Vega illustrates that within each obstacle we encounter, there's an opportunity that carries the potential to transform our thinking, our organizations, our communities, and our world. PRAISE FOR OBSTACLES WELCOME ". . . [T]hrough his compelling story, Ralph shows how to turn almost any challenge into the opportunity of a lifetime. This is great insight for any professional or any young person aspiring to learn how to overcome obstacles and accept new challenges." - Randall Stephenson, Chairman & CEO, AT&T, Inc. "I recommend this book to those looking to improve their opportunities, as well as those providing leadership in this diverse society." - Ambassador Andrew Young, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, former Mayor of Atlanta, former president of the National Council of Churches "His journey is an inspirational story of leadership vision and the ability to achieve success in the face of enormous challenges and obstacles." - Gerry Czarnecki, President, CEO & Managing Partner, O2Media "This book is a must-read for anyone not afraid to make your dreams come true, regardless of where you are in your professional or personal life." - Ernest Bromley, Chairman and CEO, Bromley Communications, LLC "Without a doubt, this is one of the most inspiring books and one of the best business publications that I've read in my 40-plus years in the communications business." - John Graham, Chairman, Fleishman-Hillard Inc. "Ralph de la Vega tells an All-American story for our times." - Henry Cisneros, Executive Chairman, CityView; former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; former Mayor of San Antonio
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
25 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
November 29, 2012
1. Obstacles Welcome by Ralph de la Vega is an autobiography about how he went from a 10 year old cuban immigrant who spoke no english to the president and CEO of AT&T Mobility. In this book he goes very in depth about what he did to get to where he is today in life, he uses guidelines and tips for people on the road to success. He also talks about how the american dream is still possible with entrepanuership and determiniation. From sneaking onto a plane in Cuba, to becoming the president and CEO of AT&T Mobility, Ralph da la Vega has great guidelines on how to get through life successfully.
2. I gave this book 3 stars because I found the story to be great and the lessons, tips, and guidelines have been very useful. It fell short of 5 stars only because it dragged on and got a little bit too in depth for me, he literally spelled out and recalled every single thing he did before he got to where he is. He went through many promotions and different jobs and he talks about every single one in such an in depth detail that it starts to bore the reader.
3. "Hope is not a strategy, you must plan for success." This quote really stuck out to me because it really made sense to me. Sure you can hope everythings going to fall into place, but you need to plan it out in order to achieve success.
4. I think the targeted audience in this book would really appeal to young college students, it will give them the right information and guidelines to make sure they succeed in life. I also think the exigence was to share his success and know how with others. I believe the purpose was to inform as well.
5. I would reccomend this to young college students, seniors, and entrepanuers. This book is a gem. It will give you the right know-how to succeed in future life. Wherever it may take you.
2. I gave this book 3 stars because I found the story to be great and the lessons, tips, and guidelines have been very useful. It fell short of 5 stars only because it dragged on and got a little bit too in depth for me, he literally spelled out and recalled every single thing he did before he got to where he is. He went through many promotions and different jobs and he talks about every single one in such an in depth detail that it starts to bore the reader.
3. "Hope is not a strategy, you must plan for success." This quote really stuck out to me because it really made sense to me. Sure you can hope everythings going to fall into place, but you need to plan it out in order to achieve success.
4. I think the targeted audience in this book would really appeal to young college students, it will give them the right information and guidelines to make sure they succeed in life. I also think the exigence was to share his success and know how with others. I believe the purpose was to inform as well.
5. I would reccomend this to young college students, seniors, and entrepanuers. This book is a gem. It will give you the right know-how to succeed in future life. Wherever it may take you.
October 21, 2025
I enjoyed the story overall, but the audiobook narration did not help me focus, even though the English was clear. The narrator's voice lacked the quality that helps me deeply concentrate, which is a rare trait.
But the story of resilience , persistence, and success is worth the time invested.
But the story of resilience , persistence, and success is worth the time invested.
March 6, 2011
Full disclosure: the author of this book is an executive manager in the company that employees me. We've been taking "leadership workshops" at work and they mentioned this book as part of the workshop. I decided to check it out.
Summary: Obviously, as a business book, there's no plot. Well, not quite. There is a bit of plot in that de la Vega chronicles his career throughout the book. Keeping up with his different positions, projects, and goals provides a nice framework for him to impart the business advice he wants to impart. Mainly, it boils down to this: work hard, make sacrifices, get outside your comfort zone, and you will be happy with your advancements at work. It's pretty standard fare as far as this kind of advice goes, the thing that helps keep it engaging is how de la Vega interweaves his own personal story and passion throughout the book. I came away from the book feeling more like I had a conversation with de la Vega instead of simply reading a dry business book.
What I thought: Meh. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't outstanding. As I mentioned before, the advice was commonplace. There really wasn't anything new. The main thrust is reduced to the cliche "obstacles are opportunities." It's really about finding ways to overcome the obstacles, turn them into opportunities, and capitalize on them. When you strip away the fancy words, you're left with working hard and making sacrifices.
I'm glad I read the book, and I think it may have given me some inspiration to try things differently at work to help advance my career the way I want it to advance. There are no easy answers here, but good food for thought.
Here's some quotes from the book that I found interesting:
Summary: Obviously, as a business book, there's no plot. Well, not quite. There is a bit of plot in that de la Vega chronicles his career throughout the book. Keeping up with his different positions, projects, and goals provides a nice framework for him to impart the business advice he wants to impart. Mainly, it boils down to this: work hard, make sacrifices, get outside your comfort zone, and you will be happy with your advancements at work. It's pretty standard fare as far as this kind of advice goes, the thing that helps keep it engaging is how de la Vega interweaves his own personal story and passion throughout the book. I came away from the book feeling more like I had a conversation with de la Vega instead of simply reading a dry business book.
What I thought: Meh. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't outstanding. As I mentioned before, the advice was commonplace. There really wasn't anything new. The main thrust is reduced to the cliche "obstacles are opportunities." It's really about finding ways to overcome the obstacles, turn them into opportunities, and capitalize on them. When you strip away the fancy words, you're left with working hard and making sacrifices.
I'm glad I read the book, and I think it may have given me some inspiration to try things differently at work to help advance my career the way I want it to advance. There are no easy answers here, but good food for thought.
Here's some quotes from the book that I found interesting:
I was learning, at a much younger age than most people, the meaning of sacrifice . . . and the power of making sacrifices in the present for the sake of a better future.
No matter who you are, or what you do, there are going to be obstacles that you will need to face.
As you will understand by now, “opportunity” to me usually means a difficult situation that many people would think of as a problem and avoid if possible. Avoidance is a mistake.
When disaster hits, put your own people first. That’s the surest way to take care of your customers and get the business back up and running as fast as possible. In fact, I believe it’s the only way.
If you feel underutilized in your current situation, change it! If your boss has treated you in a way that cuts off exciting possibilities you want to pursue, find a new boss. That’s a tough message, I know. But when someone stands in the way of your dreams, drastic action may be called for to get past the obstacle.
January 24, 2010
Obstacles Welcome by Ralph de la Vega is an inspiring and motivational book about how a young refugee came to the United States alone from Cuba. He came to Miami and was taken in by a young married couple, Arnaldo and Ada Baez. Ralph did not see his parents until he had been in Miami for 4 years. He decided as a young boy that being negative was not going to be an option for him. He learned at a young age how to overcome adversity and be successful in his life.
The message in this story is how we can overcome most any obstacles that enter our lives. Obstacles can be opportunities for us to grow in our professional and private lives. Basicly if we want to be successful we need to learn new ways and unlearn things that are creating obstacles in our lives. I think the phrase "think outside of the box" works well for all of us and a good leader has to have a vision and be able to get his people to own that vision so they all can be successful.
I have read a few motivational books and I found that this one was very easy to read and understandable in what Ralph was trying to get across. Communication, enpowerment, maximizing the potential of people around you as a leader is a way for any company and staff to be successful. A leader has to be able to "talk the talk and walk the walk" and take obstacles and turn them into opportunities for improvement.
I liked the graphics that are scattered in the book. These pictures showed the message that Ralph was trying to get across to the reader and the summing up at the end of each chapter as takeaway messages from that chapter. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to make a difference in their personal and professional lives.
The message in this story is how we can overcome most any obstacles that enter our lives. Obstacles can be opportunities for us to grow in our professional and private lives. Basicly if we want to be successful we need to learn new ways and unlearn things that are creating obstacles in our lives. I think the phrase "think outside of the box" works well for all of us and a good leader has to have a vision and be able to get his people to own that vision so they all can be successful.
I have read a few motivational books and I found that this one was very easy to read and understandable in what Ralph was trying to get across. Communication, enpowerment, maximizing the potential of people around you as a leader is a way for any company and staff to be successful. A leader has to be able to "talk the talk and walk the walk" and take obstacles and turn them into opportunities for improvement.
I liked the graphics that are scattered in the book. These pictures showed the message that Ralph was trying to get across to the reader and the summing up at the end of each chapter as takeaway messages from that chapter. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to make a difference in their personal and professional lives.
April 9, 2010
Having worked in the Telecom industry for the last twenty years, I was very familiar with many of the events discussed in this book and anxious to read how a Christian would write about such times. I was not disappointed.
I related easily to the trying times De la Vega mentioned and pleasantly surprised to remember the difficult merger reconciliations, hard years, and ever changing focus as Telecom companies fought to survive.
What most impressed me about this book was the leadership instruction the author offered and from a purely Christian perspective.
Some may see the principles that he utilized as purely the most popular cultural models of good leadership, however, these models are not new. The focus on integrity, the principle of determination, and the steadfast faith in what is true are all biblical principles clearly heralded by the author.
There is much autobiographical sections with photos to enhance the readers conception throughout the book. Also included is sound, practical advice on planning, risk-taking, and vision. Above all, the key feature in the book is to convey the message of a proper perspective of obstacles, trouble, difficulty, and adversity.
In this book you find that the author was not successful because of an easy path. He, like us all, benefit greatly from reacting from a biblical perspective to difficulties. As a person note, it all comes down to trust. Trusting God to direct your path and then being obedient to His instruction.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to enter the corporate world or anyone currently in it but sees the need for change. It is a testimony of how obstacles in life can refine one's character.
I related easily to the trying times De la Vega mentioned and pleasantly surprised to remember the difficult merger reconciliations, hard years, and ever changing focus as Telecom companies fought to survive.
What most impressed me about this book was the leadership instruction the author offered and from a purely Christian perspective.
Some may see the principles that he utilized as purely the most popular cultural models of good leadership, however, these models are not new. The focus on integrity, the principle of determination, and the steadfast faith in what is true are all biblical principles clearly heralded by the author.
There is much autobiographical sections with photos to enhance the readers conception throughout the book. Also included is sound, practical advice on planning, risk-taking, and vision. Above all, the key feature in the book is to convey the message of a proper perspective of obstacles, trouble, difficulty, and adversity.
In this book you find that the author was not successful because of an easy path. He, like us all, benefit greatly from reacting from a biblical perspective to difficulties. As a person note, it all comes down to trust. Trusting God to direct your path and then being obedient to His instruction.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to enter the corporate world or anyone currently in it but sees the need for change. It is a testimony of how obstacles in life can refine one's character.
November 23, 2009
I enjoyed this book. I was very impressed with how the author had come from such an interesting background, but had not let his “obstacles” stop him on the pathway to success.
While reading this book, I automatically thought about my boss ironically, and any of the leaders in my life and what it takes to be a great leader. I especially enjoyed the chapter of on spotting opportunities. I feel like each of us can spot obstacles and turn them into opportunities with a little hard work and new attitude.
A few other things I really enjoyed about the book were was how the author said that “if you want to become a leader, the worst path to try is the quick one”. The author explained how the years of experience and our loyalty can be lost in an instance with short cuts. I also liked how he quoted Bernard Shaw in saying “Some men see things as they are and ask why? I dream of things that never were and ask why not?”
This book made me think of different experiences or situations in life where I am a leader, or even a follower and how each of us can prevent obstacles from our path to success. Good book.
While reading this book, I automatically thought about my boss ironically, and any of the leaders in my life and what it takes to be a great leader. I especially enjoyed the chapter of on spotting opportunities. I feel like each of us can spot obstacles and turn them into opportunities with a little hard work and new attitude.
A few other things I really enjoyed about the book were was how the author said that “if you want to become a leader, the worst path to try is the quick one”. The author explained how the years of experience and our loyalty can be lost in an instance with short cuts. I also liked how he quoted Bernard Shaw in saying “Some men see things as they are and ask why? I dream of things that never were and ask why not?”
This book made me think of different experiences or situations in life where I am a leader, or even a follower and how each of us can prevent obstacles from our path to success. Good book.
June 11, 2011
"I believe the American dream is still alive and that education and entrepreneurship together are its key enablers. Through the years I have observed the power of this combination when the two forces work in tandem. Together they lead to personal success, business success, and societal success." - Ralph de la Vega
Obstacles Welcome, by Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, is an insightful book that contains valuable advice on handling adversity. The book contains interesting autobiographical information, leadership wisdom, and practical advice in business for turning obstacles into opportunities.
When Ralph de la Vega was 10 years old, he emigrated from Cuba to the United States, while his family remained behind for several years waiting to emigrate. This book describes the journey and hardships de la Vega faced from childhood through adulthood and how he overcame obstacles in life and also in his career. His story is an inspiring success memoir of how hard work, sacrifice, and faith in God will lead to long-term success and achievement of goals.
Obstacles Welcome, by Ralph de la Vega, CEO of AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets, is an insightful book that contains valuable advice on handling adversity. The book contains interesting autobiographical information, leadership wisdom, and practical advice in business for turning obstacles into opportunities.
When Ralph de la Vega was 10 years old, he emigrated from Cuba to the United States, while his family remained behind for several years waiting to emigrate. This book describes the journey and hardships de la Vega faced from childhood through adulthood and how he overcame obstacles in life and also in his career. His story is an inspiring success memoir of how hard work, sacrifice, and faith in God will lead to long-term success and achievement of goals.
April 15, 2010
Obstacles Welcome: Turn Adversity into Advantage in Business and Life is about Ralph de la Vega's rise from a young Cuban immigrant who overcame adversity and eventually became the President and CEO of AT&T Mobility. De la Vega shares motivational goals to help you meet your dreams in life, but especially in your career.
I think this is a book that would be helpful for companies to hand to employees who want to move up in responsibility or for high school students to encourage them to stay in school.
I think this is a book that would be helpful for companies to hand to employees who want to move up in responsibility or for high school students to encourage them to stay in school.
October 3, 2011
I cannot recommend this book enough. To understand the awesome journey that Mr. de la Vega has taken in his life is one of the most inspirational and amazing stories you can know. I am thankful to have met Mr. de la Vega and to have his leadership guiding the Mobility portion of the company we work for. However, this is not why I recommend this book. The story and the path to leadership that is outlined in this book is something everyone should read and will be inspired by.
October 16, 2012
Great book. Prepare to experience high levels of motivation. The method de la Vega used to establish a shared vision and goals at Cingular Wireless worked well when used at our fraternity chapter. The content translates well to industries outside telecom.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews