Carlos Carpizo's Experience at the Halftime Institute

Carlos Carpizo, a former tech executive for two Fortune 1000 companies, social innovator and author of At Risk of Greatness suffered from an accident in 2006 resulting in him having a different perspective on life. Fast forward to 2017 and while being the President of a mid market company, Carlos was introduced to Bob Buford’s book, “Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance.” It was through the book that he learned about the “halftime” concept and the Halftime Institute. The “halftime” concept carries the meaning of a time to pause, reflect on what one has accomplished, who you’ve become, and what will matter most to you in the next season of life. It’s an opportunity to make a course correction or commit to stay the course so that you are equipped to direct your time and resources purposefully.

This resonated with Carlos and he knew that it was just what he needed. After some research and consideration, Carlos went on and pursued the Fellows Program, offered by the Halftime Institute. Carlos was intrigued most specifically to this program for two main reasons: it was faith based and it included sessions for his wife, leading this to be not only an an opportunity for himself but for his family as well.

“The main memory that I have from the Fellows Program at the Halftime Institute experience is a feeling of gratitude, camaraderie and peace,” states Carlos. “The activities of the Fellows Program cover a broad spectrum from downright fun to heart wrenching. A good mix of individual and group activities. A highlight for me was the thriving family retreat where the spouses join.”

A year later from the program, Carlos regained his mission and had a clear understanding of where he wanted to go next. The Fellows Program had helped him realize that after his long trajectory and career accomplishments it was now time for him to focus on a greater significance which was to increase economic growth and social inclusion for young adults in disadvantaged areas of the U.S. and Mexico. It was through surrendering and the support of his Halftime brothers that Carlos felt ready to embark on his next full time pursuit.

Halftime Institute serves clients ranging from mid-30s to mid-70s and across all industries, ethnicities, and genders. The reality is that a “halftime” is triggered by a mid-life transition depending on your stage of life. Clients in the Halftime Institute find their significance and sometimes some corrections which have to be made to their existing careers or ventures, all through teaching, coaching, and connecting.

“The biggest personal challenge for me was definitely developing my road map, alongside my coach and cohort, which includes having a clear personal mission,” explains Carlos.

It is clear that for one to find their purpose there can be multiple paths but for Carlos it was all about a mix of faith and pain.

“My message to other leaders is: if you feel like you are a penguin living among flamingoes the fellows program will take you to your colony of penguins. Or the other way around if you prefer.”