On March 9, the Soderquist College of Business welcomed back one of its own for an afternoon of insight and connection. As part of the Executive Speaker Series, Alex Solis, a John Brown University alumnus and former Walton Scholar, spoke to a full room of students, faculty and alumni in SBC 241–242.
Now a global executive with leadership experience at Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Company and Tyson Foods, Solis shared his journey from Costa Rica to the corporate world, offering both practical advice and personal reflections. His professional career has taken him across the Americas, including Colombia, Venezuela, Guatemala, Mexico and the United States, shaping his perspective on leadership in a globalized business environment.
Solis currently serves as executive in residence at the University of Arkansas, as well as a board member and lecturer at JBU, while also pursuing a Ph.D[AB1] . at the University of North Alabama.
Throughout the talk, he highlighted key skills for students entering the workforce, particularly the importance of soft skills, staying ahead of technological change and learning to leverage artificial intelligence as a tool in future positions. He also addressed how geopolitical shifts are shaping global business, encouraging students to remain informed and adaptable to the present political climate.
The event also provided a personal perspective through the presence of Solis’ daughter, Maria Solis, a JBU student, who reflected on what it was like to see her father in a professional setting.
“It felt like I was watching Professor Solis, not my dad,” Maria Solis said. “He didn’t completely change the way he is — he still behaves in a very business-like manner even at home — but it was very informative to see him in that environment.”
Despite initially feeling intimidated by attending the same university where her father built his legacy, Maria Solis has found her own place at JBU.
“I realized I can make my own path too,” Maria Solis said.
Maria Solis also spoke about the impact of growing up across multiple countries due to her father’s career.
“Some students think the biggest barrier is language,” Maria Solis said. “But it’s often not. It’s the cultural differences—and not being aware of them—that can catch you off guard.”
That message resonated with attendees, reinforcing a central takeaway of the event: success in global business requires cultural awareness in addition to technical knowledge.
Student Samara Cuesta, a marketing and international business major, said she appreciates opportunities to hear from experienced professionals.
“I’m really glad the College of Business is bringing in experts like him to share their experience,” Cuesta said. “It gives us a taste of the real world.”
Although she was already familiar with Solis, Cuesta said she found the talk especially valuable.
“It was great to hear him speak about his professional journey,” Cuesta said. “He shared so many things that I find useful as I’m about to graduate, especially his emphasis on networking and being intentional about it.”
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where students engaged directly with Solis on topics ranging from career decisions to navigating the evolving business landscape.
With more speakers expected later this semester, the Executive Speaker Series continues to offer students opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experience.
Photo provided by Sean Pollock on Unsplash