Rising Stars: Meet Mark Guillen of South Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Guillen.

Hi Mark, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the City of Paramount when the Rand Corp ranked it as one of the worst places to live in the US. I watch my father get elected to city council and turn it from one of the worst places to one of the 1000 Points of Life All American City.
Graduated from UCLA and worked for the County of Los Angeles as an Scientist and Engineet for over 28 years, when I had a stoke of lucky and was recruited to lead Civic Engagement for a Fortune 500 company, working out of the CFO’s Office.
Currently, I am the regional lead of External Affairs for another Fortune 500 tech company and as a consultant and philanthropist in the greater LA region and throughout California.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been an easy or smooth road. Transitioning from government work to corporate America at the highest level has not been without drama. Surviving a hostile corporate takeover, activist investors, major changes to corporate business models and a changing industry through the pandemic, 5G, and changing political climate has been quite a journey, all while juggling travel, intense business pressures, and a young family.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have a strong WOO personality. I am wired to Win People Over. As a Public Affairs professional, I have learned to leverage my extensive growing network of professionals, colleagues, friends and partners to grow corporate reputation, municipal support, public policy to move incredibly profitable business, create positive change in our communities, support important social change, and educate people about the importance of Health, Public Safety, technology, innovation, Venture Capital, Entrepreneurship, and business development through the use of CSR programming, philanthropy, political giving, sponsorship, networking and 3rd Party Engagement.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I have a tremendous support system of family, friends, Rotarian friendships, mentors, executive coaches, advisors, and faith leaders who have kept me grounded, challenged, supported, motivated and ethically accountable.
From my manager in the county of Los Angeles who challenged me to grow beyond my comfort zone, to the Corporate CEO who took a chance on me and believed in my talent and potential, to my Corporate Tech Colleagues who inspired me to think big such as when I assisted in opening an exhibit at the Smithsonian Exhibit at the Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. And the numerous business partners who press me on to invest my time into even greater endeavors.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Guillenconsulting.com
• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/mr.mark.guillen
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-guillen-121a957
• Other: https://Guillenconsulting.com

Image Credits
My own pictures