PODCAST · education
Mission Driven With Dr. AC Cristales
by Dr. A.C. Cristales
Have you ever wondered if there's more to your work, your leadership, your life than what you're currently living? Welcome to Mission Driven with Dr. A.C. Cristales — real conversations about leadership, purpose, and building a lasting impact.Dr. A.C. Cristales is an author, educator, leadership speaker, and entrepreneur who's spent his career helping people discover their potential and lead with intention.Each episode explores the challenges, lessons, and opportunities that shape our leadership journey — from professional growth and personal development to overcoming obstacles and pursuing meaningful work.If you believe you were created for something greater and want to become a more intentional leader in your work, your relationships, and your life — this is your podcast.This is Mission Driven.
Episodes
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Dee Dee Harrison: How School Leaders Turn Family Engagement Into a Student Success Strategy
What if the family partnership your school needs begins with one positive conversation? Dee Dee Harrison joins Dr. AC Cristales on Mission Driven to share how school leaders can build trust with families and connect that trust to student learning. Drawing on 31 years in education, including 16...
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You Have One Brick Someone Needs | Brick by Brick Ep. 7
You don’t have to finish rebuilding your own life before you can help someone else. In this final episode of the Brick by Brick series, A.C. reflects on lessons learned through career risks, relationships, and a business that didn’t work out as hoped. Those experiences didn’t give him every…
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When Burning the Boats Burns You | Brick by Brick Ep. 6
What happens when you take a real chance on yourself—and it doesn’t work out? You followed the dream, accepted the position, started the business, entered the relationship, or made the sacrifice. You burned the boats. Then the plan fell apart, leaving you to question not only what happened, but...
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Can Grace Find You in the Mess? | Brick by Brick Ep. 5
What happens when purpose shows up before you’ve healed, recovered, or forgiven yourself? In the fifth installment of the Brick by Brick series, Dr. A.C. Cristales explores grace—the brick that gives us room to take responsibility without allowing our worst moments to define us. Reflecting on...
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Was It Purpose, or Was It Fear? | Brick by Brick Ep. 4
What if the reason you stopped pursuing your dream wasn’t only purpose—but fear? For years, Dr. A.C. Cristales believed he had stepped back from speaking to be present for his daughter. That choice was real, meaningful, and rooted in the kind of father he wanted to become. But it wasn’t the whole...
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Leadership Lesson #3 — Lead When No One Is Watching
Keep Building When No One Is Watching | Leadership Lesson #3 Most leaders experience seasons when the room feels empty, the response is quiet, and the work goes unnoticed. But silence is not failure—and a lack of recognition does not mean a lack of impact. In this episode, Dr. A.C. Cristales…
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You Are Already Seen | Brick by Brick Ep. 3
What do you do when you're doing everything right and still feel invisible? When you've shown up, put in the work, given everything — and nobody's clapping, calling, or opening the door? In this episode, Dr. A.C. Cristales tells a story he's never shared publicly before: speaking to a packed,...
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Leadership Lesson #2 — Keep Planting
Keep Planting Because The Work Is Still Speaking | Leadership Lesson #2 Most leaders quit too soon—not because they lack talent, but because they mistake silence for failure. In this episode, Dr. A.C. Cristales shares why the greatest leadership impact often happens long after the work is done....
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Your Work Is Still Speaking | Brick by Brick Ep. 2
What if the work you thought nobody noticed is still opening doors years later? It's easy to become discouraged when you don't see immediate results. You show up. You serve. You lead. You pour into your family. You build your business. You stay faithful...and sometimes it feels like nothing is...
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Leadership Lesson #1 — The Silence Isn't Wasted | Finding Purpose Through Closed Doors
Leadership Lesson #1 — The Silence Isn't Wasted What if the opportunities you've been praying for never arrived because they weren't the opportunities you actually needed? In this episode of Mission Driven Leadership Lessons, Dr. A.C. Cristales shares one of the hardest lessons he's learned as a...
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The Silence Has a Purpose | Brick by Brick Ep. 1
The Silence Has a Purpose | Brick by Brick Ep. 1 I'm back. After a season of pain, disappointment, unanswered prayers, and closed doors, I realized something important: the silence does not mean God is absent, and the waiting does not mean your purpose has disappeared. Welcome to the first…
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The One in the Arena
Author and speaker Dr. A.C. Cristales is back with a new episode for Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. shares a bit of his 2022 journey. He shares what he learned about entrepreneurship and more importantly how failure reveals has the power to reveal who you truly are. If you want to grow and...
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Take the Step & Make It Happen - Interview with Urbane Body Creator, Philip Cristales
Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with the first episode of Mission Driven in 2022. In this episode, A.C. interviews creator and fitness coach of Urbane Body, Philip Cristales. In this episode, Philip shares a bit of his journey from what inspired him to start his online fitness...
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Risk or Regret, Interview with author of new book, Love Eternal: Axel R. Cristales
Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. interviews author and therapist, Axel Cristales. In this episode, Axel shares a bit of his journey from working in public schools to now serving as mental health…
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Troubles Don't Last - Lessons From The Vault
Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. takes us back to his first EVER Reflection Blog he wrote in 2009, entitled, The Thunderstorm Season. In this podcast episode, he shares how storms and troubles don't last...
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Iris Lopez, Founder of Mija, Yes You Can Interview
Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. has the honor of interviewing Iris Lopez, founder of Mija, Yes You Can, a nonprofit organization created by women FOR women to provide a platform that allows ALL women to...
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Rand Carlson, of Men of Nehemiah, and the Power of Redemption
Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. has the honor of interviewing Rand Scott Carlson, who is on the leadership team at the Men of Nehemiah, a Christian Non-Profit located in South Dallas that is designed to...
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The Power of Failure - Lessons From the Vault
Author, educator and speaker A.C. Cristales is back with another episode for Season 3 of Mission Driven. In this episode, A.C. takes us back to a Reflection Blog he wrote in 2009, entitled, The Power of Failure. In this podcast episode, he shares how failure can either propel you to your destiny...
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Anchored - Power of Consistency
Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 3 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. further discusses the importance of an anchor in your life. In this podcast episode, he shares that an anchor can help you possess constancy, a quality that means you are enduring, unchanging and...
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Anchored - I'm Not Going Back
Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 3 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. further discusses the importance of an anchor in your life. In this podcast episode, he shares that an anchor can help you stay put when you feel life drifting you back to old habits that were not...
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Anchored - What's Your Anchor? Where Does Your Hope Come From?
Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 3 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. poses an important question for everyone going after a dream and goal: What is your anchor? In this podcast episode, he shares what an anchor is, the importance of having an anchor and what an anchor...
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Interview with Delbert R. Harris aka RAS, Lil' Raskull
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews not only one of the pioneers of the Houston rap scene, but also one of the original pioneers of Christian Hip Hop, Delbert R. Harris, better known to many as RAS or Lil' Raskull. In this interview, RAS shares with us...
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The Mission Continues - Staying Power
Author and speaker A.C. Cristales returns for Season 2 of Mission Driven! In this episode, A.C. celebrates his one-year podcast anniversary and he shares the advantage of having staying power. He also shares with you 5 benefits of self-reflection. If you want to grow and thrive in your journey of...
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Ep. 35 Race and Education and Cultural Competency Conversation with Rachael Brown
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales has a conversation with school leader and educator, Rachael Brown. They discuss Race and Education in America and also the importance of cultural competency, vulnerability and being intentional. This is an episode for all...
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Ep. 34 Radical Powerful Motivational - Interview with Jesse The Messenger
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews Jesse The Messenger. Jesse The Messenger is an evangelist and poet and has been involved in ministry since 1991. In this episode, The Messenger shares a bit of his story, how he went in looking for a fight, but…
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Ep. 33 Lean into Discomfort - Interview with Adam Bergman
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews Adam Bergman. Adam is a senior at the University of Texas, who has been involved in student leadership and government since high school. In this episode, Adam shares a bit of his story, how he chose to be involved in...
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Ep. 32 Eternal Impact - Remembering Mr. Solo of the Original Gospel Gangstaz and Pioneer and Legend of Christian Hip Hop
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales pays tribute to the impact that the Gospel Gangstaz had on his life as a teenager when he started his walk with the Lord. A.C. also remembers the impact Mr. Solo, who suddenly passed away on May 22, 2020, had on his life not…
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Ep. 31 - Great Leaders Inspire Greatness in Others - "The Last Dance" Lessons Part V
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the fifth and sixth episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C....
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Ep. 30 Greatness is a Lifetime Mission - "The Last Dance" Lessons
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the fourth episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. discusses...
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Ep. 29 - Ian Humphrey - Be a Difference Maker
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales interviews Ian Humphrey. Ian is the general manager of a successful multi-million dollar metal fabrication company, speaker and author, and has made it his goal to motivate, inspire, and help others learn to see obstacles as an...
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Ep. 28 "The Last Dance" Lessons - Attitude Determines Altitude
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the third episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. discusses...
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Ep. 27 "The Last Dance" Lessons - Play Every Game To Win
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the second episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls on their journey to win their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. discusses...
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Ep. 26 "The Last Dance" Lessons - Play Every Game Like It's Your Last
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales shares some nuggets and lessons from the first episode of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls as they journeyed to their 6th NBA championship in 1998. Listen as A.C. highlights…
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Ep. 25 We Got Familia - Wisdom: Blood In, Blood Out Style
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales quickly shares some wisdom as we all deal with the current pandemic affecting the whole world. A.C. then discusses one of his favorite movies of all time, Blood In, Blood Out. A.C. shares some of his favorite scenes and quotes...
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Ep. 24 Lauren Gladu on Social and Emotional Support for Students Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by educational leader and assistant principal, Lauren Gladu. In this episode, Lauren shares some of the things she has put into place on her campus that the support social and emotional learning of her high school...
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Ep. 23 Straight Up Talk With D & J Empowerment Group
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Durale Harper and Jeff Marcel, the founders of D & J Empowerment Group. D & J Empowerment Group is more than just about motivating people. "They want to provide people with the tools and knowledge to sustain it and...
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Ep. 22 Self-Reflection - The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living
On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about the power of self-reflection and shares his entrepreneurial journey of being a keynote speaker. A.C. shares some of his experiences, both good and bad, that have led him to where he is now. This is an...
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Ep. 21 Life is but a Vapor - Kobe Bryant and a Student Gone Too Soon
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about the untimely death of Kobe Bryant and why it impacted him, and also about the passing of one of his former students. "What is your life? It is just a vapor, appearing for a little while, and then vanishing."
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Ep. 20 Bring Out the Light - Interview with Dr. Elaine Vallie
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Dr. Elaine Vallie, middle school teacher in Texas. In this episode, Dr. Vallie shares about several educators who impacted her life, and also about her dissertation study on Middle School Librarians' Perceptions and...
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Ep. 19 Dr. Adam Saenz on His New Book, and on Social and Emotional Learning
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Dr. Adam Saenz, author of the best selling book, The Power of a Teacher, and also the developer of the Educator Assessment of Social and Emotional Learning (EASEL), which is a measure of personality and emotional...
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Ep. 18 Josh Tovar on Best Educational Practices That Lead to Success
On this episode of Mission Driven, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Josh Tovar, principal of Socorro High School in El Paso, Texas. Socorro High School currently enrolls over 2,400 students, and what Josh and his staff have done to make sure that every student feels that they are...
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Ep. 17 This is Your Future - Own It in 2020
On the first episode of 2020 for the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about taking ownership of your life and future. Using some dialogue from the film, The Godfather Part II, A.C. provides 3 steps that you can use today to take ownership of your future. You only…
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Ep. 16 We'll Get There
On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about the importance of optimism for your personal and professional growth. Using a few lines of dialogue from the film, The Godfather, A.C. outlines 3 ways optimism can help you on your journey of success.…
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Ep. 15 Destiny Chavarria on Building Capacity for Students and Parents
On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Destiny Chavarria, Educational Specialist at the Region 17 Education Service Center in Lubbock, Texas. Destiny works with Migrant Education, which has the goal to ensure that all migrant students reach...
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Ep. 14 In All Things, Be Thankful
On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales gets you ready for 2020 by discussing the power of gratitude. He also explains how gratitude should not be limited to just holidays or special events. Gratitude should be practiced daily because there is always...
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Ep. 13 Weston Wilcox on Teaching Being a Calling
On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by 8th grade math teacher, Weston Wilcox. Weston teaches in the Dallas, Texas area, and in this episode, he shares how being a teacher was his calling. However, he also discusses real issues that he dealt...
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Ep. 12 Accepting All - Sirak Asfaw Speaks on College Ministry
On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by FOCUS Pastor at Richland College, Sirak Asfaw. Sirak leads the FOCUS group, which is an interdenominational campus ministry at Richland College. FOCUS is a community that values equipping students to be...
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Ep. 11 The Ultimate Price
On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales talks about paying the ultimate price to achieve the ultimate goal. Using a few lines of dialogue from the film, Point Break, A.C. outlines 5 things you must do in order to pay the ultimate price. Some of you have…
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Ep. 10 Be Consistent - Gabe Randle on Mentoring in Higher Education
On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales is joined by Program Coordinator at Richland College, Gabe Randle. Gabe leads the MAP (Male Achievement Program) at Richland College. This program is designed to help students of color with their academic and social...
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Ep. 9 Sky's The Limit
On this episode of the Mission Driven Podcast, author and speaker A.C. Cristales uses some lyrics from the Notorious B.I.G. song, "Sky's The Limit" to provide you with 7 lessons that can help alter your belief system. Some of you aren't reaching your potential because you have limiting beliefs....
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Have you ever wondered if there's more to your work, your leadership, your life than what you're currently living? Welcome to Mission Driven with Dr. A.C. Cristales — real conversations about leadership, purpose, and building a lasting impact.Dr. A.C. Cristales is an author, educator, leadership speaker, and entrepreneur who's spent his career helping people discover their potential and lead with intention.Each episode explores the challenges, lessons, and opportunities that shape our leadership journey — from professional growth and personal development to overcoming obstacles and pursuing meaningful work.If you believe you were created for something greater and want to become a more intentional leader in your work, your relationships, and your life — this is your podcast.This is Mission Driven.
HOSTED BY
Dr. A.C. Cristales
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Mission Driven With Dr. AC Cristales have?
Mission Driven With Dr. AC Cristales currently has 57 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Mission Driven With Dr. AC Cristales about?
Have you ever wondered if there's more to your work, your leadership, your life than what you're currently living? Welcome to Mission Driven with Dr. A.C. Cristales — real conversations about leadership, purpose, and building a lasting impact.Dr. A.C. Cristales is an author, educator, leadership...
How often does Mission Driven With Dr. AC Cristales release new episodes?
Mission Driven With Dr. AC Cristales has 57 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Mission Driven With Dr. AC Cristales?
You can listen to Mission Driven With Dr. AC Cristales on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Mission Driven With Dr. AC Cristales?
Mission Driven With Dr. AC Cristales is created and hosted by Dr. A.C. Cristales.
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