MY MISSION
Most managers were promoted for being great at their jobs, not for being great leaders, and they’re rarely given the tools to succeed in this new role. I help overwhelmed and under-supported managers step into leadership with confidence by teaching them a simple, actionable framework that transforms the way they connect with their teams.
My mission is to help people find deeper meaning in the work they do every day because when people are aligned with a greater sense of purpose, they not only lead better, they live better. Early in my own career, I experienced the frustration of working hard, achieving goals, and still feeling unfulfilled. That journey led me to discover that true success comes when your work reflects your values, impacts others positively, and allows you to grow as a person. That belief is at the heart of everything I teach.
Through my talks, I guide managers to become the kind of leaders who inspire, engage, and uplift their teams—not by adding more to their plates, but by helping them focus on what matters most: meaningful conversations, clarity, and genuine human connection. When managers lead with purpose, performance follows, and entire organizations thrive.
MEET CRISTÓBAL
Cristóbal (Cris) Almanza is a leadership speaker, facilitator, and career strategist who helps overwhelmed managers become confident, purpose-driven leaders. With over 13 years of experience as a professional manager in the tech industry, Cristóbal has led teams to develop innovative products while navigating the real-world challenges of leadership.
He discovered early on that he loved being a manager, not just for the projects delivered, but for the people developed along the way. Drawing from his own leadership journey, Cristóbal equips managers with practical tools to lead with confidence, build trust, and create meaningful impact in their organizations.
Known for his ability to speak from the heart while staying grounded in real-world application, Cristóbal motivates audiences through truth and clarity. His talks help leaders stop “winging it” and start showing up with purpose, one meaningful conversation at a time. When he’s not speaking or coaching, you’ll find him exploring the outdoors, creating art, or spending time with friends and family in Austin, Texas.
CRISTÓBAL'S TALKS
Lead with Clarity: How Purpose-Driven Conversations Transform Teams
Most leaders struggle not because they lack skill, but because they lack structure. In this engaging and practical keynote, Cristóbal Almanza equips attendees with a simple framework to transform one-on-one conversations into a leadership superpower. Audiences will learn how to cut through the noise, create clarity, and lead with purpose; building trust, improving performance, and reigniting team morale along the way.
From Overwhelmed to Empowered: The Leadership Reset Every High-Performer Needs
Many high-performers are promoted into leadership roles without the tools they need to thrive, and it shows. This session offers a reset: a chance to re-imagine leadership as a practice rooted in clarity, purpose, and human connection. Cris shares hard-earned insights from over a decade in tech leadership and reveals the core habits that help leaders stop winging it and start inspiring real impact.
Purpose Is Not a Perk: Why Meaning-Driven Leadership Is the Competitive Edge
In today’s workforce, people don’t just want to work harder—they want their work to matter. In this thought-provoking keynote, Cristóbal unpacks why purpose isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a driver of retention, engagement, and leadership effectiveness. With real-world stories and actionable tools, attendees will walk away with a renewed perspective on leadership and a clear path to infusing meaning into everyday work.
COACHING
Cristóbal Almanza is a leadership speaker and career strategist who helps professionals align their work with purpose and impact. With years of experience leading teams in the tech industry, Cristóbal knows firsthand what it takes to grow from a high-performing individual contributor into a confident, effective leader.
He founded Career and Purpose to help ambitious professionals stop drifting and start designing careers that reflect their values, strengths, and long-term vision. Cristóbal blends practical strategies with deep insight, offering coaching that moves beyond surface-level tactics to create lasting transformation in the way people lead, grow, and live.
Clients often describe him as the rare blend of heartfelt and no-nonsense, someone who can speak truth with clarity, ask the right questions, and help you get unstuck fast. Whether he’s coaching one-on-one or speaking to a room full of leaders, Cristóbal’s mission is the same: to help people lead with purpose and create meaningful change for themselves, their teams, and their organizations.
PROGRAMS
Career & Leadership Coaching
I help professionals gain clarity, confidence, and purpose in their careers. Whether you’re navigating a career change, stepping into leadership, or seeking greater impact in your current role, this coaching is designed to align your work with your values and long-term goals.
Executive Presence & Communication Coaching
Designed for leaders and emerging managers, this coaching hones your ability to lead with clarity, communicate with confidence, and inspire trust. You’ll develop the mindset and presence to show up with intention in your most important conversations.
