Third “Starting from Scratch” Lecturer Probes “The Blessings of Adversity”

The journey from an abuse-ridden childhood to the life of a corporate executive was not an easy one, guest speaker Juan Ortiz told an audience of students, faculty, and community partners at an April 16 event that marked the third in The Chicago School’s “Starting From Scratch” lecture series. It was, however, a voyage worth taking, he said, prompting him to title his remarks “The Blessings of Adversity.”

Ortiz, who is now vice president of business development and a partner for Bluepay Inc., recounted the verbal and physical abuse he suffered at the hands of his father while growing up, abuse that was fueled by the use of drugs and alcohol. His story, which was laced with candid descriptions and profound self-reflections, came full circle when he told listeners how the support of his mother, teachers, wife, and psychotherapist helped him overcome the adversity that shaded his childhood and use the lessons learned to reinvent himself as a successful business and family man.

“It was motivating to listen to an honest account of how psychology can help in the process of finding light after adversity,” Dr. Hector Torres, coordinator of TCS’ Center for Latino Mental Health, said. “Ortiz’s humor helped the audience to listen to these painful and difficult experiences from his past. Juan Ortiz is one of the most engaging speakers I’ve encountered.”

The lecture series, “Starting from Scratch: The Psychology of Beginning,” is a forum for prominent scholars, intellectuals, scientists, artists, entrepreneurs, activists, and community leaders to speak about the psychological dimensions of their experience with starting an important enterprise from the ground up. The events are arranged and sponsored by the Center for Academic Excellence and the Office of Community Partnerships.”

 “Juan teaches us about the power of praise and recognition,” said Stacey Britton, a student in the Clinical Counseling specialization, who attended the lecture.  “These things, along with the desire to change, make one truly resilient.”