Career Crossroads: How a CNN en Español Host Sparks Positive Empowerment Beyond Media

Ismael Cala is no stranger to social media.

The CNN en Español host has more than 2.51 million Twitter followers and 1,300,000+ likes on Facebook.

Cala agrees social networks are fundamental to building a brand.

But it takes much more than that – it’s about connecting with your followers.

“I call them my partners,” Cala says. “[They] are an invaluable source of feedback and permanent contact.”

Cala’s “partners” are why his books El Poder de Escuchar, Un buen hijo de p… , El secreto del Bambú, and EsCala a Otro Nivel – as well as his live events – have become popular.  They’re also key to his successful show, CALA on CNN en Español.

Cala’s show has a wide audience. It needs to appeal to a Mexican in California as well as an Argentinian in Buenos Aires.

“The Americas is a continent joined by a great language, Spanish, but it’s also very diverse, in terms of culture,” he says.

Most Memorable Interviews

Cala already was on the air in his native Cuba by age 8.

On CALA, he’s interviewed leaders such as President Rafael Correa of Ecuador, President Evo Morales of Bolivia, and former presidents Otto Pérez Molina of Guatemala and Alvaro Uribe Vélez of Colombia. He’s also sat down with his fair share of celebrities.

Carolina Herrera and Ismael Cala

But he says his most memorable interviews are those that explore the human side.

“I remember very good interviews with maestros such as Larry King and Don Francisco, but also with people like Maickel Melamed, Delia Rivas and Adriana Macías who’ve triumphed over the vicissitudes of life,” Cala says.

Besides his show on CNN en Español, Cala has a weekly segment on Univision’s Despierta América morning show called Calando Sueños, where he offers quick and practical tips for tackling life’s daily challenges.

He also hosts a weekly podcast #CalaRadio, publishes Cala Magazine and pens a syndicated column La Columna de Cala, which is published in more than 50 magazines and newspapers in the United States, Latin America, and Spain.

Projects That Complement Each Other

Beyond TV and radio, Cala stays fairly busy.

He continuously headlines conferences all over Latin America, where he shares his experiences and emphasizes the value of transformation and the tools needed for change, even in the worst circumstances.

His topics of choice include empowerment, well-being, and healing. He’s even teamed up with Deepak Chopra for the Reto de Meditación (Meditation Challenge).

Later this month, Cala is presenting his newest book, Analfabeto Emocional, in Buenos Aires.

Next month, he travels to Venezuela to speak at the Cumbre del Exito.

Then he’s off to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to emcee the Heat Latin Music Awards in June.

But before that, more than a couple dozen of his “partners” are joining him in India for nearly two weeks as part of his Cala Mundos tour. The tour’s next trek: Machu Picchu in July.

Have an interesting story to share about your media or blogging career?  The Beyond Bylines’ Career Crossroads series features stories and job advice for journalists and bloggers from journalists and bloggers. Tell us your story by emailing [email protected].

Jessica Alas is Multicultural Audience Director at PR Newswire. Follow her at @alasjessica.