The journey from humble beginnings to a position of influence is one that many dream of. It’s a path defined by determination, values, and a deep understanding that resilience and hope can turn obstacles into opportunities. It’s also built on the belief that success holds its greatest meaning when it uplifts others.

The story of our co-founder, José E. Feliciano, a proud Latino leader, embodies that truth. By reflecting on his journey, we uncover valuable lessons for anyone striving to create a life of purpose and impact.

Lesson 1: Your Foundation Is Your Strength

A strong foundation, whether rooted in family, community, or education, is what anchors a person through life's inevitable challenges. José often speaks about his upbringing in Puerto Rico, where his parents instilled in him the values of giving back, learning, and discipline. They emphasized education not just as a path to achievement, but as a lifelong commitment to growth.

That early foundation led him from his high school in Puerto Rico to an engineering degree at Princeton; a path that, at first glance, might have seemed unconventional for someone who would later excel in finance.

Yet even in that unexpected choice, the foundation of curiosity remained. It proved to be excellent preparation for the work he does today in private equity: asking questions to understand, dissect, and deeply learn about industries, sectors, and companies in order to improve them.

It’s a reminder that your beginnings often hold the clues to your future. The skills you acquire and the values you learn in your formative years become the building blocks for your future.

Lesson 2: The Character of Hard Choices

A career path is not always defined by its successes, but often by the difficult choices and setbacks along the way. Early in his career, José served as the CFO of a company called govWorks. However, the start-up which was a symbol of the dot-com boom's promise, went bankrupt.

For José, the collapse was a deeply personal one. As a key executive, he had to personally lay off many of his friends and colleagues, an experience he describes as one of the most painful of his life.

That experience reshaped how he viewed success and leadership. It showed him that even the hardest moments can open the door to something new. It became a defining moment that ultimately shaped the trajectory of his life in ways he couldn’t have predicted.

He has often said that without that failure, his current firm, Clearlake Capital, would likely not exist or be at the level it is today. This demonstrates that you can't always go back and wish for a different outcome. Every experience, both good and bad, contributes to your identity and worldview. Also, life-altering setbacks may bring new opportunities, allowing you to innovate and grow in ways you never thought possible.

Lesson 3: The Full-Circle Journey of Paying It Forward

The most powerful form of success is the one that gives back to the very system that supported you. Afterall, no one ever succeeds alone.

Early in his career, José received a boost through the Robert Toigo Foundation, an organization dedicated to advancing the careers of underrepresented talent in finance. He was selected as a Toigo Fellow when he enrolled in the Stanford Graduate School of Business. This became a pivotal part of his journey, providing mentorship, access, and a community that believed in his potential.

Years later, he returned to the foundation, not as a fellow, but as a financial supporter and board member, offering governance, guidance, and mentorship to the next generation.

It was a profound acknowledgment of the support he once received and a reflection of his commitment to pay it forward.

This act of giving back was not a new concept to him, but a value instilled in him from a young age. As José puts it, "Even when resources were limited, I was taught that everyone has something to offer — time, energy, or whatever they could spare."

José’s story is a reminder that we all need a boost sometimes, and that real success means reaching back to bring others with you as you climb.

Lesson 4: A Life of Impact, Beyond the Bottom Line

José’s commitment to giving back extends far beyond any single organization. Together with Kwanza Jones, he co-founded the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative, a private family office dedicated to creating meaningful impact through strategic investments and transformative philanthropy. Guided by a commitment to purpose-driven initiatives, the Initiative invests in and partners with nonprofits and for-profits with a key focus on the pillars of education, entrepreneurship, equity, and empowerment.

José’s impact can also be seen through his leadership with cultural and educational institutions such as the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Latino and the J. Paul Getty Trust. His involvement ensures that diverse voices and histories are heard, celebrated, and preserved for generations to come.

His story, and the impact it continues to create, is a reflection of the Latino spirit, defined by resilience, generosity, and the belief that success carries a responsibility to uplift others.

A successful life isn’t defined by what you accumulate for yourself, but by the legacy you build for others.

Closing Reflection

Every act of resilience creates a ripple. Every door opened for one can open the way for many. José’s journey reminds us that success and service are deeply connected.

When we rise with intention and lead with purpose, we build pathways for others to follow. In doing so, we create something far greater than ourselves: a legacy that uplifts generations.