What is the real price of our modern, hustle-all-all-cost business culture?

Something terrible has happened to the American Dream. For so many entrepreneurs and professionals, the relentless pursuit of success leaves behind damaged relationships and personal life carnage in its wake.

In The UnAmerican Dream, Carlos Hidalgo reveals his thrilling journey to entrepreneurial triumph, and the simultaneous decent to rock bottom. Despite impressive accolades and remarkable professional achievements, he found himself miserable, discontent, and at risk of losing his most important personal relationships, forever.

Through authentic, honest, and vulnerable storytelling not found in most business books, Hidalgo asks us all to question, “is it really worth it?” Featuring the perspective of a variety of executives from across the country, this book reveals the truth about the cost that many pay in order to keep pace with modern business pressures. Hear from Hidalgo’s wife, Susanne, who reminds us that with every quest for success, there are real relationships impacted.

Hidalgo details the life changes he made to re-center himself, and offers a step-by-step guide for others in a similar situation to find happiness and fulfillment. The UnAmerican Dream is an invitation to shed hustle culture, cultivate that which is life giving, and find both personal and professional success on your terms.

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Download a copy of the Introduction to The UnAmerican Dream to discover more about the book & why Hidalgo wrote it. 

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Carlos Hidalgo - My Story

The idea of The UnAmerican Dream came to me when in 2016, around the same time I made the decision to leave the first company I co-founded. However, I knew that I was not ready to write it as I needed time to do some much needed soul searching and sort out this story in my head.

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Since that time, I have spoken to many who like me have spent far too much, building a career and chasing professional ambitions, i.e. "The American Dream" only to see their lives fall apart and be left wondering what it is all for?

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This book is for those in business, entrepreneurs, and anyone who simply wants permission to step off the treadmill and explore another way of business that is not all about the "hustle"  . . . which is not at all American.

Reviews 

"This is a book is a must read for anyone who is in business" 

- James Carbary; CEO - Sweetfish Media

"This book is a must read for anyone and everyone in leadership - no matter your industry. I not only enjoyed reading this book – I needed it. Carlos’ story of his own life, his research of good science and the testimonies of other leaders all combine to sing over me a song I desperately needed to be reminded of: “You can rest.” 

- Brandi Lea; Executive Director - Beauty for Ashes Uganda 

"Most of these types of books are unrealistic and come from an ivory tower . . . this book comes from the heart."

 - Craig Rosenberg; Co-Founder - Topo

“As someone who struggles with being obsessively driven at work while also being a loving father and devoted husband, The Unamerican Dream helped me discover that the person I am neglecting the most in all this hustle is the person I should take better care of -- myself. ”

- Dave Lewis; Founder & CEO - DemandGen International 

"This book is more than a breath of fresh air, it's a life preserver for those swimming upstream in corporate America. It is here to save you from the dangerous work ethos of hustle culture, #thegrind, and Jack Ma's 12-hour work days. Read this book before it is too late, your Life is counting on it."

- Mathew Sweezy; Forbes Columnist, Marketing Insights at Salesforce 

"Human beings are wired for connection, but executives on the rise can easily lose sight of what is truly important.  As a therapist and couples counselor, I see many clients whose identity is rooted in their career and wealth, yet they have lost connection with loved ones, community, and themselves.  

Carlos offers thought-provoking questions to help you find clarity about what you value most.The UnAmerican Dream comes at a time when our culture of consumerism is beginning to give way to the values of community, sustainability, and minimalism."

- Valerie Allen, MEd, LPCC, Mental Health Therapist and Couples Counselor  

"Many of us look at the American Dream as the highest of our values and ideals. But we don't stop to think about what chasing it can do to our health and our relationships. In this book, Carlos shares his story in such a raw, courageous, and vulnerable way about how he learned this lesson the hard way. He starts at his own rock bottom and then brings us along for the ride to the the realization that balance can be achievable in life."

- Michael Brenner, CEO, Speaker & Author of Mean People Suck

"Today's hyper-active culture around us teaches to hustle at work, sacrifice family, and focus on the end as a must-do for ultimate success. The UnAmerican Dream presents the exact opposite mindset and completely redefines success."

- Sangram Vajre, co-founder and Chief Evangelist of Terminus

Videos, Articles & Podcasts

Book Trailer

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Are You Sacrificial or Selfish?

The Difference Between Hard Work & Hustle: Carlos Hidalgo & Sangram Vajre on the Flip My Funnel Podcast

Stop The Hustle 

Living With A Spirit of Gratitude