Getting to Know Pete Pallarés: The Athlete Turned Healthcare Leader Changing Lives Worldwide
Pete Pallarés shares his journey from pro athlete to autism healthcare leader, exploring leadership, cultural competence, and purpose-driven impact worldwide.
Introduction
Pete Pallarés is the President of The Pedro Pallarés Foundation and also the founder of the Center for Social Dynamics and Best Steps Testing, which diagnoses, assists and provides care for individuals with ASD and other intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. He is also an active member and presenter in national and international healthcare conferences and has also been an associate to important autism research to date. His work spans from supporting high-functioning children to serving individuals with complex needs, always with families at the center. In this interview, Pete reflects on identity, transition, and the values that continue to shape his character and impact worldwide.
Q1. Can you share who Pete Pallarès is beyond the titles and take us back to your early life and the experiences that first shaped your values and drive?
Pete Pallarés: Pete is a businessman and social entrepreneur; healthcare and health equity have been the main focus of his career. He is a former professional athlete, part-time musician, and proud dad of two beautiful girls, a duty that nowadays takes all his time.
Q2. How did a basketball scholarship bring you to the United States, and in what ways did that opportunity influence both your athletic journey and your path toward healthcare leadership?
Pete Pallarés: In 1992, I received a scholarship to come to the US and play basketball. I was one of the very first European basketball players to come and do so back then… and… that was the experience that shaped my life! Strong athletic programs led by great coaches can be very powerful for a young mind. Not only a good athletic program can prepare you to be ready to compete at a high level, but the right athletic program and coach will also prepare you for the game of life. Team work, the right attitude, resilience, leadership and sportsmanship they all translate into the corporate world and are the foundation to a strong set of family values . I feel very fortunate to have been part of that experience and training; nothing would have gone like it did if it weren’t for that.
The ups and downs I experienced building companies in my industry (healthcare) were very little relatable to any college degree I have, but what coach taught me and helped me understand in basketball sure was! He prepared me for what was coming my way after college, work, family, relationships, etc.
Q3. What inspired your transition from professional athletics to healthcare, and how did your experiences as an athlete shape your approach to therapy, leadership, and serving communities?
Pete Pallarés: My professional career was short due to injuries, so I fully transitioned to my current field of work when I was still in my twenties. I had it very clear in my head that I wanted to focus on the well-being of people, specifically children. How they learn, socialize, manage emotions, communicate, and manage frustrations was of high interest for me, so I became a professional in the field, starting from the very basics. Understanding that you work with a team of professionals was highly related to my athletic background; teamwork is essential in almost everything you do, so you need to be good at it and for some reason I always found great leaders and mentors to guide me through it.
When the time was right, and I started building companies, that team concept became even more relevant… I truly believe that the strongest leaders are those who understand how to surround themselves with the right professionals in every department, and need to stay away from those who say/think they know everything. When professionals get together and bring their expertise for a common goal is a great thing to be part of and witness.
Q4. As someone who has built and led multiple healthcare organizations, what principles guided you in growing these companies while maintaining empathy, strong culture, and clinical excellence?
Pete Pallarés: Purpose and people were, from day one, my objectives and priorities. Purpose is always very linked to vision and mission, and what we are here for. People are also a direct link to culture and organizational efficiency and transparency. Then obviously, a strong discipline with financial health, project management, and leadership as the companies grew were the guiding principles.
Q5. What challenges or gaps in healthcare, particularly for neurodiverse and under-resourced communities, inspired you to create solutions through your companies and the Pedro Pallarès Foundation?
Pete Pallarés: I feel that in the companies I have built or helped build, there has always been a strong sense of innovation and creativity. We provide solutions for communities that have had little to no resources before we came, and we started adapting to technology faster than anyone else. The lack of services and solutions definitely inspired and motivated me to develop programs for them.
Q6. With the release of Happiness Declassified, what insights did you gain about yourself, and how do you see your role evolving as a thought leader and author impacting lives worldwide?
Pete Pallarés: Finishing and releasing my first book was a big goal. Being able to impact people through a book felt different and may shape how I move forward from here. I’m not sure if leading a company again is in the books; it’s very demanding, and there is only a particular time in your career or life when you can be of impact in that capacity, in my opinion.
Being behind a quiet desk with no spotlight was definitely a change I had to adapt to, but once I did, it felt very comfortable. There are no more executive meetings, meetings with policy makers, business owners, fancy restaurants, and private flights anymore, but in many ways, I am glad it’s done and behind me. Let’s see if, with my second book, I can continue that journey and lead through my thoughts and pen.
Conclusion
Pete Pallarés’ story from the basketball court to the foundation of his organizations reflects dedication, commitment to a cause, and resilience. His service to the neurodiverse community is based on leadership, teamwork, and humility. Driven by a sincere interest in how children learn, communicate, and navigate emotions within their cultural environments, Pete speaks about building organizations that prioritize culture, transparency, and long-term impact, especially in under-resourced communities. He shows how meaningful impact comes through reasoning and service without judgment.
