Emilio M. Justo, M.D.: CEO Times 2024 Person of the Year

The Resilient Visionary: From Refugee to Renowned Surgeon and Thought Leader

In a world where the American Dream often feels distant, Dr. Emilio M. Justo has emerged as a living testament to its enduring power. Honored as CEO Times’ 2024 Person of the Year, Dr. Justo exemplifies resilience, innovation, and compassion—qualities that define true leadership. From humble beginnings as a Cuban refugee to becoming an internationally celebrated surgeon, thought leader, and advocate for personal transformation, Dr. Justo’s remarkable journey inspires people worldwide.

From Refugee to Resilient Visionary

Born under Fidel Castro’s oppressive regime in Cuba, Dr. Justo’s family fled the country when he was just three years old. Arriving in the United States with little more than hope, his parents instilled in him the values that he champions today: self-discipline, resilience, and delayed gratification—a philosophy he calls “The Cuban Triad.”

Adjusting to a new language and culture, his parents worked tirelessly to secure their son’s future. Their sacrifices bore fruit when Dr. Justo graduated as valedictorian of his high school and gained acceptance into the University of Michigan’s accelerated medical program. By 23, he had earned both his B.S. and M.D. degrees, marking the beginning of a groundbreaking career in ophthalmology and cosmetic surgery.

A Career of Excellence and Innovation

At just 27 years old, Dr. Justo founded the Arizona Eye Institute & Cosmetic Laser Center, now a leader in patient-centered care and innovation. Over three decades, he has performed more than 50,000 surgeries, pioneering advancements like CO2 laser-assisted blepharoplasty and refractive cataract surgery. With offices in Sun City West, Sun City, and Wickenburg, Arizona, Dr. Justo’s reputation as an expert surgeon and teacher is unparalleled.

A Voice for Personal Transformation

Beyond his medical achievements, Dr. Justo is a transformative thought leader, sharing his philosophies on self-discipline and success through acclaimed TEDx talks and bestselling works.

1. “Delayed Gratification: Your Superpower to Success” explores how patience and self-discipline can drive extraordinary achievements. Dr. Justo shares key steps to mastering delayed gratification:

• Define long-term goals

• Create structured plans

• Practice mindful decision-making

His deeply personal anecdotes, such as selling his cherished college football tickets to survive, illustrate his commitment to prioritizing long-term success over instant rewards.

2. “Unleashing the Drive Within: The Obsession Advantage to Unprecedented Success” redefines obsession as a force for good. Dr. Justo encourages audiences to channel their passions into meaningful pursuits, highlighting five advantages of positive obsession:

• Courage to face challenges

• Mastery of time

• Encouragement of innovation

• Precision focus

• Conscious decision-making

These talks, amassing over 10 million combined views, have cemented his place as a global thought leader.

Mastering the American Dream

Dr. Justo’s philosophy, “The Cuban Triad,” is a personal narrative rooted in his family’s struggles and triumphs. In his presentation “Mastering the American Dream” at Cambridge University, he recounts harrowing stories of fleeing Cuba and starting anew in the U.S. His father, a steelworker, and his mother, a dedicated student, sacrificed luxuries to provide for their only child. These sacrifices shaped his understanding of resilience and delayed gratification.

His story of selling football tickets to meet basic needs, only to return later as a successful alumnus sitting on the 50-yard line, is a perfect encapsulation of his journey.

Author and Advocate

In his bestselling book, “The Power of Pause: Mastering Delayed Gratification for Success,” Dr. Justo provides a practical blueprint for achieving lasting fulfillment. Combining personal anecdotes with actionable advice, the book resonates with readers across industries and life stages.

A Heart-Centered Leader

What truly sets Dr. Justo apart is his unwavering dedication to giving back. Inspired by his family and faith, he mentors young professionals and shares insights with audiences ranging from entrepreneurs to medical practitioners. His story of overcoming discrimination and poverty serves as a beacon of hope, proving that success stems not from privilege but from perseverance and deliberate action.

Looking Ahead

Whether performing life-changing surgeries or delivering impactful keynote addresses, Dr. Emilio M. Justo’s message remains clear: success is not a matter of luck but of self-discipline, focus, and action.

As CEO Times’ 2024 Person of the Year, Dr. Justo’s life and work serve as a reminder that the path to extraordinary achievement is paved with resilience and courage. He continues to inspire generations to dream boldly, work tirelessly, and never lose sight of their purpose.

For more information about Dr. Emilio M. Justo and his groundbreaking work, visit DrEmilioJusto.com.