Meet Bogdan Matuszynski | International Educator, Innovator, Connector, and Founder of iSERVE

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bogdan Matuszynski and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bogdan, how do you think about risk?

That’s a fantastic question because even though I consider myself not really a risk taker if I’m honest I think that most of the opportunities that I received was because I was ready or open to take a chance/risk without being certain that things would work out. While not every opportunity was necessarily fruitful. It was a valuable learning opportunity that I believe in order to be successful in life, people do have to take risks that are calculated. I remember learning a famous quote to the effect that sometimes the best things are on the other side of fear.

Something I learned a while back was that it’s impossible to be perfect in everything. Instead of being of the mindset that I just randomly let life happen, my life became filled with positive oppprtunities when making the most of opportunities. This has allowed me to be successful and I use the perspective of “how do I add value to projects” or “the lives of others,” instead of thinking how do I make something benefit me. I’ve seen so much positivity and growth of my own and that of others because I’m not trying to just gain for my own self. Instead, I’m looking for ways to improve situations for the collective community and those who have ambitions because there are so many gifted, wonderful, and talented people out there who just need either thag one introduction, that one opportunity, that encouragement to try something different is important for people to improve their lives and also become more courageous.

Something a lot of people mention to me is that people celebrate and see all my awards, accolades, scholarships, fellowships, and grants I earned and how far I’ve come. However, many people don’t know that I unfortunately dropped out of college my first attempt, mid-semester, due to various life circumstances that overwhelmed me. Despite feeling bad about it at first, it was a growth opportunity and was one of the best things that ever happened to me. This disruption allowed me to take a step back and review my life situation, improve as a person, and made me more resilient. From that moment on I learned a lot about myself and I truly felt that nothing could stop me except myself. I am so blessed and fortunate to be a lifelong learner and in a position now where I can help others and that’s why my education business, iSERVE, is so important to me because it’s truly about a life value system to find ways to be a servant leader and to solve problems by finding unique ways that serves others. One of my mentors Dr. Cheryl O’Brien, helped me realize my talemts to share to serve others and encouraged me to start my own initiative instead of just following, which led to the initial projects related to iSERVE.

What should our readers know about your business?

I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey that led to the creation of iSERVE. Born and raised in San Diego, with a unique Polish-Mexican-American heritage, my experiences have allowed me to be exposed to many unique cultures and experiences. iSERVE is more than just a mix of my experiences. It’s a personal commitment to each individual’s success. Having successfully navigated the complex systems of higher education and career development myself, I understand the challenges and obstacles one might face. That’s why at iSERVE, we don’t just guide; we empathize and personalize our approach. We’re not just helping you write winning essays or choose the right career path; we’re sharing a part of our journey with you, treating each case as if it were our own. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” At iSERVE, we care deeply, and this is what drives us to help you succeed.

Our services, from crafting award-winning personal statements to designing comprehensive educational plans – are grounded in real-world skills and insights. As someone who has witnessed the chaos of conflict zones to the heart of multicultural communities, I bring a unique perspective to leadership and diplomacy skills training. This first-hand experience is what I share with iSERVE’s clients, helping them unlock their potential and achieve their dreams. iSERVE, which stands for International Service Education: Research, Vision, and Empowerment, is your partner in navigating the often-confusing world of academic and professional development. From Southern California to anywhere around the world, we’re dedicated to helping you find and take advantage of the opportunities out there. We believe everyone deserves a shot at their dreams, and we’re here to make sure you get yours. iSERVE is dedicated to guiding individuals in their pursuit of academic, professional, and personal excellence, contributing to a more connected and empathetic world. Our mission is help students and professionals empower themselves by teaching skills in servant leadership and to help them articulate their hero’s journey effectively, whether through winning essays or defining their career paths. iSERVE is about connecting people to resources, enhancing educational and economic opportunities, and fostering community prosperity and wellness.

What sets iSERVE apart? Through my research on pecebuilding and how to help communities prosper, I discovered that important pillars for anyone to be successful includes having educational opportunities, economic opportunities, and family / or social support. If these elements are not present then it makes it harder for people to be successful.

I saw a need for those desiring opportunities to find pathways to have the right door open for them that could be lifechanging for someone. While many coaches offer advice based on books or videos, I draw from my own life experiences, a life enriched by scholarships, fellowships, and a wealth of international experiences and collaborations. From the Fulbright Grant to the Rotary Peace Fellowship, each opportunity deepened my understanding of conflict resolution, peace-building, and community service.

My life’s philosophy, “Conquering with Kindness,” reflects my belief in the power of empathy and solidarity. It’s a message I’ve carried through my own personal challenges and near-death experiences, a testament that kindness is indeed a strength. This philosophy has guided me as a social entrepreneurship mentor, a peace ambassador, and in every role I’ve undertaken.

To the students, professionals, and parents reading this, know that with iSERVE, you have a partner who’s lived the journey you’re embarking on. Let’s navigate this path together, transforming challenges into stepping stones for success.

Global experiences, the blessings of being supported by so many mentors, friends, family, and just good people I’ve met along the way, combined with my educational background and passion for community service, led to the creation of iSERVE. The initiative to help others find the right opportunity for them is a testament to my belief in service and empathy as foundational elements for communities to empower themselves and fostering global understanding.

At iSERVE, we are committed to connecting people to resources, enhancing educational and economic opportunities, and fostering community prosperity and wellness. My journey and accomplishments validating my work, along with experiences supporting others to share their gifts with the world – from receiving Congressional Certificates of Recognition to being a RISE San Diego Urban Leadership Fellow, and winning the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award – fuels my passion for making a difference.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

There’s so much to do in San Diego County! We’d definitely start with Triton Charters on San Diego Bay. Nothing beats the view from a catamaran. Then, we’d hit up Raised by Wolves, one of our unique speakeasies, for a bit of that hidden gem vibe.

Balboa Park is a must-visit. It’s like stepping into a world of culture, history, and beautiful gardens. And you can’t miss Chicano Park, the murals there tell such powerful stories. For dining, Awash in North Park is my go-to for Ethiopian food; the flavors are incredible. And if we’re in the mood for something different, Pomegranate offers amazing cuisine from the country of Georgia. Nearby is also great food at Khyber Pass restaurant featuring delicious food of Afghanistan.

No trip here is complete without a visit to the San Diego Zoo. It’s famous for a reason! And for a day in the sun, a walk from Pacific Beach to Mission Beach is perfect. Plus, it’s great to honor our military community with a visit to the Mount Soledad memorial – the views there are just breathtaking.

If time allows, I love taking friends to see the lesser-known spots like downtown La Mesa – it’s quaint, and the historic steam locomotive is pretty cool. The Mt Helix amphitheater also offers a great view of the East County. And for a taste of Middle Eastern cuisine, Mal Al Sham in El Cajon is superb. They even have these fantastic car shows in downtown El Cajon!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

In life, we don’t achieve success in isolation. It’s largely due to the efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement of others. Today, I want to recognize those critical contributors in my story. My achievements and who I’ve become are deeply interwoven with the support, mentorship, love, and encouragement I’ve received. I have also learner so much from people I have met from around the world. Each organization listed here, alongside my cherished friends and family, forms part of my collective village. Their influence in my life extends far beyond mere support; they embody shared values, goals, and visions for a better world. Their unique missions and actions have significantly shaped me, both personally and professionally. I am blessed grateful for the paths we’ve crossed and the invaluable interactions we’ve shared.

I extend my sincerest gratitude to:

my wife, my parents and grandparents, Rotary District 5340 and the Rotary International Foundation, RISE San Diego and RISE Familia, the Humankind San Diego network, Gente Bonita Magazine, COTUCO, San Diego Coastal Rotary Club, AlphaGamma, The Los Angeles Tribune Team, Young Black & ‘N Business Team, TEDx San Diego, the faculty and staff at the Rotary Peace Center at Chulalongkorn University, U.S. Naval War College, and San Diego State University, Hansen Leadership Institute,The American Red Cross Services to Armed Forces Branch, Fulbright Commission of Spain and USA, and I could go on. Their insights and support have significantly enriched my perspective and actions in the realms of education and international exchange. Let’s conquer with kindness one ripple of kindness at a time!

Website: www.iserveinternational.com

Instagram: iservecoaching

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/bogdanmatuszynski

Other: (619)762-1344