ABOUT ME
I didn’t start my career chasing a title. I started by chasing ideas, learning from great creators around me, and realizing that not fitting neatly into a category could actually be an advantage.
Over the last 25 years, I’ve drawn from my immigrant and Texan roots, my fluency across languages, and the rise of hip hop and urban culture to shape the perspective I lead with today. What once made me an outlier became my strength, allowing me to see across cultures, understand different lived experiences, and bring a more complete picture of people into the work.
Along the way, I stepped outside the agency world to build something of my own. I founded a culture-driven agency and launched Tequila Honor, helping grow it into a nationally recognized brand. That experience sharpened my instincts, expanded my perspective, and reinforced the value of building with intention.
Most recently, as Chief Creative Officer at fluent360, I focused on scaling teams, creating systems for growth, and building environments where talent feels challenged, supported, and empowered to do their best work.
I believe evolution is essential. I’m constantly studying, adapting, and exploring new ways of thinking, from AI and emerging technologies to leadership development and coaching. I’m currently pursuing ACC certification with the International Coaching Federation, focused on helping emerging and mid-level creatives grow into stronger leaders.
My goal now is simple: create the right environment for the best ideas to come to life.
POINT OF VIEW
Thoughts, conversations, and perspectives on creativity, culture, and leadership. Along with a selection of features and interviews that reflect how my work shows up.
AdAge
Honoring Creative Excellence: Hispanic Heritage Month
fluent360’s José Suaste on carving out a growing space for diverse creatives
PRODU
the best way to reach multicultural markets in 2019 is with anything that allows marketers to hijack pop culture
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Hijacking Pop Culture
Tell Me Más Podcast
For The Love Of Art, Hip-Hop & Identity
José shares his story as a first-generation kid of Mexican migrant farm workers. He talks about the sacrifices his parents made and the endless support he received from them, especially from his mother.
WATCH
What Anthony Bourdain Taught Us,
And Why It Matter More Than Ever
This June marks another year without Anthony Bourdain. And still, for a lot of reasons, he lingers. He’s with us not just in reruns and recollections, but in the growing need for empathy, insight, and a deeper look beyond our own borders.
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Beyond Barriers Podcast
From First-Generation to Creative C-Suite: A Path to Leadership and Legacy
In this raw and compelling episode of the Beyond Barriers Podcast, host Monica Marquez sits down with the inspiring José Suaste, Chief Creative Officer at fluent360, to explore his incredible journey from a first-generation Mexican-American kid growing up in Dallas to one of the top creative leaders in multicultural advertising.
LISTEN

