From the Principal's Office to 100 Episodes: Luis Derechin on Grit, Talent, and Going Global

Dec 17

DECEMBER 17, 2025 | 00:48 | Episode 100

Luis Derechin, Founder and CEO of Nir-Yu

Luis Derechin is a serial entrepreneur, global talent strategist, and author of "The Nearshore Edge: How Smart Companies Scale With Latin American Talent." As the founder and CEO of Nir-Yu, Luis created the REMOTE Intelligence framework, helping ambitious startups and mid-market enterprises access top talent while cutting costs by up to 70%.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Intro

The salient point of today's discussion is that a staggering 73% of offshore or nearshore projects culminate in failure, a statistic that underscores the critical need for a paradigm shift in hiring practices for startups. I, Jothy Rosenberg, am joined by the esteemed Luis Derechin, a repeat entrepreneur who has navigated the complexities of building successful teams across borders. Luis shares his transformative revelation that extending a startup's runway is not solely reliant on securing additional funding, but rather hinges on rethinking talent acquisition strategies. By leveraging the vast pool of world-class talent available in Latin America, companies can dramatically reduce operational costs while fostering real-time collaboration. This episode, marking our centenary, is a profound exploration of effective hiring practices that can significantly enhance a startup's prospects for success.

Conversation

The conversation with Luis Derechin, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of Nir-yu, delves into the pressing issue of talent acquisition in the startup ecosystem. With a staggering 73% of offshore projects failing, Derechin posits that the solution to extending a startup's runway may not lie solely in securing additional funding but rather in strategically rethinking hiring practices. He shares his personal journey from selling candy as a child to successfully raising venture capital for his tech startup in Mexico. Derechin advocates for hiring Latin American talent, which not only reduces costs significantly but also facilitates real-time collaboration across time zones, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of agile methodologies. The episode culminates in a discussion about the critical importance of intentionality in hiring, integration, and communication, emphasizing that remote workers must feel connected to the company's culture to thrive and contribute effectively. This episode serves as a valuable resource for entrepreneurs grappling with the complexities of building and sustaining their teams in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Takeaways

The podcast reveals that a staggering 73% of offshore or nearshore projects ultimately fail, underscoring the critical importance of effective management and strategy in such ventures.
Luis Derechin emphasizes that extending a startup's runway may be more about rethinking hiring strategies, particularly by sourcing talent from Latin America at more sustainable costs.
Effective communication and cultural understanding are essential for the success of remote teams, especially when integrating talent from diverse geographical locations.
The discussion elaborates on the significance of real-time collaboration, highlighting how working within similar time zones can enhance team dynamics and productivity.
The concept of 'grit' is explored, suggesting that resilience and a deep-seated determination to succeed are key traits among successful entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem.
Luis shares insights on a framework for remote team success, which includes rigorous talent selection and optimized team performance as pivotal components.