From Self-Doubt to Servant Leadership: Josue Avalos Jimenez’s Journey at Nintendo

When Josue Avalos Jimenez first joined the Caldwell Fellows program, he wrote his personal essay about how little he considered himself a leader. Today, as he completes a transformative summer internship at Nintendo of America, the Class of 2026 Graphic & Experience Design major has discovered that true leadership isn’t about fitting into an “ideal” mold—it’s about serving others authentically and creating meaningful connections through compassion and empathy.

Finding Purpose Through Servant Leadership

Avalos’s evolution as a Caldwell Fellow reflects the program’s core mission of developing servant leaders. “I have found that being a Caldwell Fellow is about serving others and being a version of yourself that is worth learning from and admiring—one that people will want to follow and stand next to,” he reflects. This understanding has become the foundation of his approach both in the Fellows program and in his professional work at Nintendo.

At Nintendo, Josue has put this philosophy into practice as a digital designer, where he’s learned that “practicing being a compassionate collaborator by actively listening to others and empathizing has been crucial.” Rather than trying to conform to a predetermined notion of what a designer should be, he’s focused on presenting his authentic self and leveraging his unique strengths to create a meaningful impact.

Design as an Act of Service

Avalos’s internship has reinforced his belief that design is fundamentally about serving others. “When researching, designing, and testing, maintaining a focus on compassion and empathy is crucial to understanding and meeting the needs of users, especially those who may often be overlooked,” he explains. This perspective demonstrates how the Caldwell Fellows’ emphasis on servant leadership translates directly into professional practice.

His approach to design work mirrors his leadership philosophy: “Designing for people means understanding and caring for others on a level that goes beyond simply analytics and numbers, it is not always about pretty colors and cool letters.” This human-centered approach has allowed him to view his work “in a broader scope and create more meaningful connections with people.”

Overcoming Challenges with Grace

Like many high-achieving students, Avalos has grappled with impostor syndrome and perfectionism. However, his time as a Caldwell Fellow has taught him valuable lessons about self-worth and authentic leadership. “Before, I pushed and confined myself into tags and definitions of ‘ideal’ versions for all things,” he admits. “If I didn’t perfectly fit these images, I often felt like I was falling short of my potential.”

Through mentorship and the supportive Caldwell Fellows community, Josue has learned to appreciate his own aptitudes while maintaining his commitment to growth. He’s discovered the importance of advocating for himself and sharing his ideas without fear of overstepping, recognizing that “everyone brings value to a conversation.”

The Power of Listening

Central to Avalos’s leadership philosophy is the principle of active listening—a skill that has served him well both as a Fellow and as an intern. “I have continued my same approach to leadership as the day I first joined the program: listen first,” he says. “Being surrounded by such talented people, sometimes the best thing I can do is to take in everything and be inspired from even the smallest things.”

His advice to future Fellows reflects this wisdom: “Listen three times more than you speak. Some of the greatest people I have met have been drowned out in a sea of voices and noise. Everyone has something that they can teach you, and probably more wisdom than you might gauge from a first impression.”

I have continued my same approach to leadership as the day I first joined the program: listen first.

Living the Dream

Working at Nintendo—a company he’s “adored since I was a kid”—has felt like a dream come true for Josue. From surprise birthday celebrations to dancing with a cardboard cutout of Tom Nook from Animal Crossing, he’s found joy in both the work and the community. “I get to do what I love in a state full of nature, surrounded by the most talented and friendly people (and lots of Mario decorations),” he shares with characteristic enthusiasm.

Yet beyond the excitement of working at his dream company, Josue has gained something more valuable: a deeper understanding of what it means to lead through service. His journey from self-doubt to confident servant leader exemplifies the transformative power of the Caldwell Fellows experience.

Looking Forward

As Josue approaches his final year in the program, he carries with him hard-won wisdom about authentic leadership, the importance of community, and the power of approaching work with compassion and empathy. His advice to future Fellows is simple but profound: “Take advantage of the blessings that this program offers you. Attend the meetings and dinners, participate, and be an absolute Caldwell Fellows fanatic.”

Josue’s story demonstrates that servant leadership isn’t about conforming to an external ideal—it’s about discovering your authentic self and using your unique gifts to serve others. As he continues his journey, both as a Caldwell Fellow and as a designer, he embodies the program’s mission of developing leaders who make a meaningful difference in the world, one compassionate interaction at a time.