Welcome
Yes, I can and so can you!
By: Dr. Raul A. Deju
The Author
Author
Dr. Raul A. Deju
His most recent books are “Yes, I Can and So Can You!”, “We Got Mojo!” and “Planet in Conflict”. Currently he has retired from chairing and being on the Board of Directors of several major fast-growing companies. In his retirement he now serves on boards of major charitable institutions he supports.
After finishing his primary schooling in Miami and learning English from nuns at Barry College in North Miami at the age of 14, he headed for New Mexico Tech (NMT) in the little town of Socorro, New Mexico at the age of 16. In just 4 years and at the age of 20, Raul graduated from New Mexico Tech with a B.S. in Math and Physics with Highest Honors and later with his PhD in Hydrology in early 1969 at the age of 23. By age 23 he had 12 articles published in peer reviewed journals.
After NMT, Dr. Deju went on to have a successful career serving in leadership executive positions with multi-billion-dollar companies like Gulf Oil (now Chevron), International Technology Corporation, URS, Inc., EnergySolutions and Waste Management. He has authored over 100 technical papers published in major journals. He has a passion for entrepreneurship and building businesses and his last role prior to his retirement was as Partner of Brightstar Capital Partners, a private equity firm and Chairman of Amerit.
Dr. Deju is a long-term supporter of New Mexico Tech (NMT). He has served on the New Mexico Tech Foundation Board for seven years, currently serving as a Trustee and member of the Executive Committee. Dr. & Mrs. Deju have also contributed significantly to New Mexico Tech initiatives including, but not limited to: being a substantial funding partner in the construction of the Raul and Shari Deju University House, now finished, initiating and funding the Bright Stars Scholarship Program, supporting undergraduate positions at the Bureau of Geology; and developing the Hantush-Deju Center for Hydrologic Innovation, a research center that will further solidify NMT in the world of hydrology and that was inspired by Raul’s experience working under hydrology legends Dr. Mahdi Hantush and C.E. Jacob during his time at NMT.
Dr. Deju has served as an advisor to the US Secretary of Commerce and the US EPA
Administrator. He was named one of the top 25 Latinos in the San Francisco area. His philanthropy also supports major hospitals, high school programs, targeted research, internet education, entrepreneurship, and programs for disabled veterans. He enjoys having conversations with people in the 5 languages he is proficient in.
Book Trailer
Discover the heart behind Yes I Can and So Can You!—an inspiring journey of courage, resilience, and empowerment. This powerful trailer gives you a glimpse into the message that’s changing lives and encouraging readers to rise above every challenge. Get ready to believe in yourself again—because “if I can, so can you”
The Book
Yes, I Can And So Can You!
Yes, I Can and So Can You!” is an inspiring autobiography that combines Deju’s personal experiences with universal lessons. He offers readers a treasure trove of guiding lights. Readers will learn that these lights have helped him navigate through life’s challenges and achieve what can only be described as a meaningful life.
Yes, I Can and So Can You! is a powerful reminder that success is not simply about achievement but is also about the positive impact one leaves behind. The book is a very worthy and fun read that transcends its author. Simply put, the book provides the light for our journey through a life well lived.
Tom Meredith, Partner, Brightstar Capital Partners, Former CFO Dell, and Treasurer of Sun Microsystems. Also Board member of the Nature Conservancy.
At the age of 78 years old while still working, Raul Deju has compiled the amazing, uplifting and inspiring story of his life as an immigrant arriving in the United States from Cuba at the age of 14 in the Pedro Pan airlift with only a dime in his pocket and his entire family back in Cuba to a highly successful academic/intellectual, scientist, major corporate CEO, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He challenges us to lead a purposeful life and answer “yes, I can” when opportunities present themselves, despite how overwhelming they may seem. As I have evolved from one of Raul‘s corporate lawyers to one of his and his wife Shari’s friends, Raul has shown me a model of living out the Jesuit goal of living a life in service to others. His gratitude to the United States is palpable and charity is his passion.
Marcia Wiss, Law Professor, Georgetown University and Founder and Managing Partner of Wiss & Partners LLP
“Yes, I Can and So Can You! is a mantra for professional and personal transformation as a leader in business. Who is a better leader than Raul Deju to illuminate the nuance and insight necessary in a volatile world to ignite hearts and minds. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to have a special edge in being the best and doing their best to make a difference!”
Dr. Mark C. Thompson, CEO, Home | Chief Executive Academy and NYTimes bestselling author.
CBS RADIO INTERVIEW
Interview From CBS Radio
We’re excited to share that Yes I Can and So Can You! was featured in an exclusive interview on CBS Radio! Hear the author dive deep into the inspiration behind the book, the powerful stories within its pages, and the message of hope and perseverance it brings to readers everywhere. Tune in to be inspired and reminded that with faith, determination, and the right mindset—anything is possible.
Testimonials
This is my first time writing a review, it’s just not my thing. However, this book moved me to try new things and take more chances, so I’ll start here. The author shares his incredible story of self-made success with a focus not only on business and money but also in the often-overlooked categories of happiness, impact on others, and philanthropy. This is fast read that keeps you engaged and integrates ideas about how to establish your own “guiding lights” to find your own success regardless of the challenges you may face.
I picked up this book out of curiosity at the London Exhibition, and I’m so glad I did. Raul Deju’s journey from a 14-year-old immigrant with a dime to a global leader is nothing short of amazing. His storytelling is personal, yet every chapter offers a lesson that feels like it’s speaking directly to you. It’s the kind of book that shifts your mindset from “maybe” to “yes, I can.”
Other Works
We Got Mojo!
Planet In Conflict
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