George Carralejo: Building Winners in Business and Baseball

In both boardrooms and in the dugout, George Carralejo has earned a reputation for building winners. With over 20 years in healthcare sales and a coaching record that includes State Championships, Carralejo’s career spans two fields where pressure is high and results matter. Whether he’s leading a sales team or coaching athletes to a CIF title, his focus stays the same—help people exceed expectations.

“My job, no matter the setting, is to help others reach their full potential,” says Carralejo. “When you focus on that, the result takes care of itself.”

From the Field to the Sales Floor

George’s journey started with baseball. As a college athlete, he competed in the 1999 College Baseball World Series, an experience that shaped his approach to leadership. “Playing at that level taught me discipline, accountability, and how to thrive under pressure,” he explains.

After college, he shifted to healthcare sales, bringing the same energy to a new arena. He built a 20+ year career in the medical field, leading teams and, most recently, as Senior West Region Sales Director for CooperSurgical in the fertility space.

From 2020 to 2024, Carralejo led his region through major growth while also earning recognition as a Multiple Time President’s Club winner. “The secret is in building relationships and showing up for people,” he says.

A Champion on the Diamond

While climbing the ladder in business, George never stepped away from baseball. Over the years, he coached six high school seasons, leading one team to the 2013 CIF Championship. He also coached college baseball for 11 seasons, winning a California State Championship and reaching the Final Four twice.

“Coaching isn’t just about calling plays. It’s about building trust, pushing athletes beyond their comfort zones to reach their potential, and creating a culture that demands effort and rewards self discipline,” he says.

That mindset translates directly into his corporate leadership style. He treats his team like athletes—with high standards and constant coaching. “We debrief after every customer interaction. Win or lose, there’s always something to learn.”

Blending Two Worlds

Balancing a career in both business and coaching might sound tough, but Carralejo sees it differently. “I don’t separate them,” he says. “Leadership is leadership. You prepare, you communicate clearly, and you compete with integrity.”

His years coaching youth sports also shaped his perspective. For over a decade, he’s helped kids learn the fundamentals—on and off the field. “Teaching 10-year-olds how to respond to a setback is the same as helping a new rep handle rejection in sales,” he adds. “It’s emotional control. It’s having a growth mindset and continually striving to get better.”

Learning from Wins—and Losses

Carralejo is proud of the wins, but he doesn’t hide from the losses. “One year, we were supposed to go deep into playoffs and got knocked out early,” he recalls. “I took it hard—but it forced me to rethink how I built the team. After that, I focused more on mental strength, not just talent.”

He applied that same lesson at work. “I once hired someone based only on their resume. It didn’t work out,” he says. “Now I look for grit. I want people who can fail, adjust, and bounce back.”

Advice for Future Leaders

When asked what advice he’d give his younger self, Carralejo doesn’t hesitate. “Don’t try to do it all alone. Surround yourself with people who challenge you,” he says. “You don’t grow by being the smartest one in the room.”

And his best practice? Regular reflection. “After every game or deal, I ask: What did we do well? What can we do better next time?”

What’s Next?

Carralejo continues to lead in healthcare while staying close to the game. He plans to keep coaching, mentoring, and pushing for excellence on both fronts.

“The wins feel great, but what matters most is seeing someone you coached—whether in business or sports—succeed because you helped them believe in themselves,” he says.

That’s what drives him. Helping people become who they didn’t think they could be.

Key Takeaways from George Carralejo’s Journey:

• Cross-discipline leadership works: Lessons from sports apply directly to business—and vice versa.
• Success is built on relationships: In sales and coaching, trust and clarity beat flashy tactics.
• Grit matters more than talent: Whether hiring or building a team, mental strength is key.
• Reflection fuels growth: Post-game and post-deal analysis helps turn experience into improvement.
• Leadership is about others: Wins come when you help others become their best selves.

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