Leading with Purpose in a Disrupted World

CARLOS E SILVA

Founder and CEO

PIFD Technologies LLC

The nature of leadership is shifting—not just in title or scope, but in soul. No longer confined to growth charts and boardroom strategies, leadership today is a human test of clarity, conviction, and creativity. In a world where disruption is constant—whether through technology, geopolitics, or public trust—leaders are being asked not only to respond, but to reimagine. And to do so with heart. Few embody this evolving paradigm more powerfully than Carlos E. Silva, the visionary Founder and CEO of PIFD Technologies LLC. Carlos’s story begins far from Silicon Valley, in the heart of Guatemala’s aviation sector, where he launched a decades-spanning career in transportation and logistics. From founding a multimodal transport company in El Salvador to optimizing regional supply chains in the U.S., he built a reputation for ingenuity and integrity. But it wasn’t just business that shaped his journey—it was a loss. The tragic passing of his son in 1998 became a defining moment, planting the seed of a mission far greater than profit. That mission would later fuel the creation of Murphy— PIFD Technologies’ groundbreaking telematics system

“I DIDN’T BUILD A COMPANY TO DISRUPT AN INDUSTRY —I BUILT IT TO FULFILL A PROMISE.”

that harnesses AI, sensors, and 5G to detect traffic violations and reward safe driving. With patents secured, a tested MVP, and 15 municipalities already on board, PIFD is redefining road safety through innovation— while laying the foundation for Carlos’s deeper purpose: supporting children facing life-threatening illnesses. Now in his 70s, having survived a liver and kidney transplant and continued cancer treatment, Carlos leads PIFD with the clarity of someone who’s lived every chapter of what it means to begin again.In this exclusive TradeFlock feature, Carlos E. Silva shares his extraordinary path—from hardship to innovation, from grief to leadership—and how he’s reshaping what it means to lead with purpose in a world that desperately needs it.

It was a moment that tested my commitment, and that single decision became the foundation for everything we’ve built since.

What inspired your transition from logistics to launching a road safety tech startup?

Starting over in a new country isn’t just about geography—it reshapes your perspective. When I immigrated to the U.S., I carried a lifelong dream of owning my own company again, but honestly, it felt out of reach. To make ends meet, I started driving for the ridesharing industry. At the time, it felt like a step backward. But that chapter turned out to be a turning point. Day after day, I witnessed just how dangerous our roads had become— reckless speeding, distracted drivers, near misses. I didn’t want to just observe the problem—I felt a deep responsibility to do something about it. That sense of purpose is what gave birth to PIFD Technologies and Murphy. It wasn’t just about business—it was about saving lives and reimagining road safety from the ground up.

What was a make-or-break moment in your PIFD Technologies journey?

The scariest part of any startup isn’t failure—it’s deciding to begin. I hit a point where I had to choose: walk away or risk everything to move forward. That leap of faith wasn’t easy, but it reminded me that bold choices often lead to the most meaningful outcomes.

Where do you see Murphy and PIFD Technologies in the next 5 years?

I’ve always believed that if your vision doesn’t scare you a little, it’s not big enough. In five years, I see Murphy making roads safer across the globe.

“We’re pushing boundaries to redefine transportation —building smarter vehicles, smarter systems, and a safer future for everyone.”

What’s the most unconventional lesson that still shapes how you make decisions?

Throughout my career, the moments that looked like failure on the surface were actually the ones that shaped me the most. I stopped seeing setbacks as dead ends and started treating them as detours with purpose. “Failure is never a stopping point—it’s an opportunity to refine, improve, and keep moving forward.” That mindset shifted everything. It taught me that grit often matters more than strategy, and that progress is built on persistence. Even today, every decision I make carries that lesson: keep going, keep learning, and trust that even the hard parts are pushing you somewhere worthwhile.

I’ve learned more from falling down than I ever did from standing tall.

What passions or life experiences outside of work shape your leadership?

Creativity often starts with a rhythm—and for me, that rhythm has always been music. The soul of rock, blues, and jazz from the ’60s to the ’80s fuels my mind and helps me approach problems with a different lens.

"But beyond the music, it’s my journey through adversity that’s truly shaped how I lead. “I am a survivor—a liver transplant, a kidney transplant, and seven battles with cancer have tested me in every possible way.”

Those experiences taught me how to stay calm under pressure, lead with purpose, and never lose sight of what truly matters. They’ve become the foundation of my leadership—rooted in resilience, clarity, and the belief that no obstacle is greater than the human spirit.