CONTROL YOUR DESTINY By Doing This SIMPLE Thing | Richard Montañez

TL;DR

Richard Montanez, a former janitor at Frito Lay, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming obstacles to become an executive, revolutionizing the company's success with his invention of Flamin' Hot Cheetos.

Transcript

one time i was teaching a an mba class and i remember one of the students said mr montana you know all my professors have degrees where did you get yours and remember i'm from the hood so i i don't have a problem with confrontation right so i walked up to him and i just said uh university of cucamonga no such cool right it's just my hometown and he... Read More

Key Insights

• 😒 Embrace your background and use it to your advantage.
• 📲 Find your calling and pursue it with passion and determination.
• 👀 Don't be afraid to look ridiculous or take risks in pursuit of your vision.
• ❓ Overcome adversity by staying focused and believing in yourself.
• 😨 Hunger for success can help overcome fear and propel you forward.
• 🗯️ Surround yourself with the right people who support and encourage your growth.
• ✋ Never stop learning and improving, even if it means starting from scratch.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Richard Montanez develop the idea for Flamin' Hot Cheetos?

Montanez got the idea while observing people buying spices and chilis at a grocery store. He decided to put spices on Cheetos and pitched the idea to Frito Lay, leading to the creation of Flamin' Hot Cheetos.

Q: How did Montanez overcome adversity and doubts from others?

Montanez ignored negative comments and stayed focused on his goals. He used his hunger for success and determination to push through obstacles and prove his worth.

Q: Why did Montanez call his journey a calling rather than a career?

Montanez believed that his path was more than just a career; it was a calling. He felt a deep sense of purpose and passion in his work, which fueled his drive to succeed.

Q: How did Montanez handle being underestimated because of his background and lack of formal education?

Montanez embraced his unique background and turned it into an advantage. He focused on his work ethics, initiative, and ability to think outside the box to prove his value and make a significant impact.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Richard Montanez grew up in a migrant labor camp in a small town called Guasti, California, where he worked as a janitor.

• Inspired by the CEO's call to "act like an owner," Montanez came up with the idea of adding spices to Cheetos, leading to the creation of the wildly successful Flamin' Hot Cheetos.

• Despite facing adversity and doubts from others, Montanez persevered, using his hunger for success and determination to make his mark as an executive.