Love is Free. Guac is Extra.: How Vulnerability, Empowerment, And Curiosity Built An Unstoppable Team

We held a wonderful virtual event yesterday with our alum Monty Moran ('93) on his just-released book, Love is Free. Guac is Extra.: How Vulnerability, Empowerment, and Curiosity Built an Unstoppable Team (2020):

Imagine you’re one of 75,000 people working in a huge company, and the CEO wants to talk to you, one-on-one, to get to know and understand you. That’s what Monty Moran did 20,000 times as he built the extraordinary culture that took Chipotle Mexican Grill from a regional burrito chain to a Fortune 500 superstar. 

In Love Is Free, Guac Is Extra, Monty shows how he used curiosity, vulnerability, love, and a unique understanding of the true meaning of empowerment to build a distinctive and wildly effective culture. From his teenage days befriending homeless people at a Colorado Dairy Queen to his nuanced navigation of a complex co-CEO relationship, Monty demonstrates a relentless humility and desire to understand the person across from him.

This is not your average leadership book. This is a book about business leadership executed in a way you’ve never encountered before, by becoming the best version of yourself.

Drew Kellogg (CEO, Oath Pizza), Monty Taught Chipotle How To Cultivate Confidence:

Monty is a rare individual with extraordinary presence. A personality that fills the room. When you meet him and shake his hand, he looks you in the eye and within a couple of minutes you are at ease and sharing your life story. The "why are you here's?" and the "what do you want to do's?", big questions. Monty presents them with an approachability as if they are part of every day conversations. In short, Monty's gift is his ability to connect, make you feel part of something special and inspire you. Monty taught Chipotle how to cultivate confidence. On a foundation of Steve's culinary brilliance, Monty's approach fueled Chipotle's meteoric growth and sustained success.

I was on the front lines and witnessed the highest highs and the lowest lows. If you aspire to serve those around you, if you want to lead and build a special team that is fueled by their own passion and connection to each other, then read this story and challenge yourself to be better than you were yesterday.

Gus Anaya, We Can All Be Leaders. Each Of Us:

Love Is Free. Guac Is Extra. is an insightful, enjoyable read which gives remarkable lessons in leadership, team building and establishing a culture of empowerment. It also delves into enlightening messages about life. Monty Moran sheds light on his fascinating and inspiring story, while identifying many of the key ingredients of rich relationships and connection with others. Vulnerability. Gratitude. Curiosity. Yes, love. Monty connects with the reader, as he always has with everyone he meets; he communicates clearly and effectively. Through this book Monty helps us all to be the very best versions of ourselves. I don't think there's anyone who wouldn't benefit from reading this book.