Love Is Free. Guac Is Extra.: How Vulnerability, Empowerment, and Curiosity Built an Unstoppable Team

by Monty Moran

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.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction

318 pages, Hardcover

Published October 20, 2020

Reviews

[Gustavo Anaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Elizabeth Boone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a truly life changing, inspirational book. I have not only developed a greater understanding of how to lead and inspire others, but I have also had my eyes opened to my life as a whole. This book encourages you to look inwardly and develop as a person. I felt a weight lifted from my shoulders as I read this book, it allowed me a clarity of thought that I have not experienced before. If you want to become a true leader and become the best version of yourself then this book is for you.

[Shu Post · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long-time fan of Chipotle, I learned so much about the company and why the company has been so successful for many years. Until I read this bookC I didn’t know much about the culture at Chipotle. Thank his books ie not just about making a fast-food Mexican chain successful - it’s about how to develop and empower leaders to build an unstoppable team while living the most authentic life at the same time. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to thrive in life.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book on leadership and the traits, skills, and actions to take to become a great leader. I first heard Monty on a podcast and then listened to this audiobook where he narrates his leadership journey through the ranks of Chipotle. As a small business owner, I believe this is a "must read" for anyone who owns a business or wants to lead people!

[Robin Tobin (On the back porch reading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wild ride. I enjoyed the social emotional approach developed for operating and creating the success of Chipotle's organization and restaurants. Popsugar 2021 - Restaurant Genre

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up.

Authentic flow throughout. Stories that transition in and out of snap shots of advice that is thoughtful, direct, and genuine.

[Nate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Worth a once-over but I couldn't finish it.

[Rick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book. I look forward to asking Monty a few questions some day, including which Dairy Queen location, and do you know Brian Grazer. It’ll be fun.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Had to read this for work. Some of the stuff was good, but it seemed like a lot of it was just the author patting himself on the back.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a thought-provoking and challenging read. Only a lawyer would recommend and endorse the idea of the removing the HR function altogether from a business 🤣

To Monty’s point, if everyone was living these principles and had the best intentions, we would be able to fully trust our leaders to do the right thing. And we would absolutely not need an HR department! The problem comes when people don’t always have noble motives and humble servant hearts. Chipotle has an HR department again, which is not a surprise. I wish everyone in positions of authority thought and acted like Monty envisions. I would love to work for a company like that. Realistically, office politics wins out.

In summary, 5 stars for the heart behind the vision, minus 1 star for practicality.