Lessons in Living Más: Five Things I Learned in 2024

With one year as Taco Bell CEO officially under my belt, I must say 2024 was a whirlwind. From letting fans in on the secret sauce at our first-ever Live Más Live to integrating AI across our systems, we really got after it this year. And the bar is set high for what’s to come in 2025. I can’t say it’s been without its challenges – there’s no single way to lead a company, and I’ve been figuring it out as I go. One thing I know for sure is how grateful I am to my team, the real MVPs, for how we’ve chased greatness together this year.?

Here are a few things I’ve learned this year, my unofficial ‘Lessons in Living Más,’ if you will...??

It takes time to find your stride. ?????

Finding your stride as a leader is just like finding your rhythm as a runner. Something I’ve tried to become more of this year thanks to Southern California’s sunshine. At first, you may feel out of sync, unsure of your pace or direction, but with each step forward you learn how to adjust and find out what works for you. You have to push through the tough miles and mental barriers, and it will start to come to you more naturally. Crossing the finish line feels incredible, but there’s always another race ahead.?

Leadership is about making leaders out of others. ??????

At its core, true leadership isn’t about wielding power, but rather instilling it in others. Throughout my career, I’ve had others build me up along the way, so if I had to sum up my approach to leadership, it’s about paying that forward. When given the right resources – trust, patience, empathy – people gain the confidence to take those big swings. And if they're not homeruns every time, that’s ok. They’ll have the confidence to get back up to bat and try again.

Humility lets progress happen. ???

If I knew one thing coming into the CEO seat, it was that I didn’t know everything. And I don’t need to. I’ve been saying this from the start: you don’t have to be the best at everything when you have a championship team. People are experts in their field for a reason, so give them space to shine and take notes along the way.??

A good business isn’t a house of cards. ?????????

As leaders, it’s important to navigate intricacy without creating fragility. All businesses have complexity, but a resilient one is built on a support system that is as tall as it is wide. We must create a culture that can adapt and flourish in the face of challenges, knowing that if any one thing goes, we’ll still stand strong.?

Crunchwrap folding is an art form. ???

Listen – it’s not as easy as it looks. Not only are our restaurant Team Members the heartbeat of Taco Bell, but they also put my Crunchwrap folding skills to shame. Training in our kitchens alongside Taco Bell Team Members has given me a front row seat to the hard work of the people on the frontlines, equipping me with insights to run the business more effectively. After all, you can’t draw an elephant if you’ve never seen one. Also, I think we may need a Crunchwrap emoji…?

So, the biggest lesson I learned this year? Lead with empathy. When your team thrives, so do you.?