In the second of a six-part series of blogs about the growth of The Little Potato Company (LPC), and the leadership of CEO/co-founder Angela Santiago, we talk about how her love of learning has been instrumental in her success.
Angela Santiago’s life is a learning curve. In fact, “incessant curiosity” is an approach that’s served her well – especially when plans for her life took a detour.
That path was opened by her co-founder/father Jacob who had an idea to start a business growing the delicious little potatoes from his homeland. Angela, who was then studying political science, history, and business at university, agreed to help – but just for a little while.
Needless to say, she never left and today, as CEO of LPC, she has also earned her self-described PhD in Hard Knocks. In this clip, learn how the course of her life and her education changed.
A Love of Learning
In fact, Angela credits her love of learning as the most impactful thing that has enabled her to continue to grow. In this clip, Angela talks about how much time she spends on continual studies.
“I Iove to learn,” she says. “I’ve always been curious and comfortable with not knowing something. It’s kind of a Catch 22 that has allowed me to room to learn – and I give (that) room for other people.” Here she talks about how she keeps getting to the next level of her growth.
“I’m comfortable with being uncomfortable…and I’m definitely okay with what I don’t know.
I’m either going to learn myself or go find someone that knows how to do it.”
Persistent Resilience
Angela doesn’t shy away from challenges. When something doesn’t work, she keeps trying different approaches until she figures it out.
This kind of determination has been a big part of her company’s success.
What’s really striking is how at ease she is with not having all the answers. She tackles problems with an open mind, knowing there’s more than one way to get where she wants to go.
She’s not afraid to reach out to lots of different people—consultants, other CEOs, her Advisory Board, and peers—to gather ideas and piece together the right solution.
I think many CEOs could benefit from that approach. Listen to Angela talk about her persistence and how she relies on her network.
Double Your Capacity
Angela embodies the principles I cover in Chapter 8, Learn Like Your Life Depends on It, from Your Oxygen Mask First. To truly earn the title of leader, you need to double your capabilities every three to five years. It’s the only way to stay at the top of your game, be your best, and take your company to new heights.
Whatever path you choose, make investing in your future abilities as a leader a top priority.
For more, here is the link to our recent LPC Case Study and you can watch the full interview with Angela below.
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