For Yvette Ramirez, leadership is all about people. As an Area Coach (AC) with over 11 years at Taco Bell, Yvette has had plenty of opportunities to grow as a leader with us here at Desert de Oro Foods (DDO). Now, she’s taking that growth to the next level through Taco Bell’s theLEAP program, a six-month leadership development experience designed to help participants strengthen their skills, learn from others and bring new ideas back to their teams.

“The goal is not just to grow personally but to use what I learn to help the people around me grow, too.”

– Yvette Ramirez, Area Coach

Selected for the program by her training leader, Yvette is participating in theLEAP via a combination of virtual and in-person learning. From bi-weekly team sessions to a full week of in-person training at Taco Bell Corporate in Irvine, CA, the experience is giving her new tools to better communicate and understand her team.

We caught up with Yvette to learn more about this experience and what she hopes to  bring back to DDO.

Q: What’s one word you’d use to describe your theLEAP experience?

A: Encouraging.

Q: How are you planning to apply what you’ve learned at DDO?

A: I want to bring the material back to my team and our region Above Restaurant Leaders (ARLs). One of the biggest tools I’m taking back with me is the ability to identify different behaviors and use that understanding to better communicate with my Restaurant General Managers (RGMs) and peers. Understanding that everyone communicates and responds differently can make a big difference in how we work together.

Q: What have you learned about yourself as a leader?

A: I’ve learned to be calm with others and to be respectful of their conversation. That’s an important lesson for any leader. Taking the time to listen, understand different perspectives and respond thoughtfully can strengthen relationships and build trust.

Q: If someone at DDO had the opportunity to participate in theLEAP, what would you tell them?

A: Try it out! It’s a great experience.

As she finishes up her last month in the program, Yvette is focused on making sure  growth extends beyond herself. With a passion for people and a commitment to becoming an even stronger leader, Yvette is making the most of the opportunity to LEAP forward!