My Rockstar Classmates: Ricky's complicated relationship

As the only straight single Latino man in the MSx class of 2018, the risk of complicated relationships was high for Ricardo Gutierrez! But, I won't get into paparazzi journalism! The relationship Ricky explores during his LOW Keynote in actually close to my heart. Recycling.

Similar to Ricky, I worked in an industry where recycling plays an important role. The paper industry. And as an executive at Grupo Familia I worked to support the efforts to educate consumers to encourage and promote recycling. Not an easy task. So I admire the issue Ricky has ventured to tackle, in an industry where recycling seems even more challenging. The question is, why does an executive in the plastic and petrochemical's industry, like Ricky, care about recycling? I invite you to watch his LOW Keynote speech to find out.

About Ricky's Talk: Have you ever been in a complicated relationship? What are you willing to do to make it work? Join Ricardo Gutierrez, a Stanford Sloan Fellow, as he describes his unusual relationship with Plastic and the steps he takes to make recycling work.

My key takeaway from Ricky's complicated relationship with plastic is: 400 years! I will always remember that is how long it takes for plastic to degrade. Therefore, I will walk a few more steps or do an extra effort to recycle that plastic bottle. Joining Ricky in his commitment to encourage and promote recycling.

In addition to Ricky's passion and commitment for recycling, I have learned from my fellow Mexican classmate what commitment is about. Whatever Ricky commits to he does with all of his heart and passion. And I admire and value that quality. As class president he committed to bringing the class together, and he did. Academically, we call him the Mexican-German, because he is 100% committed to the classes. And as a friend, the same holds true.

And for that reason, as committed as he was for this year at Stanford, I asked Ricky what his top 3 learnings are from his experience during the MSx:

1) Learn to respect and value other's opinions, even when it is nothing like yours.

2) Improve his soft skills (i.e. LOW Keynote speech, something Ricky never thought possible).

3) How to be a positive influence in a group of high potential individuals.

The next step for Ricky will be Portugal. Where he will continue to lead positive change, while managing his complicated relationship! And for all of us just remember... 400 years!!!!