Leadership Greater Topeka | Roberto Gonzales
Photo by BRADEN DIMICK
What is the most important part of your work?
One area that I have focused on extensively both as a logistics business owner and in production management is workplace safety. The priority of keeping my teams safe has followed me from the oil fields to transportation to mass manufacturing. At the end of the day, I want to make sure our people are taken care of. I recognize this consideration isn't prevalent in every industry. Completing safety audits, testing and maintaining equipment failures, and providing ongoing training and support on appropriate safety measures is always at the forefront of my focus.
What do you think the secret to a good life is?
There are no secrets to a good life, but pay attention to your values and let them be your guide. We tend to be happiest with our decisions when they align with our principles and goals. The only difference between a good life and a bad one is perspective.
What do you collect?
We own 10 horses and at this point I feel it is fair to call that a collection. I never imagined that this would play such a big part in my daily life as an adult, but I fell in love with a farm gal and apparently it is a package deal. Despite the work involved, it has been a great experience. Nothing will improve your non-verbal communication, test your patience, and develop your comfort with humility like a 1200-lb animal - or 10 of them.
What do you love most about your work?
Throughout my working history, each of the positions I have held have offered ongoing challenges that require me to connect, communicate, and create high quality results with a high degree of consistency. I enjoy managing multiple working parts and guiding my teams to develop their own capacity for solving problems and demonstrating leadership.
What are you grateful for?
I'm grateful for my experiences and every challenge that has moved me outside of my comfort zone to grow personally and professionally.
What do you do for fun or to recharge?
I enjoy travel, golf, weekend projects, anything outdoors, and spending time with my family. We also cook and have dinner together most nights of the week which helps us all recharge.
What motivates you?
Providing for my family and setting a good example as a parent is what motivates me the most.
If you could choose one superhuman ability, what would it be?
I would choose the ability to regenerate energy without sleeping.
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