Cprime Employee Spotlight – Getting to Know Monte Montoya – VP of Product
Last month, we introduced a new series where we’ll highlight the amazing people who work at Cprime. Our Employee highlight for this month is Monte Montoya, VP of Product! See what he does in his spare time outside of Cprime, and what motivated him to join Cprime.
Q: What attracted you to Cprime?
The small family and team dynamic was amazing. As we grew, we always maintained the small family feel. It was also a flat organization and that was key for me. I felt like I could chat with the CEO without running or filtering through several layers. I also got the opportunity to devise and execute my own strategy and solve business problems. It was an addictive business habit that kickstarted my career.
Q: What led to your decision to join?
One decision to join was based on a low risk no-brainer offer of a paid internship. I was able to test out the new car and make sure it was a good fit upfront. The second decision that led to me staying was that I was given all the freedom and responsibility, (or rope as I like to call it), to use wisely. There were no egos, no dictated plans from the top. I was included early at a strategy level and was incorporated into how to solve the problem, then tasked with actually tactically executing a plan to solve the problem. My strategy, my plan. Our vision.
Q: Describe your job in 25 words or less.
Innovate, experiment, launch, break things and fail fast, then rinse and repeat what worked and stop doing what didn’t.
Q: What’s your favorite part of the job?
Learning to embrace the emotional roller coaster of quarterly cycles all filled with highs and lows, wins and losses, successes and failures. It defines your character; always keeps you learning and humbles you as a human being.
Q: How would you describe your approach to leadership?
My style is to be a leader vs a boss. I’m always trying to be a cheerleader, a guide, a roadblock remover, a good listener but most of all in the context of work, I always enjoy attacking problems weekly together with a team vs dictating plans and due dates. I push my teammates to think strategically about our problems and feel pretty strongly about getting the right blend of personalities and skill sets that lead to a high performing team, free of fear.
