Growing Up with a Love for Books
Growing up in Guánica, Puerto Rico, I was always surrounded by the simple things—family, community, church, and a deep love for baseball. But there was something else that shaped me from an early age: reading. Books were my first window to the world beyond my small town. They taught me about leadership, discipline, history, and the endless possibilities that life had to offer. Looking back now, I realize that my journey—from working in municipal government to leading my own companies—was heavily influenced by the lessons I found in books.
Reading has always been more than a hobby for me. It’s been a tool for personal growth, a guide for my professional journey, and a constant source of inspiration. I believe that strong leaders are lifelong learners, and for me, much of that learning happens with a book in hand. Today, I want to share some of the books that have shaped who I am as a leader in public service and business.
Lessons in Leadership from the Pages
When I first stepped into my role as Director of Finance for the Municipality of Guayanilla, I knew I had a lot to learn. Managing public funds, creating budgets, and helping guide an entire municipality requires not just technical knowledge, but leadership and vision. Around that time, I came across The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. This book was like a roadmap for me. Maxwell’s ideas about leading by example, earning trust, and understanding the importance of influence over authority made a lasting impression.
One lesson that stuck with me was the idea that a leader must lift others up in order to succeed. Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about serving others, inspiring them, and helping them grow. This idea fit perfectly with the values I had already learned through my church community: humility, service, and dedication to others. Maxwell’s book gave me the confidence to lead with heart as well as with strategy.
Later, when I started RWM Consultants Inc. and later RWM Real Property Inc., I found myself turning again and again to those same leadership principles. In every contract negotiation, every municipal consulting project, and every business decision, I tried to remember that leadership is about service—and that success is built one relationship at a time.
Reading About Decision-Making and Strategy
Leadership is one part of the equation, but sound decision-making is another. Early in my consulting career, a good friend recommended Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman. At first, I wasn’t sure if a book by a psychologist would help me in business. But it turned out to be one of the most valuable books I’ve ever read. Kahneman’s insights into how people make decisions, how biases can cloud judgment, and how important it is to slow down and think carefully before acting have made a huge difference in my career.
In public service, you are often faced with tough choices—balancing limited budgets, meeting the needs of a community, and making decisions that affect thousands of lives. Reading about decision-making helped me realize that taking a moment to reflect, to gather more information, or to simply question my first instincts often led to better outcomes. In business, those same lessons have helped me lead RWM Real Property Inc. with a clear, steady hand, especially during uncertain times.
Faith-Based Reading and Personal Growth
My faith has always been at the center of my life, so it’s no surprise that some of the most important books I’ve read are ones rooted in faith. One book that has been especially meaningful to me is The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. This book reminded me that success isn’t just about personal achievement; it’s about living a life of purpose, service, and faith.
Reading Warren’s reflections helped me reconnect with why I do what I do. Whether helping municipalities find better ways to serve their citizens, or running a business with integrity, my work is not just for my own benefit. It’s part of a bigger purpose—to serve my community, to honor my faith, and to help others thrive.
In times when business pressures or political challenges made things tough, it was books like this that helped me stay grounded. They reminded me that true success isn’t measured by profit or popularity, but by how faithfully we serve others and live out our values.
Why Reading Still Matters to Me
Even after decades of working in public service, consulting, and entrepreneurship, I still make time to read every day. Sometimes it’s a book about economics or finance, sometimes it’s a leadership book, and sometimes it’s simply a novel that helps me relax and see the world from a new perspective. Reading keeps my mind sharp, but it also keeps me humble. It reminds me that there’s always more to learn, more ways to grow, and new ideas waiting to be discovered.
One of the things I often share with young professionals is the importance of making reading a habit. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the constant flow of emails, meetings, and to-do lists. But if you take even a few minutes a day to read—especially to read books that challenge you, inspire you, or teach you—you’ll find that you grow not just as a professional, but as a person.
Books have been my mentors, my teachers, and my companions throughout my journey. They have shaped the way I lead, the way I serve, and the way I live. Whether it’s a leadership lesson from John Maxwell, a decision-making strategy from Daniel Kahneman, or a reminder of faith and purpose from Rick Warren, each book has left its mark on my life.
As I continue to build my businesses and serve my community, I know that reading will remain a key part of my journey. There’s always a new lesson to learn, a new perspective to consider, and a new way to grow. And for that, I will always be grateful for the simple but powerful gift of books.