3 Lessons Learned from our Conversation with Skip Tramontana of PEPSICO

Author: Andrew Gall

Here are three key takeaways from our recent episode with Skip Tramontana, Creative Director at PEPSICO. Listen to the full conversation here.

 

LESSON 1: Stay open to serendipity.

Skip’s career was anything but linear. He went from selling Christmas trees and playing football to building bars and selling furniture before finding his way into advertising. His journey is proof positive that sometimes the best opportunities come from the most unexpected places. And a great reminder that staying open and adaptable can lead to success in surprising ways.

LESSON 2: Listen more, speak less.

Early in his career, Skip learned that listening first often led to more success—and that the quietest person in the room often gathers the most useful insights.

LESSON 3: Invest in yourself—now.

Skip emphasized how, in his 20s, he wasted valuable time and didn’t fully take advantage of opportunities to grow—whether by improving his skill set or saving money. He cautions that time and resources become scarcer as your career progresses, and there’s never a better time to invest in yourself than right now.