Samuel Santos is the embodiment of American corporate culture, from his tailored suit to his polished patent leather shoes and the Rolex on his left wrist. You would never imagine that this former executive of a Fortune 500 company spent his formative years rummaging through trash on the streets of Brazil. Now, Santos shares how he grew in business and faith in his memoirs “In Spite of the Headwinds: My Journey from Waste Picker to Vice-President at a Top-Forty Fortune 500.”
“In Spite of the Headwinds” chronicles Santos’s rise from humble garbage collector to a successful 40-year career at Johnson & Johnson. Santos discusses his childhood marked by poverty and his determination to provide for himself and his family. He shares his personal story of entering adulthood when he leaves his family to obtain an education and find a lucrative job that helps support those he left behind.
His journey toward personal and professional success is hindered by moments of discrimination and family difficulties. However, Santos remains focused on his professional goals and his unwavering Christian convictions.
“In Spite of Headwinds is a unique blend of faith, work in corporate business and diversity,” said Santos. “At times, all I had was my faith as support to succeed and propel me to a better environment – both personally and professionally. You chart your own path, as long as you trust in God, embracing courage and perseverance.”
Santos’s story is one of hope, faith, and determination, demonstrating how humble beginnings do not determine someone’s future.
Samuel Moody Santos is an engineer, retired vice president of research and development at Johnson & Johnson, ordained minister, husband, father, grandfather, former university professor, career coach, and business consultant. He resides in Tennessee and has also worked and lived in Brazil and China. Born in Brazil, Samuel is a U.S. citizen.