Up until the most recent episode of The Bachelorette (which, believe it or not, was two weeks ago), contestant Iggy Rodriguez was just another dude in the house. He didn't have a 1:1 date, nor did he have explosive chemistry with Rachel à la Peter or Bryan. But if there's one rule in Bachelor-land, it's this: Hang around for a while, because you never know which dark horse is going to get his or her airtime.
Last week Iggy finally got his—though perhaps not in the way he envisioned heading into the season. Taking on the role of life coach in the house, the 30-year-old confronted Eric about his feelings for Rachel (recap alert: It didn't go great). Then, during his time alone with Rachel, Iggy told her about that confrontation and Eric's uncertainty about whether Rachel is genuine about the process. (Got that?) While it established Iggy as sort of the papa bear of the house, it unfortunately didn't do anything (at least from what we saw) to further a romantic connection with Rachel.
But what is Iggy (short for Ignacio) really like? What made him sign up for the show, and what did his friends warn him about? On the day before filming began, we sat down with the consulting firm CEO to find out all that and more.
Glamour: How did The Bachelorette come about?
Iggy Rodriguez: I just turned 30, so some failed love experiences is one. But I think I’ve always been interested in the way that the scenario is put together. You spend so much time trying to find someone where people say, "Yeah, that person is great," or "That person might be a fit," but it takes a lot of time to uncover those intricacies that make a person a person. Here it’s hyper-charged. You see their progression as a person and with their relationships, and not just America, but the people that put this show together vouch for this person as a human being, so there’s got to be something to this person, right? I’ve always been interested in this process, and it continues to interest me. Rachel seems unbelievable. So, honestly, I did it because of a couple failed relationships, interest in the process, and who Rachel is as a person. The process started before Rachel was announced, but when she was announced, I was like, "OK, cool!" There wasn’t a second thought in my mind.
Glamour: We all have failed relationships, but what was missing for you before that you really need in your next one?
IR: Especially as I get older, there’s a big difference between being with someone who needs to be with you versus wants to be with you. I’m super career-driven, and I have a lot on my plate. Sometimes I don’t make as much time [for my personal relationships] as I should or maybe my significant other doesn’t see the work that I’m doing to be as important [as the time I’m dedicating to it]. For me, from a personality standpoint, it seems like Rachel gets it. She’s a lawyer, and her career is very important to her. That’s [kind of the same for me], like if I have my phone out at dinner or if I’m having to answer emails when I’m casually hanging out at the house, so someone that is fiercely independent but also looking for a long-term relationship [is what I’m looking for]. For me, it’s having similar values.
Glamour: You seem like a really spiritual guy, just from the books you’ve brought with you. Is there a motto that you live your life by?
IR: There are a couple. I’m a big football fan, and [football coach] John Harbaugh's dad used to tell him to attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind. For me, attacking those things with enthusiasm is a critical component to the success that I’ve had and how I like to live my life. The second [motto] is "Starve the ego; feed the soul." So, again, kind of reasons to give a shit about things. Finding the things that are important to you and focusing on those important things. Even if it’s something that’s not flattering about you, kind of letting your ego go aside. That’s a big deal for me too.
Glamour: Have your buddies given you any advice going on to the show?
IR: They said don’t talk about my video games. I mean, I have no shame about it. I’m as professional as I am goofy. So I have a group of four or five friends—they are married with kids—so we are at significant stages in our life, but the way that we stick together is by playing video games. For hours on end when we can do it.
Glamour: You seem like you have such an established life in Chicago for the past seven years. Would you consider moving to Dallas?
IR: Chicago has a piece of my heart and is a fantastic place to live. I own my own management consulting firm, so I’ve been a part of some really successful start-ups in Chicago. [At the same time] Dallas is actually a really cool technology hub, so from a transitional standpoint, it wouldn’t be too bad.
Glamour: If Rachel isn’t endgame, what do you hope to get out of this experience? More friends?
IR: [Laughs.] It’s really just enjoying the experience. I don’t have any preconceived notion about what I should be expecting, the people that I’m going to meet, or even how Rachel is. I’m coming into the experience with a level of authenticity and hoping to learn from the people around me.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
