The CIO Who Built Futures, Not Just Cars
Category : Leadership
TALES FROM THE LEADERSHIP FRONT
Amara, the CIO of a major automobile manufacturer, navigated her days balancing the fast-paced world of automotive innovation with her true passion: mentoring. Known for her brilliance in driving the company’s digital transformation, she was equally admired for her ability to spark transformation in people.
Amara’s schedule was relentless—conference calls, software rollouts, and strategy meetings. Yet, she always made time for her mentees. Every Wednesday morning, she hosted “Coffee & Code,” an informal mentoring session open to anyone in the company, from interns to senior engineers. Together, they explored cutting-edge technologies, shared career aspirations, and even tackled personal challenges.
Outside of her company, Amara extended her mentorship to local tech communities. She partnered with nonprofit organizations, offering guidance to underrepresented groups eager to enter the tech and automotive industries. Her favorite moments were seeing mentees, once uncertain about their potential, land their dream jobs or launch startups.
Amara believed that mentorship was a two-way street. Her mentees’ fresh perspectives often shaped her strategic decisions. “When you invest in people, you build a bridge to the future,” she’d often say.
Her impact was undeniable. Her company had not only become an industry leader in AI-driven mobility but also a hub for innovation-driven individuals empowered by her guidance.
For Amara, success wasn’t just about breakthroughs in technology; it was about the breakthroughs she helped others achieve.
How do you mentor others? How has your mentor helped your career? Please share in the comments.
1 Comment
Bryan Bennett
January 16, 2025 at 6:34 pmRead the story I wrote 4 years ago about my mentor. We’ve had a 40 year ongoing relationship. https://eliteleadershipacademy.com/an-update-on-tales-from-the-leadership-front-a-lifetime-of-mentoring/