Who are/were your mentors? What were the lessons learned from them?
One early mentor of mine was subash sam valanju, former CiO for rockwell automotive. subash was the first to expose me to the international and corporate world. he was a leader who coached, motivated, ALmiR SaNTOs and inspired; he helped me learn to do the same. he Vice President, also reinforced important Information Systems Business Solutions values, especially respect for ARviNMERiTOR the individual. susan Kampe, former CiO for Meritor, was another mentor. she helped develop my teamwork and delegation skills, while motivating and inspiring me with her vision and energy. Finally, larry yost, former Chairman and CEO at arvinMeritor, was an inspiring leader with strong principles and an impressive talent to motivate and energize people. Do you teach anything different to those you mentor? If so, what is it?
probably not. From infancy, i was taught ethics and respect by my father. Each successive mentor reinforced those values, and i want to do the same with those i mentor.
Who in your family had the most impact on your upbringing and success?
My father. a strong, respected man, he provided me with a foundation of ethical principle and respect upon which my life has been built. What are your two favorite books/authors and what impact have they had on your career and personal life?
Built to Last, by Jerry poras and Jim Collins, and Good to Great, by Jim Collins. These books describe the characteristics of great companies and great leaders. i try to implement their principles of motivation, commitment, and alignment of people into my work habits. One quote from Good to Great especially impacts my business philosophy, “Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice.� How are you involved with your community?
There is a large local brazilian community here. with its size, it is difficult to remain a tight-knit group, but it is important that we remain close. we have frequent reunions to strengthen togetherness. If you were to have lunch with the President of the United States, what would you ask or suggest?
i would like to see more attention on two issues that directly affect our future: global warming and public education. What is your philosophy of life?
i seek to live a life in which my legacy will be the principles i helped solidify in others. i feel a person is judged not by how much money he makes, but how he affects those around him. What is your most rewarding accomplishment?
being a poor kid from a small town in brazil, then becoming an executive of an american global company is certainly nice, but i find my greatest accomplishment is in helping people to grow professionally. If given the chance, what would you do differently?
probably nothing. Everything that has happened in the past helped shape my character. a man grows in crisis.
Almir Santos enjoying karaoke with friends and family.
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Pro f i les in Dive rsit y Journal
September/OctOber 2008