LATINO
2022
Senior Manager, Information Technology
LEADERS Worth Watching
TM
INTERNATIONAL
My Defining Moment
Company Name: Advanced Micro Devices Industry: Semiconductors
Company CEO: Dr. Lisa Su
Company Headquarters Location: Santa Clara, California Number of Employees: 15,500 Your Location: Austin, Texas
Words you live by: When you put your head on your pillow at night, you should feel good about the person you were that day. Treat people as you wish to be treated. Who is your personal hero? Debbie Fett and her daughter Amberlyn; Debbie has 2 children who both have CF (cystic fibrosis). Amberlyn although having a tough life battling the disease, still found it in her heart to start a nonprofit called Ambers Angels in 2004 and has helped many children who battle illness. Amberlyn passed away in 2011 and asked her mom to carry on her nonprofit, which Debbie did as long as she was able to. She continues to gather donations and fulfills Amberlyn’s wish to help children and families in need. What book are you reading? Delicious by Ruth Reichi; Dare to be Kind by Lizzie Velasquez, with Catherine Avril Morris What was your first job: Working in a jewelry store first in the credit department, then in sales Favorite charity: The Christi Center
Interests: I am a crafter. I love to make gifts for people—I call them gifts from the heart.
Making a difference in someone’s life is key to me. I have had the good fortune to be part of some great teams; I have also had several opportunities to grow some great teams. In the semiconductor industry, the diversity of cultures one of the things I love—learning about different cultures and approaches is important, not only to business execution but also personal style. I have had the opportunity to work with some very smart people— some young and just out of school, and some with years of experience. Both bring so much to a successful team I had a defining moment about 10 years into my career, when I was assigned an employee who was my senior. She was very experienced and known as the best in her role. She also made it clear to me that she was not happy about the change in manager. As we worked together, and I got to know her, highlighted her strengths, and helped her grow, she said to me “I do not know how to thank you. You have not only made a difference in my career, but you have also changed the way I approach my personal life.” This was my defining moment for me. I discovered what my professional passion would be—my ability to make a difference in business and affect someone personally. Today, I work to build effective teams, where people feel valued and heard, and where they have an environment in which to thrive. I believe that finding a mentor is the key to your success. If you are lucky, your manager can be that mentor. But more often, you will find your ideal mentors in unlikely individuals. I have had the pleasure of mentoring several individuals, and some of those mentoring relationships have continued for almost 20 years. Finding someone willing to tell you the truth is not as easy as you think. Some people avoid the hard conversations. My view has always been that to improve, you need to know what you need to improve. In a world driven by perception, you may never know if you left a bad impression, unless someone helps you see it. The key to being a successful mentee is your willingness to listen and hear constructive input and a willingness to change. I believe that we all need mentors.
Family: I am married with two beautiful children; one found her angel wings way too early in life; my younger daughter has turned out to be an amazing young women.
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2022 First Quarter
www.diversityjournal.com
AWARD
Rhonda Medlin
