From the earliest days of my childhood, my mother stood as a beacon of inspiration and learning in both business and life. Her story as a Latin American immigrant in the United States not only shaped her journey but profoundly influenced mine. I vividly recall her tales of early struggles, particularly with English, which led to misunderstandings with her teachers, who mistakenly perceived her as academically challenged. Despite these hurdles, she emerged as the salutatorian of her high school, showcasing her prowess with degrees in Economics and English at UCSD. Her academic excellence earned her a place at the country’s most prestigious business school, but the allure of a full scholarship and being present for her family swayed her to choose the University of Southern California (USC) instead.
Choosing USC was more than an educational decision for her; it was a symbolic move for a first-generation American setting the stage for a trailblazing career. Alongside her business studies, she ambitiously pursued a law degree, graduating ahead of her peers. She then ventured into the challenging realm of corporate law, a field dominated by men at the time. Her experiences, fraught with obstacles and triumphs, are a testament to her indomitable spirit and resilience.
Amidst her demanding career, my mother excelled in her role as a parent. She was a constant presence in my life, balancing her professional commitments with personal ones, never missing a Taekwondo exam, soccer tournament, or a family holiday. Her dedication extended to our evenings at home, where she patiently assisted me with English homework, despite my strong preferences for science and history.
My mother’s ethical compass, keen intuition, and foresight have profoundly shaped my own perspectives and approach. Tragically, about a decade ago, she was diagnosed with a relentless and degenerative nerve disease. This diagnosis marked the beginning of a heart-wrenching transition, as we watched a once vibrant and self-reliant individual become increasingly reliant on others. Despite her physical limitations, her spirit remained unbroken, and she continued to express pride and interest in my professional journey, from my early days at LinkedIn to my evolution into roles as a product manager, entrepreneur, and executive.
I reflect on a valuable lesson from my mother about skillfully navigating the corporate landscape with a blend of humor and poise. She once recounted an amusing incident where, unknowingly, she nabbed the last parking spot from the CEO right before a critical board meeting. As a young attorney, she was bracing herself to present a significant revamp of the company’s public stock program. It was her first board meeting with the company and she was the only woman in the room. The atmosphere in the boardroom was stuffy and nervous. The CEO entered late, frazzled with his difficulty finding parking. As he walked in he recognized her from the parking maneuver. With remarkable quick thinking, she strode across the room to shake his hand, introducing herself as “Adriana Andretti,” humorously alluding to the legendary Formula 1 driver, Mario Andretti. Given her small stature and his imposing presence, this encounter presented a comical contrast. The CEO cracked up laughing and the whole room’s tension eased, allowing her to lead into her presentation smoothly. This incident perfectly illustrates her adeptness in melding humor with professionalism to unify stakeholders and alleviate stress in high-stakes situations. Something every product leader needs to do with their executive team. I loved hearing her tell this story.
Recently, we faced the painful reality of bidding farewell to my extraordinary mother, Adriana. To honor her memory and uphold her values, I commenced an extended leave in October. This period is dedicated to reconnecting with loved ones and recalibrating my focus for the upcoming year. In line with her legacy, I remain committed to offering mentorship and engaging in part-time consulting roles.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope it inspires you to cherish every moment with your loved ones during this holiday season and I look forward to sharing more business learnings from my mother in the future.