Visteon Veteran Reveals Secrets to a Successful Career

13.09.2024

Change. It’s the one constant in life, a force that can be both exhilarating and unsettling. For Manuel Pereira, Product Management of Driver Information at Visteon, navigating change is all about perspective. With his 24-year tenure at the company, Manuel has witnessed a remarkable evolution – leadership shifts, product transformations, and even economic downturns. Yet, through it all, he’s maintained a positive outlook, one built on strong relationships and a deep understanding of personal growth.

Building Bridges Through Change

Manuel’s philosophy is refreshingly simple: success is a team sport. He emphasizes the importance of building connections with colleagues, believing that “people are the best thing in life, which includes work.” This focus on relationships becomes even more crucial during periods of change. As Manuel puts it, “you cannot accomplish work solo.” Building strong bonds allows teams to weather any storm and have a sense of stability even amidst a shifting landscape.

A Platform for Inspiration

Visteon’s “Life as a Leader” series exemplifies this commitment to people development. These sessions provide a platform for leaders like Manuel to share their experiences and inspire others. Manuel’s recent talk was particularly engaging. He possessed a remarkable ability to break down complex questions into clear, actionable answers. Listening to him felt like attending a masterclass, where career and life lessons were readily applicable.

Mentorship and the Joy of Shared Success

One question resonated deeply: “How do you handle mentoring a mentee who’s advancing more quickly than anticipated?” Manuel’s candid response shattered any notions of competition. He genuinely thrives on seeing his mentees flourish, viewing their success as a testament to his guidance. Any mentor should feel proud if their mentee is quickly advancing because of your contributions to their growth, he declared.

Finding Your Place on the Team

Manuel also addressed the ever-present question of career progression. He introduced a powerful analogy, comparing careers to different teams within a larger organization. “You must choose which team you play for – the first team (leadership) or the second team (a supporting role),” he explained. The key takeaway? Finding fulfillment, not necessarily a fancy title, is paramount. Both teams offer opportunities for growth, and the true path to happiness lies in choosing the one that aligns with your personal aspirations.

Prioritizing for Balance

Work-life balance remains a constant topic of discussion. Manuel’s approach emphasizes prioritization. He encourages the distinction between “important” and “urgent” tasks, acknowledging that true emergencies are rare. Taking ownership of your time and focusing on activities that deliver the most value – to the company, the customer, and yourself – becomes the cornerstone of a balanced life.

Learning from Failure as a Stepping Stone to Growth

No discussion on leadership is complete without addressing failure. Manuel is refreshingly honest about the inevitability of setbacks. However, he emphasizes that it’s how you handle them that truly matters. “Repeating a failure is worse than failing,” he warns. The key lies in learning from mistakes, refusing to dwell on them, and using them as stepping stones to move forward.

Beyond the Office – A Man of Many Talents

Manuel’s life extends far beyond the confines of the office. He possesses a passion for carpentry and enjoys the creative expression of playing with musical instruments. Meeting him reveals a genuine interest in people and technology – qualities that make him a truly cherished leader at Visteon.

Seize the Day, Join Our Team

One of the most powerful takeaways from Manuel’s session was his emphasis on seizing the moment. Don’t wait to pursue your dreams, whether it’s returning to school, finally reading that book, or learning a new instrument. As Manuel urges, “Take action – don’t wait!”

Inspired by Manuel’s leadership style? Explore our current job openings and grow in a company that invests in its people.