40-day Series: Thank You Dr. Claudio Lima

A man of genius. A description that is simple and yet, commands respect which is exactly how I think of Dr. Claudio Lima. Claudio worked back in the early 2000's at the Advanced Technology Lab in Burlingame, CA. He was responsible for ultra long-haul research and strategy. For those of you not familiar with the term "ultra long-haul," it is the backbone of the telecommunications network...without long-haul you couldn't make a long distance phone call or send an email. I met Claudio after I was assigned as project manager to the lab. Upon my arrival, I received a less than desired welcome from some, however Claudio made sure to go out of his way to say hello and made me feel at home.

Claudio always had a smile and was geniune in his desire to do whatever he could to help you understand what he was working on. Much of his work was a language I didn't understand...lambdas, algorithms, and various computations that made your head hurt just by looking at the drawings and writings on his whiteboard. My job was to help KC engineers back at HQ understand the value of what the lab was producing so they could incorporate it in their desing plans. There was so much to learn that it was overwhelming most days. I also faced an uphill battle with some of the ATL lab leaders as the last thing they wanted was some PM from HQ coming in trying to change things and introduce new processes. I think it was my third trip when I was starting to make some progress but still struggling a bit when Claudio asked me how I was doing.

I was so appreciative of him taking a moment to share concern and offer to help. I was hesistant to ask for an ultra long-haul overview as I was afraid I wouldn't understand it and the last thing I wanted was to look stupid in front of this very kind and intelligent man. He took the time (and we are talking painstaking hours), to patiently walk me through all things long-haul. He could have talked right over my head or down to me and he did neither. He used terms I could understand, he made sure I was following along, and he would check my ability to to apply the knowledge to various design scenarios. I think I learned more about technology in that one overview with him then I did in my 16 years at Sprint. It was like I could literally feel my brain growing by just being in the same room with him. Dr. Lima showed sincere respect for me as if I was an equal even though I was much lower on the academia totem pole.

Claudio always shared a comforting smile and was always willing to chat when I arrived at the lab for my monthly visits. In turn, he made a tough assignment not just easier but a true pleasure and honor.

Golden Nugget: Don't be afraid to ask the smart guys for help and if you are the smart guy help the student feel smart too. Be kind to those who are on assignment and/or new to the group.

Be who you are and learn to be better,
Lisa