Inside the Mind of a Google & IBM VP: The New Rules of Leadership | The LIV Lab Episode 26 ft. Nelson Mattos

What if the real mark of a great leader isn't how much they know — but how willing they are to listen?

In this episode, I talk with Nelson Mattos, former Vice President at IBM and Google, whose career has spanned continents, industries, and leadership styles. From managing billion-dollar global teams to now running Karimu, a nonprofit that's transforming rural communities in Tanzania, Nelson has seen leadership from every angle — and he believes its core has nothing to do with hierarchy.

We explore how humility and curiosity can redefine leadership in the modern world. Nelson shares how learning to admit what he didn't know made him a more effective executive, why diverse teams make better decisions, and how vulnerability and trust can drive innovation more than any management strategy ever could. He also opens up about his transition from tech to humanitarian work — and how purpose, empathy, and patience became the cornerstones of his second career.

📩 Share your thoughts: Would you have invested in Pokémon Go when it didn't meet the quota? Email me at thelivlabpodcast@gmail.com, and follow @thelivlabpodcast on Instagram for more stories on leadership, purpose, and growth.

Learn more about Nelson's work with Karimu Foundation at karimufoundation.org.

00:00 Introduction to Leadership and The Love Lab Podcast

01:33 Nelson Matos' Early Influences and Mentors

03:00 The Importance of Seeking Advice and Mentorship

03:59 Recognizing and Nurturing Talent

07:22 Pursuing a Career in Computer Science

09:37 Managing Burnout and Work-Life Balance

14:08 Building and Leading Effective Teams