Stepping up a gear

Before joining the MBA, she worked in the legal sector, firstly in her native Brazil and then in the US, but was keen to gain a broader business skillset.

"I had no experience in tech before," she admits. "I was a lawyer with minimal technology skills, surrounded by stacks of physical books. But I knew that to transition into a more innovative field, I had to expand my knowledge."

Today, thanks to her AMBS studies, Lety has gained the tools to navigate the complexities of emerging technologies, positioning herself at the forefront of the mobility revolution as Director of Operations at Google's self-driving car division, Waymo, based in San Francisco.

Leadership skills

Her decision to pursue an MBA was driven by the desire to develop leadership skills and enter an industry where innovation was at the core. AMBS stood out due to its global reputation, emphasis on real-world application, and strong industry connections.

However, for Lety, the MBA was about more than just academic learning. It was a transformative experience that reshaped her approach to problem-solving and strategic thinking. She says the programme's consulting projects were particularly impactful - especially in developing her ability to communicate with executives, something she didn't have much experience with before.

The MBA also gave her the freedom to explore cutting-edge innovations through elective courses and hands-on consulting projects.

"During the MBA, I was introduced to fintech just as it was beginning to gain momentum, and had my first real exposure to artificial intelligence," she explains. "Working on industry projects with consulting firms gave me valuable insight into how new technologies were shaping different sectors."

This knowledge proved instrumental when she was interviewed for an internship at Google, allowing her to confidently discuss emerging tech trends and their practical applications. "That experience ultimately led me to where I am today, working for Waymo."

I get to merge my traditional industry expertise with the latest advancements. The MBA not only broadened my perspective but also equipped me with the tools to navigate and thrive in an evolving landscape.

Innovation economy

In the fast-moving tech industry, Lety says one of the most essential leadership qualities is the ability to question assumptions. "Doing things a certain way just because they've always been done that way often leads to stagnation rather than innovation," she says.

"The MBA helped me develop the ability to think critically and frame problems differently, a skill I use every day at Waymo."

A great example of this is Waymo's approach to emergency scenarios on the road. Without a driver, the vehicle has to learn how to identify signs of an emergency and is programmed to pull over safely if it detects another vehicle flashing its lights.

In recent months, Lety and her team have been revising their strategy for managing danger zones; so that whenever possible, an autonomous vehicle can steer clear of active emergency scenes altogether.