“The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers.”

Introduction

My name is Pedro Juan Matos Garcia, and as I look back on my life, I see a journey defined by an unyielding pursuit of knowledge, a commitment to excellence, and a deep belief in the importance of giving back. Born and raised in Cayey, Puerto Rico, I was a curious child who constantly sought answers to the big questions in life. I grew up in a place where resources were limited, but my mind was wide open, always searching for new ideas, new challenges, and new ways to improve the world around me.

I remember as a young boy asking my father, “If God created the universe, who created God?” It was a question that stumped not only him but also everyone else I asked. It was the kind of question that could drive you crazy, but it also fueled my thirst for knowledge. I was determined to understand the world around me, and I never stopped asking questions. Whether it was modifying my toys to make them work better or spending hours gazing at the stars, I always found ways to channel my curiosity into something productive.

My childhood curiosity quickly transformed into a deep interest in mechanics and technology. My goal was to become an astronaut by the time I was twelve or thirteen. Every choice I made as a teenager was influenced by my dream of visiting the moon. However, life has a way of taking unexpected turns, just like many of our dreams. I had to decide between my father’s desire for me to become a doctor and my dream of becoming an astronaut. For many years, this created a tension between what I wanted for myself and what my family expected of me.

At 16, I made a bold decision to skip ahead in my education and completed high school in just two years. After I made the decision to enroll in college early, I began to chart my course for the future. I enrolled in the university with the idea of continuing my dream of space exploration, but as I looked around, I realized that my path was not going to be as simple as I had hoped. Being an astronaut at the time required experience in either engineering or piloting, and neither of those disciplines completely matched my interests. It was a difficult decision, but I knew I had to pursue what truly excited me.

At 17, I started working for some of the biggest tech companies of the time, including Hewlett Packard, Intel, and Microsoft’s subcontractors. The world of technology was just starting to take off during this era of IBM PCs. I had the good fortune to collaborate with some of the industry’s brightest minds, and I acquired practical experience that would influence the remainder of my career. This time, the value of lifelong learning really stood out to me. I had to continuously educate myself in order to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving industry. I took every training, every course, and every opportunity to expand my knowledge.

While I was gaining valuable experience in the tech industry, life had another major milestone in store for me. After getting married, I had a family. Like many others, I paused my formal education in favor of providing for my loved ones. But I never lost interest in learning, even as a father. I began fusing my technical expertise with business savvy, which helped me land jobs at IBM and Radio Shack. In order to put my skills to use and help people better understand the new technology around them, I even opened my own computer store.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Phase 1: Early Life and the Hunger for Knowledge

I was born in Cayey, Puerto Rico, a small town nestled in the heart of the island. From the very beginning, I was surrounded by the beauty of nature and the warmth of a close-knit community. Yet, even in this tranquil setting, my mind was always restless, and searching for more. I was a curious child, constantly asking questions about the world around me, seeking answers to life’s biggest mysteries.

Asking my father, “If God created the universe, who created God?” is one of my earliest memories. There is still no simple answer to this question. My father was barely able to give me a satisfactory explanation when I was seven or eight years old, and neither were the priests at the church where I sought answers. From that point on, I knew that my life would be one of inquiry, exploration, and discovery as the pursuit of that answer became ingrained in me. The foundation for everything that came after was established by that query and that unquenchable curiosity.

I had the good fortune to grow up in a household that placed a high importance on education. My father, a man of principles, taught me the importance of discipline, hard work, and always striving for the best. In my life, he was a strong, quiet man who always set an example. He never gave me answers; instead, he made me find them for myself, encouraging me to think critically and solve problems on my own. His philosophy was clear: knowledge was a treasure no one could take from you, and the pursuit of it would always be worth the effort.

As a child, I was a natural tinkerer. I loved to take things apart, whether it was my toys, household items, or mechanical gadgets, and try to understand how they worked. I would spend hours dismantling and reassembling them, fascinated by the inner workings of machines. I was never satisfied with simply playing with my toys; I needed to understand the mechanics behind them. This hands-on approach to learning fueled my growing interest in mechanics and technology. If something could be improved, I was determined to figure out how to do it.

I started gazing up at the stars when I was in my early teens. I was fascinated by space, fascinated by the idea of astronauts exploring the unknown. I began to dream of becoming an astronaut, of traveling to the moon, and of being part of humanity’s quest to explore the cosmos. With the sky as my canvas, my imagination took flight. I remember clearly one night, lying on the roof, gazing at the stars, thinking to myself, “One day, I’m going to be up there.” That dream consumed me during those years. I was determined that one day, I would be part of the team that reached for the stars.

“Once you stop learning, you start dying.”

Phase 2 : Early Career and Transition into IT

After deciding to shift my focus from my childhood dream of becoming an astronaut, I found myself drawn toward the ever-growing world of technology. I had always been fascinated by mechanics and how things worked, and this curiosity naturally led me to explore the realm of computers and IT. I started my journey into the world of technology with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, and the early 1980s, when personal computers were becoming commonplace, were the perfect time for someone with my passions.

At 17, I began my career in technology, working for some of the most prominent companies of that era: Hewlett Packard, Digital One Computers, and Intel. These companies were at the forefront of the IT revolution, and being part of them felt like stepping into a world full of endless possibilities. I had always believed that knowledge was a tool that could shape the world, but I had no idea how powerful that tool could be until I started working in the tech industry.

In those early years, I was just starting to scratch the surface of IT, but I quickly realized how much I needed to learn. My curiosity had always driven me, and now it was driving me to understand the inner workings of computers, from hardware to software. I took every opportunity to learn, whether it was from my colleagues, through formal training, or simply through hands-on experience. I dove deep into the world of computer systems, eager to master every aspect of it.

I still remember the excitement I felt when I first worked on IBM PCs, a product that would soon revolutionize the personal computing industry. The industry was changing at a rapid pace, and being part of that change was both exhilarating and humbling. I quickly realized that the world of IT was not just about fixing problems or setting up systems; it was about creating the future. I wanted to be at the forefront of that creation, and I knew that to do so, I needed to continue learning, pushing the boundaries of what was possible, and developing my skills in every way I could.

I had always loved understanding how things worked, and now I had the opportunity to apply that passion in the field of technology. But more than just loving what I did, I needed to excel. It was clear to me early on that technology was not just my career; it was my calling. It became a part of me, shaping the way I approached problems, solutions, and life itself.

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.”

Phase 3 : The Business Shift and Expanding Horizons

As my journey in the world of technology evolved, I began to realize that I was standing at the intersection of two worlds: the technical and the business. My deep roots in the IT industry, combined with the knowledge I had gained from my studies, left me yearning to understand not only how technology could work but also how it could be harnessed to drive businesses forward. It became clear to me that to make a greater impact, I needed to combine my technical expertise with business acumen.

It was around this time that I began to truly appreciate the power of synergy, the idea that combining two distinct elements could create something far more powerful than either on their own. I knew that my ability to solve complex IT issues was a valuable skill, but I needed to understand how to manage, lead, and drive technological change within organizations. This realization led me to take a significant step forward in my career: I decided to deepen my understanding of business and management, setting my sights on merging technology with the broader business landscape.

To do this, I decided to return to school. I had already completed my Bachelor’s in Business Administration, but I felt that I needed to gain a more comprehensive understanding of global business strategies. This led me to pursue a Master’s degree in International Business, a decision that would open new doors and expose me to a world of opportunity. It was during this time that I began to see how technology could be used not only as a tool but also as a transformative force that could help businesses become more efficient, more innovative, and more successful.

The decision to return to school was not an easy one. I was balancing work, family life, and my academic responsibilities, and it often felt overwhelming. However, I was driven by a clear vision: I wanted to be a bridge between technology and business, someone who could understand the intricacies of both worlds and use that knowledge to make a difference. The lessons I learned during my MBA program were invaluable. They gave me the tools to think strategically, to understand the global business landscape, and to navigate complex challenges with a clear, focused mindset.

As I pursued my studies, I also continued to gain real-world experience. I took on leadership roles at Radio Shack and later at IBM, where I applied the business concepts I was learning in the classroom to real-life scenarios. I found myself managing teams, driving projects, and leading initiatives that combined technology with business strategy. My time at Radio Shack was especially formative, as it gave me the chance to manage teams in a retail environment, where I was responsible for not just sales but also for creating a culture of customer satisfaction and operational efficiency. It was a challenging experience, but one that taught me the importance of leadership, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to changing business environments.

Note of Thanks

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been a part of my journey. Everything I’ve accomplished has been built on the unwavering love, tolerance, and support of my family, particularly my wife Carmen and our kids Pedro and Meilin. You have been my biggest inspiration and source of strength.

To my mentors, both professional and personal, your guidance has been invaluable. From Juan Carlos Gonzalez to my colleagues at IBM and the IRS, each one of you has shaped my career in profound ways. The wisdom, encouragement, and opportunities you’ve offered have allowed me to reach beyond my expectations.

To my students, thank you for reminding me daily of the power of teaching and learning. Your curiosity, dedication, and growth have been a constant source of joy and fulfillment in my life.

And to the countless colleagues and friends who’ve walked alongside me, thank you for your trust, collaboration, and the opportunities to share knowledge and make a difference. Every accomplishment I’ve had is because of the incredible people who’ve been part of my story. I am deeply grateful for each of you.

Thank You
– Dr. Pedro Juan Matos Garcia