L&D Manager Spotlight - Mario Guerra

Mario Guerra, Director - Longhorn Technology Experience, Information Technology Services 
 

1. Describe your role for UT.  

My role with Information Technology Services is to deliver technology solutions and services that enable all members of the Longhorn community to learn, teach, connect, and flourish. We strive to understand and address the diverse needs of our users, ensuring that everyone has a seamless and equitable IT experience.

2. What was the most important lesson you learned as a new manager?

There are a few important lessons I’ve learned over the past several years as a new manager. First lesson is to listen more and talk less. It’s important to listen to team members and external partners. When you talk less and listen more you can learn a lot. Second, is how important relationships are to the success of our teams. Relationships, in many ways, are how business gets done here at UT. When you initiate and invest in relationships, the rewards are endless.

3. What advice do you have for managers to help develop their team?

Emphasize to your teams the importance of becoming a professional learner. We work at an educational institution.  We are in the business of educating people. Growing should be a priority not an afterthought.

4. Why is learning in the workplace important?

It’s important for us to continue developing our skills and knowledge because it not only benefits us as individuals, but it also benefits the team and the institution as a whole. By becoming students ourselves, we gain a deeper understanding of the student and teacher experience and are better equipped to support their needs.

5. What have you recently learned, what are you currently learning about, or how are you developing yourself as a professional?

I’ve been engaged in several different areas both personally and professionally. Last year, I participated in a leadership program called the MOR Leaders Program and it pushed me outside my comfort zone. Now I’m working on applying those skills in my work and at home. Additionally, with the advent of Generative AI and the President's announcement of the 'Year of AI,' I've been learning about the technology and its potential impact on higher education. I encourage everyone to explore this fascinating field, as it's very likely to have an impact on our campus and beyond.