From Mentor to Mentee: 3 Powerful Leadership Lessons I’ve Learned from My Daughter


By Tamara Carrillo McLeod September 24, 2024

Life has a beautiful way of coming full circle, and nothing illustrates this more than my recent career journey with my daughter. For much of her life, she turned to me for advice, guidance, and support. From her early years to navigating her career path, I was always there for her. But now, in a wonderful twist of fate, I find myself learning from her each and every day.

Graduating during the height of the COVID pandemic, my daughter faced an uncertain job market. Despite the challenges, she quickly secured a position at a large life science organization, where she immersed herself in talent development, culture, and employee engagement. With the guidance of Shannon Wellman—an dear former colleague of mine—she gained remarkable experience in a short amount of time. Her relentless passion, combined with the mentorship she received, has made her a force in her field. Now, she’s brought that wealth of experience and drive to my business.

Watching her in action has opened my eyes to the evolving nature of leadership and the three powerful lessons that have greatly shaped how I will lead in the future:

1. Fresh Perspectives and Passion Drive Innovation

As leaders, we’re often so busy focusing on immediate priorities that we may overlook the importance of seeking out new perspectives. My daughter’s approach to challenges, filled with heart and passion, has be a nice reminder that true innovation doesn’t happen in isolation—it comes from fresh energy and diverse viewpoints. Her enthusiasm isn’t just infectious—it’s a catalyst for pushing boundaries. This is a powerful lesson for leaders: take the time to step back and actively seek out perspectives from those around you, especially from those who bring new ideas and a different outlook. When we create space for passion and fresh thinking, we open the door to innovation that can drive our organizations forward in unexpected and transformative ways.

2. Curiosity is the Foundation of a Growth Mindset

My daughter has an innate gift for curiosity. Even when she is armed with solutions, she asks thoughtful and intentional questions to gain a deeper understanding of different perspectives. This has been a firsthand reminder of the power of a growth mindset. As busy leaders, it’s easy to rely on our own experience and judgment. Instead, we must prioritize and model curiosity—not just for our own learning, but to inspire it within our teams. By leading with curiosity, we create a culture where continuous learning and adaptability thrive. The lesson for leaders: curiosity isn’t just a personal asset—it’s a leadership imperative that sets the tone for teams to embrace change, explore new ideas, and seize new opportunities.

3. The Power of Emotional Intelligence and Mutual Respect

Despite the new ideas my daughter brings to the table, she has always shown a deep respect for the experience and perspectives of others. She understands that leadership isn’t just about driving forward with the best ideas—it’s about knowing when to listen and honor the contributions around us. It’s her emotional intelligence, not just her insight, that enables her to navigate this balance. True collaboration stems from respect and empathy. The leadership lesson: prioritizing emotional intelligence and valuing others’ experiences not only fosters trust and stronger relationships but also lays the groundwork for more effective teamwork and collective success.

The journey from mentor to mentee has shown me that the most powerful lessons can come from those we least expect. In this full-circle moment, I’ve come to realize that some of my most profound leadership lessons haven’t come from a book, workshop, or previous mentor—they’ve come from my daughter. Her passion, curiosity, and emotional intelligence have not only shaped the way I lead, but have also enriched my life in ways I never imagined. I couldn’t be more proud of the leader she’s become and more grateful for the lessons she’s taught me.

If you’re ready to transform your leadership by embracing fresh perspectives, I invite you to discover Elevate, our signature leadership development program. It’s designed to empower leaders at every level to unlock their full potential—and inspire the same in those they lead.