Empowering Emerging Leaders | Co-Founder & CEO of Mindslines | Leadership Coach | Advocate for Transformational Learning and Team Empowerment
Meet Marelys L. Garcia from Miami, Florida
Marelys L. Garcia is a dynamic leader and the Co-Founder and CEO of Mindslines, dedicated to transforming the way organizations cultivate talent. With a strong foundation in engineering and a passion for learning, she empowers emerging leaders through innovative coaching and development programs. Marelys believes that real change happens through understanding and connection, driving her mission to create impactful learning experiences for new managers.
Early Education: A Foundation of Curiosity and Learning
Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, Florida, Marelys L. Garcia’s journey began with a passion for problem-solving and an insatiable curiosity about the world around her. Immigrating to the United States at the age of 15, her determination guided her to pursue her education at Florida International University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Marelys didn’t stop there—she went on to obtain a Master of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering with a focus on Operations Research.
Her time at FIU was pivotal, not just for the technical knowledge gained but also for the friendships and networks she built in the university’s vibrant multicultural environment. This diversity not only broadened her perspectives but also fueled her passion for traveling and learning about different cultures and ways of life. These early experiences shaped Marelys’s future leadership style, emphasizing empathy, inclusivity, and collaboration as essential components of successful teamwork.
The First Steps: Professional Beginnings
After completing her education, Marelys stepped into the corporate world, joining Lockwood Greene as a Consultant. This role allowed her to apply her engineering skills while exploring the intricacies of organizational dynamics. Although it was a steep learning curve, Marelys embraced every challenge, viewing each one as an opportunity for growth.
Reflecting on those early years, she noted, “Every challenge I faced taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and the importance of a strong, supportive team.”
A Transformative Journey at IBM
Marelys’s career took a significant leap when she joined IBM as a Network Optimization Consultant. Over the years, she took on various roles within the company, including Category Manager and Logistics Procurement Strategy Manager. Each position equipped her with unique insights into global logistics and procurement strategies, further honing her leadership skills.
During her time at IBM, Marelys was relocated across three different countries—Australia, Spain, and France, where she led global projects and managed client relationships. These international experiences deeply shaped her leadership style.
“Leading diverse teams across different cultures, languages, and backgrounds taught me the profound impact that empathy can have on fostering creativity and innovation,” she reflects.
At IBM, she became certified in Agile facilitation and leadership techniques, reinforcing her belief in the power of effective communication and collaboration. “Empathetic leaders inspire engaged teams, foster innovation, and create lasting success by understanding perspectives and fostering trust,” Marelys often emphasizes. This empathy-driven approach would become the foundation of her future endeavors in leadership development.
Embracing Entrepreneurship: The Birth of Mindslines
After years of honing her skills in the corporate world, Marelys took a bold step and co-founded Mindslines in September 2018. With a mission to empower leaders through innovative learning experiences, Mindslines focuses on leadership coaching, talent development, and creating a culture of continuous growth.
At Mindslines, Marelys launched a leadership program specifically designed for new managers and emergent leaders, helping them navigate the complexities of leadership while building essential skills. Her structured approach emphasizes foundational concepts and practical applications, equipping emerging leaders with the tools they need to succeed.
Marelys believes that “real organizational change stems from people,” and this philosophy is at the heart of her work at Mindslines. She strives to create an environment where leaders can thrive and contribute to their organizations positively.
The Importance of Empathy and Diversity
As a leadership coach, Marelys is committed to advocating for diverse and inclusive environments. She emphasizes the significance of functional diversity within teams, recognizing that varied perspectives enhance creativity and innovation. Her approach is grounded in creating psychologically safe spaces where all team members feel empowered to share their ideas without fear of judgment.
In her words, “Working in smaller teams allows members to feel more comfortable expressing their ideas without the typical social pressure. This creates an environment where everyone has a voice.”
By fostering collaboration and inclusivity, Marelys ensures that every team member can contribute to the collective success of the organization.
Self-Awareness and the Power of Boundaries
Throughout her leadership journey, Marelys has placed a strong emphasis on self-awareness and continuous personal growth. For her, leadership is not just about managing others, but also about working on oneself—enhancing emotional intelligence and staying committed to lifelong learning.
An important part of this growth has been learning to set boundaries, both personally and professionally. Marelys advocates for the power of saying “no” when necessary, recognizing it as essential for maintaining balance and well-being. This perspective speaks to her holistic approach to leadership, where self-care and self-awareness are integral to professional success.
“When you set clear boundaries, you gain control over your time and energy while maintaining your relationships,” she notes.
Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Growth and Development
As Marelys continues to lead Mindslines, she remains dedicated to her mission of empowering the next generation of leaders. Her passion for learning, combined with her extensive experience, positions her as a thought leader in the field of leadership development. Marelys is committed to creating high-impact leadership programs that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring that every emerging leader has the opportunity to thrive.
Through her journey, Marelys L. Garcia exemplifies what it means to be a transformative leader. She embodies the principles of empathy, collaboration, and continuous learning, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. With each step, she redefines what it means to lead with purpose and passion, leaving a lasting impact on the world of leadership.
The Nectar of Wisdom from Marelys L. Garcia’s Journey
- Empathy in Leadership: “Empathetic leaders inspire engaged teams, foster innovation, and create lasting success by understanding perspectives and fostering trust.”
- The Power of self-awareness: “Effective leadership is not just about self-awareness; it’s about understanding yourself, empowering your team, and enhancing productivity”
- Fostering Creativity: “Working in smaller teams allows members to feel more comfortable expressing their ideas without the typical social pressure.”
- Setting Boundaries: “When you set clear boundaries, you gain control over your time and energy while maintaining your relationships.”
- Continuous Learning: “Real organizational change stems from people; we must invest in their growth to drive meaningful results.”
Editorial Note
Marelys L. Garcia exemplifies the transformative power of empathetic leadership and continuous learning. Her journey not only inspires emerging leaders but also emphasizes the importance of fostering creativity and setting boundaries in the workplace. Executives looking to share their unique stories and insights are invited to join our platform and contribute to the ongoing dialogue at https://biographies.executivesdiary.com/. Your journey deserves to be told!
