Andrea Gutiérrez Camacho
COO at Kyndryl Mexico
Empathetic Leadership Communication
At DOOIT, empathetic leadership communication is at the heart of our mission to develop influential executives across the Americas and Europe. Through our Communication and Influence Programs, leaders learn how empathy shapes effective communication, decision-making and multicultural teamwork. This approach, which we call Good Leadership, ensures that clients, employees, shareholders, and the society all benefit. Empathetic leadership communication is crucial for this success.
Our Inside‑Out series was created to give voice and visibility to those who lead with clarity, strategy, empathy, and firmness in multicultural and challenging environments.
Today we share the full interview with Andrea Gutiérrez Camacho, COO at Kyndryl Mexico, a leadership reference who unites vision, values, and results with empathetic leadership communication.
What learning marked a turning point in your career?
Becoming a mother was definitely a before‑and‑after moment—not only personally, but especially in the soft skills I now apply at work. It strengthened my adaptability and my ability to interact with people across different levels, nationalities, ages, and personalities. It requires me to stay open and adjust quickly to communicate effectively with each person. I have a genuine interest in people, so I always aim to help and be as fair as possible. Still, sometimes it’s necessary to act with firmness when making decisions, ensuring they align with the company’s goals and interests. When making difficult decisions, empathetic leadership communication is key.
How do you learn to adapt?
“Motherhood strengthened my adaptability and my empathy in teamwork.”
How do you define your competitive advantage?
I believe my greatest advantage is empathy, fairness, and a positive attitude. For me, people are always the priority: when those around us are happy, motivated, and feel they belong, anything is possible. We can have exceptional products and cutting‑edge technology, but if people aren’t committed, reaching goals becomes much harder. Work at any level can be demanding and stressful. That’s why I try to keep a smile and the best attitude. The way we face situations depends entirely on us; I prefer to enjoy the journey and spread enthusiasm, because in the end, the attitude we choose makes all the difference. Empathetic leadership communication enhances this journey.
Why does attitude matter?
“The attitude we choose makes the difference—even in complex challenges.”
Describe the most uncomfortable moment in your career and how you turned it into an advantage.
I was in a three‑day intensive leadership program with 12 participants from different countries, observed by four global VPs. On the second day, after hours of speaking and listening in English, waking up early, and trying to perform at my best, we had a one‑hour team exercise to prepare and present. Presenting and improvising isn’t my strength, so I relied on notes I had on my phone. The team presentation went well overall, but during feedback, one observer focused on how nervous I looked and how distracting it was to hold my phone.
The feedback wasn’t harsh, but the accumulated stress and fatigue broke me. Everyone noticed, and I felt even worse. I just wanted to leave, go back to the hotel, cry, and fly home. But the program wasn’t over; the most important part was still ahead: the individual project and presentation. At the hotel, I procrastinated for hours, feeling bad about the feedback and even worse about letting my emotions take over. At some point, I decided to change my attitude and get to work. The project turned out very well, and I received excellent feedback. The lesson for me: resilience. Don’t let small bumps ruin the journey—keep moving forward and always give your best.
How do you overcome professional setbacks?
“It’s never about not falling—it’s about rising stronger.”
Share a phrase that sums up your philosophy for impactful communication.
I borrow a phrase I first heard from Mariana Ferrari: “People may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Since I don’t have the best memory, this resonates deeply. I may forget words, but I never forget how someone made me feel.
What leaves a mark when you communicate?
“That people remember how you made them feel.”
What personal value always guides you, even in adversity?
Equity is the value that always guides me. I firmly believe in treating people with respect and under the same principles, no matter the situation. For me, equity means creating spaces where everyone has the same opportunities to participate, contribute, and grow. I strive to set clear, transparent rules and ensure decisions are impartial and based on objective criteria.
Why choose equity as your compass?
“Equity means creating spaces where everyone has the same opportunities to grow.”
How do you define success differently now compared to 10 years ago?
Success is subjective and changes with life stages. Ten years ago, I associated success with job titles, power, and financial rewards. Today, my vision has shifted: success is the small contributions we make to influence others—whether through professional advice or supporting someone’s career. It’s deeply satisfying to know that, in some way, I’ve helped someone in their career or personal life. That ability to influence and support, even in small doses, is what truly defines success for me now.
How is real success measured?
“Real impact lies in positively influencing others—not in titles.”
Empathetic Leadership Manifesto
by Andrea Gutiérrez Camacho
Good Leadership Characteristics for Teams Today
- Lead with empathy, without losing firmness or clarity.
- Resilience is built by living through setbacks, not theory.
- Diversity enriches teams and decisions.
- People’s well‑being is the foundation of lasting success.
- Keep a positive attitude under pressure.
- Defend equity in every decision.
- Impact others—that’s effective leadership.
- Turn mistakes into opportunities.
- Adapt communication to each context and attitude.
- Leave a mark by helping those around you grow.
Are you a good leader with something to say?
Join DOOIT’s international community of leaders. Share your learnings and help transform Latin leadership into a global force for impact.
Join our community of leaders 👉 Subscribe now and get early access when the wait list opens.
