"El camino hacia la oficina del CEO no debería pasar por la oficina del CFO, ni debería ser a través del departamento de marketing. Necesita ser a través de ingeniería y diseño."

The essence of this quote revolves around the idea that leadership in a company, particularly at the highest level, should ideally emerge from the core sectors of the business that create and innovate — specifically, engineering and design. The quote suggests that the individuals who are most intimately involved in the development of products and services are best suited to guide the entire company, as they understand the fundamental value and vision of what the company offers.

Historically, this perspective has become more relevant as technology companies and startups have risen to prominence. Think back to the early days of Silicon Valley, where companies like Apple and Microsoft were founded by people who were deeply involved in the technical and creative aspects of their products. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates, for instance, weren't just managers; they were visionaries with a deep understanding of the technology they were developing. They were able to lead their companies to success because their guidance was rooted in a solid grasp of their products and the needs of their customers.

Now, let's picture a real-life example. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, is a prime embodiment of this philosophy. Musk, with his engineering background, doesn't just sit in an office making high-level decisions. He is actively involved in the design and engineering processes. This hands-on approach allows him to have an intimate understanding of the products Tesla creates, from electric cars to solar energy solutions. His leadership is directly informed by his technical expertise and visionary design thinking, which has led Tesla to become a leader in both innovation and market presence.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life or business? If you’re in a leadership role or aspiring to be, immerse yourself in the core functions of your business. Don’t just manage from a distance. Get involved in the nitty-gritty of what your company does. Understand the engineering, the design, the product development. If you’re not in a technical field, find the equivalent ‘core’ part of your business and dive deep. This hands-on understanding will help you make better decisions and inspire your team through a shared vision rooted in the heart of your work.

Imagine this scenario: You're a manager at a small tech startup. You’ve got a degree in business, and you’ve always excelled at managing projects and people. But your startup’s success hinges not just on good management, but on the innovative app you’re developing. You decide to spend more time with your engineering team, learning the ins and outs of the app, brainstorming features, and understanding the challenges they face. Over time, you start contributing ideas that come from a place of understanding and collaboration. Your team sees you not just as a manager, but as a leader who genuinely gets it. They’re more motivated and invested because they see you rolling up your sleeves and working alongside them.

In the end, leadership is about more than just making decisions; it’s about inspiring and guiding your team with a deep understanding of your business’s core. By following this path, you can ensure that your leadership is both visionary and practical, driving your company towards long-term success.