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Mandi Damman

Chief Engineer - Autonomous Vehicles, General Motors
$120/Session
6 Reviews
Expertise:
Cultivating Confidence, Leadership + Management, Career Transitions, Industry Insight
Mentor Image - Mandi Damman

About Me

My career in the automotive industry began in 2003 as an engineering co-op student for General Motors. Since hiring in full-time in 2007, I've held over ten challenging positions and am currently the Chief Engineer of a Battery Electrical Truck at GM. Navigating the world's largest automaker would not have been possible without the help of great mentors! I love that I can now give back and have been able to coach several students, recent college graduates, and new leaders over the past several years. Although each individual has their own goals and development opportunities, a few areas that I can assist with include: • Identifying growth opportunities • Establishing your network • Creating your personal brand • Navigating a large corporation/industry • Succeeding in a male dominated field • Defining your leadership style • Transitioning to management • Considering advanced degrees • Delivering keynote/recruiting speeches • Automotive, Tech, and STEM insight Whether you're a young woman contemplating a career in engineering or a new manager in tech, I'm here to help and look forward to assisting you in achieving your goals!

Get to Know Me

Current Position
Chief Engineer - Autonomous Vehicles, General Motors
Previous Positions
Lead Development Engineer - Hybrid Electric Vehicles, General Motors December 2014 - April 2016
Engineering Business Manager - Global Vehicle Performance, General Motors January 2014 - December 2014
Vehicle Performance Engineer - Ride and Handlling, General Motors January 2013 - January 2014
Lead Design Release Engineer - Steering Systems, General Motors July 2011 - January 2013
Issue Resolution Team Co-Chair - Chassis and Powertrain, General Motors November 2010 - July 2011
Design Release Engineer - Steering Columns, General Motors March 2010 - July 2011
Engineering Specialist - Squeak and Rattle, General Motors February 2009 - March 2010
Engineering Specialist - Structural Vibration, General Motors July 2007 - February 2009
Co-Op Student - Product Development, General Motors October 2003 - June 2007
Program Engineering Manager - Autonomous Vehicle, General Motors April 2016 - September 2017
Education
Master of Engineering in Global Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering | University of Michigan
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering | Kettering University

"You can choose courage or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both." - Brené Brown

Reviews

She is an excellent mentor. She was well-prepared for the session and provided helpful suggestions.

Anonymous, 35
Feb. 05, 2023

Chatting with Mandi was really helpful! The question I brought to the session is something I've thought about a lot, and to be honest I wasn't entirely sure how helpful a coaching session will be, but there were some cool nuggets that I discovered with Mandi's support! She asked great questions that encouraged me to see things from a different perspective and consider things I hadn't thought of before, while at the same time validating me in where I am right now. Would definitely recommend booking a session with her :).

Kaylah K. , 31
Jan. 04, 2023

Mandi is a true gem! I explained my situation, in which I needed to make a decision very quickly. Mandi accommodated me which I appreciated so so much! She provided some prework for me. I took this prework very seriously and it truly aided me in making a decision. Mandi could have read my situation and waited until we were on the phone to help me. She didn't do that! She really did what it took to ensure I made an informed decision. She did not guide my decision or lead me to it. She instead provided me the tools I needed in order to come to an informed decision on my own. I really enjoyed my session with Mandi. She is a seasoned professional, while I am in the beginning of my career (still trying to figure things out). Mandi made me feel very comfortable in talking to her. It was a very engaged session. Thanks for everything, Mandi!

Quinn C. , 32
Nov. 03, 2018

Speaking with Mandi was such a great help to me. She was so open and willing to share her experiences and what she learned from them, as well as provide advice specific to me and my career. As someone who works in the auto industry, it was especially helpful to hear her perspective on growing a career in automotive. Can't wait to connect with her again!

Emily B. , 37
Mar. 01, 2018

she is an excellent communicator and listener. She has good experience and knowledge about leadership and management. I have just started learning and looking forward to long and fruitful way ahead. Many Thanks Mandi. You are the best.

Umang S. , 39
Sep. 26, 2017

This was my first session with Career Contessa, and, first career mentoring session in general, so I did not know what to expect. But Mandi turned to be a great mentor. She immediately put me at ease with a few friendly questions and was very encouraging throughout our conversation. She had read the details of my request and was prepared, which made the session very effective and useful for me. Mandi's has been working in a similar environment as I currently am (specifically, male-dominated work place) and had faced similar problems. This made her comments and suggestions very relevant and coming from experience, rather than just theory. Finally, she sent me a follow up email with the key points from the session and her suggestions, as well as links to valuable resources. I highly recommend Mandi - she is a great listener, very organized, helpful and supportive!

Olesya B. , 35
Feb. 20, 2017