mbg@portfolio:~/leadership · case study 01 · read 6 min
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// 5 years of peer feedback, organized by theme

Leadership track record.

Five years of direct report, peer, and leadership feedback on what it is to work with me and for me. Selected quotes, organized by theme. All attributions redacted to protect the sources.

Source
Performance reviews
Annual Peer Feedback · 2021 — 2025
Voices
Reports · Peers · Leadership
IxD, UXR, Visual, Eng, PdM
Outcomes
11 of 13 promoted
100% retention · 3× Rock Star
Method
Curated, verbatim
Edited for length only, not substance
01 Coaching & Career Development n = 5

Eleven of thirteen reports coached to promotion. Three of them promoted twice.

Matt has been one of the leading forces in shaping my career at Dell. He is constantly encouraging me to think about the future and has introduced me to career development opportunities that I otherwise would not even thought of.

Direct report · 2023 review

I don't think I would have been able to rapidly deliver or grow without Matt. Being able to learn from his expertise and perspective has been very beneficial.

Direct report · 2023 review

Matt encourages me to get out of my shell and make sure I'm challenging myself. This includes collaborating with people on other teams, and making sure I'm constantly sharing and presenting my work in forums like the research roundtable as a way to get exposure.

Direct report · 2023 review

When I was uncertain about my career path, Matt gave me thoughtful guidance, encouraged me to continue growing and sharpening my skills at Dell, and gave me the freedom to explore different areas. In this regard, he truly demonstrates the qualities of an outstanding leader.

Former direct report · 2025 review

Did a wonderful job relating to me as a professional and as a person when talking about progression and what I want for both my career and my life.

Direct report · 2024 review
02 Team Culture n = 4 + 1 feature

One hundred percent retention, across three continents.

One could only hope that they are on a team with a manager who leads with empathy first. Matt transitioned from IC to a managerial role with the most engaging mindset: a mission to serve his team and provide them with opportunities to flourish with his support.

Direct report · 2022 review

Matt has shown great passion to build a cohesive team and create a friendly working environment across sites and continents.

Direct report · 2022 review

Matt's management style aligns seamlessly with my work preferences, and his unwavering support contributes significantly to my job satisfaction. I appreciate the trust he places in his team members, and the collaborative and positive environment he fosters is truly commendable.

Direct report · 2023 review

Matthew has a way of creating a positive and open environment where I feel comfortable asking questions or seeking advice. I'm really grateful for his guidance and the way he's always there to support me.

Direct report · 2024 review

Matt is the leader and colleague I trust most at Dell. Whenever we encounter challenges at work, he actively removes obstacles, improves workflows, and provides objective advice.

Peer · 2025 review
03 Technical Judgment & Cross-Functional Partnership n = 6

A design leader engineers will sit beside.

Matt understands Dell, the organization and politics of ISG. He knows when to apply pressure, back off, compromise and escalate in the best interest of EDG and Dell as a whole. He also probably carries the deepest technology knowledge of ISG in EDG which is extremely helpful and valuable to our organization.

Leadership · 2025 review

Leveraged his deep experience and practical mindset during the project, helping the design teams to understand customer priorities and suggesting innovative approaches to optimize the experience.

Cross-functional peer · 2021 review

A great partner for Enterprise ID. He's forward-looking but truth-seeking. He's rational, calm and objective. He manages research efforts well and makes sure we get quality actionable info.

Industrial Design peer · 2024 review

I value his opinion and expertise very highly. His technical expertise is incredible while he also is very enjoyable to work with on an interpersonal level. No notes.

Cross-functional peer · 2024 review

Has a wealth of knowledge regarding HW UX, systems management, and IT infrastructure. Matt has an answer if I ever have a question about a product or program.

Direct report · 2024 review

In the dynamic world of design and UX within ISG, Matt's flexibility, open-mindedness, and logical approach are critical assets. These qualities not only build trust within his own team but also strengthen relationships across the broader development organization, enabling smoother alignment and more effective outcomes.

Peer · 2025 review
04 Straight Talk & Trust n = 5

A no-BS approach, with humility.

I enjoy Matt's no-BS approach and desire to deliver class-leading solutions.

Leadership · 2023 review

I know I can get a quick straightforward answer from Gilbert. I find collaborating is easy with Matt because of this to-the-point attitude. He's not afraid to say he doesn't know.

Cross-functional peer · 2021 review

Matt repeatedly communicates what his view is on subjects with humility and confidence. We can disagree on a topic — but never be disagreeable.

Peer · 2021 review

Matt is very mindful in his interactions, adeptly delivering difficult messages with tact and diplomacy while managing huge workloads.

Leadership · 2021 review

Matt tackles issues and does not shy away from messy situations but looks for solutions. He collaborates well and knows how to cultivate those relationships. He is highly respected by our peers which facilitates promoting the agenda.

Leadership · 2023 review
05 The Numbers Under the Quotes outcomes

Feedback tracks outcomes.

11/ 13
Direct reports promoted · 3 of them, twice in 4 years
100%
Retention across four years as manager
3×
Tell Dell Rock Star · <5% of Dell leaders
3
Continents spanned · US · Egypt · Taiwan
→ ALL_WORK

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