Matthew C. Bieber ’82G ’06P ’09P, CEO of CDC Software, has worked in the technology industry for several years after earning his MBA at Lehigh University. After Lehigh, Matthew spent 25 years working at AT&T as an executive director of product management and marketer for the company’s contact center services. From there, Matthew held a number of C-level positions including serving as a division executive for Computer Aid, Inc. and as the president of Teleperformance’s cloud/SaaS technology services.
What are you most passionate about in your work?
MB: I’m most passionate about providing a seamless customer experience and great leadership. I value both my customers and team members, and I strive to help them reach goals and seize opportunities on a regular basis.
How did Lehigh help shape your professional success?
MB: Lehigh definitely helped me broaden my background and skill set around all critical business functions. The networking that I was exposed to during my MBA program at Lehigh made a large impact in the sense that we were all working full-time jobs in addition to taking classes. I was able to learn the functionality and process of businesses outside my specific field while meeting an array of people along the way.
What advice do you have for current students who are interested in your field?
MB: I would advise any current Lehigh students to take advantage of all that Lehigh’s program has to offer and network with the people there. The students and people in the Lehigh family are a rich set that come from various backgrounds. Leverage your connections with these members to get any internships that could be relevant for what you’re interested in. Additionally, reach out and take a few courses that are out of your comfort zone and major. If you’re an engineering major, take a course in business and vice versa. This will not only help you become more marketable but it will give you a glimpse into the other side of the business world that you may not be working with on a daily basis.
What is the greatest lesson you learned from a role model or idol that you try to emulate?
MB: I’ve had a number of role models and mentors throughout my years and positions but one role model that sticks out to me specifically is Gail McGovern. I worked with Gail when I was at AT&T and was able to observe her as she held top management positions. Gail is now the CEO of the American Red Cross. She previously served as a Harvard business professor. Gail taught me the skill of active listening. She showed me the importance of focusing on what people are saying both in and out of the workplace and really paying attention to the message they’re trying to get across. She also portrayed the importance of being compassionate and empathetic and that teamwork will always remain key.
BONUS QUESTIONS
If you couldn’t work in your current profession, what area would you work in?
MB: That’s a hard question because I really feel that I’m doing what I love and wouldn’t change a thing. I did spend a number of years as a professor at multiple universities and I think if I had to choose I would go back to doing that.
What is your favorite Lehigh item that you own?
MB: My favorite Lehigh item that I own is a Lehigh wooden rocking chair (shown below). This was given to me as a Christmas gift a few years ago and I now have it in my home office. I use it regularly.
