The Spark Behind the Circuit: Mentorship, Innovation, and the Stories That Shape Us

In the ever-evolving world of technology, it’s easy to get caught up in algorithms, automation, and artificial intelligence. But behind every breakthrough—behind every line of code that changes how we live—there’s a person. And often, there’s someone who believed in them first. That’s the heart of mentorship. I’m Albert Mathew Anderson JR., the author of The Unseen Innovator, and this is a story about how mentorship, books, and real-life innovators shape the future of tech.

The Power of Being Seen

I started as a self-taught coder, an outsider in a world where few looked like me. Becoming the first Black AI robotics engineer at a Fortune 1000 company wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a victory built on moments where people took time to guide me, challenge me, and tell me I belonged.

Mentorship in tech isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. The importance of mentorship in tech lies in how it bridges experience and potential. It opens doors not just to jobs, but to confidence. For those of us who feel invisible in boardrooms and labs, a mentor can mean the difference between giving up and going further than we ever dreamed.

Learning Through Lives: Best Memoirs of Innovators

That’s one reason I’m drawn to memoirs. Long before I published The Unseen Innovator, I devoured the stories of those who came before me. Memoirs aren’t just personal—they’re powerful blueprints. They don’t just say, “Look at what I’ve done.” They say, “You can do it, too.”

Some of the best memoirs of innovators blend the technical with the deeply human. Think of Walter Isaacson’s Steve Jobs, or Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama, which, though not strictly tech, resonates with those navigating identity in professional spaces. Reading these stories gave me a sense of belonging—and a sense of urgency. Innovation thrives on inclusion, and memoirs can be the spark that inspires someone to take their first step.

Why the 2025 AI and Innovation Books List Matters

Each year, the tech world shifts. But in 2025, the books shaping AI and innovation are more human-focused than ever. That’s no accident. As AI integrates more deeply into society, understanding the why behind the tech is as important as the how.

This year’s AI and innovation books list in 2025 is filled with titles that blend science, ethics, and storytelling:

• The Unseen Innovator by Albert Mathew Anderson Jr. – My story of breaking into the industry, the power of ethical AI, and how mentors guided me through it all.
• Ethics in the Machine Age by Dr. Reena Mahesh – A must-read on balancing innovation with responsibility.
• Building Bridges: Code and Community by Javier Ruiz – A heart-driven exploration of grassroots innovation in underserved communities.
• Neural Imprints by Dr. Kalani Yi – A futuristic yet grounded view on how AI is reshaping human behavior and culture.

These aren’t just books—they’re movements. They’re conversations that will shape how tomorrow’s leaders think and create.

Mentorship: The Hidden Engine of Innovation

Every great innovator had someone behind the curtain—a teacher, a friend, a colleague—who believed in their vision before it was clear. In my journey, I had mentors who didn’t just help me with code. They helped me with courage.

Whether it was a college professor who gave me a second chance after failing a project, or an industry veteran who introduced me to my first AI conference, these moments shaped my path. They reminded me that mentorship isn’t always formal. Sometimes it’s a single conversation. Sometimes it’s a book.

If we want to build a future where innovation thrives for everyone, we need to invest in relationships. We need to tell the stories that aren’t just about success—but about struggle, resilience, and the people who reached back to lift us up.

Closing Thoughts: Write Your Chapter

When I wrote THE UNSEEN INNOVATOR, I didn’t want to just share my wins. I wanted to honor the mentors who helped me write my story—and inspire others to find theirs.

Whether you’re just starting in tech or mentoring the next generation, remember: your story matters. Your voice matters. And sometimes, the most powerful innovation doesn’t happen in a lab or a boardroom—it happens when one person says to another, “I believe in you.”

So pick up a book, share your journey, and look around. Someone near you is waiting for the spark.

Let’s light the way together.