How long have you been at Telefónica and what is your assessment of your time here?
I have spent more than 13 years at Telefónica, and sometimes I feel it has been many more, as each one represents a lot of learning, experience and anecdotes that have helped shape who I am today.
My professional career has focused on working with and for people. I started as Human Resources Coordinator at Telefónica Venezuela, where I supported the B2C area in creating effective strategies to manage human talent, to optimise the customer experience and to foster a healthy work environment. Subsequently, I moved to the Culture, Training and Organisational Development area, where I was dedicated to promoting and strengthening the organisational culture and the potential of employees. Initiatives I managed included training programmes, work climate, coaching management, as well as an entrepreneurship and skills development programme aimed at young people ‘SALTAC’.
In 2018, I made one of the most important decisions of my life: to apply for a new position in a different country. Although that challenge filled me with fear, it also filled me with excitement. Then Telefónica Colombia allowed me to work in culture and training, focusing on Diversity and Employer Branding. Without a doubt, working in diversity was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life; there I found part of my purpose and I flowed with passion in that work.
During this time, I designed programmes to create the right work environment to drive diversity, equity and inclusion through experiences that recognise, promote and maximise the equal value of all people. By 2021, this role expanded with the change of model, and I became part of the Diversity team for Telefónica Hispam, which covered nine countries: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, Chile, Uruguay, Venezuela and the Hispam Holding in Spain.
For 2024, Telefónica Hispam offers me an exciting opportunity to continue to grow. I am joining the Cultura Hispam team, where I manage the ENPS and accompany various areas in the design of actions to improve the working environment. In addition, I lead the recognition programme and I am part of one of the most important strategic initiatives of the organisation: the adoption of a new culture and performance model. In this role, I am responsible for leading the communication strategy.
In summary, my experience at Telefónica has been a journey of change and learning, but, above all, it has allowed me to develop a better version of myself: more human, empathetic and committed to people and their value.
Is there any project at Telefónica that you feel particularly satisfied with or proud of?
There are many projects that fill me with pride, but one that really makes me feel especially satisfied is the development of the Women’s Leadership programme for the whole of Hispam, called Futura. This project, which I consider as a daughter, was born out of a deep passion and commitment to Gender Diversity. After my experience leading a women’s programme in Colombia, I was faced with the exciting challenge of expanding this initiative regionally.
Futura was conceived with a clear focus: to define learning modules that empower our talented women in the company. Our goal is to provide them with the tools they need to feel more confident and prepared to take on challenges of greater responsibility. The very name of the programme reflects our vision: to project our future leaders and, at the same time, have a positive impact on the indicators of female participation in positions of responsibility.
Today, in its third edition, Futura has reached more than 300 women. Having been part of the first two editions has been a transformative experience, not only for the participants, but also for me. Seeing how these women grow, empower themselves and face new challenges is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of my career.
What do you think Telefónica has contributed to society?
Wow! Telefónica has made a significant impact on society. In the workshops I have given on diversity and teamwork, I always highlight its purpose, which I consider genuine, clear and tangible: ‘To make the world more human by connecting people’s lives’.
Their participation in society is key to bridging the gap. The importance of this approach was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. I can’t imagine what our experience would have been like without companies like Telefónica. Their ability to provide us with connectivity allowed us to stay informed and up to date on what was happening in the world. We were also able to stay in touch with our loved ones, adapt to working remotely and receive vital information at a time of uncertainty. Undoubtedly, its contribution has been fundamental to our society.
Where do you see Telefónica in the future?
Telefónica is a company that is always at the forefront, adapting to change and proactively anticipating it. I see Telefónica as a truly innovative organisation, with a futuristic approach that creates value through its products and services. In the midst of this digital revolution, the company is not only surfing the waves of change, but also generating increasingly effective solutions for our customers.
But what I find most fulfilling and inspiring is its commitment to social responsibility. In a world where technology can have a significant impact, Telefónica strives to act in an ethical and sustainable way, ensuring that progress benefits everyone.
I am convinced that the next generations will be celebrating another 100 years.
Could you live without a mobile phone?
It all depends on the time and place. In my job, I honestly couldn’t do without my mobile phone. Sometimes I reflect on my early days at university, when I was less dependent on technology. The mobile phone is undoubtedly a necessary tool that simplifies our lives, giving us immediate answers and facilitating communication.
However, when I am with my family and friends, I try to put the mobile phone on the back burner. I strive to live those moments to the fullest, I love to enjoy the company and the conversations. I believe that the mobile phone should be a means to connect with others, especially when distance is an obstacle, not an element that disconnects us from the experiences that enrich our personal lives.
Help us solve one of the great enigmas of humanity: the potato omelette… With onion or without onion?
Hehehe a very complicated question for someone who cooks little or nothing. But, from my experience as a foodie with a good palate (or at least that’s what I like to believe), I think this ingredient gives it a special touch!
But, as they say, ‘to each his own’. Some people prefer the version without onion, and that’s fine. In the end, the important thing is to enjoy the omelette in good company.
