How long have you been with Telefónica and how would you rate your time here?
A lifetime! 22 years. I have practically spent my entire professional career at Telefónica. Being such a big company, I have been lucky enough to take on different challenges and responsibilities without having to change companies, which I consider a privilege.
During this time, I have done a lot of things, but they have always, to a certain extent, been linked to innovation with an eye on the future. I started my career in the area of corporate strategy, in the midst of international growth, analysing other telecommunications companies for possible acquisitions. I remember back then we were assessing the growth potential of fixed lines and ADSL rollout plans. It’s amazing how the industry has changed! Later, I moved to the corporate commercial area, where I participated in the launch of the first convergent offers of fixed and mobile products in Spain and the Czech Republic. During this stage, we shared best commercial and sales channel practices between countries. I was also responsible for quality and customer satisfaction measurement and the implementation of the O2 UK Customer Experience model in the rest of the countries, which was a revolution in putting the customer at the centre of the company. Finally, eight years ago, I had the opportunity to join Wayra, from where we look at the future with the eyes and hands of startups, to find the innovation that is out there and connect it with Telefónica.
In short, my history at Telefónica reflects the history of the sector. It has been and is very interesting to be part of the technological revolution of the sector while growing professionally and personally. I feel that, as the company has evolved, so have I. I feel that, as the company has evolved, so have I.
Telefónica is definitely part of my family. Recently, someone said to me: “You, as you have always been Telefónica”. And it’s true, that’s how I feel, proud to work in this great company that is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary and with great expectations of how we are going to continue to be protagonists and promoters of new technologies.
If there is one thing that stands out in Telefónica, it is the quality of the professionals who form part of the company and the effort the company makes to help us grow. I have had the opportunity to work with people from many countries and, without a doubt, this is something that stands out from other companies.
Is there any project at Telefónica that you are particularly satisfied with or proud of?
One of the projects at Telefónica that I feel particularly satisfied with and proud of is ScaleUp Women. As part of my experience at Wayra, I have had the opportunity to actively collaborate in the development and launch of ScaleUp Women. We launched this initiative in 2018 with the aim of promoting women’s participation and leadership in entrepreneurship.
Since ScaleUp Women, we have supported women entrepreneurs to scale their startups by providing access to training, resources, mentorship and funding opportunities. In addition to the positive impact Scaleup Women has had on women entrepreneurs, it has also had a positive impact on Wayra’s culture, fostering a more inclusive and diverse environment. Personally, this collaboration with women entrepreneurs and industry leaders has given me valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities women face in the business world. It has also allowed me to build a good networking network where I, as well as other women, support and contribute to each other’s growth.
While there have been significant advances in the status of women in business in recent years, there is still a gender gap that we need to close. I strongly believe in the power of mutual support among women and the importance of leveraging our natural networking to drive our professional success. That’s why ScaleUp Women is part of my personal purpose to help other women reach their full potential and contribute to a more equitable and diverse society.
What do you think Telefónica has contributed to society since its inception?
At Telefónica we have been a key player in society for almost 100 years. As a key player in the technological revolution, we have transformed the way we communicate and interact, enabling people to become increasingly connected. Our telecommunications infrastructure has driven business development, fostered innovation and promoted economic growth in Spain and the other countries where we operate. Telefónica has also been a source of national pride, generating employment and leaving a mark on society. Internationally, we have contributed to the development of digital transformation in Latin America and elsewhere.
Telefónica has brought connectivity, business development, influence in the Spanish ecosystem, national pride and international contribution over almost 100 years. Its presence has left a significant legacy in society, driving digital transformation and facilitating communication in today’s world.
Where do you see Telefónica in the future?
In the next 100 years, I see Telefónica consolidating its position as a prominent leader in the telecommunications and technology sector, leading the technological revolution with innovations ranging from artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and the metaverse, to the cloud, web3, wifi 7 and new holographic communications.
Telefónica will continue to play a key role in the digitisation and green transition of other sectors. Our digital solutions will not only contribute to decarbonising the economy and reducing the impact on the planet, but will also promote sustainability.
In particular, our next generation networks will be instrumental in driving the green transition, especially in Europe, by enabling greater energy efficiency and responsible use of resources.
Could you live without a mobile phone?
No way! Impossible…. I don’t know how to explain it… I also couldn’t live without electricity or I don’t know… without shoes!
Help us solve one of humanity’s greatest enigmas: the potato omelette… With onion or without onion?
Hahaha with onion, but without any noticeable texture…
Nominate another colleague to appear in this section
Noelia Gómez Sanz
