+This week we talk to Iria Ortega, Marketing & Communications Manager, the first #WalmerianWoman with whom we start this series of interviews. Iria Ortega reflects on her work as a leader at Walmeric and the path that has led her to where she is now. Don’t miss her!
1. How would you describe the impact your role has on the company and the work team?
Walmeric is a technology company formed mainly by engineers and programmers. They are very technical profiles. Therefore, the marketing department has a very important job: first, to understand well all the solutions and functionalities and, then, to adapt the message and shape the information in the form of different materials to be able to explain them to anyone, regardless of their area.
We often find technical data very difficult to digest and, if what we want is to get the information across, flexibility is key.
2. What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a leader and how did you overcome it?
Mainly, my biggest challenge has been the fact that I have become responsible for a department, with all that this entails in terms of team management. In previous jobs I had only had male superiors and the positions were very marked, with a clear hierarchical difference.
At Walmeric, however, from the moment I joined, I have had the opportunity to work as equals with my colleagues and we have created many synergies. I have benefited from their knowledge and they from mine.
3. What is your long-term vision for your career in the company?
I know that I still have a lot to discover, both in the world of communication and technology. The marketing department is a cross-functional area, so I am fortunate to be able to work with colleagues from the rest of the company and learn a lot about them.
That is my long-term goal: to continue my education in everything that surrounds Walmeric and marketing in order to become a professional that other colleagues can look up to and learn from each other.
When I started in this world, I had never imagined myself in charge of the marketing department. But at Walmeric, my knowledge, experience and effort were valued, no matter what.
4. What advice would you give to other women who aspire to leadership positions in companies?
That they believe in themselves, in what they are worth and in their work. That they are not afraid to express their ideas and that female leadership is possible.
