Summary

In this episode of the Mentor's Office podcast, Alvaro interviews Cristian Ceja, VP of Technology at Wizeline. Cristian shares his journey from childhood dreams of becoming a soccer player and musician to his current role in technology leadership. He discusses the importance of curiosity, community building, and innovation in technology. Cristian reflects on the challenges of scaling teams, fostering a culture of innovation, and the significance of community initiatives in driving business value. He also provides valuable career advice and insights into what makes a great employee at WiseLine.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cristian Ceja and His Journey

00:55 Early Aspirations: From Soccer to Technology

04:39 The Impact of the Internet on Curiosity and Learning

05:51 The Path to Becoming a VP of Technology

08:31 Scaling Wizeline: A Personal Journey

12:33 Challenges of Rapid Growth in QA Practices

17:18 A Week in the Life of a VP of Technology

19:55 Balancing Speed and Depth in Technology Services

22:00 Understanding AI: Going Beyond Superficial Solutions

24:51 Cultivating a Culture of Innovation at Wizeline

27:14 Embracing AI in Daily Life

29:44 Mindset and Innovation Culture

35:18 Community Initiatives and Maturity Assessments

43:47 Career Challenges and Success Rules

51:34 Ownership and Mindset for Success

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Takeaways

Cristian's early curiosity about technology shaped his career path.

He emphasizes the importance of adding value over seeking titles.

Scaling teams requires a shift in leadership approach and culture.

Fostering a culture of innovation is essential for growth.

Community initiatives can drive business value and improve practices.

Effective communication is key to success in consulting roles.

Understanding client needs is crucial for delivering value.

Leaders should act as owners and not just executors of tasks.

Continuous improvement should be part of the company culture.

Recognizing and leveraging individual strengths can lead to career growth.

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Summary

In this episode, Fausta Ballesteros, CMO and Chief Experience Officer at Wizeline, shares her journey in marketing, the importance of building high-performance teams, and how AI is transforming the marketing landscape. She emphasizes the need for collaboration, creativity, and embracing new technologies to enhance team performance and personal growth. In this conversation, Fausta discusses the significance of personal branding as a means to create opportunities and align with one's values and goals. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in building a personal brand and how visibility plays a crucial role in attracting opportunities. The discussion also covers the impact of personal branding on company marketing strategies, the challenges faced in careers, and the essential traits of an ideal employee. Fausta shares her success rules and offers advice for employees to stay proactive and connected in a rapidly changing industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fausta Ballesteros

01:12 The Journey to Becoming a CMO

05:04 Landing at Wiseline

08:08 Building High-Performance Teams

16:26 Embracing AI in Marketing

21:42 Pursuing Your Best Version

26:52 The Power of Personal Branding

35:29 Personal Branding and Company Marketing Strategies

39:38 Overcoming Career Challenges

42:51 Success Rules for Personal and Professional Growth

45:58 Traits of an Ideal Employee

46:56 Advice for Wiseline Employees

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Takeaways

Fausta's journey to becoming a CMO was more of a career evolution than a childhood dream.

Building high-performance teams requires a mix of talent and collaboration.

AI can enhance marketing efforts by automating tasks and providing data insights.

Team players are essential for success; egos can hinder progress.

Focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses leads to personal and team growth.

Embracing AI is crucial for staying relevant in the marketing field.

Creating a positive work environment fosters creativity and productivity.

Networking and scouting for talent are key to building effective teams.

Personal development involves shifting focus from what is lacking to what is strong.

Surrounding yourself with positive influences is vital for personal success. A strong personal brand opens doors and attracts opportunities.

Self-awareness is the foundation of a personal brand.

Visibility is crucial for leveraging talent and creating opportunities.

Treat yourself as a product to effectively market your personal brand.

Authenticity is key in personal branding.

Embrace change as a constant in your career.

Building a supportive team enhances personal and professional growth.

Proactive communication is essential for career advancement.

Success often requires breaking down big goals into smaller steps.

Creating content can benefit both personal and company branding.

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Summary

In this episode, Alfredo Rivera shares his journey to becoming a CFO, discussing his early career choices, the transition to Wizeline, and the importance of balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility. He emphasizes the need for a structured approach to financial planning and innovation, highlighting the role of a CFO in enabling and challenging teams to create effective business cases. In this conversation, Alfredo discusses the importance of empowering employees at Wizeline to share their insights and contribute to the company's growth. He emphasizes the need for financial literacy among employees, explaining how it can benefit both personal and professional lives. Alfredo also shares his experiences navigating career challenges, the significance of continuous learning, and offers key advice for success in one's career. He concludes with a motivational message for all Wizeline employees, encouraging them to take responsibility for the company's success.

Chapters

00:00 Alfredo's Journey to CFO 05:40 Transitioning to Wizeline 08:41 Balancing Innovation and Fiscal Responsibility 15:31 Prioritizing Innovation in Financial Planning 22:37 The CFO's Role in Innovation 25:40 Empowering Insights at Wizeline 27:57 The Importance of Financial Literacy 35:58 Navigating Career Challenges 43:52 Keys to Success in Your Career 47:53 A Message to WiseLine Employees

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Takeaways

Alfredo's journey to becoming a CFO was not a childhood dream but a realization later in his career. The impact of a strategic financial leader is significant in a company's growth. Balancing innovation with fiscal responsibility is crucial for sustainable growth. Every funding request should be backed by a solid business case. Innovation should focus on solving pain points within the organization. CFOs should not just say yes or no but work collaboratively on business cases. It's important to prioritize projects based on their potential impact and feasibility. Companies should not be afraid to pull out of unproductive investments. Small improvements can lead to significant impacts over time. The role of a CFO is to enable innovation while ensuring financial viability. Every Wizeliner has insights to share. Encouraging a culture of voicing insights is vital. Financial literacy is essential for everyone. Understanding company finances helps personal finance. Treat the company's wallet as your own. Continuous learning is crucial for career growth. Don't be afraid to seek change in your career. Align your work with your strengths and passions. Surround yourself with supportive people. Be proactive in your professional development.

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Summary

En este episodio de The Mentors Office Podcast, Bismarck Lepe, fundador y CEO de MiSalud, comparte su trayectoria como emprendedor y la motivación detrás de su empresa, que busca ofrecer soluciones de salud y bienestar en español. A lo largo de la conversación, se discuten los servicios que ofrece MiSalud, los desafíos que enfrenta como CEO, su visión para el futuro de la empresa y el impacto de la inteligencia artificial en la industria de la salud. En esta conversación, se exploran temas cruciales en el ámbito de la salud, incluyendo la importancia de la prevención y detección temprana de enfermedades, el acceso a servicios de salud en comunidades desatendidas, el papel de la inteligencia artificial en la mejora de los servicios de salud, y las oportunidades laborales para médicos en Colombia. Se discute cómo la tecnología puede reducir costos y mejorar la atención médica, así como la necesidad de crear confianza entre los profesionales de la salud y los pacientes.

Chapters

00:00 Introducción a Bismarck Lepe y MiSalud 01:42 La historia personal detrás de MiSalud 04:42 Servicios ofrecidos por MiSalud 09:50 Desafíos como CEO de MiSalud 14:51 Visión a cinco años para MiSalud 19:00 Impacto de la inteligencia artificial en la salud 22:30 Prevención y Detección Temprana en Salud 28:08 Acceso a la Salud y Desiertos Médicos 29:36 Inteligencia Artificial en Servicios de Salud 37:23 Oportunidades para Médicos en Colombia

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Takeaways

Bismarck Lepe es un emprendedor en serie con una trayectoria notable. MiSalud busca cerrar la brecha de acceso a la salud para hispanos en EE.UU. La salud virtual puede cambiar la forma en que se accede a servicios médicos. El 80% de las consultas pueden hacerse virtualmente. La inteligencia artificial está revolucionando la atención médica. MiSalud se enfoca en empresas con alta población hispana. El costo de la atención médica en EE.UU. es exorbitante. La telemedicina es crucial para zonas rurales y de difícil acceso. La salud mental es un componente importante de los servicios ofrecidos. La integración de servicios de salud en toda América Latina es una meta ambiciosa. La detección temprana puede prevenir costos altos en tratamientos. La salud virtual es clave para acceder a servicios médicos. La inteligencia artificial puede personalizar la atención médica. La prevención es fundamental para reducir gastos en salud. Los médicos deben adaptarse a la tecnología para mejorar su práctica. Los health coaches pueden ser una solución viable en salud. La cultura y la dieta son importantes en la atención médica. La automatización puede liberar tiempo para la atención al paciente. Las oportunidades laborales para médicos en Colombia están creciendo.

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Summary

In this conversation, Hugo Morales, a Delivery Director at Wizeline, shares insights into his multifaceted role, the skills necessary for success, and the importance of mentorship in the tech industry. He discusses the career path leading to a delivery director position, emphasizing the shift from technical roles to leadership. Hugo also highlights the significance of empathy, context switching, and a consulting mindset in fostering team growth and delivering value to stakeholders. He shares experiences from both successful and challenging projects, illustrating the need for cultural alignment in client relationships. In this conversation, Hugo Morales shares his insights on managing project scope, articulating value in consulting, overcoming career challenges, and the core principles for success in business. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication, understanding stakeholder needs, and maintaining honesty in professional relationships. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the lessons learned from difficult projects and the significance of building trust and empathy in the workplace.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hugo Morales and His Role 01:22 Understanding the Role of a Delivery Director 03:14 Career Path to Delivery Director 04:32 Advice for Aspiring Delivery Directors 06:51 Essential Skills for a Delivery Director 08:20 Mentorship and Career Growth 10:04 Effective Mentorship Strategies 12:43 Recommended Resources for Growth 19:19 Successful Program Management 29:54 Lessons from a Failed Program 32:24 Navigating Scope Creep and Project Management Challenges 39:09 Articulating Value in Consulting 47:15 Overcoming Career Challenges and Building Resilience 50:49 Core Principles for Success in Business

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Takeaways

A delivery director serves as a bridge between stakeholders and engineering teams. Shifting from a transactional to a value-oriented mindset is crucial for growth. Empathy is essential for understanding and managing engineering talent. Mentorship plays a key role in helping engineers advance their careers. A consulting mindset helps in identifying and solving client problems effectively. Understanding the organizational culture is vital before proposing changes. Successful program management requires building rapport with stakeholders. Cultural alignment between service providers and clients is critical for success. Context switching is a necessary skill for delivery directors. Continuous learning and adaptation are essential in leadership roles. Scope creep can lead to significant project delays and revenue loss. Understanding stakeholders is crucial for project success. Contracts should be designed to protect against scope creep. Listening to past experiences can provide valuable insights. Effective communication is key to articulating value in consulting. Researching industry-specific challenges is essential before proposing solutions. Rehearsing communication can prevent misunderstandings with stakeholders. Building relationships based on trust fosters better collaboration. Radical honesty helps in addressing issues before they escalate. Visibility of work is important for career growth and recognition.

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Summary

In this conversation, Hugo Morales, a Delivery Director at Wizeline, shares insights into his multifaceted role, the skills necessary for success, and the importance of mentorship in the tech industry. He discusses the career path leading to a delivery director position, emphasizing the shift from technical roles to leadership. Hugo also highlights the significance of empathy, context switching, and a consulting mindset in fostering team growth and delivering value to stakeholders. He shares experiences from both successful and challenging projects, illustrating the need for cultural alignment in client relationships. In this conversation, Hugo Morales shares his insights on managing project scope, articulating value in consulting, overcoming career challenges, and the core principles for success in business. He emphasizes the importance of clear communication, understanding stakeholder needs, and maintaining honesty in professional relationships. Through personal anecdotes, he illustrates the lessons learned from difficult projects and the significance of building trust and empathy in the workplace.

Chapters

00:00 Investing in Education: A Personal Journey 07:46 Evaluating Return on Investment in Education 16:01 The Value of Online Education vs. Traditional Degrees 24:12 The Importance of Self-Directed Learning 31:54 Lessons Learned and Future Considerations

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Takeaways

The best investment in education can come from non-traditional sources. Udacity provided a significant return on investment compared to traditional degrees. Online master's programs can be more affordable and competitive than local universities. Self-directed learning is crucial for success in the real world. Networking and building connections are essential during university studies. It's important to evaluate the financial implications of education choices. Being self-taught can enhance learning efficiency and retention. Persistence in job applications is key to finding opportunities. Reputation of the university can impact job prospects significantly. Remote work can help finance education abroad.

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Resources and Links

http://udacity.com https://omscs.gatech.edu https://usc.edu

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Summary

Andres Angelani, the CEO of Wizeline, shares his journey to becoming the CEO and the challenges he faces in scaling the company. He emphasizes the importance of articulating value to clients and developing a consulting mindset. He also discusses the significance of building a strong team and the qualities of a great employee. Andres highlights the need for personalized development and the importance of discovering one's strengths. He envisions Wiseline adapting to the changing landscape of the service industry and leveraging AI to create innovative solutions. Andres Angelani discusses the changing nature of services and the opportunities it presents for WiseLine. He emphasizes the importance of being agile and innovative, which is easier for a mid-size company like Wizeline compared to larger companies. He also highlights the three dimensions of WiseLine's approach to AI: readiness, results, and responsibility. Andres shares his personal career advice of being bold and taking risks. He also talks about the key habits and skills necessary for professional success, such as clarity of vision, engagement, and relentless execution. Finally, he discusses the challenges he has faced in his career, particularly the impact of frequent moves on his personal life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 03:03 Building a Strong Team and Embracing Change 07:09 Starting Wizeline in Colombia 13:52 Growing Wizeline from 0 to 200 People 20:18 Current Challenges as a Leader in Wizeline 24:09 Opportunities for Growth in Wizeline Colombia 26:21 Innovation in Wizeline 28:42 Keys to Success 34:45 Building a Successful Career: Doing Great Work and Engaging with Others 42:02 The Power of Mentors: Finding Guidance and Investing in Personal Development 49:43 Effective Communication: Knowing Your Audience and Communicating Value 52:46 Balancing Work and Personal Life: Prioritizing and Involving Family 58:54 Becoming a Doer: Taking Initiative and Getting Things Done

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Takeaways

00:00 Introduction of Andres Angelani 05:18 Challenges of Being a CEO 08:07 Articulating Value and Consulting Mindset 10:26 Building a Strong Team and Fostering Growth Mindset 16:22 Discovering Strengths and Personalizing Development 19:16 Adapting to the Changing Service Industry 27:19 Vision for Wizeline and Future Growth 30:16 Wizeline's Three-Dimensional Approach to AI: Readiness, Results, and Responsibility 36:08 Career Advice: Be Bold and Take Risks 41:12 Key Habits for Professional Success: Clarity of Vision, Engagement, and Relentless Execution 44:47 Challenges in a Career: Balancing Personal and Professional Life

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Resources and Links

Andres Angelani https://www.linkedin.com/in/andresangelani/ Transforming While Performing: A Practical Guide to Being Digital https://www.amazon.com/Andres-Angelani/dp/1944903607?ref_=ast_author_dp The Meaning Revolution: The Power of Transcendent Leadership, Fred Kofman https://a.co/d/1T9wZFa

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Summary

Daniel Castañeda, Delivery Director of Media, Streaming and Entertainment for Colombia at Wizeline, shares his career journey and insights. He discusses the challenges and fun of transitioning from being a journalist to a product owner and emphasizes the importance of being prepared, getting hands-on experience, and having a strong team and mentors. He also talks about the challenges of starting Wizeline in Colombia and the need to balance scalability and expertise. He highlights the opportunities for growth and innovation in WiseLine and the technology industry in Colombia. In this conversation, Daniel Castañeda shares valuable insights on career growth, communication, and personal development. He emphasizes the importance of doing great work, engaging with others, and effectively communicating your value. Daniel also discusses the role of mentors in career advancement and the need to be intentional in seeking guidance. He highlights the significance of understanding the audience when communicating and the value of connecting with others. Additionally, Daniel talks about the challenges of balancing work and personal life and offers advice on becoming a doer and boosting professional growth.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 03:03 Building a Strong Team and Embracing Change 07:09 Starting Wizeline in Colombia 13:52 Growing Wizeline from 0 to 200 People 20:18 Current Challenges as a Leader in Wizeline 24:09 Opportunities for Growth in Wizeline Colombia 26:21 Innovation in Wizeline 28:42 Keys to Success 34:45 Building a Successful Career: Doing Great Work and Engaging with Others 42:02 The Power of Mentors: Finding Guidance and Investing in Personal Development 49:43 Effective Communication: Knowing Your Audience and Communicating Value 52:46 Balancing Work and Personal Life: Prioritizing and Involving Family 58:54 Becoming a Doer: Taking Initiative and Getting Things Done

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Takeaways

Career transitions can be challenging but also fun and rewarding, providing an opportunity to learn and grow. Being prepared, getting hands-on experience, and having a strong team and mentors are crucial for a successful career transition. Starting a company and growing it from zero to a significant number of employees requires building a strong team, developing processes, and adapting to market changes. The technology industry in Colombia offers numerous opportunities for growth, innovation, and collaboration with local and international companies. Success in both personal and professional life comes from staying humble, connecting with people, stepping out of the comfort zone, and communicating effectively. Focus on doing great work and engaging with others to become visible and communicate your value. Find a mentor who is excellent at what they do and invests time in developing you. Know your audience and tailor your communication to their preferences and interests. Balance work and personal life by prioritizing and involving your family in decision-making. Become a doer by taking initiative, getting things done, and communicating your actions. Continuously seek opportunities for personal and professional growth through experimentation and learning.

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Resources and Links

Daniel Castañeda https://co.linkedin.com/in/dancas

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Summary

In this episode, Ani and Andres celebrate the Mentor's Office podcast and discuss their favorite episodes. They also talk about their experiences with Bitcoin and the BTCPay service. They discuss the opportunities they've had over the years and what they've learned from them.

Andy shares his experience at WizeLine and how they support innovation and personal growth.

They also discuss the importance of public speaking and self-awareness. Ani talks about her work with independent medical assessments and technical guides, as well as her growth in writing skills.

In this conversation, Andy and Ani talk about using audiobooks and Kindle to make reading more accessible and convenient. They also share their favorite books, including 'The Effective Engineer,' '12 Rules for Life,' 'Transcendent Leadership,' and 'The Bitcoin Standard.' They discuss the importance of personal growth and self-improvement. They also touch on the topics of minimalism and managing screen time.

Chapters

00:00 Celebrating the Mentor's Office Podcast 06:43 Learning and Growing Through Opportunities 16:28 Innovation and Personal Growth at WiseLine 22:46 Making Reading More Accessible with Audiobooks and Kindle 27:29 Recommended Books for Personal Growth and Self-Improvement 33:17 Exploring Minimalism and Managing Screen Time 36:27 Movie Recommendations: 'Cabrini' and 'Dune' 41:26 Future Podcast Topics: Entrepreneurship and AI

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Takeaways

The Mentor's Office podcast has had a positive impact on both Ani and Andres, helping them learn and grow. Bitcoin and the BTCPay service have been fascinating topics discussed on the podcast. Opportunities in different fields have provided valuable learning experiences. Wizeline supports innovation and personal growth, offering opportunities to try new things. Toastmasters has helped Andres overcome his fear of public speaking. Self-awareness and practice are key to improving public speaking skills. Writing well is a valuable skill that requires attention to detail and practice. Using audiobooks and Kindle can make reading more accessible and convenient. Recommended books include 'The Effective Engineer,' '12 Rules for Life,' 'Transcendent Leadership,' and 'The Bitcoin Standard.' It's important to focus on personal growth and self-improvement. Minimalism can help declutter and simplify life. Managing screen time is crucial for productivity and well-being. Recommended movies include 'Cabrini' and 'Dune.' Future podcast topics include entrepreneurship and AI.

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Resources and Links

Voice Dream https://www.voicedream.com

The Effective Engineer http://www.effectiveengineer.com

12 Rules for Life https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Jordan-B-Peterson-ebook/dp/B01FPGY5T0/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.I1Na8cbI7I7w235jzV9j8LJOJpCXB1Vezz-qduWoQyRKGzxdoOxUxBzARCcLjBZHpgayYMyvz39vn4_qnTi5rziYYNkspoxUuBVTALUyeXzMtzjpg7GMKieMY9LdiR4nJ9rxMqUj67VSddQgWR_8MdBaK5qQ-OdWYChKx2ZGkZRGvQlLlOsi9FZF5dHuAhLTB_2-_LGa28e2WDvtBOkmN2NrqVxXmOPIYX1z1tPvOJg.VZAo3Cobs5539OoJB5ufe2aqjosFEMtPBWW67qZF09E&qid=1721596966&sr=8-1

The Meaning Revolution: The Power of Transcendent Leadership https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Fred-Kofman-ebook/dp/B073P9NQ4V/ref=sr_1_4?__mk_es_US=ÅMÅŽÕÑ&crid=1C1YF0RSU1T9G&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KM3P6ID9jzI6fl7fmLGx6sLv2Z0wWI0BAM82J08b_oVh4_9eE8o2kJIlh6FpCRbtkZ2bVyHCWv6lK6q2emo58QDZ10SUF1HprkDPMcDtEudZoJQQkwpQohVC2rZpwVcVdf6YgD61CvUfipT36L4jXP6RjlZNh6b9kbgLxEoszZoR0l9JykFcvD5MqZzIngZynTlO65nBBH_V-3ZazJAKDGdG8dhdR-pQ79ig2gBb7dA.enJphXnA9fGwVcsr_CeKpRiVJVoGUN98my07Yvkn0zY&dib_tag=se&keywords=Transcendent+Leadership&qid=1721596998&sprefix=transcendent+leadership%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-4

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Summary

In today’s episode, we welcome Paola Beltran. Paola is a Colombia Talent Experience Country Lead & D&PdM People Business Partner at Wizeline. She is also a psychologist, Ontological Coach, and Specialist in Human Talent Management. She holds an Executive MBA from Universidad EAN.

In this conversation, Paola Beltran shares insights and tips on navigating career adjustments and strategies for career advancement. She emphasizes the importance of visibility and creating a positive impact within the organization. Paola also discusses the significance of building achievements and results to demonstrate value. She advises against complaining without proposing solutions and highlights the importance of mindset, attitude, and building relationships. Additionally, Paola provides guidance on creating effective personal promotion statements by backing up statements with evidence and focusing on measurable achievements. In this conversation, Paola Beltran shares insights on career development, measuring value, and finding success. She emphasizes the importance of showing leadership and creating impact, even in junior positions. Paola also discusses the challenges of measuring value and offers advice on gaining visibility and securing positions within a company. She highlights the opportunities for growth and talent development at Wizeline. Additionally, Paola shares her best career advice, the outlook for Wizeline in Colombia, and tips for success.

Chapters

Chapters 00:00 Introduction 09:28 Navigating Limited Opportunities 24:31 Building Achievements and Demonstrating Value 35:02 Measuring Value Beyond Numbers 42:32 Unique Strategies for Contractors to Ensure Value and Recognition 53:50 Outlook for Wiseline in Colombia

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Resources and Links

website http://www.mentorsofficepodcast.com

linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-mentors-office-podcast/?viewAsMember=true

Paola Beltran https://www.linkedin.com/in/paolabeltranpsicologacoach/

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