Cómo alcanzar el éxito profesional y personal: Úrsula Álvarez, Credicorp / Habilidades necesarias

The Path to Success: Overcoming Obstacles

Key Insights on Success and Learning

• Emphasizes the importance of explaining to individuals why they will be rewarded financially, highlighting that success requires understanding the necessary steps.

• Stresses the need for discomfort and a willingness to learn as crucial elements in achieving success, alongside managing uncertainty and change.

• Advises against blaming external factors for obstacles; instead, encourages facing challenges with courage and resilience.

Introduction of Guest Speaker

• Introduces Úrsula Álvarez from Credicorp, noting her impactful story as an executive who contributes positively to society.

• Úrsula expresses gratitude for being invited and acknowledges the responsibility of sharing valuable knowledge with the audience.

Úrsula Álvarez's Background

Professional Journey

• Describes her role at Credicorp, where she has worked for 17 years, leading corporate strategy for approximately 45,000 employees across several countries.

• Reflects on her admiration for colleagues like Gianfranco Ferrari and emphasizes that ultimately it is about people and their stories.

Personal Life Influences

• Shares personal details about being a mother to Rodrigo (14 years old) and Flavia (12 years old), stating they are her motivation for self-improvement.

• Discusses hobbies such as cooking, gardening, and traveling which help recharge her energy.

Transitioning from Clinical Psychology to Corporate Strategy

Career Evolution

• Initially trained as a psychologist in clinical settings but later sought broader impact through organizational roles.

• Highlights the enriching experience of working one-on-one with patients before transitioning into corporate environments.

Starting Small in Her Career

• Recalls beginning her career in a small consulting firm where she learned essential skills despite seeing peers join larger companies.

• Emphasizes that there is no single path to success; each individual must find their unique journey based on personal experiences.

Reflections on Teaching and Connection

Early Aspirations

• Remembers childhood dreams of becoming a teacher rather than just a psychologist, indicating an early passion for working with people.

Importance of Attitude in Career Development

Transitioning Roles in Human Resources

Initial Challenge and Opportunity

• The speaker reflects on their previous role as a Human Resources manager, where they had a team and were involved in management committees. They were approached with a new recruitment challenge.

• The challenge involved recruiting for positions without defined titles, emphasizing the importance of connecting with the purpose behind the task and the person presenting it.

Embracing Change

• The speaker describes taking a step back from a comfortable position to embrace this new opportunity, highlighting the initial uncertainty of working solo without an established team.

• They began their journey at BCP focusing on recruitment, eventually transitioning into more corporate responsibilities within Credicorp.

Learning Through Experience

• Over 17 years at Credicorp, the speaker has faced various challenges that have contributed to personal growth and learning from diverse teams.

• They note that successful leaders consistently emphasize the importance of people in achieving organizational success.

The Role of People in Organizational Success

Key Insights on Recruitment

• A recurring theme among successful leaders is prioritizing people; effective recruitment is crucial for aligning talent with organizational goals.

• Technology alone cannot drive success; it’s essential to have the right people who can leverage resources effectively.

Strategic Alignment

• The speaker stresses that personnel strategies must align closely with company objectives. When leadership recognizes this connection, positive changes begin to occur.

• They reference "Atomic Habits," suggesting that small changes can lead to significant cultural shifts within organizations.

Involvement in Selection Processes

Collaborative Approach to Hiring

• Effective selection involves collaboration between HR and business line managers; HR acts as facilitators rather than sole decision-makers.

• Engaging line managers ensures that candidates are chosen based on their understanding of specific products or strategies.

Skills for Advancement

• The discussion shifts towards identifying skills necessary for career advancement within corporate structures.

• Humility and groundedness are highlighted as vital traits for continuous learning and growth throughout one’s career journey.

Personal Development Insights

Importance of Groundedness

• The speaker emphasizes staying grounded amidst success, recognizing how power can distract individuals from their core purpose.

Seeking Help as Strength

Insights on Personal Growth and Professional Development

The Philosophy of "Less is More"

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of simplicity in learning and growth, advocating for a "less is more" approach that can lead to greater impact.

• Simplicity not only makes tasks easier but also powerful; maintaining simplicity has been a guiding principle throughout the speaker's journey.

• Citing Steve Jobs, the speaker highlights how the iPhone exemplifies simplicity in design, making technology accessible and user-friendly.

Taking Action

• The necessity of taking action is discussed; overthinking can hinder progress, and sometimes one needs a push to start achieving results.

Key Skills for Success in Competitive Environments

• The speaker addresses what skills are essential for thriving in competitive companies like Credit Corp, emphasizing alignment between personal purpose and company mission.

• Resilience is highlighted as crucial; individuals must be able to overcome obstacles and learn from failures to succeed.

Embracing Discomfort

• A willingness to embrace discomfort is presented as vital for personal growth; stepping out of comfort zones leads to significant self-discovery.

• Managing uncertainty is another key skill mentioned; adapting to change without having all answers is increasingly important in today's fast-paced environment.

Evolving Human Resource Management

• The discussion shifts towards changes in human resource management, noting that understanding employee desires has become critical for attracting talent.

Employer Branding and Employee Well-being

Importance of Employer Branding

• The employer brand is crucial for attracting potential employees, showcasing what the company offers and its core values.

• Emphasizing psychological and emotional well-being is essential, especially post-pandemic, to prevent burnout and ensure a balanced work environment.

Balancing Productivity and Compensation

• Companies must focus on maintaining a balance between employee well-being and productivity to enhance performance.

• Employees today seek clarity on their roles, expectations for success, and how their compensation correlates with their performance.

Skills Development in the Workforce

• There is a growing need for new digital skills as technology evolves; companies should invest in training without necessarily high budgets.

• Many resources are available online for skill development, emphasizing that learning can occur through various accessible means.

Correlation Between Productivity and Compensation

• A strong link exists between productivity levels and salary; higher productivity often leads to higher compensation.

• Understanding individual contributions to overall company goals helps in recognizing employee value.

Performance Evaluation Strategies

• Implementing variable compensation tied to performance indicators can motivate employees effectively.

• Regularly reviewing performance metrics ensures alignment with company objectives while fostering accountability among staff.

Succession Planning in Organizations

• Proactive succession planning is vital; organizations should not wait for turnover but prepare replacements ahead of time.

Work-Life Balance Challenges

Navigating Personal Priorities

Work-Life Balance and Personal Growth

The Challenge of Balancing Work and Personal Life

• The speaker reflects on the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of setting personal limits to achieve equilibrium.

• Achieving this balance requires self-reflection and courage to identify one's priorities and non-negotiables, which can vary for each individual.

Support from Leadership

• A personal anecdote is shared about a conversation with a boss during a pivotal moment after having a child, highlighting the importance of supportive leadership in retaining employees.

• The phrase "What do you need to keep working?" was impactful, showcasing how empathy from management can facilitate employee retention during challenging times.

Empathy in the Workplace

• The speaker stresses that empathy is crucial in professional environments, especially as many women face challenges balancing work demands with personal responsibilities.

• There is an acknowledgment that while achieving balance is difficult, it is not impossible; it largely depends on individual boundaries and support systems.

Impactful Initiatives at Credicorp

• Discussion shifts to how companies like Credicorp are transforming society by developing talent within their workforce.

• The speaker outlines initiatives aimed at enhancing employee skills and preparing them for future opportunities both within and outside the company.

Understanding Employee Needs

• Emphasizing the connection between corporate initiatives and organizational purpose, it's vital to understand what employees require for growth.

• First-hand experiences visiting various locations helped identify specific needs of employees in different roles, leading to targeted initiatives.

Developing Skills for Future Opportunities

• Credicorp focuses on equipping employees with essential digital skills necessary for modern workplaces, addressing gaps identified in industry studies.

• Programs are designed not only for current roles but also prepare individuals for future employment opportunities across different sectors.

Engaging Young Talent

• The importance of nurturing young talent in Peru is highlighted as essential for national growth; Credicorp actively recruits interns to foster this development.

Becas BCP: Transforming Lives Through Education

Overview of Becas BCP Program

• The speaker introduces the Becas BCP program, emphasizing its role in supporting students with excellent academic performance to pursue higher education.

• The program involves a recruitment process where students are guided through university applications tailored to their chosen fields of study.

• Beyond financial support, the program offers comprehensive mentorship and psychological assistance to ensure students successfully transition into the workforce.

Additional Support Initiatives

• In addition to traditional scholarships, the program now includes boot camps that provide training in specific skills such as data analysis and product strategy.

• This initiative aims not only to educate but also to facilitate job placements within partner companies after training completion.

The Value of Peruvian Talent

Insights on Peruvian Workforce

• The speaker expresses pride in Peru's workforce, highlighting unique qualities such as hard work, creativity, and resilience amidst challenges.

• There is a strong sense of national pride among Peruvians who seek opportunities abroad yet wish to return and contribute positively to their country.

Overcoming Mental Barriers

• The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-belief among Peruvians, encouraging them to recognize their potential and embrace opportunities for growth.

• The speaker reflects on personal experiences with resilience during crises, advocating for a mindset shift from "I can't" to "I can," especially for women facing obstacles.

Facing Obstacles: Advice for Personal Growth

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges

• A key piece of advice is confronting obstacles directly rather than succumbing to defeatist attitudes; this requires courage and willingness to face discomfort.

• Seeking help when faced with challenges is crucial; acknowledging difficulties allows individuals to find solutions collaboratively rather than isolating themselves.

Incremental Change

Values and Professional Development

The Importance of Values in Professional Life

• Emphasizes the need to keep things simple and manage obstacles effectively, suggesting that time passes quickly and values guide professional development.

• Discusses the dilemma between a highly competent professional lacking values versus one with strong values, highlighting the importance of balance in this aspect.

Personal Values as Guiding Principles

• Describes personal values as a "road" for navigation, with integrity being a foundational value learned from family. Integrity is defined as congruence between thoughts, words, and actions.

• Identifies humility and courage as essential values; courage allows for principled decision-making even in difficult situations.

Loyalty and Authenticity

• Highlights loyalty not only to others but also to oneself, stressing that true loyalty involves acting according to one's beliefs.

• States that authenticity leads to personal growth and becoming one's best version; it’s important to be true to oneself despite external pressures.

Advice for Women Seeking Growth

• Offers advice during Women's Week on navigating non-linear career paths. Encourages women to believe in themselves regardless of timing or age.

• Stresses the importance of seeking help from both women and men when facing challenges, advocating for programs like female leadership workshops.

Overcoming Fear and Discovering Purpose

• Encourages taking action despite fear, reinforcing that it's never too late for reinvention or starting anew.

• Discusses how fear can paralyze individuals; emphasizes returning to one's purpose as a source of strength.

Self-Awareness as Key to Fulfillment

• Suggests self-discovery is crucial for understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, temperament, and values.

Understanding Success and Growth in Career Development

The Role of Education in Career Readiness

• Discussion on the differences between public and private universities, particularly regarding soft skills development.

• Inquiry into what employers prioritize when hiring interns, emphasizing the importance of skills over educational background.

• Emphasis on the need for candidates to be eager to learn and adaptable, rather than relying solely on their university education.

Key Attributes for Young Professionals

• Importance of flexibility and a willingness to learn as essential traits for success in a competitive job market.

• Highlighting patience as a crucial quality that young professionals often lack; success takes time and cannot be rushed.

• Resilience is necessary to handle frustration; humility is also vital for continuous learning and growth.

Learning from Mistakes

• Encouragement for young professionals to embrace mistakes as part of the learning process; discomfort can lead to growth.

• Critique of the culture of immediacy; success requires taking small steps rather than expecting rapid results.

Evolving Definitions of Success

• Reflection on how personal definitions of success change over time, moving from specific goals to broader life satisfaction.

• Success now includes achieving balance in life and ensuring children have the tools they need for their own future successes.

Final Thoughts and Messages

• Advice directed at younger self: pursue dreams despite fears; belief in oneself is crucial for personal growth.