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Interview published by MÁS DIRECTIVAS
The CEO of Odilo answers MÁS Directivas’ questionnaire this week.
What did you want to be when you were little?
When I was very young, I wanted to be a clown; then a teacher; then an actress; and finally, an investigative journalist, which is what I studied at university.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
You can “have it all,” but not at the same time. You will have to learn to ruthlessly prioritize the important things in your life, such as family, friends, health, hobbies, and work. Your health should always come first, as it will allow you to give your best to the people and projects you care deeply about.
How do you remember your first day at work?
My first official job was at age 14, wrapping Christmas gifts in a clothing store. I remember being very excited and proud to earn my own money to buy gifts for my family. I felt an incredible sense of independence. That feeling of independence and self-sufficiency continues to be important to me to this day.
Who is the person who has most influenced your career?
If I had to choose one person, it would probably be my father, who always encouraged me to be brave and true to my principles no matter the cost. He taught me to prioritize experiences and friendships, and to stop every now and then to “smell the roses” and be thankful for what life has given you.
Describe yourself in three adjectives.
Curious, courageous, and resourceful.
What talent would you like to have?
The ability to remember people’s names better!
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
One of my former bosses once said to me, “You are the bravest person I have ever met.”
Choose a woman whose career has inspired you.
Judy Faulkner, the 82-year-old CEO of Epic Systems. She is now selling shares to charity and signed Bill Gates’ pledge to donate 99%.
What has been your biggest professional challenge to date?
The biggest challenges always involve people. Leading in times of change sometimes means making decisions that deeply impact others. I’ve learned that the most important thing is to treat people with dignity and transparency, even when decisions are difficult.
If you could choose anyone, who would you like to work with?
I would give anything to sit in a meeting room with Mira Murati (co-founder and CEO of Thinking Machines Lab, and Chief Technology Officer of Open AI) and her team and LEARN from her.
And who would you go out for drinks with?
Stephen Colbert, because I know we would laugh nonstop.
What makes you laugh?
I’m a fan of dry humor and puns. I also love videos of pets doing funny things.
And what angers you the most?
People with extraordinary privilege and an unjustified sense of entitlement.
If you could go back, would you do anything differently?
I would take much better care of my knees.
What is your most precious possession?
My time.
In which city would you like to live?
Cape Town, South Africa
If you chose a different profession, what would it be?
Something related to music or returning to the piano to become a professional musician.
What experience that you haven’t had yet would you like to have?
To train and climb Kilimanjaro.
What do you do to disconnect from work?
It depends on the day. Sometimes it’s a walk outdoors with friends, spending time with my husband, playing video games, or reading for pleasure.
Recommend a book, an album, a series, and a movie.
Book: Unreasonable Hospitality: The remarkable power of giving people more than they expect, Will Guidara
Album: Como La Piel, Rita Payés
TV series: The Diplomat
Movie: Interstellar
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
Devoting my time to causes that are deeply important to me and playing with my grandchildren.