PMI people: The problem-solver

Natalia is an early riser, and never shies away from work. Until early this year, she could be found on a plane to Lima, Bogotá, or Quito to meet with colleagues face-to-face and solve their IT issues. Due to the pandemic, she’s currently working from home, where she’s also planning on writing the next best-selling novel.

Where are you from?

I’m from Medellín. When I was younger, I lived in the U.S. for one and a half years. And then for another year and a half in Switzerland.

How long have you been with PMI?

It’s been 17 years now.

What’s your role?

I’m the head of IT in the Andean cluster. That means that I’m responsible for all services related to IT, providing technological solutions to everyday problems. In other words, I oversee and implement the technological operations required to transform business performance, improve profitability, and drive meaningful innovation—always with the consumer at the core.

When does your alarm go off in the morning?

At 5:45 a.m. Sometimes I go to the gym, and I do yoga or Pilates at least twice a week. Sometimes I can’t make it because, well, I travel a lot, so then I prefer to stay in bed!

Why do you think you got the job?

I think it’s because I like to learn. I’ve always been a curious person.

What’s the best part of your role?

Every day is different. And my team and I learn a lot from our fast-paced working environment. It helps us grow as professionals.

What would colleagues say about you?

That I’m pragmatic. Driven. Perhaps sometimes I oversimplify for those not from a technical background. But I always deliver.

What’s the biggest challenge in your job?

Projects can take time, and you need patience, because lots of people need to approve what we do. When we are ready to go, and everybody’s happy, there’s always that extra layer of approval that takes time and resources. But it means we move forward together in the knowledge that we’ve had a conversation and everyone’s happy!

What about hobbies?

I like writing. I’d love to find some time to write a novel. Also, I love gardening and spending time outdoors with my family.

What advice would you give to a person wanting to follow your career path?

One of the best pieces of advice I got when I joined the company is “Believe in yourself, in your strengths, and in what you can achieve.” This is what a new hire needs to strive for at PMI. Also, get up early and breathe in the fresh air! The best things always happen at daybreak.

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