Interview with Irene Medina, Global Partnerships Manager at Walmeric

This week we interview Irene Medina, #WalmerianWoman who has been developing her personal career at Walmeric for 5 years, and she tells us what she has learned throughout these years.

1. What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a leader and how did you overcome it?

Over the years I have faced several challenges and the Irene of today is the result of all of them, the ones from which I emerged victorious and the ones from which I learned. If I have to choose just one of them, I would say that the one that gives me the biggest headaches even today is to be the best leader for the team I work with.

I consider that a basic ingredient of leadership is example and communication, so I strive every day to give the best of myself, to be present, to be close and to offer the support that those around me may need to achieve the objectives whatever they may be. Being a leader I have learned that contrary to what one may think, it is the leaders who work for the teams and not the other way around. We must be the guides.

2. How would you describe the impact your role has on the company and the work team?

After almost 5 years, my role in the company has evolved a lot although it has always been linked to the business. Currently, together with the Partners team, I am developing new relationships and agreements with consulting companies, performance agencies and contact centers so that more B2C companies with Assisted Selling around the world can benefit from Walmeric’s Lead-to-Revenue Management technology and methodology.

In the team, my role could be compared to that of the conductor of an orchestra. I am responsible for cueing, keeping the tempo and rhythm and ensuring that the performance is faithful to the composer, but without the instrumentalists, there would be no music. As Global Partnerships Manager, my job is to make sure that each member has everything they need to be their best professional version and give the best result as a team.

3. What is your long-term vision for your career in the company?

Looking back, I don’t think even in my wildest dreams I could have imagined where I am today. And where am I today? Working with brilliant people, able to make the difficult easy and who make you want to grow to live up to it.

In the long term, I would like to continue developing myself in the world of technological products, in new challenges that excite me, and that make me keep surprising myself. To keep looking with the eyes of a child, even though I’m not so young anymore.

4. What advice would you give to other women aspiring to leadership positions in the company?

In 2022, only 15% of management positions in Spain were held by women. My first piece of advice: be aware that no one gives anything away. Only hard work and effort can get you where you want to be. Start by discovering what really motivates you, set yourself a goal and trust in yourself, you are worth more than you think.

It is possible that your professional path will take you in other directions, but do not despair because at some point you will reach your first destination. And I say first, because there will be new ones.

The second and last: surround yourself with people who inspire you, who open your eyes, who are passionate about what they do, because that will help you not to stand still and it is very possible that they will push you to be better at what you do.