Today we would like to introduce you to Alejandro Rojas, finance expert and mentor at TARA FOR WOMEN. Alejandro has an impressive track record and his experience is extremely valuable for any female entrepreneur.
Alejandro, what would you say is your area of expertise?
I have a degree in Business Administration and Management, a Master’s in International Management (Junior MBA) from IE Business School, a specialisation in Financial Management and Control also from IE Business School and a Master’s in Finance from EAE Business School. I have extensive experience in financial consulting, acquired in national and multinational companies, in different industries and countries (Banking, Retail, Pharma, and Software, among others).
How did you come to mentor Tara?
From the moment I heard about the project, I wanted to be part of it. When I had the opportunity to be on the jury, I asked to contribute in one way or another to Gingko, a project that is making a significant social impact in Kenya and where its founders have achieved a lot with very little.
What is your biggest mistake, and would you be willing to make it again to get to where you are now?
I think when I started my company, I didn’t have the right team. Of course, if I would try again with a good, diverse and committed team it would be a formula for success. We all have excellent ideas, but execution is the most important thing.
What business decision has been the most important in your career, and why?
Without a doubt, studying Business Administration and Management. It is a career where you have a lot of scopes, and you touch on issues that are applied on a day-to-day basis, and I personally believe that this has had an impact on my personal development.
What is the secret to managing a team correctly?
Firstly, to have a clear strategy and clear short and medium-term goals. This is the only way to be able to guide and measure the team.
Second, have the humility to listen and always have respect for your whole team. If you lose respect for them, they will lose respect for you.
Third, involve the team and keep them informed in decision-making.
Is there anything I should be afraid of professionally? What?
Yes, comfort. If you stay in your comfort zone, you stop learning, you stop looking for opportunities, and possibly you stop growing professionally. Comfort is, I believe, the professional’s worst enemy.
What leadership skill has been the most difficult to cultivate?
Patience. I’m an impatient person, and often issues require that ingredient. I’m still working on it!