The Women Powering ArganoUV: Maru Lopez La Rosa

Putting the spotlight on our workforce, The Women Powering ArganoUV showcases the professional and personal pathways of women at ArganoUV. We uncover daily motivations and personal passions, first company impressions and important career milestones. Today, we meet Maru Lopez La Rosa, Director of Delivery.

In which area did you start working at ArganoUV?
I started at ArganoUV as a project manager in 2014. At that time, the area had no name since we were a small team of 10 people! 

How have you grown during your time within the company?  

I had already managed digital projects in advertising agencies, but I wanted to learn more about technology and to lead more complex and challenging projects. And that was what ArganoUV always had for me, constant challenges. Always something different: either in what we were doing, in the industry we were working in, or personally with the people I had to work with.

Many times I had to leave my comfort zone, and I can’t say that it was easy or that I wasn’t stressed, or that everything always went well, but thanks to all that I grew. And something that ArganoUV always had for me was also good mentors who trusted me and accompanied me on this path. 

Looking back, what was the key to get where you are today?
The commitment to the team and the curiosity to continue learning. I think I always had courage and desire to take on new challenges, and I gave my best, both in the smallest projects and even with the largest clients. I was also lucky enough to work with talented people from whom I learned a lot over the years. And when things didn’t go as expected, I had to learn to overcome adversity quickly, always moving forward! 

What characteristics should a good leader have?
I think a good leader has to find a balance between trusting and empowering their team, but also knowing when to help and letting their team know they can count on their support. You also need to know how to ask the right questions when giving advice, rather than simply giving instructions. To present challenges and not necessarily always be the one who brings the solutions. And I think that the most important thing is to spread the passion and the desire to be better and better. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge you can face?
It’s hard to think of a “greater challenge.” It can be many things! I try not to overanalyze the uncertain because I think it’s an unnecessary waste of energy and makes me anxious. However, I do believe that our own lives and careers are like an agile, iterative project. There are moments of planning, others of execution, and others of hindsight. And as with any project it is important to do risk management 😉  

Are there women who inspire you?
There are many women that I admire. Some examples would be Oprah or Kamala Harris. I also respect women who use their popularity and influence to talk about issues that weren’t talked about a few years ago.

If it is valid to speak of fiction, since I was a child I have been a fan of Eowyn, the warrior princess of the Lord of the Rings (the book version), because they didn’t do her justice in Peter Jackson’s films. I hope they make a movie one day that better represents her! 

What does work represent for you? What place does it occupy in your life? 

Work occupies an important place in my life and I give it time and thought. We dedicate a large part of our best years to work, and the best hours of our days. That is why it is important for me to feel that work gives me value, personally and professionally, and at the same time add value to my work. It has to be a win-win relationship. 

If you had to give advice to a colleague who is just starting their career at ArganoUV, what would it be?
That attitude is the most important! And that they know that they can always trust the team, and that it is also important that the team can trust them. 

What is a highlight of ArganoUV as a company?
The people and the culture. I’m really proud to be part of this company.