CyberLideria MGZN Podcast #1 Sonia Pulgarin - CyberLideria MGZN & Luis Altés - VMware by Broadcom

Summary

In this insightful interview, Sonia Pulgarín talks with Luis Altés, Director of Global Accounts at the Santander Group in BMW by Brcom, about the importance of resilience, leadership, and cybersecurity. Luis shares his passion for endurance sports like triathlon, which help him embrace discomfort and push beyond limits in both his personal and professional life. He discusses balancing work and personal life, the impact of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity, and the need for commitment and continuous learning in leadership roles. The conversation also highlights the value of personal growth and adapting to challenges in both business and life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Luis Altés, a passionate Ironman and triathlete, emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone to grow personally and professionally.
• 😀 He believes that sports like triathlon help build resilience and adaptability, qualities essential in both personal life and the workplace.
• 😀 Luis values balance between personal and professional life, finding time for family and hobbies while managing a high-responsibility career.
• 😀 In terms of disconnecting from work, he relies on sports, especially running, swimming, and biking, to clear his mind and reflect in solitude.
• 😀 One of Luis’s key lessons in life is that we should never stop learning and should strive to improve continuously by stepping out of our comfort zones.
• 😀 He stresses the importance of gratitude, helping others, and being aware of social issues, such as poverty, to contribute positively to society.
• 😀 Luis highlights the value of maintaining good relationships, even with those who may have disagreed with you in the past, in a professional context.
• 😀 He speaks about his role at BW, helping clients understand technological trends, including artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, and guiding them through transformations.
• 😀 He emphasizes the role of cybersecurity in the financial sector, pointing out how hackers are ahead in using AI and how network security is often overlooked.
• 😀 For young professionals, Luis advises pursuing what truly excites them, not just following trends, as long as they stay aligned with their values and passions.
• 😀 Luis believes that the most important qualities for those responsible for cybersecurity include resilience, commitment, and the ability to adapt under pressure, likening them to a Formula 1 engineer during a crisis.

Q & A

How did Luis Altés get started in endurance sports?

Luis Altés began his journey into endurance sports because of his love for cycling and running, even though he wasn't a fan of swimming. He decided to try triathlon as it pushed him out of his comfort zone, emphasizing the importance of leaving comfort zones to avoid mediocrity.

What does Luis mean by 'leaving the comfort zone'?

Luis believes that leaving the comfort zone is key to growth. He mentions that people often become complacent within their comfort zones, but true growth and the 'magic' in life happen when we step outside of these zones and challenge ourselves.

What are Luis's strategies for balancing personal and professional life?

Luis maintains a balance between personal and professional life by spending time with his family and prioritizing activities like sports, which allow him to disconnect. He values moments of solitude, like running, cycling, or swimming, where he can think and recharge.

How does Luis disconnect from work despite the high demands of his job?

Luis uses technology to stay connected for work but ensures he also has moments of complete disconnection. Activities like running, swimming, or cycling in nature, where he can focus on the silence and his own thoughts, help him unplug from the pressures of work.

What is one of the most important lessons Luis has learned throughout his career?

Luis has learned the importance of continuous learning and never settling. He emphasizes the need to appreciate what we have and be grateful, while also contributing to society and helping others. The key is to avoid complacency and to always strive for improvement.

What memorable moment in his career does Luis cherish the most?

Luis cherishes the relationships he’s built with his teams. He takes pride in the fact that even after working with people, they continue to maintain professional respect and friendship, even with those with whom he may have had disagreements.

Can Luis describe his current role at BMW by BRcom?

Luis's role at BMW by BRcom involves helping clients understand the evolving world of technology, particularly focusing on cybersecurity and AI. He recently took on the responsibility of managing the global commercial relationship with Banco Santander, aiming to assist them with their digital transformation.

What cybersecurity trends does Luis see impacting the financial sector in the near future?

Luis notes that while AI and cybersecurity are major trends, hackers are often ahead of the curve in leveraging AI for malicious purposes. He also mentions the importance of securing networks and simplifying the technology vendor ecosystem to address security challenges.

How does Luis stay informed about the latest trends in cybersecurity?

Luis keeps up with the latest trends through specialized sources and international news. He also relies on platforms like Ciber Lidería Magazine to stay informed, appreciating its approach to presenting cybersecurity as a part of the broader organizational landscape.

What advice does Luis give to young people interested in entering the technology field?

Luis advises young people to focus on values and happiness, choosing careers based on passion rather than just job prospects. He also recommends diversifying careers throughout one's life to avoid burnout and to keep challenging oneself with new experiences.