Ana Paula Assis: “Marketing pessoal é algo fundamental”

Summary

In this interview, Ana Paula Assis, the president of IBM Latin America, shares her inspiring journey from a computer science student in Goiás to leading a global technology company. She discusses the challenges and rewards of being a female leader in a male-dominated industry, the importance of self-awareness, and the value of empathy and intuition in decision-making. Ana reflects on the significance of diversity, personal growth, and the role of women in leadership positions. Her story emphasizes perseverance, the need to challenge self-doubt, and the impact of being proactive in shaping one's career.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ana Paula Assis is the president of IBM Latin America and a computer science graduate. She joined IBM after a rare internship opportunity while still in college, never expecting to reach the presidency.
• 😀 Ana’s journey highlights the importance of hard work, preparation, and a clear vision. She never imagined becoming the president of IBM but always viewed it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
• 😀 Diversity is a core value at IBM, and Ana believes the company's inclusive culture made her leadership role as a woman more natural despite the male-dominated industry.
• 😀 Ana focuses on preparing thoroughly for every interaction, using clear, fact-based arguments to avoid misunderstandings and maintain effective communication in leadership.
• 😀 Self-awareness played a pivotal role in Ana's career growth. She once felt stagnant but sought help from a coach, which led her to overcome self-sabotaging behaviors and seize new opportunities.
• 😀 Networking and personal branding are essential for career success. Ana emphasizes the importance of taking the initiative and being proactive in pursuing leadership roles.
• 😀 Meditation and physical activity, like yoga, help Ana stay focused and manage the demands of her role, improving her decision-making and overall well-being.
• 😀 Ana enjoys traveling, particularly to places rich in art and history. This personal interest helps her connect with culture and fosters creativity in her professional life.
• 😀 Leadership qualities such as empathy, intuition, and the ability to make tough decisions are key to Ana’s approach to leadership. She values these traits in both men and women in leadership roles.
• 😀 Ana advises young women to avoid perfectionism and anxiety in their careers, focusing instead on enjoying the journey and learning from the process.

Q & A

How did Ana Paula Assis begin her career at IBM?

Ana Paula Assis started her career at IBM by securing one of the four internship positions the company opened in Brazil, a rare opportunity in the history of the company. She was still in university, studying Computer Science in Goiás, Brazil.

Did Ana ever imagine reaching the position of President at IBM?

No, Ana Paula Assis never imagined reaching such a high position in the company. She entered the field to learn, grow, and have global experiences, especially because IBM operates in 170 countries.

What was Ana Paula’s perspective on leadership in a male-dominated industry?

Ana Paula Assis stated that her leadership experience was natural, thanks to IBM's strong culture of diversity and inclusion, which has been part of the company since its early years. She did not face significant difficulties or discomfort despite the male dominance in the tech industry.

What approach does Ana take to prepare for meetings and leadership roles?

Ana prepares thoroughly for her interactions, ensuring she has a clear understanding of the facts and arguments. She focuses on direct, fact-based discussions to avoid misunderstandings or misbehavior in meetings.

What social media platform does Ana Paula Assis prefer?

Ana Paula Assis prefers LinkedIn as her primary social media platform, as it is more professional, though she also enjoys Instagram for its content related to art and culture.

How does Ana manage her daily routine and activities?

Ana follows a disciplined routine, although it depends on her schedule the night before. When she can rest, she wakes up early and does yoga or goes to the gym. Weekends allow her more time for longer yoga sessions.

Does Ana practice meditation, and if so, why?

Yes, Ana practices meditation to improve her concentration, especially when making important decisions or when she needs to focus and plan more attentively. She believes it provides scientific benefits for mental clarity and focus.

What book is Ana Paula Assis currently reading or recommends?

Ana is currently interested in philosophy and recommends 'Sofia's World' as a book that helped her understand philosophy in a simple and enjoyable way. She also enjoys biographies for their insights into real-life leadership.

What has been the most significant part of Ana Paula’s career at IBM?

Ana Paula considers the most significant part of her career to be the impact and legacy she leaves behind. She emphasizes the importance of touching people's lives and making a transformation rather than just being the first woman to hold the role of president.

What advice does Ana Paula have for women in the workplace?

Ana advises women to overcome self-doubt and actively seek opportunities. She believes that many women are conditioned to wait for recognition, while men often take the initiative to ask for promotions or raises. Ana encourages women to be proactive and assertive in their careers.