MY CAREER IN SIX SPOTLIGHT
SARAÍ BAEZA IZAGUIRRE
Director of Lifecycle Management International Banking
Scotiabank
Sharing her career journey by answering the six questions below.
Who or what has been your biggest source of inspiration throughout your career?
I have always been inspired by learning new things. I spent the first nine years of my career in consulting, driven by the excitement of working on projects in different industries, on various topics, with diverse teams and even in different countries. It was the thrill of knowing that there would always be something new to learn that kept me motivated. After consulting, all my roles have been different. I was Head of Commercial at Google, VP of Product at a Fintech and in less than two years at Scotiabank, I have already had two different roles. I am always seeking the excitement and discomfort of the unknown because I know that’s where I will learn the most.
Would you say your success is primarily due to luck or hard work?
It’s been both, for sure. I was fortunate to be born into a family that could provide a private education for me. I covered part of my education through scholarships and internships. When applying to McKinsey, I spent many hours preparing for the interviews. I have never applied for a job afterwards; they have all come either because a recruiter contacted me (luck) or because someone who knows me recommended me (hard work). I think it is important to be humble and recognize that luck has helped me many times, but I make sure that I do my homework, and I am prepared to take advantage of those opportunities through hard work.
What is the driving force behind your career aspirations?
I strive to be the best version of myself, and I know that I can always be better. I can be a better leader for my team. I can be a better team player. I can be better at creating the life that I want for myself and my family. I can solve bigger and more complex problems. Knowing that there is always room for improvement keeps me moving and, hopefully, growing.
If given the chance to do one thing differently in your career, what would it be and why?
If I could go back in time, I would embrace the concept of “owner’s mentality” sooner in my career. During the few first years of my career, I thought that working hard and producing results were the sole drivers of growth. While those may help at the beginning, at some point, you need to think like an owner and develop accountability and long-term thinking to move ahead. Knowing that I could make proposals, solve problems, and engage in projects that were beyond the scope of my role has opened many opportunities for me, but it is one of those things that no one teaches you. I wish young professionals could be exposed to this way of thinking earlier in their careers.
What was your most favourite job/role and why?
My first role in Product. Before this, I didn’t even know that Product existed as a function, and when I discovered it, I felt like it was created for me. Product is where you deliver value to a client by solving a need or a problem. To do so, you need to understand every lever of the business so that its objectives are met. It’s always evolving, never boring, and completely client-centric. What else can you ask for?
Do you have a favourite motto or quote that guides your professional life?
“Find meaningful problems to solve”. The word “meaningful” to me involves aligning my efforts with a greater purpose, looking to make contributions that truly move the needle and leading to solutions with a lasting impact. This has meant something different at different moments in my life, as my personal and professional priorities keep evolving, but it helps me keep inspired and excited about what’s to come.