Google office. Singapore - 2019
2021 - 2024 MADRID
Upon returning to Madrid, I made a conscious decision to step away from my corporate career and focus on several key priorities:
After realising these goals, we relocated back to Southeast Asia, following our initial plan and settling in Saigon. Life is truly a journey!
In mid-2017, I relocated to Manila, Philippines, to lead a complex operation supporting multiple business units globally. Under my leadership, the team's size tripled, reaching over 300 people and making Manila the largest operation of its kind. During this time, I earned a promotion and secured my return to Singapore by the end of 2018, reestablishing it as my home. However, in 2021, with ongoing travel restrictions, I decided to leave Google and return to Spain to facilitate my daughter's connection with her family, her Spanish language learning, and our eventual return to Southeast Asia by 2024.
After persevering through over a year of rejections, I landed a dream job at Google Singapore. This wasn't your average role; I was fortunate enough to relocate to Asia and lead a large team in Manila, Philippines, supporting the ANZ market. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I steadily climbed the corporate ladder, taking on new challenges and making a significant impact. I managed teams in Japan and Kuala Lumpur supporting the Japanese, Southeast Asia, Greater China, and Korea markets, consistently exceeding sales targets while thoroughly enjoying the experience.
In 2010, I was promoted to Manager in the Spanish team, gaining valuable insights into the complexities of management. Simultaneously, Google's sales approach became more sophisticated, allowing me to further develop my sales skills and experience. During a backpacking trip, I discovered Singapore, which quickly became a personal and professional goal. A role in Singapore would not only complete my international career profile but also expose me to the vibrant Asian market and the region's luxurious lifestyle and perpetual summer. The plan was clear, the execution challenging, but I persevered.
My dedication to resume writing and interview techniques in London paid off, landing me a dream job at one of the most successful companies in history. Joining Google was a transformative experience, connecting me with a global network of brilliant minds and fostering a thriving international career. I initially joined an international team supporting new advertisers, but soon transitioned to the Spanish team, focusing on medium and large advertisers, particularly in the local, finance, and education sectors. This exposure deepened my understanding of their unique business intricacies.
In late 2006, I embarked on another audacious adventure, this time choosing London as my destination. I dedicated months to studying resume writing and interview techniques, aiming for a coveted position in a multinational company. However, financial constraints forced me to seek immediate employment. I landed a job at Alessi, a renowned Italian kitchenware brand, located in the prestigious Harrods department store. While I didn't acquire new skills, this experience further enhanced my international profile, plus I had the opportunity to roam around magnificent Harrods when closed to the public.
Upon returning to Madrid from Dublin, I joined a small company specializing in office furniture and architectural products and services. The company's primary furniture brand was the renowned American company Steelcase, which operated a significant factory in Madrid. During my 18 months there, I gained valuable insights into the intricacies of the industry. However, the most significant lesson for my future was mastering the art and science of complex selling, thanks to my exceptional manager, Ana Pinilla, whom I will always be indebted to.
In late 2004, I embarked on the greatest adventure, leaving Spain for uncharted territory. Despite limited English and resources, I secured a door-to-door sales job selling alarm systems in Dublin's outskirts. Later, I landed a temporary role as a cashier at Marks & Spencer for the Christmas season, which unexpectedly became permanent. While these early roles didn't offer new skills, they were pivotal in my career, opening doors to international opportunities. From that point forward, I could proudly claim an international profile, something very valuable in Spain and elsewhere.
While at ESIC, I gained valuable office experience through internships at several small and uninspired Spanish companies. These early roles exposed me to office dynamics, which were completely unfamiliar to me, but also to my own competitive spirit. Ironically, my first job was with a newly established internet channel, despite relying solely on fax and telephone. My second job faced legal challenges, although my direct responsibilities remained unaffected. These experiences served as a valuable benchmark, keeping me grounded in later stages of my career.
Despite a dismal academic performance in high school and uncertainty about my future path, I enrolled at ESIC University, a local business and marketing school. Unexpectedly, ESIC ignited my passion for business. With no prior knowledge of business or marketing, I discovered a fascinating connection between my dear game Civilization and the world of business. Both involve a complex interplay of factors to achieve long-term success and growth. This realization captivated me, leading to a significant improvement in my academic performance, despite my natural inclination towards laziness. I also had a fantastic time with my colleagues and friends in ESIC, feeling at home anytime I go there. Since my time in ESIC, work and play have become seamlessly intertwined.
My high school years were quite challenging and not my favourite time. Despite struggling academically, I discovered a hidden gem: the computer game Civilization. This addictive game became my obsession, profoundly shaping my life. Like Bilbo Baggins finding the One Ring, I unearthed something truly magical in the darkest of times. I'm not kidding when I say that Civilization was the cornerstone of my future professional career. While I learned many valuable lessons in high school, like everyone else, this game deeply changed my mindset. It taught me long-term thinking, patience, strategic planning, resource management, and effective decision-making. While the immediate benefits weren't apparent, the long-term impact on my life and career trajectory has been profound as you will see if you read further.
Happy childhood in Aravaca, Madrid's outskirts, Spain. The oldest of three siblings, I only remember good times until high school, when everything got complicated and messy. In case you're wondering, I'm the one with the red and white striped T-shirt. I don't recall if we won the football match, but we definitely had a great time. In this picture, you can see Cristobal, El Chino, Vicente, David, Javier, Daniel, Fillo, Jorge, Barderas, Marcos, and Carlos. Those were the good old days! ;)
Regents park, London - 2006
Copyright © 2024 Jorge Gonzalez - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy