| Written by Angela Lampl
Angi: Hi Alejandro! Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!
Alejandro: Hi Angi, thank you for asking me.
Angi: Let’s dive right into the first question I have for you. Can you describe to me where do you live and what do you like about that place?
Alejandro: I live in Hard, a small town in Vorarlberg. What I love about it is the calm vibe and nature all around. I grew up in Mexico City, a bustling urban jungle. So, moving to this laid-back place where I can jog in peaceful countryside fields, enjoy refreshing swims in the lakes during summer, hike in the stunning mountains, and savour delicious grills in the garden feels like a perpetual vacation - a welcome change from the city buzz.
Angi: That’s what I love about Vorarlberg as well, that you feel like you are on vacation due to nature but it’s our home. Now, onto your career. Tell me a bit about some interesting aspects.
Alejandro: I'm an Electronic Systems Engineer and have also completed a couple of specializations like mathematics, computer networks, AI, and European History. The most interesting aspect that has derived from all this is the mindset that it has given me: a constant hunger for knowledge and interest in understanding how things work, not only in the workplace but in all aspects of life, combined with a need always to go one step further. Thanks to this, I have been able to experience amazing opportunities in life - from studying abroad in different parts of the world to participating in very ambitious projects throughout my professional and personal life. I have had the chance to meet remarkable people and achieve dreams that, at the beginning, sounded impossible.
Angi: Remarkable career path. Let’s get to your time here at Identec Solutions. What do you do and when did you start?
Alejandro: I'm an IT Project Manager focused on the company's infrastructure. This means I'm responsible for the company's computers, servers, mobile devices, networks, digital security, etc., both hardware and software-wise. Additionally, I am responsible for designing, planning, and implementing new projects to improve information technology's overall experience and processes. I started in November 2022.
Angi: A lot of variation in your daily tasks. What do you like the most about your job?
Alejandro: The diversity of the activities I'm involved in. I'm quite hyperactive, so I tend to get bored quickly. Having such a wide variety of things to do, sometimes totally disconnected from each other, keeps me very well entertained.
Angi: Do you have a guiding principle at work?
Alejandro: Here, I would like to start by quoting the great Leonardo Da Vinci: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. This is one of my guiding principles, not only in my work but also in my activities. I believe keeping things simple, logical and practical is the best approach to facing the challenges that life presents. This is part of the mindset I mentioned in one of the previous questions; a teacher from my University used to say there is no problem so big that cannot be divided into little simple parts and get solved. At that moment I did not understand the meaning behind that, it sounds like what you would read on a bumper sticker or a fridge magnet but through the years I have learned its true value.
Angi: Step by step to solve problems is a very good principle which brings steps a bit closer to achieving. What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Alejandro: The most rewarding part is when I'm able to complete or achieve a significant milestone in a project that I had the chance to build from the beginning. I like planning a lot, so new projects are always exciting. Being able to properly execute everything as I planned is very satisfying. Particularly right now, the cybersecurity program that we are running at the company is something I find quite interesting. Researching and learning about the topic always engages me a lot. It's also a project I started from scratch here at Identec Solutions. Seeing it develop throughout the months and noticing the impact it has on my co-workers has been very intriguing.
Angi: Speaking of our company, we have 5 core company values – Visionary, Open, Responsible, Leading and Global. Which one is for you the most significant and how do you live it?
Alejandro: Among these 5 core values, "Visionary" stands out as the most significant to me. I believe in approaching challenges with an innovative mindset, always seeking new opportunities and anticipating future trends. Being visionary, for me, means developing a culture of creativity and forward-thinking, trying to be one step ahead and think out of the box, avoiding the “prepacked” or “pre-processed” ideas and concepts. Not only in my job but also in my everyday activities, from doing a simple fix at home to planning a long exciting trip.
Angi: That’s true, to think out of the box is not always easy but if you have an innovative and open mindset it can be quite fascinating! Now let’s talk about your free time. Do you have any hobbies or passions?
Alejandro: My main hobby and passion is music. I play the drums in a heavy metal band and the guitar in an acoustic covers band. I love being on stage, performing a great show for a cheering audience; it is my favourite place to be. This activity has been particularly fulfilling because it has taken me to play on several stages in many countries. Additionally, I enjoy participating in sports, particularly training in Muay Thai (Thai Boxing). I train regularly and with a lot of discipline, even attending boot camps in Thailand. I also love to read, especially science and horror books. I enjoy hiking in the mountains, driving my motorcycle and travelling around the world with my wife; we are quite the globe-trotting couple. Of course, I also love cosying up at home with my kitten and enjoying a good sci-fi movie.
Angi: Wow a lot of different passions but they harmonise together quite well. Thank you so much for your time and interesting facts about your career and private life.
Alejandro: I have to thank you for the opportunity and the interesting questions!