In this new edition of interviews to learn about Workout‘s #Backoffice, we dive into the life story and career of Mercedes Suárez, the Deputy Chief Operations Officer. Discover why she is one of the most beloved members of our company.
Asturian by birth, she always carries with her the warm and charming essence of her hometown Salinas. Despite living in Madrid from an early age due to her father’s work, Mercedes escapes whenever she can to her beloved homeland, where her whole family lives. In fact, that is where she met her husband, also Asturian, during a summer vacation in his homeland.
But Mercedes is not only adept at embracing her background, as her professional career has also been stellar. With a degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Human Resources, she has dedicated practically her entire working life to recruiting talent. From her early days in a private security company, where she acquired great people management skills, to venturing out as a freelancer, selecting brilliant minds in the world of Computer Science and Mathematics.
Her path finally led her to Workout Events, where, after 8 and a half years of trajectory, she has held different roles until becoming part of the management team of the company.
At Workout, you have progressed from coordinating services to Deputy Chief Operations Manager… Please tell us about your professional development in the company.
I started working in the Hospitality area: I had to set up services, coordinate them, talk to the customers….
After that, I was helping with administrative tasks and recruiting staff. However, as the company grew, I ended up dedicating myself 100% to Human Resources and eventually became the Director of the Staff Department.
I’ve always been closely linked to the operations departments, and the natural evolution has led me to take on my current role.
What are your responsibilities?
To sum up:
- I attend many meetings daily, mainly related to company management and decision-making.
- I monitor the status of each Operations department: whether there have been any incidents, the workload, unforeseen issues, etc.
- I’m still involved with the Staff Department, supporting them with forecasts, recruitment processes, organization…
- Additionally, I supervise the management of the company branches.
There’s always someone in your office!
In the end, 80% of my time is spent talking to people. Most often, staff come to me with problems to try to find solutions, but from time to time we also have some very good news.
You could say that I’m the company’s psychologists.
What do you like the most about your job?
Mainly that I have a broader view of what a company is: I deal with financial, labor, and administrative matters… I love it because it allows me to keep learning and growing professionally.
And what about Workout?
What I like most about this company is that all opinions are heard. Everyone, regardless of their position, contributes their bit.
Tell us a funny anecdote you’ve experienced in the company.
Years ago, while I was interviewing a guy for a job, I fell on the floor. I don’t know if the chair broke or if I made a wrong move. Imagine the situation: in the background I heard my colleagues laughing their heads off, while the candidate didn’t even get up or make any attempt to help me. I don’t know if he was as freaked out as I was or if he didn’t know how to react. I got up, said goodbye to him and obviously we never hired him.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Professionally, I see myself growing in Workout in terms of learning. The goal is to keep improving every day.
On a personal level, I hope not much will change beyond my children starting college. I really like my life now.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to travel to Asturias, go on excursions with family or friends, ski in winter, and of course, read a good book.
Any recommendations?
Anything by Joël Dicker. I love all of his books.
Do you have any hobbies that would surprise people?
I have been going to boxing in the mornings for three years now. I never thought I’d get hooked and I think it’s the most amazing and unexpected thing I do these days.
I am also a big soccer fan. I have traveled to many parts of Spain to watch my Sporting de Gijón’s games. Soccer is sacred in my house.
What is the word that most identifies you?
I think it is EMPATHY. At least, I wish people around me could define me as an empathetic person.
Mercedes is an example of dedication and passion for creating extraordinary experiences and contagious energy. Her trajectory from service coordination to general management reflects not only her professional skills, but also her unwavering commitment to the essence and success of the company.
Thank you for sharing these words with us, Mercedes!
