Today we hear the story of Raquel Naranjo, Head of the General Services and Purchasing Department at Workout Events. A multifaceted and nonconformist woman with a truly amazing life and work path.
Raquel is from Madrid, from the typical humble and lively neighborhood where everyone knows each other. There she grew up, studied and forged her character, surrounded by her family and friends. She tells us that when she finished school, she decided not to follow the traditional pattern of university studies and took an intermediate degree in Offset Printing and, later, a higher degree in Design and Editorial Production.
Thanks to that, she worked as Art Director in a Marketing and Advertising company where she designed corporate materials, banners and icons for websites, among other things. But the company closed and it was then when Raquel decided to reinvent herself: she studied Early Childhood Education and specialized in Special Education.
Her time as a volunteer in a personalized education center for people with ASD marked a before and after in Raquel’s life: she discovered the value of what is really important and reinforced her commitment to social inclusion.
After this enriching experience, she did an internship in the area of Therapeutic Pedagogy in a school, but could not stay there due to lack of vacancies. Then her career path took an unexpected turn when she got an interview at the event staffing company Workout Events.
She began working as a receptionist, while combining that role with small image services and her experience since the age of 18 as a hostess for Real Madrid.
After 4 years with Workout, tell us about your career with the company?
I started at the reception desk of the Madrid office, welcoming visitors, taking care of the agenda, calls… Gradually, I took on tasks related to the General Services department, such as coordinating orders or uniforms.
I have been fortunate to feel valued from the very first moment. Workout has trusted me and allowed me to grow within the company, giving me the opportunity to take on more and more responsibilities until I became the General Services and Purchasing Manager.
What does the General Services department consist of?
The General Services team ensures that the day-to-day running of the company runs smoothly. From managing basic purchases for the offices (such as stationery, household goods or supplies), calling the electrician because the electricity has gone out or booking accommodation and transport for Workout staff who have to travel to work in another city.
We also take care of all the team’s uniforms , especially the technical wardrobe (set up, audiovisuals, assistants) and that of the hostesses. We coordinate the delivery and ensure that all the material is in good condition, available and ready for each service, ensuring that Workout’s image remains impeccable in each event.
What would you say is your greatest achievement so far within Workout?
Managing the selection of the Mutua Madrid Open ball boy team for the last 3 years. For me it was a work challenge, but also a personal one.
The first year they trusted me with this task was very stressful, because I had never coordinated such a large work team before, but I have managed to pull it off and that makes me feel very proud.
What is the craziest anecdote you have experienced at the office?
My colleagues know that I have a lot of them, but one of my favorites is this one:
The entrance to the Workout office in Madrid is a huge glass window and, while I was at the reception, a man appeared at the door with a stick who, out of nowhere, started dancing with hip movements like Shakira… What a laugh! It was impressive.
And working as an event hostess, have you ever experienced any unusual situations?
The weirdest thing that ever happened to me was accompanying a public figure and having direct orders not to look him in the eyes. Imagine… guiding him through space while I was trying my best to look at infinity. It was super uncomfortable! But the worst was in the elevator, because I had to concentrate a lot on looking at the number buttons.
Is there an event you dream of participating in?
Well, now that Formula 1 is coming to Madrid, I would love to work there. I think it will be a great challenge, being the first time it is done in our city.
Madrid is growing a lot in sporting, social and economic events. We have incredible museums, soccer stadiums, the Pasarela Cibeles, the Tennis Open? There is no other city like it! And Formula 1 is going to be a bombshell, so yes, I would really like to be part of it.
Now tell us about yourself, what do you like to do in your free time?
I’m hooked on memes and Tiktok! Seriously though, I love being with my family. Maybe for anyone else it’s silly, but for me it fills me up to spend as much time with them as possible.
Do you have any hidden hobbies?
Few people know this, but I competed in swimming. I won several medals in the Community of Madrid: gold, silver and bronze. I quit because the training was very demanding and I could not combine it with my studies. The truth is that I loved it and, if I could, I would go back to swimming tomorrow. I was good at it and I really enjoyed it.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
Consistent, organized and hard-working. I consider myself very ant-like. I don’t care how many hours I spend on something as long as I have a goal and I achieve it.
