Maria Moreno, Senior executive support on Influential Women

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Maria Moreno

Senior executive support, FedEx

Miami, FL

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Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Graphic Design Degree Interior Design/Decoration Degree Drawing Degree Web Design Degree Fashion Design Degree Flight Attendant Training Degree Harvard University (5 years of study Degree Specialization in Strategy) Cert Specialization in Strategy from Harvard University

Her Story

About Maria

I have been in my field since 2008, and I've been working with FedEx for over 8 years now. I currently support two directors in the Finance and Planning and Engineering department, and previously worked in the analytical support department, both under the finance organization. My role is unique because it combines executive assistant functions with PMO responsibilities. I'm the person in charge of making sure my officers are on time, know what is happening in FedEx, and I review pre-reads, decks, and presentations to identify gaps and optimize processes. I have more responsibilities than a typical assistant, not because it was assigned to me, but because I am a very curious person who is always trying to improve my career. I've been investing heavily in my education, going to Harvard University for the last 5 years, because for me, growing professionally means investing in your education. Interestingly, I didn't start in this industry by choice. I went to school to be a graphic designer and then an interior decorator because I love learning. A friend of mine was opening a business here in Miami and said he needed someone he trusted, and that's how I started in this business with an SAP company. That company doesn't exist anymore here in Miami, but it exists in Brazil, Portugal, Spain, Venezuela, and other places.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Maria

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to being outstanding rather than average, and to me, being outstanding means investing in your growth. It's not just doing your job - it's going back to school, getting training, staying up to date with new trends, knowing about AI and many other things. That's how you become outstanding, and being outstanding always gives you a reward, whether through an award, recognition, better pay, or a better position. Throughout my whole career at FedEx, my reviews are always outstanding. I make sure that what I do, I do it right, and I always think ahead. I also believe our purpose in life is to help others, and the only way you can help others is if you know how to help them. To do that, you need to know what you're doing, you need to go back to school, take certifications, and grow. It's a personal thing - you have to grow in order to help someone else grow. Self-love is the base of everything in life. If you don't respect yourself, love yourself, take care of yourself, and try to grow and be better, there's no way you can help, respect, or love others.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say that there are two types of people - average and outstanding - and she needs to be outstanding. Being outstanding is not just doing your job, it's investing in your growth. When you grow, when you go back to school, when you train, when you are up to the new trends, and you need to know about AI and many things, that's how you're going to be outstanding. Being outstanding will always give you a reward, whether through an award, recognition, better pay, or a better position. My reviews throughout my whole career at FedEx are always outstanding. I make sure that what I do, I do it right, and I always think ahead. I see people around me all the time who don't think ahead at all - they're just doing their jobs and there's nothing else to do. For me, I'm doing my job, and I also have time to help you do yours. How can I help you? How can I teach you something today? If you don't know how to do something on the computer, I'll teach you. If you don't know how to find information, I'll teach you. Being outstanding isn't just for gratification or getting an award - it's for you as a human being. Our purpose in life is to help others, and the only way you can help others is if you know how to help them. You need to know what you're doing, go back to school, take certifications, and grow. You have to grow in order to help someone else grow.

03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The most important value to me is self-love, which I believe is the base of everything in life. If you don't respect yourself, love yourself, take care of yourself, and try to grow and be better, there's no way you can help, respect, or love others. In 2020, I opened an account to help women reconnect with self-love because of how fundamental I believe it is. I also deeply value helping others - I'm always the one telling people they're doing great, encouraging them to achieve things, and when they accomplish something, I tell them I'm so proud of them. At the office, I'm constantly helping people learn new things, whether it's how to do something on the computer or how to find information. I believe our purpose in life is to help others, and you can only do that if you invest in your own growth and education. I also value continuous learning and growth - life is so precious and you can do and be so many things. I've always wanted to try everything, and I believe in being outstanding rather than average in everything I do.

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