Yaritza Garcia Baello

I attribute my success to discipline, consistency, and a commitment to continuous learning. Even when I’m not motivated, I make it a priority to stay focused and complete what needs to be done. I maintain a structured schedule with set office hours and hold myself accountable to it. When I don’t have clients, I use that time proactively to stay ahead whether it’s preparing content, refining my processes, or developing my newsletter, which I publish every Monday.

The best career advice I’ve ever received came early in my career from an excellent manager who emphasized the importance of empathy and strong human relations. While my academic background focused on technical disciplines like engineering, where teamwork and interpersonal dynamics are not always the primary focus, he taught me to intentionally consider others’ perspectives and experiences. Learning to put myself in other people’s shoes and approach situations with empathy has been invaluable in building stronger relationships, improving collaboration, and becoming more effective in every professional setting.

I would strongly recommend that young women pursue internships early, especially in today’s job market where even entry-level roles often require one to two years of experience. It can be challenging to transition directly from college into a full-time position without practical exposure, so building that experience through internships, volunteer opportunities, and organizational involvement is essential. Equally important is developing a strong professional network, as many first jobs come through recommendations. Finding mentors and sponsors who can guide, support, and advocate for you can make a significant difference, and that typically begins with actively putting yourself out there, gaining experience, and building meaningful professional relationships.

One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the rapid pace of technological change, particularly with the rise of AI and automation reshaping many traditional tasks. There is a growing expectation for professionals to not only understand these tools but also to effectively apply and critically evaluate the outputs they produce. At the same time, the job market continues to demand significant experience, even in areas where the technologies themselves are still relatively new, which can create barriers for entry-level professionals. However, this also presents an opportunity: staying adaptable, pursuing continuous learning, earning relevant certifications, and remaining engaged with emerging tools can help professionals remain competitive. It’s also important to recognize that job descriptions often reflect ideal requirements rather than strict criteria, so applying broadly and building experience through every opportunity is key.

Honesty and transparency are the core values that guide me in both my professional and personal life. I believe that when people communicate openly and share the truth about their actions, challenges, or limitations, it creates a foundation for trust and effective problem-solving. With clear and honest communication, I am able to understand situations accurately and work collaboratively toward solutions. In contrast, a lack of honesty can lead to misunderstandings and incorrect conclusions, which ultimately hinders progress. Personally, I value being around individuals who are direct, sincere, and straightforward in their interactions.