Graduated in Economics from the Pompeu Fabra University of Barcelona, Laura D. de la Torre began her professional career at PwC (PriceWaterhouseCoopers), in the Consulting area.
After participating in several technological projects in several multinationals, he moved to Singapore at the hands of PwC. Back in Barcelona, he worked for a couple of years in the pharma sector at ISDIN. There, he led implementation projects for the new CRM and the launch of new digital platforms.The next step was Wolters Kluwer.
Three years ago he joined as Business Transformation Director. He currently also directs the Business Development & Strategic Alliances area. At MCPRO we have had the opportunity to explore with her the role of women in the technology sector.
[MCPRO] What kind of projects and team do you lead within Wolters Kluwer?
[Laura D. de la Torre] At Wolters Kluwer I lead two projects and teams. On the one hand, the Business Transformation area, in which we lead the implementation of new market reference technological tools (Salesforce.com, SAP, among others).
The objective of this team is to design new business processes, framed in future applications and aligned with best market practices, with change management being of vital importance. Achieving a better customer and employee experience is our goal. The other area that I lead is that of Business Development & Strategic Alliances, currently in full swing, since
We launched our marketplace just half a year ago and we are in a very exciting time of evolution.
This team is very focused on market growth through our cloud solutions. It is in charge of identifying potential strategic partners, in addition to reaching agreements with software developers that increase our portfolio of applications connected to our cloud solutions.
[MCPRO] What are the most important challenges you have encountered in your professional career?
[Laura D. de la Torre] There have been two great challenges throughout my professional career, the first a few years ago and the other very recently. Without a doubt, the first few months at PwC Singapore were very challenging. I was no longer in Technology Consulting, but moved to the Management Consulting team.
In addition, in a few months I was promoted to manager and had teams of people in my charge, which was not usual in Spain. Working in another language, on very different projects, with strict and short deadlines, required me to quickly adapt to a new dynamic.
The second important challenge at a professional level was just a few months ago, when I was given the opportunity to lead the Business Development & Strategic Alliances area at Wolters Kluwer. It is a wonderful challenge, very different from my career so far, which I face with enthusiasm every day. It is the great challenges that make us grow and evolve.
[MCPRO] Managerial positions in technology are held mostly by men. What do you think it is due to?
[Laura D. de la Torre] I don’t think there is a specific reason. It is true that there are established historical stereotypes about the world of technology, closely linked to man since childhood.
It is also true that, in schools, technology or computer subjects tend to have more male students. In addition, it is at a very early age when we usually define what our university study will be. However, I think there is a key factor, the lack of women who are role models and with visibility in the world of technology.
We need leading women to inspire the new generations and motivate them to follow in their footsteps. If that were the case, I am convinced that there would be many more students in technology careers and, in the future, more women managers in this field.
[MCPRO] Do you think that technological training is key to attain IT management positions or, on the contrary, is experience worth more?
[Laura D. de la Torre] I think that having a technological background helps to start a professional career in this field. However, I do not believe, at all, that it is a requirement, and I myself am proof of it. Technology had always attracted me, but I never considered studying engineering at the time, probably influenced by the stereotypes we were talking about a moment ago.
It was when I started working and participated in an ERP implementation project that I realized that I was passionate about transforming business processes with the new technological tool.
It has undoubtedly been my experience that has driven my career in the world of technology.
[MCPRO] What recommendations would you give to any woman with aspirations for IT management positions?
[Laura D. de la Torre] Convincing themselves that they really want to reach a managerial position in the technology area. Then, communicate, both professionally and personally, your intention to achieve it. Your peers, superiors and those close to you must be aware of your motivation to advance in a professional career in the IT field.
Taking a step forward and expressing the desire and passion for technology is precisely what is missing for more women to join. Finally, identify a reference, whether male or female, whether within the company itself or externally, that serves as inspiration and that when there is an obstacle serve as an example to overcome it and continue progressing.
Check here the rest of the interviews that we include in «Get to know them: women who run technology in Spain»
