An agronomist from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, Isabel García Frontera has specialized in the technological field since she started at Accenture in 1996.
In addition, she is an expert in International Operations and has a solid track record in business transformation through technology. Isabel has been Director of Operations at Free Now since 2018. Since last November 2021, Isabel has been appointed Managing Director at Free Now Spain, becoming the first woman to lead a mobility company in our country. At MCPRO we have interviewed her.
[MCPRO] What projects do you lead in Free Now?
[Isabel García Frontera] As General Director of Free Now, I am in charge of the entire business strategy of the company in Spain, especially in the Operations part, directing and ensuring the proper functioning of all the teams.
In addition, my current challenges are to lead the way in sustainability in the taxi sector and the integration of new forms of mobility. I am also in charge of leading the new step forward in the equality strategy of the entity, granting greater visibility to women within the technological sector of our country.
[MCPRO] What are the most important challenges you have encountered in your professional career?
[Isabel García Frontera] I have had a non-linear professional career, working in companies
very different from each other, in very varied sectors, in radically different teams and structures; so the challenges I’ve faced have been very different.
One of the challenges that has been a constant throughout my professional career has been continuous learning, having to quickly catch up: not only about the company but about a new sector, the technology that is implemented in it, the business dynamics, the organizational and work structure of the team, etc. Which has always been very gratifying for a restless mind like mine, eager to learn and apply what has been learned in the previous ones to each new position.
Another challenge to highlight is having been faithful to my leadership style and my values at all times. There have been times when I have been the only woman on the company’s Management Committee and I have had to defend my vision firmly and politely, demonstrating my experience and talent, and being aware that I brought another sensitivity and a point of different view.
[MCPRO] Managerial positions in technology are held mostly by men. What do you think it is due to?
[Isabel García Frontera] I think there is a very important problem of bias, which starts from childhood, since it has been detected in studies that girls tend to undervalue their skills in mathematics and technology, while boys overvalue them.
This leads to fewer girls opting for STEM careers and therefore less likely to get into tech jobs and tech companies. And, from this starting point with many fewer women in technology positions and companies, we arrive at the low presence of women in management positions
in technology.
That is why it is key to start from school to correct that perception, that bias, and to make women in technological positions visible, so that they serve as a reference for the new generations. I am sure that the day will come when the presence of women is normalized in technology and not be perceived as a rarity or exception.
[MCPRO] Do you think that technological training is key to attain IT management positions or, on the contrary, is experience worth more?
[Isabel García Frontera] Personally, I think both ways are valid. A person who decides to train in technology will have a better chance of ending up working in technology companies, or in technology positions in companies in other sectors.
From there, it is more direct to reach IT managerial positions. However, it is not the only path, as evidenced by the numerous examples of women and men in managerial positions in IT companies with a background in non-STEM careers.
Technology advances so fast that, even in the case of having technological training, continuous learning is essential to keep up to date with new technologies and not become obsolete. This applies both to people who come from a STEM background, and those who do not. Based on my experience, I encourage technology to be accessed at any time and from any position. It’s never too late for it. The key is not to set barriers to access positions in technology or management positions.
[MCPRO] What recommendations would you give to any woman with aspirations for IT management positions?
[Isabel García Frontera] That he go for it decisively and without hesitation, that he does not doubt his abilities. If someone sets limits for you, let them be others, never set them yourself. For others to believe in you, it is important that you start by believing in yourself, that you do not hesitate, that you fight for your aspirations and your dreams, that you overcome those insecurities that we all have.
It is not easy, because there are many cultural constraints and gender biases, but it is not impossible either, as has been shown by the countless women who occupy IT managerial positions with great solvency. There are not as many as we would like, due to the existing gender gap -it cannot be denied-, but the road is open, and with talent, determination and drive they will get where they want.
Check here the rest of the interviews that we include in «Get to know them: women who run technology in Spain»
