MEET Carlos Moreno Martín
Project Manager
Team Projects and Operational Improvement
Segment Operations
Location Madrid, Spain
Year hired 2015
University University Carlos III of Madrid, Business Science; Project Management Professional by PMI
Can you describe your career progression within Willis Towers Watson?
I started out as a sales executive intern for six months, assisting account executives in identifying and targeting prospects for sales presentations. I then became an Operations business analyst working on an Operational Improvement Program in Spain for one year. My next role was as a project manager within Operations where I was responsible for the implementation of the internal audit remediation plan, Global Data Protection Regulation compliance and different kinds of operational improvements. In the last year, I have been mainly working as a project manager for the implementation of a new sales strategy in Spain and part-time as member of the Western Europe Operations team on different projects and initiatives across Western Europe.
Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?
I am in charge of the implementation of various projects, from the identification of the business needs, defining the right solution and implementing it – whist mitigating any risks along the way.
What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?
Some challenges I face are identifying the needs of each project and then putting into place the right strategies to make the project work and meet our business objectives.
What training and development opportunities have you received in your role?
As my first professional experience in a multinational company, I’ve been able to attend different training opportunities, such as the Operational Development Program, not only in Spain, but also in other countries in Europe.
What is your hope for your career in the future?
I would love to run strategic projects in the business that helps the company grow in terms of efficiency, technology and profitability. I’d also like to experience working in another country to develop my skills in a different location, to face new challenges and learn from other cultures, organizational structures and people
Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with Willis Towers Watson?
Go for it; you will not regret it! You will be a key player from the first day and you will be able to develop personally and professionally very quickly.
MEET Jaime Sánchez Gómez-Landero
Project Manager, Iberia
Team Operations and Client Management
Segment Health and Benefits
Location Madrid, Spain
Year hired 2013 (as an intern) and 2015 (as a colleague)
University Universidad Carlos III Madrid and San Diego State University, Business Administration
Personal interests
I am passionate about my job, football, music and padel tennis. I love going to the gym or spending time with my friends. I enjoy traveling around Spain and Europe, and especially love being at the beach in the summer with my family and close friends.
Can you tell us about your career progression at Willis Towers Watson?
I came to the company as an intern for the Leisure and Tourism department in 2013, supporting an account executive in conducting policy reviews, coordinating with local brokers and producing claim status reports. In 2015, I was hired as a junior sales executive, providing sales team support with client prospecting. I was then asked to take on a business analyst role working to centralize administration and finance tasks for the creation of a new team within operations in Spain. I then became an internal audit project manager, coordinating with Willis Towers Watson internal audit group and the Iberia business to resolve open cases related to finance, HR, operations, governance and legal.
Can you tell us about the day-to-day responsibilities of your job?
In Iberia, I work for different areas – operations, client management and Health and Benefits -analyzing new business opportunities, coordinating sales campaigns, developing strategic projects and implementing new IT tools. For example, we have implemented a new sales tool to identify new business and cross-selling opportunities. I have the responsibility to implement the new sales tool on time, meeting business requirements and expectations. This entails creating project and transition plans, training materials and communication strategies to drive change within the organization. As part of this project, we are building a microsite, creating marketing materials such as videos and organizing innovative events for Health & Benefits.
What are the key challenges of your role? How have you overcome them?
Working on different projects means dealing with people across several business units. These colleagues do not report directly to you, but they play a role in the success of the project and you need them to develop and prioritize tasks. By motivating them, explaining the importance of their contribution and being thankful for them, you can overcome these challenges. Implementing change and supporting colleagues through this is another key challenge. Usually people are afraid to change as it moves them out of their comfort zone. Processes, tools, methodologies, structures and tasks often change in the organization, so you need to be really sure you have strong reasons for the change (efficiencies, group standards, quality, control and so on).
What training and development opportunities have you received in your role?
For me, on the job experience is the most important opportunity, including learning from direct reports and colleagues. Continuous feedback and transparency are key, which is what I work to achieve as a leader. In addition, each year I try to develop professionally through a new training course related to projects, operations and change management, which recently included receiving a certificate from the Institute of Leadership and Management.
What is your proudest achievement since joining Willis Towers Watson?
Working on the operational improvement program to introduce a new sales tool was very exciting, as it was one of the biggest changes for the organization over the last few years. I worked very closely with Iberia management, and they were very invested in the success of the project. Also, I was proud to support the head of Health and Benefits in Western Europe as we were building a new organization by lines of business. I enjoy helping interns grow and become colleagues in other roles.
How would you describe the culture at Willis Towers Watson?
Willis Towers Watson’s culture is diverse, competitive within the market and client-focused, which is so important when you are trying to gain new business.
What do you like best about working at Willis Towers Watson?
My managers and leaders — who I learn from every day — are really strong and respected, and come with impressive backgrounds from across the industry. Every day of my job is different, and I see that my responsibilities are relevant for the future of our company, which makes me feel like I am contributing to its success and growth.
What is your hope for your career in the future?
My ambition is to keep learning and adding value to the organization in Iberia. In the future, I would like to achieve an M.B.A., work for Willis Towers Watson in other countries and teach in a university in the areas of strategy, operations or sales.
Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone considering employment with Willis Towers Watson?
I would tell a potential colleague the following: Be passionate and willing to change; collaborate with different teams; find a mentor to help you with your career progression; and finally, understand the broking and consulting business and different players in the market.