This week, we had the pleasure of talking with Mariola Martínez, President of Xerox Spain.

Could you briefly tell us about Xerox's history and mission?

For over 100 years, Xerox has continually redefined the workplace experience. Leveraging our leadership position in office and production printing technology, we have expanded our operations into software and digital services to sustainably drive the transformation that all companies are currently undergoing. From the office to industrial environments, our business solutions and financial services are designed to make daily work more productive, regardless of where it takes place. Today, Xerox scientists and engineers continue our legacy of innovation with disruptive technologies in digital transformation, augmented reality, robotic process automation, additive manufacturing, Industrial Internet of Things, and clean technologies.

Could you tell us about your professional career and your current role at Xerox?

I started in Xerox's sales department and, after 25 years, I am now leading the company in Spain. I have a degree in Law, which is very unusual in senior IT management. However, my curiosity to learn and the internal training I was provided with at Xerox helped me shape my leadership profile. I was in charge of the Channel Management for Southern Europe, VP of Channel Expansion and MPS Europe. Eight years ago, I led the global area and for the past two years, I have had the honor of leading Xerox in Spain at a crucial moment of transformation for humanity at all levels, and both from a technological and a social perspective. Recently, I have also taken on the role of VP of Channel for EMEA.

What sets Xerox apart or of what are you most proud of at Xerox?

Xerox is a company with a diverse and talented workforce. Already in the 1960s, employees with good ideas and creativity were rewarded. Joe Wilson said that they did not want to do things as they had always been done, and this has been engraved in the company's values. This company takes risks and encourages you to try new ideas. If we go back over the last 50 years, we can see the innovative inventions that emerged from Xerox PARC and revolutionized the market. Currently, we continue to develop technologies that have and will have a significant impact on the future. Social responsibility, commitment to digital transformation, the ability to connect with employees, and a willingness to continuous learning are the new leadership skills most in demand. However, all of these were considered at Xerox before all organizations jumped on this bandwagon.

What role does diversity play within your company?

Diversity is part of Xerox's corporate culture and values. We advocate for diversity because it is an essential concept that goes beyond gender. Undoubtedly, one of the greatest lessons I have learned in my career is working with diverse teams that include people from different backgrounds, cultural baggage, and age. They have all contributed to my personal development, and the vast majority of them have added their grain of sand to my professional growth.

I also consider it essential for any company to have conciliation policies. At Xerox, we promote these policies so that no worker halts their professional progress due to having a family. Empathy means understanding employee's needs and taking action to meet them. Good intentions are not enough, they need to be accompanied by action. 

Why did you choose to partner with AmChamSpain?

Being a partner of AmChamSpain gives you the opportunity to connect with professionals from different organizations. Relating and sharing ideas with colleagues from different sectors helps generate new knowledge by learning from the experiences and best practices of other partners. It also promotes talent development, which is essential for organizations to move forward.