We had the good fortune of connecting with Cristina Madrid and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cristina, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My decision to venture into my own business stemmed from a confluence of personal aspirations and a genuine concern for the impact of digital technologies on people. On one hand, I have always been captivated by the transformative power of digital solutions in society, business and mainly on people. Even if these changes also have drawbacks. I have felt immense satisfaction in being part of this revolution, but I want to contribute to helping people and companies.

On the other hand, I had a deep-seated yearning for autonomy and creative freedom. Starting my own business allowed me to combine my passion for technology with my need to be my own boss and decide my own way.

I confess that to start my own business has been a challenging yet immensely rewarding journey with a lot of hours of work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have come to realize that the most crucial factor behind my success is the combination of perseverance and the power of dreaming big. These forces have been the impulse behind my accomplishments, enabling me to overcome obstacles and achieve my aspirations.

Perseverance, for me, is the determination to keep moving forward despite challenges and setbacks. It is the power to pick myself up after a fall, dust myself off, and continue marching towards my goals. I believe that dreaming big allows us to push the boundaries of what we think is possible and set our sights on ambitious goals. It is about having a vision of the future, believing in our potential, and striving to make that vision a reality.

These forces work in synergy in my mind. It is about never giving up on my dreams, no matter how difficult the journey may be and believing in myself.

Throughout my life and career, I have consistently embraced an approach to risk-taking as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery. Taking risks and stepping outside my comfort zone has allowed me to explore new experiences and develop a deeper understanding of my strengths and resilience. Each risk I have taken has contributed to my personal evolution and enriched my life in profound ways. For example, in my professional journey, I have embraced a dynamic approach to my career, transitioning between roles and companies to pursue my evolving goals and aspirations. While some people could believe these transitions as risky, I have found a way to continue to grow. Some of my career transitions have undoubtedly involved challenges and some bad experiences. I always believe in my skills to improve and to change in each vital moment of my life.

I have learned that while risks carry me to the reward of pursuing my dreams. For this reason, I am passionate about encouraging others to embrace controlled risk-taking in their own lives and careers.

I think the most significant risk that I have taken in my life was the decision to leave the stability of a corporate position where I managed a team. This decision was not easy because I needed to fight against the fears and doubts of my environment. However, I believe when you have a clear vision and idea of your future, you need to focus on this and don’t think about opinions or feelings of people that do not understand you, you know what you want and what you need, my motto is “Always keep on moving forward”.

I want to finish my professional career as an entrepreneur satisfied to achieve a harmonious work-life balance and focused on my family. But I want to contribute meaningfully to society.
It is difficult to talk about this because to make changes in society and help other people sometimes is very difficult and a lot of people think that it is a way to wash the image, but it is not my case. My big goal is to create a business that not only generates value but also helps people who are facing challenges in securing employment due to age, health limitations or other circumstances to give employment opportunities. It was a hidden force behind my entrepreneurial aspirations also.

My ultimate professional aspiration is to conclude my career knowing that I have lived and worked on my own terms, doing things that align with my values and passions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in Barcelona which is a beautiful city with so much to see and do. I like to suggest an amazing route for my city, but I think it is difficult to see this city only in a few days. There are a lot of places to visit, activities to do and eat in the best restaurants.

The first place to visit would be the Sagrada Familia, which is an iconic church designed by Antoni Gaudí with intricate details and stained glass windows. It is a must-see for any visitor. The same day a good option is to visit Las Ramblas, a famous pedestrian Street with trees, shops and Street performers. There is a traditional catalán lunch at La Boqueria Market, Marketplace filled with fresh products, tapas bar and local delicacies. It is the best place to eat a catalan meal and enjoy a part of the city.

A good option of visiting is to continue in the oldest part of Barcelona, Gothic Quarter with narrow streets, medieval squares and charming shops. There is the Barcelona Cathedral, an example of gothic architecture. There are a lot of places to visit in the Gothic neighborhood of Barcelona. A place that I recommend to have lunch is 4 gats, in english the four cats. Is a place famous for the artist that has visited since it was inaugurated. And as the final visit of the second day I propose to visit Casa Milà, also known as La Pedrera, another of Gaudi’s masterpieces. The best is to admire the undulating façane and unique design elements and visit to see an old home with all the details. A good option is to have lunch on some of the terrace of Las Ramblas that is one Street away.

If you like museums, there is a zone in Barcelona with some of the most important museums of the city, there is MACBA (Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona), home to a collection of Catalan and Spanish art. Close to this museum there is CosmoCaixa, a hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits, planetarium shows and an Amazon rainforest recreation with animals.

The last day I suggest to explore the charming neighborhood of Gràcia, bohemian part of the city, with trendy boutiques and lively plazas. A place must to stop for lunch is Bar Bodega Quimet to taste good wine, cheese, sausages and the typical Spanish potato omelet.

To close this journey, another must-see place is Barcelona’s famous beach district to enjoy sun, sand and sea. It is a perfect place to see the sunset and the skyline of the city with a Little boat or take a drink in Wella Hotel.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mom has been my rock. She’s the one who’s always believed in me, even when I was full of doubts. Her constant love and encouragement have pushed me to chase my goals no matter what.

My dad, though he’s no longer with us, instilled a passion for learning and a strong work ethic in me. He taught me so much, and his lessons continue to guide me every single day. Even though he’s gone, his influence is still a huge part of who I am.

Their contributions may be different, but they’ve both been incredibly important in shaping me into the person I am today and achieving what I have. This shoutout goes entirely to them!

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristinamadridmarti

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