THE BACK STORY

-CARLOS PENA

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Carlos Pena - USA

The Back Story monthly interview features ADAPTOVATE employees from around the world.

Our team is the greatest asset we have, and it’s a privilege to share just a little bit more about who they are. This month we feature Carlos Pena, a team member in the US office.

First up - how long have you worked with us?

I started in November 2022

Why did you join us? Were you in the industry previously, or looking for a new career direction?

I was looking for a new flavor of consulting and was pleasantly surprised when I came across ADAPTOVATE. Loved the focus on organizational development and the small team culture.

How has your previous experience and career helped define where you are now? Would you have done things differently?

I started my professional career in the public service, first in the Emergency Medical Services and then in the US Armed Forces. From there I learned to appreciate jobs where you can feel an immediate impact of your work that positively benefits others, to value the power of teamwork as a way to overcome seemingly impossible challenges, and to enjoy structured problem-solving in messy and ambiguous (and high stakes) contexts. I feel these naturally led to me becoming a consultant after leaving the public service, similar soft skills are needed to be successful. I just needed to educate myself (a lot!) on business concepts. Wouldn't change a thing.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be a musician. They can express their creativity through the art of music which can be very powerful. I also am awe-struck at my friends who can pick up almost any instrument for the first time and play it shortly after.

What do you most value in your friends and in colleagues - and are they different things?

They are mostly the same for me, given the jobs I grew up in where you have little choice in separating these groups. I value humility, integrity, and courage in individuals.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I think happiness is being content with 'how' you do things. Enjoy the process of whatever task, challenge, or chore is ahead of you, and do it in a way that aligns with your values. 'How' we do things is just as much if not more telling about our character than 'what' we do. And if you are content with your character then you can be happy anywhere doing anything. A beachfront property in a quiet tropical area with a small airstrip wouldn't hurt either.

What is your greatest extravagance

To answer this question, I started looking around my house to see what I have. Realized I spend (invest?) most of my money on experiences. Probably one trip a few years ago where I sailed on a yacht for a week hopping between island music venues off the coast of Croatia that was immediately followed by 4 days of similarly hopping around Turkey.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Is it too much to say DaVinci? It's simply the curiosity about a wide range of topics and seeking to understand and develop each area. Also, Amelia Earhart, I appreciate the courage to push the limits of her passion for the sake of exploration, wonder, and progress.

What is your motto?

If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing.

Finally - You've time travelled back to your 10-year old self - What advice would you give?

Probably tell him my other motto, Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today. Living intentionally in the present moment is the start of finding fulfillment. Intentionality brings about discipline, and with discipline, you are free to accomplish anything and enjoy the things life brings.