Voice of Experience: Gloria M. Grandolini, Country Director for Mexico and Colombia, World Bank

By Irene Solaz (Madrid)

Gloria M. Grandolini, Country Director for Mexico and Colombia at the World Bank, has never regretted her choice. She began her career as a traditional macroeconomist when she joined the World Bank 23 years ago, and later substituted her technical responsibilities for those of an executive working for the strategic and management dimensions.

“Since day one I have been working and taking decisions aimed at providing better opportunities to others, with a wider understanding of the global context, and the political and socioeconomic dynamics.”

Experience in the World Bank
It wasn’t easy in the beginning. Ten years ago, as a macroeconomist, she became the World Bank Treasury Manager and, later, the Director of the Financial Products group.

She felt overwhelmed because she did not have any experience in this area, and managing a group of traders and Finance PhDs as well as working with the increasing responsibilities of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis proved to be hard. But the management skills she had learned in her previous jobs allowed her to “bring a different perspective to the group”.

“I feel most proud of mentoring more junior staff along my career. Today, I feel pride and joy when I see many of them succeeding and reaching managerial positions.”

Grandolini has learned a lot along the way. “The chemistry and loyalty with the people you work with, both your boss and your closest colleagues, make a huge difference in terms of work environment, support, trust and ultimately your success.”

She also notes that “all money-related arrangements need to be stated in writing. Verbal agreements are not enough. And I’m not referring to salary arrangements but to any work-related matter or agreement related to money matters – such as budgets!”

Today she works in the development business, and notices how the World Bank is changing as their client countries are “becoming more sophisticated and the development challenges [are becoming] more complex. The change process shifts from a loan/product approach to offering a development solutions approach integrating our three business lines: financial, knowledge and convening services.”

Grandolini started an alternative business model ten years ago, and is currently working with her colleagues to adapt this proposal to the World Bank’s current missions: reducing extreme poverty and increasing share prosperity.

It is no surprise that she is taking part in these two ultimate goals. Grandolini grew up in Honduras, although she had a multicultural experience throughout her childhood because she was able to travel to first world countries during the summers. Her family lived in Rome, which was the opportunity she needed to travel frequently and to notice how some people are luckier than others.

Her background has shaped her into a sensible woman, and she remembers having asked herself several times as a child, “what is wrong in the world that there is so much inequality? Why did some people have opportunities and others didn’t?” That is when she decided to work in the development business, and when the World Bank came to her mind.

Women in Financial Services
When asked about the main barrier that stops women from succeeding in financial services, Grandolini identifies the key problem. “A common barrier for women in any industry is our own self-esteem. We tend to underestimate our own capabilities and don’t dare to go further unless absolutely convinced we can do what we are supposed to do.”

But the lack of confidence is not the only problem that prevents women from making it to the top jobs. She adds, “given that we tend to assume major responsibilities at home, we don’t invest as much time as men do in social networking.”

She recommends women to “bring passion and excellence to everything that you do”. To succeed, it is essential to put a lot of effort into our work, and to trust our abilities.

Combining Work with Family Time
For Grandolini, success at the office is only possible if you also pursue your other passions. She loves to run, think and dream. “I love to spend time with my family and close friends – sharing life experiences, traveling, eating and drinking good wine.”

She also enjoys the shore: “that gives me peace, and looking at the horizon gives me hope and the desire for further discovery.” Being passionate for animals and the outdoors, she likes spending time with her two dogs, Patsy and Edina. “They are adorable and remind me every day of the importance of tenderness. They are always happy to see me.”