DEVELOPING POTENTIAL
Maria’s journey at AB InBev started only 3 years ago. Since then, she has had the opportunity to grow fast. As a Global Management Trainee, she travelled, worked cross-functionally and learned how a big corporation works. She has developed solutions and generated great results.
Her first position after the programme was as a sales representative in Madrid. Maria said, “I wanted to have a better understanding of our consumers and the beer market. There’s nothing better than learning by doing, right?” By being on the frontline of our business and selling brands like Corona, Budweiser or Stella, she gained commercial knowledge, became more resilient and learned to quickly adapt to each new circumstance.
Pushing the agenda for growth
Now Maria works as an Integration Manager at ZX Ventures, a team meant to develop new products and businesses that address emerging consumer needs where we see a lot of potential. She believes, “La Virgen is one of these craft breweries with a lot of potential, and my role as Integration Manager is to find ways to develop it.”
She says, “What I love is being able to push the agenda of emerging brands and disruptive products, to focus on finding synergies and encouraging best practice sharing.”
Purpose and sense of belonging
According to Maria, the meaningfulness of the work she does is what keeps her motivated every day, “Sense of belonging and purpose are two things every human being looks for.” She believes, “I am one of those lucky people who (at a very young age) had the opportunity to find the freedom and responsibility that I needed in my work here at AB InBev. I feel creative and productive while working in an ambitious and driven culture, which suits me.”
Finding your X-factor
Within AB InBev she has learned that it is important to leave a legacy, “For better or worse, everyone can run a report, lead a team and launch a campaign.” She explains, “Finding your X-factor and acting upon it, is essential. Mine is to be very practical about things and deliver results in an agile way. Give it to me and I will make it happen!”
She has also learned how to never be satisfied, “Here at AB InBev there is no such thing as 'The Company'. 'The Company' is you, your peers, your boss and the boss of your boss. Just people. People do things…if you don’t like it and you actually care about it, try to change it!”
Maria enjoys being a part of a company, “that implements things in a matter of days or weeks, rather than months or years.”
Be curious and ask why
Maria shared some important advice, “My advice if you want to join AB InBev? Don’t do things for the sake of doing, always ask why. Always try to have a holistic view on the work being done by your colleagues, boss and even adjacent departments. From production, quality, logistics to marketing, finance or sales, offer to help.”
She believes that, “At AB InBev, the more you engage with other people, the more you will grow!”