Behind the Scenes - Victor Rodriguez

Victor Rodriguez

Position:
President, North America


At empower since 2015

Hi Victor, nice to talk to you. Can you tell us about your role at the company and your everyday responsibilities?

"As President, North America, my primary role is to lead our U.S. operations and drive growth in this region. This encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, from ensuring that our current clients receive exceptional service to spearheading new business development efforts. My role is multifaceted, and I often find myself wearing multiple hats - overseeing administrative functions, managing human resources, guiding marketing strategies, and leading our sales initiatives. Additionally, I'm heavily involved in both strategy and operations, including making key decisions, engaging in high-impact client calls, and closing deals. My focus is always on aligning our U.S. efforts with the broader vision of the company while adapting to the unique needs of the North American market."

Do you have a daily routine?

"Maintaining good communication with our headquarters in Germany is a crucial aspect of my role, especially given the six-hour time difference between our offices. This time difference means that my mornings are typically reserved for meetings with our teams in Germany, including marketing, sales, and the CEOs. These meetings keep me informed about ongoing projects and ensure that our U.S. operations are in sync with the global strategy. Mondays i. e. start with a weekly meeting with the CEOs and our sales teams to review the previous week and set goals for the upcoming one. Wednesdays are dedicated to marketing meetings, where we discuss ongoing campaigns and future strategies.

Every morning, we hold a sales huddle here in the U.S. to check-in and align on priorities. The rest of the afternoon is then dedicated to other critical tasks, such as client engagements, strategy development, and internal meetings. Sales calls are constant throughout the day, as they are a key driver of our business growth."

What led you to choose empower?

"My journey with empower began when I was working as a consultant, and I was searching for an effective sales enablement tool. When I discovered empower, its capabilities stood out, and I immediately recognized its potential. This led me to introduce empower to one of my clients, which is where I first met and collaborated with Stephan and Fabian.

After working together and experiencing firsthand the impact empower could have, Stephan and I began discussing the possibility of expanding empower's presence in the U.S. A couple of years later, Stephan reached out to me about a potential role, and after a series of interviews, I officially joined the company. It was a natural progression, driven by my belief in the product and the people behind it."

How has your job evolved over time?

"When I first joined empower in 2015, I was brought on as the Vice President of Business Development. In that role, I focused primarily on sales, working to bring new prospects into the fold and expand our client base. It was a dynamic position, and it allowed me to develop a deep understanding of our products and the needs of our clients.

In 2021, I was promoted to President, North America, which marked a significant shift in my responsibilities. In this expanded role, I now oversee all aspects of our U.S. operations, from strategic planning to day-to-day management."

What do you enjoy most about your job?

"One of the aspects of my job that I find most fulfilling is the consulting and sales side of things. I enjoy working with people, building relationships, and understanding their needs. It's about more than just selling a product; it's about connecting with clients, understanding their challenges, and creating solutions that deliver real value.

I also appreciate engaging in negotiations, which can be complex, especially when dealing with clients from different regions or countries and when discussing enterprise-wide global deployments. Effective communication is key, and I strive to focus on understanding and addressing the unique challenges each client faces to ensure our solutions are tailored to their specific needs and expectations."

What makes empower a special employer?

"empower is unique in its commitment to investing in people. We understand that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are dedicated to helping them reach their highest potential. It's not just about getting the job done; it's about understanding the individual behind the role. If someone is struggling or needs additional training, we are there to support them. Our goal is to foster an environment where every employee can reach their highest potential."

Let's play Either...Or...! Victor, what would you choose? 😄

Mountains or sea? "Mountains."
Android or iPhone? "iPhone."
Dog or cat? "Dog." 🐕
Ketchup or mayo? "Mayo."
Calling or chatting? "Calling." 📲
Lark or night owl? "Lark."
Nutella with or without butter? "Without butter."