My Professional Journey: Estefania Montano

Published:

From Santo Domingo to Global Projects

Born and raised in the vibrant city of Santo Domingo, Estef’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity and international experiences. From a young age, she was captivated by the world beyond her island home, leading her to seek opportunities that extended far beyond the Caribbean. Her journey took a significant turn after she completed her studies, embarking on her professional path at Accenture. In her early years there, she immersed herself in SAP functional roles, acquiring hands-on experience in complex finance systems. This foundational work not only honed her technical skills but also ignited her passion for transformation projects and client-centric delivery.

Over the last decade, Estef has become an integral part of various international projects, where change is the only constant and ambiguity is a familiar landscape. She thrives on the challenge of guiding clients and teams through these intricate journeys, ensuring progress and collaboration even when faced with the unknown. “I believe that a successful transformation professional is someone who can stay open-eyed in the middle of chaos, adapt quickly, and help others find clarity in uncertain situations,” she shares. Her personal motto, “no hay peor cosa que el no hacerlo” – “the worst thing is not doing it,” reflects her proactive spirit and commitment to action.

Leading Through Complexity

During her time at Deloitte, Estef stepped into a leadership role that saw her spearheading global rollouts. One of her most noteworthy projects involved serving as Senior Manager for a cross-border SAP roll-out factory program, successfully implemented across 11 countries. This ambitious initiative required her to harmonise finance and logistics processes while navigating the intricate tax and legal compliance frameworks of each jurisdiction. The scale and complexity of this role brought forth not just technical challenges but also required a deep understanding of cross-cultural dynamics.

Currently, Estef is leading the finance stream of an SAP transformation programme in the demanding energy infrastructure sector. This project is particularly notable due to its aggressive timeline, challenging her adeptness in managing client expectations under pressure while fostering a spirit of collaboration and trust within her team. It’s not merely about technical prowess; the human aspect is equally critical. For Estef, building strong, trust-based relationships with both clients and her project team is paramount, transforming even the most stressful situations into opportunities for growth and learning. Her approach is simple: tackle tough environments with resilience, openness, and heart.

Thriving in Consulting and International Work

Estefani recognizes that consulting is ideally suited for individuals who possess a blend of curiosity, adaptability, and a natural inclination towards complexity. She relishes the international dimension of her work, collaborating with colleagues and clients across various cultures, time zones, and languages. For her, the essence of consulting transcends beyond mere technical expertise; it necessitates a profound understanding of cultural nuances and a knack for empathy.

This belief is deeply embedded in her work philosophy. Estef finds that learning from diverse perspectives enhances not just project outcomes but also fosters a rich collaborative environment. The shared stories, different approaches, and varied backgrounds contribute to the dynamism of the teams she’s proud to be part of. For Estef, her career is not just about achieving milestones; it’s about forging meaningful connections and navigating complexities together with people from around the globe.

Related articles

Recent articles

New Products