Marcos, Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA: Advize Career Interview

A career journey fueled by a passion for environmental sustainability, beginning with an international business degree and internships in auditing and water treatment, culminated in co-founding BioDAF Water Technologies USA and assuming the Chief Operating Officer role.

This dynamic position requires balancing long-term strategic planning with immediate operational needs, including managing diverse teams, troubleshooting technical challenges, and driving continuous innovation through technology deployment.

The work involves navigating complex regulations, fostering collaboration, and making a real impact on communities through sustainable water solutions.

Success in this field demands adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, exceeding even a strong technical background.

Early career experiences, even those outside a specific field, are valued, and networking is emphasized as key to advancement, alongside development of strong leadership and business acumen.

A deep appreciation for diversity, born from a Mexican upbringing, further shapes their approach to leadership and innovation.

The water technology industry presents continuous evolution and opportunities for those with a genuine desire to make a difference in environmental sustainability.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Marcos De la Monja

Chief Operating Officer

BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Occidente (ITESO)

MBA - University of South Carolina | Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey

International Relations & Affairs

Environment

Operations and Project Management

Immigrant

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Career Path Of A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Marcos's career path, beginning with an international business degree and internships in international business auditing and water wastewater treatment, reflects a growing passion for environmental sustainability. This passion, coupled with project management experience and the leveraging of technology to "optimize water treatment," ultimately led to co-founding BioDAF Water Technologies USA and Marcos's current role as Chief Operating Officer where strategic decision-making, such as obtaining state regulator certification for their technology, is key to their success.

Career Path Of A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Main Responsibilities Of A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Marcos, Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA, oversees daily operations, ensuring "both technical and operational goals" are met by managing multiple teams and bridging the gap between engineering capabilities and client needs. This includes strategic decision-making, troubleshooting, and a key focus on "continuously innovating" through technology deployment and process improvement.

Main Responsibilities Of A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

A Day In The Life Of A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Marcos's day as Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA is dynamic, balancing "long planning and immediate operational tasks," from reviewing industry newsletters to identify new technologies and strategizing new market entry, to troubleshooting on-site challenges and resolving operational bottlenecks. The role requires a constant focus on aligning detailed execution with the company's overarching goals.

A Day In The Life Of A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Most Important Skills for a Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Marcos, BioDAF Water Technologies USA's Chief Operating Officer, emphasizes leadership, communication, and adaptability as essential skills for a COO. The ability to "balance immediate needs with long-term company goals," coupled with strong relationship-building and problem-solving skills in a complex project environment, are highlighted as crucial for success in this role.

Most Important Skills for a Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Favorite Parts Of Being A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Marcos, BioDAF Water Technologies USA's Chief Operating Officer, most enjoys "mak[ing] a real impact on both the environments and the communities" served, finding fulfillment in developing sustainable solutions for clean water access and collaborating with a skilled team to innovate in wastewater treatment.

Favorite Parts Of Being A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Marcos's biggest challenge as Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA is balancing "short-term efficiency and long-term goals," requiring significant foresight and adaptability while navigating complex, regionally-specific regulations and environmental concerns across the United States. This necessitates "intensive creative problem-solving" and a flexible approach to innovation.

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Favorite Parts Of Working In Water Technology As A Chief Operating Officer

Marcos, Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA, finds the greatest reward in contributing to "environmental sustainability" through work focused on "the most precious resources that we have," water. The industry's "continuous evolution" and the constant emergence of new technologies for water circularity also provide ongoing professional stimulation.

Favorite Parts Of Working In Water Technology As A Chief Operating Officer

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Water Technology Industry, According To A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Marcos, Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA, identifies "problem solvers with a passion for sustainability" as thriving in the water technology industry. Adaptability, collaboration, a sense of environmental responsibility, and a "genuine curiosity and a drive to make a difference" are key attributes for success, exceeding even a strong technical background.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Water Technology Industry, According To A Chief Operating Officer At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

What a Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Wishes They Knew Before Entering

Marcos, Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA, wished someone had emphasized the importance of "managing people and operations," not solely technical skills, for career advancement in the water technology industry. Developing leadership, budgeting, and strategic business thinking skills, in addition to technical knowledge, significantly accelerates career progression to senior roles.

What a Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Wishes They Knew Before Entering

Entry-level Positions For Aspiring Chief Operating Officers

Marcos, BioDAF Water Technologies USA's Chief Operating Officer, advises that "any role that you take early on in your career, as long as you're willing to learn and adapt, can help you become a COO," emphasizing the value of diverse experiences over a specific degree. For those targeting environmental roles, the COO suggests internships with climate or water startups as a strong entry point.

Entry-level Positions For Aspiring Chief Operating Officers

Significant Career Lesson From a Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Marcos, Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA, emphasizes the critical importance of adaptability in a constantly evolving industry, stating that "being open to continuously change your mind and learn has been key to growth and success." The dynamic nature of regulations, technologies, and environmental challenges necessitates a flexible approach to avoid being held back by rigidity.

Significant Career Lesson From a Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA

College Experiences That Helped a Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA Succeed

Marcos, Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA, prioritized gaining "practical experience across almost every role within a company" during undergraduate studies. The executive advises prioritizing early networking, contrasting it with their own experience where network building came later in their career.

College Experiences That Helped a Chief Operating Officer at BioDAF Water Technologies USA Succeed

How Identity Has Influenced A Chief Operating Officer's Career At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Marcos's Mexican upbringing fostered a deep appreciation for workplace diversity, leading Marcos to prioritize mentorship and inclusive environments. This commitment stems from a belief that "diversity strengthens innovation," bringing fresh perspectives crucial to navigating the complexities of the global water technology industry and addressing the environmental crisis.

How Identity Has Influenced A Chief Operating Officer's Career At BioDAF Water Technologies USA

Advizer Personal Links

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcos-de-la-monja/