How Identity Has Influenced a Business Development Representative's Career at William Blair
Ramon's Mexican-American identity, and the narratives associated with it, initially presented challenges, but they ultimately learned that "life is choices," emphasizing personal responsibility in navigating career obstacles and creating a fulfilling path. This involved challenging limiting beliefs and focusing on adapting to various environments to achieve success, regardless of external factors or disagreements.
Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Motivation, Achieving Goals, Career Development
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ramon Gonzalez
Business Development Representative
William Blair Investment Management
UCLA '00
n/a
Economics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing)
Sales and Client Management
Video Highlights
1. Overcoming Limiting Beliefs: Ramon emphasizes the importance of challenging limiting beliefs instilled by family, society, or media. He stresses the power of creating your own narrative and not letting external factors define your career path.
2. Adaptability and Resilience: Ramon highlights the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating career challenges. He suggests that disagreements and setbacks are opportunities for growth and learning, and emphasizes taking responsibility for your career trajectory.
3. Creating a Positive Experience: Ramon advises that one can create a fulfilling career experience despite facing disagreements or challenges. He encourages actively shaping your environment and focusing on personal growth and development rather than relying on excuses or external factors.
Transcript
As a Mexican-American student, how has that impacted how you navigate your career?
It's been typical in my career. I grew up with a narrative as the child of first-generation immigrants, first-generation to attend higher education.
My parents communicated certain narratives to me, which were essentially limiting beliefs or belief systems that weren't necessarily true. Over time, I've learned that the US is truly a land of opportunity.
There will be social issues you encounter, whether related to ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or gender. The main thing is that you really have to work with your own narrative.
Life is full of choices. When you face challenges in your career, like not getting promoted, you'll encounter issues with your organization or your boss. People may not agree with your trajectory.
When you face a lack of agreement, the question is how you respond. That's where your belief systems come in. You have to be responsible for them because you can create a phenomenal experience, even with people you disagree with.
This notion ties into a greater good. Labels we have, or that are given to us by parents, the media, or religion, are ultimately your responsibility to manage.
You need to emerge from these labels and create an identity that fulfills your life goals and the contributions you want to make. It hasn't been a smooth ride, but the greatest discovery is that you can create joy, happiness, and success at any moment.
This comes from dictating what things will look like, even if there's no agreement. Your willingness to adapt to the environment will make all the difference.
There are no excuses. Life is a choice, and your actions are choices. You don't have to rely on excuses, blame, or complaints.
Everything is available to you if you believe in a system that works for you and contributes to your growth and development.
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