Interviews with Baud members
Interviewee: Carlos Rodríguez, Business Development.
Interview date: September 16, 2020.
Today we know a little better Carlos, Business Development at Baud. He was born in Madrid in 1983. He trained in music career specializing in violin for many years, worked in the world of music with major orchestras nationwide and various chamber music ensembles and jazz. If you give him any instrument he is capable of having a good time playing. Since 2005 he began a new professional challenge working in business development departments of various companies in sectors such as telecommunications, construction and technology. In 2011 he joined the Baud project, where he has grown a lot both personally and professionally. He has been the father for less than two years of a beautiful little girl who drives him crazy (in a good way). He has two great dogs named after rock stars. He defines himself as empathetic, communicative and constant.
Why did you choose branding as a profession?
The truth is that when I changed direction and started working at Baud I didn't think I was going to learn so much about brands. I really wanted to join a project like Baud, which at that time was much smaller than what we are today. I had a lot of interest in digital, I've always loved technology, and I started working mainly in that area. Little by little I was soaking up everything related to the creation and development of brands and I acquired a lot of very interesting knowledge. Over time we have managed to position ourselves among the best branding consultancies nationwide, something we are very proud of.
What is the best thing about your job?
Constant learning. Every day you learn new things both personally and professionally. Each brand we work with gives us a lot of information and knowledge. In a field like mine this is very important, because it helps you to face each new project with a more enriched discourse. And of course, I am surrounded by a team of excellent people and professionals who have become like a family to me.
And the worst part?
The pressure of an operation where you can't do more than wait for a decision to be made. Your work is done. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, but until you receive the news, there are moments of uncertainty in which it is difficult not to pick up the phone to ask how the process is going without being annoying. I have a high tolerance for frustration, but there are times when it's hard! Of course, when you win the satisfaction is multiplied and if you lose, nothing happens, let's move on.
What is the project or brand you have been involved in that you are most proud of? Why?
That question is quite difficult to answer. There are so many projects that I'm proud of at Baud... But if I had to choose one, it would be the project for the fashion brand Mr. Boho. To go hand in hand and see a startup grow at the pace they have led is impressive. I have also learned a lot with this project, from the strategy and brand creation, product development, a lot of ecommerce, photo and video productions... It was amazing! It has been and continues to be a client with whom we go hand in hand for many years and over time we have created a friendly relationship with them. We have grown very much together.
Which brand/s would you like to work for? Why?
For my geeky streak I would love to work for a great technology company that is a reference in innovation and has set major trends such as Tesla or companies of its creator Elon Musk as Space X, Hyperloop...
What do you get out of working at Baud?
Once again, constant learning. From my field, sales, I have learned to be very patient, to take both victories and defeats well, the discipline that comes with a continuous follow-up of your customers or potential customers. Besides, the work environment is very good. It is one of those companies where you feel very good because of its philosophy and the great colleagues that surround you. In these remote times we are living in, that part is missed a lot. The drinks and stuff... I hope they come back soon!
For you, what are the best qualities that a professional in your area should have?
Humility, empathy, ability to relate, not giving up until the end and patience, a lot of patience...
How do you see the future of your profession a few years from now? What changes do you think may arise?
The truth is that the situation we are currently facing makes it quite difficult to foresee how the sector will evolve in the near future. Digitalization has had to move forward at breakneck speed due to the pandemic and in that sense there are going to be great advances. Many companies are looking at alternative routes to their traditional business and are pushing the digital side of their business very hard.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your profession?
To read a lot about our area, to learn a lot about a client and his sector before picking up the phone in order to be prepared. He should ask his colleagues for their opinion if there is something he doubts or does not know about. To cultivate a lot of patience and always put himself in the shoes of his interlocutor. To listen both inside and outside the company.
In a nutshell...
- A benchmark: I could say any super name, but no. My parents and Beatriz, my partner, are my great references.
- A confessable hobby: I can't stand a cluttered computer or mobile desktop. I have everything neatly sorted by folders. Not having notification balloons on my cell phone gives me a lot of peace of mind....
- A book you would recommend: The last one I read, the autobiography of Lemmy Kilmister, of whom I am a big fan. I loved his whole story and it's as if Lemmy himself was telling you about his battles at the Rainbow Bar in West Hollywood.
- Your ideal music to work with: It depends a lot on my mood. Because of my training as a musician I listen to a lot of classical music, but I also love rock. Jimmy Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Creedence, Mötorhead, Metallica... are some of my favorite bands. In any case, I never stop getting to know new bands. I really hate trap, it gets on my nerves.
- A phrase that is your mantra: sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. It is normal to lose. The most important thing is not to lose heart and go for the next one.
- A plan to disconnect: skiing, longboarding, going up to Cantabria and playing with my daughter for a while every day.
- Something surprising about you: If I get obsessed with a topic I go crazy and I don't stop reading, informing myself, and in short, I geek intensely... My last geeky thing has been a home automation project in my house. I have automated everything. I can almost flush the toilet with my voice... I'm also an excellent gardener! Hehehehe...