MOISES NORENA
Vice President of Innovation
“If you become the best at what you like, that itself will break barriers and create opportunities.”
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
Having my project design showcased in a national newspaper
When I decided that architecture was not going to offer the life I wanted (so I thought) and decided to pursue a master in computer science. Then I got a job at IBM consulting and felt accomplished
I grew at IBM and then thought I needed more business education so I decided to leave the country and do an MBA, getting accepted was a big deal
The MBA was tough at the beginning but finishing it was a huge accomplishment and led to a job in corporate America (Whirlpool) that at the time seemed like the accomplishment of a lifetime!
Growing my career at Whirlpool one step at a time was difficult at times and I was not doing things I liked, but I discovered innovation and fell in love with it
Becoming global director of innovation changed my life, I traveled the world and taught people how to do it, that gave me energy
I got recruited to work for an insurance company and thought it would offer career growth, but I was not happy because I simply didn't care for the product, the company or people
I then was recruited to be a VP. I never thought I'd get that far, the title and the money made me feel great but there are many pressures when you get to that level in a big company
Keep following my journey
Education
High School
Colegio Cristobal Colon
Colegio Cristobal Colon
Graduate
MBA
Purdue University
MBA
Purdue University
Career
Vice President of Innovation
I help companies and people create and develop new product ideas.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Design
Business
Problem Solving
Day to Day
It changes all the time, but I would summarize it in 3 main activities: - Help the company decide what to do, what opportunities make sense. - Identify market opportunities and unmet consumer needs. - Work with people, designers, engineers, etc to generate and develop new product ideas.
Advice for Getting Started
Here's the first step for college students
If you want to be in innovation in big companies, having a solid business foundation will be very helpful.
Recommended Education
My career is not related to what I studied. I'd recommend this path instead:
Graduate
MBA
MBA
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Parents:
"Architecture is not a well paid career and is too hard to break into"
Challenges I Overcame
Self-Esteem Issues
