Soledad García Ortiz

Briefly describe your career path leading up to your current role.

  • What is your current position and at which company?

 I am currently a Technical Support Service Technician at Quantica Renovables.

  • How long have you been working in the green technology sector? 

5 years.

  • What motivated you to enter this sector? 

The prospect of stable employment.

Describe the main challenges you have faced in your professional career. 

  • What were your primary personal or professional challenges?

After one year with the company, I had to take on a role with greater responsibility as a Customer Service Supervisor. This involved managing staff and organising a team in my capacity as Head of Department.

  • How did these challenges affect your professional growth and career development?

I learned to develop my interpersonal skills, becoming more approachable and using that insight to my advantage to motivate and drive my team forward.

Explain how you overcame these difficulties. 

  • What actions, strategies, or skills helped you overcome these obstacles?

I relied on active listening with those around me, learning from my mistakes and accepting that it isn’t always possible to make the best decisions. I learned to forgive myself and to keep learning and moving forward.

  • Did you have a mentor, tool, or a network of contacts and support that helped you achieve this?

Yes, I had many colleagues who taught me a great deal and helped me to manage the workload.

Highlight your main achievements and contributions. 

  • Which projects or initiatives are you most proud of?

While I haven’t led specific ‘projects’ in the traditional sense, the management and organisation of the entire customer service department existed in large part thanks to me. I am very proud of the work I did regarding process improvement and staff training.

  • Have you received any awards, recognition, or notable results?

I haven’t received any formal awards as such, but I have received significant recognition from both my superiors and my colleagues.

  • How does your work contribute to sustainability or innovation within the green technology sector?

We are a company dedicated to the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) energy for both domestic and commercial clients. We contribute to a more sustainable future by helping homes and businesses transition to renewable energy, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to mitigate climate change.

Provide some advice for aspiring and future professionals. 

  • What advice would you give to someone starting out in the green technology sector?

Maintain a genuine desire to learn and always keep a positive attitude. View failures or mistakes as a learning opportunity, and always try to be empathetic and a supportive colleague.

  • What have you learned during your professional career that you would like others to know?

We spend a huge part of our lives working; the better we feel during that time—both with others and with ourselves—the happier and more fulfilling our lives will be. Life is the time we have, so the best thing we can do is spend that time as happily as possible.