Interview with Valeria Cordero Lorenzetti
1. What is your current role (and department) and how long have you been in this position?
I am a Regional HR Analyst for the Latin American region. I’ve been in this role since March 2021, after I gained experience in different departments in the company, including Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Marketing.
2. How long have you worked for Bata and which locations have you worked in?
I started my career with Bata in early 2018, so almost four years ago. Since day one, I have worked in our Bolivian headquarters in Cochabamba. It’s where I went to university, so I know the city well. It’s a great place to live and work.
3. What are the most important skills for being successful in your current position? How didyoulearn or develop these skills?
I think a mix of solid communication skills and the ability to connect with people (interpersonal skills) has helped me progress in my career, getting me to where I am today, and will surely help me continue growing in Bata.
Working in CSR and Marketing allowed me to build and improve those skills, dealing with different employees within Bata as well as with our partners and different groups through our CSR initiatives, such as the Bata Children’s Program. My experience has definitely given me an appreciation of the various roles and responsibilities at Bata, what’s relevant to the business and, how we want to positively impact the lives of our employees and the communities in which we operate. Such understanding has helped me carry out my various responsibilities to the best of my ability, especially when it comes to training our LATAM talents and working on employee retention.
4. How would you describe the culture at Bata?
I would describe the culture as supportive and nurturing. Since arriving at Bata, I have been given opportunities and the tools I need to make the most of those opportunities. The people around you do their best to share knowledge and skills, helping you to do your job better and creating a special work environment.
Giving back to our communities has always been a feature of the Bata culture. And it isn’t something we just talk about. We have serious, impactful programs that make a real difference in the lives of many – promoting education, gender equality, and tolerance all over the world. Working for a company that commits to its values like this creates a proud and engaged workforce.
5. What do you enjoy most about working at Bata and would you recommend Bata as an employer?
Bata is a global company, but it feels like a local one. We are invested in, and committed to, our local markets - in my case, I was able to experience this in Bolivia - and that resonates with employees, consumers, and customers. At the same time, we can benefit from a global infrastructure, learning from other markets, sharing expertise, and, if we want, to work in different markets and see the world. We get the best of both worlds: the tight-knit market community and the global Bata family.
