Meet Monica Fistrovic, she has more than 20 years of experience in management positions in important companies such as Telefonica Peru and in LATAM Airlines where she is the first female CEO in Ecuador.
“Take a moment to center yourself and see behind the scenes what is really necessary”
Who is Monica Fistrovic?
I am a mother, that aspect in my life has pushed me towards family all of my life. I’d like to believe that I am a confident and independent woman.
How were you as a kid?
Playful, mischievous, extroverted, very curious, I believe. I think that being curious and wanting to connect with people is something that has been with me all my life.
You studied Economics at Lima University, and you hold an MBA at Universidad de Piura, why did you choose those courses of study?
I’ve always been interested in Economics and Politics. I took that from my father who was very well-informed in such matters and was always sure on how Economics has a powerful impact in Politics of a country. Ever since I was a little child, I remember having been inspired by powerful women who looked as if they could command the world with their hands, and with open hearts to understand the needs of those who needed help.
You have more than 20 years of experience in management positions in important companies such as Telefonica Peru and in LATAM Airlines you have climbed to different roles becoming the first female CEO in Latam Ecuador, what´s the recipe for your success?
Hard work, but mostly believing in oneself. That’s certainly the key to success. Women can do it all. No one can tell us what we cannot do.
Do you have any particular philosophy that guides your career decisions?
Ethics and believing. I think that there is great power when it comes to believing one can do things. Even if they seem really hard.
“Prioritize. Know when to fight your battles and when to deal with things that are part of the regular day”
What things make you prouder to be part of LATAM Airlines?
There is a lot that LATAM has that matches my very own interests. As a company it has targeted the key issues in terms of equity and being open to promote women in executive roles. Diversity is in our DNA. The acceptance of differences as a way to excel in the business goes all the way in the company. It is great to meet so many great coworkers as well. We have people from all over the world. I have meetings with people from different countries and with so much to offer. I have always been interested in learning from people, so having contact with so many people, most of them who eventually become friends, is great.
As a member of the C-suite of LATAM, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else does?
Take a moment to center yourself and see behind the scenes what is really necessary. Day after day we have so much noise going on that having special moments to connect with things that should be prioritized is really important.
What does a normal workday look like for you?
I love walking. It is a great way to stay in shape but also to reconnect with nature and have some time for me and my family. So, we do that often. Then meetings start, I take notes of everything and try to stay ahead of the game.
What is one strategy that has helped you to grow on your professional ladder?
Prioritize. Know when to fight your battles and when to deal with things that are part of the regular day.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Ecuador has some many landscapes that are so beautiful. It is impossible not to wonder around with my family and spend some time with my kids on weekends. It gives us time to be together.
“Be strong and dream big. If you really work hard there is nothing you cannot do. Study, prepare yourself, be inspired by other female leaders and learn from them as much as you can”
Many authors say women can and must strive to have everything – a brilliant career, a blossoming family life, and a perfectly balanced lifestyle all at once, others point out that– then women are placing unrealistic expectations on themselves if they believe they can have it all, you have two kids and you are married, so according to your experience, what do you think about these statements?
We certainly can do it all. At least all the things we really want to do. We just need to work hard for our objectives and focus on the goal.
What are your plans for the future?
It is in my plans to take LATAM Ecuador to the next level. We are already providing new possibilities to connect Ecuador with the region. Some months ago, we opened our route to Bogotá and now we are very happy to announce that Miami is coming on October 30th. It is a great year for Ecuador and our international destinations. We have a lot to offer not only to the international market but to our domestic market. As a matter of fact, we have already opened our route between Cuenca and Guayaquil; and have also activated routes to Coca and Loja, in order to connect more the cities inside Ecuador.
What it has meant for you to be among the best speakers of high impact presented by the Women Economic Forun WEFEcuador 2022 ?
It has been an honor to be a part of a global event, and be able to represent Ecuador alongside such an inspiring group of women.
It was incredibly inspiring to hear from female leaders paving the way across a wide range of industries, and learn about everything they’ve been able to accomplish in their respective fields. I can only hope that the attendees were able to feel as inspired by their speeches as I was, and were filled with motivation to continue to follow their dreams.
What tips can you give to young girls who want to become like you?
Be strong and dream big. If you really work hard there is nothing you cannot do. Study, prepare yourself, be inspired by other female leaders and learn from them as much as you can.
I think in your position, many people may have the wrong idea of who you are, and what you are (professionally), with this idea in mind, what is being Monica and what´s not?
I am just a woman with lots of things to do and to say. But in general, I’d like to think I am a leader who can inspire other women just like me. My career has given me lots of opportunities to achieve everything I wanted, but I still wish we all women can have the same opportunities as I had.
Who is the woman you admire the most and why?
I believe my daughter has taught me a lot about how we as women can inspire from any place and any point in our lives. Some years ago, she started her career in a different country full of expectations. To feel how passionate, she is in the way she wants to follow her dreams, is so rewarding and so refreshing. I am so proud of her and how she is handling herself.
Name: Monica Fistrovic
Sector: Aeronautical
Company: LATAM Airlines Ecuador
Designation: CEO
Country: Peru/ Ecuador
Social media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfistrovic/?jobid=1234
