Before accepting the role of Accelerate Okanagan CEO nine months ago, Pilar Portela had worked in Toronto, Bellingham, Costa Rica, Mexico and travelled all over South America for work.
Her many different roles have always involved technology and often finance, including being in a position where she was a leader in the technological business development in Latin American countries. Portela noted it was in that role that one of her favourite projects took place.
“Around 1996 we got a very large contract for Central America, and we needed to be able to connect an order processing tool via the Internet,” she explained. “But in 1996 there wasn’t really Internet anywhere, forget Central America. We accepted the job without even knowing how we would do it and as we started getting creative about it we were able to talk to the owners of some of the largest banana plantations around there that had radio towers throughout the rural areas. We connected the Internet service through that, so the super cool and innovative solutions that you come up with are always fun.”
Moving from country to country for new business roles is not an easy feat to accomplish, as each country will bring with it different and diverse challenges. Although Portela was always fluent in the main language of the nation she was moving to, she explained there was still a language barrier due to the various local dialects. The new culture also demanded change, as many countries have different cultural expectations of how business is done.
Throughout all of her transitions and moves across the Western Hemisphere, adaptability has been integral to Portela’s success.
“If you embrace change, you are so likely to be successful in life and in your career,” she said. “You’re prepared for anything and everything. Whatever they throw at you, you adapt to and move on. I think that’s the biggest thing.”
Portela earned her first management role at the age of 21, and ever since then has set extremely high goals with the intent of overachieving them. She noted that has been one thing that has helped her succeed throughout her career, along with taking a course in project management.
“Anyone, no matter what area you’re looking at, should take some project management courses,” Portela explained. “It is probably the most valuable tool you will get no matter what you’re doing.”
With a myriad of immigration experiences of her own, Portela offered advice to anyone immigrating to a new country. She recommended embracing change and discovering who the new you will be in your new country without losing your identity. Portela added it’s also important to find positive ways to adapt and embrace the new culture you are surrounded by.
Portela hopes she can be a role model as a woman in a visible minority, and be proof that those in minorities can achieve anything they want.
Her goal-driven success, adaptability and willingness to seek new challenges are what make her a Woman to Watch.
Crowe MacKay’s Women to Watch program is a weekly feature that profiles remarkable women in our community. This feature series is a joint initiative between Crowe MacKay, the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce and the Kelowna Capital News. To nominate the exceptional woman in your life, email womentowatch@kelownachamber.org.
