Marcela Quintero Aguirre

Tell us about your career journey and how you ended up here.

I was born in Colombia and moved to Canada when I was 17 years old to pursue a business degree at McGill University. I was lucky enough to find my dream job right out of university at Mattel, the #1 toy company in the world. After ten years of extensive experience in marketing communications, product development, brand management, and so much more, I decided to take some time off to figure out what truly made my heart sing. It was during this self-discovery journey I realized the need for sustainable and honest business practices to become the norm - that's when I decided to found Probity Marketing.

Describe yourself in 5-7 words.

Authentic
Persistent
Generous
Passionate
Witty
Loyal
Resourceful

Tell us about a time when you thrived at work, and what you learned about yourself from that experience.

Over my years at Mattel I was involved with so many product launches, all with different challenges but filled with lessons and satisfactions. It's hard to pick just one, but I'd say listening and following my gut has been something that has taken me time to learn, yet it's been an incredible tool not just in my work but also my personal life.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I'm grateful for the opportunity to work every day with incredible organizations ran by inspiring humans that are making a positive impact in the world, and fuelling their movements.

How about when you "turn off" and go home? Any hobbies or fun activities you are involved in?

If I had it my way I'd live close to the ocean so I could go scuba diving every other day. However, I live in beautiful Montreal, so when I close my laptop you'll find me hanging out with friends, going for a run or taking a hot yoga class. I've recently decided to sign up for Italian and pottery classes, something I've been looking to do for many years. I'm definitely not good at standing still.

Any must-read, must-watch or must-follow recommendations?

I've been trying to read more over the last few years, and as I took on my entrepreneurship journey I found a lot of great books I think are a must in terms of personal and career growth:

So good they can't ignore you
Atlas of the heart
Daring greatly
Good to great
Lean In

Anything else you want to share with the WIT Community?

Despite hearing about the organization from my time at Mattel, it was only after I left that I decided to take an active role and it's been so energizing and empowering to be surrounded by incredible women that not only lead by example, but are so willing to help advance each other.

I'm so grateful for the WiT community, and the WiT team who make all of it happen.