Javier A. García Sedano
My name is Javier and I’m from Vitoria-Gasteiz. I have a bachelor’s degree in physics, electronics, and automation from Universidad del País Vasco, and I’m the founder and CEO of Optimitive. My company offers IT solutions to improve the efficiency and real-time maintenance of different industrial processes, a job that I’m passionate about because it combines artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, data analysis, and innovation, all areas that I’ve been especially interested in for a while. I decided to take the Advanced Management Program Basque Country because I wanted to have the confidence and knowledge that would help me lead my company in today’s uncertain, changing environment.
"The growth process involves getting to know yourself better, strengthening your leadership skills, and learning to get to know your teams."
Javier runs his own company and is in charge of building and transmitting the organization’s mission and vision. He has over 30 years of professional experience and technical training in IT, AI, data analysis, and other innovative technologies.
Why did you decide to further your education at IE?
Before the program, I had had to take on executive responsibilities as an entrepreneur with a purely technical background, in addition to my years of experience in middle management at different companies. But to lead my company more confidently, I felt that I needed to round out my education and consolidate my executive skills.
Do you think that your time at IE has changed your focus in your career?
Without a doubt. The Advanced Management Program has given me great confidence to lead.
What is your current professional status?
I am the founder and director of the group of companies I founded. We’ve now hired a CEO who’s responsible for executive matters, which allows me to focus on what I do best, which is what led me to create the company: defining and maintaining our mission and our vision, and leading communications with our community, which is made up of investors, shareholders, clients, team, partners, and the scientific/academic community.
What is the most valuable lesson you learned during the program? Do you have any inspiring stories you’d like to share with your classmates?
One of the most important lessons I learned is that cultivating your personal brand is key for positioning yourself professionally. It’s a growth process that involves getting to know yourself better, strengthening your professional career and leadership skills, and learning to get to know your teams. To achieve this, you need to keep your skills current and adapt them to the latest trends and the context you’re in. It’s not simple, and it’s not easy to dedicate time to your personal and professional development when you’re extremely busy and you live in an environment full of uncertainty, but it’s something you have to do.
