Sabrina Garcia, R&D manager BAC, Brazil

Sabrina Garcia, R&D manager BAC, Brazil
Years with AD
15
Outlook
Curious
Character
Parent

 

What attracted you to your chosen work?  

 

What attracted me to the Research and Development area is the incredible opportunity to continuously learn and innovate. The dynamic nature of R&D, where every day brings new challenges and discoveries, perfectly aligns with my desire to explore new frontiers and constantly expand my knowledge. Beyond the scientific matter, I also find immense satisfaction in leading people. It's a continuous challenge, for sure, but incredibly rewarding. Seeing my team members grow, develop their skills and achieve their professional goals is truly exciting. I thrive on the entire project lifecycle, from initial concept to successful implementation, and the satisfaction of seeing a project through to a meaningful outcome, often with a high-performing team, is what truly drives me.

 

What skills did you develop early that are still useful today?

 

One of the most crucial skills I developed early on, and one that remains incredibly useful today, is collaboration. In the world of projects and R&D, linking a business problem to be solved to a technical solution isn't something you can do effectively alone. Every project and initiative, from concept to completion, absolutely requires a team working together. Collaboration isn't just about dividing tasks. It's about considering diverse perspectives and valuable insights that a single individual simply can't generate. It allows us to approach challenges from multiple angles, leading to more robust solutions and ultimately, greater success. I've found that the synergy created by a collaborative team is truly invaluable.

 

Sabrina Garcia, R&D manager BAC, Brazil
Sabrina Garcia, R&D manager BAC, Brazil

 

How have you grown in your career at Avery Dennison?

 

My career at Avery Dennison started in 2010 as a Junior R&D Analyst. Initially, I focused on coating trials and product qualification, gaining a solid technical foundation. My early interest in project leadership led me to manage smaller projects, which fueled my decision to pursue a Master's in Project Management. This education and my manager's support enabled me to lead more complex projects, culminating in my promotion to Project Leader in 2016 for Brazil and Argentina. A turning point came in 2017, when I assumed the leadership of the R&D team, a role that has further developed my skills in both project and people management. It's been incredibly rewarding to grow from a technical analyst into a leader, contributing to Avery Dennison's innovation and fostering team success.

 

What's the biggest stretch opportunity you've taken on?

 

The biggest stretch opportunity I've taken on, and one of the most transformative, was when I assumed leadership of the R&D team in Argentina alongside my existing responsibilities in Brazil. This wasn't just about managing projects; it was about leading people across borders and navigating significant cultural nuances. I had to rapidly improve my Spanish to effectively communicate and connect with the team. Beyond language, it was crucial to understand the distinct Argentine culture, adapt to different local processes, and build strong relationships despite the physical distance. It required a concerted effort to bridge gaps, foster trust, and ensure seamless collaboration.

 

 

The reward of seeing a team grow, develop and ultimately achieve their professional goals and deliver impactful results far surpasses any individual accomplishment.

 

What role has mentorship played in your career?

 

Mentorship, both formal and informal, has been a constant source of guidance, challenge and inspiration. It has not only accelerated my learning and development but also instilled in me the importance of paying it forward and actively mentoring others as they embark on their own professional journeys.

 

What's the best career decision you've ever made?

 

The best career decision I've ever made was to accept and fully dedicate myself to the challenge of leading people. While my initial passion was deeply rooted in the technical aspects of R&D, embracing leadership opened up an entirely new dimension of professional fulfillment. It's a continuous learning curve, demanding adaptability, empathy, and strategic thinking. However, the reward of seeing a team grow, develop and ultimately achieve their professional goals and deliver impactful results far surpasses any individual accomplishment. The opportunity to empower and contribute to others' growth has been incredibly enriching, making it undoubtedly the most impactful and rewarding decision of my career.

 

As you think about the next steps in your career, what are the most important actions you plan to take?

 

In order to achieve my career goals, my primary focus is to be actively engaged in the development plan my director and I have built together. I have immense trust in this roadmap. A key point for me is to always remain open to feedback. I firmly believe that continuous growth stems from truly listening to constructive criticism and acting on that. Furthermore, I plan to continuously drive innovation and sustainability within my scope, always looking for ways to bring tangible value to the business. Finally, I consistently look to leverage my knowledge and skills to collaborate effectively across teams and functions, ensuring we achieve truly impactful results together.

 

What do you enjoy most about the work you do?

 

What I enjoy most about the work I do is truly multi-faceted. Firstly, I deeply appreciate the organizational climate we've cultivated here in Brazil and across the region. It's a fantastic balance where we can work hard and achieve ambitious goals, but also genuinely enjoy our time together. That positive environment makes a huge difference. Within R&D specifically, I absolutely love the opportunity to learn new things every single day. The nature of research and development means there's always a new challenge, a new technology, or a new problem to solve, and that continuous learning keeps me engaged and energized. Beyond that, one of my greatest satisfactions comes from fostering my team's development and growth. Seeing individuals expand their skills, take on new responsibilities and achieve their professional aspirations is incredibly rewarding and a core part of what makes my work so enjoyable.

 

Sabrina Garcia, R&D manager BAC, Brazil

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