Our Lead(H)er series features impressive women leaders in the tech industry. In this Q&A, we are featuring Ingrid Vasquez, VP of People Operations at Smartbear.
Where did you grow up and how would you describe yourself as a child?
I grew up between Lawrence and Methuen, Massachusetts, both cities in the northeastern part of the state. Growing up, I was a curious dreamer, embracing everything I could about different cultures (thanks in part to shows like Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?). Always up for a challenge, I inherited a strong work ethic from my immigrant parents. In fact, by 10, I was wielding a newspaper bag alongside my brother, chock-full of entrepreneurial spirit!
What did you study in college and what was your first job out of school?
My educational background is a bit of a combo! I have a bachelor’s degree in marketing communications, combined with a master's degree in organizational leadership with a focus on HR. This enables me to leverage my communication skills and HR expertise to excel in various roles, particularly within the tech industry.
Can you share the details of your career path and the critical moments that got you to where you are today?
My career path wasn't a straight line to HR – it zig-zagged across different organizations before I found my niche in talent acquisition and business partnering, primarily within the tech industry.
The turning point for me was when I made the conscious decision to switch gears to HR. As I completed the coursework for my degree in organizational leadership, I found myself increasingly drawn to HR management courses. It became clear that HR was the path I wanted to follow. A pivotal moment came during one of these classes when a classmate – who has become a lifelong friend – offered me an incredible opportunity to join her recruiting team.
But here's the best part: I've been lucky enough to be mentored by amazing female leaders who championed my career and opened doors for me. Now, I'm passionate about creating those same opportunities for others!
What is your current role and responsibilities?
I lead a talented team at SmartBear as the VP of People Business Partners & Operations, shaping our company culture and driving employee engagement. We focus on retaining and developing our people, and we partner closely with leadership to craft people initiatives that fuel our business growth goals.
Looking back, is this where you thought you’d be professionally? Was it always your goal to be in this position?
As a child, I wanted to be a lawyer. I definitely didn’t expect to land in HR, however I will say that my career path has been more about embracing opportunities and challenges that allow me to grow and contribute to the success of others, and in turn, my own. While I never envisioned this specific role, it perfectly aligns with my desire to build a strong, supportive culture where people can thrive. The journey itself is what excites me, and I'm grateful for the amazing experiences and learnings along the way.
For people who are looking to be in a similar position, what advice would you give to others in terms of helping them achieve their career goals?
My advice for aspiring leaders is to focus on three key things:
- Embrace the Journey: Enjoy the day-to-day experiences, stay curious, seek out opportunities to grow and learn while also focusing on adding value to those around you. This will open doors to unexpected opportunities and learnings.
- Support Your Network: Actively support the growth of others. Invest in up-and-coming talent and build a strong network of colleagues. These connections will be invaluable throughout your career journey.
- Build Your Community: Surround yourself with supportive mentors and peers who can act as your "co-pilots" on your career path. These relationships will provide guidance, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
What are the most important skills that you need to do your job well?
The most important skills for success in roles similar to mine are:
- Curiosity and Open-Mindedness: These two traits are essential for anyone looking to navigate the dynamic HR landscape and evolving world of work. Lucky for me, they align perfectly with SmartBear’s value of being Curious.
- Business Acumen: A strong understanding of the business and its strategic goals is critical for developing effective HR programs, people initiatives, and partnerships with your business colleagues. Lifelong Learning: The ability to continuously learn and stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices is crucial for success in any leadership role agnostic of your function.
What do you find most interesting/rewarding about your work? What’s the most challenging?
In my role, I find it rewarding to see the business achieve its goals and to see the people I support grow in their careers. I enjoy the feeling of winning together as a team.
On the challenging front, society and the workforce are constantly grappling with a dynamic global landscape. This includes challenges like navigating complex global issues, keeping up with rapid change, and fostering a supportive environment for a diverse workforce. These realities can undoubtedly impact employees' success, making it even more important to prioritize work-life integration and employee well-being support in the workplace.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
My proudest achievement is the journey itself! Growing from a recruiter to a trusted business partner, and ultimately leading the HR function at two high-growth companies has been incredibly rewarding.
Now at SmartBear, I enjoy the dual privilege of leading a talented global People & Culture team and collaborating with an amazing broader team. Together, we empower people and leaders worldwide to achieve success, ultimately supporting the company's mission. Every day, I continue to learn from inspiring minds and contribute my diverse background to the company's strategic goals.
Q&A
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Adventure or relaxation, I'm all for it! Exploring ancient ruins in Athens, chilling on pristine beaches, or getting lost in the vibrant energy of NYC – travel is for me. And for pure relaxation, the beaches of the Dominican Republic top my list!
How do you manage stress?
It took some time, but I have stress-fighting strategies in my toolbox now! Virtual wine nights with friends, long naps, journaling, and reading self-help books are just a few of my go-to options. Two books that I highly recommend for this are The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz and The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown.
How many cups of coffee do you have in a day?
Coffee fuels my mornings, but I'm working on breaking the double (or sometimes triple!) espresso habit. Ideally, I'd switch to a single shot and enjoy some tea in the afternoon. Baby steps!
Any book or podcast recommendations?
To stay informed and inspired, I tune into a mix of podcasts:
- Future of HR by JP Elliott for insights on the evolving HR landscape,
- The Mel Robbins Podcast for Mel Robbins' signature motivational advice, and
- Un resumen de libros para emprendedores, a Spanish-language podcast summarizing business books, to keep my Spanish language skills sharp.
What advice do you have for recent college graduates?
I advise others to develop transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, especially earlier in their careers. Also, cultivate a positive attitude to showcase your willingness to learn and work with others. This combination will position you for success in your career.
