At Monex, we believe in recognising and celebrating the incredible contributions of women in the workplace. This Women’s History Month, we’re shining a light on the remarkable women who help shape our company by sharing their inspiring stories and the impact they’ve made.
Today, we’re featuring María Duet, an HR Advisor in our Madrid office. With a background in law, María took a bold step in transitioning into HR, driven by a passion for people and organisational growth. Her journey is a testament to the power of transferable skills, embracing change, and always advocating for yourself.
From Law to HR: A People First Approach
María joined the HR team less than a year ago, bringing with her a strong foundation in law having worked as a lawyer after graduating from university. Her legal background gave her invaluable insight into business operations, but it was her daily interactions with HR teams that sparked a deeper interest in the field.
In my previous role, I regularly communicated with HR departments from various clients, gaining insight into their challenges, strengths, and areas for improvement. Essentially, this exposure made me realise how critical HR departments are, and how often the function is overlooked.
María wanted to support people face-to-face and see the positive impact of her work on employees – something she found in HR.
Seeing the positive change that our HR initiatives bring to employees and how they contribute to the company’s growth is by far the most rewarding part of my job.
Bridging the Gap for Employees
At Monex, María plays a vital role in shaping the workplace culture and supporting employee development. She sees herself as a trusted advisor for employees and the company, ensuring that both organisational goals and individual needs are met.
I see myself as a bridge between employees and the company. Having been on the other side as an employee and not just in HR, I have a balanced perspective between organisational needs and advocating for employees’ interests.
As a young woman early in her career, María is also passionate about establishing her credibility from day one. Her legal experience, coupled with her people skills, allows her to bring diverse perspectives to her role.
For me, it was about leveraging my legal expertise and showing my ability to contribute meaningfully to HR. I also believe being a young woman in this field gives me the opportunity to bring diverse perspectives and encourage inclusive discussions naturally.
“The people are the most important asset to any company. So having a good support system for that is crucial.”
The Power of Supporting Women
María is a passionate advocate for mentorship and the importance of women supporting one another in the workplace. She firmly believes that empowering each other can create a stronger, more inclusive environment.
Mentorship was pivotal for me early in my career. It shaped who I am today. Having someone guide you, offer advice, and push you to grow makes all the difference. But just as important is the act of advocating for each other. As women, we often face similar challenges, and by sharing our experiences, we can learn, grow, and empower each other.
“Collaboration leads to stronger outcomes, and when we support one another, we amplify our impact.”
Looking Ahead
Now, María is dedicated to driving positive change at Monex and supporting employees as they progress throughout their careers. She’s excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“As a company, we’re growing rapidly, which means there’s plenty of room for new ideas and initiatives. It sure is an exciting time to be a part of Monex!”
I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by colleagues who are open to hearing my ideas and give me the creative freedom to pursue them. This level of autonomy is something that isn’t always the case at every company.
Words of Wisdom: Advocate for Yourself
“Don’t be afraid to disagree and always advocate for yourself.”
Who Inspires You?
Marta Vieira da Silva.
“I lived in Brazil for a short time and watched an interview where Marta shared childhood memories of playing football with her brothers. Her parents told her it wasn’t a “girl’s sport”, yet she went on to become one of the best female football players in the world.”
She broke barriers in a male-dominated industry, which is something I deeply admire.
María’s journey is a testament to the value of transferable skills, the importance of advocacy, and the power of mentorship. We’re proud to have her as part of our HR team, driving positive change at Monex.
Stay tuned as we continue to spotlight two more incredible women of Monex!