Blog
Fostering connections and growth through the Mentoring@Flex program
“What do you want to do when you grow up?” is a question most of us heard when we were young. Regardless of where you live or what language you speak, it is likely that you were encouraged from a young age to contemplate your goals and the skills necessary to cultivate a fulfilling career.
Today career paths are seldom linear, and are being transformed by a variety of factors in ways we did not think about 50 years ago. In dynamic industries, innovation, AI, and automation are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of technology and skills. In the manufacturing industry in particular, the opportunities to grow and develop are limitless, especially for professionals who meet each challenge with curiosity and a problem-solving mindset.
One such professional is Candy Monserrat Martinez Ramos, Senior Sales Operations Manager at Flex, who embodies this philosophy of growth through continuous learning. We connected with Candy to talk about how she’s seized opportunities, developed her skills, and built a fulfilling career at Flex.
Candy combines responsibilities in sales operations and business intelligence, supporting new business in component services.
By understanding business needs and leveraging technology and automation to improve processes, Candy’s team tailors valuable solutions for Flex’s customer needs.
You’ve been with the company for over a decade. How did your journey begin?
My career at Flex began in 2014 through a student program in Guadalajara, Mexico. From day one, I was given space to grow. The work environment is exceptionally collaborative and encourages knowledge-sharing, making it easy for anyone eager to learn. In my experience, I believe that if you’re looking to learn something new, you’ll find that most colleagues are eager to help and encourage you to develop further.
What role does learning and development play in your career growth?
Many may not realize that Flex covers the entire supply chain, presenting numerous departments and functions. This extensive exposure creates endless opportunities for learning and development, making our work both challenging and enjoyable. As for me, I’ve always been curious, and Flex has supported that curiosity through leadership development programs. I also completed my master’s degree in Guadalajara—sponsored by Flex—which was a milestone.
What I love about Flex is its meritocratic culture—when you work hard and show initiative, there’s always a new opportunity to pursue.
Another personal milestone was when I successfully transferred from Guadalajara to Austin, Texas—a goal I had set for myself years ago. Additionally, I was recently promoted to Senior Manager, significantly expanding my team and responsibilities. I take great pride in this achievement, as Flex has equipped me with the tools and resources needed for this next step. Currently, I’m focused on enhancing my leadership skills to inspire and motivate my newly expanded team effectively. Leading a top-performing team allows us to drive exceptional results, reaffirming my commitment to our collective success.
What excites you most about the work you do?
My role involves monitoring sales operations, overseeing the deal pipeline, and generating analytics that empower our leadership team to make informed decisions and set effective goals for our group. This ensures our strategies align with the company’s vision.
I find excitement in seeing how my team’s contributions significantly impact our financial goals and commitments. For example, we built an AI tool that reduced the initial evaluation time for opportunity feasibility from about three hours of manual effort to just 30 seconds. This enables our group to focus more on strategic activities that drive business growth. The broad scope of our organization allows me to connect the dots and see the bigger picture. Ultimately, the supportive and collaborative environment is what I cherish the most about working at Flex.
How has Flex supported your personal development and well-being?
In my experience, Flex truly exemplifies flexibility in achieving work-life balance. Colleagues are considerate of each other’s personal time, which creates a respectful and supportive environment. The company is also proactive about health initiatives, particularly in mental health. The resources provided are instrumental in tackling challenges and encouraging a healthy workplace.
I am especially fond of the initiatives organized by our employee resource groups. Being part of the EmpowHER community has allowed me to attend insightful talks and workshops that promote personal and professional growth. These initiatives provide invaluable resources to navigate challenges such as the impostor syndrome and the complexities of advancing one’s career while balancing personal life.
Whether you’re onboarding in a formal company-sponsored program, reading a book, or exchanging ideas with specialists in their fields, at Flex you can find the resources to further develop your skills and thrive in your role.
And if you’re ready for your next career opportunity, explore open roles and learn more about Life at Flex on our Careers page.
