When asked about his title and role at MySource, Ivan proudly claims the position of IT Manager, responsible for maintaining data security and overseeing the IT infrastructure. Prior to MySource, he worked with a prestigious company doing accounting, but had no choice but to leave when one of his children was having health concerns. When the time came to find another job, he was curious about what the BPO industry could offer and was eager for a new experience. After seeing that MySource was hiring, he submitted an application and was interviewed, ultimately being hired because of the skills he had in IT. With a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but not much hands-on experience, Jerez’s entry into the world of MySource was a turning point in his career. Reflecting on his journey to his current role, he shared that he started as an agent. However, right from the start there was an undeniable quality about him…could he be a rising star?
It didn’t take long for him to be promoted to an IT specialist . In that role Jerez exhibited his prowess by skillfully navigating the complexities of IT infrastructure setup and management. He took a lot of initiative and saw things that others didn’t. His impressive contributions did not go unnoticed, and soon he was promoted to his current role as IT Manager .
Ivan himself said his journey was not a “walk in the park”. Despite facing numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, his determination and proactive approach were the first things to initiate his rise. When asked what he thought led him to be promoted he attributed it to his love of doing things he hasn’t yet experienced, referring to himself as an “explorer”.
He said he “loves a challenge”, and when anyone in management gave him a task, he always made it a point to say “yes”. Whether or not he knew the answer or knew how to do what they were asking didn’t matter, because he would figure it out regardless. The company has a culture of seeing individual strengths in various team members and thus, management quickly began to recognize Ivan’s potential as an IT Superstar. In his own words: “MySource gave me the opportunity to shine and to grow”. The sky was ablaze as the rising IT star began his inspiring journey.
As IT manager, Ivan understands that in today’s rapidly changing tech landscape, staying ahead of the curve is imperative. He has since spearheaded several projects at MySource .
Before he came in, they already had a structure, but he noticed things that could optimize the structure and processes, and he was the one who set up the IT infrastructure and policies still being used today. He also worked hard on the security of the IT Structure, implementing a new IT Security Policy.
Now, as IT Manager, Ivan has a team of his own, and was asked questions about how he keeps his team collaborating effectively and operating smoothly. MySource’s open-door policy is not lost on Ivan, as he masterfully fosters a culture of innovation within his team by promoting open dialogue and idea-sharing, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect. This is underscored by a well-structured framework. His team follows a meticulously crafted Standard Operating Procedure, ensuring streamlined processes and efficient workflows.
He encourages active participation in weekly meetings that serve as a platform to dissect challenges, identify red flags, and collectively brainstorm strategies for addressing current and future concerns. By championing a culture of continuous learning and strategic foresight, he enables his team to stay at the forefront of their field. Outside of weekly meetings, he also has one-on-one conversations with his team members, and emphasized the importance of relationships in a cohesive and thriving work environment. Of his leadership style, he said he strives to be a “leader”, rather than a “boss”, saying that “boss” implies a kind of individualistic mentality and tells those “below” them what to do. A “leader”, on the other hand, is someone who thinks of their team more as a cohesive unit, who knows the way and shows the way. This mentality emphasizes collaboration and teamwork over top-down directives.When asked about what sets MySource apart in the BPO industry, Jerez doesn’t hesitate to attribute it to the exceptional leadership of senior management. According to Jerez, these leaders create an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and have a sense of belonging. He also said that the absence of discrimination and tenure-based biases allows MySource to stand out as a nurturing, inclusive workplace, with a healthy culture of work/life balance.
Jerez fondly describes the company as his second family, a place where he’s entrusted with responsibility and a sense of belonging. The gratitude Jerez feels towards MySource goes beyond mere words, as he acknowledges that a simple “Thank you” hardly captures the depth of his appreciation for the opportunities that MySource has provided .
He humbly attributes much of his success to MySource, and much can be said of the nurturing workplace environment. However, the fact of the matter is that Ivan should be thanking himself for having that superstar quality: a combination of knowledge, a commitment to excellence, accuracy, and a drivenness that has propelled him into the sky.
Ivan Jerez’s journey from agent to IT Manager at MySource is a testament to his star power and to the company’s commitment to nurturing talent and promoting growth. His dedication to maintaining data security, advancing IT infrastructure, and fostering an inclusive work environment exemplifies the spirit of innovation that makes him an IT Superstar. As the company continues to thrive, Jerez’s role and leadership will undoubtedly play an important role in shaping its future accomplishments.
As a leader in the workplace, and with an ever- evolving tech landscape, Ivan Jerez is focused on skyrocketing MySource towards a future of further growth and accomplishment. Under his guidance, MySource is not only navigating the complexities of the digital age but thriving and setting new standards for excellence. With his finger on the pulse of emerging technologies and a clear vision for the future, he is poised to lead the company through any fluctuations to come in the world of IT. He envisions the company expanding its horizons while upholding the culture that fosters work-life balance, nurtures talent, and ensures a high level of excellent service to clients. When he was asked one final simple question, “Why MySource?”, Ivan confidently, directly, and simply responded: “Because we have superstars” . Well, Ivan should know, because as the old saying goes: “It takes one to know one”.
