#WomenWithTech: María García Aznar transforms innovative ideas into practical tools

María García Aznar, Product Manager in the Smart Workplace area, leads the development of advanced IA solutions applied to the workplace, Maria merges technology and strategy to transform innovative ideas into practical tools with solid experience in Telecommunications Engineering and Product Marketing. Her approach combines technological curiosity, strategic vision, and empathetic collaboration, making her a leader in the integration of AI in the workplace.

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Who are you and what do you do?

I'm Maria Garcia Aznar, Product Manager for Smart Workplace at Telefónica Tech. My job is to lead the creation and evolution of artificial intelligence solutions focused on the workplace.

What is your area of expertise? How did you get into what you do now?

I studied Telecommunications Engineering, and, during an internship, I discovered Product Marketing. I didn't know anything about that role, and I was fascinated by the idea of combining technological innovation and business strategy, so I decided to focus my career in that direction. Since then, I have continued to develop in this field, where I feel very comfortable.

Did you always know that you wanted to work in technology?

I've always been very curious about technology. I still remember the excitement of playing around with our first family computer and exploring the Internet for the first time. That curiosity continues to guide me, although to be honest, I was never sure that it could be applied to a profession in the future.

I've always been very curious about technology. That curiosity continues to guide me.

Who motivated you to choose a career related to technology?

Although my mother was the one who introduced me to the world of technology from a very young age and tried to keep us up to date, it was my father who persuaded me to take advantage of this fascination with technology and turn it into a career.

At first, I didn't see the connection with the degrees that existed at the time, but over time I realized that I had chosen the right path, as it has led me to where I am now.

My job consists of leading the creation and evolution of artificial intelligence solutions focused on the workplace.

How would you describe your professional career so far, and what skills do you use at Telefónica Tech?

My career has been closely linked to Telefónica, always in the Product area. I started at Telefónica Global Solutions providing videoconferencing services, and gradually I specialized in collaboration solutions.

Ever since the creation of Telefónica Tech, I joined the team to continue promoting this type of service, and in the last year I have focused on artificial intelligence solutions. The skills I use most are strategic vision, technological curiosity, and an empathetic and collaborative way of working.

I like to stay up to date and see how each innovation can be turned into something useful with a real impact.

How do you balance your job with your personal life?

Flexibility is essential for me. It allows me to organize myself, as I have two young children and I try hard to plan so that I can be there for them at home and at work. I think the key is finding that balance that allows you to perform well without giving up your personal life.

How do we promote gender diversity and inclusion at Telefónica Tech?

Telefónica Tech is firmly committed to highlighting female talent and promoting environments of real equality. Programs such as #WomenWithTech and internal networks give us a voice and empower us. My experience has been very positive, and I am lucky to have worked on a daily basis with other women who have been role models for me, something that is still not so common in the technology sector.

Strategic vision, technological curiosity, and an empathetic way of working are key to my day-to-day work.

Could you explain what the #WomenWithTech initiative means to you?

It's a way to build community, give us visibility, and inspire other women. I love that spaces are being created where we can share experiences, points of view, support each other, and serve as role models for other women. Feeling that close network motivates and reinforces our role in the digital transformation.

What do women bring to STEAM professions?

I would say that women bring a form of leadership and management that stands out for its empathy, collaboration, and ability to listen. We have a special sensitivity to understanding the needs of the team and the projects and to providing a different point of view.

Our ability to tackle multiple tasks effectively and maintain a comprehensive vision is also especially valuable in environments such as STEAM disciplines.

What advice would you give to other women who want to pursue a STEAM career, and what skills do you think are important for success in the technology sector?

Be bold, break stereotypes, and surround yourself with people who inspire you, because every day there are more women joining this sector.

STEAM careers open many doors, and we need more women to contribute their talent and vision to the technology sector.

Telefónica Tech

A journey that continues: II edition of #WomenWithTech

March 28, 2025