#WomenWithTech: Raquel's financial and human leadership at Telefónica Tech USA

Tell us a little about yourself—who are you, and what do you do?

I’m Raquel Guzmán, and I’ve been part of the Telefónica family for ten years. After holding several financial positions, I am currently the Head of Finance and People at Telefónica Tech USA.

What is your area of expertise? How did you end up doing what you do?

My expertise lies in the financial world. Ever since I completed my studies, I’ve focused my career on finance and accounting. In my final year at the Complutense University of Madrid, I balanced my studies with an internship at an audit firm. This was my first experience in the financial and corporate world.

Years later, I worked at EY as an auditor, leading teams and gaining insight into a variety of businesses. That experience prepared me to join Telefónica’s financial department, where I analyze finances from within. Currently, in addition to financial control, I also manage human resources at Telefónica Tech—an entirely new role for me, but one that I find extremely interesting and rewarding.

Ever since I completed my studies, I’ve focused my career on finance and accounting.

When you were younger, did you ever imagine working where you are today? Was it a vocational calling?

As a child, I knew I wanted to be a professional woman. I was always organized and focused on my goals. I enjoyed math and what I learned in my economics classes, so I knew my career had to be related to that field.

After finishing university, I decided to continue my education with an MBA, with the goal of becoming a CFO and leading a division of a company. When I was 24, a colleague from my first internship made a comment that stuck with me—she suggested I give up on the idea of becoming a CFO, claiming my aspirations were unrealistic. However, looking back at my professional journey, I can confidently say that I have achieved my goal and fulfilled my dream of holding a financial leadership position.

I was always organized and focused on my goals. I enjoyed math and what I learned in my economics classes, so I knew my career had to be related to that field.

What motivated you to choose your profession?

I’d say I motivated myself. I’ve always loved math and business management, and I’ve been relentlessly driven to solve problems. I set high standards for myself.

During my eight years as an auditor, I worked closely with CFOs from different companies. I admired how much they knew and controlled their organizations. This made me realize that one day, I wanted to be in their shoes.

I feel very proud of my professional journey. I’ve never stopped working in the financial world since my career began.

How would you describe your professional journey so far? What skills do you apply at Telefónica Tech?

I feel incredibly proud of my career path. I have never deviated from the financial world, and I’ve learned something new with each position I’ve held.

Starting my career as an auditor allowed me to understand how different departments operate and what processes take place within them. That experience provided me with the broad perspective necessary to understand a company as a whole.

Raquel loves travelling. In Quito, Ecuador

In my current role at Telefónica Tech, across both Finance and People, I have overseen the entire organization. This means supervising everything from pre-sales to operations, including the commercial area, to ensure performance, cost efficiency, and resource management. The goal is to maintain a balance between financial control and resources to operate in the U.S.

In addition to financial control, I also manage human resources at Telefónica Tech. It's quite a challenge, but I find it extremely interesting and rewarding.

How do you balance high-level responsibilities with personal life?

The first few years in this role were very demanding—I dedicated most of my time to the huge Telefónica Tech project. I believe everyone who has been involved with Telefónica Tech since the beginning feels a deep personal connection to it. It’s an exciting project and challenge.

Now, four years later, I can finally say that I’ve found a balance between my job (which I love) and my personal life. The key for me is setting boundaries and structured schedules for each task. This allows me to accomplish everything I want in my daily routine.

How does Telefónica Tech promote gender diversity and inclusion?

Telefónica Tech is an amazing place to work for both men and women. The company actively supports and highlights female leadership, encouraging constant growth and improvement.

Women have historically been denied their rightful place in the professional world. Telefónica Tech is committed to changing that by ensuring equal opportunities for both men and women—especially in leadership positions.

Telefónica Tech is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for both men and women in a fair and inclusive way.

What does the #WomenWithTech initiative mean to you?

#WomenWithTech is a platform that gives visibility to women in a professional environment historically dominated by men. It showcases and values women's potential.

What do women contribute to STEAM professions?

For a long time STEAM careers were considered male-dominated fields. Women bring a different perspective to these professions through organization, discipline, and equity, fostering a new way of developing science and technology.

Also role models in these careers were predominantly men. However, women's increasing presence in leadership roles drives greater inclusion and diversity. This shift encourages more girls and young women to explore fields that were once exclusively for men.

What advice would you give to other women who want to pursue a STEAM career? What skills do you need to succeed in technology?

My advice for women looking to enter STEAM careers is simple: follow your instincts and stay consistent in what you love. There are no 'men's' or 'women’s' careers—what truly matters is persistence and passion. That’s how you get to where you’ve always dreamed of being.

My key skill development recommendations include perseverance, passion, ambition, and a desire to learn and grow continuously.

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