Gonzalo Alvarez - Gerente Comercial at Ondiss
Gonzalo Alvarez – Gerente Comercial, Ondiss
The Origin
Where were you born?
I was born in the Carrasco neighborhood, Montevideo, Uruguay.
If you could walk through the neighborhood where you grew up as a child today, what would you remember?
My parents and siblings, and the neighborhood friends.
If you could go back in time to those years, what would you like to be doing?
In the small football field we had next to my house, playing football.
What part of that child is still present in your life?
Maybe more than it should be, haha; it shows up every time I practice a sport.
What did that child dream of working as when they grew up?
I was torn between medicine and law. Finally, I leaned towards the latter because it was easier for me to study.
Career Path
What was your first paid job?
In Uruguay, while I was studying, I worked at a real estate agency as a salesperson.
What was your first job in the world of betting/gambling?
At Betwarrior, just before the first operation began in Argentina.
What do you enjoy most about this industry?
The constant innovation, the daily demand to improve, and being able to generate ideas.
What trends will mark the future of betting in the next 5 years?
AI is changing our industry and the world of work in general. Those of us in technology companies must necessarily work with it and use it properly.
What concerns you most about gambling addiction?
The alternatives presented in society to the gambler outside of gambling itself. It is a social ill that must be tackled in a multidisciplinary way, not just by the entertainment industry.
If you had to choose a boss who marked your professional career, who would it be?
Without a doubt, Enrique Arteaga, former Director of Companhia Libra de Navegação. A gentleman and a person with great leadership based on empathy.
What was the best professional advice you have received?
Perhaps that in a negotiation, both parties must win. The famous win/win is fundamental not only in business but in all areas of life.
If you had to summarize your leadership philosophy in a single phrase, what would it be?
A leadership that trusts and empowers, and measures success by results obtained. I believe a good leader makes each individual in the group grow while delivering results to the company.
What do you value most in a job, beyond the salary?
The concrete possibilities for growth as a professional and as a person.
If you hadn't worked in this industry, what other profession would you have liked to pursue?
I am a musician; I have been a professional musician since I was very young and stopped doing it when I started working in shipping companies. It is another of my passions.
Quick-fire Rounds
A book you would recommend?
Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu.
A movie that marked you?
The Godfather Part I.
A favorite food?
Asado (barbecue made with wood).
Wine or beer?
Wine.
A place in the world to live?
Rio de Janeiro.
A pending dream?
To play for the Uruguayan national football team.
A hobby or passion outside of work?
Playing the guitar and practicing sports.
A personality you admire?
Paul McCartney.
Office work or at home?
Currently hybrid.
A day at the beach or in the countryside?
Beach.
Employee or entrepreneur?
Entrepreneur.
Are leaders born or made?
They are made; it depends on oneself.
Family & Friends
If your parents had to describe you without mentioning your position or achievements, what would they say about you?
A good person.
How would your friends describe you?
A true, reliable friend ("amigo de fierro").
Who is that person who still dares to tell you 'you're making a mistake' when everyone else tells you yes?
My psychologist.
How much has your family influenced you to be where you are today?
To a great extent. The environment always influences for better or worse.
Which person, who is far away or no longer physically here, would you like to give a hug to? What would you say to them?
To my mother. Thank you.
Successes and Failures
What would you say to your younger self who was suffering or about to give up at some point?
Don't give up; everything passes, both the good and the bad.
What was the most difficult decision you made in your career and what did you learn from it?
Leaving the maritime and logistics industry to dedicate myself to the current industry. I learned that you must always pursue your dreams and listen to yourself.
What has been your greatest achievement and what did it mean to you?
Personal: my children. Professionally: there have been many, all related to achieving results as a team. In both areas, the feeling is one of pride and satisfaction.
The Legacy
Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?
At Ondiss, continuing with the implementation of new technologies in regulated jurisdictions in Latam.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a good person and a good professional.
If you had to give a life advice to another person, what would it be?
Use time in the best way possible, promote good, and contribute your grain of sand to improve your environment.
What question have you never been asked in an interview and would like to answer?
In this interview, there have been many that are new to me.
Which colleague from the industry would you like to see responding to this note?
Andres Troelsen (EGT).