Ilda Andaluz: Pioneering Leadership and Driving Change Across Industries
In a world where diversity and equality are becoming increasingly important, the role of women in leadership is garnering well-deserved attention. Inclusive leadership has emerged as a powerful approach that not only breaks down barriers but also shapes organizational culture and drives business success.
Amidst the dynamic landscape of modern leadership, Ilda Andaluz shines as a beacon of inspiration and transformation. As the Executive Vice President of Global Human Resources at Varel Energy Solutions, her impact reverberates across industries, redefining leadership paradigms and fostering positive change.
With an illustrious career spanning over twenty years, Ilda’s journey through diverse sectors—from telecommunications to oil and gas—exemplifies her unwavering commitment to leadership excellence. Each sector, a unique canvas for her leadership prowess, has enabled her to forge her own distinct path, cementing her reputation as a change catalyst.
Ilda’s exceptional leadership is underpinned by her innate ability to seamlessly collaborate with stakeholders across the spectrum, from senior management to operational leaders, staff, peers, and government entities. This hallmark skill has been instrumental in navigating complex human resource challenges, driving organizational development initiatives, and addressing operational intricacies.
Ilda’s journey is marked by her thirst for knowledge and an innate curiosity about leadership dynamics. Having traversed realms as diverse as retail, education, municipal services, and manufacturing, she brings a holistic perspective to her role, enriching her insights into the multifaceted world of human resources.
While Ilda has donned numerous professional hats, her unwavering focus remains on enabling positive transformations through leadership. By influencing leaders to make informed decisions that resonate with employees, she propels organizations towards excellence and empowers a culture of growth.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Unforeseen Path in HR
Ilda’s journey into the world of Human Resources took an unexpected turn. After completing her BA in Psychology at McGill University, she found herself in an unfamiliar role as a recruiter during a summer job. Surprisingly, by the end of the summer, she was offered the HR Manager position, a move that initially surprised her due to her lack of experience. Overcoming her uncertainty, she embraced the role after gaining HR certification through night classes.
Seeking diverse HR experiences, Ilda joined Bell Canada, a prominent Canadian telecom company. There, she encountered two mentors who played a significant role in her journey. With various HR positions at Bell, she honed her skills and knowledge. Exploring different industries and international ventures, fueled by her linguistic and multicultural abilities, she aimed to contribute to global HR initiatives.
In retrospect, Ilda discovered that her inclination towards service leadership was the driving force that anchored her in the realm of HR. She recognized the need for consistent support and guidance throughout people’s careers, a gap she was determined to fill. Armed with her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment, Ilda continues to leave a positive mark on the lives of those she serves.
The Power of Resilience
Ilda’s path has been marked by challenges. From being the sole woman or person of color in the room to facing discouragement and even bullying, she’s encountered numerous roadblocks. These experiences, including dealing with a narcissistic manager, have been her unanticipated teachers.
Criticism and stereotypes have not deterred Ilda. She’s often been labeled as “too soft” or lacking assertiveness. Yet she firmly stands against conforming to traditional norms of leadership. Embracing the concept of quiet leadership, she combines compassion and strength without sacrificing her authenticity. For Ilda, leadership isn’t about projecting power; it’s about caring for her team.
Facing these trials, Ilda remained steadfast in her core values. She learned not to take things personally and actively sought growth. Speaking up for herself and others became a mantra, even in the face of adversity. Recognizing the value of guidance, she engaged a coach to enhance her self-awareness and begin a journey of understanding her strengths and areas for growth.
Ilda’s philosophy centers on discipline over motivation. Regardless of circumstances, she’s committed to continuous improvement and unwavering dedication. Through it all, she has maintained humility and authenticity, recognizing the importance of staying true to herself and those around her.
Fueling Progress with Well Construction Innovation
Varel Energy Solutions, a private equity-owned enterprise headquartered in Kingwood, Texas, specializes in crafting well-construction products, including drill bits and downhole equipment. The company’s operations extend across the globe, with manufacturing hubs in Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and India serving as the heart of their mission.
Driven by a powerful vision, Varel Energy Solutions seeks to lead the well-construction industry in creating value, contributing to sustainability, and maximizing investments. Anchored in its people, the company values traits like courage and authenticity in its business conduct. Their dedication to excellence, coupled with an indomitable spirit, sets them apart in serving customers while shaping the industry’s future.
Ilda Andaluz, Executive Vice President of Global Human Resources, has been at the forefront of creating a transformative HR team within Varel Energy Solutions. This team is driven by the mission to be a trusted partner, empowering employees to reach exceptional heights. Their approach is a blend of stellar customer service, adaptability, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of resilience and collaboration.
One of the significant challenges lies in the geographical and cultural diversity of the team, spread across various nations. Regardless of these hurdles, Ilda and her team remain unwavering in their commitment to bridging gaps and building a strong and cohesive HR unit. Their efforts reflect the company’s ethos of valuing people and transcending boundaries for a united purpose.
A Global Mindset
Born and raised in the vibrant city of Montreal, Canada, Ilda Andaluz was immersed in a world of diverse cultures and languages from a young age. Growing up in a melting-pot environment taught her the value of adaptability and connection across languages and backgrounds. This early exposure laid the foundation for her future success in navigating diverse international landscapes.
Ilda’s multicultural upbringing has proven to be an invaluable asset in her career. Fluent in Spanish, French, English, and Italian, she seamlessly communicates with people from around the world. This linguistic prowess played a crucial role in her selection for her role as Executive Vice President of Global Human Resources at Varel Energy Solutions, where fluency in multiple languages was essential for managing operations across various countries.
She believes that understanding and respecting diverse cultures is not just a nicety but a necessity. This approach has allowed Ilda to navigate complex HR issues with cultural sensitivity, fostering deeper connections and promoting unity within her global team.
One of Ilda’s unique approaches to HR is her perspective of it as a business department first and HR second. She believes in aligning HR strategies with business goals, emphasizing the importance of understanding revenue streams and the organization’s overall impact. For Ilda, HR is a bridge that facilitates constructive conversations between managers and employees, ensuring open communication and resolution.
Ilda’s journey exemplifies the power of a global mindset. Her language proficiency and ability to harmonize diverse cultures set her apart in the world of HR leadership. By embracing her authentic self and valuing each individual’s unique background, she creates a tapestry of unity and growth across continents.
Lessons from Two Luminaries
In the trajectory of Ilda Andaluz’s career, two mentors stood as guiding stars, each casting a distinct light on her path. These mentors, with their contrasting styles, bestowed upon Ilda a treasure trove of insights that have played an instrumental role in shaping her journey in leadership.
Igniting the Business Mindset: The first mentor, a proponent of the business-first approach, instilled in Ilda the importance of viewing HR through a strategic lens. This mentor encouraged her to read a business book monthly, testing her knowledge of its practical application. The mentor’s insistence on presenting in front of senior executives pushed Ilda out of her comfort zone, transforming her fears into strengths. These experiences propelled her to pursue an MBA, solidifying her understanding of the business world.
Discovering the Power of Voice: Ilda’s second mentor recognized the untapped potential of her voice. Acknowledging her introverted nature, this mentor encouraged Ilda to exercise her voice like a muscle, unafraid to express herself authentically. Through this guidance, Ilda learned that impactful leadership isn’t about volume; it’s about leaving an indelible mark. This lesson empowered her to embrace her own unique leadership style, making her voice a catalyst for change.
Collective Wisdom: Both mentors imparted the wisdom of building a supportive network. Ilda learned that true growth is fostered by surrounding oneself with advocates who champion one’s cause in rooms where one isn’t present. This philosophy of nurturing robust relationships and allies resonated deeply with Ilda, influencing her approach to leadership and collaboration.
Through the guidance of these mentors, Ilda Andaluz forged a career illuminated by strategic acumen, a powerful voice, and a network of allies. Their combined wisdom showcases the pivotal role that mentorship plays in shaping a leader’s journey, reflecting the invaluable ripple effect of knowledge and support.
The Complexities of HR Leadership
In the realm of Human Resources, Ilda Andaluz, Executive Vice President of Global Human Resources at Varel Energy Solutions, uncovers hidden layers of complexity that often go unnoticed. She delves into the challenges that HR professionals face and the misconceptions that surround the industry, offering a fresh perspective on what truly defines impactful HR leadership.
For Ilda, one of the most formidable hurdles within HR is managing the perpetual changes and business demands without a seat at the strategy table. Often relegated to an afterthought, HR gains prominence only when the tide of necessity surges, as exemplified by the pandemic-triggered recognition of HR’s power and knowledge. The challenge lies in the misconception that HR is solely about hiring, firing, and payroll—a belief that undervalues its potential for transformative impact.
Ilda’s advice to aspiring HR professionals offers a refreshing twist: HR isn’t merely about HR. She challenges the notion that an affinity for people is the sole motivation for pursuing HR. Rather, she emphasizes that true HR leadership involves guiding, coaching, leading, and educating leaders on effective employee management. While technology can expedite processes, it cannot supplant the intrinsic value of meaningful human interactions.
Ilda’s vision for HR extends beyond conventional boundaries. She envisions HR as the conduit connecting marketplace success with workplace practices. This approach transcends the limits of traditional HR functions, placing the onus on positive performance accountability and aligning HR actions with the broader business strategy.
While embracing change and innovation, Ilda calls for discernment. She probes the authenticity behind changes, urging an evaluation of whether they are driven by genuine business sense or internal demands. She insists that the focus should be on elevating service quality and aligning actions with the company’s strategic goals.
In Ilda’s narrative, HR emerges as a dynamic domain that thrives on strategic alignment, authentic connections, and purpose-driven transformation. Her insights redefine the narrative of HR, revealing it to be more than a department—it’s a force that orchestrates positive change, empowers leaders, and shapes organizational success.
An Immigrant Family’s Legacy
The story of Ilda Andaluz, the Executive Vice President of Global Human Resources at Varel Energy Solutions, is interwoven with the threads of her parents’ immigration journey to Canada over five decades ago. Hailing from modest backgrounds, her parents faced tremendous challenges as newcomers. Her father’s arrival, marked by the harsh Canadian winter and the absence of English or French language skills, symbolized the uphill battle they confronted.
From her parents, Ilda imbibed profound wisdom about the significance of attitude, energy, and diligent work. Her father’s unwavering positivity, even in the face of adversity, left an indelible mark. He instilled in her the belief that the energy one radiates is mirrored back by the world. The lessons she imbibed were clear: by embracing each day with optimism and wholeheartedly investing effort, one can transform these practices into a way of life.
Ilda’s upbringing cultivated a unique perspective on work—one that saw it not as a detached chore but as a seamless part of her life. Instead of segregating work from personal and social spheres, she opted to weave them together in a manner that resonated with her family and personal values. Early on, she pioneered concepts that are now widely embraced, such as working from home and remote employment. These unconventional approaches were met with skepticism, yet her commitment and results consistently validated her choices.
When faced with the opportunity to pursue her MBA at the University of Phoenix online, Ilda encountered skepticism and doubt from those who questioned her dedication. Undeterred, she completed her degree, a testament to her unconventional yet effective approach. Fast forward to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the significance of remote work and online learning became universally apparent. Ilda’s foresight and experience set the stage for this transformational shift.
Ilda’s thirst for knowledge extended to her recent accomplishment—a Master’s in Jurisprudence in Labor and Employment Law from Tulane University Law School, pursued online. This time, her choice was met with acceptance, largely due to the evolving landscape shaped by the pandemic.
The pandemic ushered in a new era of understanding regarding flexible work arrangements. Business leaders now appreciate the value of accommodating diverse schedules and embracing remote work. Ilda, who had already walked this path, welcomes this transformation. She believes in striking a balance where employees don’t merely make a living but actively craft a life—one that aligns with their aspirations, values, and well-being.
Championing Fulfillment as the True Measure of Success
For Ilda Andaluz, the Executive Vice President of Global Human Resources at Varel Energy Solutions, success is not a destination to reach but a journey to embrace. Her definition of success transcends conventional metrics; it’s about finding deep fulfillment in her work and inspiring the growth and development of her team.
Ilda’s focus is on creating an environment where her team members can harness their innate talents and capabilities to their fullest potential. Guided by this commitment, she tirelessly forges a path for their career progression and personal growth. Her vision of success thrives not in individual accomplishments but in the collective evolution of those she mentors.
In Ilda’s perspective, success isn’t a static finish line but an evolving expedition. It’s woven with countless meaningful moments where she contributes positively to the development, growth, and triumph of others. The culmination of these moments paints the canvas of her achievement, nurturing a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that fuels her relentless drive.
Ilda’s path wasn’t without naysayers—voices that doubted her divergent approach to success. Some questioned her choice to craft her journey, deviating from societal norms. Yet, amidst these critics, she found a chorus of supporters who celebrated her journey and cheered her accomplishments. Her mentors, instrumental in shaping her career, taught her to curate her inner circle with care, enveloping herself with those who championed her endeavors.
Ilda Andaluz’s journey stands as an embodiment of self-defined success—a journey marked by unyielding dedication, empowerment of others, and a deep sense of fulfillment. Her unique approach to achievement inspires us to redefine our path and prioritize the moments that contribute to the growth and triumph of those around us.
Cultivating Confidence and Connection
Ilda Andaluz’s passion lies in nurturing the strength and potential of women, encouraging them to embrace their voices and pursue their aspirations fearlessly. As an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she ignited change at Varel Energy Solutions through initiatives that empower women in traditionally male-dominated fields like Oil and Gas.
As part of Varel’s commitment to diversity, Ilda founded the Thrive women’s group—an empowering space for women to unite, discuss, and grow. Quarterly gatherings provide a platform to address the unique challenges women face in fields dominated by men. Topics span from establishing a personal brand in the workplace to embracing authentic leadership styles and fostering a community of shared experiences and growth.
Ilda’s unwavering priority is delivering exceptional service through the HR team at Varel. Approachability is key, ensuring employees view HR as a dependable resource throughout their journey. Her vision extends beyond challenging times, aiming to create a consistent support system for leaders and team members alike.
Ilda’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity is exemplified by her push for greater gender representation in manufacturing shops. A pivotal achievement is the recent hiring of Varel’s first female CNC operator—a milestone that paves the way for more opportunities. Her dedication to amplifying women’s voices is instrumental in reshaping workplace dynamics.
Helping Someone Shine
Throughout her career, Ilda has had moments that have made her really proud and reminded her why she loves her job. One special memory is from about 10 or 15 years ago. She wasn’t officially mentoring someone, but she was helping them a lot at work. This person had the potential to be a leader, so Ilda guided her to change her career path. Many years later, Ilda got a heartfelt message from that person. Now, that person was a manager in human resources and thanked Ilda for her support. Hearing this made Ilda feel really good and proud of what she had done.
Another important memory is from when Ilda worked in Mexicali, Mexico. She did something really meaningful there. She convinced nearby manufacturing plants to help pay for transportation for female workers. This was because, at that time, there were problems like kidnapping and violence against women during their travels to work. By making transportation safer, Ilda really made a difference in those women’s lives and made them feel safer.
More recently, Ilda started a group for women at her current workplace, Varel. This group is called Thrive. Every few months, they have events where speakers talk about things that matter to the women at Varel. For example, they talked about personal branding at their most recent event in May. By organizing these events, Ilda helps the women at Varel feel strong and empowered, and they can learn from each other too.
Ilda also has a big achievement that she’s proud of. She hired the first female HR manager ever in Saudi Arabia. This is important because it shows that she’s trying to make things better for women in fields that have mostly been for men. It’s all about being fair and inclusive.
These moments, whether they’re big or small, make Ilda feel really proud. They show that she’s made a positive impact on people’s lives, whether by personally mentoring them or by doing things that help a lot of people. These moments remind her why she loves her job and why she chose this path.
