(Photo: Monica Naranjo)

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, people frequently encounter and surmount inefficient processes and unnecessary roadblocks. These hurdles often take the form of cumbersome paperwork, interminable waits at government offices, and various exasperating challenges. While many harbor a fervent desire to enhance these circumstances, most are unable to transform this aspiration into concrete actions. However, one individual stands as a shining exception to this prevailing trend: Monica Naranjo. With a lifelong commitment to the pursuit of excellence, she has carved a distinguished path as a renowned expert in process improvement. Her career is punctuated by a remarkable history of success, marked by her adeptness at optimizing unfamiliar situations and consistently delivering outstanding results.

Monica's journey into process improvement commenced during her tenure as a production engineering student at El Tec de Monterrey, where she partook in an internship program backed by the federal government. Collaborating with her peers, she orchestrated impactful transformations for local businesses, optimizing strategies and products in a project of national significance. Upon graduation, Monica's professional trajectory led her to the role of Head of Warehouse and Jewelry Purchasing at Avon in her native Colombia. In this position, she assumed responsibility for devising inventory policies, managing inventory levels, navigating complex international trade regulations, and overhauling internal warehouse processes across multiple facilities. A rapid learner and natural leader, Monica recognized her strengths early on. She can substantiate her proposals with data, effective communication, and the seamless implementation of novel processes and solutions.

Three years later, as Monica yearned for fresh challenges and greater autonomy in decision-making, an opportunity arose to revamp the events industry in Colombia. She seized this chance, co-founding a sound and event company. This entrepreneurial venture marked an entirely new undertaking, yet within a mere six years, the company had amassed an extensive client portfolio and orchestrated major commercial events within Colombia and abroad. Mastering the art of product presentations, curating concerts, and coordinating fashion shows became integral aspects of her daily operations. Despite her relative novelty in these diverse domains, Monica excelled, delivering unparalleled service and exemplary event outcomes to her clients.

Monica faced a considerable professional challenge during her tenure as a buyer/coordinator at Suramericana de Seguros, a prominent insurance and healthcare provider in Colombia. She proposed an innovative procurement strategy to revolutionize how the organization acquired supplies and medical equipment. However, the leadership team had long operated within the confines of the status quo, and they were initially hesitant to embrace her methodology despite the potential to save the company 50% in costs. Her proposal involved international importing, which necessitated intricate legal and tax adjustments.

Monica eventually won over the leadership team through her exceptional communication skills and compelling use of data. She seamlessly led the implementation of her proposal. She ushered in a new era within the company-one characterized by openness to change, eagerness for improvement, and a willingness to undertake calculated risks. Monica's propensity for diving into unfamiliar situations and resolving novel challenges led her to spend the subsequent decade founding her own businesses, collaborating with diverse individuals, and venturing into myriad industries, including news and advertising, e-commerce, and more.

Most recently, as the Manager of Intelligence for DNI in Bogotá, Monica oversaw all internal inspections and audit activities. Her duties encompassed evaluating strategic plans, monitoring key performance indicators, and assessing the potential risks associated with various scenarios. Once data was collected, she provided recommendations to the organization's leadership, directly shaping its mission and its support of the public.

For the past decade, Monica has been an integral part of the Colombian Intelligence Agency, "DNI" by meticulously reviewing procedures and facilitating the development of reports essential for informing the nation's President and Congress. Serving as the Manager of Intelligence, she pioneered the creation of the first institutional and management activity report of the General Inspectorate. This report entailed thoroughly examining international standards, extensive collaboration with expert consultants specializing in state management-an uncommon practice in Colombia-and the effective collection, analysis, determination, and implementation of essential documentation, manuals, procedures, instructions, formats, and more.

The outcome was a report that adhered to state requirements and government objectives, ensuring 100% compliance with the plans. In addition, two manuals, two procedures, and two formats were prepared and approved, all while Monica consistently sought to optimize them. This endeavor also involved the implementation of four indicators, assessing efficacy, efficiency, effectiveness, and risk management through the use of administrative controls. Ultimately, the General Management embraced 100% of the recommendations.

Monica's expertise transcends industry boundaries, reflecting her industry-agnostic approach to addressing real-world challenges that affect organizations and individuals worldwide. Her unique capacity to navigate uncharted territory, comprehend the present, envision the future, and bridge the gap between the two is an extraordinary asset. Whether supporting her entrepreneurial ventures or engaging in humanitarian aid efforts, her skill set is an invaluable resource needed in countless arenas. Yet, it is a rare find in the professional landscape.