La Primera experiencia es la base para un buen profesional | Edwin Montaña | TEDxUIS

Edwin Montaña's Journey: From Maintenance Worker to Industrial Engineer & Entrepreneur

Key Concepts:

• Resilience: Overcoming significant personal and professional challenges.
• Entrepreneurship: Starting and growing a business despite adversity.
• Social Responsibility: Prioritizing the well-being of employees and contributing to the community.
• Personal Growth: The importance of education and continuous learning.
• Motivation & Purpose: Finding strength in personal commitments and a desire to make a positive impact.
• Industrial Engineering: Utilizing the principles of the field to solve practical problems and drive business success.

Early Life & Initial Career Aspirations

Edwin Montaña began his career as a maintenance worker at an organization where he aspired to climb the ranks and have a voice in decision-making. He quickly realized that empirical knowledge alone wouldn’t be sufficient for advancement. This realization prompted him to pursue formal education, specifically choosing Industrial Engineering in 2016 (Period 2) because it encompassed all the knowledge he sought in a single discipline. He began studying while continuing to work, acknowledging the difficulty of balancing both commitments.

Personal Crisis & Pivotal Decisions (2016)

A significant turning point occurred in late 2016 with the announcement of his second child. This shifted his focus from professional growth to financial stability. Simultaneously, his wife experienced a complicated pregnancy, resulting in the premature birth of their daughter at less than 29 weeks and weighing under 900 grams – classified as “premature extrema.” This necessitated a difficult medical decision to prioritize both the mother and baby’s lives.

Faced with this crisis, Montaña made the “arriesgada” (risky) decision to embark on entrepreneurship to fulfill his obligations. He describes this as a challenging but ultimately rewarding process. He emphasizes the emotional toll of witnessing other parents losing their children in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (UCI), fueling his determination to ensure his daughter’s survival. He made a “trato” (deal) with his daughter, promising to fight for her well-being if she fought to survive.

Balancing Work, Study, & Family (2016-2017)

The following months were incredibly demanding. Montaña juggled his new business, the “plan canguro” (kangaroo care – skin-to-skin contact for premature infants), university studies, and the constant need to be present at the hospital. His schedule was relentless: working during the day, studying at night, and rushing to the clinic before the 10 PM closure to participate in kangaroo care, returning home to start the cycle again with minimal sleep (often only 1-2 hours). His motivation stemmed from the promise he made to his daughter.

Building the Business & Overcoming Obstacles (2017-2018)

Despite initial setbacks – being denied opportunities due to lack of experience and a lack of market recognition for his new company – Montaña persevered. He secured his first significant opportunity at the venue where he delivered his speech, a turning point where he was given a chance to prove his capabilities. He initially relied on financial support from his family and the proceeds from his previous job’s severance package to purchase essential tools: a drill, compressor, polisher, extension cord, and hand tools. He focused on becoming visible in a competitive market.

By 2017, his business experienced strong growth. By 2018, his company, Edwin Montaña’s company, had established a reputation, and clients began actively seeking his services. He was providing services like quotes, plans, and designs.

The Pandemic & Reinvention (2020)

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 presented a new challenge. Instead of focusing solely on his own financial security, Montaña considered the well-being of his 18 direct employees and their families. He made the decision to invest and adapt, recognizing the need for businesses to prepare for reopening. He proactively offered solutions like acrylic barriers, signage, and hand sanitizing stations, expanding his services to meet the new demands. This strategic move allowed his company to not only survive but thrive, extending his reach to cities like San Gil, Socorro, Barbosa, Vélez, Barranca, and Cúcuta.

Social Responsibility & Giving Back

Montaña’s success led him to reflect on his purpose beyond financial gain. He began investing in his employees’ education, providing financial assistance for university studies, transportation, and even driver’s licenses. He emphasized the importance of collective growth, stating his desire to make a social contribution rather than simply accumulating wealth. He now views his company as a vehicle for social impact.

Reflection & Gratitude

Montaña concludes by expressing gratitude for the hardships he faced, recognizing that they prepared him for future challenges. He acknowledges that his journey could have taken a different path, but he is thankful for the resilience he demonstrated. He emphasizes the importance of embracing experiences and finding joy in the process, as something positive awaits at the end. He also highlights the idea that closed doors often lead to better opportunities.

Notable Quotes:

• “A veces la vida no es como uno quiere, a veces las cosas no salen como uno espera.” (“Sometimes life isn’t how one wants it, sometimes things don’t turn out as expected.”)
• “Yo tuve fe y empezamos ese proceso.” (“I had faith and we started that process.”)
• “Tenía una motivación esperándome.” (“I had a motivation waiting for me.”)
• “Las puertas en ocasiones se cierran porque la vida nos tiene preparado algo mejor.” (“Sometimes doors close because life has something better prepared for us.”)

Technical Terms:

• Ingeniería Industrial (Industrial Engineering): A branch of engineering concerned with the optimization of complex processes, systems, or organizations.
• Plan Canguro (Kangaroo Care): A method of caring for premature infants involving skin-to-skin contact with a parent or caregiver.
• UCI (Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos - Intensive Care Unit): A specialized hospital ward dedicated to the care of critically ill patients.
• Prematura Extrema (Extreme Prematurity): Birth before 28 weeks of gestation.

Logical Connections:

The narrative follows a clear chronological progression, demonstrating how each challenge and decision built upon the previous one. The initial desire for professional advancement led to education, which was then interrupted by a personal crisis. The crisis fueled entrepreneurial ambition, which in turn led to business growth and ultimately, a commitment to social responsibility. The pandemic served as another catalyst for innovation and adaptation.

Data & Statistics:

• Normal baby weight: 2800-3000 grams.
• Daughter’s birth weight: Less than 900 grams.
• Daughter’s gestational age: Less than 29 weeks.
• Number of direct employees by 2019: 18.

Synthesis/Conclusion:

Edwin Montaña’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of resilience, determination, and a commitment to a higher purpose. His journey from a maintenance worker to a successful entrepreneur and industrial engineer demonstrates the importance of continuous learning, adapting to adversity, and prioritizing the well-being of others. His narrative underscores the idea that setbacks can be opportunities for growth and that true success lies not only in financial achievement but also in making a positive impact on the world. He exemplifies the principles of Industrial Engineering by optimizing processes and systems, not just in his business, but also in his approach to life and community development.