Story & Lesson Highlights with Maria Zaghi of Guatemala city, Guatemala

Maria Zaghi shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Maria, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day for me is very interesting nowadays. I recently retired from my almost 40-year career as a professor in several universities in Guatemala. This is giving muy needed time for dedicating my day for other very interesting and very fulfilling:
Networking – virtual meeting with new clients for commercializing technology in Latin America
Follow-up – virtual meetings with our over 1200 companies related to technology that are part of our commercialization efforts with the products and services to sell them worldwide
Events – participate in key events related to Guatemala’s digital agenda, and, finally
Socializing – posts in our blogs, social media, tv and radio programs, mailing lists.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Maria Zaghi and I was one of the first women in computer science in my county, Guatemala. Since I got an MBA in the 80’s, this has given me the opportunity to lead and implement several digital important projects in the last 40 years: the first commercial Internet node, the first network of banks for several very big credit cards and banks, e-commerce agenda , e-government agenda constant support and others. Our main last project since 2010 has been to implement the first “Silicon Valley” in the region, Campus Tec. In that operation we have been able to launch and support entrepreneurs with incubation, big digital and technology companies via acceleration, funding and commercialization , but most important to continue my efforts in supporting the digital agenda for Guatemala and the region via different initiatives.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
When we put together in my early 20´s the first Internet commercial node in Guatemala. To watch persons, companies and organizations start to use Internet and enter the digital world has been one of the most powerful and humbling projects we have had just to see the impact is had and continues to have in our economy is very satisfying.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I think that in every project, there is a point where challenges and problems become very complicated and feeling that the best option is to give up seems normal. But, with time you come to value persistence, teamwork and even learning to postpone certain projects have come to be the solution. The idea is to understand that technology that you have to value the right time to implement but never give up.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
I am very authentic. This comes with problems sometimes since the culture in Latin America and Guatemala is very conservative and polite. But with time I have noticed that being your real you is the best strategy to have great networks and results. People value honesty no matter how difficult the reality is, the important thing is to be positive about looking for solutions and give results.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would like to be remembered as someone that always believed technology should be used to make a better living. We love the positive impact it has in communities, countries, regions and specially in rural areas. The idea is also to use technology as a tool and in the right amount.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mzghi.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maria.zaghi/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mzaghi/
• Twitter: https://x.com/mzaghi
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maria.zaghi/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MariaZaghi

Image Credits
Campus Tec Guatemala