Blas Atencio, Global Talent Sourcing Manager in Madrid, shares his passion for languages and cultures, alongside his collaborative leadership that emphasises empathy, innovation, and cross-cultural communication.
Meet Blas Atencio, Global Talent Sourcing Manager in Madrid
My early life and values
I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, a place of great natural beauty and cultural diversity, which shaped my appreciation for connection and exploration. Growing up in such an environment helped instil values like resilience, openness, and curiosity in me.
I now live in Madrid, Spain, which I love for its balance between rich history and modern vibrancy. My hobbies, such as travelling, playing chess, and learning languages, have also influenced my values, pushing me toward personal growth and continuous learning. My pet project, mentoring others, aligns with my belief in empowering those around me to grow and leave a positive mark.
Being inspired by languages and cultures
My passion for languages and cultures comes from a desire to connect deeply with people from all walks of life. The ability to communicate across languages allows me to experience the world through different lenses. This has played a significant role in my professional career at Metyis, where cross-cultural communication and understanding are critical.
My language skills in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and others help me navigate diverse interactions, whether it’s managing international teams or sourcing talent across borders, adding a personal touch to my role.
Getting started in talent acquisition
My journey into talent acquisition began with a desire to help others find their professional paths. Early on, I discovered the impact that guiding someone into the right role could have on their personal and professional growth. This passion drove me to pursue a career in recruitment. I remember how my initial experiences shaped my approach, focusing on understanding the individual behind the resume. It’s about more than just filling a role; it's about empowering someone to thrive in their position.
Growing through diverse experiences and skill-building
Having worked in sectors ranging from financial aid to IT recruitment, I have developed a wide range of skills that I apply in my current role. For example, my experience in IT recruitment taught me the importance of understanding complex technical roles, which now helps me when hiring for specialized positions.
In every role, I’ve focused on building relationships and understanding both the industry and the individuals, which has been crucial in my approach at Metyis.
A typical day at Metyis
As a Global Talent Sourcing Manager at Metyis, my responsibilities include creating strategies to improve our talent acquisition processes, supporting the Global Talent Acquisition Team, and leading sourcing initiatives for critical roles. A typical day involves balancing recruitment strategy with hands-on sourcing, team leadership, and training. The most exciting aspect is how dynamic and ever-changing the field is, pushing me to constantly innovate.
Being part of a fast-growing, international company like Metyis is incredibly rewarding. The opportunity to work with a diverse group of people and contribute to meaningful growth is both professionally and personally fulfilling. The pace of change here challenges me to think creatively and constantly push boundaries, which has helped me further develop my leadership skills.
Leading with Impact
My leadership style is collaborative and empathetic. I try to always lead by example, ensuring that I am approachable and supportive. I foster a positive and collaborative environment by encouraging open communication and trust. For me, it's important to make sure my team feels empowered to bring their best ideas forward. I also strive to understand the cultural nuances of managing a global team, adapting my approach to fit diverse needs.
The exciting trends in talent acquisition
I am particularly excited about the growing role of AI and technology in recruitment. Tools that help streamline sourcing and screening processes are changing the way we approach talent acquisition, allowing us to focus more on building relationships.
Additionally, the shift in candidate expectations toward flexibility and work-life balance is an exciting trend, as it challenges us to adapt to a more human-centred approach.
My advice for aspiring talent acquisition professionals
My advice for anyone starting out in talent acquisition is to be curious and empathetic. Recruitment is about building relationships, and it requires patience and understanding. Always be willing to learn, adapt, and listen to the needs of both the company and the candidates. I believe that the key qualities that make a successful recruiter today are adaptability, emotional intelligence, and strong communication skills.
The most valuable lesson to keep growing
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that success is a team effort. No matter how talented an individual is, the real impact comes from collaboration. This lesson guides me every day, reminding me to focus on building strong teams and fostering an environment where people can grow together and contribute to something greater than themselves.