Alba Marquez | The Pool Podcast EP4

Alba Marquez Canalejo, the Global Head of Expansion at Google Cloud Security, discusses her professional journey and experiences with Christian and Elizabeth. Alba shares her background, including her studies in advertising and criminology, and her early career in Spain and the US. She details her move to Silicon Valley for personal reasons and how she navigated the challenges of finding a job at Google despite language barriers and lack of local experience. Alba's perseverance and dedication eventually led her to secure a full-time position at Google after initially working as a temp. She emphasizes the importance of community support and networking in achieving her goals. Alba also talks about her transition to Málaga, Spain, where she now leads a global team for Google Cloud Security. She explains the strategic importance of the Málaga office, particularly in cybersecurity, and its role in fostering local talent and providing training and support to global clients. Alba discusses the challenges of working in a male-dominated industry and the need for more inclusive practices. She highlights the importance of supportive networks and allies in overcoming these challenges. Alba envisions Málaga's potential to become a major tech hub, provided there are improvements in local infrastructure and tax incentives to attract more companies.