1) Name:
Leticia (Lety) Talavera
2) How did you get to gap intelligence?
I ended up at gap intelligence after answering a Craigslist employment ad one beautiful morning at Lestat’s coffee shop in University Heights while sipping on a Guatemalan blend. I had just moved back after a six-year hiatus from living in the States, where I grew up. Choosing to experience something different I moved to a beautiful picturesque city by the name of San Cristobal de la Casas in the state of Chiapas which borders with Guatemala. While living in Chiapas, I ran a small juice and dehydrated foods business and taught yoga. After enjoying living a slower pace of life and being able to live out some of my dreams, I decided to move back to my San Diego to be closer to my family.
3) What values lead you and why?
Once back in the States, I started looking for a company that stood out from the rest and gap intelligence grabbed my attention. In the employment ad it asked what were my three most cherished values and why. Right away I knew this company was different. No other company I worked for had ever asked about my values, much less my most cherished and why. When researching gap intelligence, I learned what their most cherished values were:
- Transparency: Strengthen trust by communicating like hell
- Willingness: Do your best, never stop learning
- Ownership: Build a cathedral, not a wall
- Passion: Inspired by life
- Professionalism: A+ work don’t be a jerk
Each one of these values really resonated with me and I felt gap intelligence's authenticity.
I also enjoyed the quirky group pictures in 80’s neon workout gear on the website. It showed their fun spirit- after all they had the courage to put on funky leotards, tie dye shirts, and headbands (clearly not taking themselves too seriously). I definitely got the sense that this company was unique and most of all fun. gap intelligence was also voted best company to work for by the San Diego Business Journal and I was impressed with their award winning philanthropic committee. It was refreshing to hear about a company leading by values and doing great for each other, their clients, and the community.
4) What skills are you bringing to gap intelligence and what skills are you excited to learn?
I have honed my customer service skills and aim to always be professional with each customer I come in contact with. I enjoy thinking outside the box and coming up with creative ideas to solve challenges. I'm eager to learn new skills as a gapper like becoming an excel ninja and I am thrilled to be a part of the 2019 gapU MBA program. gap intelligence is allowing me to acquire more tools for my ever-growing bag of tricks.
5) If you could have any superpower, what would it be and what would you do with it?
If I could have any superpower it would be to fly. I’ll be able to avoid traffic while enjoying the aerodynamics of coasting and it looks like birds have a lot of fun flying. Plus, I would save a lot on gas.
6) What’s the quirkiest thing about you that you’re willing to admit?
The quirkiest thing about me is that I’m definitely a science nerd. I love learning about the latest discoveries in the different sciences. Don't be surprised if you catch me geeking out on the latest scientific study.
7) What’s your favorite thing to do in San Diego?
San Diego has so much to offer it’s hard to pick one thing that's my favorite. We have mountains, beaches, forests, desert, and Tijuana. What more can we ask for?! I love spending as much time in nature as possible. Going for a walk at Balboa Park or enjoying the ocean breeze on the Sunset Cliffs are some of my favorite things to do.
8) What is the favorite place you’ve ever traveled to?
Traveling is one of my passions and I’ve had the privilege and the freedom to do it. It’s hard to pick one place that is my favorite. I would have to say that all places I have traveled to are my favorite; each place has its own uniqueness and special vibration. I’ve learned something about myself in each place and have had the pleasure of meeting people, learning about the culture, and eating delicious food from each place. Whether it’s visiting temples in India, hiking the Himalayas in Nepal, enjoying the mysticism of Machu Picchu in Peru, exploring Palenque in Mexico, swimming in Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, or climbing the pyramid of the Moon and the Sun in Teotihuacan, each place has its own beauty and magic. I’m just happy to be able to experience it all.
Do you have what it takes to be a gapper? Head over the careers section at gapintelligence.com to learn more about open positions. Find more info the bottom of our about page.
