Inspired by Ana Franco Toro - Exclusive Interview
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH OUR FAVORITE DREAMERS AND EXECUTIVES
Hailed as a green entrepreneur, Ana Franco transformed the way people exercise with stationary bikes into a way to generate energy to light gyms and charge USB devices. But the journey hasn't been easy. The general manager of "Free Sostenible" and professor of product design engineering at EAFIT shared some of her career achievements, challenges, and her advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs.
WHAT IS A NORMAL DAY LIKE IN YOUR LIFE?
I couldn't describe a "normal" day in words. I love waking up to meditate and exercise. Some things are constant, like attending meetings and working on projects, and at other times, you always find ways to create and think a little about innovation. I also enjoy spending time with my family, surrounded by my parents, siblings, and partner.
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO IN THE MORNING TO START YOUR DAY OFF RIGHT?
Give thanks for life, for the night that has just passed, for the day to come, and remember the angels I have who watch over me.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR PERSONAL GOALS AS GENERAL MANAGER OF “FREE SOSTENIBLE”?
People are usually unclear about what the role of a product design engineer is.
Demonstrating that we can create innovative products was rewarding for me, and achieving a patent for a product that no one in the world had ever developed was a very valuable personal achievement.
Your patent for ecobikes, energy-generating bicycles, has sparked important conversations. Could you explain some of the obstacles you've faced in achieving this goal?
People around the world are somewhat selfish with knowledge, and that inhibits the creation of better things. There's a metaphor I always give my students: knowledge is like water. If you have a hand with water in your palm and leave it open, many people can drink from it; but if you close it, no one can drink from it, and it spills.
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF YOUR JOB?
Time! It often feels like there's not enough time for all the things you want to do. I wish the day had 30 hours. But honestly, I don't feel like it's difficult. Everything I do is really fun, and I love doing it.
Could you tell me, in one sentence, one lesson you have learned in your work so far?
Persist and never give up.
WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU?
I think that enjoying time with my family, having peace and inner tranquility, is very valuable and it's what I value most in life. Life is short, and whenever I can spend time with the people I love most, I do, and that feels like a success.
Could you name an obstacle in your career that you learned from or that helped you improve the way you work?
When I decided to become an entrepreneur, I thought I'd never have a boss again, but I discovered the opposite when I realized that all my clients are my bosses. I learned that you have to be very clear with them, value them, respect them, and at the same time be very aware of your limits and not promise more than you can deliver.
IN TIMES OF ADVERSITY OR WHEN YOU HAVE DOUBTED YOURSELF, HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO RETURN TO FOCUS?
Looking around me, the reflection of more complicated situations makes me reconsider and realize that I shouldn't worry about things that have a solution.
“Persist and never give up”
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER?
The idea of traveling the world with an innovative concept, leaving the world better than I found it, inspiring new generations—it seems incredible to me that through education and creativity, we can achieve things that can change the world.
IF YOU WERE MAGICALLY GIVEN THREE MORE HOURS A DAY, WHAT WOULD YOU DO WITH THEM?
Enjoy more time with family and loved ones.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY WHEN YOU GET HOME AFTER A LONG DAY?
Seeing my dog, cat, and parrot greet me when I arrive, hugging my parents, and feeling my bed.
