Alumnus Reflects on a Global Career

University Trustee, former School of Business Board of Visitors member, and MBA alumnus Jorge Rodriguez (MBA ’83), has experiences that span the globe. Stacy Owen, Executive Director, Alumni Engagement, talks with him about his journey to Wake Forest, his advice for young professionals, and why he stays connected.

Stacy: After graduating from Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico with a degree in Actuarial Science, you worked for two and a half years before pursuing an MBA. Why were you interested in an MBA at that time?

Jorge: I worked at a brokerage house as an equity specialist, which included duties in research and investment portfolio modeling. Education in Mexico is very focused on your study subject; students aren’t exposed to other areas beyond their major. My Actuarial Science degree had 42 math classes! So upon graduation – while I was good at math and abstract thinking – my focus was constrained, as I lacked exposure to many business aspects and arenas, which also influenced compensation. Relationship managers, who advised clients, were making more money than those providing them with the investment ideas. In order for me to think more broadly, I knew I had to expand my knowledge base and pursue an MBA.

Stacy: How did you find your way to Wake Forest?

Jorge: I spoke to friends trying to pursue the same MBA goal and those who had already graduated. At the time, there were 15 – 20 “go-to schools” that Mexicans tended to pursue. Rankings were not a big part of the consideration, but name recognition was. I had seven schools targeted on my list.

The brochures and applications to programs were physically on file at the Library of the American Embassy in Mexico. MBA candidates had to visit the Embassy, find the application, make a photocopy, return the original to the file, type and then mail in the completed package to each school (“the good old days“).

The applications were filed alphabetically. I was working my way through the alphabet and hit the “W’s”. I looked at Wake Forest’s application out of curiosity; I grew up playing golf and knew about the exceptional Wake Forest golfers. The brochure stood out; I remember it was printed in a sepia color, which made it different. There was no internet to do research on a school – you looked at the brochure and believed (or not) what you read. I immediately liked the perception and positioning of the School from the brochure, decided to make a copy of the application, and ended up applying to eight schools instead of seven.

After receiving admissions decisions, I spoke with my parents, who encouraged me to make a trip to the U.S. and visit. I started on the West Coast, then traveled to the Northeast and finally to the South. Wake Forest was my last stop.

I flew into the Greensboro airport, and two Wake Forest students were there to meet me and bring me to campus. I sat in on two classes, met with the Dean and went out to dinner with a group. This level of attention made my experience very personalized. When I returned to Mexico, I told my parents that I’d had a great feeling about Wake Forest, the campus and all the individuals I had met. My decision had been made. Besides, I was going to be the only international student in the class, which was also a positive for me.

Stacy: With a career that has allowed you to travel the world, taken you from Mexico City to Geneva and now to Turks and Caicos, you’ve spent time at well-known banks in key leadership roles: Citibank, Bank of America, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank. Alongside those roles, you’ve also taught.

Jorge: Teaching has played a very important role in my life. I’ve taught undergraduate finance courses in Mexico City for 25+ years. I used the case method, but was able to make the connection to real-life stories from my work experiences. I believe this enhanced the students’ experience.

I became and still am very close to some of my former students, some of whom are doing extraordinary things. My teaching experience is one thing that has come full circle into my corporate work experience; my work experience impacted my style of teaching, and my teaching influenced the way that I organize work.

Stacy: How would you describe your leadership style, and how has it changed over your career?

Jorge: I’m a super open person, informal and (hopefully) trustworthy to others. I believe you have to tell the truth and communicate often – whether it’s one-on-one, in small groups or in big groups. I am a “pull up a chair to your desk”, “let’s talk about what happened”, “let’s have lunch” kind of manager. Having this style affected me greatly during COVID. I was used to working in open platforms, but then everyone went home, and life changed. I didn’t see anyone for over a year – just via Zoom, which is really not the same. I want to see you and build that personal connection that will make us work together in a better fashion.

And while “casual”, I am also demanding on certain things and with high expectations of other people, like being on time (Swiss time) for all appointments (my daughters know this well from their teenage years). I want things to be done well from the get-go.

Stacy: What qualities do you admire in colleagues and managers?

Jorge: People who have passion for what they do. Those who have made a difference throughout my career have been individuals who are worth standing up for, promoting, mentoring and/or have supported me for the right reasons; but all of them had their hearts and souls into what we were doing.

Also I admire colleagues who find the balance between work and family. Obtaining the balance is difficult in corporate life; there are many pressures and stresses on the job. But come retirement time, no one wishes they spent more time at work!

Stacy: Any advice for current students or young professionals?

Jorge: Get as much international exposure as possible. Learn other languages. Try to get assignments that take you out of your comfort zone in the U.S. While abroad, immerse yourself in the culture that you’re going into. Don’t overthink the opportunity – just take it. Push for this to happen, as while an opportunity may present itself, you must take the initiative for the coveted position abroad. Even if it is a lateral move, the collateral benefits are immense.

Stacy: If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

Jorge: Be more adventuresome in your career. Don’t be afraid to try new initiatives. A setback is only a learning experience, but not a fatal one. I believe the new generations have this mindset. A career where you join an organization and work there 30-35-40 years is not really in the cards anymore. So if you pivot three, four times during your lifetime, it creates a positive situation, because you have built an arsenal of tools that will make you more successful (and happier).

Stacy: You recently transitioned from the Managing Director of Deutsche Bank in Switzerland to the [nominated] Chairman of the Board of Bordier & Cie, Banquiers Privés, in Turks and Caicos. Why did this role interest you?

Jorge: The position at Deutsche Bank was a great opportunity to manage the Latin American market from abroad. I had made many trips to Switzerland in the past (as CEO of Private Banking of Credit Suisse in Mexico), and I thought I knew the country “well”. But living in Switzerland is quite interesting. The society is organized in a different manner; the government works in a distinctive fashion; the worries of the people are unalike to those in other places; education is practically free; the history of the country is unique. So I learned a lot during these years in Geneva, let alone that I now speak French fluidly.

The opportunity at Bordier is unique. I like the challenges this role presents: being on an island in the Caribbean, with a small team, with a chance to precipitate change and being able to use my previous experiences from larger, international organizations to adjust and/or transform a business. Exciting times ahead.

But also there is a very important personal aspect. Being able to get to Charlotte in two and a half hours via a direct flight is significant. My family is in North Carolina (well three-fourths of the family, as one of my three daughters lives in the Northeast), thus being closer to them is very meaningful. Also the proximity to the main markets that we cover from Turks (namely Canada, the Caribbean or Latin America). I have had enough transatlantic trips already.

Stacy: You have said that finding time to assist in the education of youth in Turks and Caicos is important to you; how do you hope to help them?

Jorge: I was able to meet with some authorities while visiting Turks and Caicos and mentioned that I wanted to contribute to the education of youngsters in the country. I inquired about getting involved through a university or community college, by teaching a course or lecturing, as permitted. Since my international perspective is different, they are receptive to having these discussions once I settle in Providenciales, the island where I will live. I want to get involved in the community as much as possible, and this route seems to me the one that creates a win-win situation.

Stacy: You have been a strong supporter of Wake Forest and the School of Business for many years. Despite being thousands of miles away, you remain connected and committed. What keeps you so engaged?

Jorge: I love the University and its mission to educate the entire person. I love helping a School that has its foundation in high values. The institution is true to itself and on the forefront of change. It has reinvented itself, while not changing its fundamentals.

I’ve gotten to know a lot of people at Wake Forest in these 40 years of involvement. Classmates, former and current students, professors, administrators, golf coaches, etc. In every role and function, each person is extremely committed to use their knowledge, talents and compassion to better the lives of others. What may be better than this?

Wake Forest changed and opened my life, my career and horizons. It is where I met Barb in 1981, the first day of class; it is where lifelong friends were made; it is where the business school won the intramural soccer tournament; it is where I have been able to keep mentors and professors I admire, and many more. So Wake has a stamp on my family, my career and my life. I want to give back as much, as best, and as long as I can to my alma mater.