Director, Global Business Process Management Adva Optical Networking
Angelica Barriga, an advocate for bold action, believes organizational behavior is an important yet often-overlooked component in developing a business strategy. In her role at ADVA Optical Networking, a telecommunications vendor based in Germany, she oversees the business lifecycle process across global sales, marketing and service organizations. She also implements process improvements to enhance operational efficiencies.
Tell us the highlights of your professional career. What are your proudest achievements?
A highlight from my career is successfully transitioning from a North America-based position into a global position. I work in global strategies and manage change across multiple teams and countries for a company headquartered in Munich. Every day presents some exciting challenges.
What brought you to UT Dallas?
I have two degrees from UT Dallas and have different reasons for selecting UT Dallas for each degree. As an undergraduate student, I worked full time. UT Dallas offered night classes, and the location was very convenient. However, when I decided to pursue an MBA, I selected UT Dallas because I was impressed with the professors and the classes that were offered — specifically in the strategic management and organizational behavior programs.
What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?
My favorite UT Dallas memories are the many nights and weekends spent at Corner Bakery working on group projects. To this day, I cannot visit a Corner Bakery without thinking about my classmates and our group projects. It was our second classroom and office.
Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class and why?
I had so many great professors; it would be tough not to list them all. My favorite classes were Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior and Organizations and Organizing. Many times a good idea or plan will fail because you have overlooked a key component — the behavioral side. These courses emphasized how important teams and people are when implementing a business concept or plan.
What is the best advice you have received?
Always anticipate the next question, even if it has not been asked. For example, if someone asks you for a report, do the report plus some analysis, and translate it into business terms and present it in a PowerPoint slide.
What advice do you have for current students hoping to succeed in the business world?
Some of the most valuable roles in a company are self-created. Recognize the needs of a business and propose a way to fill that need, even if it means creating a new function, job or process.
What makes an effective leader?
Many people believe withholding information and knowledge will make you more effective. I believe the opposite. Sharing information and transferring knowledge will make you a far more effective and trusted leader. Remember, you don’t fully accept the gift of knowledge and mentorship until you pay it forward and help others develop and grow.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I don’t have one hobby; I have many interests. My favorite thing is to try something I have never done before. I always keep a running wish list, and when I complete something, I add something new. Whether it’s trying a new sport, a new food or visiting a new country, I like the excitement and anticipation of doing something for the first time. Last year I surfed in Hawaii, skied the Alps in Austria, and visited 15 of the 30 Major League Baseball parks. I’m going to try Salsa dance lessons next.
